Zhao Yi did not explicitly refuse. Instead, he expressed his fury and took his leave.
Initially, Zhao Yi had no intention of cooperating with Beiyi. However, after listening to Niying’s analysis, his resolve had wavered. It was not that he wanted to work with them; rather, he was no longer categorically opposed to the idea.
The power struggle between the Emperor and the Pei family had only just begun, and the situation remained murky. As a pawn, Zhao Yi likely could not walk away unscathed. Therefore, he had to bide his time and adjust his plans as the situation evolved. The most perilous challenge would undoubtedly be the upcoming succession struggle. It was a broader conflict, and it would be difficult for him to remain an outsider. He could not predict what form the struggle for the throne would eventually take, and his own influence was still in its infancy—hardly enough to cope with the potential crises ahead.
Chapter 46