When Tuoba Yilu discovered that Tuoba Liuxiu was nowhere to be seen, he immediately dragged Liu Kun along to request an audience with Zhao Hanzhang.
Inside Deyang Palace, Zhao Hanzhang had just finished talking with Tuoba Liuxiu when she heard the commotion outside the door.
Lai Qing ran in dripping with cold sweat, knelt, and said, "Your Majesty, Governor Liu and the King of Dai request an audience."
Zhao Hanzhang nodded to show she understood, not in any hurry. Softening her expression, she said to Tuoba Liuxiu, "Do you wish to leave the palace to rest, or remain in the palace and wait for the banquet?"
The palace banquet would begin at 7 p.m., but entry inspections started at 5 p.m. There was only half an hour left before 5 p.m.; that was just enough time for him to go back and change into a different set of clothes.
Tuoba Liuxiu did not observe as many rites as the Han people, so he said, "I wish to remain in the palace."
