My Heart Episode 5 Recap
> My Heart Recap
As the date for the Crown Princess selection drew near, Lu Yunxi grew increasingly anxious about potential unforeseen complications. Her maid, Pearl, reassured her, highlighting Her Majesty's high regard for Lu Yunxi and the Crown Prince's recent visit as proof of his affection. Feeling a surge of confidence, Lu Yunxi was unaware that Qi Yi, standing just outside the door, had overheard their conversation and quietly departed with a heavy heart.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing had once again snuck out and, upon her return, was harshly reprimanded by her father, Lu Hongzhu. He chastised her for not completing her transcription of the "Magic Inspiration Scriptures" and for defying his orders by meeting Nangong Yixin again. Lu Qingqing attempted to defend Nangong Yixin, asserting his good nature, but Lu Hongzhu silenced her, making her kneel and threatening further punishment.
He then instructed Qi Yi to confine her to her room until she finished the scriptures, prohibiting her from stepping outside. Baihe tried to comfort a still-feverish Lu Qingqing, who was resolute in her determination to finish the transcription quickly so she could leave. It was Nangong Yixin's birthday, a day he usually eschewed celebrating due to his father’s passing on that very date ten years prior.
Xiaowu, his attendant, had earlier conveyed this somber detail to Lu Qingqing, emphasizing Nangong Yixin’s loneliness after leaving No Magic Valley. The Crown Prince arrived with a nostalgic gift: hazelnut shortbread, a treat they both loved as children. He invited Nangong Yixin to be an examiner for the Crown Princess selection the following day, explaining that Lu Hongzhu would not participate to avoid partiality, as his daughter Lu Yunxi was a candidate.
Despite knowing Her Majesty’s unspoken disapproval of his involvement, Nangong Yixin accepted the invitation. Nangong Yixin, having overheard Lu Qingqing's earlier conversation about her determination to celebrate his birthday, was also aware of her current plight. Xiaowu updated him that Lu Qingqing was still feverish from being caught in the rain and was confined by her father. Disturbed by this news, Nangong Yixin recalled giving her a Water Panacea, a potent medicine for severe ailments, for her earlier illness.
Xiaowu gently reminded him that it was too strong for a mere fever, prompting Nangong Yixin to realize his excessive worry. He then instructed Xiaowu to discreetly deliver some nourishing supplements to Lu Qingqing the next day, ensuring Lu Hongzhu remained unaware. Later that evening, Nangong Yixin and Xiaowu shared drinks to mark his birthday. A little rabbit suddenly appeared, transforming into Lu Qingqing at Nangong Yixin’s silent wish.
Lu Qingqing explained that she had managed to finish transcribing the scriptures, but had to turn into a rabbit to sneak out past the guards her father had stationed at her door. She expressed her unwavering resolve to celebrate his birthday, an occasion she believed should not be spent alone.
Lu Qingqing presented Nangong Yixin with a rabbit cloth doll, a prize from a past cuju game that Xiaowu had mentioned belonged to his mother and was a pair to a fox figurine in Nangong Yixin’s room. She revealed that she had recorded her voice inside the rabbit so he wouldn't feel lonely. Lu Qingqing, famished from not eating all day, shared Nangong Yixin’s birthday meal.
He questioned her about her recent punishment, and she brushed it off, reiterating that she simply couldn't bear the thought of him being alone on his birthday, much like her own past experiences. She then reminisced about her twenty years of confinement, expressing her deep envy for the freedom of birds and her aspiration to be as uninhibited as he seemed. Nangong Yixin, however, confessed that no one, not even a prince, was truly free, burdened by worries and constraints.
Drunk and heartfelt, Lu Qingqing then passionately confessed that he made her heart race with an excitement she had never felt in two decades, concluding, "I love to be with you," before drifting to sleep in his arms. Nangong Yixin, filled with warmth, carried the unconscious Lu Qingqing back to the Lu Mansion. As their bodies touched, their magic power flowed between them.
At the door, Baihe offered to take Lu Qingqing, but Lu Qingqing clung tightly to Nangong Yixin's neck. He gently carried her into her room, where he noticed numerous cuju balls. Baihe explained that, confined to her courtyard since childhood, these balls were her most prized possessions and that books and drawings, brought from outside, were her only windows to the world beyond, a revelation that stirred pity in Nangong Yixin.
The next morning, Lu Qingqing awoke with a hazy memory of the sweet plum wine and the wonderful feeling of being with Nangong Yixin, though she couldn't recall all she had said. She felt an unexpected restlessness at the thought of not seeing him. Baihe remarked that Lu Qingqing's pursuit of Nangong Yixin had clearly evolved beyond merely "stealing magic power" and that she seemed to have genuinely fallen in love with him.
The day of the Crown Princess selection was bustling with excitement. Lu Qingqing, reminded by Baihe, decided to attend, believing she was only going to watch, as her name wasn't on the candidate list despite the Crown Prince's earlier invitation. At the palace gates, she was initially stopped by guards, but her jade bead bracelet, an imperial accessory, immediately granted her respectful passage.
Inside, a matron, mistaking her for a candidate, assigned her the coveted No. 1 tag, placing her on the selection stage alongside other noble young women. The Crown Prince, seeing Lu Qingqing among the candidates, was visibly delighted, finding her lively and charming, even if her presence as a candidate was unexpected. Nangong Yixin, also observing from the judges' stand, noted her unexpected presence among the candidates.
The first round of selection was "flower arrangement," judged by the Crown Prince, Her Majesty, and Nangong Yixin. Called first as candidate No. 1, Lu Qingqing was bewildered by the task. Misinterpreting it as a speed contest, she quickly placed a couple of flowers into the vase. Her unconventional approach sparked laughter from the spectators, but the Crown Prince found her refreshingly genuine and endearing. She received one "F" grade, one "A," and one "B," totaling 6 points.
The next candidate, Zhao Xiu'er, elegantly showcased a magical flower arrangement, causing flowers to bloom beautifully, which made Lu Qingqing realize her initial blunder. Zhao Xiu'er earned three "B"s, totaling 6 points. Lady Qian, however, only scored 4 points (one "B" and two "F"s) and was eliminated. When Lu Yunxi's turn came, she presented a stunning arrangement, gracefully floating amidst dancing petals, an artistic display that deeply impressed all. Lu Qingqing enthusiastically cheered for her sister.
Lu Yunxi secured three "A" grades, achieving a total of 9 points and clinching the top spot in the first round. The second round, a talent performance, began with candidates performing in reverse order of their previous scores. Lu Yunxi again displayed her exceptional talents (playing zither and singing), garnering widespread admiration and earning two "A"s and one "B," for a total of 8 points.
When Lu Qingqing was called, she captivated the audience with a playful magic trick involving a bunny. She received an "A" from the Crown Prince and a "B" from Her Majesty. Nangong Yixin, acknowledging the rabbit cloth doll she had gifted him earlier, deliberately gave her an "A," stating it was a favor. This brought Lu Qingqing's total to 8 points. Due to ties in scores, Lu Yunxi, Jin Ruchang, and Lu Qingqing were announced as the top three finalists.
