Within the Central Heavenly Palace, the young Human Emperor sat upon his throne, reviewing the affairs of the Ancient Kingdom and setting its course.
Human Emperor Shi Hao.
From within the Central Heavenly Palace, Shi Hao sensed Meng Chuan's gaze. Through the Imperial Capital Formation, he found him.
The moment Shi Hao made out Meng Chuan's figure, he was overjoyed.
"Uncle Meng is back! That's wonderful." Shi Hao leaped down from his throne, ready to find Meng Chuan.
But after two steps, he turned around and plopped back onto it.
"Hmph. He leaves for three years, forgets all about me, and still expects me to welcome him?"
"He wasn't even here for my coronation, and he kept making everyone worry."
"I'm not going to meet him. He can come in himself. The great Human Emperor doesn't go out to greet people."
Shi Hao grumbled, looking thoroughly haughty.
After a moment's thought, Shi Hao called over the person beside him.
It was Shi Qingfeng, a brother to Shi Hao despite their lack of blood ties.
"Little Qingfeng, if anyone comes looking for me later, tell him I don't have time."
"The great Human Emperor has a thousand affairs to handle every day. I have no time for random visitors."
"If he insists on seeing me, tell him to bring a gift. He can bribe this Human Emperor."
"Once he's given me a gift, invite him in."
Shi Qingfeng listened, utterly baffled.
How strange.
"What kind of gift should he bring?" Shi Qingfeng asked.
"Well..." Shi Hao's lips moved, but some things felt too awkward to say to Shi Qingfeng.
"Just tell him. He'll know. He knows exactly what I like."
"Oh." Shi Qingfeng was none the wiser, but he still ran out to wait for the person Shi Hao had mentioned.