Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 72.2 The Hero Rescues The Beauty

Engaging in discussions about these major government affairs was merely a pastime for Shen Shaoguang, something to chat about with friends. Such matters didn’t linger in her mind for long, as her primary focus was on her floral cakes. By the afternoon of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, all of the major orders for flower cakes had been delivered, and all the employees of Shen Indelible could finally take a well-deserved break.

Looking at the breeze and drizzle outside, Shen Shaoguang rubbed her sore hands and said with a smile, "You all must be tired of just smelling floral cakes these days. How about we have something different tonight? Maybe shredded eel cold wash or stir-fried eels?" There was a bucket full of live eels in the kitchen.

Due to the reigning monarch's penchant for shredded eel cold wash, many nobles in the capital have adopted the same preference. As summer arrives, the price of eel escalates. However, with the onset of autumn, the imperial palace, attentive to fresh seasonal fare, abandons the practice of consuming cold wash. Consequently, eel prices plummet, allowing commoners to indulge themselves.

A’Yuan pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Let's enjoy some shredded eel cold wash." The dish prepared by Miss was simply exquisite.

A’Chang nodded in agreement, while Yu San, neither opposing nor endorsing the idea, continued to tidy up the floral cake molds.

In the evening, with the unfavorable weather and it being a holiday, the store saw a sparse number of customers, totaling only about a dozen. Among them, six were regulars, while the remaining table of five consisted of unfamiliar faces.

The regular patrons arrived early, while the five strangers entered late into the night. Upon hearing Shen Shaoguang mention the availability of fresh eel, one of the newcomers inquired, "Do you happen to know how to prepare shredded eel in vinegar?"

Observing the exchange, another individual among the group, evidently the leader, frowned but remained silent.

Shen Shaoguang offered an apologetic smile. "Regrettably, that's not something we can prepare. However, sir, might I suggest our stir-fried eel? It boasts a delightful crispiness and aroma, pairing wonderfully with wine."

Upon hearing her explanation, the leader's furrowed brow eased, and he responded, "Then let’s go for the stir-fried eels and a selection of your tavern's signature dishes."

Shen Shaoguang listed off the names of several signature dishes and inquired about their wine preference.

The man declined any alcohol with a shake of his head.

Smiling warmly, Shen Shaoguang responded, "Esteemed guests, please wait just a moment." With a slight wrinkle of her nose, she retreated to the kitchen, where she promptly relayed the order to Yu San.

Despite the guests' abstinence from alcohol, they lingered over their meal, prompting Shen Shaoguang to bid farewell to the final two regular patrons before returning to the kitchen to prepare her own dinner. As she sliced the eel with a small knife, a slight frown creased her brow. Those guests... Shen Shaoguang couldn't shake the feeling that her paranoia about persecution was resurfacing.

"Proprietress—" came the call from outside.

Shen Shaoguang raised her voice in acknowledgment, replying, "I'll be right there!"

With a smile, she approached the table and inquired, "May I assist you, esteemed guests?"

To her surprise, the diner seated at the end of the table abruptly rose to his feet, reaching out as if to grasp Shen Shaoguang's shoulders.

Shen Shaoguang, accustomed to physical labor year-round, possessed remarkable flexibility. Coupled with her subconscious vigilance, she instinctively dodged by swiftly stepping back.

A’Yuan, in the midst of clearing dishes from another table, displayed a reaction speed incongruous with her stature. With surprising agility, she hurled two bowls of soup towards the diner attempting to grab Shen Shaoguang. Reacting instinctively, the diner dodged, narrowly missing his intended target once again. Witnessing this altercation, the diner's companions rose to join the fray.

Upon hearing the commotion from the kitchen, Yu San and A’Chang swiftly emerged, and chaos ensued as a fight erupted.

The intent of the five individuals was evidently directed at Shen Shaoguang. Sensing the danger, Yu San positioned himself as a barrier, urging her to flee. With a swift motion, he flung the hefty knife used for chopping ribs, striking one assailant on the neck, causing them to collapse.

Recognizing that her presence would only hinder the situation, Shen Shaoguang obediently made her escape. As she ran, she called out loudly, "Help! There’s evildoers!" 

Despite Shen Shaoguang's cries for help, the deserted streets remained empty, devoid of any passersby due to the late hour and inclement weather.

A’Chang, armed with a rolling pin, found himself swiftly overpowered as one of the assailants kicked him against the wall. Just as the assailant prepared to counterattack A’Chang with a sword, A’Yuan intervened, striking the attacker on the head with a large soup pot. The forceful blow resulted in a gash on the attacker's head, causing them to collapse onto the ground, bleeding profusely.

The leader and the aquiline-nosed man swiftly bypassed Yu San, with the latter gripping Shen Shaoguang's shoulders tightly. Meanwhile, the leader held his sword against her neck, issuing a stern command, "Stay still!"

Yu San, A’Yuan, and A'Chang refrained from further action, wary of exacerbating the situation and risking harm to Shen Shaoguang. They remained frozen in place.

Three assailants seized Shen Shaoguang and retreated back into the lobby where they had been seated earlier. Yu San, A’Yuan, and A'Chang trailed behind, positioning themselves opposite the captors.

Shen Shaoguang offered a strained chuckle. "There's no need for such tension, gentlemen. If there are matters to discuss, let's do so calmly. If it's money you seek, feel free to take everything from the counter. And if that's not sufficient, there's more in the back." She then called out, "A’Yuan, A’Yuan, fetch the money from the back room!"

"Don't even think about it!" The evildoer withdrew his sword and instead wrapped his arm tightly around Shen Shaoguang's neck, his voice low and menacing.

Struggling against the constriction, Shen Shaoguang coughed, her voice strained. "Sir, I implore you to use less strength. We can resolve this peacefully through dialogue. Strangling me to death will serve no purpose; it's not a profitable endeavor, is it?"

Feeling a slight relaxation in the grip around her neck, Shen Shaoguang discerned that the assailants had a specific demand and were not entirely driven by malice. Thus, they were unlikely to kill the hostage imminently.

"Have your people disarm themselves!" the evildoer demanded sternly.

In a bold move, Shen Shaoguang adopted a defiant stance. "In that case, then you might as well strangle me to death."

"You think I don’t dare?" the leader retorted, applying even more pressure. Shen Shaoguang's face reddened, her breath constricted, and she thrashed her legs wildly in desperation.

As the evildoer loosened his grip slightly, he reiterated his demand, "Drop your weapons!"

Despite gasping for air, Shen Shaoguang maintained a composed smile. "This isn't how business is conducted. If we disarm ourselves, we'll be at your mercy, like fish on a chopping board. Negotiation doesn’t work that way. Tell us your demands, sir. As long as our survival is ensured, we're willing to cooperate."

A’Chang's hands trembled as he glanced nervously between Yu San and A’Yuan. However, upon hearing Shen Shaoguang's words, he tightened his grip on the rolling pin, a determination flickering in his eyes.

After a moment of contemplation, the leader gestured to the aquiline-nosed man to assess their fallen comrades. It was discovered that one perished, while the other had merely lost consciousness. The leader exchanged a glance with Yu San, who remained stoic, clutching the butcher knife. Meanwhile, the aquiline-nosed man secured the shop's door from within and used a torn piece of his inner-garment to tend to the injuries of their unconscious comrade.

The assailant flexed his arm, tightening his grip on Shen Shaoguang. "You're not just pretty, but also quite clever, Miss. No wonder the Deputy Magistrate of the capital holds you in such high regard."

Shen Shaoguang chuckled wryly. "It's merely happenstance, nothing more."

The leader's lips curled into a smirk. "I wonder if such a brave and cunning young woman would be willing to let Deputy Magistrate Lin negotiate with us? Have that lad with the stick send one of your tokens of affection to the Lin Residence, have him summoned here!"

This was a rare chance to ‘call the police’. Shen Shaoguang's mind raced, contemplating how to covertly convey the message. If only Deputy Magistrate Lin were also a time traveler, then she could simply inscribe ‘SOS’ on a pastry with jam.

Shen Shaoguang contemplated the idea of composing an acrostic poem as a covert message. However, she worried that if it were too obvious, even the assailants would decipher it. Conversely, if it were too subtle, Deputy Magistrate Lin might miss the cue.

Opting for a safer approach, she decided to utilize allusions. Hoping that the assailants were not skilled in both wielding swords and brushes, she knew she had to take a gamble. 

Shen Shaoguang smiled and said, "There aren't any tokens on hand, but allow me to write him a short letter of invitation."

As she contemplated how to craft her concealed distress message, a sudden knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

The leader signaled for Shen Shaoguang to respond. Raising her voice, she called out, "We closed early today, busy praying for the Cowherd and Weaver Girl to be granted more encounters. Esteemed guest, please come back another day."

The footsteps outside gradually receded into the distance.

The two evildoers guarding the door returned to the lobby, but were startled by a sudden "bang" as the door was forced open.

To their surprise, two chamberlains and Deputy Magistrate Lin stood in the doorway.

Shen Shaoguang's smile turned bitter. Just three people… She couldn't help but wonder about Deputy Magistrate Lin and his chamberlains' combat prowess.

The leader grinned, remarking, "Well, look who's here. Seems there's no need for you to send that message anymore, Miss."

.

.

.

T/N: Sorry guys (╥﹏╥) I couldn't find a video of Shredded Eel in Vinegar (醋烹鳝丝), perhaps it’s not a common dish.