Nancheng Banquet Episode 21 Recap
> Nancheng Banquet Recap
Yan Changyun informs Uncle Lei that Xiao Quan knows his true identity as Qin Yan. Uncle Lei expresses concern that the Emperor might harm Qin Yan, recalling it was the Emperor who ordered the execution of the Qin family. Xiao Quan's initial plan to seize power by using the princess's death to kill Yan Changyun failed, resulting only in Yan Changyun's dismissal.
To continue his scheme, Xiao Quan decides to target the Qin family's former subordinates to force Yan Changyun into action. He also instructs Bai Yi to eliminate Fu Xiao directly to prevent her from remembering the location of the jade ring, ensuring its secrets remain hidden forever. Xiao Quan warns Bai Yi that if Fu Xiao regains her memory, Yan Changyun will discover their collusion in instigating the Guan You incident.
Bai Yi realizes Xiao Quan has been manipulating him and resolves to obtain the jade ring to gain leverage over Xiao Quan. Fu Xiao creates a romantic atmosphere by scattering petals on the bed for Yan Changyun's return. However, upon entering, Yan Changyun is preoccupied with discussing the case of Princess Jiayang's death. Fu Xiao mentions meeting her master and tries to subtly guide the conversation towards the bedroom, but Yan Changyun remains focused on the investigation.
Seeing Yan Changyun is tired, Fu Xiao gently guides him onto the bed, where he immediately falls asleep. The following morning, Yan Changyun wakes to find Fu Xiao asleep next to him and affectionately strokes her hair. Fu Xiao wakes up, explaining she fell asleep unintentionally. As she prepares to leave, Yan Changyun pulls her back, expressing his happiness at seeing her upon waking.
Yan Changyun then indirectly asks how she would feel if he kept something from her, questioning if honesty is always necessary between loving individuals. Fu Xiao replies she doesn't mind secrets as long as he doesn't hide money. Suddenly, her poison symptoms reoccur, causing her to collapse in pain. Doctor Qu examines her and finds the poison has reached deep into her system, warning that without the antidote soon, she doesn't have much time left.
Bai Yi arrives with the antidote, but Yan Changyun is suspicious of his intentions. Despite his doubts, given Fu Xiao's critical condition, he decides they must try the antidote. Afterward, Bai Yi warns Yan Changyun to let Fu Xiao go, claiming she will kill him once her memories return. Yan Changyun refuses, believing Bai Yi is the one who intends to harm Fu Xiao.
Witnessing Yan Changyun's genuine affection for Fu Xiao, Bai Yi reveals they are both under Xiao Quan's control, relying on him for the monthly antidote. Yan Changyun is skeptical that they are merely coerced. Bai Yi insists that if Fu Xiao fails to kill Yan Changyun, Xiao Quan will kill her instead, adding that Yan Changyun, now a commoner, is powerless to protect her against Xiao Quan.
Upon learning of Bai Yi's meeting with Yan Changyun, Xiao Quan prepares to counter any potential threat, stating he is ready to kill Fu Xiao and seize the opportunity to eliminate Yan Changyun at the first sign of trouble. Yan Changyun observes Bai Yi eating watermelon with spices, a custom unique to Ning State, and suspects he might be Yi Heng, the second prince of Ning State. That night, Yan Changyun, disguised, confronts Bai Yi, and they recognize each other.
It is revealed that Yan Changyun (as Qin Yan) injured Bai Yi's legs during an encounter fifteen years ago, causing his permanent disability. Bai Yi admits he is no match for Yan Changyun and warns that if Yan Changyun dies, Fu Xiao will lose her only source of the antidote. He also contends that even without Ning State's involvement, the Qin family's immense power would have inevitably led the Southern Emperor to view them as a threat.
The next day, Yan Changyun reports to the Emperor that Xiao Quan confessed to being the mastermind behind the incident fifteen years ago and is also involved in the princess's death. Yan Changyun offers himself as bait to draw Xiao Quan out. He then instructs Wei Tianjiao to sell off all his assets, convert them to silver, and arrange for traps to be set up at his residence.
He also entrusts Wei Tianjiao with the care and well-being of their brothers (presumably the Qianyu Guards). That evening, Yan Changyun visits Fu Xiao and finds her writing a list of future activities she wishes to do together. Chu Yue plans to invite Yan Changyun to her birthday celebration but sees him affectionately interacting with Fu Xiao. Enraged, she approaches Xiao Quan, urging him to eliminate Fu Xiao.
Xiao Quan advises against killing Fu Xiao immediately, suggesting instead that Chu Yue should sow discord between Yan Changyun and Fu Xiao as a more effective way to truly win his heart. Uncle Lei discovers Chu Yue's intentions regarding Fu Xiao and reprimands his daughter, expressing disappointment in how she has changed and questioning her actions, which could jeopardize their plans, particularly concerning the jade ring.
Chu Yue tearfully explains the hardship she endured for fifteen years in the Yunshao Division, sustained only by the hope of marrying Yan Changyun, a dream she now sees slipping away. Seeing his daughter's deep-seated desire, Uncle Lei appears resigned. Fu Xiao speaks with the Empress, confessing she has no affection for the Emperor and was never pregnant with his child. She reveals that Yan Changyun is the only person she loves.
The Empress expresses her understanding and offers her sincere blessings to Fu Xiao and Yan Changyun. Later, Fu Xiao notices Chu Yue behaving secretively and follows her to a courtyard. There, she discovers Uncle Lei, the man who had previously attempted to kill her. Inside, she overhears Uncle Lei and Chu Yue discussing Yan Changyun's relationship with Fu Xiao.
They imply his affection is a calculated strategy to gain Fu Xiao's trust and obtain the jade ring as part of his plan to avenge the Qin family's extermination. They also refer to Yan Changyun as the son of Duke Ding, implicitly identifying him as Qin Yan. Upon hearing this, Fu Xiao is shocked, unable to believe that Yan Changyun, whom she loves, would be the person responsible for the death of her parents fifteen years ago. She resolves to seek the truth from Yan Changyun himself.
