“Those who knew, I was serving time in prison; those who did not, thought I was bearing a child.” Unknowingly, the summer heat receded quietly like that. There was still some sun during the day, but the evening coolness was just right. It was precisely the season for the young ladies of each household to… Continue reading NWAFAM 163: Xiaoyaner
Tag: food
NWAFAM 119: Goji Berries Stewed with Pigeon
The Boy in the Box In Beetroot Alley, two more horse-drawn carriages arrived in succession. As the vehicles came to a halt, Ji Hong did not wait for Duan Ming to bring over the stepping stool; he jumped down directly. Facing a half-dilapidated small door, he pushed it open and strode into the courtyard. Two… Continue reading NWAFAM 119: Goji Berries Stewed with Pigeon
NWAFAM 010: The Golden Finch
Branded with "Kidney Deficiency" in Public Seeing the words "Qingluan Poetry Collection" written on the half-torn book cover, Ji Hong felt uneasy. Just as he was about to put it back, a few slips of paper fell out from the book. He picked them up and saw several large handwritten characters, somewhat crooked but evidently… Continue reading NWAFAM 010: The Golden Finch
NWAFAM 009: Divine Porridge
A handful of glutinous rice boiled into a soup, seven scallions and seven slices of ginger After the White Dew, the weather visibly turned colder. A quick calculation revealed that the Moon Festival was just a few days away—known as the Moon Evening in the Da Xia Dynasty, which explained why the moonlight in the… Continue reading NWAFAM 009: Divine Porridge
NWAFAM 008: Lady of Wine
Three hook pears and two flowers Boiling medicine was Yu Jinnian's expertise, so he was very adept at it. Because of his fondness for alcohol, he had to significantly shorten the process of soaking the herbs, but this did not matter much. What did matter was the duration and frequency of boiling, and the amount… Continue reading NWAFAM 008: Lady of Wine
NWAFAM 007: Sorghum Lychee Wine
What could possibly make him laugh so heartily? It was the first year of Jingyou, the new emperor had ascended the throne. The cold dew startled the autumn, and the red faded and green diminished. A young servant carried two pots of red chrysanthemums, placing them under the exquisitely carved window sill. He fetched a… Continue reading NWAFAM 007: Sorghum Lychee Wine
NWAFAM 006: Osmanthus Chicken Wings
His posture made it seem as if he would stand up and cause trouble at any moment. "That was close! That was close!" Sui Sui shouted as she ran into the entrance of the noodle shop, jumping and holding her sleeves tightly with both hands, afraid that the osmanthus flowers she picked would fall out.… Continue reading NWAFAM 006: Osmanthus Chicken Wings
NWAFAM 005: Fragrant Mushroom and Bitter Melon Dish
Snowflakes cut out from goose yellow, gold millet scattered over the dew pouch. On the ninth day of the eighth month, white dew, auspicious for marriage. Early in the morning, Yu Jinnian was awakened by the continuous sound of firecrackers on the street. He got up and went out to see. As he opened the… Continue reading NWAFAM 005: Fragrant Mushroom and Bitter Melon Dish
NWAFAM 004: Snowflake Cake (Part 2)
With an otherworldly appearance and an exceptional demeanor. “Here, here,” Yu Jinnian greeted, “Are you here for noodles?” The girl was about to give orders, but upon seeing a young shop owner with a clean and handsome face emerge from behind the counter, her heart fluttered. He was far more attractive than the unruly servants… Continue reading NWAFAM 004: Snowflake Cake (Part 2)
NWAFAM 003: Snowflake Cake
Small plate of cucumber, unlimited for one coin. Sui Sui hurriedly grabbed the hem of his clothes, muttering, "No, no." Yu Jinnian frowned at her. Sui Sui then started crying softly, "I dreamt of a terrifying ghost messenger. It held a very long chain and said the time had come to take my mother's soul...… Continue reading NWAFAM 003: Snowflake Cake