The Crown Prince's footsteps faded gradually into the distance.
For several breaths after Qin Tai Yang left their table, the space around them remained unusually quiet.
The banquet hall slowly returned to life. Conversations resumed. Wine cups were lifted again. Musicians adjusted their instruments before continuing their melodies.
But the tension that had briefly settled over the area lingered faintly like a ripple across still water.
At their table, no one spoke.
Jin Yue calmly lowered himself back into his seat.
He poured tea into his cup with steady hands as though nothing unusual had just occurred.
Jun Kai remained standing for a moment longer before finally sitting down again.
Across from them, A Xing leaned back comfortably in his chair.
And smiled.
Not the polite smile he used when speaking with ministers.
The other one.
The one that meant he was about to enjoy himself.
Jun Kai noticed immediately.
