Outside Zichen Hall, the grand Nuo dance unfolded, drums and music resounding in unison.
Inside Zichen Hall, the palace eunuchs carried in the first grand course—whole mutton "Mo Hu"—in a smooth, flowing line.
The eunuchs first presented the whole mutton Mo Hu to those in the front row—Yuan Xiang, Lu Jin, the Princes, and the others. Just as they were about to serve the second row, they saw Bai Jian give a subtle signal.
One eunuch followed Bai Jian's line of sight, instantly understood, and carried the tray straight toward the corner of the last row.
When the whole mutton Mo Hu was placed on the table in front of Princess Liyang and Bai Xingzhen, neither of them picked up their chopsticks; they only sat side by side behind the table, silently staring at the goose meat on the platter.
Neither of them spoke nor moved their chopsticks; they sat there like two statues, no one knowing what they were holding out for.
