Because of the unexpected appointment, the princes had to change their plans. Perhaps it was for the better.

  They had assumed that Hyun would accompany Prince Rui to the border, while Yi Yun would remain behind to guard the arrested before escorting them to the capital. Instead, it now fell to the newly appointed Crown Prince to see the embassy off, and Hyun, without waiting for his return, decided to ride ahead. The matter, of course, was not the prisoners but the golden sword the brothers were in a hurry to deliver to the king.

  On the return journey, Yi Yun also intended to take Captain Chong with him. Though the wounds did not appear life-threatening, the captain had developed a fever, and it was better for him to rest for a few days in the former magistrate’s house. The same maid who had helped them save the sword remained behind to tend to him. When Yi Yun noticed her among the bound servants, he ordered her released at once, stating that she had assisted with the investigation.

  All these new arrangements took several hours, and the embassy’s departure was postponed until the second half of the day. While guards tied the prisoners into two long lines, Prince Rui and the two great princes settled in the main hall of the magistracy at the top of the stairs.

  “Tell him that if the scar ends up thicker than twisted thread, I will give him one just like it,” Prince Rui hissed. He sat on a tall chair with his head tilted back while the local physician worked over him.

  “Tell him that if he keeps talking while I am stitching, the scar will look like a drunken snake,” the doctor replied calmly.

  Hyun translated both barbs with a smile and added:

  “If it helps pass the time, I could recite some poetry.”

  Yi Yun stood in the middle of the hall, with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for the doctor to finish. He wanted to lean against the wall, but that would have been improper for a Crown Prince. His injured shoulder throbbed, the ache running down to his elbow, while Hyun’s quiet voice recited old verses about an impending farewell. Yi Yun listened, perhaps drifted, perhaps dozed. Before his eyes rose sheer gray cliffs and pines clinging to them by their roots, needles long and dark.

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  When he came back to himself, Hyun had fallen silent. Prince Rui now sat with his head bandaged, and the physician was packing his bag of tools and medicines.

  “I apologize for the trouble we have caused you,” Yi Yun folded his hands ceremonially and bowed once the doctor left the room. “We should have been more cautious.”

  “Nonsense,” Prince Rui waved it off. “He is my subject. He committed a crime in Joseon. It was my responsibility to catch him.”

  “About that…” Hyun spoke up, shifting a cautious glance between Yi Yun and Prince Rui.

  “Go on, Xian,” the regent allowed.

  “As we understand it, he killed a royal inspector and wounded the Crown Prince,” Hyun said evenly. “I ask that he be handed over to the royal court.”

  “And what will you offer me in return?” Prince Rui laughed, then quickly winced and lifted a hand to the bandage on his forehead. “I intended to take all subjects of Great Qing with me and judge them under our laws. Do not worry. He will not be executed too quickly.”

  Hyun pressed his lips together in frustration.

  “My younger brother is right,” Yi Yun decided to support him. “If the king cannot judge those who broke his laws and killed his servant, what kind of king is he? I ask the Prince Regent to allow us to take the criminal.”

  “I would like to have a nice talk with him as well,” Prince Rui remarked, leaning back against the chair. “He claimed to have some powerful patron that I am eager to meet.”

  “Could Special Adviser Fang know who that is?” Hyun mused aloud. “The assassin was his bodyguard and acted on his orders. Adviser Fang transported the contraband when he was an envoy. Magistrate Kwon has already confessed that the two were colluding and committing their crimes together.”

  “Perhaps. Perhaps,” Prince Rui slowly stroked his mustache. “He mentioned such a patron too. What was the word he used — Teacher? Yes. I believe you are right. I can take one of the dogs and give you the other.”

  “The Prince Regent has judged wisely!” Hyun declared.

  Yi Yun felt slightly uncomfortable at the solemnity.

  “Thank you for the decision,” he said. “I do not wish to turn our relations into bargaining, but is there anything the regent desires… and that I might give?”

  They had all carefully avoided mentioning the sword since his blunt refusal.

  “I believe I already possess everything you could offer me, Yun,” Prince Rui said with a crooked smile. “Except perhaps… that girl, Jade Butterfly. Will your father be very displeased if you return without her?”

  Hyun drew in a sharp breath.

  “I do not think Father would regret such a gift,” Yi Yun said doubtfully, “but I would prefer to know her own wishes. Great Qing has taken enough subjects by force. I do not wish to lengthen that list.”

  “Still insolent, Crown Prince?” Prince Rui looked amused rather than angered. “Do not bother — I will not revoke the edict. But very well. Let us ask the girl what she wants.”