An anticipatory energy permeated the great house as everyone prepared for the Spring Festival. A successful festival would assure a prosperous year. Yin Su helped her mother prepare special foods. The festival lasted several days and required many different dishes to satisfy the Great Lord and his guests. Yin Su loved the uplifting excitement which came to the house in the spring. The line between the Great Lord, his family, his guests, and the workers of the house blurred during this festival. Servants and workers could sample some of the special foods. They could participate in the dancing, the music. Duties remained, but the atmosphere was more relaxed. And there even might be a red envelope. 

Yin Su had never lived anywhere else. She did not know how other houses might celebrate the spring. If she had, she would have realized the Great Lord of her house was quite generous with those who toiled under his command. He was intellectually curious and encouraged others to learn. Yin Su had been allowed to attend the schooling of his sons and learn under the same teacher. And the custom of giving red paper envelopes with money inside was extended to all. 

The giving of red envelopes reflected the basic relationships in life. Older gave to younger. Ruler gave to ruled. Parents gave to children. The gift did not have to be large. The presence of red paper around the gift was enough to signify a wish of health and prosperity for the coming year. For some, the paper itself was the only thing given.

Yin Su had always received a red envelope from the Lord of the house. The sum of money was a modest amount. Enough for material for a new piece of clothing. A trinket. A toy. Yin Su eagerly spent the money in the marketplace and proudly displayed her gift for the Great Lord’s approval. He always smiled, clapped his hands, and told Yin Su how happy he was that she was part of his household. Maybe this year it would be even better. Perhaps the Kitchen God would help.

Yin Su took down the Kitchen God from the shelf where it sat for a year and overlooked all the activities of the household. At least all the activities of the kitchen, but Yin Su was quite sure that the god had access to the entire household to be able to judge accurately. She often spoke to the Kitchen God as she helped her mother, telling him her thoughts and feelings. She was sure this added information would reflect well on the household.

For several years Yin Su assisted her mother in the privilege and responsibility of overseeing the Kitchen God effigy. The Kitchen God held the success or failure of the household for the coming year. 

Each Spring Festival the straw effigy would go on its spiritual journey to the Jade Emperor. It would report everything that had taken place within and without the household structure, both good and bad. The Jade Emperor would decide the fate of each individual as well as the household for the coming year. Thus, the success of the New Year was based on what the Kitchen God said about the actions of the past year. 

Yin Su could think of nothing that would impede another successful year. The household had run smoothly. The Great Lord had been successful in his endeavors based on the flow of money and people through the house. The Great Lord was happy. His sons were growing and learning. Yin Su was permitted to attend classes and the kindly Tutor reported their progress to the Great Lord.

Years of lessons produced two adequately educated sons and one curious mind that was always questioning and searching for more. Soon Elder Brother would join his father’s world of influence. He had achieved sixteen springs. An advantageous marriage would be arranged and the next generation would begin. It promised to be an exciting year. 

It was time to send the Kitchen God on his way. The ritual was the same every year. Nian gao must be prepared.

The measuring of the ingredients for nian gao cake had to be precise. Yin Su had watched her mother prepare it for years. Now that she had achieved fifteen springs, she begged to do it herself. The Great Lord gave permission. She consulted her mother for help. The nian gao must set up properly. If it did not, the Kitchen God could not make his way to the Jade Emperor and report on the activities of the household.

Under her mother’s watchful eye, Yin Su set a pot of water to boil. Her mother helped her measure the precious sugar and combine it with the water at the precise moment it started to boil. Yin Su stood over the pot and stirred it, dissolving all the sugar. She removed the pot from the fire and set it to cool. 

While the sugar water cooled Yin Su measured the rice flour and put it in a separate bowl. She added a small amount of rendered pig fat to the cooling water, then slowly poured the water and oil into the flour mixture. Her mother held the sugar water pot and added a small amount as Yin Su stirred rapidly to blend the liquid and flour into a batter without lumps. Yin Su’s arms grew tired from the effort but soon the mixture had a smooth consistency. As Yin Su stirred, her mother prepared an even larger pot of boiling water and set the bamboo steamer atop it. When all was blended, Yin Su poured the batter into three ceramic containers. She scraped the sides of the mixing bowl so nothing would be wasted. The three small bowls went into the steamer and a cover was placed on top. For the next few hours, Yin Su would make sure the fire kept burning and the water kept boiling until the mixture caramelized into a dark brown mass. 

Elder Brother wandered into the cooking area as Yin Su added a bit more water to the boiling pot. Not enough to stop the boiling, but enough to ensure the water did not totally evaporate. 

“Will we have a proper nian gao for the Kitchen God ceremony tonight?’ he asked Yin Su.

“Yes, it appears most delicious. I am sure the Jade Emperor will bestow much prosperity on us.”

“That is good.” Elder Brother fidgeted, rubbing his fingers repeatedly together and smoothing the sleeve of his robe. Yin Su looked at him expectantly. She did not want to leave her task at hand. Elder Brother’s gaze went everywhere in the kitchen except to Yin Su. 

“Do you require something?” she asked. “I really need to stay close to the pot until the nian gao is completely gelled.”

Elder Brother looked at his feet. Yin Su was confused. Normally, Elder Brother had no reticence in expressing his desires and needs. He often called upon her for a treat from the kitchen. He occasionally followed her around while she attended to her duties. They would talk as she worked, usually about some point of philosophy they previously discussed in a lesson or some observation he had made while accompanying his father. Today his tongue was silent.

“Um... We can talk this evening. After you have sent the Kitchen God on his way.”

“That will be most pleasant.” 

Elder Brother continued to fidget. He did not move away but stared at Yin Su. “I have had a conversation with my father.” He stroked the sleeve of his robe repeatedly. “I must talk to you.”

“Is something wrong?” Yin Su had never seen Elder Brother behave this way.

Elder Brother turned and walked away. Yin Su could think of nothing in their lessons that would cause him to behave this way. She had no time to dwell on his behavior. The nian gao was almost done. It needed time to cool and the steamer was needed to prepare the catfish for the evening meal. It was to be a joyous celebration.

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