Transmigrated into an Ancient ABO Fantasy World: A Culinary Comeback - Chapter 17

Wang Xiaojin’s potato noodles were so popular that even the emperor had heard of them. He often sent eunuchs to buy them on his behalf. This wasn’t unusual for the emperor, he was an enlightened and benevolent ruler who frequently ordered food from outside the palace. Some shops took pride in being patronized by him and even advertised “imperial purchases” to attract customers.

The emperor’s actions further boosted the reputation of Wang’s shop, catching the attention of the Third Prince.

At the Third Prince’s residence, the prince, dressed in luxurious brocade robes, was discussing matters with his advisor in the study. “Yuanxiang, do you know anything about this Wang Xiaojin’s background?”

Yuanxiang, a lean and elderly minister, stroked his beard and replied, “From what I’ve gathered, Wang Xiaojin is just a commoner from the countryside who suddenly rose to prominence in recent years. Conservatively estimated, she has amassed a fortune of ten thousand strings of cash.”

The Third Prince stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the large “Thousand-Mile Landscape” painting on the wall. His tone was indifferent as he asked, “Are you certain she has no influential connections?”

The old man thought for a moment. “She has some dealings with Prince Xie, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary just delivering food. She does the same for other noble families.”

“Prince Xie?” The Third Prince sneered. “That old fool is still hesitating, sitting on the fence. His support from the northwest is crucial to us.”

“Your Highness need not worry. As long as we demonstrate our sincerity and strength, the prince will surely pledge his allegiance,” the old man reassured him.

“You’re right. Coincidentally, we’re short on funds at the moment, and this Wang Xiaojin has conveniently appeared,” the Third Prince turned around, his gaze cunning as he looked at the old man. “What crime should we pin on this country bumpkin to make her willingly hand over her wealth?”

The old man’s eyes shifted as a plan came to mind. “Given that the emperor enjoys her food, ordinary charges won’t suffice. How about?”

As the two schemed, Wang Xiaojin remained completely unaware. She was at her shop, while Xie Yu’an was visiting her home.

Xie Yu’an and Deng Shu were strolling through the residence Wang Xiaojin had purchased. Due to their special status, there were no servants in the house, but it was clean, tidy, warm, and comfortable.

As they passed by Wang Xiaojin’s study, Xie Yu’an happened to glance through the open window and caught sight of a pristine sheet of rice paper on the desk, with her own name written prominently on it.

Seeing her name secretly written in someone’s study, Xie Yu’an felt both puzzled and uneasy. Who had written it? She couldn’t help but tug at Deng Shu’s sleeve and ask awkwardly, “Sister Deng, whose study is this?”

Deng Shu was also taken aback. Turning her head, she saw the paper as well and her mind raced. It had to be Wang Xiaojin’s handwriting. Now, should she tell the truth or lie? If she told the truth and it caused a rift between them, what then? And if she lied, who else could it be?

Under the princess’s gaze, she gritted her teeth. Wang Xiaojin was too timid to confess anyway, so she might as well take the plunge and speak on her behalf. “This is Wang Xiaojin’s study,” she replied.

“What?! Why would she write my name? Does she, I mean?” The young girl was flustered, looking to Deng Shu for confirmation.

Deng Shu nodded silently. “Yes. Haven’t you noticed how she stammers whenever she talks to you? If you don’t believe me, wait until she returns and see for yourself.”

That evening, when Wang Xiaojin returned, she noticed the princess looking at her strangely but didn’t think much of it. Smiling, she approached and asked, “Princess, what would you like to eat today? I’ll make it for you.”

Wang Xiaojin had been busy in the kitchen all day. Though she had washed up as soon as she returned, Xie Yu’an could still catch a faint whiff of cooking oil when she leaned in. Her eyes sparkled as she looked down at herself, her nose bridge strikingly straight. For the first time, Xie Yu’an noticed that Wang Xiaojin was actually quite handsome.

Perhaps her stutter and plain, dull demeanor had previously overshadowed her good looks, making her appear older. Xie Yu’an studied Wang Xiaojin and thought, “It’s a good thing it’s Wang Xiaojin decent-looking and a great cook. Anyone else would’ve been unbearable.”

Wang Xiaojin felt half her body go numb under the princess’s dazed gaze. It was Deng Shu who couldn’t stand the silence any longer and broke it: “Um, Your Highness, what would you like for dinner?”

Xie Yu’an snapped back to reality, blushing as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, realizing how long she had been staring. “Oh, uh, anything is fine.”

Wang Xiaojin scratched her forehead awkwardly. “Then I’ll make mala tang, mildly spicy. I brought back some meatballs from the shop today.”

“Are they the kind that burst with juice when you bite into them?” Xie Yu’an instantly forgot her embarrassment.

“Yes, and there are some fish balls too. You all chat first, this won’t take long.”

After Wang Xiaojin left, before Deng Shu could ask any questions, Fan Xi and Da Zhuang returned. Xie Yu’an started playing with them, and Deng Shu didn’t get a chance to speak, so she let it go.

The mala tang was indeed quick to prepare. Wang Xiaojin made the sticky version, with thick yellow noodles, tendon noodles, wide vermicelli, and thin vermicelli to choose from, along with beef balls, lettuce, gluten puffs, and tofu puffs as toppings. Everything was boiled, then served in a rich broth with a thick layer of sesame paste, chili oil, and garlic paste. Each person got a large bowl, accompanied by a big platter of skewers: fried stuffed eggs, fried chicken cutlets, fried green peppers, and more. Everyone gathered in the hall to eat, and seconds were available.

The broth of the sticky mala tang was slightly thick, with a unique seasoning richer, more aromatic, and spicier. The yellow noodles, made from corn, were somewhat coarse and cooked until soft and glutinous, perfectly complementing the soup. The highlight of this dish was the thick yellow noodles and tendon noodles. The gluten puffs and tofu puffs soaked up the broth, bursting with flavor with every bite.

Since the broth was fragrant but not greasy, it paired perfectly with the fried skewers. After everyone finished their warm, hearty meal, Deng Shu went to see Xie Yu’an off.

On the way, Deng Shu winked and teased the princess, reminding the young girl of the afternoon’s incident. Blushing, Xie Yu’an exclaimed, “Sister Deng!”

Deng Shu surrendered. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. So, what are your thoughts?”

Xie Yu’an rested her chin on her hand as she walked, replying leisurely, “Hmm… I don’t have any particular thoughts. I just realized today that she’s not bad-looking, but she’s still not as humorous or talented as A’Bing.”

“A’Bing?” Deng Shu was surprised, having never heard of this person before. “Who is A’Bing?”

“Ming Bing, to put it simply, she’s the eldest daughter of the Ming family and this year’s top scholar in the imperial exams. We grew up together.” The young girl’s expression noticeably softened as she spoke, it seemed A’Bing held a special place in the princess’s heart.

Deng Shu hadn’t expected Xie Yu’an to already have someone she favored. On her way home, she wrestled with whether to tell Wang Xiaojin. Would it embarrass her? Was she meddling? But if she didn’t say anything, would Wang Xiaojin be left pining alone? It was truly a dilemma.

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