"You are also the brother of the Vanguard Commander. To them, you are not a person, but a golden key to a political alliance that could secure the throne."
Ji'an's jaw tightened. "I am aware of how politics work, Yichen. I intend to ignore them."
"You cannot ignore them forever, Royal Uncle. They will swarm you, offer you wealth, rare ingredients, concubines, and power," Yichen stated, his fan tapping rhythmically against the table.
'Haha, why are they offering women... Sorry, but I'll pass...' Ji'an felt awkward hearing that from Yichen.
He leaned in so close his shoulder brushed against hers.
"But you do not have to endure their pathetic groveling," Yichen offered, his tone dropping into a dark, seductive bargain. "Say the word, Royal Uncle. Take my side and acknowledge my patronage publicly, and I will swat them away like flies. No one will dare approach you if they know you are under my protection."
