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Linjiang City, located in the southern region of Jiangnan, was formerly known as Fuchuan. Within its borders lies a treasure mountain rich in minerals. According to legend, a general passed through Linjiang City during his campaigns and received a divine oracle: "Where there is Fuchuan, chaos reigns; where Linjiang is peaceful, the world is at peace!" From that day on, Fuchuan was renamed Linjiang. However, this is merely a legend.
Linjiang City is a land of abundance, known for its beautiful scenery. The most famous site is a lake in the southeast of the city, named Crane Lake due to an island within it resembling a crane spreading its wings to take flight. Other scenic spots include Qingfeng Garden, Jinxiu Garden, and Wang Hu Pavilion, all boasting picturesque views.
"Four hundred eighty temples of the Southern Dynasties, how many towers and pavilions are shrouded in mist and rain?" Many are familiar with these lines of poetry, but few know that Linjiang City's Great Buddha Temple is one of those four hundred eighty temples. In ancient times, the Former Emperor ordered the excavation of a canal that ran through Linjiang City, which contributed significantly to its later prosperity.
Nanmen Wharf in Linjiang City serves as a crucial waterway connecting the capital, Jinling, and Jiangzhou. Every day, boats come and go, creating a bustling scene. Many people seeking their fortunes—boatmen, laborers, thieves—crowd Nanmen Wharf at every turn. Boatmen are referred to as "Boatman," laborers as "Laborer," and thieves as " thief." Each profession has its own gang, and they generally do not interfere with one another.
Su Han arrived at Nanmen Wharf with his small team and was struck by the lively atmosphere filled with curious onlookers. Suddenly, a long call echoed through the crowd: "Sharpening scissors... clang—kitchen knives..."
"What does that mean?" With so many people around and unable to see where the call was coming from, Su Yao asked curiously, "What are they shouting about?"
Zhang Yan had been to Linjiang City for several tasks before and chuckled as he explained: "They're calling out 'sharpening scissors' and 'clang kitchen knives.' People from Linjiang like to add 'le' at the end of their sentences. Scissors are called 'jianzi le,' kitchen knives are 'caidao le,' older folks are 'lao le,' and those with fiery tempers are 'bao le'... Generally speaking, in places like Linjiang City and Jinling, knife sharpeners come from outside; there are very few locals. Masters only take apprentices from their hometowns and do not accept outsiders."
"Lao Zhang sounds quite familiar," Su Han laughed as well. Although he had heard of Linjiang City before, he had never set foot there. "Let's find that tavern."
There were numerous taverns of all sizes at Nanmen Wharf, but finding one without a sign proved to be quite challenging. After searching for over half an hour, they finally found one near a small stone bridge at the entrance of an alley.
There was no signboard, but an old lantern hung at the entrance—just one lantern. That was their marker.
The business in the tavern was quite good, with three tables occupied by diners. As they entered, they found only a small square table, where six people were squeezed together.
What was particularly unusual was that despite its size, the tavern had a Shopkeeper. Typically, such small establishments are either family-run or operated by a single person who acts as both the owner and chef.
The Shopkeeper sauntered over and began listing the dishes: “We have steamed fish, meatball soup, and eight big bowls…” There was no menu; everything relied on the Shopkeeper's verbal announcements.
Once he finished, Su Han smiled and said, “I’d like an order of Linjiang Roast Chicken, with two Linjiang Specialty Meatballs added, and please add extra ginger.”
Upon hearing this, the Shopkeeper's expression changed, and he lowered his voice, saying, “Just wait.”
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