Nancheng Banquet Episode 16 Recap
> Nancheng Banquet Recap
Xiao Quan learned that Yan Changyun had cleverly framed Song Ting, his subordinate, as the killer of Minister Xiao, thus removing a key figure from court. Considering this move, Xiao Quan planned his next step, deciding to use Princess Jiayang of Ning State to counterbalance Yan Changyun. Meanwhile, Fu Xiao was expressing her displeasure about Yan Changyun bringing Chu Yue back to his estate.
Her companion remarked that Yan was just being sympathetic, adding that most men are unfaithful, suggesting only the Emperor is loyal. The Emperor summoned Fu Xiao, urging her to return to his side from scrubbing chamber pots and offering her a position as a female official. Fu Xiao declined, citing the need for the Queen Grandma's approval and cheekily stating that the Emperor's promises weren't as appealing as her chamber pots.
Feng, the eunuch, suggested to the Emperor that allowing Fu Xiao to handle the reception for Princess Jiayang would get her out of her unpleasant duty in the laundry alley and chamber pot area, give her a chance to earn merit, and potentially lead to a higher title like a consort. The Emperor found this idea astute and ordered Feng to proceed.
At court, a minister reported the upcoming visit next month of Princess Jiayang from Ning State for trade negotiations. The Emperor ordered preparations. Ministers expressed concerns about the reception due to the Princess's high status, nearing that of the Ning King, the potential for her visit to be a search for a son-in-law, the lack of female officials, and the impropriety of male officials hosting a female guest.
The Emperor, eager for a potential match for his officials, dismissed their concerns, offering rewards to anyone the Princess favored. However, the ministers revealed that Princess Jiayang had married three times and her husbands (or fiancés) had met untimely deaths, making them reluctant to take the task. The Emperor became frustrated by the lack of volunteers, calling them useless. Feng then proposed that Fu Xiao, as the newly appointed reception official, handle the Princess's reception.
Fu Xiao, now a sixth-rank female official, proudly showed off her new attire to the Qianyu Guards. Yan Changyun told her to take off the outfit and not accept the position, citing rumors about Princess Jiayang's improper conduct. Fu Xiao retorted that if Yan Changyun could keep women hidden away, she could certainly have the company of handsome men.
Princess Jiayang arrived and was formally greeted by Fu Xiao, the reception official, and Yan Changyun, the Qianyu Guard Commander responsible for her safety. Princess Jiayang made a gesture towards Fu Xiao for help descending from the carriage, but Yan Changyun stepped forward instead, assisting her. He had noticed silver-gray marks at the base of the Princess's nails, indicating prolonged contact with Zhu Yin powder. Fu Xiao watched his solicitous action with jealousy.
Bai Yi and his apprentice Li'er observed from a distance. Li'er commented to Bai Yi that Fu Xiao's gaze towards Yan Changyun showed she had private feelings for him and had betrayed their master. Bai Yi warned Li'er against jumping to conclusions and reminded her of her previous attempt to kill Fu Xiao, telling her never to say such things again.
Bai Yi shared his wish that Fu Xiao and Li'er, his best disciples, would look after each other and be the closest people in the world after his death. Inside the palace, Princess Jiayang formally greeted the Emperor, stating her purpose was to discuss opening trade routes for the benefit of both nations. The Emperor welcomed her and hosted a banquet. Princess Jiayang proposed that four young men from Ning State perform a sword dance.
During the performance, two swords broke and flew towards the Emperor and Fu Xiao. The Emperor maintained composure, while Yan Changyun quickly threw wine cups, deflecting the swords and saving Fu Xiao. He ordered the Ning State dancers arrested. Princess Jiayang apologized for the disturbance caused by her entourage, specifically for disturbing the Emperor. The Emperor accepted her apology, believing she had no malicious intent to assassinate.
As a gesture of apology, Princess Jiayang presented Yudai Incense, describing it as a newly developed tribute exclusive to Ning State nobility, known for its revitalizing and longevity effects. Everyone present praised the wonderful scent, except Yan Changyun, who appeared troubled and frowned. Princess Jiayang inquired why he seemed displeased when everyone else found the incense delightful. He politely replied that as a noble gift, he could not be displeased.
The Emperor suggested Jiayang stay longer for the upcoming Lunar New Year Eve Festival. Princess Jiayang requested that Yan Changyun serve as her personal bodyguard during her stay in Nancheng State, stating that his martial prowess made her feel secure. Fu Xiao immediately objected, citing the impropriety of a man providing close protection to a woman. Yan Changyun also seemed hesitant and found it improper.
The Emperor, however, readily agreed, perhaps hoping with a selfish motive that the Princess would take a liking to Yan Changyun, leaving Fu Xiao available for himself. Princess Jiayang then feigned dizziness from the wine and leaned on Yan Changyun, who noticed a red tattoo on her hand. To investigate further, Yan Changyun agreed to escort her back to the Tianqing Pavilion residence.
At the residence, Princess Jiayang insisted Yan Changyun come into her room for protection, asking how he could protect her if he was far from her bed. Fu Xiao stepped in, declaring that as the reception official, she would provide the close protection and there was no need for Yan Changyun to enter the room. Princess Jiayang remarked that with Yan Changyun present, she didn't need anyone else.
Yan Changyun stated that the Qianyu Guards were securing the entire residence and no intruder would get close. He noticed a unique scent on the Princess and asked about it. She explained it was the Yudai Incense she frequently burned in her chambers and offered him some to smell. Yan Changyun sniffed the incense but stated he generally disliked being close to women and asked Fu Xiao to be mindful.
Despite this, Princess Jiayang offered him a box of the incense. Yan Changyun accepted it and left. Bai Yi met with Xiao Quan, questioning why he was using Princess Jiayang, knowing she was his sister. Xiao Quan acknowledged she was Bai Yi's sister but reminded him that she offered no help when he was expelled from Ning State over ten years ago.
Xiao Quan pointed out they hadn't seen each other in years and suggested this was a chance to reconnect. Bai Yi, acknowledging their kinship, warned Xiao Quan not to push things too far, or he would turn on him. Xiao Quan responded that they were merely pawns in a larger game, as was the Princess, and assured Bai Yi that they would succeed if they cooperated.
Bai Yi offered to help Xiao Quan kill Yan Changyun, but Xiao Quan refused, stating Yan must remain alive for his current plans to succeed, and Yan's removal would be easy later. Xiao Quan then complained about Bai Yi's beloved apprentice causing trouble and urged him to discipline her. Bai Yi stated Fu Xiao was his apprentice and not Xiao Quan's concern. Xiao Quan commented that Bai Yi's loyalty was why he valued their friendship.
Fu Xiao believed that Princess Jiayang's attractiveness to men stemmed from the Yudai Incense. She decided to replicate the effect and instructed her companion, Qiang, to burn a large quantity of the incense in the room, filling it with the aroma. Qiang remarked the scent was tempting.
Yan Changyun told Wei Tianjiao about the silver-gray marks on Jiayang's nails from Zhu Yin powder and the red tattoo on her hand, which was identical to the one on the person who pursued him during the Guanyou Coup. Wei Tianjiao identified the tattoo as a unique mark of the Ning State royal bloodline, applied at birth and only visible when body temperature rose, likely due to the wine she drank.
This suggested the mastermind of the Guanyou Coup was connected to the Ning State royal family. Yan Changyun decided to send men to Ning State to investigate the tattoo and find his attacker. Qiang became heavily intoxicated by the excessive incense, talking in a daze about surpassing Princess Jiayang for Fu Xiao's happiness. Fu Xiao, also affected and lightheaded, came looking for Yan Changyun. Yan Changyun entered, saw the scene, and ordered the incense removed. Qiang resisted.
Yan Changyun picked up the dizzy Fu Xiao and carried her out. She felt lightheaded and asked him to leave with her, just the two of them, inquiring if he liked her. Yan Changyun apologized for potentially bringing her danger and hurting her, expressing his strong desire to be close to her, hold her, and give her happiness. He promised to explain everything once the matter was resolved.
Princess Jiayang met with Bai Yi, asking how he had been in Nancheng for so many years. Bai Yi called himself a cripple or useless person, saying it was the same everywhere. Jiayang expressed her regret for not taking care of him after his exile, apologizing for leaving him alone for so many years. Bai Yi said it was his destiny. Jiayang suggested Nancheng State was a place of right and wrong and not suitable to stay long.
She was there as a Ning envoy with a duty to complete the trade agreement. She suggested he return to Ning State with her after her mission was complete, promising to protect him there as the Ning State had changed. Bai Yi declined, saying he couldn't go back, as he was used to life in Nancheng, cannot walk, and had people and things he couldn't abandon.
Doctor Qu reported to Yan Changyun that his analysis of the Yudai Incense only found beneficial ingredients like borneol, sandalwood, and cinnamon. Yan Changyun questioned the thoroughness of the examination and offered to leave the incense with him for a more detailed study, stating the matter was extremely crucial. He also decided to send additional perfumers to assist Doctor Qu, demanding immediate reports of any abnormalities.
The next morning, Fu Xiao brought breakfast for Yan Changyun but found he wasn't in his room. As she left with the breakfast, she saw him eating with Princess Jiayang in her room and hid near the door. Princess Jiayang noticed her and invited her to join. During the meal, Princess Jiayang asked Yan Changyun if he had a woman he favored and what kind of girl he liked.
Yan Changyun replied that he admired women who were intelligent and sensible, like Princess Jiayang, who had traveled far to facilitate trade for the benefit of both nations, stating that any man would love a woman with such broad concerns. Princess Jiayang said it was natural for her, as a Princess, to care for her people and praised Nancheng's prosperity and rich resources. She then suggested Yan Changyun accompany her to explore Nancheng, as she hadn't had the chance. Yan Changyun agreed. Fu Xiao also volunteered to join them, and Princess Jiayang assented, remarking that Fu Xiao would be very useful.
