Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 98 (Part 1)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 98.1 Spending Lantern Festival Together
Shen Shaoguang and Shao Jie were having tea and chatting in the backyard of the East Market’s Shen Indelible Tavern.
"I never expected we’d have someone come here to steal books!" Shao Jie said, with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
He recounted the recent incident. A scholar had come in, eaten a bowl of leek botuo noodles, and, having paid less than the minimum amount to receive a complimentary book, tried to steal one from the shelf. In a moment of nervousness, he had hastily pocketed a book from the shelf. It was his first attempt at such a thing, and in his flustered state, he collided with someone at the door, causing the book to fall out and reveal his attempt.
Coincidentally, Shao Jie had witnessed the incident. As a merchant who valued maintaining good relations, he decided to offer the book to the scholar as a gift, saying, "It is an honor for our shop that you appreciate the book we’ve compiled, sir."
The scholar, even more embarrassed, apologized profusely for his attempt to steal the book.
Shao Jie reassured him, "To take a book home to read isn’t really theft, is it? In the future, when you become an imperial official, this will be a charming anecdote."
Shen Shaoguang chuckled, she hadn’t expected Sir Shao to be close friends with Kong Yiji[1].
*(A fictional down-and-out scholar who clings to his ideals and dreams of passing the imperial examinations despite his impoverished circumstances)
Sir Shao also laughed, feeling that although he might not have a scholar’s brain, he certainly had a heart that respected scholars.
Shen Shaoguang paused thoughtfully before suggesting with a smile, "How about this: anyone who contributes a poem to our tavern’s poetry book will receive a complimentary copy." It was a subtle way to offer some relief to the less fortunate yet noble-hearted scholars.
Ever since the Emperor’s visit to East Market and the inscription of his poem, the tavern’s poetry collection had become an instant hot commodity. Previously, those indifferent to poetry or regular patrons who had already received a copy showed little interest. Now, this item has almost become an essential for home use, travel gifts, and conversation starters, perfect for showing off to friends and family. Whether one wrote poetry, appreciated it, or had already received a copy, as long as they met the spending threshold, everyone eagerly claimed their edition.
This version, even without the ‘imperial poem’, was already a hit. One could only imagine the frenzy if a second edition, featuring the imperial poem, were released
Shen Shaoguang brought up the idea of reprinting with Shao Jie, who clapped his hands in agreement. "I was just about to suggest that! It’s definitely the right move."
Ever meticulous, Shen Shaoguang said, "Let’s include some of the best recent poems and— close submissions by the Lantern Festival." Just featuring the emperor’s poem alone would be too obvious, but placing it as the finale was a subtle touch.
Shao Jie pointed at her. "Shrewd! Prudent!"
Shen Shaoguang burst into laughter—were they about to start another round of mutual flattery in the name of business?
But then Shao Jie grumbled, "Why wasn’t I there that day? If I had been, I’d have stories to tell for years. Might even get my name into the family genealogy. Earning more money is one thing, but that level of prestige is priceless."
Shen Shaoguang responded with a composed smile, "If it's prestige you're after, there are far more significant ways to achieve it. Consider this: what if our poetry collection became a treasured volume among scholars? Wouldn't it be fitting to hear people say, ‘No discussion of literature is complete without hot pot; even reading the Book of Songs would be pointless without it’?"
At these words, Shao Jie abruptly turned his head and spat out a mouthful of tea onto the floor.
But Shen Shaoguang remained unruffled, continuing calmly, "Now, picture this: in times of natural disasters or crises, we set up relief kitchens. If there's unrest on the borders or a military campaign, we donate funds and supplies. Should we discover that a certain academy of classical learning is in need of resources, we could use our tavern’s name—or even Sir Shao's personal name—to establish a 'Sir Shao Learning Hall’..."
Shao Jie’s laughter faded, replaced by a thoughtful silence. After a moment, he slowly nodded in agreement.
"To carry out such acts that truly benefit the nation and its people—that’s the kind of prestige worth commemorating in the family genealogy," Shen Shaoguang said solemnly. She then cleared her throat and took a sip of tea before adding with a sly grin, "Of course, reaping the rewards of being known as ‘righteous merchants’ is just our well-deserved bonus."
Shao Jie burst into hearty laughter, pointing at her. "Devious! Utterly devious!"
Shen Shaoguang smirked, accepting his unconventional praise with ease.
What she didn’t know was that Shao Jie would eventually embrace the path of philanthropy, and his efforts would earn him the title of Grand Master for Closing Court, a mid-fifth-rank official—higher than his grandfather’s position of External Official of Pastries. Under his leadership, the Shao Residence flourished even more, and Shao Jie became a prominent figure, one whose name was indeed written with distinction in the family’s genealogy.
…
As Shen Shaoguang and Shao Jie envisioned their future as righteous merchants, Lin Yan was in the midst of discussing some unresolved matters concerning a recent criminal case handover with Deputy Minister Song of the Ministry of Justice.
After concluding the formalities, the two men exited the imperial city together. The sky had turned overcast, and the northern wind swept by with a biting chill. Deputy Minister Song chuckled and remarked, "Weather like this calls for hot pot."
Lin Yan nodded in agreement.
Recalling past meals they had shared, Deputy Minister Song half-joked with a tone of playful reproach, "To think I once proudly showed off a treasure, not knowing your family were the forefathers of hot pot!"
Last summer, the evildoers caught at Shen Indelible Tavern in Chongxian Lane were jointly reviewed by the capital’s government repository and the Ministry of Justice. The primary judges for the case were none other than Lin Yan and Deputy Minister Song. It was through this trial that Deputy Minister Song came to learn about his friend’s connection with the proprietress of the tavern. As fate would have it, the tavern had once been part of his own wife’s dowry, and Deputy Minister Song himself had met this Miss Shen before. He vaguely recalled her being a strikingly elegant young woman, which explained Lin Yan’s unwavering devotion—going to great lengths to assist the Shen Residence’s affairs.
Thinking back on Lin Yan's seemingly indifferent attitude towards hot pot cookers—he would only ever dip a few slices of fish—Deputy Minister Song couldn’t help but feel curious. "With your pickiness in meals, doesn’t Miss Shen find it bothersome?"
Lin Yan smiled gently. "She doesn’t mind."
Deputy Minister Song nodded. It seemed Miss Shen was indeed a gentle and understanding woman.
Deputy Minister Song then chuckled and asked, "So, is your happy occasion (wedding) nearing, An Ran?"
Lin Yan's smile deepened, a warmth spreading across his face. "Yes, soon. Most likely early summer."
He had sought counsel from the seasoned Deputy Minister Song on the finer points of wedding arrangements and the delicate task of personally escorting the bride, displaying an uncharacteristic seriousness. Internally, Deputy Minister Song couldn't help but marvel at the transformation—Lin An Ran, once so composed and unshakable, now in the throes of planning a wedding. Who would have imagined he would see this day?
"With that look on your face, An Ran," Deputy Minister Song teased, "one might think you’d like to bring her home tomorrow."
Lin Yan smiled in quiet acknowledgment, making no effort to deny it.
Deputy Minister Song revealed an expression of understanding—a knowing look shared between men who had walked this path before. There was no need for further words; some sentiments were simply universal.
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Footnote:
[1] Kong Yiji (孔乙己) - a fictional character from a short story by the renowned Chinese author Lu Xun. The story, titled "Kong Yiji," tells the tale of a down-and-out scholar who clings to his ideals and dreams of passing the imperial examinations despite his impoverished circumstances. Despite his financial struggles, Kong Yiji paid his debts and shared food with children. You can read more about this story here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kong_Yiji