Royal Feast Episode 22 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
During a visit to the palace arranged by the Empress, Yao Zijin's brother kneels and implores her to become Tai Sun Pin, citing their deceased mother's wishes and the plight of their entire family. Yao Zijin sternly rejects his plea, recalling how her father had blamed her for their mother's death and her own subsequent confinement in Pengcheng Bo Mansion, during which she received no compassion from her family.
She accuses her brother of prioritizing his own status and wealth, disregarding their familial ties. Overhearing the tense exchange, Zi Ping bursts in wielding a broom, angrily calls Yao Zijin's brother a coward, and forcefully drives him out. As the Shangyuan Festival banquet approaches, a high-stakes cooking competition is declared between Meng Shang Shi and Hu Shang Shi to decide the future of the Food Bureau's leadership, with Hu Shang Shi vowing to leave the palace permanently if she loses.
Despite a severe hand injury, Yao Zijin insists on participating as Meng Shang Shi's deputy, resolute in her commitment to Meng Shang Shi. Hu Shang Shi, scoffing at Yao Zijin's impaired hand, taunts her, but Yao Zijin defiantly vows to witness Hu Shang Shi's defeat, even if her own hand is permanently crippled.
Meng Shang Shi, acknowledging Yao Zijin's unwavering determination, agrees to her participation but warns of rigorous training, suggesting that this might be Yao Zijin's final opportunity if her injury persists, as full recovery is uncertain. At the Shangyuan Festival, Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji energetically leaps to personally light all the Aoshan Longevity Lanterns, captivating the crowd. The culinary competition then officially begins.
Yue Hua, Hu Shang Shi's protégé, presents her two signature dishes, which greatly please the Emperor, who is about to declare them superior. However, the Emperor then asks Hu Shang Shi to set the terms of the main competition. She proposes an unrestricted contest to identify the world's finest chef by comparing the dishes that ultimately make it onto the Officials' Banquet list, a challenge Meng Shang Shi readily accepts.
Yao Zijin presents her initial dishes, including the unique Salt-sealed Chicken and Exquisite Peony Catfish, both of which are well-received. She then unveils her innovative "Nine-color Box," featuring nine distinct cold dishes showcasing various ingredients, knife skills, and cooking techniques, designed to adapt to different seasons while maintaining balance. Impressed by the ingenuity, the Emperor immediately declares Yao Zijin's dish the winner and orders Guanglu Temple to serve it to all the officials.
Yue Hua casts a jealous glance at Yao Zijin before reluctantly retreating. The Empress observes the dramatic unfolding of events with amusement. Backstage, Yao Zijin's hand throbs with pain, confirming the Great Doctor's earlier warning that acupuncture only offers temporary relief. Yue Hua approaches, mocking Yao Zijin's "sharp edge" and questioning her ability to continue. Yao Zijin, however, confidently retorts that Yue Hua will soon know the outcome after her own defeat.
For the second round, Yao Zijin and Meng Shang Shi collaborate on a Roasted Duck. The Emperor, after a taste, is enchanted by its tender and fresh meat, crispy skin, and perfectly balanced oil, enhanced by subtle hints of ham and honey. Meng Shang Shi further explains the dish's intricate preparation, emphasizing the chef's critical skill. This round is ultimately declared a tie by the judges. The fierce competition continues with other elaborate dishes presented.
One such dish, a tender "white gourd chicken," prompts a discussion about optimal ingredient use, while "forest freshness"—winter bamboo shoots roasted in yellow mud—is lauded by the Emperor for its intense flavor. Another contestant presents "Taiping Assorted Stuffed Lotus Root," a medicinal dish praised for its unique flavor and health benefits. Zi Ping, ever watchful, notices Hu Shang Shi and Yue Hua discreetly slip away to the goose pen, locking the door behind them.
Suspecting foul play, Zi Ping immediately reports this suspicious activity to Meng Shang Shi. Hu Shang Shi eventually presents her goose dish. The Emperor is highly impressed, praising its tenderness and flavor, which he declares superior to even the renowned "Yunlin Goose." When the Emperor inquires about its preparation, Meng Shang Shi quickly interjects, claiming it is the notoriously cruel "fire-roasted goose," prepared by burning the bird alive.
Enraged by this apparent barbarity, the Emperor prepares to punish Hu Shang Shi. However, Hu Shang Shi swiftly clarifies, revealing the dish is "Roast Goose Without Fire," prepared using "coarse shell ash" instead of open flames to achieve the tender effect without cruelty. Meng Shang Shi's attempt to malign her rival backfires, and the Emperor sternly rebukes her for her jealousy and slander.
Guo Bianfei intervenes, smoothly redirecting the conversation by suggesting the competition is merely entertainment for the festival, thus diffusing the tension. Despite the ongoing drama, Yao Zijin remains steadfast at her post, her injured hand causing her visible discomfort. Zi Ping, observing her friend's struggle, takes over the remaining tasks, urging Yao Zijin to rest and assuring her of her knowledge of the seasoning recipe.
Unbeknownst to Yao Zijin, Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji has noticed her plight and discreetly orders medicine for her. Fang Dianshan then delivers a special ointment to Yao Zijin, explaining it's his "private collection" with remarkable efficacy for bone and muscle pain, offering her much-needed temporary relief.
