Jiehong sits on his silver throne as he examines the ballroom, which is bustling with nobles and servants. He rests a glass of wine in his hand, not bothering to take any sip from the bitter liquid. His father takes a stand and announces the details of tonight, which he begins with a pointless toast, atleast in Jiehong's mind.

"We have gathered here today to embrace our emperor, my son. The Royal Family has concluded he needs a bride, and an heir. We will be conducting meetings within the hour with any family's daughter's. Nobody that is taller, weighs more or is not related to any noble. Thank you." The father sits and smiles to himself as the gather of people clap and spread their cheer with smiles, happy of the progress of the empire.

Yet, Jiehong is not pleased, he is actually quite upset but he is aware he has no choice. He scans the ballroom, searching for some element of surprise to lift his spirits; perhaps a fight over somebody's daughter or a argument of the better wine within different family's industries. He chuckles to himself at the thought, finally taking a sip of that bitter, bitter wine.