Royal Feast Episode 35 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
Following Emperor Zhu Zhanji's recent incognito visit, which exposed him to the true suffering of common folk and the deception of his officials, and Yao Zijin's subtle efforts to guide him towards understanding these hardships, a significant dinner was held. Purple Azolla, an Imperial Kitchen maid, captivated Emperor Zhu Zhanji and his guests with her unique, folk-style dishes, each accompanied by fascinating stories.
She introduced Baomi fruit, an inventive dish born from hardship during the Yuan army's retreat, and a special soup dumpling made with crab roe, created to honor Sun Quan's sister. She also presented the Juntun pot helmet, a military ration attributed to General Jiang Wei from the Three Kingdoms era, and a tale about Prime Minister Wang Anshi's fondness for sheep's head tags.
Empress Hu, pleased with the delightful food and captivating stories, requested Purple Azolla to cook for her at Kunning Palace. Sun Guifei, Yao Zijin, also expressed her admiration for Purple Azolla's tales and wished for her to prepare meals. Emperor Zhu Zhanji ultimately decreed that Purple Azolla should be exclusively responsible for the Empress's meals at Kunning Palace. Shortly after, Wei Wang accidentally spilled food on Zhu Zhanji, who then left to change.
The Empress also departed to observe Purple Azolla's cooking methods, leaving You Yifan and Yao Zijin alone. You Yifan confronted Yao Zijin, deducing that she had provided the elaborate backstories for the dishes, as Purple Azolla was not literate enough to know them. He recognized that Yao Zijin subtly used these tales to expose the suffering of common folk and disaster victims to Zhu Zhanji, warning her that such actions would incur the bitter hatred of corrupt eunuchs and officials.
Yao Zijin, however, dismissed his concerns, declaring herself "short-sighted" and caring only for the present. Zhu Zhanji, having overheard her last remark, casually added that no one could control her since he had approved her actions. Meanwhile, Yuan Qi reported to the Queen Mother about Sun Guifei's increasingly lawless behavior, attributing it to Zhu Zhanji's excessive favor.
He highlighted Zhu Zhanji's unprecedented intention to bestow upon Sun Guifei the "Golden Seal and Golden Book," items traditionally reserved for the Empress, implying this was a grave overstep that only the Queen Mother's wisdom had prevented. However, the Queen Mother surprisingly granted her approval, instructing her attendant to inform Zhu Zhanji that she had assented to his desire to give Sun Guifei the "Golden Seal and Golden Book."
In the Empress's palace, Purple Azolla's culinary skills began to win over Empress Hu. Initially, the Empress had scolded Purple Azolla for improper serving etiquette. Despite a concubine's warning that Purple Azolla was a close friend of Sun Guifei, Yao Zijin, and might pose a threat, Empress Hu dismissed it, reasoning that Purple Azolla's appointment was personally approved by Zhu Zhanji and all meals underwent rigorous inspection.
Purple Azolla further endeared herself to the Empress by sharing captivating stories behind her dishes, such as "fried lotus" being favored by Xi Shi for beauty, and "Crisp Mountain" for its refreshing taste. The Empress grew fond of Purple Azolla's simple nature and entertaining tales, leading to a period of peace in the harem. Zhu Zhanji, determined to uncover the people's suffering, embarked on an incognito visit, secretly accompanied by You Yifan.
Upon arrival, Zhu Zhanji attempted to assist an elderly farmer tilling the land, but the farmer, mistaking him for an idle city youth, advised him to stay out of the way. Zhu Zhanji then inquired about the farmer's arduous life, learning about the relentless work from spring to winter, including compulsory corvée labor, and the difficulties of trading without capital. The farmer also complained about heavy taxes and levies, making Zhu Zhanji realize that officials were likely embezzling funds.
You Yifan pointed out a wild grass called "man-cutting vine," explaining that its leaves have barbs that can easily cut hands, revealing his own knowledge gleaned from investigating the countryside. Zhu Zhanji reflected on the immense hardship faced by the farming populace. Later, Zhu Zhanji and You Yifan encountered an elderly woman struggling to carry water. They assisted her, and she invited them into her humble home for a rest and a drink.
During their conversation, she mentioned that her children had been taken to serve in the palace. Witnessing her impoverished living conditions, Zhu Zhanji was deeply moved. He reflected on his efforts to establish nursing homes for the aged and infirm, yet acknowledged the vast number of people still in hardship.
He expressed profound sadness over his officials' deliberate obfuscation and cover-ups when he inquired about the number of refugees in Beijing, realizing he had been kept in the dark about the true extent of suffering. As Zhu Zhanji spoke of his sorrow over the deception by his ministers, You Yifan stealthily drew a blade from his sleeve, preparing to strike.
However, Zhu Zhanji turned to him, expressing a heartfelt wish that all his subjects were as loyal and dedicated as You Yifan, believing the people's lives would greatly improve under such governance. He then promised You Yifan that, unlike his imperial ancestors and father who overlooked his talents, he would ensure You Yifan could fully utilize his abilities and perform truly significant work in the future.
Just as You Yifan was poised, Chen Wu entered the room with water, forcing You Yifan to discreetly conceal the blade back into his sleeve. Zhu Zhanji then instructed his officials to re-examine all cases for admission to the nursing homes and promised severe punishment for any officials who refuse to admit eligible individuals or embezzle funds. Late that night, Zhu Zhanji returned to the palace, his boots caked in mud, visibly exhausted from his incognito journey.
Yao Zijin was already waiting for him in the study. She immediately brought him hot food and personally helped him remove his muddy boots and wash his feet, expressing concern over his late return and the Queen Mother's potential worries. Zhu Zhanji recounted his visit, describing an elderly woman whose children perished in battle, living in abject poverty, eating only wild vegetable roots every two days. He expressed deep shame and sorrow at what he witnessed.
Yao Zijin then served him homemade noodles. Zhu Zhanji questioned why she waited for him so late, to which she replied that his happiness at seeing her made it worthwhile, even playfully asking if she could nap on his couch if she tires. He playfully teased her about not fearing harem gossip. They shared the meal. Later, as Zhu Zhanji worked late reviewing memorials, Yao Zijin sat by his side, mending clothes, quietly accompanying him.
Empress Hu's attendants observed that while her appetite had improved, she primarily consumed sweets and soups, not proper meals. They also reported that Purple Azolla visited Yongning Palace for an hour every day before returning to the Food Bureau. Empress Hu, aware that Purple Azolla's meals were first approved by Yao Zijin, grew annoyed and considered dismissing Purple Azolla. She expressed subtle resentment, feeling that it was her turn to be pitied. At this point, Yao Zijin requested an audience.
Sensing the Empress's displeasure, Yao Zijin attributed it to the Empress's feelings about Hu Shangshi. She then delivered a profound speech on life's unpredictable nature, urging the Empress to embrace a peaceful mindset. Yao Zijin used Zhu Zhanji as an example, describing his incognito journeys, his worn boots, and his tireless work till dawn, all while being deceived by corrupt officials and misunderstood by the common people.
She emphasized that even the Emperor faces such trials, and thus, ordinary individuals should strive for resilience and adaptability, like water benefiting all things without contention. Convinced by Yao Zijin's wisdom, the Empress decided to keep Purple Azolla by her side.
Finally, Zhu Zhanji summoned the Minister of Industry, questioning him sharply about his personal life before demanding an explanation for why he sent 5,000 children from Ying Tian Fu to Beijing to learn crafts for what Zhu Zhanji perceived as "useless projects." Zhu Zhanji accused him of lacking compassion for the parents of these children. The Minister, cornered, claimed the entire arrangement was dictated by the Internal Supervisor. Infuriated, Zhu Zhanji then confronted Yuan Qi, the head of the Internal Supervisor, who, despite being in charge, knelt frantically, denying any knowledge and protesting his innocence.
