Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 83.2 Bargaining for Love

Observing Elder Madam Jiang's expression, A’Su smiled and deftly shifted the topic to a more cheerful one. "From your description, Elder Madam, I also believe Miss Shen is a commendable choice. Why not lend Master a hand? With him dining four or five times a day, he's bound to transform from an elegant, intelligent gentleman into a robust and rounded man."

Elder Madam Jiang chuckled. "Once they are married, I fear he will only eat more. A’Yan is destined to become quite the sturdy and vigorous fellow."

"They are a young couple, and this is part of their enjoyment. Let them be; we need not interfere."

Noticing that Elder Madam's mood had lightened, A’Su and the other maidservants continued their pleasant conversation for a while longer. Afterwards, they served the soothing soup, tucked Elder Madam into her blankets, dropped the mosquito net, and lit incense. Only a corner lamp remained alight. With everything set, the rest of the servants withdrew, and the two night attendants settled onto their couches—one positioned inside the bedroom and the other outside.

…

When Lin Yan visited Shen Indelible again, he found that Shen Shaoguang was absent. From the staff, he learned she had gone to the tavern on Qinren Lane, but he was unaware that she had also entered the Princess Imperial's mansion.

The Princess Imperial’s cherished cat had passed away, and she herself was feeling unwell due to the weather. Bored and seeking company, she had sent a servant to extend an invitation to Shen Indelible. Shen Shaoguang had responded with a bowl of earthenware soup she had personally prepared, made from lotus seeds, white lily petals, and autumn pears.

Princess Imperial, slowly shuffling forward to greet her, remarked, "You’ve finally arrived!"

Shen Shaoguang smiled, recognizing the true example behind the phrase “welcoming with ill-matched shoes.”

After offering her respects, Shen Shaoguang listened as Princess Imperial of Fuhui reassured her with a smile, "It’s merely a cold. I've had a few coughs. With some rest and medication, I'll be back to my usual self in a few days."

Noting the lotus seed, white lily, and autumn pear soup that Shen Shaoguang had prepared, Princess Imperial of Fuhui smiled warmly and said, "You truly understand me. Consuming bitter medicinal soups day in and day out has left my stomach feeling quite embittered!"

A maid brought over a small bowl and filled it for her. Princess Imperial of Fuhui sipped the soup slowly with a delicate silver spoon.

After finishing a bowl, Princess Imperial of Fuhui beamed and remarked, "Your soup is exceptionally delicious."

Shen Shaoguang smiled and responded, "It's not merely the soup that stands out, but rather my charming personality, which seems to lift people's spirits just by being in my presence."

Unexpectedly, Princess Imperial of Fuhui nodded in agreement. "Indeed, you are a talented and delightful young woman! Deputy Magistrate Lin is truly fortunate."

At the mention, Princess Imperial raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "So, were you successful?"

Shen Shaoguang: "..."

"Is he truly that unwavering?"

Shen Shaoguang: "..."

Princess Imperial of Fuhui shook her head. "You are too thin-skinned," After a while, she added, "but there are merits to being so. You see, there are countless men in this world, and if you show them too much affection too soon, they'll take it for granted. They need to face numerous challenges and hardships before they'll truly learn to value what they have."

Shen Shaoguang mused that if Princess Imperial were born in the future, she might well be a relationship blogger, penning inspiring articles like "He Just Doesn't Love You That Much," "Why Are You Looking for Boyfriends in the Wrong Places?", "Should I Choose Wealth or Kindness?", and "I Achieved Success Because I Invested My Time in Work Rather Than Domestic Duties."

Shen Shaoguang nodded with a smile. "Yes, I suppose it's best to take things one step at a time. Besides, I’m quite occupied these days. You may not have been to the tavern recently, Princess Imperial, but we're currently hosting a 'crab showdown.' We’re comparing plain Wine-Pickled Crabs against those smoked with wine and cassia bark, as well as fermented crabs and fresh crabs..." She elaborated on the plans for future events and added proudly, "We’ve practically cleared out the stocks from all three pickled crab merchants."

Princess Imperial clapped her hands in delight. "Your knack for making money is truly remarkable. You should be a minister in the Ministry of Revenue—then His Majesty wouldn’t have to worry about finances every day!"

Shen Shaoguang sighed wistfully. "It's a pity that the court doesn't recruit female officials. Otherwise, I might have taken the exams and ended up in a vermilion or purple uniform myself."

Princess Imperial of Fuhui smiled gently and replied, "There are indeed female officials in this dynasty, and I am not remarking about the one from His Majesty’s harem. They rise through the ranks based on their own merits and standards, just as any official would."

Shen Shaoguang looked at her with great interest.

"Take, for instance, the former Lady of Han. She was the wife of the renowned Chancellor Lu Chen of Wei State, the founder of Luoxia’s Academy of Classical Learning, and is revered by scholars as Master Cheng."

Although she was a native of Luoyang in name, Shen Shaoguang had heard of the name "Master Cheng" before but had not realized she had held an official position.

"You’ve been misled by the history books," Princess Imperial of Fuhui said with a laugh. "She is Chancellor Cheng, the one who defended Yun Prefecture."

Shen Shaoguang's eyes widened in disbelief. The history books had spoken of Chancellor Cheng Ping and had mentioned "Master Cheng" in the context of educational reforms, but it had never occurred to her that these were the same person. One was depicted as a humble official dedicated to governance, while the other was portrayed as a gentry lady passionate about education. It seemed the historiographers had indeed played with their portrayals, imbuing them with value-laden assessments.

Liu Yun, one of the scholars who educated the princes and princesses of the time, was renowned for his passion for uncovering hidden truths between the lines of history books and scriptures. His famous adage was, "You must regard these scholarly writers, past emperors, illustrious generals, chancellors, and even rebels and traitors as if they were living individuals." This scholar was dismissed by the previous emperor due to the scandalous nature of his research on Confucius and his propensity for making unconventional statements. However, Liu Yun’s insights into Master Cheng were likely accurate. The historical periods were close enough, and numerous clues remained.

Princess Imperial of Fuhui, though not extensively learned, had a vivid recollection of these peculiar stories. She shook her head and remarked with admiration, "What a remarkable woman."

Shen Shaoguang considered Chancellor Cheng not only a remarkable woman but also a paragon of success—first as a distinguished chancellor and later as an esteemed educator. In comparison, she felt herself lacking.

Seemingly perceiving her thoughts, Princess Imperial of Fuhui offered reassurance. "You are exceptional in your own right. If anything, you are certainly more beautiful than Chancellor Cheng."

Shen Shaoguang: "..."

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The author has something to say:

And the spotlight of today's chapter… Pingping!

Cheng Ping: Come here, author. Let's talk. What do you mean by saying I’m not pretty in the end?

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Food: 

lotus seed, white lily, and autumn pear soup (莲子百合秋梨羹) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXjMIgZ8AKE