Yummy Yummy Yummy

Shen Shaoguang and Shao Jie were having tea and chatting in the backyard of Shen Ji Tavern in the East Market.

"Who would have thought someone would come to our place to steal books!" Shao Jie said with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

He recounted the incident to Shen Shaoguang. A scholar had come in to eat a bowl of chive mash noodles, spending less than the amount required to receive a complimentary book. Yet he had secretly taken one from the shelf and tucked it into his sleeve. Perhaps it was his first time doing such a thing—he panicked and collided with someone at the door, causing the book to fall out and expose his theft.

Shao Jie happened to witness it. As a businessman who valued harmony, he simply gifted the book to the scholar. "It's an honor that our humble shop's collection has caught your eye, young master."

The scholar was even more mortified and apologized again for stealing the book.

Shao Jie comforted him, "Taking a book to read doesn't count as theft. When you become an official someday, this might even become an amusing anecdote."

Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but laugh. Who would have thought Young Master Shao was a kindred spirit of Kong Yiji?

Shao Jie also chuckled, feeling that while he might not have a head for studying, he certainly had a heart that respected scholars.

After some thought, Shen Shaoguang smiled and said, "How about this—we'll give a complimentary book to anyone who leaves a poem in our poetry album." This would leave an opening for impoverished scholars.

Ever since the emperor's half-day visit to the East Market and his inscribed poem, the poetry collections had been flying off the shelves. Those who previously had no interest in poetry or regular customers who had already received a copy no longer took them. Now, these books had almost become a must-have item for home decoration, travel gifts, or casual conversation—regardless of whether one wrote poetry, loved poetry, or had already received a copy. As long as the spending threshold was met, everyone took one.

And this was still the version without the "imperial poem." One could only imagine the frenzy if the emperor's poem were included in a second print run.

When Shen Shaoguang brought up the idea of a reprint, Shao Jie clapped his hands. "I was just about to discuss this with you. It's a great idea."

Shen Shaoguang was meticulous. "We'll include the best of the newly collected poems—let's set the deadline for the Lantern Festival." Featuring only the emperor's poem would be too obvious, but they could let it serve as the grand finale.

Shao Jie pointed at her. "Brilliant! And cautious!"

Shen Shaoguang burst into laughter. Was this the start of their mutual admiration routine?

But Shao Jie sighed regretfully. "Why wasn't I there that day? If I had been, this would've been something I could boast about for years—maybe even make it into my family records. No matter how much money I make, it still can't compare to this kind of prestige."

Shen Shaoguang countered, "If we're talking about prestige, there's something even more prestigious. For instance, if our poetry collection becomes increasingly popular among scholars, to the point where 'discussions cannot begin without mentioning hot pot, and reading all the classics would be in vain without it'?"

Shao Jie turned his head and spat out his tea in laughter.

Shen Shaoguang remained serious. "Or, for example, during natural disasters or calamities, we could set up soup kitchens. If there's unrest at the borders and the army marches to war, we could donate funds and provisions. If we hear of an academy lacking funds, supplies, or space, we could use the tavern's name—or even your personal name—to build a 'Shao Lang Hall'..."

Shao Jie stopped laughing and, after a moment of contemplation, nodded slowly.

"Engaging in such truly beneficial deeds for the nation and its people—that's real prestige. Your family records could devote entire pages to it." Shen Shaoguang wore a solemn expression, then cleared her throat and took a sip of tea. "Naturally, reaping some of the benefits that come with being a 'philanthropic merchant' is also well-deserved."

Shao Jie laughed heartily and pointed at her. "Devious. Absolutely devious!"Shen Shaoguang chuckled, accepting his unconventional praise.

Little did she know, Shao Jie would indeed embark on a path of public welfare in the future, earning him the title of Grand Master of Court Service, a fifth-rank position—higher than his grandfather's former rank of Vice Director. Under his leadership, the Shao family flourished even more, and he truly became a figure singled out for grand praise in their family records.

While Shen Shaoguang and Shao Jie envisioned their philanthropic merchant journey, Lin Yan was discussing unresolved matters from the recent transfer of criminal case files with Song Shilang from the Ministry of Justice.

After concluding official business, the two left the imperial city together. The sky was overcast, and a chilly north wind blew. Song Shilang remarked with a smile, "This kind of weather is perfect for hot pot."

Lin Yan nodded.

Recalling their past dining experiences, Song Shilang half-complained, half-joked, "All that time I was showing off to you, only to find out your household is the true originator of hot pot!"

Last summer, the criminals apprehended at Shen Ji Tavern in Chongxian Ward were jointly tried by the Jingzhao Prefecture and the Ministry of Justice, with Lin Yan and Song Shilang presiding. Through this, Song Shilang learned about his friend's relationship with the female proprietor of Shen Ji. Coincidentally, the shop had been part of his wife's dowry, and he had met the Shen family's daughter before—vaguely recalling her as a remarkably graceful young woman. No wonder Lin Anran was so devoted, going to great lengths for the Shen family's affairs...

Remembering how Lin Yan had seemed rather indifferent to hot pot, only dipping fish slices during meals, Song Shilang couldn't help but ask curiously, "With such picky eating habits, doesn't Young Lady Shen find you tiresome?"

Lin Yan smiled. "She doesn't."

Song Shilang nodded, thinking to himself that Shen Xiao Niangzi must be very gentle.

He then teased, "An Ran, is the happy event approaching soon?"

Lin Yan's smile grew even warmer. "Soon, likely around early summer."

Lin Yan proceeded to consult Song Shilang, as a seasoned man, about the details of wedding preparations and even the ceremonial procession, taking it all very seriously. Song Shilang marveled inwardly—even the usually composed and solemn Lin Anran had his day...

"Judging by your eagerness, An Ran, it seems you wish the wedding procession could happen tomorrow..." Song Shilang teased.

Lin Yan laughed in tacit agreement.

Song Shilang gave him a knowing look—men understood these things.

As the upcoming Lantern Festival approached, Lin Yan's desire for an immediate wedding procession grew even stronger.

Despite the festive atmosphere of lanterns and music, with men and women strolling the streets at night, the weather was far from ideal—the sky was heavily overcast, and the wind was bitingly cold.

Lin Yan, not on duty, had already arranged to accompany Shen Shaoguang to see the lanterns. He wasn't particularly interested in the spectacle himself, but knowing young ladies generally enjoyed such things—and A Qi being especially fond of fun and excitement—he couldn't bear to dampen her spirits.

Arriving at the Shen residence, he found her ready to go, and they set out together.

The lantern hanging at the entrance of the Shen residence swayed in the wind. By its light, Lin Yan adjusted Shen Shaoguang's hood, tightened the collar of her cloak, and took her hand, tucking it into his own sleeve. "Let's go."

The wind made the lantern frames along the street creak and groan, the lights swaying unsteadily. Some paper lanterns were even torn apart by the gusts. Though bundled up tightly, the spectators still hunched their necks and frowned—a rather unique Lantern Festival scene.

Shen Shaoguang laughed, and Lin Yan, looking down at her mirth, smiled too.

"Yan Lang, can we make a deal? Why don't we just light a lantern at home instead of suffering out here?"

Lin Yan gently touched her cold nose and cheeks."Don't touch, do I have a runny nose?" Shen Shaoguang frowned.

Lin Yan chuckled, then simply untied the sash and wrapped her in his cloak, holding her close as they walked back.

Not far behind, Liu Chang and Zhou Kui thought their lord must really enjoy this kind of weather.

Back inside, Shen Shaoguang took off her shoes and climbed onto the couch, covering her legs with a sheepskin mattress. The maid A Qing handed her a hand warmer and brought over hot tea. Most of the servants had gone out to see the lanterns, leaving only a few to watch the house.

Lin Yan sat across from her, also sipping hot tea.

Shen Shaoguang couldn’t resist teasing him. She lifted the sheepskin mattress and grinned, "Earlier, you shared half your cloak with me. Now I can share half this mattress with you..."

Lin Yan coughed lightly, too embarrassed to accept her "repayment."

But Shen Shaoguang only grew more mischievous. Her almond eyes glinted as she muttered under her breath, "It’s not like we’re 'sharing undergarments'..."

"Ze" referred to inner garments. Lin Yan didn’t know what to say to her. Just as he was about to put on a stern face, she squinted and laughed.

"Ah Yan, want to play dice with me?" Shen Shaoguang picked up the dice the maids had been playing with earlier and grinned.

Naturally, Lin Yan obliged.

They chose the simplest game—comparing who rolled higher numbers, best of three. The loser had to either recite a poem or lyric, sing a tune, or tell a joke.

Shen Shaoguang was excellent at Leaf cards but terrible at dice. Lin Yan wasn’t skilled either, so it all came down to luck.

Today, however, Shen Shaoguang’s luck was abysmal. She kept losing. After telling four or five stories and singing a folk song, she rolled yet another "one" and promptly threw a tantrum. "No more! I quit!"

Lin Yan laughed.

Shen Shaoguang thought there was a reason Lord Lin had remained unmarried all these years—only someone as tolerant as her could put up with him...

A Qing brought two bowls of tangyuan, saving Shen Shaoguang from further embarrassment.

The small bowls held only a few tangyuan, each with different-colored wrappers and fillings. The millet-skinned ones held sweet red bean paste, the glutinous rice ones had savory minced meat, the mung bean-infused wrappers encased osmanthus syrup, and the perilla-flavored ones were stuffed with black sesame.

On a winter night like this, eating a bowl of fragrant, sweet tangyuan and sipping the warm broth was pure comfort.

Shen Shaoguang leaned back against the leaning pillow, idly rolling the dice in her hand. She smiled at Lin Yan, who had just washed his hands and returned. "Did I still owe you a round earlier?"

Lin Yan nodded with a smile.

"To match the occasion, I’ll tell you a lantern riddle," Shen Shaoguang cleared her throat. "The riddle is: Two meat tangyuan get married."

Lin Yan frowned in amusement.

"Can’t guess?" Shen Shaoguang smirked roguishly and beckoned him closer. "I’ll tell you."

Lin Yan walked over to the couch where she sat.

Shen Shaoguang straightened up and whispered, "The answer is—two meatballs."

Lin Yan pressed his lips together, while Shen Shaoguang burst into laughter and collapsed back onto the leaning pillow.

After watching her for a moment, Lin Yan leaned in, pressing her down beneath him. One hand wrapped around her slender waist, the other cradled the back of her head.

Staring at his handsome face so close to hers, Shen Shaoguang froze—she had only meant to tease him.

"Be good, close your eyes," Lin Yan murmured before covering her lips with his.

Obediently, Shen Shaoguang shut her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck.After a long while, Lin Yan paused, slightly breathless. It took him another moment to steady himself. Gazing at the charming young woman in his arms, his thoughts drifted back to that distant summer, filled with deep regret. In truth, it would have been perfectly fine to have Registrar Shen Pu perform the Six Rites on his behalf—Luoyang was so much closer. That way, they could have chosen an auspicious spring day...

Author's note: The riddle about tangyuan (sweet rice balls) getting married originates from an old joke about dumplings getting married—when dumplings/meat-filled tangyuan take off their clothes, they become meatballs.