Love of Thousand Years Episode 8 Recap
> Love of Thousand Years Recap
Zuo Zichen and Tan Chuan walked through the beautiful Qionghaihua Sea. Zuo Zichen, unable to see, expressed his happiness at being there, remarking that he hadn't felt such leisure in a long time. He asked Tan Chuan to describe the scenery, mentioning Xuanzhu hadn't done so despite their many days on the mountain.
He explained that Xuanzhu was his benefactor, whom he deeply appreciated for her constant care, and requested Tan Chuan not to refer to her as his lover again. As they continued, Tan Chuan spotted Fu Jiuyun and Qingqing nearby and suggested they return to avoid interrupting. However, Zuo Zichen insisted on approaching Fu Jiuyun to thank him.
When they greeted him, Fu Jiuyun made a subtle comment about Tan Chuan's changed, more elegant appearance, noting she no longer used osmanthus oil. He then casually stated that he had plenty of maids, so one more or one less was insignificant, a remark that left Tan Chuan feeling dispirited. Later, Zuo Zichen noticed Tan Chuan seemed preoccupied and asked if Xuanzhu had upset her. Tan Chuan denied it, asserting that Xuanzhu was good to her.
Zuo Zichen apologized on Xuanzhu's behalf, explaining that her personality was shaped by the traumatic destruction of her country, urging Tan Chuan to be understanding. Perceiving Tan Chuan's unhappiness, he offered to send her back, describing himself as a "disabled man" and "blind" who could offer her nothing, expressing gratitude for her companionship. Tan Chuan insisted she didn't want to leave, and as old memories flooded her mind, she instinctively reached out to touch Zuo Zichen's face.
This gesture immediately triggered a vivid flashback in Zuo Zichen's mind, recalling a woman named Yanyan. At that moment, Xuanzhu entered and was about to dismiss Tan Chuan when Zuo Zichen, seemingly prompted by her presence, declared three times that he was willing to undergo eye treatment. A few days later, the Suzerain informed Fu Jiuyun of his intention to enter seclusion to perform a healing ritual for Zuo Zichen’s eyes.
He instructed Fu Jiuyun to oversee all mountain affairs during his absence. Fu Jiuyun expressed concern for the Suzerain's health, but the Suzerain clarified the purpose of his seclusion. He found Zuo Zichen's sudden decision to seek treatment "interesting" and "strange." During their conversation, Qingqing arrived, claiming an urgent matter. Upon seeing Fu Jiuyun, she quickly made an excuse to leave, stating she would return another day.
Meanwhile, as Tan Chuan helped Zuo Zichen comb his hair, he expressed his eagerness to see her appearance once his vision was restored. He implied that if she remained silent, he would take it as an agreement. At the same time, Xuanzhu, having heard their conversation, entered the room, her expression growing increasingly grave. After leaving the Suzerain's room, Fu Jiuyun intercepted Qingqing, revealing that he knew what she had discovered and what she intended to tell the Suzerain.
He advised her not to waste her youth being preoccupied with certain matters. Following this, Qingqing sought out Xuanzhu, commenting on her beauty and remarking that even dandelions seemed attracted to her. She then mused about the unusual presence of dandelions, typically common plants, in such a sacred place, speculating they might have floated up from the servant's yard. Qingqing then asked Xuanzhu if it was true that Zuo Zichen now required Tan Chuan to serve him.
Xuanzhu confirmed it, suggesting that Tan Chuan was not as simple as she appeared, possibly harboring ulterior motives for coming to the mountain, and implied that even Fu Jiuyun was entangled with her. Qingqing encouraged Xuanzhu to share any findings with her. Later, Xuanzhu, having collected dandelions, entered Tan Chuan’s room. Tan Chuan soon walked in and confronted Xuanzhu directly, revealing her true identity as the Princess, referencing her current "Aman's face" and their four-year separation.
Xuanzhu was shocked, accusing the Princess of disguising herself to seek revenge or rekindle an old flame with Zuo Zichen. The Princess denied wanting Zuo Zichen, conceding that Xuanzhu had always been better at caring for him. She then declared that Xuanzhu owed her for allowing her to have Zuo Zichen. Her attention then shifted to the dandelions, and she accused Xuanzhu of intending to frame her.
The Princess confirmed that she was not on the mountain for Zuo Zichen and would leave once her mission was complete, warning Xuanzhu not to provoke her. Xuanzhu countered by threatening to expose the Princess's identity to the Suzerain, reminding her that Tianyuan was still searching for her.
However, the Princess revealed her own knowledge that Xuanzhu was the true spy on Xiangqu Mountain, citing details like Xuanzhu's boast about her teacher's superior paper crane magic and the ease of tracing immortals connected to Zhongshanfan. Panic flashed across Xuanzhu's face, but she bluffed that no one would believe the Princess. The Princess challenged her to try, while Xuanzhu, frustrated, warned that if the Princess harbored ill intentions, they would both face destruction.
The Princess reiterated her promise to leave the mountain after her affairs were settled and urged Xuanzhu to keep Zuo Zichen and leave her alone for their mutual benefit. Meanwhile, the Suzerain was in his hall, proudly showcasing a unique painting to two disciples. Upon Xuanzhu's arrival, he dismissed them. Xuanzhu expressed gratitude for the Suzerain's decision to treat Zuo Zichen's eyes before revealing her true purpose.
She presented the dandelion, identifying it as the medium used by the spy to communicate externally, and claimed to have found it in Tan Chuan's room. She further insinuated that Zuo Zichen had fallen for Tan Chuan. The Suzerain then recalled his belief that Xuanzhu and Zuo Zichen were a couple. Xuanzhu then dramatically "confessed" that the dandelion didn't truly belong to Tan Chuan, but that she had witnessed Qingqing plant it in the maid's room.
The Suzerain, initially enraged by what he perceived as discord-sowing, vehemently denied Qingqing's involvement, citing her long loyalty and claiming no one could withstand his "Life-and-Death Talisman" to deceive him. Despite his initial disbelief, Xuanzhu's insistence led him to order a search of Qingqing's steward hall for dandelions. The search confirmed their presence, and Qingqing was immediately summoned.
Qingqing, upon arrival, attempted to defend herself by claiming she was investigating the spy and had found the dandelion in Wanbao Garret, which she believed belonged to Tan Chuan. The Suzerain then demanded an explanation for the dandelion found in Qingqing's own hall. Qingqing, asserting her innocence, claimed she had never seen it before and that the dandelions she had were from the garden, with Xuanzhu as a witness.
The Suzerain, after expressing his long-standing trust and high regard for Qingqing as his most valued disciple, abruptly accused her of colluding with the enemy and destroying his sacred mountain, then summarily executed her. He then turned to Xuanzhu, consoling her by saying, "You have suffered. Don't blame me." He then instructed her to have Zichen come early the next day. During Zuo Zichen's eye treatment, both Xuanzhu and Tan Chuan were present.
The Suzerain even remarked that he had intentionally brought Tan Chuan so Zichen could see her. As Zuo Zichen slowly opened his eyes, his first words were to Xuanzhu, thanking her for her years of dedicated care. He then turned to Tan Chuan, acknowledged that she was not ugly, and thanked her for her recent care.
Xuanzhu interjected, trying to manipulate the situation by claiming a "fool" from the servant's yard was Tan Chuan's fiancé, and encouraged Tan Chuan to follow her heart. Tan Chuan was deeply distraught, questioning why Zuo Zichen seemed like a completely different person. Privately, Xuanzhu explained to Tan Chuan that she had requested the Suzerain to use a "forgetting technique" on Zuo Zichen to make him forget "someone."
Xuanzhu clarified that Zuo Zichen still remembered his identity as Zuo Xiang's second son, his "considerate and devoted" Xuanzhu, and the "vulgar and inferior maid Tan Chuan." However, he had no recollection of the "arrogant and spoilt princess" or Aman. Xuanzhu issued a chilling warning to Tan Chuan that if anyone else dared to get close to Zuo Zichen, she would make them disappear.
Tan Chuan reminded Xuanzhu of her promise to leave the mountain, but Xuanzhu retorted that Tan Chuan would never have truly gained Zuo Zichen otherwise, claiming she had "helped" her. Tan Chuan called Xuanzhu despicable for inflicting such pain on Zuo Zichen. Xuanzhu, however, dismissed it, stating that forgetting was a blessing and advised Tan Chuan to leave Xiangqu Mountain soon, as it would soon be plunged into misery.
Later, Xuanzhu attempted to replace Zuo Zichen's old jade hairpin with a new one, but Zuo Zichen gently refused, stating his old one was fine and well-used. Days later, news of Qingqing's tragic death spread among the servants. During a formal assembly, the Suzerain publicly announced Xuanzhu's significant contribution in punishing the spy.
Citing the impending visit of the White River Dragon King and the necessity of filling the chief manager position, he appointed Xuanzhu as the new chief female disciple, tasking her with overseeing all mountain affairs in Qingqing's stead. He cautioned her to act with prudence and not betray his trust. The Suzerain then issued a stern warning to all disciples, using Qingqing as a cautionary example, stating that anyone found to be disloyal would be summarily killed.
With her newfound authority, Xuanzhu's demeanor became increasingly overbearing. Upon seeing flowers from the Qionghaihua Sea still needing to be tended, she inquired who was responsible. Learning it was Cuiya, recently transferred from the crane garden, Xuanzhu deliberately made an unreasonable demand, ordering Cuiya to move all the flower pots to Ningbi Palace alone. Deep in thought and visibly distressed in her room, Tan Chuan was startled when Fu Jiuyun suddenly entered.
He told her not to hold back her tears. Tan Chuan, frustrated, called him "the most annoying immortal." Fu Jiuyun playfully teased her, asking if she was upset about someone else and taking it out on him. He then urged her to pack up and return "home" with him, explaining that he had "claimed her back." Confused and offended by being treated like an object, Tan Chuan protested.
Fu Jiuyun simply reiterated that she was his "favorite little maid" and threw her clothes to her. As they left, a sudden heavy rain began to fall. Fu Jiuyun complained about the weather but quickly shielded Tan Chuan with his umbrella, urging her to quicken her pace. However, Tan Chuan abruptly stopped, her voice filled with apprehension, and asked if Qingqing's death was in any way related to him. Fu Jiuyun paused, silent, before suggesting they discuss it indoors.
