The Fierce General's Little Cook

A frugal, tenacious young cook x a proud, picky general

Lin Mochu, the daughter of an official, is exiled to Lingnan and forced into servitude. She barely survives the journey.

Desperate to save money to buy back her freedom, she pulls strings to get a job as a cook in the military camp.

The general has a strange temper, but he gives out generous rewards.

He pays her one tael of silver for a pot of porridge, and another twenty taels when she rubs his stomach.

Who could turn down a job this good?

While happily counting her money, she suddenly realizes that the general is her sworn enemy.

She is so frightened she can't sleep all night, but he promotes her to personal maid.

He really hasn't recognized her.

The general claims he hates her cooking, yet sneaks into the kitchen at night and eats every last bite straight from the pot.

When she goes up the mountain to gather wild greens and doesn't return for half a day, he mobilizes the entire army to search the mountain.

The moment he finds her, he rushes over with his hair disheveled and pulls her into a tight embrace. His frenzied, blazing heartbeat nearly melts her.

Her hands, pressed against his chest, slowly curl into fists.

She cannot let go of her family's grudge. She must not grow attached to something that isn't hers.

Just as she is about to save enough to buy back her freedom and leave, the general suddenly tells her that the emperor has ordered young women to be selected to serve in the palace.

She is so terrified that her body turns cold and her legs go weak, and she can barely stand.

His dark eyes beneath thick brows gleam as he leans close and whispers in her ear, "If you don't want to enter the palace, I can help you."

His arms are strong and warm, his lips soft as clouds, yet she inexplicably shivers.

"Better to stay by my side than serve an old man in the palace. I'll take good care of you."

Only later does she learn that this has all been a trap he laid, step by step.

Notes:

1. One-on-one romance, both leads are inexperienced, happy ending.

2. All the dishes mentioned are real.

Theme: Break free of your chains and live as your true self.