In the Name of Blossom Episode 9 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
Prince Ning ordered his men to search for a secret passage with all their might. The sound of walls being smashed echoed through the residence. Although Jiang Zhangyang appeared to be calmly playing the guzheng, he was inwardly anxious. The melody he played was chaotic, and though it looked like he was performing, he was actually sending a coded signal. He Weifang picked up on it from the tune and immediately went to assist with the diversion.
As the smashing sounds grew louder, Prince Ning saw Jiang Zhangyang’s growing anxiety and began to feel triumphant, convinced he would finally catch Jiang Zhangyang red-handed today. When the wall collapsed with a thunderous sound, Liu Chang smugly ordered his men to inform Prince Ning, who arrogantly invited the emperor to come inspect Jiang Zhangyang’s secret passage. At the entrance to the passage, Jiang Zhangyang pleaded with Prince Ning to show some mercy and spare him some dignity.
But Prince Ning had no intention of backing down. He deliberately invited the emperor to go down into the passage, believing it would be filled with hidden military supplies or secret plans. To his surprise, the passage held nothing but items related to sensual pleasures—such as the Huayue Manual, bedroom furnishings, and other private curios. These were indeed things one would rather keep out of sight. Prince Ning had gone to great lengths, only to discover these things.
Jiang Zhangyang immediately accused Liu Chang of repeatedly disturbing the peace of his household and now even tearing down walls to expose his private preferences to the public—clearly harboring malicious intent. He advised Prince Ning not to be manipulated by such petty men. Liu Chang had no choice but to swallow his frustration. On the way back, he repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty to Prince Ning. But Prince Ning was no fool.
This time, he refrained from scolding Liu Chang too harshly and only reminded him that in the future, he must act with more caution. He didn’t care for declarations of loyalty—only for results. Soon came the day of the imperial tribute. Many tribes from the frontier arrived in the capital to pay homage. Though their visit was symbolic of submission, their sharpness was evident—they immediately challenged the court to tests of martial skill.
A princess from a small border tribe, A Shinadan, boldly proposed an archery contest. Noble Consort Shu, whose skill matched hers, took on the challenge. But having recently given birth, she was physically weakened and could not keep up with the younger A Shinadan for long without risking her health. Seeing this, Jiang Zhangyang suggested a new challenge: to shoot down plum blossoms. In the end, Noble Consort Shu claimed a swift and graceful victory.
Although A Shinadan lost, someone else raised a new question—why were there no flowers in the palace? The capital was renowned for its peonies, yet none were in sight. It was the dead of winter, not the season for blooms—clearly, this was a deliberate provocation. Yet the emperor was unwilling to admit defeat. Jiang Zhangyang exchanged a glance with He Weifang, silently asking if she had a solution. After considering briefly, He Weifang nodded her confirmation.
Jiang Zhangyang then stepped forward to explain that in a grand empire like theirs, there were skilled gardeners everywhere—including his own wife. He took He Weifang’s hand in front of the crowd and declared that she was an expert in cultivating peonies and that, before long, even in the dead of winter, she would have them blooming in full glory. To make this possible, He Weifang stayed in the heated greenhouse day and night, never leaving the peonies’ side.
Jiang Zhangyang became a dutiful assistant, regularly bringing her food to replenish her energy. Though they were a couple in name only, they supported and accommodated each other. Their teamwork was seamless and deeply in sync.
