As the evening breeze ruffles the leaves and trees under the milky
twilight, the noise on the street gradually dies down as people hurrying home for
supper. For many, it is just a typical autumn nightfall. However, for the Huas,
it is a lovely day celebrating both the special reunion of Mulan and her family
and the delightful arrival of the handsome general, Li-shiang.
The house is especially clean and tidy that day with hardly any
layer of dust on the shelf or window frame. Candles with tender fragrance are
lit at every corner of the dining room. On the rectangular dining table spread
the treasured yellowish table cloth, which is embellished with embroidery of
birds and flowers, reserved only for New Year’s Eve and other special occasions.
Besides the table, Mama’s favorite white and blue porcelain vase is placed with
fresh tulips and lilies.
Despite all the splendid decorations in the room, the most appealing
of all is the mouthwatering dishes made by Mama and Granny. Even before they
are brought to the table, the enticing aroma from the kitchen has been tempting
people to dig in. Right in the middle of the table served the “Fo-Tiao-Qiang”. Like
a bowl full of treasures, the soup is of the color of amber with rich
ingredients such as: chicken, mushroom, scallop, quail eggs and taro lying
visible underneath the surface. To the left of the soup serves the “Creamy
Cabbage Baked”. A thick layer of white cream covers the cabbage like snow and the
midst of the surface is baked slightly golden brown. To the right, “Pineapple
Shrimp Balls” are arranged neatly in a round plate with a little sprinkled
pepper and some mayonnaise on the top, making them look like Christmas
decoration.
Other than the appetizing aroma of the dishes, the dining room is
filled with the delightful laughter and ongoing conversation of the Huas and
Li-shiang. Mama and Granny collapse into giggles like teenage girls at the
amusing stories told by the general. Papa smiles and occasionally gives his
comments. However, Mulan just sits there and eats her meal quietly with relish,
curving up her lips like waxing crescent. She likes to enjoy this sense of serenity
among the revelry. The dim light of the candles, the savoring taste reminding
her so much of her childhood, and the familiar chatter of the family all makes
her feel secure and at home. She does not realize where she leaves off their
conversation or when Li-shiang begins the anecdotes about her during war time. She
is drawn back to the table from her tranquil world at a sudden burst of
exclamation of her folks. She lifts up her face to find Li-shiang winking at
her, and her folks giggling from the back. Subsequently, she feels an abrupt
rush of warmness in both of her cheeks.
With the evening slowly fading into night, the house is illuminated
with joy and coziness. It has been a long time since the Hua last share a dinner
together. Mulan feels wonderful to be
home again; all the more so to be home with her favorite person, Li-shiang,
whose sense of humor she likes best. It is truly a special night for the Huas
and Li-shiang that will leave a lasting memory in each of their mind.
