For the three days before the Eternal Banquet, the entire Imperial Palace seemed to enter a state of war.

I’ve never seen the kitchen so busy before. Normally, they only need to prepare meals for a few dozen people, but now they have to prepare a feast for over 300 distinguished guests, and every dish must meet the perfect standard.


“Lin’er, how are the three dishes you’re responsible for coming along?” Aunt Scarlet hurried over to ask me, fine beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.

"The clear soup and pastries have been tested several times, and the medicinal cuisine is still being adjusted." I replied while continuing to cut the medicinal herbs in my hands. On the surface, I appeared calm, but inside, I was extremely nervous.

To say I wasn’t nervous would be a lie. This was the last gamble concerning my father’s innocence and my own life!


What made it even more unsettling was that I could clearly sense many unfamiliar faces in the kitchen. Though they were all wearing kitchen uniforms, their eyes kept glancing subtly in my direction.

"Tsk, Noble Consort Lewis’s spies are truly everywhere." I silently complained in my heart. But perhaps it was for the best, as it at least proved that my plan had posed a threat to her.


"Feng Lin."

I turned around to see Ruyi—the favored maid by Noble Consort Lewis’s side. She had been specifically sent today to "assist" with the preparations for the Millennium Banquet. Officially, she was here to supervise, but in reality, she was here to keep an eye on me.

"What does Sister Wishful require?" I bowed respectfully, but in my heart, I thought: Here we go, the boss's underling has finally shown up.

Wishful glanced at the ingredients I was handling, a faint glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes: "I heard you’re responsible for preparing three very important dishes? You must not make any mistakes, as this concerns the Emperor’s well-being."

"Yes, I will give it my all," I nodded obediently, thinking to myself: The more you threaten me like this, the more certain I am that I’m on the right path.

"Good. By the way," Wishful seemed to remember something, "the rare medicinal ingredients you’re using—have their sources been verified? If there’s any issue..."

"They are all from the palace’s collection, absolutely no problem," I replied.

Wishful nodded, then circled around my workstation before finally leaving. But I knew she definitely hadn’t given up.

After she walked away, I sighed softly. This feeling of being watched was truly unbearable.

"Lin'er."

I turned around and saw Starson walking over with a plate of pastries. Though she pretended to appear natural, I could sense nervousness in her eyes.

"These are newly made osmanthus cakes. Give them a try," she said as she put the plate down, then whispered, "At midnight tonight, the usual spot."

I nodded, picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, and took a bite: "Mmm, it's delicious. The sweetness is just right, and the osmanthus fragrance is very rich."

Starson smiled and left, while I continued with my work, though my mind began planning for the meeting later that night.

Time flew by, and soon it was deep into the night.

I cautiously slipped out of my room and made my way to the hidden little garden. Starson and Ashen were already waiting there, their expressions serious under the moonlight.

"Starson, did you bring the seating chart as you mentioned?" I got straight to the point.

Starson nodded and took out a piece of paper from her pocket: "It took me two days to get the complete version. Look," she pointed at a spot on the paper, "The Emperor sits in the center, flanked by the princes and important ministers. Noble Consort Lewis's position is here, where she can clearly see every move the Emperor makes."

I studied the seating chart carefully, silently calculating the distance and time: "So, no matter when I make my move, she will notice it immediately."

"Exactly," Ashen chimed in, "And from what I know, she has already stationed her own people in key positions. As soon as they sense anything unusual, they will act immediately."

"Can you control the Imperial Guards?" I asked Ashen.

Ashen pondered for a moment: "I can ensure that, at the critical moment, the Imperial Guards will not intervene directly for at least fifteen minutes. But Lin, you must understand, after those fifteen minutes, I won’t be able to protect you anymore."

Fifteen minutes... that’s enough. If my plan succeeds, fifteen minutes will be sufficient for the Emperor to recall the truth of that year.

"There's one more issue," Starson looked at me with concern, "Noble Consort Lewis might poison your dish and then frame you for it. Are you really confident in handling this?"

I took a deep breath: "It would be a lie to say I'm not nervous, but I trust the recipe my mother left behind. And think about it, what if Noble Consort Lewis' poison and my 'Reminiscence of the Past' work simultaneously?"

"What do you mean?"

"If the emperor both gets poisoned and regains his memory, what would he think? He would believe someone is trying to prevent him from remembering the truth! At that point, he would understand everything without me having to say a word."

Starson and Ashen exchanged glances, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

"Lin, this idea of yours is too dangerous!" Ashen couldn't help but say, "What if the emperor actually gets hurt because of it?"

"No," I said firmly, "I will add sufficient antidote herbs to the cleansing soup to ensure that no poison she administers will truly harm the emperor. Moreover, even if there is real danger, I have studied emergency medicinal cuisine and can handle it immediately."

The two of them fell silent for a long time.

Eventually, Starson took my hand: "Lin, no matter what, we will support you. But you must be careful and never overexert yourself."

Ashen also nodded: "I will ensure you have enough time to prove yourself. But remember, if the situation turns unfavorable, abandon the plan immediately."

"I know. Thank you both." I tightly grasped their hands, feeling a surge of warmth in my heart.

With such friends supporting me, what is there to fear?

After parting ways, I returned to my room but found myself completely unable to sleep.

Since sleep is out of the question, why not go to the kitchen and double-check the ingredients for tomorrow?

I put on my coat and quietly made my way to the kitchen. The late-night kitchen was empty, with only a few dim oil lamps still burning.

I walked to the storeroom where precious ingredients were kept and began checking the items needed for tomorrow.

Ginseng, gastrodia elata, angelica... Each was a top-grade medicinal herb, and even their scent was enough to invigorate the spirit.

Huh?

I suddenly furrowed my brow. While inspecting the ginseng, I detected a faint, unusual odor.

This ginseng... Although it looked flawless on the surface, my nose told me it had been treated with some kind of chemical.

I carefully examined the other herbs, and sure enough, similar issues were present. Some had been tampered with, while others carried an inexplicable hint of "malice."

It seems Noble Consort Liu has already begun to act. She wants to ensure my medicinal dishes go wrong, so she can finish me off at the critical moment.

But she never expected that my sense of taste would be frighteningly keen.

Under such immense pressure and focus, I felt my divine sense of taste had reached an unprecedented level.

Not only could I discern the quality and origin of the ingredients, but I could even sense the emotions and intentions of those who handled them.

The supplier harbored ill intentions during delivery, attempting to pass off inferior goods for a profit. The kitchen assistant felt uneasy due to accepting bribes. Even the air was tinged with a faint trace of malice—a mark left by Noble Consort Lewis.

This is terrifying... Has my ability truly grown to such an extent?

However, this is actually a good thing for me. Since I can detect these anomalies, I can prepare accordingly in advance.

I reselected a batch of clean medicinal ingredients and began making the final preparations.

The Clear Body Decoction requires bamboo leaves, coix seeds, and cogongrass roots. These herbs not only clear heat and detoxify but also won't arouse suspicion. I added some special detoxifying herbs to ensure it can neutralize most common toxins.

The Calming Tea uses albizia flowers, spiny jujube seeds, and Chinese senega. These herbs help relax one's guard and induce a half-awake state. The key lies in the precise dosage – it must make the emperor let down his defenses without completely losing rationality.

The most crucial is the Memory Elixir. Angelica, ginseng, and gastrodia are mixed according to the proportions recorded in the recipe, with every gram measured accurately. Moreover, the entire cooking process must be completed within a specific time frame, with temperature controlled to every single degree.

I spent an entire night on pre-preparation, finally finishing as the horizon began to lighten at dawn.

Although I hadn't slept all night, I felt unusually energetic. Perhaps because I was about to face the most important challenge of my life, every cell in my body was preparing for it.

"Liner!" Aunt Scarlet's voice called from outside the door, "Why are you here so early?"

"Couldn't sleep, so I came over to prepare early," I answered truthfully.

Auntie Scarlet glanced at the ingredients I had carefully prepared, a gleam of satisfaction flashing in her eyes: "You've already done very well. Just perform normally today, don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"I know, Auntie."

The other chefs arrived one after another, and the kitchen resumed its bustling activity. Everyone was making the final preparations for the Grand Banquet, and the air was filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere.

On the surface, I handled my work as usual, proceeding step by step. But deep down, I knew tonight would be the moment that decided everything.

If I succeed, my father's wrongful accusations will be cleared, and I will regain my freedom.

If I fail, I might die, but at least I gave it my all.

No matter what, I have already prepared myself mentally.

"Lin'er, it's time to get ready to leave." Aunt Scarlet came to my side.

I nodded, checked the ingredients I had prepared one last time, and then followed the group to the venue for the Millennium Feast.

On the way, I couldn't help but glance back at the kitchen.

Perhaps, this is the last time I stand here as a chef.

But regardless of the outcome, I will not regret the choice I made today.

For my father, for the truth, for all the innocent people who have been wronged—

I, Feng Lin, will never back down!