Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 64.2 Such a Confession

As Shen Shaoguang imagined Deputy Magistrate Lin with tousled hair bundled in a black cotton-padded jacket, lying at the entrance of the village waiting for rescue, she heard a slight cough outside.

Shen Shaoguang widened her eyes. It couldn’t be… It wouldn’t be such a coincidence, right? It goes to show that one really shouldn’t talk about people behind their backs...

After lifting the kitchen curtain and stepping out, Shen Shaoguang greeted Lin Yan with a flattering smile. "Hello, Sir Lin. Please come inside, Sir Lin. Would you like some chilled sour plum beverages from the well to cool down a bit, Sir Lin?"

Lin Yan's expression remained stern, but a hint of amusement sparkled in his eyes. "Okay, I'll have to trouble you, Miss."

Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes and smiled. "No trouble."

A’Yuan had already gone to the backyard to fetch some sour plum beverage. Relieved of the task, Shen Shaoguang turned her attention to Deputy Magistrate Lin, as was their usual routine, and asked what he would like today.

"Let’s have some light vegetables," he replied, "embodied in the philosophy that the ‘pinnacle of flavor lies in simplicity’."

Shen Shaoguang: "...Okay!"

Shen Shaoguang realized her faux pas and allowed herself to be teased. As she was about to turn and leave, she heard him inquire, "The words you said in the kitchen earlier, they seemed incomplete. What are your thoughts on the concept of 'the pinnacle of flavor lies in simplicity,' Miss?"

Shen Shaoguang turned to face him. Deputy Magistrate Lin's eyes had a slight curve, and he wore a smile that seemed to be both teasing and sincere. It was a departure from his usual dignified demeanor, resembling more of his friend, Sir Pei. His expression, coupled with the question, was clearly meant to jest at her.

Shen Shaoguang's thoughts wandered, and she felt a slight warmth creeping into her cheeks. She hadn't expected Deputy Magistrate Lin to be so relaxed and playful. Truly… the depth of a capable individual's character is unfathomable!

Shen Shaoguang gathered herself and released a slow breath. The ambiguity had reached a point where it shouldn't be prolonged any further.

Instead of returning to the kitchen, Shen Shaoguang took a seat opposite Deputy Magistrate Lin. She offered a smile and spoke, "The remarks I made in the kitchen earlier were simply jests aimed at my maid. There are merits to bold flavors and milder tastes also have their own strengths. There's no need to dwell too deeply on it. Please don't take my casual words to heart, Sir."

Lin Yan's demeanor turned serious as he regarded her with a steady gaze.

"As for the concept of 'the pinnacle of flavor lies in simplicity,' there's little more to add. However, I do have another inquiry. During my time in the Lateral Courts, I came across a passage in the <Book of Songs> which stated, 'All are [good] at first, but few prove themselves to be so at the last.' Later, in a novel penned by an author surnamed Hong, I encountered a similar sentiment: 'Creating a favorable initial impression pales in comparison to avoiding potential long-term grievances.' I find both sentiments quite compelling. What is your take on them, Sir Lin?"

Lin Yan observed Shen Shaoguang intently for a moment, while she maintained a composed smile.

He then pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Based on your remarks, it appears you align with the philosophies of Laozi and Zhuangzi, leaning towards Daoism. However, considering the actions of your esteemed father, he seems to adhere more closely to Confucian principles."

Shen Shaoguang raised an eyebrow.

"We, as Confucian, solely focus on ‘aligning our will with the path of duty, diligently pursuing virtuous deeds, and striving for moral excellence.’ To make an all-out effort to do so and nothing more." Lin Yan stated firmly, his gaze unwavering as he looked directly at Shen Shaoguang.

Shen Shaoguang was momentarily speechless. It turns out that the Confucian School of Thought's optimistic perspective on worldly affairs permeated every aspect of life.

Lin Yan's voice carried a solemn tone as he quoted from the Classic of Rites: "The scholar is as a precious gem placed upon a mat, eagerly awaiting an invitation; diligently he studies day and night, eagerly awaiting questioning. He carries in his bosom leal-heartedness and good faith, eagerly awaiting elevation; he acts with vigor in all his endeavors, eagerly awaiting selection."

He paused, licking his lips and lowering his gaze before continuing softly, "These words may sound prideful and presumptuous, but I implore you to reflect upon them earnestly, Miss Shen."

Shen Shaoguang: "..."

Confucian scholars resemble treasures placed on a mat, awaiting appreciation (by a sovereign); they diligently study, awaiting examination; they remain faithful and honest, awaiting recommendation (for office); they exemplify their teachings, awaiting recruitment (for employment). 

Shen Shaoguang's thoughts raced as she contemplated Lin Yan's words. Was he likening himself to the ‘treasure on the mat,’ waiting to be ‘appreciated’ by her? 

No wait, is this the way you fricking confess?

Does everyone from the Tang Dynasty express their feelings like this? As if discussing philosophy?

Shen Shaoguang responded with a feigned smile, "You Confucians never cease to amaze... Why persist in pursuits deemed impossible?"

"Without attempting it, how can one determine its impossibility? Perhaps it's entirely possible..." His tone carried a hint of gentleness, and the word ‘possible’ seemed to be uttered with a touch of longing. Despite the lofty sentiment of his words, there was a subtle intimacy and warmth. Lin Yan took a sip of his drink with a slightly awkward gesture, inadvertently revealing a portion of the colorful bracelet hidden within his sleeve.

Observing his chin and the subtle movement of his Adam's apple as he drank, Shen Shaoguang found herself momentarily influenced by his words, particularly the notion of 'possible.' How can it be ‘possible’?A harmonious marital union, enduring as mandarin ducks, nurturing children, until death do us part?

Shen Shaoguang swallowed, offering a dry smile. "It's evident that Confucianism and Daoism are indeed distinct... I'll go attend to your order now."

Lin Yan couldn't help but chuckle at Shen Shaoguang's hasty retreat, as if she were fleeing in defeat.

Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang found herself in the kitchen, methodically cutting the cattail rhizomes into sections, alongside a few slices of cured meat and ginger. As she poured oil into the pot and began the stir-fry, her thoughts drifted to her increasingly intricate emotions. Unexpectedly, Deputy Magistrate Lin resembled a formidable CEO, unwilling to accept defeat and instead shedding light on their relationship. His staunch adherence to Confucian principles made him…somewhat challenging to handle.

A’Yuan came to stir up more trouble. "You're so knowledgeable, Miss. You could even hold court with a Tanhua about scholarly matters."

Shen Shaoguang chuckled dryly. "...Sometimes it's better to know less; ignorance truly is bliss."

A’Yuan seemed puzzled. "Why is that? Weren't you always encouraging me to expand my vocabulary, Miss?"

Shen Shaoguang replied sincerely and earnestly, "Being literate is sufficient. It's okay not to delve too deeply into Confucian teachings."

A’Yuan looked even more puzzled, but noticing her Miss's contemplative expression and reluctance to elaborate further, A’Yuan ceased her questioning.

Shen Shaoguang placed the cooked cattail rhizomes in milky broth into a bowl, along with some ready-made steamed cakes and side dishes, instructing A’Yuan to take them out.

Lin Yan observed A’Yuan, who provided an explanation for Shen Shaoguang's preoccupation, "Our Miss is mulling over the teachings of ‘Confucius’."

Shen Shaoguang, who was in the kitchen: "..."

Lin Yan laughed.

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The author has something to say:

Author: When the Daoist philosophy of non-action clashes with the Confucian emphasis on acquiring qualifications even when lacking, it creates a conflict. Let me make it clear, Deputy Magistrate Lin, if you two hold different beliefs, it won't lead to a happy outcome.

Deputy Magistrate Lin responded with a sharp glare.

The author turned around and teased A’Ji: Hit a dead end, huh? This guy isn't easy to shake off, am I right?

A’Ji also responded with a sharp glare.

Author: Take these two troublemakers away. Anyone willing to deal with them, they're all yours!