Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 95.2 Happenings Inside the Bedchamber

After a long while, Lin Yan finally pulled away slightly, gazing at her dazed eyes and flushed lips before leaning in for another kiss.

Moments later, Shen Shaoguang murmured with a smile, nestled against his chest, "A’Yan—"

"Hm?"

"That folding screen is abundantly clear. Was this a long-planned scheme?"

"Mm." He responded with a low, husky tone.

Shen Shaoguang had only been playfully teasing, but his admission caught her off guard. Such audacity, Deputy Magistrate Lin…

"What are you thinking about?"

"I’ve been thinking of Ming Nu," Shen Shaoguang mused. "He was once so solemn, yet now he’s utterly carefree—causing mischief outdoors and stirring trouble at home. He refuses to rise unless I indulge him with a neck scratch or a pat on the back."

Lin Yan chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest.

Shen Shaoguang smiled, pressing her face against his chest and hugging him tightly.

Yet, even the longest kiss and embrace must come to an end. Lin Yan guided her around his bedroom, and Shen Shaoguang glanced at the bed, no longer daring to act inappropriately, in case it got out of hand—after all, this was someone else’s home, and they still had to go to Elder Madam’s for lunch.

She busied herself with trivial details, like whether a cup was made of the dingyao or xingyao porcelain, or what type of stone the seal was made from. Observing her slightly bashful and awkward demeanor, Lin Yan couldn’t help but smile.

Shen Shaoguang surmised that Lin Yan’s audacity stemmed from the comfort of being on his home turf; she knew that in her own domain, she would be even more brazen.  

"I truly wish to marry you without delay," Lin Yan confessed, embracing her once more and pressing a tender kiss to the hair at her temple. Taking her hand, he led her out of the bedroom, and they settled across from one another in the main hall.

Sipping their now-tepid tea, the couple continued their conversation, with no urgent matters at hand.  

Shen Shaoguang entertained him with anecdotes she had gathered, deliberately avoiding any risqué material. Instead, she shared clever, refined wit, then transitioned to stories of scholars frequenting taverns, discussions of the upcoming Ministry of Rites examinations, and the placement exams conducted by the Ministry of Personnel.  

With a light chuckle, Shen Shaoguang remarked, "Just as Sir Yang was chosen as an advisor by Chancellor Li after inscribing poetry on the wall of my tavern, I think it’s time we gave something back to the scholars who dine here. For instance, we could compile and print a collection of the poems they compose for our tavern, distribute it in taverns, and circulate it throughout the city—in bookstores and on the streets alike..."

Lin Yan smiled. A'Ji truly had a knack for doing business.

Feigning philanthropy with a sly smile, Shen Shaoguang added, "It’s not easy for scholars; if we have the means, we ought to help them. One could even say we’re aiding the court in cultivating talent."

Lin Yan nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. When His Majesty hosts another grand banquet, the poetry and verses shared will no doubt be splendid and captivating."

Shen Shaoguang tapped the table gently, a subtle warning for him to tread carefully.

Lin Yan smiled but then grew serious. "Once you’ve gathered all the poems, bring them to me, and I’ll help you curate the selection. After they’re printed, we can present a copy to the Deputy Minister of Rites."  

In this era, it was customary to send poetry, essays, and literary works to high-ranking officials, who could, in turn, recommend them to those overseeing the examinations—a practice known as the "Accordion Book of Performance" system. For officials of Lin Yan’s standing, it was routine to pass along noteworthy works to the Minister of Rites, thereby influencing the course of a scholar’s future.

Shen Shaoguang shook her head with a soft smile, gently declining. "If word got out that you were helping your wife with flyposting... well, let’s not even entertain that thought."

Though Lin Yan wasn’t entirely sure what ‘flyposting’ meant, he grasped her meaning. The term "your wife," however, struck him as particularly endearing. Smiling, he replied, "If not my own wife, then who else should I help?"

Shen Shaoguang continued to shake her head. While part of her indeed feared that involving Lin Yan might affect him negatively, she was also keenly aware of the many detours she'd taken over the years. Walking a straight path now felt satisfying. Confronted with the prospect of a shortcut, she wasn’t quite sure how to proceed. Besides, she took pride in her ability to tread a steady course, confident that she could make progress step by step—sidestepping the pitfalls she once stumbled into.

Shen Shaoguang outlined her vision. "We should make this an annual tradition, publishing a volume each year. In the beginning, it might be less known, but over time, more people will become aware. The more scholars and gentry who are aware, the more poetry and prose we can gather. Eventually, the Deputy Minister of Rites will come to us of their own accord, no need for you to send it."

Lin Yan lifted his hand and gently patted her hair. My dear A’Ji ah…

Shen Shaoguang tilted her head and raised an eyebrow.

"A’Ji, haven’t I mentioned that you embody the demeanor of an ancient nobleman? ‘Proceeding on the straight (righteous) path, remaining unmoved by external things, and unbounded by emotions. Simply do what must be done and attend to what must be attended to[1].’"

Though she had been praised for her cooking, beauty, intelligence, and grace, being likened to a "nobleman" struck a different chord. Shen Shaoguang began to comprehend what it meant to be seen through the lens of a lover's admiration.

"It’s just that you never grant me the opportunity to indulge in ‘selfishness,’ which leaves me feeling somewhat inadequate," Lin Yan remarked, gazing at her with a smile.

Shen Shaoguang laughed and, without hesitation, made a request. "Please write a preface for this collection. I’m afraid my own writing might not do it justice and could even detract from the collection. Additionally, I really need your help in selecting the poems. For the first volume, we need to start strong."

Lin Yan nodded.

Shen Shaoguang, who was skilled at grandiose gestures, said with a flourish, "Make sure to write it well. Who knows, you might leave a legacy with this preface, more effective than any biography written by historians. After all, who enjoys reading about famous figures? There are many more people who enjoy food…"

Lin Yan responded with a serious tone, saluting to her, "Then this official must thank Miss Shen in advance."

"Don’t mention it, don’t mention it."

The two laughed heartily.

In the adjacent room, the Lin Residence’s maids and A’Yuan and A’Qing were enjoying tea and snacks.

Hearing the laughter from the main hall, the Lin Residence’s maids were quite surprised. When has Young Master Lin ever laughed like that? A’Yuan and A’Qing, however, were unfazed. The men often laughed like that, especially when with our Miss. When Sir Shao laughs, he can even startle the sparrows in the courtyard.

.

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The author has something to say:   

Shen Shaoguang: Today, we kissed! Pop the confetti!

Author: How did it feel?

Shen Shaoguang: %￥#@... Do I really have to describe it? I'm afraid you’ll be censored…

Author: Ok, don't say it!!! The dear readers can imagine it for themselves.

—

Footnote:

[1] ‘Proceeding on the straight (righteous) path, remaining unmoved by external things, and unbounded by emotions. Simply do what must be done and attend to what must be attended to.’ (直道而行，不为物动，不以情拘，但行其当行，事其当事) - I couldn’t find a translation of this specific verse from the Book of Changes (I Ching), so this is my failed attempt. Ancient verses are too hard and I’m sure it hasn’t even grasped 20% of the essence. Albeit, I did find a similar quote from https://ctext.org/book-of-changes/kun:

'Straight' indicates the correctness (of the internal principle), and 'square,' the righteousness (of the external act). The superior man, (thus represented), by his self-reverence maintains the inward (correctness), and in righteousness adjusts his external acts. His reverence and righteousness being (thus) established, his virtues are not solitary instances or of a single class.(「直」其正也，「方」其義也。君子敬以直內，義以方外，敬義立而德不孤). 

Learn more about the Book of Changes here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Ching