Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 65.2 Esteemed Guests Amidst the Rain

As Lin Yan awaited his meal, two individuals entered the establishment. One was Grand Chancellor Li, while the other was a man of about forty years old. He possessed thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a square face with a prominent jaw, giving him an air of rectitude and integrity.

Lin Yan rose from his seat and respectfully greeted, "Grand Chancellor Li."

Li Yue appeared slightly surprised but smiled nonetheless. "Lin Yan." His carriage had just circled the Lin Residence a couple of times, but before his sense of ruefulness could fully fade, he found himself face to face with the current occupant of the estate.

Shen Shaoguang heard the commotion outside and emerged from the kitchen. As she stepped into view, the two guests turned their heads, triggering a rush of old memories. Among them stood Chu Nine, her uncle from the Chu Residence.

Shen Shaoguang stood stunned for a moment.

Li Yue smiled at her, while Chu Di furrowed his brows in thought.

Li Yue proceeded to introduce Chu and Lin to each other.

Chu Di, a contemporary Confucian, had established lectures at an Academy of Classical Learning located in Guangping County, earning considerable renown and respect among intellectuals. As a member of the younger generation and a student of the same school, Lin Yan respectfully saluted him and addressed him as 'Teacher Chu'.

Surrounded by students of similar age whom Chu Di had mentored, none matched Deputy Magistrate Lin's lofty status in officialdom. Observing this young man, who resided in his deceased friend's former abode, stirred a mix of emotions within Chu Di. Despite his silent judgments, Chu Di couldn't deny that Lin Yan's poised demeanor was reminiscent of the jade-green bamboos once beloved by Shen Five. However, he maintained a modest smile and remarked, "We hail from the same hometown, Deputy Magistrate Lin. There's no need for excessive formality."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the three of them settled into their seats.

Shen Shaoguang approached with a table tray, offering beverages and menus, and inquired with a warm smile, "What would you esteemed guests like to have today?"

"If I may be so bold as to ask, Miss, since this store’s name is ‘Shen Indelible’, is the owner of this shop surnamed Shen?" Chu Di asked.

Shen Shaoguang smiled and confirmed, "Indeed, my surname is Shen."

Chu Di's expression shifted, his gaze turning serious as he regarded Shen Shaoguang. Realizing the limitations of their current setting, he simply nodded in acknowledgment, refraining from further inquiries in front of outsiders.

Li Yue understood Chu Di's thoughts. Arriving at Chongxian Lane and passing by their deceased friend's former residence naturally stirred up memories of old times. With the mention of the surname ‘Shen,’ it was inevitable for one's mind to wander and overspeculate.

While Li Yue was still in Jiangnan, he had tasked someone with making inquiries. Through these efforts, he learned that the daughter of the Shen Residence had been sent to the Lateral Courts and A’Ji’s serious illness. As a young girl who had been pampered since childhood, now without adult protection, finding herself suddenly thrust into such an environment...

Li Yue glanced at his old friend and then smiled at Shen Shaoguang. "Please bring out whatever you have available, Miss. Though I don't have much money on me at the moment, the Mane Styled Horse outside should be able to cover the rest."

Shen Shaoguang laughed, feigning ease, and replied, "With esteemed noblemen present," she said, casting a  deliberate glance at Deputy Magistrate Lin, the deputy mayor of Chang'an City entrusted with the daily operations concerning civil administration, commerce, and public security, "I wouldn't dare to butcher the cow[1]."

Their short exchange was made in reference to Li Bai's <Bring in the Wine[2]>.

Her response elicited hearty laughter from Li Yue. Chu Di and Lin Yan both regarded Shen Shaoguang with amusement and joined in the laughter.

Shen Shaoguang smiled, nodded graciously, and offered a courteous curtsy before taking the table tray and withdrawing to the kitchen to prepare their meal.

Grand Chancellor Li had eclectic tastes in food. Although he had come prepared to indulge in a feast, the unexpected rain had prevented the butcher from making a delivery. Undeterred, Shen Shaoguang sprung into action, employing all her culinary ingenuity. With the chickens and quails from the backyard, the two remaining bighead carps from the kitchen bucket, and an assortment of cured meats, preserved fish, mincemeat, and black bean sauce from their storagehouse, along with whatever vegetables were on hand, she managed to assemble a surprisingly sumptuous banquet.

Li Yue gestured towards the fish head on his plate, a warm smile gracing his lips. "This is absolutely delicious, you must all give it a try."

The fish head had been expertly steamed with a cornel dogwood paste. Unlike the intense heat of chopped chili peppers, this paste boasted a milder yet still aromatic spiciness, achieved through careful fermentation. Not only did it eliminate any trace of fishiness, but it also enhanced the overall freshness of the dish.

The cooking technique mirrors that of the modern dish 'Fish Head with Fermented Chopped Chili'. First, the fish heads are halved and marinated in a mixture of salt, yellow wine, and ginger juice. Placed skin-side up on a plate, they're then topped with minced ginger and cornel dogwood paste before being steamed to perfection. Once ready, they're garnished with minced garlic, chopped scallions, and a generous drizzle of hot Sichuan pepper-infused oil.

The fish head prepared in this manner boasts a delightful aroma and tenderness, offering a distinct flavor and sensation compared to the Fish Head Tofu Soup—it’s quite similar to the contrast between a fiery vixen and a demure maiden.

Grand Chancellor Li clearly enjoyed ‘fiery vixens’. Her Uncle Chu appeared unperturbed, while Deputy Magistrate Lin took a sip with an unaffected demeanor. However, Shen Shaoguang observed him finishing the remainder of the beverage in his cup.

It seems Deputy Magistrate Lin aligned with the 'demure maiden' faction.

Shen Shaoguang requested A’Yuan to refill the beverage cups for the three guests while she fetched three small bowls of duck soup from the kitchen. "In the heat of summer, please enjoy some duck soup to alleviate the humidity, esteemed guests."

The duck soup contained only small droplets of oil. Within the bowl floated several tender pieces of duck meat, along with slices of peeled wax gourd that retained a delicate hint of green, two red dates, and a handful of wolfberries. Served in small white porcelain soup bowls, the presentation was exquisitely beautiful.

Lin Yan glanced at her, using a spoon to scoop up a piece of wax gourd and tasted it. The lingering numbness from the fish dish he had just consumed finally abated, prompting a subtle uplift of the corners of his mouth.

"Miss, I've never encountered a lady with culinary skills as remarkable as yours," Chu Di remarked with a smile after sipping his soup and casting a glance at Shen Shaoguang.

Shen Shaoguang smiled with a practical, down-to-earth demeanor and replied, "Cooking is how I earn my livelihood. With enough practice, one becomes more adept than others."

Chu Di nodded in quiet acknowledgment.

Lin Yan noticed the perspiration on her temples, contrasting her industriousness with the pampered lives of other ladies, and a pang of sadness welled up within him. Alas, my A’Ji...

Shen Shaoguang curtsied once more before stepping back with her table tray.

Li Yue found Chu Di's comparison between a tavern proprietress and noble ladies to be inappropriate. Albeit, the thought of noble ladies brought to mind his attempts at matchmaking between Lin Yan and the Fifth Young Lady of the Qin Residence. While Lin Yan and the Qin Fifth Young Lady were indeed an ideal match, fate had other plans, as the Fifth Young Lady ended up betrothed to the grandson of the Duke of Xinyang.

Li Yue didn't fault Lin Yan for the situation but rather admired his loyalty to old friendships and steadfast principles. He smiled and remarked, "Regarding matters of the heart, An Ran is no longer young. It's time to settle down and start a family."

Lin Yan glanced towards the blue door curtain leading to the kitchen and smiled back, "Indeed, my grandmother has already begun the search."

Upon hearing that the Elder Madam of the Lin Residence was overseeing the matter, Li Yue refrained from further comment.

Chu Di, seated directly opposite Lin Yan, raised gaze slightly as he observed Deputy Magistrate Lin once more. He then picked up his soup bowl, scooped out a piece of wax gourd, and savored it as he pondered silently. Lin Yan complemented the bamboos well, but as a pair... wouldn't it be somewhat lacking in flavor?

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The author has something to say:

Deputy Magistrate Lin: My A’Ji has worked so hard, I can’t help but feel distressed...

Shen Shaoguang: Deputy Magistrate Lin, think about your name. Now think about my name[3].

Deputy Magistrate Lin:......

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Footnotes:

[1] I wouldn't dare to butcher the cow - There was a beef ban during the Song Dynasty. And as with many Tang customs adopted by Song society, this rule was still imposed. To quote– 'The bovine is a pastoral animal and an agricultural resource. There are already strict laws forbidding the killing of this animal, and it would be a great tragedy to kill or harm a bovine just when a bountiful harvest is within reach.’ You can read a cool article about it here - https://brill.com/view/journals/joch/7/3/article-p342_6.xml?language=en 

[2] Bring in the Wine - This poem was mentioned once before, in chapter 43. However since they are just referencing, I decided to reintroduce ya’lls to the poem - https://eastasiastudent.net/china/classical/li-bai-jiang-jin-jiu/   

[3] Lin Yan's courtesy name is An Ran (安然), which literally translates ‘peacefully’ or ‘at a rest’. While Shen Shaoguang's A'Ji (阿荠)… I’m actually not sure what her name is supposed to mean… I went to ask for help and another translator also agreed that it might be related to a type of plant that grows despite harsh conditions. If anyone knows, please comment below (ó﹏ò｡)

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Food

Fish Head with Fermented Chopped Chili https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEaBzJqWh0U