Chapter 80.1 Lin Yan and Pei Fei
The new tavern had recently opened, so Shen Shaoguang was often at Qinren Lane. "Miss just left," "Miss should be back soon," "Miss is staying in Qinren Lane today"... Lately, whenever Lin Yan visited the tavern, Shen Indelible's round-faced steward would offer similar remarks.
Lin Yan was visibly displeased. Observing the steward, he couldn't help but speculate if A’Ji harbored a particular fondness for round faces. After all, her servants all bore round countenances, yet she herself did not possess such a visage.
On the way to Qinren Lane with Pei Fei, each riding their own horse, Lin Yan couldn't shake the question from his mind. Has she grown thinner from her recent busyness? However this thought came to a cease as soon as he turned his head. Lin Yan’s gaze immediately fell upon the enormous Chrysanthemum Fish and the four dignified characters written beside it.
Without needing to see the store sign, it was unmistakably Shen Indelible. Lin Yan pursed his lips in displeasure while looking at the words, feeling that the privileges he had not yet enjoyed had been encroached upon by others. A’Ji had never...
Yet Pei Fei couldn't resist commenting, "An Ran, you should smile more. Your miss is so mischievous and playful, yet you always have a stern face, more solemn than the clerical script on the wall. How can that work?"
Lin Yan shot him a glance but ultimately entered Qinren Lane’s Shen Indelible with a smile.
Shen Shaoguang was engaged in conversation with Steward Xu Kai behind the counter. Although Xu Kai was a capable man with experience managing a large store, this was his first time as a senior employee at a restaurant, and there were still many areas for improvement.
As they were talking, the door curtain rustled, prompting Shen Shaoguang to look up. "Sir Lin, Sir Pei——"
She hadn't expected these two to come so soon to show their support. It was almost wèi-shí(1-3pm), so they must have come here after the court meeting adjourned. Perhaps they had skipped the palace meal, provided for all regular court-attending officials, and saved their appetites for this visit.
Shen Shaoguang pondered this but maintained an amicable expression as she casually joked, "Good sirs, it truly is 'a small world indeed (人生何处不相逢)'."
Pei Fei laughed heartily, and even Lin Yan raised an eyebrow.
Familiar with their preferences, Shen Shaoguang handed over the menu and introduced the special of the day, "Today, we have roasted pheasants. These were sent by the hunter this morning, lightly fried in oil to maintain tenderness, with a subtle smoky flavor from roasting and a sprinkle of cumin powder. It pairs exceptionally well with wine."
"There's also fresh perch available today, though it's not the famed four-gilled perch of Songjiang, it's quite plump. Would you prefer it roasted or thinly sliced raw? Today's perch are quite large, so steaming isn't recommended, otherwise it would have also been delightful steamed."
Pei Fei, freeloading the meal, deferred to Lin Yan to decide on their choices.
Lin Yan thought about the 'feast for the eyes' outside, but he replied, "I’ll leave it for you to decide, Miss."
Shen Shaoguang replied, "Then let's have the perch served thinly sliced raw. That way, you can savor its freshness. You two sir can also try our newly introduced dip, Golden Cut, which we perfected a few days ago."
Shen Shaoguang also arranged several side dishes: stir-fried crown daisy, honey-glazed lamb chops, swamp eel with chestnuts, shrimp with tofu, and mushroom and spinach soup.
Upon hearing about the spinach soup, Pei Fei smiled and nodded approvingly, "An excellent choice of soup."
Shen Shaoguang couldn't quite comprehend why a mere mention of spinach soup warranted such a beaming smile.
Upon Princess Imperial of fuhui's arrival, she noticed Pei Fei's unusually cheerful expression. Oho...
Shen Shaoguang turned and swiftly welcomed her.
Princess Imperial of fuhui was a familiar face in Qinren Lane, recognized by many residents. As she entered, diners, including Lin Yan and Pei Fei, respectfully greeted her with cupped hands. Acknowledging their gesture, Princess Imperial of fuhui waved them off and proceeded to join Lin Yan and Pei Fei at their low dining table—all the high-legged tables had already been occupied.
Upon her arrival, other guests hesitated to dine alongside her and promptly excused themselves. Shen Shaoguang instructed Steward Xu Kai to offer departing diners discounts and, in some cases, waive their bills entirely—this was a decision that weighed heavily on her, but Shen Shaoguang hoped the patronage of such a noble guest would offset the loss.
Shen Shaoguang presented the menu and inquired about the noble guest's preferences.
"I'll have the dish displayed on the wall at the entrance," Princess Imperial of fuhui replied, smiling warmly. "For the other dishes, you may choose freely, Miss."
Shen Shaoguang nodded in agreement, preparing to leave. However, she paused as Princess Imperial of fuhui asked, "Have we met before, Miss?"
"I manage a tavern in Chongxian Lane. Your Highness visited for hot pot once and graciously gifted me a bracelet," Shen Shaoguang explained.
Princess Imperial of fuhui studied Shen Shaoguang for a moment. "Ah, I remember now..."
With nothing more to discuss, Shen Shaoguang proceeded to the kitchen to make the necessary arrangements.
It didn't take long for Shen Shaoguang to serve the three guests, and soon the waiters brought out the dishes one by one.
As Princess Imperial of fuhui sampled the Chrysanthemum Fish in front of her, she delicately clipped a piece with her chopsticks and savored it. "Very good!"
Shen Shaoguang smiled knowingly. Of course it's good. It was prepared to your liking—I specially ordered the cook to add two extra spoonfuls of sugar.
Princess Imperial of fuhui glanced at Pei Fei, then turned her attention back to Shen Shaoguang. "It's been delicious both times. Do you share my taste?"
Lin Yan frowned, preparing to interject, but Shen Shaoguang responded earnestly, "Please forgive me, Your Highness. I come from a humble background and tend to speak frankly. My palate differs greatly from yours— Your Highness appreciates the rich, ornate, and sweet flavors befitting your noble birth, whereas this humble one prefers simpler, milder flavors."
Shen Shaoguang gestured toward the thinly sliced perch brought by the waiter. "Though it looks rather light, the flavor is quite robust. When paired with finely minced vegetables and green mustard, it offers a perfect balance of spice and tang."
Princess Imperial of fuhui regarded Shen Shaoguang, who returned her gaze with a warm smile.
Mild... Princess Imperial of fuhui glanced at Lin Yan with a knowing look. Despite her typically uninhibited demeanor, she wouldn't usually disrespect a scarlet-robed, high-ranking official like this, but who made him Pei Fei's friend?
Lin Yan pursed his lips in response, while Pei Fei couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. They had just been likened to dishes by two young ladies...
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Stir-fried crown daisy (清炒茼蒿) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjyKzG27wow