Love & Crown Episode 3 Recap
> Love & Crown Recap
During a meal, Xiao Qianqing observed Bai Chifan's unusual attentiveness toward Ling Cangcang, leading him to deduce her true identity. Ling Cangcang, ravenously eating, remained oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Seeking to provoke Xiao Huan, Xiao Qianqing flirtatiously declared his admiration for Ling Cangcang and proposed a partnership. Ling Cangcang, unimpressed, suggested he direct his affections toward the Vice Sect Leader, Zhong Lin, humorously reminding him that she was the one who had "tattooed" him earlier.
Xiao Qianqing grimaced, recalling Zhong Lin's clumsy needlework. He then challenged Bai Chifan to perform a sword dance, expecting refusal, but to his surprise, Bai Chifan readily agreed, seemingly for Ling Cangcang's benefit. Xiao Qianqing joined the sword display, leading to a tense confrontation where Xiao Huan, still disguised as Bai Chifan, tore Xiao Qianqing's clothes. Ling Cangcang noted the dangerous intensity of their moves.
During their confrontation, Bai Chifan accused Xiao Qianqing of overreacting, suggesting his aggression stemmed from the Emperor's discovery of corruption within his domain—a hint Xiao Qianqing failed to grasp. Later, Xiao Huan subtly informed Xiao Qianqing that the mine incident was the Lingbi Sect's doing and requested his assistance in the investigation. Xiao Qianqing agreed, hinting that he might ask for a favor in return.
Meanwhile, Luo Xianxue awoke severely injured and immediately inquired about Ling Cangcang, feeling relieved only upon learning she was safe. A masked figure informed Luo Xianxue that the Lingbi Sect had suffered significant losses from the mine's closure, displeasing the Grand Tutor. The masked figure also warned Luo Xianxue that "that man" might exploit Ling Cangcang, urging him to prioritize his recovery and allow the situation to be handled.
Elsewhere, Shi Yan questioned Xiao Huan, noting that his cold poison had flared up despite Imperial Preceptor Du's suppressive medicine. Xiao Huan revealed he had given his last dose to Ling Cangcang. He also updated Shi Yan on the missing miners, whose numbers still didn't match the deceased, suggesting a deeper mystery and the Lingbi Sect's growing power. Xiao Huan then assigned Shi Yan a new mission: to strengthen Fenglai Pavilion.
Ling Cangcang approached Bai Chifan, now promoted to Hall Master, who subtly reminded her of her previous suspicions. Ling Cangcang openly apologized for doubting him as her father's spy and for tricking him into posing as the Prince of Yuzhang, which led to his injury and imprisonment. She vowed to consider him a brother-in-arms and never to doubt him again.
Bai Chifan, reviewing the sect's books, revealed a significant deficit, but Ling Cangcang lightheartedly suggested stealing more antiques from her father to cover the losses, assuring Bai Chifan that Fenglai Pavilion was not short on money, and now they had him. Soon after, a large number of recruits arrived, all eager to join Fenglai Pavilion.
Zhong Lin, witnessing Ling Cangcang's newfound trust and affection for Bai Chifan, questioned what had happened, jokingly asking if Ling Cangcang intended to repay him with her heart. Ling Cangcang's description of Bai Chifan as having a "duplicitous danger" and "fatal charm" hinted at her growing feelings. Ling Cangcang brushed aside Zhong Lin's concerns about Bai Chifan's recruits, stating her full trust in him.
Among the new recruits was Shi Yan, who introduced himself as a skilled blade master specializing in the 72 Kunlun Swift Strikes, and was promptly accepted by Ling Cangcang. Ling Cangcang spoke to her Master about her success in dismantling the iron mine and rescuing the children, explaining that the Lingbi Sect was turning children into stone-like creatures, indicating a larger conspiracy.
Her Master, however, warned her about Bai Chifan, suggesting his identity was fake, his motives impure, and his ambition rivaled the Ghost King's. He urged her to keep her distance. Ling Cangcang admitted she already knew about Bai Chifan's false identity but defended him, stating that everyone has secrets and she was willing to wait for him to open up, just as she kept her own identity from him.
Her Master cautioned her that Bai Chifan's intentions might be related to her other identity as the Grand Tutor's daughter, not just the Sect Leader of Fenglai Pavilion. He reminded her that only her father truly cared for her without reservation, and even her Master was not entirely trustworthy. Despite Ling Cangcang's heartfelt belief in her Master, he insisted she maintain a distance from Bai Chifan.
Later, Ling Cangcang invited Bai Chifan to celebrate with two jars of fine Sangluo Wine, asking if it reminded him of his hometown, specifically the Bai clan of Xiling, to test his true identity. Bai Chifan acknowledged her realization and urged for straightforwardness between friends. Ling Cangcang admitted she still didn't know his true identity, and Bai Chifan countered that he too had secrets he could not reveal. They agreed they were "not so different after all."
Ling Cangcang then mentioned that someone she trusted had warned her about his intentions. Bai Chifan defended himself, asking if he had ever harmed her or Fenglai Pavilion, and reiterated, "As distance tests a horse's strength, time reveals a person's heart." Just as he spoke, masked assassins attacked them. Bai Chifan valiantly protected Ling Cangcang, sustaining severe injuries, leaving her distraught. A physician examined Bai Chifan, bewildered by his complex pulse.
He revealed that Bai Chifan suffered from a severe, decade-long cold poison that had invaded his internal organs, kept at bay only by his martial arts and regular antidotes. Ling Cangcang discovered that Bai Chifan had given her his last antidote when she was injured. Distraught, she sent Zhong Lin to retrieve another antidote from Shi Yan, who was with the Imperial Preceptor.
While Bai Chifan was unconscious, Ling Cangcang tearfully expressed her regret for doubting him, realizing how foolish she had been after all his sacrifices to save her. When Bai Chifan finally awoke, he teased Ling Cangcang about crying over him, recounting a dream of seeing her tear-streaked face at death's door. Ling Cangcang, embarrassed, stammered that she was just scared. He comforted her, reassuring her that he was not easily killed.
Ling Cangcang then accidentally kissed Bai Chifan while reaching for him, causing her to quickly retreat, feigning dizziness and illness. Meanwhile, Luo Xianxue expressed his determination to take Ling Cangcang to the Capital, fearing her naivete would lead to her exploitation. However, the masked figure, acting on behalf of Ling Cangcang's Master, reminded Luo Xianxue to prioritize the larger mission concerning the Lingbi Sect, subtly questioning if his concern for Ling Cangcang was for their adoptive father or for himself.
Separately, Xiao Qianqing, learning about the assassins originating from the Prince of Yuzhang's Manor (his own residence), grew furious and demanded answers. Bai Chifan sent a message to Xiao Qianqing with a crucial lead: the "Botang Pleasure Boat." Xiao Huan, after recovering from his cold poison relapse, also received this clue and decided to investigate the mysterious boat where rare items were auctioned and a special invitation was required.
Bai Chifan, noticing Ling Cangcang's altered demeanor and heightened shyness, suggested they go out for fresh air. He brought her to the Botang Pleasure Boat, disguised as a married couple, explaining that he suspected many of the missing miners had been sold there. They entered the Green Haitang Chamber, where the staff, noticing the green haitang blossom on Bai Chifan's fan, mistook him for someone seeking treatment for impotence.
Ling Cangcang played along, dramatically declaring her unwavering love for her "frail" husband. She then questioned if there were other "Haitang" chambers (red, yellow, blue) that could help her husband since ordinary medicine was useless. When the staff threatened to throw them overboard for not making a purchase, Ling Cangcang, unwilling to leave empty-handed, convinced Bai Chifan to buy a fortune in medicine from the Green Haitang Chamber. Satisfied, the staff then led them further into the boat.
