Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 89.2 Lin Yan's Housewarming Token 

A'Yuan and the maids meticulously arranged their belongings before gathering to play a game of leaf cards. Shen Shaoguang couldn’t help but smile at the sight; she had worried that A'Yuan might not easily blend in—yet here they were, much like children who quarrel one moment and play together the next.

The maids, in high spirits, invited Shen Shaoguang to join them. However, she declined with a smile, saying, "If I were to win too much, I fear it would bring you all to tears."

The maids laughed at her remark, but A'Yuan knew there was truth in the jest. Miss was indeed a masterful card player, so much so that during the New Year festivities, she had soundly defeated Yu San, leaving his expression decidedly sour.

Standing in the doorway of the main hall, Shen Shaoguang held a cup of hawthorn beverage, lifting the thick felt curtain to gaze at the sky. She mused aloud, almost as if talking to herself, yet at the same time, addressing the maids inside, "Looks like it’ll be a ‘Wet Winter, Dry New Year[1]’."

"What did you say, Miss?" A’Yuan asked.

"I said it's going to snow." The sky outside had turned a dull gray, a stark contrast to the bright sunshine that had graced the morning.

By now, the grand banquet in the palace was likely still in full swing. She wondered if Deputy Magistrate Lin had perhaps indulged in a bit too much wine.

When Lin Yan finally returned, soft hail had indeed begun to fall, the tiny snow pellets creating a gentle rustling as they touched the ground. He leaned back against the carriage wall, his cheeks and the rims of his eyes tinged with a faint redness. It was often said that a city official could afford to be illiterate, but never a poor drinker—and tonight, that adage rang true.

Lin Yan rubbed the upper bridge of his nose, his thoughts drifting to A'Ji's recent mention of moving. He wondered if everything had gone smoothly. This hectic period had left him with no time to visit her, thankfully he could take advantage of the Winter Solstice vacation...

As the carriage turned onto the street, Lin Yan lifted the curtain and peered out. The entrance to the Shen Residence had already been swept clean, with servants bustling about. It appeared the move was complete. ‘A'Ji certainly is efficient,’ he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He recalled their first meeting—she had carried a bundle on her back, her hair tied in a simple bun, radiating a clean, brisk energy. Even then, she had been cheerfully "hoodwinking" a few unsuspecting bailiffs.

And when he had questioned her, what was her response? "I was released due to my illness," she had replied with a seemingly obedient smile, yet her eyes gleamed with a hint of cunning pride—perhaps even a silent challenge, as if to say, ‘Do you really think you can send me back to the palace?’

Lin Yan chuckled softly to himself, amused by the memory.

Upon returning home, Lin Yan freshened up and changed into more comfortable attire before making his way to visit his grandmother. After a brief exchange, he excused himself, promising to return for dinner.

Elder Madam Jiang smiled warmly and remarked, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t return for dinner; I tend to eat more when I dine alone.”

Lin Yan faintly smiled, bowing to his grandmother before taking his leave.

He did not mount his horse but led it toward the Shen Residence himself.

A servant at the door took the horse while another guided him inside.

Shen Shaoguang stood under the veranda to greet him, eyeing him with a hint of amusement, “You’ve had quite a bit to drink; your face is all red.”

“Couldn’t refuse,” Lin Yan replied with a smile, glancing at her Hu-style outfit, “You’re not wearing your overcoat. Let us hurry inside.”

Since a guest had arrived, the maids promptly ended their card game and set about preparing tea.

After taking a sip of the warm brew, Shen Shaoguang inquired about the court assembly, while Lin Yan asked after her recent move.

“You settled in quickly. I thought you’d still be busy for another couple of days,” he remarked.

Shen Shaoguang laughed lightly. “I’m the type who can't rest easy if there's meat in the pot and I haven't eaten it. The sooner I moved, the sooner I could find peace of mind.”

Lin Yan chuckled.

Shen Shaoguang noted how the wine had lent Lin Yan's features a slightly roguish charm, and she sighed inwardly. This ‘tempting morsel’ that had long tantalized her remained untouched. She wondered how much longer she would have to wait before she could finally savor it.

Lin Yan produced a short, dagger-like sword from his sleeve. "This is for you," he said.

Shen Shaoguang's eyes widened slightly before she smiled.

“It’s not a famous sword like the Yuchang[2], but it’s quite sharp. I got it from a merchant. Keep it for self-defense.”

Shen Shaoguang examined the scabbard, noting it wasn’t adorned with gold or jade, and was even somewhat worn. The scabbard was soft yet tough, and the pattern resembled crocodile skin. When she drew the short sword and weighed it in her hand, she sensed a faint chill, though it might have been her imagination.

She looked at Lin Yan, who smiled back at her.

Although Lin Yan downplayed it, Shen Shaoguang could tell at a glance that the weapon was not ordinary. Considering the property deed lying unused in the dressing box, she inquired with a helpless smile, "Why are you giving me this, Sir? I don’t know how to use weapons."

"Preparedness averts peril." Lin Yan pondered for a moment and added, "I also heard that keeping it under your pillow can ward off nightmares."

Shen Shaoguang: "..." What kind of reasoning is that?

"Additionally, there’s a horse I’ve arranged to be brought to your stables. Whether for riding or pulling a carriage, it will be much faster and more stable than the mule you usually use."

Shen Shaoguang suddenly remembered a saying she'd heard: when giving gifts, one should either choose something the recipient likes or something cherished by the giver. The former shows attentiveness, while the latter reflects the giver's own sentiments. The estate in Mount Zhongnan was a reflection of the former, while the prized horse and sword were clearly the latter. Alas, our Deputy Magistrate Lin...

After a moment, Shen Shaoguang forced a relaxed smile and said, “They say, ‘Rouge and powder for the beauties, and swords for the heroes.’ You're giving me both a horse and a sword—have you drunkenly mistaken me for a hero?”

“My A’Ji is indeed a hero,” Lin Yan said, his slightly flushed eyes narrowing and his lips curling into a smile, “a hero among beauties.”

Shen Shaoguang, catching the romantic undertone in his gesture, swallowed lightly, then raised an eyebrow with a teasing smile. “So, does that make you the beauty among heroes, Sir?”

Lin Yan furrowed his brows.

Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but break into a soft laugh.

Though he tried to maintain a stern expression, Lin Yan soon found himself laughing along with her.

"Actually, no gift could surpass…” Shen Shaoguang’s eyes lingered over his face and form before she feigned a cough, reaching for her hawthorn beverage and taking a sip.

Lin Yan found himself genuinely torn between being vexed or entertained. After a brief pause, he decided to laugh and shook his head, saying, “Alas, you…”

.

.

.

The author has something to say:

Shen Shaoguang: I believe the things I like are more reliable than what you like!

Lin Yan’s gaze swept across her face, smiling knowingly: Really?

Shen Shaoguang: …I was talking about materials, materials! Can you keep your thoughts a bit more pure?

Lin Yan, who was just subtly hinted to ‘offer himself’ earlier: …

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T/N: There our MC goes again with playing hoodlum! (｡>\\<)

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Footnotes:

[1] Wet Winter, Dry New Year - In ancient times, there was a saying, "Dry Winter, Wet New Year(乾冬濕年)," meaning that if it doesn't rain on the Winter Solstice, it will rain on Lunar New Year's Day. Conversely, if it rains on the Winter Solstice, it will be sunny on Lunar New Year's Day, known as "Wet Winter, Dry New Year(湿冬干年)." 

[2] Yuchang (鱼肠) - A short dagger said to be capable of cleaving through iron as if it were mud. Used by Helü of Wu to assassinate his uncle, Liao of Wu. It was hidden in a cooked fish presented to King Liao at a banquet. As a result, it gained a reputation for causing its users to be disloyal.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_sword#:~:text=Yuchang%20(Fish%20Belly)%20%2D%20A,its%20user%20to%20be%20disloyal