Sit Back, and Enjoy The Show

Baiyi addressed the Emperor as he would a commoner, not a ruler. 

Unsurprisingly, this insensitivity infuriated the Emperor, and he could not help but complain in his heart about his guards' inability to stop the rude intruder. On the outside, however, the Emperor looked unperturbed, turning his eyes to a picture that Baiyi was looking at and, in his most agreeable tone of voice, said, "It seems that you and I share similar taste in aesthetics, Master Hope. I'll love to indulge in a discussion with you about art."

The Emperor clapped his hand, signaling the maid standing by outside his study to go prepare tea.

"That wouldn't be necessary," Baiyi said flatly, waving the maid away. He dragged a chair across the floor and sat down, paying no attention to decorum.

Baiyi looked at the Emperor and said, "I heard that you've been looking for me for quite some time now, is that true? Sorry, I've been a little busy lately; you'll excuse me for that, right?"