In the early days of summer, the modest carriage of the Xie Family, almost devoid of any decorative embellishments, came to a gentle halt before the gates of the Feng Family’s estate. The Fengs' gatekeeper hurried forward to take hold of the horses, while Zhou Er lifted the carriage curtain. Mama Xi was the first to hop down before extending a steady hand to assist Lady Xi in alighting.
Lady Xi was on good terms with Lady Feng, the eldest daughter of the Feng Family, and had arrived early to lend a hand with the day’s affairs.
As always, her hair was neatly coiled into a high chignon, though today it was adorned only with a few delicate pearl blossoms at the temples. She wore a robe of gauzy silk embroidered with intertwining vines in gold and silver thread, its wide sleeves flowing gracefully. A broad brocade sash cinched her waist, while her pleated skirt, though voluminous, bore no excessive ornamentation.
Since she was here merely to assist and not as the hostess, Lady Xi deliberately kept her appearance understated, unwilling to outshine anyone.
With Mama Xi supporting her arm, she stepped through the gates under the gatekeeper’s eager welcome.
The Feng Family boasted distinguished origins—their ancestors were the illustrious Chang Le Feng clan, who had founded the Northern Yan dynasty. From the Eastern Jin to the late Tang, spanning over five hundred years, the Chang Le Fengs had produced four emperors, four empresses, and five chancellors.
But like the Xie Family, they had suffered greatly during the Huang Chao Rebellion. No nest remains intact when the tree falls—vast tracts of Feng land and many of their kin had been seized or slaughtered. Matters worsened in the present dynasty when the late emperor, on his deathbed, decreed policies to curb land monopolies and expand imperial examination quotas, further slicing away the privileges held by the aristocratic clans.
Now, the Fengs faced hardships nearly identical to those of the Xie Family.
Feng Yuan, the family’s most senior official, was a scholar well-versed in the classics, though he had spent half his life languishing in the modest post of a lecturer at the Imperial Academy. Yet Feng Yuan was a man of simple tastes, a true bibliophile who found contentment in this quiet, unassuming position.
Three years prior, however, his second son, Feng Erlang, had been embroiled in a palace coup. First exiled to Tanzhou, he was later secretly ordered executed by the late emperor in the ninth month of that same year, after Chancellor Li Gang vehemently advocated for severe punishment.
Since then, Feng Yuan had abandoned all ambitions for his family’s future, devoting himself entirely to scholarly pursuits. Perhaps it was for the best—one less thing to trouble over.
As Lady Xi walked along the winding garden path, the shade deepened beneath the lush greenery. Feng Yuan had a deep fondness for bamboo, and the Feng estate was nearly hidden within a grove of the slender stalks. The doors and windows of the residence were left in their natural wood tones, untouched by paint, while the stone steps were left moss-covered, deliberately unscrubbed to preserve their rustic charm.
Lady Xi could appreciate such refined simplicity, though others might not—
“Good heavens! Nearly took a tumble there!” Madam Wang, walking ahead, had just stumbled, her skirts clutched in her hands as she struggled to keep her footing. Had it not been for the quick reflexes of a nearby servant who caught her, she would have landed flat on her face!
Once steadied, Madam Wang, feeling humiliated, wiped her brow with a handkerchief and began berating the servant guiding her: “Y’all are downright lazy! Can’t even be bothered to scrape off all this blasted moss!”
Madam Wang’s husband, Wang Yong, was an extraordinary man. Hailing from Ling County in Jingdong Circuit (modern-day Shandong), a region frequently ravaged by conflicts between the Liao and Song dynasties, he had once wandered as a refugee, even resorting to begging. After reaching Bianjing, he eked out a living copying books and selling calligraphy—utterly destitute. Yet he soon passed the imperial examinations in one stroke and now served as the Prefect of Kaifeng.
Madam Wang was his steadfast partner, having endured the hardships of their refugee days with him. Their bond was deep, and to this day, Wang Yong refused to take a single concubine, remaining devoted solely to his wife.
The Feng servant, scolded but not daring to retort, stood frozen with bowed head.
Lady Xi quickly stepped forward with a smile and a greeting: “What a pleasant surprise to meet you here, Madam Wang. You’ve come quite early today.”
Recognizing Lady Xi, Madam Wang’s anger softened slightly. She even reached out to steady her, her thick northern accent unmistakable: “Watch yer step now—this ground’s slicker’n ice. Don’t go takin’ a spill.”
Madam Wang had once been a peasant woman, unversed in the delicate subtleties of noble ladies’ manners. She couldn’t fathom the “elegance” of deliberately leaving moss on steps. Among the highborn ladies of the capital, she always stood out—awkwardly.
She knew, of course, that most only tolerated her for the sake of currying favor with her husband, the emperor’s newly favored official.
In the Song dynasty, the Prefect of Kaifeng was not only a position of immense power but also one of great sensitivity—reserved exclusively for the emperor’s most trusted confidants. Had the current emperor’s sons not been too young, the post would have gone to the heir apparent—as the emperor himself had once held the position before being formally named crown prince.
Knowing this, Madam Wang cared little for the other noblewomen—save Lady Xi.
Unlike the rest, Lady Xi never pressured her to compose poetry at gatherings, nor did she speak in veiled insults. The only difference was that Lady Xi could still play the part when needed, dutifully reciting a verse or two.
Madam Wang, however, was blunt and unapologetic: “Ain’t got the knack for it.”
Then she’d focus on the food.
Having known hunger in her youth, she had few pleasures in life beyond eating.
At first, her straightforwardness had drawn ridicule from the noblewomen, though she paid them no mind. But when Wang Yong learned of it, he flew into a rage, impeaching every one of their husbands and sons before threatening to take his grievances straight to the emperor. After that, the ladies behaved.
Lady Xi understood that beneath Madam Wang’s rough exterior lay a frank but good-hearted soul. Smiling, she linked arms with her. “The Fengs have always favored refinement—surely you’ve noticed before. They greatly admire the ‘Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove’ and have their own peculiar tastes. Just the other day, Lady Feng mentioned that Feng Yuan has taken to roasting moss as a delicacy.”
This time, Madam Wang didn’t scoff. Instead, she nodded knowingly. “Ate that durin’ the famine. Tastes awful—only ate it ‘cause there was nothin’ else!” She paused, then added pointedly, “Feng Yuan’s just never gone hungry, that’s all. Got too much time on his hands, y’know?”
“I wouldn’t dare say such a thing,” Lady Xi replied, suppressing a laugh. The two continued chatting amiably as they made their way deeper into the garden, the Feng servant trailing behind in relieved silence.
Originally, Lady Feng had planned a winding stream banquet amid the bamboo—though such gatherings had lost their novelty, as every household favored the same setup. But after Lady Xi introduced her to Shen Miao, the arrangements changed. Now, the event was simply set up in a waterside pavilion, its sides draped in gauze to let in the breeze, offering a cool and pleasant atmosphere.
Across the way, a stage had been erected, where a troupe of popular Bianjing actors would perform the latest sensation sweeping the capital—Prefect Wang Divorces His Wife.
The play had first been a popular story before being adapted for the stage, where it quickly became a sensation.
Even Shiyiniang had begged to see it twice, returning each time in floods of tears. Lady Xi hadn’t yet had the chance—today, she’d finally get to enjoy it.
Before Lady Xi and Madam Wang reached the water pavilion, Lady Feng led her daughters to greet them. They exchanged warm greetings with smiles, and Lady Feng asked why Ninth Brother and Shiyiniang didn't come. Lady Xi answered all the questions one by one. Thinking of her children, she shook her head helplessly and said, "Ninth Brother has gone back to the academy to study. He has missed a lot of lessons, so he didn't dare to ask for another day off today. Shiyiniang ate too much of that instant noodles and broke out several pimples on her forehead. Ashamed of her appearance, she's hiding herself away."
Feng Qiniang was standing beside her mother. When she heard that neither Xie Shiyiniang nor Xie Ninth Brother had come, the anticipation and joy on her face faded away instantly. She felt that the whole day had become so dull.
After they took their seats and talked for a while, Lady Feng excused herself to greet other guests. Lady Xi and Madam Wang sat there, sipping tea and chatting. After just a few words, Madam Wang couldn't help letting out several loud belches. Lady Xi asked curiously, "Madam, do you have a stomachache today?"
Madam Wang dared not tell her that she had deliberately eaten two pork elbows before coming. So she forced an awkward smile and whispered in excuse, "I had my breakfast late today, so I'm still full."
Lady Xi said with concern, "There are digestive powders and some common medicines in my carriage. Shall I get them for you?"
Madam Wang waved her hand indifferently. Then she whispered to Lady Xi and confessed, "Anyway, the banquets held by the Feng Family are not very delicious." It was a wise move for her to come with a full stomach.
Otherwise, after sitting there for a whole morning, wouldn't she be starving?
Lady Xi guessed right away why Madam Wang had come with a full stomach. She couldn't help bursting into laughter and quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief. Meeting Madam Wang's puzzled look, she hinted meaningfully, "Today is different from the past. Madam Wang will know when you taste the food later."
Madam Wang was intrigued by Lady Xi's words. Could there be something special about today's banquet? She looked around but didn't notice any difference. Even the decoration of the water pavilion seemed quite ordinary.
***
When the guests were arriving one after another, Shen Miao was already busy in the huge kitchen of the Feng Family. The menu for today's banquet had been previously discussed and finalized by Chef Fang and her on behalf of the Feng Family. After learning that the instant noodles were invented by her, Lady Feng said boldly, "Madam Shen is well - known, and she was recommended by Lady Xie. Since we've chosen you as the chef, we have full trust in you. Please feel free to do as you like."
It was also Shen Miao who suggested that Lady Feng didn't need to stick to the so - called elegant form for the banquet. Since it was the old lady's birthday banquet, making it too noisy and novel would overshadow the old lady. Instead, it would be best to focus all the energy and sincerity on the dishes.
In particular, all the dishes on the menu she set today were new creations.
With innovative dishes and traditional forms, it wouldn't steal the limelight.
Lady Feng readily adopted her suggestion.
However, there was a small commotion when she came today.
When she and Chef Fang entered the Feng Family's kitchen, more than a dozen kitchen servants of the Feng Family had already prepared all the necessary ingredients in advance. Although the head chef of the Feng Family was ill, there were still two or three elderly chefs in the kitchen. Seeing two chefs who were not even thirty years old, especially a female chef, they showed their contempt immediately, considering themselves experienced servants. Their words were also full of arrogance.
The oldest one squinted at Shen Miao and Chef Fang from head to toe and said in a sarcastic tone, "Madam Shen and Chef Fang, please. All the ingredients prepared by the Feng Family today are precious. Two catties of pepper were specially purchased. You should be careful when cooking. If you ruin the ingredients, there's no way to replace them."
Hearing this, Chef Fang immediately looked angry and was about to argue on the spot, but was stopped by Shen Miao with a smiling hand. There was a smile on her face, but her tone turned cold. "Chef Fang and I were invited by Lady Feng, your mistress, to the Xie Family. We're not your servants. Since you're so worried that we're too inexperienced and might ruin your precious ingredients and doubt us without reason, then we'll just go back home and not earn this money. You can handle this banquet by yourselves. How about that?"
After saying that, Shen Miao pulled Chef Fang and turned to leave.
The other kitchen servants who had been watching from the side, some of them just looking for fun, were shocked. If Lady Feng found out, they would all be beaten and sent to the manor! So they all put on smiles and pulled and dragged Shen Miao and Chef Fang back.
In fact, Shen Miao didn't really want to leave. She just needed to show her temper in front of these unreasonable people. They still needed the help of these kitchen servants to prepare the banquet later. Only by subduing them could she make good use of them.
So she pretended to be reluctant, folded her arms, and scanned all the kitchen servants around, then snorted, "I advise you all. Don't be so talkative without knowing the situation."
One of the old chefs still refused to accept and said to Shen Miao, "Since you're so confident, why don't you tell us which master you learned your cooking skills from? So that we can be convinced."
Shen Miao sneered even more. She stared at the old chef and sized them up and down with a sarcastic look. "Why should I prove my master? How ridiculous! As the saying goes, those with skills should act, and those without should keep silent. If you're so skillful, why didn't Lady Feng reuse you but instead invited us from outside at a high price? Instead of finding fault with us, why don't you reflect on whether you're not good enough at your craft? Don't you understand this simple truth even at your age?"
The two old - fashioned assistants were so scolded that their faces turned red. Seeing that Shen Miao seemed about to leave again, and being persuaded and dragged by others, they had to give in, lower their heads, and didn't dare to say a word anymore.
Chef Fang was standing beside, stunned at first, and then his eyes were filled with admiration, shining brightly as he looked at Shen Miao. The Shen Miao he knew was gentle and generous, but he never expected that she could be so sharp - tongued when scolding people!
"Enough! I'm really sick of listening to your barking. Time is running out. If the dishes are served late, Chef Fang and I can just leave, but what about you? Think it over yourself!" Shen Miao pulled out a knife from the thick chopping board and walked straight through the crowd to the counter.
Chef Fang followed her with his nose in the air, looking very proud.
The dishes to be prepared today were on the menu that Shen Miao had drawn up, combining the banquets of later generations with the current eating habits. The first appetizer she named "Seven Flavors of Bianjing". In fact, it was made by mixing peanuts, almonds, cucumbers, fungus, dried beef, dried bean curd sticks, and catnip with seasonings such as soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, Chinese prickly ash oil, and sesame seeds.
This dish was not difficult to make. The key was to pay attention to the proportion of the dressing, which needed to be adjusted just right.
The second dish was also a cold dish. Shen Miao named it "Golden Scale and Amber Jelly". It was made by boiling a Yellow River carp until the fish was mashed and the soup became gelatinous. After removing the fish bones, the soup was cooled until it solidified. Then it was served with thin slices of cucumber and salted fish roe sauce. It was very delicious.
The fish jelly itself is delicious and melts in the mouth. Paired with refreshing cucumbers and fragrant caviar, it has the flavor of Bianjing that people in the Song Dynasty loved at that time.
Then came the first soup - a soup that hadn't emerged in the Song Dynasty but became extremely popular across the country in later generations, captivating countless Chinese people and remaining a classic: Spicy and Peppery Soup! There's a saying in later generations that a Henanese person's day starts with Spicy and Peppery Soup. Shen Miao believed that the Henanese people in the Song Dynasty a thousand years ago must also have been unable to resist the allure of this soup.
Just like with the carp jelly, she had instructed the Feng Family's servants the day before to boil beef bones for the broth. After finishing the cold dish, Shen Miao directed Chef Fang to cut beef cubes and wash gluten, while she prepared other ingredients such as fungus, daylilies, fried tofu, and washed gluten.
She was incredibly fast. In almost the blink of an eye, she had finished cutting and arranging the ingredients. Turning around, she saw Chef Fang still huffing and puffing while washing the gluten. So, without taking a break, Shen Miao started grinding pepper powder.
When getting the stone mortar, she casually glanced at the stove and reminded the kitchen helper stoking the fire that the fire wasn't hot enough.
By this time, the kitchen servants of the Feng Family were all staring with wide - eyed amazement. The old chef stared blankly at the bowls of ingredients on the table. It was the first time they had seen such a fast knife, such sharp eyes, and someone who could multitask so effectively.
Shen Miao didn't pay any attention to them at all.
She was extremely excited today.
Normally, she couldn't afford to buy certain vegetables, obtain pepper, or eat beef. But today, she could show off her cooking skills and make more than a dozen large dishes at once. It was such a thrill!
To make good Spicy and Peppery Soup, the soul ingredient was pepper!
This stuff cost a piece of gold per catty. When Shen Miao was grinding the pepper and dropped a single peppercorn, she quickly picked it up, wiped it off, and put it back in the mortar. She would feel heart - broken at the waste of even one peppercorn.
After preparing the pepper powder, she started another pot. She sautéed scallions and ginger until fragrant, then filtered the cooked beef broth and poured it into the hot pot. At this time, she added pepper powder for the first time, allowing the spiciness of the pepper to perfectly blend into the soup base. Then she threw in all the chopped vegetables.
By this time, Chef Fang had finally finished washing the gluten. Shen Miao took it. She didn't even bother to cut it but simply pinched it with her clean hands.
After that, all that was needed were the simplest seasonings: salt, another addition of pepper powder, and soy sauce. She covered the pot and told the helper to reduce the fire to medium and simmer for a quarter of an hour. When the aroma filled the air, she added the gluten water that Chef Fang had washed out - actually, it was starch water - while stirring, making the soup thick, smooth, and of just the right consistency. Then she drizzled on some sesame oil and sprinkled on some coriander, and the soup was done.
This time, there was no need for Shen Miao to say anything more. The aroma of the Spicy and Peppery Soup had already filled the kitchen, wafting and lingering, directly captivating everyone's hearts. All the kitchen servants in the room were conquered, and they all sniffed the air greedily.
The kitchen servants of the Feng Family in the kitchen no longer gossiped about Shen Miao. As soon as Shen Miao gave an order, they all obeyed quickly. Even the old chef timidly came over, helping to cut vegetables, knead dough, kill fish, and scale fish. He kept his head down and didn't dare to say another word.
Chef Fang took in their change of attitude. He snorted heavily through his nose, with a proud look on his face as if to say, "I'm the direct disciple. You guys are never allowed to get close to my master." Like a tail, he closely followed Shen Miao.
With the full cooperation of these servants, Shen Miao quickly made several main dishes for this banquet: Braised Yellow River Carp, Peony - shaped Bird's Nest Vegetable, Lamb Noodles in Soup, and Chinese Hamburger with Baked Sesame Bread and Braised Pork, etc.
While she was cooking vigorously in the kitchen, the dishes started to be served to the guests outside like a flowing stream.
***
In the water pavilion of the Feng Family, where the green shadows were swaying, the guests had all arrived. The presentation of birthday gifts and the exchange of greetings were over, and everyone took their seats.
Today was Grand Madam Feng's seventieth birthday. However, due to old age, she had become senile and often couldn't even recognize her own sons and daughters - in - law. So, only a few tables were set up. There were three tables for the men in the front and two tables for the women in the back.
Grand Madam Feng was dressed festively and was sitting in the main seat, surrounded by people. In fact, she was still in a muddle - headed state today. Sometimes she mistook Feng Qiniang for Lady Feng, and at other times she mistook Lady Feng for her own daughter. After a while, she asked Lady Feng about the long - deceased Feng Erlang, "Second Brother has gone to Tanzhou. Why hasn't he written back yet?"
No one could answer her. Then she started scolding Lady Feng, "You, as a mother, don't even send someone to Tanzhou to have a look. I heard it gets very cold there in winter. Without any news, I don't know if the child is freezing."
These words almost made Lady Feng cry. Having lost her son, she still had to comfort her moody mother - in - law, "Yes, I'll send someone right away..." But before she could finish, she choked with sobs.
Where could she send someone? Second Brother was long gone!
She still remembered clearly that the child she had been thinking about day and night had died so casually in a foreign land. Day after day, she had waited at the ferry outside Bianjing City. Finally, she had waited for a dark coffin. Inside that simple coffin was the body of her child, the most considerate Second Brother who would quietly pick flowers and put them by her window on her birthday.
Three years had passed, but she didn't dare to think about it. Once she did, the pain was like being cut open at the heart.
Lady Xi quickly stepped forward to support Lady Feng down. Then she turned to the stunned Feng Qiniang and signaled, "Qiniang, the servants are bringing the dishes. You serve Grand Madam Feng during the meal. I'll help your mother go to change clothes."
Only then did Feng Qiniang come to her senses. She forced a smile and sat down beside the chattering Grand Madam Feng. The resentment in her heart towards her grandmother deepened even more: Second Brother was a pain in everyone's heart. Usually, even when she was confused, her grandmother didn't say such things. Why did she have to expose her mother's old wound on such an occasion and in front of everyone?
Thankfully, soon Lady Feng regained her composure and returned with a forced smile. She greeted the guests to eat the dishes and ordered the opera troupe to play lively music. Gradually, there were smiles and conversations at the banquet.
I don't know who took the first bite and immediately exclaimed, "This cold dish is so refreshing!"
It had a slight hint of sourness with a touch of spiciness, and the spiciness was followed by a sweet aftertaste. The peanuts and almonds were crispy and full of fragrance.
So, many people also tasted it, and the praises came one after another.
Madam Wang had already stuffed herself full with stewed pork hock and rice before coming. Hearing the reactions of others, she was quite puzzled. These people seemed to have lost their sense of taste and were exaggerating so much. Even at their most insincere in the past, they hadn't been this over - the - top.
Something was wrong.
So, with a skeptical attitude, she stretched out her chopsticks. She first took a bite of the "Seven Flavors of Bianjing", and her eyes immediately lit up. Then she couldn't wait to pick up a wobbly piece of carp jelly. It was cold and melted in her mouth as soon as she put it in. The delicious flavor of the fish roe made her squint her eyes with pleasure.
How strange... It was so... delicious!
Could this really be the cooking skill of the Feng Family's chefs? Madam Wang simply couldn't believe it. After all, every time she came to the Feng Family for a banquet before, the cold dish they served was always spinach salad. But today, it was truly different!
She remembered what Lady Xi had said, and a slight sense of regret welled up in her heart. But it was just a slight feeling. Maybe these cold dishes were bought from outside, which was why they were so different.
As long as the chef in the Feng Family remains the same, the dishes served later will definitely not be good! Madam Wang tried to console herself and the metaphorical "elbow" in her belly.
Just then, before the dishes arrived, the aroma wafted over.
It was a smell that Madam Wang had never smelled before. At first, it was carried by the wind from afar, making people crane their necks out of curiosity.
Gradually, the servants served the pre - portioned soup to the guests like a flowing stream. The pungent aroma suddenly became stronger. The smell of pepper hit her nose first, awakening all of Madam Wang's senses.
Wang Yong came from a humble background and still had a bit of conscience. So, his corruption while in office was somewhat limited. As a result, Madam Wang rarely got to taste pepper at home.
Once she smelled it, the strong pepper smell was mixed with the fragrant aroma of stewed beef. She immediately felt the glutton in her belly stir, and saliva welled up in her mouth. She eagerly scooped up a mouthful of the hot soup and gulped it down.
It was thick, smooth, and delicious.
The black fungus and mushrooms added a rich umami flavor to the soup base, while the fried tofu and eggs made the thickened soup even smoother and more tender. A little bit of carrot added a touch of sweetness to the soup.
After eating it hot, it was both spicy and rich. Most importantly, it was incredibly fresh. Every ingredient in this bowl of soup was fresh: the meat, the vegetables, and even the wheat flour. Thanks to the pepper, the whole bowl of soup was as warm as if it had emerged from a fire. It was neither greasy nor fishy, and the rich aroma was long - lasting and never cloying.
The taste was simply amazing!!
Madam Wang gulped down half a bowl of the soup and was so full that it reached her throat. She felt as if the metaphorical "elbow" in her belly was starting to expand in the soup. But the spicy soup was so delicious that even though she couldn't drink anymore, she couldn't help but hold the spoon in her mouth, savoring the remaining taste on it. She was both angry and regretful.
Lady Feng, Lady Feng, why didn't you tell me you'd changed the chef!
It was already a great pity that she didn't get to eat the steamed buns this morning. Now, with such delicious dishes right in front of her, she couldn't eat another bite.
This was simply a tragedy in the world!
Madam Wang was extremely sad. She even wished she could pack the bowl of soup and take it away, but later she realized she was being too naive.
Then, the servant served her a plate of braised carp fried to a golden brown on both sides. The carp was covered with a special braised sauce and slow - cooked over low heat until the fish was well - flavored and the sauce was thick, clinging to the fish... Madam Wang trembled as she took a bite. The fish was tender and juicy, and the braised flavor was rich and mellow. It was delicious, still incredibly delicious.
Immediately afterwards, there came a dish called Peony Swallow's Nest Vegetable. This dish was not only delicious but also beautifully presented!
The white radish was cut into thin threads. Through some complex process, the radish looked like a swallow's nest and lost all its radish taste. It was paired with shredded ham, mushrooms, chicken, and sea cucumber, and cooked in a high - quality soup stock. It tasted fresh and the soup was delicious. Moreover, the dish was arranged exquisitely on a Jun porcelain plate with a smooth and white glaze, looking like a blooming peony.
Next came the staple food of the day: Lamb Noodles in Soup.
Apparently, the soup was made by simmering sheep and cow bones all night long, and it was as white as milk. The hand - pulled noodles were chewy. When served, it seemed that some tender minced lamb was deliberately wrapped in the middle of the noodles, so that when the guests picked up a chopstick of noodles and took a bite, the aroma of the meat and the noodles fully blended in their mouths. The more they ate, the more fragrant it became, and the more fragrant it was, the more they wanted to eat.
The noodles were also paired with tender lamb slices, black fungus, wolfberries and other ingredients. The noodles absorbed the freshness of the soup stock, the richness of the lamb, and were beautifully decorated with various side dishes.
If one could eat it, it would definitely warm the body and satisfy the appetite. Madam Wang was in great distress. She tightly held the chopsticks in her hand but couldn't put the food into her mouth.
After the noodles, there was a small and plump sesame seed cake. The cake was fried to perfection! The outer skin was crispy, and the inside was soft, emitting a strong aroma of wheat. When the cake was cut open and filled with chopped spiced beef, the spiced beef was marinated to have a strong and fragrant taste. Taking a bite of the beef and the cake together was simply so fragrant that one would be in a daze.
Not to mention the fragrant stewed old chicken with fish maw and dried scallops later, the goose liver with fat like amber, and the stir - fried mushrooms and lilies that were even more delicious than meat...
As the banquet was nearing its end, there was also a dish that left a deep impression on Madam Wang and was extremely delicious: the Emerald Vegetable and Fruit Roll. Fresh spring vegetables, cucumbers, carrots, and Chinese apples were shredded and neatly arranged, then rolled into a lotus leaf - like wrapper as thin as a cicada's wing. Paired with the sweet and sour sauce made from cherry fruit, it was sweet, refreshing, and crispy.
Once this dish was served, the guests who had eaten too much of the meat dishes such as beef, mutton, chicken, and goose suddenly felt a mouthful of freshness, as if their bodies and minds had been cleansed.
Finally, there were two desserts that none of the guests present had ever eaten before:
The first one was Bird's Nest and Red Date Jelly. The bird's nest was delicate and nourishing, and the red dates were sweet and fragrant. Made into a crystal - clear jelly and then topped with a spoonful of osmanthus honey, it was so sweet and delicious that it was unforgettable.
The second and the last dish of the banquet was a bowl of Chenpi Red Bean Ice. The red bean paste was fine and smooth, poured with milk and mixed with crushed ice. A little crushed tangerine peel was sprinkled on it, adding a crucial touch of freshness to the ice bowl.
When the guests ate a bowl of it in the early - summer breeze, it was indeed cool, silky, with a strong milky aroma and a sweet bean flavor, refreshing the spleen and lungs.
Madam Wang looked at the table full of delicious dishes that she could only take a few bites of and then couldn't eat anymore. She was almost on the verge of a breakdown. She lowered her head and, under the complicated and pitying gazes of the servants, couldn't help but raise her sleeve and wipe away the tears of greed.
Oh, heavens.
What was the difference between her today and an eunuch visiting a brothel?
Both could only stare blankly!
Woohoo -
