Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 79.2 Opening of New Storefront

As she sketched out the draft, Shen Shaoguang remarked to Shao Jie, "Blind people are the least of our concerns. Their keen sense of smell will definitely draw them in."

"So, you mean to say we won't let anyone slip by?"

"Exactly! Except for those without money."

The two laughed heartily, like a pair of merry highway robbers.

The fish was initially sketched in muted colors, then gradually brought to life with layer upon layer of vibrant hues. Shen Shaoguang dedicated three days to painting this intricate fish dish.

As color began to fill in the details, passersby often stopped to inquire about the artwork. Shao Jie, who had been present in the lane during those days, enthusiastically explained the dish to onlookers. The sweet and sour Chrysanthemum Fish garnered its first wave of admirers, thanks to the striking and exaggerated artwork.

Shao Jie occasionally went inside to observe the chefs preparing ingredients and the waiters tidying up. Other times, he stepped outside to watch Miss Shen as she meticulously added color to the painting. She carefully blended some red into the golden-yellow petals of the fish. Whatever she had mixed into the color made the red glisten slightly, like oil, giving the impression of genuine sweet and sour sauce.

Shao Jie couldn't help but swallow his saliva. It was nearly lunchtime.

Watching her color inch by inch, Shao Jie noticed how she periodically paused to rest her wrist. He advised her, "This is very detailed work. Customers won’t scrutinize it that closely. A passable painting should suffice."

Shen Shaoguang shook her head. "This isn’t considered detailed. I’ve seen a piece where a bowl of rice was drawn one grain at a time." She was recalling a former colleague who used Photoshop to painstakingly retouch a rice advertisement. At first, she couldn’t discern the mosaic, but as she zoomed out, she realized it was a grain of rice. Zooming out further— Holy sh!t —She was astonished to see an entire bowl of rice.

Shao Jie nodded thoughtfully. "If we don't sell at least seventy plates of Chrysanthemum Fish each day, it would be a letdown for all your efforts."

Shen Shaoguang turned to him with a smile. "Sir Shao, you better ensure we have more than seventy fish ready to sell!"

This was something Shao Jie could proudly boast about. "Don't worry, I have contacted the largest fishmonger in Chang'an City. As long as His Majesty the Emperor has fish to eat, we will have fish to sell!"

Shen Shaoguang gave him a thumbs-up, her fingers still stained with paint.

…

On the afternoon of the third day, just in time for the tavern's opening the following day, Shen Shaoguang completed the large painting of the sweet and sour chrysanthemum fish. Her calligraphy style, in stark contrast to her demeanor, exuded pure enthusiasm and vigor—unrestrained, romantic, and unconventional. While this style was fitting for engraving seals and drafting official documents, it was somewhat unconventional for an advertising slogan.

When Shao Jie learned she planned to inscribe "A Feast for the Eyes," he could barely contain himself.

Shen Shaoguang was taken aback. Was there really a need for such a reaction? Weren’t the people of the Tang Dynasty known for their open-mindedness? Consider the risqué songs sung by courtesans, the erotic chuanqi tales in bookstores, and the provocative artworks in calligraphy and painting shops that could make anyone blush. Even the poems penned by court officials and some writings from unmarried noblewomen were far more daring. This idiom wasn’t even close to crossing any moral lines. Surely, it couldn't be that controversial, right?

Shao Jie quickly waved his hands, saying, "I didn't mean anything else, just that—" He chuckled, "It's unexpectedly mischievous."

Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but feel that while the people of the Tang Dynasty were indeed knowledgeable in many aspects, their sense of humor seemed somewhat underdeveloped.

Shao Jie pondered over the phrase, finding it aptly used. He recalled Master’s (Confucius) teachings in the <Book of Songs>: "Enjoyment without being licentious (樂而不淫)." Surprisingly, he remembered this phrase well. "A Feast For The Eyes" captures a mischievous charm while remaining acceptable and meaningful, evoking laughter. It felt good, very good.

Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang deliberated on the calligraphic style to use. After careful consideration, she settled on the dignified and solemn clerical script[1].

Although Shao Jie wasn't well-versed in such matters, he couldn't help but feel that perhaps semi-cursive script would have been a more conventional choice. However, upon seeing Shen Shaoguang's finished work, he examined it closely and found it surprisingly harmonious. The depiction of the rich and majestic Chrysanthemum Fish paired with the solemn elegance of the clerical script, matched with the meaning of the words...

Shen Shaoguang also stepped back, narrowing her eyes to scrutinize the entire piece with great attention. The alignment of the script with its intended meaning reminded her of Deputy Magistrate Lin's ability to mix levity with dignity.

Shao Jie nodded. "It's akin to a dignified gentleman engaging in banter with coarse language—there's a unique charm to it."

Shen Shaoguang tilted her head to look at him. Such deadly-sharp, observant eyes!

With the eye-catching painting now prominently displayed, the tavern opened its doors, and customers streamed in like clouds driven by the wind!

Pei Fei and Princess Imperial of fuhui had been at odds and hadn’t seen each other for many days. After completing his duties that day, Pei Fei leisurely rode his horse to Qinren Lane. There, he encountered the painting of the grand fish dish adorned with the phrase elegantly inscribed nearby, radiating a dignified aura. He couldn't help but burst into laughter. Who was behind this mischief?

Wait... That sign clearly reads ‘Shen Indelible’! It's not another Shen Indelible, but the same one from Chongxian Lane. The characters were exactly the same. Look at the words "A Feast For The Eyes". Although the font was different, the writing style was similar. Ha! Did Miss Shen open another tavern here?

Pei Fei entered the establishment, immediately recognizing the familiar layout that marked it as the work of the same proprietress.

He was intrigued by the tall tables, which allowed him to sit comfortably yet with his feet dangling—a leisurely touch.

Regrettably, Miss Shen was absent, leaving only a young steward in charge.

Perusing the revamped menu, Pei Fei finally discovered a reason to visit Qinren Lane—a Shen Indelible had opened there.

The next day, Pei Fei informed Lin Yan and invited him to join in exploring the new Shen Indelible in Qinren Lane.

.

.

.

The author has something to say:

Lin Yan: A’Ji, our way of speaking is what the Master calls, "enjoyment without being licentious."

Shen Shaoguang:Oh…’without being licentious’ eh?

Lin Yan cleared his throat and smiled: In fact, we shouldn’t listen to the Master's words verbatim.

(The mini theater is purely for entertainment, and "enjoyment without being licentious" is generally interpreted as joyful but not excessive.)

—

Footnote:

[1] clerical script (隸書/汉隶) - evolved toward the end of the first millennium bce and remained in common use through the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). As its name implies, clerical script was frequently used in preparing official records and documents, and it was utilized for both public monuments and private correspondence. This simplified variation of seal script plays upon the use of brush and ink. Modulated and tapered strokes, as well as distinct downward sweeping strokes, are considerably more prominent than the more balanced strokes of seal script, which reflect the use of stiff writing implements.

Source: https://asia-archive.si.edu/learn/chinas-calligraphic-arts/clerical-script/#:~:text=Clerical%20script%20(lishu)%20evolved%20toward,public%20monuments%20and%20private%20correspondence