In preparation for the Dragon Boat Festival's economic opportunities, Shen Shaoguang had been busy for days with Yu San, A Yuan, and A Chang. Having sold out early during their previous two outings at Qujiang, she made ample preparations this time. Since festival seasons made hiring carts difficult, she even purchased a mule and cart at the West Market, supplementing them with two hired ones—enough for their needs.
The mule was chosen by Yu San under Shen Shaoguang’s direction, as she had little expertise in selecting livestock.
"Buy a mule—tall, strong, and young," she instructed.
"Why not a donkey?" A Yuan, having grown up in the city, was more familiar with donkeys.
"Too weak." If Shen Shaoguang were a struggling scholar or a low-ranking official traveling alone, she might have opted for a donkey. Donkeys, with their slow, swaying gait and stubborn temperament, seemed to carry an innate "noble defiance." Lines like "On a donkey’s back, sorrowful verses drift into drowsiness," "The mountain guest, wild at heart, rides a white donkey, leaving behind a book from Yingyang," or "Through fine rain, astride a donkey, passing Sword Gate" were all brimming with poetic charm.
"Then why not a horse?" A Chang, ever the one to follow A Yuan’s lead, chimed in.
"Too expensive." Horses were fast, costly, required fine feed, and weren’t as hardy—standard for the nobility. Though Shen Shaoguang’s income was now substantial enough to afford one, she saw no need.
A Yuan shared her thoughts. "Those are for the high-born. Lord Lin’s horse looks splendid."
Shen Shaoguang’s mind wandered—what if Lord Lin, dressed in plain clothes and a small hat, rode a donkey through snow over Ba Bridge? Or what if he wore rough work clothes, driving a mule cart, grinning warmly and asking, "Where to, traveler?"
The image of his refined face adopting such a down-to-earth expression made her snicker.
Yu San shot her a frown.
With a laugh, Shen Shaoguang said, "Let’s just get the mule."
Though Yu San had never picked a mule before, he was no stranger to horses. After half a day at the West Market, he returned with a sturdy mule pulling a slightly worn cart. The mule was tall and robust, well-fed and spirited, just four years old—likely to serve them well for years.
Shen Shaoguang was thoroughly pleased and lavished praise on Princess Yu San, who merely retreated to the kitchen to wash up and cook.
With A Chang able to handle the cart, Shen Shaoguang frequented the West Market more often, stocking up on rice, flour, beans, nuts, sugar, and the like. The market offered better quality and lower prices than the local shops.
Beyond that, she also bought a basket of silk threads. For what? To weave Longevity Threads.
These remained popular even in the 21st century of Shen Shaoguang’s past life, ranking alongside mugwort, zongzi, and dragon boats as the festival’s four staples. In this era, Longevity Threads were braided from five-colored silk—blue, red, white, black, and yellow—and tied around wrists, hung over beds, or draped at doorways. They were believed to ward off evil, invite blessings, protect against malevolent spirits, and even avert "military calamities." Given these mystical associations, they earned names like Longevity Thread, Life-Extending Thread, or Vermilion Cord.
The imperial court took these to an art form, with intricate braiding techniques often adorned with gold beads and jade pendants, exquisitely crafted.
Having spent years in the palace, Shen Shaoguang was no master seamstress, but she could manage these simple braids well enough.
When A Yuan saw the array of silk threads and the seven or eight beautifully woven Longevity Threads Shen Shaoguang produced, her eyes widened. "You’re amazing, mistress!"Heh, in front of the sewing-challenged A Yuan, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but smirk proudly.
"I've never seen so many patterns before."
With "the absence of tigers making the monkey king," Shen Shaoguang grinned even more triumphantly.
"But do we really need this many?"
"Buy over fifty wen, and get one free!" Shen Shaoguang deftly flipped through the items, pointing her chin at the most intricate one. "This kind is specially prepared for customers who purchase the grand gift boxes." Those premium Flower Cake gift sets cost up to a full string of cash.
A Yuan picked up the Longevity Thread meant for VIP clients, carefully feeling the knots and examining it from all angles before nodding. "Worth it! If I had the money, I'd buy a whole box just for this thread—not to mention how delicious our cakes are."
A Chang glanced at it and nodded in agreement.
Yu San snorted. I knew the young mistress didn't have the refined tastes of a noble lady to fuss over such things—there must be some trick here. And sure enough...
For this Dragon Boat Festival, Shen Ji's stall was practically a luxury lineup:
Nearly twenty varieties of cakes alone, including traditional treats like Ai Wowo, Pea Flour Cake, Red Bean Cake, and Snowflake Cake, as well as Shen Shaoguang's new additions—fresh fruit cakes adorned with cherries and mulberries. There were also seven or eight types of zongzi, both sweet and savory. Now with more capital to invest, the drink selection had expanded beyond the usual Jasmine tea and sour plum beverage to include chilled Cherry Cream Drink and Wisteria Honey Drink.
Just for ice, Shen Shaoguang had bought two large crates, each wrapped layer by layer in cotton padding.
The sign for the "Third Rank Flower Cake" was also brought along to remind visitors.
But the visitors didn't need the sign as a reminder. After all, the Shangsi Festival wasn't long ago, and it wasn't every day that a Third Rank Scholar stopped to buy two boxes of Flower Cake while out flower-viewing. The moment they saw the cake stall in its usual spot, they remembered.
"Isn't this the stall where the Third Rank Scholar bought Flower Cake during the Shangsi Festival?"
"Ever since the Shangsi Festival ended, my little one has been pestering to come back to the Qujiang riverside for more cakes..."
Some even sought it out deliberately. One customer bragged to his friend, "Hey, let me tell you—there's an amazing Flower Cake vendor by the Qujiang riverside. They're usually not around, only during festivals. Their stuff is exquisite and tastes authentic—even the cake shops in the West Market can't compare. During this year's Shangsi Festival, the Third Rank Scholar even stopped specifically to buy their cakes!"
Then there were those who had tried the Flower Cake last time and later sought out Shen Ji in Chongxian Ward for their "Agate Meat" and "Jade Dumplings," becoming regulars. Hearing others talk about it, they chimed in proudly, "You have no idea—Shen Ji's spring plates are truly delicious. Their Agate Meat, sweet and sour fish, and Lotus Pond Trio are outstanding. Even the big restaurants in the West Market can't compare."
Shen Shaoguang, however, remained modest. "Our customers are just being kind to our little shop. How could we dare compare to the renowned cake shops and grand taverns of the West Market? We're a small operation, just family-run—our only advantage is the homely flavor."
The customers nodded approvingly. See how down-to-earth the young mistress is? Not like those smooth-talking, deceitful merchants...
A Yuan and A Chang: Our young mistress is too humble!
Yu San: "..."
After playing up her image, Shen Shaoguang moved on to handing out gifts. "For our guests' longevity and boundless blessings."
Since Flower Cakes were pricey, most purchases easily exceeded fifty wen, so nearly everyone received a Longevity Thread. Even those who only bought a cake or two for their children got one. Festivals were all about joy, after all.Shen Shaoguang's culinary skills were rather ordinary, but the novelty of palace-style designs made her creations quite eye-catching when displayed outside.
An observant customer asked, "This seems to resemble the 'Imperial Style'?"
Shen Shaoguang avoided a direct answer, simply smiling, "As long as our customers don't find it disappointing."
The young gentlemen of this dynasty were quite fashionable. Beyond wearing bright colors, they had no qualms about such decorations. Some tied them on themselves, others had their servants assist, while a few sought A Chang's help. A Yuan and Shen Shaoguang helped female customers and children with theirs, while Yu San focused intently on making pastries.
Thanks to returning customers and the increasingly attractive pastries adorned with fresh fruits, business today surpassed previous days. There wasn't even time to take turns sneaking out for breaks.
During a brief lull, Shen Shaoguang poured chilled plum juice for all four of them. Looking at the depleted ingredients and thinking of the repeat customers, she chuckled to herself—our Tang Dynasty folks are truly delightful.
Of course, not everyone was delightful.
A young man in luxurious brocade robes, about twenty-three or twenty-four with handsome features but an air of spoiled arrogance, remarked, "Young lady makes excellent Flower Cakes!"
"You flatter me, sir. Which varieties would you like?" Shen Shaoguang asked with a polite smile.
"Recommend whatever you think best."
"How about the selection made by the Tanhua (Third Rank Scholar)?" Shen Shaoguang had specially packaged these into a "Splendid Future" gift box, which had become the best-selling mid-range option among young gentlemen.
The young man frowned slightly before forcing a smile. "Very well." But then he pestered Shen Shaoguang with questions—what was this cake called, how was that one made, what made them special—before adding, "I think the Tanhua's praise was inadequate. He should have said, 'The lady outshines the flowers.'" He gave her what he clearly thought was a charming smile.
Having lived two lifetimes and dealt with subway harassers, Shen Shaoguang wasn't particularly bothered by this level of nuisance. But fearing he might escalate, she smiled and said, "From your words, sir, one might think your talent rivals this year's Tanhua..."
The young man looked momentarily embarrassed but quickly recovered. "To be honest, young lady, I entered officialdom without sitting for exams. As for talent—well, it's never truly been tested..."
"Perhaps you could compose a poem to celebrate today's lively scene?" Channeling her inner literature teacher, Shen Shaoguang deployed the classic "field trip essay" tactic.
This was, after all, the golden age of poetry, where every aspect of life—eating, drinking, celebrations, travel—was fair game for verse. Composing impromptu poems was second nature to scholars, and others were quite accustomed to this habit. Hearing someone might recite poetry, customers perked up to listen. Those who understood the context recognized the vendor's subtle provocation and, feeling indignant on her behalf, began cheering and urging him on.
The spoiled young man was no scholar. Given time, he might have cobbled together a crude rhyme, but under the crowd's expectant gaze—especially with the young lady watching him with that faint, mocking smile—how could he produce anything?
He wasn't entirely dim, however, and recognized Shen Shaoguang's intent. Flushing with anger, he snapped, "You're just a Flower Cake vendor. How dare you expect me to compose poetry?"
Suddenly, a voice came from behind: "Who's composing poetry? Let's hear it."
None other than Lord Lin.
Seeing the high-ranking official in crimson robes, the young man's arrogance deflated. He clasped his hands in salute. "Greetings, Your Honor."
Lin Yan gave him a cool glance. "Recite your masterpiece, young man. I'd like to hear it too."This was something he simply couldn't recite. The young man stammered, "I, I'm not skilled in poetry."
Someone nearby who enjoyed stirring up trouble remarked, "This young master can enter officialdom without taking the imperial exams—must be through hereditary privilege."
Lin Yan nodded. "In that case, it's understandable he's not good at poetry."
Just as the young man breathed a sigh of relief, he heard, "Since you're from an aristocratic family, you must be familiar with court etiquette and government affairs... With the heavy rains this year, why not share some policy suggestions on flood disasters?"
The young man: "..."
The crowd suppressed their laughter.
Lin Yan glanced at the onlookers. "Everyone, disperse now."
The group hastily bowed and retreated.
Once they had left, Lin Yan pursed his lips and asked, "Who is your father?"
"My father is the Chief Secretary of the Andong Protectorate."
Dou Qi, Chief Secretary of the Andong Protectorate, was a rather upright man. Lin Yan hadn't expected him to raise such a son. His expression turned stern. "Don't cause trouble for your father."
"Thank you for your guidance, noble sir." The young man stole a glance at Lin Yan. "Might I ask who you are?"
"Lin Yan, Vice Prefect of the Capital."
The Chief Secretary of the Protectorate General held a rank of Lower Fourth Grade, while the Vice Prefect of the Capital was of Lower Fourth Grade as well. However, by convention, capital officials outranked their provincial counterparts by one grade. Thus, this crimson-robed official, who appeared to be around his own age, was actually of equal rank to his father. Moreover, serving in the capital likely meant he enjoyed the emperor's favor. Having accompanied his father to the capital to present the Dragon Boat Festival tribute, the young man had heard much from his father along the way. He wasn't entirely reckless and quickly bowed again in embarrassment. Seeing that the Vice Prefect had no further instructions, he withdrew.
Lin Yan watched him go. At least he knew enough to fear...
Shen Shaoguang, seeing that Lin Yan had helped her out of the predicament, smiled and thanked him. Lin Yan said softly, "A young lady should be more careful."
Shen Shaoguang knew he meant well, but when running a business, how careful could one really be?
Lin Yan looked at her and pursed his lips. "Well, such reckless individuals are rare in the capital. Besides, you mostly stay within the ward—it shouldn't be a problem."
Shen Shaoguang: "..." The slight irritation she had felt dissipated.
Resigned, Shen Shaoguang smiled and asked, "What would you like to eat today, Lord Lin?"
Expecting him to say "whatever you recommend," she was surprised when he replied, "Sour plum fruit drink, please."
So she poured him a bowl of iced sour plum soup.
As she prepared the drink, Lin Yan noticed the Longevity Threads in the gift box. "Besides selling food, you also sell Life-Extending Threads?"
A Yuan chimed in, "We give one with every Flower Cake gift box purchase."
Lin Yan nodded. "It's inconvenient for me to carry them now. When I return, please have your shop deliver a few boxes to my residence." Then he looked up at Shen Shaoguang with a faint smile.
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
Resigned, she placed a VIP Longevity Thread on the tray and said offhandedly, "We also give these with sour plum drinks."
Lin Yan licked his lips, glanced at Shen Shaoguang with a hint of amusement in his eyes, and after a moment accepted it. "Thank you."
Shen Shaoguang had the strange feeling she was being teased. Had he wanted her to tie it on for him just now?
Author's Note:
① The poems referenced are by Cao Boqi, Wang Jian, and Lu You. Later, Lord Lin's line about crossing the Ba Bridge in wind and snow on donkeyback alludes to Zheng Qi's famous saying about poetic inspiration striking during such moments. The description of Longevity Threads draws from online sources and "A Guide to Time-Traveling to the Tang Dynasty."
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Once again, cheering for Lord Lin's shamelessness.
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