After breakfast, Lin Yan went to court. Taking advantage of the lingering coolness, Grand Madam Jiang had her maids and servants assist her for a stroll in the garden. It had rained the night before, leaving the garden lush and fresh with vibrant greenery and scattered blossoms.
Pointing at the withered peonies beneath the railing, Grand Madam Jiang smiled and said, "What a pity. There’s no young lady in our household to wear them or admire them. If we could give them to Young Lady Shen, at least she could make floral dew from them."
Her close attendants, including A Su, laughed. "You’re being deliberately modest again."
The grand madam suddenly stopped. "Go to the storeroom and find the tools I used to distill dew in the past. There should also be a fruit press, along with small silver pots, jade mortars, and cups—all delicate playthings for young ladies. Pack them in a gift box and send them to Young Lady Shen." She sighed. "Otherwise, they’ll just go to waste."
Glancing at the grand madam’s expression, A Su bowed in acknowledgment and left with another attendant to carry out the task.
In the pavilion, the stone couch had already been spread with brocade cushions and bamboo mats by the maids. Grand Madam Jiang, supported by a maid’s hand, ascended the steps and sat down. The maids took out small pots and cups from their baskets and poured her a bowl of Cheese Drink.
One of the younger, livelier maids, noticing the grand madam’s wistful expression, teased, "Are you worried about not having good floral dew to drink in the future? You needn’t fret—once A Lang marries, his wife will naturally offer you such things."
Grand Madam Jiang sighed softly. "Whether she does or not doesn’t matter. As long as they are happy together, I’ll be content."
The maids laughed. "A Lang is wonderful, and the lady he marries will surely be wonderful too. When two wonderful people come together, how could they not be happy? You worry too much, Grand Madam."
Taking a sip of the Cheese Drink, Grand Madam Jiang gazed at the verdant garden. Sometimes, even when both are wonderful, they might not harmonize, ending up as resentful partners...
The gifts were delivered personally by the grand madam’s close attendant, leaving no doubt of their authenticity. Staring at the two chests of exquisite trinkets, Shen Shaoguang felt overwhelmed. This was truly the handiwork of a grand madam who cherished culinary artistry and refined tastes—unlike the previous screen...
She couldn’t accept double thanks. Smiling, Shen Shaoguang said, "Your household has already given its gratitude. It wouldn’t be proper to accept such lavish gifts again. Please convey my apologies to the grand madam."
The attendant, A Su, replied warmly, "That was from the household. These are specially from the grand madam to you, Young Lady. She said she hasn’t tasted such rich and fragrant floral dew in years. She also mentioned that come autumn, she’ll likely trouble you again for osmanthus dew and hopes you won’t refuse."
Ah, so everyone in that household except the master is eloquent. As for that master... Shen Shaoguang couldn’t very well say that the previous gift was also from the "grand madam" and not ordinary gold or silver. She could only force a smile and accept these exquisite, nostalgic—or perhaps decadent—gifts.
After seeing off the Lin family attendant, Shen Shaoguang returned to examine the grand madam’s presents. There were items of bronze, porcelain, silver, and jade, each delicate and refined—treasures that could grace a collector’s cabinet in later times. They offered a glimpse into the leisurely, elegant life of a noble young lady. The palace’s artifacts were also exquisite, but they leaned toward opulence, unlike the refined elegance of these aristocratic heirlooms.Thinking of that equally elegant screen, even Shen Shaoguang couldn't convince herself this time—Lord Lin, were you truly struck by lightning?
Recalling Lord Lin's gentle breeze-like smile, the newly green spring mountains in his eyes, the slight curve of his brows, his handsome lips, and that rather comfortable embrace, Shen Shaoguang chuckled softly before sighing wistfully. He was indeed wonderful, but alas, she had no fortune to enjoy such things...
Yu San came out and saw the young mistress smiling and sighing over the pile of items sent by the Lin family, looking somewhat melancholic. He curled his lips—ah, young mistress. Even someone as bold as their young mistress couldn't escape the trials of love. That Lord Lin was merely somewhat better-looking, of slightly better birth, and held a higher official rank...
Yu San shook his head and went to the backyard to pull some scallions.
Shen Shaoguang had A Yuan help store these items in the warehouse, to be returned to Lord Lin or dealt with later. They absolutely couldn't be used in the kitchen. Such works of art—if they got chipped or scratched, future generations of artifact restorers would have to time-travel just to scold her. Rougher, sturdier items were better suited for daily use.
No longer dwelling on the Lin family's affairs, Shen Shaoguang tied on her apron and entered the kitchen. Eyeing the bucket of fish, shrimp, and clams, she thought, Today, you lot shall bear the brunt of my knife.
Unlike the usual large fish delivered, today the fishmonger had brought many clams, small fish, and shrimp, including a few loaches, saying they'd been caught in a different spot.
The loaches and clams needed time to purge their sand, so for lunch, she decided to cook the shrimp first. Fresh, tiny shrimp were best stir-fried in oil.
After trimming the heads and whiskers and washing them clean, she heated a generous amount of oil in the wok, then stir-fried Sichuan peppercorns, scallions, and ginger to fragrance the oil. The shrimp went in next, stir-fried over high heat until they turned red. She seasoned them with salt, sugar, and clear soy sauce, then tossed in a handful of leek segments just before taking them off the heat—two quick stirs, and they were done.
Mmm, fresh! Mmm, fragrant!
The early-arriving customers caught a whiff and managed to snag a plate to share, while the rest went into the mouths of Shen Ji's owner, chef, and waitstaff—with Shen Shaoguang eating the lion's share.
A Yuan yielded to her. "It's rare to see the young mistress enjoy something so much."
Paired with minced pork flower rolls, pan-fried tofu pockets, braised purple eggplant, cucumber with sesame paste and mashed garlic, and a bowl of thick, fragrant rice porridge, Shen Shaoguang decisively overate.
Why was it always homely dishes that made people overeat? Shen Shaoguang felt this was truly one of the culinary world's greatest unsolved mysteries.
Full and content, curled up behind the counter tallying accounts and counting coins, Lord Lin's moonlit, breeze-like face could no longer trouble Shen Shaoguang. Indeed, it seemed there was nothing a good meal couldn't solve...
After devouring the shrimp at noon, the remaining fish and shrimp were reserved for the evening's customers. By the time Lin Yan visited the shop, only a few loaches remained.
Upon returning in the evening, the steward reported to him that Grand Madam Jiang had sent some maidenly trinkets to the young mistress of Shen Ji as thanks.
As Grand Madam Jiang's health was frail, the Lin household's gift-giving had long been handled by the steward drafting lists, reporting to the master, and having the accountants execute the details. The previous gifts sent to Shen Ji had been Lin Yan's personal choice—bypassing both the steward and the accountants, directly carried out under his authority. Grand Madam Jiang's gifts were also personal, but as they passed through the main gate, the gatekeeper inspected them and reported to the steward.
Lin Yan paused, pressing his lips together. "Understood."
During dinner, Lin Yan asked his grandmother, "I heard you sent some gifts to the young mistress of Shen Ji today?"Grand Madam Jiang smiled, "Young Lady Shen, coming from a noble family, has prepared these flower-infused syrups and clear dews for us. She cannot be treated as an ordinary merchant, so giving money would be inappropriate. Instead, I shall gift her some trinkets suitable for a young lady. Such gifts are usually handled by the womenfolk of the household. Since you have yet to take a wife, I shall share this burden for you."
Share this burden... Lin Yan smiled faintly, "Indeed, I appreciate your concern, Grandma."
Because of this "burden" his grandmother had assigned him, Lin Yan, for the first time since his initial years as an official, found himself hesitating, his heart slightly restless.
After drinking two cups of tea and calming himself to finish reviewing the necessary documents, Lin Yan strolled out of the government office.
Shen's Shop was open, and from afar, he could see a graceful silhouette under the dim light inside.
Lin Yan's unsettled heart suddenly felt at ease. He smiled slightly—perhaps this was for the best.
Shen Shaoguang looked up and greeted with a smile, "Lord Lin."
Lin Yan nodded with a smile, "Young Lady Shen."
Lin Yan took his usual seat by the window. Shen Shaoguang brought over a sour plum fruit drink and asked cheerfully, "What would you like to order today, my lord?"
"You may arrange it as you see fit, young lady."
"Would you care for a cup of wine? We just received a fresh batch of Xinfeng wine—rich and fragrant." A little wine might help ease the tension and make it easier to say what needed to be said, Shen Shaoguang thought.
Lin Yan glanced at her and smiled, "Thank you for the kind offer, but perhaps another time."
"..." Shen Shaoguang smiled, "Please wait a moment, my lord."
Yu San had never prepared loaches before, so Shen Shaoguang took charge herself.
Loaches have small bones and plenty of meat, making them perfect for dry-frying this season. Paired with a little wine, they are exceptionally fragrant.
She cleaned the loaches, removing their innards, and slowly fried them in oil until crispy inside and out. Then she set them aside. In another pan, she heated oil, sautéed minced ginger and garlic, added the perfect pairing—perilla leaves—then tossed in the fried loaches. She seasoned them with salt, scallions, and a spoonful of clear soy sauce, gave them a quick stir, and they were ready to serve.
As the dry-fried loaches were plated, Yu San finished a few quick dishes: cucumber with eggs, diced chicken with eggplant, cumin-spiced lamb, and a bowl of broad noodles in clear broth. A Yuan carried the tray out.
After washing her hands, Shen Shaoguang came out and knelt opposite Lin Yan.
Lin Yan smiled, "You've worked hard."
"Do you know what this is, Lord Lin?"
"Fish?" Lin Yan raised an eyebrow.
Shen Shaoguang chuckled. "These are loaches from muddy ponds and fields—dark, whiskered, and unruly, with an earthy taste. They're hardly the refined minced raw fish with golden sauce you're accustomed to."
Lin Yan picked up a piece with his chopsticks, took a crisp bite, and chewed slowly.
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
"Delightfully crispy and fragrant," Lin Yan remarked with a smile.
Shen Shaoguang's elaborate metaphor about rustic loaches being unfit for noble banquets was stifled by his crisp bite and this simple praise.
Ever the gracious host, Shen Shaoguang smiled and let it go, waiting for him to speak.
Yet, under her expectant gaze, Lord Lin leisurely ate four or five loaches, half a plate of cucumber with eggs, some eggplant and lamb, and finished a small bowl of broad noodles. After wiping his mouth with a handkerchief and sipping half a cup of the tea A Yuan brought, he still said nothing.
At last, Shen Shaoguang realized the difference between the high-ranking crimson-robed official of the capital and his blue-clad subordinates. If this had been Clerk Liu, he would never have been so composed—he'd have blushed and stammered his words long ago.Lin Yan finished his tea and looked at Shen Shaoguang. "There's something I'd like to ask you—"
Finally, here it comes, Shen Shaoguang thought as she put on a smile. "Please go ahead, my lord."
"The Deputy Inspector of Fenzhou, Shen, is from the main branch of the Chen family in Luoyang. His term has ended, and he returned to the capital these past two days to report on his duties. I've had some dealings with Deputy Inspector Shen before—he's quite a decent man. I was wondering... would you like to meet him?"
Shen Shaoguang was taken aback. After a moment's thought, she replied, "No, it's better not to. It would only bring unnecessary sorrow to both sides." More importantly, it would cause trouble for everyone involved. She had no close uncles—this person was probably some distant cousin several generations removed.
Lin Yan watched her calm smile. She was like a vibrant begonia, yet insisted on carrying burdens both bearable and unbearable on her own, much like the verdant bamboo in the front courtyard. Thinking of her cleverness, wit, and resourcefulness, the name "Shepherd's Purse" truly suited her well...
Lin Yan nodded gently with a smile. "Very well."
After seeing Lord Lin off, Shen Shaoguang suddenly realized—wait, weren't we supposed to discuss how loaches aren't suitable for grand banquets? And what about that awkward gift incident...
Lin Yan walked back slowly with his hands behind his back. If she had acknowledged her relation to Deputy Inspector Shen, proposing marriage would have been more convenient... Recalling her expression when talking about loaches earlier, Lin Yan pursed his lips and frowned thoughtfully.
Author's Note:
① Adapted from a line in Zhou Zuoren's essay.
② The cooking method is compiled from online sources. I've only eaten loaches in hot pot before—writing this made me think dry-frying them like this must be delicious...
————
Scheming Vice Mayor Lin: "I won't confess, won't give you the chance to reject me. I'll just keep appearing before you every day to make my presence known..."
—Excerpt from Lin Yan's "Methodology for Successfully Wooing a Wife"
Liu Feng: "Bursting into loud sobs—now I finally know why I failed to win my wife over. My skin was too thin!"
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