Watching Xiao Yanzhuan sniffling and weeping, tears streaming down his aged face, Xiaoyao felt a momentary softening in her heart and remained silent for a long time.
Then she heard Xiao Yanzhuan wiping away his tears and saying, "Your Highness is young and cannot yet fully comprehend the feelings of a parent. Children... are nothing but a debt. Since Fenglong has committed such an act, His Majesty naturally will not intercede for him, but as his father, I cannot swallow my pride and fail to plead for him. Your Highness, regardless of anything else, the fact that he wholeheartedly assisted Your Majesty's ascension to the throne in the past was a meritorious deed after all, and it does not contradict what Your Highness thought, felt, and did back then, does it?
Your Highness, now that you ask me to submit to you, speaking from the heart, I am willing. You are powerful, your troops are strong and vigorous, and you have the mighty Haoling as your backing. Zhiyi City submitting to you has only benefits and no drawbacks, and by submitting, I can trade it for the life of my youngest son—why would I not be glad to do so? But Your Highness, I dare not.
Chapter 237