Episode Guide
Episode 1: Cui Biyuan was invited into the Qi Palace.
In Beiliang, there is a street called Xingqiao Food Street. Every evening, it is bustling with people and filled with excitement. Many food enthusiasts gather here to taste delicious food. Especially popular is the Pork Tripe Longing Soup from the Cheng Family Restaurant. However, Chef Cui Biyuan only makes one pot of soup each night, and people have to wait in long queues to have a taste, even if they have money. >>read more
Episode 2: Qiwang punished Cheng Biyuan's brother and sister-in-law.
On the day of the competition, An'er instructed the maidservants to gather all the ingredients, leaving nothing behind. Even the cooking utensils were broken. Cheng Biyuan, seeing this situation, was helpless as well. After a series of frying and cooking, the two of them presented their finished dishes to Qiwang. An'er confidently lifted the lid, revealing a plate of "Swallow's Nest Phoenix Embryo" with exquisite color, aroma, and taste. An'er proudly introduced that it was cooked with top-quality bird's nest and matsutake mushrooms. She personally picked up a bite to feed Qiwang, but Qiwang gestured for her to put it on the plate. After tasting it, Qiwang nodded and said it was good! >>read more
Episode 3: Miss Liang framed Cheng Biyuan.
After losing the competition, Miss Liang held a grudge against Cheng Biyuan. She specifically brought people to the Qi Wang Mansion to trouble Cheng Biyuan. Miss Liang ordered her maidservants to restrain Cheng Biyuan and forcefully push her into the courtyard's water tank. However, Cheng Biyuan didn't back down. Using her wit and intelligence, she turned the tables and pressed Liang An'er's head into the water tank. Liang An'er was tormented and screamed in pain. >>read more
Episode 4: Investigate the truth about Prince Qi's poisoning by Cheng Biyuan.
At night, Butler Pan sneaked into the kitchen to destroy the evidence, but he was surprised to find Cheng Biyuan already ambushed there. She revealed that Butler Pan had put the powdered Shen Si herb into the water and soaked the prince's soup bowl in it, ensuring that the food in the dish remained safe while the bowl became contaminated. Realizing that the situation was exposed, Butler Pan brazenly admitted to his actions, stating that it didn't matter anymore because the prince was already poisoned beyond survival. Cheng Biyuan, however, couldn't escape the implications. >>read more
Episode 5: Qi Wang's Mid-Autumn Feast: Protecting Cheng Biyuan.
Cheng Biyuan arrived at the imperial kitchen and was amazed by the dazzling array of ingredients and seasonings. However, the royal chefs nearby looked down on this rustic cook and belittled her. Angry at their disdainful attitude, Cheng Biyuan poured out the peony she had pickled to show them. To her surprise, a pile of rotten radishes poured out of the jar, leaving Cheng Biyuan dumbfounded. >>read more
Episode 6: Grand Minister Liang sent someone to assassinate Prince Qi.
The Emperor reprimanded Prince Qi for daring to defy his orders. Prince Qi pleaded with the Emperor to allow Chen Biyuan to find evidence to prove his innocence. After the Emperor granted permission, Chen Biyuan immediately thought of Dangshi. After Dangshi was brought, Chen Biyuan examined the fingerprints left on the confidential letters in the military and confirmed that they were not his own. Liang An'er kept insisting on harming Chen Biyuan, but Prince Qi calmly rebuked Liang An'er. >>read more
Episode 7: Cheng Biyuan was serving Prince Qi for his bath.
In the evening, they unexpectedly encountered Mu Yuan, Prince Qi's good friend and imperial physician, who had returned from a six-month journey. To their surprise, they found Prince Qi in such a pitiful state, covered in injuries. After hearing Mu Yuan's terrifying account, Cheng Biyuan became anxious and couldn't help but ask him quietly if Prince Qi would die. Prince Qi, upon hearing this, scolded Cheng Biyuan angrily, asking if she could at least wish him well. Mu Yuan reassured her that the external injuries inflicted on Prince Qi were not a major concern, but the internal effects of the cold wind had caused significant damage to his body. >>read more
Episode 8: Ceng Biyuan was summoned into the palace to cook for the Empress Dowager.
Liangan'er complained to the Empress Dowager, saying that her marriage with Prince Qi was ruined by Ceng Biyuan. Now Prince Qi explicitly expressed his disagreement, even though the marriage was personally bestowed by the Empress Dowager. Upon learning that Ceng Biyuan was the countryside girl who made the Phoenix-wearing-Peony dish at the Mid-Autumn Banquet, the Empress Dowager comforted Liangan'er and assured her that she would handle the situation for her. >>read more
Episode 9: Qi Wang caught Liang An'er, the maid, stealing a confidential letter.
It was already the last chance for Cheng Biyuan, as granted by the Empress Dowager. If she couldn't produce a dish that satisfied the Empress Dowager, Cheng Biyuan would be executed. Liang An'er was quite pleased with this situation. Cheng Biyuan calmly presented the final dish, which turned out to be crystal fish jelly. It turned out that she had read the Empress Dowager's information and learned that she, having grown up in the common folk, enjoyed eating crystal fish jelly from the Western Liang region. >>read more
Episode 10: "The Strongest Support."
After resolving a crisis, Prince Qi took Cheng Biyuan back to the mansion. They overheard the servants discussing and speculating that Prince Qi had once again stepped forward to protect Cheng Biyuan, undoubtedly because he loved her deeply. Cheng Biyuan was deeply moved upon hearing this. Sitting in the carriage, Prince Qi advised her to be cautious in the future because they might not always be so lucky to escape unscathed. Cheng Biyuan asked, "What should we do if we can't avoid it?" After pondering for a moment, Prince Qi replied, "If we can't avoid it, then I will be your strongest support." >>read more
Episode 11: Qi Wang and Cheng Biyuan exchanged tokens of affection.
After eating, Qi Wang fell ill from food poisoning, which frightened his attendants. Cheng Biyuan, who had secretly followed him, quickly revealed herself. She couldn't understand how the food she had personally prepared could be poisonous. Qi Wang seized Cheng Biyuan and laughed, claiming to have caught the culprit. Cheng Biyuan realized that he had been tricking her and became angry. Qi Wang explained that if he hadn't tricked her, how could he have made Cheng Biyuan, who had followed him secretly, reveal herself? >>read more
Episode 12: General Liang led his men to forcefully invade the royal mansion.
At the frontlines, Prince Qi suddenly came under attack by an assassin. Li Yuer, with her long sword, pierced Prince Qi with a single strike. Back at the Qi Mansion, Cheng Biyuan had a nightmare, screaming for the prince to wake up from her dream. Mu Yuan hurriedly arrived to deliver a message to Cheng Biyuan, informing her that Prince Qi, Zhao Fengpan, had gone missing at the frontlines, and his fate was unknown. Cheng Biyuan was deeply saddened upon hearing the news, but she believed that Prince Qi would surely return victorious. >>read more
Episode 13: Li Yu disguised himself and moved into the Wang Mansion.
Qi Wang entered the court and reported to the Emperor that he had safely escorted the provisions back to the capital. The Emperor was pleased and praised Qi Wang for his accomplishments in the investigation. However, Liang Taishi stood nearby with a mournful face, seeking the Emperor's intervention. He claimed that there must be something suspicious about Qi Wang's inexplicable disappearance and safe return. Qi Wang accused him of intruding into the Wang Mansion and killing innocent people, but Liang Taishi argued that he was acting on imperial orders, and Qi Wang's assault on him was a rebellion against the Emperor's command. >>read more
Episode 14: Mu Yuan suspected Li Yuer's identity.
Mu Yuan doubted Li Yuer's identity at every turn, while Cheng Biyuan sincerely treated her and even specially prepared delicious food from the Western Liang region and sent it to her. Li Yuer asked Cheng Biyuan why she didn't doubt herself, and Cheng Biyuan said she unconditionally believed in the prince. Besides, she had also experienced being homeless, so she trusted the prince's judgment and Li Yuer's character. Upon hearing this, Li Yuer couldn't help but put down her chopsticks. Cheng Biyuan noticed that she had stopped eating and asked what was wrong. Li Yuer disguised it by saying that the food was too delicious and she wanted another bowl. >>read more
Episode 15: King Qi's Feigned Death Exposes Prime Minister Liang.
King Qi and Li Yuer arrived at the tavern and sat down. Li Yuer asked King Qi to have tea first while her elder brother arrived later. After King Qi drank a sip of tea, he felt something was amiss and realized the tea was poisoned. Li Yuer coldly told King Qi that sometimes good intentions can turn into accidents. After speaking, Li Yuer drew a dagger and lunged at King Qi. >>read more
Episode 16: The Grand Minister Liang Yi deserved to be executed for his crimes.
The Emperor has heard all the accusations against Grand Minister Liang by Prince Qi, but after seeing the Emperor, Liang refuses to admit guilt. He relies on his age and loudly claims innocence, accusing Prince Qi of framing him. The Emperor asks Prince Qi to present evidence, and Li Yuer rushes in with a token and a secret letter, saying that this is the evidence. The Emperor takes them and throws them at Grand Minister Liang, asking if he has anything else to say. Despite nearing death, Grand Minister Liang tries to make a desperate struggle. He suddenly pulls out a sword from one of his guards and prepares to harm the Emperor. >>read more
Episode 17: King Qi proposed to Cheng Biyuan.
Cheng Biyuan's old chest injury was not yet healed when she suffered a new injury. She felt heartbroken, and she carefully applied medicine to King Qi's wound. She told him not to hide anything from her in the future, as she did not want to be the unexpected person. King Qi Zhao Fengpan was deeply moved and emotionally said to Cheng Biyuan that they should get married. King Qi held Cheng Biyuan's hand and assured her that he was serious. >>read more
Episode 18: The Emperor commanded Prince Qi to marry the Princess of Xiliang County.
Prince Qi, accompanied by Cheng Biyuan, arrived at a newly renovated restaurant on the street. He forcefully removed the red cloth covering the restaurant signboard, revealing the words "Cheng Family Restaurant" written on it. Cheng Biyuan was deeply moved, understanding Prince Qi's heartfelt intentions. However, she expressed that she couldn't accept such a valuable gift. Although she wanted to reopen the Cheng Family Restaurant, she wanted to rely on her own hands. Prince Qi said that couples shouldn't be so calculative and suggested that he considered it as his own investment. >>read more
Episode 19: Ci Biyuan persuaded the emperor to treat Prince Qi well.
Upon hearing that Prince Qi had someone he loved, the emperor refused to comply with the request and immediately became furious. He slammed the table and reprimanded Prince Qi, stating that even if he didn't get along with his beloved, as a prince, he should prioritize the well-being of the dynasty rather than being consumed by personal affections. At that moment, a guard reported that Ci Biyuan, a maid from Prince Qi's residence, wished to see the emperor. After granting permission, the emperor received Ci Biyuan, who brought a food container with her. She presented the delicacies and tea she had carefully prepared to the emperor, who found them delicious and satisfying, and his mood improved. >>read more
Episode 20: Ceng Biyuan was mistakenly caught by Liang An'er.
Li Yuer and Ceng Biyuan were drinking at the night market. Li Yuer was already somewhat drunk, and Ceng Biyuan was supporting her as they walked. Suddenly, Ceng Biyuan noticed someone following them from behind. Knowing that Li Yuer was the princess of Xiliang County, Ceng Biyuan realized that if something went wrong, the entire royal household would suffer. Therefore, she instructed Li Yuer to follow her arrangements. Meanwhile, Qi Wang and Mu Yuan were also drinking at home. When they saw Li Yuer return wearing Ceng Biyuan's clothes, she told Qi Wang that they were being followed. Ceng Biyuan had instructed her to change into her clothes and return to get reinforcements. >>read more
Episode 21: Liang An'er was killed to keep her silent.
Both thief soldiers were intoxicated by the wine dregs mixed in their food by Cheng Biyuan and fell asleep on the table. Liang An'er entered and poured a basin of cold water on them. The two startled and woke up immediately. Liang An'er urged them to hurry and chase after Cheng Biyuan. Cheng Biyuan ran frantically in the forest but was eventually caught by the thief soldiers and Liang An'er. Cheng Biyuan tried to persuade Liang An'er to reveal the mastermind behind the scenes. However, Liang An'er commanded the thief soldiers to kill Cheng Biyuan. Just then, Prince Qi arrived in time. He killed one of the thief soldiers, while Liang An'er held Cheng Biyuan at knifepoint. Prince Qi persuaded her not to act impulsively, reminding her that they grew up together and knew her kind-hearted nature. Persuaded by Prince Qi, Liang An'er involuntarily dropped the knife. >>read more
Episode 22: Cheng Biyuan helped deliver a message to King Qi.
The Emperor has not eaten anything for three days. The Empress Dowager, in anger, said that if he doesn't eat, let him starve. Cheng Biyuan came in to report and claimed to have a way to make the Emperor eat. The Empress Dowager didn't believe her at all. Cheng Biyuan said that if she fails, she is willing to sacrifice her life. The Empress Dowager ordered her subordinates to supervise Cheng Biyuan in cooking and strictly prohibited her from seeing the Emperor. If the Emperor still refuses to eat, Cheng Biyuan will be executed immediately. >>read more
Episode 23: Cheng Biyuan and Cheng Wei, father and daughter, recognized each other.
When Cheng Wei saw the sachet, he was shocked, and then he saw Cheng Yuan standing by the side. He was overjoyed and grabbed Cheng Biyuan with both hands, saying repeatedly that his daughter had grown up so much and that he had finally found her. As he spoke, he pulled Cheng Yuan and walked towards the room. Prince Qi, unaware of what was happening, hurriedly followed. Cheng Wei pulled Cheng Biyuan into the room and pointed at everything inside, telling her that it was all prepared for her. >>read more
Ending 24: Cheng Biyuan and Zhao Fengpan, the star-crossed lovers, finally became a couple.
In the imperial court, the Empress Dowager was still pressuring the Emperor to hand over the imperial seal. The Emperor was puzzled and asked the Empress Dowager why they, as the royal family of the Northern Liang, had to betray their country. The Empress Dowager revealed that she originally belonged to the Runan Prince's residence and came to the Northern Liang for this day. The Emperor retorted that she should not have used her own biological son as a bargaining chip. The Empress Dowager then admitted that the Emperor's birth mother had passed away long ago, and she had only kept him by her side for the sake of the Ranun Prince's ambition. She had never treated him as her own son. >>read more