[Note: All plot serves the palate.]
The news hit the capital like a thunderclap: Gu San, the most brilliant and dashing young nobleman in all of Bianjing, was getting married. His bride? None other than Lady Xie Yuechan, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Heyang.
While the city’s young ladies wept into their silk handkerchiefs, the handsome young bachelors let out a collective sigh of relief. The reasons were simple: Xie Yuechan was rumored to be unsightly, absurd in her behavior, and possessed of a temper that could scorch the earth.
Inside the Xie Manor, the real Yuechan stared at the chaotic mess left by her predecessor, her mind spinning. “So… I’ve transmigrated into a book?” she muttered to herself.
Facing the Gu family—who treated her like a venomous snake to be avoided at all costs—Yuechan felt a wave of desolation. But then she realized: she could still eat. And boy, did she know how to cook.
A few months later, the Bianjing Daily ran a special interview with the rising star of the culinary world: Ms. Xie, the proprietress of the famous Laicai Restaurant.
“Ms. Xie,” the interviewer began, leaning in, “what should a lady do if her mother-in-law makes life difficult during the morning greetings?”
Yuechan smiled serenely. “Serve her a breakfast made with love every single morning. No one can stay angry while eating a perfect congee.”
“And what if one’s husband returns home cold and silent after work?”
“Simple,” she replied. “If you want a man’s heart, you must first capture his stomach.”
“What about discord between sisters-in-law? Surely that is—”
Yuechan arched an eyebrow, interrupting him. “Discord? Who said anything about discord? Eldest Sister! Second Sister! Stoke the fires in the kitchen! We’re inviting everyone over for hot pot, BBQ, spicy malatang, and beef offal stew! We’ve got crepes, skewers, fried chicken, and milk tea! Don’t forget the oden, sushi, pizza, and little cakes!”
But even with the exotic treats, she never forgot the authentic soul of the city streets. From Perilla tea and pear nectar to pine nut candy and Poria cakes; from Osmanthus steamed chestnut flour to crystal winter melon dumplings… in Yuechan’s world, there was no problem that a good meal couldn’t solve.
A Taste of the Narrative
Gu San walked into the courtyard, his expression icy, intended to keep his “dreadful” new bride at a distance. But then, a scent hit him—savory, sweet, and utterly intoxicating.
“You’re back,” Yuechan said, not looking up from the sizzling pan. “Sit down. The honey-glazed ribs are just about done.”
Gu San hesitated, his resolve crumbling as his stomach gave an uncharacteristic growl. “I thought you were… busy throwing tantrums.”
“I don’t have time for tantrums,” she laughed, plating a shimmering piece of meat. “I’m too busy making sure we don’t starve on mediocre food. Now, are you going to eat, or am I giving your portion to the cat?”
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