Vol 9 Chapter 21 (1/2)

VOLUME 9 CHAPTER 21: DON’T TELL ME THESE ARE THE CHANGES IN XIANGYANG (3)

Liu Qi POV

“Yes… Your daughter understands.” But at this time, I had no choice but to respond like this. As royalty, and as an adult, I have to proclaim my independence, that I am old enough to stand on my own.

Especially when I’m in front of Liu Cong who is still immature and soft.

When I looked at Liu Cong, I saw that she was frowning and seemed to be agonising over how to respond. After a moment, she nodded, “I understand, father. I will a.s.sist elder sister Kuai Liang to the best of my abilities.”

Father nodded and looked at me, “Well then, Qi’er, how about you?”

“Eh?” This sudden question surprised me, “Me?”

Though I could largely guess what father’s intent was, I still erred on the side of caution and asked him.

“You’ve been a colonel for a while now. I’ve seen what you’re capable of.” Father said and smiled, “What do you want to do next?”

Father’s eyes were deep and I believe that this is not a misconception of mine, that father is trying to send me a message.

— Take over my position.

Eh?

Wu!

Just then, this thought popped up in my head and when it did, my heart skipped a beat and I felt weak in my knees.

“Ah… That’s…” I opened my mouth but could not say anything coherent.

All it took was a simply reply but it was much heavier than I thought it would be.

“It’s fine, just say what you want to do the most.” Father said softly, his eyes continuing to send the same message.

“Ah…”

Liu Qi, what are you hesitating for? Back when you went to Jiangxia, you openly stated your lofty ambitions and displayed the drive for it, yet why have you become a coward who is afraid to take the next step?!

Father…

Haa… Huu… I took a deep breath and put aside all my stray thoughts and considered only father’s question. What is it, that I want most now?

“… Father, I’ve thought about it.” When I came to an answer, I looked at father and slowly delivered my reply, “I intend to command the garrison of Jiangxia.”

“Command the garrison of… Jiangxia?” Father frowned and seemed troubled at my words.

“Elder sister?” Liu Cong reacted similarly.

But this is all that comes to mind now.

“Yes, that is my decision.” I stood up and continued in as firm a tone as I could, “I was the one who received the Jiangdong amba.s.sador and I also partic.i.p.ated in the Battle of Jiangxia. I believe that taking command of Jiangxia for a time will greatly further my personal development.”

Yes, the reason why I chose to go to Jiangxia is for my personal development.

If I take father’s position now, destruction will only await me.

Instead of taking helm in a rush, I would rather take my time for now and make myself worthy of the position. Facing reality and taking firm steps towards a goal is what uncle taught me after all.

(TL: …)

“I see…” Father’s displeased expression remained on his face even after he heard what I said but then he sighed and did not say much else, “… That works as well, I guess.”

Father nodded and smiled, “Looks like it was the right decision to send blood brother with you to Jiangxia.”

“Yes,” I smiled and nodded back, “I too feel the same.”

Perhaps uncle taught me a lot more than I thought. Even though uncle does not seem like much at firs

t glance, I agree wholeheartedly with what father said.