The king of the realm pressed Zhang Lie for more details. "What else do you know?"

Zhang Lie made something up. "I expect—and I'm sure you share this guess, your majesty—that one of the princes is behind this stampede—"

Before Zhang Lie could finish, a guard called from outside the tent, "The second prince requests an audience!"

The king of the realm replied, "Send him in."

The second prince was covered in dust and grime, and there were visible wounds over his body. He knelt immediately as he entered. "Father, I rushed straight back worried that something had happened, but it seems I was still too late. Please punish me, Father!"

The king of the realm shook his head. "There's no issue—I'm right...