Chapter 78.1 Sweet and Sour
Shao Jie was very perceptive. After concluding their business, he quickly took his leave. He wasn't entirely sure, but he thought he caught a fleeting glimmer of approval on Deputy Magistrate Lin’s otherwise composed face.
Shen Shaoguang wanted to see him off, but Shao Jie politely declined and swiftly mounted his horse, departing as soon as he stepped outside.
Shen Shaoguang returned to find Deputy Magistrate Lin still petting the cat.
Glancing at the barely touched food on the table, she felt a touch of helplessness. He's already gone, so you can put down the 'props' and resume your afternoon tea!
Shen Shaoguang narrowed her eyes and feigned a smile. "Sir, would you like to add anything to your order? Or perhaps wash your hands first?"
Lin Yan smiled and nodded, gently setting the cat down. Ming Nu flicked its tail at him before sauntering over to Shen Shaoguang, rubbing affectionately against her calves.
Shen Shaoguang quickly coaxed the cat. "Good boy, good boy, I'm still busy. I’ll tend to you soon!"
Lin Yan glanced at her, then, lowering his head slightly, reached for something on the table. However, remembering he hadn't washed his hands yet, he retracted his hand and placed it back on his lap, maintaining a demeanor of upright dignity.
"Sir, please wait one moment. I'll fetch a basin of water." Shen Shaoguang's attentiveness reflected her keen awareness in the service industry. For someone of Deputy Magistrate Lin's stature, washing hands at home or in the government office was an elaborate affair, involving several attendants—one to bring the basin, another for lathering the soap, another with a towel, and often even a maid to assist with the hand-wiping.
Lin Yan stood up. "I'll go with you."
Since he offered to lessen her workload, Shen Shaoguang gladly accepted the opportunity. She smiled and said, "In fact, washing hands with running water is more effective."
Lin Yan looked at her intently, then smiled and hummed in response.
Shen Shaoguang raised her eyebrows slightly. What was he smiling at? Had she said something wrong?
The two made their way to the water tank behind the store. Lin Yan bent down slightly towards the basin on the stone steps. Shen Shaoguang scooped water from the tank with a ladle, wetting his hands before silently handing over the container of soap beans.
The store had handkerchiefs available for customers, but considering someone of Deputy Magistrate Lin's stature would likely prefer his own, Shen Shaoguang decided to forgo the ‘bestowing handkerchief’ step.
Suddenly, Shen Shaoguang grasped the meaning behind Deputy Magistrate Lin's smile just moments ago. The phrase 'attending with towel and comb at hand(侍执巾栉)' was often a cliché used to depict how wives and concubines would serve their husbands.
Shen Shaoguang bit her lip and gave him a pointed look. You are the Deputy Magistrate of grand Chang'an City. Could you keep your thoughts a bit more decorous? Perhaps take things at face value?
Lin Yan rose to his feet, flicked his hands lightly, then turned to find her watching him with that expression, prompting a chuckle from him.
"Did you just pet Ming Nu as well? Shall I assist you with washing your hands?"
Shen Shaoguang regarded him with a half-smile. Was teasing becoming his new hobby?
Shen Shaoguang, emboldened by her simmering anger, smiled and said, "Then I must trouble you, Deputy Magistrate."
In a gesture mirroring Shen Shaoguang's earlier actions, Lin Yan meticulously scooped water from the ladle, pouring it over her hands.
Her fingers were long and slender, with fair skin that belied a lack of tenderness. Small red spots adorned the back of her hands, likely from splashed oil, while visible calluses on her palms spoke of hard work and toil. Lin Yan's playful demeanor soon faded.
Suddenly, he recalled her words during her first visit to deliver congee to his grandmother's residence. "When I was in Lateral Courts, there was always an insufficiency of charcoal. During the depths of winter, my extremities would become inflamed, at worst fester and boil. The constant cold was fine, but my skin would crack, albeit the pain was tolerable. The only thing I never liked to experience again is to walk too close to the charcoal fire. Alas, my wounds would become extremely itchy and unbearable." Lin Yan felt more and more distressed. He really wanted to pull her hand and wrap it in his palms, rub and caress it, and ask her if the old injuries were healed…
Shen Shaoguang meticulously counted fifteen seconds, adhering to the standard hand-washing method, before turning to face Lin Yan.
Lin Yan smiled warmly and scooped a ladle of water for her to rinse off the soap.
After Shen Shaoguang executed her grand ‘reversal card’, her mood lightened, and she asked with a smile, "Today we have Osmanthus-Honey-Topped Glutinous-Rice-Stuffed Lotus Root, Sir Lin. Would you care to try it? Perhaps take some back for Elder Madam."
Lin Yan smiled back. "Ok."
To showcase her generosity, Shen Shaoguang casually discussed the dish. "The Osmanthus-Honey-Topped Glutinous-Rice-Stuffed Lotus Root features sweet-scented glutinous rice freshly harvested this summer and lotus roots just pulled from the ground. Unfortunately, the osmanthus flowers were from last year's stock purchased from the medicinal beverage shop. If you inhale deeply, you might detect a faint trace of Codonopsis pilosula and Scutellaria baicalensis, but thankfully, the honey and sugar flavoring masks it well."
"The lotus roots come in two varieties: nine-hole and seven-hole. The nine-hole, or White Lotus Roots, are crisp and sweet, perfect for raw consumption and featured in the 'Fisherman's Three Delicacies'. On the other hand, the seven-hole lotus roots, or Red Lotus Roots, are starchier and lack the crisp texture. It can’t be consumed raw like its former counterpart. However, they are ideal for dishes like Osmanthus Lotus Roots."
They continued their conversation as they walked back.
Lin Yan smiled and turned his head to look at her. Listening to her discuss food and drink, he felt a sense of peace and stability.
"To make the dish, stuff the lotus root with glutinous rice, then seal the opening with the lotus root end. Boil it in a pot with red dates, maltose, and osmanthus for about four hours. Once the lotus root is soft and fragrant, and the rice is sticky, take it out, let it cool, and slice it into equal pieces. Simmer the leftover juice until it thickens, then add some candied osmanthus and pour it over the lotus root. The result is fragrant and sweet."
Lin Yan, wanting to tease her again, nodded and said, "It's good to indulge in sweets now and then. Even if it's not the right occasion, it's in line with the natural progression."
Shen Shaoguang paused and looked at him. Lin Yan smiled and made his way back to his table.
Facing Deputy Magistrate Lin, who had already let his true character show, Shen Shaoguang lost the will to hold onto her temper. According to the theory of Maintaining the Balance of Your Five Internal Organs (五脏五行养生), one should "Replenish Sweetness in Spring, Bitterness in Summer, Acidity in Autumn, and Spiciness in Winter." Thus in autumn, it is the ‘right occasion’ to eat sour things. The ‘in line with the natural progression’ naturally refers to what happened just now... After consuming too much vinegar, it's best to eat something sweet to neutralize it!
Recalling the formerly serious and indifferent Deputy Magistrate Lin, Shen Shaoguang sighed softly. She scooped up a ladleful of osmanthus honey, poised to pour the entire amount over the lotus roots. Seek virtue and you shall find it(求仁得仁)!
However, she suddenly remembered the homophone, ‘Seek person(love) and you shall find it(求人得人).’ Shen Shaoguang adjusted the ladle in her hand and carefully poured the honey, using only half of the ladleful
However, Deputy Magistrate Lin refrained from saying anything further deemed ‘inappropriate’. Instead, he inquired about her partnership with the Shao Residence in opening a new store.
Knowing that he had good intentions, Shen Shaoguang didn't conceal anything from him. She explained the general negotiation process, the division of labor, and other main points.
Lin Yan nodded in approval. "For merchants, it is often challenging to find individuals who are both shrewd and responsible. The Shao Residence is quite reputable and adaptable. Sir Shao is also intelligent and capable. Partnering with them is a wise choice."
Shen Shaoguang smiled. Offering such high praise for his ‘rival in love’ indicated that the earlier jealousy was merely playful banter. Perhaps, this could even be regarded as ‘a touch of jealousy maintains a light mood’.
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Food:
Osmanthus-Honey-Topped Glutinous-Rice-Stuffed Lotus Root (桂花糯米藕) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA33A4xHrR8