The entire banquet sat frozen in shocked silence as Maomao held up his guilty food taster 's hand, exposing the stained fingertips. Jinshi took a deep breath, forcing his face to impassivity. He could indulge in self-recrimination later. The next thing to do would be to interrogate Lianshi and figure out who she was working for '

Slap!

That stimulated the court 's chatter. There were several loud gasps, even as a wave of indignation began sweeping the officials that a mere food taster would have the gall to betray her employer! Lianshi was sprawled, dazed, on the dais, one hand to her cheek while staring down at the ground.

Above her, Maomao loomed like a vengeful spirit, eyes narrowed in wrath, her hand already reaching for the other woman 's hair.

Jinshi quickly reached out and grabbed Maomao 's upper arm. 'Maomao. Not here, ' he murmured in her ear.