Xuanzong (Emperor of China, r. 712-756)
even if nothing else; more than anything else
to die (of a person); to have one's life come to a close
trees with entwined branches; intimate male and female relationship
to bite off; to gnaw through
to be particular about one's food; to have a discriminating palate
sweet tooth; love of sweet things
caged bird; person whose freedom has been restricted (esp. a prostitute, mistress, concubine, etc.)
to survive; to continue living; to escape death
bill (e.g. at a restaurant); check
graduation examination; graduation test
decisive moment; turning point; critical moment; win-or-bust situation
cost of a meal (or meals)
to trample down; to crush underfoot; to kick down; to avoid paying (e.g. a debt); to jump (a bill); to bilk
good flavor (flavour); good taste; umami (fifth category of taste in food); skill; cleverness; profit
imperial throne; the Crown
young female rice planter; young girl
publication; edition (e.g. morning, evening, special); published in (year); publication frequency (e.g. daily, monthly)
counter for people (usu. seating, reservations and such)
suppression; repression; subjugation
clientele; customer stratum
to wither completely (of a plant); to dry up completely; to drop all its leaves
splendid; praiseworthy; admirable; well done!; bravo!
presentation (e.g. of a gift)
what sort of; what kind of; what way
hors d'oeuvre; appetizer; appetiser; starter
to grumble; to be unsettled; to grizzle
to establish a lead; to distinguish (between); to ascertain or tell the difference (between); to discriminate
vocational school; technical school
to feel ashamed; to be abashed