In Lin'an, in the early years of the Southern Song dynasty, the streets and lanes bustle with people. Tea houses, food stalls, pastry shops, merchant shops, and miscellaneous-goods stands of every kind fill the city. A Ning, who has come down the mountain with her master for training, is instantly dazzled by the vibrant sights and sounds. Coming back to her senses, she sighs to herself and pulls her little senior brother, who is still standing in front of a crab-meat bun shop and drooling, away by the hand. With a stern face, she says coolly, “What are you staring at? We don't have any money.”
It's true, they have no money. Even though the Yunxiu Sect is one of the most prominent sects, it has many disciples. All the copper coins they have between them wouldn't be enough to afford a meal at Huayue House on the corner of New Street.
So when she tries the ten-colored milk-sugar cakes for the first time, she truly thinks, Having money is wonderful. Her nose stings, and she almost bursts into tears. The milk-sugar cakes are just so delicious QAQ
She eats those delicious milk-sugar cakes one more time later on.
It is the first day of the new year. In front of the inn where she is staying, a group of children throw lit firecrackers at a ragged little beggar. The beggar does not even try to dodge. He just sits on the edge of the platform, grinning foolishly. A Ning cannot stand to watch, so she kicks the firecrackers away and chases the children off.
“Are you all right?” A Ning asks. The little beggar does not answer for a long time. He only looks at her and smiles vacantly. On his grimy face, only his eyes are clear as dew, bright as the moon.
“Eat.”
Chu Yi, cheeks puffed as he chews, pushes the milk-sugar cake toward her. Her reflection shines in his bright eyes.
A Ning smiles.
She says softly, “I don't like them.”
I want to tell a story about A Ning: a serious, rule-bound type x a sweet, cute, and sly type.
I want to blend the world of wuxia with the ordinary warmth of everyday life, making reasonable imaginative additions based on historical fact.
A pretend age-gap romance, with a difference in mental age. If that's not your thing, please don't read.
