Royal Feast Episode 24 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
The investigation into the attackers from the Lantern Festival reveals that they were all highly trained assassins, with only two captured. One died in prison from severe injuries, leaving only one alive. The Royal Guards are following this lead, while also scrutinizing records of all 643 people who entered and exited the palace that day, including performers, artists, and craftsmen. A eunuch informs Zhu Zhanji that the true culprits are clearly the two princes. Soon after, lunch is delivered.
Zhu Zhanji eagerly inquires about the person delivering the meal, forgetting his hat in anticipation. However, he finds Yao Zijin conversing with Mei Shaoyuan. Zhu Zhanji is visibly disappointed and burdened by their continuous conversation. Later, while Zhu Zhanji and Mei Shaoyuan are playing chess, Mei Shaoyuan comments on Zhu Zhanji's pale complexion and weak voice, noting that Zhu Zhanji has not smiled since he entered the room, unlike his usual cheerful demeanor.
Zhu Zhanji pointedly asks Mei Shaoyuan if he is married. Zhu Zhanji's attendant scolds him for not resting, as his wound from protecting the Emperor has reopened. The attendant complains that You Yifan became the hero of the rescue, despite Zhu Zhanji suffering serious injuries. Zhu Zhanji dismisses his own injuries as mere superficial wounds. He then orders snacks from the Food Bureau and specifically requests for "her" to be brought in, referring to Yao Zijin.
She explains that Meng Shangshi sent her because Zhu Zhanji had barely touched his lunch. She also shows her understanding of his insomnia, noting he only consumed the lily jujube soup, a remedy for restful sleep. Zhu Zhanji then visits You Yifan, who is recovering from injuries. Zhu Zhanji thanks You Yifan for protecting the Emperor, recognizing it as a son's duty, and for which he is grateful. You Yifan humbly replies that it was his duty as a subject.
Zhu Zhanji expresses his admiration for You Yifan, acknowledging his military prowess but also observing the numerous history books, travelogues, and classical texts in his room, indicating a vast breadth of knowledge and lofty aspirations beyond just martial arts. You Yifan modestly claims he only reads to fill his shelves. After Zhu Zhanji departs, You Yifan receives an imperial decree from Liu Gonggong, granting him a "death-free gold medal" for his service.
Yuehua arrives to deliver his meal, and while there, teases him about his newfound favor, jokingly mentioning that historically, meritorious officials granted such imperial honors have often faced rebellion and death. You Yifan dismisses her jest. He then hands Yuehua a detailed food list, instructing her to prepare the Emperor's meals according to it in the future.
As Yuehua dresses his wounds, she shares a personal reflection, wishing she had met someone who would care for her wounds when she was younger. You Yifan responds that he was more fortunate, as he found such a person. In a flashback, he recalls being severely injured and collapsing outside a house. Yao Zijin, noticing his plight, nursed his wounds.
He initially disguised himself as a beggar to observe her, curious about the imprisoned woman who was so kind and helpful. She would bring him freshly steamed buns and other food daily. He had hoped to free her, but by the time he was able, he saw her being carried in a sedan chair into the palace. Mei Shaoyuan joins Zhu Zhanji for dinner, expressing delight that all the dishes are his favorites, praising the Food Bureau's efforts.
He and Yao Zijin engage in an animated discussion about various dishes and culinary anecdotes, such as the "Dongting" pastry and the peculiar "pebble soup," a scholarly endeavor. Zhu Zhanji watches their lively conversation with growing discomfort. Sensing Zhu Zhanji's mood, Mei Shaoyuan discreetly excuses himself, claiming an urgent matter and subtly hinting that Zhu Zhanji appears to be suffering from "heart disease."
After Mei Shaoyuan's departure, Zhu Zhanji attempts to have Yao Zijin play the qin for him, but she explains her hand injury. He then remarks that Mei Shaoyuan also plays the qin, implying that she can listen to him play instead. Confused by Zhu Zhanji's behavior, Yao Zijin asks Chen Wu about his true intentions. Chen Wu, though cryptic, chastises her for seemingly hurting Zhu Zhanji, stating he has never seen the Prince so disheartened.
He also reveals that Zhu Zhanji has ordered Sheng Tai Yi to treat Yao Zijin's hand daily until it is fully healed. Meanwhile, on his way back, Mei Shaoyuan encounters Yin Ziping, who tries to flee, seemingly embarrassed by a past incident. Mei Shaoyuan stops her and gives her a money bag, explaining it's her wages from the restaurant where she worked before entering the palace.
He had kept it for her, fearing she might misuse the money or resort to stealing if she had it too young. Now that she has a good future in the palace, he returns it to her. Yin Ziping later shows the money bag to Yao Zijin, playfully speculating about a secret admirer, but Yao Zijin manages to retrieve it.
Information about the Lantern Festival assassination takes a shocking turn: the middleman who connected with the assassins has been identified as Zhu Zhanji's childhood tutor, someone personally recruited by the Emperor when Zhu Zhanji was eight. The middleman committed suicide before he could be questioned. This revelation deeply angers the Emperor, who immediately issues an edict banishing Zhu Zhanji to Nanjing.
Zhu Zhanji recognizes this as a malicious plot not only to frame him but also to drive a wedge between him and his father by compelling him to leave the capital. When Yao Zijin comes to deliver his meal, Zhu Zhanji confides that he will find a way for her to leave the palace and attain her freedom, so she can be with the person she loves.
He describes the man he believes to be her beloved, emphasizing his integrity, patriotism, and strict self-discipline, though he warns that such strictness might be difficult to adapt to. Yao Zijin, however, clarifies that the man he speaks of is not her sweetheart. When pressed, she insists there is no one. Zhu Zhanji then reveals that he is soon to depart for Nanjing.
Yao Zijin, instead of accepting his offer to leave the palace, offers him advice on how to reconcile with his father, suggesting he express his true feelings sincerely. Zhu Zhanji explains he has tried many times, but his father always keeps him at a distance, to which Yao Zijin suggests he might have used the wrong approach. Yuehua, meanwhile, actively seeks opportunities to deliver meals to Qianqing Palace.
Despite being told she's too low-ranking to enter the Emperor's private quarters, she finds an excuse to go, claiming Meng Shangshi is ill. She prepares a special "abalone snail" pastry and a refreshing porridge made with chamomile seedlings, explaining it helps with dizziness. The Emperor enjoys the food, recognizing the chamomile as a regional specialty from his hometown. He praises Yuehua's significant improvement in cooking.
Yuehua then "innocently" reveals that during the Lantern Festival assassination, she was terrified and hid, only feeling relieved when she saw Imperial Concubine Guo also hiding nearby, implying Guo Guifei was safe and did not show concern for the Emperor's safety. Hearing this, the Emperor is enraged and immediately rejects Guo Guifei's request for an audience. He then announces he will go to the school yard that afternoon and orders his dinner to be sent there.
Zhu Zhanji, having learned of his father's plan to visit the school yard, arrives there early. The Emperor, surprised to see him and annoyed that he has not yet departed for Nanjing, initially dismisses him. However, a rich aroma of prepared food, laid out by Zhu Zhanji, wafts through the air, causing the Emperor to pause. He eventually agrees to share the meal with his son.
