Maiden Holmes Episode 6 Recap
> Maiden Holmes Recap
A subordinate provides Prince Qi with information about Su Ci, stating that her mother died during childbirth and her father passed away from illness two years prior, leaving her an orphan renting a house in West Yongfu Lane. Beyond this, there is no other significant information about her background.
At a Feiyun Manor inn, Xie Beiming seeks a room, but the boss explains that the inn is full due to the Empress Dowager's selection of a princess consort for Prince Qi. When Xie Beiming insists on the exclusive Tianzi No. 1 room, the boss initially objects, but quickly recognizes his status as the "Young Master" of Feiyun Manor and agrees to prepare it.
At the Mingjing Office, colleagues criticize Su Ci's handling of the disaster relief fund case, noting that while the silver was retrieved, crucial witnesses were eliminated. Young Officer Luo advises Su Ci on her investigation into a square totem mark, explaining it is likely from a Jianghu organization, not a historical criminal tattoo. Later, servants from Marquis Yong'an's Mansion ambush a preoccupied Su Ci, drugging and abducting her.
Prince Qi and Fei Yuan are on their way to invite Su Ci to dinner when they witness a reckless carriage from Marquis Yong'an's Mansion speeding through the streets. Prince Qi thinks he hears a cry for help, but Fei Yuan dismisses it. However, when Prince Qi spots Su Ci's silk handkerchief on the ground, he recognizes it and realizes she is in danger, prompting them to give chase.
Su Ci is taken to a private mansion where Xiao Junhao, the Son of Marquis Yong'an, confronts her. He soon discovers she is a woman and finds her cross-dressing "interesting." Su Ci defiantly warns him that she has left clues for the Mingjing Office. Xiao Junhao dismisses her threats and attempts to force himself on her. Su Ci insults him, calling him an ugly and pathetic person who relies on his ancestors' name.
Infuriated, Xiao Junhao forces a potent drug down her throat, promising to make her "ecstatic." Prince Qi searches for Su Ci late into the night. At the mansion, as Xiao Junhao is about to assault the drugged Su Ci, Prince Qi arrives and furiously attacks him. Overcome with anger and regret, he ignores Xiao Junhao's attempts to talk his way out and tells Su Ci, "I came late." Vowing to take her home, he battles his way through the guards.
Despite his poor night vision, Prince Qi blindfolds himself to fight off the remaining servants, fueled by pure rage. After defeating them, he instructs a newly arrived subordinate to "deal with the aftermath." Inside the carriage, Su Ci suffers from the effects of the drug. When she realizes she is safe with Prince Qi, her defenses lower. In her drugged state, she confesses that she thinks she has fallen for him and impulsively kisses him.
Although moved, Prince Qi stops her from going further as her condition worsens by pressing an acupuncture point that causes her to pass out. He is privately overjoyed by her confession and quietly admits to the unconscious Su Ci that he likes her too, then takes her home to watch over her all night. Upon waking in women's clothing, Su Ci confronts Prince Qi, demanding to know when he discovered her true identity.
Enraged, she holds a dagger to his throat, accusing him of pretending ignorance and treating her life as a spectacle. Prince Qi explains he couldn't bear to expose her, understanding the hardship she must endure, as being an official while female is a crime of deceiving the emperor. He assures her he will keep her secret and confesses the most important reason he kept quiet was because he likes her.
Su Ci clarifies that her actions the previous night, including her confession, were due to the drug and that she does not like him. Insisting they can only be friends, but feeling indebted, she promises to grant him three conditions. Prince Qi immediately uses his first condition: that Su Ci move in with him, citing his concern for her safety. Reluctantly, Su Ci agrees.
Back at the Mingjing Office, Su Ci is relieved to find her identity is not the subject of gossip. Instead, her colleagues are discussing the downfall of Xiao Junhao, who was stripped of his title and banished to the North after Prince Qi reported his many misdeeds to the Emperor. Dong Rushuang and Xie Beiming arrive, expressing their relief that she is safe.
Xie Beiming declares that he has ordered his Feiyun Manor to "teach Xiao Junhao a lesson" whenever he passes their properties. Dong Rushuang, carrying baggage, insists on moving in with Su Ci to protect her, but Xie Beiming objects, pointing out the impropriety of her living with a "man." Marquis Yong'an visits Prince Yun, requesting help for his banished son. Prince Yun learns that Prince Qi personally intervened after Xiao Junhao assaulted an official from the Mingjing Office.
Intrigued by Prince Qi's decisive action and motives, Prince Yun orders his men to question Xiao Junhao. Afterward, Prince Yun returns to his pet parrot, attempting to coax the silent bird into saying, "Long live the Majesty." Prince Qi receives a report that Xiao Junhao has remained silent under interrogation, and he ensures the man will not be able to speak of the incident. Soon after, Commander Fu arrives with an invitation to his wedding with a childhood friend.
They discuss their friend Zizhuo, who has been feeling down recently. The two decide to visit Mr. Qu to collect a painting. At his residence, Mr. Qu mentions he will soon be painting portraits for the princess consort candidates. They inquire about his famous "portrait of a beauty," which he shows them. The work is nearly complete but notably lacks eyes, as he explains he has yet to find the right inspiration for the soul of the portrait.
Dong Rushuang waits outside the Mingjing Office for Su Ci. To get some time alone with her, she sends a smitten Xie Beiming on an errand to buy bean curd from the city gate. When Su Ci emerges, she discovers Dong Rushuang has been following her to find out where she lives. Dong Rushuang reiterates her desire to move in or at least cook a thank-you meal at her house. To put her off, Su Ci tells her she is moving soon.
