The King feigned indifference, leading everyone back to the banquet hall as if nothing had happened, continuing the exchange of toasts and maintaining a facade of merriment and harmony.
In any case, the banquet carried on without interruption and proceeded properly till the end.
After the banquet concluded, Qu Tianchen personally escorted Jian Rang, Shi Qingning, Jian Shichu, and Ye Qingci to the palace gates.
With many eyes and ears around, Qu Tianchen refrained from asking anything. Yet, the joy and excitement in his expression could not be concealed. After exchanging a glance with Jian Shichu, he watched as Jian Rang's party departed in their carriage.
The four of them did not ride in the same carriage.
Jian Rang and Shi Qingning left first in their private carriage, while Jian Shichu and Ye Qingci rode in another carriage that followed behind.
