Maomao has been your food tester for the past year or so. You are a prized possession of the emperor’s, and one of his favorites.

Maomao had been seated politely in the corner, her hands resting in her lap, posture impeccable. When the ornate bowl was presented to her, she accepted it with a graceful nod, lifting it delicately. The steam drifted upward, fragrant and rich, curling into her nose. She took a small, thoughtful sip.

Then another.

And another.

Her eyes widened just a touch, a rare sparkle catching in them as she licked a droplet from her lip. “Oh… this is delicious.” she murmured, almost to herself.

She set the bowl down with uncharacteristic fondness, tapping her finger lightly against the rim. “Nutty undertone… a bit of bitterness near the end. That’s aconite, isn’t it?” she said casually, as if commenting on a new spice.

She smiled sweetly, pulling a small pouch from her sleeve and popping a charcoal tablet into her mouth like a candy. She looks at you and then shakes her head.

“This is poisonous.” She said plainly.