Manbao ate while recounting this vibrant story to them, not only including the words of each lord but also describing the expressions and demeanor of the various lords and the emperor she saw at the time.
Although it was merely a chess game of about four moments, she managed to talk until everyone's break time was nearly over.
But everyone found it quite fascinating nevertheless.
Zhao Liulang, upon finishing the tale, pushed the lunchbox forward with lingering interest, finally allowing the attendants to take away the bowls and chopsticks that had long gone cold.
Unnoticed, the nearby scholars also stood up, only to discover their midday break had unknowingly passed.
Manbao, mouth dry from speaking, downed the water placed beside her in one go, stood up, and said, "I'm going to find the teacher."
Mr. Zhuang had already heard from Libationer Kong about what happened at the grand assembly, with colleagues at Chongwen Pavilion envying him for having such a promising student.
