Be My Princess Episode 4 Recap
> Be My Princess Recap
In a sorrowful wedding scene, Princess Ming Hua lifts her red veil, her consort not the one her heart desires. Elsewhere, Mu Yun looks at his own bride, his face revealing no joy. As the long night progresses, both drink alone. In a daze, the Princess imagines Mu Yun approaching. Wondering if it is a dream, she leans in to kiss him.
The scene reveals this to be the actress Ming Wei’s thoughts as she mentally prepares for the upcoming kissing scene, determined to perform it perfectly in a single take. The story shifts to a pivotal moment where Mu Yun has become the Grand Chief Cabinet Minister. The Emperor, aware of Mu Yun's connection with Princess Ming Hua and wary of his power, suggests he consider marriage.
He subtly threatens that not just anyone is fit to be the Minister’s wife, and any inappropriate choice could harm their ruler-subject relationship. Soon after, an imperial edict announces Mu Yun’s marriage to the virtuous daughter of the Guo family. Upon hearing the news, Princess Ming Hua confronts Mu Yun in the snow, demanding to know why he is marrying someone else after promising her.
Mu Yun claims he was only her tutor, as assigned by the late emperor, and never harbored romantic feelings, calling her belief a misunderstanding. The Princess presses him, asking him to admit if he is being forced, so she can at least know she once held a place in his heart. Citing his humble origins, Mu Yun begs her to let him go. Heartbroken, the Princess agrees but vows to make him never forget her.
She then announces her intention to marry the heir of Marquis Pingxi, asking Mu Yun to convey her wishes to the Emperor. As a final act of defiance, she declares her wedding will be on the same day as Mu Yun’s, then bitterly wishes him and his wife a long, happy marriage and the early birth of a child.
After the take, the director praises Ming Wei’s accurate portrayal as a rookie and commends Mu Tingzhou for his exceptional performance in the kissing scene, which he typically avoids. Mu Tingzhou humbly states he was simply following the script. Ming Wei is then surprised to see him remove a barrier from his lips, making her wonder if he detests her. Chen Zhang approaches, complimenting her performance and inviting her to rehearse for their next scene.
Later, Ming Wei encounters Ms. Shen, who offers her a contract with Dongying Group. Ming Wei, a rookie on her first show, feels unqualified. Ms. Shen assures her that her rookie status makes her easier to mold and commends her looks and acting skills, noting she has been observing her since the auditions. She gives Ming Wei a contract to consider, emphasizing that securing an agency early is crucial for her career. The crew surprises Mu Tingzhou with birthday wishes.
Ming Wei, unaware it was his birthday, feels guilty for not having a gift. Overhearing her, Mu Tingzhou casually remarks that it's not too late to prepare something, calling it a "closed-book exam" and telling her he expects a surprise. That night, he enters his room to find it filled with gifts and is drawn to a large pink box. Opening it, he finds Ming Wei hiding inside, holding a burnt pan.
She apologetically explains that her attempt to cook him a meal failed, so she hid in shame. As she tries to leave, he playfully stops her, asking what his gift will be now that dinner is ruined. During another filming session, Ming Wei struggles to get into character for a somber scene, constantly giggling. The director halts the take, reminding her that Princess Ming Hua and Mu Yun are facing a life-or-death separation.
Mu Tingzhou then tells Ming Wei that with filming about to wrap, their collaboration may be their last, and they might never see each other again. Visibly moved, she asks the director to restart the scene. The next scene portrays Princess Ming Hua kneeling before Mu Yun, begging him to save her two innocent children after their father, her consort, was accused of conspiracy.
Mu Yun promises to intercede, vowing to protect them even at the cost of his own life. He tells her his life’s purpose was to ensure she could always hold her head high, and her kneeling has made him feel like a failure. She asks him to rise, admitting no one else has ever cared for her as he has. They express their regret and wish for a next life where they can be together.
However, a messenger arrives with devastating news: the Emperor refuses to withdraw the edict, and her sons are to be executed the next day. Upon hearing the tragic news, Princess Ming Hua, realizing all hope is lost, asks for her zheng and wine. After playing a final melody, she drinks poison. Meanwhile, Mu Yun desperately tries to force his way into the Imperial Palace to plead with the Emperor but is stopped by guards and fails to gain an audience.
He returns to his chambers, utterly defeated. Just as his character shuts himself in, the director calls "Cut!" and announces the wrap of filming. As the cast and crew celebrate, Mu Tingzhou bids a poignant farewell to Ming Wei, saying, "Goodbye, my princess," a line carrying both his character’s sorrow and the bittersweet emotion of their journey ending.
