Because the conditions here were limited, Hua Miaomiao had already simplified many of the ingredients.
She was even making plans in her head to head into her portable space later and take out some proper seasonings when she had time.
When the final dish—braised pork—was finished, the entire kitchen was filled with a rich, mouthwatering aroma. It was a scent none of them had ever experienced before, so tempting it made people’s mouths water uncontrollably.
Hua Miaomiao deliberately cooked extra so the servants in the kitchen could all have a taste. Only then did she instruct Chunhua, Qiuyue, and the others to carry the dishes together to the side hall.
Xiao Jinyan was already waiting there. The hidden guards responsible for protecting the Princess Consort had long since reported everything that had just happened to him.
At first, he had assumed his princess consort was merely helping the head chef a little. He never imagined she could actually cook.
Not only could she cook—she was exceptionally good at it. It was simply unbelievable. Was this really the upbringing of the Hua General’s household?!
Teaching her martial arts made sense, given that her family was known for its military background.
Learning some combat skills was normal. But he had never heard of a noble young lady learning such culinary skills instead of needlework or traditional feminine arts!
He now deeply regretted not following her to the kitchen. Otherwise, he could have witnessed firsthand just how astonishing her cooking skills were.
Once he was seated at the head of the table, Hua Miaomiao led the way carrying dishes herself, with not the slightest air of a princess consort about her. Behind her followed the maids, also carrying dishes, their faces filled with nervous tension.
Seeing this, Xiao Jinyan worried she might burn herself or fall, but his disguise prevented him from intervening. He had to maintain it at all times—after all, spies within the manor were constantly watching.
Hua Miaomiao set the dishes on the table. After the maids finished arranging everything, they retreated to the side.
Xiao Jinyan stared at the spread before him, completely unable to believe these dishes had been made by his own princess consort. More importantly, he had never seen such combinations of ingredients or such cooking methods before.
Yet there was no denying it—the aroma was incredible. Even he couldn’t help swallowing.
Hua Miaomiao turned to the maids standing nearby and said, “You’ve all worked hard. I’ll take care of His Highness here. You can go have your meal now.”
The maids looked at the princess consort’s smiling eyes. Though she was still considered unattractive, her gaze couldn’t deceive anyone—it was full of sincerity.
For the first time, they experienced what it felt like to be personally sent off to eat by their master. All they could say was that the princess consort was truly approachable, with not the slightest hint of arrogance.
After this incident, the entire manor’s opinion of the princess consort skyrocketed. Especially the servants who remained in the kitchen—under the head chef’s arrangement, everyone was fortunate enough to sample a bit of her cooking.
It was simply delicious. Beyond praise, they had no other words.
Even the spy planted by the Empress managed to taste a little. He was utterly delighted—this was a flavor he had never encountered in his life.
Meanwhile, Hua Miaomiao first ladled a bowl of soup for the prince and set it aside to cool. Then she began her favorite part—feeding him.
Xiao Jinyan had already grown accustomed to being fed by her and even felt rather pampered.
As she lowered her head to carefully remove fish bones, he took the opportunity to secretly watch her movements.
Hua Miaomiao was truly the woman who cared most for him in this world. As a child, he had his mother consort and elder brother to dote on him. After they passed away, his life seemed to be nothing but storms and hardship.
Yet now, by a twist of fate, he had gained the “sun” before him. Her presence was like a warm light, constantly thawing his long-frozen heart.
When he tasted his first bite of boiled fish, he was stunned. The mild spiciness stimulated his taste buds, paired with tender fish—it was absolutely incredible.
As she fed him, Hua Miaomiao gently asked, “Is the taste okay? Is it too spicy? If it’s too much, I’ll use less chili next time.”
As someone who had once lived in Sichuan–Chongqing, Hua Miaomiao could handle spicy food very well. Her idea of “mild” was hard to control, so she had already reduced the chili to the minimum while cooking.
Still, everyone’s tolerance was different, and she wasn’t sure how much the prince could handle.
“It’s fine,” Xiao Jinyan said happily. “I can only say that Your Highness’s cooking is excellent. The flavor is wonderful.”
“That’s good. Then try this braised pork—it’s a little sweet.”
As she spoke, Hua Miaomiao picked up a piece of braised pork and fed it to him.
Xiao Jinyan had already noticed that glossy, fragrant-looking dish earlier. Now that he tasted it, it truly lived up to expectations—rich but not greasy, sweet but not cloying, perfectly balanced.
At this point, Xiao Jinyan was completely convinced. What kind of immortal-like princess consort had he married? Not only was she stunningly beautiful, her cooking skills were astonishing as well.
What kind of incredible luck had he stumbled upon to be bound to such a remarkable woman?
Hua Miaomiao didn’t know what he was thinking, but when she saw the slight curve of his lips, she knew she’d done well today. Once she took more good things out of her space, she could make even more delicious food for him.
Thinking of the space reminded her—she had said before that she wanted to give him a better bathing experience. Since he couldn’t see anyway, she could just bring him into the space to bathe.
Of course, she could personally help him bathe then. Chest muscles, abs, mermaid lines—she could look as much as she wanted.
As for whether she could touch—of course she had to. All those modern things would be unfamiliar to an ancient man like him, so wouldn’t he need her help anyway?
Hua Miaomiao’s mind was now full of scandalous thoughts, and the more she thought, the more excited she became. When she lifted her head, Xiao Jinyan clearly noticed the heat in her eyes.
He couldn’t help laughing inwardly. Who knew where her thoughts had wandered off to again?
Ever since he realized that his princess consort liked to touch him while he slept, he had known she had feelings for him too. The most obvious sign was that she seemed especially fond of his body.
Though it felt a little strange to think that way, his princess consort truly was adorably bold—consciously or unconsciously teasing him. If she had already made her feelings clear, he wouldn’t have wanted to hold back anymore.
Just holding her while sleeping and forcing himself to endure already took immense willpower.
Hua Miaomiao was both infatuated and secretly scolding herself, but then she thought—since she’d decided to flirt with him, she might as well go all the way.
So the “seduction plan” would start tonight, with sleeping in the same bed. Or maybe she could even move the “space bath” plan forward.
Watching her constantly shifting expressions, Xiao Jinyan found it endlessly amusing.
Just as the two were happily eating, Leng Feng walked in from outside. “Greetings, Your Highness, Princess Consort.”
“No need for formalities,” Hua Miaomiao said quickly. “It’s getting late—go eat first. If there’s anything, you two can talk after dinner.”
She knew he must have something to report to the prince, so she told him to eat first before discussing business.