The man blocking Jiang Zhizhou and Yang Qing's way was Xiao He, commander of Duan Ziqian's Imperial Guards.
He wore ordinary clothes, and the blade at his waist remained sheathed.
The Imperial Guards under his command were still several dozen meters away.
"Heir Apparent Jiang, your abilities far surpass mine. Crossing blades with you would only be courting death, so I have not come to speak with you in my capacity as commander of the Imperial Guards."
Seeing the carriage opposite him stop without any further movement, Xiao He continued, "But His Majesty's desire for talented men is plain for all to see. Why must you be so heartless, Heir Apparent Jiang?"
"His Majesty has always held your talents in high regard. The Regent King's power is now a flower faded with yesterday's sun, no longer anything to fear. This is precisely the time for men like you to spread your wings and realize your ambitions. Why leave?"
Jiang Zhizhou lifted the curtain and slowly stepped out of the carriage, meeting Xiao He's gaze across the distance.
"As a subject, this is indeed an excellent opportunity. I once thought the same," Jiang Zhizhou said.
"Then why would you..." Xiao He began.
Jiang Zhizhou turned his gaze toward the vast, hazy distance. "But this life is not what I want, after all."
"Are you truly so determined, Heir Apparent?" Xiao He frowned slightly. "Must you persist in your own way to this extent?"
When Jiang Zhizhou did not answer, anger crept into Xiao He's voice. "You may leave as freely as you please, but have you considered the position this puts the Marquis of Anguo in?"
"Whether as a subject or a son, your actions are an outrageous betrayal of your duty!"
At Xiao He's words, Jiang Zhizhou suddenly laughed. "In