Gan Tian transmigrates, only to open her eyes to a living hell from the start.
Her father is in prison, her shop has been trashed, and the five family members left at home are sick, old, or lame, all gathered around her frail self and weeping.
Worse still, their inn is a notorious criminal den known throughout the area within ten miles of the capital.
Pinching her nose, Gan Tian gulps down a bowl of bitter medicine and climbs out of bed.
"A criminal den, huh? Leave it to me!"
*
"Do you sell tea here?"
A traveler on the road hesitates to approach, but a bowl of tea with a few leaves floating in it is pressed into his hands. "It's free... Really?"
A few traveling merchants had planned to make do with a night's stay here. But as soon as the dishes arrive, their faces light up in unison. "Fresh! This is so fresh!"
A passing constable can't help taking a closer look and asks in surprise, "Innkeeper, what are you stewing in that pitch-black pot?"
After eating, he says, "It's delicious. I'll be back next time..."
Half a year later, the notorious inn has become Dequ Mountain Lodge, a sensation in the capital.
Its growing fame even catches the attention of Inspector Lu Zhaoping, the man who personally had her father thrown in prison.
He's a formidable, imposing man, and the moment he walks in, the family cowers in fear.
Gan Tian gathers up her skirt and goes to greet him, smiling brightly. "Sir, would you like tea or a meal?"
After that, the upright and impartial Lord Lu keeps passing by on official business,
eating one bowl, then two, then three...
*
On a freezing day in early winter, a few flecks of snow drift outside.
Gan Tian thinks that with the weather so cold, they might as well close early. As she shuts the window, she catches sight of a figure riding up the road.
By the time she brings a big pot of lamb ribs stewed with radish to the table and ladles some hot broth into his bowl, she is smiling with crinkled eyes. "Lord Lu, you come by so often. Are you afraid I'll turn this inn back into a criminal den?"
Lu Zhaoping looks up at her, his gaze as fiery as a blaze. After a long pause, he replies pointedly, "Keeping a close eye on you puts me at ease."
*
Bright and sweet innkeeper x cool-faced, warm-hearted Lord Lu
*
Blurb completed on January 16, 2026
Theme: Strive to be law-abiding citizens
