Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 97.1 Arrival of a Genuinely Distinguished Guest

A'Yuan once quipped that the exquisite food and dishes at their tavern were so exceptional that it wouldn’t be surprising if even the Emperor himself were to pay a visit. Little did anyone anticipate that this jest would manifest into reality.

In Chang'an, tales of the Emperor’s discreet excursions circulated widely. The most popular narrative revolved around Emperor Xuanzong (of Tang Dynasty). Legend has it that this unconventional ruler ventured into the East Market, first immersing himself in performances by non-Han entertainers—delighting in their singing, dancing, sword-swallowing acts, and tightrope walking. He is said to have sipped a bowl of curdled milk at the old shop of the Qiu Residence. Some accounts suggest he indulged in Cherry Bì Luó Rolls at the Fragrant House, while others claim he savored both the curdled milk and the Bì Luó Rolls before enjoying some melodies at Pingkang Lane. There, he encountered a woman whose beauty rivaled that of Consort Yang[1] and whose talent matched that of Consort Mei[2]...

The narratives began to diverge from that point onward. Typically, the accounts recounted by young ladies depict the Emperor in a jubilant mood, personally playing the drums and requesting that courtesan to perform the celebrated Rainbow and Feathered Garments Dance[3]. Consequently, the rendition of this dance at Pingkang Lane received the Emperor's intimate guidance, aligning its movements with those traditionally performed by the Inner Jiaofang within the imperial city.

In contrast, the tales shared during private banquets among the men take on a far more tantalizing tone. Whispers suggest that the Emperor engaged in various indiscretions with the courtesan, while more extravagant versions imply that Guifei [4], consumed by jealousy, caught them in a compromising situation. Some even go so far as to claim that the courtesan was, in fact, a disguise for the Guifei herself, transforming the encounter into a clandestine indulgence between the two.

In addition to tales of Emperor Xuanzong, stories abounded regarding Emperor Taizong, Emperor Gaozong, Empress Wu, and even the late emperor. One particularly captivating narrative recounted the late emperor's encounter with a fortune-teller whose remarkable gift for accurate predictions left a lasting impression. In these accounts, taverns and eateries often served merely as a backdrop; however, this time, Shen Indelible took center stage.

As the New Year and Renri passed, officials resumed their duties and work reemerged, yet the festive spirit lingered in the air. The streets, filled with people who appeared somewhat dazed, echoed with cheerful greetings of "Happy New Year" and "Boundless Longevity."

The flow of patrons at Shen Indelible Tavern in the East Market diminished following the peak season. Shen Shaoguang, feeling at ease, savored her tea behind the counter while engaging in a discussion with the steward about forthcoming menu changes.

It was then that the establishment's curtains were lifted and a group of five people entered. Shen Shaoguang turned to look and was momentarily stunned.

The steward had already moved forward to greet them, "Happy New Year to you all. Would you esteemed guest prefer to sit in the main dining area downstairs or go upstairs? The downstairs area is convenient for watching performances, while the second floor offers a quieter setting with high tables and exquisite private rooms."

The Commander of the imperial guards, Qin Xiang, inquired cautiously, "Sixth Lord, shall we ascend to the second floor?"

The Emperor nodded in assent and led the way up the staircase.

Shen Shaoguang, having glimpsed Qin Xiang from a distance on two occasions and recalling her impressions of the Emperor's visage, was now even more certain of their identities. The Emperor was accompanied by several individuals who appeared to be palace attendants and imperial guards. A few more entered behind them, with some choosing to settle on the first floor, others positioning themselves on the second, and likely more stationed outside on the street.

The entrance of this group went largely unnoticed; amidst the throngs of nobility in Chang’an, the other patrons of the tavern remained indifferent, absorbed in the performance by Zhang Two and his companions.

Zhang Two, in a bold manner, instructed, "Go tell Hu Six to buy some good lamb for us; we’re having hot pot and are just short of lamb."

"And also inform Feng Three to bring some vegetables and tofu; we still need some for the hot pot."

"Notify Li Seven to join us for the hot pot. Mention that Hu Six and Feng Three are already here, so we’re just missing him. Also, have him bring a fish along."

"And let Fang Two not be stingy with his Daughter’s Wine he’s been keeping. He should bring a whole jar so the brothers can all have a drink together."

"Make sure to remind Zhou Four to go to Shen Indelible and buy a jug of hot pot base soup. Without that, whatever we cook will be tasteless!"

…

A’Dou, who was playing the role of the servant, asked, "Since it’s Young Master’s treat, what should we prepare? This servant will purchase it now."

Zhang Two, who had already ‘sent a team on a task,’ replied nonchalantly, "Just boil some water."

The guests burst into laughter, and the Emperor, seated by the railing on the second floor, chuckled as well, with the palace attendants and the imperial guards joining in.

The steward returned to the front counter with the menu, and Shen Shaoguang took the opportunity to give him a few instructions before heading to the kitchen.

The Emperor, still smiling, asked the steward, "Your establishment sells hot pot base soup for takeout as well?"

The steward replied with a smile. "Yes, we do. Many of our patrons say they can’t replicate the taste of our dishes at home, and most of it is because they’re missing our base soup."

A regular customer called out to Zhang Two from downstairs, "What about the hot pot cooker? Shen Indelible’s hot pot cooker is specially prepared."

Zhang Two smacked his forehead. "Ah! How could I forget! Let’s also invite Liu Eight, have him check with Shen Indelible about whether they sell hot pot cookers!"

So the regular customer called out, "Steward! Steward! Do you sell hot pot cookers?"

The steward, apologizing to the esteemed guests before him, made his way to the stairs and replied, "We do not sell hot pot cookers. If you wish to savor our hot pot, it would be best to visit our humble establishment. Regardless of taste, at least you wouldn’t be deceived by misers like him." He gestured toward Zhang Two as he spoke.

His earnest demeanor only heightened the amusement, and the laughter among the guests swelled.

The chuckling steward then returned to attending to the Emperor and his entourage.

The Emperor smiled and remarked, "Your establishment possesses remarkable wit! Who conceived of such delightful ideas?"

The steward smiled apologetically. "Our establishment offers unique fragrant cakes as rewards, inviting guests to share amusing anecdotes. The proprietor then compiles and edits these stories, often blending several guests' tales into one. It's hard to say who originally came up with this idea."

The Emperor nodded, impressed by the tavern proprietor’s elaborate plans. So a tavern can even ‘encourage the free airing of views’. He then considered the possibility of having the non-governmental folks do the ‘local collection’.

.

.

.

Footnotes:

[1] Consort Yang - Yang Yuhuan (楊玉環; 719-756), often known as Yang Guifei (楊貴妃, with Guifei being the highest rank for imperial consorts during her time), and known briefly by the Taoist nun name Taizhen (太真), was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang during his later years. She is known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_Guifei 

[2] Consort Mei - Consort Mei (梅妃; lit. 'Plum Consort'), born Jiang Caipin (江采蘋), is a fictional imperial consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. Her name is not found in any official history book and only in "Biography of Consort Mei" (梅妃傳), preserved in a Yuan dynasty anthology and attributed to the Tang dynasty writer Cao Ye (曹鄴).  As Consort Mei was the most literate and talented concubine, she soon obtained Xuanzong's favors.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiang_Caipin 

[3] Rainbow and Feathered Garments Dance(霓裳羽衣舞) - This is a well known dance in history because the event of Emperor Xuanzong personally drumming for Consort Yang to dance this piece should be true. Do note that ‘Rainbow and Feathered Garments Dance’ is a court music composition from the Tang dynasty, attributed to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. It depicts the myth of Emperor Xuanzong's yearning for immortality and his journey to the Moon Palace to meet a celestial maiden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64UwAIroW3s  https://youtube.com/watch?v=JVdCfLs7obU