Original subtitles

Subbing and Timing brought to you by the Ancient Modern Chef Team @Viki

♫ Pushing open the windows and looking out, the scenery is breathtaking ♫

♫ The beauty of the spring flower is unforgettable ♫

♫ Lush and ruthless, but always fascinating ♫

♫ Getting drunk alone, I temporarily forget your scent ♫

♫ Beside the broken bridge, loneliness hid under the rocks ♫

♫ The liveliness belongs to the passerbys ♫

♫ Drowning my sorrows with wine, the prosperity can't hide the sorrow ♫

♫ I'm left with the deep feelings alone, missing you with nothing to rely on ♫

♫ I don't wish to admit that this was just a dream ♫

♫ I don't want to see the separation, everything for naught ♫

♫ Past midnight, I allow the sound of the flute to ponder upon the past ♫

♫ I'm drunk tonight, hugging the shadow to sleep ♫

[Cinderella Chef] [Episode 35]

Speaking of these things,

why not tell them to that other girl?

Coming here in the middle of the night, I don't want to listen to you.

- You are bothered by Liuli? - No.

Liar.

The Princess grew up with me. I also know that she likes me.

Even though I saved her, I've tried to avoid her,

because I don't want you to misunderstand.

There must not be another Liu Yiyi appearing in between us again.

If you have any questions today, just directly ask me.

I will tell you everything. I won't hide anything from you again.

Don't mention it. You don't need to mention it.

Actually, I also haven't told you everything. You'll never know--

- Is it because of Xiao Jing? - Huh?

Xiao Jing is naive and kind by nature.

Also, he still doesn't know that you're a woman.

But as the days go by...

Originally you're here because of that.

Don't worry, I'm not like some people

who especially deceive naive and kind people. I will take responsibility for him.

Who then will take responsibility for me?

Heir Apparent is very good at strategies and has good foresight.

- I'm unable to— - On what basis must you not take responsibility for me?

You accidentally entered my life and foiled my plans.

I repeatedly pushed you away, but you wouldn't leave.

Now, I'm trying my best to make you stay, to make you come back,

but you keep rejecting me. What do you really want me to do?

Then what do you want me to do, too?

It's hard to put pieces back in a broken mirror. Water thrown away can never be recovered.

Moreover, in this kind of era,

if you are with a cook like me,

how will people look at you? How will they look at me? Just thinking about it scares me.

Yao Yao, you are already my legal wife.

I will only be with you in this lifetime. Don't anyone dare hinder me!

I don't want to hear this. Leave.

- Yao Yao! - Just go! Go!

Royal Aunt, I asked the Royal Kitchen to make so many delicious foods for you. Try to eat some.

Not anymore. I'm not feeling well. I don't have the appetite.

Princess Royal doesn't have a poor appetite,

but you need to change what you're eating.

Wen Zhen, you came.

Greetings to the Princess Royal and Princess Liuli.

Quickly rise. Bring her a seat.

Quick!

What is that?

This is a unique dish produced by the famous restaurant in the capital, Heavenly Dining Hall.

Every day, they only make fifty orders.

No matter how much the royal descendants and noble lords offer,

they can't get any extras made.

Right now, here in the capital, everyone considers it an honor to be able to eat just one.

I especially brought one for you to taste.

- That magical? - Yes.

Let me taste it.

Truly delicious!

Since Madame Rong died, I haven't eaten a uniquely delicious dish like this.

As they say, there is a talent in every generation.

That's right. The name of the new chef of the Heavenly Dining Hall is Li Yao.

He's very young but his culinary skills are so exquisite.

Li Yao.

I seemed to have heard Xiao Jing mention him.

Too bad, this Li Yao just got here in the capital and hasn't taken a foothold yet.

He can't join the cooking competition for this year.

The culinary field here in the capital is quite in a dismal situation.

It seems that the problem is it's too limited to one kind and lacks the magnanimity for new talents.

The Princess is quite right.

Seeing as you like it, eat some more.

Stop just taking care of me. Liuli, taste it, too.

Madame, what is your purpose? This Li Yao...

I know. Li Yao is Xia Chunyu's very close friend.

She even embarrassed you at the Heavenly Dining Hall.

Then why did you still recommend her?

My reason

is not to help her, but to help you.

I don't understand.

This Li Yao has wide connections.

The important people around her aren't just our Heir Apparent Xia.

If she doesn't commit any mistake, I really can't do anything to her.

The culinary competition that happens every two years will be starting soon.

Princess Royal likes good food. She surely will attend the final round.

I understand now.

But... doing this... is it not going to hurt Aunt. Right?

Don't worry. Princess Royal is your backer.

She's also my backer.

We hope for her to live long.

Da Yao Yao, congratulations!

Congratulations for what?

You don't know? They made an exemption and allowed you to get included in the culinary competition.

I'm interested in making money. I'm not interested in competitions.

I already lost my sense of taste. How can I still compete?

What are you all doing?

I worked hard to train my chopping skills for thirty years and didn't get in.

This person isn't even interested in the competition. How dare you!

Everyone, I'm sorry.

I was joking just now.

This brother, please make way. Let me go cry in front of my name.

Li Yao...

Heaven! Earth!

Green smoke is indeed poring out of my ancestral tomb (good fortune). My name is actually on here.

Father, Mother, can you see this?

My dream that hasn't been fulfilled in modern times has now come true in ancient times.

How difficult.

Madame Rong?

Who is Madame Rong?

Seems like its just us two gir--

No, no, no. There's just one girl.

This culinary competition is actually a single elimination open tournament.

The winner last time was this Madame Rong.

She is an outstanding woman that is really rare in this world.

In the culinary world, you could say that she's legendary.

She already has successively won the championship five times.

Ten years. Ten years now.

In ancient times, it's a patriarchal society, yet she's able to make such an achievement.

I'm making her my new idol.

- Idol? - Quickly look! Isn't that Madame Rong?

Madame Rong! Let's go look!

Superstar.

It is terrible. These people are crazy.

You are joking again.

Just because they worship you and want to see you in person.

Um, isn't that right!

It is really not easy. You see, it is very windy in the city.

It makes my skin worse.

When will it be that someone blows me down?

Madame, isn't that simple?

As long as you collude with a person, you can lose on purpose.

Then everybody will be happy, right?

That's right.

You can really think.

Be good.

Get out!

Why, Madame?

Men have to know how to decorate their own looks and manners.

You ate too much garlic and have bad breath. (Meaning you talk too much!)

I feel sick because of it.

Madam, I didn't eat garlic today.

Throw him out.

- Madame! - Get out!

I'm so angry.

Hahaha...

Madam!

Go away! Leave me alone!

Don't laugh!

All right.

Don't laugh! Don't laugh!

You are laughing. Drink!

Heavenly Dining Hall's Li Yao is wanting to meet Madame.

Heavenly Dining Hall's Li Yao is wanting to meet Madame.

Heavenly Dining Hall--

What are you doing? Didn't we say no cooks?

Who is it? Is he handsome?

He is ugly.

Let him come in!

Madame!

Xiao Bao, I said let him come in. I know you're the most jealous.

Madame.

Get out!

Madame, I...

Xiao Bao, are you blind? Can't you see she's a woman? Make her leave.

- Oh! - Eh, no, no, no!

Madame, I want to advise you. Over indulgence causes shaking hands easily. You will lose to me in the competition.

You are a little girl but you boast a lot!

I cannot. In fact, today is for fans to see their idols. This is a dish that I personally made. Please try it!

This dish has a special name called Streamer. It is a culinary poem.

- Throw it away. - Yes.

Hey! Madam, you--

You are laughing at my getting older, aren't you?

- No, that is not what I mean-- - Get out!

Madam, you didn't even try it! How can you say that?

- Get out! - Madame, you are disrespecting the profession.

Madam! Madam!

Let's continue playing. Who goes first?

Subbing and Timing brought to you by the Ancient Modern Chef Team @Viki

What are you doing here?

I'm doing nothing.

Oh! How is it?

The dish of cherry meat was for Madame Rong, right?

Don't even mention it!

Madam Rong doesn't like cherry meat. She likes "small fresh meat." (young guys)

Don't you mean her meat fresh?

What?

Fresh meat means cute young guys.

Like you, for example.

Could it be, you're not one?

How could I be! You haven't heard of same-sex repulsion-- Oh...

I meant I'm not that cute. Madame Rong wouldn't be interested.

What do you think Madame Rong's problem was? Her sick-looking husband should do something about her.

Sick-looking husband?

Oh, Madame Rong is not married. Rong is her own last name.

But she dresses like a married lady and behaves quite unusual,

so I don't know what exactly is going on with her.

She could count as a feminist pioneer in your era.

She must be really skillful at cooking or else she wouldn't be able to do whatever she wants.

What?

I...

Frankly...

Frankly, you said that you are not good looking;

but in my eyes, I think you are very good looking.

If you were a woman, you would really...

Really what?

I want you to be my wife.

Say something!

It really is like the red bean milk custard you made!

Such a heavenly-tasting delicacy on earth.

Who compliments people like that? You are lucky that I'm not a girl.

If I was a girl, I would--

- What is it? - Nothing.

I just thought of a good idea,

maybe you should pay Miss Rong a visit.

What would I be doing there? What if Miss Rong gets handsy with me? Would you want that?

Didn't we agree to be there for each other? I will go with you and protect you.

Really?

I... can go but you must answer this question first.

Say it!

What is your relationship with Brother Chunyu? I realized that he seems to like you.

He always tries to be close to you.

I asked people, that day someone lied about my brother falling from a horse, it was him trying to drive me away.

How is it possible?

I am a guy. If he is into me, he would be gay then.

Stop thinking that nonsense. Let's go cook!

Oh? Coming, coming.

Madame Rong...

You can all leave.

- Madame. - Madame.

Be good. Leave now.

- Yes. - Yes.

Xiao Jing Jing, come and take a seat.

Yes.

Look at you,

Xiao Jing Jing, you grew into a real man.

Yes.

You got prettier...

I'm glad...

Looks like she has already noticed my Xiao Jing Jing.

Lady, no need for spirits.

I have a dish here for you to try.

I don't know how many people have brought food to me to try and judge this year.

Looking at the food, I think they are all the same. There's not much taste.

Why don't we do something else?

No need.

Madame.

Why don't we do this?

I will drink a cup of wine and you try the food. What do you think?

The rule changed!

Drink this.

No... you have already drunk this.

How could I share?

Then I shall force myself to try your dish.

How is it?

We already agreed.

I tried the food, you must drink the wine.

Come, come, come drink this.

Aiya! Look... I'm so careless.

Aiya! Look, your clothing is wet.

Let me take it off for you!

Oh no!

No need.

He is in trouble!

Come, let me help you to take it off.

I'm here, Xiao Jing Jing! Let him go!

Are you okay, huh?

I'm okay. I'm okay.

You, again?

Why are you always here to spoil things, young lady?

Madame, we are here for you to try the food and not the man.

You interrupted Xiao Jing Jing and I.

I bet you are bad at cooking. Your dish might taste like pig food.

- You-- - Someone!

Get them out of here and throw away the food on your way out.

How could you--

Madame Rong!

Get out.

Let me go.

Da Yao Yao! Da Yao Yao!

We can't get to Madame Rong anymore. She doesn't want to see any cooks

and she has hired many swordsmen to protect her.

It's all right! She is such a pervert,

bullied you twice, and harassed you.

I'm too lazy to even go see her.

She was on the top for too long that she looks down on people who are half-way there.

I've eaten your food before. It's just amazing!

We will beat her in the competition fair and square.

Make her show some respect!

But I am only half way there, will I really make it?

Do you think she might be related to the royals?

I've never heard of it before.

Then she is just really talented.

What if she was testing me?

Like those tales about gurus giving

young pupils challenges to test them.

If that's so, I will keep you company while you take on the challenge.

Enough, don't go. It was troublesome enough when we went there.

How could a royal like you be treated like that?

Let me go try again myself.

You can't even get near Madame Rong's place right now.

How are you going to visit her?

None of your business.

Do you really want to do this?

Third try will be the last.

I will take you there.

You just said he can't get near it.

Xiao Jing, things that cannot be done by you, are not the things that cannot be done by me.

Let's go.

I want to come with you!

- No need. - I...

Thank you.

No need. You are my wife.

Go in.

Are you not coming with me?

Do you want me to? Aren't you afraid that Madame Rong is going to do something to me?

You, seriously...

How do you know everything?

When you like someone, you will find out everything about the person.

Who's there?

Hurry.

- Be careful. - Go on.

Stop.

What are you doing?

Who allows you to cook?

Madame, aren't these shrimp from Tianhu your favorite?

I spent lots of money to get the fresh ones.

I was thinking, cooking these shrimp for you,

means wishing you the best luck

so you can win the competition once again.

What a kiss-ass.

You? What makes you think you can cook?

I know I am not the best at it, but...

I've been learning from you for more than three years, Madame Rong.

What about three years? With your qualifications,

can you even identify the ingredients you encountered in these years?

How many moves do you even know from these sixteen chopping moves?

Don't even mention how to handle the ladles and the seasonings.

You want to cook? Cooking with this face of yours?

She is making some sense...

which does not fit into your bitchy character.

But Madame, for the sake of me serving you

with all my dedication for three years...

Please, Madame, give me another chance to return it to you.

Impossible.

How could you be so cold-hearted?

I don't want to be cold-hearted,

but what did you say these past two days?

You said I should lose the competition on purpose.

You just don't respect my work,

don't respect the kitchen, and you don't respect yourself.

With that thinking of yours, you will never be a good chef ever.

Scram!

Madame! Madame!

Touch my face. This is the face that you liked the most.

It's not bad.

But now,

all I want to do is to slap it!

Scram!

Since you insist on being cold-hearted, then I will be the same.

Do you think you are that great? Huh?

You are just a slut.

You can't even compete with the women from the brothels.

Do you know what the lads are saying behind your back?

Old Hag Woman!

You can squeeze a fly to death with one wrinkle on your face.

What did you say?

Am I not right? Since you don't want me to come back,

I will go talk about you outside every day and every night.

I will let everyone know that you are a mean person with no shame!

Do you think I care?

You don't care...

What are you doing? Let go.

What are you doing?

- Let go. - I'm going to beat you to death!

Sexist! Sexist! Sexist!

Let her go! I will beat you up!

Who are you?

It's not important who I am.

The important thing is, how could you disrespect your mentor and disrespect women?

If men can be perverts, how come women can't?

Hey.

Men! Men!

Don't yell anymore. All of your men have been hit by my husband.

Stupid Donkey! Take this man out!

Yao Yao, are you okay?

I'm good. Head out.

Young lady, this husband of yours isn't bad.

He's not my husband.

You just said it yourself.

I misspoke in the heat of the moment.

How do you know the modern version of the word "husband?"

Don't you people use the word "My Lord?"

Someone taught it to me before.

You kind of saved my life today.

What food did you cook again? Bring it here.

I didn't bring any food here today.

I actually want to discuss something with you today. It's regarding respect.

You think that I didn't respect you the past two times?

Yes.

But based on the conversation you had with that loser, I don't think you are all bad.

Even though you are kind of "careless" with people,

you probably are someone who respects food and work.

If I didn't respect you, it's because you didn't respect the food.

Huh?

The first dish, even though I've never read anything,

I understand poems.

"Time leaves us behind. It paints the cherries red, leaves green."

The "cherry" in the poem is meant by the cherry on the dish,

you used pea leaves for the "leaves" in the poem.

The symbolism is there, but it was not done well.

No matter how beautiful the symbols are, they are purely attention grabbers.

But you didn't even try it, Madame Rong.

There was no need.

You think braised pork with a cherry on top

will turn into cherry pork?

The real cherry pork is to chop the surface of the pork belly into small cubes.

After they've been boiled, the skill will puff up and turn into spheres.

Then you use the red rice wine to make the color.

The taste is sweet and sour.

Pork belly can only be called "cherry pork" with these necessary traits.

Not with an actual cherry placed on top of the dish.

The second dish: chicken with silver sprouts.

You thought you would make it special by switching the ham to chicken,

it doesn't really work that way!

Insert the ham strands inside the bean sprouts,

the sprouts will lock in the taste of the ham.

The freshness and the saltiness of the ham, plus the non-greasy taste of the bean sprouts,

makes their taste a contrast.

But you changed the ham into chicken shreds. Won't that just make the taste too bland?

This means that you didn't understand

the painstaking reason behind the design of the dish, the bean sprouts, or the ham.

Unreasonably showing off your skills only causes it to become more inferior.

What's wrong?

Speechless?

After listening to what you said today,

I finally realized why you can win the competition every time.

I thought you just didn't want other female cooks to succeed,

because you are a woman.

It turns out that I was the petty one.

The red bean milk custard you make

is really popular.

Seems like you really put in the effort.

But your heart should be clear.

If you're being analytical about it,

you can gain attention with these tricks.

But you should ask yourself,

do you really like to cook

or do you regard cooking as just a job?

- What are you doing? - Since young, my dream

was to be a chef, open a restaurant, and make lots of money.

But I have never thought about the things you said.

I want you to be my mentor and learn how to cook from you!

Don't. Please don't.

You're right. The best female master, there can only be one.

But I am still looking forward to competing with you.

- I'm leaving. - Madame!

You want to shower with me? What's your name?

My name is Ye Jiayao.

Ye Jiayao. All right.

Such character. I love it!

Let's do our best.

This is good.

Put more salt in there.

Word.

Let's add some scallions.

You cook and I eat, what a perfect combination!

Your dish tastes amazing! Da Yao Yao!

Xiao Jing Jing! Yeah!

[Li Yao] [Li Yao] [Li Yao]

Thank you.

- Thank you. - Congratulations.

- What's wrong? - This is a bit salty.

This is the one where I just added salt. Try the rest.

Okay.

This is a bit sweet.

This is still a bit salty.

This... it seems to be tasteless.

- Did I get it wrong? - It's fine.

You have improved a lot.

This little improvement is not enough for the competition.

Let's try the seasoning with the different ratios.

By the time of the final, even if the kitchen is locked,

you can still season it with experience.

But one little change will make a huge difference.

My competitor is Madam Rong. I will definitely lose even when I am only a little behind.

But I respect her. I will be okay if she beats me.

You haven't even started to compete and you already think you will lose.

This is not like you at all.

What should we do then?

Brother Chunyu, as a member of royalty, you come to Heavenly Dining Hall every day.

Don't you have anything else to do?

Yao Yao, if you lose the competition,

then you are not as skillful yet. You can't blame others.

But it's a special circumstance here. Will you really be okay with it?

Yao Yao, I have an idea.

Let him go! Your tongue is not made of gold.

Even if you are good enough to sneak in and try the food,

it won't matter.

I will definitely help you try them.

I don't agree!

Then it's fine. Let's go with your idea.

Season it based on your experience.

Hey, Xia Chunyu.

Don't worry. He is just too proud.

Her Highness the Princess Royal is here!

Princess Liu Li is here also!

Dear Princess Royal,

every past competition

has always been judged by the Princess Royal,

so please decide the theme.

Liuli, I will leave the topic to you.

Yes.

Madame Rong.

Please.

What did you talk about with Madame Rong?

How did you get so friendly with each other all of sudden?

- It's a secret. - Even I can't know either?

There are still many things you don't know.

- Does he know then? - He doesn't.

Remember the judge is the Princess Royal.

Remember, she was born in the year of the chicken.

She loves chicken. And chicken mean good luck to her, so she doesn't eat chicken.

That's so... no wonder...

Seems like that Princess Liuli, who was messing around last time, is also here.

If you want to know anything about her, I can tell you. Like now--

No need. I know her, too.

Princess Liuli is a favorite of the Princess Royal.

Princess Liuli goes wherever the Princess Royal goes.

No wonder she is so arrogant! Is she the Princess' daughter?

No, she's not.

Xiao Jing, you go ahead.

Liuli was not a real "Princess."

Subbing and Timing brought to you by the Ancient Modern Chef Team @Viki

♫ Look at my attack, this speed is so advanced ♫

♫ My prominent name will cut off your devilish lies ♫

♫ So whether you are a scout or a recruiter ♫

♫ I will get involved in this trouble, since most heroes are youths ♫

♫ In day and in night, I am like a tireless horse ♫

♫ I can use all weapons, like knives, guns, sticks, and clubs ♫

♫ My internal strength grows exponentially ♫

♫ Everyone is trying to figure out how to attack and defeat me ♫

♫ What's to fear? I live freely ♫

♫ I bring trouble because of my reputation ♫

♫ Uninvited guests, take this punch ♫

♫ Liars, watch out for the cars and boats ♫

♫ Almost forgot to tell you that with nunchucks in my hands, ♫

♫ I am so skilled that no other weapons can compare ♫

♫ It takes control of my body, and it takes no effort to defeat you ♫

♫ My righteous aura will trample all lowlives underfoot ♫

♫ Please don't come near me, I can play it by ear ♫

♫ Even if you guard left and right, you can't withstand three of my hits ♫

♫ With my brandish weapons, I'll beat you to the ground ♫

♫ With just nunchucks, I can knock you down ♫

♫ Don't come near me, I can play it by ear ♫

♫ Even if you guard left and right, you can't withstand three of my hits ♫

♫ With my brandish weapons, I'll beat you to the ground ♫

♫ With just nunchucks, I can knock you down ♫

♫ I only need one breath to sink my breath to my lower stomach ♫

♫ Fighting skills are not used to gain advantages ♫

♫ The loyalty inside my heart allows my blood to flow smoothly ♫

♫ My strong zeal is for my brothers ♫

♫ So I've been repeatedly making it slowly assimilate into my body ♫

♫ To become my fatal poison, I must be very familiar with it ♫

♫ Every time I look at my strong arm, I swear to become this world's number one master ♫

♫ What's to fear? I live freely ♫

♫ I bring trouble because of my reputation ♫

♫ Uninvited guests, take this punch ♫

♫ Liars, watch out for the cars and boats ♫

♫ I have a loyal and righteous heart, but I keep a low profile ♫

♫ Martial morality will always come first, and not even thunder can break this faith ♫

♫ In the future when my name is mentioned, not many stories will come up ♫

♫ They'll say I trained hard, had a bitter willpower, and slept on the streets everyday ♫

♫ Please don't come near me, I can play it by ear ♫

♫ Even if you guard left and right, you can't withstand three of my hits ♫

♫ With my brandish weapons, I'll beat you to the ground ♫

♫ With just nunchucks, I can knock you down ♫

♫ Don't come near me, I can play it by ear ♫

♫ Even if you guard left and right, you can't withstand three of my hits ♫

♫ With my brandish weapons, I'll beat you to the ground ♫

♫ With just nunchucks, I can knock you down ♫

♫ Don't come near me, I can play it by ear ♫

♫ Even if you guard left and right, you can't withstand three of my hits ♫

♫ With my brandish weapons, I'll beat you to the ground ♫

♫ With just nunchucks, I can knock you down ♫

♫ Don't come near me, I can play it by ear ♫

♫ Even if you guard left and right, you can't withstand three of my hits ♫

♫ With my brandish weapons, I'll beat you to the ground ♫

♫ With just nunchucks, I can knock you down ♫