After the Lantern Festival, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but feel as if the entire city had collectively entered exam season. The East Market branch of Shen Ji, located near Chongren Ward—a gathering spot for scholars—was abuzz daily with discussions about the upcoming Ministry of Rites examinations and the subsequent Ministry of Personnel selections.
The second edition of the poetry collection featuring the emperor's works had been prominently displayed, and as Shen Shaoguang and Shao Jie had anticipated, it was selling like hotcakes. After all, few among the literati were like "Kong Yiji"—most opted for legitimate means, either leaving behind their own verses or accumulating enough purchases to qualify. Reviewing the ledger, Shen Shaoguang noticed many customers adding a small dish or pastry to their orders—clearly just to meet the threshold for the poetry collection. It reminded her of her past life's "Double Eleven" shopping sprees, where people scrambled to meet discount coupons' minimums.
Capitalizing on the trend, Shen Ji rolled out a series of examination-themed banquets, both grand and modest: the "Golden List Banquet," the "Rising Through the Ranks Banquet," the "Spring Breeze Banquet"... Each dish bore an auspicious and elegant name—"First-Grade Tofu," "Abundance of Gold and Jade," "Poetry and Books Handed Down," "Purple Robe Soup," "Imperial Favor Rolls," "Virtue Cakes"—each designed to tickle the scholars' fancy.
Not stopping there, Shen Ji also introduced a reservation system for "Tail-Burning Banquets." These banquets were traditionally held to celebrate scholars passing the imperial exams or officials receiving promotions. Legend had it that when a carp leaped over the Dragon Gate, it could only succeed if its tail was burned by heavenly fire—hence the name, symbolizing scholars shedding their tails (humble origins) to ascend to greatness.
Passing the exams granted scholars the honor of composing poetry at Qujiang and inscribing their names at the Wild Goose Pagoda—official, group celebrations. But the Tail-Burning Banquet was a personal triumph, where they were the undisputed stars, making it a crucial rite of passage in their eyes.
By offering early reservations for these banquets, Shen Ji also aimed to wish its patrons success in the exams. The required deposit was minimal and refundable, so many booked a table or two simply for the auspicious gesture.
As the exams drew nearer, the scholars' stress levels soared, and the tavern grew increasingly raucous. Some brimmed with confidence, others were wracked with anxiety; some were despondent, others nearly manic. Some daydreamed extravagantly, some couldn't even stomach their wine, some drowned their sorrows recklessly, and some, once drunk, wept, sang, or composed poetry on the spot...
Given the collective mental state, Shen Ji's East Market branch bolstered security, stationing several burly attendants—though they were never needed. Shen Shaoguang, a rather laid-back tavern owner, saw no issue with a little crying or singing. Under such pressure, shouldn't people be allowed to vent? As long as no property was damaged, all was well.
For the weeping scholars, the manager or waitstaff would typically bring sobering soup and warm towels. As a result, Manager Qin earned quite a reputation among the scholars. One even composed a poem for him:
"The road ahead is fraught with strife,
Tears soak my robes in bitter strife.
Your kindness moves me, warm and true,
With towels and soup to see me through.
If fortune grants Wild Goose Pagoda's grace,
I'll return to thank you, Qin, face to face."
The ever-supportive Manager Qin replied, "Don't overthink it, young master. A light heart may lead to better results." He casually recycled the advice Shen Shaoguang had once given him when he first became manager.
The scholar swayed to his feet, slinging an arm around Qin's shoulders. "A light heart... Wise words, Master Qin!"
Manager Qin steadied him quickly. "Careful now, young master, careful..."Most of these scholars had their noses in the air. Manager Qin had never been this close to them before and was initially quite flustered, but he gradually got used to it—after all, scholars were human too!
Standing on the second floor, Shen Shaoguang sighed softly and shook her head. Seeing her pensive expression, Lin Yan smiled.
Shen Shaoguang thought that someone like him—a top student blessed with both luck and talent, a young scholar who passed the imperial exams before twenty, a proud and accomplished Tanhua (third-place finisher in the palace exams)—probably couldn’t understand the anxiety and helplessness ordinary people like her felt in the examination hall. Bro, you really need more life experience.
Seeing her grow even more wistful, Lin Yan chuckled. "A Qi, the look on your face makes it seem like you’ve suffered through the same hardships."
"Me—" Shen Shaoguang clamped her mouth shut indignantly. Damn right I have! Over a decade of grueling study, exams all the way through—from middle school entrance exams to the gaokao. Starting from sixth grade, every year the teachers would say, "This is the year that decides your fate," almost as often as they’d say, "You’re the worst class I’ve ever taught."
Shen Shaoguang wasn’t the most hardworking student, but she had enough pride to not let her grades slip too far. As a result, she maintained a performance level that annoyed her teachers—just shy of being a top student who didn’t need supervision, but not bad enough to be written off as average. So, she became the kind of student who was constantly prodded to do better.
Ugh, just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.
She glanced sideways at Lin Yan. If he’d been born in modern times, he’d probably be the school heartthrob—top grades, handsome, and good at basketball. The kind who’d have girls lining up to hold his jacket and water bottle during games, who’d solve half as many practice problems as her but still score higher. And then there’s me—failing the 50-meter dash every time, always trailing behind others in exam rankings… The injustice of it all made her seethe. Why? Just why?
"What’s wrong?" Lin Yan asked, suppressing a laugh.
Shen Shaoguang glared at him and mentally "pinched" his waist twice—where the skin was tender and it would hurt the most.
Lin Yan cleared his throat, his tone a mix of amusement and reproach. "A Qi, we’re in public…"
Shen Shaoguang: "..." Deputy Mayor Lin, must you always think so impurely?
Among the scholars, not all were suffering from pre-exam jitters. Some were perfectly composed, like the two candidates from Suzhou. One was in his early twenties, strikingly handsome, and though dressed plainly, carried himself with an air of authority. If properly attired, he could easily pass for nobility. His companion, in his thirties, was quiet and seemed somewhat rustic—an odd pairing for friends.
The manager pitched to them, "Our establishment can arrange a 'Tail-Burning Feast' for you gentlemen, should you pass."
The young man raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Oh? If I do succeed, I’ll certainly trouble your fine establishment." His speech was refined, carrying the cultured accent of Luoyang’s elite.
Shen Shaoguang, having honed her people-reading skills in the imperial palace, recognized this kind of polite deflection. Scholars who reacted so calmly to the mention of a Tail-Burning Feast were rare.
She had initially pegged him as the aloof type, like Lord Lin, but to her surprise, he took the initiative to greet her. "Might I ask who the young lady is?"
The manager introduced her. "This is the owner of our establishment."
The scholar looked surprised, then smiled. "The young ladies of the capital are truly remarkable—so different from those of us from the countryside. To be the proprietor of such a fine tavern at such a young age puts many men to shame."So eloquent? Shen Shaoguang was somewhat surprised. But who doesn't enjoy hearing compliments? She personally escorted these two scholars upstairs and handed them the menu.
After some casual conversation, she learned they were scholars from Suzhou. Shen Shaoguang thought southerners must find northern winters particularly challenging, especially this year's exceptionally cold and prolonged season. Even after the Lantern Festival, heavy snow still lingered on the ground.
As someone who'd lived in Chang'an since transmigrating, Shen Shaoguang felt compelled to defend the capital's honor: "It's not usually this cold. I remember last year the winter jasmine had already bloomed by now."
It wasn't just the winter jasmine that was delayed - the spring plate dishes were too. Last year at this time, spring plates were already popular, while this year the hot pot still reigned supreme - though perhaps Emperor's recent visit and endorsement had something to do with it.
The younger scholar who introduced himself as Lord Ji smiled: "My fellow scholars have long praised your establishment's excellent small cauldron-cooked meat, called 'hot pot', perfect for this season."
"Indeed, this weather is perfect for hot pot," Shen Shaoguang introduced with a smile. "Our most popular options are the milky soup hot pot and clear broth hot pot. The milky soup is rich, white as cow's milk; the clear broth is transparent like water, yet both are deliciously savory. They're excellent for cooking fish, meat and vegetables. We also have versions with medicinal herbs..."
After briefly introducing their offerings, she specially recommended today's lamb spine hot pot - the aroma from the kitchen had been irresistible earlier. Though she suspected her recommendation might be wasted - someone like this refined gentleman probably wouldn't relish gnawing on lamb bones, and as southerners, they might not appreciate the flavor.
To her surprise, Lord Ji nodded, "Then we'll have the lamb spine hot pot."
Shen Shaoguang smiled and turned to the quiet scholar: "And for you, sir?"
"The same as Lord Ji."
She then asked about their drink preferences, and they casually ordered Xinfeng wine and cheese drink.
With a nod, Shen Shaoguang said, "Gentlemen, please wait a moment."
Soon the hot pot arrived. Shen Shaoguang helped arrange the pot along with side dishes like tofu, vermicelli, cabbage, and mushrooms. "Adding some broad noodles at the end makes for a perfect lamb spine hot pot meal," she suggested.
Lord Ji smiled in agreement, and Shen Shaoguang returned to her duties.
Later when she checked upstairs, she saw Lord Ji elegantly sucking marrow from a lamb bone. It was her first time seeing someone make bone-gnawing look refined. Her thoughts wandered - she must have Lord Lin try this dish someday. Imagining his lips with their distinctive philtrum pearls sucking on a bone... Shen Shaoguang smirked salaciously.
As expected, Lord Ji's companion soon requested noodles. At Shen Ji, the chefs prepared broad noodles by hand-stretching dough right before customers - thick or thin, in shapes like leek leaves, flower petals, or bracelets. This live cooking performance often drew applause.
Checking in the kitchen later, Shen Shaoguang asked, "Were the gentlemen satisfied with our noodles?"
The chef answered honestly, "No applause."
She comforted him with a smile: "Perhaps they were preoccupied with serious matters. Not everyone will applaud. If six or seven out of ten customers are genuinely satisfied, that's already remarkable."Exiting the kitchen, A Yuan said to Shen Shaoguang, "I think everyone likes you without exception."
Shen Shaoguang ruffled her hair, "Oh, come off it! Think about Lu Sanniang, think about Cloud Arriving Tavern, think about that scoundrel who wanted to slit my throat—'without exception' my foot..."
"Then nine out of ten people."
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
There was no reasoning with fans, and Shen Shaoguang didn't particularly want to reason with hers either. "Alright, nine out of ten then. What should we eat tonight? The lamb spine today was excellent, but stewing it when we get back would take too long. How about making some Mutton Soup Cake instead? We can add some Zanthoxylum piperitum paste and pepper powder when eating..."
Young Master Ji and his friend descended from the second floor, nodding slightly at Shen Shaoguang. She returned the courtesy, "Take care, gentlemen."
Watching them leave, Shen Shaoguang went upstairs where the waiter was clearing the tables. Noticing the broth at the bottom of the Broad Noodles bowl, she had a sudden thought and checked the small jars of vinegar and Zanthoxylum paste on the table. The vinegar was nearly empty, and much of the Zanthoxylum paste had been consumed—these two Suzhou natives could really handle sour and spicy flavors...
Author's Note: ① Referenced names from Confucian Mansion cuisine.
② Referenced Baidu Encyclopedia.
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The Jinling-Luoyang accent was considered the Elegant speech of that era.
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