Fang Guangchen had intended to refute Xia Guoxiang, but he could not find the right words in that brief moment. After some reflection, he turned to Wu Sangui and said, "Brother Wu, regardless of how you look at it, the Imperial Court’s weakening of the Guanning Army is an undeniable fact! If we do not plan ahead, I fear we shall face unforeseen disasters in the future."
Wu Sangui remained silent. In truth, he knew Fang Guangchen spoke the truth. Although the Guanning Army was an elite frontier force, it was not loyal to the Imperial Court. He and the Guanning Army were loyal only to themselves and their own interests. The Imperial Court feared the Guanning Army; it did not want to lose them by tearing up the relationship, yet it also feared the army becoming too powerful. For this reason, the Imperial Court could only foster individuals like Li Xingzhong and Li Xianzhong to keep them in check.
"Then, in your opinion, Brother Fang, how should I respond?" Wu Sangui asked.
Chapter 703