To some extent, Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were not only life partners but also political allies. In a partnership, one could be strong while the other was weak, but in an alliance, both sides must be evenly matched. Otherwise, it would not be considered an alliance but a vassalage.0

Zhang Yuelu agreed with Qi Xuansu’s speculation. “That possibility can’t be ruled out. If the Li family’s adopted-son faction and son-in-law faction reach a consensus and form an alliance, they’d indeed become a force to be reckoned with. The Heavenly Preceptor is restrained by the main branch of the Zhang family, and though the Imperial Preceptor’s situation might be slightly better, he’s still quite restricted.”0

Qi Xuansu added, “Some things can be done but not spoken; others can be spoken but not done. In the Li family’s case, the main branch holding long-term power is something that can be done, but must never be openly promoted. The Zhang and Li families exist in different environments. The Zhangs are conservative and resistant to outsiders, which has led to a shortage of new blood. But it also allows them to rightfully insist on keeping...0