Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 45 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 45.2 A New Year Trip to the Temple
Due to excessive consumption and heavy drinking yesterday, everyone was given a light breakfast.
Millet porridge that was cooked until viscous and soft, boiled chicken, and small sesame flatbreads that were only the size of a palm. They were all round in shape, and had been seasoned with sesame paste, salt, and pepper before it was rolled and baked in the griddle. They were crispy and fragrant, a bit similar to those Ol Beijing-style rolls. The accompanying dishes were Pork Skin Sauteed With Soybeans And Pickles and pickled radishes with a few dashes of sesame oil.
On the morning of the first day of the new year, Shen Shaoguang blissfully enjoyed her bowl of porridge and pickles.
At this moment, she couldn’t help but recall the local happiness-survey-obsessed Deputy Magistrate Lin. If he had inquired about her state right now, she would sincerely tell him that she was living well, truly and very much so.
Of course, that person wouldn’t be visiting today to assess how content she was today. He was in the middle of the Grand Court Congregation. This annual event was a whole ordeal, in the past there was even an elderly Grand Chancellor who fainted because he couldn't hold on anymore.
On the contrary, Shen Shaoguang had quite a lot of free time. The first day of the new year was when the clan members extended their greetings to one another; it would be inappropriate for outsiders to disturb this. For her neighbors, it would be better until the third and fourth day of the New Year before visiting. Guangming Nunnery was hosting a religious assembly today, Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue had no time to spare, so it was better to delay this trip until tomorrow.
At the mention of ‘religious assembly’, Shen Shaoguang debated on whether or not to bring A’Yuan and the others to Qinglong Temple. The New Year religious assembly there must be lively, but how does it compare with the grand occasion of competing for the first inserted incense of the modern era?
As per custom, Shen Shaoguang lit incense for her departed parents and brother from this lifetime. She carefully arranged their offerings, ensuring that every detail was perfect. As the fragrant smoke filled the air, she solemnly burned joss paper, sending her prayers and wishes to the heavens above before taking A’Yuan and the others out.
Chongxian Lane and Qinglong Temple were situated in the western and eastern regions respectively, with a relatively short and direct distance between them, easily accessible by foot.
Qinglong Temple, a renowned and grandiose sanctuary, was undeniably a hub of activity. However, its liveliness paled in comparison to the bustling crowds that would later grace its premises. Shen Shaoguang was taken aback when she discovered that, despite it being the first day of the new year, street vendors selling delectable snacks had set up shop right outside the temple gate. Was this the predecessor of modern temple fairs?
Shen Shaoguang indulged in a basket of heavenly candied fruits, bursting with flavors of plums, apricots, dates, and winter gourd strips. Each piece was meticulously soaked in either sugar or honey, creating a symphony of sweet sensations. The sight was a feast for the eyes, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors that beckoned to be savored. It was impossible to resist the temptation as the fruits glistened, their succulent appearance making mouths water in anticipation. In that moment, it became abundantly clear that the age-old idiom, 'to quench one's thirst by thinking of plums,' was not a mere fabrication.
A’Yuan clutched the basket of mouth-watering candied fruits and strolled along, relishing every bite. Shen Shaoguang couldn't resist the temptation and popped one into her mouth every now and then. Yu San, on the other hand, declined to partake in the indulgence, while A’Chang, overwhelmed by the opulence of the ladies' feast, chose to endure silently. However, to his surprise, a hand extended before him, presenting a handful of luscious preserved apricots and winter gourd candies.
A’Chang looked up, his face breaking into a warm smile as he accepted the unexpected gesture from Shen Shaoguang.
Yu San, observing the trio who seemed to always be indulging in food and drink, couldn't help but silently marvel at their insatiable appetites.
"Miss Shen!"
Shen Shaoguang redirected her attention upon hearing a voice, only to discover that it was the maid of Second Young Lady Pang, who had a penchant for condescension towards others.
"Our Young Lady is over there!"
Shen Shaoguang obediently followed the direction of the maid's gaze, her eyes landing upon a resplendent young lady adorned with a veiled hat, surrounded by a retinue of maids and servants, all positioned near the grand entrance of the temple.
Second Young Lady Pang waved at Shen Shaoguang.
Shen Shaoguang and her entourage approached, and customary greetings were exchanged. Second Young Lady Pang inquired with a pleasant demeanor, "Might you also be seeking a divination?"
Shen Shaoguang arched her eyebrows and curiously asked, "What do you mean?"
"Great Master Chen only offers to interpret kau chims on the first day of the year. If one misses this opportunity, the next chance will not arise until the following year," elucidated Second Young Lady Pang.
Shen Shaoguang's lips curved into a charming smile as she continued to ask, "May I inquire, Second Young Lady Pang, have you already procured your divination or are you still awaiting your turn?"
Second Young Lady Pang cheerfully replied, "I have already received my divination."
Shen Shaoguang playfully quipped, "I presume it was a favorable one."
Second Young Lady Pang's smile widened as she nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it was."
How delightful it was to witness the sheer joy radiating from the countenance of the young maiden. Shen Shaoguang, too, found herself enveloped in a sense of contentment.
Second Young Lady Pang possessed a loquacious nature, unable to contain her excitement, she leaned closer to Shen Shaoguang, and whispered, "Have you heard the news? Fifth Young Lady Qin has recently become betrothed."
Shen Shaoguang was taken aback by this revelation. Was she now affianced to Deputy Magistrate Lin or perchance another suitor? Observing the sheer elation on Second Young Lady Pang's face, she surmised that it must be the latter. This explained why she had sought a fortune on the auspicious first day of the new year. After receiving a propitious divination and being bestowed with words of good fortune from the venerable monk, the young lady's happiness had only intensified.
Shen Shaoguang's speculation proved to be remarkably accurate.
Before Shen Shaoguang could ask, Second Young Lady Pang had already whispered, "She's now engaged to the Duke of Xinyang's eldest grandson, who was last year's Tanhua[1]. I heard that he was just granted the high title of Secretary Compiler of the Palace Library[2]."
The Duke of Xinyang, a member of the esteemed Yang Clan of Longxi, was renowned for their aristocratic lineage and impeccable reputation. His eldest legitimate grandchild, despite being born with a silver spoon, had earned his position through his own merit and hard work. He was indeed a suitable match for the Fifth Young Lady Qin.
As Shen Shaoguang nodded in agreement, Second Young Lady Pang's lips curled into a smile, "I'm overjoyed for Fifth Young Lady."
Her insincerity did not escape Shen Shaoguang's notice, and she couldn't help but chuckle at her facade.
It was not befitting for the Second Young Lady Pang to linger outside for an extended duration, thus she engaged in a brief exchange of words with Shen Shaoguang. In mutual agreement, they decided to meet up once more in the forthcoming days, when she would embark on a temporary sojourn at the resplendent Guangming Nunnery to pay homage to the revered Bodhisattva. With their appointment set, Second Young Lady Pang ascended her opulent carriage and departed from the scene.
After filling her ears with irrelevant tidbits and seeing Second Young Lady Pang off, Shen Shaoguang took A’Yuan and the others into the Buddhist temple. They leisurely strolled through its hallowed halls, immersing themselves in the enchanting recitation of the Sutra of Hui-neng, marveling at the grandeur of the pagoda and the walls adorned with poetic verses. Overwhelmed by curiosity, they found themselves irresistibly drawn to the main hall, where they sought to unveil their fortunes through the practice of kau chim.
The act of drawing the kau chim stick was a simple endeavor, yet, as Second Young Lady Pang had previously mentioned, deciphering its profound meaning proved to be a formidable task. Gazing upon the extensive queue of individuals patiently awaiting their turn to consult their oracle, Shen Shaoguang returned her kau chim stick to the monk who presided over the sacred chim bucket.
"Do you not wish for your kau chim to be elucidated, benefactor?"
"Considering that all is predetermined, it matters not whether I discover the truth now or later," Shen Shaoguang replied, her countenance adorned with a serene smile.
The monk, entrusted with the task of drawing the kau chim, joined his palms together. "May you be blessed. Your words resonate harmoniously with the principles of Buddhism, benefactor."
Shen Shaoguang's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as a smile graced her lips. In a gesture of reciprocity, she too joined her hands together before departing alongside her companions.
Following their temple visit, the group indulged in the savory delights of wontons at a charming stall outside. They strolled through the picturesque Leyou Garden, taking in the beauty of their surroundings. As the afternoon waned, they made their way back to Chongxian Lane, arriving just in time for the evening drum to sound.
As the carriage gradually decelerated upon reaching the grand entrance of the Lane Gate, Lin Yan delicately lifted the carriage curtain, revealing the travel-weary figure of Miss Shen and her entourage.
Shen Shaoguang, with a hint of exhaustion in her eyes, caught sight of Lin Yan through the window of his carriage.
In the twilight's embrace, before the grand Lane Gate, the fateful encounter unfolded between the two souls. One burdened by aching muscles, fatigued limbs, and a visage adorned with remnants of fading makeup. The other, wore the weariness of a day's toil upon his countenance.
Shen Shaoguang was the first to break into a smile, perhaps softened by her weariness, as her usual shrewdness momentarily receded. Lin Yan's eyes, too, curved with warmth, his expression imbued with a touch more tenderness than customary.
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The author has something to say: Please note that my description of a Buddhist Temple during the Tang Dynasty's New Year was completely fictitious.
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Footnotes:
[1] Tanhua (探花) - This is a title given to the third place of the Palace examination. The test papers of the ten best results were handed over to the emperor, who then in person decided over the name order. This finished, the final list was compiled. The day after the completion of the final list, the emperor in person presided over the graduation ceremony and announced the results of the exam. The three best were given the titles of Zhuangyuan (1st), Bangyan (2nd), and Tanhua (3rd).
source: http://www.chinaknowledge.de/History/Terms/examination.html
[2] Secretary Compiler of the Palace Library (校书郎/ 秘書郎/ 秘書郎中) - Or otherwise known as Jiaoshu Lang was a official position within the ninth-ranking system. They were mainly engaged in proofreading of articles and specializing in compiling book collections of the Palace Library (秘书省), which was a central government agency in Imperial China, generally in charge of maintaining and archiving the collection of the monarch's documents and sometimes also tasked to compile or edit historical records and state calendars. During the Tang dynasty the Palace Library was headed by one director (秘書監), two vice directors (秘書少監), and staffed with assistant directors (秘書丞) and assistants—which this novel refers as Secretary Compiler/Jiaoshu Lang. Our good ol'poet Bai Juyi was once a Secretary Compiler.
Foods:
Ol Beijing-style rolls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVYXI_1rFcE
Pork Skin Sauteed With Soybeans And Pickles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8gPinRNGRc
Pickled radishes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccuwTK1RO2Y
