Decreed by Fate Episode 8 Recap
> Decreed by Fate Recap
Wenren Jing, Lu Tingxiao, and Fang Xianxun remained tied by the earth vine. To find a way to untie themselves, they sought out Lan Que’s mother, Zhu Xiuchun, through Lord Song, hoping to get answers from Lan Que. Lord Song, initially reluctant to help and suggesting they report to the authorities, became cooperative after Lu Tingxiao subtly reminded him of his past actions, hinting at his involvement in forging identities.
Meanwhile, Wenren Jing, Fang Xianxun, and Lu Tingxiao, still bound together, complained about the inconvenience, even needing assistance for basic needs. Lord Song eventually returned with Zhu Xiuchun's household register, which tragically revealed that Lan Que’s mother had died by suicide. Confronted with this news, Lan Que, who had been promised her mother's safety by the North Kingdom if she remained loyal, was distraught.
She realized she had been manipulated and angrily threatened revenge against those who lied to her, then fled her cell without revealing how to untie the earth vine. As she fled, Lu Tingxiao pressed her to confirm that Chonglou is a North Kingdom spy organization. As the trio, still bound by the earth vine, returned to Boqing Hall, they were confronted by Liu Zhan and Zheng Lin.
The two rivals accused them of promiscuous behavior, mocking their bound state and declaring their intention to drag them through the streets to expose Boqing Hall's alleged depravity. However, just as Liu Zhan and Zheng Lin prepared to act, the earth vine mysteriously loosened its grip on Wenren Jing, Lu Tingxiao, and Fang Xianxun. Lu Tingxiao deduced that the "Twelve Earthly Branches" referred to the twelve two-hour periods of a day, meaning the vine automatically untied after 24 hours.
Seizing the opportunity, Wenren Jing then directed the freed earth vine to bind Liu Zhan and Zheng Lin instead. She then gleefully announced to the gathering crowd that the directors of Yinshu Pavilion and Tongxin Pavilion were "playing a new game," turning the tables on their accusers and making a spectacle of them as they were dragged away, blaming each other. Meanwhile, a separate storyline unfolded, revealing the plight of courtesans.
Qin Yiyi, a courtesan, was involved with a poor scholar, while another courtesan, Qingqing, seemed naive about the harsh realities of their profession. A wealthy patron, Mr. Hong, son of the influential Master Hong the Third, aggressively demanded Qin Yiyi. Despite being told she was already chosen by an officer, Mr. Hong persisted. When his fiancée's father, Master Wang, appeared and confronted him about his behavior, Mr. Hong redirected his attention to Qingqing, whom he found more "sensible."
Qingqing, believing she was going to a better life, left with him. This event paralleled another incident where a girl from Baihua Brothel, after being taken by Mr. Hong's family, was later found dead by the riverside, her neck snapped. This discovery was described by local gossipers to Wenren Jing and Fang Xianxun; while officials tried to suppress the information, details about the manner of death hinted at North Kingdom assassin tactics.
During this time, Yan Wu returned to Lu Tingxiao, reporting on intelligence he gathered. He spoke of the Governor of Linzhou being executed for colluding with the North Kingdom, and the mysterious disappearance of his concubine, who was later confirmed to be from Chonglou. Similarly, He Wansan, a wealthy man from the capital, faced exile, and his concubine also vanished, confirmed to be from Chonglou and skilled in martial arts.
Lu Tingxiao, finding Fang Xianxun's behavior suspicious, tasked Yan Wu with investigating him further. Later, Wenren Jing and Fang Xianxun, continuing their search for Lan Que, consulted local gossipers, who inadvertently led them to a hidden dwelling. Upon entering, they fell into a cleverly set water prison. The iron cage quickly filled with water, and Fang Xianxun revealed his leg was trapped, making escape impossible.
Knowing Wenren Jing couldn't swim, he selflessly declared his intention to hold her up, allowing her a chance to survive while he drowned. He confessed his feelings, saying that before meeting her, his solitary life was boring, and he wanted to leave a lasting impression on her heart so she would never forget him. Wenren Jing, distraught, tried desperately to free him, refusing his sacrifice.
In a critical moment, as Fang Xianxun began to lose consciousness, Yan Wu arrived just in time to rescue them. After their harrowing escape, Wenren Jing showered Fang Xianxun with excessive gratitude during a meal, constantly serving him food and doting on him, much to Lu Tingxiao's visible jealousy. The upcoming matchmaker party became another point of tension when Zheng Lin reported Wenren Jing to Governor Li, accusing her of having two husbands and engaging in promiscuous behavior.
