Be My Princess Episode 26 Recap
> Be My Princess Recap
In a dream-like state, Mu Tingzhou converses with the Grand Tutor. He confesses that he followed the instructions in the Grand Tutor's diary to make Ming Wei fall in love with him, hoping she would forget the Grand Tutor. However, he now realizes his efforts are futile, as he cannot erase the Grand Tutor from her memory.
The Grand Tutor reassures Mu Tingzhou that he is merely his doppelganger and there is no need for jealousy, asking only that Mu Tingzhou remain by Ming Wei's side, as that would be the same as the Grand Tutor himself being with her. Overwhelmed by recent revelations, Ming Wei confronts Xiao Zhao, asking if he broke up with her because he knew she was his biological sister.
She expresses her frustration that he unilaterally decided their relationship was over and sarcastically calls him "brother." Later, as Ming Wei tries to compose herself, Mu Tingzhou finds her and encourages her to openly express her sorrow. He reassures her that the truth about her parentage changes nothing about her relationship with her father or her current life, helping to ease her distress.
Before filming, Xiao Zhao probes Mu Tingzhou, asking if his newfound kindness towards Ming Wei stems solely from the Grand Tutor's diary. Mu Tingzhou admits his initial interest was curiosity sparked by the diary, but confesses that he now feels an inexplicable urge to comfort Ming Wei whenever he sees her upset. Meanwhile, Ming Wei politely declines a gift of fruit from Ming Qiao, stating she needs time to come to terms with recent events.
She expresses gratitude to Mu Tingzhou for his supportive words and acknowledges Xiao Zhao's concern, though she is not ready to accept him as a brother. The set buzzes with the unexpected arrival of Chen Zhang, who visits Ming Wei with treats. He explains he wanted to surprise her before he starts his next project.
Chen Zhang reveals his prior concern that she might be unhappy working with Mu Tingzhou, but Ming Wei assures him of Mu Tingzhou's kindness and their pleasant collaboration. When Chen Zhang hints at his enduring affection, promising to wait for her, Ming Wei gently but firmly clarifies that while she cherishes him as a lifelong friend, her feelings are not romantic. Chen Zhang accepts her decision, and they playfully seal their pact of friendship.
Outside, Mu Tingzhou, having keenly observed their interaction, is teased by Xiao Zhao for his intense focus. Mu Tingzhou then declares his intention to pursue Ming Wei. Suspecting Chen Zhang's visit fueled this decision, Xiao Zhao warns Mu Tingzhou against hurting his sister again, threatening severe consequences if he does. Mu Tingzhou, in turn, advises Xiao Zhao to focus on his own relationship with Ming Qiao to avoid future regrets.
As Xu Lin prepares to leave her home, her father, Xu Xiu, questions her destination. She responds with sharp defiance, bitterly accusing him of favoring Ming Wei over her. Xu Xiu tries to explain that any past mistakes were his own and that Xu Lin has no reason to resent Ming Wei, whom he loves equally.
Xu Lin's anger escalates, and she labels Ming Wei a "bastard" who has everyone, including Mu Tingzhou and her own family, wrapped around her finger. In a moment of uncontrolled anger, Xu Xiu slaps her. Declaring herself unwanted, Xu Lin vows to leave. As Xu Xiu tries to stop her, he suddenly collapses, clutching his chest, leaving Xu Lin crying out in terror.
During the filming of a poignant separation scene, Mu Tingzhou, as Shanbo, exchanges heart-wrenching vows with Ming Wei's Yingtai. As they speak of an afterlife reunion, a strong sense of familiarity washes over Mu Tingzhou. He reflects on the feeling and internally questions if he can be considered the princess's boyfriend. Though not in the script, he spontaneously kisses Ming Wei. The director is immensely pleased, praising the naturalness of the kiss as a future highlight for the show.
Afterwards, Mu Tingzhou apologizes to Ming Wei for the unexpected action, but she dismisses it, acknowledging it was for the scene and that she, too, was caught up in the moment. Xiao Zhao receives news that his father, Xu Xiu, has suffered a heart attack and is hospitalized. At the hospital, Xu Lin is greatly relieved to find her father awake and stable.
Xu Xiu expresses profound regret for his past, including his failures towards Ming Wei and her mother, causing the rift between Xiao Zhao and Ming Qiao, and fostering Xu Lin's resentment. Later, Xu Xiu sincerely apologizes to Xu Lin for hitting her, taking full responsibility for all grievances. He implores both his children to let go of their grudges, and Xu Lin tearfully accepts his apology.
Xu Xiu then advises Xiao Zhao not to repeat his own mistakes, encouraging him to pursue Ming Qiao, whose love for him is mutual. Later, when Xiao Zhao informs Ming Wei that his father has recovered, she remains emotionally distant. He suggests they could still be friends, but Ming Wei challenges him, asking how friendship is possible after he so cruelly hurt her friend Ming Qiao.
Inspired by his father's words, Xiao Zhao resolutely decides he will win Ming Qiao back. Mu Tingzhou reads a letter from Mu Yun, the Grand Tutor, which speaks of their intertwined connection with Ming Wei and hints at the Grand Tutor's imminent departure from consciousness. The letter asks Mu Tingzhou to compensate Ming Wei for what the Grand Tutor owes her.
Looking in a mirror, Mu Tingzhou vows to fulfill the request, but asserts it will be for his own sake. The next morning, he invites Ming Wei to breakfast. Noticing her tending to a pot of peonies, he correctly deduces they were a gift from the Grand Tutor, a detail Xiao Zhao had shared. Ming Wei's hopes that he has regained his memories are dashed when he denies it.
Soon after, Mu Tingzhou brings her an array of different flowers and thoughtfully offers her a refilled water cup, gestures strikingly reminiscent of the Grand Tutor's actions, prompting an unusual look from Ming Wei. Under the moonlight, Mu Tingzhou calls Ming Wei to the courtyard for an urgent discussion. He immediately asks about the Grand Tutor's current place in her heart. He clarifies that he needs to understand her emotional state before officially pursuing her.
He confesses that she has ignited a unique psychological and physical attraction in him, making her the first woman to evoke such feelings. Mu Tingzhou openly states his desire for a romantic relationship, acknowledging that her feelings may not yet match his. He explains his need to understand her feelings for the Grand Tutor, especially since that persona, a product of his memory loss, is now effectively gone.
Ming Wei responds that she was deeply in love with the Grand Tutor, and he remains an unforgettable, living person to her. Mu Tingzhou presses further, asking if she intends to wait for him to regain his memories or explore a new relationship, emphasizing his hope that she can differentiate between them. He apologizes for any past hurt and promises his love will equal the Grand Tutor's.
Ming Wei, however, respectfully declines, stating that her boyfriend, the Grand Tutor, has "just died," and she is not yet ready for a new relationship. Mu Tingzhou accepts her decision for now but vows not to give up, promising to prove his sincerity over time.
