Liang Qilüe could not hear the explosive remark about "taking someone's gifts leaves your hands tied," so Jiang Yanchuan kindly repeated it for him.
The news about the imperial family had angered Liang Qilüe so much that sharp pains shot through his chest, but he still looked across at the little girl first, his tone hesitant. "What is the little one...?"
The little girl seemed terribly anxious, though he had no idea what she was suddenly so anxious about.
Jiang Yanchuan said, "You just slapped the table."
Liang Qilüe: "?"
Jiang Yanchuan said, "Have you heard the saying, 'taking someone's gifts leaves your hands tied'?"
Liang Qilüe: "???"
Having said his piece, Jiang Yanchuan rose unhurriedly, bent slightly, and bowed with his hands clasped. "I will remain in the valley for another two days. I hope you will consider this carefully, General Liang, and secure a peaceful future for the people of Beiming."
Liang Qilüe: "..."
Jiang Yanchuan reached the door, then suddenly stopped. "Oh, right."
"Sorry for the trouble, General Liang, but we will also need you to arrange somewhere for us to stay."
Liang Qilüe: "..."
At Liang Qilüe's instructions, the valley residents waiting in the courtyard led them toward an unoccupied house.
Liang Qilüe stood behind the door, watching their figures recede into the distance, a complicated look flickering in his eyes.
Even though they stood on opposing sides, he had to admit that Great Rui was truly well protected under this young emperor's rule.
That was a goal he had once desperately wanted to achieve.
This brief meeting had stirred up the sorrows of the past. Liang Qilüe looked up at the mountains surrounding this place and felt as though several mountains had settled on his heart as well, almost crushing the breath out of him.