Dance of the Sky Empire Episode 18 Recap
> Dance of the Sky Empire Recap
Jealous of Su Youlian's closeness with Yu Fengmu, Li Xuan confronted her about her feelings for him, which she vehemently denied. Su Youlian then brought up the night Cui Pianran spent in Li Xuan's room, causing him to realize she was upset and jealous. Li Xuan quickly reassured her that nothing untoward had happened between him and Cui Pianran, swearing their relationship was completely innocent. Just as he attempted to continue their conversation, Bian Lingcheng arrived, escorting Xiao Fengming.
Xiao Fengming produced a token from his bag and profusely apologized to Li Xuan, claiming he might have taken it unconsciously during a sleepwalking episode. Li Xuan, whose mood had significantly improved, decided not to pursue the matter further. Su Youlian, observing the scene, felt a sense of relief, knowing that Yu Fengmu had discreetly handled the token situation on her behalf.
Long Wei'er's birthday arrived, a day that typically brought her immense pain due to her true identity as a woman disguised as a man. To protect her secret, her mother had always instructed her to return to the academy immediately after any celebratory meal. Though the Crown Prince was unaware of Long Wei'er's female identity, he intended to diminish her influence.
He arranged a feast for Long Wei'er to celebrate her triumphant return from battle, inviting her to the Eastern Palace. Initially hesitant due to her injuries, Long Wei'er agreed to attend. Upon arrival at Xuan'an Hall, however, the Crown Prince was notably absent, and his attendant informed them he was changing clothes and would be delayed, while guards ensured no one could leave without his permission. Zheng Bainian suspected foul play, noting the Crown Prince's unusual hospitality.
Long Wei'er acknowledged the Crown Prince's intent to keep her waiting and potentially assert his authority. Despite Zheng Bainian's urging to break out, Long Wei'er calmly asserted that patience was key, as the Emperor favored sons who could solve problems, and the Crown Prince still held his position. The Crown Prince, meanwhile, reveled in his plan to humiliate Long Wei'er, boasting about making her wait.
As the wait stretched into the night, Long Wei'er's physical discomfort grew, prompting Zheng Bainian to again suggest they force their way out. When Long Wei'er finally decided to leave, guards blocked their path. The Crown Prince then appeared, chastising Long Wei'er's subordinates for their actions. Long Wei'er, attempting to de-escalate, apologized for her men's conduct, but the Crown Prince remained aggressive, demanding more and eventually ordering Long Wei'er's arrest.
Long Wei'er and Zheng Bainian were forced to break through the palace guards, successfully escaping. Back at the academy, Long Wei'er's health was visibly weakened. Zheng Bainian expressed his concern, lamenting the annual suffering she endured from the medicated bath on her birthday. Long Wei'er, now in female attire, maintained her stubborn resolve.
She explained that this physical pain was far preferable to the disdain of her father, who, misled by a National Master's prophecy that princesses would ruin the state, had exiled all imperial daughters. Her disguise was her only means of survival. Later, as Long Wei'er was taking her medicated bath, Li Xuan happened to pass by her room.
Through the window's silhouette, he glimpsed a woman's graceful figure and mistakenly concluded that Long Wei'er had hidden a female companion in her room. Inside, Long Wei'er endured the excruciating pain of the bath, her mind drifting back to childhood memories of being punished by her mother for touching girls' items, and the painful initiation into the "Toxic Bath" to temporarily appear as a boy. She silently vowed to reclaim everything she had lost and suffered.
While Long Wei'er was still bathing, Li Xuan knocked on her door. Upon entering, he immediately began searching for the woman he had seen. Long Wei'er quickly intercepted him, but in her weakened state from the bath, she fainted into his arms. Li Xuan, unable to leave a classmate ailing, stayed to care for her. When Long Wei'er awoke, she found Li Xuan asleep by her bedside, a sight that stirred something within her.
Recognizing Long Wei'er's newly acquired military merits, Li Xuan then asked for her help in persuading the Emperor to cancel his engagement with Cui Pianran. After some persistent coaxing from Li Xuan, Long Wei'er agreed, but on the condition that he help her celebrate her birthday, which was that very day. True to his word, Li Xuan spared no expense to celebrate Long Wei'er's birthday, purchasing all the fireworks and lanterns available in the city.
Back at the academy, rumors circulated that Li Xuan's extravagant preparations were for Cui Pianran. Su Youlian, upon hearing this, felt a pang of disappointment. Unable to contain her curiosity, she went to the male dormitories to find Li Xuan. There, she discovered from Li Xuan himself that the elaborate arrangements were, in fact, for Long Wei'er's birthday. Meanwhile, Bian Lingcheng approached Li Xuan with a meticulously crafted plan, incorporating a trip outside the city.
He knew Li Xuan’s long-standing desire to find Bai Xiaosheng to uncover the truth about his mother's death, and this plan, under the protection of Long Wei'er's new status, would allow Li Xuan to leave the academy. Seeing Su Youlian nearby, Bian Lingcheng couldn't help but advise her to keep her distance from Li Xuan, only for Li Xuan to immediately object to Bian Lingcheng trying to drive Su Youlian away. Discomfited, Bian Lingcheng excused himself.
Having overheard their conversation, Su Youlian swiftly followed Bian Lingcheng and pressed him for details, eventually learning that Li Xuan's prolonged sorrow stemmed from his desire to uncover the truth behind his mother's passing, a truth that General Li and Lord Zi had kept hidden from him. Separately, Zheng Bainian sought advice from Bian Lingcheng on how to confess his feelings to Princess Yunshan.
Bian Lingcheng generously shared tips on creating romantic moments, such as candlelight dinners and grand gestures, explaining that the phrase a girl most wants to hear is not "I love you," but "I'll cover everything." Later that evening, Li Xuan led Long Wei'er to a well-known establishment in Qingtian City, promising an unforgettable birthday experience.
Li Xuan enthusiastically introduced Long Wei'er to the women there, who quickly began to vie for her attention, attempting to lead her to a private room. However, Long Wei'er reacted with unexpected force, abruptly pushing the women away and causing them to scatter in fright. Li Xuan, witnessing Long Wei'er's surprising display of strength, was left utterly dumbfounded, realizing that this might indeed be a birthday he would never forget.
