"No need," Xie Jianyu replied, finally turning around to look at Liu Wenyuan. "You should not wander out on your own. Where are your maids?"
Liu Wenyuan smiled.
"The Empress has requested my help in banquet preparation. I am here to do my job."
"Ah."
Liu Wenyuan asked again, "Can I come and help? It is very crowded out there. Everyone is quite busy."
Xie Jianyu gave a brief nod.
"If you don't mind, that would be great."
Liu Wenyuan's smile grew wider. He stepped into the room and stopped behind Xie Jianyu.
"Your Majesty, you have long, beautiful hair," he praised as he took a handful of Xie Jianyu's silky, smooth, and long hair.
"... Thank you for the compliment."
"Thinking about it, the Crown Prince helped me twice but I haven't had the chance to say thank you."
"..."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. If not for your benevolence, I might rot behind bars the last time."
