Decreed by Fate Episode 9 Recap
> Decreed by Fate Recap
The search for Lan Que continues, with reports indicating that she and her companion are currently missing. Meanwhile, Wenren Jing recovers from her recent ordeal, expressing concern for Fang Xianxun and acknowledging his bravery in saving her life. Her companion, Ling, teases her about developing feelings for Fang Xianxun. Lu Tingxiao later checks on Fang Xianxun, who downplays his heroic act, prompting Lu Tingxiao to emphasize that Wenren Jing's life is of utmost importance.
During a meal, both Lu Tingxiao and Fang Xianxun vie for Wenren Jing's attention, offering her favorite dishes, including the famous "Immortal chicken." This affectionate competition highlights the growing romantic tension. Still smarting from a previous humiliation, Zheng Lin plots his revenge. At the formal matchmaker meeting, attended by Officer Song and Governor Li, Zheng Lin publicly accuses Boqing Hall of "group licentiousness" and Wenren Jing of "serving two men," claiming this behavior is a disgrace to Pingyang.
To defuse the volatile situation, Wenren Jing feigns fainting. Lu Tingxiao seizes the opportunity to declare her his wife, boldly asserting that no one will defame his spouse. Fang Xianxun then steps in, claiming to be Wenren Jing's brother-in-law. Seeing Wenren Jing's "distress," Governor Li defers further discussion on the matter. Later that night, Liu Zhan and his companion, Liu Shan, are caught eavesdropping outside Lu Tingxiao and Wenren Jing's room.
Aware of their presence, Wenren Jing and Lu Tingxiao put on an elaborate show of marital affection. Wenren Jing playfully teases Lu Tingxiao, who reciprocates, escalating their performance into a staged struggle that dramatically breaks a chair. Fang Xianxun, overhearing parts of this exaggerated display, grows increasingly agitated and regrets not exposing them as a fake couple earlier. Still fuming with jealousy, Fang Xianxun secretly tracks down and beats up Zheng Lin, though it does little to quell his anger.
News then reaches Fang Xianxun of the tragic death of Vice-general Wang. Overcome with grief, Fang Xianxun discovers a unique half-badge on the body and vows to personally track down and kill the murderer to avenge his fallen comrade. Concurrently, the bruised Zheng Lin seeks out his sworn brother, Wang Yizhi, complaining about the "Tumor" (Wenren Jing and Boqing Hall) and warning that Wenren Jing's powerful, non-local companions might be a threat to Wang Yizhi himself.
Declaring that even his "dogs" cannot be bullied in Pingyang, Wang Yizhi promises to take preemptive action. Wenren Jing discusses the previous night's charade with Ling. Ling mistakenly expresses anger at Lu Tingxiao for not consummating their "marriage," interpreting his restraint as disrespect toward her sister, who is a princess. Wenren Jing, however, is merely irked by the fact that she was the one who was pushed down.
Amidst this, Wenren Jing receives an invitation from Qin Yiyi to meet at Baihua Brothel. Separately, Lu Tingxiao acts strangely while out with a young companion, leading the companion to notice his master's unusual behavior. Lu Tingxiao later learns that Wenren Jing went to Baihua Brothel alone. It is revealed that Qin Yiyi is acting under duress, threatened by Wang Yizhi with the life of her lover, Mr. Xue, after her own attempt to assassinate him failed.
While discussing the fatal effects of "love poison" with her captor, she stands near a memorial tablet for Lan Que. At Baihua Brothel, Qin Yiyi meets Wenren Jing, feigning a request for help to separate from her lover, Mr. Xue, and offering a "love token." During this encounter, Qin Yiyi secretly poisons Wenren Jing with the love poison. Soon after, Wang Yizhi's men ambush Wenren Jing.
Lu Tingxiao bravely shields her, taking a sword strike himself and convincingly feigning a severe injury. Believing his wounds to be real, Wenren Jing immediately begins to tend to him closely, showcasing her deep concern.
