Could it be jealousy?
Nan Chang wanted to tag along with them. Liu Sumeng hadn't seen this coming. The Consort Nan that he knew was different from the young lady that stared at him with stars in her eyes and a bounce at her heels. Consort Nan would have never readily put herself in any situation that might involve battle. The inn buzzed around them. The patrons and staff, like the two fools in front of the Ivory Sword Saint, had no concept of the gravity of the world's situation.
He looked at Yuan Xuelan and then at Nan Chang. "This isn't for fun and games."
"I know," Yuan Xuelan sighed, but his eyes were veering off to the side.
"I know!" Nan Chang said as well, but the way she was smiling told Liu Sumeng otherwise.
"No."
Nan Chang blinked and pressed her arm together around her chest to make her bosom look fuller. "Liu-gege," her voice was like honey, "I understand that it might be dangerous. I will take extra care not to get in harm's way. Please?"