Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 50.2 Clear Streams and Hidden Tides

Observing Second Young Lady Pang's receptiveness, Shen Shaoguang continued sharing her insights, "Consider the red bean lips[1] that gained a short burst of popularity two years ago. Would such a petite lip shape truly complement a broad, expansive face? Then there's the open forehead[2] trend." Expressing her discontent with this particular fashion, Shen Shaoguang remarked, "What's the rationale behind baring one's forehead and widening it as if matching Zhuque Street[3]? Is it to accommodate a horse-drawn carriage? There’s plenty of space for dimple dots and huadian on their face, but it’s as if due to limited practice space, they decided to unveil another area."

Second Young Lady Pang chuckled. While she embraced most trends, the 'open forehead' was one she adamantly avoided. Despite its popularity, she found it unappealing, yet acknowledged its endurance compared to the transient nature of various eyebrow shapes in vogue.

The conversation between the two continued, and it wasn't until almost the first gēng[4] that Second Young Lady Pang rose to take her leave. Just before departing, she recalled that Deputy Magistrate Lin hadn't visited at all that day. The joyous conversation had led her to forget her initial purpose for coming...

Shen Shaoguang bid her farewell with a smile, "Until tomorrow, Second Young Lady Pang."

As Shen Shaoguang placed the money left by Second Young Lady Pang's maid into the money basket, a smile played on her lips, and her eyes narrowed into crescents. There had to be a silver or two included as part of the lecture fees. Truly, knowledge was a form of wealth.

Second Young Lady Pang frequented Shen Shaoguang's establishment, engaging in daily interactions. Over the course of seven or eight days, her petite face took on a rounder appearance until she finally encountered Deputy Magistrate Lin.

Lin Yan worked overtime once again, returning only when it was nearing curfew[5]. Observing that Shen Indelible's lights were still illuminated, he alighted from the carriage and instructed the chamberlains to head back first while he strolled in at a leisurely pace.

Upon entering, he was greeted by Miss Shen's cheerful voice, "Crafting a makeup look is no trivial matter; it requires precision and careful consideration. If your natural eyes and brows are well-shaped, enhance them. If your lips are attractive, focus on perfecting them. Covering your face with thick layers of color, attempting to accentuate everything, transforms it into a painter's palette..."

No trivial matter; it requires precision and careful consideration… Lin Yan turned past the small screen, discovering Miss Shen and Second Young Lady Pang seated in the corner.

Meeting Second Young Lady Pang's eyes that suddenly lit up, Lin Yan lowered his gaze, offered a slight nod to both of them, and proceeded towards the opposite corner.

Shen Shaoguang turned her head. Second Young Lady Pang's persistent efforts had finally borne fruit—she had spent more than twenty taels of silver to finally encounter him.

Second Young Lady Pang gently touched the peach blossom hairpin adorning her temple, readjusted the lapels of her clothes, raised her face, and glanced at Shen Shaoguang, silently inquiring whether her attire and makeup were appropriate.

Shen Shaoguang nodded approvingly. Second Young Lady Pang looked exceptionally beautiful today. Adorned in a charming peach blossom ensemble with an embroidered dress embellished with scattered flowers embroidery, she exuded the allure of a guileless young girl. Her beauty surpassed the dazzling appearance Shen Shaoguang had witnessed at their first encounter during the beginning of the previous year. Second Young Lady Pang demonstrated remarkable ingenuity when it came to makeup and dressing up.

"Sir Lin——" Second Young Lady Pang stepped forward, seizing the opportunity to approach Deputy Magistrate Lin.

Sharply discerning the situation, Shen Shaoguang swiftly retreated into the kitchen. She intercepted A’Yuan, who was about to bring out tea, to maintain discretion.

"Sir Lin, dining so late, government office matters must be truly demanding," a smiling feminine voice remarked.

"It's an inherent part of the job." An unaffected voice lightly replied.

"Is Sir Lin occupied with matters related to the Double Third Festival[6] happening the day after tomorrow? If so, will Sir Lin be heading to Qujiang district? I heard that this year's newly appointed jìnshìs will attend the Tanhua Event[7] in Qujiang during the Double Third Festival, is that true?"

"Yes," came the response, though it was challenging to discern which of the three questions he was addressing.

"I heard that Sir Lin was also a Tanhua[8] back then, is it true?" The tone carried a mixture of hope and trepidation, tugging at Shen Shaoguang's heart. A girl's sentiments are indeed as pure and unblemished as poetry.

Yet, a seemingly solemn figure like Deputy Magistrate Lin had undergone such an unconventional experience? However, upon further reflection, Shen Shaoguang recognized that with his appearance and refined demeanor, it was not unexpected for him to be selected as one of the Tanhua. During this period, 'Tanhua' wasn't a specific title reserved for the third highest-scoring jinshi, but rather a transient and coveted role granted to the youngest and most handsome among the new jinshis. Their task was to seek out fresh and precious flowers in the pavilion.

"It's quite late now, Miss. It's best to return as soon as possible," the voice grew progressively colder.

"I—I just wanted to ask…"

"Please return, Miss." Second Young Lady Pang's final words were sternly interrupted.

How could Second Young Lady not comprehend his intent? Her large eyes brimmed with tears; she bit her lip, stamped her feet, and turned away.

Upon hearing the door close, Shen Shaoguang instructed A’Yuan to bring out the tea.

When Second Young Lady Pang initially spoke, Yu San perceived Deputy Magistrate Lin as an insincere womanizer. However, after hearing his blunt rejection, he now considered him heartless and devoid of protective sentiments towards the fairer sex. Yu San frowned and cast a sidelong glance at Shen Shaoguang. What kind of taste do you have? So superficial!

Shen Shaoguang retrieved the menu and, with a smile, inquired of Lin Yan, "What would Sir Lin like to have for dinner today?"

Listening to Shen Shaoguang's grandiloquent address of him as 'Sir Lin,' in contrast to the informal appellation from the young daughter of the Pang Residence moments ago, Lin Yan pursed his lips and remarked, "Just make whatever arrangements you like, Miss."

"Very well, Sir! Please wait a moment!" Shen Shaoguang, with a smile, tucked away the menu.

At the mention of 'Sir,' without even appending his surname, as if addressing any ordinary customer, Lin Yan's lips pursed even more deeply.

Shen Shaoguang returned to the kitchen and instructed Yu San to fry a plate of eggs with tender hotbed chives, stir-fry tree onions with cured bacon, mix some spring okra with dressing into a slaw, and steam a plate of tofu. She personally minced coriander and blended it with the ground meat to create lightly flavored, quickly boiled meatballs. Working on the order together, the two of them efficiently prepared the dishes, and it was ready in no time. Adding a steamed bread seasoned with salt and pepper, Shen Shaoguang had A’Yuan deliver the meal on a table tray.

After a while, assuming he was nearly finished with his meal, Shen Shaoguang emerged to inquire, "Sir Lin, would you like to add anything else?"

Lin Yan paused, lowered his eyes, and remarked, "Very good, the vegetables are remarkably tender, and the meatballs were also quite fragrant. Thank you very much."

"..." Gosh all hemlock! What did I just hear? Deputy Magistrate Lin actually praised the food as delicious!What triggered this from you, good sir?

"Sir Lin, you're welcome." Shen Shaoguang offered a forced smile.

Lin Yan glanced at her, lowered his head, and picked up his tea cup.

.

.

.

The author has something to say: 

Deputy Magistrate Lin: Grandma advised me to give more compliments, but it seems the impact isn't substantial... or perhaps my praise is still insufficient?

—

Footnotes:

[1] red bean lips - Tang dynasty makeup, as we know, was vibrant and glamorous. Women first put powder onto the lips, and then drew any pattern they liked. In this case, although I couldn’t find the exact reference, this should be relatively close: