Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 66.2 A Visit from Chu Di

Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Uncle, don't you think my life is quite fulfilling now? With a cottage, peach and plum trees, and a flourishing vegetable garden." She subtly referenced Shen Qian's dream of retiring to a life in nature.

Chu Di chuckled, his brow furrowing slightly as he scolded with a smile, "If you were a young man, I wouldn’t be so strict."

Speaking of this, Chu Di couldn't help but think of the 'suspicious' Deputy Magistrate Lin. Although such words weren't entirely appropriate for an uncle to ask his niece, the situation called for guidance from an older figure. Besides, A’Ji wasn't one to shy away from discussions. "You and Deputy Magistrate Lin—" 

Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but admire the former deputy minister of the Ministry of Justice. If he hadn't resigned early, he might have left a mark in history. Perhaps future generations would depict him as the protagonist in novels and TV series, like ‘Sherlock Chu’ or ‘Detective Chu Di’.

With a wry smile, Shen Shaoguang replied, "The Deputy Magistrate is too reserved, and I am too free-spirited. Our temperaments don't quite align, making us incompatible."

In both ancient and modern times, the incompatibility of personalities served as a convenient excuse. Chu Di held back his next words, raising his eyebrows as he observed her. Shen Shaoguang returned the gaze with a smile.

After a moment of contemplation, Shen Shaoguang's expression became serious. "Whether I go to Luoyang, accompany Uncle, or stay with Grand Chancellor Li, I am still my late father's daughter. This identity will always define me, and wherever I am, I must carry this responsibility; it is mine to bear, and mine alone."

Chu Di reminisced about a scene over a decade ago, where Shen Qian, usually somewhat unruly, displayed a determined resolve. "I only do what I believe is right," he had declared.

Chu Di cast a profound gaze at Shen Shaoguang. Indeed, they were truly father and daughter!

Shen Shaoguang chuckled, her words genuine. "Honestly, I'm quite content with the life I have now. Uncle, you see, it's only been a year since I left the palace, and already I own this tavern and a small house. Perhaps with time, I'll become quite prosperous here in Chang'an City. And when that day comes, I'll purchase land in Zhongnan Mountain and along the Wei River. When you return to Chang'an, we can hunt in the mountains and fish in the river together..." Shen Shaoguang had often shared her grand aspirations with A’Yuan and A’Chang, and now, she found herself genuinely considering them.

Chu Di couldn't help but be amused by her words. "Our A’Ji not only possesses Yi Ya[1]'s cooking skills but also Guan Zhong[2]'s business acumen."

Shen Shaoguang boasted shamelessly, "It's a pity I'm not a man! Otherwise, I would have been someone capable of bearing heavy responsibilities."

Chu Di laughed, yet felt a growing sense of regret in his heart. A’Ji had been a delicate and naive child, but now, her naivety was a thing of the past.

As they glanced at the sky outside, they realized it was almost wu-shi (11-1pm). Shen Shaoguang smiled and remarked, "I was short of ingredients yesterday, Uncle. Today, you must sample my craftsmanship."

Shen Shaoguang then found some books for Chu Di and encouraged him to help himself while she went to the front store to prepare a meal.

Despite suggesting that Chu Di sample her craftsmanship, it wasn't appropriate to leave the guests unattended for too long. Shen Shaoguang sliced up some raw fish as a simple gesture, while the rest of the preparation was handled by Princess Yu San. Princess Yu San was notably silent today, not even bothering to display any expressions. What a temper the princess has...

Shen Shaoguang returned and resumed her conversation with Chu Di. This time, they delved into topics of knowledge, and Shen Shaoguang found herself sweating from the barrage of questions.

When A’Yuan and A’Chang brought the food over, Shen Shaoguang breathed a sigh of relief. It was daunting for an unprepared student to face a teacher's examination alone.

On the other hand, Chu Di was feeling quite regretful. A’Ji's knowledge was impressive among girls her age, but compared to the female teachers in the academy of classical learning, there was still a gap. Perhaps she could benefit from spending some time in the academy? It might not be entirely suitable for an unmarried lady to manage a business alone here. Chu Di then pondered Deputy Magistrate Lin once more. Did A’Ji truly have no feelings towards him?

Deputy Magistrate Lin's temperament is indeed too cold... Chu Di frowned slightly.

"Uncle, try this White Cut Chicken." Shen Shaoguang said.

The bones of the cut chicken pieces appeared slightly reddish in hue. Shen Shaoguang explained with a smile, "This dish is prepared with careful attention to cooking the meat thoroughly while preserving the bone's integrity. It's boiled to perfection, resulting in a smooth and tender texture." 

Chu Di nodded, picking up a piece and tasting it with the sauce. As anticipated, the chicken was succulent and flavorful, delighting his palate.

Shen Shaoguang then invited him to try the fish slices, saying, "I personally mixed these fish slices. Please, give them a taste, Uncle."

This fish slice dish differed from the traditional ‘Golden Fine Sliced Fish’. It featured thinly sliced grass carp, complemented by slender strips of ginger, green onions, garlic, coriander, and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame seeds, bean vermicelli, as well as other spices like oil, salt, and sugar. It bore resemblance to Guangdong’s Fish Salad in later generations.

In the year she began her restaurant venture, Shen Shaoguang's knife skills had significantly improved. The fish filets were now thin and uniform. After being prepared in this manner, they turned out smooth, tender, and fresh, perfect for consumption during the hot summer days, offering a refreshing experience.

Shen Shaoguang elaborated on the precision involved in creating this fish dish. "The crucial step is to remove the fish's lower jaw and tail to drain out all the blood; otherwise, the color may become murky, and the taste might turn fishy."

Shen Shaoguang then joked, "Uncle, as a nobleman who typically keeps his distance from the kitchen, I hope my explanation didn’t cause you to 'not bear to eat its meat[3]', otherwise wouldn't this fish die in vain?"

Observing the lively demeanor of Miss Shen and relishing the delicious fish, Chu Di suddenly felt that life in the urban milieu wasn’t so bad after all.

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The author has something to say:

I couldn’t help but reference another novel… In reference to ‘Travel Notes of Aphro Kingdom’, does anyone still remember when Ping Ping and Ole Lu recited during their 'nightly rounds': "The people of Aphro Kingdom have faces as black as pots, eyes like copper bells, and stand on three feet[4]"? I wonder when A’Ji and Deputy Magistrate Lin will be as close as Ping Ping and Ole Lu.

A’Ji smiled evilly: I look forward to it. The red beauty mark on Deputy Magistrate Lin’s neck is very cute.

Deputy Magistrate Lin coughed lightly: When?

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Footnotes:

[1] Yi Ya (易牙) - lived during the Spring and Autumn Period in the State of Qi. He was a famous chef, notably the first cook to open his own restaurant, so he is known to be a founder to many chiefs.

[2] Guan Zhong (管仲) - known for his business acumen during the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China. As prime minister to Duke Huan of Qi, he implemented economic reforms that promoted agriculture, commerce, and industry, leading to prosperity and stability in the state. His policies included encouraging trade, establishing markets, and reforming the taxation system, earning him a reputation as a skilled statesman.

[3] ‘a nobleman keeps away from the kitchen’ - It’s a saying from Mencius. This is the original words: 君子之於禽獸也、見其生、不忍見其死。聞其聲、不忍食其肉。是以君子遠庖廚也。Basically it’s saying a noble person (君子) cannot bear to witness the suffering and death of animals, nor can they bring themselves to consume their flesh after hearing their cries. Therefore, a noble person distances themselves from the kitchen and avoids participating in the slaughter and consumption of animals. This reflects the Confucian principle of treating all creatures with kindness and empathy, aligning with the values of compassion and moral integrity.

[4] ‘The people of Aphro Kingdom have faces as black as pots, eyes like copper bells, and stand on three feet’ - This is from the author’s other novel ‘科举之男装大佬’ which should translate to something like ‘Crossdressing as a Man to take the Imperial Exam (And Becoming a Big Shot)’. This novel isn't currently in translation, and given the challenging nature of ‘Chang’an Small Restaurant’ despite minimal political content, I doubt it will be picked up anytime soon. Though it does sound interesting, almost a blend of the current BG novels I’m translating, since ‘The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star’ also depicts a crossdressing MC haha.

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Foods:

White Cut Chicken (白斩鸡) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKZdMUVpZUQ