Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities Episode 3 Recap
> Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities Recap
A'Yu brought Su Mo to the main hall to play "Moon Over Jing Lake" for Bai Ying, but Bai Ying declined, stating it was unnecessary, and told them to rest. Later, alone in her room, Bai Ying played "Moon Over Jing Lake" herself, reflecting on how many years it had been since she last heard the song her mother often played.
Su Mo, feeling it was strange that he was chosen as a servant in the Crown Princess' palace hall, inquired to Yao'er about the origin of the servants. Yao'er explained that apart from A'Yu and herself, the other servants were meticulously selected from the royal residences of the five other princes, but she did not know who specifically selected them to be in the Jing Pagoda.
Bai Ying's younger sister, Lin'er, visited their uncle, Qing Wangchen, seeking permission to see her sister. Qing Wangchen readily granted her request and even prepared gifts, including Bai Ying's favorite Nine Brews. Meanwhile, Bai Ying sought out the High Priest, hoping to dismiss Su Mo due to his eye condition or at least arrange for a physician to treat him.
The High Priest refused both requests, emphasizing that Bai Ying's primary duty was to diligently learn the proper etiquette and rules of the Crown Princess. Seeking more freedom, Zhen Lan visited Xi Jing. Xi Jing informed him that Qing Wangchen, who managed army provisions, unfairly allocated supplies, prioritizing the Qing clan's army and leaving other princes, like Xi Jing, severely lacking.
Xi Jing warned that this neglect would "cut off Kongsang's escape route" against the looming threat of the Cangliu army. Zhen Lan pledged to help Xi Jing secure the necessary supplies. Lin'er was subsequently granted access to Jing Pagoda, much to Bai Ying's surprise, as visits were typically forbidden without the High Priest's express permission. Su Mo happened to pass by, and Lin'er expressed her surprise at seeing a merperson in the Jing Pagoda.
Lin'er noted Bai Ying's preference for Snow Cherry Blossoms, and a servant confirmed that the High Priest had transplanted them to the pagoda, though they had not yet bloomed. Lin'er gave Bai Ying dried Snow Cherry Blossom petals from previous years to keep in a sachet, wishing for beautiful things to last longer. Lin'er then informed Bai Ying of Hong Yuan's impending marriage to Prince Lan that very day.
Bai Ying commented that both she and Hong Yuan were making similar choices, implying marriages without love. Lin'er voiced her frustration, questioning why they couldn't refuse decisions they didn't desire, lamenting that if even royalty couldn't determine their own preferences, who could? Lin'er also revealed that their Royal Father was in Ye City investigating reports of Cangliu soldiers, suggesting a potential war. Before leaving, Lin'er secretly offered Bai Ying Nine Brews, suggesting they drink to forget their troubles.
Yao'er discovered the wine and quickly escorted Lin'er away to avoid the High Priest's disapproval. Simultaneously, at Qing Wangchen's residence, Master Peng of Cangliu met with Qing Wangchen, confirming their plans to attack Kongsang and Qing Wangchen's role in assisting them. Master Peng also highlighted the critical importance of breaking the Crown Princess' seal before her marriage to the Crown Prince, which would combine the powers of Heaven and Earth.
Qing Wangchen revealed that he had planted Su Mo in the Jing Pagoda specifically for this task, citing Bai Ying's prior concern for Su Mo as a potential vulnerability to exploit. Master Peng warned Qing Wangchen that if he failed, not only would the Crown Princess be killed, but others would also die before Qing Wangchen's eyes. Hidden nearby, Su Mo, overheard this and silently vowed to rescue Ruyi and his fellow merpeople.
Zhen Lan later attempted to address the King about Xi Jing's need for provisions, confronting Qing Wangchen in court. Qing Wangchen, however, skillfully parried Zhen Lan's accusations, suggesting Xi Jing's request was merely a pretext for personal gain. The King, unhappy with their public dispute, ordered Qing Wangchen to handle Xi Jing's petition, emphasizing the protection of Kongsang. Zhen Lan, enraged, believed that Kongsang would inevitably fall with such a King and official.
After Hong Yuan's wedding, Bai Ying reflected on Lin'er's words about the royal family's lack of autonomy in marriage, a sentiment that resonated deeply with her. A'Yu noticed Bai Ying's troubled state and brought up Su Mo's increasing difficulty due to his eye disease, noting how he had almost fallen multiple times. A'Yu expressed concern for his plight, being isolated in the Jing Pagoda without means of leaving or receiving treatment.
Moved by this, Bai Ying decided to act, writing a letter to a medical official. Yao'er expressed worry about potential gossip, but Bai Ying dismissed her concerns, asserting her right to treat an eye ailment without fear of idle talk, calling it a simple matter. Disguised as a maid named A'Lin, Bai Ying went to apply medicine to Su Mo's eyes. Su Mo immediately sensed she was no ordinary maid, commenting on her unpracticed touch.
After the application, he asked her to accompany him to admire the full moon. On a balcony overlooking the scenery, Su Mo produced a small, perforated leaf, which he called the "Sea of Stars." He explained that looking through the holes would reveal something even more beautiful, a vision resembling the sea, which he had never seen but had heard described by elders. Bai Ying was enchanted, exclaiming at the magical sight.
When Bai Ying inquired about his family, Su Mo sadly disclosed that he had none, as his mother had died when he was very young. Bai Ying apologized for her insensitive question, but Su Mo brushed it off, stating it wasn't her fault. He confessed that despite the passage of time, he still wondered if his mother felt lonely.
Observing Bai Ying, Su Mo felt a flicker of compassion, recognizing her as a kind woman, even as his deeper plan to use her to rescue Ruyi and his people remained. He then asked her to leave, wishing to remain on the balcony alone for a while longer. Under Bai Ying's care, Su Mo's eye condition improved quickly. One evening, Su Mo discovered Bai Ying in the garden, drinking Nine Brews alone.
She soon succumbed to the alcohol and fell asleep. As Su Mo approached, Bai Ying stirred, still heavily intoxicated. She embraced him, pleading with him to take her away from Jing Pagoda, overwhelmed by loneliness. Su Mo gently led her back to her room and laid her on her bed. In her drunken stupor, Bai Ying felt a strange sense of familiarity, convinced she had seen Su Mo before.
The following morning, Bai Ying awoke with no recollection of who had brought her back, and A'Yu was equally unaware. Meanwhile, Xi Jing successfully led a night raid against Master Peng's army in Ye City, with assistance from Prince Lan. Afterward, Xi Jing attempted to see the King to report his military triumph and express urgent concerns, but was barred by a guard who cited Qing Wangchen's orders that the King required undisturbed rest.
Xi Jing angrily criticized the guard's blind obedience, warning of the dire consequences if the Cangliu army were to reach the capital. Upon learning of Xi Jing's attempt to meet the King, Qing Wangchen issued a strict command to his guards: Xi Jing was not to be allowed within a single step of the Jing Pagoda's front doors, under penalty of death.
