After a long silence, Xiaoyao continued:
"I don't wish to dwell too much on the affairs of the older generation. That great war ended hundreds of years ago, and everything has long since been settled. Let us speak of the present. Adoptive father, I have no intention of swallowing up the Chenrong Army.
On the one hand, by accepting the title of Prince Jing, I wanted to set Royal Father's mind at ease. Although he has consistently supported me, he is, after all, a sovereign. If my power were to grow too rapidly, it would be inevitable that he felt some apprehension. On the other hand, I wished to leverage Haoling's strength. No matter how formidable my own might, my foundation remains unstable. When all is said and done, I am merely the lord of a single city, possessing nothing more than this territory of Sifang City. Haoling is different. With my Royal Father as my backing, why should I not make use of it? I discussed all of this with Xiangliu beforehand, and he was in full agreement.
Chapter 186