"These sticky rice cakes are freshly made. The kitchen wrapped the food box with cotton cloth and placed it over a large porcelain bowl filled with hot water. They're still warm."
Qingrong narrated the care taken by the kitchen staff while setting the items on the small table beside Fang Yun.
Sticky rice cakes are best eaten hot; once they cool and harden, they lose their appeal.
As the lid was lifted, a sweet aroma filled the room.
"They look even more delicate than last year's," Fang Yun remarked, admiring the presentation.
Yanwei, who had a sweet tooth, peeked into the box.
This year's rice cakes were molded into flower shapes, in both yellow and white.
These are called "Gold and Silver Rice Cakes," symbolizing prosperity and wealth for the coming year.
"The kitchen really put in the effort, and they provided so many dipping sauces," Yanwei introduced eagerly. "Look, Fang Cefei, there's white sugar, brown sugar, soybean powder, mung bean powder, and osmanthus syrup."
Last year, the kitchen made red bean rice cakes, and Fang Yun only ate one piece, leaving the rest for the servants at Biluo Pavilion. This year, with her pregnancy giving her a better appetite and the kitchen's new creativity, she was more interested.
However, just as she was about to start eating, she remembered something and gave a directive.
"We haven't had the peace pulse check today. Call the imperial physician. Let's keep the rice cakes warm with a small stove for now."
The maids immediately understood.
The food from Biluo Pavilion's private kitchen was always closely monitored, ensuring cleanliness. But food from the main kitchen passed through many hands, and any issues could be problematic.
Yuanhe quickly went to fetch the physician.
Given the importance of Biluo Pavilion, the physician arrived swiftly.
After checking her pulse, Fang Yun had the physician inspect the rice cakes.
After smelling and tasting pieces from both flavors, the physician bowed.
"Fang Cefei, these rice cakes are safe to eat."
"Thank you, doctor. Please accept this token of appreciation for the New Year. Yanwei." Fang Yun smiled, gesturing.
Yanwei quickly retrieved a pouch from the inner cabinet and handed it to the physician.
The physician expressed gratitude and was escorted out by Yuanhe.
Feeling reassured, Fang Yun asked Qingrong to bring the rice cakes.
Palace desserts are known for their delicacy, and these rice cakes were small, perfect for a bite each.
With beautiful and varied dipping sauces, Fang Yun enjoyed quite a few in high spirits.
Concerned about overindulgence, Qingrong eventually persuaded her to stop.
The remaining rice cakes were distributed to the servants at Biluo Pavilion, giving everyone a taste of prosperity and New Year cheer.
After the rice cakes, it was nearly time for lunch. Song Shuren visited, and the two spent time playing chess and arranging flowers.
Fang Yun invited her to stay for lunch.
Afterward, as they sipped tea and digested their meal, Song Shuren shared the latest gossip.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
