Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 70.2 Moonlit Splendor

"From your words just now, you seem to have a good understanding of medical knowledge, Miss." The scholars dabbled in various fields of study, and many possessed some understanding of medical principles, even capable of diagnosing simple pulse conditions. However, it was uncommon for misses to be well-versed in this subject, prompting Elder Madam Jiang to inquire.

Academician Fang of the Inner Jiaofang[1], was versed in medical expertise, and was very adamant about what one ate, how one sat, and when to sleep. In her previous life, Shen Shaoguang oscillated between staying up late, suffering from hair loss, and adopting healthier habits such as drinking warm water infused with wolfberry from a thermos cup. She held Academician Fang in high regard for his meticulous attention to health and often sought his guidance.

However, she knew her understanding was far from ‘passable,’ let alone ‘fluid’. So Shen Shaoguang smiled and responded, "Medicine and food share common origins, so as a chef, I've picked up a few insights. I hope my words won't invite ridicule from Elder Madam."

Upon hearing Shen Shaoguang refer to herself as a "chef," Elder Madam Jiang responded sternly, "Whether the Four-Season Orchid grows by jade stone steps and vermilion fencing, or whether it grows on the side of a mountain stream, they are all Four-Season Orchids regardless. Miss, you are still a daughter of the Shen Clan of Luoyang; there is no need to humble yourself like that." Both the Jiang Clan and the Lin Clan were long-standing families of the Hedong District. Elder Madam Jiang had experienced numerous fluctuations in prosperity and adversity throughout her life. Some things she had learned to accept, but there were also some things she found difficult to let go of.

Shen Shaoguang stood up and saluted solemnly, "Elder Madam, you are right."

Elder Madam Jiang relaxed her expression and said with a smile, "Miss, you are a person of outstanding character. I have a good impression of you, so I may have spoken too much. I hope you don’t take offense, Miss."

Shen Shaoguang smiled and replied, "I have not received elder's teachings for many years. So I am very appreciative of your words, Elder Madam."

Elder Madam Jiang nodded. It seemed that her parents and seniors have all passed away. How unfortunate for such a thing to happen to such a wonderful miss like her...

Lin Yan coughed lightly, "This grandson also feels a little hungry. Grandma, can you share a bowl of porridge?"

This single sentence dispelled the somewhat serious and sad atmosphere. Especially since Lin Yan was usually so solemn and taciturn, his sudden mischievous and child-like remark caught everyone off guard, eliciting laughter from all present.

Elder Madam Jiang laughed and said, "Take it all! Take it all! He’s usually so picky, it’s rare for him to actually request a dish."

Shen Shaoguang only pursed her lips and smiled.

Lin Yan turned his head and felt relieved when he saw Shen Shaoguang’s expression still at ease.

Shen Shaoguang found it difficult to bid farewell while others were still eating. Therefore, after the grandmother and grandson finished their meal, Shen Shaoguang stood up and expressed, "It's getting late. I'll come and visit Elder Madam Jiang another day."

Elder Madam Jiang rose from her seat, took Shen Shaoguang’s hand, and smiled warmly, saying, "You must come again," as she personally escorted her to the door of her room.

Lin Yan also informed his grandmother of his leave, "I will arrange for someone to escort Miss Shen safely back."

Shen Shaoguang curtsied respectfully and said her last goodbye to Elder Madam Jiang.

As the servant woman held a lantern in front, Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan walked out of the residence together.

Looking from their backs, they looked to be a pair of beauties. Thinking of Master’s actions just now, A’Su looked at Elder Madam but refrained from saying anything in the end. She only softly suggested, "The porridge must have brought out some sweat, Let's change into fresh garments."

Elder Madam Jiang concurred, relying on A’Su's assistance as they made their way back into the room, step by step.

At the courtyard door, Liu Chang accepted the lantern from the servant woman, assuming the role of their guide. Lin Yan turned back and instructed, "Close the door."

The servant woman bowed in acknowledgment and obeyed.

The trio proceeded through the piazza, traversed the yard, and continued onward. Shen Shaoguang had initially presumed that Lin Yan would arrange for his chamberlain to see her off, but from the looks of it...

Shen Shaoguang smiled and suggested, "Sir, please stay. It's just a short distance, I can manage on my own."

Lin Yan replied warmly, "I was planning to take a stroll anyway."

Shen Shaoguang pursed her lips.

Lin Yan smiled slightly at her.

Liu Chang, leading the way, silently wished he could become the invisible man described in the chuánqí.

Upon reaching the Residence Gate, Liu Chang suggested with a smile, "Master, Miss, shall I go ahead and deliver this food box? The tavern might have an urgent need for it."

Shen Shaoguang: "..." Not to mention the tavern, there are barely any people on the street now, okay?

Lin Yan nodded. "Mn, go ahead."

Liu Chang handed the lantern to Lin Yan and left quickly.

While slowly making their journey, Shen Shaoguang raised her eyebrows and glanced at Lin Yan, a half-smile playing on her lips. "By escorting me like this, aren't you worried about gossip, Sir?"

Lin Yan halted, his gaze meeting hers. Despite the lantern casting only a limited glow, the moonlight was ample. He could clearly discern the slight anger on her fair face, the elegance of her almond-shaped eyes, the straight line of her nose, and her petal-like lips. ‘The moon comes forth in her brightness; How lovely is that beautiful lady—blessed with a beautiful wife.’ Recalling her previous inscriptions for the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lin Yan swiftly averted his gaze, not daring to linger too long on her lips.

"Neither of us are individuals who fear the opinions of others, Miss."

Shen Shaoguang was left for words. Indeed, in an era where couples eloped nightly, where youths of both genders adorned themselves in finery for the Double Third Festival, and where young girls and ladies freely threw handkerchiefs and sachets at the Tanhua Envoy's head, as the proprietress of a small tavern, strolling the streets with another for a while was hardly cause for concern. But...

Shen Shaoguang stopped beating around the bush and reasoned with him with complete sincerity, "Our families are not well-matched in terms of social status, so we will not be blessed. Why must you be so persistent, Sir?"

"Miss, you are the daughter of the Shen Clan of Luoyang while I am the descendant of the Lin Clan of Hedong. Although I am not talented, I am a successful candidate in the highest imperial civil service examination. Miss—" Lin Yan glanced at Shen Shaoguang, licked his lower lip, and said with a smile, "It’s great. In my opinion, we are well-matched in terms of social status and have similar levels of talent and appearance.”

Shen Shaoguang: "!!!"

Seeing her wide-open almond eyes and slightly pursed lips, Lin Yan chuckled.

After a while, Lin Yan smiled and coaxed her, "If you are afraid of people's gossip, I will just pay attention to it in the future."

Such a manner of speaking... Shen Shaoguang looked into his smiling eyes.

The word ‘A’Ji’ lingered in his mouth, but he refrained from provoking her further. Lin Yan spoke softly, "Don't be angry. It would be a shame to waste such beautiful moonlight."

After being momentarily lost for words, Shen Shaoguang looked away and asked with a smile, as if the previous tension had never occurred, "Speaking of moonlight, why do people think there is a big toad on it? Is it because of the shadow's shape?"

Lin Yan: "..."

This led Lin Yan to recall how she had explained the story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl on Double Seven Festival, prompting a helpless smile.

After ruining the atmosphere through the use of burning zithers and cooking cranes, Shen Shaoguang gazed up leisurely at the moon. Her eyes wandered over the houses, trees, and roads illuminated by the moonlight, eventually settling on the tall, jade-like figure beside her. Yes ah, the moonlight tonight was indeed quite beautiful...①

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The author has something to say: ① Refer to when Natsume Sōseki translated "I love you" into "The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?"

T/N: For those who want to know more about Natsume Sōseki and his translation, please refer to the website here- https://www.tsuki.world/world/the-moon-is-beautiful-isnt-it 

**Also, there’s something important to note when Lin Yan said, "If you are afraid of people's gossip, I will just pay attention to it in the future." This sentence is a little special, because usually people during this era don't use "I" when talking. Lin Yan has usually referred to himself as 'Yan' — or just anything in third-person. I changed it in the translation because it's a little more easy on the eyes, but just know that this sentence, Lin Yan actually used the first person pronoun ‘I’. It’s very intimate.

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Footnote:

[1] Inner Jiaofang(内教坊) - The earliest evidence of the word jiaofang 教坊 was first found in materials relating to the Tang Dynasty. The original meaning of jiaofang referred to a place for teaching and studying which gradually changed to a place for the special teaching of musical arts over time. Therefore, in the Tang Dynasty, jiaofang usually appeared alongside names of musical institutions in the palace and the court.

Source: https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/pdfs/978-1-5275-5207-4-sample.pdf