Love Through a Millennium Episode 16 Recap
> Love Through a Millennium Recap
Prior to Gong Ming's definitive return to the Western Han Dynasty, Wang Mang encountered Ying Yue. Observing her lack of profound grief or vengeance, he deduced that Gong Ming must still be alive. Later, Gong Ming returned to the Western Han Dynasty, where rumors about Empress Xu and him were widely circulating in Chang'an. His mentor, surprised by his reappearance, reminded him that no one can change history.
He warned that Emperor Cheng would undoubtedly investigate the current rampant rumors, providing the Wang family an opportunity to further their schemes. The mentor acknowledged Wang Mang's daring strategy of finding a way to survive after being pushed to the brink as a clever tactic. Gong Ming revealed that he was aware of Wang Mang's even grander plans and had returned to stop him.
He decided to seek out Wang Mang one last time, though Ying Yue expressed concern that such an effort might prove futile. When Ying Yue inquired about Lin Xiangxiang, Gong Ming expressed sorrow for repeatedly abandoning her, believing their destiny was likely over, and that his departure would ultimately bring her liberation from constant worry.
Before Gong Ming's current return to the Han Dynasty, the Wang family elders had been discussing the urgent news of Empress Xu's pregnancy, which had been confirmed by imperial doctors. Fearing a potential resurgence of the Xu family that could endanger their own clan, they pressed Wang Mang, who held a prominent position due to their support, to take decisive action.
Wang Mang proposed a clever scheme to spread rumors, suggesting that Empress Xu's pregnancy was not the Emperor's, but rather the result of an illicit affair with the supposedly deceased Gong Ming. He argued that Gong Ming's prior frequent presence around Empress Xu, coupled with her visible grief after his "death," would lend credibility to such falsehoods. This "collective slander," he explained, would transform the Emperor's child into Gong Ming's "bastard," enraging the Emperor and leading to Empress Xu's downfall.
Despite initial reservations about the Emperor's potential fury, the elders approved the plan, reminding Wang Mang of his obligation to the family due to his mother's long-term illness and their financial support. Wang Mang vowed to repay their "kindness." Wang Mang then reflected on his traumatic past, recalling his ailing mother's desperate attempts to keep him from entering officialdom after the early deaths of his father and brother, hoping to protect him.
However, she subsequently contracted a strange, fatal illness, which Wang Mang now believed was a deliberate poisoning orchestrated by the clan to eliminate her as an obstacle. He swore to trample down the elders who had once humiliated him and to exact revenge for his mother's death. Gong Ming sent an unsigned letter to Wang Mang, containing a familiar "fu", inviting him to their childhood academy.
Wang Mang recognized the style, realizing Gong Ming was still alive, and proceeded to the designated meeting place. At the academy, Gong Ming thanked Wang Mang for intentionally sparing his life, noting how the arrow had missed him by precisely an inch. He implored Wang Mang to "return to his senses." Wang Mang, however, asserted that their paths had irrevocably diverged, making them bitter adversaries.
He claimed that his true confidant had died when he sacrificed himself to resolve the deposed empress's crisis. Gong Ming countered, accusing Wang Mang of exploiting his presumed death to spread malicious rumors about Empress Xu's pregnancy and directly challenged him regarding his ambition to "usurp power and steal the country." Wang Mang openly admitted his ambition, arguing that the Han Dynasty was crumbling under an "incompetent and unprincipled" Emperor and corrupt, greedy officials, causing widespread suffering among the populace.
He contended that only a new country, founded "for the public good," could establish true peace and stability. Gong Ming, in turn, argued that genuine salvation lay in reforming the existing Han dynasty rather than overthrowing it. Wang Mang dismissed Gong Ming's views as outdated and rigid, likening the Han Dynasty to a terminally ill patient that required complete destruction for a new rebirth.
He declared his unwillingness to trust Gong Ming, viewing him as a powerless ghost, incapable of hindering his grand plans. Yet, Gong Ming firmly reiterated his resolve to stop him. Later, Gong Ming reviewed historical texts and was horrified to discover Wang Mang's ultimate intention to abolish the Han imperial title and declare himself Emperor.
Meanwhile, in the modern world, Lin Xiangxiang had confronted Gong Ming about his repeated departures and returns, expressing her profound inability to endure the constant emotional toll. She confessed her helplessness, capable only of tracking his fate through history books, and her self-loathing for being unable to protect him. She demanded he make a definitive choice between their two worlds.
At a birthday party for their director, Lin Xiangxiang attempted to project an image of happiness, deflecting any inquiries about her relationship. However, Han Yufei sensed her underlying sadness and gently encouraged her to stay strong. During the festivities, Wu Tianxiu publicly declared his love for a female crew member, praising her care and admitting his long-held secret affection. This came as a crushing blow to Jin Jing, who had secretly harbored feelings for Wu Tianxiu.
Devastated, Jin Jing retreated to drink heavily with Xia Xiaonan, lamenting her fate as a "lonely star" with a "bumpy road in love." Lin Xiangxiang, attempting to console a crying Jin Jing, eventually broke down herself, revealing her own profound heartache from her breakup. As a tearful Lin Xiangxiang prepared to leave the party alone, declining Han Yufei's offer of a ride, he insisted she take his scarf, concerned for her warmth. Unseen by them, Gong Ming, having temporarily returned to the modern era, silently witnessed this tender interaction before disappearing once more.
