Shen Shaoguang widened her eyes.
Lin Yan smiled at her.
Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes again. "Indeed, I often meet and chat with Princess Fuhui. The princess is quite a remarkable person."
Lin Yan simply watched her without speaking, and Shen Shaoguang didn’t elaborate either, lowering her head to eat crab.
After a long pause, Lin Yan said gently, "A Qi, may I send someone to propose marriage?"
Shen Shaoguang, still somewhat awkward despite her budding rogue-like demeanor, forced a laugh. "If love between two people is true, does it really need to be bound by a marriage contract? Don’t you think so?" After a moment, she added a term of endearment, "Yan Lang."
Lin Yan continued peeling his crab in silence. That unrestrained and unconventional princess must have said something to her! Thinking of the princess’s past male concubines, Lin Yan’s expression darkened further. She might have even discussed other things with A Qi...
Shen Shaoguang peeked at his expression. "—Yan Lang?"
"Hmm," Lin Yan replied impassively.
Shen Shaoguang felt relieved. Since he still responded to the endearment, it meant things weren’t ruined.
"No," Lin Yan shattered her illusion outright.
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
"Love is like a bird, and marriage is its nest. Love without marriage is a bird without a nest—how can it survive in this world?" Lin Yan looked at her solemnly.
Faced with such a moral interrogation, Shen Shaoguang felt a pang of guilt.
Lin Yan softened his tone. "A Qi, we will marry eventually."
Shen Shaoguang finally understood Princess Fuhui’s frustration. There was a reason Lord Lin and Young Master Pei could be friends. All I wanted was to hold, embrace, and whisper sweet nothings—to have a non-Platonic romance. And if, as the princess suggested, there were other possibilities... well, that would be—quite nice too. But since you refuse, forget it.
Yet Shen Shaoguang’s mouth automatically shifted topics: "Speaking of birds, we have excellent quail today. Autumn quail, fattened on grass seeds and grains, are perfect for roasting. Would you like to try some, my lord? Crispy and fragrant, tucked into Sesame Flatbread—it’s the perfect follow-up to crab! Then we’ll serve a bowl of Crab Shell Soup."
"You might not have tried Crab Shell Soup before. Boil some Milk Soup, toss in the crab shells you’ve peeled, add coriander and pepper, and maybe soak some Twisted Dough Rings in it. Ah, the aroma! Don’t dismiss it as coarse, my lord. There’s a folk saying: ‘The original soup dissolves the original meal.’ It’s quite wise. Besides, nothing but this bowl of Crab Shell Soup can truly settle such a feast."
Shen Shaoguang’s spirits rebounded quickly. There are plenty of nestless birds in this world—no need to make a fuss! What’s wrong with just dating? Didn’t Li Bai say, "When life is good, drink your fill—don’t leave your golden cup empty under the moon"?
Seeing her cheerful face and hearing her culinary ramblings, Lin Yan knew she hadn’t taken his words to heart. He rubbed his temples in frustration. That princess is truly a bad influence!
In the end, Lin Yan ate the Sesame Flatbread with fried quail and drank the so-called "Crab Shell Soup" meant to "dissolve the original meal."
Shen Shaoguang asked, "Isn’t it delicious?"
Lin Yan obliged with a nod. "It really is."
Shen Shaoguang grinned triumphantly. Everything seemed to return to normal, yet something had undeniably changed.
That evening, Lin Yan only sipped a little porridge while dining with Grand Madam Jiang.
The grand madam didn’t urge him to eat more. After the meal, a maid served tea, and the grandmother and grandson sat chatting to aid digestion.
"Has Young Lady Shen agreed to your proposal?"
Lin Yan shook his head.
"Shall Grandma step in?"
Lin Yan shook his head again."You're so dull, no wonder the young lady isn't fond of you." Grand Madam Jiang pondered for a moment. "Tomorrow, wear more vibrant clothes. These everyday robes of yours aren't even as handsome as your official uniform." She scrutinized Lin Yan carefully. Though her eldest grandson was somewhat reserved in temperament, his appearance should appeal to young ladies.
Lin Yan: "..."
"Even the most virtuous woman yields to persistent suitors, but persistence requires method. Simply going there to eat won't do—she'll just think you're fond of their food."
"Young Lady Shen manages her household alone—she's decisive. But no matter how strong-willed, she's still a young woman. All ladies enjoy sweet words. Don't be too proud to compliment her—not just now, but even after marriage."
"Praise her cooking, her conversation. When you're more familiar, there's no harm in admiring her beauty too..."
Lin Yan coughed awkwardly. "Grandma—"
Grand Madam Jiang sighed softly. "With you like this, when will I get to drink my granddaughter-in-law's tea?"
Lin Yan rose apologetically and offered her a digestive Fruit Drink.
Yet Grand Madam Jiang brightened again: "Though I often get confused, I'm not seriously ill. Perhaps I'll even live to see my great-grandchildren grow up—I wonder if they'll be as plump as you were in childhood."
After sitting with his grandmother a while longer, Lin Yan returned to his own courtyard.
Once he left, the maids helped Grand Madam Jiang undress and prepare for bed.
The maid A Su remarked: "Why must the young master go through such trouble? Isn't it always parents' orders and matchmakers' words? Just send a matchmaker directly." That Young Lady Shen was merely shy—would she truly refuse? With her family background, encountering someone like the young master was incredible fortune.
"Who doesn't experience highs and lows in fortune? Family background is the most unreliable—who knows when it might collapse or scatter?"
A Su chided: "Why does the Grand Madam speak such discouraging words? The young master will surely be ennobled and become chancellor."
Grand Madam Jiang waved her hand. "I know my eldest grandson is excellent. What I mean is, compared to family background, a person's character and temperament matter more."
"That young lady appears lively and easygoing yet remains steady—neither arrogant nor discouraged. My grandson is somewhat reserved, but he's no dull block of wood. The two of them could build a life together."
A Su laughed: "Your judgment is always accurate."
"The most crucial thing is his own preference." Grand Madam Jiang sighed leisurely. "Nothing compares to what one truly desires."
When arranging his father's marriage to his mother, they'd only considered matching status, talent, and appearance. Who could have predicted their relationship would become icy? One seemed carefree yet was stubborn; the other was solemn and serious but overthought everything. Later, when the eldest grandson's official career faltered and he traveled south to avoid A Qin, coinciding with that riverbank breach...
Ah, such is fate...
Noticing Grand Madam Jiang's expression, A Su cheerfully advised: "Hearing you speak so, even I think Young Lady Shen is suitable. Why not help the young master, Grand Madam? Eating four or five meals daily will turn that elegant young gentleman into a portly fellow."
Grand Madam Jiang smiled faintly: "After marriage, he'll likely eat even more. A Yan seems destined to become a stout man."
A Su laughed.
"This is the charm of young couples. Let them figure it out—we needn't interfere."Seeing the Grand Madam's expression soften, A Su and the others accompanied her with a few more words, served her calming soup, then carefully tucked her in, drew the bed curtains, lit incense, and left only a corner lamp burning. Everyone else withdrew, and the two night attendants lay down inside and outside on the divan.
When Lin Yan visited Shen Ji again and didn’t find Shen Shaoguang, he knew she must be at the Close to Benevolence Ward Tavern, unaware that she had also entered the princess’s residence.
Princess Fuhui’s beloved cat had finally passed away, and she herself had fallen ill due to the seasonal weather. Feeling extremely bored at home, she sent a servant with an invitation to Shen Ji. Shen Shaoguang then went to see her, bringing a bowl of Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb, and Autumn Pear Soup she had personally prepared.
The princess shuffled over in her slippers to greet her. “You’ve finally come!”
Shen Shaoguang smiled—this was truly a case of “welcoming someone so eagerly that one puts on shoes backwards.”
She first inquired after Princess Fuhui’s health. The princess laughed, “It’s just a chill, a bit of coughing. A few days of rest, some medicine, and I’ll be fine.”
Upon seeing the soup Shen Shaoguang had brought, Princess Fuhui smiled. “You truly understand me. Drinking bitter medicinal brews all day has turned my insides bitter too!”
A maid brought a small bowl and served her a portion. Princess Fuhui slowly sipped it with a silver spoon.
After finishing the bowl, the princess remarked, “This soup of yours seems especially delicious.”
Shen Shaoguang chuckled, “It’s not that the soup is especially delicious—it’s that I’m especially charming, making one forget their worries at the sight of me.”
Princess Fuhui actually nodded. “Indeed, you are delightful! That Lord Lin is lucky to have you.”
The princess raised an eyebrow and asked with great interest, “So? Have you won him over yet?”
Shen Shaoguang: “…”
“Is he really that steadfast?”
Shen Shaoguang: “…”
Princess Fuhui shook her head. “You’re too shy.” After a pause, she added, “But being shy has its advantages. You don’t know how many men in this world are inherently fickle. If you treat them seriously, they’ll act aloof. Only when they’ve gone through great effort to pursue something do they learn to cherish it.”
Shen Shaoguang thought that if the princess had been born in a later era, she might have been a relationship blogger, writing daily posts like He Just Doesn’t Love You Enough , Why Do You Always Dig Through the Trash for Boyfriends? , Should You Choose Money or Kindness? , or My Success? Because I Spent Time on Work Instead of Serving My Husband and Kids —either comforting or brutally honest takes on love.
Shen Shaoguang nodded. “So, it’s better for me to take it slow. Besides, I’ve been really busy. Your Highness hasn’t visited the shop these past few days, so you don’t know we’ve started a ‘Crab Competition’—steamed versus Wine-Osmanthus Smoked, Sugar Crab versus Dregs Crab, pickled versus fresh…” She explained the follow-up plans and added with a hint of pride, “We’ve nearly cleared out the crab stocks of three pickled goods vendors.”
The princess clapped her hands. “Your talent for making money is unmatched. You should be appointed Minister of Revenue—then His Majesty wouldn’t have to worry about funds every day.”
Shen Shaoguang sighed regretfully. “It’s a shame the court doesn’t recruit female officials. Otherwise, I’d take the exams and might even earn the right to wear crimson or purple robes.”
Princess Fuhui laughed. “This dynasty does have female officials. Not the ones in the imperial harem, but proper ones serving in the ministries, just as you said.”
Shen Shaoguang looked at her with keen interest.
“Take Madam Han from earlier times. The wife of the renowned statesman Duke Wei, Lu Chengzhi, and the founder of Luoyang Academy. Scholars refer to her as Teacher Cheng.”This "Teacher Cheng"—though Shen Shaoguang was only nominally a native of Luoyang, she still knew of her. She just hadn’t realized she had also served as an official.
"You’ve been deceived by the history books. She was none other than Chancellor Cheng, the defender of Cloud Province," Princess Fuhui said with a laugh.
Shen Shaoguang: "!!!" The history books mentioned Chancellor Cheng Ping and referenced this "Teacher Cheng" in discussions of academy education, but who would have guessed they were the same person? One was a diligent and capable official from a humble background, the other a noblewoman passionate about education... The historians certainly wielded their "Spring and Autumn brushwork" masterfully.
Back then, one of the tutors for the imperial princes and princesses, Liu Yun, was keen on digging out hidden truths from the gaps between the lines of historical texts and scriptures. His famous saying was, "You must treat these authors, these ancient sages, virtuous ministers, renowned generals, and even treacherous officials, as living people." This scholar was dismissed by the late emperor because his research into Kong Qiu’s origins was too shocking, and he often spoke unconventional theories. But what he said about Teacher Cheng was very likely true, as the era wasn’t too distant, and many traces could still be found.
Princess Fuhui’s academic knowledge was average, but she remembered these strange tales clearly. Shaking her head, she sighed, "What an extraordinary woman."
Shen Shaoguang thought she wasn’t just extraordinary—she was a winner in life. First a renowned chancellor, then an excellent teacher... Compared to her, Shen Shaoguang was nothing but a salted fish.
As if reading her mind, Princess Fuhui comforted her, "You’re not bad either, and you’re definitely prettier than this Chancellor Cheng."
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
Author’s Note:
① This section references Mr. Liang Shiqiu’s essay "Crab," which mentions "Crab Shell Soup" and eating roasted lamb with flatbread after crab. I’ve never had this kind of Crab Shell Soup, but it seems similar to the duck bone soup served in roast duck restaurants or the "bone broth" made from fish bones in some Shandong cuisine eateries.
② Here, "Dàláng" refers to the male lead’s father.
————
Pingping takes center stage today.
Cheng Ping: Come, author, let’s have a chat. What do you mean by implying I’m not pretty at the end?
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