Holding his teacup with an impassive expression, Yu Jin spoke unhurriedly, “Commander Han is too kind. There’s no need to thank me for such a small matter.”
Han Ran’s face darkened as he decided to speak plainly, “Your Highness, aren’t you overstepping your bounds? It’s best not to interfere with Brocade Guard affairs. If this reaches His Majesty’s ears, I might be fine, but you, Your Highness, well…”
Yu Jin blinked, his smile fading, “Does this mean Commander Han isn’t planning to handle this matter?”
Han Ran smirked coldly.
Since the matter had reached his ears, he would certainly have to deal with it. Otherwise, if things went awry, His Majesty would shower him with spit, berating him. He might even have to replace his newly acquired white jade paperweight.
Rumor had it that the money for replacing the jade paperweight came from His Majesty’s private coffers.
He was getting sidetracked. In short, he would investigate the matter, but he couldn’t allow the Prince of Yan to dictate terms or lead him by the nose.
The Brocade Guard answered to His Majesty, not to the Prince of Yan.
Even the former Crown Prince hadn’t dared to act this way. The Prince of Yan must truly be unwell—
After this reflection, Han Ran spoke coolly, “How I handle this is none of Your Highness’s concern.”
He couldn’t give in on this. The Prince of Yan’s meddling couldn’t be indulged, or there’d be no end to it.
With this in mind, Han Ran warned, “Your Highness, with your reach extending so far, aren’t you afraid I’ll report this to His Majesty?”
“Is Commander Han threatening to tattle?” Yu Jin looked shocked.
Han Ran nearly choked on his anger.
Was this tattling? He was the Commander of the Brocade Guard. It was his duty to report significant matters, big or small, to His Majesty when necessary.
It was his responsibility, yet in the Prince of Yan’s mouth, it became mere gossip—
Han Ran spoke sternly, enunciating each word, “This is my duty. Your Highness’s insinuation is absurd!”
Yu Jin’s smile vanished, his gaze turning cold, “Why do I feel that Commander Han is targeting me?”
Han Ran’s lips quivered, nearly splashing the tea in his hand onto the other’s face.
During a rare moment of leisure, sitting in a familiar private room, gazing out a familiar window, and drinking familiar tea, the Prince of Yan had leaped in through the window and accused him of targeting him.
Han Ran slammed his teacup on the table and stood up, “Enjoy your tea, Your Highness. I have matters to attend to and won’t keep you company any longer.”
As Han Ran turned to leave, Yu Jin spoke, “I’ve heard a rumor concerning Commander Han.”
Han Ran halted and turned back.
Yu Jin smiled, gesturing to the chair, “Please, sit. Let’s talk.”
Han Ran sat down again, his face expressionless as he looked at Yu Jin.
A rumor about him? He wanted to hear who dared to gossip about the Commander of the Brocade Guard.
“There’s a rumor that the real reason for the former Crown Prince Yu Lang’s first dethronement wasn’t that he ordered the murder of Prince An, but that he had an affair with Consort Yang—”
Han Ran leaped to his feet, knocking over his teacup.
The commotion alerted the Brocade Guards outside.
“Sir—”
Without Han Ran’s order, the two guards outside dared not enter.
Han Ran coldly addressed the door, “It’s nothing. Just guard the door.”
“Yes, sir.” Silence returned outside.
Han Ran glared at Yu Jin, his face ashen, his hands trembling.
For the formidable Commander of the Brocade Guard, whose name struck fear into hearts and could stop children from crying at night, to tremble like this showed the extent of his shock.
He involuntarily moved closer to Yu Jin, asking word by word, “Where did Your Highness hear such a rumor?”
This was no mere rumor; it was a death warrant for his entire family!
Yu Jin smiled demurely, “I thought it was just a rumor, but seeing Commander Han’s reaction, it seems the gossip is true—”
“Your Highness, this is no time for jokes!” Han Ran slammed the table, staring intently at Yu Jin. “Where exactly did Your Highness hear this rumor?”
Yu Jin pointed to his mouth.
Han Ran’s eyes narrowed sharply as he clenched his fist, “What exactly does Your Highness mean?”
Yu Jin took a new cup, poured tea, and pushed it towards him, “Don’t be so agitated, Commander Han. Have some tea to calm down.”
Han Ran took the cup and downed the tea in a few gulps, staring fixedly at Yu Jin.
Having made his threat, Yu Jin became more casual, smiling lazily, “Shouldn’t Commander Han investigate today’s incident thoroughly?”
Han Ran closed his eyes, understanding dawning.
So the Prince of Yan wasn’t unwell; he was brazen.
But how did he know such an earth-shattering secret?
Han Ran frowned, “Is Your Highness using this to threaten me?”
Yu Jin smiled slightly, his tone neutral, “If Commander Han insists on seeing it that way, so be it. But I sincerely came to ask for your help. Today’s incident targeted me. If Commander Han is unwilling to help, wouldn’t I be at a disadvantage?”
His smile turned cold as he brushed off non-existent dust from his clothes and asked rhetorically, “Am I someone who takes losses lightly?”
Han Ran wanted to roll his eyes in frustration, “So Your Highness threatens me to avoid disadvantage?”
Yu Jin nodded matter-of-factly, explaining kindly, “Few people know that secret. By my reckoning, only Commander Han, Official Zhen, and Eunuch Pan know about it, right?”
Han Ran looked at that young face, feeling a chill in his heart.
The Prince of Yan wasn’t even present at the incident on Mount Cuilu. How did he know about it?
The more he thought, the more unfathomable Yu Jin seemed.
Yu Jin continued his intimidation, unconcerned with Han Ran’s thoughts, “In that case, if rumors start, the source must be among you three.”
Han Ran asked, suppressing his anger, “Why not Pan Hai or Zhen Shicheng?”
Yu Jin glanced at Han Ran, amused, “Well, I’m asking you for help, not them.”
Han Ran remained silent for a long while before saying quietly, “Your Highness certainly has a unique way of asking for favors.”
Shouldn’t one adopt a humble attitude when asking for help? It seemed he was the unfortunate one being asked.
“Then I’ll trouble Commander Han with this matter.” Seeing Han Ran’s reaction, Yu Jin knew he had agreed. His expression brightened as he raised his teacup in a gesture of thanks.
Han Ran’s lips moved, wanting to ask if Yu Jin wasn’t afraid of future retaliation for such blatant threats. But meeting those dark eyes, he swallowed his words.
Even if he tried to sabotage Yu Jin, the prince could always spread the news about the former Crown Prince’s affair with Consort Yang. If that happened, His Majesty would suspect Han Ran of leaking the information, resulting in the extermination of his entire clan.
The Prince of Yan wasn’t even at Mount Cuilu that year. If Han Ran told His Majesty it was the prince who spread the rumor, His Majesty would likely break his white jade paperweight over Han Ran’s head.
He could only swallow this threat and bear it.
Seemingly guessing Han Ran’s frustration, Yu Jin reassured him, “Don’t worry, Commander Han. I’ll remember this favor.”
Han Ran’s mouth twitched.
He was truly grateful, wasn’t he?
However, what came out of his mouth was different: “Your Highness is too kind.”
As they conversed, Nursemaid Chang had already rushed back to Cining Palace to report the news she had heard to the Empress Dowager.