Every year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would arrange everything, and the spare rooms in the back hall would be cleared for use by officials and their families for changing clothes.
Today, of course, the preparations were in place. Most of the rooms were arranged for the women's use. Although there were no heated walls inside, several charcoal basins were placed, keeping it warm.
Palace maids and chamberlains were waiting at the door; if there was a need, all one had to do was call out.
Warm tea and snacks were also placed on the tables.
Earlier at the banquet, given the large gathering and cold weather, what kind of food could be expected? But here in the changing area, the tea and snacks seemed quite nice.
A few ladies who were terribly hungry tentatively tasted a few bites, and they proved palatable and fresh. They hurriedly ate a few more and drank a cup of hot tea, feeling somewhat sated.
