Royal Feast Episode 17 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
Driven by her mother's dying wish to reclaim the Crown Princess position, Yao Zijin finds herself in the Food Bureau, contemplating a life she once thought she desired. Despite her peace-loving nature, her mother's final words, uttered from a sickbed, demand she fight for her rightful place or her mother would die unfulfilled. Yao Zijin diligently prepares sweet porridge made from wintersweet and sends it to Zhu Zhanji.
When Zhu Zhanji questions why she avoided the Crown Princess, Hu Shi, when she visited his study, Yao Zijin confesses her true ambition: to become a female official and remain in the Food Bureau for life, dedicating herself to her work as a cook. She believes this path offers her stability and alleviates any guilt Zhu Zhanji might feel. Acknowledging his hurt, Zhu Zhanji asks if she truly holds any affection for him.
He admits to not remembering her ten-year-old self or even her existence, asserting that the Crown Princess was a forced gift from the Zhang family, and the subsequent misfortune stemmed from the Zhang family's flattery and his Imperial Grandfather's stubborn suspicion.
Yao Zijin counters by illustrating the suffering inflicted by imperial whims, recalling how the Emperor's fondness for cricket fighting led to countless innocent families being ruined, and how young women were confined to the cold palace as concubines, all to appease the imperial family. She points out that while his hands may be clean, his cricket jar is metaphorically stained with blood.
Zhu Zhanji feels unjustly blamed, arguing that he is condemned simply for being the Imperial Grandson, regardless of his knowledge or consent. Yao Zijin firmly states her preference to remain in the Food Bureau over becoming his concubine, a puppet, or living her life entirely for him, begging him to grant her this freedom. Enraged, Zhu Zhanji smashes a teacup and declares he never wants to see her again.
Yao Zijin departs his study, her steps resolute despite the underlying sorrow. Zhu Zhanji visits the Empress, who is sorting through old clothes she made for his father, suggesting they be discarded. Zhu Zhanji expresses dismay, reminding her that his Imperial Grandfather cherished clothes made by his Imperial Grandmother. The Empress observes the strain between Zhu Zhanji and the Crown Princess, Hu Shi.
While acknowledging Hu Shi's lack of literary and artistic skills, the Empress praises her kind and considerate nature. She urges Zhu Zhanji to give Hu Shi another chance, implying that his past indulgence and lack of clear communication contributed to their estrangement. The Empress highlights her duty to protect Hu Shi, isolated in the deep palace. Finally, she asks Zhu Zhanji to write the character for "ancient," leaving him puzzled.
The Food Bureau initiates its first cooking competition, with "Ancient Cuisine" as the theme. Su Yuehua, from a renowned chef family and skilled in this area, is nominated by Hu Shangshi. Despite the intimidation, Purple Azolla, a mere emissary, boldly volunteers to compete against Su Yuehua. She argues that Hu Shangshi's confident nomination is a calculated move to deter challengers and that it would be beneath Meng Ziyun's dignity to compete directly.
Fang Dian Shen supports Purple Azolla, showcasing a meticulously carved tofu peony as evidence of her diligent practice. Meng Ziyun agrees to give Purple Azolla a chance. Yao Zijin advises Purple Azolla to foster goodwill, cautioning against making enemies who might sabotage her. Purple Azolla, however, feels that her lowly status means she is already looked down upon, negating the need for servility. She admits defeating Su Yuehua will be difficult but expresses confidence with Yao Zijin by her side.
Later, the Crown Princess, Hu Shi, visits Zhu Zhanji in his study, offering jasmine soup. Zhu Zhanji, absorbed in a medical book, dismisses her after a brief exchange. He then expresses a desire to go out and view the night scenery, but Hu Shi declines, stating her lack of understanding in poetry and painting would only spoil his enjoyment. Zhu Zhanji decides to go alone.
Meanwhile, late at night, Yao Zijin tirelessly works on a detailed drawing of the Wangchuan map, intended to aid Purple Azolla in the upcoming competition. You Yifan appears, inquiring if she has reconsidered his offer. Yao Zijin rejects him, dismissing his suggestion that she is naive for seeking peace in the kitchen. You Yifan persists, offering to help her reclaim the Crown Princess position. Yao Zijin not only refuses the position but also advises him against antagonizing the Crown Prince.
You Yifan questions her unusual calm in the face of despair, hinting at a belief that only one of them, her or Hu Shi, is destined to survive. He cynically comments on Zhu Zhanji's good fortune and her perceived kindness, declaring his path as a "Rakshasa" while she remains a "Bodhisattva." The following morning, Yao Zijin discovers her Wangchuan map is missing from its locked cabinet, causing dismay to Purple Azolla, though Yao Zijin maintains her composure.
During the competition, Su Yuehua presents her re-creation of the Wangchuan map using elaborate cold dishes, claiming to follow the ancient tradition of Bhikshuni Fanzheng. She showcases meticulously carved landscapes from vegetables like cucumbers and carrots. Purple Azolla confronts Su Yuehua, accusing her of stealing Yao Zijin's map, but Su Yuehua dismisses the accusation, claiming it's an imitation by an Imperial Palace painter.
Yao Zijin restrains Purple Azolla, prioritizing the competition's outcome over public dispute and advising her to control her anger to avoid falling into their opponents' trap. Su Yuehua, driven by a desperate resolve to win, reflects on her actions, implying she would achieve her goal at any cost. The Empress and Guo Bianfei arrive to judge Su Yuehua's presentation, praising the exquisite carving and the varied depiction of trees.
Guo Bianfei identifies precise scenes from the Wangchuan map but notes a significant flaw: the "mood of the character" depicted is inappropriate. The Crown Princess, Hu Shi, also complains about the cold nature of the dishes, citing the chilly weather, and expresses dissatisfaction with certain appetizers like "Spring Orchid and Autumn Chrysanthemum" being too sour. Yao Zijin begins kneading dough, creating wontons of diverse and unusual shapes, which initially puzzles Purple Azolla.
Yao Zijin then presents her dish: the "wonton with twenty-four solar terms," explaining it represents the "scene of deer and firewood" from the Wangchuan map. She elucidates how each wonton symbolizes different locations from Wang Wei's renowned work, such as Huazigang, Qihu, Wenxingyuan, and Xinyiwu. Guo Bianfei is impressed by Yao Zijin's ingenious use of common ingredients to create miniature landscapes, calling it "wonderful workmanship."
The Crown Princess, Hu Shi, questions the use of hothouse cultivated vegetables, suggesting they lack the freshness of seasonal produce. Yao Zijin counters by explaining the meticulous effort invested in each wonton's filling to compensate for non-seasonal ingredients. She cites examples like pea shoot chicken wontons enhanced with duck oil and Chinese toon ham wontons made with specially marinated "elite meat."
When the Crown Princess argues such complexity deviates from the simplicity of cooking, Yao Zijin eloquently explains that the pursuit of refined culinary art, from basic sustenance to gourmet tastes, drives advancements in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and arts. She emphasizes that her dish, despite its sophistication, uses readily available ingredients and primarily requires "thought and time." The Empress praises Yao Zijin's articulation and commends the wontons for their diverse and flavorful fillings, declaring them "truly wonderful." Meng Ziyun also receives accolades for her skilled mentorship.
