In the Name of Blossom Episode 19 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
The evidence of Prince Ning's crimes has been collected, and Jiang Chang Yang, in the Emperor's presence, meticulously lays out his plan to launch an uprising. They acknowledge that confronting Prince Ning, a powerful and cunning individual, will be challenging. The Emperor's expression is grave, as the Hedong Army is set to arrive in seven days, a decisive moment for their long-planned scheme to overthrow the treacherous minister.
All present have sworn a death oath, having prepared for many years and eager to see their efforts come to fruition. They note that Prince Ning's associates are being continuously removed, his followers' morale is unstable, and he can no longer afford to alienate the aristocracy, which will create favorable conditions for their plan. General Yu reports that the Hedong Army will arrive at the city gates in seven days, ready to intimidate Pei Zhong's Local Guards.
Jiang Chang Yang plans to host a Promotion Feast at the Fragrance Garden, a location he knows well and which offers tactical advantages for their grand plan. Mu Dan reassures him that she will ensure Madam Tang and other staff leave beforehand, and will arrange for Chun and Fu to deliver goods outside the city to keep them safe.
Mu Dan firmly tells Jiang Chang Yang that she intends to be by his side when he confronts Prince Ning, reminding him of their agreement to never be apart. Seven days later, Jiang Chang Yang and Mu Dan visit a temple. Mu Dan mentions that her mother must be pleased with Jiang Chang Yang, as indicated by a brightly burning lamp she received from him.
As they tie a red ribbon for good fortune, Jiang Chang Yang jokes about their shared destiny making extra wishes unnecessary, but Mu Dan teases him for being stingy until he relents. They then overhear two women gossiping, questioning Mu Dan’s judgment for staying with Jiang Chang Yang and suggesting he is a "shameless man" and flirtatious. Mu Dan boldly corrects them, stating that she is the one insisting on staying with him.
Jiang Chang Yang playfully adds that Mu Dan's affection is due to his good looks, to which Mu Dan responds that his handsome appearance is the least of his virtues, wishing the women find equally ideal husbands. Later, they accidentally knock over a container of fortune sticks. The Great Monk suggests they interpret their fortunes, deeming it fate. Mu Dan draws an "excellent fortune," while Jiang Chang Yang draws a "worst fortune."
Mu Dan immediately gives her "excellent fortune" stick to Jiang Chang Yang, saying they should share the same fate as husband and wife. Jiang Chang Yang, however, dismisses the sticks, stating he no longer believes in such things, as he is content with Mu Dan by his side, knowing he will be comforted in life and remembered in death.
Mu Dan bids farewell to Chun and Fu, instructing them to be careful while delivering goods outside the city, promising to prepare delicious food for their return. Later, Jiang Chang Yang reflects on how his life has expanded since meeting Mu Dan, from having only Chuan Yu and She Yan as companions to gaining many friends and relatives. He cherishes the happiness he now feels, a stark contrast to his past confinement in the Liu Mansion.
As they sit together under the moon, Mu Dan holds a hollow box containing their intertwined hair, a love token. Jiang Chang Yang recalls how she first approached him for business with just a copper coin, recognizing her determination. He admits he can't pinpoint when he fell in love with her, but her determined eyes, even when injured, left an indelible mark.
He expresses that his every moment with her is cherished, and he will have no regrets, regardless of what tomorrow brings. Mu Dan confesses her fear, not of death, but of unfulfilled dreams like traveling and experiencing life's pleasures with him. With tears in her eyes, she implores him to take care of himself and return safely, reminding him that she will be waiting.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway at the Fragrance Garden; Mu Dan has dispatched her trusted "sisters" to clear the venue, setting a quiet environment for the impending battle of life and death. The Promotion Feast begins at the Fragrance Garden, attended by His Majesty, Prince Ning, and numerous officials. A scholar recites a melancholy rhapsody. Master Xu, believed to be dead, reveals himself, stating Prince Ning had attempted to assassinate him, but he was saved by Sui Zhi.
To Jiang Chang Yang's shock, Sui Zhi then addresses Prince Ning, revealing that the entire situation has been an elaborate drama meticulously prepared for Prince Ning for many years. Ministers begin to present detailed petitions, exposing Prince Ning's extensive crimes: his control of the Ministry of Revenue, his smuggling, embezzlement of the national treasury, and undermining of the state's foundation.
They accuse him of forming factions, colluding to buy and sell official positions, withholding taxes, seizing lands, and causing widespread misery. Further accusations include illicitly establishing a weaponry workshop, raising assassins, harming loyal ministers like Minister Lu's family, and acting with selfish greed. Jiang Chang Yang, as a witness, bravely steps forward to reveal that the great fire in Mengzhou that year was an attempt to assassinate His Majesty.
His Majesty declares Prince Ning deserving of death and asks him to confess. Prince Ning responds by asking His Majesty if he had patiently waited years for this day, but dismisses the accusers as lacking foundation. He then gives a command, revealing that many of the supposed servants are his disguised men. They immediately surround His Majesty and the loyal officials. Jiang Chang Yang shouts to Chuan Yu to get Mu Dan to safety, then focuses on protecting Master Xu.
Prince Ning's accomplice, Sui Zhi, gloats to Jiang Chang Yang that he has already lost, revealing that the fire at the examination hall had been orchestrated to erode His Majesty's trust in Jiang Chang Yang. Sui Zhi admits they found Zhang Qian to determine the timing of the loyalists' revolt, explaining that Prince Ning, who devised this plan in just days, even faked his estrangement with the aristocracy as a deliberate act to deceive them.
Sui Zhi asserts that Jiang Chang Yang lost because he wasn't ruthless enough. Prince Ning's forces, composed of his disguised men, now fully surround the Fragrance Garden. Liu Chang has deployed many troops and set up intricate mechanisms in every corner of the garden. The Hedong Army, which was supposed to provide backup near the city gates, has been completely massacred by Prince Ning's men, leaving the loyalists without external support.
Prince Ning addresses His Majesty, accusing Jiang Chang Yang of mingling with vile elements, forming wicked factions, deceiving the emperor, plotting rebellion, and slaughtering colleagues, and asks His Majesty what punishment he deserves. His Majesty, cornered, states he owes the royal family a life, implying he is willing to sacrifice himself. Jiang Chang Yang reminds His Majesty of a promise they made: to prioritize righteousness over loyalty, and that if danger arose, His Majesty should let him go.
Sui Zhi, standing nearby, cruelly promises to watch Jiang Chang Yang die there. Prince Ning hands His Majesty a blade, instructing him to personally execute Jiang Chang Yang. His Majesty cries out that he cannot do it. Mu Dan, who has entered the chaotic scene, sees Jiang Chang Yang struck by an arrow and surrounded by soldiers, and cries out his name in anguish. Prince Ning takes a dagger and plunges it into Jiang Chang Yang's chest, twisting it.
Liu Chang restrains Mu Dan, who watches with tearful agony as blood spills from Jiang Chang Yang's chest. Prince Ning orders his men to verify Jiang Chang Yang's death, and a soldier confirms he has stopped breathing. Ultimately, Prince Ning prevails, forcing His Majesty to declare Jiang Chang Yang a rebel and himself a loyal subject who protected the emperor.
