Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 102 (Part 1)
T/N: I saw an opportunity and acted on it. Can’t help myself xD
Translated by Pure
Chapter 102.1 Attack on Tavern
East Market Shen Indelible Tavern.
A wandering Taoist, clad in a tattered robe, sat by the food table tray not far from the entrance of the establishment. In front of him were a plate of fried orchid beans, a pot of wine, a cup, and a pair of bamboo chopsticks. Beside him on the floor were a banner labeled ‘Cure-all Elixir,’ a small bell, and a dirty satchel. In Chang'an, where Buddihst temples and Taoist shrines proliferated, such itinerant Taoists selling ointments were countless, and he went unnoticed by all.
Qiao Hai picked up his wine cup and took a sip, then sampled a fried orchid bean. ‘Mm, quite fragrant,’ he noted.
On the round stage in front, two performers were recounting a story about a scholar who, after many years of studying, finally achieved success in the imperial examinations. His relatives and friends, once dismissive, now fawned over him in a manner that was both amusing and absurd. Qiao Hai, like the other patrons, chuckled.
Surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the bustling tavern, enjoying the simple dishes and insipid wine, Qiao Hai found himself momentarily lost in thought. He wondered if, had he and his senior brother not caught the Prince of Zhao’s attention all those years ago, his life would now be as ordinary as this?
When his senior brother fell gravely ill two years ago, he reminisced about their shared days foraging for wild vegetables on the mountain and fishing in the river, as if those memories brought him comfort. Qiao Hai believed his senior brother had every right to cherish such reflections; after all, he had stood beside the late emperor, his words capable of altering the tides of court politics. On the road, even the royal family and nobility would yield to him. Aside from ultimately failing to secure the rightful place for Prince of Zhao, his life could be deemed free of regrets.
As for himself… Qiao Hai glanced around the Shen Indelible Tavern, reflecting on how unexpectedly his fate had become intertwined with this establishment. Should his plans succeed, once their Vassal King ascended the throne and rewards were distributed, he would undoubtedly enjoy high office and ample wealth, basking in unparalleled glory. But if not... he took a sip of his wine, acknowledging that, at his age, death was not a premature concern.
His thoughts shifted to Prince of Zhao's fourth son, Li Yù, causing him to frown.
A young man, dressed in notably luxurious attire and accompanied by several wealthy attendants, entered the tavern.
The steward hurried to greet him.
As the young man made his way up to the second floor, he cheerfully remarked, "On the day of the ‘Attaining Ding Banquet’, please reserve a grand private room for me. Although I am not among the current exam-taking scholars, my friends and I are eager to witness such a grand occasion."
The steward replied with a smile, "In that case, sir, please choose a room today. There aren’t many private rooms left—six have already been booked, leaving only three available."
The young man frowned slightly and cast a seemingly casual glance at the figure in the worn-out Taoist robe. "Are there so many people?"
The steward responded, "As you mentioned, sir, who wouldn’t want to witness such a grand event? And once all the scholars inscribe their names on the silk..." He led the men up to the second floor.
Qiao Hai savored another sip of his wine. Three rooms... that should suffice. Such matters are best executed with a surprise attack, catching the enemy off guard. The emperor would likely travel incognito, accompanied by few.
At the entrance, the young proprietress of Shen Indelible and the young scion of the renowned Shao Residence, famed for their floral cakes, entered together.
As Qiao Hai listened, he heard Shao Jie cheerfully remark, "I’ve reviewed the accounts, and perhaps by next year, you’ll be able to buy a property by the Wei River."
The young proprietress responded with a smile, "The cattail rhizomes by the Wei River are excellent. By then, we can pick the freshest ones and make cattail rhizomes in milky broth…"
Qiao Hai couldn’t help but smile at their conversation.
…
Time sped by amidst various plans and calculations, and the day of the ‘Attaining Ding Banquet’ finally arrived.
As expected, countless scholars turned up, and the tavern was bustling with additional ordinary patrons eager to join in the excitement. The people of Chang’an have always had a keen interest in such refined and lively events.
Steward Qin personally attended to the writing implements. The scholars, full of ambition, inscribed their names on the long silk scroll hanging outside the tavern. With the blessings of the steward and the attention of the crowd, they entered the establishment.
At the appointed time, Steward Qin delivered a few opening remarks and then handed over the proceedings to the distinguished intellectuals selected by the scholars themselves. While his virtues were unknown, his talents were evident; he recounted tales and sang praises with eloquence and brilliance, each word shining like a jewel. The owners of the tavern, Miss Shen and Sir Shao, merely stood on the periphery, smiling with narrowed eyes.
Qiao Hai sat in a corner position on the second floor by the railing, scanning the private rooms. He observed the waitstaff frolicking around, the scholars and diners in the main hall, as well as his own people, before fixing his gaze on the entrance. The person he was waiting for had yet to appear.
His heart felt like it was tethered to a single thread, swaying back and forth. He wondered whether the emperor would appear and if he could seize the opportunity to strike him down within the tavern.
Even if they couldn't strike the Emperor down here, Qiao Hai comforted himself with the thought that there were Huihu people (ethnic minority) waiting to ambush near the carriage and horse market and their own men stationed at the imperial palace gates. He narrowed his eyes. Since the Emperor had ventured out of the palace, he shouldn't expect to return alive!
After waiting for another hour, as the scholars finished introducing their origins, names, and ages, the curtain was lifted to reveal the commander of the Imperial Guards, Qin Xiang! He courteously bowed and made way for the person beside him, who was dressed in a wind hat and cloak, revealing a pair of striking eyes.
Yes, indeed… that certainly is him! Qiao Hai had laid eyes on the emperor on two previous occasions, and his handsome visage was unmistakable, particularly his piercing eyes.
Qiao Hai signaled his own men with a glance and a slight nod. The invisible tension in the tavern was stretched to its limit.
A chamberlain of the Emperor approached a table near the railing on the second floor and requested that an early-arrived guest give up their seat. The guest, amiable in nature, readily agreed and vacated his seat.
The Emperor took his seat, and from Qiao Hai's vantage point, he could only see the Emperor's back. The Imperial Guards included those stationed on the second floor, some on the first floor on alert, and a few checking the private rooms. The Emperor pointed to the seat across from him, and although Qin Xiang made a show of reluctance, he eventually sat down. It seemed the emperor's favor toward Qin Xiang was no mere rumor.
As Qiao Hai observed the Emperor and Qin Xiang, he felt little concern for the happenings in the private room. Everyone had been meticulously disguised; unless someone were to inquire closely, no issues should arise.
