Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
He had never been to the academy to study. Logically speaking, this wasnât something worth showing off. However, County Magistrate Shen found it even more commendable because of Ning Dalangâs âneverâ. He could even understand to such a level from being a listener. What would he be like in a few years if he studied seriously?
Unable to suppress his anticipation, he asked bluntly, âDo you want to enter the academy?âm
Ning Dalang was in a daze. His sister had also asked him this question. His gaze subconsciously landed on the little head that was sticking out of the kitchen door frame.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Xiaoxiaoâs big black eyes were now round like a catâs. Her grip on the door frame was very strong, and even the rotten wood that had been in disrepair for a long time was almost pulled down by her. It could be seen how much her sister cared about this matter.
Ning Dalang smiled. âYes, of course I do.â Even in my dreams.
County Magistrate Shen asked tentatively, âThere is a Bowen Academy in the county. The teachers are all very capable. Do you want to go?â
Ning Dalang asked, âHow can I enter that academy?â
County Magistrate Shen narrowed his eyes and touched his beard. âTake part in the entrance exam, orâ¦â He said with a smile, âAsk the county magistrate for an introduction letter and you will be admitted immediately.â
Ning Erlangâs eyes lit up like two lanterns as he stared at the county magistrate. However, as a son who knew the true identity of the county magistrate, he did not want to scare his parents. He quickly retracted his gaze and started to feel uneasy.
Ning Dalang fell silent. When Xiaoxiao served a dish, he took the plate and said, âThen 1 really have to study and participate in the exam.â
Xiaoxiao glared at him with her back facing the others, and he followed suit. His smile was gentle, like a spring breeze.
Xiaoxiao couldnât be angry with such a brother at all. She pursed her lips and put down the first dish.
Looking at the tender yellow veggies wrapped together in front of them, everyone fell silent.
Ning Fengnian and his wife looked at each other awkwardly, not knowing how to smooth things over.
Mrs. Shen maintained a cultured smile without any disdain in her eyes. Shen Tianci tilted his head honestly. âNing Xiaoxiao, are we eating this directly?â
Xiaoxiao shook her head and raised the long-sprout pot in her hand. Under everyoneâs puzzled gazes, she poured the soup in the pot.
Shen Tianci almost couldnât find his chin. âItâs blooming!â
A magical thing happened. The inconspicuous tender cabbage unfolded its leaves under the scouring of the soup, like a water lotus.
Xiaoxiao named the dish. âSteamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup.â
She handled the soup so well that it looked like plain water, so everyone thought that the dish just looked interesting. However, County Magistrate Shen was the first to pick up a piece of cabbage and put it into his mouth out of courtesy. He never thought that he would be amazed by it.
He covered his mouth as if in disbelief. âThis pot isnât filled with plain water, is it?â
Xiaoxiaoâs eyes curved into crescents. âItâs chicken soup that was boiled all night.â
Mrs. Shen followed and started eating. At this moment, her beautiful eyes were filled with surprise. âItâs delicious!â
Of course it was delicious. Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup was a famous dish at the state banquet. The seemingly bland vegetable had long absorbed the essence of the thick broth. Every bite was mellow and delicious, leaving an endless aftertaste.
Xiaoxiao looked straight ahead and continued to announce the name of the dish. âThis is the spicy boiled fish. The fish bones have been removed, but you have to be careful when you eat it just in case some small bones werenât removed.â
After putting down the dish, she ran back and brought out the other dishes from the kitchen with her brothers, including the Ruyi buns and crystal prawn dumplings, which were her familyâs favorites recently. As the dishes were placed on the table, County Magistrate Shen and Mirs. Shenâs gaze turned from admiration to curiosity to amazement.
They originally thought that no matter how exquisite the farmerâs food was, only the vegetables would be a little greener and tender.. Who could tell them what half of the dishes on the table were?