In the Name of Blossom Episode 18 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
Prince Ning’s scheme to suppress poor scholars from studying at night involved monopolizing the city’s lamp oil supply. He even strictly controlled all animal fats that could be used for burning. While wealthy families lacked none of these resources, impoverished scholars had no means to light a lamp and study after dark. Just as everyone was frowning in despair, He Weifang brought large quantities of lamp oil, which burned with a special fragrance.
It turned out that He Weifang had carefully sourced seeds from a certain plant capable of yielding oil, and the results were just as effective as animal fat. She distributed this lamp oil freely to the students preparing for the exams, and they were all deeply grateful.
One scholar, Zhang Qian, who had always been diligent in his studies and treated his books as treasure, came personally to thank He Weifang for providing timely help in his moment of need—this year was his one and only chance at the imperial exam. That night, as He Weifang and Jiang Zhangyang prepared to rest, she brought up the great fire in Mengzhou that Xiao Xuexi had mentioned. She asked Jiang Zhangyang what had really happened.
Jiang Zhangyang confessed that the fire had been orchestrated by Prince Ning as a warning to his political enemies. The fire resulted in severe casualties. Through this, Jiang Zhangyang saw the darkness of the court, but amidst the devastation, he witnessed the emperor himself standing by the porridge tent, personally ladling porridge for the victims. That image, like a ray of light in the darkness, gave Jiang Zhangyang hope.
He realized the consequences of handing over the country to Prince Ning would be disastrous. On the other hand, if he helped the emperor gain control of the military, ordinary people might at least live in peace and have enough to eat. He chose the latter without hesitation. Prince Ning pressured Jiang Zhangyang to steal the exam questions. Knowing that outright refusal would only make him a target, Jiang Zhangyang agreed with a smile.
When the exams began, Prince Ning’s men reported that the questions matched exactly what Jiang Zhangyang had provided. Thinking Jiang Zhangyang was finally under his control, Prince Ning grew smug, confident in his growing power. But Prince Ning’s victory was short-lived. During the exam, a scholar dozed off and accidentally set his paper on fire, causing a blaze in the exam hall. Everyone rushed to extinguish it.
According to regulations, if even one paper was burned during the exam, the entire test had to be reissued. Prince Ning’s plan fell through. The pampered candidates he had tried to help, who had just barely managed to memorize the original questions, were now panicking and scratching their heads over the new ones. Meanwhile, He Weifang’s business had expanded to Sheng County. She personally oversaw everything, and with her outstanding business acumen, every new branch she opened delivered excellent results.
She and Jiang Zhangyang each focused on their own responsibilities, living a life of peace and fulfillment. Prince Ning temporarily stopped targeting Jiang Zhangyang. After Jiang was reinstated to his official position, he spent his days training in a secret military base, then returned at night to be with He Weifang. Whether they admired the moon or bathed and chatted together, their days were filled with joy.
Jiang Zhangyang gradually fulfilled every promise he had made to He Weifang—setting off fireworks, giving her beloved gifts, embracing, kissing, sharing a wedding chamber, and watching fireworks together. They lived a period of calm and happiness. Soon came the day the spring exam results were announced. Many poor scholars made the list, finally getting the chance to serve the court. The positions Prince Ning had had his eye on no longer had any valid excuse for under-the-table favoritism.
