Ying Ji, holding the meat that had slipped from her chopsticks, had no intention of retrieving it. She calmly re-wrapped the slice and placed it back in the pot, saying, "I am old, and young people have better teeth. Let this meat be yours."
Baili An, not one to argue with her, generously ate the pieces of overcooked beef.
He courteously placed two slices of green bamboo shoots into the boiling soup, cooking them briefly before serving them to Ying Ji: "I will enjoy the meat well, and Your Majesty should also sit down and eat properly."
In this way, the Empress, who for over a month no one could persuade to eat, finally lowered her head and began to eat amidst Baili An's subtle encouragements.
At midnight, a small stove simmered green wine, two small bowls and plates, a single lamp glowing warmly, and the charcoal burning in the room dispelled the coldness, adding a hint of warm spring air.
