Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 51 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 51.2 Tanhua at Qujiang
Shen Shaoguang appreciated their gesture and gladly accepted, removing her apron. She smiled, saying, "Alright, we'll head out. We'll be back to switch shifts later."
Shen Shaoguang, accompanied by A’Chang, made her way towards Apricot Garden amid a crowd of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new jinshis. Unaware of the exact moment when the Tanhua Envoys set off on horseback to seek flowers, Shen Shaoguang decided not to wait idly and continued on her way.
Along the journey, she purchased a large bag of sesame seed candy, as well as a beautifully drawn sugar painting for A’Chang. The latter was pleasantly surprised. Such kindness had rarely been extended to him, even during his childhood. "You should eat it, Miss."
Shen Shaoguang had a penchant for sweet treats, but she couldn't indulge in anything overly sweet. "You can eat it. It's hard to carry, otherwise, I would have also bought one for A’Yuan," she remarked while taking the bag of sesame seed candy from A’Chang, allowing him to relish the sugar painting without obstruction
Gazing at the pristine river water, the gentle boats, and the occasional flight of waterbirds, Shen Shaoguang admired the swaying weeping willows lining the banks. Peering into the distance, one could only make out a vibrant green landscape, perfectly embodying the saying 'willow like haze'. Shen Shaoguang then shifted her attention to the stylishly dressed ladies and distinguished men, adorned with eyebrow ornaments and powdered faces, epitomizing the beauty of youth— truly wonderful.
Savoring the riverside breeze, Shen Shaoguang plucked a young grass stalk and placed it between her lips. Once A’Chang finished enjoying the sesame seed candy, they resumed their stroll.
As they neared Apricot Garden, they learned that the Tanhua Envoys had recently passed through. A’Chang exclaimed eagerly, "Let's hurry; perhaps we can catch up with them."
Shen Shaoguang discarded the grass stalk, hastened her pace with A’Chang, and successfully caught up.
Shen Shaoguang gazed intently amidst the gap of the crowd. The two Tanhua Envoys were indeed youthful, both in their early twenties. One sported splendid floral-patterned attire, sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, and thin lips, radiating a romantic charm. The other possessed flawless features, a refined countenance, and an air that suggested a promising future.
Tsktsk, the attractiveness index of Tanhua Envoys seems to be off the roof for this era. Shen Shaoguang made a mental comparison with the previous Tanhua Envoy she knew. His demeanor was somewhat aloof, akin to an incense-cedar branch in winter, not at all approachable.
At that moment, a maid appeared to be trying to draw near. The Tanhua with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes seemed to recognize her, allowing her to pass. Unexpectedly, the maid held up a silk handkerchief.
The Envoy unfolded the handkerchief, examined it, and a captivating smile graced his face. The romantic allure of that smile left countless maidens breathless. At that moment, some people in the crowd tossed their handkerchiefs and sprigs of blossoms towards the Tanhua Envoys, following a tradition popular in the previous dynasty.
The two Tanhua Envoys acknowledged the gestures with smiles and continued on their way.
"Tsk! Tsk! Passing the exam and seeking flowers at Qujiang District, and then being gifted a fragrant handkerchief stained with rouge and lipstick by a renowned courtesan of Pingkang Lane. There is nothing more satisfying in life than this!"
"Four, you should be more diligent. More likely than not, the title of Tanhua Envoy will be yours next year."
Shen Shaoguang turned her head and glanced at the two scholars beside her. It turned out that the handkerchief was given by a renowned courtesan from Pingkang Lane, and it had also undergone some ‘artistic processing.’ Tang Dynasty people really know how to get friskey!
Observing a pretty maiden gazing at them, the two scholars flashed charming smiles and nodded graciously in Shen Shaoguang's direction.
Shen Shaoguang responded with a wry smile and deftly maneuvered her way out of the crowd.
As the Tanhua Envoys were leading the way, Shen Shaoguang decided not to navigate through the crowd. Instead, she aimlessly strolled with A’Chang, indulging in various snacks before returning to her stall once the path was clear.
Upon their return, they found Yu San and A’Yuan busy with an abundance of orders. Shen Shaoguang and A’Chang promptly joined in to lend a hand.
Amidst the busyness, A’Yuan eagerly shared news with Shen Shaoguang, "Miss! Miss! One of the Tanhua Envoys just purchased our floral cake! He said that our 'cakes are more delicate than flowers'."
A nearby customer chimed in after a chuckle, "We'd like to try the floral cakes that the Tanhua Envoy appreciates as well!"
Shen Shaoguang: "..." What an unexpected turn of events! So ‘Dynasty Roasted Chicken’ and ‘Imperial Aiwowo’ could actually become a reality!
Even as she worked diligently, Shen Shaoguang entertained thoughts of crafting a prominent sign proclaiming 'Tanhua Envoy’s Floral Cake' after their return.
Thanks to the Tanhua Envoy's endorsement, the floral cakes quickly sold out. Various varieties were gradually depleted, and after a while, all the prepared fillings and dough were nearly gone, leaving only a couple pieces of snowy pudding.
With fewer people passing by, Shen Shaoguang sent Yu San, A’Yuan, and A’Chang to take a break while she manned the stall alone. She waited for their return before closing the stall.
That's when the former Tanhua Envoy arrived.
Shen Shaoguang noticed that this person had a tendency to appear late at night when things were winding down, as if his very disposition projected an air of quiet composure.
However, there was a significant issue at this moment - there was nothing left to eat!
Shen Shaoguang smiled and quipped, "The current Tanhua Envoy went to buy cakes, leaving the former Tanhua Envoy with no cakes to purchase."
Lin Yan's eyebrows slightly arched, "Then let’s have some jasmine tea."
Shen Shaoguang poured him the tea, brought the remaining snowy pudding, and then proceeded to clear the chopping board.
After completing the cleanup, she turned around and saw Deputy Magistrate Lin with his head slightly lowered, slowly scraping the tea leaves with the lid of a tea cup. Perhaps it was due to his straight nose, but he possessed a particularly handsome profile, and his tight-fitting, dark crimson official uniform complimented his figure well.
In comparison to the two Tanhua Envoys just seen, this one's good looks were more refined; it's as if— Shen Shaoguang thought of the ham hanging in her backyard again.
Shen Shaoguang believed Deputy Magistrate Lin was comparable to a dry-cured ham that had been aged for two years. How delicious it would be when simmered in some yellow wine…
Lin Yan turned his head and locked eyes with Shen Shaoguang.
Shen Shaoguang, undeterred even after being caught staring, smiled and asked, "Sir Lin, was Apricot Garden as lively when you were the Tanhua? Were there any..." She coughed, attempting to cover up her slipup, realizing that directly inquiring about receiving a handkerchief from a renowned courtesan might be too forward.
Lin Yan smiled and replied, "It's lively every year."
"Oh—" Shen Shaoguang nodded in acknowledgment.
"It's just that we didn't have such delectable cakes in those days." Lin Yan's eyes lowered slightly as he took a piece of snowy pudding, placing it into his mouth and savoring it slowly.
Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but smile. Had Deputy Magistrate Lin consumed honey-coated treats before his arrival? Why did he suddenly speak so sweetly?
The corners of Lin Yan's eyes lifted slightly, akin to orchid buds blossoming for the first time.
.
.
.
Foods:
sesame seed candy 芝麻糖 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU2pvnS4dQI
sugar painting 糖画 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsT0I3d2wH4
Translator’s Note: I actually had authentic sugar painting during the Spring Festival a couple weeks ago. They are just as good as I envisioned them to be 🤤🤤
