Yummy Yummy Yummy Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Yummy Yummy Yummy Synopsis
Shen family, who, through a twist of fate, arrive unexpectedly in Yong'an City and encounter Lin Yan, the Deputy Magistrate of Jingzhao. Together, they embark on an extraordinary journey filled with culinary delights, local customs, and an unconventional romance.
Yummy Yummy Yummy Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The vibrant city of Yong'an, known for its intricate network of bustling streets, found its heart in Juxian Alley. Within this lively district, two prominent establishments, the opulent Yunlai Tavern and the elegantly famed Guixiang Tavern, captivated diners. Yet, the recent talk of the town centered on an unassuming little eatery run by Shen Shaoguang and her family, offering culinary creations far beyond the current era's understanding. This unique tale began two months ago.
Shen Shaoguang, residing in Lianshan Hutong, aimed to revitalize her family's new diner by producing historical cooking videos. Her concept involved demonstrating modern cooking techniques to ancient people, with her ancestral home, Yunshui Manor, serving as the set. Her father, Shen Jianshe, mother, Li Fengxia, brother, Shen Shaojie, and niece, Shen Yangyang, readily joined. Together, they visited Yunshui Manor to offer prayers to their ancestors for the diner's prosperity.
Shen Shaoguang recalled stories from her great-grandfather about their family's illustrious past, which included a Vice Prefect of Capital Prefecture named Lin Yan marrying into their lineage. Convinced that Lin Yan’s presence would elevate her videos, Shen Shaoguang set out to find a male tourist to portray him. Following a man she hoped to recruit, she inadvertently stumbled upon the back entrance of the ancient manor.
Opening the door cautiously, Shen Shaoguang was met with the astonishing sight of a bustling ancient market. As confusion set in, a dense fog suddenly enveloped her from behind, forcing her to seek refuge in the unfamiliar marketplace. There, she discovered her family, equally disoriented. Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia discussed the strange events, while Shen Shaojie, whom his family called Gongcai, initially dismissed it as an elaborate "script-killing" game, even admiring a wanted poster for its realistic artistry.
However, their playful assumption turned to stark horror when a man resembling the wanted poster was pursued by Jinwu Guards, collided with a sedan chair, fell, and died right before their eyes. The Shen family, finally comprehending their predicament, realized they had genuinely time-traveled. They secured lodging at an inn, using Shen Shaoguang’s 24-karat gold jewelry as payment. During a family meeting, Li Fengxia stressed the paramount importance of returning home, a sentiment shared by Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaojie.
Shen Shaoguang, known to her family as Jicai, proposed that Yunshui Manor, their point of entry, must also be their path back. Their subsequent attempts to re-enter the manor were thwarted by guards, who explained it was Vice Prefect Lin Yan’s private residence, prohibiting unauthorized access. After several days, with their remaining gold rapidly diminishing, Shen Shaoguang learned from the innkeeper that their ancestor, Lin Yan, was soon to assume his post in the capital.
She devised a plan: they would sell Jianbing Guozi to earn money and find an opportunity to approach Lin Yan. On the day of his inauguration, Emperor Yuanfeng, feigning illness, granted Lin Yan a private audience. Lin Yan recounted his successful handling of a corruption case against County Magistrate Dou, a relative of Noble Consort Dou, a revelation that initially displeased the Emperor.
Lin Yan, however, meticulously detailed the magistrate’s illicit hoarding of pepper—a commodity more valuable than gold—in quantities sufficient to supply Yong'an's East and West Areas for four years, highlighting the extreme suffering of the populace. He explained how he had secured evidence by exploiting a love affair between the magistrate’s subordinate, Yun, and the magistrate’s concubine, giving Yun the choice between exposing the corruption or facing ruin alongside his lover.
Convinced by Lin Yan’s compelling case, the Emperor agreed to the magistrate’s execution. When asked about his administrative approach, Lin Yan stated his intention to begin by reforming Juxian Alley, celebrated for its cuisine, emphasizing that "food matters the most to the people," and taking incremental steps.
The Emperor, aware of the political machinations and the powerful figures who viewed Lin Yan as a threat, advised caution, instructing him to focus on inspections and consolidate his position before implementing broader reforms in the volatile East and West Areas. As Lin Yan and his attendant, Liu Chang, journeyed towards the Capital Prefecture Office, they paused at Juxian Alley.
There, they found the Shen family's stall, where Shen Shaojie was loudly extolling Jianbing Guozi, weaving a fabricated tale of its origin in a legendary place called Tianjin, conceived by his "father" during his world travels. He employed an auction-style, limited-quantity sales pitch, beginning bids at five qian, which caused a stir among the crowd by inflating prices.
Lin Yan, observing these theatrics, intervened, pointing out the exorbitant pricing relative to the ingredients' cost and threatening to report them to the Market Office for market manipulation. Shen Jianshe, recognizing Lin Yan from their ancestral portrait, grew visibly anxious, while Li Fengxia swiftly apologized, effusively praising Lin Yan as a "dragon among men."
Lin Yan, accepting her apology, gave them a second chance, on the condition that they sell their Jianbing Guozi at the fair market price of one qian each. Later, Shen Shaoguang, still hopeful of making contact, waited outside the Capital Prefecture Office. When Lin Yan’s carriage arrived, she eagerly rushed forward, only to accidentally overturn her pancake cart, causing a perfectly round Jianbing Guozi to land squarely on Lin Yan’s face.
Episode 2 Recap
As Vice Prefect Lin exited his carriage, Shen Shaoguang rushed forward, identifying herself and apologizing for her earlier behavior. Lin Yan, having been informed by Shen Shaojie that Shen Shaoguang was the principal instigator of price inflation, sternly warned her to cease her disruptive antics, or risk a public flogging. That evening, Shen Shaoguang confronted Shen Shaojie, furious that he had exposed her as the mastermind.
Shen Shaojie defended himself, stating that he now understood Lin Yan was their ancestor and questioned why he seemed to dislike Jianbing Guozi. Shen Shaoguang chastised him for ruining her plans and urged him to find a way to approach their ancestor and enter Yunshui Manor. Determined to capture Lin Yan's attention, Shen Shaoguang set up her pancake stall in front of the Capital Prefecture. She tried various new flavors and promotions, including "five-colored pancakes," hoping he would notice her.
However, despite her efforts over several days, Lin Yan, busy with his official duties, passed by without a second glance, leading Shen Shaoguang to lament that he must be the person who disliked Jianbing Guozi the most. Meanwhile, after the morning court session, Pei Fei, the new Censor, attempted to obtain the transfer documents for Lin Yan from Vice Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Personnel. Vice Minister Zhang, however, made excuses and dismissed Pei Fei.
Just then, Lin Yan arrived. Observing the situation, he approached Vice Minister Zhang's carriage and subtly reminded him that the documents were crucial for the Capital Prefecture's assessment. Sensing an implicit warning, Vice Minister Zhang promptly changed his tune, blaming his subordinates for the delay and promising to send the documents to the Censorate by the next morning. Lin Yan then invited Pei Fei to his residence for a meal.
Pei Fei, deeply grateful for Lin Yan's assistance, felt protected from further obstruction. During the meal, Pei Fei remarked on Lin Yan's simple diet. Lin Yan explained he did not see the need to fuss over food, as long as it filled his stomach. Pei Fei insisted on repaying his kindness with a return invitation, but Lin Yan assured him it wasn't necessary. Later, Lin Yan, accompanied by Liu Chang, proceeded to Yunshui Manor.
He intended to enter a secret chamber that his father had prevented him from accessing in the past. To their surprise, a complex Western Regions lock, which only his parents knew how to open, barred their way. Frustrated by her failed attempts to get Lin Yan's attention, Shen Shaoguang devised a grand plan. She created numerous "free meal" flyers, folding them into paper airplanes and launching them over the walls of the Capital Prefecture.
Lin Yan discovered one of the flyers, which announced a free tasting of pancakes. Reflecting on the Shen family's peculiar behavior—their unique writing, the way they folded things, their business methods, and their manner of speaking—he began to suspect they were deliberately trying to draw his attention and decided to investigate. Meanwhile, Pei Fei, still mindful of his meager salary, stumbled upon one of Shen Shaoguang's flyers.
He seized the opportunity to reciprocate Lin Yan's hospitality without spending money and suggested they visit the "free tasting" diner. The Shen family, ecstatic to finally have Lin Yan as their guest, greeted them with fervent enthusiasm, eagerly plying them with drinks. Lin Yan, however, feigned drunkenness. The Shen family, believing him incapacitated, began discreetly searching his person for the key to Yunshui Manor.
As Shen Shaoguang reached into his robes, Lin Yan seized her hand, revealing he was not drunk. Liu Chang, who had been waiting outside, immediately entered and apprehended the Shen family, taking them to the Capital Prefecture for interrogation. Remembering his grandfather's stories about Lin Yan being ruthless before he met their ancestor, Shen Shaojie fainted upon seeing the torture instruments Lin Yan had brought out.
Lin Yan demanded to know the Shen family's true identities and intentions, threatening to kill one of them if they remained silent. Thinking quickly, Shen Shaoguang blurted out that she was Lin Yan's fiancée. She then revealed his true identity as Cui Che from Qingyang, adding that his family had been exterminated when he was eight years old due to his father's capital offense, and he had survived by changing his name and identity.
Lin Yan, visibly surprised, acknowledged that few in the capital knew of his true origin, apart from Liu Chang. Shen Shaoguang further explained that the Shen family, being his in-laws, would also suffer if his true identity were exposed. While Lin Yan remembered being betrothed to a Zheng family, Shen Shaoguang insisted he must have misremembered due to his young age at the time. Slightly mollified, Lin Yan hesitated.
Seizing the moment, Shen Shaoguang boldly requested that her family be allowed to reside in Yunshui Manor, posing as his distant cousins who had fallen on hard times. Lin Yan refused, but Shen Shaoguang, undeterred, threatened to loudly accuse him of abandonment in public. Faced with the potential scandal, Lin Yan reluctantly agreed. Once settled in Yunshui Manor, the Shen family immediately offered apologies to their ancestors for their audacious actions.
Shen Shaojie expressed concerns about a "butterfly effect" altering their future due to their lies. Just then, a shadow passed by the window, prompting Shen Shaoguang to exclaim in English. Meanwhile, Liu Chang, who had been eavesdropping outside, reported to Lin Yan that he couldn't understand what the Shen family was murmuring. Lin Yan recalled his parents had arranged his marriage to a family surnamed Zheng, not Shen, and ordered Liu Chang to keep a close watch on them. He remembered his parents urging him to survive and clear their family's name after their tragic demise, with Liu Chang by his side.
Episode 3 Recap
Lin Yan was perplexed as to how the Shen family recognized him, given his significantly altered appearance from childhood. He instructed Liu Chang to keep a close eye on the family while he sought an opportunity to probe their true intentions.
Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang outlined their strategy to her family: they would feign being humble, poor relatives who had latched onto a powerful connection, in order to lower Lin Yan’s guard and allow them to search Yunshui Manor for a way back to their own time.
The next day, Shen Shaojie, thrilled by his first encounter with an ancient privy, dragged Shaoguang to admire its unique features, marveling at the scented toilet paper and the fine powder lining the bottom, deeming it superior to modern restrooms. Simultaneously, Shen Jianshe and his wife expressed awe at the grand architecture of Yunshui Manor, particularly a waterside pavilion, comparing it to their modest home in the countryside.
Liu Chang, who had been secretly observing them, found their behavior bewildering and couldn't discern their actual plans. Shen Jianshe grumbled about the discomfort of pretending to be poor, while his wife reminded him to keep up appearances as they were being watched. Later, the family discussed the ancient dental hygiene products, noting the tooth powder contained ginger and astragalus, and the toothbrush bristles were made of horsehair.
Shen Shaojie gleefully declared he would brush his teeth "at least five times" now that he could enjoy more sweets. Lin Yan arrived for breakfast, and Shen Jianshe immediately complained about the slow service, noting the main dishes had not yet been served. Liu Chang quickly interjected, explaining that Lin Yan did not fuss over food and suggesting they could leave if they were unaccustomed to it.
Shen Jianshe instantly retracted his complaint, assuring them they were guests and would follow the host's lead. Lin Yan then observed that he hadn't greeted the elders that morning. To the horror of the Shen family, he respectfully knelt and bowed to Shen Jianshe and his wife, offering his greetings and inviting them to dine.
The family frantically tried to stop him, terrified that a high-ranking official like the Vice Prefect bowing to commoners would cost them years of their lives. Shaoguang stepped in, explaining that they, as humble guests living in his manor for free, could not accept such a gesture from a dignified official and that they should be bowing to him instead.
Lin Yan calmly clarified that within his home, he was merely a junior, not the Vice Prefect, and no such formality was necessary. Shen Jianshe, relieved, then praised Lin Yan and declared all formalities dropped, urging everyone to begin eating. During the meal, Lin Yan gently probed Shaoguang about their childhood, questioning why their families had lost contact after the engagement.
Shaoguang, excusing her family's perceived lack of table manners due to their country upbringing, claimed they recognized him during his inspection of Juxian Alley while they were selling pancakes, despite his changed appearance. She fabricated a story, explaining that her family felt too humble to approach his esteemed household, anticipating the engagement would be called off. She said they had heard of his family’s troubles but dared not inquire further, only approaching him now out of dire necessity.
Lin Yan, sensing the inconsistencies in her story, was clearly unconvinced. After breakfast, Lin Yan departed for court. Seizing the opportunity, the Shen family began to explore Yunshui Manor under the guise of admiring the grounds, but they were actually mapping out the terrain. They systematically tested various doors, hoping to replicate the conditions of their arrival and find the portal back to their time. However, their efforts ended in failure.
They eventually identified one last promising door near the study, but it was heavily guarded, and the family concluded that the difficult task of getting past the guards would have to fall to Shaoguang. While Lin Yan continued his efforts to decipher the lock’s mechanism in his study, murmuring sequences of numbers, Shen Shaoguang, under the guise of exercise, ventured into the back courtyard. To her delight, the guards were nowhere to be seen.
She quickly made her way to the Langhuan Chamber, the study, where Lin Yan and Liu Chang, caught off guard, hastily hid behind a bookshelf. Shaoguang immediately recognized the hidden door within the chamber, convinced it was the very portal through which they had traveled. Using knowledge she'd acquired from a film set, she confidently manipulated the lock, repeating "eight, eight, eight" as she worked.
To Lin Yan's astonishment, hidden in the shadows, Shaoguang effortlessly opened a lock that he had tried to decipher countless times. Stepping through, Shaoguang expected to return to her own time but found herself still within the study. As she turned to leave, Lin Yan blocked her path, openly accusing her of being a spy from another country.
Shaoguang, flustered, quickly explained that she knew nothing of Huoxun Kingdom’s numbers but recognized the sequence as a common business idiom for "great wealth and prosperity," making it easy for someone in trade to guess. While Lin Yan hesitated, she seized the opportunity and fled. After Shaoguang’s escape, Liu Chang asked if he should pursue her. Lin Yan, however, was deep in thought, pondering how the Shen family could have been spared when his own family was exterminated.
He questioned if they were impostors and if his true fiancée was someone else entirely. Alternatively, he considered that Shaoguang might indeed be his fiancée, but her family, seeking protection, had become "spies" for another power, which would explain her uncanny knowledge of Huoxun Kingdom's numbers—a knowledge he himself lacked. Despite Lin Yan's growing suspicions, Shaoguang believed his official status would prevent immediate harsh action, granting them a "buffer time." She urged her family to make a quick getaway.
Together, they meticulously recalled every detail of their initial time-travel, from what they touched to what they said, hoping to recreate the exact conditions for their return. Jicai humorously asked if avoiding homework would help him return, as he hadn't done it on their initial journey, a suggestion his grandmother playfully dismissed. Shen Jianshe speculated about the significance of Shen Shaojie's thong sandals and uncut toenails. Shaoguang's mother then remembered they had been performing an ancestral worship ritual.
She suggested that if they could perform an even grander ritual, this time "worshipping the real person" (Lin Yan), they would surely succeed in returning. Concurrently, Lin Yan discovered his father's hand-written note in the study. The note, dated Tianxing Year 22, recounted his father meeting Fifth Master Xiao and being inspired to keep the record.
Further entries detailed how, as early as Tianxing Year 26, his father had uncovered a scheme involving the sale of official positions, with its tendrils reaching deep into the Ministry of War. To safeguard his family, his father had sent Lin Yan and his mother back to their hometown in Qingyang in May, foreseeing the danger his investigation posed.
The note concluded with the tragic revelation that the mastermind had framed his father, leading to his death in prison and the subsequent extermination and confiscation of property for the Qingyang Cui family. Lin Yan realized that this note alone was insufficient evidence to overturn the case; more concrete proof was needed.
That night, the Shen family, after confirming Lin Yan was asleep, crept into his room with fresh flowers, hoping to perform a ritual to return to their own time. They scattered petals and reverently bowed, but the attempt failed. Lin Yan then appeared, catching them in the act, and subsequently confined them to a woodshed. The following morning, Shaoguang was brought before a somber Lin Yan. She quickly claimed the previous night’s activities were merely a misunderstanding.
She explained that their grandfather had taught them a special ritual involving cleansing hands, burning incense, offering sacred items, scattering flower petals, and bowing three times to a person they deeply admired to bestow blessings. Feeling indebted for his hospitality, she asserted, they had performed this "ceremony" to pray for his good fortune and long life.
Lin Yan, unconvinced, directly questioned if she was truly the woman he was engaged to, then pressed her about her ability to open the secret lock, which he stated was impossible to guess. He urged her to confess their true intentions, offering his assistance if she were honest. Shaoguang, feigning distress, began to cry, lamenting that he was "bullying" her. She reminisced about the upright and righteous young master she once knew who would never abandon friends in need.
She implied he was trying to deny her identity and shirk responsibility, declaring that they would leave immediately. Observing her dramatic display, Shaoguang internally acknowledged the timeless effectiveness of feigned tears. A flustered Lin Yan quickly reassured her he didn't mean for her to leave, explaining he simply needed to confirm details about their shared childhood, as his memories were hazy.
Shaoguang expressed understanding for his difficulty trusting others, promising to answer any future questions and asserting that "time would tell" their true character. Lin Yan seemed about to ask another question but, after a moment's hesitation, instead offered her some tea.
Episode 4 Recap
The Shen family was finally released from the woodshed. Li Fengxia gathered her family to analyze why their attempts to travel back to their own time had failed. Shen Shaojie declared that their misfortunes were all caused by Shen Shaoguang, as their experiences closely resembled a script she had written. Following the script's premise, they resolved to gain Lin Yan's trust to progress the plot and eventually return home.
That night, Shen Shaoguang went to the kitchen to prepare a meal for Lin Yan, only to encounter him climbing down from a wall, clad in black. Despite his poor disguise, she immediately greeted him. Lin Yan, however, mistakenly believed she was an envoy sent by his enemies to harm him and demanded she lead him to her master.
Shen Shaoguang, thinking he knew she was from the modern era and wanted to return with them, led to a comical misunderstanding where neither grasped the other's meaning. Ultimately, she agreed to take him back with them, provided they found a way to return. The next day, the Shen family was distressed to learn that their "ancestor" wished to travel back with them.
They worried about how they would support him in their own time and even fantasized about finding a way to return first and then leaving him behind. Meanwhile, Liu Chang and Lin Yan discussed why the Shen family's "master" would send such an inept group to infiltrate their household. Lin Yan decided to re-examine some old case files and instructed Liu Chang to "handle" the Shen family. Liu Chang misinterpreted this command.
That night, Liu Chang drugged the Shen family and began digging a large pit, muttering that he had never killed anyone and couldn't believe he was ordered to do such a thing. Shen Shaoguang awakened to find Liu Chang digging. Remembering tactics from TV dramas, she tried to knock him out by hitting the back of his head, but he remained conscious. She then picked up a stone and struck him forcefully, knocking him unconscious.
Later that night, Lin Yan, who had been out to investigate the Cui case files, was spotted by patrolmen during curfew and rushed back to Yunshui Manor, pursued by guards. Upon his return, he found the Shen family and Liu Chang unconscious, with only Shen Shaoguang awake. Before he could speak, the patrolmen arrived at the gate. Shen Shaoguang quickly grabbed Lin Yan's cloak, impersonated him, and stepped outside.
She explained to the patrolmen that she had been overcome by hunger and had rushed out to buy food. Lin Yan, emerging with money, sincerely apologized to the soldiers, who then let her go. Having saved Lin Yan from arrest, Shen Shaoguang furiously confronted him about his intention to kill her family. She asserted that her family had no desire to harm him and were only trying to find a way back home.
She reminded him that they had even agreed to take him with them, expressing her outrage that he would plot their murder. Lin Yan, unable to defend himself, woke Liu Chang. Liu Chang explained that Lin Yan had gazed into the distance and said to "bury everything here," which he took literally. Lin Yan realized his mistake, clarifying that he meant to bury "the matter," not "the family."
After the misunderstanding was cleared, Lin Yan returned to his room to find a table laden with a lavish meal. Both Lin Yan and Liu Chang offered sincere apologies to the Shen family, with Liu Chang even kowtowing in penitence. Li Fengxia assured them that their family's only desire was to stay there temporarily and that they had no other intentions.
Afterwards, Lin Yan offered to help wash the dishes, a gesture Shen Shaojie found horrifying, unwilling to "shorten his lifespan" by letting his ancestor do chores. Shen Shaoguang offered Lin Yan a local snack, rice tofu, telling him she was being incredibly generous despite almost being buried alive. The rice tofu evoked warm memories for Lin Yan, reminding him of his mother's cooking.
The next day, Prince Zhao played a board game with his son, remarking on Lin Yan and inadvertently making his son jealous, who quipped that anyone unaware would think Lin Yan was the Prince's biological son. Meanwhile, Prince Zhao had contacted Lin Yan, instructing him to get close to Princess Fuhui to gather information on court affairs.
Princess Fuhui's consort had fallen from a cliff and been in a coma for over ten years; she was known for cultivating relationships with many court officials and publicly expressed concern for the court's stability. Lin Yan recalled that years ago, it was Prince Zhao who had saved him and Liu Chang after they fled the Cui family tragedy. Feeling indebted, he resolved to continue his investigation without involving the Prince, not wanting to implicate his benefactor.
Having gained Lin Yan's trust, Liu Chang no longer viewed the Shen family with suspicion. Separately, the Shen family decided to leverage their modern culinary skills to earn more gold, hoping to take it back to their own era for a better life. They planned to continue making popular snacks like Jianbingguozi.
Episode 5 Recap
After court, Lin Yan heard from officials that Princess Fuhui planned to host her annual Qixi Poetry Gathering, inviting scholars and notables. The Princess was known for her unconventional invitations, even including merchant families in previous years. However, the Capital Prefecture had not received an invitation. Lin Yan saw this as an opportunity to connect with the Princess, but requesting an invitation directly would appear too eager and conspicuous. He needed to find a more natural way to gain entry.
Meanwhile, Lin Yan discovered that the Shen family had borrowed almost all the kitchen utensils from his residence, including the tea-brewing stove, for their street stall. Liu Chang explained that the Shen family found the manor's equipment superior to their own. Lin Yan mused that his investigation into the Cui family case was perilous, and even though he publicly referred to the Shens as distant relatives, they could still be implicated if things went wrong.
He felt a sense of responsibility, believing the Shen family had been affected by the Cui family's downfall, even if Shen Shaoguang didn't mention it. Liu Chang mistakenly thought Lin Yan wanted to end the engagement and send the Shens away, but Lin Yan clarified that Shen Shaoguang was not attached to the betrothal and only sought a temporary refuge, hoping to return to their hometown eventually.
Lin Yan decided against simply giving them money, reasoning that it would be like driving them away. Instead, he preferred to "teach someone to fish," instructing Liu Chang to provide any assistance the Shens needed for their business. Shen Shaoguang and Shen Jianshe were selling Jianbing Guozi on the street, but business was slow. They soon realized many passersby were holding Jianbing Guozi from Yunlai Tavern, which had copied their recipe and was selling it at half their price.
Shen Jianshe was indignant, but Shen Shaoguang knew a price war was not feasible as Yunlai Tavern had cheaper supplies. To find a counter-strategy, she bought all the different flavors from Yunlai Tavern to study their offerings. That evening, Lin Yan and Liu Chang joined the Shen family for dinner, unknowingly sampling the copied Jianbing Guozi.
Lin Yan praised its unique taste, especially the crispy filling, prompting an embarrassed Shen Jianshe to reveal it was Yunlai Tavern's product and ask Lin Yan for justice. Li Fengxia quickly intervened, asserting they could handle their own affairs. Liu Chang attempted to retract his praise, but Shen Shaoguang's young cousin, Yangyang, called him out for lying. Shaoguang concluded that resistance was futile; Yunlai Tavern's imitation would soon lead to other businesses in Juxian Alley following suit, saturating the market.
She declared they needed to "switch tracks" quickly, a term she explained as finding new products to sell, to stay ahead of the competition. The next day, the Shen family launched a new business: selling lamb skewers. Shen Shaoguang adopted a "live-streaming" style, promoting the "crispy outside and tender inside" skewers seasoned with exotic spices, while Shen Jianshe grilled and Shen Shaojie and Li Fengxia rallied the crowd.
They offered an unprecedented deal of three large bunches for only ten qian, with Shen Jianshe comically feigning financial distress, which further attracted customers. Their lively new stall quickly drew customers away from Yunlai Tavern. Lin Yan and Pei Pei, also known as Twelfth Master, passed by after court.
Pei Pei suggested they try the cheap lamb skewers, questioning how the Shen family could sell lamb, a valuable commodity, so inexpensively, given that even he, a Censor, received little in his annual salary. Lin Yan knew the answer: Shen Shaoguang had borrowed his annual lamb allowance. Soon, Manager Feng of Yunlai Tavern arrived with his men, attempting to disrupt the Shen family's stall, claiming their noise was disturbing his "noble guests" and that they were "blocking the market square."
He threatened to have Shen Shaoguang thrown into prison. Lin Yan, who had been observing the scene, stepped forward and challenged Manager Feng, pointing out that no market regulation prohibited stalls outside Yunlai Tavern. Recognizing Lin Yan, Manager Feng's demeanor instantly shifted. He apologized profusely, blaming his subordinate and claiming he was merely trying to "help" the Shen family, going so far as to order his own men to assist in selling the lamb skewers.
Lin Yan, with ironic wit, praised Manager Feng for "bullying the weak" to "gift him a merit," which Pei Pei enthusiastically promised to record. As Lin Yan and Pei Pei prepared to leave due to the overwhelming crowd, Li Fengxia hurried over, offering Lin Yan some freshly grilled lamb skewers, and accidentally called him "future son-in-law." Pei Pei, with his famously sharp hearing, immediately pressed for an explanation.
Lin Yan admitted to an "arranged marriage" with Shen Shaoguang, emphasizing it was a "womb betrothal" agreed upon by their parents, and asked Pei Pei to keep it confidential. Pei Pei was shocked, declaring that marrying a merchant would "harm your career" and "burden your descendants," asserting that such a betrothal was not legally binding without formal gifts. He warned Lin Yan against being "ensnared."
However, after tasting the lamb skewers, Pei Pei was utterly captivated, calling them "delicious" and "a peerless delicacy." His opinion on merchant families softened, though he jokingly suggested Lin Yan "send her away early" to keep the delicious food for himself. Lin Yan gave Pei Pei the rest of the skewers. That evening, the Shen family joyfully counted their earnings. They reflected on the ease of making money in ancient times but lamented the lack of modern conveniences.
Shen Shaoguang, noting that lamb skewers could be greasy and expensive to produce, suggested diversifying their offerings by developing refreshing drinks to sell alongside. The next day, Shen Shaoguang and Shen Shaojie introduced their new line of beverages. Shen Shaoguang playfully marketed "Happy Water" and the signature "Beat Unfaithful Men Green Drink!" encouraging customers to vent their frustrations while she prepared the beverage.
Other drinks included "Dark Plum Bobo, All Things As You Wish" and "Ultracute Maiden Purple, Find an Ideal Husband." The iced drinks were an instant sensation in Juxian Alley. Later, Lin Yan bought some lamb skewers and drinks to share with Pei Pei at his residence. Pei Pei confided that he had been denied an advance on his salary by Vice Minister Zhang for a new outfit to attend the Qixi Poetry Gathering, and thus planned not to go.
Lin Yan offered him clothes from his own wardrobe. Pei Pei then realized Lin Yan hadn't received an invitation either. He offered to secure one, asserting it was a simple matter for the Censorate. He added that Princess Fuhui was seeking an "innovative, excellent chef" for the gathering, as she found previous chefs "lacking in novelty," subtly suggesting Shen Shaoguang.
Later, a leader of the Imperial Guard approached the Shen family's busy stall, requesting several barrels of their new tea drink for his troops. Shen Shaoguang politely declined to deliver the prepared drinks to the military, citing strict regulations regarding army provisions and her unwillingness to bear such a weighty responsibility. The officer initially misunderstood this as a "lack of courage," but Shaoguang clarified her stance, offering to sell them the recipe instead.
She explained that since her family would not remain in Yong'an indefinitely, there was no need to keep the formula secret, and that the Imperial Guard, who "defend peace," deserved to enjoy "Yong'an's newest and best tea." Impressed by her foresight and integrity, the officer admitted his misjudgment and purchased the recipe. Lin Yan, who observed the exchange from afar, dismissed Liu Chang's comment about his admiration for Shen Shaoguang as "nonsense."
Later, Lin Yan and Liu Chang visited the Shen family stall, which had already sold out. Shen Shaoguang offered them the last two cups of "Find an Ideal Husband, Ultracute Maiden Purple." Lin Yan jokingly recited the modern name, causing Shen Shaoguang to blush and admit the name felt "too much like a collapse of ritual" when he said it. With a fond smile, Lin Yan affectionately called her "Ajì," her childhood nickname, and gently tapped her forehead. He then formally invited her to cater Princess Fuhui's upcoming Qixi Poetry Gathering.
Episode 6 Recap
Li Fengxia expressed strong disapproval when Lin Yan proposed that the Shen family host the Princess's Qixi Poetry Gathering, fearing that such a high-profile noble event could lead to severe consequences. Shen Jianshe echoed her concerns, emphasizing that attracting too much attention was ill-advised, especially with their planned departure date nearing, and advised prudence. Shen Shaoguang, understanding their reservations, was ready to drop the idea.
However, Lin Yan then revealed that the reward for hosting the banquet was a gold brick, which immediately changed the family's tune. Shen Jianshe swiftly declared that "great wealth comes from great risks" and that they should proceed. Li Fengxia quickly agreed, recalling their experience hosting numerous large events in modern times and dismissing the risks of an ancient banquet.
Shen Jianshe then playfully recounted his own wedding to Li Fengxia in a small restaurant, a memory he himself referred to as "embarrassing history," which his wife rebutted as an act of substance over show. With everyone now in agreement, Shen Shaoguang announced that preparations would begin immediately. The following morning, Shen Shaoguang toiled alone in the kitchen, preparing various dishes, including Qixi flower cakes and cheese buns. Her brother, Shen Shaojie, was still asleep, feigning illness to avoid helping.
Lin Yan, concerned about the burden on the Shen family, arrived to assist, explaining that as the event's recommender, he felt obligated to personally oversee the preparations for the Princess. Noticing flour on his face, Shen Shaoguang laughed and gently wiped it off, then tied an apron and sleeve covers, made by her mother, onto him to protect his robes. Lin Yan, unaccustomed to such familiarity, was momentarily taken aback.
Shen Shaoguang offered him a Qixi flower cake, explaining its significance for the festival's "begging for skill" tradition. She then voiced her disdain for the Qixi legend, criticizing the Cowherd for lusting after the Weaver Girl, stealing her clothes, and forcing her into marriage and motherhood without her consent, asserting that it was not a tale of love but of coercion. Lin Yan concurred, noting that such stories were mostly written by men who might not consider a woman's perspective.
Shen Shaoguang further elaborated that true affection requires respect, a quality the Cowherd lacked. She then praised Lin Yan for his broad "perspective", explaining that he possessed a magnanimous and open mind. Lin Yan, unfamiliar with her modern terminology, was playfully called a "liar" by her when she offered humorous, fabricated explanations for her words.
Later that day, at the poetry gathering hosted at the Princess's mansion, Pei Pei wore a robe borrowed from Lin Yan, which she believed enhanced her grace and noble bearing. Lin Yan humorously remarked that "clothes make the man," implying her newfound elegance, which led to some lighthearted bickering. Impressed by the cuisine, the Princess invited the Shen family to join the banquet as guests. Liu Feng, Third Master of Guixiang Tavern, was also in attendance.
He expressed his surprise that his tavern, the usual host, was not chosen this year but was thoroughly impressed by the Shen family's pastries, particularly their innovative use of Western Region grape wine and peppercorn flavors in the desserts. Shen Shaojie proudly took credit for the unique ideas. Having previously enjoyed their Jianbing Guozi and lamb skewers, Liu Feng expressed a desire to "exchange ideas" about cuisine with them.
Shen Jianshe passionately demonstrated the "awakening of wine" to Liu Feng, explaining how pouring wine into another vessel improved its taste, a fact Liu Feng confirmed after tasting it. Meanwhile, other nobles vied for Lin Yan's attention. During Shen Jianshe's enthusiastic explanation, Li Fengxia, worried he might say something inappropriate, stood up to intervene and accidentally bumped into Mr. Lu, a member of one of the seven noble clans, causing him to spill his drink.
Infuriated, Mr. Lu verbally abused Li Fengxia, calling her a "vile merchant's wife" and disparaging all merchants as "street rats" unworthy of attending such a distinguished gathering. Li Fengxia tried to apologize, but Mr. Lu continued his tirade. Lin Yan swiftly intervened, reminding Mr. Lu that the Princess was about to arrive and that such a public display of anger would be seen as disrespect toward Her Highness. Realizing his transgression, Mr. Lu quickly excused himself, claiming intoxication.
When Shen Shaoguang attempted to apologize to the other guests, Lin Yan stopped her, asserting that her family had committed no wrong and that "one who repays injustice with integrity owes no apology to others." After the commotion, Shen Shaojie voiced his frustration over societal prejudices, arguing that merchants are just ordinary people who deserve fairness and respect. Liu Feng, deeply moved by Shen Shaojie's simple yet profound words, praised him as an "insightful man."
Encouraged, Shen Shaojie then passionately advocated for equality in relationships, urging men to abandon "male chauvinism" and instead prioritize mutual respect, understanding, and communication with their wives. He shared his own regretful experience of his wife leaving him, attributing it to his past shortcomings, and warned others against imposing their will on their spouses. His sincere words resonated deeply with the women present, who applauded and declared that a husband should be like him.
Just then, the Princess arrived and, having overheard his discussion, praised his "unique perspectives" and proclaimed that "each word is like a pearl of wisdom." She humorously noted his "coarse features" but admitted he would have been an interesting addition as her close advisor. Shen Shaoguang, quick to deflect any unwanted attention, hastily agreed that her brother was "unworthy," a sentiment Shen Shaojie echoed.
The Princess, finding his humility virtuous, encouraged him to share more insights, but he declined to speak further. Following the poetry gathering, the Shen family received a reward five times greater than initially promised. Lin Yan also informed them that the Princess had bestowed several bolts of silk fabric as an additional gift, which Liu Chang would deliver. Later, the Princess summoned Shen Shaoguang, expressing her delight with their cuisine and offering them a position as chefs in her residence.
Shen Shaoguang politely declined, explaining that her family were rustic folk unaccustomed to palace life and were planning to leave Yong'an soon. She also humbly apologized for any "improper behavior" at the banquet, but the Princess dismissed it as Mr. Lu's fault, reiterating that her generous reward was only the silk, given for their excellent service.
Realizing the Princess's reward didn't account for the large sum of gold received, Shen Shaoguang confronted Lin Yan, deducing that he had personally supplemented the payment. She attempted to return the money, but Lin Yan insisted she keep it. He explained that her family's successful hosting of the event had helped him gain the Princess's favor and that, as a businesswoman, she should understand that such "connections" were worth far more than gold.
Shen Shaoguang expressed her gratitude for his timely intervention at the banquet and extended an invitation for Lin Yan to dine with her family, which he accepted. Observing Lin Yan's generosity, Liu Chang noted that the money given to Shen Shaoguang represented all of Lin Yan's accumulated salary since entering official service. He then suggested that, with the Shen family now financially secure, it was an opportune time for Lin Yan to propose dissolving his engagement to Shen Shaoguang.
Episode 7 Recap
On the much-anticipated full moon night, Shen Jianshe prepared a lavish Spring Water Lamb dish. The Shen family, while somewhat reluctant to leave Yong'an after settling in, held onto their deepest wish of returning to modern times. When Lin Yan finally arrived, he noted the luxurious spread and the many lanterns adorning the hall, which Li Fengxia explained were made specially because of his presence.
Shen Jianshe urged Lin Yan to try the lamb, hoping it would be the key to their return. Lin Yan found the lamb delicious, and upon seeing his approval, the family erupted in joyful cheers, expressing their gratitude. Li Fengxia reminded Lin Yan to prioritize his health alongside his official duties, while Shen Shaojie wished him a smooth career path.
During the meal, Lin Yan’s aide, Liu Chang, subtly suggested that with Shen Shaoguang's situation resolved, Lin Yan could finally propose dissolving their engagement. Lin Yan had indeed intended to speak on a matter but hesitated when the Shen family stated they also had something to discuss. A polite back-and-forth ensued, with no one wanting to speak first, until Shen Shaoguang finally announced they had prepared a farewell gift. Lin Yan was surprised, asking if it was a "farewell" gift.
Shen Shaoguang presented clothes they had made, hoping he would always be splendidly attired. Li Fengxia added that the lanterns were meant to illuminate his future, and Shen Yangyang presented a family portrait she drew, placing Lin Yan in the center. Though Lin Yan misinterpreted it as being "stuffed into this spot," Li Fengxia clarified it meant he held the most important place in their hearts.
The family then explained they had stayed long enough and needed to return to their hometown. They expressed their deep gratitude for his hospitality, toasting him and urging him to take good care of himself, even leaving him a rice tofu recipe so he wouldn't just "dryly gnaw on steamed buns" while busy with work. Lin Yan, realizing their departure, decided against mentioning his own matter, deeming it "minor" and "not worth mentioning."
As the family finished their meal, Shen Yangyang commented that the swaying lanterns resembled fireflies. Lin Yan, recalling a spot behind Jingzhao Prefecture where glowworms gathered, offered to take Shen Shaoguang and Shen Yangyang to see them after dinner.
Despite Shen Shaoguang’s concern about violating the curfew, Lin Yan assured her they could use the back gate to avoid patrols and explained that seeing the "fireflies by the Cang River," Yong'an's most famous night view, was an opportunity they shouldn't miss before leaving.
Among the beautiful glowworms, Shen Yangyang enthusiastically caught one, but Shen Shaoguang gently asked her to release it, explaining that "fireflies will die within a day if you trap them," and it was better to let them be free. Reflecting on this, Shen Shaoguang wished Lin Yan freedom too, who echoed it as his greatest wish.
Shen Shaoguang then confessed that she initially saw him as a distant high official to be "enshrined," but after spending time together, she discovered his "cold face but warm heart" and now considered him a friend. Yet, she sadly stated she was merely a "passerby in Yong'an" and did not belong there, so she had decided not to make friends. Lin Yan admitted he felt the same, leading to a poignant moment of shared understanding.
Earlier, Shen Shaojie sought out Liu Chang, asking for help with a "lifelong matter." He showed Liu Chang a stack of poetic letters he had received from noble ladies of Yong'an after the princess's poetry gathering, admitting his lack of knowledge in poetry and asking Liu Chang to interpret them.
Liu Chang read praises of Shen Shaojie's "outstanding talent" and "battle of wits," his "suave, handsome, and dashing" demeanor, and even one from a young lady who held "secret affection" for him. Shen Jianshe lamented missing out on gaining fans, but Li Fengxia scolded him for his absurd talk. Shen Shaojie, basking in the newfound admiration, expressed reluctance to leave, wanting to take the "love from my fans" with him to endure any future hardships.
He felt understood by the people of Yong'an in a way his family did not. Later that night, the family gathered with their gold, contemplating their supposed return. Shen Shaoguang, who had written the script for their time travel, reaffirmed that they were meant to return to modern times by waking up after moving their ancestor with Spring Water Lamb on a full moon night.
However, Li Fengxia and Shen Shaojie expressed their reluctance to leave, finding it easier to earn money in Yong'an and noting that their modern-day restaurant was struggling. Shen Shaojie highlighted his popularity in Yong'an compared to his lack of job prospects in the modern world. Shen Jianshe added that he looked forward to winning the "Culinary Master Competition" next year, aspiring to be the "Top Chef of Yong'an."
Even Shen Yangyang expressed a desire to stay because Lin Yan played with her. Shen Shaoguang, disheartened by their change of heart, handed over the gold, telling them to accept their fate and return. The next morning, Shen Shaoguang woke up from a dream of selling gold in the modern world, only to realize, much to her dismay, that they were still in Yong'an.
A maid informed her that everyone had fallen asleep drunk in the courtyard, and Steward Liu had moved them to their rooms to prevent them from catching a chill. Shen Shaoguang, acknowledging that all their "methods for going back" had failed, reluctantly faced the reality that they might have to stay.
Shen Shaojie, however, saw it as an opportunity, suggesting they stay, open a small restaurant, and "enjoy the ancestral patronage we don't have in the modern era," even fantasizing about becoming the richest family. Li Fengxia scolded him for his "lay-flat-and-win" mentality. Shen Jianshe, still holding onto his ambition, dreamt of winning the "Culinary Master Competition" to be crowned "Top Chef of Yong'an."
Li Fengxia also pressed Shen Shaoguang, arguing that they had struggled financially in the modern world and that staying in Yong'an would offer them much-needed "financial security." Her family tried to console her, suggesting she adapt slowly and that perhaps one day they would "suddenly go back." The family decided to approach Lin Yan again. Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaojie, despite their attempts, found themselves unable to articulate their dilemma, instead just preparing more food.
Li Fengxia stepped in, explaining that they had encountered "some circumstances" and "might not be able to leave for the time being," hoping to continue residing in his manor. She offered that they would open a restaurant in Juxian Alley, would provide Lin Yan with three meals a day, and pay rent at the end of the month.
Lin Yan, initially taken aback by their change of plans, eventually agreed, waving away their offer of rent, saying it would imply he was complaining that his salary from His Majesty was inadequate. He told them to stay, asking only for a portion of rice tofu when they had time. The Shen family, relieved and grateful, promised to take care of his daily meals.
Later, Liu Chang noted Lin Yan's cheerful mood, even remarking that he was "all clumsy walking" after learning the Shen family was staying. Though happy for his friend, Liu Chang again pressed Lin Yan to dissolve his engagement, cautioning that while Censor Pei might be indiscreet but harmless, others could use the continued engagement as leverage to expose Lin Yan's true identity, potentially bringing to light the past incident of the Cui family.
That night, Shen Shaoguang found Lin Yan still working late and inquired if he was unwell. He admitted to having "trouble sleeping these past few days" and told her to go to bed. He offered his help if she faced any difficulties, reminding her of his position as Vice Prefect. She insisted she was "really fine" and would head back.
The next day, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia were enthusiastic about finding a shop in Juxian Alley, a renowned food street. The broker showed them various options, including Yunlai Tavern, known for its lavish and exotic dishes, and Guixiang Tavern, favored by scholars for its elegant, mild cuisine. Shen Jianshe boastfully claimed his future restaurant would surpass them both.
After dismissing several shops as too small or too ordinary, Li Fengxia reined in her husband and son, instructing the broker to find a less prominent, smaller place. They settled on a shop that originally belonged to Councilor Kang, a famous "food connoisseur" and the founder of the annual Culinary Master Competition. The shop was affordable at 300 qian a month, but with the condition that it must be rented to a food business.
Li Fengxia tried to haggle the price down to 250 qian, leading to a comical exchange with Shen Jianshe about the unlucky number. The broker eventually relented and agreed to the price, revealing that the backyard connected to an alley and could be expanded, effectively giving them "half a shop for free." When Li Fengxia questioned if this was allowed, the broker casually pointed out Yunlai Tavern's even larger, unchecked expansion, assuring them that "nothing will go wrong."
The family then eagerly proceeded to sign the contract. Meanwhile, Lin Yan was determined to investigate the illegal expansions in Juxian Alley. Liu Chang warned him that Yong'an's social waters were deep, and the powerful interests behind the East and West markets were "deeply entangled." He reminded Lin Yan that while cases like Mr. Yun's embezzlement were straightforward, many powerful figures in Juxian Alley, like those behind Guixiang Tavern and Yunlai Tavern, "can't be touched."
Liu Chang advised Lin Yan to merely make a "token gesture," but Lin Yan firmly stated that as the Vice Prefect, he "can't hold office without doing my duty." Back at their newly rented shop, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia were discussing renovations and potential expansions. Shen Shaoguang, still despondent over their inability to return to modern times, expressed her apathy, simply saying, "You decide. I'm fine with anything." Shen Yangyang, noticing her aunt’s unhappiness, offered her a lollipop.
Shen Shaojie tried to persuade Shen Shaoguang to "accept reality," dismissing their modern life as having "nothing worth missing," including her social media account with few followers or her "genius" ex-boyfriend. Li Fengxia and Shen Jianshe reiterated the financial benefits and ancestral blessings of staying in Yong'an, urging her to adapt to the new normal, saying, "Since we're here, we should make the best of it."
Shen Shaoguang, still grappling with her confusion, lamented how they suddenly landed in this "godforsaken place" and expressed her frustration over losing her savings spent on a dishwasher she never used, and the lack of freedom in this ancient society. Her family continued to encourage her, suggesting she would eventually "be fine in a few days."
Alone by the lake, Shen Shaoguang reflected on her situation, questioning what she could truly do if she had to "survive in a society like this." As she was about to leave, a scarf blew onto her face, obstructing her vision, causing her to stumble and fall into the lake. Bystanders immediately cried out, thinking she had intentionally jumped into the river.
Episode 8 Recap
Shen Shaoguang, calling herself Jicai, accidentally fell into a lake. A young woman named A Yuan, who works at Yunlai Tavern, saw her and immediately jumped in to help, despite not knowing how to swim. Shaoguang, realizing A Yuan's inability to swim, ended up pulling her to shore. A Yuan, thinking Shaoguang was attempting to end her life, was relieved to learn Shaoguang had merely slipped.
As both were drenched, A Yuan offered to take Shaoguang to her quarters at Yunlai Tavern to change clothes. To avoid Manager Feng, they discreetly entered through a hole in the back wall. Inside, A Yuan lent Shaoguang her smallest outfit. While they chatted, A Yuan revealed that she became a slave by pressing a thumbprint on a Slave Deed due to debts, losing her commoner status and her ability to return to her home in Shu.
Shaoguang empathized, sharing a similar feeling of being unable to return home. At the Capital Prefecture, Lin Yan faced open defiance from his subordinates, who had begun their meal without him. Liu Chang, Lin Yan's attendant, pointed out their blatant disrespect. Lin Yan, however, viewed their behavior as the natural resentment of older martial men towards a young superior, rather than malicious intent.
He announced that Vice Minister Fang of the Ministry of Works would soon arrive to review road repair budgets and sought assistance. Deputy Cheng, one of the officers, immediately feigned an injury to avoid the task and disrespectfully addressed Lin Yan by his first name, even calling him "Uncle" due to his younger age. Lin Yan, asserting his authority by mentioning his equal standing with Chancellor Meng, sternly stated that he sought genuine respect, not mere compliance.
He explained that the Capital Prefecture was a challenging assignment that most noble scions would avoid or abandon quickly, but he was committed to achieving success. He offered his officers a clear choice: either leave with financial compensation or commit to working alongside him as "brothers," promising to secure their livelihoods and legacies if he prospered.
Soon after, Li Fengxia arrived with a variety of hot dishes, including lamb skewers and large chicken cutlets, observing that Lin Yan had successfully navigated the initial confrontation. She fostered a warmer atmosphere, urging everyone to eat and introducing herself as "Auntie." Lin Yan then addressed Deputy Cheng personally, acknowledging his poor background and unmarried status, and promised to help him gain financial stability, mentioning that he had already petitioned for increased salaries at the Capital Prefecture.
He also assured Second Master Xu, an often-overlooked second son, of potential promotion opportunities by year's end. Lin Yan swore his commitment to their aspirations, invoking heaven as his witness. Li Fengxia reinforced his sincerity, highlighting his empathy. Convinced, the officers finally invited Lin Yan to join them for the meal. Back at Yunlai Tavern, Shaoguang cooked a simple dish of mixed grains, lard, and fermented sauce, which A Yuan named "Paupers' Joy."
Shaoguang noticed several injuries on A Yuan's arm. As they ate, a man outside called for "Chunyan," prompting A Yuan to leave for work. Before departing, A Yuan told Shaoguang to exit through the back hole and gave her the clothes, saying they might not meet again. Later, Li Fengxia brought a bowl of rice tofu to Lin Yan.
He attempted to discuss breaking their engagement, but Li Fengxia deftly deflected the conversation by emphasizing her busy schedule with the impending eatery opening. Lin Yan's attendant, Liu Chang, wondered if Lin Yan was becoming fond of Li Fengxia and might reconsider ending the engagement, but Lin Yan insisted he would address it. Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang, troubled by A Yuan's situation and her arm injuries, sought Lin Yan's legal expertise.
She asked about the process for someone who voluntarily signed a Slave Deed to regain commoner status. Lin Yan explained the stringent legal requirements: a commoner selling herself into slavery must undergo identity verification by the registrar at the Market Office, confirmation of parental status, creation of a public contract, and issuance of official documentation. He clarified that a mere signature or thumbprint on a Slave Deed without these official procedures was legally invalid.
Realizing A Yuan had been illegally enslaved, Shaoguang rushed out. Shortly after, Lin Yan's niece, Yangyang, informed him that Shaoguang had been upset "because of him" and viewed him as her "last hope," having cried several times in secret. Lin Yan then misunderstood that Shaoguang had anticipated his intention to break their engagement. Yangyang casually added that this would not be Shaoguang's first broken engagement.
Arriving at Yunlai Tavern, Shaoguang overheard Manager Feng (Feng Li) violently beating A Yuan for refusing his advances. He called her "wretched trash" and asserted his right to abuse her since she had no family to support her and he possessed her Slave Deed. Shaoguang entered, pretending she was simply there to return A Yuan's clothes. She offered to buy A Yuan, suggesting it would prevent Manager Feng from incurring bad luck due to A Yuan's supposedly inauspicious physiognomy.
Manager Feng dismissed her offer, smugly declaring A Yuan belonged to Yunlai Tavern because he held her Slave Deed, and warned Shaoguang to focus on her own eatery. As Shaoguang started to leave, the renewed sounds of A Yuan's abuse drove her to re-enter. She confronted Feng Li, declaring herself A Yuan's friend.
Shaoguang asserted that A Yuan was still a commoner because her enslavement was illegal; she had only affixed a thumbprint to a Slave Deed, bypassing the comprehensive official Market Office procedures required by law. Shaoguang accused Feng Li of "coercing a commoner into bondage" and demanded he present the Slave Deed for official verification. Enraged, Feng Li ordered his guards to seize Shaoguang and A Yuan.
Just as Feng Li's men moved in, Deputy Cheng arrived with Capital Prefecture officers for an inspection, specifically targeting Yunlai Tavern's illegal expansion. Feng Li, instructing his men to hold Shaoguang and A Yuan, went to greet Deputy Cheng. Deputy Cheng confronted Feng Li about the tavern's unauthorized expansion into the back alley and its role in obstructing rescue efforts during a bookshop fire in April, which had resulted in three deaths.
Feng Li vehemently denied any wrongdoing, attempting to coerce a bookshop worker and other neighbors into corroborating his lies, but they remained silent or equivocal. Lin Yan then arrived, confirming that Jinwu Guards records corroborated the three fatalities caused by Yunlai's obstruction. He cleverly exploited Feng Li's superstitious beliefs, leading him to inadvertently admit to a fire-related injury, thereby confirming the obstruction. Feng Li attempted to intimidate Lin Yan by hinting at powerful backing for the tavern.
Lin Yan countered, questioning whether Feng Li wished to implicate his influential patrons in corruption and illegal activities. Lin Yan immediately ordered the demolition of the illegal expansion and proceeded into the courtyard. He asked Shaoguang if she had been bullied. Shaoguang quickly explained A Yuan's plight as a commoner illegally enslaved by Feng Li. Lin Yan demanded the Slave Deed. In a desperate attempt to destroy the evidence, Feng Li tried to eat the document.
Shaoguang swiftly pulled A Yuan to safety. Enraged and finally understanding the deception, A Yuan confronted Feng Li, revealing he had tricked her into signing the deed over an exorbitant debt for a bowl of soup noodles. Lin Yan then publicly declared the Slave Deed to be fake, confirming to A Yuan that she had been deceived for years and was now legally free. Overjoyed, A Yuan, with Shaoguang's support, walked out of the tavern, with Lin Yan ensuring Feng Li's men did not interfere further.
Episode 9 Recap
While Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaojie debated over tablecloth patterns for their new diner, with Shen Shaojie humorously dismissing his father's choice as only suitable for "rags" or "undies," Shen Shaoguang, known to her family as Jicai, arrived with A Yuan. Jicai offered A Yuan a string of coins, urging her to return to Shu to reunite with her family.
A Yuan, fearing she was being cast out, immediately grabbed a broom and diligently started sweeping, pleading to stay and work for free, only asking for food. She explained that she had no family left in Shu and nowhere to go. Jicai was unsure how to proceed. Li Fengxia pulled Jicai aside, pointing out that keeping A Yuan simply meant one more meal to cook, and the diner, fresh from opening, needed extra hands.
Shen Jianshe added that they had already incurred Manager Feng's wrath when they started street vending, so they shouldn't overthink it and just deal with challenges as they arise. Jicai remained hesitant, worried about further trouble with Manager Feng. Back in the room, A Yuan had quietly left. Lin Yan then arrived to help. Jicai, overwhelmed, ran out of the room, with Lin Yan following close behind.
Jicai expressed her struggle, explaining that while she wanted to protect A Yuan, as ordinary folk, they couldn't afford to provoke Manager Feng. Noticing a scrape on Jicai's palm from gripping a stone, Lin Yan bandaged her hand with his handkerchief. He reassured her, stating that Yunshui Manor had ample space and his position as Vice Prefect would offer them protection. With rain approaching, and knowing A Yuan was injured, Jicai insisted on finding her, and Lin Yan accompanied her.
They successfully located A Yuan and brought her back. Later, A Yuan, grateful for the Shen family's kindness, presented Jicai with a new slave deed, pledging her lifelong service. Jicai promptly tore up the document, declaring A Yuan a free person. She explained that A Yuan would be an employee, earning wages by her efforts and signing a labor contract instead of a slave deed.
A Yuan, though not fully grasping the new terms, understood that Jicai was treating her with immense kindness. To celebrate A Yuan joining them, the Shen family made fish balls, a dish symbolizing reunion. Lin Yan also joined them for dinner. Jicai proposed that their diner should cater to common people, offering affordable and delicious food, unlike Yunlai Tavern's extravagance. The family readily agreed, and Lin Yan praised Jicai's unique vision. Shen Shaojie then suggested naming the diner "Everyman's Joy."
Meanwhile, Manager Feng, still seething over A Yuan's rescue, discovered that Jicai was Lin Yan's distant cousin. He misinterpreted this as Lin Yan abusing his power and vowed to seek revenge on both of them. That night, after a joyful dinner at the new premises, Lin Yan realized he had missed curfew. Li Fengxia suggested he stay overnight at the diner. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Yan drew Jicai aside in the backyard.
After much hesitation, he broached the subject of dissolving their engagement. He expected Jicai to be distraught, but to his surprise, she was overjoyed, revealing she had been strategizing for this daily. She rushed off to write a letter of engagement dissolution. Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia, also present, added their apologies to Lin Yan, reiterating that they had no intention of clinging to his elevated status. Later that night, a stray cat entered the diner's backyard.
Lin Yan, unable to sleep, was looking around when he inadvertently approached Jicai, who was also awake. He made up an excuse about hearing a cat, and they both went to the backyard. Jicai, who had always loved cats since childhood, cradled the calico cat. Lin Yan offered to write a cat-betrothal deed, a formal document solidifying the cat's place in their home.
After the cat ate the offerings, confirming its willingness to stay, Jicai, overcome with excitement, hugged Lin Yan around the neck before quickly pulling away in embarrassment. They discussed names and settled on "Ming." Lin Yan remarked that his own name, "Yan," also meant "bright," like "Ming." Jicai worried it might "collide with your name," but Lin Yan insisted, "Ming" it was.
Soon after, a public notice was posted announcing the demolition of Yunlai Tavern's illegally expanded section due to its role in preventing the timely extinguishing of a bookshop fire two months prior. The citizens of Yong'an, especially the Shen family, applauded Lin Yan's decisive action. Enraged, Manager Feng confronted the Shen family, dismissively claiming that the penalties were negligible for Yunlai and that their wealth could buy the Shen family's lives.
Jicai retorted, mocking his "clueless" villainous laugh and publicly declared that if their diner faced any misfortune, Manager Feng and Yunlai Tavern would be the primary suspects, ensuring the community would bear witness. Manager Feng, defeated and furious, stormed off, vowing that the Shen family's diner wouldn't last. Jicai, however, boldly declared that they would make it flourish. On the grand opening day of Shen's Diner, the entire Juxian Alley came to celebrate.
The diner's unique design and decorations gave everyone a refreshing experience. Lin Yan had personally inscribed the character "Shen" for their work uniforms, and Jicai thanked him with a lollipop. The diner's signboard featured a massive cat head, and they offered a complimentary "Carefree Drink" to every guest, attracting a large crowd eager to try their innovative menu.
Episode 10 Recap
Shen's Diner opened to a full house, prompting Shen Jianshe to proudly credit himself in the kitchen for creating popular modern dishes like Liangpi, instant noodles, and chicken cutlets. Li Fengxia quickly reminded him that his daughter, Shen Shaoguang, was responsible for all the diner's design, staff uniforms, and even taught him the cooking techniques. Shen Jianshe, however, insisted it was all thanks to his good genes, as Shen Shaoguang was his daughter.
Their son, Shen Shaojie, interrupted their bickering, urging them to focus on serving the many waiting customers. As the diner buzzed, two customers, Manager Zhao from the fabric business and Manager Liu from the bed business, started a loud argument, exchanging personal insults. A Yuan, serving tables, was visibly frightened and unsure how to intervene. Shen Shaoguang calmly stepped in, complimenting the men's "plump" figures, which were currently in fashion.
She then presented them with a business opportunity, offering them the blueprints for her diner's popular and comfortable "chairs." She suggested they manufacture and sell these chairs, offering a 20% share of the profits. To ensure everyone benefited, she also stipulated that they source fabric for the chair cushions from Manager Zhang and Lady Xu, who were also present. Emphasizing that making money together was more productive than quarreling, Shen Shaoguang successfully mediated the dispute.
Both managers, impressed by her business acumen, shook hands and reconciled, with Manager Zhao even offering to pay for their meals. A Yuan expressed her amazement at Shen Shaoguang's clever solution. Meanwhile, Shen Shaojie had become a local celebrity, captivating noblewomen from Yong'an City who flocked to the diner daily for his emotional advice. He sported unique "sunglasses" from his hometown, enhancing his dashing image.
When Widow Li of Liuyun Alley sought his counsel on remarrying, despite society labeling her unlucky after three deceased husbands, Shen Shaojie encouraged her to boldly pursue happiness, dismissing societal prejudices. He advised her to live her life for herself and not to fear, as she was not the one dying. Witnessing her brother's rare moment of glory, Shen Shaoguang chose not to interrupt, grateful for A Yuan's help with the diner's operations.
A few days later, while Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan were shopping in the West Market, Shen Shaoguang bought A Yuan an expensive hairpin. A Yuan was deeply moved, confiding that Shen Shaoguang was the kindest person to her since her parents passed away, and she vowed to repay her. As they passed Yunlai Tavern, they discovered it had posted a menu identical to Shen's Diner.
Manager Feng, standing outside, boasted that Yunlai's new dishes, though copied from Shen's Diner, were superior due to richer ingredients and more elaborate preparations. He then dramatically announced that Yunlai's prices were half of Shen's Diner's, immediately drawing a large crowd. Manager Feng then provocatively taunted Shen Shaoguang, suggesting her diner was doomed. Upon returning, Shen Shaojie reported Yunlai's predatory tactics to the family. Shen Jianshe declared it a "moment of life and death" and called a family meeting.
He passionately vowed to win this "cruel business war," despite Li Fengxia's reminder that his "modern dishes" were simple and easily copied. Shen Shaojie proposed a "fight fire with fire" strategy, suggesting they copy Yunlai's famous dishes. Shen Jianshe proudly presented his replicated versions of Yunlai's four signature dishes: Fish Fermented in Milk, Chopstick-tip Spring, Changshan Congee, and Brocade-Wrapped Big Turtle. However, the family members struggled to stomach his creations.
Shen Shaojie, after reluctantly tasting them, frankly told his father that his cooking was consistently "unbearable" without extensive practice. Shen Jianshe, feeling insulted, complained about the waste of expensive ingredients, but Li Fengxia urged them to find a different solution. It was then that Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan revealed their "big weapon": half a pig and a specially crafted iron pot. Shen Shaoguang explained that a direct price war was unwinnable.
Their strategy was to focus on "good value for money and constant innovation." Pork, being very cheap in the current dynasty, offered a significantly lower cost basis. A Yuan added that the unique iron pot was painstakingly made by the West Market's Blacksmith Wang after Shen Shaoguang's persistent persuasion. Shen Shaoguang further explained that the iron pot, used with stir-frying and spices, could effectively remove the pork's strong odor, making it delicious and affordable for the common people.
Shen Jianshe finally grasped the genius of her plan, realizing this innovative approach to cooking pork would create a distinct advantage that Yunlai Tavern could not easily copy. He enthusiastically declared their diner would become renowned throughout Yong'an. Soon after, Shen's Diner launched "Agate Meat." Shen Shaojie enthusiastically promoted it, offering free samples and highlighting its tempting aroma.
However, customers quickly identified the main ingredient as pork, reacting with widespread disgust due to the prevailing belief that pork was unclean and smelly. Despite Shen Shaojie's detailed explanations of their meticulous preparation methods, including marinating, stewing, and unique stir-frying techniques to remove any unpleasant odor, most people were unwilling to try. Only one customer, persuaded by Shen Shaojie's earnestness, cautiously tasted it and was genuinely surprised by its deliciousness and lack of smell.
However, this was not enough to overcome deep-seated prejudices, and most onlookers eventually dispersed. Observing from a distance, Manager Feng wore a smug expression, convinced that Shen's Diner's reliance on "lowly" pork was a foolish endeavor destined for failure. During a subsequent family meeting, Li Fengxia worried about their declining business and the neighbors' mockery of their "madness" for serving pork.
Shen Shaoguang explained that the disdain for pork was a deep-rooted social prejudice, originating from the upper class who deemed it cheap and unclean, with commoners simply following suit. To break this, she proposed a "top-down" approach, requiring influential figures to personally endorse it. When her family members questioned how this could be achieved, Shen Shaoguang confidently pointed to Shen Shaojie, declaring him their "ready-made opinion leader."
Shen Shaojie then convened a gathering of several noblewomen, charming them with his intellect and dashing persona. He introduced them to "Agate Meat," but they instantly recoiled upon recognizing it as pork, reiterating common beliefs about its uncleanliness. Shen Shaojie, drawing upon his philosophy of equality, argued that prejudice against animals was as illogical as judging people by wealth. He urged them to set aside preconceived notions and personally taste the dish.
One noblewoman, clearly captivated by him, cautiously took a bite. To her astonishment, she found the Agate Meat fragrant, tender, and juicy, proclaiming it superior to mutton. Her enthusiasm convinced the other noblewomen, who eagerly sampled the dish and showered it with praise, declaring their newfound love for pork. Outside, commoners, witnessing the noblewomen's positive reactions, began to reconsider their own prejudices and were drawn into the diner.
The success of "Agate Meat" led Shen's Diner to rapidly introduce a variety of pork-based dishes like "Brocade Loin" and "Everyman's Joy," which became immensely popular. A grateful customer even presented Shen Jianshe with a plaque honoring him as the "Best Chef in Juxian." This fueled Shen Jianshe's ego, making him boastful and self-important. He proudly accepted the plaque, claiming he didn't care for titles but couldn't refuse the customers' enthusiasm, and envisioned winning future cooking competitions.
He gave Shen Shaojie a string of coins but dismissed his son's concerns about how promoting pork might tarnish his "Handsome Shen" image, asserting his own authority as the "Best Chef in Juxian." Shen Jianshe continued to gloat, reminding Shen Shaojie of his past disdain for his cooking and attributing his current mastery of pork to "500 times of practice and years of refinement."
When Shen Shaojie jokingly asked if his father now disregarded Li Fengxia's authority, Shen Jianshe arrogantly declared that no one, not even his wife, could control him. At that precise moment, Li Fengxia appeared, furious at his arrogance. She physically brought him back to reality, forcing him to pick up the dropped plaque and clean the tables, effectively humbling the "Best Chef in Juxian."
After days of intense work, Shen Shaoguang, unable to meet Lin Yan, visited him at night after the diner closed. She presented him with a new and special dish: braised pork trotters, explaining she hadn't dared to send such a dish directly to his office. Lin Yan, trying pork for the first time, ate it with unexpected elegance, meticulously deboning it.
Shen Shaoguang praised his lack of prejudice and graceful eating, remarking that any woman married to him would be "blessed." Lin Yan then made a lighthearted reference to a past engagement dissolution, which prompted an awkward moment when a piece of meat fell, and Shen Shaoguang leaned in to wipe his clothes, causing both to realize their close proximity and instinctively pull away. Lin Yan teased her about praising him yet avoiding him.
He inquired about her decision to introduce pork dishes, to which she explained it was a strategy to compete with Yunlai Tavern by offering affordable options. Lin Yan commended her for this "meritorious deed," enabling common folk to enjoy good meat. However, he also revealed that their business rivalry with Yunlai Tavern had attracted the attention of influential figures.
These individuals were distorting the situation, claiming that allowing nobles to eat "lowly" food could lead to commoners overstepping their bounds and destabilizing society. Shen Shaoguang dismissed this as "pork talk" (nonsense), a sentiment Lin Yan agreed with. He further disclosed that many powerful families had vested interests in Yunlai Tavern, meaning its profits extended beyond its direct owner. When Shen Shaoguang directly asked whose victory he supported, Lin Yan unequivocally declared, "I bet on you winning."
Episode 11 Recap
Manager Feng of Yunlai Tavern instructed his chefs to taste the Agate Meat, but they were incredulous that such a delicious dish could be made from pork, and none could replicate it. One chef remarked, "How could pork be cooked to taste like this? I've tried for days, and I just can't do it." Manager Feng, frustrated, called them "good-for-nothings" for failing to even copy the dish.
Soon after, Lu Yun, the owner of Yunlai Tavern, arrived to review the accounts. He was displeased to find that their attempts to undermine the Shen family had not only failed but had resulted in significant financial losses. He issued a stern ultimatum to Manager Feng: "After a fierce battle, we failed to crush the Shen family and suffered a significant loss. They've made a comeback, and you have no new strategies at all.
You have seven days to shut Shen's Diner down, or you'll be kicked out of Yunlai." Meanwhile, Shen Jianshe, elated by the "Best Chef in Juxian" plaque he had received, presented a new ring to Li Fengxia. He proclaimed himself a good man who would not forget his roots after becoming successful, reminding her of when she pawned her ring for their livelihood.
However, the new ring was too small for Li Fengxia's fingers, which had thickened from years of hard work. Shen Jianshe dismissed this as the jeweler's mistake and continued to boast about his ability to earn money and his aspirations to become the "Best Chef in Yong'an" after winning a culinary competition. Li Fengxia, exasperated by his newfound arrogance and lack of contribution to the diner, admonished him for constantly bragging.
Shen Jianshe, in turn, argued that his social status and influence had grown, and the diner now depended entirely on him. Their heated argument was abruptly cut short by screams from the front hall, where several diners were suddenly vomiting and foaming at the mouth. Shen Shaoguang, already busy, instructed Shen Jianshe to call for a carriage and A Yuan to transport the poisoned guests to a clinic.
One guest immediately accused the diner of serving unclean food and threatened to report them. At the same time, Princess Fuhui, who had ignored numerous invitations since the Qixi Poetry Gathering, had accepted only Lin Yan's. Lin Yan's aide expressed a sense that something was amiss, but Lin Yan believed the meeting would be mutually beneficial. Princess Fuhui, appreciating his directness, remarked that she had expected him to "engage in a long game" before addressing the real issues.
Lin Yan, acknowledging her wisdom, directly inquired about the frequent changes in the Prefecture's leadership over the past decade. The Princess then spoke of the case of selling official positions from 17 years ago, revealing that Prefect Cui Ning had lost his life and family without gaining anything, while the true beneficiary "walked away unscathed" and might still be "hiding in court."
Lin Yan asked if she believed there was more to the case, to which she replied it was "just a guess" but assured him of her support should he face any trouble. She found his use of the word "favor" apt and noted how "newcomers who are favored in court are indeed more endearing than those old-timers," inviting him to visit her mansion often and bring friends.
Their conversation was interrupted by a Prefecture official, who reported the mass poisoning at Shen's Diner. Back at Shen's Diner, families of the poisoned guests had gathered, demanding its closure. Cheng Hu and his men tried to control the crowd, but instigators stirred the unrest, claiming the Shen family was related to Vice Prefect Lin, implying he was protecting them. One man declared, "Your family is related to Vice Prefect Lin. Right?
No wonder this evil shop has been able to stay open, and you've never been imprisoned. As it turns out, Prefect Lin has been protecting them." Shen Jianshe vehemently denied the accusations, suggesting the instigators were being manipulated. Manager Feng of Yunlai Tavern then arrived, staged a dramatic scene where he bit Shen Jianshe, then collapsed, pretending to be gravely injured and inciting the crowd to smash the diner.
Not to be outdone, Shen Jianshe also collapsed, wailing about his suffering. Upon Lin Yan's arrival, the crowd demanded justice and called for his recusal due to his alleged ties to the Shens. Facing the chaotic scene, Lin Yan ordered the diner "sealed for investigation," an action that left the Shen family bewildered and protesting. The Shen family retreated to Lin Yan's residence to strategize.
Shen Jianshe grumbled about his injury, while Shen Shaojie accused Lin Yan of abandoning them for his career, suggesting he had hastily ended their supposed engagement to distance himself. Li Fengxia reminded them of Lin Yan's previous help and their guest status. Shen Shaoguang, however, insisted they must rely on their own ingenuity to survive in Yong'an.
Shen Shaojie then pointed out that the same instigator had reported them and spread rumors, leading him to believe Yunlai Tavern was behind the plot. Shen Shaoguang concluded that they needed to take proactive measures. They devised a plan: Shen Shaoguang arranged for a physician to visit, publicly proclaiming Shen Shaojie was poisoned by their own food, with A Yuan spreading the terrifying news of his vomiting, diarrhea, and fainting spells.
Li Fengxia dramatically threatened suicide in the street, asserting that if their food was problematic, she would not have let her son eat it. Shen Jianshe paraded through the streets with a "Wronged" sign, wailing about his unjustly poisoned son. Later, when Lin Yan came to check on Shen Shaojie, Shen Shaoguang initially rebuffed him, accusing him of sealing their diner to protect his own reputation.
Lin Yan then explained his strategy: "The only way to make the poisoner let their guard down was to seal the diner first. During this time, I have found some clues." He revealed that the diners' symptoms indicated mushroom poisoning, and merchants in West Market confirmed Yunlai Tavern's steward, Liu Mo, had repeatedly inquired about their mushroom suppliers. Shen Shaoguang quickly deduced that Liu Mo must have secretly swapped their mushrooms with poisonous ones.
Realizing they had misjudged him, the Shen family profusely apologized. Shen Jianshe bowed deeply, admitting he had "cursed [Lin Yan] behind [his] back." Lin Yan accepted their apology, admitting his oversight in not explaining his actions sooner. Inspired by their success, Shen Shaojie proposed an audacious follow-up: he would continue to feign illness, even fake his death, and then they would dress up as ghosts to scare Liu Mo into confessing.
A Yuan confirmed that Manager Feng was highly superstitious and that Yunlai Tavern indeed had many shrines, further supporting the plan's viability. Lin Yan, agreeing that if they "believe in ghosts and spirits, it might be worth a try," gave his approval. That night, A Yuan meticulously applied "evil ghost" makeup to Shen Shaoguang, making Shen Yangyang exclaim, "Auntie, you look so ghostly!" Lin Yan accompanied Shen Shaoguang to Yunlai Tavern's back door.
Confident from rehearsals, Shen Shaoguang began her ascent to the roof, but in the dark, she slipped. Lin Yan swiftly caught her as she fell, bringing her safely to the ground. Thrilled by his display of lightness skills, Shen Shaoguang exclaimed, "Wow, there really is such a thing as lightness skills in this world. Vice Prefect, how did you just fly up? Can you take me for a spin?"
Lin Yan gently reminded her, "We haven't finished our business yet," before cautioning her to "Be careful" as she proceeded with her task. Entering Yunlai Tavern, Shen Shaoguang, in full ghostly attire, confronted Liu Mo, demanding, "Why did you poison me?" The terrified steward fled in panic. Suddenly, a group of noblewomen appeared, carrying portraits of the deceased Shen Shaojie, and collectively demanded, "You killed Handsome Shen! Who did it? Tell us the truth, or we'll die together."
Overwhelmed, Liu Mo broke down and confessed, "It wasn't me. It wasn't me. Manager Feng ordered it. I didn't want to kill anyone." The next day, Vice Minister Cao Rong of the Ministry of Justice, acting as an Inspector, presided over the court case. He found Steward Liu Mo guilty of poisoning people with mushrooms, sentencing him to three years of labor due to his confession.
A wanted notice was issued for the principal offender, Feng Li, who had "fled out of fear of punishment." The court officially cleared Shen's Diner, confirming it had been "framed and did not intentionally serve poisonous mushrooms," and ordered its immediate unsealing. The public lauded Vice Minister Cao for his "integrity and impartiality," confirming their belief in the Shen family's innocence. To celebrate their vindication and thank Lin Yan, the Shen family prepared a lavish meal.
During dinner, Shen Shaojie, following a "custom from our hometown," lit incense and bowed deeply to Lin Yan, calling it a fitting expression of gratitude. Shen Yangyang then tried to formally become Lin Yan's disciple for lightness skills, kneeling and pleading, "Master, please accept me as your disciple. I want to learn lightness skills from you." Her parents playfully scolded her for the unconventional request. After dinner, Shen Yangyang's persistence paid off.
Lin Yan carried her to the top of a pavilion, but she screamed in terror, realizing she, like her father Shen Shaojie, suffered from a fear of heights. She called Lin Yan "Ancestor," an exclamation Shen Shaoguang explained was a local term for fear or excitement. Lin Yan gently teased her about wanting to learn lightness skills but being scared, to which she admitted, "I forgot. I got vertigo from my father," before running off.
Shen Shaoguang, however, expressed her own curiosity about lightness skills. Lin Yan then gracefully carried her to a nearby rooftop. He playfully accused her of trying to scare him, which she denied, stating genuine curiosity. He then apologized for being "petty" earlier, to which she responded, "How could you be petty? As the dignified Vice Prefect, how could you be petty?" From the rooftop, they admired the beautiful, curfew-bound Yong'an night.
Perched together, Shen Shaoguang reflected that while she still missed her hometown, she was growing to like Yong'an. Lin Yan, observing her frequent mentions of her origins, pressed her for details. Shen Shaoguang described her hometown as a place where "everyone is equal," "life is convenient," with "no curfew" and "more freedom," where "marriages and funerals are all based on personal will."
Intrigued, Lin Yan recalled her earlier comment that her hometown wasn't Qingyang and inquired about its true location and unique governance. Shen Shaoguang vaguely called it "Future Village," a remote place he likely hadn't heard of. Lin Yan, seeing through her evasion, playfully accused her of making things up, suggesting her ability to "make things up" would make "even Zhuangzi consider you a kindred spirit."
Shen Shaoguang, amused, called his insult "sophisticated" and clarified that Future Village "just needs another thousand years or so for you to see." To her surprise, Lin Yan understood the underlying philosophy, stating that "equality can only be achieved when there is an abundance of resources" and pondered how expanding agriculture and commerce could bring society closer to her "Future Village" ideal. She was impressed by his grasp of how "economic base determines the superstructure."
Lin Yan then shared his personal tragedy: his father's rise to Prefect, their move to the Capital, and the subsequent implication in the "selling official positions" case, which led to his family's destruction. He and Liu Chang had barely escaped with their lives, but his parents and other family members perished.
He then gently suggested that this incident must have also impacted the Shen family, given their informal engagement, which might be why she created the "Future Village" narrative to hide their past hardships. Shen Shaoguang dismissed it as "all in the past" and playfully offered to "pay more respects" to him again. Lin Yan corrected her, saying, "Among friends, that's not necessary." Shen Shaoguang, recalling his previous aversion to friendship, asked if he had changed his mind.
He confirmed, "People can change," leading her to happily declare, "So, we are friends now." She then taught him a "Future Village" custom: shaking hands, which they did. As they gazed at the city, Shen Shaoguang reiterated her growing affection for Yong'an. Lin Yan, noting this, promised, "During the Lantern Festival, there is no curfew. The city with lights will be even more beautiful. Then, I will take you to see it again," an invitation she gratefully accepted.
Episode 12 Recap
The Mid-Autumn Festival had arrived, and work at the Capital Prefecture was especially demanding. While Lin Yan and his colleagues were dining, a messenger from the Princess extended an invitation for Lin Yan to celebrate the festival at her manor. Lin Yan, explaining he was swamped with the pressing task of reorganizing the city's markets, politely declined, promising to personally apologize later.
Cheng Hu, noting this was the third time the Princess had invited Lin Yan, playfully inquired about his romantic preferences, remarking on his handsome appearance. Just then, Li Fengxia arrived, bringing freshly made mooncakes for the officials. Each mooncake contained a fortune slip; Lin Yan's read, "will surely find a fine wife," which he subtly tucked into his sleeve.
Later that evening, long after the city's stalls had closed for the festival, Lin Yan remained at the Capital Prefecture, immersed in old case files. Two months into his tenure as Vice Prefect, the wrongful case of his father remained unsolved, causing him deep anguish. He had meticulously reviewed the documents, but all evidence still pointed to his father's guilt. Sending Liu Chang back to Yunshui Manor, Lin Yan decided to continue his solitary research.
As night fell, he found himself reminiscing about childhood Mid-Autumn Festivals with his family, a longing for his parents weighing heavily on him. Hearing from Liu Chang that Lin Yan would not be home for dinner, the Shen family, instead of leaving him to his work, brought a sumptuous meal to his office door, insisting he join their festive gathering. The joyful scene of the family's reunion intensified Lin Yan's own wistful thoughts.
Shen Shaoguang, noticing his subdued mood, gently asked if something was amiss, but Liu Chang quickly intervened, deflecting her questions. During the family dinner, Shen Jianshe, feeling reflective, spoke of earlier times when they were poor. He affectionately praised Li Fengxia for managing their household with such skill and dedication despite his meager earnings. He reaffirmed his belief that he had chosen wisely in marrying her and expressed his love. However, Li Fengxia grew visibly irritated by his reminiscing.
She felt he was reducing her efforts to mere frugality, rather than appreciating her as an equal partner. She accused him of becoming arrogant and boastful now that they had achieved some financial success. She pointed out that the elaborate headpiece and robes she was wearing were bought with her own earnings, earned through her daughter's culinary innovations, not his. Their argument quickly escalated, with Shen Jianshe defensively implying her jealousy.
The heated exchange culminated in Li Fengxia, in a fit of rage, suggesting they divorce. Lin Yan attempted to calm them, but unheeding, Shen Jianshe proudly declared himself "the Best Chef in Yong'an" and stormed out. A distraught Li Fengxia then ordered him to sleep at his diner, effectively banishing him from the house. Mortified by the scene, Shen Shaoguang apologized to Lin Yan. Lin Yan reassured Shen Shaoguang that he did not view her parents' squabble as a joke.
He explained that the Shen family had embraced him as their own, especially after learning about his concealed identity, which carried significant risks. They had never exploited his vulnerability for personal gain but instead offered unwavering care and comfort. He questioned why she would think he would mock her family's arguments, given their acceptance of his own struggles.
Feeling a sense of profound trust, Shen Shaoguang then asked if she could treat Lin Yan as her "tree hole"—a confidant for her deepest secrets and worries. She clarified that by placing a screen between them, he would no longer be the Vice Prefect but simply a trusted listener. Lin Yan, initially confused by the modern term, soon understood and agreed. Shen Shaoguang confessed that before their move to Yong'an, her father, despite their poverty, had been a kind man.
But his recent culinary success had changed him, leading to frequent arguments with her mother. She admitted to sometimes feeling that their quarrels were "improper" but immediately chided herself for such selfish thoughts about her parents. Lin Yan, in his role as her confidant, gently advised her not to be so hard on herself, reminding her that thoughts alone do not define a person's actions.
Shen Shaoguang acknowledged that just as she might harbor fleeting negative thoughts, her parents too might have felt burdened by her at times. Yet, she concluded, these fleeting feelings were secondary; their unbreakable bond as a family, always supporting each other, was what truly mattered. Following their heartfelt conversation, Shen Shaoguang offered to be Lin Yan's "tree hole" as well.
Lin Yan, touched by her empathy, then poured out his own profound regret and self-condemnation, particularly during times of family reunion. He confessed that his father, a former Prefect, had been unjustly framed, and his mother falsely accused. He lamented his fate, forced to adopt a new identity and become the Vice Prefect, yet feeling he had achieved nothing to clear his parents' names. He questioned his right to find joy or even to exist in the world.
Seeing his tears, Shen Shaoguang moved from behind the screen and embraced him, offering solace. She assured him he had no reason to blame himself, emphasizing that his parents would undoubtedly wish for him to live happily every day and on every festival. She asserted that enjoyment required no special qualifications, nor did existence demand a specific "face"; he simply needed to embrace happiness.
Afterward, Shen Shaoguang presented him with a specially prepared mixed nuts mooncake, noting his earlier meager meal. Lin Yan found it exceptionally delicious, leading to a lively discussion about the divisive nature of mixed nuts mooncakes, which Shen Shaoguang described as causing passionate debates in her "Future Village," even leading to fractured friendships, much like the scholarly arguments over different pillow types in Yong'an.
She playfully offered to make him a soft "cotton pillow" from her home, though admitting her mother's superior sewing skills. In the intimate atmosphere, perhaps intensified by the wine they had consumed, Lin Yan turned to face Shen Shaoguang. Recalling her earlier statement that he was someone to be revered and never disrespected, he asked if she still felt that way now. Then, they leaned in and shared a kiss.
The following morning, the memory of their kiss brought a wave of mortification over Shen Shaoguang. Believing she had committed an unforgivable offense against Lin Yan, whom she revered, she rushed to his room, prostrating herself and apologizing profusely, vowing never to drink alcohol again. Lin Yan, however, pretended to remember nothing beyond enjoying mooncakes, engaging in their "tree hole" confessions, and sharing wine. He innocently asked if something untoward had happened to warrant her extreme apologies.
Relieved that he seemed to have forgotten the kiss, Shen Shaoguang quickly fabricated a reason, claiming her guilt stemmed from allowing him to drink too much, fearing it might jeopardize his official duties. She offered to brew him sobering soup. Lin Yan then noticed her fever. Shen Shaoguang brushed it off as retribution, insisting on preparing the soup. He carried her back toward her room, placing her down outside and subtly mentioning the need for "boundaries" between them.
Confused by his sudden formality, Shen Shaoguang reminded him of their previous night spent together in a diner to evade a curfew. Lin Yan gently but firmly reiterated the importance of discretion in certain matters and advised her to be more cautious with her words. He then told her to rest.
Soon, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia arrived at Shen Shaoguang's bedside, immediately launching into an argument about her fever treatment: Shen Jianshe advocated for covering her to induce sweating, while Li Fengxia insisted that was unscientific and counterproductive to cooling down. Her niece, Shen Yangyang, speculated that her fever was a result of overeating three boxes of mixed nuts mooncakes, to which her brother, Shen Shaojie, bluntly added that she "deserved it."
Shen Shaoguang silently agreed that it was indeed retribution, but kept the true reason to herself. When the bitter medicine was brought, Shen Shaoguang stubbornly refused to take it. After both parents failed to persuade her, Shen Jianshe suggested that Lin Yan, as their revered figure and the Vice Prefect, would surely command her obedience. Lin Yan, carrying the medicine bowl, sat by her bed.
Before he could utter a word, Shen Shaoguang snatched the bowl, gulped down the medicine in one swift motion, and then quickly buried herself under the covers, too shy to meet his gaze.
Episode 13 Recap
After suffering from a high fever the previous night, Shen Shaoguang slowly began to recover, finding the experience to be a taxing punishment. In the imperial court, the Censorate impeached Lin Yan, the Vice Prefect, for leniently allowing people to set up temple music on the streets at night, effectively turning a blind eye to violations of the night curfew.
Lin Yan calmly defended his actions, stating that he had consulted with the Jinwu Guards to allow some flexibility for night travelers. He explained that during festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, market officials often went home early, causing the evening drum—which signaled the start of the curfew—to go un-beaten. This meant ordinary citizens were unaware the curfew had begun and shouldn't be blamed.
He argued that in peaceful times with fewer bandits, it was odd that ordinary people violating the curfew were increasing. He pointed out that places like Juxian Alley, with its late-night eateries, led to merchants and customers traveling home at night, naturally giving rise to "ghost markets."
Prohibiting these would cause public resentment, but a slight relaxation would be more beneficial to people's livelihoods and even boost market taxes, as confirmed by a discussion with the Ministry of Revenue's Vice Minister Zhang. The Emperor, acknowledging that while the Ministry of Rites prioritized ancestral laws, governing a state did not mean adhering rigidly to old customs, agreed to slightly relax the night curfew. After the court session, Pei Pei approached Lin Yan, expressing initial worry about his impeachment.
However, she quickly realized that Lin Yan had anticipated the move and was simply "going with the flow," even "teasing them" during the debate. She complimented his shrewdness. Just then, Cao Rong, a Vice Minister from the Ministry of Justice, called Lin Yan aside, thanking him for the mooncake he had sent and inviting him to his home for a private conversation. At Cao Rong's mansion, he showed Lin Yan a piece of calligraphy, quoting from an "Ode to Friends."
He noted that Lin Yan's handwriting, attached to the mooncake, bore a striking resemblance to that of a close friend who had written the ode for him. He revealed his friend was Cui Rangzhi from Qingyang, whose wife was from the Lu family in Xiuzhou. Lin Yan, feigning ignorance, mentioned that the Cui family was infamous for the "selling official positions" case seventeen years ago. Cao Rong vehemently defended Cui Rangzhi, asserting his friend would never engage in such corruption.
He recounted how Cui Rangzhi had died tragically in prison before the Grand Court of Revision could even review the case, indicating a definite injustice. Cao Rong admitted his helplessness at the time, being merely a clerk in the Chancellery, and how his persistent petitions led to his demotion to Lingnan, leaving him with a broken family.
He spent seven years relentlessly working his way back to the Capital and into the Ministry of Justice, all to await the right moment to clear Cui Rangzhi's name. Lin Yan then pressed him, asking if he would risk his life for new evidence. Cao Rong's passionate readiness to immediately seek an audience with the Emperor, even threatening to hit a pillar in protest, convinced Lin Yan of his sincerity.
Cui Che then calmed Cao Rong and revealed his true identity: "I'm Cui Che. Greetings, Uncle." Cao Rong was overcome with emotion, thrilled to see his deceased friend's son alive and well. Cao Rong tenderly inquired about Cui Che's survival over the years. Cui Che explained that he was saved by Prince Zhao, who had regarded Cui Che's father as a confidant and regularly exchanged letters with him.
When the selling official positions case broke, Prince Zhao sent people to find Cui Che. Coincidentally, Prince Zhao's eldest son, Li Sheng, had just died from illness, and Cui Che's resemblance to Li Sheng provided comfort to the Prince, leading to his adoption. Cui Che confessed his frustration at finding no evidence, as the Cui family's mansion in the Capital had been sealed and demolished, and even their old family home in Qingyang razed.
Cao Rong then revealed what he had uncovered: the selling official positions case was highly sensitive, involving the Ministry of War and the Sixteen Guards, seemingly shaking the very foundation of the state, which led to its severe handling.
The initial evidence, presented by a minor official claiming he was ambushed after failing to buy an office from Cui Che's father, was extremely detailed and impossible to refute, leading to his father's immediate imprisonment and eventual suicide, which was widely believed to be an admission of guilt. That minor official also mysteriously drowned.
Even Fifth Master Xiao, Princess Fuhui's husband, who oversaw the case, suffered a fall from his horse, falling into a coma and lying in bed for years, with his name notably erased from all case files. Later, Cui Che received a secret letter from Prince Zhao, requesting him to gather information on candidates for several vacant positions in the Ministry of War from Princess Fuhui.
Cui Che found it suspicious that Prince Zhao, who had witnessed the selling official positions case, had never mentioned Fifth Master Xiao. He decided to use the Princess's appreciation for the Shen siblings to his advantage and asked Shen Shaoguang to prepare a special dish to present to the Princess, hoping to inquire about her husband, Fifth Master Xiao, during the visit.
Shen Shaoguang, having just recovered from a fever, playfully questioned why Cui Che hadn't sent mooncakes to the Princess earlier. She suggested making a unique savory Xuanwei Ham mooncake, proposing he use the ham's long curing time as a plausible excuse for the late gift, believing the unconventional Princess would appreciate something rare. Cui Che complimented her "talent for turning black into white."
While preparing the ham mooncakes, Shen Shaoguang explained the elaborate multi-step curing process of Xuanwei Ham to A Yuan, describing how aged ham developed a "mellow aroma after years of fermentation" unlike fresh meat. She likened fresh meat to young men, "tender but too straightforward, lacking soul," while aged ham was like a mature man, "experienced and settled," whose flavor would infuse other dishes without being diluted. A Yuan agreed, remarking that "Mr. Lin is different. . .
he's young, but he's experienced, steady, and sophisticated." Cui Che, who was listening nearby, secretly smiled. A Yuan then teased Shen Shaoguang, wondering if she was reconsidering their broken engagement given her compliments. Cui Che dismissed the idea, stating she didn't like him, though A Yuan noticed a hint of irritation in his tone.
Cui Che then instructed his attendant not to mention Cao Rong in his reply to Prince Zhao, expressing a growing doubt about Prince Zhao, who, while a benefactor, was ultimately a powerful vassal, whose intentions and actions seemed increasingly questionable. That evening, as they assembled the mooncake gift box, Cui Che asked Shen Shaoguang if her seemingly harmonious family ever hid things from each other.
Shen Shaoguang readily listed examples: her younger sister Yangyang sneaking sweets, her grandfather hiding money (with her complicity), and her brother Shen Shaojie secretly divorcing his ex-wife and even helping her move to be with her new, wealthier lover (a secret revealed by their father when drunk, which Shen Shaoguang dared not tell her parents). Sensing Cui Che had something on his mind, she offered to be his "tree hole," listening without judgment.
Cui Che then confessed about a "trusted elder" who seemed to be hiding things from him, just as he also had many secrets from that elder. Shen Shaoguang reassured him, saying he was kind and wouldn't hurt others, so his decision to keep secrets must have a good reason, perhaps even "white lies," reminding him of his own past teaching: "we judge actions, not intentions," and he needn't judge himself before harming anyone.
The next day, Cui Che presented the exquisite mooncake gift box to Princess Fuhui. The Princess was delighted with the innovative wooden and leather bag, praising Shen Shaoguang's cleverness and hoping she would find a worthy husband, unlike herself who felt "alone." She loved the savory Xuanwei Ham mooncakes, noting their rich, mellow flavor. Cui Che took the opportunity to inquire about her husband.
The Princess, sensing his curiosity, spoke candidly about her arranged marriage to Fifth Master Xiao, stating there was no love between them. She recounted how the unskillful horseman had inexplicably insisted on riding one of her horses, leading to his fall from a cliff and subsequent coma. She bitterly added that outsiders, and even her own brother, the Emperor, had suspected her of intentionally causing his accident.
Cui Che defended her, stating that her nature was to act openly, and she would never resort to conspiracy. Touched by his understanding, the Princess shared information: many recent visitors had sought to inquire about the next year's Ministry of War appointments. She revealed that the former Minister of War was chosen by her "sixth brother" (Prince Zhao), whom both she and the Emperor disliked.
She also mentioned that the families of the Military Commissioner and Imperial Attendant were currently visiting Yong'an. She noted Prince Zhao's consistent "connections with the court" and his practice of "recommending officials." As Cui Che departed, the Princess bestowed upon him a set of fish badges, granting him free access to her mansion, and insisted he return to the Prefecture in her personal carriage.
Meanwhile, Shen Shaojie's philosophical sayings from a poetry gathering had been collected into "Shen's Sayings" and rapidly disseminated through woodblock printing, making him an idol among the women of Yong'an. His female admirers, whom he affectionately called "Gongcai Fan," besieged the family restaurant daily, making it impossible to conduct business. Shen Jianshe and Yangyang witnessed Cui Che being escorted home in the Princess's luxurious carriage.
Shen Jianshe, having overheard the Princess's attendants praising Cui Che and hinting at a potential match, rushed back to the restaurant, fearing the implications. During an emergency family meeting, Shen Shaojie initially thought Cui Che marrying the Princess would elevate their family's status. However, A Yuan reminded everyone that if "ancestor" Cui Che married the Princess instead of "ancestor" Shen Shaoguang, it would alter history and erase their very existence.
While one family member pointed out the Princess's high status and the benefits of her support without restricting Cui Che's career, another feared the Princess might "take him by force." The family ultimately agreed that they must set aside their internal squabbles and "resolutely prevent our ancestor from going to the Princess," fearing it would lead him to a "place of greater happiness" that would fundamentally change their future.
Episode 14 Recap
The Princess observed that her nephew, the Seventeenth Prince, was diligently studying with his elderly tutor, Zhao Xunzhi. She suggested to the Prince that a younger, more talented teacher like Lin Yan, the Capital Vice Prefect, would be more beneficial, as she considered him one of her two confidants. An informant overheard this conversation and reported it to Prince Zhao, who promptly summoned Lin Yan.
Believing it to be an urgent matter, Lin Yan rushed to Prince Zhao's Mansion, changing horses three times along the way. Prince Zhao calmly offered Lin Yan tea and explained he had heard the Princess favored him. He proposed that Lin Yan become a close advisor to the Princess, hinting it could aid his career even without marriage. Lin Yan found this suggestion demeaning to both himself and the Princess.
Lin Yan then informed Prince Zhao of the latest appointments: Wei Xiangqin as Minister of War and Song Fangxu as Vice Minister of War. Prince Zhao expressed surprise, questioning if the Princess had told him this, and complimented Lin Yan's good looks, implying the Princess's admiration. Lin Yan questioned Prince Zhao's sudden interest in the Ministry of War appointments.
Prince Zhao claimed that Guo Pingxu, the former Minister of War and his old friend, was worried about his position after returning from a foreign mission and had asked him to inquire. Prince Zhao added that the Emperor was temperamental and often issued promotions that were effectively demotions, advising Lin Yan to secure a patron in the Capital.
Lin Yan, recalling the Princess's previous statement that the former Minister of War was chosen by her sixth brother and disliked by both her and the Emperor, noted the contradiction. Perplexed, he excused himself due to pressing official duties. Upon Lin Yan's return to the Capital Prefecture, he found Pei Fei waiting for him, explaining he had come to share the delicious food the Shen family often sent Lin Yan.
Unexpectedly, the Princess arrived, stating she was returning from Leyou Plateau and had decided to visit. She announced she had obtained some Jiannan Wine and invited Lin Yan and Pei Fei to her mansion to enjoy it with her that evening. Outside the prefecture, Shen Jianshe, having overheard the invitation, quickly pulled his granddaughter Yangyang aside. He instructed her on how to feign illness to prevent Lin Yan from attending the Princess's event.
Shen Jianshe then dramatically collapsed, claiming severe pain, demanding to be taken to a clinic. Lin Yan and Pei Fei rushed out to assist. However, the Princess immediately saw through the charade, accusing them of conspiring to avoid her invitation. Lin Yan nervously denied it. Pei Fei, quick-witted, offered to take Shen Jianshe and Yangyang to the clinic himself and promised to attend the banquet to drink with the Princess. The Princess, seeing through the excuses, allowed it.
Later, Shen Jianshe admitted to Pei Fei that he was scared of the Princess, and Pei Fei confessed that he also didn't want to go, thanking Shen Jianshe for the distraction. Prince Zhao received a report from his servant regarding Lin Yan's recent interactions. The servant confirmed Lin Yan's usual rapport with other officials but noted his close relationship with Pei Fei.
Crucially, the servant revealed Lin Yan's continued avoidance of the Princess, exemplified by him sending Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to various officials, including Vice Minister of Justice Cao Rong, but conspicuously omitting the Princess. Prince Zhao confirmed Cao Rong's identity. Meanwhile, at Shen's Diner, Liu Feng, the owner of Guixiang Tavern, brought his friend, Second Master Huan, to dine. Liu Feng praised Shen's Diner's success and Lady Shen's renowned culinary skills, which had even impressed the Princess.
However, Second Master Huan expressed disdain for the Princess, calling her "immoral and unprincipled" for gathering many attendants, prompting Liu Feng to urge him to guard his words. When Shen Shaoguang came to take their order, presenting the "menu" tied to her waist, Second Master Huan criticized this as frivolous. Shen Shaoguang sharply retorted, pointing out his rudeness and lack of noble demeanor, advising him to cultivate himself. Second Master Huan insulted her appearance and temper, vowing never to return.
Shen Shaoguang dismissed him, saying he lacked foresight. After Second Master Huan left, Liu Feng apologized for his friend's behavior and declared he would no longer associate with him. Shen Shaoguang, appreciating his support, engaged him in a discussion about business, explaining the science behind stir-frying and acknowledging she had also learned from Guixiang Tavern's elegant decor.
That evening, Second Master Huan's uncle severely reprimanded him for his poor exam performance, attributing it to his lack of virtue and caution in speech. He revealed that everyone in the Capital knew the Shen family's close ties to Lin Yan, making offending Lady Shen equivalent to offending Lin Yan. Despite Second Master Huan's reluctance to apologize to a "tavern girl," his uncle insisted, emphasizing Lady Shen's accomplishments compared to his own dependence.
The next day, Second Master Huan reluctantly visited Shen's Diner to apologize, offering a cartload of gifts and asking Shen Shaoguang to intercede with Lin Yan on his behalf. However, after displaying the gifts, he took them back, leaving Shen Shaoguang puzzled by his "cunning" behavior. Later, Shen Shaoguang delivered a meal to Lin Yan. She questioned why he had merely left the food box at the diner's entrance the previous day.
Lin Yan admitted he had seen her happily conversing with Liu Feng and didn't want to disturb them. Shen Shaoguang explained she was seeking business advice from Liu Feng, praising his kindness, clear-headedness, wealth, and good looks, calling him a "rich boy" who was "rich for several generations" and likely popular with many young ladies in Yong'an.
As she spoke, Lin Yan's mood soured, and he complained the fish dish was "sour" and "bad," which Shen Shaoguang playfully pointed out, noting his unusual aversion to vinegar today. Just then, Pei Fei arrived, witnessing Lin Yan choking on a fish bone. He jokingly suggested Shen Shaoguang was trying to "murder her husband," prompting Lin Yan to clarify that his engagement with Shen Shaoguang had been canceled and Pei Fei should not tarnish her reputation.
Pei Fei expressed surprise, mentioning the widespread rumors at the Censorate about Lin Yan's close ties with the Shen family and the recent incident with the Huan family, leading people to believe he was marrying Shen Shaoguang. He argued that as a censor, he must report hearsay, and highlighted Lin Yan's upright character, successful career, and good looks, making him a desirable match for many families.
Sensing Lin Yan's lingering affection for Shen Shaoguang, Pei Fei advised him to acknowledge his feelings and seize the opportunity, contrasting their potential "mutual affection" with the "never sweet" outcome of a forced marriage. Lin Yan dismissed this, asking if Pei Fei was implying he was being coerced into marriage, which Pei Fei nervously denied.
Moments later, a servant from the Princess's Mansion arrived with another invitation for both Lin Yan and Pei Fei to attend a gathering that evening and the next. Pei Fei immediately declined on both their behalf, citing pressing official duties and the principle of prioritizing public service over private engagements. Lin Yan followed suit.
After the servant reported Lin Yan and Pei Fei's repeated refusals, the Princess, undeterred, remarked that while some might dislike poetry or flowers, "food and sex are in human nature," and by "catering to their preferences, they will come eventually." She then sent for Shen Shaoguang to prepare a meal at her mansion, as she missed Shen's Diner's food and found Guixiang Tavern's cakes too sweet.
Upon receiving this news at the Capital Prefecture, Lin Yan immediately ordered his horse to be prepared. Pei Fei tried to escape, claiming he had guests at home and needed to leave. Lin Yan, however, insisted Pei Fei accompany him, teasing him about his fear of the Princess. When Pei Fei still refused, Lin Yan dramatically threw him over his shoulder and carried him off to the Princess's Mansion.
At the Princess's Mansion, Shen Shaoguang prepared melon wine, joining the Princess at the table. Lin Yan and Pei Fei arrived, apologizing for their tardiness and claiming to have finished their duties. The Princess invited them to dine. Pei Fei tried to claim he had already eaten, but the Princess insisted he eat again. Internally, Shen Shaoguang worried that the Princess was using her to get to Lin Yan and might target her due to the "fake engagement."
The Princess then commented on Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan appearing to be a good match, despite being cousins. Shen Shaoguang quickly clarified that their relationship was merely familial and that she, of humble status, was unworthy of a distinguished scholar like Lin Yan, who deserved a "well-born, well-read, and good-looking" partner. The Princess then turned the question to herself, asking Shen Shaoguang how she rated.
Shen Shaoguang, in turn, praised the Princess as a "top-notch beauty" deserving of an equally accomplished man, reiterating her own unsuitability. At this point, Lin Yan stood up and stated he already had "someone I admire." The Princess laughed wryly, realizing the misunderstanding: Lin Yan had believed she was pursuing him, hence his repeated rejections. Lin Yan shared a bitter smile.
The Princess then directly addressed Pei Fei, explaining that she had been captivated by him since she first saw him playing the guqin at the Qixi Poetry Gathering, where his "elegant and unrestrained" demeanor, "like a Wei-Jin scholar," had left an indelible impression. She compared his performance of "Wine Mad" to that of Ruan Ji, saying Pei Fei truly captured its spirit. The Princess lamented that Pei Fei, despite knowing her feelings, consistently avoided her.
She revealed that her husband was gravely ill, and while she intended to care for him until the end, she also desired not to neglect her own feelings, thus using Lin Yan as a pretext and inviting Shen Shaoguang to ensure Pei Fei's presence. With the misunderstanding resolved, Lin Yan acknowledged his "presumption" caused the error. Pei Fei nervously agreed it was all a misunderstanding.
The Princess, however, firmly stated that her feelings for Pei Fei were "not a misunderstanding" and vowed to make him understand one day. Shen Shaoguang, relieved that her family was safe, was left to ponder the identity of Lin Yan's "admired person."
Later, as Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang walked through the bustling streets of Yong'an, made lively by the relaxed curfew, Shen Shaoguang playfully teased Lin Yan about his earlier "narcissism" in thinking the Princess was interested in him, using the Greek myth of Narcissus to explain the term.
When asked if his "admired person" was real, Lin Yan initially said yes, but after a moment of reflection and a close call in the crowd, he clarified that it was merely a made-up excuse to deter the Princess. Shen Shaoguang praised his quick wit and acknowledged that the Princess's actions were indeed misleading. She then advised Lin Yan that "as long as the other party hasn't said they like you, it doesn't count," and playfully told him to "protect yourself."
Episode 15 Recap
Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang were on their way back to the Capital Prefecture in a carriage. Shen Shaoguang had fallen asleep, and Lin Yan quietly mused to himself that his drinking capacity was not bad. As they arrived at the Capital Prefecture gate, Lin Yan was surprised to find Prince Zhao waiting. Shen Shaoguang briefly poked her head out, but Lin Yan quickly pulled her back, holding her close to prevent her from being seen.
Prince Zhao approached the carriage, and Lin Yan addressed him as "Mr. Li," inquiring about his unexpected visit to the Capital and if anything was amiss. Prince Zhao claimed he was merely concerned about Lin Yan's adjustment to the Capital and had brought him some food and necessities. He then teasingly asked if Lin Yan was hiding a young lady in his carriage. Lin Yan laughed off the suggestion and asked if His Majesty was aware of Prince Zhao's trip.
Prince Zhao dismissed the concern, stating he was a mere leisurely wanderer, and his brother, the Emperor, would consider it a casual visit. Lin Yan discreetly told Shen Shaoguang to exit through the back door and alert her family to avoid detection, before inviting Prince Zhao into the mansion. Shen Shaoguang, however, found herself unable to inform her family in time and could only watch anxiously. Inside the mansion, Prince Zhao spoke of missing Lin Yan while he was away.
Lin Yan assured him he was well-adjusted to the Capital. The Shen family was in the courtyard, cheerfully skewering meat. Prince Zhao commented on the lively atmosphere and asked about the guests. Lin Yan explained they were the Shen family from Qingyang, with whom his parents had arranged an engagement before their passing. He added that the Shens had sought refuge with him three months ago and stayed since.
He had not mentioned them as he believed the engagement was nullified after his own family's incident, and it had since been officially broken off. Prince Zhao expressed his surprise at never being told, noting how Lin Yan had become more reserved since coming to the Capital. He also suggested that the Shen family's presence might be why Lin Yan was reluctant to grow closer to the Princess, stressing the Princess's importance for the young Crown Prince.
Prince Zhao then insisted on meeting the Shen family. Unaware of Prince Zhao's true identity, Shen Jianshe was jovial, boasting about his grilling skills and even offering tips. Shen Shaoguang, having observed Lin Yan's deference and heard Prince Zhao refer to the Emperor as "brother," shrewdly addressed him as "Uncle Li," betting on his high status. Prince Zhao found the Shen family interesting and charming.
Later, as Shen Jianshe, Shen Shaojie, and Prince Zhao engaged in a spirited drinking game, Shen Jianshe's modern slang about "ancestors" and "security guards" baffled Prince Zhao. Shen Shaoguang discreetly intervened, making excuses for her father's drunken ramblings. After Lin Yan revealed Prince Zhao's royal identity to Shen Shaoguang, she became apprehensive, fearing repercussions for her family's informal conduct. Lin Yan reassured her, saying Prince Zhao was easygoing and genuinely found them amusing.
Once the meal was over, Prince Zhao expressed his suspicion about the old engagement between the noble Cui family (Lin Yan's birth family) and the merchant Shen family, finding them "quite strange." Lin Yan admitted his own doubts but affirmed his parents' disregard for social standing and the Shens' sincere and harmless nature. Prince Zhao pressed him on whether he had investigated their background in Qingyang. Lin Yan falsely claimed that there was nothing amiss with them.
Prince Zhao, aware of Lin Yan's hidden intention to overturn the Cui family's old case, called him out for lying and for risking his safety. He reminded Lin Yan that he had saved him to ensure he lived well, not to embark on dangerous endeavors. Lin Yan acknowledged his debt to Prince Zhao and asked him not to interfere further, wishing to distance Prince Zhao from any potential trouble.
Prince Zhao, however, saw Lin Yan as his own son and refused to stand by. He inquired about Lin Yan's progress in the old case, to which Lin Yan again gave a misleading answer about lacking leads. Prince Zhao warned Lin Yan that the Shen family could not remain indefinitely in the mansion, as their presence could be exploited by those seeking to harm him. Lin Yan understood the warning.
Later, Lin Yan’s aide, Liu Chang, asked how Prince Zhao had deduced his intentions. Lin Yan explained that Prince Zhao had harbored suspicions since his orchestrated move to the Capital and had been testing the Shen family to uncover his secrets. Liu Chang concluded that Prince Zhao must have spies in the Capital, constantly monitoring Lin Yan.
He recalled Prince Zhao's previous attempts to deter Lin Yan from imperial exams and his subsequent transfer to a remote post, all of which now seemed to be part of a larger, unclear strategy. The Shen family was terrified upon learning Prince Zhao's true identity. Li Fengxia berated Shen Jianshe for his earlier boasts, crediting Shen Shaoguang for diverting him from revealing Lin Yan's curfew violations.
Shen Shaoguang then shared her grandfather's account of Lin Yan being saved and having his identity changed, suggesting Prince Zhao was the powerful benefactor. The family agreed this was plausible, but the ambiguity of Prince Zhao and Lin Yan's relationship, coupled with the irregularity of a vassal prince entering the Capital unannounced, left them perplexed. They decided to treat Prince Zhao as an elder and avoid causing Lin Yan trouble.
Meanwhile, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia, taking the initiative, sent an invitation to Prince Zhao for dinner at their diner. Shen Shaoguang, upset by their rash decision, confronted them, insisting they should have consulted Lin Yan. Her parents argued that Prince Zhao was likely bored at Yunshui Manor, and a meal out would make him happy, potentially aiding Lin Yan's career. Convinced by their logic, Shen Shaoguang agreed to inform Lin Yan.
Outside the palace, Pei Fei told Lin Yan that their association had made him popular with his clan, who were all eager to marry their daughters to Lin Yan. As they conversed, a Pei clan member, the Eighteenth Master Pei, approached Lin Yan's cousin, A Yuan, to propose marriage. Shen Shaoguang, finding the man much older, sarcastically rejected his proposal on A Yuan's behalf, revealing he already had a wife and three concubines.
The offended Pei clan member retorted with insults, and Lin Yan stepped forward to intervene. On the carriage ride to the diner, Shen Shaoguang apologized for her parents' spontaneous invitation to Prince Zhao, fearing it would cause trouble. Lin Yan, however, expressed gratitude for their thoughtfulness and dismissed her concerns, saying any trouble would be his own failing.
Shen Shaoguang noted that Prince Zhao’s visit was a reminder that her family needed to find a new residence and move out of Yunshui Manor. Since he was in his official uniform, Lin Yan changed into casual clothes inside the carriage, prompting Shen Shaoguang to avert her gaze. Believing he was done, she turned back, only to find him still dressing, his physique catching her off guard. Realizing her own disrespect, she quickly turned away.
She then questioned Lin Yan about Prince Zhao's significance, confirming that Prince Zhao had indeed rescued and adopted him in his youth. Lin Yan cautioned her against speculating publicly about such sensitive matters and advised her not to discuss official business with Prince Zhao, despite his genuine concern. At the diner, Li Fengxia thanked Prince Zhao for his support of Lin Yan, who, as the Capital Vice Prefect, needed a powerful patron.
Prince Zhao promised that as long as he was there, no one would wrong Lin Yan. After the meal, Prince Zhao remarked on the delicious food, claiming he would struggle with his own household's meals after tasting theirs. He then suggested a walk with Shen Jianshe, subtly indicating his desire for a private conversation. Lin Yan offered to go, but Prince Zhao insisted on Shen Jianshe, ostensibly to discuss "the art of cooking."
Away from the others, Prince Zhao revealed his true intention: he wanted to discuss Lin Yan's future. He praised Lin Yan's promising career but highlighted the potential for his "old ties"—the Shen family—to become a liability, especially with societal scrutiny and the Princess's favor.
He proposed that the Shen family move out of Yunshui Manor and offered a generous sum of ten thousand gold and the promise of a large tavern in Sushui City, along with other benefits for the family. Shen Jianshe, swayed by the lavish offer, began to convince his family.
Shen Shaoguang, however, questioned why Prince Zhao would be so benevolent to ordinary people and wondered if there was a deeper, more manipulative motive behind the offer, akin to wealthy families in stories paying off undesirable matches. Shen Shaojie also found it suspicious, but acknowledged that moving out of Yunshui Manor was a logical step now that the engagement with Lin Yan was broken.
Episode 16 Recap
Shen Jianshe, still unwelcome in the family's main quarters, implored Li Fengxia to let him return home, complaining about the cold and lonely diner. Li Fengxia agreed but presented stringent terms: she would control all restaurant earnings, providing him with a monthly allowance of ten qian, and would reduce his pay if he showed off about his culinary skills. Having recently enjoyed financial freedom, Shen Jianshe balked at the meager sum.
Li Fengxia stood firm, offering him the alternative of continuing to sleep at the diner if he disagreed. Unable to accept her conditions, he was once again sent away. That night, Lin Yan was on his way to Shen Shaoguang's room to discuss Prince Zhao's recent conversation with Shen Jianshe when Liu Chang intercepted him. Liu Chang reported an urgent matter: a messenger from Chengzhou had arrived, relaying news of a tragedy of 32 deaths in the region.
As Chengzhou was formerly under Lin Yan's jurisdiction, he was obligated to investigate. Lin Yan immediately departed for Chengzhou. Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang, restless with worry, confided in A Yuan about her suspicions regarding Prince Zhao's insistence that her family relocate to Sushui City. She questioned why Prince Zhao would go to such lengths if he merely considered them a burden to Lin Yan, fearing he intended to hold them hostage.
She sought out Lin Yan, but he was nowhere to be found. The next morning, she learned from the Capital Prefecture staff that he had left for Chengzhou overnight on urgent official business. Shen Jianshe, having secretly spent the night in Shen Shaojie's room, was startled awake by Shen Shaojie, who mistook him for an intruder and kicked him out of bed.
Their argument was interrupted by a knock, and Prince Zhao's eunuch, Zhonggui, announced it was time for them to depart for Sushui City. Prince Zhao had already left the previous night and instructed Zhonggui to escort the Shen men. Shen Jianshe initially hesitated, wanting to consult his family, but Shen Shaojie, excited by the prospect, urged him to go, fearing they would offend Prince Zhao if they refused.
He enthusiastically described the lavish treatment, likening Prince Zhao's carriage to a "Bentley." Li Fengxia, though concerned about their impulsive decision, eventually agreed to join them. Before leaving, the three left a letter for Shen Shaoguang and boarded Prince Zhao's luxurious carriage. When Shen Shaoguang returned from the Capital Prefecture, she discovered the letter and was dismayed by her family's hasty departure. Entrusting A Yuan with the diner, she immediately set off in pursuit, determined to bring them back.
In Chengzhou, Lin Yan discovered that the reported "tragedy of 32 deaths" referred to oxen, not people. The Chengzhou Prefect, overwhelmed by the crisis, explained that 32 revered plowing oxen had died, a loss that would devastate several local families. He confessed he had received an anonymous letter advising him to seek Lin Yan's expertise from the Capital Prefecture for such a predicament.
Lin Yan promptly offered a solution: investigate the water sources and feed for poisoning, implement disease prevention for a potential livestock illness, consult experienced farmers, and conduct a ritual for the deceased oxen. He then inquired about the anonymous tipster, but the Prefect stated the person had left no name. Shen Shaoguang intercepted the carriage in the suburbs and implored her family to return. Attendant Xu, overseeing the journey, insisted she board, but Shen Shaoguang resisted.
She chided her family for their impulsiveness and joked about the possibility of "kidney harvesting." Shen Jianshe, however, remained resolute, arguing it would be shameful to turn back halfway. As Shen Shaoguang attempted to physically pull Shen Shaojie from the carriage, Attendant Xu commanded the driver to accelerate, and Shen Shaoguang was forced to board to avoid being left behind.
Upon arrival in Sushui City, the Shen family was momentarily impressed by the grand, yet deserted, manor provided by Prince Zhao. Their excitement quickly turned to alarm when the gates abruptly closed, and they were surrounded by mysterious black-clad figures who promptly imprisoned them. Inside the cell, Shen Jianshe loudly declared his perceived kinship with Prince Zhao, but Li Fengxia sharply rebuked him, recognizing they had fallen into a trap.
She chastised both Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaojie for their gullibility and led them through a mock family "reflection" session. Shen Shaojie suggested they portray themselves as "useless freeloaders" with no true connection to Lin Yan to avoid being manipulated, but Li Fengxia dismissed this as unrealistic, given their long association with him. Shen Shaoguang then revealed her trip to the Capital Prefecture, where she had learned of Lin Yan's sudden assignment to Chengzhou, finding the timing suspiciously convenient.
Their dire situation worsened when Prince Zhao's third son, Li Xun, entered their cell accompanied by various torture instruments. Li Xun proposed a cruel game: he would spin a spoon, and whoever it pointed to would answer a question. A correct answer meant choosing a torture device, while a wrong one meant drinking poisoned soup. Shen Jianshe protested the unfairness, but Shen Shaoguang, attempting to protect her family, volunteered to participate.
However, Li Xun ignored her, first targeting Shen Yangyang, which caused Shen Jianshe to desperately object. Li Xun then turned to Shen Shaojie, demanding his secrets. Shen Shaojie, attempting to appear trivial and useless, confessed that his ex-wife had found a better man, and he had even driven her to her lover's grand mansion. This infuriated Shen Jianshe, who accused his son of disgracing the family name, prompting Li Xun to mock Shen Shaojie's perceived spinelessness.
Frustrated by their antics, Li Xun seized Shen Yangyang, threatening her life. To save Shen Yangyang, Shen Shaoguang quickly intervened. Remembering Lin Yan's earlier advice to avoid discussing official matters with Prince Zhao, she offered to disclose Lin Yan's personal secrets. She revealed that Lin Yan's true name was Cui Che, and he was the sole survivor of the Cui clan, which had been executed for grave crimes, forcing him to change his name and identity to survive.
Li Xun, unfazed, indicated he was already aware of this. Shen Shaoguang then added that Lin Yan had broken off their engagement to align himself with the Princess, seeking her patronage to better conceal his identity. The Shen family, eager to secure their freedom, then pledged their loyalty to Li Xun, offering to help him investigate Lin Yan.
Li Xun reported his interrogation findings to Prince Zhao, detailing Shen Shaoguang's claims about Lin Yan's true identity, his broken engagement, and his supposed ambition to align with the Princess. Prince Zhao, however, saw through the Shen family's deception, remarking that they genuinely cared for Anran (Lin Yan) and that the story about Lin Yan and the Princess was "less believable." He ordered the family to be starved for a while, intending to question them himself.
Li Xun, feeling constantly overshadowed and unappreciated by his father compared to Lin Yan, expressed his frustration. Prince Zhao then explained to Li Xun that Lin Yan's continued protection of the Shen family, despite the broken engagement, indicated they were Lin Yan's weakness. Meanwhile, the Shen family, unfed for two days, grew increasingly agitated while watching the jailers feast. Shen Jianshe confronted the guards, accusing them of trying to starve them, especially with a child present.
A guard mockingly offered food if they "barked like a dog." Shen Shaojie, enraged, attempted to fight a guard, and Li Fengxia rallied the family to create a distraction and search for keys, but they found nothing.
Shen Jianshe later noticed moss on the cell wall, and Shen Shaojie speculated that such flaws were unusual for an official prison and might indicate it was a converted private residence, which sparked Shen Jianshe's interest in finding an escape route from the poorly constructed wooden window frames. Upon Lin Yan's return to the Capital Prefecture, Liu Chang immediately informed him of the Shen family's abduction to Sushui City. Realizing Prince Zhao's manipulation, Lin Yan quickly rode to Sushui City.
He was intercepted by a palace eunuch sent by the Emperor to summon him. Liu Chang, thinking quickly, fabricated a story about Lin Yan suffering from a "heart disease" and urgently needing a physician, thereby buying Lin Yan valuable time. Confronting Prince Zhao, Lin Yan accused him of misleading the Chengzhou Prefect to draw him away and demanded to know the Shen family's whereabouts. Prince Zhao attempted to justify his actions, claiming everything was for Lin Yan's protection.
Lin Yan remained unyielding, insisting, "Your Highness, please let them go." Seeing Lin Yan's resolve, Prince Zhao seemingly conceded, instructing his steward to lead Lin Yan to the Shen family. However, Prince Zhao secretly ordered Li Xun to preemptively move the Shen family to an annex, intending to keep them hidden.
As Lin Yan was being led to the cell, the steward attempted to delay him further by recalling Lin Yan's past at Fuyi Manor and questioning his loyalty, suggesting he had deliberately mimicked Prince Zhao's deceased eldest son to gain favor. Lin Yan cut him short, demanding to be taken to the cell. Upon arrival, to Li Xun's surprise, the Shen family was gone. It was revealed that Shen Jianshe, having observed the poor construction of the cell's wooden window with its mortise-and-tenon joints, had successfully identified a key joint, enabling their escape.
Episode 17 Recap
Prince Zhao was furious that the Shen family had escaped, which only served to reinforce his belief in their importance to Lin Yan. Prince Zhao, speaking to his subordinate, expressed his frustration, noting how "This family really have a lot of sly ideas." He was surprised that "Lin Yan actually disregarded his dignity to come to me and ask for them," concluding that the Shen family was "far more influential than I imagined." He lamented, "This family is so cunning.
They actually managed to escape. Otherwise, we would have pried the truth out of them." Li Xun suggested a simpler solution than manipulating Lin Yan through the Shen family: "Get rid of him." He acknowledged Prince Zhao's reluctance, saying, "I know you've raised him for many years and cannot bear to do it. But raising a tiger invites disaster." Prince Zhao, however, dismissed the idea, stating, "We'll talk about it later."
Meanwhile, the Shen family had been running for a long time and were exhausted. Shen Jianshe suggested they rest, believing their pursuers wouldn't catch up quickly, and Li Fengxia admitted she couldn't run anymore. As they rested by a small river, Shen Shaojie noticed that the plant Shen Yangyang had picked looked like smartweed.
Li Fengxia excitedly confirmed it was edible and began listing all the spicy dishes she could make with it, such as "Hot and sour noodles, boiled fish in spicy soup, Mapo tofu, spicy chicken cubes, spicy boiled blood curd." Shen Yangyang asked if they could take more smartweed home to make spicy strips.
Shen Shaoguang reassured her, mentioning she had already dug up several plants and planned to create a "spicy dish special" back home, which would be "much more useful than the dogwood they like to use here." Suddenly, soldiers appeared. Li Fengxia immediately ordered Shen Shaoguang to take Shen Yangyang and leave, declaring she would stay and fight.
She told Shen Shaoguang to lead Shen Yangyang away, boasting that she would show the soldiers "what it means to be a heroine," drawing on her past as a discus thrower. Shen Shaojie, ever the opportunist, quipped that this explained why her pinches hurt so much. Shen Shaoguang, with a soldier in close pursuit, ran into the woods.
Realizing she couldn't outrun him with Shen Yangyang, she quickly hid the child in some tall grass, instructing her to "just hide here. Don't make a sound. I'll make spicy strips for you after I come back. Don't make a sound." Shen Shaoguang then drew the soldier away in a different direction, taunting him, "You little brat, come here. Come catch me." The other members of the Shen family were quickly apprehended by the soldiers.
As a soldier prepared to harm Li Fengxia, Shen Jianshe intervened, but the soldier retorted, "You're courting death." Just then, Lin Yan arrived, proclaiming, "You're the ones courting death." He then warned the soldiers, "Take this message back. If you lay a hand on the Shen family again, I will never let it slide," before telling them to "Get lost!" Lin Yan then asked Shen Jianshe where Shen Shaoguang and Shen Yangyang had gone.
Shen Jianshe pointed in the direction they ran. Shen Yangyang was soon found, and she explained that her auntie had "diverted the bad guys to save me" and hadn't returned, indicating the direction Shen Shaoguang had gone. Shen Shaoguang, still being pursued, found herself trapped at the edge of a cliff. The soldier urged her to surrender, promising not to harm her. Lin Yan appeared behind the soldier.
The soldier, seeing Lin Yan, threatened to "cut off your hands and feet and mutilate you." Shen Shaoguang, trying to save Lin Yan, interjected that a mutilated hostage would be "meaningless" and promised, "I will never lie to you again." The soldier dismissed her, turning back to Lin Yan and questioning, "Do you think I'll believe you a second time?"
He then threw a dart, causing both Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan to lose their footing and fall over the cliff. Lin Yan managed to grab Shen Shaoguang, holding on desperately. As they dangled, Shen Shaoguang, terrified, pleaded, "Mr. Lin, save me. Save me. You said you'd save me. I haven't lived enough yet. There are still many things I haven't eaten yet. I haven't yet made the Shen's Diner bigger and stronger.
I also said I want to make affordable food for everyone." Lin Yan reassured her, "Hold on to me. I will definitely get you up. I swear on my life, you will absolutely be fine." The soldier, determined to eliminate them, threw another dart, striking Lin Yan in the chest. Blood began to seep from his wound. Shen Shaoguang, seeing his injury, worried he couldn't hold on, fearing for his mission to overturn the Cui family case.
The soldier taunted Lin Yan, questioning why he would sacrifice himself "for a woman." Shen Shaoguang, believing Lin Yan could survive if she let go, began to consider sacrificing herself. She told Lin Yan, "Please help me take care of my family more in the future. You don't know how much I appreciate you during this time. You really are a very good person. What you are going to do will surely succeed."
Lin Yan, realizing her intent, desperately cried out, "Shen Shaoguang, don't be impulsive. Hold on to me!" The soldier watched the unfolding drama with cruel amusement. Just as Shen Shaoguang prepared to let go, Shen Shaojie arrived at the cliff's edge. He struck the soldier on the back of the head with a rock, then found a long stick and extended it to Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan, shouting for them to grab it.
Once they were safely on solid ground, Lin Yan, despite the dart still embedded in his chest, immediately embraced Shen Shaoguang. The rest of the Shen family looked on, speechless. Liu Chang soon arrived to escort Lin Yan and the Shen family back to Yunshui Manor. Later, Shen Shaoguang prepared medicine for Lin Yan. Seeing the blood stain spreading on his chest, she was filled with mixed emotions, realizing he had risked his life for her.
However, the generational gap between them created an uncomfortable barrier in her thoughts. Disturbed, she accidentally knocked over some case files. As Lin Yan helped pick them up, he noticed that the records were meticulously written without a single error or amendment, making it clear they were copies. The next day, Lin Yan brought the case files to Cao Rong, confirming his suspicion that they were recopied.
Cao Rong lamented that Fifth Master Xiao, a key figure in the original case, was still in a coma and couldn't speak. Cao Rong then revealed that Fifth Master Xiao was known for his meticulous record-keeping, constantly carrying a tablet or slips to document events, earning him the nickname "Attendant Prince Consort." He deduced that Fifth Master Xiao would have kept personal notes during his investigation, which might contain crucial new clues.
Around this time, a letter arrived from Prince Zhao in Sushui City, apologizing and blaming the pursuit of the Shen family on his third son, Li Ang, stating he had already reprimanded him. Lin Yan's suspicions about Prince Zhao intensified. He noted that in his youth, Prince Zhao had always presented himself as reasonable and approachable, even apologizing to a child like him. But now, shifting all blame to Li Ang was just another tactic.
Considering the aging emperor and how the selling official positions case had led to the replacement of almost all officials in the Ministry of War, Lin Yan theorized that the true beneficiary was Prince Zhao, who sought to replace the court's "ears, tongues, mouths, and eyes" to become a "true 'lonely ruler'."
Cao Rong acknowledged Prince Zhao would not want them to continue investigating if the theory was true, but stressed that suspicious points alone were not enough to conclude his involvement. Lin Yan decided to put these thoughts aside for now, confident that Prince Zhao, out of caution, wouldn't rashly interfere in Yong'an.
Liu Chang then suggested it would be prudent to send the Shen family away from Yunshui Manor as soon as possible, but before Lin Yan could respond, the Shen family appeared before them. The Shen family had come to visit Lin Yan, expressing concern for his injuries. Li Fengxia then recounted their experience in the dungeon in Sushui City, where Prince Zhao's son, Li Ang, had interrogated them about Lin Yan's secrets.
Shen Shaoguang explained that because she knew Lin Yan's true identity as a descendant of the Cui family, which she believed Prince Zhao already knew, she revealed it to Li Ang. To ensure their survival and provide Li Ang with new information, she then fabricated a story that Lin Yan was attempting to "cling to Princess" for protection. Lin Yan did not blame Shen Shaoguang, instead expressing remorse that his affairs had caused the Shen family such hardship.
Shen Jianshe immediately declared that the Shen family would now consider Lin Yan their own family and would stand firmly by his side to help overturn the Cui family case. He emphasized that in their eyes, Lin Yan was like their own child, and they would protect him. Shen Shaojie, playing along, humorously welcomed Lin Yan as his "little brother." Lin Yan was deeply moved by their unwavering support and love, experiencing the warmth of a true family.
Liu Chang, witnessing this heartfelt exchange, was visibly touched and cried tears of emotion. The Shen family decided to use their diner business as a front to gather intelligence for Lin Yan. Shen Jianshe suggested the diner was like a teahouse, where people from all walks of life gathered to discuss matters, making it an ideal place to "pick up some useful information."
Shen Shaojie enthusiastically presented some "intelligence," including a tip about the Emperor's loss of appetite from Third Master Wen's cousin, and later, news of the "cat theft case" through Aunt Ge's distant relative. Lin Yan clarified that the cat had already been found, taken by the Crown Prince, and the Emperor had already addressed the matter.
Li Fengxia, however, shared a more significant piece of information: Mr. Meng, Left Supervisor and head of all officials, was deeply concerned about his granddaughter's marriage, as his own daughter's unfortunate marriage had led to her early demise. She heard he was interested in marrying his granddaughter to Lin Yan. At this, Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang briefly locked eyes.
Shen Shaoguang quickly interjected, suggesting they shouldn't interfere with Lin Yan's private matters, though Lin Yan did not explicitly state whether he would accept the proposal. Later, Shen Shaoguang inquired about schooling for Shen Yangyang and discovered that Hongwen Academy was the best institution in Yong'an, where Grand Tutor Zhao Xunzhi taught. She also learned from the Jinwu Guard acquaintance that Zhao Xunzhi had been a disciple of Lin Yan's father twenty years prior.
Lin Yan confirmed this, explaining that after his family's misfortune, Zhao Xunzhi had stopped mentioning their connection to avoid suspicion. While out shopping with A Yuan, Shen Shaoguang seemed distracted. She described a "sad story" from a book about a lady who fell off a cliff and was rescued by a handsome young man. The lady, initially selfish, eventually chose to sacrifice herself to save her rescuer. A Yuan immediately assumed the lady must have "really loved that person."
Shen Shaoguang quickly denied it, insisting it was "not important" and that the rescuer would "eventually marry someone else." She then emphatically stated that the lady was "not sad" and added, almost to herself, "How could she be sad? This is too perverse." Her agitated response and firm denials revealed her own internal conflict and unspoken feelings for Lin Yan, complicated by their perceived familial relationship.
Episode 18 Recap
Seeking to quell her burgeoning feelings, Shen Shaoguang went to Xingjiao Nunnery and requested to become a nun. The head nun, discerning Shen Shaoguang's distress over love, invited her to share a meal. During this time, a young woman named Jingwen arrived to deliver vegetarian meals to the nunnery. Jingwen revealed her intention to participate in the upcoming Culinary Master Competition, a plan that reminded Shen Shaoguang of her own father's similar aspirations.
After the meal, Jingwen's carriage graciously took Shen Shaoguang back to her diner. Back at the diner, Shen Shaoguang insisted that Jingwen stay for dinner. Meanwhile, Shen Jianshe, having developed a new hot pot, invited Lin Yan to taste it. Lin Yan arrived and immediately recognized Jingwen as Shen Jingwen, Supervisor Meng's maternal granddaughter. Jingwen explained that while Shen was indeed her family name, she preferred to be known only as Jingwen due to sensitive family matters concerning her father.
The Shen family, upon learning of the shared surname and her prestigious background, became overjoyed, mistakenly believing she was a long-lost relative and Lin Yan's destined fiancée. They enthusiastically lined up to toast the couple, while Shen Shaoguang watched, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. Shen's Diner officially launched its "hot pot season," featuring a variety of hot pots at affordable prices, including the distinctive Chiyan Hot Pot which incorporated smartweed in its spicy soup base.
To further attract customers, the diner introduced a "signature collection" loyalty program, offering a discount for patrons who gathered ten friends' signatures on a card. This new marketing strategy successfully drew many customers away from Guixiang Tavern, which offered a similar charcoal pot. On his day off, Pei Fei received an unexpected visit from the Princess, who had learned of his leisure and brought a hot pot from Shen's Diner.
Pei Fei expressed his displeasure at her uninvited presence and firmly reiterated his commitment to building his career and honoring his family, rather than pursuing romantic entanglements, especially given her married status. Feigning hurt, the Princess started to leave, prompting Pei Fei to follow her, concerned about public perception. He further clarified that his earlier "elegant" demeanor was a borrowed facade, and his modest life was devoted solely to his ambitions.
The Princess, acknowledging his aspirations, then proposed that they maintain a platonic friendship, a suggestion Pei Fei reluctantly accepted. Her attendant questioned her persistence, to which the Princess candidly admitted that Pei Fei's repeated rejections had only fueled her determination to win him over, as she had never failed to acquire something she desired. Later, Liu Feng visited Shen's Diner and commended Shen Shaoguang's innovative use of smartweed in her hot pot, admitting that Guixiang Tavern had been fairly outdone.
Shen Shaoguang articulated her business philosophy, emphasizing that collective innovation among all establishments in Juxian Alley was crucial for sustained prosperity, as no single business should seek to dominate. Impressed by her broad vision, Shen Shaoguang requested his craftsmen to produce custom pot designs: flat-bottomed, deep pots with two handles, and partitioned pots for cooking multiple ingredients simultaneously.
As compensation, she offered him her unique recipes for new dishes such as crab stick, salted egg yolk-filled fried dough, and shrimp paste. Liu Feng readily accepted. Lin Yan's attempts to locate Fifth Master Xiao's personal notes had proven fruitless. The following day, on his way home from work, Lin Yan stopped by Shen's Diner to deliver a meal box. Coincidentally, Shen Jingwen was also dining there, having returned late from Xingjiao Nunnery.
Li Fengxia invited Lin Yan to join them, and Shen Shaoguang presented her newly developed vegetarian pickled vinegar pot for Jingwen and Lin Yan, while other family members enjoyed a mutton version. Lin Yan and Shen Jingwen sat together at one table, while Shen Shaoguang and Liu Feng occupied another.
During their meal, Liu Feng proposed a new venture: he would fund the acquisition of a vacant adjacent shop for expansion, with Shen Shaoguang managing it in a profit-sharing arrangement, a plan she readily accepted. Meanwhile, Lin Yan attentively removed a stray piece of mutton from Jingwen's vegetarian dish. Watching the two, Shen Shaoguang felt a pang of jealousy, making her own mutton and radish hot pot taste inexplicably sour.
That evening, Liu Feng relayed his expansion plans to his grandfather, Liu Weng, praising Shen Shaoguang's intelligence. While approving the venture, Liu Weng subtly sensed that his grandson's interest in Shen Shaoguang extended beyond professional collaboration. The next morning, Liu Weng arrived at Shen's Diner with an elaborate "Dragon and Phoenix Cake," a traditional wedding pastry, and formally proposed marriage between his grandson, Liu Feng, and Shen Shaoguang.
The Shen family reacted with stunned surprise, with some even questioning Shen Shaoguang's appeal. Liu Weng, however, passionately championed Shen Shaoguang's character, highlighting her straightforwardness, intelligence, and business acumen as a perfect match for Liu Feng, whose parents had passed away early. Shen Jianshe attempted to dissuade Liu Weng by recounting Shen Shaoguang's past youthful blunders, such as being scammed at age fifteen and faking a hunger strike.
Resourcefully, Liu Weng spun these anecdotes into evidence of her negotiating skills and resilience, drawing parallels to Liu Feng's own youthful business missteps and emphasizing their compatibility. Despite this, Li Fengxia insisted that such a significant decision required careful family deliberation. Meanwhile, Lin Yan visited the Princess, who was completely preoccupied with her feelings for Pei Fei. After presenting her with desserts from Shen's Diner, Lin Yan addressed his true purpose: to discuss Pei Fei.
The Princess, feeling hungry, instructed her attendant, Liu Chang, to order more food from Shen's Diner. Lin Yan speculated that Pei Fei's reluctance might stem from the Princess's previous marriage to Fifth Master Xiao. He suggested that removing any tokens of affection from her late husband might ease Pei Fei's concerns. The Princess clarified that Fifth Master Xiao had left her no such tokens, only case notes, some of which were locked away.
Lin Yan, having admired Fifth Master Xiao, offered to safeguard these notes, assuring the Princess that this would prevent them from deterring Pei Fei. The Princess agreed, promising him any reward if he could make Pei Fei reciprocate her feelings. At this moment, Liu Chang returned with startling news: Shen's Diner was closed because Liu Weng had formally proposed marriage to Shen Shaoguang. Stunned by this revelation, Lin Yan hastily excused himself.
Back at Shen's Diner, Liu Weng patiently awaited Shen Shaoguang's reply. Shen Jianshe urged her to refuse the proposal. Shen Shaoguang, however, weighed Liu Feng's advantageous qualities and saw the marriage as an opportunity to sever her "improper thoughts." As Lin Yan suddenly rushed into the diner, Shen Shaoguang, looking at him, made her decision and accepted the wedding cakes, thus agreeing to the proposal.
Distraught, Lin Yan silently left the diner and wandered the streets alone, so lost in thought that he failed to notice the Princess following him. She confronted him, pointing out his failure to stop the proposal despite his evident feelings for Shen Shaoguang. She questioned why he, who dared to defy her brother, could not confess his love. Lin Yan maintained that Shen Shaoguang had the right to her own choice, and he could not disregard her will. The Princess, dismissing his response as cowardice, chastised him for not daring to speak his heart and left him.
Episode 19 Recap
Lin Yan was distracted in his residence while working on wooden slips. Liu Chang, having long discerned his master's feelings, advised him that it was still not too late to express his affections to Shen Shaoguang. Liu Chang pointed out that Lin Yan treasured everything Shen Shaoguang gave him, from her clothes to a cushion and a cup, making his fondness for her utterly transparent.
Liu Chang dismissed the wooden slips as the main concern, arguing that picking Prince Consort Xiao's lock was easy, whereas the real emergency was Liu Feng pursuing love. Lin Yan, however, feigned indifference, asserting that Shen Shaoguang's choices were her own and none of his concern. Meanwhile, Liu Feng approached Shen Shaoguang directly, apologizing for his grandfather's abrupt marriage proposal. He explained that his grandfather was anxious for him to marry as he was the only grandson.
Despite the unconventional proposal, Liu Feng urged Shen Shaoguang to seriously consider their union, detailing his family's considerable wealth, including numerous estates, residential compounds, and shops. He reasoned that Shen Shaoguang was intelligent and skilled in business, making them a suitable match for a lasting alliance. Shen Shaoguang, recalling her university days when an ex-boyfriend made similar arguments about their compatibility before their eventual separation, politely declined.
She explained that her views on marriage were incompatible with his and that their family backgrounds were too different for such a union. She then went to retrieve the wedding pastries to return to Liu Feng, only to find Liu Chang had already prepared them, with Lin Yan standing nearby. Liu Chang then promptly escorted Liu Feng out of Yunshui Manor. Lin Yan approached Shen Shaoguang, who was taking a walk, feigning a casual encounter.
Noticing her hands were red and chapped, he inquired about them. Shen Shaoguang explained that as winter was approaching, washing dishes in cold water was taking its toll. She nostalgically spoke of a "dishwasher" from Future Village, a machine she had long desired since childhood and finally bought with her savings, only to be unable to use it after arriving in Yong'an. She drew a diagram of the device for Lin Yan.
Lin Yan, understanding her longing, remarked that losing something one had once possessed was far more painful than never having it at all. Realizing Lin Yan truly understood her inner thoughts, and remembering his bravery in saving her life at the cliff, Shen Shaoguang quickly excused herself to avoid developing any improper feelings. Back in his room, Lin Yan reflected on his conversation with Shen Shaoguang and acknowledged his deep affection for her.
He told Liu Chang that he had made up his mind: once the Cui family's name was cleared, he would propose to Shen Shaoguang. Liu Chang was delighted but questioned what if Shen Shaoguang did not return his feelings. Lin Yan, recalling Shen Shaoguang's swift dismissal of Liu Feng, mused that perhaps he could still win her heart. The following day, Lin Yan visited Pei Fei's home, bringing hot pot from Shen's Diner.
He revealed he had a favor to ask, needing Pei Fei to meet the Princess and inquire about certain matters. Pei Fei was initially reluctant, noting his friendship with Lin Yan. However, Lin Yan explained the importance of the matter and that only Pei Fei's involvement could ensure its smooth resolution.
Pei Fei agreed, acknowledging that Lin Yan seemed to harbor many secrets but, as a friend, he would help without asking too many questions, even offering to go to great lengths. Pei Fei accepted another invitation from Princess Li Ruxin to play chess. They agreed that the winner of each game could ask the loser one question. Pei Fei deliberately lost several rounds.
The Princess first asked about his preferences, to which he answered he liked cats, sharing a touching story about his lost cat, Erliang, and his unfulfilled ambition to stand out. She then inquired about the person he cherished most, and he spoke of his mother, whom he wished to bring to the capital once his salary increased.
Finally, she asked about the person he hated most, prompting him to list various relatives who had wronged him, including the cousin who lost Erliang. After a few rounds, the Princess asked if he had any regrets, which he embarrassingly attributed to the Qixi poetry gathering. When Pei Fei eventually won a game, he turned the question back to the Princess, asking if she had any regrets.
Princess Li Ruxin confessed her profound regret over her arranged marriage to Fifth Master Xiao. She explained that her father had arranged the marriage for political reasons and to ensure Xiao Wulang's assistance to her brother, despite Fifth Master Xiao already having a lover. She lamented her fate, trapped in the mansion, caring for a comatose husband, feeling that her life was wasted and she was forever bound.
As the hour grew late, the Princess invited Pei Fei to stay for dinner, which he accepted, reaffirming their friendship. The next day, Princess Li Ruxin, expressing her gratitude for the delightful conversation with Pei Fei, led Lin Yan to the room containing Fifth Master Xiao's wooden slips. She explained that the box holding them had a peculiar lock for which she had no key.
Upon examination, Lin Yan discovered the box was already open, with clear, fresh palm prints on its lid, indicating a recent theft. Given the mansion's tight security, Lin Yan suspected an inside job. The Princess, in a moment of panic, feared Fifth Master Xiao had miraculously awakened and rushed to his room, only to find him still in a coma, much to her relief. Lin Yan then suggested temporarily sealing off the mansion to apprehend the internal traitor.
The Princess agreed but expressed disappointment about missing the Shen family's new hot pot. She then asked Lin Yan to have Liu Chang invite Shen Shaoguang to the mansion to prepare it. Shen Shaoguang arrived and prepared the hot pot, also making candied hawthorn, which the Princess eagerly praised.
Lin Yan returned to report that the thief was identified as a man over six feet tall, but there were at least a dozen such men in the mansion, making further identification difficult. Shen Shaoguang, overhearing, suggested examining the wooden box for fingerprints, explaining that each person's unique finger patterns could be used for identification, especially since no one else had touched the lock since the theft. Lin Yan immediately grasped the idea.
Under the guise of a sudden visit from the Crown Prince, Lin Yan announced a temporary closure of the mansion and a reward of one string of coins for each servant, requiring them to press their handprints to receive the money. The inner accomplice, realizing his ruse was exposed, quickly collected his reward and fled to Sushui City. There, Prince Zhao discovered the wooden slips he had received from his accomplice had been replaced with fakes.
It turned out Lin Yan had used the "Crown Prince's visit" as a pretext to distribute money and distract the inner accomplice, while Liu Chang searched his room and retrieved the authentic slips with Fifth Master Xiao's handwriting. Prince Zhao concluded that Lin Yan had indeed uncovered their secret. Lin Yan meticulously examined the retrieved slips, confirming they contained insider information about the selling official positions case.
One particular slip, with erased but still legible writing, revealed that "Cui Ning's old friend, Second Master," had initially argued strongly but "suddenly changed his stance" overnight. Liu Chang confirmed that Zhao Xunzhi, a former disciple of Lin Yan's father, was known as "Second Master." Lin Yan realized that Zhao Xunzhi was the person implicated in the erased message. Lin Yan then presented Shen Shaoguang with a large, custom-built dishwasher.
He thanked her for her crucial assistance in verifying the fingerprints and catching the culprit, which enabled him to recover the stolen slips. Shen Shaoguang was astonished that he had actually built the machine, having only casually drawn it for him. Lin Yan explained that he couldn't figure out how to make it operate automatically as in Future Village, so he devised a hand-cranked drum to power it. He demonstrated its function, successfully washing dishes.
Noticing a scratch on Lin Yan's hand, Shen Shaoguang expressed concern, asking if he injured himself while making the machine. Lin Yan denied it, claiming it was from fixing a chair at the Capital Prefecture and not wanting to trouble others. Observing her evident worry, Lin Yan asked if she cared about him, even a little. Shen Shaoguang, flustered, hastily denied it, insisting she did not care for him at all.
Episode 20 Recap
Shen Shaoguang was busy selling candied hawthorn skewers outside the diner. When a customer inquired, she explained that regular candied hawthorns cost 5 qian, while the special braised chicken feet ones were 8 qian. She also showcased her spicy candied hawthorn, made with spicy gluten, a favorite of her niece, Shen Yangyang, offering a taste. The customer found it "sweet on the outside, spicy on the inside" and bought one.
Lin Yan, observing, commented on the price of malt sugar, to which Shen Shaoguang explained she used cheaper Yangzhou cane sugar sparingly. She expressed her desire for all children in Yong'an, whom she called "little friends," to afford sweets. Lin Yan found her family's unique vocabulary interesting, making him feel as though they were from a different era, but he liked it. He voiced a wish for things to remain unchanged between them, "especially you."
As Shen Shaoguang turned to go, Lin Yan gently grabbed her arm, asking if she harbored feelings for him, but she quickly pulled away. When asked why she was alone, Shen Shaoguang explained that her parents and brother were out finding a tutor for Yangyang, and her maid, Ayuan, was seeing a physician. Later, the Shen family discussed finding a school for Shen Yangyang.
Yangyang, unimpressed by other tutors, insisted on attending Hongwen Academy, despite her aunt Shen Shaoguang explaining that it was for royalty and nobility, hard for their family to access, and only admitted boys. Yangyang argued that Mr. Lin, being an official, could help, and she was drawn to its curriculum, including horsemanship and archery. Shen Yangyang's father, Shen Jianshe, believed it was important for her to attend school to interact with peers and broaden her horizons.
Shen Yangyang's mother, Li Fengxia, jokingly suggested disguising Yangyang as a boy, a possibility Shen Shaoguang considered. That same day, Shen Jianshe approached Li Fengxia, admitting his arrogance in the Sushui City incident that endangered their lives. He acknowledged his faults since arriving in Yong'an. Li Fengxia, however, praised him for always stepping up to protect the family in dangerous moments, acknowledging her own bad temper and offering to change as well.
After a brief, affectionate argument over who was more at fault and who should change first, Li Fengxia told him it was getting cold and he should move back from the diner into their home, which Shen Jianshe happily accepted. Shen Shaoguang introduced Lin Yan's newly built dishwasher to her brother, Shen Shaojie.
Shen Shaojie was astonished that Lin Yan, a man of their time, could invent such a device, joking that he must have traveled through time, especially since the first dishwasher wouldn't appear for another thousand years. Shen Shaoguang clarified that she had merely mentioned the concept and drawn a simple sketch from her memory of a modern dishwasher. Shen Shaojie expressed envy, wishing Lin Yan would make him a robot cleaner for sweeping.
Soon after, several noblewomen visited, admiring a snowman outside the diner and intrigued by the dishwasher. They praised Shen Shaojie's ingenuity, prompting him to politely deflect by stating his focus was on his career and his daughter, Shen Yangyang. They then turned to Shen Shaoguang, inquiring about her refusal of Mr. Liu's wealthy proposal and asking about her ideal husband.
Shen Shaoguang, in response, described traits she admired, recalling Lin Yan's past words about trusting her, betting on her success, remembering her words, and never abandoning her. Coincidentally, Lin Yan, having just finished work, walked by the backyard, checking on the diner's empty front. That evening, Shen Shaoguang sat alone in the courtyard, pondering aloud whether she truly liked Lin Yan.
Her soliloquy was overheard by the rest of the Shen family, causing her such profound embarrassment that she impulsively jumped into the pond. The family immediately rushed to her rescue. Li Fengxia worried about her daughter catching a cold in the freezing weather, reminding her of the dangers of illness in ancient times. They quickly brought her ginger milk to warm her.
Meanwhile, Liu Chang reported to Lin Yan, confirming that Second Master Zhao, involved in a past case, was indeed Zhao Xunzhi from Hongwen Academy. Lin Yan was outraged that Zhao Xunzhi, who slandered his close friend by changing his testimony, dared to teach. He instructed Liu Chang to find a way to approach Zhao Xunzhi. Liu Chang then casually mentioned that Shen Shaoguang had just fallen into the courtyard pond.
Lin Yan, greatly alarmed, immediately rushed out without even putting on his outer robe, leaving Liu Chang surprised by his sudden change in priorities. Despite Shen Jianshe's attempts to stop him, citing the late hour and the impropriety of entering an unmarried woman's room while improperly dressed, Lin Yan insisted on seeing Shen Shaoguang, claiming he heard her cough. Shen Shaoguang, wrapped in blankets and seemingly fine, assured him it was just a slight cold and urged him to leave.
Lin Yan, however, persisted, only agreeing to leave after confirming her well-being with his own eyes. He pushed past the family into her room. After seeing she was indeed fine, he apologized for his intrusion and offered any assistance, then departed. The Shen family was left in an awkward silence. Li Fengxia, aghast, remarked to Shen Jianshe that Lin Yan's actions, rushing in without proper attire due to worry for Shen Shaoguang, confirmed his feelings for her.
She declared it "big trouble," especially concerning Yangyang's understanding. Shen Jianshe worried about altering history, fearing their family would vanish if Lin Yan's affections shifted from the historical Ancestor Shen to Shen Shaoguang. He pressed Shen Shaoguang about any misunderstandings she might have caused. Shen Shaoguang reassured them, attributing Lin Yan's interest to his limited exposure to women in this era and curiosity about her modern ways.
She suggested that Lady Jingwen, being more aligned with the era's ideals of a lady, would naturally attract Lin Yan. Unconvinced, Shen Jianshe decided they must move out of Yunshui Manor immediately, believing that physical distance would prevent any further entanglement and preserve their future. He tasked Shen Shaojie with finding a new house, as he and Li Fengxia were busy with the diner. Shen Shaojie, thrilled to be given such an important family task, eagerly accepted.
Shen Shaojie set out to find a house in Chang'an Alley and met the agent, Ms. Du. Upon seeing her, he was struck by her uncanny resemblance to his ex-wife, Mei, experiencing a vivid flashback to their divorce. Believing Mei had also traveled through time, he frantically questioned her about her arrival and why she hadn't sought him out. Ms. Du, completely bewildered, threatened to report him to the authorities for his erratic behavior.
After being struck, Shen Shaojie finally realized she was not Mei, only a doppelganger. He apologized profusely, explaining his confusion due to her strong resemblance to his former wife. He introduced himself as Shen Shaojie, mentioning his recommendation from Ms. Pang of Duke Lu's family, and proved his identity by knowing details about Ms. Du and the property.
Ms. Du, touched by his genuine remorse and evident deep feelings for his ex-wife, whom he still felt guilty about not providing a good life for, accepted his apology. Later, Li Fengxia informed Lin Yan of their decision to move. Lin Yan initially assumed it was due to fear of Prince Zhao's persecution.
Li Fengxia clarified that their true concern was the potential for "rumors" and "scandalous news" about him and Shen Shaoguang, emphasizing that such things would not be good for anyone, even if Lin Yan himself did not care. She directly stated that Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang were "not a good match" and urged him to respect their decision. Finding Shen Shaoguang, Lin Yan confronted her, asking if she was deliberately avoiding him.
Shen Shaoguang, attempting to create distance, adopted overly formal language and an exaggerated demeanor, claiming she was perfectly healthy and didn't need his concern. She cited social distinctions, first "superiors and subordinates," then "proper order of seniority" and even "rules between men and women," despite Lin Yan pointing out their similar ages and the era's less restrictive customs.
When Lin Yan pressed for a truthful answer, Shen Shaoguang, unable to articulate her complex feelings and desire to prevent a timeline alteration, curtly replied that she simply found him annoying. Deeply hurt and disappointed by her words, Lin Yan bowed in apology, admitting his past "oversteps" were his fault, and promised to keep his distance as she wished.
Episode 21 Recap
Following Shen Shaojie, the Shen family arrived at their new residence, only to find the house still under construction. Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia regretted entrusting such an important matter to Shen Shaojie, as the rent had been swindled by the broker, Ms. Du. Shen Shaojie had even defended Ms. Du, claiming she previously said she had an elderly mother and a young child to support, and her husband neglected his duties, leaving the whole family reliant on her.
He believed she resorted to fraud out of desperation to feed her family. Li Fengxia, however, was furious, pointing out that Shaojie had given the money without even seeing the house himself, despite Ms. Du claiming repairs were needed due to wind damage. She chastised him for falling for such an obvious scam, comparing his intelligence to that of a donkey. Angrily, Li Fengxia declared she would report the case to the Capital Prefecture immediately.
Shaojie tried to intercede, promising to get the money back without involving the authorities, but Li Fengxia was determined. Meanwhile, a subordinate informed Lin Yan at the Capital Prefecture that a complaint of agent fraud had been filed by the Shen family against Ms. Du, specifically regarding a large sum of house rent. Lin Yan was informed that the official handling the case sought his instruction due to his relationship with the Shen family.
Separately, Liu Feng had managed to find Ms. Du's address through his family's connections with the Price Stabilization Office, despite other agents being unwilling to disclose her whereabouts. The Shen family, accompanied by Liu Feng, rushed to Ms. Du's residence, only to find officials from the Capital Prefecture sealing the house. Cheng Hu, a constable, informed them that Ms. Du had already been arrested and taken to the Capital Prefecture for trial.
At the Capital Prefecture, the Shen family finally met Ms. Du. Shen Yangyang immediately noticed Ms. Du's striking resemblance to her biological mother, Mei, which made it clear to everyone why Shen Shaojie had been so easily deceived. Shaojie, still moved by the resemblance, pleaded with Lin Yan for leniency for Ms. Du, reiterating his belief that she was a vulnerable woman with no other means of support.
However, Lin Yan revealed that Ms. Du was a notorious fraudster, known for inflating property prices and amassing a fortune, owning a large mansion with dozens of servants. Ms. Du confessed that Shaojie had seemed "too easy to deceive," and she felt compelled to take advantage of him, acknowledging her past unethical practices but stating this act of fraud was punishable by imprisonment. Terrified, Ms. Du knelt before Shen Shaojie, returning his money and begging for forgiveness to avoid jail.
This scene triggered a vivid memory for Shaojie of his painful breakup with Mei, where he desperately pleaded for her to reconsider, promising to change and not be inferior to her new partner. His recollection ended with Mei leaving him, asking him to take care of Yangyang. Back in the present, Yangyang, seeing Ms. Du's distress and her resemblance to Mei, also pleaded for Ms. Du's forgiveness.
Li Fengxia and Shen Jianshe, moved by their children's pleas, agreed to drop the charges. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed by his repeated failures, Shaojie retreated into a room, repeatedly muttering "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form." His family tried to comfort him, with Li Fengxia urging him to come out and Shen Shaoguang reminding him that her brother was probably upset by the resemblance.
Yangyang tearfully apologized to her father, promising to believe in him even if he couldn't be a great hero, reassuring him that it was okay to not be as good as others. Shaojie, touched by his daughter's words, emerged, promising never to let her down again. After the resolution, Li Fengxia thanked Lin Yan for his help with Ms. Du's matter.
Lin Yan offered for the family to return to Yunshui Manor if they couldn't find a new place, offering to send Cheng Hu to escort them. However, Li Fengxia politely declined, stating they would stay at the restaurant for now and would find a new house soon. She added that Ms. Du's incident was an exception, and they would handle future house-hunting diligently. Lin Yan then asked Liu Feng to safely escort the Shen family back to the restaurant.
Later, Liu Feng reflected on Lin Yan's evident affection for Shen Shaoguang, concluding that Shaoguang also seemed to reciprocate his feelings. He acknowledged that his own pursuit of Shaoguang was futile and that a romantic relationship was not destined.
He discussed with Liu Weng that for him, establishing a career was more important than marriage, and that a friendship and business partnership with Shaoguang would be beneficial, especially if she were to become Lin Yan's wife, which would elevate the Liu family's standing. Meanwhile, Cao Rong reported his investigation findings to Lin Yan. The servant who stole the slips from the Princess's residence had been reported dead and removed from the register five years prior.
Further investigation revealed numerous soldiers had been similarly reported dead in recent years, with no graves found, suggesting they were alive and their deaths faked. Interestingly, the officials who processed these deregistration requests in the Ministries of Revenue and Personnel were all former students of Zhao Xunzhi at Hongwen Academy, and they had all resigned and returned home after meeting with him. Lin Yan realized that Prince Zhao was behind these suspicious activities, collecting soldiers through fake deaths.
Cao Rong, enraged by this corruption, immediately declared his intention to report Prince Zhao to the Emperor, even at the cost of his life. Lin Yan, however, urged him to calm down, reminding him of his promise not to act impulsively. He explained that a rash move would alert their enemy and make the situation more difficult to resolve, advocating for a cautious approach. Cao Rong, trusting Lin Yan as he had trusted his father, agreed to follow his lead.
Lin Yan concluded that they needed a pretext to subtly approach the extremely cautious Zhao Xunzhi. At the restaurant, Jingwen visited Shen Shaoguang, revealing her decision to marry Lin Yan. She explained that her grandfather was very pleased with him, and given her age and lack of a father to arrange her marriage, it was a practical choice.
Jingwen noted that while Lin Yan was older, he possessed good character, and she believed a marriage without deep emotional attachment would spare her the heartbreak her mother suffered by loving her father too deeply. Shen Shaoguang, despite her internal surprise, maintained a calm demeanor, acknowledging Lin Yan as a trustworthy man and encouraging Jingwen to treat him well, emphasizing that he carried much unspoken pain.
Jingwen, in turn, expressed surprise that Shen Shaoguang, at twenty-five, was not pressured by her family to marry, and praised her for planning for herself. Shen Yangyang, still eager to attend Hongwen Academy, discussed her aspirations with her family. Li Fengxia and Shen Jianshe expressed frustration, lamenting that despite now having money, they still faced barriers to her admission, reminiscent of their struggles in modern times to get into good schools without a school district house.
Yangyang, however, declared her strong desire to attend, especially to see the Crown Prince. Later, at Hongwen Academy, the family was informed that Yangyang's admission had been approved. Zhao Xunzhi, the mentor, welcomed Yangyang, confirming she could start classes the next day, provided she attended disguised as a boy, in accordance with the academy's rules. The family, overjoyed, wondered how this miracle occurred. Zhao Xunzhi then revealed that it was due to Shen Shaojie's persistent and eccentric efforts.
A flashback showed Shaojie repeatedly begging Zhao Xunzhi to admit Yangyang, promising to be his "ox or horse." He went to extreme lengths, cleaning Zhao Xunzhi's shoes, sunbathing his books to "remove dampness," and even sneaking into Zhao Xunzhi's bed at night to warm it up. Faced with Shaojie's relentless and bizarre antics, Zhao Xunzhi, exasperated, finally relented, making an exception for Yangyang's admission under the condition that Shaojie disappear immediately.
Upon returning to the restaurant, the family celebrated Yangyang's admission, but discovered a letter from Shen Shaojie. In the letter, Shaojie announced his departure, stating that at thirty, it was "the prime age for exploration." He declared his intention to become a "great hero" and return in glory, hoping to "meet at the peak" with Yangyang after she excelled at Hongwen Academy.
He also left a box of money he had saved, comprising the funds Ms. Du had swindled from him, as Yangyang's pocket money. Shen Jianshe was worried about Shaojie, doubting his capability, but Li Fengxia comforted Yangyang, assuring her that her father was intelligent and resourceful, and would return a successful man. They encouraged Yangyang to study diligently at Hongwen Academy to make him proud.
Separately, Lin Yan discussed with Liu Chang that his attempts to approach Zhao Xunzhi through Censor Pei had failed, indicating that Prince Zhao had likely forewarned Zhao Xunzhi to be on guard. He stressed the need for a new plan to avoid rashly entering Hongwen Academy. Suddenly, Shen Yangyang appeared, having overheard their conversation.
She presented Lin Yan with a candied hawthorn as a token of thanks, explaining her upcoming enrollment at Hongwen Academy due to her father's efforts, and offered to help Lin Yan approach Zhao Xunzhi. Lin Yan, unwilling to involve a child in such a dangerous matter, firmly refused and brought Yangyang to Shen Shaoguang. Yangyang passionately argued for helping Lin Yan, invoking family values of helpfulness and justice.
Shen Shaoguang then pulled Lin Yan aside, expressing her concern that he might be exploiting Yangyang. Lin Yan explained that he brought Yangyang to her because he couldn't dissuade the child himself and didn't want to conceal her intentions from the family. Shaoguang apologized for her hasty judgment. Yangyang, joining them, further clarified that it was her own initiative to help, not Lin Yan's instigation.
Despite the potential risks associated with Zhao Xunzhi, Li Fengxia and Shen Jianshe supported Yangyang attending Hongwen Academy, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and even a chance to add a commendable achievement to her resume by helping Lin Yan. Lin Yan, while acknowledging the merit of their argument about Hongwen Academy's quality, reiterated that Zhao Xunzhi's agreement to admit Yangyang likely stemmed from ignorance of their family ties and Shaojie's unique approach.
He still urged Yangyang to focus on her studies rather than helping him directly. Li Fengxia, however, encouraged Yangyang to help, emphasizing their resilience and the valuable experience it would be. Yangyang, calling Lin Yan "the coolest," remained eager to assist him.
Episode 22 Recap
Shen Jianshe walked Shen Yangyang to Hongwen Academy. Along the way, Shen Yangyang observed that everyone in their family had changed since they arrived in Yong'an, except for Li Fengxia. Shen Jianshe surmised that this might be why Li Fengxia was constantly ill-tempered. After dropping Shen Yangyang off, he presented Li Fengxia with the carriage linchpin for a luxurious, four-horse carriage, which he proclaimed was the most stylish and extravagant in all of Yong'an.
He explained that he could now provide her with a lavish life and hoped her temper would improve. Li Fengxia, however, was offended, questioning if he believed her anger stemmed solely from their past poverty. She stormed off, leaving Shen Jianshe to tumble from his high perch. When she refused to help him up, Shen Jianshe complained that her temper had remained unchanged since their dating days.
He accused her of hitting, pinching, scolding, and kicking him, and questioned why she couldn't be more considerate of him, especially now that he had achieved success and garnered fans. At Hongwen Academy, Mentor Zhao Xunzhi taught the traditional belief that the sky is round and the earth is square. Shen Yangyang boldly interrupted, explaining that both the sky, which is the atmosphere, and the earth, a planet, are spherical.
She used an analogy about cats pushing things off a flat earth to support her claim, causing a stir among her classmates. After class, Mentor Zhao Xunzhi summoned Shen Shaoguang. Shen Shaoguang initially worried that Shen Yangyang had caused trouble on her first day. However, Mentor Zhao Xunzhi instead praised Shen Yangyang’s extraordinary talent and wonderful ideas, stating that with proper guidance, she would achieve great things. He cautioned, however, that her outspoken nature could lead to unforeseen problems.
Relieved, Shen Shaoguang noticed that Mentor Zhao Xunzhi possessed a profound understanding of human relationships beyond his scholarly knowledge. She then invited him to dine at her family’s diner. Though the diner was closed for expansion, he accepted. Lin Yan expressed strong concern over Shen Shaoguang’s invitation to Zhao Xunzhi, deeming it too risky and claiming he could never repay such a favor.
Shen Shaoguang reminded him of his numerous past kindnesses to their family, which they could never fully repay. She urged him to use this opportunity to investigate Zhao Xunzhi rather than dwelling on the debt. Shen Yangyang, who had grown fond of Mentor Zhao because he never scolded her and always reasoned with her, questioned if such a good teacher could truly be a bad person. Later, Zhao Xunzhi arrived at Shen’s Diner.
The Shen family, including Shen Jianshe, Li Fengxia, and Shen Yangyang, took turns toasting him, praising his wisdom and care for Shen Yangyang. As Zhao Xunzhi became increasingly inebriated, Lin Yan approached the table. For a moment, Zhao Xunzhi mistook Lin Yan for an old friend, Cui Rangzhi, due to his attire. Lin Yan feigned ignorance and subtly probed Zhao Xunzhi by inquiring about the historical figure Li Ji, who betrayed a friend for personal gain.
Zhao Xunzhi affirmed that Li Ji’s betrayal was universally condemned. Lin Yan then directly questioned Zhao Xunzhi about the 17-year-old Yong'an post-selling case, where a testimony had been altered, asking if Zhao Xunzhi's actions were voluntary or coerced. Meanwhile, Prince Zhao visited the spirit tablet of his deceased eldest son, Li Sheng. He reflected on Lin Yan's swift investigative progress, acknowledging that Lin Yan’s abilities were on par with Li Sheng’s.
He expressed sorrow, suggesting that he might one day have to sacrifice Lin Yan. Li Xun then informed Prince Zhao that Lin Yan was already investigating Zhao Xunzhi. Prince Zhao believed Zhao Xunzhi would remain silent to protect his reputation, but Li Xun countered that Zhao Xunzhi might choose to act like Cheng Ying, sacrificing himself for a just cause if he deemed Prince Zhao an unworthy leader.
Li Xun also reported that Zhao Xunzhi had entered Shen’s Diner and not yet returned home. Prince Zhao then activated his network of spies in Juxian Alley. Despite Zhao Xunzhi seemingly agreeing to testify, Lin Yan soon learned that Mentor Zhao had mysteriously disappeared; Shen Yangyang reported his unexplained absence from class. Subsequently, Liu Chang informed Lin Yan that Zhao Xunzhi had filed paperwork in Nanming County for "returning home for mourning."
Lin Yan immediately recognized this as a deception, noting that Zhao Xunzhi, being an elderly man, had no living parents or elders to mourn. He concluded that Prince Zhao was behind the disappearance and feared for Zhao Xunzhi's safety. Lin Yan dispatched Liu Chang to Nanming County with explicit instructions to find Zhao Xunzhi, alive or dead. Shen Shaoguang and Shen Yangyang brought food to Lin Yan, who was withdrawn and had no appetite.
Shen Shaoguang tried to comfort him, acknowledging his frustration after waiting 17 years for a crucial witness only to have him disappear. She urged him to take care of himself. Shen Yangyang then revealed that Li Fengxia had prepared many of the dishes—such as sweet and sour pork ribs, fried crumbs with Chinese mallow, cheese buns, osmanthus sugar lotus root, and rice tofu—specifically chosen to lift his spirits.
Lin Yan, still despondent, apologized, explaining he had already eaten a little and couldn't eat more. Liu Chang later reported that Zhao Xunzhi had not been seen in Nanming County, and his distant clan members, likely bribed, claimed he was simply staying in his ancestral home but unwilling to appear. Liu Chang suspected foul play.
The situation escalated when a letter arrived from Prince Zhao, hypocritically congratulating Shen Yangyang on entering Hongwen Academy and praising Zhao Xunzhi's upright character, feigning ignorance of his disappearance. Enraged, Lin Yan struggled to cope. Shen Shaoguang, seeing his distress, encouraged him to vent by smashing objects in the room. Lin Yan, Shen Yangyang, and Liu Chang joined her, breaking case files and valuable porcelain in a cathartic release.
After their outburst, Shen Shaoguang reassured Lin Yan that he would find a new solution. With Chinese New Year's Eve approaching, Shen Yangyang invited Lin Yan and Liu Chang to celebrate at their diner, adding that Shen Shaoguang had prepared new clothes for Lin Yan. Lin Yan gratefully accepted. As Shen Shaoguang prepared ingredients for the festive meal, her thoughts were consumed by Lin Yan.
She even found herself subconsciously writing his title on the menu, which she then tore up and threw into a jar of pickled vegetables, attempting to suppress her growing feelings. On New Year's Eve, as the family prepared dinner with Lin Yan, they grew worried because Shen Shaoguang, who had gone to the countryside to get ingredients, had been gone for five days. Just as Lin Yan became concerned, Shen Shaoguang returned, bringing water shield, a specialty from Qingyang.
She claimed she had just "passed by" Qingyang, but everyone understood the special effort she had made. Lin Yan, cautious given the political climate, questioned her thoroughly about her journey to ensure she hadn't been followed or compromised. She reassured him that she had been extremely careful, avoiding Qingyang city itself and foraging for the water shield in a wild pond at the border of Qingyang and Shi'an. Despite her downplaying it as "no trouble at all," Lin Yan and the others expressed deep gratitude for her thoughtful gesture.
Episode 23 Recap
On Chinese New Year's Eve, the Shen family gathered for a celebratory dinner. While serving dumplings, Shen Jianshe presented Li Fengxia with a ring, hoping to make amends for previous misunderstandings. He recalled her displeasure when he bought her a carriage and then a ring of the wrong size, expressing his wish that she would no longer scold him. Li Fengxia, focused on dinner preparations, playfully feigned forgetting to prepare lucky money, though she had it ready all along.
Shen Yangyang discovered a copper coin in her dumpling, believing it to signify all her wishes would come true in the new year. She then eagerly collected lucky money from her grandparents, Shen Shaoguang, and Deyuan. Shen Shaoguang told Deyuan that he was part of their family when giving him his lucky money. Lin Yan, unprepared for the custom, gave Shen Yangyang all the loose silver from his purse, insisting it was enough to cover his and Liu Chang's share.
Shen Yangyang also received a letter from her father, Shen Shaojie, which contained a single copper coin—the only lucky money he could afford to send after being reduced to begging. Reading his letter aloud, the family learned he claimed to be halfway to the "peak" of his career, confident in his charm to gain popularity wherever he went. However, his actual experiences were far from successful.
He had tried performing a "talk show" for villagers, promising refreshments but failing to deliver, leading to a hostile crowd. He also attempted to preach about gender equality, encouraging women to divorce, which resulted in him being beaten. Another time, while competing in martial arts, he begged his opponent not to hit his face, citing his "female fans."
Despite these failures, his letter maintained a cheerful tone, expressing his longing for Shen Yangyang and urging her to be enterprising and innovative like him. He boasted of a good, stable, and high-paying job, and his ability to easily get along with colleagues, reassuring his family not to worry. Li Fengxia, putting on a brave face, urged everyone to continue eating the dumplings. Shen Shaoguang then announced that their renovated restaurant would reopen after the New Year.
Shortly after, the Princess and Pei Fei arrived. Having learned Pei Fei could not afford to travel home for the holiday, the Princess had skipped the palace festivities to accompany him to the lantern festival, and now they hoped to have some hot pot at Shen's restaurant. Shen Shaoguang explained that her parents had taken Shen Yangyang to the lantern festival and encouraged Deyuan to join them.
Lin Yan added that he and Shen Shaoguang would stay behind to host their guests. Once seated, they were served warm Tusu wine and hot pot. The Princess was particularly impressed by the unique frozen tofu, inquiring about its preparation. Shen Shaoguang explained how cutting the tofu into cubes, blanching it with salt, and then freezing it created its distinctive porous texture, allowing it to absorb flavors well. The Princess then invited Shen Shaoguang to join them at the table.
Shen Shaoguang, concerned about Lin Yan's alcohol tolerance, advised him to drink less. However, Pei Fei hinted that Lin Yan's true capacity was far greater than he let on. The Princess then interjected, recalling a time when Second Master Huan's uncle hosted a banquet where Lin Yan drank all their prized Jiannan wine without showing any signs of intoxication.
Shen Shaoguang, hearing this, realized Lin Yan had lied about his poor alcohol tolerance and remembered everything from their past encounters, and a flood of memories returned to her. Lin Yan, sensing her realization, admitted he remembered everything as well. The Princess, noticing the unusual dynamic between Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang, then offered Shen Shaoguang the catering for several banquets she planned to host around the Lantern Festival.
After dinner, the Princess, curious about the frozen tofu, went to the backyard to observe its making process. She then requested a tour of the newly expanded warehouse. As Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan stepped into the warehouse, the Princess pulled Pei Fei away from the entrance, then quickly closed and locked the door from the outside, trapping them inside.
Shen Shaoguang initially thought of prying open the door, but Lin Yan advised against it, suggesting that the Princess enjoyed playing tricks and forcefully exiting would displease her. They decided to wait. Inside the warehouse, Lin Yan noticed several water shield plants and asked Shen Shaoguang about her family's cooking methods for them. Shen Shaoguang admitted her family rarely ate water shield but kept it specifically for him, hoping it would make him feel at home.
Lin Yan, touched, expressed his appreciation. Later, as Shen Shaoguang moved to open a window, Lin Yan, who was standing close behind her, kissed her. Disturbed, Shen Shaoguang instinctively tightened a red string around her wrist to regain her composure. Outside, the Princess had attempted to eavesdrop before settling down with Pei Fei to watch the moon.
She confessed her feelings to Pei Fei, who, misunderstanding her, suggested she was trying to set him up with Shen Shaoguang, observing that both Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang clearly had feelings for each other but were hesitant to express them. The Princess clarified that she was speaking about herself. Pei Fei, however, gently rejected her advances, expressing his belief that he was unworthy of her favor.
When the Princess pressed him, asking if he had ever harbored genuine feelings for her, Pei Fei remained steadfast, asking her not to make things difficult for him. Disappointed and angered, the Princess abruptly turned and left. Back inside, Lin Yan noticed the red marks on Shen Shaoguang's wrist and discovered a jar filled with small paper slips, each bearing his name. Convinced she harbored deep feelings for him, he confronted her, asking why she continued to suppress her emotions.
He promised that once his current affairs were settled, he would speak to her family and secure their blessing for their relationship. Shen Shaoguang, however, confessed that she was not his real fiancée and her family had never lived in Qingyang. She admitted to deceiving him, explaining that the lie was initially concocted to save her family from execution and later continued to secure shelter at Yunshui Manor. She insisted she had no feelings for him.
Lin Yan was stunned, reminding her of all the ways her family had treated him, asserting that their genuine care could not be faked. Despite his pleas, Shen Shaoguang firmly reiterated her lack of feelings, expressing deep regret for having usurped the identity of his true fiancée, Lady Zheng. The following day, Shen's Diner reopened with much fanfare, offering a new "Little Spring Platter," inspired by the imperial spring platter.
Customers were amazed by the fresh produce, and Shen Shaoguang explained it was cultivated in a "greenhouse." Many patrons praised Lin Yan as a diligent official, sentiments Shen Shaoguang feigned not to hear. Later, Cheng Hu and his colleagues from the Capital Prefecture came to dine.
While a colleague grumbled about having to work during the Lantern Festival, Cheng Hu lauded Lin Yan's swift actions, pointing out that even the Emperor referred to Lin Yan as the "Zhao Guanghan of our dynasty." As Lin Yan arrived, a citizen immediately approached him to report a land encroachment. Lin Yan assured the citizen the matter would be handled properly and quickly intervened when Cheng Hu and his colleague began to discuss Shen Shaoguang.
That evening, Liu Chang returned from his investigations. He confirmed that Lady Zheng, Lin Yan's true fiancée, resided in Shi'an County and had indeed moved there from Qingyang. He also confirmed that in the Qingyang dialect, the pronunciations of "Shen" and "Zheng" were strikingly similar, which explained how the Shen family had managed to deceive Lin Yan for so long. Liu Chang advised Lin Yan to sever all ties with the Shen family.
However, Lin Yan, holding a warm pastry, seemed lost in thought, recalling Shen Shaoguang's promise to take him to see the lantern festival. He then instructed Liu Chang that after completing their current official duties, their next stop would be Shi'an County. Late that night, Li Fengxia found Shen Shaoguang, whom she called Jicai, in the kitchen, unable to sleep. Noticing fresh red ligature marks on Shen Shaoguang's wrist, Li Fengxia was heartbroken.
She gently took the knife from Jicai, urging her not to harm herself. Jicai confessed that she had been using the pain from tightening the rope as a "desensitization method" to try and forget Lin Yan, but it wasn't working. Li Fengxia embraced her, calling her a "silly girl," and assured her that sincerely loving someone showed immense courage. She praised Jicai for bravely cutting her losses and urged her never to hurt herself again, promising to always be there for her.
Episode 24 Recap
Shen's Diner reopened its doors to customers. Lu Yun from Yunlai Tavern arrived to offer congratulations, though his intentions were far from sincere. He had heard that Chancellor Meng's granddaughter was now betrothed to Lin Yan and assumed that Shen Shaoguang had lost her powerful ally, believing her moment of glory would be short-lived.
An employee of Yunlai Tavern remarked that Shen's Diner had opened on the sixth day instead of the usual tenth, and was even imitating imperial dishes like the "Little Spring Platter." She revealed that Shen's Diner wasn't using warm spring water for their out-of-season produce but had developed "greenhouse cultivation," teaching the technique to local farmers who, in turn, waived rent and supplied them with vegetables.
Lu Yun, annoyed by the Shen family's success, threatened his nervous employee not to make him appear petty. At the diner, Shen Shaoguang greeted Lu Yun, who presented a modest gift before politely declining an invitation to sit, stating he would return when they were less busy. Meanwhile, Lin Yan and Liu Chang journeyed to Shi'an County and found Lady Zheng's home. Liu Chang introduced himself as a deputy from the Capital Prefecture, tasked with investigating the local Magistrate.
Lady Zheng, who was pregnant, was exceedingly welcoming and verbose, praising her husband, the Magistrate, as a truly good, handsome, gentle, considerate, and upright man whose sole passion was advocating for the people. She offered them water shield pastry, a local specialty. Lady Zheng explained that a Lady Shen had given it to her a few days prior, mentioning that Lady Shen had sustained injuries while picking the water shields.
Realizing Shen Shaoguang had already visited Lady Zheng, Lin Yan probed about the Cui family. Lady Zheng was initially hesitant, claiming ignorance, but then revealed she was testing their character. She stated she had deliberately made them anxious to observe their true nature, warning that she would have remained silent if they had resorted to threats. She then confidently declared that as the Magistrate's wife, she had nothing to fear in Shi'an County.
Seeing their genuine interest in the old case rather than her husband, Lin Yan introduced himself as the Vice Prefecture of the Capital Prefecture, there to investigate the Qingyang Cui family case. Lady Zheng then fully disclosed that her family had an old engagement with the Cui family, which was broken after the Cui family was eradicated in the "selling official positions" scandal. Both she and her husband believed Prefect Cui was incorruptible and must have been framed.
She revealed that last September, a man had approached her great-uncle inquiring about the Cui-Zheng marriage. Her great-uncle, suspicious of the man's false name, had sent him away. Her husband later discovered the man was Li Ang, the fourth son of Prince Zhao. Lady Zheng connected this to Lin Yan's previous handling of Magistrate Dou's embezzlement case, noting that Magistrate Dou was related to Noble Consort Dou, and the embezzled funds went to the Dou family.
She revealed that Prince Zhao, despite publicly appearing to be at odds with Noble Consort Dou, had maintained private contact with the Dou family. She suggested that these two cases might be interconnected and implored Lin Yan to thoroughly investigate the old Cui family case. On their return to the Capital Prefecture, Lin Yan instructed Liu Chang to bypass Shen's Diner. However, Shen Jianshe intercepted their carriage just outside the diner.
He insisted Lin Yan try their new "Little Spring Platter," explaining he was about to send some over. Despite Lin Yan's initial refusal, Shen Shaoguang approached the carriage, presenting the platter and explaining that they simply wanted to share their delicious food with "family." As she handed it over, Lin Yan saw the marks on her arm. Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaoguang urged him to come inside, mentioning that the whole family missed him.
Lin Yan, however, was conflicted, touched by their gesture yet mindful of the deception. He declined to enter and departed. Liu Chang, observing the scene, remarked that the Shen family's deceptive kindness was almost more irritating than outright malice, creating a confusing situation where anger was difficult, yet reconciliation felt impossible. He concluded that some things, though they might appear genuine, could never truly be so.
Later, Chancellor Meng visited the Capital Prefecture to discuss a marriage proposal between Lin Yan and his granddaughter, Shen Jingwen. Lin Yan expressed surprise, stating he had only met Shen Jingwen twice. Chancellor Meng, however, interpreted her consistent high praise for Lin Yan as a sign of deep affection, suggesting she found him unforgettable. He urged Lin Yan to settle down.
Lin Yan then invoked the law, stating that as a supervisory official, he was prohibited from marrying women under his jurisdiction and felt he was not a suitable match for Lady Shen (referring to Shen Jingwen). Chancellor Meng dismissed his concerns, believing that an imperial favor could easily override such a law. Soon after, Shen Jingwen herself visited Lin Yan. She told him that her grandfather had reported that he hadn't refused the marriage proposal.
Lin Yan tried to clarify that he hadn't meant to agree, but Shen Jingwen interjected, stating she understood her grandfather's love for her often overshadowed her own wishes. She then noticed a wooden tablet with Shen Shaoguang's name on his desk and shrewdly pointed out Lin Yan's legal argument about not marrying a woman under his jurisdiction, noting that Shen Shaoguang was also under his purview. She acknowledged that her grandfather was confident in obtaining imperial approval.
Shen Jingwen then expressed her understanding of Lin Yan's feelings, believing he wouldn't want to waste his time on her. She confessed that while she desired for him to accept the marriage, as his looks and talents would ensure her life wouldn't be too difficult, such a union would merely be a choice, not her true wish; she preferred not to be forced into marriage. Lin Yan confirmed he understood.
Shen Jingwen, after expressing her desire not to be compelled, then requested a temporary favor: that Lin Yan maintain the pretense of considering the marriage for a while to allow her to gracefully handle her grandfather's eagerness. Lin Yan agreed. That evening, Lin Yan saw the wooden tablet with Shen Shaoguang's name. Determined to sever any lingering entanglement, he tossed it into the trash.
Simultaneously, Shen Shaoguang, also seeking a fresh start, removed the red string from her wrist and discarded it. The following day, a frantic Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia arrived at the Capital Prefecture, reporting Shen Yangyang missing after searching everywhere for her. Liu Chang, whom Lin Yan had already dispatched to inform the Shen family, met them at the entrance. He reassured them that Shen Yangyang was safe inside, having come early to ask Lin Yan for lessons.
Inside, Shen Yangyang was eagerly discussing a passage from "Biography of Sima Xiangru" with Lin Yan, explaining its meaning of universal peace and prosperity and relating it to business principles, acknowledging her aunt (Shen Shaoguang) had taught her similar concepts. Her parents, relieved but annoyed, playfully threatened to spank her for running off without informing them.
Shen Yangyang explained she had promised her father to "meet at the peak" and sought Lin Yan's help because her regular mentors couldn't clarify some questions. Later, she asked Liu Chang if Lin Yan was still upset with them. Shen Jianshe apologized to Lin Yan for Shen Yangyang's intrusion. Lin Yan, maintaining a distance, stated that Shen Yangyang was fine but he was busy and "cannot always entertain outsiders," advising them to take care.
Shen Shaoguang then made a heartfelt apology for all the trouble they had caused, acknowledging that her lies were the root of it and that Lin Yan was justified in not forgiving them. She stated that not apologizing would only deepen their debt. Shen Jianshe reiterated that such troubles would not recur. Lin Yan accepted their apology, adding that he had official duties to attend to.
As he left, Shen Shaoguang called out, expressing her hope that he would fare well in the future and offering their unwavering assistance should he need help with any cases. Shen Jianshe, still struggling with his strained relationship with Li Fengxia, decided to take over the task of preparing ingredients and cooking. He remarked that despite outwardly appearing normal and affectionate, their relationship remained awkward.
He asked why she never wore the ring he bought her, to which she simply replied she didn't feel like it. While demonstrating his knife skills peeling a radish, he accidentally cut his finger. He exaggerated his injury, hoping for sympathy, but Li Fengxia remained unmoved. She scoffed, pointing out she cut herself frequently while preparing food, bleeding far more than him, yet never complained. She sarcastically suggested he suck his finger for iron.
Shen Jianshe despaired, wondering if their relationship would always be so broken. Unable to mend things with Li Fengxia, Shen Jianshe sought solace at a tavern near Ruyue Shop. Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan were busy packing "Little Spring Platters" for a delivery. Shen Shaoguang explained her innovative, homemade, wax-molded, waterproof, and oil-resistant "packing boxes," highlighting how this food delivery concept would make healthy, three-course meals accessible to hard-working people and drive down prices.
She mused about feeling like a protagonist in a time-travel novel whose small actions significantly advanced society, and when A Yuan commented on her fresh ideas and words, making her seem "not from this time," Shen Shaoguang playfully confirmed she was from "over 1,000 years later." Li Fengxia, noticing sauce stains on their clothes, insisted on making the delivery herself to maintain the diner's reputation for cleanliness.
Upon learning the destination was the "Flowery Room" in the tavern next to Ruyue Shop, she set off. There, she found Shen Jianshe desperately trying to fend off two women who were attempting to entertain him, loudly proclaiming he was a married man and crying for help. Li Fengxia opened the door, witnessed the scene, and sternly confronted Shen Jianshe, who stammered explanations about not knowing the women and not having consumed any wine. Li Fengxia then threw some copper coins to the two women, instructing them to bring her paper and a brush before leaving.
Episode 25 Recap
Shen Jianshe attempted to reassure Li Fengxia that he hadn't done anything truly wrong regarding the tavern incident, only regretting that he hadn't confirmed its legitimacy before entering. He questioned if she still didn't trust his character after all their years together. Li Fengxia, however, insisted he sit and then asked if he remembered how many years they had been married. Shen Jianshe hesitated, finally guessing "about 20. . . 33 years."
She reflected on their journey from modern times to Yong'an, lamenting that she no longer recognized him. Shen Jianshe tried to suggest that Li Fengxia should acknowledge the family's progress, even mentioning that Shen Yangyang had noticed Li Fengxia's unhappiness and lack of progress compared to everyone else. Li Fengxia retorted that he himself had called her bad-tempered, accusing her of hitting, scolding, pinching, and kicking him.
She explained her temper was a result of their financial struggles in modern times when he couldn't earn enough money. She then questioned why, now that they had money, he still couldn't understand her. She felt that while everyone else had improved in Yong'an, she was still constantly busy with no life of her own, which made her anxious and prone to losing her temper, making her feel pathetic for not having changed.
Shen Jianshe claimed to remember her youthful beauty but insisted her temper had always been the same. Li Fengxia corrected him, reminding him that he once loved her gentleness and that her temper had developed from the ceaseless toil. She sarcastically noted that in his eyes, everything he did, including his cooking, was perfect. Finally, declaring that she had misjudged him, Li Fengxia threw a divorce letter at Shen Jianshe and walked out of the room.
Liu Chang reported to Lin An that, based on information from Lady Zheng's husband, Vice Minister Cao had apprehended a group connected to the Dou family. Lin An personally interrogated Dou Shiba, a former administrative officer of the Jinwu Guards who was officially listed as dead. Dou Shiba initially remained defiant, accusing Lin An of illegal detention and torture.
Lin An subtly countered, pointing out Dou Shiba's official "dead" status meant no one would investigate his disappearance, and implying his patron might welcome an inquiry. Realizing Lin An sought his backer, Dou Shiba defiantly declared he was his own boss. Lin An then presented a cloth bag, implying it contained the severed heads of Dou Shiba's men, explaining they were painted wooden balls. This psychological tactic broke Dou Shiba, who cried out in horror and finally confessed.
The confession revealed that the Dou family had continuously amassed wealth and funneled it to Prince Zhao, who used it to fund a private army of unregistered soldiers to consolidate his power. Dou Shiba was responsible for transporting controlled goods like salt, iron, and provisions. He coordinated with a liaison he never met in person; instead, an attendant collected goods from an ever-changing location in the ghost market, making surveillance difficult.
However, Dou Shiba had secretly tracked the attendant and discovered they ran a business in Juxian Alley. Concerned, Lin An went to Shen's Diner in Juxian Alley to warn Shen Shaoguang to "be extra careful" as the Ministry of Justice had caught dangerous individuals with a connection there. Shen Shaoguang, recognizing his concern despite their past animosity, inquired if the connection was related to Lin An's case and offered to help investigate.
Lin An, however, curtly dismissed her, stating it was "none of your business." Before he could leave, Shen Shaoguang offered him a "boxed meal" she had devised, explaining its convenience and its role in preventing food waste, and offered to continue sending him meals. Lin An thanked her but declined the offer, advising her to "just take good care of yourselves."
Later, Liu Chang questioned Lin An's refusal, noting that he seemed to no longer hold a grudge against Shen Shaoguang. Shen Yangyang returned from school disheartened, sharing with Shen Shaoguang that her classmates believed her father, Shen Shaojie, had abandoned her because he hadn't written since the New Year. Shen Shaoguang comforted her, assuring her of Shen Shaojie's love despite his unreliability. A letter from Shen Shaojie then arrived.
In the letter, he exaggerated his success, claiming his acting career was flourishing and he was using his new capital to open a Shen's Diner branch. The scene, however, showed Shen Shaojie on the street, unsuccessfully trying to sell burnt Jianbing Guozi for ten qian, his claims of Shen's Diner's fame met with public ridicule.
He then attempted a "franchise" model, requesting five hundred qian monthly to use the Shen's Diner brand, only to be exposed as a fraud by onlookers who recognized him as the incompetent pancake seller. He was forced to flee from an angry crowd. The letter concluded with him boasting of a booming franchise business, new friendships, and his entry into the calligraphy world.
The reality was grim: Shen Shaojie was shown begging, ashamed to face Shen Yangyang, though he still missed her and hoped she was happy at school. To cope with the diner's increasing popularity, Shen Shaoguang posted an unconventional recruitment notice for a kind-hearted chef proficient in local cuisine. It offered a "labor contract" with monthly pay and the right for the employee to quit with a month's notice, a novel concept that surprised onlookers.
A confident young man named Yu Sanlang tore down the notice, proclaiming his superior culinary skills were all that was needed for such an eatery. He then prepared a magnificent "Peacock Spreading Its Tail," impressing the Shen family who immediately hired him. Later, Pei Fei visited and praised Yu Sanlang's "Peacock Spreading Its Tail." Shen Shaoguang proudly spoke of her fortune in hiring Yu Sanlang and her skill in retaining him.
She then gently inquired about Pei Fei's ongoing disagreement with the Princess, noting how the Princess had recently dismissed all the men around her, which made it hard for him to move on. Pei Fei then shifted the conversation to Shen Shaoguang and Lin An, remarking that their mutual affection was evident, yet they were no longer pursuing each other. He then revealed that Chancellor Meng had publicly announced that Lin An was to marry his granddaughter, cementing their engagement.
Pei Fei concluded by saying they were both "pitiful people whose beloved is far beyond our reach," leaving Shen Shaoguang visibly distressed by the news. With Yu Sanlang now capably running the kitchen, Li Fengxia found ample time for shopping. She was frequently seen happily buying various accessories from a vendor, Mr. He, explaining that she could finally "free up her hands from the kitchen."
She reminisced about selling her gold bracelet upon arriving in Yong'an and, now earning her own money, vowed to buy whatever she liked, asserting that happiness made a woman beautiful. Unbeknownst to her, Shen Jianshe secretly followed her, bewildered by her constant joy. Shen Shaoguang noticed her parents' frequent absences from the diner and confronted Shen Jianshe. He confessed to trailing Li Fengxia, worried that her newfound wealth might lead her to "turn bad" or seek someone outside the marriage.
Shen Shaoguang, exasperated, pointed out his hypocrisy, as Li Fengxia had not suspected him after his own tavern incident. Shen Jianshe tried to dismiss his tavern visit as an "accidental mistake." Shen Shaoguang, aware of the divorce letter, told him that while he hadn't made a "fundamental mistake," he had deeply hurt Li Fengxia. She reminded him of Li Fengxia's arduous efforts in raising them and her youthful gentleness.
She recalled how Li Fengxia had sacrificed all her treasured jewelry, including her last gold ring and bracelet in Yong'an, for the family's sake. Shen Shaoguang explained that while she had bought Li Fengxia gold, jewelry from him held special significance. She criticized his past gift of a "big carriage" instead, saying his attempts at affection had "completely missed the point" and left Li Fengxia heartbroken.
Remorseful, Shen Jianshe acknowledged his "pig's brain" and regretted his harsh words about her temper, finally understanding how his failures had forced her transformation. Desperate for reconciliation, Shen Jianshe asked if there was still a chance. Shen Shaoguang advised him that it "depends on you," urging him to "stay humble and grounded" to change Li Fengxia's attitude.
Shen Jianshe vowed to reform and asked Shen Shaoguang to bring Li Fengxia to the upcoming Culinary Master Competition, where he hoped to prove his changed, hardworking self and win her back. Shen Shaoguang agreed. Inspired by his newfound resolve, Shen Jianshe immediately took over Shen Shaoguang's tasks, insisting she rest. Liu Chang reported to Lin An that he had successfully pressured Ms. Du, who had previously defrauded Shen Shaojie.
By subtly reminding her of past legal vulnerabilities, Liu Chang secured her cooperation and silence. Ms. Du, with her extensive network in property dealings, revealed that Lu Yun of Yunlai Tavern, despite running a food business, secretly possessed warehouses capable of storing large quantities of military equipment. Liu Chang noted Lu Yun's caution in registering these warehouses under proxies, but Lin An confidently stated that "over time, there are always traces."
Ms. Du also mentioned that Zhao Xunzhi, before his demise, had been a frequent patron of Yunlai Tavern and owed her rent for a property. Later that evening, Liu Chang presented Lin An with an invitation from Chancellor Meng to attend the upcoming Culinary Master Competition, noting that Chancellor Meng's granddaughter would also participate. Lin An saw this as an opportunity; since Yunlai Tavern would also be at the competition, he could potentially gather clues against Lu Yun.
Furthermore, his grandfather was ardently pushing for his engagement, making a direct refusal difficult. Lin An hoped that by attending, he could temporarily appease his grandfather and use the time to resolve these complex matters.
Episode 26 Recap
Shen Shaojie, unable to make a living elsewhere, returned to Yong'an in disgrace. Hearing a broker mention job openings at the Shen family restaurant in Juxian Alley, he was too ashamed to face his family. The broker then informed him that Yunlai Tavern was also hiring. Shen Shaojie, desperate, agreed to apply there. He disguised himself with a fake beard, introducing himself as "A Dou" during the interview.
Lu Yun’s subordinate was looking for a quick-witted person to serve his master. Despite making a clumsy first impression, Shen Shaojie’s lively demeanor and desperate offer to work for meager pay convinced Lu Yun to hire him to lead his horse. Mr. Lu's subordinate later mentioned that Shen Shaojie, though foolish, was a bargain, and could serve as a "new face" for the upcoming Culinary Master Competition at the Shangsi Festival.
Meanwhile, Shen Jianshe diligently prepared for the Culinary Master Competition. He invited Yu San to taste his new stir-fried dishes, treating him as family, a gesture that deeply moved Yu San, who had never experienced such kindness as a former slave. Shen Jianshe even expressed his willingness to help Yu San gain his freedom, citing A Yuan’s similar experience.
Yu San, touched by his sincerity, honestly assessed Shen Jianshe's stir-fries as "nothing special," noting that while novel, their flavor was ordinary. Recognizing his shortcomings, Shen Jianshe then persistently asked Yu San to teach him, dedicating himself to rigorous practice of knife skills, arm strength, and wok handling. Li Fengxia, witnessing his earnest efforts, began to show signs of satisfaction. On the day of the Culinary Master Competition, prominent chefs, including Shen Jianshe and Jingwen, gathered to compete.
Councilor Kang of the Ministry of Rites, Yong'an's foremost food connoisseur, presided as the chief judge. Chancellor Meng also attended with Lin Yan, setting a poetic theme for the competition: "In youth, we meet with joy. At 20, we feel shy. At 50, we see the world. In old age, we envy the mayfly." Jingwen quickly grasped the poem's meaning, which alluded to the stages of life, and began selecting her ingredients.
Shen Jianshe, however, was bewildered and resorted to picking a little of every ingredient, imitating other chefs. Lin Yan discussed the profound theme with Chancellor Meng, interpreting it as an invitation for chefs to infuse the flavors of life into their dishes. Chancellor Meng was highly pleased with Lin Yan's understanding. From the sidelines, Li Fengxia and Shen Yangyang, who had been dragged there by Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan, watched Shen Jianshe's confusion with concern.
A spectator’s comment about Lin Yan being engaged to another Shen family daughter caused Shen Shaoguang a moment of sadness, a feeling she tried to hide. As the chefs worked, Lu Yun, observing the competition, plotted to sabotage the dishes of his rivals, particularly those of the Shen family. He sent a subordinate to summon Shen Shaojie, who was disguised as A Dou and washing dishes at Yunlai Tavern.
Shen Shaojie, initially thrilled at the prospect of an important task, hesitated when instructed to simply knock over the competitors' dishes. He deemed it "low-class," but was warned of severe consequences if he failed to ensure Yunlai Tavern's victory and, especially, if he didn't publicly humiliate the Shen family. Shen Shaojie entered the competition area, where Shen Yangyang soon recognized her father. Overjoyed, she rushed to hug him, crying out "Dad!"
A Yuan, mistaking Shen Shaojie for a villain, immediately intervened, kicking and hitting him. Shen Shaoguang and Li Fengxia also ran to protect Shen Yangyang, causing a commotion. Hearing his brother's name amidst the chaos, Shen Jianshe turned to look, accidentally dropping his iron pot and twisting his wrist. Shen Shaojie, realizing the stir he had caused, fled the scene, promising to explain later.
Li Fengxia urged Shen Jianshe to go to the clinic immediately for his swollen wrist, but he seemed lost in thought, refusing to leave. Lin Yan, observing Shen Shaojie's escape, was about to send someone to follow, but Shen Shaoguang discreetly signaled him not to act, and he returned to the viewing platform. Suddenly, Shen Jianshe had an epiphany and declared that he knew what dish he would make.
He expressed his long-held desire to prove himself to his family, acknowledging his past failures. He explained that winning no longer mattered to him; his only desire was to cook his family's favorite dishes. Moved by his sincerity, Li Fengxia and Shen Yangyang encouraged him to continue, promising their support. Shen Jianshe then began to cook with renewed determination. As the incense stick burned down, signifying the end of the cooking time, the dishes were presented.
Jingwen, as Hermit Suxin, presented "Four-Flavor Soup," where each bowl represented a stage of life, from "Rebirth Soup" for infancy to a bitter soup for the end of life. Guixiang Tavern presented four dishes symbolizing the four seasons, each inspired by a classical poem. Yunlai Tavern showcased exquisitely carved, luxurious dishes, praised as the most expensive and beautiful of the competition. Finally, Shen Jianshe presented six seemingly simple home-cooked dishes, which he called "Six Bowls."
Councilor Kang noted that only Shen's pork dish was unique, while the others appeared ordinary. Shen Jianshe explained that while winning was his initial goal, during the cooking process, all he could think of were the dishes his family loved. He listed each family member’s favorite: his son loved meat, Shen Shaoguang and A Yuan loved his stir-fries, Li Fengxia enjoyed small seafood, Shen Yangyang adored desserts, and a special family member loved rice tofu.
He concluded that in that moment, winning was inconsequential. For him, the true essence of life, and the dish that represented it, was for his family to always be together, sharing and enjoying every meal. Councilor Kang, deeply touched, declared that Shen Jianshe had truly "succeeded."
Episode 27 Recap
Councilor Kang announced the winner of the Culinary Master Competition for the Year of Bingchen was Hermit Suxin. Despite Shen Jianshe not winning, he was content. His granddaughter, Shen Yangyang, affectionately told him that he was the Culinary Master in her heart, a sentiment echoed by the family. They then urged him to quickly visit a clinic for his injured hand, though he initially resisted due to the cost.
Meanwhile, Prince Zhao’s efforts to appoint Li Ang as the heir apparent were causing complications. Chancellor Meng, who had been asked to return to the palace and thus missed the competition, organized a dinner for Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan, hoping to foster a connection between them. During the meal, the two, along with Liu Feng, felt awkward, finding Chancellor Meng’s matchmaking attempts heavy-handed and questioning his judgment. Later that evening, Shen Shaojie stealthily returned to his family’s diner.
His family, including Shen Yangyang, Li Fengxia, and Shen Jianshe, were already waiting for him, and Lin Yan also arrived. Shen Shaojie began to boast about his supposed undercover work. His family, however, remained skeptical of his grand tales. Lin Yan then asked Shen Shaojie if he had noticed anything unusual while working at Yunlai Tavern. Shen Shaojie described large, abnormal quantities of goods being moved in and out daily.
He noted that some wooden boxes were tightly sealed and bore a distinctive totem-like design, which he drew for them. Shen Shaoguang speculated that Prince Zhao might be involved and that this could be connected to Lin Yan’s old case. Excited by the prospect of "punishing the wicked," Shen Shaojie volunteered to help Lin Yan investigate Yunlai Tavern further.
Lin Yan accepted, asking Shen Shaojie to help him infiltrate Yunlai the next day and promising his complete detachment from the tavern once the mission was accomplished. Unbeknownst to them, Yu San was listening outside and quickly reported the plan to Lu Yun. The next day, as Shen Shaojie tried to assist in moving goods, he was promptly apprehended by Lu Yun’s men. That night, Lin Yan secretly infiltrated Yunlai Tavern as planned but fell into Lu Yun’s trap.
Lin Yan offered himself as a hostage in exchange for Shen Shaojie. During the exchange, Lin Yan ingeniously pressed a blade to Lu Yun’s throat, allowing him to strategically retreat and safely escape with Shen Shaojie from Yunlai Tavern. While at Yunlai Tavern earlier, Shen Shaojie had noticed Lu Yun's men hastily moving cargo.
Taking the initiative, he went to the kitchen and gathered strong-smelling spices, which he combined with quicklime in sachets and soaked in water, creating a "self-heating pot" effect. As he "helped" with the moving, he discreetly tossed these sachets into the wooden boxes, knowing that the heat would cause the spices to emit a strong, traceable scent. Lin Yan, impressed by this clever ruse, immediately understood the plan.
He instructed Liu Chang to escort Shen Shaojie home safely while he set off to various warehouses across Yong'an to follow the lingering scent. He soon located a clandestine warehouse filled with weapons. Back home, Shen Shaojie enthusiastically recounted his heroic deeds to his family, who initially dismissed his stories. However, when Lin Yan returned and corroborated Shen Shaojie’s account, the family's disbelief turned to pride.
Shen Yangyang joyfully declared her father a "great hero," a moment of admiration Shen Shaojie savored for the first time. Later that night, as the family helped Shen Shaojie shave his beard, Yu San walked past, claiming he was going to the toilet. He mentioned the return of "Young Master Shen," which instantly raised Shen Shaoguang’s suspicion, as Yu San should not have known her brother had returned, let alone his identity. Li Fengxia also felt something was amiss.
They concluded that Yu San must have overheard their plan to infiltrate Yunlai Tavern and subsequently leaked the information, leading to Shen Shaojie's capture. Over the next few days, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia began to speak to Yu San with pointed remarks, and Shen Yangyang and A Yuan also made subtle, accusatory comments.
Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, Yu San sought out Shen Shaoguang, explaining that as a slave, only the Shen family had ever treated him with dignity, a kindness he had not experienced from anyone else except his mother. Shen Shaoguang suggested he take a couple of days off to visit his mother, but Yu San replied, "There is someone at home, making it inconvenient to visit," and also expressed concern about the diner being short-staffed.
The Shen family analyzed his words, deducing that his parents might be held captive, forcing him to act as an informant. They then hatched a plan to get him to reveal the truth. On Yu San's birthday, the Shen family plunged his room into darkness. Fearing an attack, Yu San drew a cleaver from behind him. The family then entered, holding a birthday cake and singing. Yu San initially suspected it was a tactic to manipulate him.
Shen Jianshe earnestly offered to help Yu San overcome his slave status, regardless of the financial cost. He also pledged to help Yu San appeal to the Capital Prefecture if he was being coerced by Prince Zhao. After making the family swear an oath, Yu San finally confessed. He admitted to betraying Lin Yan and Shen Shaojie because he feared Prince Zhao’s agents would kill his parents if he failed to provide information.
Overwhelmed with guilt, he apologized repeatedly, but Li Fengxia reassured him that it was all in the past. Meanwhile, Li Ang reported to Prince Zhao that Lu Yun had successfully moved the salt and iron to a secure location, but Yunlai Tavern was compromised as a transit point. Li Ang suggested killing Lin Yan to eliminate the problem. Prince Zhao, however, reprimanded him for his rashness.
He explained that Lin Yan, a Rank III official in Yong'an, was too close to the Emperor, and his murder would invite unwanted imperial scrutiny. Instead, Prince Zhao declared that Lin Yan must be disgraced and stripped of his influential position, making him vulnerable. To achieve this, Feng Li, at Prince Zhao's command, endured corporal punishment to accuse Lin Yan and Vice Minister of Justice Cao Rong of colluding to coerce confessions and render unjust judgments.
Another confidant of Prince Zhao further alleged that Lin Yan had overstepped his authority during the Lantern Festival by encouraging the common people of the capital to sound the Appeal Drum, effectively bypassing traditional channels like the Market Office and allowing the Capital Prefecture to wield undue influence, potentially overshadowing the Emperor's authority.
Episode 28 Recap
Shen Shaoguang presented her newly developed snacks to the Princess, who found the biluo interesting. Shen Shaoguang explained how she and her father, Shen Jianshe, created new flavors like the cream cherry biluo, made with milk, eggs, and butter, and a crab stick made from fish paste. She shared her father's philosophy that "people's hearts will change" over a thousand years, potentially leading to the loss of traditional delicacies, but continuous innovation could preserve them.
The Princess appreciated this innovative thinking, believing it contributed to Shen's Diner's success. However, the Princess's true desire was for Shen Shaoguang's "Slap-the-Heartbreaker" drink. She personally prepared the drink, expressing her frustration and anger at Pei Fei for continuously ignoring her and declining invitations. Moments later, a servant arrived with urgent news: Lin Yan had been impeached for overstepping his authority and suspended by the Prince. Shen Shaoguang, shocked, immediately rushed to the Capital Prefecture.
At the Capital Prefecture, after the court session, Chancellor Meng visited Lin Yan through the backyard to avoid being seen. He cautioned Lin Yan about the dangers faced by those demoted and out of favor, reminding him that few ever made a comeback. He implied that Lin Yan, being alone and fearless, was an easy target.
Chancellor Meng then openly suggested that Lin Yan "choose a good tree to perch on" by marrying his granddaughter, assuring him that as his grandson-in-law, Lin Yan would "never be demoted again." Lin Yan thanked him for his consideration but did not accept the offer. Lin Yan then addressed his subordinates, telling them to return to their duties, acknowledging that frequent changes in leadership in the Capital Prefecture hindered their promotions.
He offered to arrange transfers for them if he couldn't overcome his current predicament, even suggesting promotions for some, such as Cheng Hu becoming a Sheriff and Xu Erlang joining the Ministry of Justice. However, his loyal subordinates, including Zhao Jiu, refused, stating they only wished to follow him and had never feared with him as their leader, vowing to stand by him. As Lin Yan left the Capital Prefecture, he found Shen Shaoguang waiting for him outside Shen's Diner.
She offered him some of their new biluo flavors. Observing his demeanor, she gently inquired if his sudden suspension was related to the case and if Prince Zhao was behind it. She confessed she had learned the news at the Princess's mansion but kept it from her family to spare them worry. Shen Shaoguang tried to encourage him, suggesting that his opponents' actions proved he was on the right track.
Lin Yan, however, expressed concern for the Shen family, noting that their familial connection to him might bring them trouble. He advised them to prioritize their own safety. Shen Shaoguang firmly rejected this, stating that family wouldn't prioritize self-preservation when one of their own was in danger.
She then revealed a crucial piece of information: Yu San, their new chef, was an agent for Prince Zhao, coerced into leaking information that led to the trap at Yunlai Tavern because Prince Zhao held his parents hostage in Fenglin Town. She believed that if his parents were rescued, Yu San would willingly testify against Prince Zhao. Lin Yan asked if Yu San could be trusted, and Shen Shaoguang, confident in her judgment of people, assured him he could.
Lin Yan accepted her assessment, declaring he would handle the matter and head to Fenglin Town. As Shen Shaoguang prepared to leave, she realized she had more to say to Lin Yan and, despite the pouring rain, hurried back to Yunshui Manor. Lin Yan, in his solitude, was tormented by flashbacks. He vividly remembered being rescued by Prince Zhao, who he believed was his father.
Prince Zhao had taken him in as an adopted son, giving him the name "Yan," and later personally oversaw his martial arts training, ensuring he was taught by renowned masters after he and Liu Chang fell ill while wandering. Prince Zhao appeared to be a benevolent and upright figure, instilling in him values of loyalty and righteousness.
Lin Yan understood that Prince Zhao's affection stemmed from his resemblance to Prince Zhao's deceased eldest son, Li Sheng, both names carrying the meaning of "brightness," and even his courtesy name, "Anran," had originally been intended for Li Sheng.
Despite his profound gratitude for Prince Zhao's care and guidance, Lin Yan was overwhelmed by the horrific truth: this adoptive father, who had nurtured him for seventeen years with such pretense of benevolence, was the same man responsible for the massacre of his entire family, his hands stained with their blood. He wondered how many other innocent lives Prince Zhao had similarly destroyed. Shen Shaoguang found Lin Yan distraught in the rain.
She gently pointed out his unusual calmness throughout the recent revelations and encouraged him to unburden himself, offering herself as a confidante. After Lin Yan poured out his anguish and hatred, Shen Shaoguang consoled him. She highlighted that his survival for seventeen years under Prince Zhao's roof, protected by his resemblance to Li Sheng, was a blessing. Had he known the truth earlier, the constant deception would have caused immense suffering, potentially stripping him of the capacity for joy.
She emphasized that his family and hers wished for him to live beyond mere revenge. Now, with the truth revealed, he possessed the ability to defend himself and confront the villain, which was a cause for celebration. Observing her genuine concern, Lin Yan, calling her "Jicai," promised to resolve all matters and vowed to protect her. Once everything was settled, he would formally propose marriage.
However, Shen Shaoguang, feeling the weight of her own secret, replied that she shouldn't be the one he proposed to. Lin Yan recalled his earlier conversation with Chancellor Meng, where he rejected the marriage proposal, stating that it belittled both him and the Chancellor's granddaughter, and that he had his own way to resolve his issues.
He had also privately affirmed his commitment, resolving that he would not be engaged to anyone other than her, despite affectionately thinking of her as a "fraudster." Back in the present, Lin Yan confessed his inability to understand Shen Shaoguang's thoughts but declared that losing her would mean he would "never find peace in my life." He asked her in return about her feelings.
This prompted Shen Shaoguang to finally reveal her long-held secret: she, along with her family, hailed from a place called "Future Village," a thousand years in the future, a place with marvels like dishwashers and equality for all. She explained that Yunshui Manor was their ancestral home, and an unforeseen event had transported them to this era.
She admitted that she initially pretended to be his fiancée to gain access to Yunshui Manor, hoping to find a way back to her own time, a quest that had ultimately failed. She further clarified that he, Lin Yan, was her true ancestor, and their ancestral home, Yunshui Manor, was in fact his.
Her grandfather, in her time, had recounted stories of their ancestors, which were actually Lin Yan's own history, allowing her to know so much about him, including his surname, Cui, and enabled her deception. Lin Yan found her story absurd and impossible, but Shen Shaoguang offered proof: the secret lock on the study door, which he could not open but she could, because it originated from her future era.
Upon returning to Shen's Diner, Shen Shaoguang began an intense, non-stop cleaning spree, attempting to numb her emotional pain. Shen Shaojie remarked to his family how exceptionally clean the diner had become. Shen Jianshe worried about his daughter's health, especially after she'd been caught in the rain. However, Li Fengxia intervened, saying Shen Shaoguang needed to vent.
She wisely observed that adults often punish themselves when distressed, recalling Shen Jianshe's similar behavior after his wife's passing, trusting that their daughter would find her way through it. Meanwhile, Lin Yan was seen searching his study and finally retrieved the small ruler engraved with Shen Shaoguang's name.
Liu Chang arrived to report his findings: by befriending the Jinwu Guards, he learned that a Yunlai Tavern cart had departed the city late at night on the very day Zhao Xunzhi disappeared. The guards had permitted this unusual night exit because a palace eunuch, backed by Noble Consort Dou, was involved. Lin Yan immediately concluded that Zhao Xunzhi "must have been on that cart."
That night, Lin Yan secretly tracked a Yunlai Tavern supply cart and overheard workers discussing the urgent need to transport goods to "Fenglin Town" by morning. Lin Yan recognized the name, saying "Fenglin Town again," and realized it was Prince Zhao's primary stronghold for covert operations. He decided to seek an audience with the Emperor the following morning, after which he would proceed to Fenglin Town, instructing Liu Chang to remain in Yong'an to safeguard the Shen family.
The next morning, Shen Shaojie arrived at Lin Yan's study, eager to continue his "mole career" and confident in his "talents." Liu Chang informed him that Lin Yan had already departed for Fenglin Town. Shen Shaojie, surprised, then asserted that he was intimately familiar with Fenglin Town, having "struggled to survive" there, knowing "every inch of that land" and its customs. He insisted that no one was better suited to assist Lin Yan than he was.
Liu Chang attempted to dissuade Shen Shaojie, reminding him of Lin Yan's explicit instructions to protect the Shen family and even sought Shen Shaoguang's help to stop her brother. However, Shen Shaoguang, resolute, declared that she too would go to Fenglin Town to help Lin Yan. Lin Yan successfully infiltrated a courtyard in Fenglin Town. Following secret symbols, he located an underground chamber, where he discovered a large cache of weapons and salt.
To his relief, Zhao Xunzhi was also held captive there. Lin Yan quickly freed Zhao Xunzhi, who confirmed he was unharmed and that other hostages, including Yu San's parents, were also held elsewhere in Fenglin Town. As they emerged, Li Ang was waiting.
Li Ang mocked Lin Yan, asserting his superior understanding of Lin Yan compared to Lu Yun, and ordered his soldiers to kill the man whom Prince Zhao had only spared due to his resemblance to Li Ang's eldest brother, Li Sheng. Lin Yan and Zhao Xunzhi bravely fought the overwhelming number of soldiers. Li Ang personally intervened, declaring he would "personally disable" Lin Yan and parade him before Prince Zhao.
During their intense duel, Lin Yan gained the upper hand, allowing him to create an opening and escape with Zhao Xunzhi. They fled through the night, eventually reaching a forest outside the town the following morning, where they encountered Shen Shaoguang and Shen Shaojie. Exhausted, Lin Yan collapsed into Shen Shaoguang's arms.
He weakly conveyed to Shen Shaoguang that Yu San's parents were held in a different location in Fenglin Town, and Mentor Zhao knew their whereabouts, requesting that Cheng Hu be sent with others to rescue them. Shen Shaoguang reassured him that Liu Chang was close behind and urged him to hold on and not fall asleep.
Episode 29 Recap
Liu Chang swiftly arrived to intercept Lin Yan and rushed him back to Yunshui Manor. Lin Yan was in a semi-conscious state due to severe blood loss, his wound so deep that his organs were exposed. Shen Shaoguang constantly called his name, pleading with him not to fall asleep. The attending physician declared the situation dire, fearing Lin Yan couldn't survive.
Shen Shaoguang, recalling her knowledge of suture techniques and Mafeisan from her books, urged the physician to perform the surgery. The physician, however, had only read about such procedures and admitted he had no experience, nor did he possess Mafeisan, expressing fear of responsibility. As the servants begged for help, Lin Yan, in a weak voice, looked at Shen Shaoguang and asked her to perform the surgery herself.
Shen Shaoguang hesitated, but her brother Shen Shaojie, seeing Lin Yan's hopeful gaze, offered to stitch the wound, claiming experience from sewing clothes and offering to take any blame. Ultimately, Shen Shaoguang decided to undertake the task. She sterilized a needle with candlelight and used salt water for disinfection, then carefully sutured Lin Yan's wound. Lin Yan endured the pain, and after a while, the bleeding significantly subsided.
As Lin Yan regained a little strength, he grasped Shen Shaoguang's hand, preventing her from leaving. Shen Shaoguang pointed out that he was illegally detaining a citizen and that she could easily break free if she truly wanted to. Lin Yan affirmed that this was his choice. Shen Shaoguang, bewildered, asked if they could truly "cross the boundaries of morality and step into the forbidden zone of love," calling him "sick" for choosing a forbidden romance.
Lin Yan responded that he didn't understand or want to understand her words. Shen Shaoguang then tried to persuade him, emphasizing his position as Vice Prefect and that he would achieve great success and marry a virtuous lady from the Shen family, with whom he would have many descendants, including herself as an ancestor. Lin Yan, however, was resolute, stating that if that person wasn't her, he wouldn't choose.
He then asked her if their situation was equally serious in her own time. Shen Shaoguang confirmed it was, describing their bond as "a disregard for moral principles, destroying ancestors and being disrespectful, obscene and immoral, and unfilial and disobedient." She added that the souls of the Cui family would never find peace, and she herself would be an unforgivable sinner, untolerated by Heaven and Earth. Despite these grave implications, Lin Yan declared he was "still unwilling to let go."
Shen Shaojie tried to bring food to Lin Yan, but Cheng Hu, guarding the entrance of Yunshui Manor, explained that Lin Yan had ordered no one to enter or leave for several days. Concerned for Shen Shaoguang, Shen Shaojie could only fret. Meanwhile, Lin Yan met with Zhao Xunzhi at a dilapidated house. Zhao Xunzhi, plagued by guilt since the Cui family tragedy, confessed that he had been secretly worshipping Cui Rangzhi's spirit tablet.
He revealed that Prince Zhao had forced him to become a Grand Tutor, recruiting students who, upon achieving success, would be integrated into Prince Zhao's faction within various ministries, extending the Prince's reach too broadly. Zhao Xunzhi presented Lin Yan with a collection of wooden tablets containing detailed records of these events and incriminating evidence, hoping this act would alleviate his sins. He acknowledged that, by law, exposing Prince Zhao would result in his own execution.
Lin Yan, with a chilling tone, told him that his countless deaths could not atone for his crimes, but conceded that his father, Cui Rangzhi, would still be willing to engage in scholarly discussions with him in the afterlife if Zhao Xunzhi were to join him there. Upon returning to Yunshui Manor, Lin Yan expressed surprise that Shen Shaoguang's first question wasn't about when he would release her, but rather showed concern for him.
Shen Shaoguang, however, reminded Lin Yan that she disliked the story of the Weaver Girl, who was trapped because her clothes were hidden, prompting Lin Yan to return the clothes he had concealed from her. She then argued that by trying to keep her confined, he was only making things harder for himself, turning a mere fondness into a heavy burden. She asked if such a sacrifice was necessary and proposed they simply forget each other.
Lin Yan, firm in his stance, refused, prompting Shen Shaoguang to insist it wouldn't be difficult to pretend nothing had ever happened. While the Shen family worried at their diner, Shen Shaoguang eventually walked in, calmly explaining to her parents and brother that she had merely been looking after Lin Yan for a few days. Her family expressed relief, though her parents then began to bicker over who was overthinking the situation.
Angered by the scar Lin Yan had inflicted on his face, Li Ang felt utterly humiliated, railing at his subordinates and swearing revenge. Having reached his limit, Prince Zhao finally gave the command to "Take action." Lin Yan arrived at the palace for an audience with the Emperor but was informed by an unfamiliar young eunuch that His Majesty was unwell and unable to grant a meeting.
Lin Yan, perplexed, questioned why Eunuch Qin, the Emperor's usual attendant, wasn't conveying the message. The eunuch simply stated that Eunuch Qin was ill. As Lin Yan was leaving, he discussed with Liu Chang the unusual nature of this unfamiliar eunuch, as Eunuch Qin always ensured his trusted staff were known, and usually, only those familiar attendants would step in if he was indisposed. En route back to Yunshui Manor, Lin Yan encountered Pei Fei.
Pei Fei explained he was on his way to deliver rice dumplings to the Princess from his mother, but her staff informed him that the Princess had gone to the palace early that morning to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. Pei Fei noted this was peculiar, as she usually entered the palace in the afternoon, and the Crown Prince typically attended Hongwen Academy in the morning before the festivities.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lin Yan immediately ordered to go to Hongwen Academy. Back at Yunshui Manor, Lin Yan confirmed that something had indeed gone wrong in the palace. Shen Shaojie became frantic with worry, as Shen Yangyang was currently studying there. Shen Shaoguang reassured him, recalling that her grandfather's stories and history textbooks never mentioned this particular rebellion, indicating it likely wouldn't cause a major upheaval.
Lin Yan further revealed that he had met the Emperor prior to going to Fenglin Town, and His Majesty was already aware of Prince Zhao's "wolfish ambitions," preparing for an uprising. He assured the Shen family that Shen Yangyang would be safe and urged them to remain there and await his news before leaving to execute his plans. Meanwhile, inside the palace, Prince Zhao had already taken his seat on the imperial carriage.
Under the guise of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival tradition of shooting glutinous rice balls, he had invited his and the Emperor's nephews to join. He observed that these young princes, accustomed to peaceful times, were oblivious to their potential claim to the throne. He then disclosed his sinister plot: he intended to orchestrate the Emperor's death during the "shooting of rice balls" activity and frame the Crown Prince, Li Xu, for regicide.
This way, Prince Zhao would not only secure the throne but also earn the reputation of "purging the Emperor's close aides." He then pressed the Emperor, who was present but incapacitated, to write an imperial edict deposing the Crown Prince, threatening to write it for him if he refused. Prince Zhao offered to honor the Emperor as Emperor Emeritus if he signed the edict and handed over the Imperial Seal and Military Tally.
The Emperor defiantly questioned how Prince Zhao, a "fratricide and nephew-killer," could be worthy of the "Heaven-mandated Imperial Seal." Prince Zhao, confident that no news would leak from the locked palace, asserted that the world would only know of Li Xu's regicide, and he, Prince Zhao, would be "forced by circumstances, then take over the throne." He demanded to know the location of the Military Tally and the Imperial Seal for the last time.
Unable to bear waiting any longer at the diner, Shen Shaojie declared his intention to go to the palace to rescue his daughter, Shen Yangyang. The entire Shen family, without hesitation, decided to accompany him, but as they stepped out, they were immediately confronted and blocked by a group of imperial guards. Meanwhile, in Xiande Hall, Li Ang was forcing Crown Prince Li Xu to write a confession.
The document was to state that Li Xu had deliberately injured his father during the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, leading to the Emperor's death, an act deemed disloyal, unfilial, and unjust. The Princess, who was present, implored Li Ang to reconsider his path, but he coldly warned her that if she failed to grasp the current power dynamics and sided with Li Xu, her only recognition would be a posthumous title.
As Li Xu hesitated, preparing to write, Shen Yangyang suddenly intervened, urging him not to comply. Enraged, Li Ang lunged at Shen Yangyang with his sword, but Li Xu bravely grasped the blade with his bare hand, sustaining a deep gash, to protect her. At that critical moment, Liu Chang and his men burst in, coming to their rescue. Elsewhere, Pei Fei, donning Lin Yan's official attire as a diversion, led away a contingent of imperial guards.
He was cornered in a forest, but just as he faced imminent danger, Yu San appeared and saved him. Yu San revealed that Lin Yan had already sent people to rescue his parents from Fenglin Town, thus explaining his allegiance. Pei Fei instructed Yu San to proceed to the palace and meet with the Princess, while he would continue to distract Prince Zhao's forces. Unaware of these unfolding events, Prince Zhao, still in Xuanzheng Hall, relentlessly pressured the incapacitated Emperor to surrender the Imperial Seal and the Military Tally.
Episode 30 Recap
Grand Princess Fuhui of Protection arrived outside the Xuanzheng Hall, denouncing Prince Zhao’s treason. She declared that she was sent by the Emperor, bearing the Imperial Seal, and that all of the Li clan had the right to punish Prince Zhao for his high treason. She warned that anyone obstructing her would share his guilt, facing severe punishments like execution and extermination of their clans, but also offered leniency from the Emperor if they surrendered.
Prince Zhao rushed out of the hall and saw a figure dressed in Lin Yan’s court attire accompanying the Princess. Believing it was Lin Yan, whom he thought was dead, he prepared to kill him, but discovered it was Pei Fei. Prince Zhao then commanded his guards to kill Princess Fuhui and seize the Imperial Seal.
He expressed his disappointment in the figure he mistook for Lin Yan, whom he had raised for seventeen years, for being ungrateful, and granted him "a whole body in death." Pei Fei revealed he was not Lin Yan, prompting Prince Zhao to demand Lin Yan's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Lin Yan had bound Lu Yun. He suggested that if Prince Zhao succeeded in usurping power, he would not spare anyone who knew too much.
Lin Yan then brought up a supposed Article 13 of the Yong’an Code, which stated that those who reported treason could have their sentences reduced. Hopeful of survival, Lu Yun disclosed that Prince Zhao’s secret correspondence with Noble Consort Dou was hidden in the study of Fuyi Manor. Lin Yan then mockingly revealed that the Yong’an Code actually only had twelve articles, having tricked Lu Yun. Inside the Imperial Palace, imperial guards suddenly surrounded Prince Zhao.
The Emperor, who had been orchestrating this with Lin Yan, revealed that they had anticipated Prince Zhao’s moves and had the Sixteen Guards ready, allowing Prince Zhao to let his guard down and send all his men out. The Emperor also mentioned that Lin Yan had already gone to Suishui City to obtain the incriminating evidence against Prince Zhao and Noble Consort Dou.
Grand Princess Fuhui then produced the Military Tally and ordered the arrest of Prince Zhao, declaring he must be brought to justice that day. Amidst the chaos, Li Ang led a group of men into the palace. After a fierce fight, Prince Zhao and Li Ang managed to escape on horseback. Liu Chang quickly escorted the Shen family out of the palace gates, instructing them to return home safely.
As Prince Zhao and Li Ang rode past, Shen Shaoguang attempted to intercept them. Li Ang, recognizing Shen Shaoguang, declared that she must pay for Lin Yan’s actions, as Lin Yan had disfigured his face. Lin Yan arrived just in time, quickly incapacitating Li Ang. Simultaneously, Prince Zhao held his sword to Shen Shaoguang's neck. Prince Zhao proposed that Li Ang be released, offering to remain as a hostage himself. For Shen Shaoguang’s safety, Lin Yan released Li Ang.
Prince Zhao, realizing he was at a dead end, threatened to kill Shen Shaoguang, the person Lin Yan cherished most, so she would accompany him in death. Before he could act, Lin Yan preempted him, stabbing his sword into Prince Zhao’s abdomen. As Prince Zhao lay dying, memories of him taking in Lin Yan seventeen years prior resurfaced.
He reached out his hands, as if to touch Lin Yan one last time, while hallucinating about comforting his own late son, assuring him that "Father is here, no one will bully you." Overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, Lin Yan let out a furious roar towards the sky as Prince Zhao breathed his last, then knelt to acknowledge the upbringing Prince Zhao had given him. With the unrest finally quelled, the Shen family was publicly vindicated for their contributions.
The Emperor bestowed a plaque upon them, and their diner business became prosperous. The Cui clan, too, had their name cleared, and the family was posthumously honored as loyal and righteous. However, a Censor at the Censorate moved to impeach Lin Yan.
He argued that Lin Yan, whose real name was Cui Che, had served as the Vice Prefect of the Capital Prefecture while still being a "criminal," having used a false identity to gain office, which constituted a grave crime of deceiving the Emperor. Pei Fei vehemently defended Lin Yan, stating that changing his identity was a necessary act of filial piety to clear his father’s name.
Cao Rong also spoke in Lin Yan’s defense, emphasizing Lin Yan's crucial role in quelling Prince Zhao’s rebellion and suggesting that pursuing old grievances would discourage loyal individuals. However, the Censor insisted that a ruler must uphold the law with clear rewards and punishments. He warned that if such deception was overlooked, the rule of law would collapse, and others might follow suit. Other officials echoed the demand for Lin Yan’s severe punishment.
While the Shen family was discussing what rewards to request from the Emperor – Shen Shaojie comically suggesting he become the head of Juxian Alley – Liu Chang rushed in with dire news. Lin Yan had been imprisoned for deceiving the Emperor and was sentenced to execution. That night, despite the curfew, Shen Shaoguang paid a hefty bribe to secretly enter the prison and deliver food to Lin Yan.
Each member of the Shen family had prepared a dish: her father made Four-Joy Meatballs, her mother made Peace and Longevity, Shen Shaojie made Auspicious Fish (which Shen Shaoguang advised against eating), and Shen Yangyang, with the help of Yu San and Deyuan, made Happy Duck Eggs after much practice. Shen Shaoguang herself made a sweet dish, which she admitted only Lin Yan had tasted.
Lin Yan, touched by the warmth of family, urged Shen Shaoguang not to risk her safety for him, reminding her she still had her family and must live on. Shen Shaoguang defiantly declared that his life belonged to her and no one could take it. The next day, Shen Shaoguang sought Princess Fuhui's help.
Princess Fuhui explained that the Emperor did not wish to execute Lin Yan, but Lin Yan’s upright and incorruptible service as Vice Prefect had offended numerous officials, making the charge of deceiving the Emperor a convenient pretext. She advised Shen Shaoguang that to save Lin Yan, they must find a solution within the framework of laws and regulations. Shen Shaoguang realized that if the law could condemn Lin Yan, it could also save him.
She then went before the Emperor and, on behalf of the Shen family, requested an Imperial Waiver. Her intention was for Lin Yan to marry her, thereby gaining protection under the waiver. As the Censorate continued to press for Lin Yan's execution, Pei Fei stepped forward and boldly stated that the Shen family had already received an Imperial Waiver for their contributions, and that Lin Yan was engaged to Shen Shaoguang.
He affirmed that Lin Yan was marrying into the Shen family, thus making him eligible for the waiver's protection. Cao Rong then presented the official Letter of Marriage and the list of betrothal gifts, which proved that Lin Yan had indeed married into the Shen family. The Censor was astonished, questioning why a respected Vice Prefect would marry into a merchant family, calling it a trick.
Pei Fei skillfully turned the Censor's own argument back against him, emphasizing the importance of a ruler honoring promises and upholding the law. Consequently, Lin Yan was released and restored to his office. Shen Shaoguang greeted Lin Yan upon his release, explaining that her method, though unconventional, was the only way to save him.
She revealed that the Shen family planned to move away from Yong’an once the controversy subsided, and she silently asked her ancestors for forgiveness for her transgressive actions. Later, the Emperor commissioned a painter to create portraits of Lin Yan and Shen Shaoguang. After Lin Yan’s portrait was completed, the Shen family immediately noticed its striking resemblance to a portrait hanging in their Yunshui Manor ancestral hall.
When it was Shen Shaoguang’s turn to pose, she playfully held up two fingers, a gesture the painter captured. However, the finished portrait felt subtly "off" to the family, with someone even remarking that Shen Shaoguang looked "a bit fat." Lin Yan, taking a brush, skillfully added a few willow branches around Shen Shaoguang’s likeness. It was then that the Shen family realized her portrait now perfectly matched another painting in their ancestral hall.
During this time, Shen Shaojie began to experience sudden dizzy spells, and flashes of his life before transmigrating appeared in his mind. He suddenly recalled a conversation with his grandfather from his childhood. His grandfather had secretly told him that the Shen family's true ancestor was actually Pei Fei, not Lin Yan. His grandfather had deliberately altered the family history, inserting Lin Yan instead, because he believed Lin Yan was more capable and impressive. This revelation made Shen Shaojie realize that Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan were not historically related, meaning they could indeed marry.
Episode 31 Recap
The wedding procession for Mr. Cui Che, formerly known as Lin Yan, was a magnificent sight, drawing comments from onlookers about the lavish display for Lady Shen Shaoguang, a merchant's daughter, and speculating how much Mr. Cui must cherish her after 26 years without a wife. At the entrance, Shen Shaojie stood ready to test Cui Che. Cui Che's attendants proudly proclaimed their master's vast knowledge.
Shen Shaojie began with an arithmetic problem, the classic "chickens and rabbits in a cage," which Cui Che solved instantly, crediting his knowledge of the "Sunzi Suanjing". When asked about the image formed by candlelight passing through a pinhole, Cui Che promptly answered "an inverted image," citing the "Mohist Canon". Shen Shaojie then posed a riddle about two people facing opposite directions yet seeing each other, to which Cui Che smartly replied, "Because they're facing each other."
For the next riddle, asking why one wouldn't discard overcooked beef tripe, Cui Che retorted with a "cheesy pickup line": "Because you're not young either," which annoyed Shen Shaojie, who suspected Shen Shaoguang had leaked the answers. Finally, when asked what the bride wanted him to fetch, Cui Che simply declared, "Fetch her!" Frustrated by these "cheesy pickup lines," Shen Shaojie resorted to making Cui Che recite tongue twisters.
Inside, Shen Yangyang updated Shen Shaoguang on Cui Che's progress, mentioning he was now reciting tongue twisters. A Yuan advised Shen Shaoguang to make him wait longer, but Shen Shaoguang admitted she wanted to hear the recitation. Anticipating her curiosity, Cui Che had sent a letter via Shen Yangyang.
A Yuan initially dismissed it as a "marriage poem" full of "sweet nothings," but it turned out to be a "marriage deed" for a shop, with a note asking Shen Shaoguang to "Please help me." Shen Shaoguang acknowledged this as "the right way to urge the bride." The Princess arrived at the wedding, welcomed by Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia.
Cao Rong approached the couple, expressing his unfamiliarity with the unique wording of the wedding ceremony and its specific intonation requirements. He read a passage aloud, his professional delivery impressing them as if he were a seasoned host of over a decade. He briefly worried about the term "host" being associated with monastic vows, but Shen Jianshe assured him it was unrelated.
Shen Jianshe then playfully suggested that Cao Rong smile, showing "at least eight teeth," prompting Cao Rong to practice diligently. Meanwhile, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia were concerned to find Pei Fei seated by the doorway, deeming it disrespectful. They urged him to move to a more honored seat.
Pei Fei, now promoted to Vice Censor-in-Chief, a full Rank V official, humbly declined, stating it was still inappropriate for him to sit among the elders or with the Princess, and encouraged them to attend to other guests. Lady Jingwen was also among the guests, expressing her long-held belief that Cui Che had never died, recalling his "pesky" childhood and fascination with gadgets. She felt deeply satisfied to witness his wedding.
The ceremony proceeded with solemn rituals, including paying respects to elders, sharing meat to symbolize their equal status, and drinking wine together to signify their eternal bond. After bowing to each other, the ceremony concluded. That evening, in their chambers, Cui Che was found examining a manual gifted by the Princess. Shen Shaoguang, recognizing its content, called it a "sense of relaxation" from her era and teased him about needing to "learn" from it.
Cui Che, noting their sudden marriage left them little time to "spend any time together," seemed to hesitate, but Shen Shaoguang playfully questioned if he was "making excuses" and reiterated that he should "take some time to learn." They then spent their wedding night together.
The next day, Cui Che returned to work at the Capital Prefecture, where his colleagues congratulated him on his recent marriage and restoration to office, attributing their 20% salary increase and future promotion prospects to him. Shen Shaoguang, now addressed as Mrs. Cui by the officers, arrived with a new dish from their restaurant: the "Ten-Flavor Crab."
She explained that it featured crab prepared in ten different ways, including traditional marinated, steamed, pepper crab, stir-fried, deep-fried, pickled, scallion oil, drunken crab, baked crab with cheese, and her father's unique creation, crab steamed with rice wine and cinnamon. She noted its limited availability, as her parents, having recently reconciled after a quarrel, were planning to "take my mother to Jiangnan to explore new cuisines."
When asked about Shen Shaojie, Cui Che informed them that his brother-in-law and Mr. Liu were preoccupied with opening a new branch of their diner. Elsewhere, Shen Shaojie was enthusiastically promoting "children's nutritious lunch boxes" at his third diner branch. Mothers praised his innovative solution, grateful that their children could finally enjoy hot, colorful, fragrant, and delicious meals with adorable designs.
Shen Shaojie feigned humility but his face lit up when a mother mentioned that Shen Yangyang considered him "the most reliable father." At school, Shen Yangyang was honored as the "top performer" in her exam. Her mentor questioned how she achieved such flexibility with the Four Books and Five Classics. Shen Yangyang asserted the importance of not "studying rigidly," criticizing how mentors often "focus on the wording," which "stifles creativity" and "limits perspectives."
She advocated for "understanding the principles ourselves" and not blindly trusting "authorities." Her mentor appeared perplexed, but the Princess, who was present, praised Shen Yangyang's insights. The Princess congratulated Pei Fei on his promotion to Vice Censor-in-Chief, noting that his increased salary would now allow him to "bring your mother to live in Yong'an," with a carriage already arranged for her arrival. Pei Fei acknowledged her using the address "Mr. Pei," indicating a shift in their dynamic.
He then openly shared his humble background, explaining that although his Pei clan was prominent, he was merely the 47th in the main clan and 12th in his branch, unable to "benefit from the clan's glory." He spoke of the successive deaths of elders, which "delayed entering the Capital due to mourning," and how he was "already old" when he finally entered the Censorate.
He had never proposed marriage because, despite his lineage, he was from a "prominent clan, but I'm from a humble background" and questioned, "How could I burden a good lady?" Pei Fei further elaborated that his "father passed away early," and his "mother has been the one to carry on," and he intended to live with her.
He emphasized that it was he who "received my mother's grace," not a future wife, and he could not "force someone else to be filial." Furthermore, his "meager salary" was insufficient to "support two women and future children." The Princess proposed that if he accepted her, "all of this would've been solved easily."
Pei Fei respectfully declined, describing her as "precious and noble," "like a deity," and stated he wouldn't have her "stooping down into my mire," as it would "reveal the hardships of my life." He asserted, "I can't accept it. I'm not willing to accept it." He explained that his "clumsy" way of living suited him for the Censorate, where he could "do more for you, for His Majesty's court, and for this vast land."
However, if he were to be her husband or "close lover," he would "not be able to be a good censor" because "with myself entangled with you, how could I have to criticize others?" He expressed "trepidation" and sought her forgiveness. The Princess then asked if he had "ever been sincere for a moment." Pei Fei confessed he had "lied" that day, revealing that "it was more than just a moment of sincerity.
I dare to admit that I have fallen in love with you." Finally, when asked how they should interact in the future, Pei Fei firmly stated that she was "the Princess," and he was "but a subordinate." Meanwhile, Li Ang remained in hiding, struggling to find food and vowing to make Cui Che suffer as he was. As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, Cui Che joined Shen Shaoguang in making mooncakes.
Shen Shaoguang playfully tested his knowledge of terms from her "Future Village." Cui Che identified an "ice skin mooncake" and recited other learned terms, such as "mooncakes" for "yuè tuán," "cucumbers" for "hú guā," "eggplants" for "kūnlún guā," "Dad" for "ā yé," "Mom" for "ā niáng," and "gēge" for her brother. When asked what he called her, he affectionately replied, "Sweetheart," making her observe that he "sounded like someone from our era" when he said that.
Shen Shaoguang thanked him for helping with the Mid-Autumn banquet preparations, explaining her parents had just returned from Jiangnan and needed rest, Shen Shaojie was busy with diner branches, Shen Yangyang was preparing for exams, and Yu San and A Yuan were exhausted. Cui Che assured her, "It is only natural for me to contribute." While tying her apron, Shen Shaoguang remembered the previous Qixi Festival when she tied his apron and his ears turned red.
She teased him, asking if he "had lustful thoughts for me then?" He denied it, prompting her to press, "It's not lust. Then what is it?" He responded with "sincerity." She playfully called it "cheesy," and when he asked what "cheesy" meant, she claimed, "It's a compliment," though he doubted her expression. That evening, the Shen family hosted a grand Mid-Autumn banquet.
Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia happily recounted their recent trip to Jiangnan, and Shen Jianshe suggested another trip next month, assuring his wife that "Gongcai and Jicai can watch the diner" as "They've all grown up." Liu Feng, foregoing his own family reunion, joined the lively celebration, stating he couldn't miss the fun.
Lady Jingwen's vegetarian meatballs received compliments from Liu Feng, who observed that now that she was "the Yong'an Culinary Master," her grandfather no longer pressured her into marriage. Cui Che and Shen Shaoguang presented mooncakes, each with a different flavor, proudly announcing they had made them all themselves, instructing guests to take "one for each person. Don't take more than one."
Thoughtfully, Cui Che also prepared food for the patrolling soldiers, having coordinated with the Palace to ensure their lively gathering in Juxian Alley would "end before the Xu hour." Shen Jianshe beamed with pride as he served his "Spring Water Lamb," insisting his cooking skills "have definitely improved" and urging everyone to taste it. He even affectionately called Li Fengxia "Sweetheart," amusing the children. As everyone praised the delicious lamb, shouts of "Fire!" suddenly erupted, signaling a blaze at a nearby diner.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
A devastating fire rapidly engulfed Juxian Alley, its flames spreading quickly towards Shen's Diner. Lin Yan immediately took charge, directing his men to evacuate residents and gather water and fire extinguishers to combat the blaze. Neighbors, acknowledging their shared community, also rushed to help. The Shen family, upon realizing that Shen Yangyang was still trapped inside, bravely joined the perilous firefighting efforts. During a rescue, Shen Shaojie was struck by a falling roof beam.
The impact triggered a vivid memory of his grandfather's tale: Lady Shen and her family had perished in a great fire. This chilling realization spurred him to frantically search for his own family members. As Shen Shaoguang fought the fire, she spotted Li Ang deliberately walking past, carrying Ming.
Her parents, Shen Jianshe and Li Fengxia, found her amidst the chaos, urgently explaining that the fire marked the "end" mentioned in their grandfather's stories, signaling their imminent time-travel back to the modern era. Disregarding their warning for the moment, Shen Shaoguang pursued Li Ang and discovered Shen Yangyang, unconscious. As they prepared to escape, Li Ang seized Shen Shaoguang, taking her hostage.
Her family arrived, distraught, and each member, including Shen Jianshe and Shen Shaojie, bravely offered themselves in Shen Shaoguang's place. Growing increasingly agitated, Li Ang declared his true intent was for Lin Yan to witness Shen Shaoguang's death, demanding they bring Lin Yan to him. He then dragged Shen Shaoguang into a room that had not yet collapsed. Shen Shaoguang attempted to buy time by reasoning with Li Ang.
She acknowledged his profound hatred for Lin Yan, stemming from Lin Yan's exposure of Prince Zhao and the Prince's overt favoritism towards him. She suggested Li Ang's deepest desire was his father's approval, overshadowed by his brother Li Sheng and by Lin Yan, who resembled his brother and captivated his father's attention. Shen Shaoguang argued that Li Ang, as his father's favored son, had no reason to be jealous.
However, Li Ang vehemently rejected her words, blaming her and Lin Yan for his current predicament. Shen Shaoguang retorted, accusing Li Ang and his father, Prince Zhao, of harming innocent people and reminding him that it was his father who had orchestrated the wrongful deaths of Lin Yan's family, declaring that they were the ones who deserved to die. Just as Li Ang raised his weapon, Lin Yan arrived, expressing regret for his delay.
Enraged, Li Ang immediately attacked Lin Yan. During their struggle, Li Ang slipped and plunged downwards, but Lin Yan instinctively grabbed his arm. Li Ang, in a desperate act, attempted to drag Lin Yan into the fiery chasm with him, taunting him about his emotional nature. As Lin Yan dangled precariously, Shen Shaoguang, experiencing the intense pain of holding on, pulled him back to safety.
In that moment, she truly understood the immense suffering Lin Yan endured when he saved her in Sushui City, yet never let go. After they were both rescued, Lin Yan noticed Shen Shaoguang's injured arm and immediately tore a piece of his robe to bandage it. As they made their way out, a butterfly fluttering past triggered Shen Shaoguang's memory of Shen Shaojie's earlier words: this fire was their destined "end."
She realized they had been moving along a predetermined path of history, and since their family would still exist a thousand years later, they would not perish but would disappear and return to their own time. As Capital Prefecture officers spread a rescue net below, Lin Yan was urged to jump. Knowing this was their final moment, Shen Shaoguang tearfully confessed her deep love for him, kissed him one last time, and then pushed him off the collapsing structure.
She then blurred and gradually vanished amidst a shimmering light. The following morning, Lin Yan frantically searched the charred ruins for Shen Shaoguang, but could not find any trace of her, not even a bone. When a local eatery owner thanked Lin Yan for saving his life, Lin Yan asked about the Shen family. The owner, however, claimed to have always run his establishment and had no knowledge of any Shen family.
Liu Chang, Lin Yan's subordinate, also appeared puzzled, suggesting Lin Yan was confused from the fire and that no such family existed. Lin Yan refused to accept this, insisting that Shen Shaoguang and her family did exist and were his kin. He lamented that he was forgetting more each day and feared losing all memory of them, wondering who else would remember them if he forgot. Determined to preserve their memory, Lin Yan meticulously sketched Shen's Diner from memory.
He then acquired the same location and painstakingly rebuilt the eatery, replicating every detail, including the menu. He hoped that by maintaining their diner, he would never forget Shen Shaoguang, and if she ever returned, she would have a place to come back to. Years turned into decades. Lin Yan grew old, his hair turning white, but Shen Shaoguang never reappeared.
Every time he stepped into the rebuilt diner, cherished memories flooded his mind: sharing a hot pot, learning to use a dishwasher, enjoying the Lantern Festival, and their eventual marriage after overcoming many challenges. One snowy night, surrounded by these poignant recollections, the aged Lin Yan collapsed and passed away. Meanwhile, Shen Shaoguang was awakened by her family in the modern era.
Her mother, Li Fengxia, and other family members were worried, thinking she had merely fainted from heatstroke while looking for an actor to portray an ancestor. Shen Shaoguang, however, knew the truth, crying as she realized she had indeed traveled back. Her mother, unaware of the profound experience, comforted her, urging her to move past "the dream" and focus on her present life.
Soon after, Shen's Diner reopened and quickly became a popular spot, thanks to a viral short video Shen Shaoguang created about time-traveling and dating her ancestor. While her family jokingly encouraged her to forget the "dream," Shen Shaoguang knew the experiences were real.
She observed that her father, Shen Jianshe, now cooked with exceptional skill, Shen Shaojie had become remarkably diligent, and Shen Yangyang, who had just started elementary school, was surprisingly proficient in mathematics – all changes Shen Shaoguang attributed to their time in the past. That night, Shen Shaoguang poured her heart into her diary, writing about Lin Yan, his name, and his origins.
She recounted how, even after her departure, the "dream" continued, allowing her to witness Lin Yan's entire life from a distant perspective, seeing him grow old and live a solitary life after she vanished. Tears streamed down her face as she wrote, her heart heavy with longing. Li Fengxia found her crying again and reiterated her advice to let go of the past, reminding her that ancestors were from a thousand years ago and dreams wouldn't come true.
Shen Shaoguang assured her mother she understood and would move on from her "obsession" soon, comparing it to a temporary celebrity crush. The following day, Shen Shaoguang visited Shen's Ancestral Temple. As she looked at the portraits, she was reminded of being drawn in Lin Yan's "dream." Suddenly, she heard her name called. Turning, she saw a man who was the spitting image of Lin Yan. She asked how he knew her name.
The man explained that he had fainted in a corridor the other day and had a strange dream, a dream in which she appeared. As her diary dropped to the ground, they gazed at each other, their eyes welling up with tears.
