[Yummy, Yummy? Yummy!]
[Episode 6]
I disagree.
You must not take up this work.
We only need to earn money selling at the stall.
Catering for this kind of noble banquet...
we'll be beheaded if we make a mistake.
A'Ji, your mom is right.
Even if we do a good job for this banquet,
we'll attract attention and invite envy.
The date for returning is approaching soon.
Play it safe. Be prudent.
- Yes.
- That's right. It makes sense.
Let's drop it then. Meeting's over.
- Let's go.
- Let's go.
Oh, right, the ancestor said the reward
for doing the banquet is a gold brick.
Now that you mentioned it, about this...
I remember now.
As the old saying goes,
"Great wealth comes from great risks."
- Yes.
- That's right.
It's not like we can't give it a try.
Your mom is right again!
Think about it. Back in modern times,
- how many big banquets did we do?
- Exactly.
Did anything go wrong? No!
What could possibly go wrong
with an ancient banquet?
That's right.
Did we do banquets in the modern era?
Of course, we did.
It's that one. You know...
I remember.
You're referring to Gongcai's wedding
in that little restaurant on our first floor.
Why bring up that embarrassing history again?
Dad, was your and Mom's wedding
in a little restaurant?
Yes.
My good friend told me their parents' weddings
were in beautiful, luxurious, and big hotels.
Theirs was all show and no substance.
- Exactly.
- Besides,
you don't understand adult matters, Yangyang.
You don't get it.
So, everyone has thought it through?
If so, there's no time like now.
Let's start preparing.
Fine, it's settled then.
Flower cakes are needed for Qixi Festival.
Since it's for something novel,
let's use cheese to make cheese buns.
Shen Gongcai's really something.
No sign of him all day.
Who wrote this? The standard is lower than mine.
Shen Gongcai!
Shen Gongcai!
Get up!
- Stop playing dead!
- What's wrong?
I've been busy till now!
Mom and Dad took Yangyang out
to buy groceries. You're lying down here?
- Get up!
- My head... It hurts...
- Get up!
- My heart... it hurts.
It's true. I want to throw up.
I feel awful. Really awful.
Might as well die from laziness!
It's a waste of food, too.
I really feel awful.
Want me to work?
Not a chance.
Shen Gongcai is useless.
So darn lazy!
Shen Gongcai, you finally decided...
- Vice Magistrate.
- How thick-skulled must Brother Shen be?
I wouldn't actually hit him.
How can I let you do this kind of work?
You are our ancest...
You are the Vice Magistrate.
These preparations are for
the Princess Royal after all.
I also gave my guarantee.
I need to handle it personally to feel assured.
What's wrong?
Why are you laughing?
Is... Is there something on my face?
No... Don't...
I'm laughing because you're really a good person.
You clearly just want to help.
You were afraid I'd feel burdened.
Thus, you made up an excuse.
You're overthinking it.
Wait. Hold on.
Vice Magistrate,
that robe must be expensive, right?
Don't get it dirty.
The robe doesn't matter.
What about you if you give this to me?
Stop fidgeting.
You can't tie it.
My mother personally made this.
They're called sleeve covers.
She made this apron I'm wearing, too.
She's very skillful.
It's done.
You...
It's fine.
You're a born hero, a man of valor.
How could a mere maiden's pink color cover that?
Try this Qixi flower cake first before
it reaches Her Highness' table.
It's your good fortune.
It seems my luck is good.
Here.
Delicious.
Most would prepare fruits
and pastries for this Qixi.
But since this needs skills,
beautifully crafted pastries
are more suitable than
melons, pears, peaches, or other fruits.
Thus, I made this Qixi flower cake.
Are you this meticulous
because of the Qixi Festival?
It's because of the Princess Royal.
I heard there will be good benefits.
I don't like the Qixi Festival.
The cowherd lusted after the weaver girl.
He hid her clothes, and under the guise of love,
he tricked her into staying there
to bear his children.
What kind of love legend is that?
From the start, he didn't give the weaver girl
any freedom of choice.
Your point is valid.
However, most who wrote the stories were men.
Whether intentionally
or unintentionally glossing over it,
most wouldn't consider what you've said.
- Please enjoy.
- Thank you.
I think the flavor is quite good.
And it's cheap, too.
The first person to write the story
about the cowherd and weaver girl
definitely wasn't a woman.
How could the girl fall in love
with him after he stole her clothes
and bound her to the mortal realm?
Just think about it. She must have been forced.
But the cowherd did it because he liked her.
But the prerequisite for liking is respect.
He should at least respect
others' freedom in not liking him.
[+5 moves]
Died again. Why is this level so hard?
You're just watching a show. How annoying.
How does this drama concern you?
Just eat.
You're worthy of being the youngest
Vice Magistrate of Jingzhao in history.
Great perspective.
What does it mean?
It means you're magnanimous and broad-minded.
Unlike some people. After passing the exam,
they still lack intrinsic qualities.
Our family genes must be good.
What's "passing the exam"?
What is "genes"?
These are some words I made up.
Passing the exam...
It means "rely on".
Some people are good at weaving tales.
They rely on it to make a living.
Genes...
Basically, because our family is good,
and you're part of our family,
so you're good, too.
Liar.
I think you're weaving a story
and spouting utter nonsense.
I can't pass.
I really can't pass.
[Princess Royal Fuhui's Mansion]
Twelfth Master, did you get bugs on you?
This robe you lent me is too elegant.
It highlights my grace,
as a descendant of the Pei clan.
If my clan brothers see me,
they probably wouldn't recognize me.
Master Zhou, you have such fine taste.
Clothes make the man.
Twelfth Master, you do look respectable.
Isn't that so?
Is this a compliment?
Third Master.
"I've fine wine, to feast
and delight my honored guests."
"I've fine wine, to feast
and delight my honored guests."
At today's poetry gathering, I'm just a commoner.
I never imagined that
[Liu Feng, Young Master, Guixiang Tavern]
a mere merchant like me would be here.
You're jesting.
You're Liu Feng, the Third Master Liu.
Your Guixiang Restaurant
is exquisite and elegant.
Only those capable of
producing timeless masterpieces
may inscribe poems on your restaurant's wall.
You're specially invited by the Princess Royal.
If you hadn't come,
this banquet would lose its luster.
- That's right. Third Master, please.
- After you.
This is the "Winding Stream Party"
as written in the books.
So beautiful.
Lady Shen, please wait.
Could I trouble you to brew a bowl of tea for me?
Vice Magistrate, I'm not very good
at brewing tea.
I know. Take a seat.
Twelfth Master, nowadays people
stress format and rhymes in poems.
The Yuefu poems, free and unrestrained,
have a unique charm.
- What do you think?
- You like Yuefu lyrical poems?
Brother Anran, you inwardly...
are free-spirited and dislike being restrained?
But I think the three hundred poems
in the Book of Odes are still the best.
That's right.
I think it's hard to dislike "Peach Blossoms"
and "Cries of the Ospreys" among the poems.
Brother Anran, you're jesting.
A message from the Princess Royal.
The Shen family has worked hard
in organizing the banquet.
If they like poems and discourse,
please stay for the banquet.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Thank you, Lady.
[Xianshanqiong Pavilion]
Thank you for your trouble.
Her Highness invites all to the banquet
to taste the delicacies.
Wait...
I didn't expect her to be so humane.
She's inviting us, too?
Look at the word you used.
So uncultured.
Fengxia, Princess Royal is so humane.
Let's go and take a look.
What are you talking again?
Since she has invited us,
we can't be disrespectful.
- That's right.
- I'm not worried about A'Ji.
- But you two...
- There's no problem with me.
Remember, this is the Princess Royal's mansion.
The rules are strict.
- And the guests today are people of status.
- That's right.
Keep a low profile and be careful.
Keep a low profile and be careful. Understand?
- There's surely no problem with me...
- Especially you, Shen Gongcai!
Make sure you keep that mouth shut later.
Otherwise, they'll chop your head off first.
Chop your head off first!
- Enough. You shut up, too.
- Fine.
- Tidy up, get ready. Let's go now.
- Let's go.
- Be cautious and careful.
- Hurry.
- Third Master, please.
- After you.
So beautiful.
Her Highness didn't choose Guixiang Restaurant
to cater this year's poetry gathering.
She said she had hired them many times,
and wanted a change in taste.
Young Master Liu, what do you think
of the newly hired chef?
It's unique.
This has a taste of western region's grape wine.
This has a peppercorn flavor.
I never imagined these could be used in pastries.
You didn't imagine it?
I'm the only one who can think of this idea.
So, these were made by you all?
I wonder where Her Highness invited you from.
It's...
Young Master Liu, someone recommended
our family to do this banquet.
That's right.
It was Vice Magistrate Lin, right?
I heard he recommended
the Shen's stall from Juxian Alley.
Her Highness was also very satisfied.
Really?
Even-Even-Even the Princess Royal is satisfied?
Yes.
I've also tried your pancakes with fillings,
lamb skewers and drinks.
Quite ingenious.
I've also wanted to consult with you
on the art of cuisine.
You are too polite. I wouldn't dare to teach you.
Let's exchange... exchange ideas.
Shen Jianshe.
Shen Jianshe!
We're all brothers here. It's fine.
Come, let's drink.
I've long heard of your literary fame.
Vice Magistrate, I wish to invite you
to dine at my home.
I wonder if we can have the honor.
What kind of poems do you like?
Are you willing to attend the poetry gatherings
hosted by the Wang and Xie families?
Do you enjoy playing polo?
Dislike horseback polo?
What about football? Let's play together.
Vice Magistrate, I'm from the Lu Clan,
one of the seven famous families.
I especially invite you
to discuss philosophy at my home.
Thank you.
Let's drink.
Let's drink.
A mere merchant seeks connections
with the Vice Magistrate of Jingzhao?
Master Shen, why are you
pouring the wine into that bottle?
You don't know about this?
This is called "awakening the wine".
You must awaken the grape wine.
It means you've to wake up the wine.
Understand?
This is awakening the wine?
Let me tell you.
- If you don't believe me, taste it.
- Dad!
The flavor of awakened wine
is completely different.
Try it.
How is it?
It's less astringent,
and the aftertaste is richer.
See? I told you...
- Shen Jianshe!
- The grape wine...
Look at your dad!
What I told him has been wasted.
- It's mainly about grapes...
- Old Shen!
There are red grapes and white grapes.
The skins of grape wine...
You vile merchant's wife!
How dare you sully me with your sleeve?
I...
Are you crazy?!
- What's wrong with you?
- Mere merchants! Street rats!
How dare you set foot in this grand hall!
Putting on airs, pretending to be cultured!
What did you say?
What you said, makes sense.
Commoners like us wouldn't dare
to sit without Her Highness' kindness.
We've displeased you.
But are you dissatisfied with
Her Highness with this public outburst?
You worthless wench. Stop creating trouble here!
- I...
- Stop!
What are you doing?
- What are you doing?
- Stop!
Vice Magistrate, you came in time.
Look at these merchants!
- What insolence.
- Are you hurt?
Her Highness will arrive shortly.
Young Master Lu, are you sure
you want to continue to create a fuss?
Young Master Lu is intoxicated.
He'll leave immediately.
Everyone, pretend that nothing occurred.
Since this is the case...
Apologies for disturbing...
You didn't do anything wrong.
One who repays injustice with integrity
owes no apology to others.
- Everything's fine.
- Thank you, Vice Magistrate.
- Thank you, Vice Magistrate.
- Everyone, please take a seat.
Sit. Fengxia, take a seat.
- Sit down.
- Are you all right?
- Are you all right, A'Ji?
- Sit.
- I'm fine.
- Sit.
What a commotion.
Please.
How could he look down on others?
Merchants are also honorable.
If anyone wants to eat, we bring goods to sell.
This trade is perfectly fair.
Must people be ranked high and low?
- Enough.
- That's enough.
It's said that merchants, artisans,
and itinerants are of low status
and have vulgar reputations.
How can they stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with gentlemen
or share a table as equals?
Are you talking to me?
I... I don't quite understand.
I was talking nonsense earlier.
Just talking nonsense.
Guixiang Restaurant has always
handled the catering for the poetry gathering.
This time, Her Highness invited you.
- I was puzzled.
- Guixiang Restaurant?
But after tasting your food,
I'm thoroughly convinced.
After hearing what Brother Shen said,
I think you're an insightful person.
That phrase earlier,
"This trade is perfectly fair.
Must people be ranked high and low?"
is simple, yet profound.
Profound?
Me? Profound?
Give me a break.
What a good guy.
High-stakes commerce
often relies on simple flattery.
No, I think that everything should be fair.
For example, our family's pancakes,
many people have eaten them!
Officials have eaten them. Same for laborers.
Food doesn't discriminate by status.
Must people be divided into ranks?
I respect you. You should respect me.
That's all.
Older Brother.
A great phrase.
"I respect you. You should respect me."
But if this is really true, won't this
world be equal without any injustice?
- This...
- How absurd!
If everyone treats each other as equals,
won't there be chaos?
Father commands, son obeys.
Husband leads, wife follows.
Men are strong, women are weak.
That's how it has always been.
Sir, you're not married and don't have children?
I'm indeed not married.
Let me advise you.
Don't ever, ever say this again!
No one will want you. It's true.
Look at me. I'm not chauvinistic
and yet my wife left me.
You still dare to say something like this?
Let me tell you!
Finding a match will be harder for you.
Even your children would resent you!
Brother Shen, what is "chauvinistic"?
How to explain this?
"Chauvinistic" means
you should dominate as a man.
Like what this gentleman just said,
"Father commands son, wife follows husband."
That whole philosophy is chauvinistic.
In truth, when two people live together,
the most important things are equal communication
and mutual tolerance.
I only realized this later.
A husband must respect his wife.
Ask what she truly desires.
Use the best way to treat her well
instead of forcing it on her.
Otherwise...
she will surely leave you.
Truly unexpected.
- Indeed.
- Excellently spoken!
What a devoted man!
Who'd imagine that one was abandoned
would still reflect on himself?
- Exactly!
- Young Master Shen, you're great!
You're absolutely right!
- What? I...
- Young Master Shen is absolutely right!
Yes, Young Master Shen is absolutely right!
No, no... I...
Choosing a husband should be like this!
You're absolutely right, Young Master Shen!
Her Highness, the Princess Royal is here!
Greetings, Your Highness.
Young Master Shen, you've a unique perspective.
Each word is like a pearl of wisdom.
Quite intriguing.
[Princess Royal Fuhui]
A pity his features are coarse.
If not, appointing him as my close advisor
would hold distinct appeal.
Your Highness, you're right.
My older brother is unworthy
to serve as your advisor.
Yes, that's right.
Well... Yong'an's women are heavenly perfection.
I fear I'm unworthy of even one.
By saying this, you're showing your virtues.
Young Master Shen,
do share more of your insights.
I'll have them recorded to teach
the other gentlemen how to talk.
I don't have any more. I dare not... I dare not.
Continue with the poetry gathering.
Does my presence stifle the gathering?
- Continue.
- Thank you, Your Highness.
Continue.
Continue.
Am I that ugly?
This exceeds the agreed amount by five times.
You did well at the banquet. It's well deserved.
Her Highness also bestowed several bolts
of silk for Liu Chang to bring back for you.
Thank you, Vice Magistrate.
Lady Shen, Her Highness summons you.
All right.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Forgo the formalities. Get up.
Your family's cuisine suits my palate very well.
I summoned you here to ask
if you're willing to be a chef in my mansion.
There's no need to change
your sl*ve registration.
If you want to leave, simply inform me.
Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.
But my family and I are from the countryside
and are used to a carefree life.
Moreover, we won't remain long in Yong'an.
We fear we'll fail to serve you properly.
You're leaving?
Yes.
What a pity.
With your culinary skills,
even without being my chef,
opening any eatery in Yong'an
would be a great success.
Your Highness flatters us.
My family behaved improperly
at the poetry gathering today.
Your Highness overlooked this
and also rewarded us.
I feel guilty.
Talented people discuss principles
at the Qixi Poetry Gathering.
Moreover, your brother spoke sensibly.
Talking about manners,
it was Young Master Lu who was rude.
Your family did very well.
It's just several bolts of silk.
Why should you feel guilty?
Vice Magistrate, I asked Her Highness.
She bestowed only several bolts of silk.
The remainder must be from your own funds?
We can't accept this money.
It was also my self-interest
to let you cater for the poetry gathering.
Her Highness appreciates fine cuisine.
You excel at cooking, and I also recommended you.
She'll naturally favor me if I can please her.
Lady Shen, as a businesswoman,
you should know this connection
is worth more than gold bricks.
Thank you then, Vice Magistrate.
Seek me for such future matters again.
You received a significant portion of my assets.
I may not be able to afford your services
in the future again.
Truthfully, I'm deeply grateful to you today.
Without your intervention, merchants like us
would have offended the nobles
at Princess Royal's banquet and caused a disaster.
Why did you still dare to speak up?
What else could I do?
I can't let anyone bully my family.
It was entirely the other party's fault.
Your rebuttal was justified.
Vice Magistrate, are you available
in the coming days?
What's wrong?
We wish to invite you to a meal.
- Agreed.
- It's settled then!
Go back to work. I won't disturb you any further.
Isn't that all your salary
from since you were in service?
You gave it away just like that?
Although we returned to the capital
and His Majesty raised your salary,
you've only received two months' pay.
That gold can sustain their family back
in their hometown for a lifetime.
Young Master,
when will you be that generous to me?
Let's do this.
Retire and return to your hometown immediately.
I'll prepare your pension funds at once.
How's that?
No need.
I'll just faithfully serve you,
and draw my monthly pay.
However, Lady Shen doesn't have any more worries.
Young Master, you can propose
to dissolve the betrothal, right?
[Shaoguang's Food Notes]
[Cheese Buns, Fresh Cheese, Easy Peasy]
[My Flower Cakes, My Rules]
Timing and Subtitles brought to you
by Love @ First Pancake
Team @Viki.com"Fickleness" - Zhang Zining
♫ This mortal heart is unwilling to be silent ♫
♫ Perhaps, it long knew the secrets of Heaven ♫
♫ It just escaped the traces of fate ♫
♫ Migrating towards you ♫
♫ But worldly rules
just lifted its restrictions ♫
♫ The moment we met ♫
♫ We were granted a tide strong enough to hurt ♫
♫ Each other deeply ♫
♫ Fearing a mistake in time and space ♫
♫ Love fills the page;
in the end, only foolishness remains ♫
♫ Fearing that my sincerity
will overstep the boundary ♫
♫ I fall into the thunder pool and wallow in it ♫
♫ I’m afraid fate will erase our encounter ♫
♫ Spreading the vast sky with a net of thorns ♫
♫ Although I can see a clue ♫
♫ I can only sigh at my fickleness ♫
♫ Clearly knowing it’s hard to ultimately reverse fate ♫
♫ I still instruct fate to disrupt the will of Heaven ♫
♫ So be it ♫
♫ Let the red thread be our bond ♫
♫ This is a proof of our love
in our past and present lives ♫
♫ All written about you ♫
♫ Fearing a mistake in time and space ♫
♫ Love fills the page;
in the end, only foolishness remains ♫
♫ Fearing that my sincerity
will overstep the boundary ♫
♫ I fall into the thunder pool and wallow in it ♫
♫ I’m afraid fate will erase our encounter ♫
♫ Spreading the vast sky with a net of thorns ♫
♫ Although I can see a clue ♫
♫ I can only sigh ♫
♫ At my fickleness ♫