Font Size:
A simple orange could taste so special; the meat must be even better!
Yan Qiushu did not disappoint the children’s expectations.
After two cups of tea, she calculated the time and asked Xiao Huaiting to bring out the grilled lamb chops.
The strong garlic aroma combined with the lamb seasoned with cumin [1]is a spice made from dried seeds. and other spices made Zhou Zhaoheng feel dizzy just from the smell.
The eldest brother got two lamb chops, the two children got one, and Xiao Huaiting got one. The boy even took a knife and helped chop them.
The mutton fat sizzled as it cooked, and it seemed to still be cooking when taken out. Finally, Dongdong couldn’t wait any longer, and his mouth watered: “Eat it quickly, it’s the most delicious! But it makes me angry easily, and Sister Shu won’t let me eat more.”
He felt very regretful, so whenever he had the chance to eat, he would wolf it down. Right now, he took one big bite!
The lamb, roasted until it fell off the bone, was so juicy. Most of the juice dripped into his mouth. The salty and fragrant garlic mixed with the lamb made Dongdong so happy he didn’t want to open his eyes. His mind was filled with roasted lamb chops: “Mm! It’s so delicious!”
Zhou Zhaoheng wanted to eat a lot, but he felt shy at first. When his father sent him out, he reminded him to be polite as a guest. However, seeing Dongdong so excited, he forgot his father’s instructions and just wanted to eat.
He opened his mouth wide and bit hard into the lamb chops. The juicy gravy and garlic burst on his tongue, making his heart race. Eating the meat was even more delightful.
“It’s really delicious!” Zhou Zhaoheng thought. Dongdong seemed so happy living in such a home.
While eating, Zhou Zhaoheng glanced at Dongdong, who was lost in enjoyment. Xiao Huaiting noticed this and felt a sudden pang of discomfort, unable to swallow the tasty food in his mouth.
Zhou Zhaoheng didn’t notice and focused on eating. The lamb chops were small, so they shared and almost finished them. Although the chops were fatty, they were so tasty that neither boy noticed. Afterward, they both felt a bit greasy. Yan Qiushu brought three cups of hot orange fruit tea. The tea was sour and sweet with a hint of bitterness. One sip washed away the greasy feeling.
Dongdong smacked his lips: “Sister Shu is so awesome!”
Just then, a sweet aroma filled the air.
The two boys looked at each other excitedly.
Yan Qiushu came out with a plate: “Sweet and sour pork ribs, try it.”
The ribs didn’t have tomatoes for color but were made with white sugar. They looked browned, similar to braised ribs, but their sweet taste was still very appealing.
Xiao Huaiting quickly grabbed his chopsticks and served each child a piece. “Eat quickly. It won’t taste good if it gets cold.”
The ribs shrank a bit after cooking, exposing the bones, making them easy to eat. Compared to lamb chops, these ribs had a sweet, sour, and slightly salty flavor.
Dongdong was so happy eating that he wanted to hum a song. His short legs couldn’t reach the stone bench, so he started shaking his legs, feeling joyful.
Zhou Zhaoheng was more reserved but still enjoyed the meal, savoring each bite and licking the sweet and sour sauce off the bones. After eating, he looked at Yan Qiushu and complimented her: “Sister Shu, this is so delicious! I like it the most!”
“I’ll cook it again, and Dongdong can bring it to you,” Yan Qiushu said, smiling with satisfaction. Hearing praise made her feel happy and made her efforts worthwhile.
She took a sip of her orange fruit tea. Compared to sour plum soup, orange fruit tea had its own sweet and sour flavor and a pleasant aroma. It was good for digestion. She had made extra dishes and couldn’t resist tasting them.
By the time they finished the sweet and sour pork ribs, the roasted whole chicken was ready.
When the fragrant chicken came out of the oven and was placed in front of the children, they both burped. Dongdong covered his stomach and said sadly, “It’s over! I’m so full!”
Zhou Zhaoheng rubbed his stomach and agreed: “I can’t eat anymore either.”
Even if he wanted to eat more, his small stomach and the tea he drank made it surprising he could eat so much today.
The two children watched the chicken, their mouths watering, but no one reached for it. They thought it would be wasteful to force themselves to eat.
Yan Qiushu suggested they take the food home. The children agreed enthusiastically, so when Zhou Zhaoheng left, he carried a big food box filled with sour plum soup and roasted chicken.
He was escorted to the palace gate, where someone came to pick him up. After a few silent trips, he returned to a rundown palace outside the imperial city.
The person who took him back didn’t linger and left quickly.
The seven-year-old boy felt no danger; he was just happy. He ran toward his parents with joy.
The deposed Crown Prince and Crown Princess, who were still awake, awaited him eagerly.
Hearing the noise, they quickly came out to greet him. They saw their son’s thin face filled with excitement as he held up the food box with both hands: “Mom and Dad! This is from my friend’s sister Shu. Try it while it’s hot. It smells delicious, better than anything I’ve ever eaten!”
They both laughed. The deposed Crown Princess led her son inside and said with a smile, “Mom doesn’t want any. I’ll save it for you tomorrow.”
Zhou Zhaoheng looked at his mother in surprise. He opened the food box and presented the warm, fragrant food to her like a treasure: “This is really delicious!”
“How could anyone not like such good food?” he thought.
The deposed Crown Princess shook her head and smiled, firmly refusing.
Zhou Zhaoheng turned to his father, unsure why. His father had enjoyed it last time and thought he would accept it this time, but he just shook his head, saying, “Dad has eaten it before. That’s enough. You can eat this tomorrow. Ask your mother to heat it up for you then.”
“Okay.” Zhou Zhaoheng felt disappointed. He couldn’t share this good food with his family. He sighed, then remembered something and took out a sticky piece from his sleeve. In his youthful voice, he cheerfully said, “This is also delicious. It’s sweet and sour spare ribs. It has a lot of sugar and is sour and sweet. I secretly saved it for you!”
He felt a bit embarrassed saying it, having also saved some for Dongdong. There wasn’t much left, and he didn’t want to finish it all. But since it wasn’t his food, he didn’t want to ask to take it back.
So after they finished eating, he secretly kept one piece in his sleeve to bring back for his parents.
At this moment, the two who showed no interest in the roasted chicken held their breath.
With the dim light of the oil lamp, everyone focused on the small object in the child’s hands.
The item was very sticky. When the little hands held it, threads formed, and it stuck between the fingers and something called ribs. This child’s most precious piece of clothing, which had no patches, must have been stained with sugar.
But he didn’t mind, thinking his parents had never eaten such delicious food. Their family was trapped in this square palace. For many years, only he had gone outside, making them seem even more pitiful.
Although his parents hadn’t eaten such treats, they had enjoyed better ones like the best bird’s nest, lychees, and fresh spare ribs. What were they to him?
Silence filled the worn palace.
The woman breathed quickly, while the man slowly reached for the sweet and sour pork ribs that his son cherished. He carefully took a bite.
The cold sweet and sour pork ribs were hard and greasy, with a slight salty taste from his son’s sweat. It didn’t taste good, and if it had been five years ago, he wouldn’t have even looked at it. But now, he ate it more carefully than anything else.
After eating, he asked, “Ah Heng, do you want to leave here?”
Zhou Zhaoheng noticed his parents were upset and instinctively hugged his mother. Suddenly, at his father’s question, he felt confused and whispered, “Can we leave?”
***
If you’d like to show your appreciation, consider buying me a coffee—it really helps me keep going! 𖹭
Also, don’t forget to check out other Vyl’s projects as well!۶ৎ
[Complete Project]
[Ongoing Project]
References
| ↑1 | is a spice made from dried seeds. |
|---|
Vyl[Translator]
~Thank you soo much for the support! Love yaa~ ⋆.❤︎