Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 49 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 49.2 Nibbling on Spring Chives Freshly Harvested Amidst the Drizzle
Shen Shaoguang, contemplating the transient nature of the world and the cycles of heaven, lifted her eyes to observe a group of individuals approaching in the drizzle. Among them was Liu Feng. The others seemed familiar, likely the same associates brought by Huan Seven. However, Huan Seven wasn’t present, and she also didn't see the man surnamed Lu whom she had criticized before.
Stepping away from the counter, Shen Shaoguang greeted them with a smile, "Good day, sirs." She directed a specific greeting to Liu Feng, "Sir Liu, is today your day off?"
The group of scholars returned nods to Shen Shaoguang, while Liu Feng reciprocated with a smile, saying, "Miss Shen."
Not having seen Sir Liu for a few days, Shen Shaoguang noticed a slight weight loss in him, although it could be attributed to shedding winter attire.
Shen Shaoguang instructed A’Yuan to bring some tea and personally presented the tavern's fashionable spring menu to them. Despite the excellence of the hot pot, she acknowledged its off-season status. In her demeanor, Shen Shaoguang felt like one of those unfaithful individuals who had cast aside an old lover, her eyes gleaming with the freshness of a new connection.
Prompted by the thought of an ‘unfaithful scumbag’, Shen Shaoguang couldn't resist inquiring, "Why isn’t Sir Huan with you today?" She harbored no guilt nor apprehension about encountering someone she had previously disparaged.
Liu Feng informed her, "Huan Seven set off for Shannan West Circuit[1]."
Shen Shaoguang nodded in acknowledgment, remarking, "'Knowledge comes from books and from experience in the world.' Scholars, too, can expand their knowledge through travel."
The fact that Huan Seven chose to embark on a journey right after the list of successful candidates for the Metropolitan Examination was published implied that his name was not among them. If he had been a person of upright character, Shen Shaoguang might have added a regretful lament, saying, 'Truly an unrecognized talent.' After all, passing such exams was undeniably challenging. Who hasn't faced misfortune in examinations? But in this person's case, perhaps, like her, karma couldn't help but strike back?
Shen Shaoguang didn’t consider herself a virtuous person, yet she found herself labeled as such by the group of scholars. Sharing a common experience of a resounding failure in their examinations, they were left with the option of waiting for another attempt the future or opting to embark on a ‘journey’, trying their luck in different places, serving as aides and advisors to high-ranking officials for a few years, and then returning to attempt the exam once more, increasing their chances of success. The banquet held that day served as a farewell gathering for this purpose.
Upon hearing Miss Shen's wisdom, encapsulated in the phrases 'Knowledge comes from books and from experience in the world.' and 'Scholars, too, can expand their knowledge through travel,' which precisely addressed their concerns and even saved face, the scholars burst into laughter and praised, "Miss is quite knowledgeable."
Having spoken words that resonated with them and noted down their selected dishes, Shen Shaoguang retreated into the kitchen.
One of the scholars chuckled softly and teased, "Now I finally understand why Liu Three sent a matchmaker to her. This Miss is truly a kin of the Shen Clan of Luoyang. She is genuinely pure in heart and spirit, quite distinct from the ordinary girls of today."
Liu Feng promptly intervened, saying, "Stop, cease your words at once."
Another scholar chimed in, "Are you not aware that Three was betrothed to the legitimate daughter of Court Scribe Zhao from the capital city?"
The earlier scholar promptly apologized, saying, "I apologize for my abrupt and rude remark. I wasn't aware of the situation."
Liu Feng swiftly waved his hand, dismissing the need for further concern.
The scholars collectively laughed and inquired about the official date of the wedding. Upon learning that it was planned for the coming autumn, they shook their heads with regret, realizing they might be unable to attend Liu Three’s wedding.
As the dishes and wine continued to arrive, some scholars raised their glasses, offering early congratulations to Liu Feng on his impending nuptials.
Shen Shaoguang, appearing with a plate of Fish in Vinegar Gravy, overheard this and was slightly surprised. She quickly broke into a smile, extending her congratulations as well.
Liu Feng rose from his seat, offering a gesture of gratitude with cupped hands. His face bore a slight red hue, possibly a result of imbibing wine.
While maintaining a composed exterior, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but jest inwardly, ‘Why thank me when you're the one getting married? Thanking her for not becoming his spouse? That seems...a bit scummy.
Shen Shaoguang returned to the kitchen and instructed Yu San to prepare two dishes, 'Prosperous Harmony Platter' and 'Everlasting Harmony,' as complimentary gifts from the tavern to extend congratulations to Liu Feng on his marriage.
Observing the refined and courteous demeanor of the two, akin to noble individuals and their compatriots, especially noting Miss Shen's natural and magnanimous presence with a noble and benevolent character, the scholars abandoned any inclination for jesting or spectating. Once again, they marveled at Miss Shen's worthiness as a scion of a distinguished clan.
As the tavern steadily filled with more patrons, precisely during the peak of the bustling crowd, Second Young Lady Pang entered with her maid.
Shen Shaoguang was taken aback and quickly approached to greet her, "Has Second Young Lady come to the nunnery for prayers?"
Second Young Lady Pang smiled and nodded, then furrowed her brows as she surveyed the crowded tavern. "I had hoped for a quiet place to sit down, talk with you, and enjoy a meal."
Shen Shaoguang smiled, finding amusement in the girl's apparent lack of awareness. In her thoughts, she mused, ‘If the tavern at noon was as quiet as you believed, how could I sustain my livelihood?’
"Forget it, I'll come see you another day. Besides, I'll be staying at the nunnery for a while," Second Young Lady Pang expressed, unable to tolerate the noise in the bustling establishment. She turned to leave.
Shen Shaoguang stood at the door in the drizzle, ready to see her off.
"I have a question for you," Second Young Lady Pang suddenly turned back, scanning her surroundings before speaking softly, "Has Deputy Magistrate Lin ever dined at your tavern?"
Was she hoping for a 'chance encounter'? Quite the young lady with many ideas and actions.
"He has," Shen Shaoguang nodded.
Second Young Lady Pang was overjoyed, with even the huadian between her eyebrows seemed to become more vivid. She pondered for a moment and then asked Shen Shaoguang, "Does he come here often? What does he like to eat?"
Considering what Deputy Magistrate Lin preferred to eat put Shen Shaoguang in a bit of a spot. He didn't seem fixated on a particular dish; in general, he leaned toward lighter-flavored options.
Second Young Lady Pang didn't wait for Shen Shaoguang to respond before making a decision, "Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue has always complimented your cooking skills. Starting tomorrow, no, tonight, I will come to try your tavern’s delicious offerings."
Reflecting on A’Yuan's proposal to position herself at the tavern's entrance, introducing dishes and enticing customers, Shen Shaoguang sported an innocent smile. This patron wasn't lured in by my endeavors.
But, now that she's here, she must stay. Shen Shaoguang smiled and said, "Second Young Lady, come a bit earlier. I've set aside a secluded seat at the far end just for you."
"Alright, Miss Shen, see you in the evening."
Shen Shaoguang observed her departure with a smile. Beneath the protective embrace of the umbrella, Second Young Lady Pang, draped in a gown of soft pink, resembled a blooming apricot blossom, unfurling its petals in a gradient from pure white to the delicate hues of pink-red.
That Deputy Magistrate Lin only has his looks going for him; his beauty is deceptive... Shen Shaoguang shook her head and made her way back into the establishment.
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Deputy Magistrate Lin chuckled, "So, my looks are my only asset? What else do you appreciate about me?"
Shen Shaoguang replied confidently, "I'm also a facecon, what's wrong with that?"
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Footnote:
[1] Shannan West Circuit (山南西道) - Shannan West Circuit is one of the fifteen circuits during the Tang Dynasty. The Tang dynasty of China administered territory using a hierarchical system of three descending divisions: circuit (道), prefecture (州), and county (縣). Located south of Qinling Mountains and north of Jianmen Pass. It is equivalent to today's southern Shaanxi Province and northern Sichuan Province. Read more here: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Administrative_divisions_of_the_Tang_dynasty#Tang_dynasty_circuits