Yummy Yummy Yummy Episode 6 Recap
> Yummy Yummy Yummy 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.
