Chapter 56.1 Deputy Magistrate’s Scheme
As summer approached and Lixia drew near, the atmosphere at Shen Indelible became bustling with activity. Days before Lixia, the entire Shen Indelible staff was engrossed in the preparation of floral cakes.
Shen Shaoguang had really taken the initiative to have a sign crafted, proclaiming 'Tanhua Envoy’s Floral Cake,' which she proudly displayed at the entrance. Intrigued, both new and returning patrons inquired about the sign, learning that this year’s Tanhua Envoys had expressed admiration for Shen Indelible's floral cakes during the recent Double Third Festival.
A’Yuan, who had received the Tanhua Envoy back then, also assumed the role of storyteller.
Initially, her narrative commenced like this: "The Tanhua Envoy purchased our cakes and praised them as 'more delicate than flowers'."
Upon hearing A’Yuan's narration, Shen Shaoguang promptly coached her in the art of storytelling. The guests were then captivated by the enchanting tale of the Tanhua Envoy's charm and intelligence, along with his love at first sight with Shen Indelible's floral cakes. The narrative delved into specific details about the cakes he bought and the compliments he showered upon tasting them. The scenes seamlessly intertwined, creating a narrative reminiscent of a chuánqí.
Many patrons not only listened to the story once but returned to inquire about it again. A’Yuan willingly obliged, initially stumbling through the narrative but eventually becoming fluent. Her sincerity was palpable, making the tale seem as truthful as it could be.
Shen Shaoguang found herself perplexed, uncertain whether the girl possessed a talent for fabrication or if she had repeated the lies so often that they had become her reality.
Curious, Shen Shaoguang confronted A’Yuan, who blinked in response. "But that was what really happened...I just wasn't as detailed."
A’Yuan, equally puzzled, asked, "Miss, you weren't here at the time, so how do you know all of this?"
Shen Shaoguang: "..."
Not only do I know the story, but I can also craft additional engaging narratives. Some examples include {Gasp! The Tanhua Envoy actually uttered such words!} {Tanhua Envoy seeking a certain history} {Tanhua’s Sweet Love} {Tanhua Envoy and His Little Sweetheart} {Seeking Qujiang District’s Floral Cakes, Such is a Joy in Life}... with various themes to cater to different preferences.
Shen Shaoguang once again felt that her life was as isolated as snow. Despite her aptitude for clever banter, she was now confined to showcasing her culinary skills to make a living. Alas, born in the wrong era...
A’Yuan, unabated, questioned, "Those people have obviously heard the story before, so why are they still asking about it?"
Shen Shaoguang analyzed the psychology of the audience with her, saying, "Perhaps they believe that by indulging in this little story while enjoying our cakes, they can experience a bit of the Tanhua Envoy's lifestyle? It's unconventional yet temperate and refined; they could savor those flavors."
A’Yuan, not one to often disagree with Shen Shaoguang, muttered, "Our cakes are already very flavorful."
Shen Shaoguang: "..." Well, those words are also accurate.
Lin Yan entered the tavern and took his usual seat by the window, a smile playing on his lips. He listened with amusement as Shen Indelible’s naive-looking maid animatedly narrated the story of the 'Tanhua Envoy purchasing cakes' to the guests. There was no need for him to ask to know who concocted this tale.
He had to concede that even without her culinary expertise, Miss Shen could thrive quite well in Chang'an City. Perhaps she could even become a renowned figure in the section of the East Market dedicated to bookshops. Countless people would eagerly anticipate reading the chuánqís she penned, immersing themselves in the legends she crafted. He had never encountered another young lady so clever, astute, and mischievous...
Contemplating the idea of writing chuánqís, Lin Yan was transported back to his childhood. Whenever he encountered an ant hole, he envisioned it as a miniature nation, picturing its rise and fall, moments of glory and shame, joys, and sorrows. If… Lin Yan licked his lips, averted his gaze, and returned his attention to the enchanting tale of the floral cake chuánqí, putting aside further musings.
Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but notice Deputy Magistrate Lin's increasing visits. Almost daily, he dropped by to check in, opting for light refreshments rather than sitting down for a proper meal. Whether it was mid-afternoon or late evening, he seemed less particular about his choices, readily accepting all of her recommendations with a simple ‘okay.’
She presumed it might be due to a summertime appetite loss, compensating for his reduced intake during main meals with snacks in between.
Shen Shaoguang began by offering him a beverage, inquired about his meal preferences, and suggested a few options. As expected, Deputy Magistrate Lin responded with his usual 'okay.' Retreating to the kitchen, Shen Shaoguang prepared the meal, and shortly afterward, she emerged with a tray carrying a bowl of Sweetened Bean in Buttermilk and several new floral cakes varieties.
The floral cakes were a familiar sight, but Shen Shaoguang had developed a recent obsession with Sweetened Bean in Buttermilk.
Making sweetened beans wasn't a complicated process. Red beans were soaked for a few hours before boiling until soft. Sugar was added during the cooking process, but the key was to avoid turning them into a paste. The beans needed to maintain their complete shape with a slightly chewy texture.
These sweetened beans served various purposes - they could be used as fillings for rice balls, eaten on their own as a quick snack, but for the best flavor profile, one just needed to incorporate them into buttermilk. Once it was cooled down with the well water from the backyard, it was the perfect summer delicacy.
"Sir Lin, give our chef’s special Sweetened Bean in Buttermilk a try," Shen Shaoguang suggested, smiling.
The bowl retained the moisture from the well water. Lin Yan took a spoonful of buttermilk beans, chewed them slowly, and then lifted his gaze, expressing with a faint smile, "It's delightfully fragrant and sweet."
Shen Shaoguang observed the faint white buttermilk residue on his lips, mischief sparkling in her eyes. However, her spoken words were rather dignified, "Consuming Sweetened Bean in Buttermilk during summer helps alleviate heat, stimulate the appetite, and dispel humidity. It’s particularly suitable for someone like you, Sir Lin, who is always engaged in intellectual work and paperwork."
Lin Yan placed the bowl down and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.
Shen Shaoguang shifted her gaze, feeling a tinge of regret. Deputy Magistrate Lin's lips were truly beautiful—neither too thin nor too thick, with distinct peaks and a well-defined cupid’s bow. Most importantly, they were now rosy red from his recent meal.
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Food:
Sweetened Bean - You can think of it as red bean paste, but with a little bit of texture. Also about the buttermilk part, I would like to believe it’s not the same as the buttermilk you buy at a local grocery store… It might be something slightly different, perhaps curdled milk? Not sure, I didn’t research this in depth… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noT4DH0y-2I