Lord Tang knew he definitely wouldn't win against officials of higher rank than him, nor would it be right to compete with those older than him, so he sat still.
When Gu Zhong announced a break, even the emperor got up to rest at the back of the hall.
Led by Wei Zhi and Lord Tang, the ministers gradually left the hall as well.
Manbao, not very experienced, was sitting there waiting for the midday meal that Gu Zhong mentioned. She was startled to see Lord Tang and Lord Yang taking snacks out of their sleeves and eating. She asked, "Isn't there supposed to be a midday meal?"
Lord Tang replied, "If you're waiting for them, it'll take at least another half-hour."
By now, they were starving.
Once Manbao heard this, she also took out her snack to eat, "So long."
Lord Yang laughed, "With so many people, naturally it takes a bit longer."
Manbao thought for a moment and then got up to change clothes.
