Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 19 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Fang Jianming reported to Di Xu, who acknowledged Su Ming’s escape. Di Xu then announced that Chief Stewardess Ju would be sent back to Liushang for burial. He recognized her long-standing companionship with Fang Jianming since childhood, asserting that despite her faults, she deserved a dignified departure. Troubled by recent events, Di Xu confessed to spending sleepless nights poring over maps and recalling when Fang Jianming had implored him to spare Su Ming.
He had believed Su Ming, a man of great intelligence, would act wisely, yet he succumbed to personal grudges. This led Di Xu to express his disdain for the world and the imperial court. Moved by his conscience, Fang Jianming reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to relentlessly pursue and apprehend every traitor. Di Xu then tasked him with rooting out all of Su Ming’s remaining conspirators. An aide reported to Fang Jianming that extensive searches yielded no clues.
At Su Ming’s mansion, the steward was found dead by suicide, and the premises had been thoroughly cleared of any valuable information. Within the palace, the situation was equally clean, with three eunuchs discovered drowned in a well, all having spotless records and no suspicious contacts. The aide concluded that Su Ming, known for his meticulous planning, must have been orchestrating his schemes for years.
His current actions were a desperate attempt to cut ties after being exposed and fleeing to Hanzhou, meaning all his hidden informants would remain inactive. Fang Jianming instructed the aide to maintain normal operations, prioritize Di Xu’s safety, and remain highly vigilant, acknowledging that any immediate investigation would be futile. Afterward, Fang Zhuoying expressed his profound regret to Fang Jianming for failing to eliminate Su Ming during their encounter.
Fang Jianming reassured his disciple, reminding him that he had adhered to their protocol and performed admirably. He emphasized that dealing with Su Ming was inevitable, but the immediate priority was safeguarding Tianqi City and its inhabitants. Fang Zhuoying acknowledged his understanding and promised to regain his composure. He also inquired about Fang Haishi's recovery and when she might return, expressing a desire for their trio to reunite and share drinks under the Jifeng Tree.
Later, Fang Jianming visited the Fabric Office to oversee Chief Stewardess Ju's departure. He addressed Zhe Liu, acknowledging her as the last remaining member of the Fabric Office and Chief Stewardess Ju’s distant niece. He offered to arrange a peaceful life for her if she wished to accompany the coffin back to her hometown. Zhe Liu, however, respectfully declined, asserting her decision to remain in the palace and complete her aunt's unfinished work.
She emphasized that the Ju family had served the Fang clan for generations and expressed her willingness to uphold this legacy by serving Fang Jianming and the nation. Impressed by her resolve, Fang Jianming granted her permission to stay. Meanwhile, Fang Zhuoying sought information from a physician regarding Zhe Liu's condition, who reported that while Zhe Liu's life had been saved, the poison had permanently blinded her.
Separately, Fang Jianming also spoke to the physician, underscoring Zhe Liu's importance as Chief Stewardess Ju's sole successor and the Fabric Office's last remaining embroiderer. He urged the physician to spare no effort in her treatment and offered the full support of Jifeng Pavilion. Later, Fang Zhuoying was seen on the roof of the Fabric Office, where suppressed sobs revealed his deep anguish and regret over his inability to protect Zhe Liu.
The physician examined Fang Jianming's wound, noting its lack of healing and apparent festering, which he attributed to insufficient rest. He cautioned Fang Jianming against neglecting his health, warning that his weak pulse indicated a severe depletion of vital energy, and the continued exertion was life-threatening. The physician urged Fang Jianming to undergo complete bed rest until his sword wound fully healed, refrain from using his vital energy, and avoid any further injuries.
For several consecutive nights, Ti Lan dutifully read official reports to Di Xu until she fell asleep from exhaustion. Di Xu, in a mischievous mood, used a brush to draw on her face before instructing Mu Deqing to arrange a soft sedan to transport her back to Yu’an Palace. Ti Lan remained unaware until she reached the palace gates, where the maids’ suppressed laughter prompted her to realize Di Xu’s prank.
She felt a mix of shame and annoyance, calling Di Xu "deceitful." At Lanzi City gates, Fang Haishi bid farewell to Salia, expressing gratitude for saving her life and promising a future visit. Salia affirmed that the Jiamanese people would always support her. With the entire tribe watching, Fang Haishi then led her army away, rerouting towards Huangquan Battalion. Upon her arrival, she met with General Tang Qianzi, who acknowledged her significant achievements.
General Tang revealed he was petitioning Di Xu to honor Fang Haishi for her contributions, though she humbly attributed the success to the collective efforts of the Huangquan Battalion and the Jiamanese. General Tang then outlined that with the Huku tribes retreating and a truce underway, it was a time for rest and recuperation.
Concerned for Fang Haishi, Fang Jianming, despite his own injuries, arranged for a package of sweets to be sent by fast horse from Tianqi City to Huangquan Pass, emphasizing that it must not be exposed to water or damaged. Unaware of its contents, an aide speculated it contained crucial military secrets. However, upon receiving the package, Fang Haishi immediately detected a sweet fragrance.
She discreetly dismissed her accompanying soldiers and, sitting alone on the city wall, eagerly opened the box to find layers of carefully placed sweets. As she savored the confections sent by her master, a profound sense of warmth and happiness filled her. Maid Bihong informed Ti Lan about unusual palace gossip: despite Di Xu’s prior ban on water lanterns and the lake being frozen, the ice had melted, and lanterns had unexpectedly appeared on the water.
Intrigued, Ti Lan and her maids went to the garden, discovering a magnificent red lotus at the center of the lake, surrounded by glowing lanterns. Just then, Di Xu appeared, declaring it Dazheng’s Moon Festival, implicitly fulfilling Ti Lan’s longing for her homeland’s traditions. When Di Xu sneezed, a concerned Ti Lan personally prepared congee and brought it to his private chambers.
Surprisingly, Di Xu permitted her to share the meal, initiated conversations about Zizan, and granted her unrestricted access to Jincheng Palace, inviting her to visit frequently. During their conversation, Di Xu shared candid memories of Zizan, describing her as a slow, talkative, and picky eater who could also be a bully and hold grudges. He advised Ti Lan not to strive for perfection to be liked and praised her culinary skills.
News from Huangquan Battalion reached Fang Jianming, confirming Fang Haishi’s complete recovery and her active participation in training the troops. Separately, Fang Haishi received good news: Di Xu had granted General Tang’s request, ordering her to return to Tianqi City to report on her achievements and receive honors. Fang Zhuoying then informed Fang Jianming that Fang Haishi and the Huangquan Battalion had already embarked on their journey back.
Fang Jianming confirmed that Fang Haishi would move directly into Zhaoming Palace, prompting Fang Zhuoying to immediately begin preparations for her arrival. Meanwhile, a steward informed Lord Chang that the Zhunian envoy had arrived in Tianqi City. The steward inquired whether Lord Chang, having spent years as a hostage in Zhunian, intended to personally host the envoy.
Lord Chang deliberated briefly before instructing the steward to inform Di Xu that he was feeling unwell and unable to attend the morning court, reasoning that it was inappropriate for a Dazheng prince to associate too closely with foreign envoys. After the steward departed, Lord Chang mused that for an eagle to soar, it must first strengthen its wings before sharpening its talons.
The next morning, the Zhunian envoy, Puyouma, presented himself before Di Xu and stated his purpose: Zhunian was facing severe natural disasters and sought Dazheng's assistance. Annoyed that this was the second time Zhunian had reported floods this year, Di Xu found an excuse to send the envoy to the guesthouse, privately condemning Zhunian’s insatiable greed. Fang Jianming tactfully refrained from offering an opinion. In a separate chamber, Ti Lan met with Puyouma.
Distressed by his description of a homeland ravaged by hurricanes, rains, destruction, and famine, she agreed to intercede with Di Xu on Zhunian’s behalf. Unbeknownst to her, Di Xu was already aware of their conversation and became enraged that Zhunian officials were attempting to exploit a woman for financial gain. Later, Ti Lan's maids suggested she personally seek an audience with Di Xu, reminding her that Empress Zizan had set a precedent for such appeals.
Ti Lan hesitated, fearing she was the last person Di Xu wished to see. She explained that it was precisely because of his recent kindness that she did not wish to burden him. Her maids persisted, arguing that the request was reasonable given the risk of disease outbreaks after the floods. Suspicious, Ti Lan inquired who had told them that.
