I started as a concubine, and I made the crown prince cry with my delicious food.

A day later, Ye An'an's braised chicken feet were finally ready.

She couldn't wait and scooped a few out of the pot of golden fermented rice broth.

After soaking for a day and a night, the originally white and tender chicken feet have turned into a light amber color, looking crystal clear, plump and bouncy.

The air was filled with a fresh, complex aroma that blended the scents of wine and various spices, instantly invigorating the senses and stimulating the appetite.

Ye An'an picked one up and put it directly into her mouth.

"Hmm!"

The cool, smooth chicken skin made a crisp "crunch" sound between your teeth.

Immediately following is a rich, salty and savory flavor, along with a unique, finishing touch of fermented rice wine aroma, which explodes instantly in the mouth.

The skin of the chicken feet is chewy and springy, while the tendons inside are soft and bouncy.

good to eat!

too delicious!

The flavor is refreshing, appetizing, and leaves a lingering aftertaste.

"Your Majesty, how is it? Is it delicious?" Fuyun and Chenzhu watched from the side, their mouths watering.

"Why don't you try them yourselves and see?" Ye An'an said with a smile, handing one to each of them.

The two maids cheered and immediately began to nibble.

"Wow...it's so delicious! This is so good!" Fu Yun's eyes lit up. "It's icy cold, salty and fragrant, and it even tastes like wine! It's so unique!"

Chen Zhu nodded repeatedly as she ate, "Yes, it tastes completely different from the braised chicken feet last time. This is more refreshing, and it would definitely be especially pleasant to eat in the summer."

"Of course." Ye An'an proudly raised her chin.

She immediately ordered a palace maid to send the freshly made "braised chicken feet" to the "Fragrance Comes" shop.

They also announced that this is the latest summer limited edition product launched by "Wenxianglai", and only fifty servings will be available each day.

The news caused an instant uproar among the gourmets in Beijing.

Has "Wenxianglai" released a new product?

Is it a summer limited edition?

You absolutely have to try it!

That afternoon, a long queue once again formed in front of "Wenxianglai".

When the first serving of braised chicken feet was served, everyone was drawn to its crystal-clear appearance and refreshing aroma of wine.

"These are... chicken feet?"

"Wow, chicken feet can look this good?"

"It smells so good, it has a hint of alcohol."

The first person to try the crab—or rather, the chicken feet—immediately showed the same shocked yet delighted expression as Ye An'an and the others after taking a bite.

"Delicious! This should only exist in heaven; it's a rare treat to be found on earth!"

With the first person's verification, others followed suit and placed orders.

Fifty servings of braised chicken feet were sold out in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

Those who missed out were filled with regret and could only reserve tickets for the next day.

Unsurprisingly, braised chicken feet have become the third blockbuster product of "Wenxianglai" after braised dishes and stinky tofu.

Moreover, its refreshing taste and unique flavor made it especially popular among the noblewomen and young ladies of Beijing.

For a time, going to "Wenxianglai" to eat a plate of braised chicken feet became the most fashionable pastime among the elite ladies of Beijing.

……

As "Wenxianglai"'s business flourished, it naturally attracted the envy and jealousy of many competitors.

But the one who was most envious was none other than Princess Jing.

Ever since Ye An'an exposed her shortcomings in public at Fengyi Palace, making her lose face, she has harbored resentment towards Ye An'an.

She couldn't understand how a crude military general's daughter, a concubine disliked by the Crown Prince, could win the favor of the Empress and the Emperor. How could she live such a successful life in the palace?

Now, she's even started a business called "Wenxianglai" outside, and the business is so good that even her concubines in the mansion are talking about wanting to try it every day.

What angered her even more was that she heard that Ye An'an's recently launched "braised chicken feet" was made with the lowest quality chicken feet, yet it was sold at an exorbitant price, and all those wealthy ladies were flocking to it.

"This is utterly absurd!" Princess Jing, in her own residence, smashed a teacup in anger. "A bunch of ignorant fools! They've been completely fooled by a lowly woman! I wouldn't even feed chicken feet to a dog!"

Her dowry maidservant quickly stepped forward to advise, "Your Highness, please calm down. It's not worth getting sick over such a trivial matter."

"I just can't swallow this!" Princess Jing said through gritted teeth. "That Ye An'an is always going against me! I want to see just how powerful she is!"

Her eyes lit up, and an idea came to her.

"Let's go, prepare the carriage! Today, I, the princess, will personally go and meet that 'Fragrance Seeker'!"

She wanted to see for herself what this so-called "delicious food" really was.

She refused to believe that a chicken foot could be made into something fancy.

She was going to expose the "Fragrance Comes" scam in front of everyone, making that bitch Ye An'an lose all face!

Thus, Princess Jing's luxurious carriage, surrounded by a large retinue, headed in a grand procession towards "Wenxianglai" on Zhuque Avenue.

At this time, there was still a long queue at the entrance of "Wenxianglai".

Princess Jing looked at the men and women craning their necks and looking on with longing, and a look of disdain appeared on her face.

She ordered her servants to clear the area, and then, amidst the curious or disgruntled gazes of the diners, she walked into the shop with her head held high.

"Where's the boss? Come out and see me!" As soon as she entered the door, she put on the airs of a princess and shouted in a shrill voice.

The shop was managed by Changting's distant cousin, Changshun, a clever young man.

He knew from the sight of this group that they were up to no good.

But he kept Ye An'an's instructions in mind: no matter what kind of guest he encountered, he should greet them with a smile and treat them with courtesy.

He hurried forward, bowing respectfully: "May I ask which distinguished guest has arrived? We apologize for any shortcomings in our hospitality."

"Enough with the nonsense!" Princess Jing ignored him completely. She glanced around the elegantly decorated courtyard, snorted coldly, and said, "Bring me that... braised chicken feet from your shop! I want to see what kind of golden claws dare to sell at that price!"

Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for all the diners in the courtyard to hear.

The contempt and provocation in his words were self-evident.

The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly became somewhat tense.

Everyone stopped eating and looked at the aggressive, uninvited guest.