"Your Highness... I understand."
Guanqiu Jian put away the letter and looked at Cao Fang again.
He had come this time to tell Cao Fang not to entertain any other ideas. He would not support him, so Cao Fang must not believe other people's rumors, much less think he would take his side.
Guanqiu Jian was not doing this to distance himself from the King of Qi. It was also to protect him.
Even if doing so might earn him a bad name, even if the King of Qi might glare at him and say something extreme, Guanqiu Jian would not back down.
Just as Guanqiu Jian was ready to speak, Cao Fang spoke first:
"General, there is something I wish to tell you."
Guanqiu Jian froze, his brows knitting tightly.
Beside him, Zhang Hua also lowered his head slightly, hiding the changes in his expression.
"Please speak, Your Highness."
Cao Fang said helplessly, "General, Sima Shi and the others humiliated me back then. Now my life is leisurely and carefree, with no one disturbing me. I am very happy."
"Nor am I a wise monarch capable of governing the realm as His Majesty does."
"I hope you will not entertain any improper ideas, General. I myself have absolutely no ambitions."
"Please do not believe other people's rumors, much less think I will support you in doing anything else..."
At that moment, Guanqiu Jian was dumbstruck.
Wasn't I supposed to be saying that??
Looking at the stunned Guanqiu Jian before him, Cao Fang felt considerable bitterness.
He had had enough of living in constant dread. When he was in Qingzhou, its officials had wanted to rebel in his name. Once he reached the imperial court, its ministers wanted to put him back on the throne. After learning of the Grand