Delicacies Destiny Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Delicacies Destiny Synopsis
Although Ling Xiaoxiao is just an ordinary cook, she has always aspired to become the best imperial chef in the world. She later enters the Zhenxiu Room in the palace after gaining the Crown Prince Zhu Shoukuai's appreciation.
Life in the palace is fraught with hidden dangers, unlike life among common folk. Fortunately, Crown Prince Zhu Shoukuai secretly helps her, resolving threats from Prince Jin, the Empress, and other forces several times.
As they spend time together, Ling Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince gradually fall in love. Although their relationship faces no direct obstacles, she is ordered not to go near the kitchen anymore, as she is destined to become the future Crown Princess.
After much deliberation, Ling Xiaoxiao decides she cannot abandon her dream for love, so she gives up the position of Crown Princess and chooses to leave the palace to continue her work as a cook. After Ling Xiaoxiao's departure, Crown Prince Zhu Shoukuai loses his appetite and eventually abdicates the throne, faking his death to escape the palace and return to Ling Xiaoxiao's side.
Delicacies Destiny Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Ling Xiaoxiao, a chef of remarkable skill and delicate technique, meticulously prepared various dishes, including a renowned "Carp Leaping Over Dragon Gate," in a bustling kitchen, even reminding others to pick up the pace. The shopkeeper, seeing the delectable spread, initially thought it was for customers, but Ling Xiaoxiao revealed she had paid for the ingredients herself and was enjoying her own cooking before opening hours. Enticed by the aroma and sight, the greedy shopkeeper brazenly asked to join her.
Seizing the opportunity, Ling Xiaoxiao presented a contract, offering to let him eat if he agreed to a condition. The shopkeeper, too focused on the food, impulsively agreed to "a hundred conditions" and stamped the document without reading it.
Ling Xiaoxiao then served him the "Carp Leaping Over Dragon Gate," informing him it was her last dish for him as she was leaving for the Imperial Palace, which was recruiting chefs, as her talents were too great to be confined to the restaurant. She explained that the contract he stamped stipulated her departure; if he attempted to forcibly stop her, he would be obligated to pay her one hundred taels of gold per month.
The shopkeeper, jolted by this revelation, tried to retract the agreement, reminding her of their five-year contract. In a desperate attempt to prevent her from leaving, he snatched the contract and ate it. However, Ling Xiaoxiao, having anticipated his behavior, had learned street magic and produced another contract, stating the first was fake. He ate that one too, only for her to reveal it was also a fake, as she possessed an endless supply of such documents.
Realizing his efforts were futile, the shopkeeper sat dejected. Ling Xiaoxiao then persuaded him, explaining that if she achieved the title of "number one chef" in the palace, his restaurant would gain immense fame as the establishment that nurtured her talent, subsequently attracting countless chefs and customers. Convinced by her argument, he reluctantly agreed to let her go.
Meanwhile, within the Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince, having slipped and fallen on a poorly cleaned floor, was in a furious rage, blaming palace staff and complaining about wasted food. Zheng Li (also known as Zheng Gonggong), his attendant, intervened, reminding him to eat before the numerous dishes, which had been waiting for a long time, grew cold. Despite the abundance of food, the Crown Prince found it utterly unsatisfactory, eating very little before overturning the entire table in frustration.
Feeling immense pressure, Zheng Li urged Eunuch Li, who was in charge of recruitment, to swiftly find a head chef for the Zhenxiu Fang (Imperial Kitchen). Ling Xiaoxiao soon arrived at the palace for her audition. She prepared a seemingly simple stir-fried scrambled egg with scallions.
Upon tasting it, Eunuch Li was astounded, unable to stop eating and marveling at how a common dish could be so exquisitely delicious, praising its delicate texture, rich layers, and the perfect softness of the eggs. Though he attempted to maintain a poker face, Ling Xiaoxiao recognized her success. After testing other chefs and finding none to his satisfaction, Eunuch Li decided to keep Ling Xiaoxiao.
He then dismissed the other candidates and demanded ten taels of silver as a bribe from Ling Xiaoxiao. Lacking the money, Ling Xiaoxiao defiantly refused, threatening to expose his corruption at the palace gate if he dared to dismiss her, declaring that the palace eunuch was selecting chefs based on money rather than skill.
Just then, Zheng Li arrived, informing Eunuch Li that the Crown Prince was desperate for a new chef, and immediately assigned Ling Xiaoxiao to Zhenxiu Fang as the Crown Prince's personal chef. On her first visit to Zhenxiu Fang, Ling Xiaoxiao was greeted by chaos as a chicken flew directly at her face. With swift and precise movements, she caught it by the neck, ending the staff's frantic pursuit. Eunuch Li, witnessing her agility, was impressed.
Chef Shen then led her on a tour of the kitchen, which Ling Xiaoxiao found to be dirty and disorganized. She immediately instructed three experienced palace maids to chop wood, kill a chicken, and clean the stove. The maids grumbled amongst themselves, believing Ling Xiaoxiao would not last long, and subsequently abandoned their tasks, even taking the chicken to cook for themselves. Later, Ling Xiaoxiao created a skin-smoothing honey water.
The palace maids, observing others praise its effects, covertly sampled it when the kitchen was empty and found it indeed made their skin smooth. Ling Xiaoxiao confronted them, accusing them of stealing imperial food, and used this leverage to coerce them into revealing information about former Chef Chen. The maids disclosed that the Crown Prince had greatly enjoyed Chef Chen's cooking but had later expelled him from the palace.
Ling Xiaoxiao located Chef Chen's recipe book and, finding nothing inherently wrong with the dishes, asked Chef Shen to recreate them. After tasting them, she finally understood the underlying problem. For her first meal for the Crown Prince, Ling Xiaoxiao prepared a commoner's dish: rice wrapped in vegetables. The Crown Prince, finding it too humble, dismissed it without tasting and attempted to send Ling Xiaoxiao away.
However, upon tasting the dish, he discovered it was exceptionally delicious and immediately ordered her to return. Ling Xiaoxiao agreed, but only on the condition that he promise not to dictate specific dishes in the future, instead eating whatever she prepared.
Episode 2 Recap
Everyone in the imperial kitchen is highly impressed by Ling Xiaoxiao, noting that Zheng Li personally went out of the palace to fetch her, a rare honor previously extended only to Imperial Chef Chen. They ask how she came up with the idea to make "bao'er fan" for the Crown Prince.
Ling Xiaoxiao explains that after reviewing Imperial Chef Chen's recipes and having Imperial Chef Shen make them, she found them delicious at first, but they quickly became greasy, heavy, and caused discomfort. Therefore, she did the opposite, creating a bao'er fan the Crown Prince had never tasted. To stimulate appetite, she added hawthorn, and she explains that wrapping the rice ball in lettuce leaves at the right moment locks in the aroma, which then bursts forth for maximum fragrance.
As everyone praises her cooking, Zheng Li arrives to inform her that the Crown Prince wants her to prepare a meal. Ling Xiaoxiao asks him to wait, as she has just returned, covered in dust, and hasn't had a chance to begin preparations, to which Zheng Li can only agree. That evening, the meal sent to the Crown Prince is exceedingly simple, consisting only of one dish and a plate of steamed buns, which infuriates him.
He immediately confronts Ling Xiaoxiao. She reminds him of their prior agreement: he must eat whatever she prepares, without picking or wasting food, questioning if a Crown Prince would go back on his word like a commoner. The Crown Prince threatens to have her expelled from the palace, just like Imperial Chef Chen.
Ling Xiaoxiao points out that he consistently holds others to Imperial Chef Chen's standards but emphasizes that the same dish prepared by different people will inevitably have different flavors. She also advises tasting all food before debating its merits. The Crown Prince is momentarily speechless. Upon tasting her meal, he finds it incredibly delicious and thoroughly enjoys it, immediately won over by her culinary skill.
Despite this, Ling Xiaoxiao provocatively claims her cooking is far inferior to Imperial Chef Chen's, then asks why he dismissed Imperial Chef Chen if that were the case. The Crown Prince is once again speechless, declaring he won't fall for her tricks. Ling Xiaoxiao proposes that she will make whatever he requests the next day, stating she needs to understand Imperial Chef Chen's weaknesses to improve her own skills and create more delectable meals.
The Crown Prince then reveals that Imperial Chef Chen had no shortcomings; he was the "number one imperial chef in the world," capable of making any ingredient exquisitely delicious. However, one day, the Crown Prince noticed Imperial Chef Chen's dishes tasted different. That day, the Crown Prince, holding peach blossom fermented wine, intended to share good news about his father, the Emperor, but instead saw Imperial Chef Chen in great pain, his hands trembling while cooking.
Imperial physicians later informed him that Imperial Chef Chen could only recover if he stopped cooking. Knowing the Crown Prince was dependent on his culinary artistry, Imperial Chef Chen chose to endure the pain rather than quit. Therefore, the Crown Prince was forced to make the difficult decision to secretly arrange for imperial physicians to treat Imperial Chef Chen while dismissing him from the palace. Since then, all food had tasted terrible to the Crown Prince.
Ling Xiaoxiao reflects that despite his short temper, the Crown Prince shows a humane side. Ling Xiaoxiao's cooking once again precisely hits the Crown Prince's palate, much to Zheng Li's delight, who delivers the Crown Prince's rewards to the imperial kitchen. In the kitchen, three older palace maids, witnessing Ling Xiaoxiao's growing favor, become intensely jealous, outwardly dismissing her achievements while spitefully tearing up vegetable leaves.
News soon arrives of the return of Prince An and Prince Jin to the palace, causing great excitement among the palace maids. Imperial Chef Shen, one of the few men in the kitchen, is subjected to a love confession from an infatuated palace maid, nearly twisting his ankle. Meanwhile, an Imperial Consort eagerly awaits her son's visit in her palace. Prince Jin, who hasn't seen his mother in two years, remembers her as slightly plump.
Upon knocking on her palace door, he sees a woman with his mother's features but much larger, leading him to believe he's at the wrong door and prompting a hasty apology. His mother pulls him inside, expresses her deep longing, and they share many dishes and drinks, occasionally playing pitch-pot. Prince Jin, quickly succumbing to the alcohol, tries to excuse himself, but his mother insists he stay, forcing more wine upon him, his cries almost shaking the palace doors.
At the Emperor's birthday banquet, the Crown Prince meticulously arranges luxurious dishes like "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall," "Ten Thousand Blessings Meat," and shark fin. Prince Jin, who is at odds with the Crown Prince, speaks up, referencing the starving common people and declaring such extravagant dishes unpalatable. He requests that these dishes be distributed to the populace so they may share in the imperial grace. The Emperor, known for promoting frugality, agrees with Prince Jin.
The Empress, seeing the situation turn against the Crown Prince, defends him, explaining that the Crown Prince doesn't typically eat such an abundance of dishes but prepared them specifically to honor the Emperor's birthday and celebrate the long-awaited return of his two brothers. Prince Jin then seizes the opportunity, leveraging the Crown Prince's earlier offer to handle his and Prince An's meals, by proposing that only a single dish is necessary.
The Crown Prince understands that Prince An and Prince Jin have vastly different tastes, making it challenging to satisfy both with one dish. However, unwilling to lose face, he accepts the challenge. Prince Jin escalates the issue, accusing the Crown Prince of boastfulness and stating that failure would constitute deception against the Emperor. The Emperor, disliking discord among his sons, intervenes, stating that one dish is not grounds for such a serious crime.
Prince Jin backs off but continues to taunt the Crown Prince, pressuring him to find a way for Ling Xiaoxiao to create a single dish that will satisfy both brothers' differing palates. While the Crown Prince is troubled by this new challenge, Ling Xiaoxiao brings him dessert. Upon hearing that she must prepare one dish to satisfy two distinct tastes, she innocently asks why not just make two dishes.
The Crown Prince recounts past memories: as children, the three brothers were very close. His younger brothers once missed dinner to bring him "su lao" (a type of dessert). Another time, after the Crown Prince lost a competition and was punished by the Emperor to copy texts, he enlisted his two brothers, who had come to bring him dessert, to help him copy. The Emperor discovered this, and all three were punished.
Before Prince Jin was sent to his fiefdom, he overheard the Crown Prince reporting to the Emperor that his recent academic decline was due to playing with his two younger brothers. Soon after, an imperial decree sent Prince An and Prince Jin to their respective fiefdoms. To meet the demanding challenge of creating a dish that balances both light and heavy flavors, Ling Xiaoxiao prepares more than a dozen different dishes, almost making the tasters sick.
Episode 3 Recap
Ling Xiaoxiao, tasked with preparing a dish to satisfy the conflicting tastes of Prince Jin and Prince An, is struggling to find a solution. Feeling pressured and unsure of success, she tries many dishes without success. The palace maids try to comfort Ling Xiaoxiao, believing she is unlikely to succeed, and start offering her gifts such as bracelets and the silver dragon knife.
Some even try to sow discord, questioning her ability to create such a dish, but Ling Xiaoxiao is unconcerned, appreciating their generosity. One tall palace maid, who has previously been at odds with Ling Xiaoxiao, attempts to give her an expensive comb, but is stopped by a stout palace maid. The stout palace maid claims that it is not certain Ling Xiaoxiao will survive, advising her to keep it. The tall palace maid agrees and takes back the comb.
Later that evening, Ling Xiaoxiao, overwhelmed by the task, runs through the palace, recalling her father's advice: when facing a difficult problem, clear your mind to spark inspiration. As she runs, she hears someone mention that roasted pig leg would be delicious if it were saltier. Aware of her disheveled state, Ling Xiaoxiao worries about being mocked if seen and chooses to avoid them.
Nearby, she overhears palace maids discussing a fragrant pouch from Jiangnan that is unique to the palace. One of the maids reveals that she put the pouch in her clothes overnight and the scent transferred, and that the fragrance lasts. Ling Xiaoxiao realizes that the method might help with her cooking challenge, and is so excited she impulsively kisses the girl who revealed the secret.
Back in the kitchen, Ling Xiaoxiao begins preparing ingredients with newfound focus, leading the other maids to speculate about her plan. They doubt that there is a single dish capable of presenting two completely different flavors. Soon, the appointed day arrives, and Ling Xiaoxiao presents her dish: crucian carp belly soup. Prince Jin, observing the soup's clear appearance, doubts it will please the Prince An, who likes strong flavors. Prince Jin suggests it will never satisfy Prince An's heavy taste.
The Crown Prince urges Prince Jin to reserve judgment and asks Prince An to taste it first. Prince An tastes it and is surprised to find a spicy and sour flavor that he enjoys. He is thrilled with the taste and drinks it quickly. Seeing this, the Crown Prince knows Prince An is very satisfied.
Prince Jin, not wanting the Crown Prince to be pleased, insists that because it is spicy, he, a lover of light flavors, will not enjoy it. The Crown Prince is unsure, but he asks Prince Jin to try it anyway. Jin tastes it and finds the fish tender and melts in his mouth, and enjoys the clear and lasting flavor as if he were a fish in water.
The Emperor, seeing both princes enjoying the soup, tries it himself and finds that it has no spicy taste. He immediately summons Ling Xiaoxiao to ask why he cannot taste the spiciness that Prince An experienced. Ling Xiaoxiao explains that the secret lies in the soup bowls themselves. The bowls are made of purple clay, known for absorbing flavors.
She soaked one of the bowls in chili water overnight, allowing it to absorb the spicy flavor, so that Prince An would experience a spicy taste when using it. The Emperor praises her ingenuity, and the Crown Prince is delighted. Afterwards, the Crown Prince confronts Ling Xiaoxiao about disguising herself as a dancer to gather information, which he had asked her to do. She also points out that the Prince is attempting to reconcile with his brothers, which he denies.
Ling Xiaoxiao brings up the fact that the Crown Prince sent his brothers out of the palace. The Crown Prince explains that Prince Jin's abilities surpassed his own and his mother was favored. His family feared Prince Jin would threaten his status, and advised him to stay away. He feared that the closer his brothers were to him, the more their lives would be in danger, and this is why he sent them away.
Prince An and Prince Jin, having overheard this, realize they had misunderstood the Crown Prince, and the three brothers reconcile. Ling Xiaoxiao wins her bet with the Crown Prince, asking him to do the dishes. The Crown Prince never imagined he would be doing the dishes, but accepts his loss and jokes with Ling Xiaoxiao.
The high-ranking official Zheng Li returns to court after making great achievements on the battlefield, and the Crown Prince knows that he loves to eat hairy crab roe. He orders a basket of crabs and asks Ling Xiaoxiao to prepare it. Because the crabs cannot be stored for long, Ling Xiaoxiao quickly prepares them. However, that night they are stolen. The next day, Zheng Li comes to deliver food and learns that the hairy crab roe is missing.
He reports this to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince finds an excuse at the banquet, saying that he is concerned that the hairy crab roe will clash with today's meaty dishes, and asks Zheng Li to try it another day. Zheng Li agrees, but the Emperor senses that there is more to the story and asks the Crown Prince for the real reason. As the Crown Prince is about to reveal the truth, the eunuch announces Ling Xiaoxiao's arrival to serve the meal.
Episode 4 Recap
At an imperial banquet, already halfway through, Ling Xiaoxiao arrived with palace staff, presenting an array of exquisite dishes, including Bald Butter and its accompanying silver thread noodles. The Emperor questioned her tardiness, to which Ling Xiaoxiao eloquently replied by comparing the Emperor and General Gao to the Bald Butter and silver thread noodles, symbolizing their harmonious relationship as monarch and subject. This pleased the Emperor greatly.
General Gao, who had long anticipated this dish, was invited by the Emperor to eat first. He mixed the noodles and Bald Butter, enjoying it thoroughly and recalling past days of military campaigns with the Emperor where they shared crabs when rations were scarce. However, Minister He, who had been transferred to the capital from Jiangnan, noticed that the Bald Butter did not taste like Jiangnan tribute crab and pointed this out.
While General Gao initially did not wish to escalate a matter of food, others in the hall, notably Minister Li, insisted on pursuing it, even threatening Minister He with accusations of deceiving the Emperor if his statements proved inconsistent. Minister He, greatly alarmed, knelt and guaranteed that the crab roe he had eaten was certainly not tribute crab.
Minister Li further suggested that Ling Xiaoxiao's actions disrespected the deep bond between the Emperor and General Gao, which made General Gao displeased. The Emperor summoned everyone from the Imperial Delicacy Kitchen to investigate. Ming Mei, a palace maid, immediately pushed all blame onto Ling Xiaoxiao, stating that Ling Xiaoxiao had handled the matter entirely by herself, allowing no one, not even the Crown Prince, to participate.
This was allegedly to protect the tribute crab given by the Crown Prince, thus clearing the Crown Prince and the rest of the kitchen, but implicating Ling Xiaoxiao. The Emperor was displeased by the Crown Prince's perceived lack of oversight. Ling Xiaoxiao then laughed contemptuously and confessed that the Bald Butter was indeed not made from tribute crab, but from egg yolks, and that the Crown Prince was unaware.
She explained that she had changed the ingredients for the Emperor's health. She had learned that the Emperor had recently developed a fondness for oily foods, leading to symptoms like weariness at noon, a bitter taste in his mouth at night, and increased susceptibility to colds. She also heard Chef Guan mention that the Imperial Kitchen had run out of live green crabs, which he usually mixed with yam in the Emperor's meals for their spleen-tonifying and fluid-generating properties.
Knowing that crab roe is "cold-natured" and oily, Ling Xiaoxiao inferred it exacerbated the Emperor's condition. Thus, she boldly substituted it with "warm-natured" egg yolks to both satisfy the Emperor's craving and alleviate his ailments, without informing anyone. General Gao expressed his immense admiration for Ling Xiaoxiao's culinary skill, admitting he had not detected the substitution and had only found the taste mellow and rich.
He also felt deeply touched that the Emperor hosted him for the banquet despite being ill. The Crown Prince advised the Emperor to only consume real Bald Butter once his health improved. The Emperor, understanding Ling Xiaoxiao's intentions, did not blame her for her daring act. He promised to personally host General Gao again in a few days with real Bald Butter. Ling Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince exchanged a knowing smile.
Following the banquet, the Crown Prince, furious with Ming Mei for her attempts to frame Ling Xiaoxiao, summoned her for questioning. When Ming Mei refused to confess, the Crown Prince ordered Zheng Li to slap her. However, Ling Xiaoxiao intervened, arguing that torturing Ming Mei without concrete evidence would only cause the palace staff to lose trust in the Crown Prince. Respecting Ling Xiaoxiao's insistence, the Crown Prince released Ming Mei.
Ling Xiaoxiao then set out to make the real thief confess. She questioned the guards and eunuchs responsible for the Imperial Delicacy Kitchen's entrances and learned that no outsiders had entered recently. Suspecting an insider, she investigated Minister He and Minister Li, concluding that Minister He was merely naive while Minister Li enjoyed causing trouble, which further confirmed her belief that the culprit was within the Imperial Delicacy Kitchen.
One day, Xi Yan, Ming Mei's roommate, began acting unusually silent and sad. Ming Mei inquired about her distress and learned that the Emperor had ordered the Crown Prince to deliver Bald Butter to General Gao the next day, but the Crown Prince's messengers sent to Jiangnan would not return for at least ten days, potentially leading to accusations of deceiving the Emperor. Realizing the gravity of the situation she had caused with the missing Bald Butter, Ming Mei panicked.
Under the cover of darkness, she attempted to return the stolen Bald Butter to its original place. As she set it down, the door opened, and the Crown Prince, accompanied by staff from the Imperial Delicacy Kitchen, caught her red-handed. Unable to deny her actions, Ming Mei confessed. She revealed her motive stemmed from Ling Xiaoxiao shattering her dreams.
Ming Mei had grown up in a noble family, accustomed to luxury, until her father was convicted of stealing military provisions, which led to their family's ruin. She was then sent to the Imperial Laundry, where she learned to survive under the harsh discipline of a governess. One day, while working, she salvaged some worm-eaten walnuts and, out of curiosity, ate them with candied fruit, discovering a unique sweet-sour flavor that masked the walnuts' bitterness.
The Crown Prince happened to pass by, noticed her discerning palate, and transferred her to the Imperial Delicacy Kitchen. Ming Mei had since regarded the Crown Prince as her sole hope for a better life. Ling Xiaoxiao's sudden appearance and the attention she garnered from the Crown Prince made Ming Mei intensely uncomfortable, leading her to devise the scheme to get rid of Ling Xiaoxiao. The Crown Prince, upon learning the truth, intended to dismiss Ming Mei. However, Ling Xiaoxiao and the other staff members pleaded on Ming Mei's behalf, and she was ultimately allowed to remain in her position.
Episode 5 Recap
Ling Xiaoxiao was diligently leading others in digging lotus roots by the river, meticulously reminding them to be careful, a gesture of consideration that caught the eye of the Crown Prince. He approached her with a subtle smile, a sign that others around them immediately recognized as affection. Ling Xiaoxiao, however, focused on her ambition to become the top imperial chef, simply asked if he needed anything, assuming his presence was for food.
She then enthusiastically suggested various lotus root dishes, from lotus root powder to stir-fried, cold-mixed, or steamed options, and diced lotus for old duck soup. The Crown Prince, feeling awkward about her constant talk of food, playfully teased her. Ling Xiaoxiao defended herself, stating that as his imperial chef, her primary concern must be ensuring he eats well. He then posed a question: was he or food more important to her?
After a moment of bewilderment, Ling Xiaoxiao cleverly replied that the Crown Prince was, of course, the most important. This answer delighted him; calling her a sycophant, he happily ordered roasted duck lotus root soup and steamed lotus root for dinner. Zheng Li, observing the interaction, gave Ling Xiaoxiao a subtle approving nod for not angering the Crown Prince, which only left her more confused. Meanwhile, the Imperial Concubine, Li Gui Fei, was suffering from immense boredom in the palace.
She attempted to amuse herself by playing dice with a palace maid, who, fearing repercussions, intentionally changed her correct guess. Li Gui Fei was also frustrated by Prince Jin's repeated absence; a eunuch informed her that Prince Jin had been drinking excessively and required several days to recover before he could visit her. Unable to find the Emperor, who was with the Empress, Li Gui Fei decided to go to sleep.
However, the eunuch intervened, advising her to go to the Imperial Garden for exercise. He claimed Prince Jin had specifically ordered servants to encourage her outings due to her recent poor appetite, suggesting that a walk among the flowers might improve her mood, make her more beautiful, and potentially attract the Emperor's attention. Pleased by this prospect, Li Gui Fei headed to the garden. While chasing butterflies, she accidentally plucked a rose that the Empress had personally planted.
The Empress and Emperor discovered her in the act. Believing Li Gui Fei deliberately provoked her, the Empress began to scold her and sarcastically offered her the phoenix hairpin, a symbol of her status. Li Gui Fei, recalling past admonitions about not defying imperial will or the Empress, surprisingly removed the phoenix hairpin, stunning everyone present. Enraged by this blatant defiance, the Empress, convinced of Li Gui Fei's intentional insult, punished her with a month of confinement.
The Emperor, who had been trying to mediate and subtly hint for Li Gui Fei to apologize, collapsed and fainted after seeing Li Gui Fei confidently walk away despite his pleas. Upon seeing the Emperor faint, Li Gui Fei rushed to his side anxiously. The Imperial Physician diagnosed the Emperor's fainting as a result of overwork, an unregulated and overly greasy diet, and excessive drinking.
He prescribed body-strengthening remedies and mandated a light diet for three months, strictly prohibiting meat and oily foods for a full recovery. The Empress decided to join the Emperor in this three-month vegetarian fast and decreed that everyone in the palace must accompany the Emperor in his abstinence. Li Gui Fei, who adored meat, was greatly distressed by the prospect of a three-month vegetarian diet and wailed to the Emperor.
He initially thought she pitied him but became deeply depressed upon realizing her sorrow was for the lack of meat, not his well-being. The Emperor struggled with the bland vegetarian meals, eventually ordering the imperial chefs to eat their own dishes. The Crown Prince, hearing of the Emperor's lack of appetite, instructed Ling Xiaoxiao to prepare a special meal. Ling Xiaoxiao presented her dishes, including spring rolls, which significantly boosted the Emperor's appetite.
Delighted, the Emperor praised the food and immediately assigned Ling Xiaoxiao to work in the Imperial Kitchen. The Crown Prince, though initially reluctant to let her go, could not defy the Emperor. Knowing Ling Xiaoxiao's impulsive nature, he specifically asked the Emperor to be lenient with her should she ever offend.
In the Imperial Kitchen, the Crown Prince further tasked Ling Xiaoxiao with creating unique and delicious vegetarian dishes that were completely free of meat and grease, as the Emperor was tired of the current options. Ling Xiaoxiao expressed concern, as she usually cooked to the Crown Prince's palate and feared the Emperor might not like her food, but he assured her to simply cook, and he would handle the rest.
Meanwhile, Prince Jin visited his mother, Li Gui Fei, who was still longing for meat and futilely trying to satisfy her cravings. He warned her to be cautious with her words and actions, specifically to avoid secretly eating forbidden foods, to prevent others from gaining leverage against her. Despite Prince Jin's warning, Li Gui Fei's craving for meat became unbearable. She secretly arranged for Gui Qi to obtain a pork hock from outside the palace.
She then hid in the back garden to secretly devour it, unable to stop eating despite Gui Qi's attempts to persuade her to stop. Ling Xiaoxiao happened to pass by the back garden. Fearing she had been seen and concerned about exposure, Li Gui Fei hastily threw the pork hock away and returned to the palace with Gui Qi.
Although the Emperor's health had greatly improved from the vegetarian diet and Ling Xiaoxiao's dishes were delicious, he still felt something was missing. Passing through the back garden, the Emperor smelled the discarded pork hock, succumbed to temptation, and ate it. He quickly fell ill again. The Crown Prince, upon learning of the Emperor's relapse due to forbidden food, vowed to uncover the person who secretly ate the pork hock in the garden.
Li Gui Fei, suspecting that Ling Xiaoxiao had seen her in the garden, feared exposure and became determined to get rid of her. She attempted to frame Ling Xiaoxiao by complaining to the Emperor that a soup Ling Xiaoxiao served was too hot, playfully asking the Emperor to banish her. The Crown Prince intervened, emphasizing that Ling Xiaoxiao's cooking was currently the only food the Emperor could eat, and his health was paramount.
When this attempt failed, Li Gui Fei enlisted Gui Qi to devise another plan. Gui Qi then secretly replaced the soybean oil in the Imperial Kitchen with specially processed fish oil, intending to use it against Ling Xiaoxiao when she cooked for the Emperor and Crown Prince the next day, thus obtaining undeniable evidence to frame her.
Episode 6 Recap
Ling Xiaoxiao, a skilled cook, was preparing dishes with effortless grace and fragrant aromas. A palace maid, secretly placed in the Imperial Kitchen by Consort Li, reported to an eunuch near Consort Li that Ling Xiaoxiao had used a specific bowl of fish oil to cook for the Crown Prince. Consort Li, previously asleep, was awakened by an eunuch and, excited by the belief that Ling Xiaoxiao had fallen into her trap, immediately went to find the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince was happily eating Ling Xiaoxiao's food when Consort Li accused him of violating prohibitions by secretly eating meat and fish. Unaware, the Crown Prince insisted his food was vegetarian. Consort Li adamantly claimed his dishes contained fish oil and demanded that an imperial chef from the Imperial Kitchen identify it. The Emperor, seeing his own table set with empty dishes and the Crown Prince deeply engrossed in his meal, was summoned to arbitrate.
Ling Xiaoxiao also arrived, smiling meaningfully as Consort Li accused the Crown Prince to the Emperor, claiming to have "unintentionally learned" about the fish oil. When questioned by the Emperor, Consort Li stated a palace maid had informed her, but she didn't bring the maid for fear of retaliation. The imperial chef from the Imperial Kitchen confirmed the oil was tea oil, not fish oil, stating he could not be mistaken after years of cooking.
Ling Xiaoxiao further explained that the Crown Prince had not eaten any forbidden foods, and the oil used was indeed tea oil. She revealed that the fish oil Consort Li mentioned had been swapped out by her, as she could discern the subtle differences in smell and viscosity after cooking for a long time. The Emperor pressed Consort Li to explain the fish oil.
Consort Li, realizing Ling Xiaoxiao had seen through her plot, confessed that she had secretly eaten a pork hock and feared Ling Xiaoxiao would report her, prompting her desire to get rid of Ling Xiaoxiao. Ling Xiaoxiao, however, was puzzled, stating she had not seen Consort Li eat the pork hock, realizing it was a misunderstanding. Consort Li further admitted she had targeted the Crown Prince because he consistently protected Ling Xiaoxiao. The Emperor was speechless at Consort Li's unreasonableness.
He also pointed out that if Ling Xiaoxiao had genuinely cooked with fish oil for him, it could have been life-threatening, which terrified Consort Li into pleading for mercy. The Emperor initially intended a lighter punishment, confining Consort Li for one month, also considering she was Jin Wang's mother and Jin Wang had rendered service in pacifying Hexi. However, the Empress arrived at this critical moment. Knowing Consort Li's actions, the Empress strongly disagreed with such a lenient sentence.
The Emperor's proposed confinement escalated from one month to three, then six months, but the Empress remained unsatisfied. Finally, the Emperor settled on one year of confinement, making the decision final before the Empress could object further. Consort Li, not understanding this was already a lenient outcome, clung to the Emperor's leg, pleading that a year was too long. The Emperor, concerned that her continued pleas would worsen her situation, had her taken away.
The Emperor praised Ling Xiaoxiao for her timely detection of Consort Li's scheme and for protecting him, rewarding her with one hundred taels of gold. However, the Crown Prince was unhappy, believing Ling Xiaoxiao had cooked for him specifically to lure Consort Li into a trap. Ling Xiaoxiao quickly praised his insight, admitting his guess was accurate, which made the Crown Prince even angrier that she hadn't told him.
He expressed worry that Consort Li, as the Emperor's most favored consort, might not have been believed. Ling Xiaoxiao clarified that she hadn't cooked for the Emperor at all that day, which was why the Emperor's plates were empty; she only cooked for the Crown Prince as part of the setup. While the Crown Prince accused her of only remembering him when she needed him, Ling Xiaoxiao denied any intention to use him.
She explained that she initially prepared food for him because she heard his appetite was poor, and only when she discovered the plot did she decide not to expose it immediately but to swap the food and use the situation to expose Consort Li. The Crown Prince also showed jealousy about Ling Xiaoxiao agreeing to join the Imperial Kitchen.
Ling Xiaoxiao reassured him that her agreement to enter the Imperial Kitchen was to prevent him from arguing with the Emperor and damaging their relationship, as her entry had already been decided. Seeing her concern for him, and understanding she would only be temporarily in the Imperial Kitchen before returning to the Exquisite Delicacy Room, the Crown Prince became happy. After many days of confinement, Consort Li found life boring and regretted her earlier foolish desire to enter the palace.
The Emperor sent her dishes, making her delighted and eager to eat. The Emperor, who appreciated Consort Li's simple-minded nature and believed she hadn't intentionally tried to harm him, was happy to see her enjoy the food. Meanwhile, the Grand Secretariat recommended Chef Lu to work in the Imperial Kitchen. Guan Yidao, the current chef, tested Chef Lu's cooking and noted his excellent knife skills but weak heat control.
However, other Imperial Kitchen staff tried Chef Lu's food and praised it. Chef Lu quickly received several praises from the Emperor, causing Guan Yidao to fear for his position and attempt to suppress him, including placing Chef Lu's dishes furthest from the Emperor. When Chef Lu suggested adding two taels of soybeans to the braised beef recipe, Guan Yidao publicly refused but secretly incorporated the idea, receiving great praise from the Emperor.
Chef Lu, while outwardly compliant, secretly used a young eunuch to lure the Emperor to the Imperial Kitchen to witness an argument between him and Guan Yidao. Unable to resist the allure of delicious food, the Emperor declared that whoever won the Spring Banquet would become the chief of the Imperial Kitchen. Ling Xiaoxiao was ordered by the Emperor to participate, but Guan Yidao only assigned her desserts and vegetarian dishes.
Ultimately, Chef Lu, demonstrating his superior skills, became the new chief of the Imperial Kitchen, a shocking development to everyone in the Exquisite Delicacy Room. Soon after, news arrived that Chef Lu and Guan Yidao were clashing, prompting Ling Xiaoxiao to drop her work and investigate.
Episode 7 Recap
Lu Yunzhou rose to prominence in the palace, becoming a favored figure and the Chief Imperial Chef. This newfound status fueled his arrogance, leading him to publicly retaliate against Guan Yuchu (also referred to as Guan Yidao), who had previously suppressed him. Lu Yunzhou made Guan Yuchu eat his own rejected Squirrel Mandarin Fish off the ground in front of everyone, leveraging Guan Yuchu’s past improper conduct against him.
Ling Xiaoxiao, witnessing Guan Yuchu's humiliation, felt sympathy and intended to intervene, but Ming Mei advised against it, reminding her that Lu Yunzhou was currently favored by the Emperor, and any intervention would only offer temporary relief to Guan Yuchu. Lu Yunzhou continued to assert his authority with a whip in the Imperial Kitchen, creating an environment where even the slightest error was forbidden, and he was widely seen as a "villain triumphant."
He harbored ambitions of becoming the sole "First Imperial Chef." To achieve this, he openly and falsely accused Shen Yitao (also referred to as Shen Yuchu) from Zhenxiu House of stealing Imperial Kitchen ingredients, specifically shrimp, despite it being a long-standing and customary practice to take daily portions. As a result, Shen Yitao was sent back to Zhenxiu House, suffering injuries, including a broken arm. Ling Xiaoxiao, recognizing Lu Yunzhou's malicious intent, confronted him.
She challenged his boast about superior cooking, stating that excellent culinary skills were useless without culinary ethics and an understanding of the "principles of conduct." Infuriated by being lectured, especially by a woman, Lu Yunzhou attempted to strike Ling Xiaoxiao with his whip. Ming Mei bravely stepped in, shielding Ling Xiaoxiao with her body. Ling Xiaoxiao, angered, wanted to fight back but was again restrained, as escalating the conflict to the Emperor might not be to their advantage.
Lu Yunzhou then further mocked their perceived lack of skill and stubbornness. Recognizing Lu Yunzhou's true purpose was to establish himself as the sole top chef, Ling Xiaoxiao accepted his challenge for a decisive cooking competition. The terms were clear: only one "First Imperial Chef" could remain in the palace, and the loser would be permanently banned from cooking and immediately banished from the imperial palace.
Lu Yunzhou initially proposed an Imperial Kitchen competition judged solely by the Emperor, focusing on three dishes, initially suggesting they be tea dishes. Ling Xiaoxiao, however, argued that this was unfair as the Emperor was accustomed to Lu Yunzhou's cooking, and she successfully demanded that the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince serve as judges. Lu Yunzhou, confident in his victory, readily agreed, threatening Ling Xiaoxiao to prepare for her departure from the palace after the contest.
Upon hearing of Ling Xiaoxiao's troubles, the Crown Prince rushed to Zhenxiu House to check on her. Seeing she was safe, he immediately intended to report Lu Yunzhou to the Emperor. Ling Xiaoxiao stopped him, explaining that she had already informed the Emperor about the competition, and any intervention from the Crown Prince would be seen as meddling in a chef's rivalry, potentially displeasing the Emperor, especially since Lu Yunzhou was the Emperor's favorite.
She reminded him, as a future ruler, not to let a small matter overshadow larger concerns. The Crown Prince, though calmed, expressed sadness that Ling Xiaoxiao never consulted him on such significant decisions and fear that if she lost, she would leave the palace and him. Ling Xiaoxiao, surprised by his intensity, acknowledged that either her or Lu Yunzhou's departure would displease either the Emperor or the Crown Prince.
Despite his previous frustration, the Crown Prince later had Zheng Li deliver a wrapped meal to Ling Xiaoxiao, instructing him to ensure she ate it. Ling Xiaoxiao, realizing the meal's superior taste, recognized it as Lu Yunzhou's work, which only intensified her determination. On the day of the competition, Ling Xiaoxiao entered with newfound confidence, which pleased the Crown Prince. Both chefs cooked under the watchful eyes of the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince.
In the first round, Ling Xiaoxiao presented a Ginseng Vermilion Bird Soup made with squab, while Lu Yunzhou prepared Steamed Lobster. Lu Yunzhou's dish, noted for its rich broth and auspicious presentation, earned him victory in the first round, causing the onlookers to worry for Ling Xiaoxiao. As the second round began, Ling Xiaoxiao encountered an early setback, accidentally scalding her hand. She retreated to Zhenxiu House, attempting to devise a new strategy.
The Crown Prince visited her there, urging her not to dwell in despair. A moment of inspiration struck Ling Xiaoxiao, revealing Lu Yunzhou's strategic flaw. She returned to the competition, carrying a basket of green vegetables. Lu Yunzhou's final two dishes were exceptionally well-made and highly praised by the Emperor. However, Ling Xiaoxiao took an unconventional approach, observing Lu Yunzhou's focus on rich, heavy dishes.
She leveraged her understanding of the Emperor's palate by presenting a refreshing vegetarian dish, created with themes of "all things" and "cause and effect," which greatly pleased the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince. The Emperor ultimately declared Ling Xiaoxiao the winner, much to the surprise of Lu Yunzhou, who had been certain of his victory. Everyone rejoiced at Ling Xiaoxiao's triumph. Lu Yunzhou, now defeated, began packing his belongings to leave the palace.
However, palace servants, remembering his past harshness, blocked his path, searched his luggage, and taunted him with his own previous "teachings." Guan Yuchu, acknowledging his past misdeeds as the initial cause of the conflict, chose not to intervene, allowing Lu Yunzhou to face the consequences of his actions. Ling Xiaoxiao, demonstrating her culinary ethics, approached Lu Yunzhou to advise him not to waste his exceptional skills and to cultivate moral integrity.
Lu Yunzhou revealed his backstory: he had been forced to learn cooking by his father since childhood, a path he disliked. As an only child, his mother endured much hardship for him. After an accidental display of extraordinary skill, he became his father's "money tree" and gained autonomy, leading him to view cooking merely as a means to achieve power and material gain, thus fueling his arrogant behavior.
The Emperor, who genuinely appreciated Lu Yunzhou's cooking and was aware of his lack of ethics, had ultimately judged Ling Xiaoxiao the winner not only because of her reasonable arguments but also to make Lu Yunzhou experience the profound loss of everything he valued.
Episode 8 Recap
The Queen is serving the Emperor as he reviews memorials, and she questions him about why he chose Ling Xiaoxiao as the winner of the cooking competition, recalling that the imperial chef mentioned it. The Emperor remembers that Ling Xiaoxiao acknowledged the exceptional skill of Chef Lu, but questioned whether culinary skill alone should determine selection within the Imperial Kitchen, a place where the world's best chefs gather.
Though the Emperor agreed, he only says he chose her because her sesame oil greens were delicious. The Queen, sensing there's more to it, thoughtfully repeats Ling Xiaoxiao's name. Outside the Imperial Kitchen, everyone awaits Ling Xiaoxiao's return, eager to learn from her. Since Chef Guan lost to Chef Lu, and Chef Lu lost to Ling Xiaoxiao, they all believe she is now the number one imperial chef in the palace.
Furthermore, being a woman, she has brought honor to all the women in the palace, and the male cooks no longer dare to look down on them. Ling Xiaoxiao is now a highly sought-after figure. As she enters, the Crown Prince applauds and congratulates her on becoming the world's number one imperial chef. Ling Xiaoxiao asks why he suddenly came to the Imperial Kitchen, but the Prince couldn't answer.
He asks his eunuch Zheng Li to cover for him, claiming he sent the prince to inspect the palace staff. Ling Xiaoxiao smiles, and the Prince, embarrassed, quickly leaves. Ming Mei and others explain to those who came to learn from Ling Xiaoxiao that they should come back another day.
The maids secretly watch them from the window, feeling that Zheng Li is enduring too much, and that the Prince is saying one thing but thinking another, afraid to express his feelings to Ling Xiaoxiao. Ling Xiaoxiao's slowness makes the palace maids feel suffocated for the Prince, and they can't help but sigh that Ling Xiaoxiao is a blockhead.
The Queen personally brings ginseng soup to the Emperor, who has been diligently managing state affairs and hasn't visited the inner palace for half a month. On the way, she hears Consort Li's laughter, noting that she likes her cheerfulness and simplemindedness. Suddenly, she hears the Emperor's voice as he playfully teases Li Consort, clearly enjoying himself.
The Queen feels a chill, especially when she learns that those in the Hall of Diligent Governance intentionally misled her, saying the Emperor was busy with state affairs and had no time for the inner palace, when in reality he was frolicking. The Queen returns to her palace and orders the soup to be withdrawn. She knows the Emperor orchestrated this intentionally, but what truly chills her is that he no longer even informs her of his whereabouts.
The Queen's nanny advises her that maintaining order in the inner palace is her duty, and if the concubines don't understand the rules, the Queen must personally teach them, otherwise, constantly indulging them will only cause the royal family to lose face. The Queen agrees, feeling that at the very least, those in the inner palace must appear dignified and graceful.
The next day, she sends people to supervise Consort Li, urging her to take regular walks and control her diet. Consort Li is made to run around the courtyard and given only a bowl of porridge for meals. Unable to bear it any longer, Consort Li goes to the Emperor to cry and beg for meat. Afterwards, the nanny whispers something in the Queen's ear, and the Queen smiles, feeling it's for her own good.
When she first entered the palace, she was so thin she was pitiful, almost unrecognizable. The imperial physician said that as long as she persisted for half a year, she could recover as before. The Emperor hasn't visited Consort Li recently. However, the Queen knows he won't come to her palace either. Suddenly feeling idle, she decides to visit the Crown Prince.
At the Prince's residence, Ling Xiaoxiao has just delivered a meal, but he looks miserable because he wants to eat meat, while Ling Xiaoxiao has made a table full of vegetarian dishes. Ling Xiaoxiao says that he had a full meat feast yesterday, which the Queen overhears. Ling Xiaoxiao explains that she made vegetarian food on purpose to balance his palate. The Prince thinks Ling Xiaoxiao is just making vegetarian food because it's easier than cooking meat dishes.
The Prince asks Ling Xiaoxiao to remake a meat dish, and Ling Xiaoxiao sees the eggs on the table and explains that eggs are meat, and also tells him that only a balanced diet can maintain a happy mood. She hopes His Highness can be happy every day, which is why she made vegetarian dishes. The Prince is speechless. The Queen hears this, and rather than coming inside, she turns around and returns to her palace.
The Queen knows that the Prince loves meat, and originally did not want to eat vegetables. Even when he reluctantly ate a bite, it was because he was forced. But now he listens so obediently, eating whatever Ling Xiaoxiao makes. She begins to worry that the Prince has developed feelings for Ling Xiaoxiao, and she summons Ling Xiaoxiao to her palace for questioning. The Prince learns that Ling Xiaoxiao has gone to the Queen's palace, and rushes over.
The Queen asks him, with hidden meaning, if he is like the Emperor and doesn't wish to trouble her. Ling Xiaoxiao cooks for the Queen alone for the first time. The Queen clearly eats it with great satisfaction, but she lies and criticizes Ling Xiaoxiao, saying her cooking is not very good. Ling Xiaoxiao explains how she made the dish, refuting the Queen, which only makes the Queen even more displeased. The Prince repeatedly defends Ling Xiaoxiao.
The Queen's personal nanny sees the key to the situation and reminds the Queen to give Ling Xiaoxiao another chance to cook. Just then, the imperial physician the Queen summoned arrives. Ling Xiaoxiao had noticed the Queen's recent health issues and kept it in mind. Five days later, Ling Xiaoxiao specially cooks a meat dish that is beneficial to the Queen's health. The Queen immediately covers her mouth, feeling nauseous.
Without letting Ling Xiaoxiao explain, she has her punished and sent to the Court of Sinner. Ming Mei and the others are very worried and rush back to report to the Prince. The Prince is particularly worried and begs the Queen for mercy, but the Queen is determined, and uses the excuse that Ling Xiaoxiao angered her and made her ill, forcing the Prince to not dare to plead any further.
For five days in a row, the Prince is listless and barely eats, often hallucinating that Ling Xiaoxiao is right in front of him. He has a nightmare in which Ling Xiaoxiao suffers a tragic fate in the Court of Sinner, and he can no longer wait. Regardless of the fact that it is not yet dawn, he hastily dresses and rushes to wait outside the Queen's palace.
After the Queen finishes washing and dressing, she hears from Nanny Gu that the Prince has been waiting outside the palace since dawn, and quickly summons him. The Prince begs the Queen to let Ling Xiaoxiao go, but the Queen refuses. Helpless, the Prince coldly turns and takes his leave, leaving the Queen heartbroken. She does not understand why the Prince, whom she has raised for more than ten years, cares more about a mere imperial chef.
The Prince has always acted according to the Queen's wishes, always trying to please the Queen and the Emperor, but only making himself unhappy. He tells the Queen that many things she thinks are for his own good, he doesn't want at all.
Episode 9 Recap
The Prince arrived outside Yeting Palace and, upon hearing Ling Xiaoxiao loudly cry out "Lighter, it hurts!" , became anxious and immediately rushed in, kicking open the Yeting Palace gate while shouting, "Who dares touch Xiaoxiao!" Inside, he found Ling Xiaoxiao sitting upright on a chair, surrounded by palace maids who were kneading her shoulders and back, and presenting dishes from the imperial kitchen to seek her advice.
Ling Xiaoxiao had been surrounded by imperial kitchen staff wanting to learn dishes, so she had devised a plan for them to bring their cooked dishes for her to taste and evaluate. She carefully tasted and inspected each dish, giving pertinent advice: the candied apples were not fresh enough and added to the pot too late; the bird's nest soup was too sweet and needed less water; and the braised pork was overcooked, a bit burnt.
A matron then appeared, displeased with Ling Xiaoxiao not working, and scolded her, stating she was there to work, not behave this way. Ling Xiaoxiao agreed and was about to leave, but she was stopped by the palace maids, who were from the imperial kitchen and had many more dishes awaiting her guidance.
The palace maids then pulled the matron away, silencing her with food and declaring they would do Ling Xiaoxiao's work, ensuring the matron could not trouble Ling Xiaoxiao. Ling Xiaoxiao then asked the Prince what he was doing. The Prince, realizing his frantic door-kicking act was rather transparent, stammered that he was testing the quality and sturdiness of the Yeting gate.
Finding the result unsatisfactory and realizing someone had again cut corners, he instructed Eunuch Zheng Li to take his imperial decree and punish those responsible for the door. Eunuch Zheng Li smiled and dismissed everyone, leaving only the Prince and Ling Xiaoxiao. The Prince had been so worried Ling Xiaoxiao was suffering, unable to eat or sleep, but found she was living more comfortably than in the Imperial Kitchen.
He asked if she didn't want to return to the Imperial Kitchen. Ling Xiaoxiao found his behavior amusing but explained he was mistaken; she was testing food daily and was becoming 'melancholy from overeating,' wishing she could quickly return to the Imperial Kitchen to cook for His Highness.
The Prince was very happy to hear this, but still disbelieving: if she wanted to return to cook for him, why did she make a meat dish to anger his mother, the Queen? Ling Xiaoxiao immediately explained that she made the meat dish not to anger the Queen, but for balanced nutrition.
She was glad the Prince came, as she had intended to explain it to the Queen, believing the Queen, being so fond of the Prince, would listen to him. The Prince, however, disagreed, thinking the Queen might already be unwilling to speak to him because he had just angered her to the point of fainting.
The Queen, who had been angered to the point of fainting, had just woken up when she heard Matron Gu report that the Prince had kicked open the Yeting Palace door and taken Ling Xiaoxiao out, which saddened her even more. She could accept the Emperor not visiting her, but the Prince defying her wishes and turning against her was particularly unbearable, causing her to shed tears.
The Queen was resting in bed when a matron reported that the Prince had broken into the Yeting gate, taken Ling Xiaoxiao out, and kicked the door down. The Queen sat up in anger, exclaiming how unbecoming such behavior was for a Prince. The matron comforted her, saying the Prince was young and it was normal for him to sulk. The Queen grew even angrier, stating that when the Emperor was his age, he had already married several consorts.
She felt the Prince did not care about her, his mother, at all. The Queen was heartbroken, feeling that if the Emperor didn't care, and her son was also turning against her, there was no meaning in being the Queen. Ling Xiaoxiao and the Prince seemed to have discussed a plan, though the Prince was unsure if it would work. Ling Xiaoxiao's fearlessness made him question his own apprehension.
Meanwhile, an imperial physician was treating the Queen, repeatedly reminding her not to worry, as agitation would be detrimental to her health, and advising her to rest peacefully. However, the Queen found it difficult to let go of her worries. Soon after, Ling Xiaoxiao came to visit the Queen, having heard she was unwell, which surprised the Queen. Ling Xiaoxiao had specially prepared a dish and again presented roasted suckling pig.
The Queen, seeing yet another meat dish, initially said she wouldn't eat it and flew into a rage. However, recalling that punishing Ling Xiaoxiao by sending her to Yeting had caused her to fall out with the Prince, she listened to Ling Xiaoxiao's explanation. Ling Xiaoxiao explained she intended to use dietary therapy to heal the Queen's "wind condition" and ensure her royal health.
Although roasted suckling pig was just an ordinary meat dish, its most important message was to tell the Queen that a balanced diet of both meat and vegetables was necessary for health. She advised that if the Queen didn't believe her, she could ask Imperial Physician Liu.
Imperial Physician Liu, who had known the Queen had been a vegetarian for over ten years and had always avoided offending her by discussing it, now confirmed that Ling Xiaoxiao's words made sense and were true. He added that a daily combination of meat and vegetables could make food more fragrant and delicious, provide complete nutrition, and even delay aging and promote health and longevity.
He had not dared to inform the Queen earlier, and Ling Xiaoxiao had consulted him before making the roasted suckling pig. Upon hearing this, the Queen forgave Ling Xiaoxiao and let go of past grievances. Just then, the Emperor also arrived, having heard the discussion. He wanted to know what kind of vow could make the Queen, who had been a vegetarian for so many years, maintain her diet.
Matron Gu dared to tell the Emperor that the Queen's vow was made before Buddha for the Emperor's lifelong health, prosperity, and well-being, which was why she was willing to be a vegetarian for life. The Emperor was very moved upon hearing this. He told the Queen that she didn't have to do this; he would naturally take good care of his own body, and if her health were to suffer, he could not enjoy this prosperity and well-being alone.
He advised her to break her vow. The Emperor knew he had overlooked the Queen's feelings and felt remorseful, affirming her irreplaceable place in his heart. Although he had consorts for amusement, the Queen would always be his only trusted support. His great praise helped the Queen resolve her emotional conflicts and finally become happy. Later, Xi Yan was telling ghost stories in the palace, scaring everyone except Ling Xiaoxiao, who remained unmoved.
Xi Yan, determined to challenge Ling Xiaoxiao's bravery, specifically warned her that the palace path in front of the Imperial Kitchen was haunted, and if anyone called her at night, she absolutely must not respond. That night, Ling Xiaoxiao walked along the palace path, feeling somewhat nervous. Just then, a voice called her from behind, startling Ling Xiaoxiao so much that she didn't dare turn her head, instead bumping headlong into the Prince.
The Prince protected Ling Xiaoxiao, grazing his hand in the process. The Queen later arranged for the Prince to host a banquet for the palace staff returning home. The Prince requested Ling Xiaoxiao to assist him. Ling Xiaoxiao was worried, as she had never organized such a large banquet before, and only wanted to focus on cooking. The Prince, with hidden meaning, told Ling Xiaoxiao that she would have to learn eventually, which made her hesitant to meet his eyes.
For several days, Ling Xiaoxiao was busy arranging the banquet menu, and the Prince constantly followed her everywhere. Ling Xiaoxiao would often find herself staring blankly at the Prince, which gave him a great sense of accomplishment, finally feeling that his affection for her was not unrequited. One day, while Ling Xiaoxiao was cooking, the Prince stayed by her side watching. This made Ling Xiaoxiao nervous and distracted, causing her to mistakenly add the wrong seasoning.
When the Queen tasted it, she couldn't believe it was Ling Xiaoxiao's cooking. Ling Xiaoxiao dared to try it herself and confirmed the Queen's assessment, quickly admitting her mistake. The Prince immediately stepped forward, smoothly pleading for his own punishment, and was ultimately sentenced to twenty staff blows. The Prince wanted to use his injury as an excuse to keep Ling Xiaoxiao by his side, but Ling Xiaoxiao managed to slip away, citing the ongoing banquet preparations.
After three difficult days, the Prince personally made Ling Xiaoxiao dumplings from her hometown and fed them to her. This gesture deeply touched Ling Xiaoxiao, making her feel very sweet and significantly shortening the distance between them.
Episode 10 Recap
It was the Lantern Festival, and the streets were very lively. The Empress had not seen such a bustling scene for a long time, and it was truly an eye-opener for her this time. Ling Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince accompanied the Empress to watch.
Ling Xiaoxiao was also responsible for explaining that what they saw was the Grass Dragon Dance, a folk custom where the more incense one lit, the better harvest their family would have in the coming year. Next to it were the pagoda lanterns; decorating and lighting lanterns on this pagoda symbolized celebration. After the fireworks display, sky lanterns would be released, mostly used for prayers. The palace staff could write down their wishes and blessings, symbolizing happiness year after year.
If Her Majesty the Empress was interested, Ling Xiaoxiao could give her and the Emperor a Kongming lantern. However, the Emperor was still reviewing memorials. If he saw this, he would surely be greatly surprised. It had truly been a long time since such a scene was witnessed. Today, thanks to Ling Xiaoxiao, they were able to enjoy it. Ling Xiaoxiao felt it was simply what she ought to do and thanked Her Majesty the Empress for her praise.
The Crown Prince told Her Majesty the Empress that all of this was arranged by Ling Xiaoxiao. Her Majesty the Empress was very surprised and asked if the acrobatic performances were also invited by Ling Xiaoxiao. However, Ling Xiaoxiao explained that they were all invited by Eunuch Qi. Her Majesty the Empress then asked her to explain how she managed to persuade Eunuch Qi to organize so many things for her.
Ling Xiaoxiao said that Eunuch Qi was born in Guangdong. He was forced to enter the palace at a young age due to misfortunes befalling his family. After entering the palace, he had always missed the cuisine from his hometown. Unfortunately, he was over fifty and had yet to taste an authentic dish. In recent years, he had also caught a cold.
So she inquired among the palace staff from Guangdong and, combining it with Eunuch Qi's usual taste, specially prepared a characteristic dish for him: Cantonese Roast Goose. Goose meat is mild and sweet, beneficial for vital energy, replenishing deficiency, and stopping coughs and phlegm. This not only eased Eunuch Qi's homesickness but also cured his cold. Over the years, Eunuch Qi had participated in all major palace ceremonies, and no one understood the palace's needs better than him.
Therefore, after eating Ling Xiaoxiao's roast goose, he was willing to listen to her and invited the best acrobatic troupe from outside the palace. The Crown Prince's gaze towards Ling Xiaoxiao was also exceptionally affectionate. As for how she thought of acrobatic performances, it was as Her Majesty had mentioned earlier: the purpose of this banquet was to alleviate the palace staff's homesickness. The palace staff typically came from humble backgrounds and might not appreciate ordinary banquets.
So she thought of an acrobatic troupe; the noble consorts would find it novel, and the palace staff would feel especially warm due to its familiarity. After listening, the Empress felt that although Ling Xiaoxiao was an imperial chef, her perspective was much broader than many people in the palace. Ling Xiaoxiao also set up a pitch-pot game area in the Lakeside Pavilion for the Emperor and the noble consorts to play.
The Empress then asked the Crown Prince to accompany her, so that Ling Xiaoxiao could go and play. The Imperial Noble Consort was sitting alone. A eunuch brought her a pork hock. Everyone else had gone to watch the acrobatics, and although she also wanted to go, the Imperial Noble Consort was still under house arrest. The Empress also went to find the Emperor and dismissed the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince was very happy to go find Ling Xiaoxiao.
Just as everyone was setting off fireworks, the Crown Prince ran over and led Ling Xiaoxiao to a spot with the best view. He also had Eunuch Zheng release a Kongming lantern. Upon seeing it, Ling Xiaoxiao immediately praised His Highness, saying how amazing it was, with not only a wide view but also exceptional quietness, truly a wonderful place to watch. From here, the night sky seemed exceptionally beautiful.
The Crown Prince looked at Ling Xiaoxiao and said, "It's truly beautiful," but he was actually referring to Ling Xiaoxiao. He asked Ling Xiaoxiao if she wanted to be the Crown Princess. He had just taken Ling Xiaoxiao's hand, but Ling Xiaoxiao let go. She said that ever since she entered the palace, it was not for personal romantic affairs, neither in the past nor now.
Episode 11 Recap
Ling Xiaoxiao's culinary skills were unexpectedly poor, with her cooking tasting strange, unappetizing, and even bad, which everyone, including the usually honest Shen Yitao, found unpalatable. Ling Xiaoxiao didn't know why, explaining that perhaps the Prince's recent lack of pickiness had made her complacent, and she took the dishes away to retry. Just as Ling Xiaoxiao left the kitchen, she met Jiang Xiaojie, who had come specifically to the Delicacy Room to prepare snacks for the Prince.
Jiang Xiaojie requested Ling Xiaoxiao to clear the kitchen for her daily for one hour, stating that the Prince had already agreed. Although Ling Xiaoxiao felt uneasy, she did not object. However, Ming Mei, reluctant to see Ling Xiaoxiao suppressed, voiced concern that the kitchen might not be available if the Prince desired snacks. Jiang Xiaojie directly stated that she would henceforth be responsible for all the Prince's snacks.
After Jiang Xiaojie finished, she informed Ling Xiaoxiao that the kitchen was well-stocked and reiterated her daily one-hour usage. She also mentioned she would tell the Prince that she would make any future snacks he wished. Ling Xiaoxiao's companions advised her not to tolerate the arrangement, but Ling Xiaoxiao accepted it. The Prince, upon tasting Jiang Xiaojie's specially prepared snacks, was amazed, his appetite significantly improving, and he ate several.
Jiang Xiaojie reported to the Delicacy Room promptly every day, and Ling Xiaoxiao's spirits grew increasingly cold. Thanks to Jiang Xiaojie's daily snacks, the Prince's mood also improved, no longer as somber as before. Ling Xiaoxiao couldn't resist secretly tasting Jiang Xiaojie's snacks and found them truly delicious.
The next day, the Prince personally came to the Delicacy Room to request osmanthus honey, explaining that Jiang Xiaojie loved sweets and couldn't go without it, indicating his great attentiveness to her, which pained Ling Xiaoxiao. While the Prince claimed he was there to check on Ling Xiaoxiao, he did not look at her and instead deliberately found fault, scolding Ling Xiaoxiao, the manager, for not keeping the kitchen clean upon seeing a messy stove.
Ming Mei quickly explained that the mess was due to Jiang Xiaojie's daily snack-making and that they hadn't had time to clean it yet. The Prince merely told Ling Xiaoxiao to manage the kitchen well. As he left, he reminded Ling Xiaoxiao that Jiang Xiaojie would be dining with him that evening, specifying that Jiang Xiaojie was vegetarian and disliked meat. Meanwhile, the Imperial Consort joyfully ate her snacks.
She was further delighted to learn from her eunuch that Jiang Xiaojie and the Prince were very close, with palace rumors suggesting an impending marriage, and she believed her own lifting of restrictions was imminent. However, she briefly became unhappy that Jiang Xiaojie hadn't visited her for several days, but her attendant quickly spoke well of Jiang Xiaojie, assuring the Consort that her snacks were delivered daily without fail. Seeing several plates of delicious snacks, the Consort cheered up again.
That evening, when Ling Xiaoxiao delivered the meal, the Prince and Jiang Xiaojie were openly affectionate; he even served her food. Jiang Xiaojie, who had heard of Ling Xiaoxiao's excellent cooking and learned from the Prince that the Emperor had praised Ling Xiaoxiao several times, had high expectations for her dish. Upon taking a bite, she found Ling Xiaoxiao's food worse than her own family cook's. She wondered if the Prince's taste had changed.
The Prince himself tasted it, found it indeed hard to swallow, and angrily questioned Ling Xiaoxiao, even shouting at her and using harsh words. Ling Xiaoxiao, deeply hurt by the Prince's intimate actions with Jiang Xiaojie, gripped her hands tightly. When the Prince pressed her, she admitted it was her mistake and offered to remake the dishes.
Jiang Xiaojie then proposed a cooking competition with Ling Xiaoxiao to determine if the poor taste was a mistake or truly reflected Ling Xiaoxiao's culinary skills. She specified that she did not wish to compete on snacks, as they were her forte. Ling Xiaoxiao accepted. The Prince set "Twenty-Four Solar Terms" as the theme, allowing them to make anything they excelled at, not necessarily snacks.
He commented that Jiang Xiaojie's snacks were so good that a competition would seem unfair, but both agreed. In the Delicacy Room, Ling Xiaoxiao and Jiang Xiaojie showcased their unique skills, and their dishes were quickly prepared. Even eunuchs passing by were drawn in by the delicious aroma. In the Prince's room, they presented their creations. The Prince looked at Ling Xiaoxiao without speaking, but smiled at Jiang Xiaojie.
Jiang Xiaojie prepared Twenty-Four Solar Terms snacks in corresponding flower shapes and flavors, each matching a solar term. Ling Xiaoxiao made Twenty-Four Solar Terms wontons, featuring twenty-four flower shapes and unique vegetables characteristic of each term. The Prince first tasted Jiang Xiaojie's snacks, praising them as especially delicious. However, when he tasted Ling Xiaoxiao's wontons, he immediately spat them out, declaring Jiang Xiaojie the winner. The contest was decided without suspense; Ling Xiaoxiao lost.
Jiang Xiaojie then made some extra snacks and invited the Prince to accompany her to deliver them to the Empress. Hearing them agree to leave, Ling Xiaoxiao became distracted. While cleaning the table, she accidentally cut her hand with a knife, and blood flowed. The Prince initially intended to return to check on her, but Jiang Xiaojie quickly stopped him. Ling Xiaoxiao, though deeply saddened, forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor and returned to the kitchen.
Later that evening, Ling Xiaoxiao encountered Prince Jin, who should have been in his feudal territory, on a palace path and was startled. To prevent Ling Xiaoxiao from calling out, Prince Jin got close to her, a scene witnessed by the Prince and Jiang Xiaojie. Prince Jin, who had returned illegally, quickly pulled Jiang Xiaojie aside to explain that he had come to "take back" his beloved Jiang Xiaojie, seeing her apparent misunderstanding.
Jiang Xiaojie was actually very happy but deliberately feigned tears, accusing Prince Jin of not replying to her letters. Prince Jin immediately declared his intention to propose marriage to General Jiang, whereupon Jiang Xiaojie instantly stopped crying, her true happiness revealed, and she playfully pulled him away by the ear. The Prince then explained to Ling Xiaoxiao that his close interactions with Jiang Xiaojie had all been an act.
He decided to respect Ling Xiaoxiao's choice and would no longer make things difficult for her. Ling Xiaoxiao, having endured this period of torment, realized that she truly loved the Prince and bravely confessed her feelings.
Episode 12 Recap
Jiang, a former palace maiden, sent snacks to the Noble Consort Li as a farewell gift, explaining she felt unable to continue pursuing the Crown Prince and was leaving the palace. The Noble Consort Li initially reacted in anger but was appeased upon tasting the snacks. In the royal kitchen, Ling Xiaoxiao and the other palace maids were enjoying a meal together. Ling Xiaoxiao asked Chun Chan about the feeling of being in love.
Chun Chan hoped that the other maids would meet men who loved them, otherwise life would be too tiring. The others knew Chun Chan had been pursuing Chef Shen for over a decade, a feat of persistence. Chef Shen, feeling the weight of their knowing glances, quickly finished his meal and left. The others encouraged Chun Chan to pursue him, which she promptly did.
Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui wished to spend more time with Ling Xiaoxiao and insisted she stay to eat with him after delivering his meal. Although eager, the Crown Prince acted somewhat cold, making Ling Xiaoxiao uncomfortable. He also wanted to impress Ling Xiaoxiao, so he practiced swordsmanship in front of the maids in the royal kitchen.
Afterward, he awkwardly asked Ling Xiaoxiao, who had agreed to spend time with him, to accompany him on a trip outside the palace in two days. He refused to explain the reason, only telling her to obey. After securing the appointment with Ling Xiaoxiao, he left the kitchen, unable to contain his joy. Zheng Li advised him to buy Ling Xiaoxiao many things while they were out to make her fall for him.
Ling Xiaoxiao was confused by the Crown Prince's coldness after she confessed her feelings. She sought advice from Chun Chan. Ming Mei and others, eager for gossip, joined them. They deduced that the Crown Prince might find her appearance unappealing since she always focused on cooking and never dressed up. They decided to give Ling Xiaoxiao a makeover. The maids brought out their best clothes and accessories, transforming Ling Xiaoxiao into a lady.
Ling Xiaoxiao felt awkward in her new attire. The maids reassured her, advising her to smile subtly and compliment the Crown Prince, and offered to accompany her, knowing she was hesitant to leave. The Crown Prince waited eagerly for Ling Xiaoxiao, excited about their outing. When Ling Xiaoxiao appeared, he was stunned by her changed appearance and praised her beauty. The Crown Prince was happy and agreed that everyone could dress up.
Outside the palace, the Crown Prince took Ling Xiaoxiao's hand. On the street, Ling Xiaoxiao pointed out a glutinous rice ball vendor, mentioning her father used to buy them for her as a child. Remembering Zheng Li's advice to buy her many things, the Crown Prince immediately bought her one. Ming Mei whispered to Ling Xiaoxiao, reminding her not to talk about food. Ling Xiaoxiao quickly said she didn’t want to eat it.
Intrigued, the Crown Prince took a bite of the glutinous rice ball from her hand, complimenting its taste. Ling Xiaoxiao did not comment on the rice ball, but simply said "The young master is right," confusing the Crown Prince. Continuing their walk, Ling Xiaoxiao noticed a stall selling milk skin. She explained that milk skin was nutritious, so the Crown Prince bought her some. This time, the palace maids quickly reminded Ling Xiaoxiao not to mention food.
Ling Xiaoxiao said she did not want to eat it. The Crown Prince, having learned his lesson, bit off a piece of the milk skin and brought it to Ling Xiaoxiao's mouth, encouraging her to take a bite. The palace maids were delighted by their sweet interaction. Chef Shen, wishing to show affection to Chun Chan, bought her milk skin, making her very happy.
Seeing Ling Xiaoxiao's happiness, the Crown Prince became bold and said he wanted her to kiss him, but he was nervous and secretly squeezed Zheng Li's hand, nearly making him cry out in pain. Shy, Ling Xiaoxiao grabbed a pig's head from a nearby stall and kissed it instead. The Crown Prince chased Ling Xiaoxiao, pretending to be angry, amidst laughter. To give the Crown Prince and Ling Xiaoxiao some alone time, Zheng Li booked a room at an inn.
However, the food at the inn was terrible, and the Crown Prince couldn't eat it. Ling Xiaoxiao borrowed the inn's kitchen and made him chicken. Because her new clothes had long sleeves, the Crown Prince helped her hold up her sleeves while she cooked.
Episode 13 Recap
Ling Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince share a close and affectionate relationship. He often seeks her out in the kitchen, where she greets him with sweet smiles. One day, Ling Xiaoxiao prepares a unique copper hotpot for the Crown Prince, a dish he had never tried before. He finds the eating method fresh and the meat exceptionally tender and aromatic, completely "conquered" by the flavor. When the Crown Prince attempts to personally feed Ling Xiaoxiao, she declines, citing palace rules.
Instead, she suggests that everyone, including Zheng Li and the palace maids, join them, believing that hotpot is best enjoyed with more people. The Crown Prince agrees, and everyone in the Treasured Delicacies Room partakes in the meal with great joy. Although Zheng Li reminds the Crown Prince that this conduct violates palace regulations and could incur the Empress's displeasure, the Crown Prince dismisses the warning.
Unbeknownst to them, a governess from the Empress's retinue observes their rule-breaking and reports it. Furious, the Empress summons both Ling Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince. She castigates the Crown Prince for his impropriety, neglecting his duties, and abandoning palace rules to eat alongside servants, thus shaming the royal family. Ling Xiaoxiao takes full responsibility, asserting she was ignorant of the rules and encouraged the communal dining.
Seizing the opportunity, the Empress orders Ling Xiaoxiao to undergo rigorous training in palace etiquette under her own governess, Gu Ma Ma, stating that these rules will "eventually be needed," subtly hinting at her future role. Initially hesitant about Ling Xiaoxiao learning these restrictive rules, the Crown Prince, understanding the Empress's veiled suggestion that Ling Xiaoxiao would become his Crown Princess, gratefully agrees.
When Gu Ma Ma arrives at the Treasured Delicacies Room to commence the training, Ling Xiaoxiao attempts to defer for the sixth time by claiming she has dishes to prepare. However, Gu Ma Ma firmly rejects her excuse and forcefully takes her away. After being dressed in exquisite new clothes, Ling Xiaoxiao emerges, leaving the Crown Prince stunned and enchanted by her transformation.
Noticing Ling Xiaoxiao's inherent free-spirited nature and aversion to restrictions, the Crown Prince implores Gu Ma Ma to be gentle with her, lest she suffer too much. Gu Ma Ma subjects Ling Xiaoxiao to rigorous etiquette lessons, including practicing posture by walking on chairs to maintain composure. While practicing, Ling Xiaoxiao is interrupted by news of a fire in the Treasured Delicacies Room.
Despite her immediate desire to rush back, Gu Ma Ma sternly forbids her, insisting she continue her training. During meals, Ling Xiaoxiao initially attempts to be demure, but quickly reverts to her usual habit of eating boisterously, drinking soup loudly, gnawing on meat, and even using her hands. Gu Ma Ma repeatedly reminds her to eat with restraint, not like "a hungry tiger," emphasizing that as the Crown Prince's Imperial Chef, she must adhere to even higher standards.
Ling Xiaoxiao defiantly counters, questioning why she, a chef, must learn such rules when the Emperor's own Imperial Chef Guan and those in the Imperial Kitchen are exempt, leaving Gu Ma Ma speechless and exasperated. Ling Xiaoxiao finds the restrictions and continuous training incredibly frustrating. Chun Chan and other colleagues visit Ling Xiaoxiao, finding her struggle with etiquette to be even worse than Ming Mei's initial attempts, which they find both amusing and concerning.
Overwhelmed and unhappy with the demands of etiquette, Ling Xiaoxiao retreats to the kitchen of the Treasured Delicacies Room one evening, sitting on the floor in a daze. The Crown Prince finds her there and, wishing to comfort her, attempts to sit beside her on the ground. Ling Xiaoxiao objects, citing the breach of etiquette, but the Crown Prince insists on staying with her in that manner.
He then reveals his ultimate reason for her training: he wants her to be his Crown Princess. Motivated by the Crown Prince's declaration and her love for him, Ling Xiaoxiao diligently applies herself to her etiquette studies. Her efforts soon impress Gu Ma Ma, who, in a rare gesture of approval, grants her a day off for rest.
During her time off, Ling Xiaoxiao is visited by Ming Mei and Xi Yan, who express envy for her comfortable new sleeping quarters. Ling Xiaoxiao asks them to bring her knives and recipes, but they decline, believing such tools are unnecessary for a future Crown Princess. Despite her love for the Crown Prince and her dedication to learning etiquette, Ling Xiaoxiao struggles with the thought of abandoning her culinary passion.
She finds her true sense of value and happiness when she is back in the Treasured Delicacies Room, instructing palace staff on tasks like washing vegetables and curing eggs, a sight that brings a happy smile to her face. Gu Ma Ma, initially hopeful that Ling Xiaoxiao had fully embraced her future role, is disappointed to discover her continued attachment to the kitchen. Ling Xiaoxiao works hard on etiquette, only wanting to return to the Treasured Delicacies Room afterwards.
Meanwhile, in the Treasured Delicacies Room, Chun Chan confesses that she has finally given up on her long-standing pursuit of Imperial Chef Shen. Despite years of persistent devotion, she relents after he reveals his enduring love for his deceased wife, leaving her heartbroken. Sensing Chun Chan's lingering pain and understanding that she likely still harbors feelings for Imperial Chef Shen, merely seeking a definitive stance from him after over a decade of pursuit, Ling Xiaoxiao decides to intervene.
She arranges a food tasting with Imperial Chef Shen, and, knowing his frugal nature, deliberately wastes several dishes. She uses this as a lesson, telling him that if he can pity the wasted food, he should pity even more the person who has cherished him for over ten years.
Enlightened by Ling Xiaoxiao's words, Imperial Chef Shen finally begins to actively pursue Chun Chan, leading to a humorous reversal of roles where Chun Chan frequently gives him the cold shoulder, much to the amusement of their colleagues who remark that "the tables have turned." Ling Xiaoxiao's continued culinary activities, including cooking for the staff in the Treasured Delicacies Room, eventually reach the Emperor's ears. Infuriated, the Emperor issues an ultimatum: Ling Xiaoxiao must choose between the Crown Prince and her passion for cooking.
Episode 14 Recap
The Emperor presented Ling Xiaoxiao with a difficult choice: if she desired to become the Crown Princess, her past as an Imperial Chef would not be held against her, but she would be forbidden from entering the kitchen ever again. Alternatively, if she wanted to continue her culinary path as an Imperial Chef, she must sever all ties with the Crown Prince and stay away from him.
The Crown Prince, recognizing Ling Xiaoxiao's deep love for cooking, pleaded with the Emperor for more time for her to decide. The Emperor granted her seven days. That evening, the Crown Prince took Ling Xiaoxiao to the kitchen. Believing she might ultimately choose him and give up cooking, he wanted her to enjoy the kitchen while she still could.
He promised that if she could no longer cook, he would cook for her, specifically making the "vegetable patch egg" she had once taught him. Though clumsy, getting dirty, and even burning his hand in the process, his dedication touched Ling Xiaoxiao, making her smile. He deeply embraced her, promising to give her anything she desired that he could provide. Ling Xiaoxiao gently stroked his cheek, and they held hands, savoring the moment.
The Empress later summoned Ling Xiaoxiao, urging her to consider her options carefully. The Empress offered to wholeheartedly teach Ling Xiaoxiao the ways of managing the palace if she chose to be Crown Princess, confident that Ling Xiaoxiao's intelligence, combined with her guidance, would make governing the inner court achievable. However, if Ling Xiaoxiao chose to be a chef, the Empress warned that she must cleanly and completely sever her romantic connection with the Crown Prince.
Ling Xiaoxiao thanked the Empress for her advice and departed. The Crown Prince, fearing Ling Xiaoxiao would leave him, sought out Ling Xiaoxiao again. He informed her that he had already selected skilled chefs from various regions, who, while perhaps not as talented as her, were among the best. These chefs would be ready to cook for her after their wedding, ensuring she could eat whatever she wished.
He openly expressed his fear and reiterated his willingness to give up everything, even his position as Crown Prince, for her. Ling Xiaoxiao, who had earlier poured him a cup of water he didn't drink, smiled and reminded him that her initial reason for entering the palace was to promote her family's culinary heritage.
The Crown Prince, still not fully grasping her true desires, believed that as the Crown Prince, he could simply command things, and no one would dare disobey. Ling Xiaoxiao, with another smile, told him she had made her decision. Later, Ling Xiaoxiao opened a cabinet where she kept her clothes and the Ling family cookbook. With profound reluctance, she placed a red string, a gift from the Crown Prince, inside the cabinet and then firmly closed the door.
That same night, the Crown Prince, unable to sleep, placed a beautiful hairpin he had prepared for Ling Xiaoxiao under his pillow, imagining adorning her with it, before finally drifting off to sleep. On the decisive day, Ling Xiaoxiao appeared wearing the uniform of the Imperial Kitchen, signaling her choice to remain an Imperial Chef. The Crown Prince, seeing her choice and ignoring his pleading gaze, was furious.
He returned to his chambers, overturned a table of dishes in a fit of rage, and smashed his precious hairpin. In the Imperial Kitchen, some hoped Ling Xiaoxiao would not return, but Ming Mei believed otherwise. Indeed, Ling Xiaoxiao soon appeared outside the palace gates, her decision disappointing some who felt she had chosen poorly. Ling Xiaoxiao, having made a choice she felt forced into, found it difficult to let go of the Crown Prince.
While cooking, she frequently became sad when alone and accidentally cut her fingers. Though angered by her decision, the Crown Prince still cared deeply for her. Discovering her injury, he immediately attended to her, bandaging her wound and summoning an imperial physician. He held her hand, telling her he understood her aversion to palace rules and ceremonies and could explain this to the Emperor.
He questioned why he could give up everything, including his position, for her, yet she could not abandon cooking for him. Ling Xiaoxiao, feeling wronged, explained that it was easy for him to speak so confidently because he was not the one making the difficult choice. This deeply saddened the Crown Prince, and he left without a backward glance.
Understanding the Crown Prince's distress, Zheng Li advised him to seek counsel from a married woman who could persuade Ling Xiaoxiao by highlighting the advantages of marriage. Convinced this was a good idea, the Crown Prince immediately requested Princess Xiangning to return to the palace. Princess Xiangning and her consort were seen by outsiders as a devoted couple, inseparable even during palace visits, though this perception was largely due to the Princess's persistent demands.
The Crown Prince confided everything about his situation with Ling Xiaoxiao to Princess Xiangning, seeing her as a lifeline. Noticing the Crown Prince's deep affection, the Princess took it upon herself to help. In the Imperial Kitchen, everyone gathered to roast sweet potatoes. Imperial Chef Shen offered a cooled sweet potato to Chun Chan, who accepted it, prompting playful teasing from others about the "sweetness" of the potato, which caused Chun Chan and Imperial Chef Shen to shyly withdraw.
Princess Xiangning arrived at the Imperial Kitchen, disguised as a new assistant chef by removing her ornaments, and began chatting extensively with Ling Xiaoxiao about sweet potatoes. After enjoying their conversation, Princess Xiangning remembered her task and led Ling Xiaoxiao to the Imperial Garden. There, amidst paired ducks on the lake and birds in the trees, Ling Xiaoxiao's thoughts remained solely on cooking, oblivious to the romantic symbolism.
Princess Xiangning, after heartily enjoying Ling Xiaoxiao's delicious cooking to the point of burping, finally remembered her purpose and advised Ling Xiaoxiao to find a companion, suggesting the Crown Prince was the ideal choice. Meanwhile, the Empress arranged a selection for the Crown Prince's consort, a proposal he found impossible to refuse and reluctantly accepted. Princess Xiangning, aware of the Crown Prince's true feelings for Ling Xiaoxiao, then devised a strategy for him: to reject the Empress's arrangement by deliberately "finding fault" with the candidates.
Episode 15 Recap
The Empress, seeking to establish clear standards for the Crown Prince's concubine selection, asked him for his criteria. Unsure how to respond, the Crown Prince noticed a plate of peach blossom cakes on the table. He proposed that, as outward appearance and superficial remarks were insufficient to discern true character, all prospective candidates should sample these cakes. This would allow their upbringing and manners to be observed through their actions. The Empress agreed.
However, regardless of how each woman ate, the Crown Prince consistently found fault. Eventually, the Empress became exasperated, realized he was intentionally creating obstacles, and angrily declared the selection over before departing. Ling Xiaoxiao observed the entire selection process, accompanied by Princess Xiangning. She understood that the Crown Prince was deliberately finding flaws for her sake, yet she found herself unable to relinquish her profound attachment to her culinary art.
Princess Xiangning questioned Ling Xiaoxiao, asking if she had seen the extent of the Crown Prince's efforts for her. The Princess acknowledged Ling Xiaoxiao's strong will, evident in her rise from an ordinary woman to the Head Chef, and recognized that her cooking was her livelihood, making it difficult to abandon. However, she posed whether giving up the Crown Prince and the prestigious position of Crown Princess would truly be simple.
Ling Xiaoxiao wondered how she could easily abandon her very means of survival. The Princess then shared her own experience: she, too, had given up her livelihood. Having grown up in privilege, with the Emperor and Empress having planned her entire life—a marriage to an exceptional man and a secure, comfortable existence within her princess's residence—everything changed the moment she met her kind consort.
Despite the initial disapproval from her parents and the consort's aversion to the bureaucracy of the Imperial City, Princess Xiangning overcame numerous obstacles. She left the palace to live a simple life, even growing her own vegetables, alongside her poor scholar consort. This was a stark contrast to her former life, yet she embraced it wholeheartedly and had no regrets.
The Princess told Ling Xiaoxiao that while she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't regret becoming Crown Princess, she was certain Ling Xiaoxiao would regret not even attempting to accept the possibility. Inspired by the Princess's bravery, Ling Xiaoxiao, who admitted her own timidity, felt she finally knew what choice to make. She thanked Princess Xiangning for her guidance and returned to the Imperial Kitchen.
Meanwhile, the Empress was furious with the Crown Prince's dismissive conduct during the concubine selection, especially after she had gone to such lengths to organize it. She ordered him to explain his actions directly to the Emperor. The Crown Prince, however, declared that the position of Crown Princess in his heart was already taken, and since she was not yet willing, he would wait until she was.
Zheng Li, the Crown Prince's aide, sympathized with his plight, but the Crown Prince remained steadfast in his intention to reserve the position for Ling Xiaoxiao, hoping she would eventually change her mind. Back in the Imperial Kitchen, Ling Xiaoxiao prepared a lavish meal for everyone. While delicious, the dishes were met with a sense of bittersweet reluctance, hinting at her impending departure. During this time, Chun Chan and Chef Shen officially became a couple.
The Crown Prince soon arrived at the Imperial Kitchen in search of Ling Xiaoxiao. He instructed Zheng Li to dismiss the other staff and waited for her. When Ling Xiaoxiao arrived, she smiled upon seeing the Crown Prince's worried expression. He quickly explained that he had not been interested in any of the concubine candidates. As a gesture of reward, Ling Xiaoxiao offered to prepare his favorite dish. The Crown Prince was delighted and insisted on helping her cook.
As they worked, they seemed to recall their first meeting. Ling Xiaoxiao made him roasted potatoes, a dish she particularly loved, and the Crown Prince declared his wish to eat with her forever, holding her hand tightly. Later that evening, they sat together in the courtyard, admiring the moon. Ling Xiaoxiao called him by his given name, reflecting on how wonderful it was to know him, a sentiment he reciprocated.
She then initiated a kiss, making the Crown Prince exceedingly happy, and he eagerly returned her embrace, drawing her into a passionate kiss. The following morning, the Crown Prince was initially delighted to receive the meal Ling Xiaoxiao had delivered. However, he soon discovered a handwritten letter she had left, along with his red string, containing words she couldn't bring herself to say in person.
In the letter, Ling Xiaoxiao expressed her gratitude for his repeated protection after her troubles, but stated that she ultimately could not abandon her love for cooking. For this reason, she had made the difficult decision to leave, expressing her belief that they would likely never meet again. Devastated, the Crown Prince abandoned his meal and immediately led a search party outside the palace, but he scoured every corner without finding any trace of Ling Xiaoxiao.
Princess Xiangning, having fully expected Ling Xiaoxiao to accept the Crown Prince, was surprised by the turn of events, and the heartbroken Crown Prince wept tears of sadness. The Empress, now aware of the Crown Prince's deep affection for Ling Xiaoxiao and her departure, sent a matron to summon him. She offered Ling Xiaoxiao one final opportunity to make her choice. However, Ling Xiaoxiao once again chose to leave the palace.
The Empress then sternly warned Ling Xiaoxiao that if she chose to depart, she must sever all ties completely and cease to impede the Crown Prince's future. Deeply wounded by Ling Xiaoxiao's final decision, the Crown Prince walked alone through the long palace corridors, his desolate figure causing Zheng Li immense sorrow. Upon hearing the news of Ling Xiaoxiao, Prince Jin and Prince An returned to the palace to console their brother.
The Crown Prince expressed a desire for alcohol, despite the imperial doctor's previous warnings against it. Zheng Li's cautionary words alerted the two princes, who also tried to dissuade him. However, the Crown Prince was insistent, and his brothers ultimately drank with him. Ling Xiaoxiao, having left the palace, opened her own "Imperial Kitchen Inn." The business quickly boomed, and Ling Xiaoxiao found joy in the satisfied smiles of her customers.
Yet, in the quiet hours of the night, she often thought of the Crown Prince, her heart filled with sadness. The Crown Prince, for his part, frequently drowned his sorrows in alcohol. One night, after a heavy drinking session, he dreamed of reuniting with Ling Xiaoxiao as if she had never left. Upon waking from his beautiful dream, he anxiously searched for a specific string of beads, which Zheng Li had prudently put away for safekeeping to prevent damage.
At that moment, the Emperor summoned the Crown Prince to the Hall of Diligent Government. Recently, courtiers had grown dissatisfied with the Crown Prince's excessive drinking and suggested the Emperor reconsider his suitability for the throne. Simultaneously, commoners in River West expressed discontent. The Emperor ordered the Crown Prince to pacify them, but his efforts, such as distributing congee, proved ineffective. Consequently, the Emperor entrusted the matter to Prince Jin, who was already concerned about the Crown Prince's health.
Episode 16 (Ending) Recap
Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui, depressed and unable to forget Ling Xiaoxiao, spends his days drinking heavily, neglecting his duties and appearing unprincely, often sitting on the ground leaning against a railing. Officials complain about his daily drinking and his delegation of all matters, including resolving the Hexi people's grievances, to Prince Jin.
Prince Jin, protecting his brother, explains that he acted under the Crown Prince's orders, detailing his successful resolution of the grievances, earning praise from the officials and the Emperor. The Emperor, aware of the situation, instructs Prince Jin to remain in the palace longer to honor his mother, Consort Li. During a court session where an official questions the Crown Prince's conduct, Zhu Shoukui suddenly faints, coughs blood, and collapses, alarming everyone present.
Ling Xiaoxiao, who had resumed her passion for cooking, is startled by a dream of his illness and feels a strong connection at the moment of his collapse, realizing she cannot abandon her culinary skills or the Crown Prince, and makes a decision in her heart.
Imperial doctors diagnose Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui with "brain wind," a condition he had been carefully managing for over half a year, but which has now worsened significantly due to his excessive worry, making it severe and incurable, with no known prevention or treatment. The doctors admit they have never seen such symptoms. The Empress is heartbroken, and the Emperor is extremely worried, ordering a widespread search for famous doctors.
The Empress also becomes anxious, fearing for the Crown Prince's position after seeing the Emperor summon Prince Jin. Prince Jin and Prince An visit Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui in his sickbed. Zheng Li attempts to feed him medicine, but the Crown Prince refuses.
Prince Jin, taking the medicine from Zheng Li, desperately urges him to take at least a bite, but Zhu Shoukui believes he has only two or three days left and tells Prince Jin not to waste his efforts. Prince An weeps at the sight. Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui, aware his time is short, entrusts Prince Jin to care for the Empress and everyone in the Imperial Culinary Bureau, including Zheng Li.
Prince Jin, fearing Zhu Shoukui has lost the will to live, refuses his request, using reverse psychology by telling him that if he truly worried, he should live to care for them himself. As Prince Jin, having hardened his heart, turns to leave, Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui passes away, exhaling his last breath and dropping a cherished chain he held in his hand. The news of the Crown Prince's death spreads nationwide.
Ling Xiaoxiao's shop receives official notification that for half a month, or during the period of national mourning, no celebrations or banquets can be held. Ling Xiaoxiao refuses to believe the news, repeatedly confirming it. Once she realizes it's true, she loses all interest in cooking, roasting many potatoes in the stove and eating them forcefully while crying and reminiscing about the times she ate roasted potatoes with the Crown Prince, as if angry with herself.
Songbai tries to comfort her, but Ling Xiaoxiao, deeply saddened by the loss of Zhu Shoukui, closes her shop to guests and stops cooking. Songbai, worried, brings her food and tries to feed her, but she remains lost in her grief and is completely unresponsive. A few days later, a mysterious person, who is Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui disguised with a veil over his face, comes to Ling Xiaoxiao's shop.
He is about to leave when he observes Songbai bringing food to Ling Xiaoxiao, which she doesn't eat. He then encounters Songbai directly, hears a waiter mention Ling Xiaoxiao's name, and quietly follows Songbai into the backyard. The mysterious person enters, asking if it is "Ling Xiaoxiao's Delicacies." Ling Xiaoxiao immediately recognizes his voice, snaps out of her daze, and rushes to embrace him, crying tears of joy.
She cannot believe the Crown Prince is alive, confirming his identity by lifting his veil. Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui apologizes for being late. He reveals that he had orchestrated his "death" to abdicate the title of Crown Prince to Prince Jin. On the day he fainted and coughed blood, the Empress had seen through his pretense of illness. When they were alone, she urged him to stop pretending. Zhu Shoukui confessed he had no other option.
The Empress, understanding his unhappiness from being forced to learn various things for over ten years, agreed to let him decide his own fate. Though she was reluctant to part with him, she hardened her heart, believing his happiness was her true happiness. Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui knelt to thank his mother, and they shared a tearful embrace. He candidly admitted he could not live without Ling Xiaoxiao, as only she allowed him to truly be himself.
Ling Xiaoxiao is deeply moved by Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui's actions. He then playfully states a condition: she must bear him a son and a daughter and be responsible for him. Ling Xiaoxiao tightens her grip on him, assuring him she will be responsible. They sit on the steps, looking at the moon. In the palace, everything returns to normal. Prince Jin successfully becomes the new Crown Prince, and Consort Li is released from house arrest.
The Imperial Culinary Bureau is as lively as ever; even Imperial Chef Shen, who was previously unperceptive, is now very kind to Chun Chan, who is pregnant. Back at their new life, Ling Xiaoxiao immediately puts Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui to work washing dishes. One day, while the kitchen is incredibly busy, Zhu Shoukui is found leisurely lying on a chair eating melon seeds in the courtyard. Enraged, Ling Xiaoxiao grabs a feather duster and chases him.
Zhu Shoukui, looking utterly dejected and lamenting that even the deepest feelings cannot withstand the demands of daily life and its necessities, dutifully returns to washing dishes, a complaint Ling Xiaoxiao overhears, preparing to "fix" him. Meanwhile, Lu Yunzhou, still wanting to challenge Ling Xiaoxiao after his previous defeat, arrives at the shop, having heard about a grand chef competition.
He states he will only share the competition details after she demonstrates her skill by making a dish with three different ingredients and flavors. Ling Xiaoxiao agrees and soon creates the dish, "Three Sets of Chicken," greatly impressing Lu Yunzhou. He then invites her to participate in the culinary competition. Ling Xiaoxiao, knowing Zhu Shoukui's temperament, secretly leaves him a letter and departs with Lu Yunzhou.
Upon reading the letter, Crown Prince Zhu Shoukui immediately explodes in anger, yelling that Ling Xiaoxiao ran off with a man, kicking away two blocking waiters, and vowing to bring her back.
