Yongbei walked into the quiet little courtyard deep within Cien Monastery. Only when both his feet had crossed the threshold did he see the old man sitting cross-legged on a thin mat.
The mat lay beneath an old bodhi tree. General Chan sat to one side with his head bowed, holding a string of prayer beads. Li Jian was beside him, with only a pot of coarse tea between them.
Yongbei's face did not look old, merely deeply etched, with a little frost in the hair at his temples.
There was no expression on that face. "Li Jian, it truly has been a long time."
Yongbei sat cross-legged opposite Li Jian. The two were extremely close, and equally tall and broad.
Li Jian kept his hands tucked into his sleeves. "Does Prince Yan still remember what we discussed the last time we met?"
Yongbei was silent for a moment. "Someone's life."
"Back then, Prince Yan discussed the Empress's life with me. I did not agree, but you took it all the same. Only today have I finally uncovered your methods." Li Jian's voice was level. "Today, I likewise ask Prince Yan for the Heir Apparent's life. I imagine you will refuse just as I did."
"If I intended to agree, I would not have come to the capital," Yongbei said.
"How does Prince Yan intend to keep Yong Ji alive?"
"Now that I am in the capital, no one can kill Yong Ji."
"The assassination attempt against the imperial offspring in Mirage City has been jointly attested by the offices, with conclusive evidence. Today I came to ask General Chan to supplement his testimony."
"Now that I am here, you will take nothing away," Prince Yan said coldly.
"In fact, General Chan affixed his mark several days ago. Prince Yan