Be My Princess Episode 9 Recap
> Be My Princess Recap
In an attempt to staff the "palace," Xiao Zhao tried to recruit several men to serve as eunuchs. The applicants, who initially thought it was a casting call for extras, all refused upon learning it was a real position, despite the offer of a high salary. Separately, Mu Tingzhou personally vetted potential female servants, strictly drilling them on ancient court etiquette and dismissing those who failed to meet his exacting standards.
Ming Wei was approached by an excited fan in a shopping mall who recognized her and asked for an autograph. Initially hesitant to draw attention, Ming Wei agreed after learning the fan had followed her since her days as a Hanfu model. Suddenly, Mu Tingzhou intervened, addressing Ming Wei as "Your Highness" and scolding the fan for daring to approach her.
He then offered to sign on Ming Wei's behalf, attracting a crowd of other fans who eagerly swarmed him for autographs, while Ming Wei stood at the periphery, amused by the chaos. Later, Mu Tingzhou, still in his Grand Tutor persona, expressed concern about the security of Ming Wei's residence and earnestly requested that she move into his "humble home" so he could personally care for her.
Ming Wei demurred, mentioning her sister, but Mu Tingzhou insisted they discuss it further. After reaching her apartment, Ming Wei was surprised to find Cheng Yao waiting at her door. He explained he had designed a variety show specifically for her, featuring industry elites, with her as the main star. He proposed signing a contract immediately if she agreed to return to him. Ming Wei was angered, seeing his offer as a cynical exchange for resources and fame.
Cheng Yao persisted, asserting he could provide everything Mu Tingzhou could. Ming Wei firmly stated she would never compromise herself for personal gain, finding his "marked price" resources distasteful. As their argument escalated, Mu Tingzhou arrived, pushing Cheng Yao away and stating he was late to protect "Her Highness." Cheng Yao, mocking them about their supposed time travel, was threatened by Mu Tingzhou, who declared he would have punished him severely if not for modern society's laws.
Later that evening, Mu Tingzhou respectfully delivered a cup of hot milk to Ming Wei, assuring her she could call on him anytime she needed assistance. During a training session, a male student attempted to harass Ming Qiao. Anticipating his actions, Ming Qiao swiftly subdued him before he could lay a hand on her. Outraged, the male student filed a complaint, accusing Ming Qiao of breaking his hand and demanding an apology.
The manager urged Ming Qiao to apologize, but she staunchly refused, asserting it was an act of self-defense. The student threatened to sue and have her fired. Just then, Xiao Zhao appeared, stepping in for Ming Qiao. He challenged the student to call his lawyer, confidently offering his own lawyer's card—from the nation's top law firm—and threatening to release the surveillance video of the attempted harassment.
Xiao Zhao later reassured Ming Qiao, telling her not to fear offending anyone and promising to have her back no matter what. Late that night, Mu Tingzhou abruptly evicted Xiao Zhao from the villa, arguing that as an "unaffiliated male," Xiao Zhao could not cohabitate with "Her Highness." He sarcastically noted that Xiao Zhao's substantial income as a top agent meant he wouldn't be homeless and that Madam Zhao had already packed his belongings.
When Xiao Zhao protested, pointing out that Mu Tingzhou was also an unaffiliated male, Mu Tingzhou asserted his own need to remain to protect "Her Highness" and his strict self-discipline, claiming he harbored no inappropriate thoughts. He accused Xiao Zhao of being a philanderer based on his phone calls with various women.
Mu Tingzhou then suggested Xiao Zhao could only stay if he agreed to be "castrated," a condition Xiao Zhao vehemently rejected before leaving, vowing that Mu Tingzhou would one day beg him to return. The next morning, Ming Qiao was surprised to find the villa immaculately clean. Descending the stairs, she saw Xiao Zhao watering plants, silhouetted by the morning light, and found herself watching him.
During a break in her training class, Ming Wei checked her phone, noting Mu Tingzhou hadn't contacted her, which was uncharacteristic. A female student then approached her, asking for a photo, which Ming Wei happily agreed to. Wang Yingying, observing the interaction, approached Ming Wei with a cynical smile, asking how it felt to constantly be on trending topics. Ming Wei admitted to feeling anxious, explaining that she acted not for fame or fortune.
Wang Yingying cautioned Ming Wei against being too naive in the industry, warning she might be exploited without realizing it. Prompted by Wang Yingying, Ming Wei checked her social media and discovered the female student had used their photo to "clout chase." After class, Mu Tingzhou confidently invited Ming Wei "home." Upon opening the door, Ming Wei was met by a grand sight: women dressed in ancient costumes standing in two orderly rows, welcoming her.
Mu Tingzhou explained that according to palace rules, she should have dozens of servants, but he had struggled to recruit them. He mentioned that Madam Zhao had been appointed Head Madam to oversee the few maids they had found, and he lamented that the only man who met his recruitment standards, implying Xiao Zhao, had refused castration and was now only allowed to enter the villa during the day.
Despite the reduced staff, Ming Wei was overwhelmed, but Mu Tingzhou insisted she inspect the "palace" he had meticulously prepared. He led her to a luxurious bedroom furnished with a Chinese zither, which she happily played. Further inside was a lavish, fully stocked closet. Mu Tingzhou then presented her with an ornate "Huaxiangrong" cosmetic box, explaining its royal origins and beauty benefits. Ming Wei, astonished by his knowledge and generosity, felt she could not repay him.
Mu Tingzhou insisted it was his honor to serve her, as he couldn't take her back to her era and could only strive to make her life carefree in this new world. Ming Wei, feeling the immense scale of the preparations, then asked him to dismiss the servants, explaining she was unaccustomed to such attention. She proposed keeping only a versatile robot she called "Imperial Guard Bao," which could perform various tasks.
Mu Tingzhou initially expressed concern about a "male stranger" serving "Her Highness," but Ming Wei clarified the robot had no gender and could be customized, which intrigued Mu Tingzhou. Later, Ming Qiao visited Ming Wei, who showed her the luxurious suite. Ming Wei confided in Ming Qiao about her emotional struggle, admitting she had initially only intended to pretend to be the princess to help Mu Tingzhou recover his memories.
However, she found herself enjoying the feeling of being constantly cherished and protected by him. She expressed her internal conflict, acknowledging that this was irrational and fearing how she would face him if he one day fully regained his memories. Ming Qiao wisely advised her not to overthink it, emphasizing that Mu Tingzhou was happy when he was treating her well, regardless of his persona.
She encouraged Ming Wei to focus on her mission to help him recover, suggesting that once he was well, her "mission would be complete," as she wasn't seeking anything from him anyway. The melodious sound of the Chinese zither drifted from Ming Wei's room, drawing Mu Tingzhou closer. As he listened, memories of the Princess began to surface. Suddenly, the sound of something shattering came from within. Mu Tingzhou rushed in to find Ming Wei distraught.
She apologized profusely, explaining she had accidentally broken a vase and offered to pay for it. When she learned it was a valuable antique from the Ming Dynasty, she became even more distraught, fearing she couldn't afford it. Mu Tingzhou quickly reassured her, dismissing the vase's value as insignificant compared to her well-being and stating that his money was hers. As Ming Wei knelt to clean up the pieces, her hand briefly touched his.
