This lush series centres on palace intrigue and the demands of royal palates. A Crown Prince has rejected all candidates for the job of Imperial Chef, but young chef Ling's succulent commoner's dish wins him over. While Ling's savoury meat dishes please most royal diners, the Emperor and Empress are vegetarians. Ling handles this setback but is betrayed by a seething Noble Consort. Also angered is the Empress, who see that the Emperor is enamoured by her. Refusing the Crown Prince's plea to learn royal protocol, Ling is faced with choosing between her career and forbidden love.