"Strangers say thank you out of politeness, whereas saying it in close relationships can distance them."

"Whatever my girlfriend says is correct," Tang Fei said with a hearty laugh.

At this moment, it's naturally best not to reason with a girl...

"Hmm, as long as you know."

The two embraced, feeling an immense happiness.

Time seemed to halt at this moment, and they transformed into statues of bliss.

Neither wanted to move at all.

No one knew how much time had passed before they reluctantly parted.

If they didn't separate, they feared they never would.

"Once I leave, this place is in your hands," Tang Fei said apologetically.

There are lots of complicated matters that Phoenix needs to handle, demanding a great deal of effort.

Moreover, it's essentially his headquarters, and she's helping to guard it, bearing significant responsibility.

"I'll try my best," Phoenix had no intention of refusing, knowing she's the most suitable choice and must step forward now, "If there's anything unclear, I'll consult with Chief Advisor Xun."

"I believe in you," Tang Fei said smiling at Phoenix, "I think you're a natural leader. You handle this better than I do."

Phoenix shook her head and said, "You know, in the past, I only wanted to be a General..."

"If possible, I still just want to be a General."

A General merely goes into battle to kill the enemy.

Political matters are too complicated, with plots in every corner.

It's too exhausting.

She walked out of the palace, not wanting to return.

"I couldn't bear letting you charge onto the battlefield," Tang Fei said, gently stroking Phoenix's hair, "Better for you to do what you're skilled at. This way you're safe, and I feel at ease."

Phoenix's alluring eyes mocked, "General Tang, you have private intentions."

"Who doesn't have private intentions?" Tang Fei retorted.

Phoenix, an Empire Princess, holds noble status.

Usually managing greetings and farewells, equivalent to Tang Fei's 'Assistant' by his side.

This impression of grandeur made her rare display of petite femininity astonishingly alluring.

Tang Fei couldn't resist wanting to embrace this little girl again.

"Yes, who doesn't have private intentions?" Phoenix sighed.

She had her own private intentions and people she cared for deeply.

Now that the Zhong Royal Family was falling apart, she too had to make her personal choices.

"You're not mad at me?"

"Mad for what?"

"Exchanging Shen Xinglan for the old man."

"If I were mad... would you still make the exchange?"

"Yes," Tang Fei replied.

Children from places like Hate Mountain live recklessly, doing things without scruple.

Preferring death over disadvantage, relentlessly seeking advantage.

To live, even if living like a dog.

With a bit of fertilizer, life blooms; with sunlight, it shines brightly.

Tang Fei's not truly a good person; good people won't survive.

Yet, he couldn't become a thorough villain, sometimes even a bit...

Weak in emotions.

Because things are rare, they are cherished.

Especially with regards to the old man and Little Fatty...

It didn't matter what Shen Xinglan's identity was, whether Shen Wuxiang's legitimate grandson or the Crown Prince groomed by the Shen Family.

He was nothing compared to the old man.

Hence, he exchanged decisively, steadfastly exchanged.

Fearing that any delay would lead Shen Wuxiang to change his mind.

"Yes, you will certainly make the exchange. Regardless of using Shen Xinglan or Shen Boyu or Shen Wuxiang, you will exchange." Phoenix clenched Tang Fei's hand, seemingly seeing through his heart, "Are you worried about others' opinions on this matter?"

"Yes," Tang Fei nodded, "Shen Qingping's parents were just killed..."

"If given another chance, would you still make the exchange?"

"Yes," Tang Fei replied resolutely.

"Then it's settled, isn't it?" Phoenix guided Tang Fei like a wise sister, "I understand the significance of the old man to you, so I think your choice is correct. No matter how many times you start over, you'd make the same choice."

"But many don't know, even Shen Qingping doesn't know... So find time to speak with Shen Qingping."

Tang Fei nodded, "I'll do that."

"Tang Fei, there's one more thing I think you should understand... or rather, must learn," Phoenix gazed seriously into Tang Fei's eyes.

"What is it?" Tang Fei asked.

Seeing Phoenix so serious, he grew curious.

"As a leader, you must understand how to choose... and prioritize self-interest."

"Because you are destined to satisfy only some, not all."

"The larger the team, the greater the interests, the truer this becomes."

"What if someone isn't satisfied?"

"Then find a way to satisfy him."

"What if he still isn't satisfied?"

"Then he isn't our ally anymore," Phoenix's words carried a hint of chilling intent, "He might become an enemy."

"..."

Phoenix knew these words weren't ones she should say.

No one wants their partner to be a cold and heartless woman...

Yet, she doesn't want Tang Fei tormented by internal conflict.

His endeavors just began, his team was freshly formed. Caring too deeply leads to overly considering others' feelings...

Respecting the wise is fine.

But first, one's own interests must be safeguarded.

This dissatisfaction leads to granting a share, that dissatisfaction leads to granting another share.

Over time, where does grace come from?

Where comes the fear?

Sometimes, even knowing it's wrong, one must resolutely walk forth.

This isn't brotherly love, it's the path of governance.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.