"This isn't about testing the waters. You and I both know, even if the Heir Apparent was made Emperor, he would only further factional division within Qian State. Ultimately, the Crown Prince would abdicate and, at best, be granted a lordship."
"Ah, as you should know, according to our Yan custom, the title of Lord is the highest for those not of the royal bloodline. Even with the special grace of the Emperor of Yan, at most he could bestow a princely title."
"But that would merely make him a nominal prince. Minister Zhong, what is he really after?"
"If he truly cares about such honors, isn't it far easier for our Emperor to directly make Minister Zhong the Prince Pingxi?"
"Such a move could provoke the court's suspicion of my father and the West Army Division."
"It might indeed have that effect, driving a wedge between the ruler and ministers. However, I have noticed that not all the ministers in the Qian court are foolish."
