The palace banquet had yet to begin, and Chu Hengyuan led Aran to the palace where Meng Wanqing had once lived to take a rest. Min Dalei returned to Emperor Chujing’s side and reported to him everything that had just transpired with Aran in the Imperial Garden.
"What sort of favor did she grant you to make you speak so highly of her?" Emperor Chujing asked, looking at Min Dalei as he ground the ink.
"Your Majesty, this servant has not received any favors at all. You may have someone search me—I am as clean as they come. Besides, I haven't gone anywhere else this entire time. Your Majesty, you are wronging me!" Min Dalei dropped the inkstick and fell to his knees.
Chapter 195