Royal Feast Episode 8 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
Following the mysterious death of Noble Lady Yu in prison and the disappearance of a bribed attendant from the Prince of Han's residence, Zhu Zhanji's suspicions were aroused. He believed You Yifan was at the heart of the conspiracy and prepared to investigate. However, a package from Qianqing Palace containing a blindfolded Buddha statue stopped him. Understanding the Emperor's silent message to "not listen, not watch, and not ask," Zhu Zhanji retreated to his study to immerse himself in books.
Meanwhile, Empress Zhuang was released from prison and, in her gratitude, bestowed many valuable gifts upon Yao Zijin. To return the favor, Yao Zijin braved a heavy rainstorm to deliver homemade cakes to the Empress, becoming thoroughly soaked and subsequently falling ill with a high fever. In his study, Zhu Zhanji grew increasingly distracted over the next seven days, irritated by the steady decline in the quality of his meals since his regular food provider's absence.
Finally, he openly complained about the worsening food and dispatched his attendant, Yuan Qi, to the Food Bureau for an explanation. Yuan Qi learned of Yao Zijin's illness and discreetly arranged for rare ginseng to be added to her medicine, creating a cover story that the herb was a special provision from the pharmacy department to keep the gesture a secret. Elsewhere, Hu Sishan had twisted her ankle.
Because of Meng Ziyun's recent displeasure with her, other maids made excuses to avoid serving her. Only Yao Zijin willingly took on the task, even retrieving Hu Sishan’s discarded shoe and helping her put it back on. Impressed by Yao Zijin's character, Hu Sishan offered to take her on as a pupil and shared a crucial piece of wisdom: in the palace, the key to success is to be "different," urging Yao Zijin to ponder its meaning.
After some thought, Yao Zijin shared a few words of encouragement with Yin Ziping. Empowered, Yin Ziping knelt for hours before Meng Ziyun. She humbly acknowledged her mistakes but also appealed to Meng Ziyun's appreciation for her talent, astutely noting that Meng Ziyun was a rare mentor who understood that "to give is also to take." Moved by her sincerity, Meng Ziyun granted her one final opportunity.
Simultaneously, Wang Sishan approached Su Yuehua, revealing her decade-long project of restoring ancient culinary texts. Stating that Meng Ziyun herself had entrusted Su Yuehua to her, Wang Sishan asked for her help and pledged to teach her without reservation. In the East Nuan Pavilion, the Imperial Grandson's Consort, Yu An, grew anxious. Zhu Zhanji had not visited for over a month since a prior incident, and she feared he had uncovered her secret.
Upon her recovery, Yao Zijin resumed delivering meals to Zhu Zhanji. Finding his study empty, her curiosity led her to peruse an ancient book. Zhu Zhanji returned unexpectedly and discovered his elusive "pen pal" engrossed in his texts. After a brief confrontation, he noted her literacy and offered her a position organizing his library. Yao Zijin humbly declined, citing her low status as a cook.
Zhu Zhanji did not press the matter, but upon tasting his meal, he immediately knew it was not her cooking. He confronted her, revealing his keen palate developed over years of tolerating unappetizing food. He reprimanded her for her silence and for allowing someone else to cook for him, knowing his preferences. He then ordered her to be personally responsible for all his future meals, with a stern warning of severe punishment for any negligence.
Later, Yin Ziping expressed her confusion about her own culinary strengths. Yao Zijin explained that while Su Yuehua, from a renowned culinary family, excelled in "broad" and diverse cuisines, Yin Ziping's strength was in her "miscellaneous" knowledge drawn from folk and street food. Yao Zijin then reflected on her own journey, left to wonder where her own unique "difference" lay. The Food Bureau faced a new issue when an official, Zhao Sicheng, delivered supplies.
Wang Sishan immediately noticed the quantities of livestock, produce, and fuel were short by 30%. Zhao Sicheng scoffed at her claim, but Meng Ziyun intervened and accepted the delivery to de-escalate the situation. Later, she admonished Wang Sishan for her rigidity, explaining that powerful figures in Guanglu Temple and the Food Supervisor's Office were colluding, with connections reaching the Emperor's favored eunuch, Huang Yan, making them untouchable.
Seeing her chefs clamor for prized ingredients like pine mushrooms, Meng Ziyun advised them that true skill lies not in using famous delicacies, but in discovering the unique value in common ingredients. Pressured by the Crown Princess to conceive a royal heir, Consort Yu An made a decision. She instructed her maid, Jinshu, to personally invite Zhu Zhanji to the East Nuan Pavilion, signaling her intent to rekindle their connection.
