Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 23 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Returning to the capital, Fang Jianming’s carriage was intercepted by a woman named Mrs. Guchen, who lodged a formal accusation against him. She charged him with misleading the emperor and murdering his close officials, specifically naming four former Six Wing Generals, including Amolan and Gu Dacheng, who she claimed had died innocently due to his actions. Fang Jianming publicly refuted this, stating Amolan died of illness and Gu Dacheng was killed by vigilantes for his crimes.
Mrs. Guchen, claiming to be a former servant of the Gu family who witnessed Fang Jianming at the mansion on the day of Gu's death, presented her written statement before consuming poison and dying on the spot. Her young grandson, who was with her, collapsed as well, also poisoned. Fang Jianming immediately ordered his guards to take the poisoned grandson to Zhaoming Palace for treatment.
However, on the way, the child regained consciousness, brandished a hidden dagger, and stabbed Fang Jianming in an old wound. This unexpected attack worsened Fang Jianming’s chronic injury, damaging his meridians. The child, having been used in the assassination attempt, ultimately succumbed to the potent poison.
Fang Jianming later revealed to Shaozi that the incident was a test by his enemies to gauge his vulnerability, emphasizing the need to keep his injury a secret from everyone, especially Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying. Soon after, Associate Justice Zong Yu arrived at Zhaoming Palace. Fang Jianming, determined to show no weakness, permitted him entry and concealed his injury during their brief exchange.
He then instructed Shaozi to properly bury the innocent child, reiterating that Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying must not be informed of the day’s events. Meanwhile, Fang Haishi accompanied Fang Zhuoying to the Fabric Office, where Zhe Liu presented her with a specially made female dress. When Fang Haishi seemed surprised, Zhe Liu explained it was for Fang Haishi’s future wife, whose figure might be similar. Seizing the opportunity, Fang Haishi playfully exposed Fang Zhuoying’s affection for Zhe Liu.
She presented Zhe Liu with luminous silk, claiming Fang Zhuoying had specifically sought out the finest threads from Yuezhou for her and teasingly called Zhe Liu her brother's "sweetheart." A blushing Fang Zhuoying hastily fled, claiming he was on duty. Afterward, Fang Haishi chided him for his timidity, pointing out that Zhe Liu clearly harbored special feelings for him and advising him to be bold and even ask the emperor to grant them a marriage.
Elsewhere, Ti Lan encountered Fang Haishi in the garden but deliberately tried to avoid her, expressing that as Consort Shurong, scorned by Di Xu, her situation was precarious, and she feared associating with Fang Haishi would only bring her trouble. Fang Haishi reassured Ti Lan that she would always consider her a friend.
At the same time, Shaozi reported to Fang Jianming that a woman named Chu Linlang, claiming to be of royal lineage, had passed the Ministry of Rites' scrutiny and was soon to be presented to Di Xu and Ji Chang. Fang Jianming grew concerned that if they recognized her, it would signal a new political threat, and decided Fang Haishi must return to Huangquan Pass for her safety as soon as possible.
That evening, Fang Haishi changed into the dress from Zhe Liu and visited Fang Jianming. Although visibly struck by her beauty in the maidenly attire, he quickly composed himself and sternly told her to wear such clothes less often to avoid bringing harm upon herself. Deducing from her earlier encounter with Zong Yu that a major event had occurred, Haishi questioned him, but he deflected and urged her to pack.
Back at the Fabric Office, Zhe Liu admired the luminous silk, musing over what beautiful pattern she could weave with it and what garment would be worthy of such a rare treasure. Later that night, Fang Jianming suffered a severe relapse of his old injuries and spat blood. The imperial physician warned him gravely that while this episode was not critical, the compounding injuries would shorten his lifespan.
Reflecting on the tragic fate of his ancestors and his own "blood debts," Fang Jianming despaired, feeling he could not hope for more than to simply protect Fang Haishi’s safety in this lifetime. In the palace, Di Xu and his brother Ji Chang reviewed portraits of clanswomen. General Tang Qianzi sought an audience, humbly requesting Di Xu to show compassion towards the ailing Ti Lan.
Displeased, Di Xu coldly reminded Tang Qianzi that Ti Lan was his woman and ordered him back to Huangquan Pass. Shortly after, however, Di Xu instructed an aide to prepare an abandoned hot spring pool in Qingquan Palace for Ti Lan, noting it might help her condition. Keeping his promise, Fang Zhuoying took the blind Zhe Liu to Shuangping Lake to "see" a rainbow.
His vivid descriptions painted the scene in her mind, and she expressed a deep yearning to see his face. That night, after celebrating with friends, Fang Haishi and Zhang Chengqian stopped at Huixian Restaurant, where a storyteller was recounting Mrs. Guchen's accusation. The storyteller slandered "Lord Yuan"—a clear reference to Fang Jianming—accusing him of faking illness to cover up past murders. Enraged, Fang Haishi moved to confront him, but Zhang Chengqian restrained her, reminding her of her official status.
After a sleepless night, Fang Haishi rushed to see Di Xu and requested a temporary transfer to the Imperial Guard, framing it as a way to bolster palace security. Di Xu granted her request, acknowledging her presence would help Fang Jianming. However, when Fang Jianming learned of it, he angrily confronted her, insisting she return to Huangquan Pass the next morning and chastising her for her "willful" behavior.
Feeling misunderstood, Fang Haishi challenged him, questioning if his past actions—rescuing her in Lanzi, feeding her medicine, sending her favorite sweets, accompanying her home, and leaping into the sea to save her—were merely a master's duty. She then confronted him about a time he had secretly kissed her. Seizing the moment, Fang Haishi confessed her love and bravely kissed him. Shocked, Fang Jianming forcefully pushed her away, causing her to fall. Heartbroken, Fang Haishi realized she had misjudged their closeness, lamenting that she had been foolishly mistaken, and vowed it would not happen again.
