Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 106
Translated by Pure
Chapter 106 Audience with the Emperor
On the day Shen Shaoguang was to enter the palace to meet the Emperor, it happened to be the ninth day of the third month, which was her birthday in her previous life.
After finishing court, Lin Yan returned to fetch Shen Shaoguang before heading back to the palace.
Shen Shaoguang was initially taken aback to learn that the Emperor wished to see her. Yet, upon further contemplation, the rationale became clear. As the sole survivor of the wrongful case surrounding the Shen Residence and, by happenstance, someone who had rendered invaluable assistance in rescuing the Emperor, her ties to Lin Yan and Chancellor Li only reinforced her significance. It was only natural for the Emperor to extend a measure of sympathy and offer reassurance in her regard.
From Shen Shaoguang's perspective, the current Emperor was far from being a paragon of great talent and strategic vision. Rather, he was somewhat thin-skinned and easily ‘embarrassed’—embarrassed to be extravagant. With the treasury limited, he had dragged out the renovation of a single garden for several years. After taking the throne, he was too embarrassed to carry out a sweeping reform of the court and military, opting instead for small, incremental changes. Having now taken the ‘benefits’, he felt embarrassed to persist in burying the injustices suffered by the Shen Residence…
While his lack of political ruthlessness and thick skin might not make him a particularly formidable Emperor, it did make him, to some extent, a good person.
Lin Yan, upon hearing Shen Shaoguang’s assessment of the Emperor, couldn’t help but smile. He had long noticed that A'Ji lacked deference towards the royal family, instead viewing them with a critical eye, reminiscent of the old aristocracy of the Six Dynasties.
As a scholar and a talented youth, Lin Yan had his moments of youthful arrogance. During his younger years, he and Pei Fei had delved into historical texts, critiqued historical figures, and debated the merits and faults of emperors both ancient and modern. While he might not have gone so far as to ‘phoenix song satirizing Confucius’, he had indeed held a rather dismissive view of many sovereigns.
Lin Yan largely agreed with Shen Shaoguang’s observations. The current Emperor’s “thin skin” and “benevolence” were sometimes unavoidable, but they also reflected his temperament; among emperors, he was quite “human.”
Shen Shaoguang laughed, amused to find that Deputy Magistrate Lin’s words could be so sharp. ‘Human…’ Indeed, many historically renowned emperors possessed strategic acumen and capabilities but often lacked that very quality of ‘human touch’.
Lin Yan wasn't bothered by revealing his true self in Shen Shaoguang's presence; rather, he felt a sense of liberation. To show all aspects of himself to someone he admired felt refreshing—like the intimacy of a wedding night... Lin Yan cleared his throat, smiling at Shen Shaoguang as he said, “Shall we go?”
Shen Shaoguang eyed Lin Yan with suspicion, sensing his unnatural demeanor.
While Shen Shaoguang discussed the Emperor with Lin Yan, the Emperor, in turn, spoke of them to Qin Xiang.
Qin Xiang was entirely on the Emperor's side. The Emperor confided to him, “Once the northern conflict is resolved and we hold the grand rewards for our meritorious subjects, let’s appoint Lin Yan as the capital’s Magistrate. We should send Ole Bai to Luoyang for retirement; it’s time he vacates his post and makes room for others.”
Hearing the Emperor use such colloquial language, Qin Xiang chuckled and chided, “Your Majesty, please don’t pick up such casual speech from those minor officials. Be careful not to slip up in the court and give the censors something to report.”
The Emperor laughed, “Let them say what they will. Haven’t they always had something to say? They complain about zhen’s garden renovation, zhen’s late arrivals to court, even the half-sleeved summer attire zhen wears. This is just another item on their list.”
Qin Xiang smiled as he spoke of Lin Yan, “Though Deputy Magistrate Lin is young, he is a man of responsibility and courage, and refreshingly unorthodox. The capital city needs someone like him to hold the fort.”
It was rare for Qin Xiang to comment on court officials in front of the Emperor. The Emperor, intrigued by his words, regarded him with interest.
Qin Xiang concluded, “Indeed, he is a capable person.”
“I do admire the bit of ‘chivalry’ in him.” The Emperor recounted Lin Yan’s previous efforts on behalf of Cui Boyuan, saying, “Though he appears cold, his heart is warm, and he has the spirit of the ancient worthies. Such a person is reliable.”
When it came to discussing Shen Shaoguang, Qin Xiang couldn’t help but smile with ease. “She is indeed a rare gem—a beauty, and exceptionally intelligent…” He paused, lamenting, “It’s a pity she didn’t remain in the palace.”
Having served as master and servant for twenty years, the Emperor could easily discern Qin Xiang’s thoughts from his tone. Reflecting on Lin Yan’s seemingly modest praise, the Emperor considered that while Miss Shen’s intelligence was undeniable, when selecting a wife or concubine, who would prioritize wisdom? It was not as if one were selecting an advisor.
However, reflecting on the playful banter at the tavern, the poetic verses about food, the menu that could double as literature, and the claim of a hotpot that could offer a different flavor every day for a month, the Emperor had to admit she did have quite the interesting personality...
When he finally met this descendant of the Shen Clan, though she was a subject’s wife, the Emperor couldn’t help but give her a second glance. He had to admit that even her appearance was striking; her beauty wasn’t just in her features, but in her demeanor; those eyes seemed to hold the warmth of three months of spring. It dawned on him that there were still such captivating individuals in the palace…
The Emperor had no intention of making excuses for his father to his subordinates but offered kind words of consolation, “You have endured much hardship over the years.”
Shen Shaoguang smiled and curtsied, “This commoner dares not speak of hardship.”
The phrase "dares not speak of hardship" was not because there is no hardship, but rather reflected a sense of duty and the spirit of a scholar. By referring to herself as "the commoner," rather than "the subject's daughter," she acknowledged her father's unresolved grievances. Her words were reminiscent of those from the court officials—both polite and direct, with each word ladened with subtle meaning and each sentence possessing depth and conviction.
The Emperor had initially thought that Lin Yan had found a talented and perceptive young lady with both beauty and insight. However, at this moment, he felt that the clarity and simplicity of his consort, Pang, were preferable. She was like a clear stream; what she thought was immediately apparent, even if she spoke in a roundabout way.
The Emperor looked at Lin Yan with some suspicion. Was this how you both usually converse? Deputy Magistrate Lin conducted affairs in this manner every day in court, and when he comes to see his wife, is this how they speak to each other? Isn’t it exhausting?
The Emperor cleared his throat and adopted the tone he used when addressing court officials, “Prince of Wu’s case has already been reassigned for retrial. Wait a bit longer.”
Shen Shaoguang responded solemnly, “Yes.”
“You are indeed perceptive. Last summer, you apprehended northern spies, and this year you’ve uncovered the connections between Li Yù and Qiao Hai.”
It was clear he wanted details, so Shen Shaoguang began recounting them. She described the Northern delicacies the spies had ordered in the summer, their distinctive scents, and their expressions at the time. As for the suspicions surrounding Li Yù, there were many. Although he was said to be a scholar from Suzhou, he had an unusual preference for northern curdled milk. Despite the availability of Daughter Wine, he chose wine from Xinfeng. His fondness for robust lamb spine dishes, his taste for sour and spicy foods, his preference for wheat-based foods, and the distinct aroma similar to that of the Hu people all pointed to inconsistencies.
The Emperor had already heard these matters from Lin Yan. While Lin Yan focused on the broader implications and emphasized the key points, Shen Shaoguang addressed each issue directly, dissecting them with clarity and precision. Her method of analysis resembled the death penalty case files submitted by the Ministry of Justice, meticulously organized and thoroughly examined.
Engaging in conversation with such a young lady was indeed a novel experience for the Emperor. He cleared his throat and said, “I’ve heard that on the day of Qiao Hai’s capture, you even ventured into the tavern yourself and faced danger?”
As a descendant of a criminal, a young lady with such insight, courage, and loyalty... The Emperor nodded, “You are truly remarkable.”
Shen Shaoguang smiled shyly and replied with honesty, “There was no real danger that day. This commoner had left early.”
The Emperor laughed, finding her quite genuine.
Shen Shaoguang, however, reverted back to her serious demeanor. "Even if there had been some danger, it is of little concern. My late father taught me, ‘If it benefits the country, do not shy away from self-sacrifice.’ This commoner is merely following in the footsteps of my ancestors."
Recalling the tragic fate of Shen Qian at the imperial court, the Emperor fell silent for a moment. "Rest assured, the injustice against your father will certainly be rectified."
Shen Shaoguang performed a deep bow in gratitude.
…
On the way back, Lin Yan did not ride a horse but accompanied Shen Shaoguang in the carriage. Noting her expression, he embraced her, gently stroking her back with one hand. "My A'Ji..."
After a moment, Shen Shaoguang sat up straight and smiled, “Today is my birthday.”
Lin Yan, not wanting her to dwell on sadness, followed her lead and asked with a smile, “Didn’t you just celebrate your birthday a few days ago? How can today be your birthday again?”
Shen Shaoguang touched the hairpin Lin Yan had given her a few days ago, raised an eyebrow, and smiled, “A few days ago was A'Ji’s birthday. Today is Shaoguang’s birthday. Is that not allowed?”
Lin Yan chuckled. “Very well, very well. It’s simply that you didn’t mention it beforehand, so I didn’t have the opportunity to prepare a gift.”
A gift… Shen Shaoguang regarded Lin Yan, her gaze drifting over his neck. With a playful smile that curved her eyes, she replied, “This evening, during dinner, I shall reveal to you precisely what I desire.”
Lin Yan nodded and gently touched her hair.
…
That evening, after dinner at the Shen Residence, while sitting opposite each other and drinking tea, Lin Yan brought up the topic again.
Shen Shaoguang leaned closer and whispered something to him.
Lin Yan pressed his lips together, observing Shen Shaoguang's blend of roguish mischief and delicate charm, and he couldn’t help but smile in exasperation. He truly regretted insisting on having Administrative Division Governor Shen officiate the Six Etiquettes.
“Is that not possible?” Shen Shaoguang provoked once more.
“Be good, don’t make trouble. I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold back…”
Shen Shaoguang stole another glance at his neck, merely yearning to touch and play with that little red beauty mark. Was it really such a big deal?
.
.
.
T/N: Yay, no footnote even though it is a full chappy! As always, our mc is still playing hoodlum!
