Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 94
Translated by Pure
Chapter 94 A Formal Visit to the Family Elder
Before they knew it, the Laba Festival had arrived once more. As they had done the previous year, Shen Indelible meticulously prepared Laba congee crafted from an array of grains and beans for the guests. The branch on Chongxian Lane prepared especially generous quantities, not only for their customers but also to share with the neighbors and local nunneries. Naturally, they also dispatched a portion to the Lin Residence—last year, Elder Madam Jiang had taken a particular liking to it, prompting Shen Shaoguang to return to the old house because of this very congee.
Recalling Lin Yan's stern expression when they met in the floral carved corridor and that ‘happiness survey,’ Shen Shaoguang couldn’t help but laugh. How had she responded to him back then? It seemed she mentioned the times her hands and feet were cold while working in the Lateral Courts, saying that if they were always cold, it was fine, but what she feared most was suddenly being near a warm fire, using this to reject his pity and concern—who could have imagined that now she’d be talking about romance with that ‘furnace’?
It seems that the essence of humanity is to be ‘so delicious[1]’. If that’s the case, so be it. Why should someone who cooks for a living fear the 'so delicious'?
(TN: "So delicious" is one of the Three Essential Natures of Humanity, a meme mocking human tendencies to follow trends, contradict themselves, and break promises. It humorously captures the irony of rejecting something only to later find it irresistible.)
Shen Shaoguang personally delivered the congee to Guangming Nunnery and chatted for a while with Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue and Jing Qing. The Senior Buddhist, after finishing writing the <The Classic of Noodle>, still wasn’t satisfied and now wanted to write a <The Classic of Pastry>. She took out the newly drafted manuscript to show Shen Shaoguang. The first entry was about Peach Blossom Cake from Jiangnan: "The peach blossom cake made by Zhang Wuniang from Suzhou's Liyu Alley is vividly colored, fragrant with the scent of peach blossoms. The cake texture is delicate, and its sweetness is subtle—perfect to pair with a light tea..."
"How wonderful," Shen Shaoguang lamented, "it's a pity I can't have a taste."
Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue smiled. "Your aiwowo rice cake and Fisherman's and Woodman’s Flat Cake are just as remarkable—they both deserve to be written about in detail."
With the ease of long-standing familiarity, Shen Shaoguang smiled and said, "Excellent! When this book is passed down through the generations, my name, too, shall be able leave its mark!"
Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue burst into hearty laughter.
Jing Qing also laughed. Miss Shen was truly a delightful person.
When Shen Shaoguang was leaving, the Buddhist nun in charge of reception, Jing Ci, escorted her out. Nowadays, Jing Ci was very polite to Shen Shaoguang, which reminded her of the allusion of Su Qin returning home in wealth, where his once scornful sister-in-law suddenly became respectful[2]. Shen Shaoguang, however, was more open-minded than Su Qin; the fluctuations of human feelings are quite normal and shouldn’t be taken to heart.
Shen Shaoguang returned home, tidied up briefly, and then took a carriage to patrol her stores. In the morning, she toured the established branches in the nearby Lanes, and in the afternoon, she went to the East Market, only returning home after the market had closed.
Lin Yan was there, waiting for her.
Shen Shaoguang smiled and asked, "Sir, you’re back early today?" Since the start of the twelfth lunar month, he had become even busier. Before purchasing her own residence, Lin Yan would occasionally use the pretext of grabbing a light meal at the tavern, but he had since foregone that late-night snack ritual, opting instead to visit the residence in the evenings to linger for a brief moment.
Lin Yan lightly smiled, "Today, I came by order. My grandmother is very grateful for the congee you sent and would like to invite you over for a meal when you have some free time."
Shen Shaoguang was momentarily taken aback. A meeting with the in-laws?
"A'Ji," Lin Yan remarked with a hint of caution, "my grandmother harbors no ulterior motives; she merely believes that a meeting would be appropriate."
Shen Shaoguang understood Elder Madam's intentions. After all, it wouldn’t suffice for a young couple to privately pledge themselves to one another while the elders remained absent. Meeting before proceeding with formalities, exchanging compliments, and fostering a connection would not only signify their importance but also convey the essence of 'parental consent'.
Shen Shaoguang mimicked the salute style of men. "Understood."
Lin Yan chuckled and added, "On the day after tomorrow, during the rest period, I shall send someone to escort you."
Shen Shaoguang nodded in agreement.
Although she had exchanged pleasantries with Elder Madam previously, this meeting held greater significance. Shen Shaoguang meticulously adorned herself, recognizing that makeup is a mark of respect towards others, a principle timeless and universal. While she typically donned Hu-style clothing, and occasionally even men's attire, this time Shen Shaoguang chose a light silver blouse paired with a pomegranate skirt. She painted her brows and drew an intricate huadian between her eyebrows, her hair styled elegantly into dual coils rather than the casual Hu-style top bun. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she thought she looked quite lovely.
Lin Yan came out to greet her, and after observing her for a moment, he smiled and said, "You look pretty."
What a literal-minded compliment! Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes playfully and replied, "You are truly wise, sir."
Lin Yan cleared his throat softly, "You look especially pretty today."
Holding back a laugh, Shen Shaoguang responded, "And today, you are especially wise, sir."
As he admired her delicate and graceful appearance, Lin Yan felt that familiar cat-clawing-itch stir in his heart once again. Taking a slow, steady breath, he said, "Let’s go, my grandmother is waiting for you."
The two walked ahead, with A'Yuan and A'Qing following a short distance behind. Passing through courtyards and winding venderas, they made their way toward Elder Madam Jiang’s quarters. As they crossed the floral carved corridor, memories of the conversation they once had there surfaced, and the two exchanged a knowing smile.
"Were you planning to question me about the matter regarding Huan Seven at that time, Deputy Magistrate?" Shen Shaoguang asked with a smile.
"Yes," Lin Yan nodded.
"Then why didn't you?" Shen Shaoguang raised an eyebrow.
"Such a clever solution could hardly have come from just anyone, so there's no need to ask further," Lin Yan remarked with a smile.
Shen Shaoguang’s eyes curved with amusement—Deputy Magistrate Lin was evolving swiftly when it came to answering tricky questions. But she wasn’t about to let him off easily. "I had thought the Deputy Magistrate found me too cunning, with ‘excessive intelligence, unheeded advice; excessive eloquence, glossed-over wrongdoings,’ so there was no point in asking," she teased.
Lin Yan turned his head to look at her, his expression unusually serious. "Possessing such ‘eloquence’ and ‘intelligence’ is no small feat."
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
Seeing the warmth in his expression, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but smile, and soon Lin Yan followed suit with a smile of his own.
As it often goes with lovers, the path seemed unusually brief, and before long, they had arrived at Elder Madam Jiang’s quarters.
Shen Shaoguang performed her greetings and took the box from A'Yuan’s hands. "I have prepared some sweet cakes suited for winter. Please have a taste, Elder Madam."
Elder Madam Jiang quickly took the box, pulled Shen Shaoguang to sit down, and looked at her thoughtfully. "How lovely! Are the distant mountain eyebrows now back in trend in the capital?"
Shen Shaoguang nodded. "There are also some who prefer willow-leaf eyebrows[3]."
Elder Madam Jiang laughed. "In our youth, we wore distant mountain eyebrows for quite some time. Then, somehow, a peculiar trend swept in—everyone started painting bay leaf eyebrows[4], or even eight-shaped(八) brows[5]. Eventually, it became an absolute frenzy of chaotic styles..."
Shen Shaoguang and Elder Madam Jiang laughed heartily together.
Shen Shaoguang spoke with a touch of levity, "The trend still lingers today. Just last year, we saw the rise of the lianjuan brows—where the eyebrows nearly converge at the center. Only someone like Mei Jian Chi could truly pull off such a look."
Elder Madam Jiang laughed.
Lin Yan chuckled quietly, listening to the lighthearted banter between the elder and the younger. As he savored the sweets Shen Shaoguang had brought, he found himself immersed in the tranquil, sugar-sweetened moment.
Madam Jiang also remarked on the confection, "This pastry, with its threads so fine and delicate, is quite exquisite. What is it called?"
"Silver Thread Candy," Shen Shaoguang explained with a smile. During the modern age, it would be more commonly referred to as Dragon's Beard Candy.
Elder Madam Jiang nodded, picked up a piece, and savored it. "Crispy, airy, and sweet. It’s quite delicious!"
Shen Shaoguang then shared the recipe for making the candy. "You start by softening the malt sugar, then repeatedly knead and stretch it, dipping it in roasted glutinous rice flour. This process of pulling and twisting creates the delicate threads. My skills aren’t perfect, but those who master it can make threads finer than a strand of hair."
Elder Madam Jiang laughed, "This is already quite impressive."
Shen Shaoguang also brought sesame candy, ginger candy, and candied walnuts—new additions to the taverns’ offerings for the upcoming New Year, aiming to add a festive touch.
Elder Madam Jiang and Shen Shaoguang transitioned from discussing the Silver Thread Candy to Silver Thread Noodles, then on to the renowned delicacy of Youzhou—Silver Thread Rolls. Their conversation eventually meandered to the <The Classic of Noodle> and <The Classic of Pastry> by Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue.
Elder Madam Jiang smiled and remarked, "A few days ago, Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue brought her latest work and mentioned that the illustrations were done by you, Miss?"
Shen Shaoguang nodded, "Thanks to Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue's kindness, I had the honor to contribute a few illustrations."
"The illustrations are quite realistic, and have a particular charm..."
The conversation shifted from food to painting and calligraphy.
Lin Yan sipped his tea, smiling as he watched the two women chat, reaching out to help himself to another serving of Silver Thread Candy.
Unexpectedly, Madam Jiang turned and looked at him, causing Lin Yan to widen his eyes slightly.
With a resigned smile, Elder Madam Jiang turned to Shen Shaoguang and said, "Shall we give him this plate of candy as well? There’s none left, and he’s still reaching for more."
Lin Yan belatedly realized that he had finished all the various pastries on the community plate.
Shen Shaoguang smiled and replied, "As you command, Elder Madam Jiang."
Elder Madam Jiang and her maids all laughed, while Lin Yan looked somewhat embarrassed, his eyes lowered with a smile. Shen Shaoguang maintained a composed demeanor.
After teasing Lin Yan a bit, Elder Madam Jiang and Shen Shaoguang returned to their previous topic. Shen Shaoguang genuinely admired Elder Madam Jiang. Although she had never met her parents in her previous life, many of her friends had, and they often spoke of their own sons’ shortcomings: laziness, sloppiness, and difficult temper, usually hoping the girls would be more understanding—One of her gal friends described those people well: "It’s like the parents are sending their children off to kindergarten."
In contrast, Elder Madam Jiang was both interesting and dignified.
Their conversation continued pleasantly until Lin Yan, with gentle insistence, had to intervene. "Grandmother, it’s time for your medicine and rest."
Elder Madam Jiang looked at the sunlight filtering through the window panes and realized it was indeed the 6th earthly branch (9-11 a.m).
Shen Shaoguang rose to her feet.
"You’ve kept me company for quite a while, Miss Shen," Elder Madam Jiang said with a warm smile. "You must be tired. Eldest child, take Miss Shen for a walk in the garden. Have a look at the plum tree and see if the buds have appeared."
With that, Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan excused themselves, quietly stepping out of the room. As they made their way outside, Elder Madam Jiang called after them, reminding them to return for lunch once they’d finished their stroll.
In the garden, Shen Shaoguang wandered around the plum tree, her eyes trailing over its branches. She didn’t remember this tree from before; it must have been planted by a later owner of the residence.
"A’Ji," Lin Yan moistened his lips and smiled at Shen Shaoguang, "Why don’t you come sit in my courtyard for a while?"
.
.
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The author has something to say: Mei Jian Chi is the son of Gan Jiang and Mo Ye. The reason why he is named as such, was because his eyebrows were 1 Chi (尺), or approx 20 cm, apart from each other.
Today was a day of reckoning for Deputy Magistrate Lin, as he braced himself to ask the dreaded, life-or-death question.
—
T/N: Sooo many footnotes ahhh (つ╥﹏╥)つ even though this chapter took just as long as the others, I decided not to split it solely due to its character count. And as to why the author’s note sounds familiar, it’s because she mentioned Mei Jian Chi in another chapter (c50), and I had already explained it there.
—
Footnotes:
[1] ‘So delicious’ ("真香") - is one of the The Three Essential Natures of Humanity(人类三大本质), which is a popular internet meme that humorously critiques human tendencies to follow trends, contradict themselves, and fail to keep promises. The phrase ‘so delicious’ epitomizes the second example— classic irony of boldly rejecting something, only to later find it irresistible.
This phrase was made famous by Wang Jingze, a participant on the show X-Change. Initially acting spoiled, Wang stubbornly refused to eat the food prepared by his rural host family. However, after two hours of hunger, he finally gave in—and found the meal surprisingly delicious. The moment was replayed in a flashback, propelling the term to viral fame.
Here’s the clip, but there is no eng sub ^^’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjgHkJLjjhA
Source: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/wang-jingze
[2] Allusion of Su Qin returning home in wealth, where his once scornful sister-in-law suddenly became respectful - The story refers to a historical anecdote about Su Qin (苏秦), a well-known figure from the Warring States period in ancient China. Su Qin was a strategist who became quite successful and wealthy after serving various states. The phrase "前倨后恭" (arrogant at first, then respectful) describes how his sister-in-law initially treated him with disdain when he was poor and unknown, but later changed her demeanor to one of respect and humility upon his return home as a rich and influential man.
[3] willow-leaf eyebrows (柳叶眉)- more modernly known as ‘arched brows’, or long, shapely eyebrows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF0eH7JwbD4
[4] bay leaf eyebrows (桂叶眉) https://youtu.be/zvjvS7c1QVY?si=iZDEMYqjuwjonOhS&t=116
[5] eight-shaped brows (八字眉) - shaped like the character for eight (八). It was mentioned in a previous chapter, trending when it was during the mourning period of a previously deceased emperor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lBPHpmONGk
Silver Thread Candy / Dragon's Beard Candy (银丝糖/龙须糖) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7x0n7ToBkM
Silver Thread Noodles (银丝面) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1uXPt3-ZlY
Silver Thread Rolls (银丝卷) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPP1MV4-cWo
