Transmigration: The Princess Consort Cooks and the Prince Follows the Aroma

Mu Jianxi, a modern food blogger, suddenly transmigrates to the Ancient Kingdom of Qiyuan, finding herself on a cliff overlooking a bustling city. She is accompanied by Bao Bao, a sentient steward residing in a jade bracelet, who manages a Gourmet Space that provides unlimited ingredients and seasonings in exchange for cooking designated dishes to earn energy for leveling up. Equipped with a beginner's gift pack of silver, Mu Jianxi enters the city, unbothered by her unusual modern attire due to the kingdom's foreign trade relations. Disappointed by the bland local cuisine, she decides to establish her own food business. She purchases a large, inexpensive courtyard residence next to the notorious Xuanyou Prince’s estate, a property that previous owners abandoned out of fear of the prince.

The prince, Gu Ruizhe, is known as the Ghost-Faced Asura, a cold and ruthless military commander who has not smiled since his mother’s death. He is notoriously picky with food, having replaced many chefs who failed to satisfy his palate. One evening, the aroma of Mu Jianxi’s water-boiled pork drifts into his residence, compelling him to investigate. He and his guard, Night Rain, visit her home and are captivated by her cooking. Despite his fearsome reputation, Gu Ruizhe becomes a frequent visitor, often returning to "mooch" meals and paying generously with gold. Mu Jianxi, pragmatic and focused on her business goals, agrees to let him dine there in exchange for his financial support and protection.

As Mu Jianxi begins her culinary ventures, she creates various delicacies such as rose pastries, peanut candy, and mulberry cream puffs. Her snacks gain popularity, eventually reaching the Emperor and the Empress Dowager through Gu Ruizhe’s gifts. The royal family’s approval brings her significant attention. Gu Ruizhe, recognizing her potential and his own growing attachment, invites her to accompany him on a trip to his sister’s residence. During the journey, their relationship deepens as they share meals cooked outdoors, with Gu Ruizhe displaying rare moments of warmth and protectiveness. Mu Jianxi’s ability to cook and her sharp wit begin to chip away at his icy exterior.

Upon arriving at the princess’s residence, Mu Jianxi discovers that the princess is pregnant. Using her knowledge of traditional remedies and ingredients, she prepares appetizing snacks like candied hawthorn to alleviate the princess’s morning sickness. Her actions earn the favor of the royal siblings, who begin to see her as a suitable match for Gu Ruizhe. The couple’s growing closeness does not go unnoticed, and they subtly encourage the relationship. Meanwhile, Mu Jianxi continues to expand her culinary skills, discovering wild ingredients like matsutake mushrooms and employing a legendary poison-and-medicine expert, Zhao Fuhua, who agrees to follow her in exchange for food.

The story highlights Mu Jianxi’s determination to build a food empire in a foreign era, leveraging her modern knowledge and the Gourmet Space system. Her interactions with Gu Ruizhe evolve from a transactional arrangement based on food to a deeper emotional connection. As she navigates court politics and business challenges, Mu Jianxi remains focused on her goal of becoming wealthy and independent. The narrative sets the stage for further developments in her business ventures and her evolving relationship with the prince, who finds in her a source of joy and normalcy he has long lacked.