An actress stuck with her career, a lonely veteran in a Beijing alley. A naughty kid raised by his grandma and a failed middle-aged man. Because of a scam these four people are forced to form a temporary family.
The Forbidden City Culture Company's CEO wanted to produce a palace-based variety program. Tao Tang, a young cultural expert, Liao Mu Yu, the renowned director, and seasoned host Wang Xi Ning were all brought on board to develop his vision. Once completed, the young director Yu Zai Zao arrived on the scene disrupting the team's plans. Despite their initial displeasure, Yu Zai Zao won them over with her fresh and unique ideas. Newly inspired, the team solidified and worked diligently. The programme eventually bests its competition by promoting traditional culture to its appreciative audience.
During the reign of Long Hua, Xiao Duo, a powerful eunuch in charge of the imperial court, plans a palace mutiny with Prince Fu to help him ascend to the throne. Bu Yinlou, a tribute lady that was supposed to be hanged as a tribute to the late emperor was saved by Xiao Duo as Prince Fu fancies her. The two of them spend a lot of time with each other and develop feelings for each other, but due to their status, they have to hide their feelings. Xiao Duo goes to Jiangnan to supervise a silk trade with a foreign country, and Yinlou accompanies him to visit his relatives in the south, during which they fall in love and finally reveal their hearts. But the road ahead is full of obstacles, Xiao Duo's true identity, the threat of the King of South Court, and the suppression of the emperor in the palace. The two of them have to sacrifice themselves for the greater good and decide to enter the palace, but Xiao Duo misunderstands her. What is the fate between the two?
Set during the Ming dynasty, the drama revolves around the food bureau of the imperial palace. To host diplomatic corps and government intelligence agencies from around the world, the Yong Le Emperor decides to recruit women who are talented in cooking to the food bureau. After a tough selection, Yao Zi Jin manages to enter the food bureau as a palace maid. She meets Lu Xing Qiao, a former beggar and Su Yue Hua, a genius cook. The three of them work together and encourage one another, coming up with unique cuisines which incorporate Chinese medicine, and also re-creating old classic famous dishes. Yao Zi Jin slowly works her way up in the food bureau, and also improving her craft at the same time. Finally, she realizes the real meaning of "food" and decides to give up competing for the position of "Shang Shi", instead deciding to leave the palace and spread the beauty of Chinese cuisine among the ordinary folks.