Then the three exchanged looks and smiled.
The grand bestowal of rewards concluded with Liu Bei being named King of Zhongshan. Liu Xie then hosted a banquet for the court officials, welcoming back all those who had rendered meritorious service.
Only when dusk fell did the court officials withdraw.
Lü Bu and the other military officers drank themselves senseless. Even the usually steady Zhao Yun was plied with so much wine that he lost consciousness.
Liu Xie, however, drank little and remained clearheaded.
He still had something very important to do.
By the time Liu Xie left Yongshou Hall, darkness had fallen completely. Scattered lights glimmered in the palace, lending it a loneliness after the clamor.
"Whew..."
Feeling the cool breeze against his face, Liu Xie closed his eyes slightly and exhaled a stale breath tinged with wine.
Footsteps sounded behind him. Liu Xie glanced back from the corner of his eye, saw that it was Gao Lan, and withdrew his gaze.
"Your Majesty, the man has been brought to the Waterside Pavilion."
"Everyone in the Imperial Garden has also been cleared out. Imperial Guards are stationed all around it. No one will get in."
Gao Lan bowed his head and spoke respectfully.
Liu Xie gave a quiet hum of acknowledgment, then clasped his hands behind his back and turned toward the Imperial Garden.
Gao Lan followed close behind.
The Imperial Palace was especially quiet that night. Not even a palace maid or eunuch could be seen along the way. Only Liu Xie's unhurried footsteps echoed through the palace.
Liu Xie reached the entrance to the Imperial Garden. After glancing at the candlelight shining inside the Waterside Pavilion, he strode in.
Gao Lan stopped at the garden entrance.
He stood there like a guardian deity, his hand resting on the