Transmigrated into an Ancient ABO Fantasy World: A Culinary Comeback - Chapter 22

Upon returning to the capital from Dongyang County, Wang Xiaojin noticed numerous “Wang’s” franchised burger shops along the way. It seemed the fast-food culture was truly taking root in the Yulong Kingdom.

Back at her main shop, the morning rush had not yet begun. Xie Yu’an and Deng Shu were laughing and playing together, each with a burger and a cup of cola on the table. Seeing her enter, Deng Shu cried out happily, “Xiaojin is back!” She nudged the County Princess beside her.

Xie Yu’an looked up. After two months apart, the authoritative aura of a female Qianyuan had become more pronounced in Wang Xiaojin. Her heart skipped a beat, but she simply let out a cold “Hmph” and turned her head away in silence.

Wang Xiaojin did not bother to argue. She sat down and immediately began reviewing the ledgers, asking Deng Shu about the profits of the various branches.

Seeing how exhausted she looked, Deng Shu went to the kitchen to prepare some hot food. This left Wang Xiaojin and Xie Yu’an alone. The atmosphere turned freezing. Wang Xiaojin was so focused on her work that she did not notice the girl’s eyes growing red.

Xie Yu’an stood up and called to the kitchen, “Sister Deng, I am leaving to find Ah-Bing now.” Her voice was clear, but a faint sob lingered beneath the surface. With a flutter of her skirt, she ran out of the shop.

Deng Shu rushed out, ladle in hand. “Yu’an, wait!” But the girl was already gone.

Deng Shu walked over to Wang Xiaojin and poked her. Wang Xiaojin sighed and looked up. “Xiaojin, this is your fault. Why did you not say a single word to her? You have chased her away in a fit of anger.”

“Sister Deng, you heard her yourself. She is going to find that Ah-Bing,” Wang Xiaojin said helplessly. “What is there for me to say?”

“That was obviously said out of spite.”

“Spite? On our wedding night, she told me she loved someone else. Am I supposed to step in as a third party?” Wang Xiaojin dropped her pen and rubbed her temples, her eyes closed in frustration.

Deng Shu fell silent. She felt that Yu’an’s reaction didn’t quite match someone who had no feelings for Xiaojin, but she couldn’t decipher the princess’s heart, so she let the matter drop.

Wang Xiaojin eventually ate a warm meal of Eight-Treasure porridge, vermicelli with minced meat, and shredded pork in garlic sauce. After freshening up at her own house, she finally returned to the Prince’s Manor.

Living back at the Manor made coordinating with the Prince much easier. During this time, Xie Ding had been in contact with the Sixth Prince, Li Wei. They decided to strike first and eliminate the threat of the Third Prince.

In a secret meeting in the study, Wang Xiaojin met Li Wei for the first time. The Sixth Prince was of medium build and always wore a signature, honest-looking smile. He was humble and polite, and the Prince clearly admired him, believing he would be a benevolent ruler.

After some clever maneuvering, reports of the Third Prince’s crimes began to flood the Emperor’s desk. Faced with evidence of his son’s unscrupulous methods, Emperor Li Ren was furious. He immediately stripped the Third Prince of his titles and exiled him from the capital to reflect on his sins.

With the Third Prince out and the Sixth Prince’s influence rising, the capital seemed to settle into a new peace. Xie Ding relaxed completely, enjoying fine food and wine daily.

One day, after coming off duty, he shouted, “Xiaojin, are the spring pancakes ready? Let us have a few drinks!”

Wang Xiaojin brought out a stack of paper-thin pancakes, along with shredded pork in bean sauce, sautéed assorted vegetables, braised meat, and a hot fishball soup. Xie Yu’an was also present, and though she was still a bit awkward, she sat down to join them.

“Mm, delicious!” the Prince exclaimed, rolling a pancake. He gave Wang Xiaojin a thumbs-up and smiled at his daughter. “Yu’an, did you know? The burgers and cola you love so much were actually invented by Xiaojin while she was in the Jiang Kingdom.”

Xie Yu’an’s eyes widened. Forgetting her previous annoyance, she looked at Wang Xiaojin in shock. “Really?”

Wang Xiaojin scratched her head. “It is true. If the County Princess likes them, I will make them for you often.”

The Prince watched them with satisfaction. “Good! I am at peace as long as you two are harmonious. It would be even better if I could have a chubby granddaughter soon!”

“Father!” Xie Yu’an’s face turned bright red.

The next day, the Sixth Prince invited the Prince and Wang Xiaojin to a restaurant. The three of them appeared together in public, officially cementing their alliance.

Inside the private room, amidst the drinking, the Prince shared a funny story about Li Wei. He mentioned that Li Wei hated brushing his teeth, comparing him to the famously unkempt official Wang Anshi. His colleagues apparently had to catch him just to make him wash. They laughed loudly, but Wang Xiaojin felt a sudden jolt of unease.

Back in the Manor’s study that night, the Prince leaned back comfortably. He noted that the Emperor was growing weaker and that the Sixth Prince’s ascension was only a matter of time. Once that happened, no “Man in Black” would be able to cause trouble.

Wang Xiaojin hesitated before speaking up. “Prince, I feel that something is not right with the Sixth Prince.”

“Oh?” The Prince sat up. “Tell me.”

“He does not like to brush his teeth, which suggests he does not care for cleanliness or the comfort of those around him. If a man cannot hold himself to a standard of basic decency, can he truly be as honest and benevolent as he appears?”

“Hah!” The Prince slapped the table and laughed. “He is a Qianyuan; it is normal for us to be a bit rough around the edges. You are overthinking it. There are plenty of corrupt officials who are perfectly clean. I am just happy to have my daughter in your hands. Now, go to sleep.”

Wang Xiaojin still felt uncomfortable. She couldn’t shake the feeling that a dark shadow hid behind that honest smile, but she could not sway the Prince. She had no choice but to retire to her room.

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