On the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, a fine drizzle drifted over Jincheng. Warmth filled the side hall of Xia Huai'an's residence, where a charcoal brazier kept a large pot of mixed-grain porridge simmering slowly, accompanied by several plates of golden-brown wild vegetable pancakes and a small dish of pickled radishes.
"Sister-in-law, why are we eating such plain food this year!" Xiaomao pouted, "I thought we'd get to eat something good for the Laba Festival!"
Mother Xia sat in the seat of honor, her silver hair combed meticulously without a single stray strand. She smiled and said, "What, you find this meal shabby? A little over a year ago, you couldn't even get your hands on wild vegetable pancakes!"
Chapter 189