Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 58 (Part 2)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 58.2 Bonding Over Barbecue
As Shen Shaoguang contemplated the intricacies of the folding screen, her thoughts inevitably drifted to the one who bestowed it upon her. What type of artwork was on the headboard screen of the seemingly austere Deputy Magistrate Lin?
The mystery surrounding Deputy Magistrate Lin intrigued Shen Shaoguang. While she took pride in the delectable offerings of her tavern, she couldn't help but wonder: could the cuisine be so exceptional that a gentry, who was born into luxury, a discerning Deputy Magistrate with a wealth of experience and knowledge, would designate her establishment as his daily dining canteen?
There was also the excessively courteous and thoughtfully selected return gift. The first instance could be perceived as a subtle housewarming present. However, this time...
Yet, aside from these occurrences, no other irregularities persisted.
Deputy Magistrate Lin, this composed and rational figure, possessing talent, handsomeness, and an esteemed family background... Could it be possible that he has developed romantic feelings for me?
Shen Shaoguang chuckled to herself. Showering affection on someone unresponsive was an ailment that needed restraint! Perhaps he merely possessed wealth and exhibited benevolence and righteousness? The gentry were a highly nuanced community with numerous peculiar customs and habits!
It reminded her of the tale where the prince, amidst a snowy night, took a boat to visit a friend. However, upon reaching the friend's residence, he promptly turned back home. If Diane had overanalyzed, she might have speculated that the boy harbored undisclosed feelings for her.
A shift in perspective—so what if Deputy Magistrate Lin did indeed harbor ulterior motives? A mismatched union holds a minimal likelihood of happiness. Marriage was akin to a corporate merger and acquisition, involving collaboration and competition across various aspects of assets and personnel. It was not solely a matter of 'love' that can ensure seamless cooperation and sustained mutual benefit.
Contemplating the concept of 'love'... Shen Shaoguang smiled. A’Ji's life has already traversed a path filled with twists and turns. There truly was no need to introduce such complexities into marriage. Living contentedly in a modest courtyard among common people, crafting barbecue and flat cakes, seemed like a preferable choice.
Shen Shaoguang gazed up at the stars overhead, contemplating whether, in her later years, she might regret not succumbing to the fatal allure of the flames, as Miss Chu did, or not living as unbridledly as the Imperial Princess of fuhui.
Interrupted by the cautionary words "Sir, watch your steps," she turned her head to find Deputy Magistrate Lin at the entrance of the courtyard.
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
A’Chang apologetically explained, "I went to get some wine from the front, and I just saw Sir Lin coming in ..."
So you decided to bring him to the back yard along with you? She was well aware of A’Chang's shortcomings, as he always seemed at a loss when faced with a ‘person of high rank’.
Forget it, let's make peace since the person’s already here. "If you don't mind, Sir, please take a seat and indulge in some freshly roasted meat." Shen Shaoguang gracefully rose from her seat, extending an invitation with a warm smile.
Lin Yan cupped his hands. "Pardon my intrusion."
Lin Yan, never having engaged in any 'indecent' behavior such as entering a woman's residence at night. Uncomfortable, his countenance grew increasingly serious.
Observing him, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but find the situation amusing. He had come for a barbecue, yet he carried an air of conducting a formal executive meeting.
Yu San handed over the grilled mutton skewers, chicken skewers, pork belly skewers, as well as tofu, gluten, and vegetable skewers to A’Chang with an impassive expression. A’Chang arranged them on a large plate and presented it to the guest and their Miss. Uncertain if he should wait on the guest to remove the branches and cut the pieces into smaller portions, Lin Yan spoke warmly, "I can handle it myself."
Once the remaining skewers were done roasting, Yu San gathered them, along with the baked flat cakes, and led A’Chang and A’Yuan back to the building to enjoy their meal.
Shen Shaoguang smiled at Lin Yan and stated, "Please, enjoy, Sir. No need to be polite."
Lin Yan smiled in acknowledgment, "Thank you very much, Miss, for the fine wine and delicious food."
She had initially envisioned replicating the casual nightlife of sitting on small stools, wearing sandals and oversized garments, grilling skewers, and sipping beer. However, it evolved into a more formal social dinner. Preferring not to indulge in the cheeky act of gnawing at the meat directly from the skewer, she placed the succulent pieces on her plate and gracefully consumed them with chopsticks— albeit the taste didn't feel quite right.
To initiate conversation and alleviate any lingering awkwardness, Shen Shaoguang engaged in light conversation after savoring some meat and wine. "Today's charcoal lacks its usual quality. Perhaps we should consider pine branch charcoal, which imparts a delightful pine aroma when grilled. Alternatively, fruit charcoal, like jujube charcoal, could infuse a sweet flavor to the roast."
"If you happen to lack those charcoals, you can achieve a similar effect by placing pine cones on the charcoal fire," Shen Shaoguang added.
"Is this a technique from the palace?" Lin Yan inquired, a smile gracing his features.
"How could the palace need to go to such trouble? This is an idea thought up by a senior surnamed Liang." Shen Shaoguang was inspired by Mr. Liang Shih-chiu and resolved to search for pine cones during her next Double Ninth Festival outing in the mountains.
"It's already delicious as it is," Lin Yan remarked, lowering his eyes and smiling at the tray on the table before him.
Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes and smiled. Deputy Magistrate Lin is becoming more and more adept at praising.
She expressed, "I haven't properly conveyed my gratitude to your family; Elder Madam is too courteous."
"Today, my grandmother lauded the flower essence you prepared, commenting, 'It possesses a concentrated, rich, and mellow fragrance.' Thus, there's no need for you to downplay your efforts, Miss."
Upon hearing his generous words, Shen Shaoguang sensed that she might have overanalyzed, instantly brightening with joy. "It's just that the thatched cottage and my bamboo lattice window are quite simple and crude; it would seem a waste to place such a lavish and sophisticated item here."
Lin Yan observed the peach tree outside the window, the vines intertwining the walls with green leaves, and the luxuriant vegetable beds in the distance. With a smile, he remarked, "'Elms and willows cast shades on back eaves, Peach and apricot trees pack front-yard[1].' How can it be deemed as crude?"
Hah. Indeed, as anticipated, every literati harbors the dream of becoming a hermit. Dwelling in the lofty confines of an imperial court, one contemplates the prospect of returning to a serene garden, relishing the delights of the countryside, engaging in the pursuits of fishing and woodcutting. In distant places, thoughts turn to advising rulers and comforting the populace, adorned in official robes and jade belts. Tsk tsk...
"The Deputy Magistrate is remarkably capable and possesses refined taste, surpassing the ordinary," Shen Shaoguang remarked with a smile.
Lin Yan cast a brief glance at her smiling countenance, recognizing the insincerity behind her words. False rhetorics and flowery speech!
At the notion of 'flowery speech,' Lin Yan lowered his head, indulging in another sip of wine. In his peripheral vision, bathed in the gentle radiance of the vermilion gauze light, her charming visage surpassed even the blush of peach and apricot blossoms, putting them to shame.
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Footnote:
[1] ‘Elms and willows cast shades on back eaves, Peach and apricot trees pack front-yard’ - Quoted from the poem ‘Return to Live a Rural Life (归园田居)’ by Tao Yuanming. Also known as Tao Qian, he was one of the best-known poets during the Six Dynasties period. Tao Yuanming is often associated with a desire to return to a simple and idyllic rural life. His poetry reflects a strong yearning for the countryside, away from the political and social complexities of urban life. Some of you may know this term ‘Peach Blossom Spring’ which is now synonymous with the term ‘utopia’; it's often mentioned in other novels. This was actually from one of his most famous works "Peach Blossom Spring" (桃花源记).
This is a good analysis of his collection of poetry if anyone is interested- https://brill.com/display/book/9789004438200/BP000012.xml?language=en
And for this poem specific, read here- https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/588160973
