The emperor constantly faced pressure from his advisors and nobility to take a concubine and settle down, refusing to succumb to their wishes. He had found the court's obsession with it to be tiresome. Instead, he delighted in the company of commoners, often disguising himself as one. One night, the emperor happened upon a tavern where a man/beautiful maiden; a minstrel, sang with captivating grace. His/her melody drew the emperor in, and he found himself unable to look away from you.