Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 26 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Princess Yanling, known for her elegance and tea artistry, subtly tried to foster a closer relationship with Fang Jianming by requesting tea lessons. Fang Jianming, however, maintained his distance, politely declining by explaining that Emperor Di Xu's interest in their tea-making was merely a whim and lessons were unnecessary. He then excused himself to attend to official business, instructing Shaozi to escort the princess safely back to her mansion.
Fang Haishi eagerly asked Fang Zhuoying if he had arranged her meeting with Zhou Youdu. Fang Zhuoying confirmed he had, but explained that Zhou Youdu, having just returned from his travels, needed time to rest, advising Haishi to be patient. Haishi remained troubled by Princess Yanling, reasoning that a deeply ingrained skill, like Zhou Youdu's expertise in perfumery, could not simply vanish with time.
This solidified her suspicion that the princess was not who she seemed and had ulterior motives for approaching Fang Jianming, especially recalling the look in the princess's eyes after he rescued her from the lake. Convinced by Haishi's logic, Fang Zhuoying delivered pastries to Zhe Liu, finding her diligently working on Princess Yanling's informal clothes and urging her not to overwork herself.
After he left, Zhe Liu secretly instructed her attendant, Aunt Su, to discreetly find peonies suitable for making perfume, stressing that no one else should see them. Meanwhile, since her transfer to the Imperial Guard, Fang Haishi's life had settled into a routine of patrols and quiet moments at Zhaoming Palace, where she tried to ignore Fang Jianming's subtle care to avoid becoming deeply entangled again.
Shaozi, following Fang Jianming's orders, sent investigators to Nihualuo, but the information they gathered matched Princess Yanling's own account. As Fang Jianming mulled over Fang Haishi's report regarding the princess's suspicious perfume, he heard a sound and saw Haishi outside, moments before her jade hairpin fell and broke. Days later, Fang Haishi returned to Zhaoming Palace and encountered the young Marquis Zhou Youdu, the gentleman she had met while disguised as a woman.
Their striking resemblance to Fang Jianming was a topic of gossip, though Zhou Youdu humbly compared himself to a "candle's glow" against Fang Jianming's "bright moonlight." When Fang Zhuoying brought in spices, Zhou Youdu explained the perfume formula used by Princess Yanling. He noted that its key ingredient, dried peony stamens, was incompatible with ingredients in the lotus perfume, like Pihan and Duyi. Using both together would cause a severe rash.
To their surprise, Zhou Youdu also revealed that Fang Jianming was a renowned master of both tea ceremony and perfumery. As Fang Haishi leaned in to smell the spices, she accidentally bumped her forehead against Zhou Youdu's. Fang Jianming witnessed their shared gaze, a flicker of displeasure crossing his face. To express her gratitude, Fang Haishi invited Zhou Youdu to dine at Zhaoming Palace.
The four of them—Fang Jianming, Fang Haishi, Fang Zhuoying, and Zhou Youdu—sat at the same table, creating an unusually awkward atmosphere. During the meal, Zhou Youdu asked if Fang Haishi had any sisters, which she calmly denied. Later that evening, Fang Jianming gave Fang Haishi a new hairpin, apologizing for his harsh words earlier. Fang Haishi pressed him on the nature of his gesture, asking if he was giving it as her master or as someone who loved her.
She stated that if he saw her as his beloved, they needed to clarify their relationship. Fang Jianming's refusal to acknowledge his feelings infuriated Haishi, who threw the hairpin to the ground. Unbeknownst to them, Fang Zhuoying witnessed the entire exchange in shock. The next morning, a visibly uncomfortable Fang Zhuoying avoided breakfast with Fang Jianming and Fang Haishi.
He later found the courage to speak with Fang Jianming, pointing out that Haishi was of marriageable age and should resume her female identity. He expressed concern over her recent unhappiness, a stark contrast to her former carefree self, and warned that once Haishi gives her heart, she never wavers. He urged Fang Jianming to make a clear decision to avoid causing further pain to them both. Enraged, Fang Jianming ordered him to leave.
Princess Yanling sent a maid to invite Fang Jianming to a zither performance, but he took the letter without indicating if he would attend. Uncertain of his plans, Haishi went on an outing with Fang Zhuoying and happened to dine with Zhou Youdu. While passing a stall, Haishi admired the flower hairpins, and Zhou Youdu bought one for her. At that moment, Fang Jianming's carriage passed by.
He had intended to have Haishi's broken hairpin repaired, but upon seeing this scene, his heart sank, and he ordered the carriage to turn back. Due to a long meeting with Associate Justice Zong, Fang Jianming missed the zither performance, leaving the princess disappointed. Learning that Haishi's zither skills were taught by Fang Jianming, the princess invited her for a discussion. Haishi used the opportunity to subtly probe the origin of the princess's perfume.
As a thank you, Princess Yanling gifted Haishi a new perfume box. Later, Fang Jianming privately reprimanded Haishi for her audacious behavior, stressing the impropriety of a male attendant being alone with the princess. Feeling wronged, Haishi retorted that he never trusted her or communicated his intentions. Meanwhile, Eunuch Shi collected a new dress from the Fabric Office and presented it to Princess Yanling, who was deeply impressed by Zhe Liu's exquisite embroidery.
Aunt Su finally located the specific peony petals Zhe Liu needed, learning from the seller that the scent was derived from an old palace formula. When Fang Jianming checked on Zhe Liu, she confirmed the perfume matched the ancient formula and that she planned to use it on the next dress she made for the princess. Later, Fang Jianming found Fang Haishi and offered her some red dates, sharing a rare, sweet moment.
