The crown prince, Wang Hua, stood up and surveyed the banquet hall. His eyes lazily swept over the crowd of eager faces. He knew only a few of his birthday guests by name and cared for none of them in particular. "Since we are here to celebrate my birthday, please do not stand on formality, eat and enjoy all the entertainment as my special guests."
He sat down and picked up his own chopsticks, but he wasn't really interested in the food on his plate. He leaned over to Lord Shizi, who was seated at the table next to him. "Where is this daughter of Yongli?"
Shizi was enjoying the fine food, stuffing himself with the delicacies that could only be found in the imperial palace. He chewed and swallowed before his deep set black eyes scanned the banquet hall. He pointed with his chopsticks, not caring if it was rude, "She's there, in the pink dress, about halfway down on the left side."
