Suddenly, Xie Ming'an stepped out of his own accord.
The King of Shu's grim expression faltered.
"Lord Xie, what are you doing here?"
Xie Ming'an cupped his hands in a salute and explained, "This subject came to attend the banquet today, but my mischievous little sister ran off. I was just looking for her. Has Your Highness seen my sister? She's about this tall."
He gestured to indicate her height.
King Shu shook his head. "Princess Funing? This prince has not seen her."
Xie Ming'an sighed. "That child. Where did she run off to? She's such a handful."
As he spoke, he looked up and saw Princess Consort Qi with her back to him.
King Shu's expression remained unchanged as he said, "Princess Consort Qi has twisted her ankle. Could you help fetch a palace attendant for her? It is rather inconvenient for this prince to be the one looking after her here."
"Of course, not a problem." Xie Ming'an nodded, feigning ignorance.
