In this short scene, we learn that the young man who received the birthday invitation is the son of a member of the clan of the Xiao family. The young man tells us that he doesn't know who the boy is, but he does know that the boy left behind an invitation for him to celebrate his birthday at the clan's home. He says that if he tells his uncle about the invitation, the boy will be punished. He also says that he's going back to the palace to find out what's wrong. He's not going to tell his uncle, he says, because it's the royal highness's prerogative to do so. He asks if the queen knows how to manipulate people, and he says that she does. He then asks if he can go to the manor to listen to music. He tells us to go there and listen to the music. Then he tells us about the man who got killed the day before. The man is young, weak, and relies on the imperial dowager to create trouble in the court. Why was his father dismissed when he only supported the man in court? He says, "the world really is suckin' now" . He goes on to say that the regent, the emperor, and the grand mentor are all