In the Name of Blossom Episode 15 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
After a period of reflection, Mu Dan returned to Fragrance Garden, expressing gratitude to the loyal staff who had maintained the business in her absence. She admitted her past capriciousness and promised to lead the business to greater success. Having experienced hardships and kindness, Mu Dan declared her renewed aspirations: to be worthy of the Imperial characters granted to her and to serve the nation by helping the weak and stabilizing society.
She explained that even small acts, like growing flowers for medicine and earning money for the poor, could contribute to the country's well-being. She assured her staff that charitable endeavors would be funded from her personal account, ensuring their wages remained untouched. Mu Dan shared a poignant story of a woman whose family was devastated by corrupt officials, emphasizing that only a better society would allow people to enjoy the leisure offered by Fragrance Garden. Inspired, everyone pledged their support.
Mu Dan then outlined her ambitious new venture, Wuyong Hall, a medical clinic in the West Market. Recognizing that common people could afford doctors but not expensive medicine, she and Chun had researched ancient prescriptions to find cheaper, equally effective herbs. Wuyong Hall would offer free medical consultations every ten days, sell medicine at cost price, and allow impoverished families to pay on credit or even through labor after recovery.
Jiang Chang Yang, concerned about her capital, offered to invest, but Mu Dan declined, asserting her business was profitable enough. She revealed her long-term plan to train villagers in Sheng County to grow medicinal herbs, along with sesame and rapeseed for both food and medicine. She also converted idle properties into workshops to teach women skills, hoping to establish a clinic in Sheng County run by passionate apprentice doctors, with Chun dispatched for more complex cases.
When Jiang Chang Yang questioned how she would verify a patient's poverty, Mu Dan revealed she had obtained a list of impoverished households from Magistrate Yu. She also articulated her philosophy for not entirely waiving medicine fees, stating that complete benevolence could foster greed and undermine the sustainability of the charitable enterprise. Jiang Chang Yang praised her clear-headedness, remarking that "Mr. Third" (referring to himself) would be pleased.
Mu Dan expressed her hope that Jiang Chang Yang and the Emperor would soon eradicate corrupt officials and harsh policies. Later, at Wuyong Hall, Mu Dan treated patients and explained the meaning of "Wuyong" to a young boy named Zhao Zhao, signifying understanding all things, transforming the world, and comprehending the way of the mean. Meanwhile, General Xiao visited his daughter Xue Xi, who had been residing at Prince Ning's mansion.
He informed her that he had spoken with Prince Ning and their marriage proposal was canceled, assuring her that she could now marry whoever she wished and need not worry about court affairs. Xue Xi later shared a heartfelt farewell with Mu Dan and Jiang Chang Yang. Mu Dan presented Xue Xi with a meaningful gift—a precious peony in a porcelain pot with her and Xue Xi's likenesses, symbolizing how Xue Xi, like a fairy, had saved her from danger.
Jiang Chang Yang promised Xue Xi a "Secluded Orchid in Jieshi Mode" as a wedding gift when she found her true love. At Fragrance Garden, Mu Dan asked Jiang Chang Yang to test a new flesh-regenerating paste for wounds on himself. He initially resisted, suggesting he could take it back, but Mu Dan insisted that Wuyong Hall's rule required her or Chun to be present.
Despite his initial shyness, Jiang Chang Yang allowed her to apply the medicine to his old scars. Mu Dan noted his blushing, which he attributed to the medicine's warmth. She then tenderly reminded him that he needn't disguise himself around her, and he confessed that he was always at ease in her presence. Mu Dan playfully brought up a night he was unconscious and dreamt of a woman, holding her tightly.
Jiang Chang Yang feigned ignorance, then quickly excused himself, citing matters to discuss with "Mr. Third," and departed for Chang'an. As he left, he indulged in drink. In the imperial court, the Emperor expressed outrage over 500,000 strings of coins missing from the treasury, funds that had been embezzled and linked to Zheng Shou De.
Censor Lu Chu, recently appointed Transport Officer, boldly accused Prince Ning, claiming Zheng Shou De was recommended by him and that corruption in the Ministry of Revenue was deep-rooted. Prince Ning defended himself, expressing heartbreak over Zheng Shou De's betrayal and offering to uncover the embezzled money within three days or personally repay the 500,000 strings by selling his own assets.
Jiang Chang Yang then arrived, apologizing for his "hangover" and offering advice to Prince Ning, suggesting sacrificing minor officials to gather the money. Prince Ning, however, grew suspicious, questioning Jiang Chang Yang's rapid drunkenness at a previous banquet given his usual high alcohol tolerance, and referring to him by his aliases, Sui Zhi and Zi Shu, and accusing him of sowing discord or still "pining for his Mu Dan." Jiang Chang Yang called Prince Ning a "rat."
Back at Fragrance Garden, Mu Dan offered Jiang Chang Yang a new formula to boost his energy, teasing him about his drinking. She noticed a rouge mark on his collar, which he hastily explained away as an accidental smudge from a drunk lady. Mu Dan expressed her frustration, reminding him he had promised her the world, yet used her money to carouse. Jiang Chang Yang apologized, promising to stay with her.
He then revealed that Prince Ning was growing increasingly suspicious of him following their exposure of the Ministry of Revenue's corruption. Knowing he was in danger, Jiang Chang Yang discussed the financial contracts related to Mu Dan's businesses. He explained he had already burned his copy, effectively releasing her from any financial obligation, allowing her to expand Wuyong Hall without his involvement.
Mu Dan understood his intent to shield her, assuring him that their bond wasn't just "a piece of paper" and that she would still have funds to help him if anything happened. Jiang Chang Yang expressed his relief, joking that she would take care of him for life, even handling his burial as his "beloved concubine," confirming he had already given her a concubine-release letter.
Later, Jiang Chang Yang, having learned that Zhang Qiu Feng had safely left Prince Ning's mansion, realized Prince Ning had set a trap. He immediately instructed his subordinates, including Yun Niang, to ensure Mu Dan's shop was as busy as possible the next day, preventing her from becoming involved in the impending crisis. The next day, as Mu Dan worked diligently at Wuyong Hall, a heavily veiled woman arrived. It was Lian Zhou, her back covered in horrific whip marks.
Lian Zhou revealed that her husband, Pei Zhong, though seemingly gentle, was violent and abused her. She deeply regretted not listening to Mu Dan's earlier advice to leave Chang'an and become independent.
Mu Dan, devastated by Lian Zhou's plight, devised a daring escape plan: she would use amaranth mixed with daffodil juice to create a rash mimicking smallpox, ensuring Pei Zhong would expel Lian Zhou from his home to prevent the spread of disease and allow her to regain her freedom.
Mu Dan encouraged Lian Zhou to reclaim her freedom and use her embroidery skills to open her own shop, reminding her that even women in Sheng County's Wuyong Hall could support themselves.
As Lian Zhou prepared to carry out the plan, she urgently warned Mu Dan to leave Jiang Chang Yang as soon as possible, revealing that Pei Zhong had told her Prince Ning intended to pin the corruption charges on Jiang Chang Yang, seize his property to offset the treasury deficit, and potentially even take his life to appease public anger.
Moments later, Jiang Chang Yang was paraded through the streets, accused of massive corruption, with large gold ingots publicly displayed as evidence of his greed. A furious mob attacked him, pelting him with objects and curses. Mu Dan, witnessing the horrifying scene, rushed to his side.
Despite his attempt to spare her the sight, Mu Dan defiantly declared that ever since she signed the first contract with him, she had been in the same predicament, and no matter what happened, she would face it with him.
