While Mama Chi had made her escape, the old madam suggested that they all leave the parlor and go out for fresh air and stretch their legs.
Because the husbands usually followed their wives, the older crowd moved their party to the dining room. Even Minister Su and the emperor followed. The emperor was planning to leave because he had stayed for food and he was satisfied.
"Don't you want to taste the cake?" minister Su asked.
The emperor contemplated for a while and then he said, "Well, maybe a little bit. I am only staying because you are insisting."
Minister Su would have laughed if it were anyone but the emperor. To preserve his life he said, "Yes I insist your majesty, please have some cake before leaving."
When the butler noticed that the older guests had moved to the living room, he hurried to ask the maids to come and cater to them.
