Lying Down to Win Through Gourmet Food: The Whole Capital is My Backing

Jiang Mo transmigrates into the body of an adopted daughter in the Jiang family of the Dayong Dynasty. Despite being raised with kindness, she is treated as a political bargaining chip and sent to Qingli Villa, a secluded residence housing over a dozen women intended for Shen Zhengze, the feared and cruel Prefect of Jiangzhou. Upon arrival, Jiang Mo discovers that Shen has cut off the women's stipends, leaving them in poverty. Refusing to remain dependent, she decides to use her culinary skills to earn money. She begins by selling chicken soup wontons at the Jiangzhou pier in the early morning hours, a venture that quickly gains popularity among the local laborers due to the unique flavor and high quality of her food.

Her business acumen extends beyond wontons. Jiang Mo identifies a market opportunity for candied hawthorns, a snack unknown in this era. She purchases wild hawthorns and strawberries, crafting crispy, sugar-coated skewers that become an instant sensation at the Salsin Bridge night market. Her success attracts the attention of wealthy customers, including the maids of the Lu family, who eagerly purchase her goods. The combination of her culinary talent and her striking beauty, marked by a distinctive mole between her brows, begins to draw notice from influential figures in Jiangzhou.

A pivotal moment occurs when Jiang Mo is kidnapped by a thief during the night market rush. Shen Zhengze, who is inspecting the area with his subordinate Bai Qiao, intervenes. He negotiates with the outlaw and rescues Jiang Mo, sustaining a minor injury in the process. Although Jiang Mo remains veiled, Shen Zhengze notices her distinctive features. He declines to force her to reveal her face, displaying a demeanor that contradicts the rumors of his cruelty. Later, Jiang Mo learns from the bailiff Han You that her rescuer is indeed Lord Shen, though she initially doubts the connection due to the discrepancy in names and his apparent lack of interest in her.

Shen Zhengze, who suffers from a congenital loss of taste, finds himself unexpectedly able to perceive flavor after consuming Jiang Mo's wontons. This anomaly intrigues him, leading him to visit her stall personally. His presence causes a stir among the staff, and Jiang Mo serves him with polite detachment. Impressed by her food and her business potential, Shen Zhengze becomes a regular customer, paying generously. Jiang Mo uses the profits to rent a permanent shop, naming it Peach Blossom Haven, where she expands her menu to include steamed buns and porridge. Her establishment gains a loyal following, including servants from noble households like the Lu family.

The narrative explores the developing dynamic between Jiang Mo and Shen Zhengze. While Jiang Mo remains focused on her independence and financial security, planning to eventually leave the Shen residence, Shen Zhengze finds himself increasingly drawn to her resilience and talent. The story sets the stage for a complex relationship where Jiang Mo's culinary creations serve as a bridge between her desire for autonomy and Shen Zhengze's isolated existence, challenging the perceptions both society and the characters hold about each other.