The thing he had least wanted to happen had happened after all.
Jiang Ping An thought rapidly, but his expression remained composed as he continued to demur, "I am of lowly status and truly dare not presume to associate with such an important figure as Young Master. I fear I would only offend Young Master's eyes, so I had better not disturb you."
Xiao Hui had clearly run out of patience. His tone hardened with threat. "Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! If you force me to act, things won't look good. No one will be able to save face!"
Jiang Ping An swept his gaze over the bustling street around them, his tone still calm. "You dare make a move on the streets of the imperial city, beneath everyone's watchful eyes? Even if you are royalty, you must have some scruples."
At those words, Xiao Hui revealed a mocking sneer, as though he had heard something laughable. "Heh. It seems you truly don't understand the situation. Let me tell you: among the factions within the imperial city's guard system, the most powerful is the branch to which my Young Master belongs!"
He raised a hand and pointed at several Patrol Team members not far away. They appeared to be patrolling casually, but their gazes had been fixed on this spot all along. His voice carried undisguised arrogance. "Not only do I dare make a move, I can even have the guards arrest you on the spot."
"Then we can casually pin charges on you for assaulting someone in the street or stealing property. If you dare resist, that will be violently resisting arrest and attacking the royal guard!"
"We can arrange the witnesses and evidence for you perfectly! Beneath the feet of this imperial city, you