"The Crown Prince requests an audience," announced Feng Bao.
The Emperor scowled. "He's very well-informed isn't he," he muttered, more to himself than to Feng Bao.
The Emperor was seated in his garden pavilion awaiting Meili's dance performance after a long hard day arguing with his officials in court.
"Show him through," he waved his hand with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
The Crown Prince appeared in the pavilion and bowed before his Father. "Emperor Father, I've come to pay my respects," he said innocently.
"Is that so?" drawled his Father, not fooled for a minute. "Though I'm always pleased to see you son, didn't we just spend all day together in court?"
"That was in court Father," the Crown Prince said earnestly. "I must pay my respects in private on a daily basis, as my Imperial Grandmother is always reminding me."
"Hm," his Father grunted noncommittally.
