Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 24 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
As the preparations in the capital concluded, Tang Qianzi's troops began their arduous journey to Huangquan Pass, a distant and crucial frontier stronghold. Fang Jianming, acting on behalf of Di Xu, personally saw them off. Fang Haishi, however, was to remain in Tianqi. Still harboring resentment from the previous night's events, she addressed Fang Jianming as "Lord Qinghai" rather than her accustomed "Master."
Fang Jianming, appearing helpless, instructed Shaozi to keep a vigilant eye on Fang Haishi, ensuring no mishap would befall her in the capital. Fang Haishi, for her part, expressed her firm intention to return to Huangquan Pass as soon as her temporary secondment was over. Meanwhile, Chu Linlang, purported to be the daughter of the late emperor and Consort Nie, arrived at the palace for an audience with Di Xu, carrying a peony flower basket.
Di Xu recalled owing her a hairpin from a past chess game. Despite the years that had passed, Ji Chang was instantly convinced she was his long-lost "Peony Sister," as the sight of her carrying the basket felt just as it had in his faint childhood memories.
Despite some initial skepticism from Di Xu and concerns among the officials, Di Xu chose to trust Ji Chang's conviction, asserting that he was his only brother and he would grant him anything he desired. Soon after, the return of the princess was announced, and Di Xu formally bestowed upon Chu Linlang the title of Princess Yanling, granting her a mansion in Tianqi City, along with extensive provisions and countless treasures.
Shaozi informed Fang Haishi that her secondment to the Imperial Guard had been finalized and advised her to reconcile with Fang Jianming. Fang Haishi approached Fang Jianming's door to apologize for requesting a transfer directly from the emperor. Fang Jianming instructed her to exercise caution in her new palace duties and pointedly questioned her failure to address him as "Master."
Maintaining a respectful but distant tone, Fang Haishi corrected herself but adhered strictly to her duty as a subordinate rather than the familiar closeness of a disciple. During a court session, Ji Chang was distracted, confessing to Di Xu that he was contemplating using radish peonies to decorate the evening’s banquet for Princess Yanling. With the banquet underway, Fang Jianming assigned Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying to guard duty.
Fang Haishi was tasked with guarding near the emperor, while Fang Zhuoying patrolled the outer perimeter. Separately, the maid Bihong excitedly informed Ti Lan of Fang Haishi's new post, but Ti Lan expressed a preference not to encounter her. Ti Lan considered Fang Haishi a friend and wished to protect her reputation, fearing that frequent contact might damage her standing or incur Di Xu's wrath.
Di Xu inquired about Ti Lan's health, learning that her daily baths at Qingquan Palace were alleviating her severe cold illness. While relieved, he was also frustrated by her stubbornness in enduring her illness without complaint. Masking his concern with sarcasm, he remarked that she deserved her suffering but still instructed Mu Deqing to summon her to the banquet, bestowing upon her lavish gifts. During his patrol, Fang Haishi encountered Di Xu's party and respectfully bowed.
Noticing Ti Lan's subtle smile in Haishi's direction, Di Xu was overcome with jealousy. He sarcastically reminded Ti Lan of her past audacity in impersonating her sister, Zizan, and addressing him by name. Later, at the banquet, Di Xu, in a clear display of possessiveness, pressured a reluctant Ti Lan to drink multiple cups of wine, ostensibly for her health, shocking the attendees.
The tense atmosphere was only diffused when Princess Yanling intervened, praising Di Xu’s mercy for finding his sister. Following this, Ji Chang presented the princess with a "Jade-colored Peony" carved from jade. Feeling unwell from the forced drinking, Ti Lan requested to be excused. She stumbled outside, overcome by nausea, and rushed towards the lake. As she teetered precariously at the water's edge, Fang Haishi, who was patrolling nearby, rushed to pull her back from falling.
This moment was witnessed by an enraged Di Xu. Overwhelmed by jealousy, he carried Ti Lan into the room dedicated to Zizan's spirit, intending to force himself upon her. Desperate, Ti Lan tried to stop him, whispering that Fang Haishi and others were just outside and would hear any sound. Looking at Zizan’s portrait, she expressed her deep humiliation, stating that while Di Xu’s loss was a great misfortune, his cruel actions towards her were utterly unfair.
A sudden flash of lightning brought Di Xu back to his senses. He collapsed, weeping and questioning why fate was so cruel. Witnessing his despair, Ti Lan reflected on her own life, describing it as being like duckweed, aimlessly drifting and enduring. She felt that Di Xu, like an overwhelming ocean, was drawing her deeper into despair, extinguishing all hope. Outside, Fang Haishi's anxiety grew. Moments later, Di Xu emerged cradling a bleeding Ti Lan.
An imperial physician diagnosed her with severe uterine bleeding, revealing that she had not been taking her prescribed medicine, which had worsened her condition. When confronted, Ti Lan confessed her lack of attachment to the world, suggesting her demise might bring them both release. Enraged, Di Xu commanded the physicians to cure her or pay with their lives. Fang Haishi stepped forward, offering a folk remedy.
She requested a clean dagger and a bowl, then cut her own wrist to provide her blood as the medicinal lead. Thanks to her swift action, Ti Lan's condition stabilized. Di Xu stood silent by the window, lost in thought. In the solemn atmosphere, Fang Haishi stepped forward, embodying a fearlessness that reminded Di Xu of a younger Fang Jianming.
Di Xu then posed a poignant question: if a person appeared who reminded him of a painful, irreparable loss, causing him both affection and a desire to hurt them, how should he act? Fang Haishi advised that he should treat such a person with utmost kindness. She reasoned that while losing a loved one is a great misfortune, the appearance of a similar person signifies heaven's grace.
The conflicting emotions meant his heart had come alive again, and he should choose to treat them better. Meanwhile, Fang Zhuoying visited the blind Zhe Liu at the Fabric Office. She presented him with a handkerchief she had embroidered for him. Delighted, Fang Zhuoying offered her pomegranate flower cakes he had received from Di Xu, casually remarking that they lacked pine nuts and thus tasted inferior to others he had tried.
Realizing this specific detail confirmed he was the "Wind God" from her memories, Zhe Liu was overcome with emotion. Unaware of the significance of his words, Fang Zhuoying then ate a piece of the cake, further endearing himself to her.
