A gust of wind swept through Mei Valley, causing the yellow wintersweet to fall from the branches, drifting through the gaps between the crowd and the horses.
The people were still, while the wintersweet moved; everyone stood in place, seemingly unprepared for Chen Ji's refusal of the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince gently said, "Chen Ji, my virtuous brother, I recall that you preferred traveling alone when we were in Guyuan. How have you changed now? Mr. Liao must stay by my side, and others cannot approach Zaozao, so it's most prudent for you to go."
Chen Ji declined again, "Your Highness, let Mr. Liao make the journey. I could protect you well in Guyuan, and I can do the same here in Fragrant Mountain."
Though his tone was gentle, his gaze was direct, showing no sign of compromise or retreat.
When he realized it was the Crown Prince who wanted to kill him, he knew that at this moment, staying beside the Crown Prince and Prince Fu was the safest choice.
