"Say whatever you want. Just treat it as small talk. Ever since I became Emperor, I don't even have anyone to chat idly with," Gao Zhijian complained to Li Huowang.
"Heh, you think I came here just to chat with you?" Li Huowang casually tossed the stone aside and clapped the dust from his palms.
"I didn't think so, but before we discuss business, just humor me for a bit. In the palace, I have to watch every word I say."
"You're the Emperor. Who could possibly control you?"
"I am the Emperor, which means I'm bound by the Emperor's rules—how to eat, how to speak, how to handle people and affairs."
As they spoke, a flock of imperial concubines from the harem drifted over to air their grievances to Gao Zhijian.
