Chapter 39#

Drinking Wine, Little Pei Goes South of the River (VII)#

Pei Xiting followed Gao Liu into the room. Behind the screen were two silhouettes; rounding it, he saw Zhao Fan and Chunsheng, who was kneeling beside him serving wine.

Chunsheng clearly recognized him at first glance, her face showing surprise. Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow at this and said, “You know him?”

“Two nights ago, I met Young Master Pei when he was on the small painted boat, listening to me sing for a guest.” Chunsheng glanced at Pei Xiting, then reached up to clasp Zhao Fan’s shoulder, saying with a smile, “He’s a truly peerlessly handsome figure—truly a delight to look at when paired with Young Master Pei.”

Zhao Fan let out an “oh” at this, lost in thought. Since it was a small painted boat, it meant she was accompanying one or two guests. The kind of guest who could get Chunsheng to leave the garden to accompany them was no ordinary person. For Pei Xiting to board that small painted boat meant he was acquainted with that guest.

“Come here.” Zhao Fan gestured for Pei Xiting to sit on the small couch opposite, saying with a smile, “I didn’t expect Xiting to have acquaintances in Ningzhou. Looks like you won’t need me to look after you at all.”

Pei Xiting lifted his robe and sat down, saying, “Xingjian misunderstands. That was a friend of mine from Yejing. He’s just sneaking out to have some fun on this trip, so I can’t reveal his identity or whereabouts. Please don’t take offense.”

Could it be Shangguan Jie? Zhao Fan rubbed his agate wine cup, then released it and picked up the flask to pour wine for Pei Xiting.

This action startled Chunsheng inwardly. She looked at Pei Xiting with increased wariness, never expecting the Crown Prince (hereditary prince) to be so courteous and considerate.

Pei Xiting also appeared flattered, quickly cupping his wine cup with both hands and offering a gentle thank you.

“This is Furong Wine, quite famous in the two circuits of Jiangnan,” Zhao Fan said, setting down the flask. He clinked glasses with Pei Xiting, smiled, and said, “Give it a taste.”

Pei Xiting raised the cup to his lips with both hands, parting his slightly red lips just enough to sip the wine. As he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed. Though separated by a layer of skin and flesh, Zhao Fan could hear the sound of the wine flowing down. He couldn’t help but think: if the wine were to trickle from the corner of that mouth all the way down the neck, soaking into the collar, the chest, the abdomen—how vibrant and alluring that would be.

Rubbing his thumb absently against the cup, Zhao Fan stared fixedly at Pei Xiting. When the other man set down his cup, he blinked once, smiled faintly, and asked, “How is it?”

“Fragrant and smooth on the palate. Not bad,” Pei Xiting replied with a gentle smile, as if oblivious to the heat in the other’s gaze.

“If you like it, have more. I’ll give you a couple of flasks to take home later.” Zhao Fan refilled Pei Xiting’s cup. “About last night, I was afraid you might misunderstand. I was planning to find a time to explain things to you, but I didn’t expect to run into you today. So it works out perfectly—let me treat you to some wine.”

Pei Xiting thanked him and said, “What misunderstanding could I possibly have? But the young marquis did draw a blade last night—looked quite fierce. I hope there’s no misunderstanding between the two of you?”

At Pei Xiting’s words, Zhao Fan was certain that Shangguan Jie had revealed Gao Liu’s identity to him. He had no idea if Shangguan Jie had also been spinning tales.

Zhao Fan took a sip of wine and said, “Though I often travel outside the capital, the young marquis and I are old acquaintances. There’s no reason for a little matter like this to create a rift. We’ll talk it out and that’ll be the end of it. But what I didn’t expect was that Xiting would have such a close friendship with the young marquis.”

His peach-blossom eyes held a warm, casual look, as if he were just making small talk. Pei Xiting smiled faintly in return and said with a teasing tone, “What’s so unexpected about that? Surely Xingjian doesn’t think my status is too low, that the young marquis would look down on me and I’m unworthy of associating with him?”

That was exactly what Zhao Fan thought. Shangguan Jie had always had his eyes on the top of his head, arrogant and haughty. For someone like Pei San—in terms of status and temperament—Shangguan Jie wouldn’t give him a second glance, let alone form a friendship. Unless he was charmed by Pei San’s looks and had developed a covetous interest.

“How could that be?” Zhao Fan said. “It’s just that I’ve never heard of any connection between you two before.”

“I was just joking. The young marquis and I aren’t close friends—we’ve only met a few times. The young marquis is friends with my elder brother, so that’s probably why he’d spare me a glance,” Pei Xiting said.

Hearing Pei Jintang’s name, Zhao Fan paused and then said, “Then won’t Xiting ask why Gao Liu was outside the inn where you were staying last night? Aren’t you afraid I might mean you harm?”

“I don’t know anyone in Ningzhou, so I’m a stranger here. If Xingjian truly wanted to harm me, why bother with all this pretense? Besides, what is there about me worth harming?” Pei Xiting said with a gentle smile.

Zhao Fan laughed at this and said, as if it were a matter of fact, “For the sake of my younger brother, I was already supposed to look after you a bit. But I was worried you might feel indebted, so my original plan was to send Gao Liu to find out your room number and then have someone secretly keep an eye on you. I never expected him to run into the young marquis. It was all just a misunderstanding, but I was concerned that the young marquis might say something unclear to you and create a rift between us. That would be unfortunate.”

“Xingjian worries too much. Even if the young marquis said something to me, I wouldn’t dare believe his words.” Pei Xiting’s brows drew together slightly, and he shook his head in slight exasperation. “The young marquis and I have some misunderstandings. He doesn’t treat me kindly, nor does he have good intentions—so how could I believe him?”

“Oh?” Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

Pei Xiting was silent for a moment, then took a gulp of wine, shook his head, and said, “It’s truly unspeakable… Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I’ll just avoid the young marquis from now on.”

“I already think of you as half a brother. What’s so unspeakable in front of me?” Zhao Fan reached out and gently grasped Pei Xiting’s wrist through his sleeve, saying softly, “If there’s anything troubling you, tell me. If I can do anything for you, I’ll naturally help.”

Pei Xiting suppressed the urge to pull his hand back. With an embarrassed look at Zhao Fan, he then turned his head to glance at Chunsheng, who was kneeling beside them, before lowering his head, lips pressed together, and saying nothing.

Seeing this, Zhao Fan said, “Everyone, leave.”

Chunsheng bit her lip, unwilling but not daring to argue. She acknowledged the order and rose to withdraw. Gao Liu followed, gently closing the door behind him.

“Why did he close the door?” On the opposite side of the corridor, Yu Shaoyun leaned behind the window, saying, “That Hereditary Prince Zhao isn’t going to do anything to Third Master Pei, is he?”

Silently standing in the corner, Ying Ziyu looked up upon hearing this, but didn’t dare to speak to the Crown Prince in front of the outer window. She walked over to Yu Shaoyun and said quietly, “The Hereditary Prince Zhao is quite a libertine. Given the way Third Master Pei looks, if he gets any improper ideas… This garden is full of bedchamber potions. What if… Shouldn’t you go check on Third Master Pei?”

Yu Shaoyun glanced at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince didn’t turn around, only said, “His attendant is there. It’s fine.”

That was true. With that man’s hearing, whatever happened inside the room, he would know perfectly well standing outside, Yu Shaoyun thought.

Yuan Fang stood like a post outside the door, his ears filled with Pei Xiting’s hypocritical but utterly natural gentle voice.

“I wouldn’t dare lie to Xingjian, but the truth is truly hard to say…” Zhao Fan had already withdrawn his hand. At this moment, Pei Xiting’s hands rested on his knees, lightly pinching a bit of fabric, his voice very low. “Once before, in Yejing, the young marquis tricked me into going to the Fumeng Tower, wanting to… do that kind of thing with me.”

Zhao Fan already knew about this matter, but he said, “What?”

He abruptly rose, walked over to Pei Xiting, and crouched down in front of him. Reaching out, he grasped Pei Xiting’s left shoulder, his voice cautious. “You… are you alright?”

“I was absolutely terrified. I managed to escape only after struggling desperately.” Pei Xiting turned his face slightly, allowing Zhao Fan to see his reddened eyes.

A beauty like this, on the verge of tears, was truly pitiable—and made one wish to make him cry even harder.

The fire in Zhao Fan’s heart flared up. Gripping Pei Xiting’s shoulder, he turned the other’s face toward himself and said, “The young marquis has always been used to being domineering. Whatever he likes, he wants to obtain.”

“How could that be liking me? He wants to degrade me!” Pei Xiting’s tone rose uncontrollably. He abruptly raised his head to look at Zhao Fan and said urgently, “It’s because he can’t have my second brother! So he’s reluctantly using me as a distraction!”

Zhao Fan’s eyelids lifted slightly, apparently very surprised. “What do you mean?”

“He treats me like a little dish to satisfy his appetite, a substitute.” A tear finally dropped from Pei Xiting’s eye, sliding down his cheek. He turned his head, closed his eyes, and bit his lip, looking terribly aggrieved as he said, “I know, the young marquis’s status is exalted. But I’m not someone who fawns on the powerful to advance myself. I don’t want the slightest benefit from him. Why does he have to humiliate me like this?”

Zhao Fan gritted his teeth, restraining the urge to kiss that tear. He reached out to wipe Pei Xiting’s tears and coaxed, “You’ve truly suffered wrongfully in this matter, Xiting.”

As if immersed in his emotions, Pei Xiting didn’t seem to notice the excessive intimacy of Zhao Fan’s action. He didn’t flinch, only sniffled and said in a muffled voice, “I was both scared and furious. Later, by luck, I entered the Longhe Si. I thought the young marquis would let me go for the sake of the Longhe Si, but that lackey Wang Yelai actually sent people to the Lanyin Street to kidnap me! If not for Assistant Director You lending a hand, I don’t know what would have happened to me.”

“Wang Yelai… oh, him,” Zhao Fan gave a light snort. “That brat has been so spoiled he doesn’t know his limits. Some things, people with brains wouldn’t do, but his head is stuffed with mud—what can you say?”

Pei Xiting smiled at this and said quietly, “Isn’t that so? He doesn’t seem to have much sense of proportion. Right now, I just hope that after this incident, he’s learned his lesson from Director Wang and won’t come bothering me again.”

“What kind of person is Wang Yelai anyway?” Zhao Fan said. “Don’t be afraid. Since I know about this, I won’t just stand by. Even if I’m not in Yejing, I’ll write to Sifan and have him protect you.”

“Sifan already knows about this. There’s no need to trouble Xingjian. I consider him a friend—I’m not afraid he’ll laugh at me—but it’s an ugly thing to spread around.” Pei Xiting looked at Zhao Fan and implored, “Please keep this secret for me, Xingjian.”

“Since you’re willing to tell me, it means you trust me. I won’t let you down. All right,” Zhao Fan wiped away the teardrop at the tip of Pei Xiting’s chin, his voice gentle as water. “Don’t cry anymore.”

Pei Xiting hummed in response, then seemed to realize that two men acting like this was rather intimate and awkward. He quickly edged back a little and said with embarrassment, “How rude of me, how rude. Please don’t laugh at me, Xingjian.”

The softness at his fingertips was gone in an instant, but a trace of warmth remained. Zhao Fan rubbed his fingertips as if savoring the sensation, and said with a casual laugh, “Between brothers, what’s there to be shy about?”

Pei Xiting said, “We’re not children anymore.”

Zhao Fan was about to tease him a bit more when the door was knocked. His brow furrowed slightly, and he said in displeasure, “What is it?”

“Master, Master Bai and his wife are here to see you,” Gao Liu said.

Coming to knock at this time, it must be about Bai San’s matter. Pei Xiting glanced at Zhao Fan and said with good timing, “Master Bai and his wife must have important business with you. I’ll take my leave then.”

Having just had a moment of closeness, Zhao Fan was reluctant to let him go so easily. “You’ve only had two cups and you’re already leaving? Are you that unwilling to stay with me?”

“Not at all,” Pei Xiting explained. “It’s not appropriate for me to stay here.”

“I say it’s appropriate, so it’s appropriate.” Zhao Fan wouldn’t let him leave. He glanced toward the door and said, “Come in.”

Gao Liu pushed open the door. Master Bai and his wife entered one after the other and respectfully bowed to Zhao Fan.

“No need for formalities.” Seeing Master Bai glance questioningly at Pei Xiting, Zhao Fan said, “This is Third Master Pei of the Guanglu Temple Junior Steward’s household. He is a brother and close friend of mine. No need to avoid him.”

Third Master Pei—that must be the Document Officer Pei from the Longhe Si down south. The Bais hastily bowed in greeting.

Pei Xiting returned the bow with a nod, then picked up the flask to pour himself a cup of wine.

“Uncle and Aunt, what important matter brings you to see me?” Zhao Fan said.

Though he called them “uncle” and “aunt,” there was no trace of respect or affection in his tone. He hadn’t even offered them a chair, making the distance between them clear.

Master Bai naturally didn’t dare to complain. “We’ve come about our daughter’s matter. Today is the appointed day. If it weren’t urgent, we wouldn’t dare to disturb the Hereditary Prince.”

Pei Xiting sipped his wine in small sips, acting as if he neither heard nor saw anything, as if it had nothing to do with him. Zhao Fan smiled and placed his own cup in front of Pei Xiting, saying, “I have people searching for Third Cousin every day, but this city is huge. Looking for someone is like fishing for a needle in the ocean.”

His implication was clear: I can’t do anything about it either.

Pei Xiting picked up the flask, poured wine, and slightly leaned forward to place the filled cup back in front of Zhao Fan.

“We are already very grateful that the Hereditary Prince is willing to send people to search. Naturally, we don’t dare to demand more. Our daughter’s fate seems bleak this time.” Master Bai sighed and said earnestly, “We came today not to ask the Hereditary Prince to help find our daughter, but to request that you save the Bai family.”

Zhao Fan looked at Pei Xiting, who was staring blankly at his cup, and slowly sipped his own wine, not averting his gaze as he said, “What do you mean by that?”

“The items the kidnapper demands are something our Bai family cannot produce. If he acts according to his earlier threats, our family’s reputation will be ruined.” Master Bai wrung his hands. “Under the circumstances, the only option is to sacrifice our daughter. If the kidnapper truly comes to the Bai family’s doorstep, we beg the Hereditary Prince to intervene—shoot both our daughter and the kidnapper dead, to prevent her from being violated to death and our Bai family’s name from falling into disgrace.”

Zhao Fan smiled and said, “Uncle is willing to do that?”

“What parent would be willing to kill their own daughter? Especially the one we love the most! But we have more than just this one daughter, and the Bai family has more than just this one granddaughter. If her actions ruin the Bai family’s pure reputation, how would my wife and I be able to explain? We can only regard this as her destined calamity.” As Master Bai finished speaking, Madam Bai beside him had already lifted her sleeve to cry.

Bai San’s marriage to He Zhizhou’s family depended sixty percent on their marriage connection with the Wenguo Duke’s mansion. But with this incident, the marriage would most likely fall through. Bai San was now a discarded pawn. If the kidnapper truly made a public spectacle, it would become difficult for any good family to marry into the Bai family in the future, cutting off their path of upward social connections. Thus, the Bai family had no choice but to sacrifice the part to save the whole.

Zhao Fan rubbed his wine cup and said, “Is grandfather in agreement?”

Master Bai nodded.

“In that case, why come to me? Can’t the Bai family even afford to hire a martial arts master?” Zhao Fan said.

“A kidnapper daring to do such things must be an extremely vicious criminal. Ordinary martial arts masters may not be a match.” Master Bai said, “If we were to involve the official authorities, it would attract attention. He Zhizhou also finds it difficult to intervene. That’s why we had to come to beg the Hereditary Prince for help.”

“I don’t think it’s that simple,” Zhao Fan said lazily. “Uncle also has a private motive. You’re afraid that if we kill the kidnapper, his accomplices will seek revenge. If I’m the one who acts, outsiders will think the Bai family and I are on the same boat. If they fear me, they’ll fear the Bai family. If they don’t fear me, at least I’ll share some of the heat for the Bai family. Am I right?”

Master Bai gave an awkward laugh, momentarily at a loss for words.

“Our Bai family is fortunate to be related to the Duke’s mansion. If this matter really gets spread around, I’m afraid it will also affect the Duke’s mansion’s reputation.” Madam Bai suddenly knelt down, kowtowed, and said tearfully, “I beg the Hereditary Prince, out of compassion, to save the Bai family.”

Zhao Fan’s expression was ambiguous—half-smiling, half-not. “Auntie, is that a threat?”

“Absolutely not, absolutely not! My wife has no such intention!” Master Bai quickly said.

Zhao Fan said, “If you truly want to save Third Cousin and the Bai family’s reputation, just give up the draft copy of the Mountain and River Scroll.”

Master Bai said, “That is a symbol of the Bai family’s honor, more precious than a family heirloom. How could we offer it to a thief? Even if we were willing, my father would never agree.”

“Today we kill Third Cousin and the kidnapper. Tomorrow, we may have to kill Sixth Cousin and another kidnapper. As long as that draft remains in the Bai family, it will be a perpetual source of trouble,” Zhao Fan said. “Why not let go and let others fight over it?”

The Bais looked at each other uncomfortably, saying nothing for a moment.

They don’t want to, Pei Xiting thought.

The Bai family was currently in the process of selecting the next family head. No one wanted to displease the old master. But if this matter ends today, even if there is a next time, as long as the trouble doesn’t befall the main branch, the blame won’t fall on them.

Zhao Fan understood these thoughts clearly. Seeing the couple remain silent, he couldn’t help but snort. “I can’t kill Third Cousin. If Mother finds out, she’ll be angry at me again. As for that kidnapper—if he dares to show up, I’ll do my best to take his head for Uncle and Aunt.”

Having said that, Master Bai knew there was no room for Zhao Fan to back down further. He could only thank him, pull Madam Bai up, and withdraw.

Zhao Fan picked up the flask to pour wine. Seeing Pei Xiting lost in thought, he waved the flask in front of his face and said, “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” Pei Xiting smiled. “Just a bit lightheaded.”

“You’ve drunk most of the flask. No wonder you’re lightheaded.” Zhao Fan looked at Pei Xiting’s slightly flushed cheeks. “Feeling unwell? Want a bowl of hangover soup?”

“That soup doesn’t taste good,” Pei Xiting shook his head in refusal. Then he added, “By the way, are you heading to the Bai residence now, Xingjian?”

Zhao Fan hummed in affirmation. “I want to see what reckless piece of trash this is. Are you coming or not?”

Pei Xiting shook his head. “I don’t know martial arts, and I’m a bit dizzy. I’d only be dead weight. You go ahead. I’ll head back to rest soon.”

Zhao Fan downed a mouthful of wine, stood up, and left. Gao Liu outside quickly followed. Chunsheng naturally had to see him downstairs.

Yuan Fang turned and entered the room, striding quickly to stand behind Pei Xiting. He reached out and touched the latter’s forehead. “Oh, you’re really drunk?”

“You guess.” Pei Xiting supported himself on Yuan Fang’s arm and stood up, tilting his head to lean on the other’s shoulder, mumbling, “This wine tastes sweet, but it does have a kick.”

Yuan Fang helped him along, puzzled. “You treat Shangguan Jie one way and Zhao Fan another. But don’t they both have designs on you?”

“Because they have different personalities,” Pei Xiting said. “Shangguan Jie has a hot temper and is domineering and forceful. He won’t play the slow-boil-the-frog game with me. Playing harmless and weak in front of him will only make him strike faster—I can’t keep that act up. As for Zhao Fan, this man is a libertine, more patient than Shangguan Jie. On the surface, he’s gentle and affectionate and won’t resort to force, so I can’t confront him with force either.”

Yuan Fang seemed to half-understand. “Oh…”

“Zhao Fan wants to use my relationship with Sifan to get close to me, lower my guard, and coax me into willingly sleeping with him. So I’ll turn his strategy against him and use his own momentum to counter him,” Pei Xiting said.

They returned to Ying Ziyu’s room. Pei Xiting relayed the Bai family’s intentions, then flopped down on the couch and fell silent.

Ying Ziyu poured a cup of warm water and walked over to hand it to Pei Xiting. Pei Xiting thanked him, drank from his hand, then buried his face back in the pillow. Soon after, he fell asleep.

Everyone: “…”

This young master really does fall asleep anywhere, doesn’t he?

Pei Xiting had been touched by the Crown Prince last night, tossing and turning and suffering from insomnia. Today he had gotten up early, and after drinking wine, he inevitably felt drowsy. Though this place wasn’t very familiar, with Yuan Fang and the others around, he could naturally sleep in peace.

But sleeping face-down was uncomfortable. Before long, Pei Xiting turned over and grumbled a curse, though it was unclear whom he was cursing. Judging by his slightly furrowed brow, he wasn’t very happy.

Suddenly, he kicked his legs and reached to undo his belt and robe buttons. His outer robe loosened, bringing him some comfort, but still unsatisfied, he went to pull down his trousers. Pale fingertips grabbed the waistband and yanked downward, revealing a small patch of lower abdomen.

The Crown Prince couldn’t stand to watch anymore. He used the handle of his fan to block Pei Xiting’s hand, but Pei Xiting slapped it away.

The Crown Prince looked at him silently for a moment, then reached out and grasped his wrist, steadily placing it on his abdomen.

“Who is it…” Pei Xiting flailed his arms wildly, then snapped his eyes open—fiercely. Seeing the Crown Prince’s face, he didn’t immediately grovel in apology. Instead, he pounded the couch in annoyance. “Why are you disturbing my sleep!”

The little fox is baring his fangs, the Crown Prince thought.

He looked at Pei Xiting’s crumpled face and said evenly, “If you want to sleep, take off your shoes, socks, and outer robe and sleep properly. Sleeping in the outer room and still taking off your trousers—what kind of behavior is that?”

Pei Xiting lifted his head and looked around the room. He didn’t know what the situation was. Yuan Fang and the others were gone; only the Crown Prince and he remained in the room.

He slumped back down and said stubbornly, “I’m not afraid, so why should you be? If you don’t want to see it, just don’t look.”

The Crown Prince was stunned at this, because it was true—he had no rebuttal.

“The room is so big. I’m just occupying one small couch. Who am I bothering? You can’t control my hand, but you can control your own eyes and legs. It’s obviously you who walked over to my couch of your own accord, you who chose to look—and now you’re blaming me?” Pei Xiting muttered discontentedly. Suddenly meeting the Crown Prince’s dark, deep eyes, he felt his scalp tighten belatedly. Instinctively, he turned his face downward, buried it in the pillow, and closed his eyes, saying nothing more.

The Crown Prince looked at the tense side of Pei Xiting’s face for a long time, then lifted his robe and sat on the edge of the couch. He used the fan to tap Pei Xiting’s chin.

Feeling guilty in his heart, Pei Xiting simply opened his eyes and said, “If you’re going to say something, just say it. Don’t stay silent—it makes me nervous.”

The Crown Prince looked at him. “What should I say?”

“Blame me for being outrageously bold, daring to voice dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince’s behavior,” Pei Xiting said.

“Don’t you often act outrageously bold?” the Crown Prince said flatly. “So you can still be afraid?”

“Those aren’t mutually exclusive.” Seeing that the Crown Prince’s expression was as usual, Pei Xiting seized the opportunity to change the subject. “Where did Yuan Fang and the others go?”

“Outside and downstairs,” the Crown Prince said.

“If we save Bai San now, we won’t be able to lure out the kidnapper’s accomplices. If we don’t save her now, the kidnapper will take her away,” Pei Xiting said. “On this matter, I actually think the Hereditary Prince is right. As long as that draft stays in the Bai family, the Bais will never have peace. Unfortunately, Master Bai and his wife don’t want to offend anyone over it, and Old Master Bai won’t easily give his consent either.”

“So the next head of the Bai family won’t be Bai Da,” the Crown Prince said.

“Then who will it be?” Pei Xiting looked at the Crown Prince, suddenly sitting up straight, leaning slightly forward. “You look like you know what’s going to happen next… Mm?”

The Crown Prince used his folded fan to press vertically against Pei Xiting’s nose tip, lip peak, and chin, saying, “You have no posture. Sit properly.”

Pei Xiting pouted and muttered, “So rigid.”

The Crown Prince said, “What are you muttering?”

Pei Xiting said, “Nothing at all.”

“Let’s go.” The Crown Prince stood up, but Pei Xiting grabbed his sleeve. The latter blinked and said, “I don’t know martial arts. If Your Highness takes me along, you have to protect me.”

The Crown Prince asked, “What is your Yuan Fang for?”

“An extra layer of protection gives me more peace of mind.” Pei Xiting released the sleeve he was pinching, dusted it off, and looked up at the Crown Prince with a smile.

The Crown Prince looked at him, paused for a moment, then said, “Then you’ll have to stay close.”