Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 71.1 A Lady’s Opinion on Politics

Shen Shaoguang was in the kitchen preparing 'Unadhering Egg Pudding' for A’Yuan.

She began by combining the egg yolks with sugarcane starch paste and cornstarch until the mixture was smooth and even. Then, she heated a pan over high heat, greased the surface with lard, and poured the well-stirred yolk mixture into the pan. Using a spatula, she continuously stirred the mixture, gradually adding lard to enhance its smoothness and tenderness, aiming for the desired 'unadhering' effect. In less than ten minutes, the oil and egg paste melded together, transforming from a light yellow hue to a beautiful golden color, indicating it was ready to be served.

It was fragrant, soft, tender, and sweet, with a semi-liquid consistency and a slight chewiness, making it incredibly delicious. It perfectly aligned with Mr. Chua Lam's food theory that the most delicious food in the world was nothing but cholesterol.

A’Yuan had fallen in love with this dish since Shen Shaoguang first made it. Whenever there were leftover egg yolks, she would eagerly ask, "Miss, how about making some 'Unadhering Egg Pudding'?"

Considering her health, Shen Shaoguang only agreed three out of ten times A’Yuan asked. But every time she did, A’Yuan was overjoyed to indulge in the sweet treat.

Yu San didn’t care for sweet and soft 'baby food', and A’Chang didn't want to contest A’Yuan. At most, he would take a couple of bites just to taste it, so the majority of the pudding usually went to A’Yuan. But today, A’Yuan was willing to share a bit with the calico cat, Ming Nu.

Shen Shaoguang reminded her, "Don’t give too much to it; otherwise, it might not be able to digest it. Besides, cats can’t taste sweetness."

A’Yuan opened her eyes wide. "How do you know that cats can’t taste sweetness, Miss?"

Shen Shaoguang was left dumbfounded for words by her question and subconsciously looked at Deputy Magistrate Lin sitting over there. When she made her first visit to Lin Residence, she had rendered him speechless by bringing up the topic of the ‘joy of fish’. Thinking of his serious look at that time, and comparing it to what's happening now...

Meanwhile, A’Yuan was still waiting for an explanation about the cat's taste buds. Shen Shaoguang couldn't come up with an answer, so she shifted the conversation. "The 'Unadhering Egg Pudding' doesn't taste as good when it's cold."

A’Yuan swiftly returned to the kitchen with her plate.

The cat sat on the counter, delicately consuming the two spoonfuls of eggs offered by A’Yuan.

Observing the cat and then glancing at Deputy Magistrate Lin across the room, Shen Shaoguang shook her head and proceeded to settle the accounts from lunch.

Deputy Magistrate Lin came earlier than usual today, making it in before the end of lunchtime. His expression showed how worn out he was; he didn’t look to have even eaten a proper lunch yet. When Shen Shaoguang asked, and found her guesses were true, she served him a hearty meal comprising four side dishes, a soup, accompanied by steaming hot rice.

Among the sides was Hibiscus Chicken, prepared by blending egg white and minced chicken into a paste, then shaping it in a pot of warm oil. A’Yuan, noticing the leftover egg yolk, requested to use it for the 'Unadhering Egg Pudding'.

After the cat finished its eggs, it stared at the tip of Shen Shaoguang's writing brush. After a while, it mimicked her actions, dipping its paw in the ink, and attempted to stamp its print on the account book.

Shen Shaoguang swiftly grabbed its little paw. Ming Nu first looked at her fearlessly, then withdrew its paw and licked its fur as if nothing had happened, behaving like a rogue.

Shen Shaoguang had no choice but to clean the paw of her cat highness. She then held him, caressed his face and head, scratched his chin, and rubbed his back until the cat narrowed its eyes and purred contentedly.

As Lin Yan ate, he observed her soothing the cat. His thoughts were inscrutable as he lowered his eyes in embarrassment, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Suddenly remembering something important, Shen Shaoguang set the cat down and approached Deputy Magistrate Lin.

Lin Yan looked up at her with a smile.

"There have been some baseless rumors circulating recently," Shen Shaoguang reiterated the 'lazy are toads, rebellion’s instow', ‘scorching weather now, troubles coming later,’ and other related sayings to him. "Everyone is afraid that next year will be really difficult. I heard from people at the rice and grain shop that some people were already hoarding provisions."

Lin Yan nodded solemnly.

Shen Shaoguang understood that monitoring public sentiment was likely already within the jurisdiction of officials in the capital. Nevertheless, she felt compelled to emphasize the importance of vigilance. Enjoying a meal in peace and contentment, free from the specter of war and famine, was a rare blessing. She earnestly hoped that this tranquility would endure for as long as possible.

Having fulfilled her duties as a responsible citizen, Shen Shaoguang prepared to take her leave. 

On their way back from Lin Residence two days ago, Shen Shaoguang found herself momentarily captivated by Deputy Magistrate Lin's charm. Despite resorting to impromptu humor to navigate the situation, she couldn't deny the flicker in her heart. However, with the dawn of a new day, clarity returned, and Shen Shaoguang swiftly backed down on her decision like a scumbag. If she had taken advantage of the situation for her own benefit, or even touched his pretty little hand due to lust… Fortunately, fortunately!

To demonstrate her commitment to rectifying her behavior and expressing genuine repentance, Shen Shaoguang made a deliberate effort to avoid even glancing at Deputy Magistrate Lin's slender and delicate hands at her  thought of ‘pretty little hand’. In fact, Proprietress Shen never strayed her gaze below Deputy Magistrate Lin's neck at all today; she maintained a dignified and solemn demeanor.

"What are your thoughts on this matter, Miss?"

Shen Shaoguang paused, resuming her seat with a straight posture. She was someone who maintained a clear boundary between business and leisure matters. Speaking with seriousness, she stated, "Omens can carry both positive and negative implications. Regardless of their nature, the anxiety about the fate of our country typically arises from within the populace but can be manipulated by external influences. Such manipulation serves either to bolster one's own ambitions, portraying oneself as destined to receive the Mandate of Heaven, or to sow discord among the people and incite unrest, thereby facilitating personal gain during times of crisis. From the nature of the prophetic statements, it appears to be the latter. As for the former—"

Shen Shaoguang smiled. During major festivals, auspicious sightings such as 'white phoenixes' and 'qilins' are far more common and emblematic than 'Long Live Great Chu, King of Rising Chu'.

With a subtle pause and a mischievous smile, Lin Yan understood her implication. He tried to maintain a serious expression but couldn't help but smile in the end.

Shen Shaoguang cleared her throat slightly. "If the country prospers and its people are at peace, coupled with favorable weather for crops, it becomes challenging for ominous rumors to spread—similar to planting a seed in sandy soil, it struggles to grow."

Realizing she was speaking to the Deputy Magistrate of the capital city, Shen Shaoguang amended her statement. "Of course, the country is currently prospering and its people are at peace. However, the weather isn't as favorable, which has allowed the seeds of omens to sprout. With individuals intent on nurturing and fertilizing those seeds, they've grown into what they are now."

Lin Yan did not mind her slip of tongue and remarked softly, "Regardless, it's our responsibility when people feel unsettled and rumors abound."

Shen Shaoguang cast a brief glance at him. Lin Yan's refusal to conceal or shift blame showcased his integrity as a public official.

His demeanor commanded greater respect. Shen Shaoguang spoke solemnly, "During last year's drought, after the spring tax exemption, the mood of the people in the capital and its environs noticeably improved." This was a sentiment echoed by Elderly Qu, the fishmonger at their tavern.

"The subsequent actions, such as revising prisoner sentences, reducing palace vegetable dishes, and dismissing palace maids, though contrary to the ominous rumor, serve a similar purpose—manipulating 'public opinion'." Shen Shaoguang raised an eyebrow. "Was there a similar rumor last year?"

Lin Yan nodded.

Further confirming that the rumors are orchestrated by individuals with deliberate intentions. "Have any officials in the imperial court considered utilizing these 'ill omens'? Instead of solely trying to reverse public opinion, why not use them as a means of publicity? They could widely disseminate these omens to the public and explain them with extraordinary imagery, rather than masking the 'inauspicious omens' within an 'auspicious' facade."

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T/N: For those who are confused about the ‘Long Live Great Chu, King of Rising Chu’ quote, please refer to footnote [2] in Chapter 69.2 (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

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Foods:

Unadhering Egg Pudding (三不粘) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6E0p0cF5NI