Shen Shaoguang served a bowl of cured pork and pickled bamboo shoot rib soup, its rich yet non-greasy aroma carrying the distinctive fragrance of cured meat that instantly revived the dulled palates of the drinking patrons.
"So fragrant!"
Always delighted by praise, Shen Shaoguang narrowed her smiling eyes at the compliment: "Then please have more, honored guest. The pickled bamboo shoots help sober you up."
The customer nodded repeatedly.
Recently, the shop had added many savory porridges and soups, like the fish paste congee that Lord Lin had sampled the other day, and the now-popular cured pork and pickled bamboo shoot rib soup. In hot weather, sweet porridges and soups could feel cloying, while these savory options replenished salt and stimulated appetite. A bowl would bring forth a satisfying sweat—truly refreshing!
Returning the tray to the kitchen, Shen Shaoguang saw A Yuan standing by the large counter, devouring a bowl of soup with a cucumber in one hand and a Sesame Cake in the other.
"No need to rush. Eat slowly." Shen Shaoguang pulled over a high stool from the kitchen.
A Yuan waved her Sesame Flatbread. "Standing helps me eat more."
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
Despite having no appetite earlier, she suddenly felt hungry watching A Yuan's enthusiastic eating. Leaning over, she peeked at the clear broth with winter melon balls and meatballs flecked with green, untainted by Clear Soy Sauce. "Cilantro meatball soup?"
A Yuan nodded. "Sanlang made it for me."
Shen Shaoguang glanced at Yu San's back. Despite their usual bickering, there was genuine camaraderie among them.
"I'll have a bowl too!" Shen Shaoguang laughed.
A Yuan chuckled, A Chang joined in, and even Yu San smiled faintly. Not hungry at mealtime, but craving food when seeing others eat—what kind of habit was that?
Their laughter made Shen Shaoguang slightly embarrassed, but perhaps Yu Sanlang's fraternally-made cilantro meatball soup was exceptionally delicious? Suddenly, her behavior felt familiar. After some thought—Lord Lin! The first time he visited, he'd snatched porridge and dishes meant for her and A Yuan...
Following his example, Shen Shaoguang maintained a composed expression as she ladled a small bowl of soup, took a Sesame Flatbread, and went behind the counter to eat leisurely.
Before she finished, the attendant of the recently mentioned Lord Lin arrived. "We must trouble you again, young mistress."
Wiping her mouth, Shen Shaoguang smiled and asked what was needed.
"His Lordship's mother has had no appetite today, barely touching lunch or dinner. My lord mentioned the fish paste congee he enjoyed here before and wondered if you could prepare another pot?"
It wasn't troublesome, so Shen Shaoguang agreed.
Liu Chang added with a smile, "Her attendants say the old madam has often spoken of you since you last sent the congee."
Shen Shaoguang raised an eyebrow. So—
Liu Chang bowed respectfully, his expression pleading. "We humbly request your help."
What could Shen Shaoguang say? She smiled. "No need for formalities, sir. I'll deliver it once ready."
Making congee was time-consuming, especially when starting with fish broth. By the time it was done, few customers remained. With Yu San and the others managing the shop, Shen Shaoguang took the supper box and left. A Yuan offered to accompany her, but Shen Shaoguang waved her off—the streets were full of people enjoying the cool evening air, and it was just a short distance. Yu San glanced at her but said nothing.But just as she stepped out, the attendant surnamed Liu approached her. "Troubling you, young lady," he said, taking the food box with a smile. "Our Tai Furen is waiting for you."
Shen Shaoguang nodded with a faint smile.
Grand Madam Jiang was indeed waiting for her, and Lord Lin was also present.
Grand Madam Jiang said politely, "It's so late, yet we've troubled you to deliver this." She then instructed her attendants, "Arrange for someone to escort the young lady back later."
Lin Yan smiled gently. "Rest assured, Grandma. I will make the arrangements."
The maidservant A Su swallowed the reply she had been about to make.
Grand Madam Jiang nodded in approval.
The servants set up the dining table, serving the porridge and side dishes. Grand Madam Jiang ate half a bowl of porridge with the side dishes and nodded approvingly. "This flavor is excellent—not overly sweet or cloying at all."
Shen Shaoguang smiled. "In summer, excessive sweating depletes the body's salt, which can lead to loss of appetite, dizziness, and fatigue. Thus, it's best to consume mildly salty and savory porridges or soups. However, one must avoid excessive saltiness, as it harms the lungs and kidneys."
Grand Madam Jiang nodded. "Indeed, I've had little appetite lately and felt sluggish. My grandson invited a physician who prescribed some pills, but they didn't seem to help much."
Shen Shaoguang replied, "This summer has been unusually hot. Tai Furen should take things slowly, perhaps strolling in the courtyard during the cooler hours of dawn or dusk. Gentle movement might help you feel more comfortable."
"My grandson said the same thing," Grand Madam Jiang chuckled before turning to Lin Yan. "You practice swordplay every morning and sweat so much. Have a bowl of this savory porridge before heading to court."
Lin Yan smiled and nodded. "Understood."
Shen Shaoguang lowered her head to sip her tea. No wonder his arms and waist felt so firm and powerful that day... This dynasty truly produces formidable men who can wield swords on horseback and compose poetry off it.
"From your words just now, young lady, it seems you are quite knowledgeable about medicine?" Scholars often read widely, and many knew a thing or two about medicine—some could even diagnose simple ailments. But it was rare for young ladies to be versed in such matters, hence Grand Madam Jiang's question.
Doctor Fang, the palace instructor, was skilled in medicine and meticulous about diet and daily habits. In her past life, Shen Shaoguang had oscillated between late-night hair loss and wolfberry-infused thermoses, so she greatly admired Doctor Fang's disciplined approach and had picked up some knowledge half-heartedly. However, she was far from "knowledgeable," let alone "quite knowledgeable." Smiling, she replied, "Many things share origins between medicine and food. As a cook, one inevitably picks up a little. I fear Tai Furen finds this amusing."
Hearing her refer to herself as a "cook," Grand Madam Jiang grew serious. "Whether orchids grow on jade steps or by mountain streams, they remain orchids. You are a descendant of the Shen family of Luoyang—do not humble yourself too much." The Jiang and Lin families were both old aristocratic clans from Hedong. Having witnessed the vicissitudes of life, Grand Madam Jiang had grown indifferent to many things, but some principles remained unshakable.
Shen Shaoguang stood and bowed solemnly. "Tai Furen speaks wisely."
Grand Madam Jiang relaxed and smiled. "You are a jewel of a person, young lady. This old woman is truly fond of you and couldn't help speaking out of turn. I hope you won't take offense."
Shen Shaoguang smiled. "It has been years since I last heard the guidance of an elder. Today, your words have moved me deeply."
Grand Madam Jiang nodded, realizing that her parents were likely no longer in this world. Such a fine young lady—how pitiable and lamentable...
Lin Yan cleared his throat softly. "Grandmother, I find myself somewhat hungry as well. Might you spare me a bowl of porridge?"With just one sentence, the somewhat solemn and sorrowful atmosphere was dispelled. Especially since he was usually dignified and taciturn, his sudden playful childlike words caught everyone off guard, and they all burst into laughter.
Grand Madam Jiang chuckled, "Give it all to him! Give it all to him! It's rare for him to be so picky and actually crave something."
Shen Shaoguang merely smiled faintly.
Lin Yan glanced sideways at her, and seeing her calm expression, he felt somewhat relieved.
While the others were eating, Shen Shaoguang found it inappropriate to take her leave. Only after the grandmother and grandson had finished did she stand up: "It's late today. I'll come another day to trouble you, Grand Madam."
Grand Madam Jiang stepped down from the couch, took her hand, and said kindly with a smile, "You must come." She personally escorted her to the door.
Lin Yan also bid farewell to his grandmother, "I'll arrange for someone to see the young lady home."
Shen Shaoguang curtsied to Grand Madam Jiang in farewell.
A servant woman led the way with a lantern as Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan walked out together.
Their silhouettes looked quite like a pair of jade figures. Recalling A Lang's earlier actions, A Su glanced at Grand Madam Jiang but ultimately said nothing, only whispering softly, "You've perspired a bit from the porridge. Let me help you change into something more comfortable."
Grand Madam Jiang nodded and, leaning on her arm, slowly walked back inside.
At the courtyard gate, Liu Chang took the lantern from the servant woman to lead the way. Lin Yan turned and instructed, "Close the gate."
The servant woman curtsied and acknowledged the order.
The three walked through the corridors and courtyards, heading outward. Shen Shaoguang had initially thought he would have his attendant escort her, but judging by the situation...
Shen Shaoguang smiled slightly, "Please stay, young master. It's just a short distance—I can return on my own."
Lin Yan replied gently, "I was just going out for a walk anyway."
Shen Shaoguang pursed her lips.
Lin Yan, in turn, gave her a faint smile.
Liu Chang at the front wished he could become an invisible character from a Romance.
Once outside the gate, Liu Chang quickly said, "A Lang, young lady, shall I take this food box back first? In case the tavern needs it?"
Shen Shaoguang: "..." Not just the tavern—there was hardly anyone on the streets at this hour!
Lin Yan nodded, "Mm, go ahead."
Liu Chang handed the lantern to Lin Yan and hurried off.
Walking along the road, Shen Shaoguang raised an eyebrow at Lin Yan and said with a half-smile, "Aren't you afraid of gossip, young master?"
Lin Yan stopped and looked at her. Though the lantern only illuminated a small patch at their feet, the moonlight was bright enough to reveal her slightly flushed face, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes, her delicate nose, and her flower-like lips. "The moon rises bright, the beauty shines—surely she must be my bride," Lin Yan recalled the Mid-Autumn Festival cake slip she had written.
Not daring to linger on her lips for too long, Lin Yan averted his gaze. "Neither you nor I are the type to fear gossip, young lady."
Shen Shaoguang was momentarily speechless. Indeed, in an era where watching lanterns led to countless elopements, where men and women strolled together during the Shangsi Festival, and where young maidens and married women threw handkerchiefs and sachets at the Tanhualang until his hat tilted—as a small tavern owner, walking briefly with someone on the street hardly warranted fear of gossip. But...
Shen Shaoguang decided to be direct and spoke earnestly, "We are not well-matched in social status. Happiness would be hard to come by. Why must you persist?"
"Young lady is of the Shen family from Luoyang, and I am of the Lin family from Hedong. Though I may lack talent, I have passed the imperial exams. As for you—" Lin Yan glanced at Shen Shaoguang, licked his lips, and smiled, "you are more than excellent. In my view, we are well-matched in both status and talent."Shen Shaoguang: "!!!"
Seeing her almond-shaped eyes widen and her lips press together, Lin Yan chuckled softly.
After a moment, Lin Yan coaxed her with a smile, "If you're worried about gossip, I'll be more careful in the future."
That tone... Shen Shaoguang looked into his smiling eyes.
The name "A Qi" rolled around in his mouth, but he ultimately didn't dare to say it and provoke her. Lin Yan said softly, "Don't be angry anymore. It would be a shame to waste such beautiful moonlight."
After another pause, Shen Shaoguang averted her gaze and asked nonchalantly, "Speaking of the moon, why do people think there's a big toad up there? Because of the shape of the shadows?"
Lin Yan: "..."
Remembering her interpretation of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl story during Qixi Festival, Lin Yan smiled helplessly.
Having thoroughly ruined the romantic atmosphere with her blunt remarks, Shen Shaoguang leisurely looked up at the moon, then at the houses, trees, and paths bathed in moonlight—and at the tall, graceful young man standing there. Yes, the moonlight tonight was indeed lovely...①
Author's note: ①Reference to Natsume Sōseki's famous line where "I love you" was translated as "The moon is beautiful tonight."
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