The Kitchen God reports each household's conduct to which heavenly ruler?

The Kitchen God reports each household’s conduct to the Jade Emperor.

Known as Zao Jun or Zao Shen, the Kitchen God is a household deity associated with the stove, hearth, and family welfare. In traditional belief, he observes the family throughout the year before traveling to Heaven near the end of the twelfth lunisolar month.

His report can bring reward or punishment, which explains customs designed to encourage a favorable account. Families may offer sweets, fruit, tea, or other foods; in some traditions, sticky candy is placed near the deity’s image so that his report will be sweet—or his mouth will be symbolically sealed.

The Jade Emperor, also called Yu Huang, is the supreme ruler of Heaven in Chinese folk religion and Taoist-influenced mythology. A common mix-up is confusing him with the Yellow Emperor, a legendary culture hero and early ruler, or with the Dragon King, who governs watery realms. The Kitchen God’s heavenly destination is specifically the Jade Emperor’s court.