After nine days of wedding leave, following the ceremonial visits and the Mid-Autumn Festival, there were still a few days left. Lin Yan discussed with Shen Shaoguang about taking an autumn trip to Zhongnan Mountain for a short stay. Naturally, Shen Shaoguang was delighted—August and September were the prime season for game, with plump wild rabbits, pheasants, deer, and sheep—depending on what their lord could hunt.
Shen Shaoguang knew Lin Yan was skilled with the sword, but hunting live prey with a bow wasn’t something one could master just by practicing in the courtyard at dawn. Over his twenty-some years, he had studied, taken exams, traveled, and served as an official. After all, a person’s time and energy were limited—he likely hadn’t had much opportunity to chase foxes and rabbits in the mountains often.
No matter what she secretly thought, Shen Shaoguang would never voice any doubts. There was no helping it—she had learned her lesson. Remembering how smug she had been when she mentioned "mutual dependence," "southern candle hot pot," and "sweet dumpling meatballs," only to later resort to begging, wheedling, and threats… it was downright embarrassing!
When a theorist encountered a practitioner—especially one whose true capabilities were unknown—caution was a must.
Noticing his delicate wife’s shifting expression, Lin Yan smiled and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes and grinned, fawningly replying, "I was just considering how we should bring plenty of seasonings—pepper, dogwood paste, honey, cumin, and the like—so when you hunt deer, sheep, or roe deer, we can roast them for a feast."
Such glib flattery! Lin Yan ruffled her hair and chuckled, "A Qi, do you know your ears turn red when you’re being insincere?"
Shen Shaoguang stared at him—was he bluffing? A seasoned rogue like her wouldn’t give herself away just by telling a little white lie.
"It’s true," Lin Yan said with earnest eyes.
Half-convinced, Shen Shaoguang touched her ears—they didn’t feel warm…
Lin Yan pulled her into his arms, his laughter rumbling through his chest.
Shen Shaoguang: "…"
Lin Yan kissed her temple, then trailed down to her ear, gently nibbling the tip with his teeth. "See?" he murmured, low and amused. "Now they’re red."
A tingling numbness spread through half her body, but she still retorted stubbornly, "Fabricating evidence—what punishment do you deserve?"
Lin Yan was already teasing her earlobe, his voice husky. "Mm, I’ll submit to your judgment."
Shen Shaoguang melted into his embrace.
"You really do blush sometimes…" That mix of shyness, coyness, and fierceness was utterly adorable.
This time, Shen Shaoguang’s ears truly betrayed her. Before she was completely lost in a daze, she still managed to grumble inwardly—her lord’s character had collapsed spectacularly. That cool, aloof demeanor had all been a facade.
……
Once the newlyweds had finished their antics, they went together to see Grand Madam Jiang.
To their surprise, the old lady declared, "No, no, it’s too far! With you two gone, I won’t have to deal with morning and evening greetings—I can finally take a break and sleep in." Her tone was exactly like that of a parent gleefully sending their child off to boarding school, ready to lounge and scroll through their phone in peace.
Shen Shaoguang burst into laughter, and Lin Yan smiled as well.
Grand Madam Jiang was truly a delightful and kind-hearted old lady, though her health was indeed frail. After leaving her courtyard, Shen Shaoguang suggested to Lin Yan that they take the grandmother to Leyou Plateau during the Double Ninth Festival—since it was within the city, it would be easier on her health.
Lin Yan nodded. While Grand Madam’s refusal to join them at Zhongnan Mountain was partly to avoid intruding on their time together, the journey’s toll on her was also a genuine concern.
Since they were only staying a few days, Shen Shaoguang had the maids pack just some clothes and daily necessities. They prepared only two carriages, with the attendants riding horses.Seeing she hadn't made a big production of moving the kitchen, Lin Yan was somewhat surprised but quickly understood.
"A Qi, bring those seasonings you mentioned—cumin, pepper, honey and such. We probably won't find them at Zhongnan Mountain."
Shen Shaoguang nodded: "Already packed." The small bottles and jars were tucked away in a box.
"And bring your whole barbecue set—the grill, skewers, and mesh rack too."
Shen Shaoguang: "...Alright." She sent someone to fetch the barbecue equipment.
Originally, Shen Shaoguang had intended to be considerate—bringing everything so completely that when the charcoal basin, iron skewers and grill were all set up, her husband might return empty-handed...
To be fair, Shen Shaoguang didn't think poor hunting skills mattered—it wasn't their profession. Imagining Lin chasing rabbits all over the mountains all day only to return empty-handed was rather endearing. Then she could pat his big head, kiss him, comfort him, and tell him that an infallible life would be incomplete.
Shen Shaoguang glanced at Lin Yan, picturing his pouting expression and herself exuding alpha energy to take advantage of the situation...
"A Qi—"
Shen Shaoguang smiled: "With our barbecue setup, all the beasts of Zhongnan Mountain will surely flee."
Lin Yan gave her an amused look and vigorously ruffled her hair.
Shen Shaoguang tilted her head away, frowning: "You made my hairpin fall out!"
The villa Lin Yan had bought sat at the mountain's foot—not overly large but quite refined. It had a front courtyard, main residence, two small side courtyards, and a rear garden. The garden followed the natural terrain, featuring strange rock formations and various plants. Among them stood a thick osmanthus tree already blooming, its rich fragrance permeating the autumn breeze.
Circling the tree, Shen Shaoguang thought—no need to rely on Princess Fuhui for osmanthus flowers this time. This single tree would provide plenty to work with. Tomorrow she could make some glutinous rice osmanthus porridge and osmanthus cakes, using less sugar to preserve the natural floral aroma.
After strolling around the villa to stretch their legs from the morning carriage ride and having a simple lunch, Shen Shaoguang took a nap while Lin Yan went into the mountains with some attendants.
After napping for over an hour, Shen Shaoguang woke, drank some light tea to refresh herself, then took another walk around the courtyard with A Yuan before heading out, followed by Zhou Kui and another attendant.
Nearby was a small village of about a dozen households, their fenced yards growing vegetables and raising chickens. Shen Shaoguang knocked on a wooden gate and bought some greens and eggs from a grandma, carried by Zhou Kui and the others.
Leaving the village, they followed a mountain path. Less than two li up, they came upon a clear stream where the sandy bottom was visible, white spray dancing where the water met obstacles.
Kneeling, Shen Shaoguang scooped some cool water. Looking up at the vast mountains and nearby trees beginning to redden, the scenery was truly beautiful—reminding her again of that "scenery good enough to eat" saying.
This place was indeed edible—nearby stood a natural stone platform perfect for setting up the barbecue.
Shen Shaoguang sent Zhou Kui back for the equipment: "Bring some sesame flatbread too, and the soup pot."
She considered that if they caught nothing, vegetable egg drop soup with crispy flatbread would still make a fine meal.
Zhou Kui laughed: "The mistress thinks of everything. Barbecue wrapped in flatbread with vegetable soup—perfect."Shen Shaoguang smiled and nodded.
As the sun set in the west, Shen Shaoguang was sitting cross-legged on a stone platform, sipping tea and enjoying the scenery when Lin Yan and his entourage returned.
Seeing the large animal—whether it was a sheep or a deer—slung over Zhou Kui's shoulder, along with the rabbits and pheasants carried by the other attendants, Shen Shaoguang silently congratulated herself for not making any glib remarks this time...
With so few people, how could they possibly eat all that? They decided to clean and butcher the sheep, cut it into chunks, skewer them on sticks for roasting, and use one of the pheasants to make soup.
Lin Yan, however, said, "Cut a section of the ribs from the sheep."
Liu Chang laughed and explained to Shen Shaoguang, "A Lang is going to make grilled lamb ribs for us. Back in the day, his grilled ribs were highly praised by our teacher and all the young masters at the academy."
Shen Shaoguang turned to look at Lin Yan, who met her gaze with a faint smile and slightly raised his hand.
Quickly stepping forward to help roll up his sleeves, Shen Shaoguang began lavishing praise: "A Lang is truly a man of both literary and martial prowess, capable of anything—equally at home in the grand hall or the kitchen, excelling in writing and even hunting yellow sheep..."
Lin Yan shot her an amused glance, seeing right through her insincere flattery.
Shen Shaoguang watched closely as Lin Yan worked. He used a dagger to poke numerous holes in the lamb ribs, cleaned them thoroughly, then rubbed them inside and out with a mixture of ground Sichuan pepper, salt, and zanthoxylum paste.
Watching his long fingers knead the meat, Shen Shaoguang suddenly felt her cheeks grow warm.
Unaware of his wife's reaction, Lin Yan placed the seasoned ribs on a wire grill to roast.
Meanwhile, Zhou Kui—who had picked up a few tricks from Yu San—had already finished the first batch of skewers and brought them to Shen Shaoguang.
She shook her head with a smile. "I'll wait for A Lang's grilled ribs."
Everyone laughed.
Being close attendants, formalities were few. A Yuan, A Qing, Liu Chang, and Zhou Kui started eating first.
Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan stayed by the special wire grill, chatting.
"Where did you learn this, A Lang? Even knowing to massage the seasoning in first?"
"From travel journals. It's said the Persians roast meat this way."
Shen Shaoguang teased, "In books lie a thousand measures of grain, in books golden mansions stand tall... and in books, fragrant meat awaits all." She laughed at her own rhyme.
Lin Yan chuckled. "What else?"
Reverting to her playful ways, Shen Shaoguang took his hand and wrote on his palm—"Fair" "as" "Jade."
Lin Yan clasped her hand, gazing at her tenderly for a long moment. "Yes, you're right."
Shen Shaoguang smiled, eyes crinkling.
"Should we sprinkle some cumin now?" she asked.
The lamb sizzled as fat dripped, its aroma intensifying. Lin Yan sprinkled cumin powder and flipped the ribs.
...
Shen Shaoguang's hungry wait wasn't in vain—our Master Lin's grilled ribs were truly exceptional. Crispy and fragrant on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a unique piney aroma. While waiting, Shen Shaoguang had gathered pinecones from the woods and placed them on the charcoal fire, just as Old Master Liang had described—adding remarkable flavor.
Even the already full A Yuan and the others "reluctantly" managed to snag a rib each to gnaw on.
After enjoying the grilled lamb wrapped in Sesame Flatbread, sipping pheasant and greens soup, watching Liu Chang's sword dance, and the attendants' wrestling games, it was time to head back.
The servants walked ahead while Lin Yan held Shen Shaoguang's hand, strolling slowly behind.Shen Shaoguang confessed to Lin Yan, "I never imagined your hunting skills would be so impressive."
Lin Yan nodded. "Mm."
"I was worried during the day that you might not catch anything."
"Mm."
"And the key is, you can even grill meat—so deliciously too... How are you this capable?" Shen Shaoguang piled on the flattery.
Lin Yan couldn't hold back his laughter.
Shen Shaoguang felt relieved.
But her relief came too soon—she couldn't escape "punishment" that night.
"My lord, I really can't take it anymore..."
Lin Yan nibbled her earlobe. "I don't believe you. You always say one thing and mean another."
"This time it's true, my lord..."
Lin Yan chuckled.
"Is there something strange about this lamb? It's not like venison..."
...
"Lin Yan! I'm angry!"
...
"My lord, I'll be good now..."
Author's Note:
①Song Zhenzong's famous line probably doesn't need annotation, right?
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