It's said to be something new, but actually the items themselves aren't that rare. They're merely baskets of tender green scallions, young spinach, baby bok choy, along with some pea shoots and fragrant herbs.
Nonetheless, Lian Manman was very pleased. Such things aren't uncommon in spring or summer, but in winter, they're a rare treat.
Come winter, Liaodong Prefecture could be described as locked in ice for miles and covered in snow for thousands of miles, leaving the entire gardens of Liaodong Prefecture barren. People simply had no fresh vegetables to eat; what could be considered green vegetables were limited to stored winter cabbage and spinach harvested and buried in autumn.
Even in the wealthiest households, though the dining table remained lavish, there was still a lack of green vegetables.
