Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 25 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Early one morning, Fang Haishi returned to Zhaoming Palace, where she encountered her senior apprentice-brother, Fang Zhuoying. Haishi looked extremely pale and weak, having given her own blood as a medicinal catalyst for Consort Shurong the previous night and then remaining on duty without rest. Zhuoying was distressed and angrily chastised her for not valuing her own life, especially since her wounds from Lanzi had barely healed. In his residence, Fang Jianming overheard their conversation and grew concerned.
Meanwhile, Shaozi reported to Fang Jianming that the Princess Yanling’s Mansion was prepared and the princess seemed satisfied, though she had received few court visitors apart from Lord Chang. Shaozi also mentioned that Haishi's efforts in saving Consort Shurong had greatly impressed Emperor Di Xu. He further revealed that Haishi had discreetly requested a transfer to the Imperial Guard; while this was an unauthorized action, her intention was to help Fang Jianming.
Hearing this, Fang Jianming ordered Shaozi to say no more and personally took over decocting medicinal herbs for Haishi, dismissing Shaozi's protests. As Fang Jianming brought the medicine to Haishi, who was barely conscious, she instinctively reached out and grasped her master's hand. Fang Jianming paused for a moment before gently releasing his hand and quietly departing. Separately, Emperor Di Xu met with Ti Lan, assuring her he would never mistreat her again.
He took her to Shuangping Lake, where he had cultivated numerous Xieluo Flowers from her homeland. He explained the legend that a drink made from the flowers could grant a dream of a lost loved one, though he dismissed it as a hopeful tale. Ti Lan was moved by the beautiful sight. Later, Haishi and Zhuoying, while on their way to duty, marveled at Di Xu's grand gesture.
Haishi found the flowers beautiful, but Zhuoying noted he couldn't tell the difference between them and common lotuses. Soon after, they encountered Princess Yanling and bowed in respect. Haishi, however, felt a sense of unease. She knew the princess was famed for her affection for peonies, yet she distinctly noticed a lotus perfume emanating from her.
She voiced her suspicion about the princess's identity to Zhuoying, who dismissed it, citing the thorough background checks and the princess’s close childhood relationship with the Emperor and Lord Chang. Later, Princess Yanling paid an unannounced visit to Ti Lan, presenting her with a sachet of fragrant herbs from Nihualuo. She then subtly probed Ti Lan about Jifeng Pavilion, hinting at the impropriety of Fang Jianming, an "outsider," residing within the palace.
Ti Lan expertly deflected the inquiries, stating that palace affairs were the Emperor's concern and she had no contact with Jifeng Pavilion. Shortly after, news arrived from Hanbei: Su Ming had become an advisor to the Lord of Left Pudun and was busy securing his position, with no immediate plans to attack the south. Despite this, Fang Jianming warned Shaozi that Tianqi must not relax its vigilance.
Haishi then reported her suspicions about the princess's scent to Fang Jianming and proposed an investigation in Nihualuo. Fang Jianming firmly rejected the idea, reminding her of the political implications of questioning a princess acknowledged by the Emperor, and sent her away to rest. The following day at court, Censor Duan, citing a complaint from Mrs. Guchen, accused Fang Jianming of misconduct related to the past deaths of Six Wing Generals Amolan and Gu Dacheng.
He demanded Fang Jianming’s immediate suspension from all duties. Facing pressure from other ministers, and to protect the Emperor's reputation, Fang Jianming calmly volunteered to step down from his post to cooperate with the investigation. With his official duties suspended, Di Xu invited him to visit often to play chess. Princess Yanling’s request for an audience with Di Xu was denied.
Wandering the palace, she discovered the Xieluo Flowers and, while trying to pluck them from a boat, nearly fell into the water. Fang Jianming, who was nearby, swiftly rescued her. Haishi witnessed the scene with an inexplicable unease. Fang Jianming rebuked Zhuoying for his slow reaction, and Haishi, as his commander, also accepted responsibility. As they escorted the princess back, she recognized Fang Jianming from their youth and identified his disciples, praising their abilities.
She spoke knowledgeably about the Xieluo flower, a type of lotus, but then asserted her ultimate preference was for peonies. Before departing, she asked Haishi to give a bouquet of Xieluo flowers to Fang Jianming. When Haishi delivered them and again voiced her suspicions, Fang Jianming simply told her it was not her place to judge. After she left, he unceremoniously tossed the flowers aside.
That night, Haishi visited Zhe Liu at the Fabric Office to ask about the princess’s conflicting scents. Zhe Liu suggested it might be a coincidence but recommended she consult Zhou Youdu, a celebrated perfumer. Haishi then persuaded Zhuoying to arrange an introduction and help her buy expensive perfume ingredients. Meanwhile, the princess visited Ti Lan again, giving her a rare Dendrobium lotion and a prescription.
In return, Ti Lan gifted the princess peony-themed bracelets, acknowledging her famous preference for the flower. After the princess left, Zhe Liu, who had just arrived, confirmed to herself that the princess indeed smelled of lotus. Soon after, Di Xu arranged a tea-making competition between the supposedly skilled princess and Fang Jianming. During the match, Haishi observed that the princess’s technique was unrefined. As expected, Fang Jianming easily won.
The princess claimed her skills were simply rusty from her years in exile. Amused, Di Xu chided Fang Jianming for not letting her win and, intending to foster a connection between them, ordered him to escort the princess home.
