Chen Mansion.
On the narrow bluestone path, Xiao Man carried two food boxes, humming a tune as she returned to Silver Apricot Garden.
She pushed the door open and entered, complaining loudly, "Come and help, no sense of what's going on at all."
The little monk, dressed in a moon white monk's robe, like a bullied young wife, quickly dropped the bamboo broom and took the food boxes from Xiao Man before setting the bowls and plates out on the stone table.
A dish of red plum fermented bean curd, twelve buns, two bowls of white porridge.
Xiao Man sat boldly beside the table, "I'll warn you; when the young master comes back, don't tell him I'm bullying you again."
The little monk quickly responded, "Miss Xiao Man, don't worry, I won't."
Satisfied, Xiao Man picked up her chopsticks, "Alright, let's eat. Today's buns are stuffed with sour celery, which I personally pickled a few days ago using the first batch of spring celery—sour, crisp, and very tasty."
