In the Name of Blossom Episode 10 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
The peonies cultivated through the dedicated efforts of He Wei Fang and Jiang Chang Yang finally bloomed by the appointed time. The exquisite improved varieties were transported to the capital and meticulously arranged. Initially, screens were used to conceal the flowers, directing guests to first admire the paintings on the screens.
The gathered guests, who had come out of obligation rather than genuine interest, expressed dissatisfaction upon learning they were to view paintings instead of the highly anticipated flowers, with some questioning if the snow peonies had even been successfully grown. An envoy noted the secrecy and mystique surrounding the event. Jiang Chang Yang, however, assured everyone of his commitment. An official explained that the Tang Dynasty values elegance and waiting for the right moment, comparing the wait for the flowers to brewing wine while waiting for the full moon or simmering tea for the spring breeze, implying such customs might be lacking elsewhere. The envoy from Nanzhao remarked on the eight-day wait, stating the scheduled time had passed without seeing the flowers and asking if the Emperor was teasing them. Jiang Chang Yang reiterated the need for patience.
Finally, the moment arrived. He Wei Fang and Jiang Chang Yang, dressed in formal attire, appeared before the assembly. When the sun reached its peak, He Wei Fang ordered the screens opened. The guests were awestruck by the sight of dazzling peonies blooming in the depth of winter. They exclaimed that they had never witnessed such a phenomenon before, praising the flowers as lush and vibrant. Soon, countless butterflies and rare birds began flocking towards the blossoms, creating a magnificent spectacle that moved some observers to tears.
He Wei Fang, Jiang Chang Yang, and many ministers offered congratulations for the prosperous era and wished the Emperor longevity and well-being. The Emperor was greatly pleased. He praised He Wei Fang as a merchant well-known in Chang'an who had relieved his worries and added color to the nation, acknowledging her wisdom and granting her honors. He appointed her as the head of flower merchants nationwide and bestowed the phrase "National Beauty and Elegance." The Emperor then reflected that the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty was not built in a single day, just as a long road is not built with one brick. A guest commented that she had thought Tang women were like caged birds with no freedom after marriage, but He Wei Fang's actions were admirable. He Wei Fang explained that her name, meaning fragrant beauty, was given by her mother who loved peonies. She shared that peonies grow on cliffs and bloom resiliently through harsh weather, and her mother hoped she would possess a similar strong spirit, be self-reliant, persistent, and never give up. He Wei Fang expressed gratitude for the Emperor's grace.
That evening, Prince Ning hosted a family banquet for envoys, which was suspected to be an attempt to win support for future plans. Jiang Chang Yang appeared distant from He Wei Fang, explaining that she had received rewards that day and he wanted her to enjoy it alone without being disturbed.
Meanwhile, inside the palace, Consort Shu appeared distressed despite accompanying the Emperor daily. She spoke with Princess Ashina Dan, noting the Princess's intimate interactions with the Emperor and the likely intention of a marriage alliance with Juebei. Consort Shu confided in Jiang Chang Yang (referred to by Consort Shu as Sui Zhi), expressing her conflict between her duty to obey for the stability of the country and her personal feelings. Jiang Chang Yang (Sui Zhi) urged her to speak frankly with the Emperor, suggesting that concealing her feelings would only deepen her sadness and hide her true heart. He advised her to potentially use feigned drunkenness or sleep to try and understand the Emperor's true feelings.
The Emperor then decided that since it was late and the palace gates were locked, He Wei Fang (referred to by the Emperor as the Floral Envoy's lady) and Jiang Chang Yang (the Floral Envoy), who had worked hard for many days, should stay in the palace overnight. In a private conversation, the Emperor (referred to as Mr. Third or Ling Ge by Consort Shu in her memories) spoke with Consort Shu (Ling Ge). He remarked that Ashina Dan's brightness reminded him of how Consort Shu used to be before entering the palace. He regretted accepting his brother's marriage proposal years ago, which he felt trapped her. Consort Shu denied resenting him, stating that balancing court affairs and taking consorts for lineage extension were his responsibilities, and she should accept it. She offered to organize the wedding banquet if he was fond of the Juebei Princess. He asked for ink to draft the decree. Consort Shu reflected on their past, mentioning a brush he made for her from leftover materials after making a bow and arrows for his brother, realizing her past reluctance had hurt them both. He asked if the brush was his true gift, but she felt as the ruler, he wouldn't care about her true feelings, having married her only to uphold a promise. He dismissed the formality of ruler and subject talk, stating that concealing her feelings was deceit if she only respected him as a ruler. He reminded her that the person before her was still 'Mr. Third' and asked for one sincere truth. Consort Shu confessed her feelings for him were impossible to let go of but felt helpless. He expressed regret that they were too timid to express their affections and had wasted time. He urged her to pledge their hearts to each other for the years to come and not miss out again.
Later that night, He Wei Fang and Jiang Chang Yang were unable to sleep due to the warmth from the burning charcoal provided by the Emperor. They decided to talk. He Wei Fang asked when he decided to become the Floral Envoy, but Jiang Chang Yang said old tales were better left untold. She then asked about his future plans and offered help. He replied that she had already helped a lot and the matters ahead were not hers to bear, stating he would send her away from Chang'an when the critical moment arrived. He felt she had her own life to live, caring for friends, family, and business, and shouldn't get involved in court strife. He Wei Fang felt he didn't believe she could journey with him and questioned how he knew what kind of life she wanted. Despite the cold and snowy weather, she expressed a desire to see the flowers, noting the palace's strict rules against unauthorized movement. Jiang Chang Yang mentioned the imperial garden peonies had been moved to the greenhouse next door. They decided to sneak over.
Viewing the beautiful peonies in the greenhouse, He Wei Fang remarked that forcing the seasons only achieved fleeting moments of elegance, suggesting that not all things could be forced. Jiang Chang Yang comforted her, saying cherishing was better than sadness and they could gain more joy by enjoying the flowers. He Wei Fang stated she wasn't drunk but confessed her feelings to Jiang Chang Yang, declaring she liked him and feared nothing, regretting nothing, even if the future was fraught with danger and she might lose her life. Jiang Chang Yang embraced her, suggesting she get some good sleep as she had worked hard. He Wei Fang requested to be woken in two hours to see the flowers again and reminded him about sending the Emperor's bestowed writing to the Fragrance Garden on an auspicious day. He agreed.
The next morning, as He Wei Fang and Jiang Chang Yang were leaving the palace, Xue Xi arrived to see the Emperor. He Wei Fang graciously suggested Jiang Chang Yang accompany Xue Xi for her visit while she would take the Floral Envoy's carriage back to the Fragrance Garden first. Jiang Chang Yang agreed and told her he would pick her up at the Royal Princess's manor later after taking Xue Xi home. Xue Xi mentioned staying with the Royal Princess, who preferred tranquility and didn't attend the palace banquet, and that the Princess missed He Wei Fang and invited her to visit. After He Wei Fang left, Xue Xi remarked to Jiang Chang Yang that despite being away for so long, he still hadn't expressed his feelings to He Wei Fang. Jiang Chang Yang stated he would convey his feelings during the Lantern Festival.
Meanwhile, Captain Pei visited the Jiang Mansion and was informed that Jiang Chang Yang was accompanying Lady Xiao (Xue Xi) to the palace festival. When asked if Ms. He (He Wei Fang) minded this, a servant replied that Ms. He was broad-minded and had gone out early to have fun, surprising Captain Pei.
Upon returning to the Fragrance Garden, He Wei Fang found a crowd waiting for her, comprised of members of the flower guild. Guild Head Lv bowed to her and offered congratulations on the historic honor received by the guild through her efforts, acknowledging that she had brought recognition to flower merchants. Guild Head Lv stated he recognized her superior skill and social responsibility and felt it was time to yield his position as guild head to her, which he had discussed with the other members. He Wei Fang was surprised and initially declined, stating she had no such intention and felt she couldn't replace him after he had managed the guild for many years. However, Guild Head Lv insisted that the guild's prosperity relied on employing capable people and entrusted the future of the guild to her, presenting her with a document of the guild rules signed by previous heads. He Wei Fang asked if the guild head had the authority to amend the rules and, upon confirmation, accepted the offer. She immediately declared that from that day forward, flower guild membership would have no gender distinction, promoting equality and appointments based on capability. When a suggestion was made to reduce fees for women due to their difficulty opening stores, He Wei Fang rejected it, emphasizing that the amendment was for fairness and not special privileges, stating that hard work should not be subject to gender distinction and special treatment would only cause women to be looked down upon further. Guild Head Lv commended her decision as rectifying previous biases. He Wei Fang then returned the token of the guild head to Guild Head Lv, explaining she only intended to be the guild head for a brief period (half an incense stick) to reform the outdated rule. She stated her ambitions did not lie with the position and praised Mr. Lv as kind, upright, familiar with the members, and fond of the guild, deeming him the most appropriate person to continue as head. Guild Head Lv accepted, and they agreed not to bring up the matter again. He Wei Fang then invited the guild members to stay and try the garden's seasonal new dishes.
On the evening of the Lantern Festival, He Wei Fang spent time with her friends Fu and Chun, and Chun's mother. Chun's mother encouraged both Chun and He Wei Fang to find suitable husbands for stability. He Wei Fang lightly joked with her. Chun asked if He Wei Fang was thinking about Jiang Chang Yang and Xue Xi being at the palace. He Wei Fang said she was thinking of family on the festival day. Fu explained that He Wei Fang's father had discouraged her business after she regained her status, urging her to marry an officer for wealth and stability instead, causing a rift in their views. He Wei Fang felt her friends were her family now and was content. They decided to go see the lanterns by the Qujiang River.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chang Yang was preparing for a rendezvous, visibly nervous about confessing his feelings. He instructed a subordinate regarding the timing and how to find Fu, stressing not to spoil the surprise. He said he was willing to wait for He Wei Fang no matter how late she was and asked the subordinate to use the waiting time to test a mechanism again to ensure no mistakes when she arrived.
As He Wei Fang arrived, Jiang Chang Yang greeted her, stating he had something to show her. He confessed that in the past, he only dared to entrust his true heart to the moon, causing her misunderstanding and sadness. From now on, he wanted to be with her, running to her with the bright moon, to admire flowers and the moon together until they grew old, never to be apart even as the moon waxed and waned. He asked if she was willing to spend the rest of her life with him.
