Delicacies Destiny Episode 3 Recap
> Delicacies Destiny 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.
