After Lai Gong finished speaking, he rose to leave. Lan Tian hurriedly tried to keep him there. "Deshun, you have come from so far away and have not even had a sip of water. Let me hold a banquet in Linxiang tonight to wash the dust from your journey?"
"Please do not stand on ceremony, sir. You are about to achieve an unparalleled feat—how could I have the heart for feasting? When His Majesty rewards his meritorious subjects in the future, we can meet again in the capital." Lai Gong bowed in salute.
Lan Tian had only been making a polite offer. Seeing Lai Gong take it so seriously, he did not press him to stay and instead followed him out to see him off.
The moment Lai Gong stepped over the threshold, he saw Song Chen hurrying over with a grave expression. Guessing it was battlefield business, he turned and cupped his fists. "Sir, military affairs keep you busy. There is no need to see me any farther. We shall meet again another day."
As Lan Tian returned the salute, Liu Xie suddenly came to mind. Leaning close to Lai Gong's ear, he asked in a low voice, "Are there any reports in Guanzhong that Liu Xie has yielded the throne to the King?"
"There are. That should be your handiwork, sir?" Lai Gong nodded lightly.
Lan Tian neither confirmed nor denied it, merely adding, "Before returning to Chang'an, go to Xiangyang and get the edict of Liu Xie's abdication from Yuanzhi. That way, when the King ascends the throne, it will be proper and justified."
"The edict of Liu Xie—" Lai Gong stopped halfway through, then immediately understood. His expression turned solemn as he nodded. "I understand. Take care, sir."
With that, Lai Gong departed in haste. Watching