Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 100 (Part 1)
T/N: As a refresher, quoted from my footnote from chapter 33 - ding are prehistoric and ancient Chinese cauldrons, standing upon legs with a lid and two facing handles. They are one of the most important shapes used in Chinese ritual bronzes. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ding_(vessel)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 100.1 Whispers of Paranoia
With the Ministry of Rites exam approaching and hot pot season drawing to a close, it was time to add a final touch, or perhaps make one last push. Shen Shaoguang decided to combine the preliminary round of the imperial examinations with hot pot by hosting an ‘Attaining Ding Banquet’.
‘Ding’ are treasured vessels of the country, therefore major figures in government and pillars of the state are often referred to as "Ding officials." The "Attaining Ding Banquet" was, as its name implied, a celebration to wish the scholars success in their exams and a future as esteemed officials of the court. Given that the hot pot cookers’ shape and method of eating resembled these ancient ceremonial vessels, many scholars had taken to calling it "little ding," further connecting the hot pot with the imperial examination.
Shen Shaoguang said to Shao Jie, "I’m thinking that we could hang a hundred-foot-long silk banner outside the tavern, inviting scholars to leave their names. If they pass the exam, we’ll use vermilion ink to highlight their names."
"Just like the poetry collection, we should make this feast an annual grand event. The long silk banner will be added to year after year, eventually becoming a massive scroll, and importantly, it will feature the original inscription of many future successful scholars." Shen Shaoguang enthusiastically sketched out the idea. "This thing could become a treasured artifact of our tavern."
Shao Jie, equally inspired, suggested, "We could create a special display cabinet for this—one that showcases the scholars’ signed silk and our yearly poetry collections."
Shen Shaoguang clapped her hands in agreement. "Marvelous idea!" It’s a shame that the display case couldn't be made out of glass.
"We must make sure that the volume containing His Majesty's personally penned poem is also present and displayed," Shao Jie remarked.
Shen Shaoguang laughed, recalling how this fellow was now treating the book like a precious treasure, hiding it away in an unknown location. According to his personal servant, A'Jin, his cousin, Sir Ten, had even gifted him an exquisite kite just for a chance to glimpse the book, while Sir Eleven had missed out because his sword was not considered rare enough.
Shao Jie recognized her amusement and felt no embarrassment. "Hah, it seems that rascal has ratted me out again."
Shen Shaoguang laughed heartily once more before continuing to discuss the arrangements for the "Attaining Ding Banquet." Such gatherings have always been pivotal events for scholars to forge connections. Those who pass the exams would become peers, entering officialdom together, offering future opportunities to work side by side. Getting acquainted beforehand is always advantageous. For those who fail, knowing the successful candidates is even more beneficial. And even if none of them pass, forming alliances can still offer mutual support. With that in mind, the banquet should include segments for introducing one's hometown, name, and age, showcasing talents, and providing private opportunities for conversation...
There should also be games, with playful moments during the feast to symbolically "pre-celebrate" their future success in the exams. Additionally, spending some money to invite a renowned courtesan from Pingkang Lane to perform a song would be fitting. Such events for scholars are quite appealing to them, as it provides an opportunity to showcase their talents and gain recognition.
Shen Shaoguang clicked her tongue, feeling a bit reluctant about spending money on hiring the courtesan. "Perhaps they’d be willing to give us a discount."
Shao Jie, accustomed to her frequent talk about discounts, couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
Shen Shaoguang, aware of the men’s perspectives, mused, ‘They must believe the money used at Pingkang Lane is not considered spending, afterall, where else would it be spent if not there? Tsk, tsk!’
She reminded him, "It’s not just about spending money on courtesans; there should also be discounts on the day." In the foodservice industry, no event is complete without some form of discount. An event without specials is hardly an event at all.
"I propose that scholars who provide their official documents for the exam receive a fifty percent discount. As for others, maybe a twenty percent discount would be fair."
Shao Jie chuckled, "Even if we lower it further, it wouldn’t matter. We aren’t aiming for profit just on this one day. Haven’t these scholars already earned us enough silver?"
"We run on a small business with slim margins, so let’s keep it at this for now," Shen Shaoguang responded. In truth, she shared his sentiment. Once the establishment’s reputation grows and they have more capital, they could afford to run such events at a loss, focusing instead on building a name. With fame and foot traffic, recouping the losses would hardly be a concern.
A small business with slim margins… Shao Jie, having never run a tavern before, didn’t realize how much more profitable it was compared to selling floral pastries. Yet thinking of those taverns and eateries in the market that transferred ownership after running at a loss, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Perhaps this tavern was especially lucrative…
As soon as Steward Qin announced the event, the scholars eagerly responded. Someone even composed a poem on the spot in honor of the ‘Attaining Ding Banquet’. This poem was later inscribed on the outside poetry wall, further drawing attention to the event.
Upon hearing about the silk scroll for names, a scholar jested, "It’ll only be considered a ‘minor moniker’ now, but if one were to succeed, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda inscription would be the ‘major moniker’."
Shen Shaoguang found this scholar’s imagination quite clever. ‘Minor moniker’ and ‘major moniker’—what clever terms! Such a brilliant way to advertise across levels!
With the event approaching and limited advertising channels, aside from the poetry wall, promotion largely depended on word of mouth among scholars and the enthusiasm of the staff. Shen Shaoguang often took the opportunity to discuss the event with patrons while in the tavern.
"We will definitely attend," said the striking Suzhou scholar, Sir Ji, who had visited a few days ago. Today, he appeared even more refined, dressed in a manner that hinted at his affluent background. His beautiful peach blossom eyes sparkled enticingly.
Having seen her fair share of beauty through Lin Yan, Shen Shaoguang wasn’t overly enamored by his appearances. She wondered, however, if this scholar’s talent matched his looks. If both his skills and appearance were exceptional, he might well claim a top spot among the scholars, perhaps even the coveted title of Tanhua Envoy.
