The Imperial Palace, the Emperor's pavilion.
"come closer, Yaozhu", Emperor Zhong said, pulling his body up to a seating position, Caihong rushed to him and helped him up.
Lu Yaozhu just glanced at the Emperor's friendly smile and pressed his lips into a thin line. He walked forward, stopping a short distance away from the Emperor and bowed, "Your majesty".
Emperor Zhong's expression froze for a second, he was not expecting that reaction from Lu Yaozhu but on remembering the actions he had taken against Lu Yaozhu both openly and secretly. He decided to take it in stride since his relationship with his second son could be described as strained. He glanced at Caihong, "you don't need to accompany me for now, I want to have a word with A'Qing".
"Yes", the elderly eunuch bowed and left the room.
"Take a seat, I do not intend to strain my neck as I speak to you".