The weather grew even warmer, and even Shen Shaoguang, who was usually sensitive to the cold, shed her winter clothes and donned a light spring jacket—a very seasonal shade of green, paired with a white skirt, making her look as crisp and fresh as tender spring onions. Spring onions... dipped in sauce and wrapped in a pancake, or washed, chopped, and stir-fried with eggs—both were excellent. Shen Shaoguing admired herself in the mirror while pondering.
Stepping under the eaves, she reached out to test the drizzle—fine as the smallest embroidery needle—and promptly hung her umbrella back in the corner before strolling leisurely to the front shop.
For breakfast, Yu San had prepared scallion pancakes, spinach soup, and a few side dishes of pickles and salted duck eggs.
Taking a bite of the crispy, tender, and oily scallion pancake, Shen Shaoguang noted the chopped scallions inside and thought Princess Yu San’s way of handling spring onions was also quite good.
Princess Yu San’s pancakes were excellent, unlike Shen Shaoguang’s mother in her past life. The old lady was rather careless—her pancakes had two layers of crust with a single layer of filling in between, earning her the nickname "Single-Layer Filling Pancake" from Shen Shaoguang’s father.
But Shen Shaoguang’s grandmother could make pancakes with seven or eight delicate layers that would flutter apart when shaken. Those pancakes, with no oil on the surface and no scallions inside, were perfect for smearing with sauce and rolling up with eggs—what northerners called "Pancake Rolled with Eggs."
Ever since the time Shen’s mother turned beef meatballs into a pot of meat soup, Shen Shaoguang had seized control of the kitchen. As long as she was home, her mother didn’t need to step into the kitchen. That was when Shen Shaoguang was sixteen—or maybe seventeen.
She figured her cooking skills must have skipped a generation. Then again, it might just be that necessity breeds competence. Surviving all these years being fed by a mother with such culinary skills and still growing up hale and hearty—she must have been easy to raise!
To be fair, Shen’s mother did have her specialties, like homestyle braised fish or the somewhat artistic Ai Wowo (Glutinous Rice Cake). But in the vast darkness of her cooking, those were mere flickers of light.
Mentally teasing her own mother, Shen Shaoguang smiled.
Yu San glanced at her. Was eating scallion pancakes and spinach soup really that exciting? Or had Lord Lin sent something over again?
Yu San’s gaze lingered on Shen Shaoguang’s face. Ever since spring arrived and she’d grown closer to this Lord Lin, the young mistress had become as fresh and dewy as cabbage after a spring rain. The thought of the pig next door trying to root up their precious cabbage made Yu San’s expression sour. "What’s so happy about eating a meal?" she grumbled.
Shen Shaoguang looked up. Still in a bad mood this late in the morning? Had the princess been kept awake by a pea under her goose-down mattress? Best not to provoke someone who hadn’t slept well. Shen Shaoguang smiled placatingly. "The pancakes are good today, and the soup is excellent. A satisfying meal naturally makes me happy."
As if to prove her point, A Yuan ladled herself another bowl of spinach soup.
Truthfully, there was nothing special about the soup. If asked why it tasted so good, the answer was simple—fresh vegetables. The tenderest spinach, stir-fried until fragrant, water added, a thin slurry of starch stirred in once boiling, then beaten egg drizzled in, seasoned with salt and a dash of sesame oil before serving. Such a simple method, yet so delicious.
Yu San couldn’t bring herself to snap at someone smiling so brightly and merely gave Shen Shaoguang another glance before lowering her head to drink her soup.
Shen Shaoguang chuckled. Her Highness’s temper—truly, it was like a thirty-day-long menstrual cycle.After enjoying the breakfast that Princess Yu San had fretted over while the other three relished heartily, the little tavern settled into its daily routine. A Chang swept the floors, A Yuan picked vegetables, Yu San prepped the ingredients, and Shen Shaoguang tallied yesterday's earnings while receiving deliveries of vegetables and meat from the vendors.
Pork was the mainstay, with a bit of mutton as well. Young hens and pigeons were also stocked, along with various greens, which had been in high demand lately. The Qiu family tofu shop delivered fresh tofu, and the oil mill sent sesame oil... Though it didn’t seem like much work, the morning passed in a flurry of activity.
What delighted Shen Shaoguang most was that the fisherman who had previously supplied them had resumed delivering fish—carp, crucian carp, and grass carp of all sizes. The fish dishes at Shen Ji were back on the menu. Today’s delivery included two red-tailed carp, each over a foot long, perfect for sweet and sour fish. Though the imperial court had banned the consumption of carp to avoid a naming taboo, who could truly enforce such a rule? Nobles and commoners alike continued to eat it regardless.
Today, the vegetable vendor brought exceptionally tender yellow chives. Shen Shaoguang instructed Yu San to set aside a bundle for her, planning to make pork and yellow chive stuffed pockets for lunch.
Though yellow chives were essentially the same as regular chives, they were more tender and milder in flavor. Chopped and mixed with fatty pork for the filling, the dough was kneaded soft, portioned into medium-sized pieces, and rolled into thin wrappers. A generous amount of filling was spread on one wrapper, covered with another, and the edges sealed firmly. A large plate was used to trim off the excess edges. The griddle was brushed with oil, the pockets placed on it, and cooked over low heat until golden.
These pork and yellow chive pockets—crispy on the outside, juicy and fragrant inside, with each bite oozing savory juices... Ah! Simply divine!
A Yuan’s mouth watered as Shen Shaoguang described the dish. "Young Lady, just by standing outside the tavern and describing how this dish is made and how it tastes, you could lure in plenty of customers."
"..." A Yuan’s animal-like intuition was uncanny. How did she know that in her past life, this had been her very job?
What food magazine didn’t come loaded with advertisements? Relying solely on subscription sales would have starved them long ago. Writing food-related advertorials had been Shen Shaoguang’s bread and butter.
She remembered once when a hotel introduced a new "grape fish"—neither fragrant, rich, fresh, nor tender, resembling unsweetened gummy candy, and exorbitantly priced to boot. With nothing praiseworthy to highlight, she had resorted to calling its texture "playful." Later, a reader remarked, "Now I understand why you called it 'playful.' The worst part is, I can’t even fault you for it. You unscrupulous writers..."
Shen Shaoguang mused that perhaps it was precisely because of such hollow, insincere flattery in her past life that the heavens had sent her here to become a chef. Karma, pure and simple.
Lost in these reflections on life’s unpredictability and cosmic justice, Shen Shaoguang glanced up and spotted a group of men approaching in the drizzle. Among them was Liu Feng, while the others looked familiar—likely acquaintances of Huan Qilang. Huan Qi himself wasn’t present, nor was that Lu fellow she had once rebuffed.
Stepping out from behind the counter, Shen Shaoguang greeted them with a smile. "Good day, gentlemen." She then addressed Liu Feng specifically, "Master Liu, is today your day off?"
The scholars nodded in return, and Liu Feng smiled as he acknowledged her. "Young Lady Shen."
It had been a while since she’d seen Master Liu, and he seemed to have lost some weight—or perhaps it was just the absence of winter clothing.Shen Shaoguang had A Yuan serve some light tea while she personally introduced the spring specialty dishes of their shop—though the hot pot was excellent, its season had already passed. Like a fickle lover, Shen Shaoguang had long cast aside her old flame, her heart and eyes now filled with tender new delights.
The thought of fickle lovers made Shen Shaoguang ask offhandedly, "Why haven’t I seen Huan Langjun today?" Not a trace of guilt lingered in her for having outmaneuvered him before.
Liu Feng told her, "Huan Qilang has gone traveling to the western region of Shannan."
Shen Shaoguang nodded. "'Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles.' It’s a scholar’s way to broaden knowledge through travel."
For him to set off on a journey right after the imperial examination results were announced—clearly, he had failed again this year. If he were a virtuous man, Shen Shaoguang might have sighed over "talent unrecognized," given how difficult the imperial exams were. After all, who hadn’t had a stroke of bad luck? But this one… perhaps it was just karma, much like her own?
Though Shen Shaoguang considered herself no saint, she had unwittingly earned the "good person" label from several scholars. These men had also met defeat in the exams and would either try again next year or embark on their own "travels," seeking opportunities as advisors in various regions before returning for another attempt—hopefully with better odds. Today’s feast was their farewell banquet.
Hearing Young Lady Shen’s remarks about "reading ten thousand books, traveling ten thousand miles" and "scholars broadening knowledge through travel," the scholars felt both understood and dignified. They smiled and praised, "The young lady is truly insightful."
After delivering these pleasantries and noting their orders, Shen Shaoguang returned to the kitchen.
One scholar murmured with a chuckle, "Now I finally understand why Liu Sanlang sought her hand before. This young lady, after all, hails from the fallen Shen clan of Luoyang—truly wise and refined, unlike most young women these days."
Liu Feng quickly interjected, "Let’s not speak of such things."
Another scholar added, "You didn’t know? A few days ago, Sanlang became engaged to the younger sister of Zhao, the clerk of Jingzhao."
The first scholar hastily apologized, "My mistake—I hadn’t heard of this."
Liu Feng waved it off.
The scholars then asked about the wedding date. Learning it was set for autumn, they shook their heads regretfully—they likely wouldn’t be around to toast at Liu Sanlang’s wedding.
As dishes and wine arrived, one scholar raised his cup to toast Liu Feng’s impending nuptials in advance.
Shen Shaoguang, emerging with a plate of vinegar-glazed fish, overheard and was surprised but quickly offered her congratulations with a smile.
Liu Feng stood and clasped his hands in thanks, his face slightly flushed from the wine.
Outwardly composed, Shen Shaoguang mused inwardly: Why thank me for your marriage? For not marrying you? That’s… a bit of a sting.
Returning to the kitchen, she instructed Yu San to add two complimentary dishes—"Wealth and Auspiciousness" and "Harmony for a Hundred Years"—as the tavern’s wedding gift to Liu Feng.
Witnessing their courteous exchange, as if they were gentlemen from the Land of Propriety—especially Shen Xiao Niangzi’s poised and magnanimous demeanor—the scholars lost any urge to tease or stir drama. Instead, they marveled again at how the young lady truly lived up to her noble lineage.
As the tavern grew busier during peak hours, Pang Erniang walked in with her maid.
Shen Shaoguang paused in surprise before hurrying over to greet her. "Erniang, have you come to the temple to pray?"
Pang Erniang smiled and nodded, then frowned at the packed dining hall. "I thought this would be a quiet place to chat and dine."Shen Shaoguang smiled. This young lady truly embodied the "why not eat meat porridge" mentality. If things were as simple as she suggested, then by noon when all was quiet, one might as well subsist on smoke and wind.
"Forget it, I’ll come see you another day. I’ll be staying at the nunnery for a while anyway." Pang Erniang, unable to bear the clamor of the shop, turned and left.
Shen Shaoguang stood at the door, seeing her off in the light rain.
"There’s something I want to ask you," Pang Erniang glanced around and lowered her voice. "Has Lord Lin ever dined at your tavern?"
Was this an attempt at a "chance encounter"? What a determined and proactive young lady.
"He has," Shen Shaoguang nodded.
Pang Erniang was overjoyed, the floral sticker between her brows seeming to glow brighter. After a moment’s thought, she asked, "Does he come often? What does he like to eat?"
What Lord Lin liked to eat… Shen Shaoguang hesitated. He didn’t seem particularly fixated on any one dish—his tastes generally leaned toward the mild.
Before Shen Shaoguang could respond, Pang Erniang had already made up her mind. "Yuanjue often praises your culinary skills. Starting tomorrow—no, tonight—I’ll come sample your fine dishes, fruits, and vegetables."
Recalling A Yuan’s suggestion that she stand at the tavern entrance to describe dishes and flavors to attract customers, Shen Shaoguang smiled innocently. This patron truly wasn’t one she had lured in.
But since she was coming, she had to be retained. Shen Shaoguang grinned. "Come early, Young Lady. I’ll save you the quietest corner seat."
"Good. Young Lady Shen, see you this evening."
Shen Shaoguang watched cheerfully as Pang Erniang departed with her maids. Beneath the umbrella, the young lady in pale pink robes resembled a delicate, freshly bloomed apricot blossom.
That Lord Lin was merely good-looking—how beauty could lead one astray… Shen Shaoguang shook her head and went back inside.
Author’s Note:
Lord Lin chuckled. "So I’m just good-looking? Then what do you love me for?"
Shen Shaoguang replied without hesitation, "I’m shallow too, so what?"
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