The Crown Prince

Mr. Chen thought for a moment. He knew that if he kept concealing his identity and putting on airs of unfathomable depth, it would do nothing for his relationship with the two of them. Reaching to his waist, he removed a token and tossed it to Duàn Yì.

Though Duàn Yì was cautious, he was not so timid that he would not dare catch a mere token. Holding it in his hand, he examined both sides. It was a square orange plaque, warm and smooth in texture, likely made from rare coral.

The front was engraved with patterns, with a uniformly colored white heart at its center. On the back were the words: "Brocade-Clad Guard, Pacification Commissioner, Chen Xing," clearly identifying its owner.

"Sir is from the Brocade-Clad Guard? You do not look much like one."

Duàn Yì had never met a member of the Brocade-Clad Guard, but he had heard of their actions. They were always ruthless and lawless, most of them fierce men who delighted in fighting. Yet this Chen Xing looked more scholar than warrior, and lacked that savage edge in his bearing, so Duàn Yì voiced his doubts.

Mr. Chen—Chen Xing—heard this, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepened. He smiled faintly and said,

"The Heir Apparent is truly difficult to serve. When I concealed my tracks, you guarded against me and treated me as an enemy. When I revealed my identity, you became suspicious and doubtful of me.

"Still, you are right. Though I call myself a member of the Brocade-Clad Guard, it is merely an identity I use while traveling outside. I have no real connection to the Brocade-Clad Guard. Yet there is one similarity: we both serve the imperial court."

Duàn Yì's heart tightened. He could also feel Qin Xin's