Family Lunch

The mutton that Su Shen had purchased from the city's farmer's market that morning was rumored to be freshly butchered from a lamb in the wee hours of the morning. The freshness was undeniable.

Gu Zi soaked the mutton in cold water, rinsing the rosemary clean before placing it on a paper towel to dry. She also prepared a bowl with a mix of scallions, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, and hawthorn.

Next, she cleaned the sugarcane, peeled it, and cut it into strips for later use. Water chestnuts were peeled, carrots were chopped, and then she ventured into the yard to retrieve a piece of dried orange peel, which would be used in the mutton stew.

Su Li had just finished his martial arts training when he saw his mother in the yard fetching the orange peel. He followed her into the kitchen, eager to lend a hand. "Mom, we're finally using the orange peel. Let me help you wash it."