Delicacies Destiny Episode 7 Recap
> Delicacies Destiny 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.
