The music and ceremony at the Eastern Hall banquet stopped abruptly.
The hall's laughter and chatter froze in an instant.
Everyone's gaze turned instinctively toward Saint Venerable Man Yue.
Quick to react, the Star-Moon Saint Sect reached out to steady Saint Venerable Man Yue and called softly, "Princess!"
Saint Venerable Man Yue had clearly realized that she had lost her composure.
She hurriedly pushed the Star-Moon Saint Sect away.
"I'm fine!"
Ye Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. A keen awareness of the world flashed through his gentle gaze as he said, "Princess Man Yue, has something happened? You've treated us so generously. If there's anything I can help with, please say the word."
Saint Venerable Man Yue took a deep breath and gave Ye Chen a smile.
"It's nothing."
"Something unexpected has come up, that's all. It's nothing serious. Young Master Ye, please carry on..."
"Wait!"
Ye Chen quickly shook his head. "If something's come up, Princess, you should go deal with it. I'm just a man with time on my hands. How could I dare delay your important business?"
"I think we should call it a day."
"Well..."
Saint Venerable Man Yue hesitated.
Li Yun also spoke up. "Ninth Princess, Ye Chen is right. Let's end the banquet here. We'll have plenty of time together in the future."
That gave Saint Venerable Man Yue a graceful way out.
She took the opportunity to announce the end of the banquet.
Afterward, she tried to have someone make arrangements for Ye Chen, but he politely declined. He said it had been a long time since he and Li Yun had talked, so he would go with Li Yun to Clearwind Courtyard for now. There was no need to delay her business.
Saint Venerable Man Yue did not insist.
She left in a