On the third day of Noble Consort Lewis's detention, a shocking news spread throughout the palace—the case of the deposed crown prince was to be reopened.

I sat in the pavilion of the imperial garden, holding a bowl of plain porridge, but I couldn’t bring myself to eat it. Aunt Scarlet sat beside me, occasionally glancing at my expression.


"Lin, my dear, this won’t do," Aunt Scarlet said with concern. "It’s been three days, and you’ve hardly eaten anything."

"I know, but..." I put down the spoon and let out a long sigh. "Aunt Scarlet, it all feels like a dream to me. Can my father’s wrongs truly be righted? And what about those who were killed by the Lewis family..."

I couldn’t continue halfway through my words.


In these past few days, as the investigation into the case deepened, more and more shocking truths have been revealed. The Lewis Family, in order to consolidate their power, has framed countless loyal ministers and capable generals. The deposed Crown Prince, my father, and many others whose names I do not know, have all become pawns in their game of power.

"It will, it certainly will," Aunt Scarlet grasped my hand, "His Majesty is a wise ruler. He won't allow injustices to persist."


At that moment, a eunuch hurried over, "Miss Phoenix, His Majesty summons you for an immediate audience!"

My heart instantly began to race. Could it be... could the verdict have been reached?

I followed the eunuch to the imperial study and found the emperor busy reviewing memorials at his desk. Seeing me enter, he put down his brush and showed a rare smile.

"Come here, Lin, and take a seat." The emperor pointed to the chair beside him.

I sat down nervously, placing my hands on my knees, and waited for him to speak.

"The case has been cleared up," the emperor's voice was very soft, but every word reached my ears clearly, "Your father, Duke Hawthorne, and all those implicated back then, are all innocent."

At the moment I heard these words, it felt as if the entire world had fallen silent.

Tears uncontrollably welled up in my eyes, and I desperately wiped them with the back of my hand, but they just wouldn't stop.

"Father... Father was innocent..." I choked out the words.

"Not just that," the emperor stood up and walked over to me, "I have already ordered that all those wronged be exonerated. Your father will be posthumously honored as the Loyal and Righteous Food Sage and receive the treatment of a first-rank official. The honor of the Hawthorne Family will be fully restored."

"Your Majesty..." I wanted to kneel and express my gratitude, but the emperor stopped me.

"No need for formalities. This is what I ought to do," the emperor's eyes showed a look of remorse, "I owe the Hawthorne Family too much."

I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath. My father’s spirit in heaven could rest in peace—that was enough.

"However," the emperor shifted his tone, "there is one more matter I wish to discuss with you."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"I intend to confer upon you the title of County Princess, bestow upon you a mansion and fiefdom, and grant you the noble life you deserve," the emperor said earnestly.

I was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly waved my hand, "Your Majesty, this... this I cannot accept."

"Why?" The emperor seemed surprised.

How should I put it... To suddenly become a County Princess after growing up in the kitchen—wouldn’t that be the death of me? Just imagining those intricate etiquette rules and social situations gives me a headache.

"Your Majesty, I’m just an ordinary person who knows how to cook," I replied honestly. "Making me a County Princess or the like would be too much for me. I think I’m still more suited to staying in the kitchen."

The emperor gazed at me, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher.

"Do you really just want to be a chef?"

"Yes," I nodded without hesitation. "Cooking brings me joy, and being able to help others through food makes me feel fulfilled. As for titles and lands, I truly have no interest in them."

The emperor remained silent for a long time, then suddenly laughed.

"Very well, since you say so, I shall grant your wish." He returned to his desk, picked up a brush, and began to write something. "However, what I will give you is more precious than the title of a county lord."

"Huh?" I was a bit confused.

"I have decided to establish a completely new position," the emperor said as he wrote, "and appoint you as the first-generation Saint of Food in the realm. I will also establish the Department of Culinary Affairs, which you shall lead."

"Saint of Food? Department of Culinary Affairs?" These terms were entirely unfamiliar to me.

"Correct. The Bureau of Nourishment will be responsible for nationwide dietary improvement, therapeutic food research, and the compilation of culinary texts," the emperor paused his brush and looked up at me. "The authority and status of this position are no less than those of the six ministers. However, its duties lie precisely in the field you excel in."

My mouth hung open wide enough to fit an egg.

"Your Majesty... are you serious?"

"Of course, I am serious," the emperor handed me the completed imperial edict. "I have observed you for a long time and discovered that you possess extraordinary talent and intuition for food. Rather than letting such abilities be buried in the small kitchen of the inner palace, it is better to let them play a greater role."

I took the imperial edict, my hands trembling. I recognized the words on it, but their combined meaning felt surreal to me.

"Imagine," the emperor's voice was filled with anticipation, "if all the people in the country could eat more nutritious food, if we could reduce diseases through dietary therapy, if we could compile the most comprehensive food scripture to pass down to future generations... All of these need to be achieved by people like you."

I... I never thought my skills could have such significance.

But upon careful consideration, it indeed seems to be the case. If it could truly help more people eat better and live healthier, wouldn't that be much more meaningful than any county lord title?

"Lin girl, what are you thinking about?" the emperor asked.

"I'm thinking..." I bit my lip, "Your Majesty, may I propose a few conditions?"

"Of course, go ahead."

"Firstly, Aunt Scarlet must be my assistant. Her experience is very important to me."

"Granted."

"Secondly, the chefs in the Imperial Kitchen, regardless of their background, should receive fair treatment as long as they have good skills and character."

"Also granted."

"Third..." I took a deep breath, "If one day I don't perform well, Your Majesty, please remind me in time. Don’t let me become one of those high-ranking officials who are detached from the hardships of the people."

The emperor laughed heartily, "Good! This condition pleases me the most!"

Three days later, the Imperial Food Supervision Bureau was officially established.

I stood in front of the brand-new Imperial Food Supervision Bureau, wearing the specially designed official uniform for female officers. This outfit was quite unique, maintaining the solemnity of the official attire while incorporating practical elements of a chef's uniform. The cuffs and hem were specially designed for ease of movement while cooking.

Aunt Scarlet stood to my right, also dressed in the uniform of a deputy supervisor, her face filled with pride and a gratified smile.

"Ling, are you nervous?" she whispered to me.

"Of course I’m nervous," I whispered back, "This is the first time I’ve taken on such a big role. What if I mess it up?"

"No way," Aunt Scarlet patted my hand, "You understand food better than anyone in this world. No one is more suitable for this position than you."

At this moment, I saw some familiar faces—those colleagues who once worked with me at the Imperial Kitchen.

Their expressions were complex, mingling awe, admiration, and some indescribable emotions. Those who once looked at me with disdain now greeted me respectfully.

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t nervous, but I also knew that all of this was earned through my skills and courage.

"Your Excellency, the Food Saint," a young chef approached and said respectfully, "The first general meeting of the Food Supervision Bureau is ready. Please preside over it."

"Your Excellency, the Food Saint..." This title truly sounded magical.

I straightened my clothes and took a deep breath.

From today, I am no longer the little girl who only wanted to hide in the corner of the kitchen. I will use my skills to do something truly meaningful for this country and for all those in need.

"Let's go, Aunt Scarlet," I turned and smiled at her, "We have a meeting to attend."

As I stepped through the gates of the Culinary Bureau, I silently said in my heart: Father, your daughter has not brought shame to you. I will make the name of the Hawthorne Family shine brightly in this world once more, in my own way.

And this time, it will be in our own way.