[Historical Romance + Foodie Sweet Romance + Transmigration into a Fictional World + Martial Arts + Palace and Household Intrigue] No golden finger! No System! Not a wish-fulfillment story! A slow-paced historical romance, with food, household intrigue, martial arts, and treasure hunting woven throughout. It’s not long, and it’s complete, so you can read without worry!
Mixologist Lin Tian (the name sounds like “sweet”) transmigrates after a drunken night into the body of Hua Ziqiao’s fiancée. At the Hua residence, she learns to brew wine, cook, and practice martial arts. In several cooking contests, her modern dishes amaze everyone. In search of a secret brewing recipe that can solve the Lin family case, as well as a way back to the modern world, Lin Tian goes through several weddings and faces countless trials and tests of life and death alongside her friends. By the time she finds the secret recipe, Lin Tian has also found the one she loves. Will she leave or stay?
[Hua Ziqiao studied her beautiful face closely. After a long while, he finally let go and uttered two words: “Alluring.” Lin Tian: ...
Hua Ziqiao: “You visit brothels, sneak out to meet men and come home late, and now you’re bathing with me! You really are a fickle woman!”
Lin Tian: “If there’s no place for me here, there’s bound to be somewhere else!”
Lin Tian: “Wait... Hua Ziqiao, what are you doing?”
Hua Ziqiao: “My lady... I want to make up for what I owed you at our last wedding!” Lin Tian: ...]
[Lin Tian: “How is it? Spicy, savory, and fragrant, with tender, silky fish?”
“Young Master, Madam said she was making boiled fish, and she actually stewed the black koi the palace master was raising!”
Li Yuan: ...
The chopsticks in Li Yuan’s hand stopped in midair as he wore an expression of helpless amusement. There was nothing for it: he had to spoil his wife. “What are you waiting for? Go catch another one from the river to replace it!”]
The female lead's plot armor isn't too overpowered; the earlier chapters lay the groundwork for the romance between the male and female leads. I enjoy this kind of slow-burning, sweet story that doesn't rely on constant angst.