Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 2 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Fang Haishi diligently practiced her archery late into the night, disheartened by an earlier failed competition. Fang Zhuoying tried to tempt her with sesame flatbread, noting its enticing aroma had spread throughout Jifeng Pavilion. When she remained focused, he settled down to enjoy the food himself. Soon after, Shaozi arrived looking for a stimulant called Dingqing San.
He explained he needed it because he was assigned to guard the West Corner Gate with new senior maids, requiring him to remain vigilant during their two-hour shifts that ran from 11:00 PM until midday the next day. Haishi listened intently to their conversation about the palace guards.
Later, Haishi attempted to sneak into the palace, planning to use a shortcut involving a Luan tree located about 16 meters west of the East Corner Gate, a known blind spot for guards. However, Fang Zhuoying caught her. He sternly warned her that if their Master, Fang Jianming, found out, they would both face severe consequences. Haishi complained, feeling it was unfair that new guards, less skilled than her, were allowed into the palace while she was not.
Fang Zhuoying reminded her that they must obey their Master's orders. Despite his warning, Haishi insisted on just looking around and promised to return by dawn. Fang Zhuoying agreed to cover for her but threatened to report her if she ever snuck in again without permission and assigned her his monthly homework as punishment. Upon returning to Jifeng Pavilion, they found Fang Jianming waiting. Startled, they quickly improvised a story.
Haishi claimed she was practicing archery when Fang Zhuoying dragged her to a storyteller’s for tea, adding that she had reminded him of their Master’s teachings about integrity. Fang Zhuoying took the blame, offering to copy house rules two hundred times. Fang Jianming calmly told them there was fish soup for Fang Haishi in her room and then dismissed them. As the Lantern Festival approached, the city was adorned with colorful decorations.
Fang Haishi brought ginseng soup to Fang Jianming, who was working. He encouraged her to go and enjoy the bustling festival with Fang Zhuoying, but Haishi insisted on staying with him if he didn't go. She offered to cook him sesame-filled Yuanxiao, believed to bring good fortune. Fang Jianming then reprimanded her when she made a dismissive comment about Emperor Di Xu.
After Haishi left, Fang Jianming discreetly instructed Shaozi to protect Di Xu from a distance, emphasizing that guards should avoid being seen as Di Xu would be with him. Shaozi expressed concern about the dense crowds, but Fang Jianming stressed Di Xu's supreme importance as the heir to the dynasty. Earlier, a palace attendant attempted to lift Emperor Di Xu’s spirits by suggesting a hot spring bath or preparing for the upcoming Lantern Festival.
Di Xu found these suggestions boring, but the mention of the festival stirred a memory. A flashback revealed Di Xu's first encounter with Zizan, the Princess of Zhunian, at a Lantern Festival. He introduced himself as Zhongxu and offered to teach her Dazheng’s complex writing.
As Fang Jianming reflected, Di Xu's present state of melancholy and erratic behavior was not a recent development; ever since Zizan died in the chaos of battle, Di Xu had become consumed by sleepless nights and constant vigilance, losing his refined elegance and becoming a "soulless shell" on the throne. Di Xu, accompanied by Fang Jianming, walked through the crowded streets, indifferent to any lurking dangers.
He ordered two bowls of taro Yuanxiao from a street vendor, sarcastically wondering why the assassins were targeting Jianming when his own life was supposedly more valuable. Suddenly, a large group of assassins emerged, attacking with deadly precision, clearly targeting Fang Jianming. Meanwhile, Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying were enjoying the fair. Fang Zhuoying attempted to buy Fang Haishi a pair of jade rings carved from a single gem, symbolizing eternal union.
Haishi refused, stating she had no one to give them to, and then noticed suspicious individuals nearby and pursued them. Fang Zhuoying, distracted by a fleeting glimpse of an unknown woman, lost sight of both her and Haishi. During the assassination attempt, Fang Haishi rushed forward, intending to kill Di Xu amidst the chaos, but Fang Jianming, sensing her intent, pulled her into his arms, instructing her to protect the Emperor instead. Imperial guards soon arrived to secure the area.
Di Xu, intrigued by Fang Haishi, asked Shaozi about her, learning she was Fang Jianming's youngest disciple. Later, Su Ming was enraged to learn that all the assassins had been killed by Fang Jianming, believing this was a deliberate act to prevent any information from reaching Di Xu, which indicated Fang Jianming had suspected Su Ming’s involvement.
Su Ming, one of the last remaining Wing Generals who fought alongside Di Xu, believed his loyalty to the Emperor was unmatched and that Fang Jianming's life was spared only because of their shared upbringing. He ordered his remaining men to be extremely discreet. Back at Jifeng Pavilion, Fang Zhuoying, worried about facing Fang Jianming's anger for deserting his post, asked Fang Haishi to deliver medicine to their master instead. Haishi agreed, considering it repayment for covering for her earlier.
She entered Fang Jianming’s room and was flustered to find him shirtless, revealing his injuries. That night, Fang Haishi dreamt of intimacy with Fang Jianming. The next morning, still shy from her dream, she avoided eye contact with him. Fang Jianming noticed Fang Haishi's blushing and tendency to seclude herself. Initially, he thought she might be ill and advised her not to neglect her health. However, when he saw Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying playfully wrestling, he misunderstood their relationship.
He called Fang Zhuoying aside, sternly reminding him that Fang Haishi was his "brother" and that he should not "cross the line," emphasizing the importance of a senior's proper demeanor. Fang Zhuoying, acknowledging his mistake, promised not to lead Fang Haishi astray. Later, Fang Jianming observed that Fang Haishi was struggling with sleep. He joined her outside her room, teaching her how to meditate to find inner peace and let delusions fade.
The palace was stirred by news that Ji Chang, the Fourth Prince, who had been held as a hostage in Zhunian for over a decade, was finally returning to Dazheng. Accompanying him was Princess Tilan of Zhunian, sent to forge a new marriage alliance. Di Xu reacted with anger, rejecting the marriage proposal. During this conversation, Di Xu subtly questioned Su Ming about the assassination attempt, asserting that anyone trying to destabilize Dazheng was foolish.
Su Ming, feigning ignorance, sweated with nervousness. Surprisingly, Di Xu then reversed his order and granted all of Zhunian's requests. Meanwhile, Chief Stewardess Ju received new fabric from the Imperial Manufactories for Princess Tilan's formal attire. She then reported to Fang Jianming that the Lord of Left Pudun was leading Huku troops towards Huangquan Pass. Although it was unsuitable for a full-scale march, she believed they were plotting something.
She also requested permission to bring her orphaned niece, Zhe Liu, into the palace due to her own worsening eyesight, hoping to reunite with her and potentially train her as a successor. Fang Jianming, trusting Ju's judgment, readily agreed. When she presented him with a special Yunding Silver Needle tea, he subtly declined the personal gift by instructing Shaozi to share it with everyone.
Fang Haishi later pressed Fang Zhuoying about the true nature of Fang Jianming and Di Xu’s relationship. Fang Zhuoying confirmed that Di Xu held immense importance in their Master's heart and that the purpose of Jifeng Pavilion was to protect the Emperor. Haishi mused that the assassins must have been targeting Fang Jianming, seeing him as a "hidden blade" of the Emperor. She wondered why Fang Jianming had killed all the assassins, leaving no one to interrogate.
Fang Zhuoying confessed he did not know. He then lightheartedly teased Haishi about her constant preoccupation with their Master, joking that Jifeng Pavilion would soon be renamed "Bachelors' Hall" if they didn't find partners.
