It's the day of a huge festival in Sisheng, and Xue Meng is stood on the palace balcony, looking out over the town. His hair is done even more elaborately that normal, and his robes are covered in delicate embroidery. He sighs and leans against the balcony.

Xue Meng: "I wish I could go into town... It looks so fun..."

He hears footsteps behind him, and turns to see Mo Ran standing behind him.

Xue Meng: "Ran-gege, please can I go into town for the festivities? I'll be good, I promise!"

Mo Ran: "Ah, my dear Meng'er, you know the rules. No leaving the palace grounds."

Xue Meng crosses his arms and scowls. He's never even set foot outside the palace gates. He doesn't mind it most of the time, but there are points where he wishes he could see the outside world.

Xue Meng: "But why not?! Ran-gege, you're the emperor! You can change the rules!"

Mo Ran: "Not today, Mengmeng. We've caught wind of a plot to try and assassinate the entire royal family... I can't let you leave, not right now..."

Xue Meng: "An assassination plot?! Ran-gege, when you say 'everyone', do you really mean that they want to kill all of us?"

Mo Ran: "Yes, Meng'er... Me, you, Shizun, everyone... That's why it's so important that you don't leave..."

Xue Meng shudders and steps closer to Mo Ran, who puts his arm around his shoulders. Xue Meng doesn't want to show it, but he's scared.