Maiden Holmes Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
> Maiden Holmes Recap
Prince Yun arrived in the main hall, expecting Xie Beiming to assist him in his grand scheme. However, Prince Qi, also known as Pei Yanzhi, along with Fu Ziyou, revealed that they had been waiting for this moment, for Prince Yun to bring the evidence of his rebellion directly to them. This was all part of their carefully laid trap to "catch a turtle in a jar."
Prince Yun's rebel army had indeed reached the West Gate, but upon rushing into the palace, they were quickly captured by Fu Ziyou's forces. Pei Yanzhi then gave the command to retreat to the Xuanmen Gate, close it, and fire, fully securing the trap. Prince Yun, astonished, demanded to know how his plan had been discovered. Pei Yanzhi explained that he had suspected Prince Yun's intentions the moment he was assigned to manage the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet.
They had played along with Prince Yun's plan, waiting for him to become complacent, believing his victory was certain, for that was their moment to strike. Xie Beiming, addressing Prince Yun as "Adoptive Father," urged him to surrender, revealing that Prince Qi had promised to spare his life. Furious at this betrayal from the child he trusted most, Prince Yun refused. He recklessly drew his sword, fiercely targeting the Emperor.
Fu Ziyou blocked Prince Yun, and just as he was about to kill Prince Yun, Xie Beiming suddenly rushed forward, intercepting Fu Ziyou's sword to protect his adoptive father, fulfilling his filial duty, and falling gravely wounded. Prince Yun was stunned and put down his sword, still obsessing over his imperial throne. Dong Rushuang, beside herself with grief, pleaded with Xie Beiming not to die, reminding him of his promise to stay by her side forever.
Later, in the imperial court, the Emperor, addressing Pei Yanzhi, acknowledged the recent events and his concern about the Bai Liang Clan case, feeling it had been handled too hastily. He expressed his wish to clear their name to face his late father. Pei Yanzhi seconded this, urging the Emperor to make a public announcement.
The Emperor playfully suggested that Pei Yanzhi's concern was primarily for Su Ci, and proposed promoting her to the vacant position of Lead Officer of the Mingjing Office. Pei Yanzhi, however, argued that Su Ci was too young and inexperienced to command respect, and instead recommended Luo Xin, praising his strong case-solving abilities and upright character. The Emperor teased Pei Yanzhi, questioning if he was being fair or acting out of private motives.
Pei Yanzhi humorously admitted that after being alone for so long, it was time for him to consider his own marriage. Recognizing the immense contributions of both Pei Yanzhi and Su Ci in saving the country, the Emperor, ever fair in his rewards, decreed their marriage. At Pei Mansion, Dong Rushuang diligently cared for the comatose Xie Beiming, even making him porridge. She pressed Pei Yanzhi for answers about Xie Beiming's involvement with the rebellious Prince Yun.
Pei Yanzhi revealed that Prince Yun was Xie Beiming's adoptive father, and Xie Beiming, unaware of Prince Yun's true nature, had unknowingly relayed their whereabouts via carrier pigeons. Dong Rushuang recalled Xie Beiming's cryptic words about doing something wrong, realizing he had a pure heart and didn't comprehend the full truth until they were hunted by assassins during the Li Mu case investigation in Qifu Town.
She remembered his evasiveness and strange questions about forgiveness if he were to betray her. She chastised him for bearing such a heavy burden alone without confiding in her. Pei Yanzhi further explained that after Xie Beiming discovered Prince Yun's manipulation, he confronted his adoptive father, who then threatened Dong Rushuang's life. To protect her, Xie Beiming chose to endure the pain in silence.
Pei Yanzhi admitted that he and Xie Beiming had a long talk after returning from Nanxun Town, where they secretly planned to turn Prince Yun's scheme against him, leading him to believe the fireworks display was his best chance for rebellion. Pei Yanzhi conceded that without Xie Beiming's help, the outcome of the battle would have been uncertain.
Though he never regretted meeting Xie Beiming or blamed him, he was surprised by Xie Beiming's difficult choice between loyalty and filial piety. Dong Rushuang tearfully told Xie Beiming that they all forgave him and urged him to wake up, playfully threatening to sprinkle poison on him if he didn't.
Meanwhile, Luo Xin reported the thorough findings of the Bai Liang Clan case to Pei Yanzhi, who confirmed the truth aligned with his own understanding and instructed Luo Xin to report everything to the Emperor. Soon after, the Emperor issued a decree in the main hall, publicly declaring that the Bai Liang Clan had been framed by Prince Yun for the murder of the late emperor, thus clearing their name.
Su Ci, standing before the spirit tablets of her parents, felt a profound sense of relief. She was no longer the descendant of a criminal clan but could proudly proclaim her Bai Liang heritage, having finally cleared their name. Dong Rushuang continued her tireless efforts to revive Xie Beiming, consulting medical books and trying various methods like acupuncture, massage, and medicinal fumigation. In a humorous attempt, she even tried applying makeup, resulting in a comical, clown-like face.
It was then that Xie Beiming finally stirred and awoke. Upon seeing Dong Rushuang's painted face, he playfully teased her, reminding her that he had once saved a "clown-faced" girl. Dong Rushuang, surprised by his awakening, tried to explain her appearance. Later, everyone gathered for a joyous celebration, their first proper reunion since the fireworks case.
Fei Yuan proposed a toast, excitedly celebrating Xie Beiming's safe recovery, though he mistakenly called it a "revival from death" before Su Ci corrected him to "narrow escape from death." He then highlighted Su Ci's growing fame in the capital, noting that her case-solving exploits were now being spun into stories by local storytellers. Su Ci, confirming her awareness, even recited a passage about Prince Qi being slandered and a clear voice proclaiming his innocence.
Pei Yanzhi acknowledged her rising popularity, remarking that she was a young heroine who deserved such praise. The friends drank merrily, pledging not to stop until they were drunk. Later that evening, by the lake, Su Ci was mesmerized by the beautiful night scenery. Pei Yanzhi approached her, presenting a gift box containing a pair of handcuffs. He reflected on how these handcuffs had brought them together, and they shared a knowing smile.
He then prepared another surprise, asking Su Ci to close her eyes as he counted to three. Fei Yuan, having received Pei Yanzhi's signal, lit up custom-made fireworks that resembled red beans. Su Ci opened her eyes to the breathtaking display, learning they were named "Longing for You" (Xiangsi), a repayment for her earlier gift of a handkerchief.
Pei Yanzhi then gently took Su Ci's hand, reminding her of the three conditions she had promised to fulfill for him, with only one remaining. Su Ci, recalling her vow, asked what he desired. Pei Yanzhi revealed his final wish: for her to become his wife, Princess Consort Qi of the Great Liang dynasty. When Su Ci hesitantly called him "Brother Pei," he playfully insisted she address him as "husband."
Overcome with emotion, Su Ci confessed that seven years ago, he had saved her, becoming her sole source of faith in difficult times and giving her the courage to live. She never imagined they would meet again, let alone stand side by side. Now, for the first time, she felt a true reliance in the world, and that person was him.
Addressing him by his given name, Yan Zhi, she affirmed her willingness to be his wife and spend eternity with him. Pei Yanzhi then leaned in and kissed her, remarking that some things require a man to take the initiative. Fei Yuan, witnessing the intimate moment, comically commented on the grown-ups' lack of shyness. Simultaneously, Xie Beiming and Dong Rushuang shared a tender kiss.
One year later, Pei Yanzhi was seen teaching a class on forensic tools, demonstrating the use of a magnifier to observe intricate details of wounds left by different daggers or hands. In the middle of his lesson, he playfully lifted Su Ci, who protested that she was still teaching. He declared his possessiveness, asserting that she was his, and carried her out amidst the amusement of the students.
Upon arriving home, Fei Yuan greeted them as "Young Master" and "Sister Su," but Pei Yanzhi immediately corrected him, insisting on "Your Highness" and "Princess Consort." As they enjoyed a lavish meal prepared by Fei Yuan, a letter from Xie Beiming detailed a strange occurrence in Beishui Town where Dong Rushuang had treated an old lady's ears.
Afterward, the old lady and even Xie Beiming and Dong Rushuang themselves heard mysterious sounds of knocking walls, despite no one living next door. Suspecting foul play, Fei Yuan eagerly suggested they investigate the new case together, just like old times. Pei Yanzhi agreed, instructing Fei Yuan to pack their luggage, signaling their readiness for another adventure.
