Chu Yun could feel the Minister's steady gaze, from the corner of his eye. He raised his fan to hide the lower half of his face and shuttered his eyes demurely, pulling away from Xiao Zai and returning his attention to the food in front of him.
"I hope curiosity wasn't the only thing that prompted Minister Hu to extend us this invitation," Xiao Zai said, filling his wine cup once again and raising it to his lips.
The Minister cleared his throat, and laughed, sharing a look with the two concubines on his side in a week attempt to dispel the awkwardness.
"No, I...of course not," he adjusted the collar of his fine robes, "perhaps his second highness has heard of this, but...not everyone is satisfied with his first highness as heir apparent." His expression darkened. "It his rumoured that his Majesty plans to officially announce him as the crown prince on the day of his wedding to," he gestured vaguely, "...that young miss."
