Nancheng Banquet Episode 19 Recap
> Nancheng Banquet Recap
Fu Xiao expressed her strong desire to spend all her time with Yan Changyun, who assured her he would visit whenever he could. Their intimate moment was accidentally witnessed by A Cheng and Wei Tianjiao. A Cheng, noticing, quickly pretended not to have seen anything. As Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun prepared to go out for New Year goods, A Cheng and Wei Tianjiao initially accompanied them but soon left the couple to go shopping together.
Later, the Princess encountered Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun as they were setting out. She enthusiastically declared her love for shopping and her excitement about experiencing the vibrant Nancheng Spring Festival, insisting Yan Changyun take her. Fu Xiao stated that accompanying the Princess was her duty and joined them. While shopping, a vendor explained the "wish-making branches" custom, mentioning that wishing on New Year's Eve with a loved one makes dreams come true.
The Princess immediately asked Yan Changyun to accompany her for this on New Year's Eve. Yan Changyun, after glancing at Fu Xiao, declined the Princess's request, citing his duty to guard the capital with the Feathered Forest Guards that night, but promised to send elite soldiers for her protection. During the extensive shopping trip, the Princess bought many items and asked Fu Xiao to carry the bags. Fu Xiao returned visibly exhausted.
The Emperor arrived to bring New Year gifts for the Princess. Seeing Fu Xiao burdened, the Emperor took the bags, stating he appointed her an attendant, not a laborer. Witnessing the Emperor's concern, the Princess apologized for making Fu Xiao carry so much, blaming the alluring Nancheng goods. Fu Xiao insisted she didn't mind helping.
Taking advantage of the occasion, the Princess asked the Emperor to grant Yan Changyun leave from his guard duties to spend New Year's Eve with her. The Emperor agreed, commenting that Yan Changyun, as a future Princess's husband, should begin fulfilling his responsibilities. Yan Changyun tried to speak, but the Emperor interrupted by presenting gifts to Fu Xiao. After the Emperor asked if she liked them, Yan Changyun excused himself for patrol duties.
In return, Fu Xiao gave Feng Gonggong dolls for the Queen, expressing hope for a noble son. When the Emperor asked for his gift, Fu Xiao presented ginger, explaining its symbolism of "Jiang Shan" (rivers and mountains), representing the empire. The Emperor accepted but remarked he'd prefer a soulmate. Fu Xiao suggested the Queen was his soulmate, a sentiment echoed by Feng Gonggong, who urged the Emperor to cherish his blessings.
Back in her room, Fu Xiao found a gift on her bed – a dress she had admired earlier, secretly bought by Yan Changyun. She was delighted. Yan Changyun arrived, promising to find a way to spend New Year's Eve with her despite his commitment to the Princess. Fu Xiao, however, urged him to prioritize the larger situation. Meanwhile, the Emperor returned to the palace, complaining to Feng Gonggong that while the empire belonged to him, Fu Xiao did not.
The Queen arrived, having stayed up late to make him a new outfit. The Emperor initially seemed distant but, sensing the Queen's hurt as she spoke of having only him in the palace and asking him not to push her away, he agreed to try on the clothes. Later, the Queen sent gifts to Fu Xiao. Fu Xiao expressed gratitude and discreetly inquired about the Yudai Incense.
The Queen revealed her brother, Xiao Quan, had taken the incense given to her by the Emperor (which originated from the Princess) and given it to the Grand Empress Dowager when she also requested some. Fu Xiao was surprised, noting Xiao Quan's usual doting on his sister and how unusual it was for him to give away something she desired. The Queen also found her brother's actions perplexing, speculating that their father's passing might have made him more cautious.
Fu Xiao discussed this incident with Yan Changyun. Yan Changyun initially thought Xiao Quan's action was merely filial piety towards the Grand Empress Dowager. However, Fu Xiao inadvertently revealed that Xiao Quan liked the Queen. Realizing her slip, she confessed to Yan Changyun about seeing Xiao Quan secretly kissing the Queen. This revelation deepened Yan Changyun's suspicion that the Yudai Incense might contain poison.
Shortly after, a servant informed Yan Changyun that the Princess requested him to join her in writing couplets. Upset, Fu Xiao openly cursed the Princess for trying to take her man. She then plotted with A Cheng and Wei Tianjiao against the Princess. This plan was overheard by Yan Changyun. Caught off guard, Fu Xiao sheepishly denied any plans, assuring him they were good people. The following day, after everyone had put up spring couplets, Fu Xiao slept late.
She learned that Yan Changyun, the Princess, and all officials of rank two and above, along with imperial title holders, were invited to the palace for the New Year's Eve banquet. Feeling excluded, she faced the prospect of spending the holiday alone. The streets were festive, and both Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun were thinking of each other. Watching the fireworks and seeing couples, Fu Xiao's sadness grew. Yan Changyun accompanied the Princess as they strolled through the lively streets.
Fu Xiao spotted them, hid behind an umbrella, and subtly reached out to briefly hold Yan Changyun's hand. The Princess, unaware of Fu Xiao, eagerly suggested they explore further. Fu Xiao watched them walk away, heartbroken. The Emperor, in disguise, came across Fu Xiao. He offered to spend time with her, but her sadness made her decline. Wei Tianjiao was also seen walking with Chu Yue, causing a moment of awkwardness when Fu Xiao saw them.
The Emperor had acquired a wish-making plaque for Fu Xiao and was about to hang his own beside hers on the intertwined branches when Yan Changyun arrived and quickly hung his plaque first. The Princess also decided to try the Nancheng custom, taking a plaque to make a wish, but it fell as she was doing so. Yan Changyun appeared to be with the Princess, but his thoughts were clearly elsewhere, noticed by the Princess.
She directly confronted him, asking why he had pursued her and demanding his true intentions now that she was receptive. Yan Changyun dropped his pretense and asked the Princess about the secret of the Yudai Incense. The Princess stated she would reveal everything once they returned to Ning State after the trade agreement was signed, asserting her determination to obtain what she desired.
As Yan Changyun looked up at the fireworks, Bai Yi signaled Li'er, who, posing as a passerby, stealthily stabbed the Princess. By the time Yan Changyun realized what had happened, the Princess had collapsed. Seeing the attack, the crowd scattered in panic. Shortly after, Xiao Quan arrived with his men. He questioned Yan Changyun's presence, holding him responsible for the Princess's safety and demanding an explanation to prevent conflict with Ning State. Yan Changyun offered to go with Xiao Quan's Ministry of Justice for investigation to provide an account to both Ning State and the people of Nancheng.
