Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 55 (Part 1)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 55.1 Carriage Amidst the Rain
As she ventured out, the sky showed only a hint of cloudiness. Despite the potential weather change, Shen Shaoguang heeded no mind and made her way to the West Market, exploring the vegetable market, purchasing raisins and sugar for steamed summer cakes. She then visited a renowned snack bar, indulging in two bowls of buttermilk cherries. As she exited the snack bar, the weather took a sudden turn.
Hastening her return, Shen Shaoguang swiftly made her way back. The moment she stepped out of the West Market, a robust wind kicked in, and raindrops started to descend.
Despite carrying an umbrella, Shen Shaoguang found herself helpless against the force of the intense convective weather. In a hurry, she sprinted back to the towering structure near the east gate of the West Market for refuge.
The building was teeming with individuals, all unfortunate souls who had fallen victim to the downpour during their outdoor ventures.
"Last year, we had a shortage of rain, but this year seems to be making up for it."
"During this period last year, His Majesty went to the Circular Mound Altar to seek rain."
"His Majesty's prayers always seem to be answered, as expected of the one favored by Heaven. I recall that a few days after his plea for rain, we were blessed with continuous downpour after the long drought."
…
Listening to the casual conversation, Shen Shaoguang smoothed out the hair on her temples, which had become disheveled from running in the rain. It had been a full year since she had left the palace, now that she recollected her life there, it almost felt like a distant era.
In the palace, the arrival of the first summer rain was celebrated with a customary meal of ‘Chinese scholar tree leaves cold wash’ to mark the welcoming of summer. These ‘cold wash’ noodles are what later generations came to know as cold noodles. Even in the 21st century, during Shen Shaoguang's previous life, many families still observed the tradition of ‘eating dumplings on winter solstice and noodles on summer solstice’. This enduring culinary tradition reflects the deep-rooted cultural practices of the Chinese nation over the centuries.
The preparation of ‘Chinese scholar tree leaves cold wash’ noodles in the palace were not much different than what the regular folks made. Young Chinese scholar tree leaves were gathered, crushed to extract their juice, and then blended into the dough. Noodles produced this way exhibited a vibrant green color and carried the distinctive bitter fragrance of Chinese scholar tree leaves.
In the palace, however, greater attention was given to the meticulous craftsmanship of the noodles. Skilled artisans specialized in crafting noodles, catering to a variety of preferences—whether wide or thin. The thinnest noodles were created to be barely thicker than a strand of hair and were not divided in the middle. A single long noodle could be served as a small bowl portion, a culinary feat that never failed to impress—yet, at its core, it remained a humble dish.
The distinction between the palace and commoner versions of ‘Chinese scholar tree leaves cold wash’ noodles lay in the choice of toppings.
The late emperor favored ‘Fatty Bear’ and ‘Pampered Deer’ as toppings for his cold wash. Interestingly, these meats were also frequently included in his Sharpened Mutton Jade. Despite the summer heat, he displayed no apparent concern about potential suffering from excessive internal heat.
The current sovereign exhibited a more reasonable preference, favoring marinated shredded eel or perch filets as toppings. The shredded eel underwent a process of pan-frying followed by stewing in bone broth, resulting in a labor-intensive dish with a wonderfully aromatic taste. As for the perch filet, freshness was key. It was quickly blanched in low-heat oil, and in a separate pot, onions and ginger were sautéed before adding sweet fermented rice and finally the fish filets. Serving immediately after seasoning was crucial to maintain optimal tenderness; prolonged exposure would compromise the dish.
The esteemed imperial concubines in the palace had varying tastes, but generally, they aligned their preferences with His Majesty. Consequently, at the onset of summer, the prices of eels and perch in Chang'an City surged. During Shen Shaoguang's outing, it wasn't even deep into the afternoon, yet there were already no eels available for purchase.
The locally crafted toppings for cold wash noodles were more straightforward. They typically featured a sauce composed of soy extract, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame paste, and were garnished with delicate shreds of cucumber. This simple yet flavorful topping was irresistible, prompting anyone to devour two substantial bowls. A’Yuan shared that the Missus of the grain store used to serve cold noodles with a mixture of salt and master stock.
Shen Shaoguang began to reminisce about the Fried Sauce Noodles and Tomato and Egg Noodle Soup from her previous life. While Fried Sauce Noodles could be recreated, Tomato and Egg Noodle Soup now remained an unattainable treat.
What about having Fried Sauce Noodles tonight? Should she opt for pork with a ratio of 30% fat and 70% lean meat, or perhaps go for quail meat? The quails delivered this morning were exceptionally plump. If she diced them into small pieces and fried them with the sauce, it would yield a delightful aroma...
As Shen Shaoguang pondered myriad ways to enjoy cold noodles, the rain gradually subsided. However, it showed no signs of dwindling or ceasing anytime soon.
"Master, Miss Shen seems to be stuck in the rain near the entrance of the West Market." Having just left Deputy Minister Song's residence in Yanshou Lane, Liu Chang spotted Shen Shaoguang at a distance. After a moment of contemplation, he gently tapped the carriage wall to alert Lin Yan.
Lifting the carriage curtain, Lin Yan observed Shen Shaoguang in the midst of the crowd. Clad in a white garment and a maroon skirt, she held two bags and an umbrella, appearing somewhat forlorn as she gazed up at the sky.
Lin Yan's eyesight was not particularly keen, and the unclear view left Shen Shaoguang's demeanor somewhat indistinct—possibly even appearing somewhat foolish or childlike.
Lowering the curtain, Lin Yan instructed the carriage driver, "Head over there and pick her up."
As the carriage with the guards approached, those seeking shelter from the rain assumed that nobles were planning to visit the West Market. As they made way, the people inwardly muttered to themselves about the eccentricity of the nobility, venturing out in such weather.
However, Shen Shaoguang easily identified Lin Yan's carriage by its clan insignia. The presence of the chamberlain surnamed Liu, mounted on a horse beside the carriage and wearing a raincoat and hat, further confirmed her recognition.
Liu Chang dismounted gracefully, approaching Shen Shaoguang, and cupped his hand in greeting. "Miss, please join us in the carriage for your return."
It was indeed a welcome opportunity to catch a ride back. Shen Shaoguang didn't feel the need to feign any formality. Shen Shaoguang acknowledged with a smile and a word of thanks, proceeding to the carriage with her umbrella unfurled.
The coachman lowered the step stool for her, but Liu Chang refrained from assisting her due to the need for physical contact. He remained a step away, attentively observing to prevent any mishaps.
Lin Yan raised the carriage curtain as Shen Shaoguang approached. She smiled at him and smoothly entered the carriage.
Seating herself across from Lin Yan, Shen Shaoguang arranged the candies, raisins, and umbrella she had purchased beside her. She smiled and nodded, "I appreciate your kindness, Sir Lin."
"It’s merely on our route," Lin Yan smiled lightly.
Shen Shaoguang glanced down, returning the smile.
Silence enveloped the carriage, punctuated only by the gentle pitter-patter of rain outside.
It wasn't their initial encounter sitting across from each other, yet it marked the first instance in such a confined space. The absence of a dining table between them added an unusual intimacy, bringing Deputy Magistrate Lin's robe pattern into clear view for Shen Shaoguang.
Deputy Magistrate Lin was wearing formal attire today, with a dignified countenance and a straight back, which made him appear more majestic. After a bit of thinking, she realized that it was the Syzygy Congregation today...
Raising her gaze from the robe, Shen Shaoguang observed the snow-white collar and the neatly shaven, flat chin. It was the first time she noticed Deputy Magistrate Lin's cupid's bow lips. Tsk tsk. Shen Shaoguang's eyes dwelled on Lin Yan's captivating lips momentarily before ascending to his high and straight nose bridge, eventually meeting his eyes.
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Foods:
Chinese scholar tree leaves cold wash
marinated shredded eel
perch filets
Fried Sauce Noodles / Zhajiangmian
Tomato and Egg Noodle Soup
