Episode 8 recap: 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.
Mu Yuan was discussing with Prince Qi about infiltrating Beiliang through the gaps in the Xiliang faction. Ceng Biyuan was by Prince Qi's side, roasting oranges for him, claiming that it would treat his cough. Mu Yuan thought Prince Qi wouldn't eat them, but Prince Qi took them and finished them all. Suddenly, a palace maid from the Empress Dowager's side came in and delivered a message. The Empress Dowager had been in the palace for many years and was now feeling homesick, so she couldn't enjoy her food. She wanted Ceng Biyuan to cook a hometown-flavored delicacy for her. If it turned out good, she would reward her, but if it was bad, she would punish her severely.
Both Ceng Biyuan and Prince Qi knew that the Empress Dowager sought revenge, but they could only obey her orders. Ceng Biyuan reassured Prince Qi not to worry and said that cooking was not a problem for her. However, when she entered the imperial kitchen, she looked at the abundant ingredients but didn't know where to start. Concerned, Prince Qi asked Mu Yuan to enter the palace and help take care of Ceng Biyuan, but they still couldn't figure out what to do.
Prince Qi thought of seeking information from the influential maid, Wang Mama, who served the Empress Dowager. After coaxing and intimidating her, Wang Mama cooperated. Meanwhile, Mu Yuan and Ceng Biyuan were discussing a plan to escape with Prince Qi. Wang Mama entered on purpose and ignored them, dropping the records of the Empress Dowager's lifestyle after entering the palace on the ground before leaving. Ceng Biyuan quickly picked it up and asked with joy on her face what was going on. Mu Yuan told her that someone had come to their rescue.
Comments(Episode 8)