The Emperor knew well that his eldest son, though talented in many ways, did have a weakness where beautiful women were concerned.
He intended to have a private discussion with the Crown Prince to tell him that Miss Mei was off-limits, despite the fact that he wasn't currently planning on taking her into his harem.
He couldn't afford the complication of a fourth man fighting for this prize, and he didn't want to heighten the tensions between his first and second sons.
"Emperor Father," bowed the Crown Prince.
"Son. What brings you here, as well as your younger brother, on this fine day?"
The Crown Prince seemed to be hunting around the room for something.
"Nothing, nothing," said his distracted eldest boy. "Can't a son just pop in to pay his respects to his father? Does there need to be a reason?"