Love of Thousand Years Episode 14 Recap
> Love of Thousand Years Recap
Sensing Tan Chuan following him, Fu Jiuyun quickly suppresses the dark energy within himself before appearing before her. Believing he is feigning his injuries to stall her, Tan Chuan insists on finding the spiritual lamp alone. Fu Jiuyun confesses his desire to keep her by his side as a carefree, ordinary girl, so she can enjoy the simple happiness of the world.
However, Tan Chuan firmly states her identity as a princess of Li, asserting that he has no right to dictate her actions. Seeing her resolve, Fu Jiuyun concedes, agreeing to depart the following morning. Premier Zuo and his entourage arrive at his grand mansion. He warmly welcomes Madam and her daughter, Xuanzhu, inviting them to treat his home as their own. Citing her declining health, Madam formally entrusts Xuanzhu to Zuo Zichen's care, hoping to facilitate a union between them.
Publicly, Premier Zuo acts the part of a doting father, ordering that the statues of the demon god Zichen dislikes be replaced with those of a famous poet. Privately, however, he instructs Steward Wang to secretly monitor Zichen's every move and conversation, particularly his interactions with Xuanzhu, in order to gather information about Princess Yanyan. As Tan Chuan and Fu Jiuyun journey through the mountains, she grows weary and suggests they find another path.
Fu Jiuyun playfully teases her, and their banter lightens the mood. He scares her by pointing out a caterpillar on her shoulder, leading to a playful chase. As they near the summit at dusk, he reassures her that the path down will be much easier. From the mountain peak, Fu Jiuyun gazes at the stars, remarking that this was his original place of solitary cultivation.
He reflects on his past, living alone with a chaotic consciousness, unaware of loneliness or joy until he studied his master's paintings, which offered a glimpse into the human world. He reveals to Tan Chuan that he once observed a particular mortal woman—at first finding her struggles against a terrible fate amusing, but later becoming captivated by her stubborn refusal to give up. He confesses that watching her defiance was what made him experience true loneliness for the first time.
Tan Chuan retorts that he sounds indifferent to mortal suffering from his elevated immortal perspective. Fu Jiuyun corrects her, explaining that because he knows all things eventually end, it is more prudent to embrace present happiness than to resist fate. He expresses his wish for her to experience the simple joys of an ordinary life. Bewildered, Tan Chuan questions his motives, suggesting he is either idle or has fallen in love with her.
Fu Jiuyun unequivocally declares, "I am in love with you." Startled, Tan Chuan tries to flee, but Fu Jiuyun stops her, revealing he has the real spiritual lamp, having swapped it on Xiangqu Mountain. Enraged by his deception, she attacks him, and he deliberately allows himself to be struck. He explains that Li's destruction was destiny and he never wanted her to abandon her hatred, but merely wished for her to live with fewer burdens.
Tan Chuan retorts that she does not love him, but he dismisses this as irrelevant, stating his actions are his own choice. He refuses to surrender the lamp, telling her she can hate him or even kill him, but he will not give it to her. Cradling the unconscious Fu Jiuyun, a conflicted Tan Chuan speaks her thoughts aloud. She acknowledges that for an ordinary girl like "Tan Chuan," sacrificing herself for the lamp would not be worth it.
However, for the Princess of Li, it is a worthy cause, and she cannot let the princess suffer. Yet, reflecting on how many times Fu Jiuyun has saved her, she realizes she cannot be heartless. She resolves to wait until he has fully recovered before deciding what to do about the lamp. Reassured by Tan Chuan’s promise to stay and help him heal, Fu Jiuyun playfully tests her patience with a series of demands.
Meanwhile, Zuo Zichen confides in Xuanzhu, expressing suspicion over his father's sudden kindness and his questions about Princess Yanyan. He warns Xuanzhu to be discreet, which she takes as a sign of his distrust. Back with Fu Jiuyun, he continues to feign injury and playfully calls Tan Chuan his "wife," which she denies despite her inner delight. Later, he calls for her while bathing and, when she enters, pulls her into a surprise kiss.
Their relationship deepens, and Tan Chuan cooks elaborate meals for Fu Jiuyun daily. During one meal, she muses that seeing him so easily satisfied makes her feel the mortal world isn't so bad. Sensing a shift, he asks if she will stay. She tells him not to mind her previous harsh words but expresses doubt that an inscrutable immortal could genuinely fall in love.
He insists his love is true, telling her that simply sharing a meal with her brings him profound contentment. Meanwhile, Premier Zuo returns the jade hairpin Zichen had pawned, confirming it was a gift from Princess Yanyan. He then probes Zichen for information about her, but Zichen warily denies having seen her since losing his sight. Later, Zichen confesses to Xuanzhu that he is uneasy staying in the mansion and wants to leave, implying he wishes to find Yanyan.
A jealous Xuanzhu challenges him, but he clarifies his fear is not of losing her to another man, but that her impulsive nature will lead her to do something reckless for Li's sake. Xuanzhu sadly reminds him of his powerlessness to help the princess, contrasting it with the past when she tirelessly cared for him while he was blind.
