Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 72.1 The Hero Rescues The Beauty

The sound of rain continued to pitter-patter outside while the calico cat curled up, sleeping soundly indoors. Behind the counter, A’Yuan was peeling beans, and everything was peaceful.

The waning heat of mòfú was nearing its end. It was now the seventh lunar month, and it had been raining for days, bringing a much-needed coolness. In the autumn rain, Shen Indelible entered the ‘floral cake season’ again. With her ‘Tanhua Envoy's Floral Cake’ sign, there were especially many orders for Double Seventh Festival floral cakes this year.

At the sight of all the autumn rain, the sentimental ones like to believe it is the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl in the sky who are crying. A scholar, compelled by this melancholic scene, composed a poem titled <Cyan Eyes—Double Seventh>. In the preface, he wrote, "The autumn rain is continuous during the seventh lunar month. When I sampled the beautiful Double Seventh Festival floral cakes at Shen Indelible Tavern in Chongxian Lane, I could almost feel the sentiments of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Hence, this article shall be dedicated to them."

"... Without time to fully confess my feelings, restricted to our brief annual encounter, there is naught but regret upon our parting. If only our hearts could unite as one, wherever we could eternally remain together, like the wind and rain that persistently howl."

Shen Shaoguang sighed with emotion, remarking on the poignant nature of the poem. She personally fetched the brush and ink and requested the scholar to inscribe this verse on the poetry wall.

After learning to write, A’Yuan became more sensitive to words and approached Shen Shaoguang to explain the poem. Kindly, Shen Shaoguang read the poem to her.

A’Yuan shook her head. "This Cowherd coerced Weaver Girl, he is not a good person! Now I just hope that Weaver Girl's stock-something syndrome will be cured soon."

Shen Shaoguang: "..."

Shen Shaoguang silently reflected on the unintended impact of her words on A’Yuan's innocence. She resolved to be more careful with her speech in the future.

Unbeknownst to her, her seemingly inconsequential words had been heard by another listener.

Deputy Magistrate Lin remained tirelessly occupied. Often, he would only arrive when the tavern was on the verge of closing, quickly consuming a simple bowl of fruit or buttermilk before departing. Shen Shaoguang surmised that despite the apprehension of the culprit spreading false prophecies, numerous follow-up matters demanded attention. Furthermore, the impending sacrifice ceremony to be attended by the Emperor during the Ghost Festival added to the pressing concerns. 

This year marked the decade birthday of the previous emperor, thus necessitating the current sovereign's pilgrimage to their grave to offer ancestral sacrifices. With the Emperor's imminent departure from the capital, such matters could not be taken lightly. No one within the Three Departments, Six Ministries, Nine Courts, Five Directorates, city’s Government Repository, or among the governors of the cities along the entourage's route could afford to remain idle.

Only once did he arrive in the middle of the afternoon. The four individuals at Shen Indelible were working overtime, diligently crafting floral cakes.

To diversify the assortment of floral cakes, Shen Shaoguang had commissioned another batch of cake molds, including one depicting the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. The original molds were slightly oversized, leading to cakes that were prone to breakage.

As Lin Yan gazed at the Cowherd and Weaver Girl cakes, seemingly lost in thought yet also addressing Shen Shaoguang, who was poised to remove the tray, he muttered, "Shouldn't such a wrongdoer be branded by their misdeeds? Why create a new one?"

Shen Shaoguang regarded him with disbelief. No way, was he really that well-informed? Or was it merely a coincidence?

Observing Shen Shaoguang's expression, Lin Yan chuckled, and after his laughter subsided, he remarked, "You're correct; Cowherd truly deserves punishment."

Shen Shaoguang: "..." Unable to contain herself, she quickly joined in the laughter.

In contrast, Sir Shao's response upon encountering the same scene was notably more endearing than Deputy Magistrate Lin's. He even brought a gift - floral cakes from Guixiang Delights. A thoughtful gesture, perfectly suited to the occasion, both courteous and considerate.

In addition, Sir Shao possessed a remarkable gift for conversation. Surveying the stacks of floral cake boxes and the four individuals working with unwavering determination, he exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Miss, your business is flourishing so well, I can't help but feel envious!"

Shen Shaoguang grinned at his remark. She ceased her tasks and personally brewed tea for them, arranging their floral cakes alongside those brought by Shao Jie on a plate. Together, they enjoyed tea and snacks.

Shao Jie thoroughly enjoyed conversing with Miss Shen, but being aware of her maiden status, he typically exercised restraint.

"I finally finished my stay at Guixiang Delights, and I'm now overseeing the grains store," Shao Jie informed Shen Shaoguang of his current circumstances.

Transitioning from finished products to managing ingredients—was this considered a promotion? Shen Shaoguang smiled, pondering the extensive grain stores of the Shao Residence in both the East and West Markets, as well as the rumored privately owned grain transport ships along the river. Surely, Shao Jie should have been promoted.

Shen Shaoguang remarked joyfully, "With Sir Shao's astuteness and capabilities, you're sure to manage the grain stores excellently, aren't you?"

Shao Jie smiled somewhat proudly. "You can say that," he then added, "but it's mainly due to the aid from the capital’s government repository."

What does this have to do with the government repository? Shen Shaoguang was surprised.

"There was a flurry of rumors recently. Alongside the toad omens, there was talk of ‘scorching weather now, troubles coming later’. This spurred many grain merchants to capitalize on the situation, hoarding and driving up grain prices. Some even ventured to Jiangnan and other regions for stockpiling. However, all of this came to a sudden halt with a single announcement from the government repository."

Shen Shaoguang nodded. "Sir Shao must be among those who refrained from hoarding food and inflating prices."

Shao Jie smiled confidently. "Indeed. My family's roots run deep in Chang'an, and such integrity and courage is ingrained in our heritage."

"Indeed!"

Both foxes chuckled.

Shao Jie smiled knowingly. "Their greed clouded their judgment."

Shen Shaoguang acknowledged, "The pursuit of wealth can indeed obscure one's vision."

"Miss, you may not be familiar with the grain trade, but after the notice went up, some prominent grain merchants persisted in maintaining high prices for their profit. In response, the city authorities opened the Changping Granaries, selling grain at regular rates..."

Shen Shaoguang nodded. Such a calm and collected response… sounded oddly familiar.

"Not only that, the government repository also gathered the grain merchants for discussions, addressing major concerns and acknowledging the 'righteous merchants'. They even elected Zhou Ruogu, who oversees the longstanding grain store at the Zhou Residence, as the 'leader'," Shao Jie chuckled as he continued, "and somehow, I ended up as the 'deputy’s assistant'."

Shen Shaoguang promptly offered her congratulations.

Shao Jie smiled and waved his hand, "Save your congratulations for when I become the leader."

Shen Shaoguang responded with a smile, "Sir Shao, one can’t expect to fatten in one bite. Besides, you are too young. It's not good to size up so quickly."

Shao Jie burst into laughter at her words.

After his laughter subsided, Shen Shaoguang sighed, "Indeed, those profiteers not only suffered financial losses but also damaged their reputations."

Shao Jie agreed with a nod. "They're all in a state of panic. It's not a big deal to lose money, one can always make it back, they can only hope the government repository doesn't remember them. Market Director Cheng now looks at them disapprovingly." The Market Director was a prefecture official, responsible for market business transactions, and was the immediate superior of the merchants.

"On the other hand, Magistrate Bai of the capital city, who made only a single appearance, maintained an amiable demeanor, while Deputy Magistrate Lin continues to remain solemn and quiet."

Shen Shaoguang concurred. Food constituted the people's sustenance and was the lifeline of the nation. With such administrative and economic measures in place to rectify the situation, the grain merchants would undoubtedly remain peaceful for a considerable period. The city's government repository made a great move.