Chapter Sixty-Eight: At Last, My Beloved

Following the route left by Wang Jingze's scouts, Ming Tian and his two companions rode their horses and finally escaped the imperial palace.

Outside, chaos reigned. The peaceful streets of Jiankang had become a scene reminiscent of the explosion from the day they entered the palace. Discarded food and clothing littered the thoroughfares. Corpses of city guards lay everywhere—clearly, Wang Jingze's troops had taken the city. Only the palace remained; once it fell, a new dynasty would begin!

Originally, the Eastern Empress's reign had barely lasted four or five years. Now, the arrival of a time-traveler had thrown history into disarray, and it seemed the throne was about to change hands before the current emperor had even warmed his seat. That is, if he was still alive at all. By this time, according to plan, he should have already succumbed to poison.

Yet Ming Tian no longer cared. Showing the command token of the Princess to Wang Jingze's soldiers, he was allowed passage, and the three of them departed unimpeded.

After what he had experienced in the palace, Ming Tian felt that he had changed. The idea of great achievements no longer mattered to him. After all that had happened, he realized that it was perfectly fine not to fulfill grand ambitions. All he wanted now was to reunite with the Princess, marry her, and live a peaceful life in this era.

Indeed, this period was far behind the modern age in terms of technology; the land was in turmoil, and human lives were as cheap as refuse. Yet it offered Ming Tian the two things he desired most: love and friendship. No matter how advanced modern science became, it could never replace these in his heart. In fact, it was precisely because technology was so advanced in his former world that human connections had grown so thin.

The bandits of Zihua Mountain, the grand tournament at Douhu Prefecture, the meeting of the greats in Southern Lanling, the promise under the moon, the rescue of the Princess, and Zhao Ke's death—all these had imperceptibly helped Ming Tian adapt to this time.

Besides, was this grand culinary endeavor not impossibly difficult? He had already made Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, yet still hadn’t achieved his so-called “great work”? Ming Tian wondered what kind of character he’d be if he were in a novel. Perhaps this would be the grand finale. At least, his story… Wait, that sounds like a death flag! No, no, best not to tempt fate.

“Ming Tian? What’s with your outfit?”

Along the way, escorted by friendly troops, their journey was smooth enough that Yin Chan felt free to chat with Ming Tian.

Ming Tian carried on his back a wok that Yin Chan had made for him. “Hmm? You mean the wok? Ever read ‘Battle Through the Heavens’? The protagonist there carries a ruler. I don’t have battle energy or superpowers, so I carry a wok to look cool.”

“Uh… That’s not cool, that’s just ridiculous.”

“That’s harsh. What’s so ridiculous about it? There’s no stir-frying in this era, and I don’t have any special skills. This wok is as good as a golden finger for me.”

“So, you’re treating yourself as the protagonist in a novel? I’ve never seen a lead character whose cheat is carrying a black wok.”

Yin Chan’s retort left Ming Tian blushing, lost for words. Ever since Uncle Zhao Ke died, his banter had lost its edge. Still, Ming Tian was content. Perhaps this was one of his last heart-to-heart chats with Yin Chan. Despite knowing each other for some time, they had rarely spoken so openly.

Although Ming Tian’s mindset had shifted, making him uninterested in achieving great feats, Yin Chan still wished to pursue her own ambitions. They agreed that after leaving the city and reuniting with the Princess, they would find a small town to rest, and then part ways. She would pursue her dreams, while Ming Tian chose to spend his life with Xiao Xinzhu in this era.

In truth, after the battle at the palace, Ming Tian realized just how difficult the path of culinary mastery would be. Even after creating such a powerful dish that had vanquished thirty-two rival recipes in a single stroke—a feat unparalleled in this age—there was no sign of having achieved his life’s work. And that dish was the very limit of his abilities; to go further, he would have to create the ultimate version of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, a feat he was simply not capable of at present.

But it wasn’t for lack of ability that he no longer sought greatness. Through his friendship with Zhao Ke, Ming Tian had come to cherish what truly mattered to him—a complete and harmonious family.

“Miss Yin Chan, once we’re out of the city and I’ve seen the Princess and Brother Ming Tian to safety, I’ll resign my post and travel the world with you. No matter where you go, I’ll protect you.” An Luo slapped his own chest with such force that Ming Tian nearly fell off his horse from the shockwave.

He had expected Yin Chan to refuse, but to his surprise, she smiled, her tone soft and even a little flirtatious. “Alright then. Southern Qi is too chaotic for my taste. I think I’ll head north to Northern Wei for a while. If you want to come with me, I’ll be waiting for you at Dingyuan Commandery.”

It seemed Yin Chan was beginning to accept her identity as a woman. Well, I won’t tease you about being a man in your past life.

Listening to this banter, Ming Tian felt a gentle warmth. In the modern world, he had spent his life busy, wearing a mask in the workplace, never having truly close friends like this. The three of them, chatting as they traveled, soon left Jiankang behind. Looking back, flames had already engulfed the city, the raging blaze heralding the end of the most incompetent emperor of this age.

But none of that mattered to Ming Tian anymore.

“To finish one’s business and walk away, leaving fame and identity behind”—no words could better describe his current state.

They traveled for about an hour after leaving Jiankang. Night had fallen when they finally reached the rendezvous point at dusk.

Then he saw her: a silver figure at last coming into view.

The Princess, clad in silver armor, looked valiant and dignified. Her armor, built to shield her from the sun, looked nothing like a woman’s attire, but rather the battle gear of a war god. And yet, in that imposing armor, she stood on the grass, gently raising her hand. A sparrow landed obediently on her finger, tilting its head adorably.

“At last, I see you again.” Gazing at her, Ming Tian broke into the most heartfelt smile of both his lives.

The Princess heard his voice and turned to look at him.

“You’ve come, my Prince Consort.”

“Yes, I’m here—just as I promised.”

……

The end—no, not quite, that’s just the end of Volume Three.

Thus concludes the first three volumes—the first major arc, “The God of Cookery Welcomes His Bride.” The next arc will pick up from the explosion that rocked the city at the beginning.

Why call the first three volumes a single arc? Simple—

Because it sounds impressive!

Oh, and a heads up: next chapter, things get intense.