Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 53 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 53.2 Actively Pursuing Property
Shen Shaoguang, being of a non-greedy disposition, refrained from negotiating further in this circumstance. She promptly agreed to the proposed price, expressed gratitude to the housekeeper once more, confirmed her intention to apply for the deed the following day, and took her leave. The housekeeper escorted her out.
As she lingered near the entrance, waiting for the procession of people, carts, and horses to pass, she coincidentally encountered the Master of the house, Deputy Minister Song, preparing to depart. Shen Shaoguang positioned herself to the side, allowing the flow of people and conveyances to pass first.
Upon catching sight of Shen Shaoguang, Deputy Minister Song arched his eyebrows in surprise before mounting his horse and riding away.
Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but notice a resemblance in the demeanor between Deputy Minister Song and Deputy Magistrate Lin. Both were composed and reserved, exuding a certain coldness, a characteristic she found common among the affluent. However, she pondered, ‘was Grand Chancellor Li an exception?’ His demeanor was notably affable.
Nevertheless, with her business matters now successfully concluded, Shen Shaoguang felt a sense of satisfaction and closure.
A’Yuan exhibited even more excitement than Shen Shaoguang, exclaiming, "Miss, can we consider this our very own house now? You did say before that you weren't sure when you'd be able to buy your own house... and now you've done it!" A’Yuan continued to chatter enthusiastically.
Shen Shaoguang chuckled, privately admonishing herself for frequently discussing the notion of acquiring a house and property in the presence of the young girl.
Upon reflection, she couldn't deny the sense of fulfillment that now enveloped her. This was Chang'an, a city renowned in the verses of great poets as 'hard to maintain and live in.' How many talented individuals had dedicated decades to study? How many had achieved the prestigious title of jinshi, ascended to official positions, or perhaps continued to navigate the currents of life as 'drifters'?
Certainly, the scale and quality of the house she purchased were modest in comparison. High-ranking officials typically acquired expansive courtyard residences with numerous buildings and courtyards, commanding prices that were exponentially higher. Additionally, the lavish spending habits prevalent in official circles played a role. Consider, for instance, an eight or ninth-rank official like Court Scribe Liu, earning slightly more than 10,000 yuan monthly; yet, the same amount might be spent in the span of the same month. The struggle to accumulate wealth amid such circumstances was undeniably challenging.
Despite all else, Shen Shaoguang found immense satisfaction. It seemed that the desire for land ownership was ingrained in the hearts of every Chinese person, akin to the ambitions of Monopoly players. Acquiring land and owning a house remained a fundamental goal, almost like a genetic predisposition. The sense of security derived from dwelling in one's own property was deeply ingrained.
A’Yuan, still brimming with excitement, found herself subjected to Shen Shaoguang's characteristic leadership tendencies. She began to outline higher ‘spiritual pursuits,’ stating, "A’Yuan, consider this – in the future, as we amass more wealth, wouldn't it be wonderful to purchase a grand residence akin to Deputy Magistrate Lin's? Picture a vast garden where you can freely wander."
Had it been Yu San, he would likely scoff at Shen Shaoguang's ambitious goal. An official residence, even if she had the funds, couldn't be inhabited without modifications. There were stringent rules to adhere to. A’Chang, on the other hand, would probably wear an expression of disbelief, incredulous at Miss's desire to purchase such a sizable mansion.
A’Yuan, however, exhibited a different response. After some contemplation, she nodded enthusiastically, "We can definitely live in a grand house like that. And, we'll have railings adorned not with flowers but with depictions of food – various dishes like Sharpened Mutton Jade, steamed flat cakes, grilled chicken, meat skewers, sweet and tart fish."
Shen Shaoguang experienced a twinge of nostalgia at the mention of the engraved piazza, but A’Yuan's enthusiasm about the dishes swiftly diverted her attention. "Absolutely, we'll have it carved just as you envision! Let's depict everything we serve in the tavern. No need for flowers and grass in the garden; that's too common. We'll cultivate vegetables like cowcumbers, radishes, coriander, and leeks... and tend to the soil with a golden hoe!"
A’Yuan chuckled.
Shen Shaoguang joined in the laughter; it was indeed a beautiful dream.
However, turning to the practical aspect of tidying up the garden, the newly acquired yard did require some attention.
On the following day, the property transfer procedures for both houses were finalized. A few days later, a middle-aged man arrived driving a mule cart to assist the elderly man with the move. Shen Shaoguang followed her routine of sending him off with floral cakes, and then proceeded to hire masons to initiate the renovation of her new estate.
The dividing wall between the two yards was dismantled, uniting them into one expansive space. The terrain was leveled, and clay brick roads were laid. The small shed in the northern part, designated for hanging meat, was taken down, and the cured meat found its new home in the recently acquired house for drying. Vegetables, rice, grains, and other provisions were also relocated. One of the two newly acquired rooms served as storage for dry goods, while the other stored fresh produce. The east side of the yard was transformed into a garden plot.
Observing the transformations, A’Yuan suggested, "Let's create another area and raise a few chickens or maybe two geese."
Shen Shaoguang, valuing tranquility and cleanliness, hesitated at the idea of chickens roaming around, envisioning the potential mess of feathers and droppings.
However, A’Yuan persisted, "If we raise our own chickens, we can enjoy the freshest eggs every day. We can fry them with leeks, stir-fry with calabash, stir-fry with cowcumber, steam them with sugar, or steam them with shrimps... Plus, during the Chinese New Year or any other holiday, we can simply catch two chickens and stew them. Wouldn't they be better than the ones bought from outside?"
Shen Shaoguang made the decision, "Alright, let's raise them!" Food enthusiasts were just this shameless.
A few days later, a peddler arrived at the door, prompting Shen Shaoguang to invite the chicken seller to bring in a small basket of chicks. Together with A’Yuan, they carefully selected a dozen young hens. While observing their liveliness, the chicken seller inquired, "Aren't you planning to pick a couple of young roosters?"
"We will."
"Why do we need roosters? They can't lay eggs," A’Yuan questioned, expressing confusion.
Shen Shaoguang found herself at a loss for how to explain, but the chicken seller stepped in with a smile, "They are necessary for hatching chicks."
"Even if we don't need many roosters, we can just slaughter and consume their meat," Shen Shaoguang added.
In that moment, she happened to glance up and noticed Deputy Magistrate Lin, whose expression appeared somewhat complex—with the warmer weather, the store's door stood wide open, and the arrival of new guests went unnoticed by the occupants.
Shen Shaoguang felt a twinge of embarrassment. Although her words were relatively innocuous, facing Deputy Magistrate Lin's distinguished presence and elegant demeanor, an inexplicable sense of having committed a transgression washed over her. Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but recall a tale from literature where a monstress captured Tang Seng[1]—‘It's better if he can survive, but if not, his meat shall be devoured…’
.
.
.
Footnote:
[1] This is a Journey to the West reference. In the story, Tang Seng, a Buddhist monk, is on a journey to the West to obtain sacred scriptures accompanied by Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and encounters various creatures, because of a legend which says that one can attain immortality by consuming his flesh because he is a reincarnation of a holy being. Basically the monstresses all try to seduce or hypnotize him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysCol1ZI-Uo&t=44s
