Be My Princess Episode 3 Recap
> Be My Princess Recap
In the seventh year of Tianshuo, the Emperor's death sparks a rebellion by a Vassal King who, in collusion with the Imperial Guards, seizes the capital. Returning from the northern frontier, Grand Marshal Mu Yun arrives to find the palace in chaos and urgently seeks the whereabouts of Princess Ming Hua to ensure her safety. The scene shifts to the modern day, where actress Ming Wei is portraying the princess in a historical drama.
At an industry event, Ming Wei confronts her ex-boyfriend, Cheng Yao, who is an investor in the show, demanding to know if he influenced her casting. Cheng Yao attempts to evade the question, but their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Mu Tingzhou, the male lead and a renowned actor who rarely attends public functions. During the banquet, Cheng Yao offers Ming Wei food, but Mu Tingzhou intervenes, stating she must watch her weight for future roles.
He then creates an excuse for her to leave, reminding her of acting "homework" he assigned. As they depart, Cheng Yao accuses Mu Tingzhou of disrespecting Ming Wei. Mu Tingzhou retorts that true respect means not deceiving a woman or interfering in her life. On their way out, he advises Ming Wei to learn to set boundaries and protect herself.
Later, Ming Wei corners Cheng Yao, who confesses that he invested in the show to get closer to her and win her back, adding that he also didn't want a rival actress, Wang Yingying, to act arrogantly toward her. He insists his investment was merely a bonus, as her talent was undeniable. Disturbed, Ming Wei tells him she needs time to think.
She grapples with a dilemma: quitting would disrupt production and incur a hefty penalty, but staying means enduring Cheng Yao's unwanted advances. The next day, distracted by her conflict, Ming Wei's performance suffers. The director, noticing her unfocused emotions, gives her the afternoon off. When she goes to see Cheng Yao, she finds his room filled with roses. He professes his love, but Ming Wei firmly rejects him.
She declares her intention to return her salary and leave the entertainment industry after finishing the film, explaining that her conscience won't let her accept a role she believes was obtained through his connections. While dining alone, Ming Wei runs into Mu Tingzhou and his assistant, Xiao Zhao. She invites them to join her and tearfully explains her situation, feeling ashamed for getting the role through connections and reiterating her plan to quit.
Xiao Zhao then reveals the truth: the director had initially favored a more experienced actress, but Mu Tingzhou had passionately advocated for Ming Wei, believing her perfect for the role. Furthermore, Xiao Zhao confirms that Cheng Yao’s investment occurred after her casting was decided and had no influence on the decision. Overwhelmed with relief, Ming Wei impulsively hugs a surprised Mu Tingzhou. Xiao Zhao later teases him about being secretly pleased, noting he rarely shows such care for anyone.
In a flashback to the historical storyline, Princess Ming Hua sends the young Emperor to safety while she stays behind to face the rebels. Just as she is cornered, Grand Tutor Mu Yun arrives and rescues her. Relieved, she embraces him. Later, she remarks on how weary he looks and affectionately suggests they go by new titles, calling him Chief Cabinet Minister.
She also proposes they visit a fabled bridge on the upcoming Double Seventh Festival, a place where lovers’ bonds are sealed, and he agrees. From a distance, the young Emperor watches them with an ambiguous expression. Back in the present, Mu Tingzhou advises Ming Wei on her acting, praising her talent but cautioning her to separate her personal life from her character to avoid emotional exhaustion.
Later, Ming Wei clarifies to her friend, Chen Zhang, that she only dated Cheng Yao for about a month and has no intention of rekindling their relationship. As a pivotal kissing scene approaches, the director highlights its importance and notes that it will be Mu Tingzhou's first-ever on-screen kiss. To prepare, Mu Tingzhou takes Ming Wei to a movie. The romantic scenes create a palpable awkwardness between them, which intensifies when their hands accidentally touch.
Afterward, he drives her to a secluded spot and, to her shock, tells her to "Kiss me." He clarifies it's a rehearsal to ensure a smooth shoot. As a nervous Ming Wei leans in, Mu Tingzhou suddenly unbuckles her seatbelt, causing her to lurch forward into his space. After recoiling, she musters her courage to try again, only to find him looking shy himself. She playfully calls him a "paper tiger"—all talk but secretly flustered. He then lightens the mood by taking a professional-looking photo of her.
