Love Through a Millennium Episode 1 Recap
> Love Through a Millennium Recap
In the first year of Yongshi during the Western Han Dynasty, Gong Ming, a scholar-official, played a game of chess with Wang Mang. Wang Mang observed that Gong Ming's chess style had changed since their youth, to which Gong Ming reciprocated the observation. Wang Mang then stated that they had become alienated just over a deposed empress, but Gong Ming countered that he was merely upholding loyalty and righteousness.
Wang Mang highlighted the declining position of Empress Xu compared to Zhao Feiyan's growing influence, asserting that restoring the empress was a "fool's dream" and simply the "current situation." Gong Ming stressed the duty of Confucian scholars to advise the Emperor and uphold the Han Dynasty's orthodoxy.
Wang Mang questioned if Gong Ming's vision of the world was solely limited to the Emperor's rule, pointing out that the Emperor's neglect of state affairs had led to widespread suffering and a lack of peace. When Gong Ming asked his intentions, Wang Mang declared that a crumbling structure should be replaced. Gong Ming denounced his words as treasonous, insisting he had never heard such sentiments. Wang Mang retorted that the common people simply desired a wise ruler.
Gong Ming chastised him for his disloyal and unrighteous remarks, deeming them unfit for someone in power. Wang Mang concluded their debate by stating, "Everything in the world is like a chess game. If you follow the trend, it is a foregone conclusion. If you don't understand the current affairs, don't blame the ruthless situation." Meanwhile, Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, engrossed in pleasures and favoring Zhao Feiyan, had deposed Empress Xu and confined her to the cold palace.
Empress Xu expressed her deep sorrow, believing she had committed an unforgivable sin. She lamented that her cherished wish could not be forced and described the Emperor's favor as the shifting brilliance of the sun, leaving her in desolate silence. Despite her fate, she clung to the Emperor's kindness. She yearned for his presence in her quiet chambers, which he no longer visited, and could not help but weep at her cold and lonely surroundings.
Suddenly, Empress Xu found herself surrounded by masked assassins and cried out for help, thinking her end was near. Fortunately, a woman named Ying Yue intervened and saved her. Wang Mang, supported by his powerful Wang family, backed Zhao Feiyan's aspiration to become empress and had Empress Xu framed, leading to her deposition. Gong Ming, however, investigated and uncovered the truth behind the false witchcraft charges.
During another chess game, Gong Ming confronted Wang Mang, accusing him of orchestrating the assassination attempt on Empress Xu and linking it to the Wang family's rising power and their desperate push for Zhao Feiyan to be crowned empress. Wang Mang coldly asserted that Empress Xu was pitiful but would have been sentenced to death by the Emperor regardless, and questioned if the grave charge of witchcraft could be easily dismissed.
Gong Ming retorted by asking if he truly believed Zhao Feiyan was uninvolved in the witchcraft plot. He revealed that a Taoist priest was manipulated to gain Empress Xu's trust, and when the plot was exposed, Zhao Feiyan falsely claimed to be framed, directing suspicion towards Empress Xu. Although Empress Xu was spared death, she was ultimately deposed.
Gong Ming declared that he had investigated the matter and would report to the Emperor the next day to remove the traitors and restore order to the court. Wang Mang acknowledged Gong Ming's unwavering integrity but countered that his Wang family's influence was now "at its peak," making his efforts for Empress Xu seem like "abandoning the light for darkness."
He warned that with the Emperor's lack of engagement and Zhao Feiyan's deep favor, Gong Ming, a solitary scholar, would be like "a mantis trying to stop a chariot" if he persisted. Concluding that their principles were irreconcilable, Gong Ming left. Knowing that Gong Ming had uncovered too much, Wang Mang immediately ordered his subordinates to pursue and apprehend him, but explicitly instructed them not to kill him.
Ying Yue, Gong Ming's bodyguard, who had previously saved Empress Xu from assassins, reported to Gong Ming that the Empress was safe. Gong Ming realized the Wang family's deeper involvement and worried they would silence the Taoist priest, a key witness. Ying Yue confirmed she had already hidden the witness. Gong Ming instructed her to guard the Taoist priest while he went to the palace to report the truth to the Emperor.
Ying Yue expressed concern for Gong Ming's safety, fearing the Wang family's malice given his opposition to Empress Xu's deposition. She offered to accompany him, but Gong Ming assured her that Wang Mang, despite his ambition, would not harm him directly due to their long history together. Ying Yue, however, still feared the ruthlessness of the Wang family.
She then presented Gong Ming with a jade pendant, explaining it was a rare heirloom from her father, given to him by Zhenren Nanhua, an "immortal item" that she hoped would protect him. Despite Gong Ming's reluctance to accept such a valuable personal item, Ying Yue insisted. He then asked if she had been injured in the recent skirmish, and after her assurance that she was fine, Gong Ming departed for the palace.
In modern times, on February 15, 2015, aspiring actress Lin Xiangxiang was on her way to audition for the role of Empress Xu in the drama "New Zhao Feiyan". Stuck in traffic, her own costume couldn't arrive in time, leaving her frustrated. She managed to borrow a dress. While changing backstage, her former boyfriend, the popular actor Han Yufei, spotted her with her zipper undone. He approached her, making a comment about her "sloppy" appearance.
Lin Xiangxiang was annoyed, threatening to report him for sexual harassment and reminding him that they were no longer friends. Upon learning she was auditioning for Empress Xu, Han Yufei mockingly told her she didn't fit the role, calling her more like "a man" than the "skillful and quiet" empress. Lin Xiangxiang dismissed him, saying she wasn't interested in his scandalous affairs, which were already public knowledge, and accused him of associating with "actresses who love to hype."
She told him to leave her alone. As he walked away, Han Yufei wished her good luck with a smirk. To calm her nerves before the audition, Lin Xiangxiang performed stretching exercises and drank a can of beer, much to the disdain of the other waiting actresses. When her turn came, she introduced herself to the judges. They noted her past as a singer and her limited acting experience, having only played minor roles and filmed commercials.
Lin Xiangxiang, however, asserted her dedication and skill. Finding the constant recitation of lines tiresome, a judge requested she sing a song instead for a change. Lin Xiangxiang's angelic voice impressed the panel with a beautiful and emotional performance. Suddenly, Han Yufei appeared and suggested an impromptu scene with Lin Xiangxiang to truly assess an actor's "explosive power and creativity." The director agreed, confirming that Han Yufei was cast as Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty.
Learning that Han Yufei was cast as Emperor Cheng, Lin Xiangxiang muttered about her bad luck. During their impromptu performance, she seized the opportunity to slap him, delivering lines about the Emperor's excessive indulgence and neglect. Later, at a bar, a dejected Lin Xiangxiang told her agent, Jin Jing, over the phone that she believed she had failed the audition, blaming Han Yufei.
Jin Jing, upon hearing Han Yufei was playing the Emperor, remarked that the "pervert" was perfect for the role, which further angered Lin Xiangxiang for not being informed sooner. Lin Xiangxiang explained that she had gotten too immersed in the moment, hitting him despite playing the "submissive Empress Xu." While admitting it felt good to "teach a scumbag a lesson," she acknowledged it was unprofessional.
After Jin Jing chided her for wasting the opportunity, Lin Xiangxiang concluded her call, still nursing her disappointment with drinks. Shortly after, Han Yufei called, teasing her about her drinking and his "disfigurement" from her slap. Annoyed, Lin Xiangxiang hung up, but not before he hinted that she got the part. Immediately, Director Yang Yuan called.
Due to the noisy bus she was on and her lingering frustration (mistaking the call for Han Yufei, even yelling at a fellow passenger), she initially struggled to hear. However, the director finally managed to formally inform her that she had been cast as Empress Xu. Overjoyed, Lin Xiangxiang profusely thanked the director and producer, then loudly apologized to the bus passengers, announcing her triumphant casting.
She then called Jin Jing, who, despite her joy, warned Lin Xiangxiang to stay professional and avoid any negative publicity. Back in 16 BC, Gong Ming found himself pursued and cornered by assassins in the wilderness. Unfazed, he skillfully fended off a blade and asked his attackers if the Wang family was behind this. An assassin confirmed that Grand Minister Wang Mang was indeed aware of the assassination.
With that confirmation, a disillusioned Gong Ming sat down, resigned to his death, declaring that even if he died, the truth would persist. Suddenly, a flash of light enveloped him, and Gong Ming was inexplicably transported through time to the modern era. Astounded and disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings, he stood bewildered in the middle of a busy road.
Just as he was about to be struck by an oncoming car, Lin Xiangxiang, rushing by, pulled him to safety, asking if he was alright. Gong Ming, still in shock, could only stare, while Lin Xiangxiang thanked him and continued on her way.
