Chapter 7: Father and Daughter Share a Sedan Back to Shanyang, Siblings Bond at First Meeting

“Advisor, how does it feel to ride in the sedan?” Magistrate Huo asked with a smile.

“My apologies, sir! I didn't realize it was you!” The advisor, his cheeks flushed, climbed down from the sedan.

The steady slap of canal water against the bank reminded him he'd arrived at the western wharf. Magistrate Huo and his adopted daughter had already arrived; he quickly unfolded his fan. “Sir, miss, please board the sedan.”

“Let my adopted daughter go first,” Magistrate Huo said, gesturing for Zhao Min to proceed. He followed after her.

“Lift the sedan!” At the advisor’s command, the procession hurried eastward.

As lanterns blinked to life and dusk deepened, thousands of lights illuminated Shanyang’s night. After a day’s toil, townsfolk gathered for dinner; seeking relief from the heat, many set tables right outside their doors to eat in the fresh air.

The sound of fans swatting mosquitoes mingled with children’s laughter in Magistrate Huo’s ears. The streets were shrouded in darkness; if not for the lantern in the advisor’s hand, the county magistrate wouldn’t have been able to see his adopted daughter’s striking face.

Today had been unforgettable. The county magistrate of Hexia had witnessed the descent of the Star of Literature at the Wu residence, sampled authentic Huaiyang cuisine, and savored lion’s head meatballs that were unlike anything he’d ever tasted. Paired with Hexia’s special brewed yellow wine, it was a perfect match.

By the faint glow, Magistrate Huo studied Zhao Min’s fair face. He was convinced his adopted daughter was extraordinary, so he decided to probe a little.

“Adopted daughter, judging by your accent, you aren’t from the south, are you?” Magistrate Huo asked abruptly.

“Father, Min is from Luoyang, Henan,” Zhao Min replied sincerely from across him.

“That explains it.” Magistrate Huo nodded, knowing the child wasn’t lying.

“Set the sedan down!” The advisor shouted.

“We’re home, adopted daughter.” Magistrate Huo lifted the sedan door.

Zhao Min carefully handed down her pipa, then stepped out. The Shanyang Prefecture yamen before her was not as grand as the capital’s, but no less imposing. The stone lions at the gate seemed to fix their gaze upon her, reminding her that this was the seat of government.

“Stop staring, adopted daughter, come, let’s meet your foster mother.”

“Yes, father.”

Passing through the main hall, the four characters “Upright and Honest” gleamed above where Magistrate Huo handled affairs.

They turned through a side door into the rear courtyard—a tranquil place. In the garden, flowers vied for attention: crimson roses and vibrant salvia, and especially several pots of spider plants that stood out with their freshness and elegance. A few pots of green vines swayed gently, as if opening enthusiastic arms to welcome her.

Suddenly, the sound of trickling water echoed from the east. Zhao Min saw it came from an artificial rockery; the craftsmen had ingeniously recreated the style of Jiangnan’s bridges and waterways in miniature.

“Madam!” Magistrate Huo called out joyfully.

“Woof! Woof!” A small dog suddenly darted from the corner, startling Zhao Min so much that she retreated and fell right into Magistrate Huo’s arms.

“Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. Little Black, this is the young lady—you mustn’t bully her.”

“Oh my, what sort of girl could make you so solicitous?” The lady of the house rushed over, witnessing Magistrate Huo comforting his daughter. Her jealousy was immediately piqued.

Magistrate Huo hurriedly released his adopted daughter and explained with a smile, “My dear, you’re mistaken—look, I found a daughter for you.”

“Mother, please accept your daughter’s obeisance.” Zhao Min turned and saw the lady’s prosperous, matronly appearance. Though she was angry, Zhao Min caught the compassion in her eyes. Beside her, a maid curiously sized Zhao Min up—a girl slightly younger and delicately built.

“Daughter? Adopted mother? What’s going on here, sir?” The lady stopped fanning herself and asked urgently.

Magistrate Huo sat down, took a sip of tea, and recounted everything from start to finish.

Hearing the story, tears streamed down the lady’s face. “Come here, daughter, let your foster mother take a look at you.”

“Foster mother.” Zhao Min knelt at her side, laying her head on the lady’s lap, grateful tears flowing freely.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry, child. You’ve suffered so much. If my own daughter were alive, she’d be your age now.”

“Mother, from this day forward, I am your daughter.” Zhao Min kowtowed three times, leaving the lady so moved she could barely speak.

“Long’er, come quickly!” the lady called loudly.

“Mother, I’m coming!” A boy emerged from a room, book in hand. He was eleven or twelve, with a sturdy build and striking, bright eyes.

“Mother, who is she?”

“Jiang Long, this is Zhao Min. From today, she’s your elder sister,” Magistrate Huo declared.

“Yes, sister.”

“Hello, Long’er.” Zhao Min stepped forward and took his hand.

“Sister, do you play the pipa?” Long’er was naturally friendly. “I’d like to learn.”

“A real man should aspire far and wide—why bother with this?”

“What book is that in your hand?”

“The Analects.”

“With half the Analects, one could govern the world. Long’er, you must study hard and read widely—one day you’ll achieve great things.” The siblings chatted as they walked toward the garden, while the magistrate and his wife smiled happily.

“Son, the Zhang family has come to propose marriage. I’ve observed the girl—she’s dignified and virtuous, certain to be a good wife and mother,” Master Shen said to his son Shen Wei as he sat in the parlor.

“Father and mother, marriage is arranged by parents and matchmakers. I leave the matter entirely in your hands,” Shen Wei replied dutifully, the very image of filial piety.

And so, Master Shen began making preparations for his son’s marriage.

“Is Boss Song here?” A few days later, Master Shen arrived at Qingyu Huaiyang Hexia Restaurant, his face radiant.

“Boss Shen, please, please, come in! A rare guest indeed—what wind brings such a distinguished visitor to my humble establishment?” Chef Song greeted him with a beaming smile; his tongue was sharp enough to persuade the living and the dead alike. He continued, “Judging by your expression, there’s good news at home.”

“Boss Song, you’re truly remarkable—the leading light in Hexia’s food industry! Nothing escapes you.” Master Shen sat down to chat.

“Not at all, not at all. What brings you here today?” Boss Song probed, his cunning gaze sizing up Master Shen’s rosy face.

“I’m arranging two banquet tables.”

“Excellent!” Boss Song’s eyes lit up. “Thank you for your patronage—is the young master engaged?”

“That’s right.”

Pounding his chest, Boss Song promised, “You’ve come to the right place, Master Shen. I guarantee your celebration will be splendid!”

The two discussed the menu in detail, finding more and more common ground. Boss Song enthusiastically recommended the restaurant’s signature Huaiyang dishes; Master Shen crossed out some items, added others, and at last, the selection was settled.

“Boss Song, if you handle this well, when my son’s wedding day comes, I won’t need to think twice—I’ll come straight to your place again,” Master Shen said, the implication clear.

“Rest assured, Master Shen, it’ll be excellent and affordable.” Boss Song’s eyes twinkled as he joked, “Besides, I need to cast a long line to catch a big fish, don’t I?”

“Haha!” The two pointed at each other, laughing until they were doubled over.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll take my leave,” Master Shen said, rising and bowing with both hands.

“Of course, I’ll see you to the door,” Boss Song replied, seeing him out.

To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the following chapter.