She somehow managed to swallow a mouthful of the yellow fish porridge but the Empress had lost courage to try the fish soup next to it.
She had an urge to vomit now.
The black substance floating on top of the fish soup was definitely the consequence of frying the fish till it turned black and then adding water.
Just looking at it was enough to lose one's appetite.
However, as a judge, it would be unprofessional not to at least try a bit.
Reluctantly, the Empress takes up a spoon, pretends to take a tiny sip, and then quickly puts the spoon back down.
She then quickly scored it: two points.
Everyone was amazed that the Empress would actually attempt to taste that soup. No wonder she could be the Empress, her tolerance was incomparable!