An outline-style story. It's short, so just have fun with it.
Blurb follows:
My name is Chen Bujian. I used to sell storybooks on the streets, until I was taken to the Eastern Palace to record the Crown Prince's daily activities.
That's what it looked like, anyway. In truth, the emperor wanted me to spy on the Crown Prince.
I value my life above all else, so how could I refuse? But as the saying goes, a general at the front need not obey every order from the throne.
The Crown Prince summons his favored consort and orders me into the room...
Then he and the consort turn their swords on me.
They want me to write a storybook about them showing their love in the imperial garden.
The Crown Prince summons his secondary consort and orders me into the room...
Then he and the consort hand me a hundred thousand silver notes.
They want me to write a storybook about them showing their love at a palace banquet.
The Crown Prince summons... Oh, he hasn't taken a principal consort yet.
I was supposed to have the day off, but the Crown Prince orders me into the room again...
Then he gives me a silk quilt.
The Crown Prince, his robe half-open: "Lord Chen, write a story about bedroom antics today."
The Crown Prince suddenly springs it on me: "The protagonists will be Your Highness and Lord Chen."
I lower my eyes. "Your Highness, each has his own specialty. This humble official cannot do it."
The Crown Prince chuckles, leaning close to my ear until it tingles:
"I don't believe you."
"The literary top scorer famed throughout the capital, and my former study companion... Surely you can write this sort of thing?"
Reading guide:
1. First-person narration
2. Both the top and the bottom are masters of playing the fool while hiding their true abilities
3. The top's secondary consorts and favored consorts are all subordinates. There are no improper relationships
4. But he does have one with a certain adviser
5. Neither the top nor the bottom had a happy childhood, but after meeting each other, they'll be happy together forever
A seemingly rakish Crown Prince who hides his ambitions x a poker-faced adviser who serves as the straight man
Theme: Stick to the facts, and you'll find your way to the end.
