A year has passed, and as I stood in the office of the Culinary Bureau, looking at the walls covered with letters of gratitude from all over, I couldn't help but feel moved.

"Lady Hawthorne, these are the latest statistics delivered today," my secretary carefully placed a stack of documents on my desk, "The distribution of 'The Compendium of Dietary Therapy' has reached a new high."


I picked up the statistical report and glanced through it, feeling a warm surge in my heart. This dietary therapy handbook, which I had overseen, had evolved from its initial trial in the palace to being circulated across the entire country. It contained simple, easy-to-make, and delicious home-cooked recipes with healing properties, especially suitable for ordinary people.

"I never imagined it would be so popular," I couldn't help but murmur, "Back then, I just hoped it could help a few people…"

"Lady Hawthorne, you're too humble," my secretary said respectfully. "The book you compiled has saved countless lives. Last winter's flu alone—with the remedies from the book—saw twice as many people recover compared to previous years."


Hearing this, I felt a sweet satisfaction. Though being an official was far more exhausting than simply cooking, seeing how my craft had genuinely helped so many people made all the effort worthwhile.

"By the way," my secretary reminded me, "Lord Starson has arrived and is waiting for you in the library."


"Ah, I almost forgot! Today we agreed to discuss the preparation method of the 'Hundred Flowers Honey Dew' from the 'Shennong Culinary Classic'!"

I quickly tidied up the documents on the desk and hurried toward the library.

The changes in Starson now truly bring me joy. After a year of careful nurturing, his physical condition has improved greatly, and his complexion has shifted from its previous pallor to a rosy hue. More importantly, he is no longer as world-weary as before; instead, he has developed a keen interest in the various wondrous foods recorded in ancient texts.

Pushing open the library door, I saw the golden light of the setting sun slanting in through the windows, dyeing the entire library in warm hues of orange. Starson was seated by the window, intently flipping through an ancient book in his hands.

"Starson, what are you reading so engrossedly?" I asked as I walked over.

He looked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Lin, you came just in time! I discovered a detail I hadn't noticed before in the 'Nanshan Culinary Records.'"

"What details?" I sat down in the chair across from him.

"Regarding the preparation of 'Hundred Flower Honey Dew'," Starson pointed to a line of small text on the page, "It says here, 'Must be collected on the night of the full moon, when the dew first forms.' I used to think this was just a literary description, but upon closer consideration..."

"It must have practical significance, right?" I took the book and looked at it, "During a full moon, the fragrance of flowers does indeed become more intense, and the night dew can bring out the purest taste of the nectar..."

"Exactly!" Starson excitedly slapped the table, "And I consulted several other ancient texts, finding many similar records. It seems the ancients had a very precise understanding of the timing for ingredient collection."

"Hey, but if that's the case, does that mean 'Snow Plum Fragrant Tea' also needs to be prepared at a specific time?" I suddenly thought of something and flipped open another book, "Look here, 'Three days after the snow, when the plum blossoms are half-open'..."

"Now that you mention it, I remember!" Starson's eyes lit up, "The Gourmet Chronicles also has similar records, saying that bamboo shoots picked 'after the spring rain clears and the shoots break through the earth' make the most fragrant dishes..."

We excitedly discussed this, flipping through one book, then consulting another, and before we knew it, two hours had passed.

It wasn't until the sky outside had completely darkened that I realized how late it had gotten.

"It's already so late," I stretched lazily, "Starson, why don't you stay for dinner tonight? I was just thinking of trying out the improved version of the 'Nourishing Blood and Calming Mind Soup.'"

"Sure," Starson closed the book and smiled, "I was just about to try your new creation."

After tidying up the books and preparing to leave the library, we saw Ashen standing at the door. He was still in his usual black attire, but his demeanor seemed much softer than before.

"Ashen? What brings you here?" I was a bit surprised.

"Just passing by," he replied briefly, then turned to Starson, "Your Highness, the Emperor wishes to see you."

Starson nodded, "I understand. Lin, it seems I'll have to try your soup another night."

"No problem, you can come to me anytime you want to drink it," I said with a smile.

After Starson and Ashen left together, I returned alone to the kitchen of the Imperial Pantry. Though I now hold the title of Culinary Sage and have many administrative duties to attend to, the time I spend busily working in the kitchen each evening is still my happiest.

I tied on my apron and began preparing ingredients for dinner. Today I wanted to make a simple steamed egg custard, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad.

Just as I was intently mixing the egg mixture, I sensed someone standing at the doorway. Turning around, I saw it was Ashen.

"Huh? Didn't you go with Starson to see the Emperor?" I was somewhat surprised.

"It's done," he said, entering the kitchen and taking a seat at the chair I usually prepared for him.

It has become an unspoken understanding between us. Whenever Ashen finishes his duty, he always comes to the kitchen, saying nothing, just sitting quietly and watching me busy about. And I’ve grown accustomed to preparing a bowl of soup for him to ensure a peaceful sleep.

“What would you like to drink today?” I asked him while beating eggs.

“Anything,” his reply was still as brief as ever.

Yet I knew that, although he seemed indifferent, he cherished every soup I made. Once, I overheard other guards saying that since Ashen started drinking my soups, his sleep quality had improved greatly, and he wasn’t as tense during missions as before.

“Then I’ll make ‘Licorice and Lily Soup’ today,” I decided. “You seem a bit weary lately, and this has a calming effect.”

As I spoke, I began preparing the ingredients for the soup. Ashen quietly watched my every move. The only sounds in the kitchen were the chopping on the cutting board and the clinking of pots and pans. Yet, this silence was not awkward at all—it felt reassuring instead.

"By the way, Ashen," I suddenly remembered something, "I heard you’ve been training new recruits recently?"

"Mm," he nodded.

"Is it tiring?" I asked with concern.

He remained silent for a while, then said, "It's alright."

Though his words were still few, I could sense that compared to the cold shadow he was a year ago, Ashen now had a bit more humanity. At the very least, he would let his guard down around me, accept my concern, and quietly keep me company.

When the soup was ready, I ladled a bowl for him and one for myself.

"How does it taste?" I looked at him expectantly.

Ashen took a careful sip, then nodded. "It’s good."

For him, this was already high praise.

"That's good," I smiled contentedly, "Remember to drink it while it's hot; it won't be effective once it cools down."

We sat facing each other, quietly sipping the soup. Moments like these always remind me of the ancient poem: "Silence speaks louder than words." Some companionship doesn't need too many words.

After finishing the soup, Ashen prepared to leave. When he reached the door, he suddenly turned around and said, "Thank you."

These two words were spoken softly, very softly, but I heard them clearly, and my heart felt warm.

Three days later, the emperor summoned me for an audience. I thought it was just some official business, but unexpectedly, he told me he wanted to promote me.

"Lin, the Imperial Kitchen has performed remarkably under your management, and I am very pleased," the emperor said with a smile. "I plan to promote you to the first-rank position of Grand Culinary Sage and award you a royal mansion."

"Your Majesty..." I hesitated, "Could you not promote me?"

The emperor was taken aback: "Why?"

"The higher the position, the more administrative tasks there are, and the less time I have to spend in the kitchen," I answered honestly. "And as for mansions or noble residences, I really don't need them. The small courtyard I live in now is quite nice. It's close to the market, and every morning I can hear the vendors calling out, which feels full of life."

The Emperor was both amused and exasperated: "You little girl, everyone else covets wealth and nobility, yet you avoid it as if it were a plague."

"Your Majesty, may I make a request?" I gathered my courage and spoke up.

"Go ahead."

"I’d like to resign from most of my administrative duties and keep only the title of 'Food Sage' and research responsibilities," I said earnestly. "The daily management can be handed over to Aunt Scarlet and other deputies. I just want to focus on studying food and creating dishes that are more delicious and nutritious for everyone."

The Emperor looked at me, and his eyes showed a glimmer of approval.

"Very well, we’ll do as you say." He said with a smile, "However, you must still accept the reward of the estate. Even if you don’t live there, it can serve as a research base for the Department of Culinary Affairs."

"Then... then I thank Your Majesty." Knowing it was his genuine kindness, I decided not to decline further.

And so, I returned to the kitchen once more. Though my title remained, my work was essentially what I loved most—studying various ingredients, developing new recipes, and occasionally mentoring young chefs.

This kind of life brought me immense satisfaction. Every morning, I was awakened by the bustling cries of the marketplace, then I would head out to select the freshest ingredients, returning to the kitchen to experiment with new combinations...

In the evening, Starson would join me in the library to study ancient texts; late at night, Ashen would quietly come to the kitchen, keeping me company in silence. Occasionally, Aunt Scarlet would drop by, and we would chat and cook together, just like an ordinary family.

Perhaps this peaceful and fulfilling life is the happiness I've been searching for all along.

Standing in my small courtyard, watching the sunset, I silently said in my heart: Father, do you see? Your daughter is doing well now. In my own way, I've made the name of The Hawthorne Family shine brightly again and found true happiness for myself.