Chapter 61.1 Plausible Romantic Rival
Lin Yan and Pei Fei were engaging in a game of xiangqi chess[1].
Finally, the arduous Dragon Boat Festival had come to an end. As customary during the holiday, the entire city reveled along the Qujiang River. Fortunately, there were no major accidents such as trampling or crushing. The imperial members emerged unharmed from the celebrations and safely returned to their residences. Meanwhile, foreign vassals and emissaries who had traveled to the capital to present gifts also began their departures in the past two days. With their exit, the capital city's government repository finally saw an end to the days of mandatory duty for every employee.
During Lin Yan's days off, Pei Fei often visited the Lin Residence to cadge a meal.
Within an hour, Pei Fei conceded defeat. He pulled a lounging chair over and leaned back, a hint of melancholy visible on his otherwise handsome countenance.
Meanwhile, Lin Yan took it upon himself to tidy up the xiangqi chess pieces.
Suddenly, Pei Fei caught sight of a colorful silk bracelet flashing from Lin Yan's sleeves, likely a Longevity Bracelet. Pei Fei remarked with a smile, "It seems you are always on the emperor's mind. His Majesty didn't even forget to get you a Longevity Bracelet."
Lin Yan nonchalantly pulled down his sleeves to conceal his wrist. "This bracelet wasn't given by His Majesty," he replied calmly.
"Did the Elder Madam make it for you?" Pei Fei inquired, intrigued by Lin Yan's sudden possession of the bracelet. Despite many colleagues wearing such bracelets during the fifth lunar month, Pei Fei was aware that Lin Yan typically avoided such accessories, which only fueled his curiosity further.
"No."
Pei Fei's mind raced with possibilities. "Could it be—" Wow, they’re already at the stage of mutually exchanging love tokens! The notion filled him with envy, especially considering his own ill-fated relationship with the Princess Imperial of Fuhui. How could An Ran be so fortunate? His career and love life seemed to progress effortlessly.
However, Lin Yan quickly intervened, his lips pursed as he clarified, "Don't overthink it, it's not what you are imagining."
Pei Fei arched his brows. "Isn't it from Miss Shen?"
Lin Yan closed the lid on the container holding the chess pieces and remarked, "You must give careful consideration to the matter concerning the Princess Imperial of Fuhui. It has been frequently discussed in public discourse monitored by the capital recently."
During the Dragon Boat Festival in Qujiang District, the incident of the Princess Imperial of Fuhui returning on the same horse-drawn carriage as a young official was already spreading rapidly. Rumors surrounding the event were embellished to the point where listeners could almost visualize the scene as if they had been present themselves.
Pei Fei began, "What transpired during the Dragon Boat Festival isn't exactly as the rumors suggest..." His explanation was interrupted by a sudden involuntary laugh, followed by a quiet sigh. It struck him how similar this situation was to what An Ran had mentioned earlier; it appeared that everyone had their own struggles and challenges to face.
With sincere and earnest wishes, Pei Fei offered his advice, "If you've set your sights upon her, then don't miss the opportunity. The admirable qualities you see in Miss Shen will undoubtedly be noticed by others as well. If someone else were to make a move first, even if there are mutual feelings between you, the opportunity may slip away..." Pei Fei's words trailed off with a quiet sigh.
Lin Yan carefully stored the chess pieces and board, then settled back into his chair. He clasped his hands together on his lap and gently inserted the forefinger and middle finger of his right hand into his left sleeve, where he softly caressed and stroked the knot on the Longevity Bracelet—a habit he had recently acquired.
Pei Fei, understanding Lin Yan's temperament, initially expected him to remain silent. However, to his surprise, Lin Yan eventually responded after a moment of silence, "Nevertheless, it's best to confirm her intentions first."
Pei Fei: "..."
Despite Pei Fei's own struggles, he couldn't help but find amusement in the situation. "You haven't figured out her feelings for you yet? Lin An Ran, worrying about personal matters of gain and loss? Back in our days in Hedong District, countless maidens were vying to give you their floral head ornaments. Later, when you were appointed to a foreign post, and even during your time here in the capital, there must have been countless admirers, right? You, the dream bachelor of every well-bred young lady, actually..."
Pei Fei couldn't help but marvel at Miss Shen's remarkable character. It was impressive enough that she had captured An Ran's heart, but it seemed she didn't pine for him as much in return...
Suffering alone was one thing, but suffering alongside others brought a different perspective. Pei Fei couldn't suppress a hearty laugh at the irony of the situation. Haha, Lin An Ran, who would have thought you'd find yourself in this predicament!
As childhood friends, Lin Yan could easily discern what Pei Fei was thinking. He pursed his lips and glanced at him, but after a moment of contemplation, he couldn't help but join in the laughter as well.
Despite Pei Fei's rebellious nature, he possessed keen insight. When Lin Yan headed to Shen Indelible for a snack in the afternoon, Pei Fei, though tempted, chose not to accompany him.
Upon entering the establishment, Lin Yan noticed Miss Shen engaged in lively conversation with a young man. She wore a contented expression, as if she had just come into a windfall. However, Pei Fei's earlier warning suddenly echoed in Lin Yan's mind.
Shen Shaoguang had indeed made quite a fortune!
After vending at Qujiang District several times and with the Tanhua Envoy serving as the product ambassador, Shen Shaoguang's floral cakes had garnered a bit of reputation. Initially, when others claimed that her pastries surpassed those of even the renowned cake workshops in the East and West Markets, Shen Shaoguang had dismissed it as mere flattery. Yet, to her surprise, word of her skills had reached the esteemed cake artisan, leading to the unexpected visit.
This young man's name was Shao Jie, also known by his courtesy name Yingxian. His family owned Guixiang Delights, the most renowned floral cake shop in Chang'an City, with a legacy of over a hundred years. Senior Buddhist Nun Yuanjue had once mentioned a cake shop in the East Market, known for its exceptional pastries. The owner was so highly regarded that he was conferred a title, becoming an external official known as the 'External Official of Pastries'—this was Sir Shao’s paternal grandfather.
These days, the Shao Residence boasted a multitude of enterprises, no longer solely dependent on floral cakes for sustenance. Nevertheless, this trade remained the cornerstone of their lineage, and it was customary for both main and branch clans’ direct descendants to spend time at the floral cake shop upon reaching adulthood.
Shao Jie had been spending some time at the floral cake shop when he overheard two customers mentioning the availability of delightful floral cakes by the Qujiang River. However, these treats were not readily accessible and were only sold during festivals. Subsequently, he learned that the stall was operated by Shen Indelible Tavern from Chongxian Lane. Today, while visiting friends in Chongxian Lane, Shao Jie recalled Shen Indelible and decided to pay a visit.
The small tavern, though modest in size, exuded an air of immaculate charm both inside and out. Taking in the paintings and quaint furnishings adorning the walls, Shao Jie found it unsurprising that such a shop could produce exceptional floral cakes.
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Footnote:
[1] xiangqi chess (象棋) - commonly known as Chinese chess or elephant chess, is a strategy board game for two players. It is the most popular board game in China. Xiangqi is in the same family of games as shogi, janggi, Western chess, chaturanga, and Indian chess.