Wiki & Encyclopedia: Border Little Cook

An associate of the Round-faced Man, known for his cynical and disdainful attitude toward ordinary citizens.

A man in scholarly attire with a distinctive, faded scar across his right face who manipulates others by planting malicious rumors about Madam Xia and the Wufu Workshop.

The Chief Eunuch serving the Emperor, known for his cautious diplomatic demeanor and knowledge of court etiquette.

The ruler of the empire, currently managing court affairs and conversing with Xiao Luo'an.

A prince and son of the Emperor, trusted and praised for his reliability and capable service in state affairs.

A prince and son of the Emperor with whom the Emperor maintains a relaxed and comfortable relationship.

A young, round-faced, and arrogant man who harbors a grudge against the Xia family. He is visibly drunk and openly conspiring to sabotage the Wufu Workshop.

A middle-aged man with a subtle, noticeable scar on his face. He is collaborating with Du Ruian to plot against the Wufu Workshop, though he is more concerned with secrecy than his companion.

The manager of the field estate, responsible for agricultural production and handling property issues such as pest control.

The eldest prince, a scheming individual anxious about the unauthorized mining investigation at Mei Ridge due to its connection to the Wen family.

The second prince, characterized by his composed nature and political intelligence, who enjoys antagonizing the eldest prince.

The mother of the First Prince, a politically astute and protective figure within the imperial palace. She actively advises her son to adopt more deceptive and patient tactics to strengthen his claim to the throne.

The head of the National Academy, a highly respected and learned scholar, who is also the father-in-law of Prince Xiao Luochen.

A skilled cook at the workshop who has mastered Xia Mingyue's culinary techniques, ensuring food quality even when Xia Mingyue is not personally involved.

The consort of the Emperor, holding high-level influence whose approval contributes to social prestige.

The older of the two kidnapped sisters, who provides crucial information to Xia Mingyue regarding their captivity.

The younger sister of the pair, currently held under the watch of the kidnappers.

A kidnapper posing as a traveler, known for acting aggressively and using the sister for labor/profit.

A kidnapper and accomplice to the middle-aged man, who pretends to be a normal traveler.

A man who previously owned a spice shop, currently a captive for his criminal actions against the Zou sisters.

Wife of Ma San, involved in the scamming and robbing of the Zou sisters.

Older sister of the duo, who was robbed and deceived by Ma San and his wife.

Younger sister of the duo, who was robbed and deceived by Ma San and his wife.

A companion accompanying Fan Jinglan.

A husband and wife duo encountered by the sisters on their journey. They exploited the girls by stealing their money and valuables.

The county magistrate (Xianwei) of Jinqiu County. He is responsible for legal cases and administration, known for his dedication to justice and efficiency.

An associate or neighbor of Xia Mingyue who offers her courtyard space to help manage storage issues.

A person learning cooking skills from the establishment associated with Xia Mingyue.

A person learning cooking skills from the establishment associated with Xia Mingyue.

A military commander credited for his role in suppressing bandits alongside Magistrate Pei.

A trusted associate of Xia Mingyue who manages daily operations and staff assignments at the Central Kitchen.

The manager of the local property agency. He is diligent and resourceful, eventually securing a suitable location for Xia Mingyue by leveraging the reputation of her business.

A professional mason and craftsman hired by Xia Mingyue to renovate the new central kitchen; he provides expert practical advice on building layouts and construction.

The newly arrived magistrate of Jinqiu County, originally a scholar from the Hanlin Academy, expected to bring new administrative focus to the region.

A former student of the Jinqiu County academy who has successfully joined the Hanlin Academy in the Capital. He is the newly arrived magistrate, possessing a sophisticated and polished demeanor compared to his past self.

The head of the local Jinqiu County Academy, widely respected for his educational abilities and teaching standards.

The Minister of Revenue at the imperial court who holds a position of power and maintains connections with the local government in Jinqiu County.

The younger sister of Minister Fan, currently residing in Jinqiu County. She maintains a close friendship with Xia Mingyue.

An associate at the workshop who shares memories of past hardships and survival, inadvertently inspiring new culinary ideas.

A worker in the central kitchen who discusses the difference between desperate survival and modern culinary innovation.

A worker in the central kitchen who shares her perspective on how quality of ingredients changes one's perception of food.

The manager of the Buyun Pavilion franchise who oversees the business and is currently preparing to send annual profits to the owner.

Wu Xiong's intended, who works and resides in Changzhou Prefecture.

The Emperor of the Great Zhou, who is currently analyzing intelligence regarding military movements on the western frontier.

A prince and son of the Emperor, responsible for reporting tactical summaries and intelligence briefings to his father.

The mother of Jiang Zhuguo, currently recovering from an illness. She expects her daughter to secure money from her employer to improve their household finances.

An important general of Jinwei who was severely wounded in the recent conflict, leaving his army leaderless.

The Grand Marshal of the Jinwei nation, who sustained severe injuries during a surprise military raid led by Lu Qiyan and Xia Yunji.

The wife of the Emperor, participating in the sampling of traditional food items.

An associate who holds a high opinion of Xia Mingyue.

An elder of the He family who admires Xia Mingyue.

An associate helping with food preparation tasks.

A subordinate or servant responsible for household management during the protagonist's absence.

A domestic worker or cook associated with the household.

An acquaintance of Yin Lingyou who frequently dines at the same location.

A family facing impending downfall due to their past misdeeds.

Xia Mingyue's companion who is studying medicine under Yin Lingyou to handle minor ailments while on the road.

A personal attendant to Old Madam He, responsible for the matriarch's daily care, health, and travel logistics.

The high-ranking Imperial matriarch residing in the Palace, who maintains a long-standing personal friendship with Old Madam He.

The protagonist of the fictional story 'Jinxiu Lu', depicted as a woman who matures and rises from humble, innocent origins to navigate the treachery of palace life.

An antagonistic figure in the story 'Jinxiu Lu' who constantly obstructs and challenges the protagonist, You Jinxiu, due to jealousy and rivalry.

A military general of the Jinwei Kingdom serving as a bodyguard for Prince Li Juncheng. He is hot-tempered, skeptical of the peace treaty, and holds a low opinion of Great Zhou's military.

The head of the military kitchen staff. He is humble, diligent, and anxious about his ability to cook for high-ranking officials, leading him to seek culinary guidance from Lady Xia.

The First Prince of the Jinwei Kingdom. A militant figure who opposes peace talks and is believed to have deployed Tao Ankang to sabotage the diplomatic efforts of Li Juncheng.

A General of the Jinwei Kingdom with a deep-seated hatred for the Great Zhou. He is currently suffering from facial injuries and is attempting to sabotage peace negotiations.

The local administrative official of Congyu County who manages the villa used to host the diplomatic party. He is known for being dutiful but socially awkward.

The supreme ruler of the Great Zhou, whom Lu Qiyan invoke as a figure of authority to feign compliance with the demands of the visiting delegation.

An attendant or servant in the service of Tao Kanglai, who is seen sneaking out of the estate at night.

The Prefect of Ronghe Prefecture, known for being upright and holding high social standing. He is famously meticulous about his tea and drinking water.

The personal attendant to Prefect Ruan Zhiheng, responsible for managing the household's daily services and tea preparations.

A wealthy spice merchant of humble origins. He is ambitious and socially adept, currently desperately seeking political protection from Prefect Ruan by offering his estate to house the delegation.

A subordinate of Prefect Ruan, tasked with overseeing the logistics and reception of the delegation at the Cao residence.

The eldest and most senior physician in Ronghe Prefecture, responsible for formally diagnosing Lu Qiyan.

The high-ranking official governing Ronghe Prefecture and the superior officer to whom Magistrate Yin reports.

A former, incompetent commanding officer who previously held authority over Lu Qiyan.

A royal prince deeply involved in court conflict and the primary political patron of the Third Prince.

A rival to the Second Prince, known for utilizing lethal force against political opponents.

An associate of Lu Qiyan, present during the travel to Mei Ridge.

A title referring to Xiao Luo'an, who is currently managing operational tasks passed to him by Lu Qiyan.

Attendant in the service of the Third Prince (Xiao Luo'an), responsible for carrying food and attending to the Prince during his visit to Prefect Ruan.

A powerful political faction currently poised to exploit any weakness or failure in the imperial administration.

The Military Commissioner of Lingdong Road, a decisive and capable official spearheading the military response at Mei Ridge, believed to have ties to the He Family.

A prominent family known for maintaining strict neutrality in the imperial succession disputes.

An authoritative figure representing the Wen family, currently focusing on managing the family's interests amidst political instability.

A younger member of the Wen family who executes the directives of his elders.

The newly hired head servant managing the residence purchased by Lu Qiyan in the capital.

An attendant responsible for household chores, including preparing the tea set for the evening.

A member of the imperial family who hosted a celebratory banquet to reward the military commanders for their protection services.

The Third Princess and daughter of the Empress. She is fourteen years old and known for her stubborn determination, particularly when it comes to her studies and crafts.

An Imperial Censor who is secretly corrupt, maintaining a household with mistresses while mistreating his wife, eventually exposed for his hypocrisy.

The Minister of Revenue and older brother of Fan Jinglan, currently hosting military officers for a meal.

The sovereign ruler of the Great Zhou, father to the Third Princess, and overseer of military promotions and rewards.

A noble figure mentioned by the Empress as a regular guest at the Imperial banquet.

The leader of a group of black-clothed assassins employed by the Wen family to eliminate Xiao Luo'an.

The leader of the powerful Cui political faction, currently maintaining a façade of civility with his rival, Wen Yongze, during the banquet.

A high-ranking female member of the imperial family, seated with Xia Mingyue and Fan Jinglan during the banquet.

Referring to the Third Prince, currently away and expected to return home due to his journey.

The matriarch of the Fan family who views the potential union between the Fan and Xia families favorably, acting as an intermediary in the discussion.

A playful member of the imperial family who enjoys close companionship and teasing banter with Fan Jinglan.

The Minister of Justice tasked by the Emperor to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of the Third Prince.

An official from the Ministry of Works who publicly demands an investigation into the Wen family's involvement.

A figure whose presence remains a mystery; her presumed physical remains were identified among those killed alongside the Third Prince.

A relative of the Wen family who is currently preparing to travel to the capital; his potential arrival is viewed by Wen Liyan as a critical factor in their family's survival.

The mother of the second prince and a pivotal figure within the Cui faction, who actively encourages her son's ruthless political strategies.

An official in charge of surveillance operations, currently monitoring the Wen family with a cautious and calculated strategy.

The younger sister of Lu Qiyan. She is physically dependent on a specific medicine controlled by the Wen family, which they use as a coercive tool to manipulate Lu Qiyan.

An assassin trained by the Wen family to impersonate Lu Mingzhu using a, highly realistic, human-skin mask. She was killed by Lu Qiyan in combat after her mask was removed.

A family member who observes the interactions between the younger generation and enjoys their liveliness.

The eldest son of the head of the Cui family, who openly celebrates the death of the First Prince, believing it to be a divine intervention favoring their faction.

A prominent family that has already disappeared from the political landscape.

A family loyal to the Emperor, primarily focused on supporting the throne rather than engaging in power struggles.

A high-ranking scholar from the Hanlin Academy tasked by the Emperor to tutor the Third Prince.

A high-ranking official at the National Academy appointed to oversee the Third Prince's academic education.

A Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel who creates a political scandal by publicly accusing Lu Qiyan and Xia Mingyue of colluding with a prince from the fallen former dynasty.

A former imperial physician from the previous dynasty who provided critical medical life-saving treatment to the Third Prince.

A noblewoman whose residence was situated adjacent to the location where the Third Prince resided while in hiding.

An acquaintance or younger family associate invited to share social gatherings with Old Madam He.

A refined elderly woman residing in the capital, suggested as a companion for Xia Mingyue to visit during Lu Qiyan's absence.

A prominent military aristocrat who exerts influence in state affairs and takes an interest in protecting those supported by Xia Mingyue.

A kind and well-intentioned official who attempted to assist Yin Lingyou and Mao Sanli during their period of captivity, earning their trust and gratitude.

A military general who is a recipient of land grants from the Emperor alongside the Marquis of Dingyuan.

The head of the household and husband of Madam Fan, who ultimately supports his daughter's travel plans.

A former employee at the Central Kitchen who resigned due to family obligations.

A former employee of the Central Kitchen who was dismissed for stealing. Also referred to as Mrs. Niu.

An apprentice chef at Buyun Pavilion, praised for his culinary skill in creating and refining signature dishes.

The manager of the Vinegar Workshop, responsible for managing production, sales, and internal security.

The stepmother of the Zou sisters who attempts to use social and family authority to force them to return home.

The father of the Zou sisters and the husband of Madam Liu, head of the Zou Estate.

The individuals who left their home to work at Xia's Shop to avoid their stepmother's schemes.

A close attendant to Madam Liu who assists her at the tea house and attempts to provide testimony regarding the alleged assault.

Local law enforcement officers in Jinqiu County who responded to the tea house disturbance. They are protective of the town's image and arrested Madam Liu for assaulting an officer.

An elderly woman who cares for Song, provides maternal advice, and believes in standing up for oneself rather than enduring mistreatment.

Song's brother-in-law and the acting head of the Li family. A principled and protective young man who acts as Song's family representative during her wedding to Liu Caisheng.

A professional banquet chef known for preparing elaborate restaurant-style meals, tasked with catering the wedding feast.

A servant at the He household who welcomes guests and provides helpful warnings about the mistress's mood.

An official in charge of managing the diplomatic and military transition regarding the peace talks.

A soldier in the Western Frontier Army and husband of Mrs. Lv, currently being promoted to Vice Battalion Commander.

The trusted leader of the Marquis of Dingyuan's secret guards, responsible for intelligence gathering and security operations.

The ruler of the Jinwei Kingdom, who maintains a tenuous political balance with the Great Zhou Empire.

The eldest granddaughter of the Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy, known for being refined, educated, and virtuous, betrothed to the Crown Prince.

A diligent scholar studying at the County Academy in Jinqiu, noted for his integrity and modest background, and the object of Cen Ying's affections.

An influential family whose marriage alliance is vital for strengthening Xiao Luo'an's political standing as Crown Prince.

A senior military commander who has received imperial permission to retire from the army and transition into a local civil administrative role.

A senior military commander who has received imperial permission to retire from the army and transition into a local civil administrative role.

A kind acquaintance from the village who, alongside his wife, played a pivotal role in facilitating the initial union between Lu Qiyan and Xia Mingyue.

An independent and decisive woman. She is a skilled practitioner of the starch intestine culinary craft and has returned to her hometown to pay respects to her parents' graves.

A scholarly, kind-hearted young man from Xiaoni Village. An orphan who lost his parents to bandits, he spends his time cleaning and maintaining abandoned grave sites out of empathy.

The eldest daughter of Lord Lu from the Bureau of Astronomy. She and Yin Lingyou were childhood sweethearts, but she was later taken as a royal consort by the Emperor.

The father of Lv Suxin and an official at the Bureau of Astronomy.

A seven-year-old boy who acts as a protective older brother figure to his cousin, Xia Zhixuan. He is caring, sensible, and deeply devoted to his mother.

A six-year-old boy who is adventurous and fond of playing. He holds his cousin Lu Jinchen in high regard.

A mysterious, calm elderly figure who enjoys fishing. He has a long-standing history with the boys' parents, having known both children since they were infants.

The husband of Jiang Zhuguo. He is described as fierce to the outside world but extremely gentle, obedient, and doting toward his wife. He is proud of his marriage, often calling it his 'good fate'.

The six-year-old daughter of Xia Mingyue and Lu Qiyan, characterized by her youthful curiosity and innocence.