Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 63.2 The Bizarre Bamboo Mat

A’Yuan snickered. "Miss, last time you talked about buying a property in Zhongnan Mountain, and mentioned when that moment comes, you would go hunting wild pheasants for me to eat..."

Shen Shaoguang joined in the laughter. There's nothing wrong with dreaming big. "I still want a villa near Zhongnan Mountain, along with another property by the Wei River. The mountain air is cool in the summer, so it's definitely not as sweltering as in the city, where one can't even sleep from the heat. Plus, there's plenty of game to be found there. And when the time comes, we can set up a fireplace to grill skewers of mutton, chicken wings, venison, rabbit..."

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Shen Shaoguang heard the sound of the curtain being drawn aside. It was Deputy Magistrate Lin.

Rising to her feet, Shen Shaoguang greeted him casually. "It's been a while, Sir Lin. Still doing well, I presume?"

Noticing the faintly dark bags under Shen Shaoguang's eyes, Lin Yan frowned slightly. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated and ultimately remained silent. After a brief pause, he replied, "I've been well, thank you."

Feeling a surge of resentment fueled by the psychological turmoil resulting from the growing disparity between the wealthy and the less fortunate, Shen Shaoguang silently cursed to herself, 'Of course you're doing well. I bet there's an ice basin in every room of your grand mansion, and perhaps a beautiful maid fanning you too. If it were me, I'd be doing just fine too... you pampered rich dog!'

Perfectly masking her thoughts, Shen Shaoguang maintained a composed smile as she ushered him to take a seat and inquired about his dining preferences. She then requested A’Yuan to fetch him a chilled beverage.

Anticipating him to defer to her, saying, ‘I'll leave the arrangements to you, Miss,’ she was surprised when he instead remarked, "I'm fine with whatever is already prepared. There's no need to start a fire."

Delighted at the prospect of having to spend less time tending to the kitchen fire, Shen Shaoguang readily concurred. However, as she turned to depart, a sudden realization dawned on her sluggish mind. 'Could it be that—' she pondered, considering the possibility that Lin Yan might be expressing concern for her well-being?

Raising her eyebrows, Shen Shaoguang cast a curious glance at Lin Yan, her lips curling into a half-smile.

Given his demeanor, she had anticipated him saying something like, "It's too warm to consume heated meals," but to her surprise, Deputy Magistrate Lin simply glanced at her and resumed sipping his beverage as though nothing had occurred.

Shen Shaoguang: "..."

Shen Shaoguang pursed her lips. Forget it, she thought to herself, turning towards the kitchen.

As Shen Shaoguang walked away, Lin Yan's lips curled into a slight smile.

Initially, Shen Shaoguang had planned to offer Lin Yan just two plates of floral cakes. However, upon realizing that the soft-shell turtle stew was almost ready, she reconsidered. After all, it wouldn't be right to skimp on hospitality, especially when the Lin Residence had already been so generous.

With ready-made dough at hand, Shen Shaoguang took a portion and shaped botuo noodles resembling leek leaves before immersing them into a pot of boiling water. Meanwhile, she ladled a bowl of turtle and chicken soup, into which she placed the cooked botuo noodles. Sprinkling a generous handful of chopped green onions and seasoning it with salt, she carefully arranged it on a table tray before presenting it on the table.

A’Yuan’s nose twitched indiscernible. Didn’t Miss say that the softshell turtle was going to be our private meal?

The steaming and aromatic bowl of softshell turtle and chicken soup caused beads of sweat to form on Lin Yan's brow, even dampening his collar.

Observing his somewhat uncomfortable state, Shen Shaoguang couldn't resist teasing him with a smile. "Are you enjoying your meal, Sir?"

Under Shen Shaoguang's mischievous gaze, Lin Yan couldn't help but smile in resignation. "Yes." 

Shen Shaoguang stood tall, observing Deputy Magistrate Lin as he enjoyed his noodles. She couldn't help but recall a past incident—when pretty boy He Yan had been suspected of wearing makeup. On a scorching summer day, he had been made to consume a piping hot bowl of noodles, causing him to sweat profusely. So that's what they meant by 'vermilion cloth caressed his face, imbuing a radiant glow in its wake[1]'? Tsk tsk.

With summer in full swing, Lin Yan wore lightweight clothing, allowing Shen Shaoguang to discern his figure more clearly as he perspired. Shamelessly assessing his physique, Shen Shaoguang left with great satisfaction.

Realizing it was impolite to linger while he was drenched in sweat, and noticing Shen Shaoguang's apparent fatigue, Lin Yan decided not to overstay so that Miss Shen could rest. After finishing his botuo noodles, he bid farewell and departed.

Upon arriving home, Lin Yan changed his clothes and summoned Liu Chang. "The task I assigned to you earlier, regarding the search for a fine horse, is no longer necessary," he informed him.

Liu Chang was taken aback. "Has Sir Pei decided against purchasing the courtyard house, then? Subsequently, there's no longer a need for a housewarming gift?"

"Give him my steed."

"What about Master?" Liu Chang was even more surprised. That’s Master's beloved horse!

"It's not as though we lack other horses. The maroon one is also good." 

Liu Chang: "..."

"Go and inquire whether there are any land or business enterprises in Zhongnan Mountain for sale, the ones suitable for escaping the summer heat."

Liu Chang swiftly grasped the situation. Despite Master's generous salary, his expenditures were considerable. Investing in a quality horse might not leave sufficient funds for purchasing property. However, he pondered why Master had suddenly contemplated buying a house in Zhongnan Mountain. Was it for the Elder Madam? It seemed plausible, given that elderly individuals often struggle more with heat. But how would Master manage to visit her regularly if she resided so far away?

"Furthermore," Lin Yan added, moistening his lips, "Take this bamboo mat and have a new face sell it in front of Shen Indelible."

Liu Chang: "..."

In the flash, Liu Chang comprehended the situation. Oh, Master. Alas, men...

The following day, Shen Shaoguang, still feeling the effects of a restless night's sleep, noticed the ‘peddler’ peddling bamboo mats.

Not one to be easily deceived about goods, Shen Shaoguang quickly recognized the origin of the bamboo mat. "Isn't this bamboo mat from Lang Prefecture of the Shannan Circuit?"

The peddler was very polite and had a warm demeanor. "You are absolutely correct, Miss."

Lang Prefecture's bamboo mats were renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, smooth as jade. Made exclusively from bamboo sourced from Shanyin County, these mats were reputed for their ability to keep one cool and sweat-free during the summer months. They were even sent as tribute to the capital every year. While they could be found in the East Market, they fetched exorbitant prices.

The peddler smiled warmly and explained, "To be honest, Miss, this item was gifted to me by a nobleman whom I happened to save by chance. Coming from a humble background, I couldn't bring myself to make use of it. When I tried pawning it, the offer was disappointingly low, so I opted to sell it myself."

Shen Shaoguang couldn't shake off the feeling of unease surrounding the situation. Could it possibly be stolen goods?

Resisting the temptation of petty gains, Shen Shaoguang reluctantly touched the jade mat. It felt exquisite to the touch. She couldn't help but entertain grander aspirations. When I become wealthy, I'll purchase not just one, but four of these mats—one for each member of the family. Shen Shaoguang's dreams expanded with each passing moment.

The ‘peddler’ took a detour before returning to the Lin Residence, his spirits deflated. He promptly reported the unsuccessful venture to Liu Chang, who sighed in resignation. Such schemes could only be attempted once; there was no alternative method to sell the mat again. With a pointed finger, Liu Chang indicated the incompetence of the individual before proceeding to face the consequences from his Master.

After hearing the full account, Lin Yan couldn't help but smile wryly. What a waste it was for A'Ji, not being appointed as a judicial officer in the Ministry of Justice...

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Footnote:

[1] Vermilion cloth caressed his face, imbuing a radiant glow in its wake (以朱衣自拭，色转皎然) - He Yan was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the state of Cao Wei in the Three Kingdoms period. He was renowned for his beauty and a notably fair complexion. Once, Emperor Ming of Wei, suspicious that He Yan was wearing makeup, decided to test him. During the summer season, he served He Yan a hot bowl of noodles, causing the letter to perspire heavily. Wiping his face with his red attire, the contrast caused his complexion to appear even paler.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Yan