The Anorexic Prince's Personal Chef

Wei Yun, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Works in the capital, had been a delicate beauty since childhood, blessed with both grace and stunning looks. She had barely come of age when suitors were already lining up at her door. + But political turmoil and an unforeseen disaster soon struck. The entire Minister's household was demoted, leaving them in dire straits. Wei Yun pleaded for her father, but was framed and forced into palace service. The Third Prince brought her back to his residence to work as a cook. + At the time, the struggle for the throne was growing fiercer by the day. The Third Prince's influence at court was rising rapidly, yet he himself was frail and chronically ill. + The imperial physicians and chefs were frantic to keep the prince healthy, and came up with all kinds of rare delicacies. But the Third Prince suffered from anorexia and found everything tasteless. + On the autumn equinox, the prince hosted a banquet. Wei Yun had a sudden inspiration and steamed flowers into a dish. It won the guests' praise and, unexpectedly, sparked the Third Prince's interest in food. + Before everyone's eyes, the Third Prince, who had always been averse to eating, suddenly developed a hearty appetite. From then on, Wei Yun became his personal cook. + She treasured the opportunity. Every day, before dawn, she pinned up her hair and rolled up her sleeves, her slender figure bustling in the kitchen. She diligently studied medicinal properties, gathered folk recipes, and carefully prepared one delicious medicinal dish after another... + In time, the Third Prince's health gradually improved, while Wei Yun rose from a lowly maid to a prominent figure in the prince's household, making everyone envious. + Only Wei Yun found it troublesome. + - + One day, the Empress sent over some precious pastries, and the Third Prince once again told Wei Yun to... eat them for him. + Lately, the Third Prince had often had this odd habit. It seemed that without watching her eat, he had no appetite. Wei Yun dared not disobey, so she obediently picked up a pastry and took a bite. + The Third Prince gazed at her soft, pale cheeks, his mood lifting. He reached out and brushed the crumbs from the corner of her mouth. + Wei Yun immediately sensed he was teasing her, and her eyes reddened. + The Third Prince, usually dignified, aloof, and unpredictable, suddenly panicked. "Does it not suit your taste?" + Wei Yun shook her head. + The Third Prince coaxed her. "Don't cry. Just eat all of these, and whatever else you want, I will grant it." + Theme: Every day spent without dancing is a betrayal of life