Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 37 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 37.2 An Intergender Altercation
Huan Seven was especially emphatic. Although he was from an aristocratic family, he was from a side branch. He usually adhered to the direct descendants to live a better life. His family had only maintained a decent lifestyle because of his innate talent in literacy and thus supported by the main clan. He hadn’t expected that the proprietress of this tavern shared the same status, but reduced to a more tragic state...
Huan Seven said to everyone at the table, "The Shen Clan in Luoyang are of noble character, it’s best to show some respect."
When Shen Shaoguang came out with the beverages, she found that these people suddenly became more polite.
Shen Shaoguang looked at Liu Feng. Liu Feng's face was blushing with shame.
That expression of his— my past must have been outed. Judging from their reactions, my family name must have probably been mentioned? Liu Feng is a kind and honest person, so he probably hadn’t disclosed the fact that I used to be a palace maid working in the Lateral Courts...
Shen Shaoguang's ability to observe people's emotions and make deductions through logic were honed to perfection, and she made a very accurate assumption.
Seeing Shen Shaoguang's manner of speech and graceful etiquettes, and now aware that she was from the Shen Clan in Luoyang, the scholars all felt a sense of pity.
Lu Two considered himself to have an upright and honest character. He immediately said to Shen Shaoguang, "There’s a certain brief remark, I’m not sure if it’s improper to say?"
Liu Feng frowned and interjects, "Lu Two——"
On the contrary, Shen Shaoguang smiled and said, "Please go ahead, sir."
"I just heard that you are related to the Shen Clan of Luoyang. As a noble lady, even if suffering from a reversal of fortune, is there a need to degenerate yourself to this state?" She could have contacted a clan member and found someone to marry. How could she expose her face in public to sell wine? Lu Two respected the name ‘Shen’, so he didn’t use the term ‘abandoning oneself’.
At this time, the ranking of classes followed in the order of scholars over farmers over artisans over merchants. Shen Shaoguang never considered fighting against this mainstream concept, but she was still rather unhappy when someone blatantly pointed this out.
Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes and smiled. "I can see that your graceful bearing is unmatched, Sir. Court Scribe Liu seemed to have addressed you as 'Lu Two' just now. Could it be that you are a descendant of the Lu Clan in the east?"
The Lu Clan of Luoyang had produced many high-ranking officials, gentries, governors during this dynasty, and were the peak of aristocracy. Lu Two only wished he was related to such a clan, but feigning ancestry was unacceptable, thus he truthfully answered, "I am a native of Xiang Province."
Shen Shaoguang nodded. "Oh, no wonder..."
Everyone looked at her, baffled. No wonder what?
"In the past, Duke Lu Cheng of Wei[1] reformed the policy regarding salt trade, mediating the canals, and promoted trade and commerce between the north and south. He’s as able as Sang Hongyang of the Han Dynasty[2] and even once said 'merchants are the blood of the country.' Most likely all the younger descendants of the Lu Clan in Luoyang had been educated with this ideology."
Shen Shaoguang looked at Lu Two and chuckled, "And here I thought the Lu Clan had produced something unconventional. Since you mentioned a different place of ancestry, I’ve realized my mistake. I hope you didn’t take offense, sir." After her words, Shen Shaoguang didn’t forget to add a curtsy.
Lu Two fumed, so indignant that he was at a loss for words.
Huan Seven and others were also rendered speechless. This young lady was so articulate, and she surprisingly had a good grasp of the current high-ranking statesmen and national politics of the current dynasty.
Liu Feng's eyes widened. Miss Shen had always been gentle and composed...
Shen Shaoguang looked at Liu Feng. Has my— character collapsed?
The current standstill was suddenly broken by a sound of laughter outside the door. The felt curtain was then lifted, and in came two men, Deputy Magistrate Lin and his friend.
Lu Two flicked his sleeves and walked out, just briefly brushed by Lin Yan and Pei Fei.
Not in a hurry to worry about Lu Two, Liu Feng stepped forward to greet Lin Yan.
From Liu Feng's deferential posture and hearing him address the man as ‘Deputy Magistrate’, Huan Seven and others realized that this was the Deputy Magistrate of the capital city, so they all immediately came forward to pay their respects.
Lin Yan indifferently nodded and said, "No need to stand on ceremony."
Pei Fei was then introduced. After the formal proprieties, both parties took their seats.
Not often do they come in contact with a high-ranking, scarlet robe official, Huan Seven and others naturally took advantage to flaunt their best. At this time, they regretted not carrying their Accordion Book of Performance[3] with them. It would have been much better to submit it in person than to submit them to the gatekeepers in every government repository. Who knew whether those gatekeepers handed over the accordion book up or simply used it as a fuel for fire.
Shen Shaoguang saw that they were more interested in chatting than eating, as if it were a tea party. Fortunately, today was the second day of the Winter Solstice, so there weren't many guests, so she simply allowed them to host the party as they pleased. Then she asked A’Yuan to serve the warmed beverage to Lin Yan and Pei Fei while she went to the kitchen to check the pheasant soup.
The retinues first started on the topic of the Winter Solstice and then moved onto the virtues and policies of the current reigning Emperor, and two of them even composed poems on the spot. Lin Yan nodded and said, "The imperial court only selects the best, singling those who possess both integrity and talent. You are all great talents, even I can’t outmatch. As for integrity—" Lin Yan paused and looked at the scholars with clear eyes and a solemn expression. "Maintaining the highest virtues, staying heedful in words and actions, are the characteristics of a noble character. There are the words I depart on you all."
Everyone promptly stood up to thank Lin Yan for his teaching while Pei Fei remained seated, smiling as he took a sip of the red date and wolfberry beverage.
Afraid of disturbing his indefatigable superior's meal, Liu Feng asked to be excused. Huan Seven and others felt that they did not have the face to have dinner with a scarlet robe official, so they also left with Liu Feng.
Shen Shaoguang came out of the kitchen to see them off, and Huan Seven et al. were extremely polite to her— Deputy Magistrate Lin's lecture on ‘virtue’ just now still rang clearly in their ears. Speaking of which, how much of their conversation did Deputy Magistrate Lin hear? Although his words were absolutely correct, albeit because of what happened before, it sounded almost as if a warning.
Huan Seven suddenly had a strange idea. Could it be that Deputy Magistrate Lin shared some sort of relationship with Miss Shen?
Amidst the dazzled departing diners was a man addressed as Huan Seven. Shen Shaoguang wanted to stop him and tell him about the lady’s inquiration, but after a second thought, she decided to hold off and tell the lady of this matter first. Anyway, since she was aware of Liu Feng's residence, they will surely find this Sir Huan again.
Shen Shaoguang walked over and asked the two remaining people with a smile, "There are fresh pheasant today, which will be finished roasting soon. There is also pheasant soup, would you two sirs care to try?"
Pei Fei looked at Shen Shaoguang, then at Lin Yan, and said with a chuckle, "Whatever you say goes. As long as it’s fresh, we’ll take an order of. After all— I’m not the one who’s paying."
Shen Shaoguang showed an understanding smile. Friends, aren’t they all just walking wallets? Touché! Touché! She briskly agreed and stated, "Just a moment, everything will be served soon."
Catching sight of their mischievous smiles, Lin Yan pursed his lips and picked up his tea cup. Pei Twelve sighed all morning. He completely deserved it!
.
.
.
Footnotes:
[1] Wei (魏) - One of the seven major states during the Warring States period of ancient China. It was created from the three-way Partition of Jin, together with Han and Zhao. Its territory lay between the states of Qin and Qi and included parts of modern-day Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wei_(state)
[2] Sang Hongyang of the Han Dynasty - Sang Hongyang (桑弘羊; 152–80 BC) was a Chinese politician. He was a prominent official of the Han Dynasty who served Emperor Wu and his successor, Emperor Zhao. He is famous for his economic policies during the reign of Emperor Wu, the best known of which include the state monopolies over iron and salt - systems which would be imitated by other dynasties throughout Chinese history.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sang_Hongyang
[3] Accordion Book of Performance (行卷) - There’s no official English term I could find for this, but basically this is a book that scholars can show high ranking officials which contains their self-composed writing and poetry, showing off their personal skills. If the high ranking official likes what he sees, it can be submitted and aid the scholar in passing his imperial Metropolitan examination.
