Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 10 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
The South Palace, long abandoned and overgrown, appeared exceptionally eerie at night. The accompanying maids were fearful, but Ti Lan found a strange solace in the desolation. She remarked that with the peaceful moonlight and no one to disturb them, the place felt more like a paradise than a "ghostdom," a welcome escape from the constant anxiety of Yu'an Palace and the presence of Di Xu.
Though her maid worried about the harsh conditions, Ti Lan, recalling that she had not always lived extravagantly, was resolved to stay, never forgetting her responsibilities. Her only concern was for her pet rabbit, Xiaoguai. Later, Mu Deqing reported to Di Xu that Ti Lan was secured in the South Palace with the gates locked and guards strictly forbidden from approaching. When Mu Deqing expressed concern for Ti Lan’s well-being, Di Xu coldly dismissed it, stating she deserved her fate.
Back at Jifeng Pavilion, preparations for the move to Zhaoming Palace were underway. When Fang Jianming’s servant noticed that Fang Haishi's room was untouched, Fang Jianming instructed him to leave it, revealing he had his own plans. Realizing she was to be left behind, Haishi tearfully confronted him. Fang Jianming explained that as she was now a young woman, it would be inappropriate for her to reside among men.
Haishi pleaded, asking why things had to change and if she had become a burden. Fang Jianming dismissed her pleas as childish, reminding her that her time in Jifeng Pavilion was temporary and she would eventually have to embrace her identity as a woman. Meanwhile, Ju Qiqi, Manager of Clothing, had been working tirelessly on an elaborate kapok embroidery, pushing her body to its limits.
She explained to a concerned Zhe Liu that the gift, meant to celebrate Fang Jianming’s return to court, had to be flawless due to the deep bond between him and Di Xu. Once Zhe Liu confirmed its perfection, they went to present it to Di Xu, arriving as he was questioning Fang Jianming about his delayed move. Fang Jianming cited impropriety, but Di Xu dismissed his concerns. Ju Qiqi then presented the embroidery.
Recognizing the prominent kapok flower, Di Xu immediately understood its deeper meaning. He pointed out that in Fang Jianming’s hometown, kapok embroidery was a traditional bridal gift, symbolizing a bride's lifelong devotion. Fang Jianming feigned forgetfulness, but Di Xu pressed him, urging him to accept Ju Qiqi's affections after she had waited so long.
Flustered, Fang Jianming quickly excused himself, prompting Di Xu to remark that the man who was fearless in battle was a coward in matters of the heart. Fang Haishi's gloomy disposition was lifted by the arrival of Fang Zhuoying from Yuezhou. He congratulated her on placing third in the Palace Examination and teased that her handsome appearance would attract many admirers. Haishi, however, felt she had only caused trouble for her Master.
Fang Zhuoying tried to cheer her up with snacks from her mother and relayed her mother’s advice: to remain loyal to the government and filial to her Master. He then showed Haishi a pearl bracelet, asking her opinion on it for a girl, clarifying it wasn't for her. Seeing her room was still unpacked, Haishi correctly inferred she wasn't moving with them, sadly accepting it as her Master's arrangement.
Later, Fang Zhuoying reported the Yuezhou investigation to Fang Jianming and cautiously asked if Haishi was being left behind. He argued that while Haishi could be rebellious, her respect for Fang Jianming would prevent her from doing anything foolish, and warned that the separation would deeply sadden her, even if she didn't show it. That evening, Fang Zhuoying quietly approached Zhe Liu as she practiced blind embroidery in the courtyard.
He placed the pearl bracelet on her work before slipping away. Zhe Liu, upon touching the bracelet, was startled and deeply moved. Assuming the gift was from Fang Jianming, she immediately removed her blindfold, hoping to thank him, but found the courtyard deserted. While discussing military matters with officials and growing frustrated with their self-interest, Di Xu later encountered Zhe Liu in a corridor with her pet rabbit.
Seeing the rabbit seemed to remind him of Ti Lan, and his thoughts drifted. Unconsciously, he found himself walking toward the dilapidated South Palace, where he found Ti Lan serenely playing the qin. Annoyed, Di Xu chastised her, reminding her that her confinement was for introspection, not leisure. He then noticed a carved Dragon Tail deity on her table.
Ti Lan explained she carved it for her own protection, but Di Xu, unconvinced, accused her of carving it for someone else, like Tang Qianzi or Fang Haishi. Contrasting her selfishness with Zizan, who had once carved protective Baixi charms for soldiers, he commanded Ti Lan to carve 30,000 Dragon Tails for the newly conscripted soldiers. Despite her and Mu Deqing's pleas about the impossible task, Ti Lan had no choice but to accept.
As materials were brought, Di Xu was consumed by a private monologue, lamenting that since Zizan’s death, he could never be happy again. Though not the top scholar, Haishi’s third-place finish and Di Xu's commendation made her famous in the capital. While selecting jade at a shop, she was swarmed by noble ladies praising her handsome appearance and proposing marriage on behalf of their daughters. Overwhelmed, Haishi fled, dropping a jade pendant in her haste.
She hid in a tailor shop and changed into women's attire. Her striking appearance as she left caught the eye of Young Master Youdu, who was immediately captivated and correctly identified her as a woman, much to the shop owner's confusion. Unbeknownst to Haishi, a servant had given her the wrong time for her imperial audience. While other scholars were being conferred their titles, she was still strolling the streets.
Back at the palace, the servant confessed his error to Fang Jianming, who dispatched Fang Zhuoying to find her. In the main hall, Fang Jianming covered for Haishi, telling Di Xu that a relapse of her poisoning injury prevented her from attending. Seeing through the excuse, Di Xu dryly remarked that Haishi seemed "alive and kicking" somewhere, but nonetheless proceeded with the decree, officially appointing both Fang Haishi and Zhuo Yifan as Palace Ministers.
Meanwhile, Fang Zhuoying had found Haishi, and they went to a tavern. Haishi complained about the servant's mistake and vented her frustrations about her Master, describing his demeanor as cold and difficult to get close to, worrying her latest blunder would alienate him further. Just then, Fang Jianming entered, having overheard everything. Startled, Haishi immediately offered to go "face the wall" for punishment.
Fang Jianming admonished her for her inappropriate attire and absence from the audience, stating that while the servant was at fault, the primary responsibility was hers. Finally, he instructed her to return and pack her belongings, declaring that she would move with them to Zhaoming Palace after all. Overjoyed, Haishi quickly thanked him. On the way back, Haishi gave Fang Zhuoying the jade pendant she'd bought. Zhuoying playfully offered the gift to Fang Jianming on Haishi's behalf, but he curtly refused, urging them to hurry on.
