My Heart Episode 23 Recap
> My Heart Recap
Lu Hongzhu was furious with Qi Yi and Lu Yunxi because Lu Qingqing had escaped with the Red Flame flowers. He harshly berated Qi Yi for his incompetence, stating that if Lu Qingqing saved Nangong Yixin, it would cause him great trouble. When Lu Yunxi attempted to take the blame and defend Qi Yi, Lu Hongzhu angrily slapped her several times, then told her to shut up and get out, saying he didn't want to see her useless face.
This violent outburst from her father shattered Lu Yunxi's perception of him. She began to believe Lu Qingqing's earlier words that Lu Hongzhu was not Lu Qingqing's biological father and that he intended to seize the throne. Despite the Crown Prince's indifference towards her, Lu Yunxi remained deeply in love with him. She suspected that once Lu Qingqing healed Nangong Yixin, the magic power stone would be unsealed.
Fearing her father would seize it and usurp the throne, Lu Yunxi hastily set out, intending to claim the magic power stone herself the moment it appeared. Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu also instructed Qi Yi to prepare for this event. He believed that once Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin were together, the magic power stone would manifest. He ordered Qi Yi to seize it at all costs, even if it meant killing Lu Qingqing.
Lu Hongzhu declared his intent to lead the magic power army to flatten the No Magic Valley and brutally kill Li An guild leader. When Qi Yi expressed concern about the Crown Prince's disapproval, Lu Hongzhu scoffed, referring to the Crown Prince as an "indecisive, useless piece" and stating that he would be discarded once the magic power stone was in his possession. After Doctor Wu brought Lu Qingqing back, she used the Red Flame flowers to save Nangong Yixin.
However, Nangong Yixin remained unconscious, causing Lu Qingqing great anxiety. Doctor Wu examined Nangong Yixin, confirming that his pulse was stable and the Red Flame flowers had successfully detoxified the glacial poison; he was expected to wake up the next day. Observing Lu Qingqing's pale complexion and injured hand, Doctor Wu inquired about what happened. Lu Qingqing revealed that she had used her own magic blood to make the yet-to-bloom Red Flame flowers blossom, as she couldn't wait.
Doctor Wu commended her as a truly righteous person. Lu Qingqing, however, explained that growing up without a mother, despite living comfortably in the Lu Mansion, no one had taught her about loyalty or affection. It was only after meeting Nangong Yixin that she understood love, companionship, and the importance of protecting the one she loved, stating she would do anything for him to live.
Hearing this, Doctor Wu was deeply moved and sorrowfully remarked on how much Lu Qingqing had suffered over the years. Lu Qingqing, having noticed Doctor Wu's unusual emotional response to her story, became suspicious. Upon entering his room, she discovered an unfamiliar robe, which she recognized as belonging to Li An guild leader, whose Qiankun palm she had previously witnessed. Confronting Doctor Wu, Lu Qingqing asserted that all signs pointed to him being Li An guild leader, her savior.
She demanded to know why he had concealed his identity and why he hadn't sought her out all these years. Seeing that he could no longer hide the truth, Doctor Wu tearfully called her "Qingqing," then "daughter," and expressed his deep regret for not recognizing her and acknowledging their relationship sooner. Doctor Wu then revealed the tragic history. Twenty years ago, the No Magic Valley and Qiyuan continent shared free passage.
He, as Li An guild leader, met and fell in love with a magic girl on a rainy day. They married and lived in seclusion, but Lu Hongzhu discovered their love and, out of jealousy, harbored hatred for the magic girl. Lu Hongzhu then deluded Emperor Nangong into attempting to seize the magic power stone to attack the No Magic Valley. When Emperor Nangong refused, Lu Hongzhu killed him and took the magic power stone.
The magic girl, carrying Lu Qingqing and the magic power stone, fled to the No Magic Valley. When Doctor Wu finally found her, she was dying. With her last breaths, she directed him to save their daughter, who was hidden in a tree hole. Despite searching every tree hole in the vicinity, Doctor Wu was devastated to find no trace of Lu Qingqing.
Doctor Wu continued, explaining that for years he had lived in hiding, even faking his own death, to prevent Lu Hongzhu from discovering he was alive. He knew that if Lu Hongzhu learned his true identity, he would use it as an excuse to destroy the No Magic Valley. His only regret was leaving his child unprotected.
He expressed immense joy at finally finding Lu Qingqing and seeing the kind, clever woman she had become, but also profound guilt for failing to protect her from Lu Hongzhu during her upbringing. Overwhelmed by this shocking revelation, Lu Qingqing found herself unable to accept it and fled, declaring, "It couldn't be like that." Although she understood her father's desperate measures, she found it incredibly difficult to reconcile with the truth.
After Lu Hongzhu's angry outburst and her growing suspicions, Lu Yunxi heard her maid discussing the shocking revelation that Lu Qingqing was the magic girl's daughter, not Lu Hongzhu's. Lu Yunxi confirmed this, realizing her father had kept Lu Qingqing close only for the magic power stone within her. She now fully understood Lu Hongzhu's true ambition to seize the throne, which directly threatened the Crown Prince.
Determined not to let her father succeed, she decided that once Lu Qingqing revived Nangong Yixin and the magic power stone appeared, she would personally seize it before Lu Hongzhu could. Wan Qing consoled a grieving Sikong Ying, who was still reeling from his father's recent death. She urged him to remain calm and focus on living well, reminding him of his own wisdom about facing adversity. Sikong Ying promised not to act impulsively again.
Shortly after, a letter from Doctor Wu arrived, informing Sikong Ying that Lu Qingqing had found the Red Flame flowers and Nangong Yixin could be saved. Eager to see Nangong Yixin, Sikong Ying decided to head to Lilu Villa, instructing his guards to secure Ciyou Kindergarten. Wan Qing, declaring her unwavering support, insisted on accompanying him.
During their journey, Sikong Ying confided in Wan Qing, revealing that Doctor Wu was in fact Li An guild leader and his own biological father. He admitted that while he understood his father's difficult past, he found it hard to accept the truth immediately. Wan Qing empathized deeply, having experienced similar loss, and reaffirmed her commitment to always being by his side, seeing their reunion as a destined opportunity to heal together.
A distraught Lu Qingqing went to Nangong Yixin's side, holding his hand and desperately wishing for him to awaken, yearning for his companionship in her moment of turmoil. She eventually drifted off to sleep beside him. When Nangong Yixin finally awoke, his first sight was Lu Qingqing, which he found "good." He made her promise never to leave him, and in turn, vowed to never leave her, to love and protect her for their entire lives.
As Lu Qingqing fetched him water, he noticed her injured hand and realized she had used her own magic blood to nourish the Red Flame flowers. He thanked her profusely for her unwavering presence and sacrifice in saving him. As their emotions overflowed, Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing shared a passionate kiss. In that instant, red magic power emanated around them, flower petals swirled, and the magic power stone unsealed from Lu Qingqing's body, radiating brilliant light into the sky.
Outside, Qi Yi, witnessing the auspicious, colorful clouds, immediately recognized that the magic power stone had appeared. He ordered the magic power army to converge on Lilu Villa. At that moment, Lu Yunxi arrived, claiming her father had sent her to assist him. However, Qi Yi sensed she was lying. Nevertheless, they set off together towards the villa. Inside the No Magic Valley, Nangong Yixin, having learned the full truth, urged Lu Qingqing to forgive Doctor Wu.
He explained that Doctor Wu had not dared to reveal his identity earlier to protect her from the dangers associated with being Li An guild leader's daughter. Nangong Yixin confessed that, when he was near death, the knowledge that Doctor Wu was her father brought him immense comfort and a sense of security, knowing someone would care for her if he were gone.
He praised Doctor Wu as a man of great justice and compassion, encouraging Lu Qingqing to be proud of her father. While Lu Qingqing understood the circumstances, she admitted that the suddenness of all the revelations made it difficult for her to fully process and forgive immediately, asking for more time. Nangong Yixin, understanding her feelings, did not press her further, instead embracing her to offer comfort. Nangong Yixin, Doctor Wu, and Sikong Ying convened to strategize against Lu Hongzhu.
Nangong Yixin, realizing Lu Hongzhu would undoubtedly attack for the magic power stone, advocated for a proactive strike. He proposed that he and Lu Qingqing, both now wielding seventh-level magic power, would return to Qiyuan continent with the magic power stone to aid the Crown Prince in ascending the throne and eliminate Lu Hongzhu, thereby ensuring peace.
Doctor Wu expressed concern about the risks, and Sikong Ying offered to accompany them, but Nangong Yixin insisted that Sikong Ying remain in the No Magic Valley to lead the Red Face Army and manage the defense. Doctor Wu and Sikong Ying were tasked with rallying the people and relocating the children from Ciyou Kindergarten to the heavily guarded Commander's House for their safety. Wan Qing was entrusted with the care of the children.
As they finalized their plans, a poignant moment of reconciliation occurred: Lu Qingqing, facing the imminent dangers, finally addressed Doctor Wu as "Father," bringing a sense of relief and joy to everyone present. Nangong Yixin, before leaving, promised Doctor Wu that he would protect Lu Qingqing with his life and bring her back safely.
Concurrently, Lu Hongzhu, having been alerted to the magic power stone's appearance, dispatched Qi Yi and his magic power army to raid Lilu Villa and Ciyou Kindergarten. Upon searching Lilu Villa, Qi Yi's men found no one, prompting them to move to Ciyou Kindergarten, which was also deserted and ransacked. Qi Yi realized that the residents had been prepared and had evacuated in advance.
Back at the devastated Ciyou Kindergarten, Sikong Ying and Wan Qing observed the damage, relieved that they had successfully moved all the children to the Commander's House before the raid. Sikong Ying reassured Wan Qing, promising to rebuild the kindergarten to its original state. Simultaneously, General Murong discussed Lu Hongzhu's increasingly brazen actions and complex power with the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince, recognizing Lu Hongzhu's arrogance despite recent punishment, agreed with General Murong that Lu Hongzhu's influence needed to be eradicated completely. They resolved to expose Lu Hongzhu's crimes and arrest him at the imperial court the following day, with General Murong vowing his full support and the Crown Prince ordering the magic power army to surround the court as a precaution.
Unbeknownst to the Crown Prince, a seemingly loyal servant covertly slipped poison into his drink and watched with satisfaction as he consumed it. The next day at court, General Murong bravely impeached Lu Hongzhu for practicing forbidden magic. He presented Mo Han, a guard from Thin strip of sky, who testified to witnessing Lu Hongzhu use the "Dark Lotus Seal" against Lord Jin.
Further evidence, a letter, alleged that this same forbidden technique was used to kill Emperor Nangong and his loyalists. The Crown Prince, enraged, accused Lu Hongzhu of regicide and treason and ordered his arrest. However, no one dared to move. Instead, Lu Hongzhu, with a command, ordered the arrest of General Murong. The Crown Prince, weakened by the poison, struggled to stand, his words becoming incoherent.
Lu Hongzhu took advantage of his condition, dismissing the Crown Prince's accusations as a confused judgment influenced by General Murong, and forcibly escorted him to his bedchamber. There, he declared the Crown Prince unwell and unfit to govern, placing him under house arrest and coercing him into stamping his seal on a forged edict. The Crown Prince fiercely cursed Lu Hongzhu for his treachery and poisoning.
Lu Hongzhu, mocking the Crown Prince for his disobedience, asserted that he would indeed obtain the magic power stone, destroy the No Magic Valley, and unify the two realms. The Crown Prince retaliated by taunting Lu Hongzhu about his past defeat by a magic-less Li An guild leader.
Enraged, Lu Hongzhu nearly struck the Crown Prince but restrained himself, instead warning him that further defiance would lead to the same fate as his late father, whom Lu Hongzhu admitted to killing with the Dark Lotus Seal. He then ordered the guards to keep a close watch on the "turd."
With the Crown Prince imprisoned, Lu Hongzhu, using the forged edict, publicly announced that he would rule in the Crown Prince's stead and ordered the full-scale arrest of Nangong Yixin on charges of treason. He then sent his forces to place the Empress under house arrest in Changqiu Palace and thoroughly seal off Lord Jin's Mansion.
Meanwhile, Lu Yunxi, attempting to visit the Crown Prince, found his chambers protected by a magic barrier and heavily guarded, with strict orders to kill any trespassers. She encountered Lingyu, who confirmed that both the Crown Prince and the Empress were confined, and that Lu Hongzhu had coerced the Crown Prince into signing the arrest warrant for Nangong Yixin.
Arriving in the city and seeing the wanted posters for Nangong Yixin, Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing realized Lu Hongzhu had preempted their plans. Xiaowu informed them that Lord Jin Mansion was besieged. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Nangong Yixin decided their priority was to first rescue the Empress and the Crown Prince.
After securing their release, they would return the magic power stone to its rightful place to help the Crown Prince ascend to power, and then finally defeat Lu Hongzhu. Nangong Yixin also instructed to concentrate forces at Thin strip of sky, on the edge of the No Magic Valley, to use the terrain to trap Lu Hongzhu's army and minimize casualties, while also sending a team to evacuate civilians.
Prioritizing Baihe's safety, Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing went to Lu Mansion. They instructed Baihe to head to the Manghuang forest to meet Xiaowu, who would escort her to Lianying Dwelling, a safe retreat, with Nangong Yixin promising to retrieve her once the crisis passed. Later, Lu Yunxi, now fully aware of Lu Hongzhu's coup—that he had imprisoned the Crown Prince and Empress, seized military power, and forged an edict to incriminate Nangong Yixin—came specifically to find Lu Qingqing.
She expressed deep remorse to Nangong Yixin, apologizing for her past misguided suspicions that he coveted the throne, admitting she had been completely deceived by her father. Lu Yunxi then turned to Lu Qingqing, sincerely apologizing for her jealousy and the harm she had almost caused. Driven by a desire to rectify her father's wrongs, she earnestly requested Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin's help in rescuing the Crown Prince and Empress.
She offered to retrieve Lu Hongzhu's private seal from his study to aid their plan, stating with confidence that "there is nothing that I cannot do." Armed with Lu Hongzhu's private seal, Lu Yunxi, along with Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin disguised as guards, infiltrated the palace. Their first objective was the Empress, whom they located and arranged for Lingyu to escort to safety. Next, they proceeded to the Crown Prince's chambers.
Nangong Yixin administered an antidote to the weakened Crown Prince, and they began to lead him out. However, their escape was swiftly detected and intercepted by Lu Hongzhu's loyal guards. Lu Yunxi attempted to bluff her way through, claiming she was acting on Lu Hongzhu's orders to transfer the Crown Prince to the Lu Mansion, but the vigilant guards had received no such instruction and blocked their path.
