“I understand, I know,” my brother replied, dazed. “It’s been a while since you’ve eaten my cooking, hasn’t it? I’ll go make some food.”
“But—”
“I know,” my brother laughed, his gray-covered eyes glinting. “What would you like to eat? Four delightful croquettes, Eight Treasures tofu, or silver fish egg stew?”
“I—” I was stunned. My brother was not acting normally.
He stood up, stumbling slightly as he walked out. “Going to cook.”
“Elder brother!” I called out loudly. “This is An’s home.”
He suddenly realized, embarrassedly laughing, “I actually forgot this isn’t our home. Little sister, remember to visit often. Elder brother is leaving now!”
I saw him off and watched him enter our parents’ home, feeling relieved. Soon after, my younger sister came running, saying our elder brother was causing a commotion in the kitchen and had already prepared eighteen dishes. If he continued, he might end up preparing a full imperial banquet.
I hurried back with her. Our parents stood at the kitchen door, looking helpless. Seeing me, they looked at me as if I were their savior. “A Yao, what’s wrong with your elder brother?” Mother pointed at the bustling stove and my brother’s busy back. “He’s cooked enough food to last half a month… Are we preparing a flowing water banquet?”
My elder brother, sweating profusely, was carefully carving a peony flower on a white radish, completely focused.
I sighed inwardly and led our parents and younger sister away. “Let him cook.”
That night, our family enjoyed the most luxurious meal of our lives. My elder brother opened a jar of Bamboo Leaf Green wine, drank two cups, then collapsed, mumbling Miao Yin’s name.
Our parents looked confused, and my younger sister asked, “To win? Is elder brother practicing for a cooking competition?”
I forced a smile. “Maybe.”
This tradition among the three countries has existed for a long time, held every four years but suspended for the past twenty due to conflicts between Xiliang and Qi. With its revival, there is hope for peace. The royal families quickly agreed on details, planning the competition for late spring and early summer in Yanfeng City, with events consistent with tradition.
