But just then, Qiu Tu interrupted her, saying, "Stop always thinking of threatening your family with yourself."
"I made a deal with you—not planning for you to break with your family."
Qiu Tu paused, his tone softening as he said, "And... to be blunt."
"The reason I cooperate with you, aside from our personal connection, is because I value the Fengtian Faction's background and strength."
"If your relationship with your family turns ugly, if you fall out with them—then our future deals will be hard to keep going."
At this point, Qiu Tu pulled the topic back. He leaned in the chair and spoke strategically, "And... helping you secure the Deputy Speaker position doesn't actually conflict with our deal."
He said, "You're the Deputy Speaker in name only. No defined responsibilities were given to you. So you have no right to interfere in any state business."
"But!" Qiu Tu changed tone, "It also means your political achievements can come from any direction!"
