Emperor Zhetian looked at Yang Qing for a long while before a faint smile finally rose at the corners of his mouth.
"To do something when you know it cannot be done is the act of a fool."
Yang Qing smiled as well. "In your view, Sacred Emperor, is there no further room for discussion?"
"I am merely conveying my command to you, not discussing it."
"Then let it be as you wish, Sacred Emperor."
After that exchange, Yang Qing became the City Lord of Xiangyang City.
Ever since leaving Upside-Down City, Gongsun Ru had remained at Emperor Zhetian's side, campaigning with him north and south. She was a junior subordinate whom he trusted deeply.
It was she who delivered the decree appointing Yang Qing as the City Lord of Xiangyang City.
When Gongsun Ru arrived in Xiangyang City, she happened to encounter a downpour.
As she stepped down from her lavish carriage, she saw Yang Qing and his two companions standing beneath the veranda of that dilapidated house, all gazing up at the sky, as though it were raining treasures rather than water.
Gongsun Ru had already experienced Yang Qing's unruffled manner before, so she did not hesitate in the slightest before thrusting the appointment document in her hand into his arms.
"If I were you, I would bow and thank the Sacred Emperor for his heavenly grace."
After all, if Emperor Zhetian had not cherished talent, how could the three of them still be alive?
Yang Qing did not so much as glance at the document thrust into his arms.
He raised his eyes to Gongsun Ru. "Perhaps this is the highest honor to you, but to me, it is nothing more than a set of shackles."
He could not bear to see the people suffer, but neither