Jade's Fateful Love Episode 8 Recap
> Jade's Fateful Love Recap
Following the assassination attempt in the marketplace, Chenyu is plagued by nightmares of being killed, waking up startled and anxious. His attendant, Yang Xu, brings in a master to perform a ritual using the robe Chenyu wore that night. After the master performs incantations, Chenyu feels a sense of relief and his mood improves significantly. He richly rewards the master, who privately considers it merely psychological comfort.
Believing himself fortunate and blessed, Chenyu instructs Yang Xu to draft a report to the Emperor, claiming credit for resolving the South Street incident to prevent Zhou Shiyu from taking the praise. Yang Xu notes the strangeness of the North Prince knowing about the assassins. Chenyu dismisses the idea that Zhou Shiyu arranged it but speculates there might be friction between Zhou Shiyu and the Dongyu Princess.
Seeing this as an opportunity, Chenyu enlists his maids, Chunhua, Qiuyue, and Xiachan, whom he believes are adept at understanding women, to help him pursue the princess. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and his subordinate are baffled by Zhou Shiyu's ability to predict their plans, especially since they used their most trusted guards, ruling out an internal leak. They ponder the secret behind Zhou Shiyu's foresight.
Zhou Shiyu meets with his brother, the Emperor, who asks about the recent assassination attempt involving Zhou Shiyu, Chenyu, and the Dongyu Princess. Zhou Shiyu confirms he is unharmed and is secretly investigating, though lacking solid evidence. The Emperor expresses relief, noting Chenyu's illness after the event, and advises Zhou Shiyu not to take their feigned arguments too seriously, as Chenyu might not distinguish the act from reality due to his simple nature.
Zhou Shiyu agrees but requests a decree related to the Dongyu people's status. The Emperor consents, surprised by Zhou Shiyu's request concerning the princess and remarking on the North Prince's apparent regard for her. Zhou Shiyu takes Yueling hunting in the forest, where the Emperor has provided her with a Dongyu horse. Still upset, Yueling addresses him formally as "Your Highness."
Zhou Shiyu asks her to use his given name, Wen Yu or Shiyu, but she declines, saying she is a "fake Eldest Princess" from Dongyu, dependent on him in Beishuo. He encourages her to enjoy riding the specially gifted horse and gives her a handmade crossbow for self-protection, offering to teach her its use. Early in the hunt, Yueling suggests they hunt separately and moves to a different area.
Zhou Shiyu later finds Yueling practicing with the crossbow, shooting at trees, and remarks that she has scared away all the rabbits. She reiterates her preference to hunt separately. Sometime later, Zhou Shiyu searches for Yueling and finds she has injured her ankle. She explains her horse was startled when a dead tree fell, causing her to dismount and twist her ankle. Zhou Shiyu tends to her injury. As snow begins, they find shelter in a ruined temple.
Inside, warming by a fire, Yueling expresses her wish for the marriage arrangement to be quickly resolved so she can return to Dongyu, admitting she just wants to go home without a clear plan. Zhou Shiyu asks for three months, promising to arrange her return to Dongyu by then. She questions if he is being truthful. As the night grows colder, Yueling falls asleep, and Zhou Shiyu holds her. The following morning, they return to the North Prince's Mansion.
Despite her injured ankle, Yueling tries to disembark the carriage alone but stumbles. Zhou Shiyu immediately carries her into the East Courtyard. Xingyi, playing in the snow with maids, observes Zhou Shiyu carrying Yueling and appears displeased. Yueling quickly informs Xingyi that Zhou Shiyu promised their return to Dongyu in three months. Xingyi expresses doubt, reminding her of Zhou Shiyu's past deceptions.
Feeling a verbal promise is insufficient, Yueling, despite her injury, goes to Zhou Shiyu's study to seek a guarantee. She enters the study where Zhou Shiyu is working late, looking tired. Without looking up, he asks his attendant Linmu to grind ink. Noticing he isn't looking, Yueling takes over the task. When Zhou Shiyu finally looks up and sees her, she explains her visit, stating her fear that he will break his three-month promise due to his history of deceit.
She requests a guarantee, suggesting he seek a decree from the Emperor to postpone the marriage. Zhou Shiyu agrees instantly, promising to seek the decree for her, which appears to surprise Yueling by the swiftness of his consent.
