At that moment, Tan Yan was holding half a piece of osmanthus steamed cake. It was soft and fluffy, flecked with golden osmanthus blossoms and filled the air with a sweet fragrance. She nibbled at it, cheeks puffing with every bite like a little hamster hoarding food. Her other hand rested casually on the illustrated storybook in her lap. It wasn't a proper young lady's reading, like Admonitions for Women or Inner Teachings, but the most popular romance tale of talented scholars and beautiful maidens from the city streets. Its cover was worn and curled at the edges from being read so often.
Qingzhu came over quietly with a cup of chilled sour plum drink. Seeing her young mistress like this, she couldn't help smiling. “Miss, the Old Madam has sent over almond crisps again. She says she just learned the recipe from the Imperial Kitchen. Would you like to try one?”
At the mention of food, Tan Yan's bright eyes lit up. She hadn't even swallowed her cake yet, and answered with her mouth full, “Bring them over, quick!”
She took the gold-painted lacquer tray and picked up an almond crisp. Crumbs fell onto her lapel, but she didn't care and popped it straight into her mouth. The crisp, nutty flavor mingled with the sweetness on her tongue. Tan Yan closed her eyes in contentment and gently bobbed her head, with only one thought in mind: Delicious, absolutely delicious!
This was her sixteenth year in this world.
Sixteen years ago, she had been Tan Xiaoyan, raised in a modern orphanage. She had no parents, only Granny Li from the orphanage, who would save the few eggs they had for her and hold her close whenever her hands and feet grew numb with cold. To save up for Granny Li's medical treatment, she worked delivery day and night. One rainy day, the road was slick, and an out-of-control truck came barreling toward her. When she opened her eyes again, she had become Tan Yan, the second legitimate daughter of Tan Zhenbang, Minister of Personnel in the Great Yao Dynasty.
