The Unexpected Marriage Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Unexpected Marriage Synopsis
In the kingdom of Fuyu, rumors about the Princess Changsheng's eagerness to marry spread like wildfire, known by everyone. Even though she held the noble status of a princess, many suitors were deterred by the gossip. Princess Changsheng, however, did not fear the rumors. Clever and spirited, she was also famed as a beauty in Fuyu. She believed that good love must be pursued actively. Unexpectedly, her destined one appeared out of nowhere. The prince from the neighboring state of Qin disguised himself as an envoy for a diplomatic marriage and came to Fuyu.
The princess employed her love strategies to get closer to her beloved: first, creating coincidences; second, generating romantic tension; and finally, sealing the deal with a kiss. It seemed like a one-sided effort from the princess, but on closer thought, if the Qin prince wasn’t interested in her, how could he have cooperated with her little romantic tricks? How could he have silently protected her time and again?
The Unexpected Marriage Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In Fuyu city, at the Hongluan Pavilion, the storyteller Sheng Tiangang recounted tales, particularly focusing on Princess Changsheng, the daughter of Prince Changle. The story goes that upon receiving a visit request letter from Princess Changsheng for their eldest young master, the entire household of the Sun's Mansion was so terrified that they immediately began packing their belongings to flee the city that very night. It was said that anyone who admired Princess Changsheng met a terrible end.
The storyteller cited examples like the tragic death of a blind tuner by Kang'an Lake and a widower by the East River who didn't believe in blood tears. He claimed that behind every sad story of love in Fuyu City lay the inescapable web woven by the Princess. On New Year's Day, as the city celebrated, Princess Changsheng, dressed in men's clothing to avoid attention, was recognized by Sheng Tiangang.
The surrounding crowd, upon hearing her name, scattered and ran away as if she were a plague. Princess Changsheng approached Sheng Tiangang, presenting him with her birth time details, and declared that if she didn't get married this year, she would marry him instead. Startled, Sheng Tiangang widened his eyes in fear and quickly mentioned that the Marriage Pearl would be available at the Hongluan Pavilion in half a month. He claimed the pearl was rumored to accelerate marriage.
Princess Changsheng, determined to secure her marriage, vowed to obtain the Marriage Pearl at any cost, stating she would spare no expense even if there were ten such pearls. Despite her fearsome reputation, it was clear she was quite serious about her own fate regarding marriage. Meanwhile, in the Longevity Hall of Great Tang, Prince Qin, Lv Jing, returned after pacifying Yu. He entered the hall bearing a sword, an act of disrespect, but was not punished.
Instead, he presented the sword, which had belonged to the King of Yu, as a birthday gift to his father, the King of Great Tang. A messenger from Fuyu arrived, proposing a marriage alliance. Among the King of Great Tang's sons, only Lv Jing remained unmarried. The King decided to send Lv Jing to Fuyu under the guise of a marriage envoy to gather information about the country. Lv Jing accepted the command and prepared to depart immediately.
Half a month later, the Marriage Pearl was unveiled and auctioned at the Hongluan Pavilion. During the bidding, Xiao Zilv, the third young master of the Xiao family, deliberately drove up the price. Princess Changsheng ultimately purchased the pearl for a high sum of three hundred taels. Just as Prince Qin's entourage arrived near the Hongluan Pavilion, they encountered an assassination attempt. During the ensuing fight, Princess Changsheng's newly acquired Marriage Pearl fell to the ground and shattered.
She also sustained a cut on her hand. Fortunately, Prince Qin was highly skilled in martial arts and saved her life. Princess Changsheng was furious about the damaged pearl and her injury. However, Sheng Tiangang later told her that the scar on her hand might symbolize a glimmer of hope for her marriage. Prince Qin took the captured assassins back to the posthouse for interrogation.
He didn't reveal his identity, but one of the assassins inadvertently called him "Prince Qin," leading Lv Jing to realize the attackers were sent from Great Tang. With just a few clever questions, Lv Jing discovered the assassins' vulnerability and they confessed. It became clear that someone intended to cause trouble during his trip to Fuyu. The immediate priority was to enter Fuyu City quickly and gather intelligence.
The Emperor of Fuyu, Liu Yu, aware of Princess Changsheng's age and difficulty in finding a husband, decided to arrange for Prince Qin to stay at Prince Changle's Mansion. His intention was to facilitate a potential match between Princess Changsheng and Prince Qin. This way, the Princess's marriage could be settled, and if Fuyu and Great Tang were to eventually fight, Princess Changsheng could potentially assist. Prince Changle, though reluctant, could not defy the Emperor's arrangement.
As Princess Changsheng pondered how to welcome her potential marriage, her father returned and informed her of the Emperor's command to host Prince Qin and the possibility of a peace-making marriage. Upon hearing that this Prince Qin was supposedly unpleasant, Princess Changsheng decided to deliberately arrange an unwelcoming reception. She instructed her staff to use old, wrinkled silk for decoration, replace the flowers with green plants, and serve Lu'an Melon Seed tea prepared with lukewarm water.
Surprisingly, Prince Qin not only didn't seem offended by the unconventional arrangements but even expressed approval for them. Princess Changsheng could tell he was being dishonest. Disturbed, she went to visit her friend, the sixth young lady of the Xiao family, Xiao Jin, to vent her frustration. Xiao Zilv was also there and, as usual, teased her. However, his words about her needing to get married gave her an idea.
Back at home, Princess Changsheng reflected that perhaps getting married before the peace treaty was announced was a viable strategy to avoid the potential union with Prince Qin. Later, as Princess Changsheng was preparing for a bath, her attendants left the room. Suddenly, Lv Jing's duck, Xiaoke, flew in. Seeing Lv Jing about to enter the room looking for his duck, Princess Changsheng screamed in alarm.
Episode 2 Recap
While trespassing in Princess Changsheng's room, Lv Jing is discovered by her. A tense exchange ensues where Changsheng gives him a choice for his impropriety. Lv Jing deflects and strikes a deal: he will help her avoid the impending peace-making marriage to Prince Qin if she lets the matter go. Changsheng agrees to this arrangement.
Lv Jing's subordinate expresses concern about the implications of being in the Princess's private chambers, but Lv Jing seems more focused on his mission in Fuyu. The next day, Prince Qin announces he will interview members of Princess Changsheng's household in the garden to record her daily habits for reference in the peace-making marriage selection process. Changsheng's staff, prompted to provide unfavorable accounts, describe her as stingy, petty, bad-tempered, and disrespectful.
However, Prince Qin, or his scribe, reinterprets these descriptions as virtues like diligence, good household management, keen memory, strength of character, and innovative thinking, much to the frustration of Changsheng's maid, Jinyan, who notes that Prince Qin seems deliberately twisting their words. Prince Qin concludes that Princess Changsheng is an admirable role model for women.
Later, Xiao Jin presents Princess Changsheng with a collection of portraits of eligible young noblemen from the various Ministries, acquired by Xie Lin from the Ministry of Works. Xiao Jin intends to help Changsheng find a suitable match quickly to preempt the imperial decree regarding the peace-making marriage. Changsheng is grateful but confirms that Xiao Jin's brother, Xiao Zilv, is unaware of this plan. They begin reviewing the portraits. Changsheng dismisses many.
She considers Zhao Huaibi, the seventh son of General Zhao, due to his reputation for talent, but he is not currently in the capital. Her attention then falls on Shen Bin, son of Minister Shen and the Assistant Minister of Revenue, who is also described as gifted and capable; Changsheng decisively chooses him. Suddenly, Xiao Zilv appears. Upon seeing him, Changsheng expresses exasperation.
Xiao Zilv immediately makes sarcastic remarks about his leg injury, implying she is responsible, and offers mock thanks for only partially harming him. He then comments on her selection of Shen Bin, noting that Shen Bin is the sole heir of his family for three generations and, given Changsheng's notorious reputation, marrying her would surely mean the end of the Shen lineage. Their exchange quickly devolves into a heated argument.
Provoked, Changsheng retorts that if her reputation is truly that bad, she might as well marry "him" to be rid of him. Xiao Zilv responds with similar taunts. Angered, Changsheng storms away, with Xiao Zilv momentarily following her. Back with Lv Jing, he is discussing with his subordinate how to gather intelligence about Fuyu. They determine that the Ministry of Revenue is crucial for understanding the country's finances and tax system.
The subordinate reports on Changsheng's husband selection attempt and her argument with Xiao Zilv. Crucially, he informs Lv Jing that Changsheng selected Shen Bin, the Assistant Minister of Revenue, known for his exceptional memory and ability to answer complex questions about public affairs. Lv Jing immediately recognizes this as an opportunity.
While his subordinate suggests finding a way to distance themselves from Changsheng, Lv Jing concludes the opposite: they must stay close to her to gain access to Shen Bin and his knowledge. Changsheng, wanting to assess Shen Bin firsthand, decides to visit Minister Shen's residence rather than wait for him to call.
She persuades her father, Prince Changle, to accompany her, framing the visit as a casual inquiry given the urgency of the peace-making marriage situation, emphasizing they should not appear overly eager. Lv Jing, having learned of her plan, insists on accompanying her, citing his duty as the envoy to remain by her side. Changsheng reluctantly agrees.
Meanwhile, Xiao Zilv visits his friend Shen Bin at his residence and, aware of Changsheng's pending visit, advises Shen Bin to act deliberately crude, sloppy, and unimpressive. He explains that Changsheng dislikes men without manners and behaving poorly will ensure she loses interest. Changsheng, her father Prince Changle, and Lv Jing arrive at the Minister Shen's mansion. Shen Bin is summoned to meet them. He appears deliberately disheveled and behaves awkwardly, attempting to follow Xiao Zilv's advice.
Prince Changle and Minister Shen exchange pleasantries. Prince Changle alludes to the rumors about Changsheng bringing bad luck, claiming they were spread intentionally to ward off suitors seeking power, but now worries how they affect the peace-making marriage selection. Shen Bin makes a remark echoing Xiao Zilv's sentiment about Changsheng's reputation threatening his family line. Changsheng observes Shen Bin's unkempt appearance and awkwardness with clear disappointment.
Lv Jing, seeing an opportunity under the guise of conversation, proposes a test of Shen Bin's knowledge, posing a question about the number and types of Confucius's disciples mentioned in a specific passage of the Analects. Shen Bin is unable to answer immediately, stating the text doesn't provide that information. Lv Jing subtly mocks the talents of Fuyu's scholars. Stepping in, Changsheng provides the correct answer, demonstrating her sharp intellect. Lv Jing acknowledges her quick wit and talent.
After Changsheng answers the question, Lv Jing praises her intelligence, suggesting she is highly capable. Shen Bin attempts to recover, but Lv Jing remains dismissive. Lv Jing then suggests another test, but Changsheng intervenes, stating Shen Bin possesses talent despite lacking ingenuity and suggesting they conclude the visit. She guides Lv Jing away, saying her father will remain to chat. Outside the mansion, Changsheng thanks Lv Jing for his help.
Lv Jing, however, then states that her display of intelligence makes her even "more" suitable for the peace-making marriage to Prince Qin, directly contradicting his earlier agreement with her. Changsheng is taken aback by his shift in stance. Xiao Zilv suddenly appears, seeing Changsheng with Lv Jing. Changsheng tells Xiao Zilv she is not marrying Shen Bin, addressing their earlier disagreement. The episode touches upon an past incident where Xiao Zilv broke his leg while saving Changsheng.
While he dismisses it as a past event when she mentions it, his persistent sarcastic remarks and argumentative behavior toward her suggest a complex mix of lingering resentment and affection, masked by constant teasing. Changsheng's reaction to his behavior, particularly her strong declaration that she would never marry him, indicates that she interprets his actions as purely antagonistic rather than romantic.
Having gained insight into Fuyu's financial administration (implied through Shen Bin's position), Lv Jing determines that their next target for intelligence will depend on Changsheng's next choice of suitor. His subordinate expresses concern that Changsheng's unfavorable public reputation will make it difficult for her to find another candidate. Lv Jing dismisses the rumors, stating that based on his observations, he finds Changsheng to be intelligent and a good person, believing people often credit rumors over what they see.
His subordinate jokingly suggests Lv Jing might want to marry Changsheng himself, a possibility Lv Jing does not directly deny before sending the subordinate away. Changsheng continues her search for a suitable husband among the remaining portraits. After considering other options, she focuses on Yang Wulang, son of the Minister of Works. Xiao Jin expresses reservations, mentioning rumors about Yang Wulang having a specific "quirk."
Changsheng, however, is resolved and selects Yang Wulang, stating she will not be deterred by rumors. In her enthusiasm, she bounces a ball that flies through a window and hits Lv Jing inside, who is shirtless. Changsheng and her companions react with embarrassment, quickly covering their eyes.
Episode 3 Recap
The evening of the Lantern Festival in Fuyu city arrived, and Changsheng intended to take Yang Wulang by surprise, revealing her feelings directly and declaring she would marry no one but him. She had a backup plan involving Sheng Tiangang, leveraging the festive atmosphere to make Yang Wulang fall for her. Her ultimate goal was to make him infatuated, combined with her own tender approach, to ensure the match was settled.
However, despite all her calculations, Changsheng never anticipated Yang Wulang claiming to be ill and unable to attend, leaving all her plans in disarray. Meanwhile, Xiao Zilv was conversing with Yang Wulang. Yang Wulang offered him some soup he had made following Xiao Zilv's recipe and spoke about cherishing the person in front of you. Xiao Zilv smiled but did not elaborate.
Although Yang Wulang claimed illness to avoid seeing Princess Changsheng, Lv Jing discovered Yang Wulang's fondness for Guanshan Tea. Seizing the opportunity, Lv Jing, acting as the envoy, intentionally purchased all the available Guanshan Tea at a tea house. When Yang Wulang arrived seeking the tea, Lv Jing used this coincidence to strike up a conversation, subtly probing him for information about Fuyu, particularly its waterways given Yang Wulang's expertise as Assistant Minister of Works.
Later, Noble Consort Xian summoned the female candidates for the upcoming marriage alliance to the palace for training in Great Tang etiquette. Changsheng's carriage was delayed by traffic, causing her to arrive late. Noble Consort Xian, who already had a dislike for Changsheng, used her tardiness as an excuse to punish her, ordering her to clean the Imperial Garden thoroughly, without a single fallen leaf or grain of sand.
Xiao Jin, who had tried to cover for Changsheng during roll call, was also penalized and had to clean alongside her. Among the candidates was Princess Guangde, the Emperor and Noble Consort Xian's daughter, who was also of marriageable age. Guangde and Changsheng had a long-standing rivalry. They made a bet: whoever married first would receive one hundred taels of gold from the other, and the loser would be the one sent for the marriage alliance.
Xiao Zilv entered the palace and subtly spread rumors among the palace staff about Changsheng, causing some palace maids to whisper and point at her. Changsheng overheard the gossip but seemed accustomed to it. Just then, Lv Jing arrived with Yang Wulang.
Lv Jing had previously spoken highly of Changsheng to Yang Wulang, which likely contributed to Yang Wulang's decision to appear and agree to attend the Lantern Festival that evening with Lv Jing, accompanied by Changsheng who was tasked with receiving the envoy. Back at her residence, Lv Jing offered Changsheng well-intentioned advice, suggesting that despite his appealing appearance, Yang Wulang was not a suitable match for her.
At the evening Lantern Festival, in addition to Xiao Jin and Xie Lin, Xiao Zilv also attended. With others present, Changsheng found it difficult to get alone time with Yang Wulang. She attempted to orchestrate situations to send others away, even enlisting children to distract Xiao Zilv by offering them candy and telling them Xiao Zilv had more. She tried faking a sprained ankle to send Xiao Zilv away, then faking a lost purse to send Yang Wulang away.
However, her efforts resulted in a mix-up. Yang Wulang unexpectedly left, and Lv Jing appeared next to Changsheng instead. They happened to be near Sheng Tiangang, who, mistaking Lv Jing for Yang Wulang, began delivering a fortune reading filled with improvised declarations about their "peach blossom luck" and being "destined to be a good couple."
Despite Changsheng's increasingly frantic non-verbal cues, Sheng Tiangang failed to grasp her intention to involve Yang Wulang, not Lv Jing, and continued his performance, even trying to read Yang Wulang's fortune and stating he had "no chance." With her plans utterly derailed and stuck with Lv Jing, Changsheng gave up and suggested they meet Jin and Xie Lin at the lantern riddle area. The trio, now including Lv Jing, experienced awkwardness.
As they passed a lantern riddle stall, Changsheng wrote down a riddle. Lv Jing glanced at it and knew the answer immediately. The festival was bustling with activity, including various performances like ventriloquism, which drew large crowds. Lv Jing observed the crowd and noted the ventriloquist's skill. Just as the crowd was engrossed in the performance, assassins began to move in.
Lv Jing, keenly aware of the impending danger, realized he needed to get Changsheng away without revealing his identity by fighting. He abruptly pulled Changsheng and fled the scene. As they moved, he quickly grabbed some candy and threw it onto the performance stage, causing the crowd to rush for the sweets, which created a chaotic diversion and disrupted the assassins' plans. Using his martial arts, Lv Jing swiftly carried Changsheng away, soaring over the crowd.
Changsheng, flustered by the sudden action, warned Lv Jing not to do such strange things to her again, threatening him regardless of her status in Fuyu or Great Tang. Lv Jing, having just commented on his own courage, then reacted with visible alarm when he saw a spider on Changsheng's shoulder.
Changsheng, unperturbed, casually picked up the spider with her bare hand, questioning his fear as a grown man, while Lv Jing insisted he wasn't afraid, but "in awe" and didn't want to kill it. Changsheng let the spider go, granting it freedom. Meanwhile, Princess Guangde had also gone out for the Lantern Festival but became separated from her maids due to their slowness. Left alone, she was accosted by several drunk men.
Helpless, she was unable to fight them off and was dragged away despite her pleas for help and revealing her identity as a princess. Not far away, Changsheng heard Guangde's cries for help.
Episode 4 Recap
Several scoundrels attacked Guangde, but Zhao Huaibi, the commander of guards in Shangkang City, arrived like a divine general. He drove away the attackers, protecting Guangde. When Changsheng arrived, she mistakenly thought Zhao Huaibi was the one harassing Guangde and immediately scolded him. Guangde quickly explained that Zhao Huaibi had saved her, and Changsheng realized her mistake and apologized.
Afterward, Guangde complained to Changsheng that because of her, she didn't have a chance to ask the heroic man his name or where he lived, so she couldn't thank him properly. Changsheng, feeling dejected about her own prospects for marriage, was further puzzled when the envoy, Yi'an (Lv Jing), suddenly remarked that a destined person is found far and wide. Returning to Prince Changle's Mansion, Changsheng pondered Yi'an's words.
She suddenly remembered a lantern riddle she had written whose answer was "where to meet the destined person." She concluded that the envoy must have solved her puzzle, which explained his sudden remark. Yang Wulang came to the mansion, not to see Changsheng as she hoped, but to invite Yi'an for tea. Upon learning that the envoy was busy, he promptly left. Changsheng's brief flicker of hope was extinguished, leaving her heartbroken. After Yang Wulang departed, Yi'an appeared.
Changsheng, still upset and viewing Yi'an as the one who stole Yang Wulang's attention, was cool towards him. They spoke briefly, with Yi'an suggesting that Yang Wulang's attentiveness indicated interest in "him", further frustrating Changsheng. Changsheng continued trying to meet potential suitors, but her attempts were constantly disrupted. Xiao Zilv spared no effort in spreading rumors about Changsheng among his acquaintances, causing men in Fuyu to increasingly avoid her.
She had met almost every eligible man except for Xiao Zilv, whom she didn't even consider as a suitor. Since finding a husband on her own seemed impossible, and the peace-making marriage imminent, she decided to focus her efforts on making the envoy give up on her. She had people create fake graves and took Yi'an to see them.
There, she spun elaborate tales of men who had been associated with her meeting tragic ends, hoping to scare him into abandoning the marriage plan. She described a young man who died shortly after proposing and an old man who died after trying to arrange a marriage between her and his son, whose career then flourished after the engagement was called off.
However, Yi'an saw through her unconvincing performance and was not deterred; he simply found it amusing, stating he did not believe the stories. Returning to her residence, Changsheng complained to Jinyan and Shenxing about the envoy's imperviousness. She then remembered Xiao Zilv was a major reason for her inability to marry and decided to deal with this "internal trouble" first.
Having heard that hunters were illegally digging pits in Muyan Forest to trap wild animals, Changsheng instructed Jinyan and Shenxing to find a safe, deep pit and lure Xiao Zilv there to teach him a lesson. Meanwhile, Yi'an received news that General Zhao Huaibi had returned to the capital to report and had been assigned responsibility for security around Muyan Forest. Changsheng was unaware of this development.
When Changsheng prepared to go to the Muyan Forest late that night for her plan, Yi'an decided to use the opportunity for his own scheme. He instructed Youyong and Youmou to disguise themselves as thugs and stage an attack on him and Changsheng in the forest, aiming to draw Zhao Huaibi there for a rescue. This would provide Yi'an with a legitimate reason to visit Zhao Huaibi later and gather intelligence.
Jinyan went to Xiao Zilv's mansion to carry out Changsheng's plan but was informed that Xiao Zilv had been summoned to the palace two hours earlier and was not home, which was bad news for their scheme. The envoy, Yi'an, insisted on accompanying Changsheng when she left for Muyan Forest, despite her concerns about propriety. Upon reaching the forest, they encountered the "thugs" (Youyong and Youmou).
Yi'an attempted to be the hero, but Changsheng also proved to be a capable fighter. While retreating or struggling with the attackers, Changsheng lost her footing and fell into a deep pit. Yi'an fell in with her while trying to save her, injuring his ankle in the process. Changsheng realized this must be the pit Jinyan and Shenxing were supposed to find. As the temperature dropped, Changsheng grew weak and eventually lost consciousness.
Yi'an, seeing their predicament and realizing his staged attack plan had failed to immediately summon Zhao, fired a signal flare into the sky. Youyong and Youmou were still waiting and wondering why their plan wasn't progressing, unaware that Zhao Huaibi had been alerted by the flare. Zhao Huaibi, who was already in the area due to his new security duties, saw the signal flare and led his men to investigate.
He discovered the collapsed hole and descended into the pit himself. He rescued both Changsheng and Yi'an. When Changsheng woke up, she recognized him as the man who had saved Guangde earlier. Yi'an identified Zhao Huaibi for Changsheng, revealing he was General Zhao's seventh son, known for his skills and favored by the Emperor.
Changsheng thanked him profusely, feeling it was their destiny to meet again, but Zhao Huaibi responded by cautioning her not to act as she had during their previous encounter. Changsheng explained that had been a misunderstanding. Yi'an then declined Zhao Huaibi's offer to send them back, stating he would escort Changsheng himself. As Zhao Huaibi left, he privately judged Changsheng's presence in the forest with a man late at night as improper behavior and decided to distance himself from her.
Back at Prince Changle's Mansion, Changsheng was confronted by Xiao Zilv, who made sarcastic remarks about her nocturnal outing and Yi'an's injury. Exhausted from the ordeal, Changsheng told him she didn't have the energy to argue. Xiao Zilv then exchanged a brief, polite conversation with Yi'an, asking if Prince Qin had chosen a marriage candidate, to which Yi'an replied he did not know, before Xiao Zilv took his leave. Shortly after, beautiful fireworks lit up the sky.
Remembering her earlier conversation with Yi'an about her difficult birthday memories involving fireworks, Changsheng knew he was the one who had arranged this display for her birthday. She watched them, silently thanking him in her heart.
Episode 5 Recap
Lv Jing ordered his subordinates You Yong and Youmou to acquire fireworks, knowing Princess Changsheng enjoyed them, especially as it was her birthday. Changsheng and Xiao Jin encountered Princess Guangde in the palace and were surprised by her unusually subdued demeanor, noting she didn't attempt to provoke them as was her custom. Changsheng had her maid investigate, learning that Guangde's recent change in disposition was due to a man she met at the Lantern Festival.
He had heroically saved her, leaving a lasting impression. Upon hearing this, Changsheng nearly choked on her tea, realizing she also had feelings for the same man, General Zhao Huaibi. Guangde later visited Changsheng at Changle Mansion, bringing a stack of storybooks filled with romantic tales. She claimed she wanted to be fair and impartial in their pursuit of the same person.
Seeing Guangde's gesture, Changsheng decided to be forthright and revealed that the man who had saved her in the deep pit was also Zhao Huaibi. Despite cautionary coughs from her maids Jinyan and Shenxing, Changsheng shared this information. Learning that Changsheng also liked Zhao Huaibi, Guangde immediately changed her mind, telling her maids to take the books back and abandoning all talk of fairness. Meanwhile, the Emperor proposed a marriage between Xiao Zilv and Princess Guangde.
Xiao Zilv refused, citing his leg disability and even threatening death to avoid the union. The Emperor reluctantly withdrew the proposal. This suited Guangde, who was already infatuated with Zhao Huaibi. Following this, Xiao Zilv sought out Guangde, suggesting they form an alliance to prevent Changsheng and Zhao Huaibi from becoming a couple. Guangde, wanting the hero for herself, readily agreed.
Xiao Zilv returned home, where his sister Xiao Jin expressed concern for his life if he intended to pursue Changsheng, whom she was close to. Though she cared for both her brother and her friend, her loyalty leaned towards Xiao Zilv's safety. Changsheng understood Xiao Jin's worries and was not upset by her warning. To win Zhao Huaibi's affection, Changsheng decided to learn fishing, an activity Zhao Huaibi was known to enjoy.
She enlisted Lv Jing's help, who not only agreed to teach her but also devised a dramatic entrance strategy involving playing the xiao (a vertical flute) to capture Zhao Huaibi's attention. Guangde, also advised by her own strategists, arrived with her own impressive entrance, playing the pipa. At the winter fishing spot, Guangde was quicker and pulled Zhao Huaibi onto her boat. However, Changsheng, catering to his known interest, immediately brought up the topic of fishing.
Zhao Huaibi was intrigued and agreed to fish with her. Since Changsheng didn't know how to cast a fishing line, Lv Jing arranged for someone to secretly hook a fish from underwater. This was discovered by Guangde, who sarcastically pointed out Changsheng's inability to even cast the line. The rivalry continued as both women vied for Zhao Huaibi's attention by offering him numerous fish dishes.
They insisted he try everything, leading to Zhao Huaibi becoming uncomfortably full and excusing himself from their company. Back at the diplomatic residence, Lv Jing's subordinates, You Yong and Youmou, were worried because the Fuyu ruler had not yet selected a candidate for the peace-making marriage, while Great Tang was pressuring Lv Jing to return with a report.
Lv Jing remained calm, assuring them he had a different plan for the report and that others were more anxious about the situation. Lv Jing strategically approached Xiao Zilv, subtly revealing that Prince Qin of Great Tang seemed interested in Princess Changsheng for the peace-making marriage. Xiao Zilv, alarmed by this potential development, quickly brought up the persistent rumor that marrying Changsheng brought bad luck.
Lv Jing smoothly dismissed this, stating that Prince Qin was brave and wise and did not believe in such superstitions. This conversation fueled Xiao Zilv's determination to prevent the match. The next day, Changsheng planned to visit Zhao Huaibi at the military camp to show him support and concern during his training. Lv Jing, wanting to assess the strength of the Fuyu army, decided to accompany her disguised as her small servant named Yi'an.
As fate would have it, Guangde also arrived at the camp, bringing a maid. Both women brought gifts for Zhao Huaibi. Changsheng presented a simple, handmade embroidered pouch, emphasizing the personal effort involved, while Guangde gave a "soaring and invincible safety bracelet" that she claimed to have made but was actually made by palace embroiderers. Their gift-giving quickly devolved into sarcastic jabs about each other's culinary skills.
During their visit, a newly arrived Dayuan horse known for its wild temperament became difficult to control. Zhao Huaibi attempted to tame it but was thrown off. Changsheng, showing bravery, volunteered to try, but Zhao Huaibi immediately forbade her, concerned for her safety. Seeing an opportunity, Guangde asked Zhao Huaibi to teach her how to ride a horse, and he agreed, choosing the wild horse's stablemate.
Meanwhile, Lv Jing, in his disguise as Yi'an, used the opportunity to look around the camp and observe the soldiers practicing a specialized Long Spear Formation on the Training Arena, asking a soldier about its origins and effectiveness. Zhao Huaibi was seen riding with Guangde, assisting her in learning, which meant Changsheng seemed to have lost another round in their rivalry. However, Lv Jing (as Yi'an) offered words of encouragement to Changsheng, preventing her from becoming too disheartened.
Later, Changsheng spoke with Lv Jing (as Yi'an), asking about his personal life and whether he had someone he liked. He gave evasive answers. Changsheng then sought his help in her competition against Guangde for Zhao Huaibi's affection. She proposed that a nose scratch would be their secret signal for agreement. Lv Jing tacitly agreed to help her by performing the signal. As their conversation concluded, it began to snow.
Episode 6 Recap
Zhao, a military official, and Princess Guangde were admiring flowers. Zhao informed Guangde that he had official duties to transport salt to Yan State that afternoon and would not be able to spend time with her. He explained that His Majesty trusted the Changle Mansion with managing the Muyan Forest, and the refined salt being transported came from the trees there, a unique and essential resource for Fuyu.
As Zhao was preparing to depart from the Muyan Forest, Guangde's maid arrived in a panic, announcing that the Princess was missing. Guangde had insisted on making fish cakes for Zhao before he left, fearing he would miss hometown pastries, but she had disappeared, and only her shoes were found by the lake. The entire palace, including the Royal Guards, was searching for her. Zhao was worried but couldn't leave his duty.
Changsheng, the Changle County Princess, stepped forward and took charge of finding Guangde, telling Zhao to wait in the Muyan Forest until sunset for news. Changsheng and her attendant, Jinyan, hurried into the palace to search. Changsheng was visibly anxious during the search, even cutting her hand on a stone, but she continued looking. They eventually found Guangde hiding in a small kitchen where they used to play as children.
Guangde confessed she hid because she was afraid the Imperial Kitchen chefs would make the fish cakes for her. Changsheng gave Guangde a pair of shoes and urged her to come and see the King, who was extremely worried. Before meeting the King, Changsheng subtly signaled Guangde not to reveal the timing of events, particularly regarding Zhao's delayed departure for the salt transport.
Upon meeting the King, Guangde blamed him for sending Zhao away, mentioning she just wanted to make fish cakes. Just then, a messenger arrived with urgent news: heavy snow had caused the bridge to Yan State to collapse, making passage impossible. The King expressed relief that Zhao had likely crossed the bridge already, narrowly avoiding the disaster and potential delay to the salt transport.
Changsheng, excusing herself to return to the Muyan Forest to manage snow defense, exchanged knowing glances with Guangde, understanding the bridge collapse meant Zhao was now undoubtedly delayed. Changsheng brought Guangde to the Muyan Forest to see Zhao. Guangde offered him the fish cakes she made. Changsheng sternly told Guangde that delaying the salt transport was a serious crime punishable by death, not something the King would easily overlook.
Zhao, visibly distressed, stated that his life's purpose was to lead troops and defend the country, and if he couldn't do that, he'd rather be killed than retire. Changsheng asked Zhao to wait one night while she tried to find a solution. Guangde was sent back to the palace, with Changsheng emphasizing the need for secrecy regarding the delay. Meanwhile, Yi'an, the Envoy from Great Tang, discussed the situation with his subordinate, Youmou.
Youmou saw the broken bridge and potential delay in Fuyu's salt trade with Yan State as an opportunity for Great Tang, hoping it would cause friction between Fuyu and other states that rely on its salt trade, allowing Great Tang to conquer Fuyu. Yi'an acknowledged this but seemed preoccupied. Changsheng spent the night poring over maps, trying to find a solution.
Yi'an approached her, asking if she was worried about Zhao's salt transport and if she trusted him enough to share the burden. Changsheng admitted her worry but confessed the matter was too large, impacting the foundation of Fuyu and potentially implicating her own mansion if things went wrong. Yi'an, realizing she was relying on him, suggested an alternative: using the frozen river.
Changsheng pointed out the ice was too thick for boats, but Yi'an proposed fitting the salt carts with skates and using sails to slide them across the ice. He calculated the feasibility based on slope and wind direction, estimating the salt could reach Yan State in less than two days. Changsheng was greatly relieved and impressed by his ingenuity, thanking him and expressing renewed trust. She immediately instructed her attendants to prepare the sailing ice carts.
Having worked through the night, Changsheng was unwell. Yi'an found her tired and insisted she rest. He took it upon himself to go to the Muyan Forest to explain the plan to Zhao and oversee the preparations. Yi'an's subordinates, Youyong and Youmou, questioned his actions, wondering why he was helping Fuyu, suggesting he might be smitten with Changsheng.
Yi'an responded that if Fuyu became a tributary of Great Tang due to a salt crisis, Great Tang's trade relations with other states would need to be rebuilt, implying a complex strategic consideration beyond immediate conquest. Changsheng, having rested, felt stifled and wanted to go out. Yi'an initially advised her to rest, but she insisted on thanking him and her attendants for their help by hosting an outing.
They visited a local market, trying pumpkin candy, which Changsheng was fond of. Yi'an, though claiming not to like candy, enjoyed the process of making it, suggesting his appreciation for deliberate effort over simple consumption. Later, they observed Changsheng's attendants catching a bird in the snow, a game from Great Tang.
Changsheng persuaded them to release it, arguing that denying its freedom for a momentary pleasure was wrong, and that the bird had its own instinct to find food and shelter. Yi'an suggested the cage might be a shelter in the harsh winter, leading to a philosophical exchange about fate, freedom, and whether external help is truly beneficial. Soon after, Zhao returned from Yan State, having successfully delivered the salt using Yi'an's method.
He reported to the King and then went to the Changle Mansion to express his gratitude. Guangde arrived at the mansion with medicine for Changsheng and overheard Zhao telling Changsheng that he felt he owed her a great debt and, if she didn't mind, he was willing to marry her. Overhearing this, Guangde became furious and ran out. Changsheng allowed Zhao to pursue her. Guangde confronted Zhao, demanding to know if his proposal was serious.
Zhao confirmed it was, but refused to marry her, despite her pleas and admission of love. She offered to ask her father, the King, not to send Changsheng for the peace-making marriage if that was the reason he felt obligated to marry Changsheng. Zhao could only tell her he truly couldn't marry her before leaving, leaving Guangde confused and heartbroken.
Changsheng later discussed the incident with Yi'an, explaining Zhao's true motive: Fuyu law stipulated that a Prince Consort could not hold an official position. Zhao, valuing his military career, could not marry Guangde because she was a Princess. Proposing to Changsheng, a County Princess, potentially allowed him to circumvent this rule and continue his military path, even if it meant sacrificing his feelings for Guangde. Changsheng understood Zhao's choice was between his career and love, leaning towards the former.
Yi'an observed that Changsheng seemed more concerned with protecting Zhao and Guangde from potential repercussions than with her own prospects. Changsheng countered, asking how he knew she wasn't just being selfish and finding excuses. Yi'an replied that he knew the kind of person she was. Guangde, still distraught and ill from the rejection, refused to eat. When Changsheng came to visit, Guangde accused her of deliberately hurting her and trying to take Zhao away.
Changsheng tried to reason with her, explaining that true love was about supporting the other person's happiness, not possessing them. Guangde, however, remained defiant and jealous. Later, Changsheng and Yi'an were together again. Changsheng still seemed troubled by the upcoming peace-making marriage. Standing before two throwing pots labeled "Peace-making Marriage" and "Zhao Huaibi," symbols of her choices, she decided to let fate decide. As she attempted to throw an arrow, she stumbled, and Yi'an instinctively caught her, causing them to fall into the snow together, sharing an accidental kiss.
Episode 7 Recap
During a pitch-pot game, an accidental slip caused Changsheng and Lv Jing to fall, resulting in an unexpected kiss. Simultaneously, the arrow landed in the pot marked with the words "peace-making marriage," an event interpreted as a sign from heaven.
Changsheng was deeply resistant to the idea of a peace-making marriage, having heard rumors that Prince Qin was not only incredibly ugly with "round eyes and a large forehead, two protruding ears, and a mouth full of fangs," but also violent, and even cannibalistic. Later, Lv Jing suggested a method for Changsheng to confront her true feelings.
He asked her to close her eyes, relax, and recall the moments she felt happiest, found most humor, or was most deeply moved, and identify the person who appeared in her mind. Changsheng blurted out "It's you," but immediately became flustered, trying to dismiss him and urge him to leave, telling herself he was just the envoy and the marriage wasn't with him.
Still troubled by the unexpected person in her thoughts, Changsheng found herself questioning why it was Lv Jing. Reflecting on her life, she acknowledged her poor reputation had left her with slim prospects for marriage, making the looming peace-making marriage a difficult fate. She confessed that her past interactions with Shen Bin and Yang Wulang were merely panicked attempts to avoid this outcome.
She admitted that while General Zhao Huaibi, with his "great ambitions," seemed like a suitable match, he and Princess Guangde were truly in love, making her merely a "passerby" in their story. She realized Lv Jing's "good advice" had helped her finally "see her heart," yet she understood that expressing any feelings for the Great Tang envoy was impossible, given their disparate positions. The following day, Changsheng was heading to the Muyan Forest when Lv Jing insisted on accompanying her.
She tried to dissuade him, describing the area as boring and dirty, but he joined her nonetheless. In the forest, she taught him how to gently brush the salt frost from the trees, describing the need to feel the tree's "breathing" with each motion. Lv Jing observed that the Muyan tree, rough on the outside but delicate within, reminded him of her. He tried harvesting the salt himself, claiming he could feel "her reluctance and unwillingness."
They then visited the Pulping Field, where Changsheng demonstrated the process of making pulp for framing paintings and calligraphy. She explained the pulp's magical properties for preservation and lamented that Fuyu's people were less literate than those in Great Tang, leading to underdeveloped printing and framing techniques. She shared her grand ambition to make everyone literate and for Fuyu to become prosperous and peaceful, free of crime and ignorance, earning Lv Jing's admiration.
At the powder washing pool, she showed him how to prepare flour for dough, explaining the need to filter out bran, and invited him to try kneading the dough, which they did together. Meanwhile, Princess Guangde, still distraught and unwell, sought out Zhao Huaibi. Despite having prepared numerous strategies to win him back, their conversation led her to a profound realization, which she later attributed to Changsheng's words.
She understood that true affection wasn't about possessing the beloved or destroying everything when hope was lost. After confirming that Zhao Huaibi had indeed requested to marry Changsheng, she wished him and Changsheng well and left sadly, acknowledging their fate lay perhaps in another life. Zhao Huaibi was visibly distressed after her departure. Guangde retreated to her palace, consumed by sorrow, refusing to eat or drink, and listening only to mournful songs about lost love.
Witnessing her daughter's despair, Noble Consort Xian tearfully pleaded with the Emperor to intervene in Guangde's marital fate, particularly concerning the possibility of her being chosen for the peace-making marriage to a distant land. The Emperor, initially hesitant to force anyone, summoned Zhao Huaibi. When Zhao Huaibi arrived, the Emperor expressed concern about his age and lack of a wife. Zhao Huaibi then revealed he had decided to request marriage to Princess Changsheng, surprising the Emperor.
At the same time, Xiao Jin confessed to Xie Lin that she felt Changsheng had become distant from her, a feeling worse than having argued. Xie Lin, also known as Sanlang, deduced that Changsheng's change might be related to the help Xiao Jin had given to Guangde.
Xiao Jin admitted to tipping off Guangde, explaining her brother, Xiao Zilv, genuinely liked Changsheng but was trying to prevent her from marrying anyone else so she'd have no choice but to marry him. Xie Lin pointed out that Xiao Jin's actions stemmed from a fear of Changsheng marrying her own brother.
When Changsheng arrived for a visit, bringing fruit, she reassured a guilt-ridden Xiao Jin that she understood her intentions were for her well-being and that she had never intended to marry Xiao Zilv, clarifying that their bond was based on friendship and duty, not romantic love. Later, Changsheng visited Zhao Huaibi. She inquired if he was still serious about marrying her. He affirmed his commitment, stating he always kept his promises.
When she pressed him on whether his intention was based on a promise or true affection, she picked up an item (implied to be a gift from her) and dropped it into a nearby brazier. He seemed surprised but did not stop her. She then picked up the security bracelet Guangde had given him and made to throw it in as well, prompting him to snatch it away quickly. Seeing his reaction, Changsheng understood where his heart truly lay.
She urged him to go to Guangde, telling him that without him, she would die, and reminded him that as a general he fought to protect those he loved. She pointed out that the Envoy was discussing the peace-making marriage with the Emperor right then and urged him to go quickly. He thanked her and rushed to the Imperial Study.
The Envoy was discussing the eligible candidates, Princess Changsheng and Princess Guangde, with the Emperor, suggesting Guangde might be a good choice as she had bet she would accept the peace-making marriage if she didn't find a husband before his departure. Zhao Huaibi burst in, despite being told he couldn't be seen, knelt before the Emperor, and pleaded for permission to marry Princess Guangde. News of Zhao Huaibi's request to marry her reached Guangde, leaving her stunned.
She confronted Changsheng, who admitted she was "incompetent" and couldn't win Zhao Huaibi's heart, calling herself the "defeated one," but clarified she wasn't giving him up, merely facilitating his union with the one he already loved. She insisted she lost because of "inferior skill," not by yielding.
As Guangde began to cry, Changsheng urged her to stop, saying she preferred her argumentative nature, and shared some "tips" from her storybooks about how couples come together – through arguments, childhood bonds, fate, or simply persistent effort – suggesting Guangde use these to find her own beloved. Guangde thanked her, though Changsheng maintained she lost fairly and the peace-making marriage was not yet decided. Later, speaking with Lv Jing, Changsheng's somber mood was evident.
Lv Jing commented on her "forced smile," asking if she'd become soft-hearted at the last moment (referring to giving up Zhao Huaibi). Changsheng replied that she wasn't forcing the smile because someone was waiting for her, implying a hopeful future. When Lv Jing offered to share details of his discussion with the Emperor, she declined, stating his words were irreversible and her own fate was beyond her control.
She asked about Great Tang, receiving a surprisingly negative description from Lv Jing, who painted it as remote, lawless, and deceitful, contradicting its reputation for wealth and literacy. As she softly recited a poem about a woman leaving her home for a distant marriage, Lv Jing asked if she regretted the situation. She admitted she was "afraid." When he asked if "he" felt regret, he replied he was "reluctant." Asking her if she was reluctant, Changsheng confessed, "I kind of regret it."
Episode 8 Recap
Noble Consort Xian visited Princess Changsheng, bringing gifts and expressing deep gratitude for Changsheng's role in allowing Guangde to remain by her side, calling Guangde her life. Princess Consort, Changsheng's mother and Prince Changle's wife, became visibly angry, questioning if Changsheng was not equally her precious daughter. She lamented their years of service to the crown only to have their daughter sacrificed, accusing others of being cruel.
Prince Changle attempted to quiet her, but she refused, urging him to confront his imperial brother instead. She declared that women were sacrificed to protect the country and swore she would not live if Changsheng was gone. Noble Consort Xian tried to calm her, suggesting a more suitable candidate might be found as the imperial decree wasn't finalized. Princess Consort continued to weep over her daughter's fate. Changsheng apologized to Noble Consort Xian for her mother's distressed words.
Noble Consort Xian was magnanimous, feeling ashamed for her past harshness towards Changsheng and expressing gratitude for Changsheng's lack of resentment. She promised to do her utmost to negotiate the peace marriage and prevent Changsheng from marrying far away, noting there was still one day before the Great Tang envoy departed, and therefore hope. Changsheng thanked her.
Noble Consort Xian mentioned the upcoming joint wedding of Guangde and Jin, and Changsheng expressed regret that she couldn't attend, asking Noble Consort Xian to convey her blessings. Noble Consort Xian sighed about the unfairness of fate towards Changsheng. After Noble Consort Xian left, Changsheng spoke with Lv Jing. Lv Jing commented that her kind actions had influenced Noble Consort Xian and helped the union of Guangde and General Zhao. Changsheng stated she simply facilitated a good match.
Lv Jing inquired about her intentions regarding the peace marriage. Changsheng explained her predicament: she was the only suitable candidate. Refusing would mean the Emperor losing credibility abroad and she would be the sinner if war broke out. Going meant facing an unknown husband with terrifying rumors, likely resulting in great hardship. She acknowledged the fears surrounding Prince Qin's rumored cruelty and ugliness but stated she was still happy to see Lv Jing.
She asked him, being skilled at painting, to draw Prince Qin's portrait, and he agreed. Lv Jing then reminded her that she still had a choice about whether to go or stay. Prince Changle returned home in tears, lamenting his actions and apologizing to Changsheng. His wife, the Princess Consort, reacted with exasperation and called him useless, sarcastically asking if his tears were those of success. She told Changsheng to disregard her father and focus on her own fate.
Seeing the Great Tang envoy (Lv Jing), she conceived a plan. Later, she proposed to Changsheng the idea of having Lv Jing marry into their family as a way to avoid the peace marriage. Changsheng was initially shocked, dismissing the idea as absurd given Lv Jing's identity as the Great Tang envoy and Prince Qin's confidant, arguing it would only escalate tensions with Great Tang.
However, the Princess Consort insisted she was serious and believed it an ingenious solution, adding she had observed Changsheng seemed to have feelings for him and saw it as a last resort. Lv Jing was later seen discussing arrangements with his companions, indicating their trip to Fuyu had been productive for future endeavors.
Princess Consort approached Lv Jing as he was packing, urging him to stay in Fuyu permanently rather than return to Great Tang, subtly suggesting he could marry Changsheng if he promised to treat her well, and asking for his opinion of Changsheng. Lv Jing praised Changsheng's character and beauty but called his own words excessive.
The Princess Consort conveyed to Changsheng that Lv Jing had reacted with excitement to the idea of marrying into their family, although Changsheng seemed skeptical of her mother's dramatic account. Princess Consort then advised Changsheng to present a "whole new" version of herself to Lv Jing. Changsheng appeared before Lv Jing having altered her appearance significantly, which made him laugh. She self-consciously asked if she looked terrible. Lv Jing commented on her appearance, and Changsheng left, claiming to be fine.
Lv Jing remarked that she was "quite something." Changsheng later spoke with Lv Jing, confirming her mother had discussed the idea of him marrying into the family. Lv Jing asked for her thoughts. Changsheng dismissed the possibility, explaining that as the Great Tang envoy and Prince Qin's trusted aide, such an action would infuriate Prince Qin and make the situation worse. Lv Jing noted her concern for him. Changsheng stated she didn't want to involve others.
Lv Jing then probed if she had developed feelings for him during their time together. When she implicitly acknowledged this, he urged restraint, stating her decision to go through with the peace marriage was final. He pressed her, asking what she would choose if there were an opportunity to turn back. Changsheng steadfastly replied that she didn't believe in "ifs" in this life, but hoped for a next life to fulfill regrets, making it clear her current path was set.
Lv Jing accepted her answer, calling her unconventional, which she heard and countered by saying she was on a "point of no return." Lv Jing was seen walking with his companions, planning to buy a mirror as a gift for Changsheng before his departure. They overheard a father arguing with his daughter who was being forced into marriage against her will and threatening suicide, declaring she would rather die than marry someone she didn't love.
Lv Jing commented on the girl's strong spirit, similar to Changsheng's, and reflected on how some, like caged birds, would die if deprived of their freedom to choose. At night, Lv Jing spoke with Changsheng (or reflected on their conversation), where she pressed him about the fearsome reputation of Prince Qin, asking if he was truly cruel, ugly, and untrustworthy. Lv Jing playfully confirmed the worst rumors before acknowledging her seriousness and her trust in him.
She asked if Prince Qin would like her, and he teasingly affirmed it, hinting that he knew because she was the one he had chosen, listing her many qualities, though misusing a phrase, which she corrected. They shared a quiet moment, reflecting on cherished times, before Changsheng reiterated her decision regarding the peace marriage was final. Separately, Jin spoke with her brother Xiao Zilv, both visibly unhappy about Changsheng's impending departure.
Jin noted Xiao Zilv seemed more distressed than her, and he admitted his helplessness as Changsheng was both the woman he loved and his friend, feeling inadequate when others like Guangde were pleading with the Emperor. He called Changsheng stubborn and remarked she wouldn't have to marry abroad if she simply married him. Jin pointed out that she couldn't propose herself.
She urged Xiao Zilv to stop just hoping things would change and make a sincere proposal, expressing his true feelings beyond their lifelong friendship. He admitted he had always taken proactive steps, but she had always refused, preferring the peace marriage. Jin stressed the need for a serious, romantic proposal. Convinced by Jin's argument, Xiao Zilv resolved to act. He went to Changsheng and proposed marriage directly. Changsheng, suspicious, initially thought it was one of his usual tricks.
He insisted he was serious and would immediately seek an imperial marriage decree if she accepted. Changsheng refused, explaining she saw through his likely plan to mock her and slander her name if she agreed and left. Xiao Zilv vehemently maintained his sincerity, pushing his attendant away who tried to usher him out.
He pleaded with Changsheng, expressing his genuine deep feelings, his concern for her welfare on the difficult journey and facing Prince Qin, and his promise of complete devotion if she stayed and married him, adding that he would wait for her answer should she change her mind. After he left, his attendant noted his apparent sincerity, but Changsheng confided that she felt only friendship for him, and involving him in defying the Emperor and endangering his family would be heartless.
She concluded it was too late and if sacrifice was necessary, she preferred it to be meaningful. Changsheng visited Lv Jing before his departure to offer him some Fuyu specialties as farewell gifts. Lv Jing inquired if she was reconsidering the peace marriage and needed his help. Changsheng presented some items, jokingly identifying them as potent poisons like "Soul-Stirring Powder" and "Soul-breaking Pills," meant as preparation in case Prince Qin was truly as cruel as rumored.
She then revealed they were harmless herbal remedies: mint pills and hawthorn powder for his journey, meant to alleviate travel sickness. Lv Jing thanked her for her thoughtfulness. They conversed about the passage of time and place, with Changsheng expressing her enduring loyalty to her homeland, stating her commitment to the peace marriage was voluntary to protect Fuyu, and her readiness to die for her country if war ever broke out.
Lv Jing advised her against excessive worry about the unpredictable future. Later, on the street, Changsheng encountered Qinxin, who gifted her a makeup sharpener as thanks for her past help with her family's salt shop and shared news of her own happy, unexpected marriage. Seeing Changsheng handling the sharpener and hearing her reflective comment about how quickly fate can change, Lv Jing became concerned.
His companions, nearby, voiced their worry that Changsheng might commit suicide to avoid the peace marriage, reminding him of their mission related to future conflict with Fuyu and urging him not to show weakness. Lv Jing internally debated, feeling things might not be as bad as he feared and that his purpose wasn't purely destructive, considering peace a better outcome. He wrestled with the thought of someone suffering or dying because of him, referring to Changsheng as "Boren."
His companion suggested he reveal his identity as Prince Qin if he was so worried, believing it could work out if she had feelings for him. Lv Jing dismissed this, citing the critical need to keep his identity secret while still in Fuyu due to the risks. Seeing Changsheng draw the sharpener again, and misunderstanding her intention, Lv Jing rushed to her, snatched the sharpener away, and threw it.
Just as he started to speak, presumably to reveal who he was, Changsheng stopped him, admitting she had only been demonstrating the gift and was not attempting suicide, revealing her previous actions were a test. Lv Jing was visibly flustered by his mistaken alarm. Meanwhile, Xiao Zilv, after contemplating and drinking, resolved to go to the palace and ask the Emperor to revoke the marriage decree.
His mother tried to stop him, threatening to take her own life and arguing he would ruin the Xiao family's honor built over three generations. However, Jin intervened, standing with Xiao Zilv and threatening to die herself if her mother prevented him from going, arguing that true honor lay in pursuing his feelings for Changsheng and that both would regret it if he didn't act.
Their mother finally yielded, and Jin urged Xiao Zilv to go quickly to see the Emperor and seek Changsheng's hand in marriage. At the imperial court, the Emperor was speaking to Lv Jing, about to announce the chosen candidate for the peace marriage, when Xiao Zilv burst in, interrupting the proceedings.
Ignoring the Emperor's order to stand aside, Xiao Zilv knelt and earnestly pleaded with His Majesty to grant him a marriage decree with Princess Changsheng, citing the loyalty of the Xiao family and his deep affection for her. The Emperor refused his plea, stating that Prince Changle had already made the decision regarding the marriage, and again ordered Xiao Zilv to stand aside.
Turning to Lv Jing, the Emperor stated that the final decision regarding the peace marriage rested with Princess Changsheng herself. At that moment, Changsheng entered the court. She addressed the Emperor, formally identifying herself as Liu Changsheng, and declared her willingness to form the alliance through marriage, dedicating her life to protecting Fuyu. She formally requested His Majesty's permission to voluntarily go to Great Tang for the peace marriage.
Episode 9 Recap
Despite the opposition, Liu Changsheng declared in the main hall her willingness to go to Great Tang for the peace-making marriage, stating she would dedicate her life to maintaining the alliance between Fuyu and Great Tang. She boldly requested that thirty Muyan tree saplings accompany her, explaining their significance as the core of Fuyu's salt business, never before given away, but presenting them would demonstrate Fuyu's firm resolve for friendly relations and potentially open opportunities for mutually beneficial trade.
The King granted her request. As the envoy, Yi'an expressed his honor and promised to protect her, ensuring she would not suffer any injustice. Seeing the decision made, Xiao Zilv requested permission to accompany the peace-making team as the envoy. Xiao Zilv's father vehemently opposed his son's decision, reminding him that the Xiao family had only one male heir per generation and emphasizing the extreme danger of the trip, suggesting he might not return alive.
Despite his father's anger and refusal to listen, Xiao Zilv remained determined, stating he felt compelled to stay by Changsheng's side. His father, furious, accused him of being unfilial and forgetting basic principles, punishing him by ordering him to write "filial piety" a thousand times in the courtyard. An imperial decree arrived at Prince Changle's mansion for Liu Changsheng.
The list of accompanying gifts from the King was read, including items like jade pots, red agate, and paintings, which were privately considered meager. However, the decree confirmed the inclusion of the thirty Muyan tree saplings and instructed Prince Changle's mansion to host the farewell banquet without strict adherence to rules. At the banquet, guests toasted Prince Changle, praising his daughter.
Prince Changle, however, expressed his deep sorrow at his daughter's departure, saying he only wanted her happiness, not for her to be a heroine or bring honor to the family. A play, written by Guangde, was performed. Its first act depicted a princess deceived, leading to a tragic self-inflicted death, which visibly unsettled Yi'an, causing him to wonder if his own deception might lead to a similar outcome for Changsheng.
Guangde dismissed the bad omen, mentioning there was a planned happy ending. It was explained that Xiao Zilv was absent because he had knelt in the snow all night, fulfilling his father's punishment and aggravating an old leg injury. Xiao Jin reassured Changsheng that their father had finally consented to Zilv joining the team after much punishment. Xiao Zilv then arrived at the banquet despite his injury.
Yi'an, seeing his condition, subtly suggested it might be better for him to stay and rest rather than accompany the journey to Great Tang, implying it would be a hindrance. Xiao Zilv insisted he was going for Changsheng's safety and would not be a burden. When Changsheng attempted to dissuade him, Xiao Zilv claimed his true purpose was to study medicine and perhaps even marry a princess in Great Tang, telling her not to interfere with his plans.
Later, Changsheng, Guangde, and Xiao Jin shared drinks, becoming visibly flushed and emotional as they reflected on their close bond and the impending separation. Xiao Jin noted the distance to Great Tang meant they might never see each other again. Guangde presented Changsheng with a box as a dowry gift, instructing her to open it only at the "most important time."
Yi'an, having completed his task in Fuyu as the envoy, moved to a nearby posthouse, informing Changsheng she could find him there if needed. He pondered how Changsheng would react upon discovering his true identity as Prince Qin, recalling the tragic play. Discussing this with his subordinates, Youyong believed she would react intensely, possibly leading to a justifiable reason for Prince Qin to declare war on Fuyu, though he found her potential fate unfortunate.
Youmou, however, felt Changsheng was reasonable and would not hold it against him. Yi'an then decided to write a letter to Changsheng. Changsheng received Yi'an's letter, which contained poetic lines suggesting continued connection and waiting. She interpreted this as Yi'an being reluctant to leave Fuyu and perhaps waiting for her to suggest they elope.
Although her attendants, Jinyan and Shenxing, debated the serious consequences of eloping with a foreign envoy, especially as the future wife of Prince Qin, they also acknowledged Yi'an's apparent sincerity. Changsheng decided she could not elope, but felt compelled to see him to clarify the situation since she believed he was sincere. She went to the posthouse. Upon arrival, she found Youyong and learned Yi'an was in his room.
Standing outside the door, she began speaking, asking him not to come out and explaining her thoughts: while feelings had developed due to their closeness, they could not be together given their respective roles and her commitment to the marriage, urging him to let go of the idea. To her surprise, she discovered Youmou and others were also inside the room, leading to an awkward revelation of her private thoughts. Yi'an then emerged and dismissed his men.
Changsheng, still confused, asked why he wasn't leaving, referencing his letter where he said he would wait for her. Yi'an clarified that he meant he would wait for her, but "in Great Tang". Realizing her misunderstanding and the comedic nature of the situation, Changsheng quickly departed. Before her departure, Changsheng met with her mother, the Princess Consort.
Her mother gave her some colorful yarn, explaining it was unique to Fuyu and intended for her wedding dress there, but wouldn't be needed now that she was marrying in Great Tang. She expressed her sadness and worried about the reputation of Prince Qin, whom she had heard was cruel and violent.
Changsheng tried to soothe her mother's fears, claiming Yi'an had described Prince Qin as a good person with a dignified appearance and easygoing personality, suggesting the negative rumors were spread by jealous people. The peace-making team began their journey to Great Tang, with Xiao Zilv accompanying them. Inside the carriage, Changsheng felt bored. Despite Jinyan's warnings that her father said the dowry box contained priceless treasures and shouldn't be opened yet, Changsheng insisted on opening it.
Upon opening the box, she found numerous bottles of medicine with strange and alarming names like "Pregnant Pill," "Nourishment Pills," "Spring Pill," "Lotus Powder," "Life Pill," and "Life and Death Pill." Amused and bewildered, she questioned if she was going to die given the amount of medicine, joking about choosing which one to take based on its name.
Episode 10 Recap
Prince Qin’s convoy returned to Luojing, sparking excitement among the people who gathered to watch. Lv Jing, the Third Prince and Prince Qin, quickly returned to the capital and reported to the King. Contrary to his previous advocacy for military expansion against neighboring states, Lv Jing argued against attacking Fuyu, deeming it unjust and harmful to future trade relations. The King did not make an immediate decision, stating the matter would be discussed later.
Meanwhile, the Second Prince, Lv Hou, struggled with poverty relief efforts in Yuzhou, complaining to the King. The King reassigned this difficult task to the Fifth Prince, Lv Ke, urging him not to disappoint. After Lv Hou and Lv Ke departed, the King kept Lv Jing behind. Outside the King's presence, Lv Hou attempted to manipulate Lv Ke, highlighting Lv Jing’s military power and the potential support from Fuyu after the upcoming marriage, questioning if Lv Ke felt threatened.
Lv Ke maintained he was a powerless, idle prince and his current focus was rectifying Lv Hou's mismanagement in Yuzhou. Lv Hou was blunt, bringing up the issue of succession, noting the King's delay in appointing a Crown Prince and suggesting an alliance could benefit Lv Ke, given Lv Hou’s own high rank. Lv Ke reiterated his lack of influence, frustrating Lv Hou who felt his brother couldn't grasp the political situation.
Separately, Prince Qin (Lv Jing) met with the Grand Tutor, Yi Jingwei, requesting a recalculation of an auspicious wedding date. The Grand Tutor was surprised, as a date had already been set. Prince Qin mentioned that now the intended bride, Princess Changsheng, was confirmed, the original date might not be the most suitable and joked about her potential for causing "trouble."
The Grand Tutor found Princess Changsheng's astrological chart extraordinary and stated he couldn't find another equally auspicious day within three years, which Prince Qin interpreted as a sign of good fortune, calling them a perfect match. Prince Qin also advised the Grand Tutor to be discreet to avoid unnecessary gossip. The Grand Tutor promised to find a new date quickly, while privately wondering what kind of trouble could arise now that the bride was already en route.
During her journey to Great Tang, Princess Changsheng repeatedly feigned illness, delaying the convoy. Doctor Liu, who was accompanying the group, grew weary of her antics, noting it was the sixth time she had fallen "ill." However, attendants insisted she was truly sick this time. Doctor Liu, knowing Prince Qin had anticipated such delays and sent him along, reluctantly agreed to check on her, despite her past refusals to let him take her pulse.
Inside, attendants stressed the importance of not missing the auspicious wedding day. Changsheng insisted she only had a cold and could continue, even if it meant dying on the way, refusing a pulse check and referencing Doctor Liu's earlier skepticism about her faking. Jinyan, one of her attendants, defended her, expressing outrage at the lack of care and demanding Doctor Liu check her pulse for her well-being, as her condition seemed to be relapsing.
Doctor Liu insisted, needing to report to the Emperor if anything happened. Upon taking her pulse, he was visibly shocked, finding it strange and unable to immediately diagnose her, but confirming she was genuinely ill. Jinyan expressed sorrow for Changsheng's plight and threatened to make Doctor Liu and his family pay if anything happened to her. Doctor Liu, bewildered by the strange pulse, left to research a prescription. At Prince Qin's mansion, discussions were held regarding Xiuwen Hall.
An official reported that the building was completed on schedule and the Princess Royal, Lv Guan, was effectively managing it, dispelling the Ministry of Rites' initial opposition. Lv Jing, who had entrusted Lv Guan with the task due to her capabilities, decided to visit her. At Xiuwen Hall, Lv Guan was explaining strict regulations, including capital punishment for serious violations like illegal logging or hunting.
Officials persistently questioned her about choosing a husband, seemingly hoping she would step down from her position, but she deflected their inquiries. Lv Jing arrived, and he and Lv Guan discussed court matters. Lv Jing warned her about Lv Hou, revealing he was behind an assassination attempt on him in Fuyu. Lv Guan advised caution, noting Lv Jing's growing power. Lv Jing then mentioned that Princess Changsheng had fallen ill on her journey, which might postpone the wedding.
Back at the inn, Lv Jing arrived under the guise of "Mr. Envoy" (also referred to as Yi'an by Changsheng and his attendants). He confronted Changsheng, knowing her earlier illness was faked to delay the wedding. Changsheng admitted she wanted to postpone to assess Prince Qin, hoping he was the good person Yi'an had described, but was willing to proceed if he was.
She couldn't continue the charade now that Lv Jing (as Yi'an) was here, knowing how shrewd he was. Lv Jing’s attendant confirmed that Princess Changsheng was indeed genuinely sick this time. Doctor Liu reaffirmed his diagnosis of a real illness with a strange pulse. Lv Jing, maintaining his "Yi'an" persona, expressed concern about the delayed wedding date due to her illness.
When Doctor Liu couldn't provide a definitive cure, Lv Jing dramatically ordered Doctor Liu to be beaten to death for failing to treat the Princess, prompting a distressed Changsheng to immediately declare her illness cured to save the doctor. Lv Jing then lauded Doctor Liu as meritorious. However, as the journey resumed, Changsheng truly caught a cold and developed a fever.
Despite the urgency to reach Great Tang before the wedding date, Lv Jing ordered the convoy to turn back to the previous inn. At the inn, Changsheng and Lv Jing spoke alone. She confirmed she was genuinely sick and worried about the delay affecting him. Lv Jing reassured her, telling her to focus on recovering and he would handle everything else.
He offered her ginger soup and told her to rest well, expressing his trust in her before departing for Great Tang with his attendants, promising to wait for her there. After recovering, Changsheng continued to Great Tang. Upon arrival in Luojing, crowds gathered, curious about the Fuyu Princess who was to marry Prince Qin. Changsheng found the ornate, heavy court attire gifted by the King uncomfortable and restrictive, joking about Great Tang women's diets.
Her attendants reassured her that despite the strict rules, she looked magnificent. At the King's Longevity Hall, Changsheng formally greeted him. The King welcomed her and inquired about her health after her journey, pleased she had recovered. He announced a banquet in her honor. As she entered, Changsheng scanned the princes present, wondering which one was Prince Qin, noting their different appearances. She presented a gift from Fuyu, wishing the King and Great Tang prosperity.
The King was delighted with the gift. He then announced that Prince Qin was unwell and couldn't attend the banquet, stating they would meet in a few days. Changsheng silently mused if Prince Qin was marrying her to dispel bad luck, given his sudden illness. The King declared the day informal due to the missed auspicious date, announcing a formal welcome banquet later and that the official ceremony would await a new date from the Directorate of Astronomy.
During the banquet, Changsheng asked Jinyan if she had seen Yi'an, but Jinyan said he was likely with the sick Prince Qin. Feeling isolated without any familiar faces, Changsheng decided she could only face the situation one step at a time. Later, Changsheng was escorted to her temporary residence within Prince Qin's mansion. She was shown to the Huadeng Pavilion, located beside the inner courtyard, specially prepared for her until the wedding.
An attendant explained Prince Qin had thoughtfully dismissed most servants, leaving only essential staff for her comfort and freedom within the grounds. Changsheng thanked them and asked them to convey her gratitude to Prince Qin. As she settled in, she and her attendants noted Prince Qin's thorough arrangements, sparking a cautious hope in Changsheng that he might indeed be the good person Yi'an had described.
Episode 11 Recap
The Grand Tutor spent a sleepless night selecting an auspicious date for Prince Qin's wedding. Meanwhile, in Prince Qin's Mansion, Youyong and Youmou were instructed by Lv Jing, who dislikes red bean cakes himself, to prepare some good-looking ones to be sent to Princess Changsheng. Youyong wondered why Lv Jing, known as Prince Qin, hadn't gone to welcome the princess in person.
Youmou explained that as an envoy in Fuyu, revealing his true identity then would have complicated things with Princess Changsheng, given her temper. Lv Jing confirmed this assessment. Late that night, Princess Changsheng felt hungry and went to the kitchen with Jinyan. There, she chatted with the chef and asked about Prince Qin.
Despite the chef's praise for Prince Qin's diligent nature, martial skills, and care for his people, Princess Changsheng, having heard rumors of his cruelty and bloodthirstiness, twisted every positive description into a negative one in her mind. The chef, understanding her hunger, offered to cook noodles. Princess Changsheng readily accepted, requesting a soft-boiled egg, while Jinyan asked for a well-done one. Princess Changsheng then asked the chef about Prince Qin's preferences in women.
The chef reassured her that Prince Qin had lived a secluded life since leaving the palace, had no women in his mansion, and kept his distance from female company, even having eunuchs as servants. In the imperial study, the Emperor summoned the Grand Tutor to change the wedding date for Prince Qin and Princess Changsheng due to the princess's delayed arrival.
To the Emperor's surprise, the Grand Tutor, looking exhausted from working all night, announced he had already selected a new date: the seventh day of the seventh month, at a specific auspicious time, the best day for a wedding in a century. The Emperor was pleased and decreed that the wedding and the enfeoffment ceremony would be held on the same day.
Back at Prince Qin's mansion, the servants reported that everything was being prepared according to Lv Jing's instructions, including sending food Princess Changsheng liked daily. They suggested he visit her now that the wedding was postponed, finding it more convenient than sending messages. Lv Jing felt he couldn't visit yet as she still didn't know his true identity, making an explanation difficult. He decided against visiting for the moment.
Later, Princess Changsheng was delighted to receive braised lamb trotters and red bean cakes. She wondered how Prince Qin knew her preferences and speculated the red beans might symbolize lovesickness, though she dismissed the idea as they had never met. Noticing the lamb trotters tasted exactly like those from Wangchun Restaurant in Fuyu, she wondered if Prince Qin had invited the chef for her, acknowledging how well he treated her. Afterwards, she instructed Jinyan to gather information about Prince Qin.
Meanwhile, in Fuyu, Xiao Zilv received a letter from Princess Changsheng, delivered by Shenxing. He inquired about Princess Changsheng's well-being and if she had met Prince Qin. Shenxing reported she hadn't met him but confirmed arrangements for her stay were suitable, as if her preferences were known in advance. Xiao Zilv, unimpressed, read Princess Changsheng's letter and smiled, instructing Shenxing to tell her he would visit her in Prince Qin's Mansion after the welcoming banquet.
Jinyan presented Princess Changsheng with a thick stack of notes detailing rumors about Prince Qin. Reading it, Princess Changsheng found his alleged wrongdoings too numerous to list. She felt betrayed by Yi'an, whom she had trusted, believing he had tricked her into marrying such a person. She declared she would deal with Yi'an if she saw him. Just then, Yi'an appeared. Princess Changsheng confronted him, accusing him of being favored by Prince Qin and ignoring her.
Yi'an tried to tell her something about Prince Qin, but she interrupted, recounting the terrible rumors she had heard. Based on the rumors and Prince Qin's absence, she speculated he was gravely ill or possibly even dead, and that his death was being kept secret. Yi'an's reaction seemed to confirm her suspicions. Believing Prince Qin was dead and fearing for her safety, Princess Changsheng decided she needed to understand the layout of the mansion to prepare for a potential escape.
She donned black night clothes and masked her face, sneaking into Prince Qin's main courtyard with Jinyan watching from a distance. Discovered by guards, she tried to reveal her identity as Princess Changsheng, but the guards were skeptical, stating the real princess was rumored to be virtuous and beautiful, unlike the figure they saw before them. As the guards prepared to seize her, she was startled and fell from a rockery into a pond.
Yi'an appeared, lightly stepping on the water's surface to catch her and land safely. The guards, recognizing Yi'an as Prince Qin, immediately knelt and paid their respects. Princess Changsheng was stunned to realize that Yi'an was Prince Qin. Mortified, remembering all the terrible things she had said about Prince Qin to Yi'an's face, she was unable to meet his gaze. Prince Qin confirmed her identity to the guards, identifying her as his future wife and the mistress of the mansion.
He ordered the guards to be careful and protect her, ensuring the night's events were kept secret. Princess Changsheng was overwhelmed by the revelation. Prince Qin explained that Yi'an was his pet name, unknown since he became Prince Qin. Princess Changsheng confronted him about his reputation, calling him violent, murderous, and a freak. Prince Qin asked if she believed the rumors over him. She claimed she didn't disbelieve him, but in Great Tang, rumors spread easily.
He told her to trust only him from now on. As he approached her, asking what she thought he was going to do, she became flustered. He joked that he hadn't killed anyone in a long time, implying she might think he would kill her. She quickly stated she would end her own life if necessary, showing her strong resistance to the marriage. For the next three days, Princess Changsheng avoided Prince Qin.
Even when You Yong and Youmou came on his behalf, they were turned away by Jinyan and Shenxing. Lv Jing, hearing she was eating normally despite refusing visitors, concluded she was waiting for him to make the first move. He decided to go see her. Around the same time, Princess Changsheng heard a report from Xiao Zilv's messenger that the Muyan tree saplings brought from Fuyu might not survive the soil conditions in Great Tang.
Concerned, she rushed out towards the Muyan Forest. Lv Jing, encountering her on horseback, offered her a ride, stating he knew where she was going. He took her directly to the forest. The saplings appeared to be doing well. Lv Jing began watering the trees, following Princess Changsheng as she moved from one sapling to another.
He used the opportunity to apologize for hiding his identity, explaining it was necessary for her safety during their journey and he hadn't found a suitable time to tell her later. He promised to never lie to her again. Princess Changsheng remained distant. Lv Jing then recited a poem he had written for her. Princess Changsheng recognized it and accused him of deliberately trying to embarrass her and keeping her in the dark.
Lv Jing explained the first two lines were a hint to his identity, implying Yi'an was Prince Qin. Princess Changsheng was unconvinced that was a clear hint. He reiterated that Yi'an was his courtesy name, known only to his closest circle. He then mentioned she had looked for him before. She claimed it was only to say goodbye, but Lv Jing summoned You Yong and Youmou, who confirmed she had been looking for him and behaving differently.
Princess Changsheng dismissed their testimony as they were his servants. Lv Jing sent them away. He then suggested she could continue to think of him as Yi'an so she didn't have to face a strange husband. As the servants left, remarking on the rising wind, Princess Changsheng's ancient book was blown into the water. As she bent down to retrieve it, Xiao Zilv appeared, mistaking her action for something else entirely. He rushed over and pulled at her, but his intervention backfired, causing both of them to fall into the water.
Episode 12 Recap
Lv Guan was standing in a small, shallow pond. Xiao Zilv saw her there and reacted with great alarm, telling her that her body was given by her parents and should not be harmed. He warned her that suicide would lead to endless suffering in hell and dramatically stated that if the water had been deeper, they would have met in the underworld. Lv Guan found his reaction overly exaggerated and was annoyed by his lecture.
Later, as she was being attended to for her recurring cough and reminded of the incident and her health, she decided it was time to visit the Imperial Academy of Medicine for prescriptions, anticipating a possible encounter with Xiao Zilv, whom she had her servant investigate after seeing him in the palace. Changsheng politely declined Lv Jing's invitation to dine together, stating she wasn't hungry.
Lv Jing then informed her about the upcoming welcome dinner, explaining that in previous years, guests were often pressured to perform before the Emperor. He warned her that as a newcomer, she might be targeted by people with ill intentions and encouraged her to refuse if she felt uncomfortable, assuring her he would handle any issues. Changsheng confidently replied that performing before the Emperor was not a difficult task for her, revealing she was already prepared.
She then asked him to leave so she could begin practicing. Changsheng instructed her maids, Jinyan and Shenxing, to find Youyong and Youmou to assist with preparations she had planned beforehand, emphasizing they should be discreet. At the grand banquet, Lv Jing introduced Changsheng to various royal family members, including Consort De, Prince Lv Hou (Prince Song), Princess Consort Song (Liu Yiyi), and Prince Lv Ke and his wife Chu Ge. Changsheng briefly noticed someone who seemed significant to her.
Other noble women at the banquet whispered amongst themselves, commenting on Changsheng's perceived lack of manners and comparing her unfavorably to Princess Royal and a Miss Rujing, hoping for the latter's return to humble Changsheng. The Emperor arrived, and after formalities, the banquet commenced. Soon after, Prince Lv Hou toasted the Emperor and then proposed that Changsheng perform a dance, praising the rumored talent of Fuyu women and inviting her to showcase her skills before the court.
Prince Lv Hou's proposal was met with Lv Jing's immediate intervention, who stated it was inappropriate as Changsheng was the Princess of Fuyu and his future wife. However, when it was implied that her reluctance might be contempt towards Great Tang, and Lv Jing accused the instigator of trying to provoke conflict, Changsheng volunteered to perform for the Emperor. She presented a unique drum dance, while six peony paintings were revealed behind her.
During her performance, a small bead rolled out, causing her to stumble, but Lv Jing quickly stepped forward to support her, preventing a fall. After completing the dance, Changsheng explained the meaning behind her performance, dedicating the six paintings to the Emperor with wishes for Great Tang's eternal prosperity, lasting friendship with Fuyu, and the Emperor's longevity.
Although some questioned the appropriateness of a drum dance in peacetime, suggesting it held wartime connotations, Changsheng calmly clarified that her performance was a tribute and a blessing. She explained it was to remember those lost and displaced by past wars between their nations and to celebrate and pray for the continued peace and prosperity under the Emperor's wise rule. Lv Jing echoed her sentiments. The Emperor was greatly pleased by her explanation and rewarded her generously.
Princess Lv Guan was informed by her servant that the man she saw at the palace the previous day was Xiao Zilv, the envoy from Fuyu, who was known as a prominent medical expert. Acknowledging his identity, she decided it was time to visit the Imperial Academy of Medicine for prescriptions for her recurring cough, anticipating a potential encounter with him.
Meanwhile, at Prince Qin's Mansion, Lv Jing's subordinate reported difficulty finding concrete evidence regarding the marble incident due to the crowded banquet. Lv Jing stated he knew who was responsible based on where the marble came from and ordered increased security measures to ensure Changsheng's safety, regardless of lacking direct proof.
Later, Xiao Zilv arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion and confronted Lv Jing, demanding to know why he had concealed his true identity from Changsheng while in Fuyu and questioning his motives. Lv Jing coolly asked Xiao Zilv on what grounds he was questioning him, to which Xiao Zilv replied as the Fuyu envoy and Changsheng's concerned friend. Lv Jing asserted that Changsheng was his future wife and would soon be Princess Consort Qin, questioning why he would harm her.
He dismissed Xiao Zilv's concerns, stating that since Changsheng herself no longer held it against him, there was no need for Xiao Zilv's interference. Lv Jing then warned Xiao Zilv that some opportunities, once missed, are gone forever, and pursuing Changsheng to Great Tang would be futile, advising him to let go. Changsheng joined Lv Jing for dinner. He had prepared several Fuyu dishes himself, giving them symbolic names like "Regret."
Changsheng found the food surprisingly good and, referring to the next dish as "Forgiveness," agreed to move past his deception. She established three conditions for forgiveness: no more lies, no distrust, and no making things difficult for her, which Lv Jing readily accepted. Lv Jing then shared his own hope: that as partners, they would be the strongest allies, trusting and relying on each other completely, especially after she had chosen him. Changsheng agreed to his request.
Later, Changsheng, finding Lv Jing with a slightly burned hand from cooking, initially felt he deserved it for deceiving her. Despite her lingering annoyance, she decided to apply medicine, stating it was only because he cooked for her and didn't negate his past actions. Lv Jing, seemingly drunk, held her hand and spoke about their destined connection and overcoming hardship together. Believing him to be intoxicated and planning to forget the night, Changsheng helped him towards his room.
Although Lv Jing was not truly drunk, they ended up spending the night together. Upon waking the next morning, Changsheng was visibly flustered, which Lv Jing found amusing and teased her about taking responsibility for the night. She insisted nothing happened, playfully blaming him for being drunk and preventing her from leaving. Lv Jing conceded it seemed his fault, and she accepted his apology, declaring the matter closed between them. He hinted she was trying to play hard to get.
Back in her own courtyard, Changsheng’s maids, Jinyan and Shenxing, questioned if she had slept in Prince Qin's room, having heard the rumor from Youyong. Changsheng nervously denied it, attributing her late return to an unintentional delay and insisting nothing had happened between them. Feeling restless, she requested materials to copy a Meditation Mantra and retrieved a copybook she brought from Fuyu.
While copying, she focused on a specific phrase that led her to realize that Yi'an was indeed Prince Qin (Lv Jing). She felt betrayed and called him a liar. Jinyan playfully remarked on her actions, suggesting she was thinking of Prince Qin while looking at his writing, which Changsheng vehemently denied. Later, complaining of sore limbs from copying, Changsheng wandered near the study, where Youyong was.
She inquired about Lv Jing's whereabouts, learning he was busy at the palace and had not returned. As heavy rain began to fall, Changsheng became worried about the Muyan trees she had planted, realizing they were unprotected from flooding. Ignoring warnings and forgetting an umbrella, she urgently borrowed a horse and galloped towards the Muyan Forest, leaving her concerned servants behind who then dispatched someone to inform Lv Jing.
Episode 13 Recap
Changsheng hurried to the Muyan Forest, where Lv Jing soon joined her. He asked for her guidance on how to protect the delicate Muyan saplings, explaining they were in their crucial first year and required special care, vulnerable to both excessive sun and water accumulation. Lv Jing brought more water cloth to help cover the muddy ground.
As they worked together, Xiao Zilv observed them, reflecting to himself that some people, once missed, are gone forever, and even following them far away is useless. After tending to the saplings, Changsheng and Lv Jing returned to the mansion. Changsheng lightheartedly teased Lv Jing before leaving. The next day, having gotten caught in the rain, Changsheng fell ill with a cold.
She instructed her maids, Jinyan and Shenxing, not to tell Lv Jing about her sickness, feeling embarrassed about falling ill from the rain. You Yong knelt before Lv Jing, expressing his guilt for failing to protect Changsheng. Lv Jing did not blame him and asked what Changsheng had said during her visit the previous day.
You Yong reported that she had looked towards the door, commenting on a tree and asking about its species and Lv Jing's whereabouts, wanting to ask him directly. Lv Jing smiled thoughtfully and quoted, "Flying with no rest, where shall they nest?" Later, Lv Jing visited the sleeping Changsheng and gently moved her onto the bed. He noticed a book titled "Pure Like Orchids" under her pillow and picked it up, chuckling as he looked through it.
Meanwhile, Princess Royal Lv Guan, who suffered from a chronic cough, meticulously cared for her collection of medical books, preferring to handle them herself rather than letting others potentially damage them or gossip. She instructed her maid, Lingzhi, to summon Doctor Yuan from the Imperial Academy of Medicine and to specifically bring the medical official from Fuyu who had previously been seen there.
At the Imperial Academy of Medicine, Lingzhi arrived and informed Doctor Yuan that Princess Royal requested him to bring Xiao Zilv, as she wished to try Fuyu's medical skills. Just then, Doctor Ma rushed in with news that Princess Consort Qin (Changsheng) was seriously ill, alarming Xiao Zilv. Doctor Yuan quickly told Xiao Zilv that Doctor Ma would go to Changsheng while they must hurry to the Princess Royal's palace.
As they left, Xiao Zilv asked why the doctors seemed reluctant to treat Princess Royal. Doctor Yuan explained that she was the Emperor's biological sister, high in status but young in age, known for her cold and demanding nature, her extensive reading, and a strong dislike for any mention of marriage, being unmarried herself. Upon arriving at Princess Royal's palace, Lv Guan dismissed everyone except Xiao Zilv.
Drawing back the curtain, Xiao Zilv recognized Princess Royal Lv Guan as the woman he had previously encountered when they both fell into the water. Though surprised, he showed no fear and proactively began checking her pulse and pressing acupoints, specifically the Taibai Gongsun acupoint to help regulate her pulse. Lv Guan noted that she felt better and showed an unusual acceptance of his diagnosis and prescription, much to Doctor Yuan's astonishment.
Back at Prince Qin's mansion, Doctor Ma arrived to treat Changsheng, causing Prince Qin Lv Jing to remark on his slowness. Lv Jing personally attended to Changsheng. His attendant, Youmou, wisely instructed You Yong to prevent anyone from disturbing the Prince and Princess Consort, a directive You Yong followed without fully understanding the reason. Changsheng awoke to find Lv Jing by her side.
He fed her the medicine he had kept warm over a low fire, which she noticed was still hot. He admitted he had been there the whole time. She found his presence unusual, and he told her to get used to it, staying to finish his memorials while she rested. Xiao Zilv also came to visit Changsheng. Before he checked her pulse, Lv Jing subtly placed a handkerchief on her wrist.
Xiao Zilv confirmed she still had a weak pulse and advised her to rest. Changsheng joked about getting thin from resting. Xiao Zilv offered to take her out for good food when she recovered, and Changsheng suggested they follow "Yi'an" (Lv Jing's informal name) as he knew the best places in Luojing. After Xiao Zilv left, Changsheng remembered the book under her pillow and found it missing.
She went to see Lv Jing, feeling too sheepish to ask about it directly. Around this time, Consort De, the mother of the Second Prince Lv Hou and Liu Yiyi, sent an invitation for Changsheng to visit the palace.
Knowing Consort De's long-standing animosity towards him and her tendency to cause trouble, Lv Jing anticipated a challenge and advised Changsheng on how to handle the situation, specifically how to respond to Consort De's likely initial tactic of intimidation, often by pretending to be asleep. Changsheng followed Lv Jing's instructions carefully. When she arrived, Consort De was seemingly asleep. Changsheng offered her greetings, and Consort De stirred. Changsheng employed Lv Jing's strategy, lavishing exaggerated praise on Consort De's youthful appearance.
Pleased, Consort De invited her closer, chatting about the welcome banquet dance and Changsheng's recent illness. Consort De offered a bitter tea, and Changsheng praised it, interpreting its taste as symbolic of hardship followed by reward, further impressing Consort De. The conversation shifted to her relationship with Lv Jing, with Consort De mentioning the rumor of love at first sight, clearly probing for weaknesses.
Changsheng deflected by stating that while she couldn't speak for Lv Jing, "she" had been "taken aback at first sight, and then utterly charmed" by him. She then fabricated a story about meeting him providentially outside the Hongluan Pavilion in Fuyu just after buying a Marriage Pearl, attributing their union to fate. Just as the conversation continued, Lv Jing arrived, apologizing for interrupting. Consort De released them, asking them to visit more often.
Outside the palace, Lv Jing asked for Changsheng's assessment of Consort De. Changsheng described her as "seemingly caring, but she was just testing me," concluding she could not be befriended. Lv Jing warned her that being by his side would be dangerous. Changsheng asked if it was too late to return to Fuyu; he replied that it was. Accepting her fate, she added that she guessed it was too late to leave now anyway.
Lv Jing promised to protect her, referencing her earlier comment about being utterly charmed by him. Changsheng quickly clarified that she had only said that to deceive Consort De and firmly stated she had no romantic feelings for him, even swearing to it. Later, Liu Yiyi, accompanied by Lv Hou, encountered Changsheng. Liu Yiyi acted confrontationally, calling Changsheng "barbaric and unreasonable" due to her Fuyu origins.
She asserted her own superior status as the Minister's daughter, citing the discovery of a "holy stone" on her wedding day as proof of their prophesied immense wealth and destiny, claiming no one could stand in their way and threatening Changsheng with future retribution. Changsheng remained unfazed, advising Liu Yiyi to let Lv Hou worry about her. Meanwhile, Princess Consort Ge, wife of the Fifth Prince Lv Ke, brought cakes to Liu Yiyi.
Liu Yiyi complained about Changsheng to Ge, calling her a "nasty piece of work" and expressing annoyance that Lv Jing treated her as a treasure despite her notorious reputation in Fuyu. Ge encouraged Liu Yiyi to share rumors she had heard about the Fuyu Princess Consort having "thin peach blossoms" and bringing bad luck to those who admired her. Although acknowledging it was baseless talk, Liu Yiyi admitted spreading it could cause trouble. Ge reported to Lv Ke, confirming she had planted the rumors with Liu Yiyi and that they could now wait and watch the consequences unfold.
Episode 14 Recap
Lv Jing maintained his caution despite the reported annihilation of the Yu forces, leading soldiers on patrol. Youmou voiced his frustration, finding the continued vigilance unnecessary and complaining about missing a planned outing with Jinyan to see clay figures. During the patrol, they were ambushed by black-clothed figures outside a bamboo grove. Having anticipated trouble, Lv Jing's men subdued the attackers, but they ingested hidden poison and died without revealing their identity.
The pattern on their cuffs suggested they were descendants of the Yu remnants. Lv Jing inquired about any unusual activity at the mansions of the Second Prince, Lv Hou, and the Fifth Prince, noting that Lv Hou had added guards. He also mentioned hearing about martial arts masters entering the city, whose allegiance was unknown. While the Second and Fifth Princes were rivals for the throne, any connection to Yu remnants constituted a capital crime.
Believing the attacks were likely aimed at Prince Qin's Mansion before his impending marriage to Changsheng and perhaps linked to the unresolved Crown Prince issue, Lv Jing ordered Youmou to thoroughly investigate the bandits' background and the recently arrived martial artists. He also instructed Youyong to increase guards at Huadeng Pavilion and ensure Changsheng did not leave the mansion for her safety, emphasizing that there could be no mistakes.
Changsheng felt stifled by the restrictions, comparing herself to a caged bird wanting to fly. She was constantly followed by guards and grew increasingly bored. She tried various distractions but found them tedious. Determined to leave, she went to find Lv Jing, intending to ask him directly, despite her maids' worries about her temper. She complained about being guarded so strictly, like she was trying to escape her marriage.
Resolving to defy him, she attempted to slip out and was pursued by her maids and guards. She climbed onto the roof, finding it frustrating but refusing to come down. Her maids warned her she couldn't get out if Lv Jing didn't want her to, saying even a fly couldn't escape. She joked back, quoting a line about a red apricot blooming over a wall, though her maids misunderstood her meaning.
While sunbathing on the roof, she slipped and was caught by Lv Jing. He teased her, suggesting she invite him next time she planned such an activity. As he turned away, she quickly snatched a token from his belt, hoping to use it to gain her freedom, but discovered later it was a fake. Unable to understand why Lv Jing was keeping her confined without explanation, Changsheng suspected something serious was happening outside.
She decided to find out from Youyong and Youmou. Inviting them to her room, she pressured them into drinking alcohol despite their protests about being on duty. She offered a deal: she wouldn't report them if they answered her questions about recent events. Under pressure, they revealed that there had been an assassination attempt recently and that the increased guards and her confinement were a result of this, intended to protect her.
After learning about the assassination attempt, Changsheng stopped trying to leave the mansion immediately, understanding Lv Jing's concerns. She spent her days finding ways to amuse herself indoors, such as catching ants with Jinyan and Shenxing, though her maids found her ideas increasingly peculiar. Later, Lv Jing came to see her, informing her that the remaining bandits had been cleared and it was now safe. He explained that her previous confinement was solely for her safety.
He then invited her to accompany him out to the monthly market. Changsheng was thrilled by the offer, especially hearing about the food and goods available, and eagerly accepted. It was Changsheng's first time seeing the capital's bustling market, and she was captivated by everything around her.
Although she initially promised to follow Lv Jing closely and keep a low profile as he instructed, her excitement led her to wander off to look at various stalls, causing Jinyan and Shenxing to struggle to keep up. She bought jewelry, fabrics (noting the quality compared to Fuyu's), and other items, even picking out fabric she planned to make into a hat for Lv Jing. Showing him a mask she bought, she joked his expression matched it.
Lv Jing gently reminded her of her promise to stay by his side. Changsheng expressed her awe at Great Tang's prosperity, comparing its diverse goods and crafts to Fuyu's focus on salt production. She spoke about her desire to see handicraft skills brought to Fuyu to improve its people's lives and her hope to establish trade between Great Tang and Fuyu as Prince Qin's consort.
Lv Jing acknowledged her ambition and told her she would see such things in Fuyu one day, promising he would spare no effort to ensure the well-being of both Great Tang and Fuyu's people. They went to buy sugarcoated haws, which promptly fell. As Changsheng went back to buy another, Lv Jing accompanied her. Suddenly, a horse became startled and bolted towards the crowded street.
Lv Jing quickly shielded Changsheng and pushed people out of the way, but was struck in the arm by an arrow in the chaos. More assassins emerged, but Youyong, Youmou, and the shadow guards arrived quickly, subduing the attackers. Like the previous group, these assassins also committed suicide by poison. Their bodies were taken back to the mansion for examination. The investigation revealed that the assassins' cuff patterns were identical to those from the previous attack.
Furthermore, a scarred totem was found on their backs, covering a royal slave imprint. After careful examination, the scar was identified as being intended to hide the original mark, which was vaguely recognizable as the Second Prince, Lv Hou's, totem. Lv Jing found the evidence too obvious and suspected it was deliberately planted to frame Lv Hou.
He instructed Youyong and Youmou to continue their investigation thoroughly, not to be misled by the apparent clues, while also ensuring they didn't miss any genuine leads. He also ordered additional guards for Changsheng's safety. News of the attack and Prince Qin's injury quickly spread through the capital. Rumors began circulating that Changsheng was a "lone star" who brought bad luck and was the cause of Lv Jing's injury.
These rumors, which claimed to have originated in Fuyu, were even spread by storytellers in the market. Jinyan and Shenxing, hearing the malicious gossip, were outraged and wanted to confront the storyteller, but Changsheng stopped them. She calmly asked what had happened, and her maids explained the rumor about her being a lone star reincarnation destined to harm Great Tang's fortune, realizing that someone was deliberately spreading these tales.
Changsheng stated she was aware of the situation and had it under control. Meanwhile, the Second Prince, Lv Hou, brought the incident before the Emperor, adding fuel to the rumors. He described the sudden madness of Lv Jing's carriage horse and suggested it validated the rumors that Changsheng was a lone star who could adversely affect Great Tang's destiny.
While cautioning his son against reckless speech, the Emperor became concerned about the potential impact on the kingdom's fortune and ordered Changsheng to be summoned to the palace. Upon receiving the summons, Changsheng suspected the rumors were deliberately orchestrated to target her. Her maids worried it was a trap and urged her not to go, fearing for her safety. Changsheng recognized the dilemma: refusing to go would make her seem guilty, but going could be dangerous.
Deciding she had to face the situation herself as it began with her, she chose not to inform Lv Jing, who was busy recovering. She assured her maids she would find a way to handle it. At the palace, Changsheng met with the Emperor. Observing his garden, she commented that planting lilac and daffodil together was unsuitable due to their different needs, explaining how they would hinder each other's growth when combined but thrive separately.
She used this botanical observation to suggest a natural law of interdependence and mutual harm, drawing an analogy about how things, including people, interact. The Emperor praised her insight, prompting Changsheng to confess a matter regarding her past. She admitted that in Fuyu, she had been subject to a rumor branding her a "lone star," which was said to prevent her from finding a suitable partner.
When the Emperor questioned if this meant the marriage alliance with Great Tang was against her wishes, Changsheng clarified the opposite: she had actively sought the union herself. She added that while she didn't care about the rumors personally, she did not wish for these unfounded stories to negatively impact Prince Jing now that she was marrying into Great Tang. The Emperor dismissed the topic gently, noting their meeting was for appreciating the garden.
Soon after, an envoy from An presented a letter written in their updated script, which none of the officials present, including the well-versed Princess Royal Wan, could fully understand. Changsheng, despite initial skepticism from others who pointed out that even the Princess Royal couldn't read it, boldly requested permission from the Emperor to try. The Emperor agreed.
Changsheng successfully translated the letter, explaining it was a respectful communication from An reporting on recently quelled banditry near the border and expressing well wishes for the Emperor's health. The Emperor was astonished by her ability, noting her grasp of complex terms. Changsheng humbly explained her long-standing interest in studying different languages, particularly An's evolving script. The Emperor and Princess Royal Wan were impressed by her skills.
Later, the Second Prince, Lv Hou, offered Changsheng tea at the Emperor's suggestion, remarking she must be thirsty. As she accepted the tea, the Emperor observed her and noticed a flicker of fear in her expression towards Lv Hou. He directly questioned her about why she seemed afraid of his Second Prince, especially after being fearless before the Emperor himself. Changsheng hesitated, implying the reason was delicate and might cause a rift between father and son if revealed. The Emperor, intrigued, insisted on knowing, promising he would not punish her for speaking the truth.
Episode 15 Recap
The Emperor insisted on knowing the reason for the rumors. Changsheng reluctantly shared that there were whispers claiming Princess Consort Song was destined to be the Empress Dowager and Prince Song the Emperor Emeritus. The Emperor's expression changed drastically, and Prince Song immediately knelt, vehemently denying the accusation and calling it a false accusation spread by others.
Changsheng clarified she had only heard Princess Consort Song mention discovering a holy stone in their garden and was concerned it might be used to spread rumors, citing the historical precedent of Empress Lv Zhi using a stone and rumors to gain power. The Emperor declared that as long as he lived, the events surrounding Empress Lv Zhi would never be repeated. Prince Song swore his loyalty and denied any ambition to overstep the Emperor's authority.
Lv Jing arrived, and the Emperor asked about his supposed injury. Lv Jing denied being injured, prompting Prince Song to insist he was and try to physically demonstrate it. Lv Jing, however, firmly held Prince Song's wrist, causing him discomfort, which made the Emperor note that Prince Song seemed the one who was weak. The Emperor then asked Lv Jing's opinion on the rumors about Changsheng.
Lv Jing suggested the rumors seemed suspicious, possibly spread by spies aiming to cause unrest by linking them to the upcoming marriage alliance with Fuyu. Princess Royal added that even she, a woman, knew not to easily believe rumors, and the Emperor, as the Son of Heaven, would not be fooled. She suggested the matter was simple. The Emperor expressed frustration, asking if they couldn't offer him some peace of mind.
Lv Jing argued it would be unfair to punish Prince Song based on baseless rumors and proposed taking the opportunity to order everyone in the palace to stop relaying the erroneous information. The Emperor agreed and issued a decree that anyone caught spreading gossip in the palace would be severely punished. Later, Lv Jing visited Princess Royal, who was copying a painting, and presented her with a painting from Changsheng as thanks.
He expressed gratitude to Princess Royal for warning him about the palace rumors and for defending Changsheng during the audience. He explained he was worried for Changsheng's safety in Great Tang due to her free-spirited nature clashing with the local customs and the current instability. He asked Princess Royal for help. Princess Royal suggested Changsheng come to Xiuwen Hall to compile books, noting Changsheng's strong literary skills she had observed.
She believed this would help Changsheng calm her mind and be a great help to her work. Lv Jing thanked his aunt. Back at his mansion, Lv Jing had the copied painting displayed and instructed Youyong and Youmou to invite Changsheng to his study to appreciate it. When Changsheng arrived, Lv Jing highlighted the skill and depth of Princess Royal's painting, noting how it integrated different philosophical essences.
He spoke of Princess Royal's achievements in establishing Xiuwen Hall and her contributions to Great Tang's culture, mentioning her previous help. Impressed by Princess Royal, Changsheng immediately decided to visit her the next day. Lv Jing instructed Youyong and Youmou to notify Princess Royal of Changsheng's impending visit the next day and leave the rest to her.
Meanwhile, Prince Song returned to his mansion drunk, complaining to Princess Consort Song that the discovery of the holy stone had ruined his plans and caused the Emperor to be wary of him. Princess Consort Song grew furious, accusing him of being incompetent and wasting time on trivial pursuits instead of his ambition, and physically lashed out at him. Prince Song tried to soothe her, claiming it was just bad luck and they would succeed next time.
Changsheng struggled to choose a suitable gift for Princess Royal. She considered an agarwood bracelet and a white porcelain tea set, but dismissed them, thinking Princess Royal, as a noble and capable woman, needed something more practical. Lv Jing arrived and, correctly guessing her line of thought, agreed that for someone who spends her time compiling books, an ink brush would be the most practical and appreciated gift. Changsheng praised his insight.
As she prepared to leave for Xiuwen Hall, Lv Jing offered to accompany her, but Changsheng declined, confident she would make a good first impression. Lv Jing commented under his breath that it was more like walking into a trap. At the Imperial Academy of Medicine, the doctors were tasked with sending someone to Xiuwen Hall to restore a batch of medical books, a job Princess Royal had specifically requested be handled by someone capable.
The older doctors, like Doctor Ma and Doctor Yuan, made various excuses to avoid the demanding task. When Xiao Zilv arrived, the other doctors quickly agreed that he was the most suitable person and urged him to accept the "great opportunity," claiming Princess Royal had specifically requested him. Xiao Zilv reluctantly agreed. Changsheng arrived at Xiuwen Hall and was greeted by Lingzhi, Princess Royal's personal maid. Lingzhi explained Princess Royal was in a morning meeting but expected her.
She took Changsheng's gift and instructed her to change into Xiuwen Hall's attire as per the rules. Changsheng found the clothes impressive. Lingzhi then directed Changsheng to a table and presented her with two piles of books, explaining they were her tasks for the day: one pile for sorting and filing, the other for copying and proofreading.
Changsheng protested that she was there to visit, not compile books, but Lingzhi stated it was Princess Royal's order and implied it might be a test. Changsheng, despite not knowing how to compile ancient texts, decided to try, finding the work difficult to understand. Princess Royal appeared and questioned Changsheng on her understanding of compiling books.
When Changsheng gave a simplistic answer, Princess Royal criticized her lack of knowledge and told her she was wasting the hall's resources and should leave if she didn't understand the work. This spurred Changsheng to take the task seriously. Lingzhi later asked Princess Royal why she had been so harsh.
Princess Royal explained that Changsheng was intelligent but lacked patience and needed to be motivated by understanding the importance of the work and her position in Great Tang before she would apply herself properly. After working, Changsheng presented the compiled books to Princess Royal, who deemed them unqualified and ordered her to redo the entire batch.
Princess Royal then informed her that all compilers shared the responsibility of cleaning the hall and, as a temporary addition, Changsheng would be in charge of the dusting job starting that day, warning of punishment if the work wasn't completed. Xiao Zilv arrived and overheard, believing Princess Royal was deliberately making things difficult for Changsheng and rushing the process. He spoke up in Changsheng's defense, asking for specific details about the errors.
Princess Royal showed him the book, pointing out numerous mistakes in character interpretation and accuracy, emphasizing the critical importance of precision in such work and the severe consequences of errors if the books were distributed. Changsheng acknowledged her mistakes and agreed to rework the books. Xiao Zilv offered to help, but Princess Royal insisted Changsheng must complete the work herself to learn and grow, especially considering her status. Xiao Zilv conceded that Princess Royal was right.
Princess Royal then assigned Xiao Zilv the additional task of copying all the poems in the hall, since he had expressed interest in Great Tang culture. That evening, Changsheng was still struggling with the books. Lv Jing arrived to pick her up. Changsheng expressed her exhaustion and fear of Princess Royal, complaining that Lv Jing's stories were the reason she ended up doing such difficult work. Lv Jing offered to help her copy the books.
They worked together for a while before returning to the mansion. The following day, Xiao Zilv visited Princess Royal and apologized for his rash behavior the previous day, stating he now understood she was intentionally training Changsheng. They discussed a poem about two people separated by a river, which Xiao Zilv found beautiful but sad, reflecting the pain of separation despite mutual affection.
Princess Royal mused that such deeply emotional poems are often written by those who have experienced love, loss, and separation, suggesting that true love, if fated, will find a way to overcome all obstacles. Xiao Zilv then observed that Princess Royal looked unwell and seemed overly worried, which wasn't good for her health, noting her reluctance to discuss it. Changsheng continued her demanding routine at Xiuwen Hall, working long hours and feeling sore and exhausted.
Youyong and Youmou reported to Lv Jing about Changsheng's difficult schedule and fatigue, mentioning her physical discomfort. Misinterpreting this as a need for comfort, they suggested Lv Jing visit her. Lv Jing went to Changsheng's room late that night, calling out to her that he was there to bring her "warmth." Changsheng, tired and trying to rest, reluctantly opened the door. Lv Jing surprised her with a kiss. Changsheng was shocked but primarily exhausted, telling him she was too tired to deal with him at the moment and still hadn't forgiven him for previous lies.
Episode 16 Recap
After pushing Lv Jing out and closing her door, Changsheng felt a mix of shyness and surprise. Outside, Lv Jing smiled to himself as he thought back on the kiss. When Youyong and Youmou appeared and began to tease him about his red mouth, Lv Jing quickly sent them off to the training ground, initially for thirty laps, then increasing it to sixty after Youmou's suggestive remark.
The next day, Lv Jing went to Xiuwen Hall under the guise of conducting official business, though his true intention was to see Changsheng. His aunt, Princess Royal Lv Guan, engaged him in conversation about the library's operations, trying to get him involved in the tedious work of checking the collection. When Lv Jing tried to decline, citing other duties, Lv Guan hinted that his actual business was in the back compiling room.
Lv Jing went there and found Changsheng asleep at a table with a scroll before her. He quietly added something to the scroll. Changsheng stirred, briefly opening her eyes to peek at him before falling back asleep. When she awoke later, Lv Jing was gone, but he had left a dictionary explaining rare words on the table for her. Upon finishing her work for the day, Changsheng saw that Xiao Zilv was still there.
She invited him to have a meal as a thank you for his previous help. Xiao Zilv accepted, and as they left Xiuwen Hall together, they were met by Lv Jing standing right outside the entrance. Changsheng was visibly awkward, explaining the dinner invitation to Lv Jing. Lv Jing immediately insisted she come to dinner with him instead, claiming he had already planned to take his "wife" out.
Neither man would back down, leading to a tense stand-off where Lv Jing essentially challenged Changsheng to choose between them. Changsheng felt helpless as the two men exchanged pointed remarks, with Lv Jing highlighting Xiao Zilv's long-standing friendship without marriage, and Xiao Zilv accusing Lv Jing of interfering. Changsheng finally declared she would make the decision, resulting in all three sharing an uncomfortably crowded carriage ride to the restaurant.
At the restaurant, the rivalry between Lv Jing and Xiao Zilv continued throughout the meal. Lv Jing, showing off his knowledge of Changsheng's preferences, subtly critiqued Xiao Zilv. Xiao Zilv retaliated, even feigning a hand injury to have Changsheng feed him, leading to another argument over a piece of meat. Overwhelmed by their squabbling, Changsheng excused herself from the table to go to the washroom.
As she walked past a private room, she overheard people discussing her, labeling her "Princess Five Very" due to her perceived bad character and unmarried status, and commenting on Prince Qin's interest in her. Their conversation then turned to Princess Royal Lv Guan, praising her virtues but criticizing her dedication to books and unmarried state, suggesting she was too cold and uninteresting to attract a husband.
Infuriated by their disrespectful remarks about her aunt, Changsheng kicked open the door and confronted the men, scolding them for their vulgarity and defending Princess Royal's noble work. Unaware of her identity, the men arrogantly dismissed her, predicting she would also struggle to find a husband. Unknown to them, Princess Royal Lv Guan was dining in the room next door and had overheard the entire exchange.
As the confrontation escalated, Xiao Zilv came to Changsheng's aid, defending both princesses against the rude men. However, the men remained defiant until Lv Jing arrived. Recognizing Prince Qin, they immediately became fearful and knelt, apologizing profusely. Lv Jing left it to Changsheng to decide their fate, and she chose to let them go. The men quickly departed. Princess Royal Lv Guan then emerged from the adjacent room.
Lv Jing, observing his aunt's attention towards Xiao Zilv, suspected she had developed feelings for him. Noticing Xiao Zilv's earlier mention of a leg injury, Lv Jing suggested that Lv Guan offer him a ride back in her carriage, while he and Changsheng would leave separately.
Left alone with Xiao Zilv, Lv Guan referred to the compliments he had paid her earlier, asking if his description of her as "lofty and sublime like mountain pines" and caring for the people truly reflected his view of her. Xiao Zilv confirmed his words were sincere observations. Lv Guan then directly asked if his earlier remark about marrying her was serious.
Xiao Zilv became flustered, stating it was a hasty remark made in a moment of urgency and apologizing for causing a misunderstanding, implying he could not reciprocate her feelings. Lv Guan asked if he was suggesting she was a joke to him. He reiterated that she deserved a better match. Though clearly disappointed, Lv Guan stated she understood and respected his decision.
Xiao Zilv thanked her for her understanding before taking his leave, offering to assist with transporting scriptures from Xiuwen Hall the following day. Later, Changsheng learned from Lv Guan that she had confessed her feelings to Xiao Zilv and he had dismissed it as a joke. Changsheng felt Xiao Zilv might have simply been startled and not necessarily uninterested, pointing to his past actions in defending Lv Guan as evidence he cared.
She offered to help facilitate their relationship, and Lv Guan accepted. Meanwhile, Xiao Zilv wrestled with how to respond to Princess Royal's feelings. He received an invitation from Lv Guan, delivered by messenger, inviting him to a tavern and mentioning she had prepared his favorite roasted pigeon. He agreed to attend. At the tavern, Changsheng was anxiously awaiting Xiao Zilv's arrival, her attendants teasing her about her nervousness.
When Lv Jing unexpectedly arrived at the same tavern, Changsheng panicked, fearing he would spoil her matchmaking plan. She quickly instructed her attendants, Jinyan and Shenxing, to intercept Youyong and Youmou, while she dealt with Lv Jing. She guided Lv Jing to a private room, claiming she was there on official business he needed to assist with. However, a waiter mistakenly led Xiao Zilv to the same room.
Seeing Xiao Zilv approaching, Changsheng quickly pulled Lv Jing into a large cabinet to hide. While concealed in the cabinet, Lv Jing kissed Changsheng. Xiao Zilv entered the room, heard a noise from the cabinet, and approached it. Just as he reached for the handle, Lingzhi appeared and redirected him to the correct room where Princess Royal Lv Guan was waiting, explaining the mix-up.
Xiao Zilv followed Lingzhi to Lv Guan's room, while Lv Jing and Changsheng emerged from the cabinet, with Lv Jing looking rather pleased. In her room, Lv Guan welcomed Xiao Zilv. He wasted no time in getting to the point, explaining that after careful thought, he needed to be clear.
He reiterated that his purpose in Great Tang was primarily to serve as Changsheng's escort and to study, and that while he held deep respect for Lv Guan, he did not have romantic feelings for her. He apologized for any misunderstanding caused by his earlier words, confirming he had no plans to remain in Great Tang permanently. Lv Guan calmly accepted his explanation, stating she understood and respected his choice.
Xiao Zilv thanked her for her graciousness and wished her well, acknowledging he was not the right person for her. He then offered to help with a task at Xiuwen Hall the next day before departing. Recalling the intimate moment with Lv Jing in the cabinet, Changsheng felt her face grow warm.
Episode 17 Recap
Upon the completion of the sorting and compilation of the Buddhist scriptures by Xiuwen Hall, with a copy sent to the Library, His Majesty deemed the work of boundless beneficence and ordered the scriptures returned to Dazhi Zen Temple. Princess Royal Lv Guan was tasked with the delivery. Accompanying her were Prince Qin Lv Jing, Xiao Zilv, and Changsheng. Changsheng, still feeling awkward from the previous night's encounter with Prince Qin, attempted to ride in Princess Royal Lv Guan's carriage.
However, Prince Qin Lv Jing prevented this, stating that Princess Royal Lv Guan had been in poor health and that Xiao Zilv, possessing medical skills, should ride with her to provide care during the long journey. Consequently, Xiao Zilv and Princess Royal Lv Guan shared a carriage, while Prince Qin Lv Jing insisted Changsheng ride with him.
In Princess Royal Lv Guan's carriage, Xiao Zilv expressed concern over her persistent cough and offered to check her pulse, but she politely declined his help, stating she was used to it and that Great Tang had its own doctors. Meanwhile, in Prince Qin Lv Jing's carriage, Changsheng sat noticeably far from him, offering a flimsy excuse about needing space for his long limbs.
Prince Qin Lv Jing noted her flushed face, and Changsheng attributed it to excitement about visiting the famed Dazhi Zen Temple. Upon their arrival, the Abbot welcomed them, expressing gratitude for Princess Royal Lv Guan delivering the scriptures and mentioning the temple's recent renovation. He invited them to explore the temple grounds. He also highlighted the marriage tree in the backyard, noting its remarkable efficacy for seeking good fate.
Xiao Zilv, however, was preoccupied with a century-old unresolved chess game within the temple, mentioning a prize for anyone who could solve it. The Abbot confirmed the game remained unsolved after a hundred years. Changsheng, having slept poorly the previous night, felt exhausted and only wished to find a guest room to rest. After resting, Changsheng emerged and found Prince Qin Lv Jing flying a kite.
Enchanted by its beauty, she learned he had often visited the spot as a child, finding it ideal for kite flying. He patiently taught her, guiding her hands on the string, and the kite soared. Meanwhile, Xiao Zilv and Princess Royal Lv Guan were engrossed in the ancient chess game. Princess Royal Lv Guan offered insightful commentary on Xiao Zilv's moves, drawing parallels between the game and human obsession, advising him to reflect before acting.
The kite, however, became entangled in the branches of the marriage tree. Changsheng stopped Prince Qin Lv Jing from climbing the tree to retrieve it, citing the numerous red strings on the tree. Instead, she suggested they hang another kite there, creating a pair so they wouldn't be lonely. Prince Qin Lv Jing agreed, lifting her to place the second kite, causing them to become tangled in the red strings themselves and nearly falling.
Changsheng remarked that the marriage tree had tied them up. As they untangled themselves, she pulled off a red string wrapped around her wrist, questioning if he truly wished to untie the string from the auspicious tree. Just then, an attendant arrived with an urgent summons from His Majesty, requiring Prince Qin Lv Jing to return to the palace immediately. He instructed Changsheng to re-hang the string before leaving.
Left alone with the red string, a little monk approached and explained the marriage tree's famed efficacy, stating that taking a red string could ensure a happy and smooth marriage. Changsheng, holding the string wrapped around her wrist, asked if it was truly effective, and the little monk affirmed that monks never lie.
Later, You Yong and Youmou, acting under Prince Qin Lv Jing's specific instructions to ensure her safety, escorted Changsheng back to his mansion, explaining that His Majesty had only summoned the three princes. Upon returning to Huadeng Pavilion, Changsheng began weaving the red string into a knot, reflecting on the entanglement at the marriage tree and believing it a sign that Prince Qin Lv Jing missed her.
Wishing to give him the knot, she looked for a suitable box and inadvertently opened one containing a document titled "The Plan to Attack Fuyu". Concurrently, in the Imperial Study, His Majesty questioned Prince Qin Lv Jing about his decision to abandon the plan to attack Fuyu. Prince Qin Lv Jing explained that if "she" knew his past intentions regarding Fuyu, she would be deeply saddened.
He stated that while he once desired to expand the kingdom's territory, meeting her made him want to give her a peaceful life instead. Prince Lv Ke openly questioned Prince Qin Lv Jing's reasoning, implying his feelings for the Fuyu Princess had swayed his judgment. Prince Qin Lv Jing countered that his trip to Fuyu revealed its strength and that Great Tang needed time to recuperate after the recent battle with Yu.
Attacking Fuyu after establishing a marriage alliance would be a treacherous act, he argued. His Majesty agreed with Prince Qin Lv Jing's assessment and dismissed the princes. Outside the Imperial Study, Prince Lv Ke expressed his frustration to Prince Lv Hou, feeling their father was overly partial to Prince Qin Lv Jing.
He lamented that Prince Qin Lv Jing now possessed both power and wealth (through Changsheng's status) while they lagged behind, emphasizing the need for them to become more cunning and flexible. Back at Prince Qin Lv Jing's mansion, Youmou reported that Changsheng had not eaten the food, which included all her favorites, that Prince Qin Lv Jing had sent. Surprised, Prince Qin Lv Jing went to find her but couldn't locate her in her room or the kitchen.
He became worried, knowing she wouldn't disappear without reason. Questioning You Yong and Youmou further, he learned she had been in his study waiting for him before leaving in distress. Realizing the potential implications, he checked the study and found the box empty, the attack plan gone. He deduced she had seen the plan and taken it.
However, knowing the city gates were locked and her cautious nature, he concluded she would not leave the imperial city rashly without first understanding the situation. He suspected she had gone to Xiuwen Hall. At Xiuwen Hall, Princess Royal Lv Guan had already arranged a room for Changsheng, reassuring her as she settled in. The next morning, Prince Qin Lv Jing arrived at Xiuwen Hall seeking Changsheng, where he also encountered Xiao Zilv.
Princess Royal Lv Guan informed Prince Qin Lv Jing that Xiuwen Hall was closed for the day due to a distinguished guest. Prince Qin Lv Jing, visibly anxious, explained his need to see Changsheng to clarify a misunderstanding, revealing that she had left home. Princess Royal Lv Guan advised him that seeing her immediately would not resolve the issue.
She stressed the importance of building her trust and demonstrating genuine sincerity, warning that she could not force Changsheng, who was not a prisoner, to stay. She encouraged him to think clearly and act decisively if he understood what was truly needed to mend their relationship. Prince Qin Lv Jing expressed his understanding and gratitude for her care before departing.
After Prince Qin Lv Jing left, Princess Royal Lv Guan turned to Xiao Zilv and asked if he had upset Changsheng. They discussed the situation, with Princess Royal Lv Guan using the chess game as an analogy for the consequences of wrong steps. Xiao Zilv suggested speaking to Changsheng directly and, in a sudden confession, admitted to Princess Royal Lv Guan that he had feelings for her, surprising her. He quickly apologized and left.
Shortly after Xiao Zilv departed from Changsheng abruptly, she was left to contemplate her situation. She discussed her dilemma with her attendant, reflecting on Princess Royal Lv Guan's cryptic advice that the answer lay within herself. Regarding the attack plan she discovered, her attendant questioned Prince Qin Lv Jing's sincerity, given their shared experiences and previous opportunities he had to act against Fuyu.
Changsheng acknowledged the gravity of the matter but explained her decision not to send the information immediately back to Fuyu; a premature military response based on a potential misunderstanding could lead to an irreversible war. She concluded that she would choose to trust Prince Qin Lv Jing one more time. Her thoughts turned to her position as both a Fuyu Princess and future wife in Great Tang, recognizing her responsibility to the people of Fuyu.
She voiced her aspiration to work towards establishing trade relations between Great Tang and Fuyu, believing this would benefit both nations and fulfill her principle of striving for the welfare of the people in her care.
Episode 18 Recap
Lv Jing went to Good Match Pavilion seeking a way to reconcile with Changsheng. He offered a generous amount of money. The pavilion owner quickly understood his situation, saying that he had made his wife angry and she had left. The owner guessed that Changsheng had run away, even though they were not yet married, only having exchanged betrothal gifts. Lv Jing seemed to grasp the situation and left.
Soon after Lv Jing and his guards departed, the pavilion owner was captured and taken away by men in black, who had been following Lv Jing under the orders of Lv Ke. Lv Ke and his aide, Ge'er, learned that Lv Jing had visited Good Match Pavilion, correctly inferring that he had quarreled with Changsheng. When they heard the pavilion owner's guess that Changsheng had run away, it aligned with Lv Ke's plans.
Lv Jing began releasing kites across the city with a poem written on them expressing his feelings. Seeing this, Lv Ke instructed his men to mix in fake kites bearing signatures, implying that Liu Changsheng was willful and immoral for leaving home and causing such a public spectacle. Changsheng received some of these kites brought by her maids, Jinyan and Shenxing.
She noticed that some kites had signatures while others did not, realizing that someone was manipulating the situation to portray her negatively and damage her reputation, causing her considerable distress. Princess Royal later came to see Changsheng, reassuring her that men's actions in pursuing women should not cause women to bear blame. She also revealed that the previous night, Lv Jing had entered the palace to request the cancellation of the plan to attack Fuyu.
Xiao Zilv arrived at Xiuwen Hall to find Changsheng and took her to the city square. Lv Jing was on the city wall preparing to release more kites. Changsheng approached him and asked if she could trust him. Lv Jing declared that the aggressive "Prince Qin" was gone, and in Great Tang, there was only "Yi'an," who was devoted solely to Changsheng. He admitted that someone had used the kites to cause trouble, placing the Prince Qin Mansion in danger.
He then invited Changsheng to join him in flying a kite to pray for Great Tang's prosperity. They reconciled and flew the kite together from the city wall. In the crowd below, Xiao Zilv saw Princess Royal. She tried to leave upon seeing him, but he called out to her. Xiao Zilv told her that he had completely moved past his feelings for Changsheng and Lv Jing, expressing his gratitude to Princess Royal.
Meanwhile, a minister reported to the Emperor about a severe locust plague in Dongpei. The Emperor asked Lv Jing for his opinion on how Great Tang should respond. Lv Jing advised helping Dongpei with disaster relief to resolve their long-standing border conflicts, stating it would benefit Great Tang in many ways. The Emperor approved Lv Jing's proposal and entrusted him with both organizing the disaster relief efforts and implementing measures to prevent the locust plague from spreading into Great Tang.
Upon hearing this, Lv Ke was enraged that his scheme had not only failed to harm Lv Jing but had also resulted in Lv Jing being given an important task by the Emperor. Ge'er suggested that Lv Jing might not be skilled in managing a disaster like a locust plague.
However, Lv Ke revealed that Lv Jing had already invited Mr. Huaishan, the esteemed former prime minister and Lv Jing's master who had helped bring prosperity to Great Tang, to return and assist. Lv Ke explained that Mr. Huaishan had been traveling for many years with his granddaughter, Ru Jing, who had grown up with Lv Jing and was deeply in love with him, refusing to marry anyone else.
Mr. Huaishan took Ru Jing traveling because he feared she would suffer the same fate as her mother, whose husband, Marshal Lin, was assassinated after reclaiming their homeland, leading to her death soon after. Ru Jing wrote a letter to Lv Jing from each place they visited, which enabled him to contact Mr. Huaishan quickly.
Ge'er saw an opportunity to use Ru Jing, noting that Fuyu customs differed from Great Tang's and suggesting that Changsheng might not tolerate sharing her husband with another woman. Lv Jing informed his maids that Mr. Huaishan would be returning to the capital soon and preparations should be made to welcome him. He also mentioned that Ru Jing would be accompanying him.
As Lv Jing was about to tell Changsheng about Mr. Huaishan and Ru Jing's return, he was interrupted by the arrival of Xiao Zilv. Xiao Zilv sought Lv Jing's help because Princess Royal had been avoiding him. He explained that the last time they were together at Xiuwen Hall, he had seen her laugh loudly while reading a book, and she had been avoiding him ever since.
He revealed that Princess Royal had developed a loud, unusual laugh when startled after being frightened while watching a play as a child, and she was very self-conscious about it, always maintaining a serious demeanor in public. Xiao Zilv admitted that he cared about her, which was why he was seeking Lv Jing's assistance. Lv Jing agreed to help Xiao Zilv meet with Princess Royal. Lv Jing arranged the meeting.
Xiao Zilv took Princess Royal to watch a play, specifically changing it to a non-comedic one to avoid startling her. However, during the outing, Xiao Zilv accidentally tripped and fell in an embarrassing manner, which caused Princess Royal to burst into laughter. Her loud laughter drew the attention and amusement of others around them, leaving her mortified. Embarrassed, Princess Royal rushed away.
Xiao Zilv followed her, explaining that he cared about her and what she cared about, attempting to convey his sincerity. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Lv Jing instructed Changsheng to prepare to welcome Mr. Huaishan with the etiquette of a mistress of the house. Jinyan and Shenxing helped Changsheng dress in traditional mistress attire and styled her hair. Changsheng felt a bit unsure, as she was not yet officially married to Lv Jing.
Lv Jing arrived, complimented her appearance, and offered to personally teach her the proper etiquette for a mistress in Great Tang, emphasizing its importance. As he was showing her something he had wanted her to see, Lingzhi rushed in with alarming news about Princess Royal. Concerned, Changsheng hurried to Princess Royal's mansion. Upon arriving, Changsheng discovered it was a false alarm; Princess Royal was safe.
It turned out Princess Royal was upset about the incident with Xiao Zilv and had locked herself in her room, refusing to eat for several days. Hearing Changsheng, Princess Royal emerged from her room by climbing out the window. She noticed Changsheng's mistress dress was outdated and had Lingzhi bring a newer, pink version for Changsheng to wear.
Princess Royal then offered to teach Changsheng the current etiquette of a Great Tang mistress, noting that the information gathered by Jinyan and Shenxing was old-fashioned. Princess Royal taught Changsheng how to walk steadily while wearing a 'buyo' (a type of hairpin designed to sway), explaining that the purpose of the accessory was to ensure a steady, unswaying gait, not to make it shake with each step.
She also instructed Changsheng on proper postures for standing, kneeling, and rising, and explained the concept of "half tea, full wine," emphasizing that a mistress's careful handling of drinks, without spilling, demonstrates sincerity.
Episode 19 Recap
Mr. Huaishan and his granddaughter, Ru Jing, arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion. Jing and Changsheng welcomed them at the entrance. Ru Jing greeted them, initially mistaking Changsheng for the Princess Consort, which Changsheng corrected, mentioning they were not yet married but would be soon. Later, during a meal, Changsheng became distracted by her hairpin and, trying to keep it still, accidentally spilled drink on Ru Jing and twisted her own ankle. She apologized repeatedly, feeling mortified.
Ru Jing assured her it was not a serious issue. Jing told Changsheng not to dwell on the accident, and Jinyan remarked that it seemed like Ru Jing was trying to assert dominance, which Changsheng brushed aside. Changsheng worried about Ru Jing and prepared food to offer a further apology, blaming the hairpin for her clumsiness. Jing consoled her, saying Mr. Huaishan found her cute and that he would ensure no one dared to laugh at her.
Meanwhile, at the Princess Royal's mansion, the Princess Royal was practicing calligraphy but made a mistake in a line of poetry, though she felt it captured the sentiment correctly. Lingzhi commented on the unusual quietness of the mansion, noting that Xiao Zilv hadn't visited recently. The Princess Royal playfully threatened to send Lingzhi away, then commented that Lingzhi had started speaking like Xiao Zilv after spending time with him before dismissing her.
Ru Jing found Jing and offered him green bean soup, which he politely declined, saying he was full from Changsheng's lotus seed soup. Ru Jing expressed her joy at seeing him after many years and confessed her deep affection, stating she desired to marry him even without status. Jing gently rejected her feelings, telling her she deserved someone better and would find a suitable partner elsewhere.
Ru Jing reminded him of shared past memories, but Jing maintained that he was busy and needed to attend to other matters before leaving. Distraught, Ru Jing was seen crying by Changsheng, who approached to ask what was wrong and offer comfort, but Ru Jing quickly departed without explaining. Shortly after, Lv Ke arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion. Mr. Huaishan informed Jing that according to his judgment, a severe locust plague would reach Great Tang within three days.
Jing planned to propose an early grain harvest to the Emperor immediately, but Mr. Huaishan advised against implementing it too hastily. He explained that the crops were not fully ripe, and forcing an early harvest before the locusts were visible would cause widespread discontent among the people, who would only see their potential yield reduced. Jing understood the dilemma and resolved to proceed despite the risk of public disapproval.
Lv Ke visited Ru Jing and subtly attempted to sow discord between her and Jing by highlighting Jing's close relationship with Changsheng. Lv Ke contrasted Ru Jing's talent with Changsheng's nature, suggesting Changsheng was merely a distraction who had caused the Emperor to be dissatisfied with Jing. He cautioned Ru Jing that Jing's focus on romance might lead to serious consequences. Ru Jing felt it was improper for outsiders to interfere in the Prince Qin's affairs.
Lv Ke reminded her of their close ties since childhood, arguing that those closest should step in to help. Ru Jing left, citing concern for her grandfather. Lv Ke mused that Ru Jing could be a useful pawn. He spoke with someone named Ge, who declared her sole focus was on Lv Ke. Changsheng found Jing discussing the difficult harvest plan with Mr. Huaishan and brought him food. Jing shared the complexity of the situation.
Changsheng recounted the Fuyu story about how her uncle, as Crown Prince, had successfully resolved a problem of theft driven by poverty by negotiating with a bandit chieftain and teaching the people to cultivate Muyan trees, leading to prosperity. Jing was greatly inspired by the tale. Ru Jing later went towards Jing's residence, intending to see him, but a servant redirected her to her own room. From a distance, she observed Jing and Changsheng in a moment of playful interaction.
This confirmed Lv Ke's earlier remarks in her mind; she believed Jing was preoccupied with romance and neglecting the impending crisis. During an imperial audience, Jing proposed the early grain harvest plan to the Emperor. Hou and Lv Ke immediately opposed it, emphasizing the loss of yield for farmers and the risk of public outrage. Jing argued the necessity, citing Mr. Huaishan's prediction of the locusts' imminent arrival and the depleted state of the national treasury.
He offered to personally cover 40% of the grain needed to supplement the public's loss, a significant amount that would also help refill the national treasury. Jing challenged Hou and Lv Ke, suggesting they, too, should contribute a portion, displaying their care for the people. Reluctantly, both agreed to donate 10% of the grain each. The Emperor, seeing his sons agree to share the burden and pleased by Jing's initiative, approved the plan and ordered the early harvest.
At Prince Song's Mansion, Lv Ke was disgruntled by the outcome, feeling Jing had gained favor despite his own contribution. Ge noted that Jing's pledge of 40% far surpassed Lv Ke's 10% and suggested manipulating the harvest figures. By increasing the official count of the total harvest, Jing's promised 40% would become an even larger, potentially unattainable amount, leading to charges of deceiving the Emperor and failing the people if he couldn't produce it.
Ge congratulated Lv Ke on this potential strategy. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Jinyan informed Changsheng that the mansion's stores could only contribute 30% of the grain after accounting for their own needs. Changsheng revealed her plan to sell her dowry to acquire the remaining 10%. Jinyan strongly objected, viewing the dowry as Changsheng's essential security in Great Tang. Changsheng corrected her, stating that her true foundation in Great Tang was Jing himself.
She instructed Jinyan to secretly arrange the purchase of the needed grain within three days. Ru Jing again observed (or recalled) Changsheng and Jing together, convinced that Jing's focus on his relationship was blinding him to the crisis, reinforcing the idea that Changsheng was a distraction leading him astray. Mr. Huaishan found Ru Jing and noted her preoccupation with Jing, telling her she was too consumed by her feelings and had lost herself.
He gently suggested her return was ill-advised and that what she perceived as help for Jing might actually be harmful. Citing Buddhist wisdom, he spoke of attachment and suffering, implying her distress over Jing's potential downfall indicated her own suffering and that her actions might inadvertently worsen his situation. Ru Jing insisted her only intention was to help him. Mr. Huaishan dismissed the others to speak with her privately. Changsheng and Jinyan discussed the dire situation.
Observing geese, Changsheng mused on how perspective changes with need – when hungry, one sees food, but when full, one sees beauty. She applied this to Jing's challenges, acknowledging the difficult path ahead but emphasizing that they were a united couple facing it together. Jinyan wondered how Changsheng could be sure Jing would succeed. Changsheng replied that disaster relief requires strategy and compassion, and her belief in him was enough. Jinyan affirmed her trust in Changsheng.
Jinyan reported completing Changsheng's task: a letter had been sent to General Zhao in Fuyu. Changsheng explained that because they had saved the general's life, he would certainly assist in procuring grain. She concluded they had done all they could and now must wait. Youyong rushed in with alarming news: Jing and Youmou were negotiating with farmers for the early harvest, but the farmers, believing their crops would be exceptionally good, were demanding exorbitant compensation.
When Jing hesitated to promise such high amounts, the farmers surrounded him. Youyong hurried off to assist. Changsheng, hearing this, tried to follow but was stopped by Ru Jing, who advised her to stay put as women should not interfere when men are handling important matters outside. Changsheng disregarded her and went past.
Ru Jing then stated she would also wait, but decided to eat the food Changsheng had prepared while she waited, noting she was hungry and that food should be saved when people outside might soon starve. Later that evening, Jing and Changsheng returned, both slightly injured. Youyong was told to look after Jing, while Mr. Huaishan arranged for Ru Jing and another person to be escorted back. Changsheng immediately fussed over a scratch on Jing's forehead.
Jing, in turn, asked about her sprained ankle. He mentioned the farmers had become unexpectedly agitated and refused to listen. He warned her not to go outside again due to the danger. Ru Jing offered him food she had prepared, but he did not acknowledge it, stating he would take Changsheng back first. Mr. Huaishan ate the food instead, observing that Jing wasn't eating and reiterating the need to conserve food for the starving populace.
Changsheng tried to tend to Jing's bruises, accidentally causing him pain, and he asked her to hold him. Despite her attempts, she kept hurting him. Youyong brought Xiao Zilv to see Jing. Princess Royal also arrived. Xiao Zilv inquired about Jing's injury from the farmers' confrontation. Jing explained their excessive demands for compensation. Princess Royal remarked on the farmers' greed. Xiao Zilv suspected outside instigation.
He stressed the urgency of the harvest the next day, even suggesting using soldiers if necessary, given Mr. Huaishan's prediction of the locusts' arrival. He framed it as a gamble that, if successful, the people would eventually be grateful for. Princess Royal expressed concern that if the locusts did not arrive as predicted, the instigator would turn public anger against Jing and advised caution. They wished Jing a restful night.
As Xiao Zilv and Princess Royal left, she playfully mimicked his limping gait. He asked why she was copying him, and she responded that she had walked like that for years, suggesting a shared experience. He then told her it was time for her to learn from him. Ru Jing brought midnight snacks to the Prince Qin's Mansion, encountering Princess Royal who declined them. Ru Jing then offered the snacks to Jing, who also declined, saying he wasn't hungry.
Changsheng came to Jing, referencing Ru Jing's comment about needing energy for important things later that night. She thanked Ru Jing for the snacks. Jing told Ru Jing to get rest. Changsheng told Jing he needed to rest well because they had a lot to do that night. Princess Royal later confronted Xiao Zilv about his actions, accusing him of caring for her despite claiming otherwise.
She mentioned how he replaced her book and tried to treat her laughter, reminding him he had lied. She asked if his 'caring' was what she hoped it meant. He responded he didn't know, admitting his lack of understanding of feelings, and asked if her 'caring' was what she thought it meant. He then told her to laugh and that he genuinely didn't care about her laughter. She called him audacious for provoking her to laugh, but he encouraged her, saying she looked good when she did.
Episode 20 Recap
It was a rare moment of peace, and although Liu Changsheng admitted she had no appetite, she ate to cherish the food. She encouraged Lv Jing to eat as well, telling him not to let tomorrow's difficulties spoil today. She promised to help him find a solution after dinner, reassuring him that if he acted with goodwill, his actions would be blessed, as they were for the greater good, not personal gain.
She pledged to support him regardless of the outcome. Despite Ru Jing observing them from a crack in the door and disapproving of Liu Changsheng allowing Lv Jing to stay overnight before they were married, Liu Changsheng promptly sent Lv Jing away for the night, reminding him he needed to conserve his strength for the difficult day ahead. The next morning, the Emperor was angered upon hearing that Lv Jing had been beaten by farmers.
A further report arrived stating Prince Qin was forcefully collecting grain and confronting farmers in the fields. Lv Ke seized the opportunity to suggest summoning Lv Jing back to the palace to reconsider the matter. Lv Hou supported this, adding that the incident damaged the royal family's reputation. Lv Guan, Lv Jing's aunt, whispered a warning to him that defying an imperial decree was a grave offense and self-preservation was paramount, subtly advising him to abandon the collection and return.
Liu Changsheng soon learned of the escalating situation. With General Zhao's grain shipment not yet arrived, she quickly gathered her household staff to go to the fields and assist Lv Jing. Ru Jing attempted to stop her, suggesting she stay and study women's virtues. Liu Changsheng, however, asserted her authority as the Princess of Fuyu and the mistress of Prince Qin's Mansion, ordering her staff to remove the obstructive Ru Jing.
Meanwhile, an imperial eunuch arrived at the fields with a decree summoning Prince Qin, Lv Jing, to the palace immediately for a lengthy discussion on the grain collection matter. Lv Guan again urged Lv Jing to accept the decree and protect himself. Just then, Liu Changsheng arrived, carrying a letter from General Zhao Huaibi confirming he had successfully gathered grain and was personally escorting it, expected to arrive within three days.
Liu Changsheng presented the letter and spoke to the farmers, explaining the urgency due to the impending locust plague and promising compensation. However, the farmers were suspicious of her identity and the letter, having never met the Princess of Fuyu. Liu Changsheng stood by Lv Jing, publicly supporting his actions and intentions. Emboldened, Lv Jing chose to defy the imperial decree, ordering his men to proceed with the forced grain collection.
Lv Guan simultaneously ordered the soldiers from her Princess Royal's mansion to stand guard and confront the Royal Guards brought by Lv Ke, creating a standoff to prevent further conflict in the fields. In another location, Mr. Huaishan advised his granddaughter Ru Jing that it was time for them to leave, explaining that they had caused enough trouble. He reminded her of the meaning behind her name, emphasizing clarity and detachment from illusions.
Despite Ru Jing's reluctance, Mr. Huaishan left, leaving a letter for Lv Jing and instructions on how to find him. Upon hearing that Lv Jing had been taken to the Imperial Study for defying the decree, Ru Jing rushed there. Inside the Imperial Study, Lv Jing, Liu Changsheng, Lv Guan, and Xiao Zilv knelt before the Emperor. Lv Ke was also present.
After deliberation, influenced by Lv Ke's suggestion, the Emperor decided to confine Lv Jing to the Reflection Room to appease public resentment. He ordered the collected grain to be returned to the people in batches the following day. Liu Changsheng requested to join Lv Jing in confinement, but the Emperor ordered her to remain under house arrest in Prince Qin's Mansion, forbidden to leave.
Lv Guan later explained to Liu Changsheng the harsh conditions of the Reflection Room, which was used for royal family members and was more severe than a typical prison, inflicting mental torture through extreme cold, isolation, and deprivation. They realized that Lv Jing's only hope for release was the timely arrival of the locust plague to validate his prediction; any delay would prolong his suffering. Liu Changsheng was restless with worry for Lv Jing.
Separately, Chu Ge shared drinks with Lv Ke, celebrating their success but also advising him to continue pressuring Lv Jing to ensure he could not recover. News spread quickly. Within a day, many ministers began submitting memorials to impeach Lv Jing, some demanding his execution to calm public outrage. Lv Hou fueled the Emperor's anger with vivid descriptions of farmers' protests and self-harm. The Emperor, furious, ordered Lv Hou out but kept Lv Ke.
Lv Ke offered a more tempered suggestion: temporarily strip Lv Jing of his military power and title and send him away to a fiefdom to recover until public anger subsided, then recall him later. The Emperor reluctantly agreed. Liu Changsheng understood the precarious situation and realized that anyone who publicly supported Lv Jing now would be seen as challenging the Emperor, potentially worsening Lv Jing's fate. Lv Ke, aware of this, cunningly used Ru Jing's genuine affection for Lv Jing.
Ru Jing contacted her grandfather and planned to go to the palace with him and Liu Changsheng to plead for Lv Jing's release. However, Liu Changsheng explained she was confined and could not leave the mansion, stating that the Prince Qin's Mansion could not afford a second act of defiance. Ru Jing was sharply critical, questioning why Liu Changsheng hadn't stopped Lv Jing the day before and stating that Liu Changsheng should not have come to Great Tang.
Liu Changsheng was left speechless. Later, Chu Ge visited Liu Changsheng, gloating about Lv Jing's situation and his impending banishment to a fiefdom (mentioning that she suggested the plan). She then subtly hinted at potential dangers during Lv Jing's journey, speculating whether the guards would be diligent or if someone might try to harm him. This veiled threat galvanized Liu Changsheng, who immediately decided to leave the mansion to warn Lv Jing, disregarding her confinement.
Chu Ge's maid noted that Liu Changsheng's maid Shenxing was not present with her usual companion Jinyan, implying Shenxing had gone somewhere else for help. Ignoring Jinyan's pleas and warnings about the capital crime, Liu Changsheng declared she would rather die with Lv Jing than live without him and left Prince Qin's Mansion. As she attempted to depart the city, she was intercepted by Chu Ge, who admitted she had lured her out.
Meanwhile, Shenxing had rushed to Princess Royal's mansion to seek aid from Lv Guan. At the Imperial Study, Lv Ke presented a distorted report to the Emperor, claiming Lv Jing was dissatisfied with the decree and had escaped on the way to his fiefdom, and that Princess Changsheng had stolen money and escaped the mansion, defying the imperial order. Enraged, the Emperor issued a decree ordering Lv Jing and Liu Changsheng to be captured alive.
At the same time, Lv Jing, accompanied by Youyong and Youmou, faced an ambush by assassins. They were attacked in the pouring rain by men ordered to kill Lv Jing for his disobedience. Despite the danger, Lv Jing's loyal guards urged him to flee for the sake of the larger cause. Outnumbered, they fought fiercely as they attempted to escape the pursuit in the heavy rain.
Episode 21 Recap
Assassins pursued Lv Jing, Youyong, and Youmou to the edge of a cliff. With no retreat possible, Lv Jing was injured by an assassin while trying to protect Youmou and was kicked over the cliff edge. Princess Royal Lv Guan, her face veiled, appeared and rescued Youyong and Youmou. The King summoned Liu Changsheng, who had been ordered to stay confined but had left her residence. The King questioned her disobedience.
Liu Changsheng confessed her fault but explained she had no choice, as Chu Ge had visited her the previous night to inform her that Lv Jing was being sent to his fiefdom and she feared for his safety. The King was surprised, calling it running away. Liu Changsheng defended Lv Jing, stating he was dedicated to the people and not someone who would flee, especially after risking defying a royal order to help the populace.
Princess Royal Lv Guan arrived and reported that she had received Liu Changsheng's letter and rushed to the scene with her guards. She found Prince Qin under attack by assassins, suggesting something sinister was behind it and asked the King to investigate. The King anxiously asked about Lv Jing, and Lv Guan regretfully informed him that she had arrived too late, and Lv Jing had already fallen off the cliff. Hearing this devastating news, the King was visibly shocked.
Liu Changsheng looked on in disbelief before fainting. The King ordered a search for Lv Jing beneath the cliff. However, no trace of him was found. Instead, they discovered locusts had arrived. A vast swarm of locusts swept across the land, filling the sky. The King assigned the task of managing the locust plague to the Fifth Prince, Lv Ke.
Messengers were sent to Prince Qin's Mansion to inquire if Lv Jing had left behind any strategies for dealing with the locusts. Liu Changsheng, holding notes written by Lv Jing, recalled his diligent efforts for Great Tang but also the unjust treatment he received from the King and the people. She initially thought of denying the existence of the strategy, questioning if Lv Jing's sacrifice was worthwhile given how he was treated.
However, she ultimately decided to hand over the well-considered notes to Youmou, instructing him to ensure the methods were followed precisely. She also insisted that the 40% of grain Lv Jing had prepared should not be released, stating she had specific plans for it. She ordered everyone in the mansion to obey her until Lv Jing's return, with strict punishments for disobedience. Princess Royal Lv Guan instructed the Xiuwen Hall staff to take precautions against the locusts damaging the classics.
At Prince Qin's Mansion, Liu Changsheng maintained her stance against releasing the 40% grain reserve. Lv Ke arrived to demand the grain for disaster relief, citing that Lv Jing had promised it. Liu Changsheng denied knowing of such a promise and stated her sole responsibility was to protect the household property for her husband. She directed Lv Ke to seek the grain from Lv Jing himself.
Lv Ke, frustrated, said he would leave the matter for the King to decide and left with a veiled threat about lingering locusts. After he left, Liu Changsheng found and crushed a locust, remarking on lingering danger. Later, she expressed conviction that Lv Jing was not dead and would return, hitting Lv Ke in frustration.
In his own mansion, Lv Ke complained to Chu Ge that Liu Changsheng refused to release the grain and that the King was lenient towards her out of guilt over Lv Jing. Chu Ge suggested finding a body to convince the King, plotting against Liu Changsheng. Incited by unknown forces, many citizens gathered outside Prince Qin's Mansion, blaming Liu Changsheng for the locust disaster and calling her a jinx.
As Liu Changsheng prepared to eat, she was summoned to the palace. Despite warnings from her staff about the angry crowd at the front gate, she insisted on leaving through the front, stating she and Lv Jing had done nothing wrong and would not cower. As she walked through the crowd, she was struck on the head by an object thrown by a child, drawing blood. Upon entering the palace, Liu Changsheng knelt before the King, who noticed her injury.
She downplayed it. The King mentioned Lv Ke's report about her being too busy to handle the grain. Liu Changsheng reiterated her refusal to move the 40% grain, stating she had difficulties doing so. The King was enraged by her defiance. At that moment, a palace servant reported that Lv Jing's body had been found. Liu Changsheng reacted with immediate and strong disbelief, rushing out to see.
When shown the body, she refused to accept it was Lv Jing, sensing he was still alive. The King issued a decree restoring Prince Qin's title and ordering a grand funeral befitting a Crown Prince. At Prince Qin's Mansion, despite the decree, Liu Changsheng refused to allow any funeral preparations, including ordering mourning attire. She commanded that anyone engaging in such inauspicious activities would be severely punished, maintaining her belief that Lv Jing was not dead.
In his mansion, Lv Ke discussed Liu Changsheng's refusal to hold the funeral with Chu Ge, noting her apparent devotion. Lv Ke, still resentful and seeking to remove Liu Changsheng, decided to have her sacrificed. He visited the grieving King and urged him to proceed quickly with Lv Jing's funeral for his peace in the afterlife. He then suggested that, given her strong bond with Lv Jing, she should accompany him in death, playing on the King's emotions.
The King agreed to Lv Ke's request. Meanwhile, Liu Changsheng confided in Youmou that she believed Lv Jing was alive and would return, urging him to share her conviction. At Xiuwen Hall, Lv Guan, Lingzhi, and Xiao Zilv discussed Liu Changsheng's situation and the impending wedding that was now overshadowed by tragedy. They wondered about her fate as an unmarried woman in Great Tang, with Lv Guan suggesting being sent back to Fuyu as the worst outcome.
Lingzhi then rushed in with the alarming news: Lv Ke had requested the King allow Liu Changsheng to be sacrificed, and the King had agreed. Lv Ke was reportedly on his way to Prince Qin's Mansion with the imperial decree. Lv Guan immediately ordered her carriage to go to the palace to plead with the King, while Xiao Zilv went to Prince Qin's Mansion, with Lingzhi urging him to delay Lv Ke.
At the mansion, Lv Ke confronted Liu Changsheng, who was arranging decorations, not preparing for a funeral. He chided her for not setting up a mourning hall. Liu Changsheng defiantly challenged him. Lv Ke presented the decree for her sacrifice. Liu Changsheng refused to accept it, acknowledging her past defiance but refusing this command. Lv Ke demanded she choose a method of death, but she refused, citing her status as a Fuyu Princess. Lv Ke chose white cloth for her.
Liu Changsheng's loyal followers, including Youyong and Youmou, stepped forward to protect her. Liu Changsheng urged them to leave, declaring she would face death voluntarily and wait for Yi'an (Lv Jing), ordering them not to follow her example. Lv Ke, angered by the resistance, revealed his guards had surrounded the mansion and ordered them to kill everyone if Liu Changsheng did not comply.
As Lv Ke prepared to proceed, Lv Jing suddenly appeared, stopping the guards and calling Lv Ke suicidal. Lv Jing fought Lv Ke's men, saving Liu Changsheng. Liu Changsheng expressed immense relief at seeing him, playfully chiding him for taking so long but expressing her happiness that he had finally returned. Lv Jing promised to always arrive swiftly from now on and instructed her to rest while he went to see the King.
Episode 22 Recap
Upon his return, Lv Jing is warmly welcomed by His Majesty, who expresses great relief, stating that Lv Jing's survival is a blessing for Great Tang. His Majesty confirms a decree has been prepared to restore Lv Jing's title as Prince Qin and grant him the Langhuan jade talisman, giving him status equivalent to the Crown Prince. The duty of overseeing disaster relief following the locust plague is also returned to Lv Jing.
As Lv Jing thanks him, Lv Guan attempts to voice her suspicion that the assassination was planned by someone close, but His Majesty quickly dismisses her, citing her duties at Xiuwen Hall. His Majesty then speaks to Lv Jing privately about Changsheng, acknowledging their strong affection but emphasizing the importance of the person beside him given his bright future. He expresses concern about Changsheng's character and the rumors surrounding her, questioning her suitability as the mistress of the harem.
Lv Jing staunchly defends Changsheng, describing her as innocent, lively, intelligent, compassionate, and upright, stating he is completely satisfied with her. He dismisses the rumors as groundless, pointing out he is alive and well. When His Majesty presses the point about the mistress of the harem, Lv Jing declares he would sacrifice his future for Changsheng, stating he cannot live without her. His Majesty, seeing his resolve, accepts his decision, acknowledging that his children must follow their own paths.
Meanwhile, in his residence, Lv Ke is furious and disbelieving that Lv Jing returned unharmed, vowing vengeance. Chu Ge, who is with him, suggests they abandon their conflict, expressing her sole desire for Lv Ke's safety and promising to stay by his side regardless of his status. Lv Ke rejects the idea, stating they have no way out after misappropriating public grain, attempting to murder a prince, and colluding with powerful officials.
He demands Chu Ge help him eliminate Lv Jing. Despite her attempts to speak, he orders her out, ignoring her concern for his injuries. Left alone, Lv Ke mutters threats against Lv Jing. Lv Jing returns to Prince Qin's Mansion, where he is joyfully reunited with Changsheng. He recounts falling off the cliff, being caught by a vine, and drifting downriver to a small town near Great Tang.
There, he discovered evidence of someone deliberately delaying the locust plague by using ten percent of the grain supplies, suspecting Lv Ke was responsible. He notes that the people involved are gone, leaving no evidence, but his worry for Changsheng's safety alone in Great Tang prompted his speedy return. Changsheng expresses relief at his timely arrival and notes that his title has been restored, suggesting his military power will soon follow.
Lv Jing reiterates that titles and power are not what matter to him; Changsheng is his greatest concern. At that moment, Ru Jing is announced seeking an audience. Lv Jing meets with her, thanking her and Mr. Huaishan for their assistance during the plague. He asks about her plans since Mr. Huaishan has returned. When Ru Jing states she doesn't plan to leave, Lv Jing offers to find her a residence and suggests she needs a home after wandering.
He mentions he is busy and will ask his wife, Changsheng, who is discerning, to help find her a suitable match. Ru Jing rejects the idea of a match, stating she only wants to be by Lv Jing's side, even without a proper status. Lv Jing clarifies he has always treated her as a sister. She rejects being a sister. He offers friendship, or if not even that, they would be strangers.
She questions what is so good about Changsheng and how she herself is inferior. Lv Jing unequivocally states that his wife is wonderful in every way, leaving no room in his heart for anyone else, making comparison impossible. He excuses himself, stating his wife was frightened that day and he needs to be with her. Ru Jing is left lamenting that with Changsheng, he won't even look at others. Soon after, Lv Jing visits Lv Ke in his mansion.
They exchange veiled remarks about Lv Ke's injuries. Lv Jing reveals he is there on His Majesty's command to retrieve a token and the ten percent of grain Lv Ke had promised to turn over. Lv Ke quickly agrees to send the grain, telling Lv Jing there was no need for him to come in person.
Lv Jing states he will wait for the delivery at his mansion and warns Lv Ke to send it on time, reminding him of the severe consequences of disobedience. After Lv Jing leaves, Lv Ke is enraged, seeing Lv Jing's swift return to power and visit as a direct challenge and a sign that he will not be let off the hook.
Chu Ge again tries to calm him, suggesting Lv Jing might not intend to pursue the matter further, but Lv Ke dismisses her as foolish and orders her to leave. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Changsheng discusses the logistical details of distributing the grain. She reveals she had secretly stored forty percent of the grain, anticipating potential issues from Lv Ke during Lv Jing's absence.
Now that the plague is over, she believes it should be distributed quickly to help the people. Lv Jing agrees and informs her he has already instructed trusted officials to begin preparations, planning to open the granaries the next day. Half a month later, the locust plague is successfully managed, and His Majesty holds a banquet in the palace, attended by many officials and princes. His Majesty praises Lv Jing for his success in the disaster relief efforts.
He then announces that Lv Jing's wedding is in seven days and that he is personally preparing a generous gift with the Directorate of Astronomy. He suggests they tell a story to experience the joy of ordinary families. His Majesty tells a story about an elderly father and his three sons, each with distinct personalities. He describes the second son as clever and decisive, like himself, and notes that the third son was somewhat neglected and made mistakes.
He states he is old and has come to terms with many things. He then turns to Lv Jing, claiming Lv Jing has heard the story, and asks him to provide the ending. Lv Jing respectfully replies that he has not heard the rest of the story and suggests the future should be left for future generations to write. Seeing the hour, His Majesty dismisses everyone.
After the banquet, Lv Ke is visibly agitated, questioning Lv Jing about the story and its meaning. Later, speaking with Chu Ge, Lv Ke expresses his fear that His Majesty knows about their actions and believes the story was meant to gauge Lv Jing's intentions regarding how to deal with him.
He suspects the generous wedding gift is the designation of Lv Jing as Crown Prince, seeing the conflict between them as irreconcilable and believing Lv Jing will never forgive him. Panicked, fearing exposure and retaliation, he desperately pleads with Chu Ge to help him, stating the truth cannot be concealed forever. Chu Ge reassures him that she will find a way. Back in their residence, Changsheng confirms to Lv Jing that she understood the underlying meaning of His Majesty's words.
Lv Jing acknowledges this, explaining he didn't reveal his thoughts at the banquet because he is accustomed to Lv Ke's schemes and was particularly angered by Lv Ke's recent attempt to harm him while he was vulnerable. He mentions that Lv Ke delivered the ten percent grain the previous day, completing the necessary amount for relief. Lv Jing then gives Changsheng a task: helping Ru Jing find a suitable husband.
He explains he has tried to convince Ru Jing to leave but she refuses, and since Changsheng will manage the household someday, this is good practice. Xiao Zilv, overhearing, jokes that Changsheng is experienced in matchmaking, having met many men in Fuyu. Changsheng playfully retorts that she also knows how to make people unable to speak forever. They banter lightheartedly before Xiao Zilv backs down.
Changsheng attempts the task by bringing portraits of eligible men in Great Tang for Ru Jing to review, a method she says she learned from Xiao Jin. However, Ru Jing reacts negatively, calling the practice unvirtuous and suggesting Changsheng read more books on women's virtues instead. Changsheng is furious and tells Lv Jing she cannot do it, preferring to be useless.
Looking for an alternative, Changsheng suggests a counter-intuitive plan: Lv Jing should pretend to want to marry Ru Jing and then deliberately display his negative traits to deter her. Lv Jing is hesitant but agrees to try the tactic the next day. Changsheng lingers afterward, but Lv Jing urges her to leave, playfully referencing Ru Jing's earlier criticism, and they express their anticipation for their wedding when they can be together freely.
Lv Jing implements the plan, meeting with Ru Jing. He gets straight to the point, stating he wants her to stay and proposes to marry her. Ru Jing is overjoyed, believing her prayers have been answered and immediately asks about wedding arrangements. Lv Jing clarifies there will be no wedding. Ru Jing accepts this, reiterating her willingness to marry him without a formal status.
Lv Jing then attempts to deter her further, demanding her dowry be larger than Changsheng's as compensation, stating the marriage is not his true wish. He continues by claiming his seemingly gentle demeanor is a facade; he likes to hit those close to him, even his wife (correcting himself that Ru Jing would not be a wife but a concubine).
He falsely claims to have recently hit Changsheng severely, leaving her injured in bed, and suggests they practice a new boxing technique he's learned. Ru Jing is unfazed, referencing his past words about treating his lover with respect. He dismisses this, quoting another saying about refining oneself through interaction and implying conflict fosters bonding. Ru Jing, noting Changsheng appears unharmed, accepts his conditions, citing a saying about following the man one marries.
She even expresses eagerness to practice the boxing technique with him. Lv Jing is stunned by her acceptance. Ru Jing then suggests her body is not as strong as Changsheng's and she needs to prepare medicine to ensure she can stay by his side long-term, leaving him momentarily speechless and wondering why she wasn't scared away. Meanwhile, haunted by his actions, Lv Ke suffers a nightmare.
In his dream, Lv Jing and Changsheng stand over him; Lv Jing accuses him of evil deeds and asks if he is still struggling, showing him a white cloth, implying his impending death. Lv Ke cries out in terror and wakes up, assuring himself it was just a dream, but immediately realizes his fear is real – Lv Jing will not let him go, and he declares Lv Jing must die before he does.
Chu Ge is present and assures him she will help him achieve his goal. Amidst this turmoil, preparations for Lv Jing and Changsheng's wedding are in full swing at Prince Qin's Mansion. Staff are busy selecting wedding attire and accessories. Changsheng reflects that while getting married seemed difficult before, having the wedding feels even more so.
Lv Jing comforts her, saying that things obtained with difficulty are more cherished, echoing a saying about the rarity of finding a loving partner compared to wealth. They share a warm, playful moment, acknowledging the long journey and hardships they've endured since their first meeting as Princess of Fuyu and envoy from Great Tang. Lv Jing expresses his hope for a simple, enduring life together, always remaining inseparable. Changsheng feels her parents would be relieved to see her happiness.
Lv Jing mentions he has sent invitations to Xiao Jin and Guangde, who should be arriving soon. Lv Jing vows this is his only wedding and he wants to give Changsheng everything she desires. Changsheng playfully teases that she might remarry if he doesn't behave, and he accepts the challenge with amusement.
Episode 23 Recap
In Xiuwen Hall, Lv Guan was deeply engrossed in reading "Collection of Jokes," her laughter echoing frequently. Princess Changsheng and Lv Jing, hoping to facilitate a romance, came to inquire if Xiao Zilv had said anything to her recently. As if summoned, Xiao Zilv arrived. Changsheng and Lv Jing quickly concealed themselves behind a pillar. Xiao Zilv, usually eloquent, became flustered, unable to voice his proposal. Lv Guan, perhaps sensing his nervousness or giving him space, moved to the garden.
Changsheng and Lv Jing emerged and urged Xiao Zilv to pursue her. Xiao Zilv followed Lv Guan to the garden, still visibly nervous and struggling to speak more than simple affirmations. He commented on the scenery and pointed out twin lotuses. Lv Guan found his awkwardness amusing. Finally, gathering his courage, Xiao Zilv took out a jade pendant.
He explained its significance, stating it belonged to his mother, who had split it in two to give one piece each to him and his sister, Jin. He asked Lv Guan if she would accept his jade pendant and, after fumbling over the words, if she would marry him. At that moment, the Emperor appeared behind Changsheng and Lv Jing, who were watching the scene unfold. The Emperor, eager for his sister Lv Guan's marriage, urged her not to hesitate.
Lv Guan then accepted Xiao Zilv's proposal, agreeing to marry him. Meanwhile, in Prince Song's Mansion, Yiyi, Prince Song Lv Hou's consort, debated over wedding gifts for Princess Changsheng and Prince Qin Lv Jing. She admired several items, including a night pearl and a Hetian jade pendant, finding them all suitable but reluctant to part with any of them as she had acquired them for Lv Hou. Lv Hou suggested seeking advice from his brother, Lv Ke.
Yiyi immediately objected, strictly forbidding Lv Hou from associating with Lv Ke further. She perceived Lv Ke as a negative influence who had manipulated Lv Hou and warned him that further contact would only lead to him being exploited. Lv Ke found himself isolated after losing power; the officials who once courted him now avoided him. He expressed frustration about their ingratitude to a companion. Chu Ge, his consort, entered and pledged her lifelong devotion to him.
Lv Ke harbored suspicions that Chu Ge might abandon him too. He had overheard her instructing a servant to pawn their valuables in batches for travel the next day, specifically telling the servant to keep it secret from him, leading him to believe she was planning to leave him. Later, during a private moment, Lv Ke offered Chu Ge wine. She remarked on its strong scent, suggesting it might make her too tipsy to speak her mind.
She then reminisced about their past, recalling how Lv Ke had saved her in the Royal Garden years ago when she was a young girl caught picking flowers, stating that from that moment, her heart had been attached to him and her life belonged to him. Despite her clear devotion, Lv Ke remained fixated on his rivalry with Prince Qin Lv Jing, speaking of his desire to eliminate him but acknowledging they had lost.
He refused to back down, vowing to fight even to the death rather than accept defeat in disgrace. Chu Ge, reaffirming her love and desire for him to live safely, declared that she would undertake the dangerous "fight to the death" path herself, for his sake. Anticipation built for the upcoming double wedding. Guests arrived at Prince Qin's Mansion. Princess Changsheng was joyfully reunited with her parents, her sister Jin, and her friend Guangde.
Her parents commented happily on her appearance, seeing that she was well cared for in Great Tang. Jin mentioned her husband Xie Lin's strictness and how Guangde had helped persuade him to allow her to travel for the wedding. Guangde also noted that Lv Jing was marrying Princess Royal Lv Guan, remarking on his past ambition to marry a princess. Changsheng's mother presented her with a wedding gift from Sheng Tiangang, advising her to only open it in an emergency.
A celebratory feast was prepared. On the wedding day at Prince Qin's Mansion, Guangde intercepted Lv Jing before he could easily collect Princess Changsheng. She insisted on a challenge, suggesting riddles composed by Changsheng herself, finding poetic duels too dull. Lv Jing agreed. The first riddle asked why swallows fly south in autumn; Lv Jing guessed incorrectly, the answer being their slow speed on the ground.
The second asked what cloth and paper feared; again, Lv Jing's guess was wrong, the answer being a pun about anticipating disaster. Having failed both riddles, Guangde playfully suggested the wedding couldn't proceed, but Changsheng chimed in, joking about her struggle to finally get married, to which Lv Jing replied he had worked hard to marry her. Meanwhile, Princess Royal Lv Guan chose Xiuwen Hall as the location for her wedding ceremony with Xiao Zilv.
Upon his arrival, Lingzhi relayed Lv Guan's message: her choice of location had three reasons – it was where they shared the most memories and their favorite place. The third reason was a request for his most valuable item. Xiao Zilv considered this carefully. Lingzhi returned to Lv Guan, who eagerly asked what he had given. He had written "A promise," which Lv Guan felt was indeed the most precious item. The double wedding ceremony commenced.
During the proceedings, it was noted that Prince Song, Lv Ke, was absent. Later, Lv Ke awoke in a carriage, finding his hands tied. Furious, he broke free, leaped out, seized a sword, and angrily demanded an explanation, accusing his attendants of conspiring with "that wretch." His attendants explained that Chu Ge had ordered them to pawn their property and escort him safely outside the border.
They clarified that Chu Ge did this knowing her own mission was likely a suicide mission and she feared being a burden to him. They implored him to leave quickly for his safety. Lv Ke reacted with disbelief and anger, recalling Chu Ge's stated devotion and their shared past, including a promise to view rhododendrons together. At the wedding reception in Prince Qin's Mansion, guests celebrated. Yiyi and Lv Hou toasted the newlyweds, expressing hope for a good relationship.
Chu Ge arrived late, apologizing for her tardiness and the absence of Lv Ke, stating he had "important matters." Lv Jing greeted her but privately instructed Youmou to closely watch Chu Ge, suspecting her intentions were not friendly. Other guests whispered about Chu Ge being alone and the strained relationship between her and Lv Ke. Lv Jing mentioned his surprise for Changsheng was still to come. Chu Ge offered to perform a play, revealing she had studied opera.
She then sang a short piece with unsettling, ominous lyrics about death and spirits, disturbing some of the guests. After her performance, she made a chilling comment hinting at sending someone to death shortly. Immediately, black-clad figures attacked the reception. Lv Jing, Youyong, and Youmou fought to defend themselves and the guests, who were quickly incapacitated, likely by a substance like the "fireworks" smell mentioned earlier. Despite their skill, the attackers were numerous.
Lv Jing was wounded by a sword and injured in the back. Chu Ge seized Ru Jing and held her hostage. Just as the situation escalated, the Royal Guards arrived, forcing the attackers to retreat. In the aftermath of the chaos, Lv Jing was shown urgently calling for medical attention for Yi'an, who was injured. Amidst his concern, a memory flashed of Changsheng agreeing to be his support, symbolized by a nose scratch signal, reinforcing their bond in times of danger.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Doctors reported to the King that while Prince Lv Jing's wound did not hit a vital point, the assassin's weapon was coated in poison. The King ordered Chu Ge, who had been captured, to be interrogated immediately to obtain the antidote, using any means necessary. Changsheng, Lv Jing's wife, pleaded with the King to allow her to question Chu Ge alone, a request the King reluctantly granted while assuring her safety.
Changsheng's parents also urged her to be careful before leaving. Xiao Zilv and the imperial doctors stayed to care for Lv Jing. Changsheng went to the prison to see Chu Ge. Chu Ge declared she would not give Changsheng the antidote and was not afraid of death. Changsheng insisted that she didn't want Chu Ge to die, but wanted Prince Qin to live. She told Chu Ge she believed they were alike because they both deeply loved their husbands.
Changsheng pointed out that Chu Ge's actions, though terrible, were driven by her love for the Fifth Prince, Lv Ke. Changsheng then fabricated a story, claiming that Lv Ke had returned for Chu Ge, begging the King to spare her life, and that he was the one who notified the Royal Guards who arrived at the wedding. She offered to let Chu Ge go if she handed over the antidote.
Chu Ge was initially moved but quickly saw through the lie, stating she knew Lv Ke was too selfish and afraid of death to return for her. She defiantly told Changsheng to prepare for Lv Jing's death, refusing to give the antidote. Changsheng, desperate, knelt and begged, insisting she and Lv Jing never intended to harm Chu Ge or Lv Ke.
Chu Ge remained unmoved, comparing them to insects killed because people hate them, and arguing that Lv Ke had attacked them first multiple times. She urged Changsheng to spend time with Lv Jing instead, as his time was limited. Imperial doctors explained that the poison, called Cold Farewell Dream, was extremely difficult to prepare. It didn't kill immediately but caused hallucinations, making the victim relive their worst fears until they died from exhaustion.
Lv Jing briefly awoke and tried to appear cheerful, suggesting he and Changsheng go for a stroll. Changsheng grew emotional, but he encouraged her to be happy and not think about him potentially dying, which he joked would confirm the negative rumors about her and make remarriage difficult so soon after their wedding. He promised to recover quickly to keep an eye on her.
He asked for the doctors, and Changsheng covered for them, saying they had argued about treatment and she sent them away. They shared a moment of lighthearted conversation, guessing riddles. He expressed his desire to stay with her peacefully, just "one house, two people, three meals, four seasons, forever and ever." Changsheng reflected on the hardships he endured since marrying her, asking if he regretted it. He replied that without her, even a healthy life would be meaningless.
Later, Lv Jing fell back into a deep sleep. Xiao Zilv and the doctors continued researching for a cure, while Changsheng stayed by Lv Jing's side, expressing hope that their suffering meant future happiness. She asked Xiao Zilv if the rumors about her being a jinx were true, given the recent events, but he dismissed it and reminded her of Sheng Tiangang's prophecy that Lv Jing was meant to subdue her.
Meanwhile, Princess Royal Lv Guan also interrogated Chu Ge but found her equally unyielding, convinced Chu Ge was waiting for someone. Lv Guan speculated it might be Lv Ke but dismissed the possibility, believing Lv Ke would never return, especially after losing influence and support. Despite her skepticism, news arrived that Lv Ke had indeed returned and was meeting the King in the Imperial Study.
The King questioned why Lv Ke came back after leaving, and Lv Ke admitted it was for Chu Ge, saying he couldn't bring himself to leave her behind despite knowing his return meant facing danger. He argued with the King about their strained relationship and the King's past favoritism, stating he had to fight for what he wanted.
He acknowledged his defeat but rejected the King's lecture on brotherly harmony, pointing out the King himself didn't achieve his position through such means. Lv Ke stated he didn't expect to live upon his return and offered to provide the antidote for Lv Jing's poison, but only on one condition. Lv Ke visited Chu Ge in prison. Chu Ge expressed her deep love and devotion to him.
As she was being led out by guards, she believed she was being taken for execution and confessed to everything to protect Lv Jing, urging Lv Ke to take the antidote and live. However, the guards removed her shackles and informed her that the Fifth Prince, Lv Ke, had taken all the blame for her crimes and traded his freedom and the antidote for her life. Chu Ge was released, horrified by this revelation.
She rushed back to the prison cell, demanding to see Lv Ke. The antidote was delivered and administered to Lv Jing. Ru Jing, having witnessed Changsheng's selfless act of saving Lv Jing during the attack while she herself hesitated, realized that her feelings for Lv Jing were not true love but a form of possessiveness or obsession. She decided to leave the palace and said goodbye to Changsheng, explaining her realization and her decision to let go of her fixation.
After taking the antidote, Lv Jing suddenly coughed up a large amount of blood, and his pulse weakened significantly, alarming the doctors who began to panic and argue over the best course of treatment (dredging collaterals soup, tonic bolus, ginseng pills). Changsheng remembered a wedding gift from Sheng Tiangang, a note he said to open in an emergency. She found the note, which read: "Stay, you see the dark clouds; Leave, you see the silver lining."
Coupled with the continued misfortunes befalling Lv Jing, she became convinced that the rumors about her being a jinx were true and that her presence was harming him. Believing her departure was the only way to save him, she decided to leave, writing a divorce letter signed with her fingerprint.
She instructed her attendants, Jinyan and Shenxing, to look after Muyan Forest and apologize to the Princess Royal Lv Guan and Xiao Zilv for her abrupt departure, trusting the King would understand. Three years passed. Lv Jing fully recovered and became the Crown Prince. He searched extensively for Changsheng but could not find her.
He received a letter from Lv Guan (Wan) updating him on their lives, mentioning she had a son and that Guangde and Jin wanted their daughters to marry him. Lv Guan also assured him that his vomiting blood was actually the accumulated poison leaving his system and he was fine, but Changsheng left because she believed the rumors. She mentioned he had refused the throne initially to search for Changsheng, traveling across the country.
Lv Guan concluded that their shared experiences proved the rumors were nonsense and hoped Changsheng would return for the upcoming Lantern Festival. Years later, during the Lantern Festival in Fuyu, Changsheng was working as a fortuneteller and later participating in a lantern riddle guessing event. As she was looking at masks, she encountered Lv Jing. He recognized her as she was about to participate in guessing a riddle.
The riddle spoke of dreams and passion, and the fortuneteller she had spoken to earlier had advised her against missing a good person based on divination, emphasizing that fate depends on human effort. At the lantern riddles stand, a vendor remembered her from previous years. Lv Jing found her there. They finally reunited.
