My Queen Episode 15 Recap
> My Queen Recap
After uncovering Lu Feibai's counterfeiting operation and his involvement in the illicit trade of blood night-blooming cereus, Murong Chen, Jiang Mengmeng, and their companions learned a crucial clue. Lu Feibai confessed to processing fake blood night-blooming cereus for a mysterious individual whose face he had never seen, but who carried the distinctive scent of locust flowers.
Recognizing that Hui County in Cangyun Kingdom was renowned for its abundant locust blossoms, Murong Chen immediately led the group of six – including Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, Xiao Ai, Zhe Xiang, and Chang Kong – to Hui County to pursue this new lead. Upon their arrival, they noticed a bustling crowd heading towards an auction. Upon inquiring, Jiang Mengmeng learned that the highly anticipated item for bidding was the long-lost blood night-blooming cereus.
Murong Chen observed that the auction was heavily guarded by government soldiers, which made him suspicious, as officials usually do not meddle in martial arts world affairs. He surmised that Governor Ye's involvement meant the event would not be peaceful. Despite his reservations, the group decided to register for the auction. Murong Chen purchased a grand manor for the group's accommodation, insisting on covering all expenses except for Song Che, much to Song Che's annoyance.
Jiang Mengmeng distributed auction tickets to everyone, and Murong Chen handed her a significant amount of money for shopping. Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Ai, and Zhe Xiang then went to select new outfits. Zhe Xiang initially hesitated to choose a dress, preferring her usual attire, but Jiang Mengmeng persuaded her to try on a beautiful gown. Everyone was struck by Zhe Xiang's transformation, although Zhe Xiang herself worried about the impracticality of fighting in such a dress.
Jiang Mengmeng playfully reminded her that they were attending an auction, not a martial arts competition. Later, Sai Pan'an approached Jiang Mengmeng's group to apologize on behalf of Ye Fei'er for a previous misunderstanding and insisted on treating them to a meal. Jiang Mengmeng politely declined, but Sai Pan'an was persistent. Fortunately, Song Che arrived in time to intervene, driving Sai Pan'an away.
Song Che, still captivated by Zhe Xiang's elegant appearance, tried to hide his admiration by teasing her, claiming the dress was unflattering and unsuitable for combat. Offended, Zhe Xiang walked off in a huff. Jiang Mengmeng, however, saw through Song Che’s facade and playfully accused him of speaking contrarily because he harbored feelings for Zhe Xiang. Song Che vehemently denied this, swearing his unwavering loyalty to Jiang Mengmeng.
Just then, a clap of thunder startled him, sending him fleeing in comical panic. Meanwhile, at Ye's Mansion, Ye Ling'er, Ye Fei'er's half-sister, faced harsh treatment from a maid. Her mother's lack of formal status meant Ye Ling'er endured a life worse than a servant. Yu Qingzhu, the master of Jing Yue Sect, appeared and offered to help Ye Ling'er reclaim her rightful inheritance. At the auction, the group found their seats.
Jiang Mengmeng was surprised to spot her 8th brother, the 8th Prince, who was representing their sister, Princess Jiang Wan, to bid for the blood night-blooming cereus. The 8th Prince had reserved all the VIP seats and, after learning of Jiang Mengmeng's interest, promised to secure the flower for her. Jiang Mengmeng also noticed Lu Feibai, Sang Luo, Xi Qing, Jin Hua, and Yin Hua among the attendees, all having received invitations to witness the genuine blood night-blooming cereus.
Jiang Mengmeng recognized Lu Feibai as the fox-masked assailant who had robbed her previously. Lu Feibai denied it, but Song Che, enraged, drew his sword. Murong Chen quickly stopped him, and Jiang Mengmeng decided to let the matter rest for the moment. The auction officially began with Mr. Xi, the seller, presenting the blood night-blooming cereus. Jiang Mengmeng confirmed its authenticity. Bidding started at 100 Liang, with Murong Chen and the 8th Prince quickly escalating the price.
The competition was fierce, driving the bid to 8,000 Liang. At this point, Murong Chen exposed Mr. Xi, revealing him to be Lu Feibai, and challenged him to unmask. Simultaneously, Chang Kong unmasked a man sitting in the audience who was posing as Lu Feibai, confirming he was a mere decoy. The real Lu Feibai then removed his own veil.
Murong Chen elaborated on his deduction, explaining that Mr. Xi's hands were too delicate for a man of his supposed age. The critical clue, however, was in the invitation list: all other VIP guests had previously been duped by fake blood night-blooming cereus. Yet, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen had not received an invitation from Mr. Xi. Murong Chen realized this was because Lu Feibai had already "invited" them in person while disguised.
This single oversight in his dual role was his fatal flaw. Murong Chen then exposed Lu Feibai's entire scheme: Eleven years prior, Yu Qingzhu had stolen the blood night-blooming cereus from Cereus Villa, only for it to be stolen again. A year ago, Lu Feibai acquired the land of the ruined Cereus Villa and built Egret Villa.
Murong Chen concluded that the real blood night-blooming cereus had been buried beneath the ruins all along, untouched due to its reputation as a haunted site, but unearthed by the pragmatic merchant Lu Feibai during construction. Upon finding the genuine flower, Lu Feibai began flooding the market with fakes to create a frenzy in the martial arts world, all while planning to profit by openly auctioning the real cereus under the disguise of Mr. Xi.
Lu Feibai admitted to the scheme, expressing surprise that Jiang Mengmeng hadn't recognized him earlier. He then shared a business philosophy: "The use value of a product depends on the buyer. The seller cares only about the price." Jiang Mengmeng suddenly realized that Zhao Qian had uttered the exact same words. Before she could react, dense smoke engulfed the auction hall, sending everyone into a panic. When the smoke dissipated, both Lu Feibai and the blood night-blooming cereus were gone.
Murong Chen deduced that the chaos was intentionally caused by someone else to prevent Lu Feibai from selling the flower. He believed Lu Feibai, having already hinted at knowing Murong Chen's true identity, had prepared for his own demise and likely became a scapegoat. The genuine blood night-blooming cereus was now in another's hands. Murong Chen decided their next step was to confront Governor Ye, who was responsible for the auction's security.
As other attendees prepared to leave, Jin Hua and Yin Hua from Bai Hua Village, along with Sang Luo and Xi Qing, bid farewell to Jiang Mengmeng, reiterating their gratitude and offering their assistance should she ever need it. Sang Luo and Xi Qing reaffirmed their decision to retire from the martial arts world. The 8th Prince urged Jiang Mengmeng to return to the palace with him.
Jiang Mengmeng, however, offered excuses, indicating her desire to remain and pursue the investigation. Understanding her independent spirit, the 8th Prince allowed her to stay, promising to cover for her absence with the Queen by claiming he never encountered her in Hui County. He emphasized that her happiness was paramount and that he would always welcome her home should she ever tire. He then instructed Song Che to protect her.
Noticing Murong Chen and Chang Kong were missing, Jiang Mengmeng grew worried, as Song Che confirmed they hadn't been seen since the auction's disruption. Just then, a beggar delivered a note from Murong Chen, stating that he and Chang Kong had found a new clue and instructed Jiang Mengmeng and the others to meet them at a teahouse. Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Ai, Song Che, and Zhe Xiang hurried to the teahouse, but Murong Chen was not there.
A commotion erupted downstairs as Ye Fei'er and Ye Ling'er entered the teahouse, with Ye Fei'er loudly accusing Jiang Mengmeng of seducing her fiancé, "An'an." Jiang Mengmeng tried to explain, denying any involvement and even feigning ignorance of "An'an's" identity. Ye Fei'er, however, listed past encounters, twisting them into evidence of flirtation, including an incident where Jiang Mengmeng supposedly blocked her path and startled her horse, and another where she was seen "flirting" with Sai Pan'an while shopping.
Jiang Mengmeng countered that Sai Pan'an was merely harassing them to apologize on Ye Fei'er's behalf and that Song Che had intervened. She appealed to Xiao Ai and Zhe Xiang for confirmation, but Ye Fei'er dismissed them as biased witnesses. Frustrated by the unyielding accusations, Jiang Mengmeng attempted to leave, but Ye Fei'er grabbed her, demanding a full explanation. During their struggle, Ye Fei'er tragically fell from the teahouse balcony and died instantly.
