Chapter Seventy-One: Directions

Chapter 71: Guidance

Scribe Wang instructed, "Just prepare simple dishes; no need to go up to your second floor."

Given Lord Zhao's nature, it was a rare occasion for him to dine out. Even if they took him to the second floor, he wouldn't feel comfortable eating in such an environment. So, the first floor of the eatery would suffice. As for the menu, Lin Qiuran could arrange it.

Scribe Wang mused that they could still serve some delicious dishes. Even if they weren't on the second floor, they could offer items from the second-floor menu. The county yamen would cover the expenses, as there was a budget for hosting officials.

Lin Qiuran noticed Scribe Wang's pleased expression, guessing that the matter had been settled—and quickly, too. Just the day before yesterday, Scribe Wang had taken the pastries, and today Lord Zhao had already arrived. He might even have known she was the one who made those "gold ingot" pastries, and perhaps that was part of the reason he chose to eat at the eatery.

Scribe Wang had other business and left after delivering the message. Wan Niang asked, "He's come all the way from Xuzhou; shouldn't we prepare more dishes?"

Wan Niang knew about Lin Qiuran’s involvement. Lord Zhao was an official, so he deserved a generous reception.

Lin Qiuran shook her head. "They'll be eating on the first floor, where he can see what other customers are ordering and check the menu. Serving off-menu items wouldn't be appropriate—what if other customers ask for them? Besides, our eatery’s dishes are good enough. We'll just serve what's ordered, no need for anything special."

Lord Zhao might return in the future. Lin Qiuran only worked in the kitchen, so if the staff didn’t recognize him, it could be awkward. If the food he had next time was different, how would they explain it? Would it seem like the eatery’s quality had declined, or that they were deliberately treating him differently and causing him trouble?

Officials, especially upright ones, were seen as pillars of justice by the common people. When dining out, they likely preferred to keep a low profile. Zhao Jinshan, known for his integrity, probably wouldn’t want any special treatment.

Lin Qiuran decided to treat him as a regular customer. She told Lin Dong, "Lin Dong, go home and have my mother bring Tangyuan over. Just have her come before lunchtime."

She only wanted Sun Shi to bring Tangyuan, not Xu-shi, as staying out too long might make the child hungry.

Zhao Jinshan was a fifth-rank official and might be promoted further. If Tangyuan could make a good impression on Lord Zhao, it would be beneficial. If not, it wouldn’t matter—these things depended on fate.

Lin Dong nodded. Wan Niang was initially surprised but quickly understood. She admired Lin Qiuran’s foresight—Tangyuan was still so young, yet she had thought so far ahead. But since it didn’t concern her, she wouldn't bring Ying Jieer along to crowd the place.

Not having to prepare anything special relieved Lin Qiuran of a burden. She didn’t even ask the neighbors to keep quiet. The noise from next door during mealtimes was a bit loud, but it showed customers they'd expanded, saving them the trouble of explaining.

Besides, the noise from next door wasn’t as loud as it would be from upstairs. The workers were paid by the day, so any extra time would just mean higher labor costs.

Lin Dong hurried home. Sun Shi didn’t ask any questions and brought Tangyuan over by noon. Tangyuan was especially lively today, beaming at Lin Qiuran.

Lin Qiuran had a plan: if Magistrate Li didn’t call for her, she’d have Sun Shi carry Tangyuan while serving wine or something, so Lord Zhao might notice the child. If she was called over, she’d carry Tangyuan herself to respond.

Lin Qiuran instructed Sun Shi, "Mom, when the time comes, just walk around holding Tangyuan. Don’t be looking around too much. If anyone asks, say you’re here to look after the child and help out at the eatery when you have time."

Worried Sun Shi might get nervous, Lin Qiuran didn’t tell her that Zhao Jinshan was the Prefect of Xuzhou. It was better not to draw attention.

Lin Qiuran held Tangyuan’s little hand. "Also, if Tangyuan cries, take her outside."

Lin Qiuran knew a crying baby could bother people. Customers came to the eatery to eat, not to listen to a baby cry. What they found cute, others might not. Tangyuan didn’t cry often, but there was always a chance she might get scared around strangers.

Sun Shi nodded without asking why. She always followed Lin Qiuran's instructions. As a mother, Lin Qiuran would never do anything to harm the child.

Lin Qiuran kissed Tangyuan’s cheek. "Be good now, Tangyuan, and smile lots."

As noon approached, customers came in groups. Shopkeeper Shi and the others skillfully took orders and served dishes. At quarter past noon, Shopkeeper Shi noticed Scribe Wang entering with a few others. Though he was an ordinary townsman, he recognized some local officials, especially Scribe Wang, who had visited the eatery several times.

Lin Qiuran had also met him when she went to the county office.

There was another man he remembered eating at the eatery just last night. If it had been ten days or half a month ago, Shopkeeper Shi might have forgotten, but it was only yesterday. He had thought then that the man had a commanding presence.

They were all in plain clothes, appearing like ordinary customers, but there was something different about them—an air of refinement in their movements. They found a corner table. Shopkeeper Shi kept his gaze modest and brought over the menu. "What can I get for you, gentlemen?"

County Magistrate Li said, "Brother Zhao... why don’t you order?"

Zhao Jinshan replied, "Follow local customs. You choose. No need to order too much; just enough for the four of us."

Shopkeeper Shi barely suppressed a raised eyebrow. So, he knew the servings here were generous and they might not finish.

County Magistrate Li said, "Then let’s have five dishes: red-braised pork, poached sliced pork, sour fish soup, plus some baby bok choy and potato shreds."

Three meat dishes and two vegetable dishes should be enough. Besides, County Magistrate Li and the other two were here as hosts, not to eat heartily.

He handed the menu back to Shopkeeper Shi. "One bowl of rice each."

Shopkeeper Shi said, "We also have fermented rice steamed buns and jadeite dumplings. The buns are one coin each, the dumplings two coins. Would you like to try some? They’re specialties here, only available in spring, and very popular. Would you like some wine?"

County Magistrate Li glanced at Zhao Jinshan, who seemed curious. He said, "Then make it two fewer bowls of rice, and add two buns and four dumplings. No wine, just a pot of tea."

With Zhao Jinshan present, County Magistrate Li didn’t dare be extravagant, and alcohol was out of the question. Fortunately, Zhao Jinshan seemed fine with the order.

First came the buns and rice, followed by the red-braised pork. County Magistrate Li handed over the chopsticks. "Try this, sir. This eatery is quite famous in Yu’an for its delicious food."

Zhao Jinshan nodded and took a piece. It tasted just like yesterday’s—fatty but not greasy, truly delicious. As he ate, he said, "On my way here, I thought about it. I’m also at fault in this matter."

County Magistrate Li sighed deeply. "Oh, Brother Zhao... ah..."

He felt that being an official shouldn’t be too harsh, or it would only make things harder on oneself. The people in a county were numerous, and even he couldn’t keep track of everything. As Prefect, Zhao Jinshan had even more responsibilities—how could he possibly manage everything perfectly?

Besides, Qian Youwei and the others must have been doing this for a while. If they were determined to hide it, how could Zhao Jinshan have found out?

Zhao Jinshan shook his head. That wasn’t entirely what he meant. As a higher-ranking official, he used to think that not taking from the people and serving them was enough to be good to them. But outsiders might target those around him.

Even if Qian Youwei and the others weren’t guilty of embezzlement this time, a thorough investigation would likely uncover other issues. At the very least, it was certain they came to Yu’an to enjoy themselves without doing any work. Of course, if investigated further, County Magistrate Li would also be implicated.

Zhao Jinshan didn’t want to make things difficult for County Magistrate Li. He sighed. No matter what kind of person he was, wherever he went, people would flatter him and cater to his wishes. This would only blind him, making him unable to see the truth.

Subordinates would show him only what they wanted him to see. He thought Qian Youwei was hardworking and upright, but behind the scenes, things were different. He had some idea but never imagined it was this bad. He had assumed everything was fine and stable in every county.

That’s why Zhao Jinshan didn’t insist on eating at the relay station this time. Even if they had, County Magistrate Li would have had someone prepare what he thought were good home-style dishes, which might have been even more extravagant.

Zhao Jinshan suddenly remembered that time and asked with a smile, "Last time I came, it wasn’t just home-style dishes, was it?"

Scribe Wang and Assistant Magistrate Chen tensed up at their conversation. County Magistrate Li chuckled awkwardly. Since it was obvious, there was no point denying it. "Brother Zhao, you see right through everything. Ah, I just thought you worked hard and deserved a good meal when you came to Yu’an. It was so hot that day, but it wasn’t too much trouble. And, Brother Zhao, you might not know, but the cook who prepared your dishes back then is now right here."

Zhao Jinshan looked around the eatery. The prices weren’t high, and there were plenty of customers. At noon, only one table was empty.

Zhao Jinshan asked, "This place?"

County Magistrate Li nodded. "And that unconventional idea was mine. The 'gold ingots' were made by her. It’s just that the journey was long, and the food spoiled."

County Magistrate Li thought it was just as well that it spoiled, but he couldn’t say that.

Zhao Jinshan said, "I had someone take the food to feed the chickens. Aside from being a bit sour, it tasted quite good. Once the busy hour is over, I’d like to meet her."

Anyone who could make such food must be clever and skilled.

County Magistrate Li agreed. Although a meeting and a few words might not amount to much, having face time with a high official was better than nothing.

He told Zhao Jinshan about Lin Qiuran’s story as they ate—how she came to the county after losing her husband, how her family gradually improved, how Xiao Xun also returned, and, of course, how the county had supported them.

For example, street vendors didn’t have to pay taxes, those who couldn’t afford seeds received subsidies from the county, and this year they had repaired the embankment.

Zhao Jinshan listened but would judge for himself.

Zhao Jinshan said, "The food at this eatery is excellent. Everything is delicious."

Shopkeeper Shi listened intently to the conversation and immediately told Lin Qiuran, who did not send Sun Shi over.

After finishing their meal, the group paid the bill and got ready to leave. Worried they might actually depart, Shopkeeper Shi went out to check and waited there.

County Magistrate Li had suggested waiting inside, but Zhao Jinshan thought it wasn't proper. "They still have a business to run. If we sit here, it might keep other customers away."

They found a table and sat down anyway. Shopkeeper Shi had Zhao Xing serve tea, but County Magistrate Li said, "No need for tea. Where is the proprietor?"

Zhao Xing flung his towel over his shoulder. "I'll go get her right away."

The lunch rush had ended, and Lin Qiuran came out holding Tangyuan. She had been away for a while and had just changed his diaper. She gave a slight bow while holding the child. "I pay my respects to Lord Zhao."

Although Xiao Xun was an official, she was just a commoner running a business.

Zhao Jinshan glanced at Lin Qiuran and then at the child in her arms. Tangyuan grinned widely. At nearly two months old, he was a charming and delightful baby.

Zhao Jinshan smiled and said, "Please, have a seat."

He didn’t make an issue of Lin Qiuran addressing him as "Lord." As he had expected, his official rank was evident. Unless he went out incognito without County Magistrate Li and the others, his status was unmistakable.

Lin Qiuran did as she was told and sat down.

Zhao Jinshan, who also had children of his own, had to ask, "How old is the child?"

Lin Qiuran nodded. "Not quite two months old."

Zhao Jinshan said kindly, "Do you bring the child with you when you cook?"

Lin Qiuran shook her head. "Usually, my mother looks after him. If he misses me, she brings him over for a visit. We live in Yu’an, very close by."

Zhao Jinshan smiled warmly and playfully tugged at Tangyuan’s tiny fingers. The baby’s eyes sparkled, and he babbled happily.

Zhao Jinshan’s expression grew even softer. "Lord Li mentioned that your husband is stationed at the Xuzhou military camp. This child is lovely. You should consider sending him to study and practice martial arts when he’s older."

Lin Qiuran replied, "We’ve saved some money from running the business and have thought about it, but we’re unsure which academy would be best."

Zhao Jinshan said, "There’s an old saying about Mencius’ mother moving three times for her son’s education. It’s wise to seek out a good academy. In Xuzhou, there’s the Anshan Academy, where the teachers are quite capable. If you aim higher, there’s also the Songshan Academy in the capital."

He realized he was getting ahead of himself—the child was still so young, after all. But he reflected that it was never too early for parents to plan for their children’s future, especially with a mother as thoughtful as hers.

Lin Qiuran smiled and nodded. "Thank you for your guidance, my lord. I didn't know about these things before."

Zhao Jinshan said, "In a small county, your view of things is limited. As you venture farther, you’ll learn more. The food you prepare is excellent. Though it’s not yet a local specialty, it could become one. Remember to keep it affordable for the people and avoid making the shapes too similar to gold ingots..."

He felt that making the pastries too closely resemble gold ingots was unwise, as it could invite trouble—like the incident the day before, where he had inspected each item and even checked the box to ensure nothing illicit was hidden.

Lin Qiuran nodded, saying she would discuss it with Steward Xu.

Zhao Jinshan said, "Very well. Carry on with your work—I won’t disturb you further."

With other matters to attend to, Zhao Jinshan and his party soon left.

Tangyuan was still smiling. Lin Qiuran couldn’t resist gently pinching his cheek. He had been well-behaved today. Officials often judged children by their outward appearance—whether they smiled often or, when older, if they were talkative.

Sun Shi had stayed back and didn’t approach until after the officials had left. She exclaimed in surprise, "That was an official!"

Lin Qiuran explained, "He is the Prefect of Xuzhou, here on official business."

She hadn’t mentioned the pastry matter to her family, nor had she received much payment for it. Glancing down at Tangyuan in her arms and then toward the door, she saw that the spring sunlight was bright outside, but the officials had already disappeared. She hoped to see them again someday.