Vol 8 Chapter 94 (2/2)

“I’ll leave the issue of you willingly ingesting poison for now. The chance that you spoke of–” I did my best to return Liu Biao’s gaze with a resolute one of my own, “Can only be left to 1 daughter.”

Liu Biao’s expression did not waver at my words but he removed one hand from his back and began rubbing his goatee as he began pacing the main hall.

Liu Biao should know that only 1 of them can inherit his position. Which is why Lady Cai is so anxious.

“So, has elder brother decided who shall be his heir.” I continued to press him. But Liu Biao only continued to pace the main hall with a serious expression.

Obviously I can’t guess what Liu Biao is thinking and it is likely a very difficult decision for him. Whatever choice he makes will also lead to further conflict between the Liu Qi and Liu Cong factions.

“… Blood brother, what do you think?” As expected, Liu Biao asked me. And because of this, I now know what the answer in his heart is.

“My view has not changed,” I said unwaveringly, “I think you should choose Liu Qi.”

The reason why I say this is because I am, at the end of the day, someone in Liu Qi’s faction. This view has been further reinforced after learning about Lady Cai’s poisoning of Liu Biao. Liu Cong might not be privy to this but she is too weak to stand against her mother and aunt and will just be a puppet of theirs.

“Un…” Liu Biao scrunched his mouth and nodded at my answer before returning to his seat and sighing as he tidied his clothing. He then looked up at me, “To be honest, that’s what I think as well.”

As expected, Liu Biao thinks so as well.

At the end of the day, Liu Biao is royalty to the core. When faced with important decisions, he wishes to feign seeking alternative opinions before giving his own answer. And that ‘alternative opinion’ has to be the same one as his.

And so, the reason why Liu Biao brought up this subject and asked me once more is because he just wants to hear the same view I told him before to validate his decision.

“Of course, I know that Liu Cong and the Lady wishes to acquire the inheritance as well,” Liu Biao continued.

“Yes. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be hoping for your death.” When I said this, Liu Biao gave a few stiff chuckles. It was clearly a sore spot for him.

“Hai… So more of this and that might crop up from here on out.” Liu Biao said as he looked down and then s.h.i.+fted his gaze back to me, “Though I hope they can support each other, if after I die, should there be any issues between them…”

As he said so, he then s.h.i.+fted his knees to face me. I was a little shocked at this and tried to retreat but Liu Biao grabbed my arm tightly and looked up at me with pleading eyes as he implored me, “Blood brother, when the time comes, I’ll be counting on you.”

“Eh? But…”

Liu Biao’s grip strength is rather remarkable. I wanted to resist and escape but I knew this would be futile.

Just as I was considering how to answer Liu Biao, a vision of Liu Qi and Liu Cong getting along amicably flashed in my mind for some reason. Leaving aside the benefits of doing so, bringing the 2 of them together for the sake of Jing state would make for a very good scene.

In troubled times, resolving conflicts and strife is important. Moreover, both sides are my nieces.

“Alright, I got it.” I nodded at Liu Biao and held his hand as tightly as he did mine, “As long as it’s something your little brother can do, then do it I will.”

Liu Biao nodded and finally I could see a hint of a smile in his eyes.

“If blood brother can offer his a.s.sistance, then I, Liu Jin Sheng, am truly grateful.” Liu Biao said and then got up to bow and salute to me. But I hurriedly stopped him.

When I went up to him and held his arms, the problem of him willingly being poisoned still troubled me so I decided to ask him, “Elder brother, do you still intend on consuming Lady Cai’s poison?”

“… Yes.” Liu Biao sank into silence for a moment before nodding, “I have already explained the reasons for doing so earlier. My mind has not changed.”

“If Liu Qi and Liu Cong don’t get to see their father, I’m afraid they will be very sad.”

“Is that so? I didn’t know that.” Liu Biao coldly shook his head, “They’re already old enough and it’s time for them to spread their wings. In fact, they can finally show the world what they’re capable of after I’m gone.”

I’ve seen many father figures and my own father is the sort of strong, strict father figure as well. This type isn’t typically the sort that is very thoughtful. As a father, Liu Biao has been very strict, but is also a very thoughtful father at the same time. So thoughtful that he’s using his death to catalyse the growth of his children and willing to atone for his wrongs with his death.

Hai… As a royal elder, Liu Biao is really odd but he’s a caring and rather legendary fellow.

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