"Back when I rose again with the support of Xiong Ba, I knew in my heart that even if I eventually sat on the Imperial Throne, I would become a puppet of Xiong Ba, a sacrificial tool for power, and might not be able to mobilize national resources as I wished to find the Heavenly Fragrant Cardamom to rescue Su Xin.
Even if I managed to rescue Su Xin, with Xiong Ba's insidious cunning, he could use it to hold my soft spot against me.
So after returning to Ming Country, I actually also sought to enhance my resistance forces or to find another powerful ally that could help me without completely controlling me. Do you remember what I said during our last battle back then?
At that time, I actually hoped you would become my ally. I said I wanted to turn enemies into friends with you, to become sworn brothers, to appoint you as King, and even to send troops to help Song Country attack Jin and Liao. But unfortunately, you refused!"
"Indeed!"
