Barking Up the Wrong Tree – Finding His Own Trap Hilarious

The prime minister didn't say anything to me after the morning conference. He got into his litter. I opened the curtain and asked, "Prime Minister, where are we heading?'

The prime minister opened an eye and fumed, "What insolence. Why are you not calling me 'teacher'? Are you disobeying His Majesty's edict?"

"I am showing you respect," I explained while touching my nose. "Without your permission, I would not dare to address the leader of the imperial court in such an intimate manner."

The prime minister looked at me out the corner of his eye: "So, you respect me? Does this old one need to thank you?"