Transmigrated into an Ancient ABO Fantasy World: A Culinary Comeback - Chapter 18

Before Deng Shu could wrap her head around her own dilemmas, Wang Xiaojin found herself in deep trouble.

Prince Xie was no simple-minded warrior; he had planted spies in the estates of several princes. Recently, an informant sent word that the Third Prince planned to lace the potato flour, which the Emperor intended to purchase, with drugs. His goal was to frame Wang Xiaojin for treason, seize her assets, and eliminate her.

Alarmed, the Prince sent for Wang Xiaojin late at night. Confused, she hurried to the Prince’s manor and was led into the study.

Under the dim glow of an oil lamp, the Prince revealed the Third Prince’s scheme. Wang Xiaojin felt a surge of fury. In this feudal era, life was cheap and power absolute; once framed, she would have no way to clear her name and would likely face execution. Seeing her distress, the Prince slammed his fist onto the desk in a rage. “I never imagined the Third Prince would become so unscrupulous. It is utterly preposterous!”

Wang Xiaojin’s mind raced. She could not refuse to sell to the Emperor, yet doing so gave her enemies the perfect opening. If she did not act, she would lose her property, her life, or be tortured into becoming a puppet for the Third Prince. Her temper flared. “The situation is dire. If all else fails, I will just hop over his wall and take him out!”

“No, no, child,” Xie Ding urged, calming her down. “Do not be impulsive. He has no fewer Shadow Guards than I do. We cannot meet force with force.”

He paced the study, deep in thought. “With the Third Prince’s character, we cannot side with him, nor can we hand over your assets. That would be like drinking poison to quench a thirst. He is gambling on the fact that you have no background, but he does not realize our relationship is deep. If he knew, he would not dare move; he was just trying to recruit me the other day.”

“Here is the plan: we bring our relationship into the light. We shall form a marriage alliance. Once married, you are part of the Prince’s Household. If the Third Prince wants to touch you then, he will have to think twice. He has outsmarted himself this time.”

“Marriage?” Wang Xiaojin was stunned. “That, isn’t that inappropriate?”

The Prince’s eyes widened. “What is inappropriate about it? What, do you look down on my daughter?”

“No, no!” Wang Xiaojin waved her hands in frantic explanation. “It is just that Yu’an does not seem to like me very much.”

“Is this the time for romance? Your life is on the line; she does not get a choice. Besides, if the Third Prince seizes your fortune to buy influence, he will overshadow the Sixth Prince. Do you think the Xie family will survive that?”

“It is settled. You will marry into the family as a matrilocal son-in-law.”

“Prince, will the County Princess be able to accept this? Can we not think of something else, like making me your adopted son?” Wang Xiaojin hesitated.

“Adopted son?” The Prince shook his head inwardly, thinking of historical betrayals. “An adopted son could turn into a Lu Bu.” He knew Wang Xiaojin’s weakness was Yu’an. This move was not just to stop the Third Prince; it was to ensure this talented youth remained loyal to the Xie family forever.

“Enough, Xiaojin. It is decided. Stop acting like you are the victim here; I bet you are secretly thrilled,” the Prince teased.

They discussed the details further. When Wang Xiaojin finally left the manor, the night was pitch black, save for the holy, silvery glow of the moonlight. She glanced back at the gates. She could not deny her happiness, but was this fair to the County Princess? She walked home, her heart a mix of joy and worry.

The next day, the Prince petitioned the Emperor for a marriage decree. Upon hearing that his favorite snack shop owner was marrying into the Xie family, Emperor Li Ren was delighted. Since Xie Ding chose a small merchant rather than a powerful official, the Emperor saw no threat and granted the decree immediately.

Standing nearby, the Third Prince gritted his teeth but dared not oppose his father. He had no choice but to abandon his scheme.

When the decree arrived, Xie Yu’an was at the Ming estate, gathered with friends. Ming Bing, an elegant and witty gentleman, was playing pitch-pot with her. Her laughter filled the courtyard.

“Ah-Bing, your aim is so true! Watch me!” They were having a wonderful time. Ming Bing was not only brilliant but also possessed a sense of humor that always kept Yu’an smiling.

Then, the Imperial Decree arrived.

Confused, the group dropped to one knee, a rule established by the benevolent Li Ren.

The eunuch, Manager Zheng, stood before them and announced in a shrill voice: “By Grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The daughter of Duke Xie, Xie Yu’an, is known for her grace and intelligence. The Empress Dowager and I are much pleased. As the citizen Wang Xiaojin is of age, a virtuous match must be made. Xie Yu’an is a perfect match for Wang Xiaojin. To celebrate this union, they are permitted to wed on an auspicious day. Let it be known to all. Respect this.”

While Wang Xiaojin accepted her copy of the decree at home, Xie Yu’an was paralyzed with shock. Fortunately, Manager Zheng knew her well and did not take offense, whispering a reminder for her to rise. She accepted the decree in a daze.

Once the eunuch left, the Ming estate erupted. Her friends buzzed with questions. Yu’an stood silent for a moment, looked at the equally silent Ming Bing, then pushed past the crowd and ran home.

At the Xie Manor, the Prince had just returned from the military camp when Yu’an burst in. “Father! What is the meaning of this? How could you!”

Xie Ding sighed. “Yu’an, I have my reasons. This was a necessary move.”

Yu’an wept. “I do not want to marry Wang Xiaojin! If you like her so much, you marry her!”

The Prince’s face hardened. “Watch your tongue! You will marry her. Do you want our entire family to lose their heads? In our position, we have no choice. Besides, she is marrying into our house.”

“I do not care! You are both bullying me! I am going to settle this with her!” She stormed out again.

At the Wang house, everyone was shocked by the decree. Deng Shu looked at Wang Xiaojin with a complicated expression.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Wang Xiaojin said. “I did not want this, and I did not have the power to make it happen. I was forced into it.”

“She is probably blooming with joy inside while putting on an act,” Fan Xi and Xiang Dazhuang teased. “Master was right: Feng Xian is truly honest, but Wang Xiaojin is a fake!”

As they were joking around, Xie Yu’an arrived. Without a word, she unleashed her sword technique. Dazhuang and Fan Xi scrambled away, not wanting to get caught in the lovers’ quarrel.

Wang Xiaojin sighed and raised her hand. A wall of fire rose before her, vaporizing the energy swords.

“My god, Xiaojin, when did your cultivation get so strong?” Fan Xi exclaimed from the sidelines.

Yu’an was surprised to see Xiaojin’s strength but continued to attack. Xiaojin remained on the defensive, neutralizing every move. Finally, exhausted, Yu’an’s legs gave out. Xiaojin caught her by the waist to steady her, then quickly let go.

Yu’an stood firm, her eyes red. “Wang Xiaojin, I did not realize you were so despicable. I am not done with you!” She sobbed and ran away.

Wang Xiaojin stood still. Dazhuang patted her shoulder, and the others offered comfort. “It is okay. Once the Sixth Prince takes the throne and the truth comes out, she will not blame you. We cannot tell her now; if she accidentally leaks the information about the spies, even the Prince will not be able to fix it.”

Days later, in Dongyang County, Xie Xing heard the news. She sighed, knowing that for children of great families, marriage was rarely their own choice. Even without Wang Xiaojin, it would not have been Ming Bing. In comparison, Wang Xiaojin was actually the best possible option.

The wedding was grand. On the day of the ceremony, the guests were festive, but the couple moved like puppets, forced smiles plastered on their faces. Wang Xiaojin could not truly be happy; she knew Yu’an did not want to be there.

That evening, as the guests departed, Wang Xiaojin entered the bridal chamber. She was dressed elegantly, her features refined and handsome.

With a heavy heart, she approached the bed. Prompted by the attendant, she slowly lifted the red bridal veil. Yu’an’s fair face was revealed. She looked breathtaking in her wedding robes, more mature than her usual playful self. Her tear-rimmed eyes made her look heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Wang Xiaojin’s breath hitched.

The attendant smiled and withdrew.

“Have you seen enough?” Yu’an snapped coldly.

The icy tone was like a bucket of cold water. Wang Xiaojin sat awkwardly on a stool.

“I am warning you: you are not allowed on this bed tonight. Sleep on the couch.”

“What?”

“What do you mean ‘what’? I am not letting you have your way. You are so dull and clumsy; you do not compare to Ming Bing at all,” Yu’an mocked.

“Who is Ming Bing?” Xiaojin asked, confused.

“Did Sister Deng not tell you? Ah-Bing is the one I love. He is much better than you,” Yu’an said pointedly.

Wang Xiaojin’s face paled. While she understood Yu’an’s anger, those words stung deeply. She silently gathered her blankets and went to the couch.

Seeing Xiaojin’s dejected expression, Yu’an stuck out her tongue, feeling a sudden, strange pang of guilt. She did like Ming Bing’s personality, but they were not actually in love; she had only said it to provoke Xiaojin.

The next morning, aching from the stiff couch, Wang Xiaojin rose early. She ran laps and did intense training in the backyard. Since crossing into this world, she had been manipulated like an ant. She was tired of relying on others; she had to increase her own power.

The Prince, also up early, watched her with pride. He felt Xiaojin’s only flaw was a lack of ambition; she needed to be pushed to excel.

He joined her for a bit before calling her to breakfast. Noticing her grim silence, he guessed what had happened. “What is wrong, Xiaojin? Did Yu’an bully you?”

“Listen, Yu’an only knows how to play. What does she know? You two are the perfect match; that is why I made the decision so quickly. Do not rush matters of the heart. Give it time.”

His words comforted her. She did not resent the County Princess; she was just struggling with the idea that Yu’an loved someone else. She figured that since their marriage was in name only, they could simply divorce when the time was right.

She managed a smile for the Prince, and they went in to eat.

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