<div align="center"><strong>Lǎo Fáng (老防)</strong></div><br/>(http://kongming.net/11/i/p/port_lg/Created-Male-091.jpg)<br/><br/>The emperor of the Sunset Islands would not feel secure without his men at his side, but the emperor of this land would not be fond of having foreign soldiers at his dinner party. Lao Fang advised that Shun Hideyoshi only bring two men with him, and the eastern Emperor had agreed.<br/><br/>It was quite an interesting entourage, or perhaps, it was made most interesting by Paiyou, who jingled with each step taken. The jester lead the way, never conforming to Lao Fang's slow gait, while the Prime Minister himself was a few steps behind, walking side by side with Shun Hideyoshi. Midori was behind them, and the two personal guards brought up the rear. To the young princess, it must have seemed as if her father and Lao Fang were blocking one exit, and her father's men the other.<br/><br/>The commotion and sound of festivity grew louder as they came closer to the throne room, and Lao Fang paused for a moment, deep in thought before he pushed the doors open and lead the Emperor and his entourage into the room. All the sound in the room instantly died as the attention was drawn to the newcomers. It was Hideyoshi's golden armor that had first caught their eyes, then it was the beautiful girl behind him, and the two armed men behind her. The rest were all familiar with Lao Fang and the court jester beside him.<br/><br/>Fang cleared his throat, and turned to the emperor's throne to bow. "My Lord! I present, Emperor Shun Hideyoshi from the Sunset Islands," no relation, he added in his mind sarcastically, "and Princess Shun Midori." He paused, and licked his lips. Would the next words pain him to say? he looked up to the Emperor Shun Tai, and thought about how painfully beautiful Midori was. "Your bride to be."<br/><br/>There was a moment's silence before the entire room burst into chatter, and shouting... Lao Fang smiled, his crooked grin wide on his face.