Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 27 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
The Princess, Tilan's sister, received a qin score that Fang Haishi had found for her. A servant also conveyed Haishi's message about the fingering, which prompted the Princess to visit Haishi to express her gratitude. She praised Haishi's thoughtfulness, noting how congenial she felt with her. She commended Haishi as Lord Qinghai’s brilliant disciple and a dedicated general, a true blessing to their state.
Di Xu, observing from a distance, wondered about his sister's affections, questioning whether she favored his chief minister, Fang Jianming, or Fang Haishi. He noted that while others avoided Fang Jianming during his recent trial, the Princess showed special regard for Jifeng Pavilion, which Di Xu found intriguing. Fang Haishi encountered Zhou Youdu in the palace, who revealed he and his father were overseeing the upcoming horse trial at Dongyu Horse Ranch for a new batch of horses from Hanzhou.
Haishi recalled that Youdu was the son of Marquis Wuxiang and held an official rank, but he humbly dismissed it, calling himself an idle person benefiting from his family's status. Haishi admired his frankness, as most noblemen avoided discussing their inherited privilege. Youdu explained that his status allowed him to avoid court politics, travel extensively, and live freely, unbothered by others' opinions.
Inquiring about Haishi's investigation, Youdu learned she was looking for old servants of the late Consort Nie and immediately offered his help, stating that no reason was needed for him to assist her. Soon after, Zhou Youdu led Fang Haishi to the residence of Nanny Liu, who had been the wet nurse to the Fifth Princess. Nanny Liu recounted that the Princess was a beautiful, lively child under twelve who adored horse riding.
Yearning to ride freely, she once broke away from her guards at the western suburb hunting ground. She was thrown from her horse and dragged, leaving a deep, permanent scar on the inner side of her left forearm. The enraged late emperor had the horse killed and severely punished the staff, though Nanny Liu was spared. From then on, the Princess was forbidden from the hunting ground. The story helped resolve some of Haishi’s doubts.
To thank him, Fang Haishi treated Zhou Youdu to drinks at Huixian Restaurant, where he proudly offered his homemade "Three Flower Spirits." Youdu amusingly revealed that he has a knack for appearing more sober the more he drinks, a trait that always saved him from punishment. Upon returning to Zhaoming Palace, Haishi knew her master, Fang Jianming, was waiting to discipline her for her interactions with the Princess.
Before accepting her punishment, she asked him about the Princess's habits, learning of her deep obsession with peonies, which influenced her daily life to the extent of year-round cultivation and perfume making. Haishi then readily went to the silence room to be punished. Later, Fang Zhuoying brought her food, chiding her for her stubbornness.
He informed her that he and their master would accompany Di Xu to the Dongyu Horse Ranch the next day, mentioning palace rumors about the growing closeness between the Princess and Fang Jianming. Di Xu visited Ti Lan in Yu’an Palace. Noticing her continued weakness, he advised her to rest instead of joining him at the horse ranch. He presented her with Xieluo Flowers, explaining that when dried and steeped in wine, they could induce sweet dreams.
He promised to select a docile horse for her and personally teach her to ride once she recovered. Having arranged for Fang Zhuoying to cover her shift, Haishi accompanied Fang Jianming to the Dongyu Horse Ranch. Meanwhile, the seamstress Zhe Liu instructed her assistant, Madam Su, to discreetly sprinkle peony perfume powder on the inner lining of a new dress for the Princess, confident that the Princess, accustomed to the scent since childhood, would not notice anything amiss.
At the ranch, Di Xu chided his uninterested brother, Ji Chang, before the Princess herself arrived. Di Xu playfully teased Fang Jianming, implying the Princess’s attendance was for him, and assigned him the task of protecting her, ordering him to remain by her side. The Princess insisted on choosing her own horse and repeatedly showed favor to Fang Jianming, who maintained a respectful distance.
As Zhou Youdu observed Haishi’s frequent glances towards her master, the Princess suddenly spurred her horse, appearing to lose control. Haishi rushed to her aid and, while catching her, noticed the Princess had deliberately slipped her foot from the stirrup to feign the fall. In the process, Haishi exposed the scar on the Princess's left forearm, confirming Nanny Liu’s story.
Di Xu, initially angered by Fang Jianming's perceived negligence, relented when the Princess defended him and ordered him to escort her home. Back at the mansion, Zhe Liu presented the new dress. The Princess immediately recognized the "true peony fragrance" but feigned delight, praising Zhe Liu’s embroidery and thoughtfulness. Later, Haishi and Zhuoying encountered Censor Duan, who complained about the stalled investigation into the lawsuit against Fang Jianming.
Haishi then reflected on her master's difficult situation, realizing he had shielded her from the case due to dangerous court politics. She questioned her own recent actions, wondering if her suspicion of the Princess stemmed from selfish jealousy, a motive she found unworthy. That night, a distressed Haishi drank heavily at Huixian Restaurant. Zhou Youdu, observing from a nearby table, eventually paid her bill and got her a private room to rest, sending for Fang Zhuoying.
Drunk, Haishi playfully told Youdu he must fear his wife as she feared her master. Youdu, despite having no wife, admitted the reason was similar and spoke profoundly about destiny, urging her, "To win a heart, and never be apart," a phrase she must remember if she is ever fortunate enough to find her true love. When Fang Jianming arrived at the restaurant, he saw Zhou Youdu helping the inebriated Haishi.
After a terse exchange in which Youdu explained Zhuoying was on duty, Jianming took Haishi into his arms and carried her back. Lost in her drunken stupor, Haishi murmured Zhou Youdu’s name. Then, she mumbled Fang Jianming's name, declaring he was "the person I used to like," before repeating Youdu's poignant phrase, "To win a heart, and never be apart," leaving Jianming frustrated and helpless. Meanwhile, Di Xu paid a secret visit to Ti Lan.
She tearfully confessed she had never truly feared him, knowing he was softhearted. She expressed gratitude for his subtle efforts to ease her homesickness—like the water lanterns and Xieluo Flowers—and for the benefits he granted her homeland, Zhunian, despite his own suffering. Admitting her past stubbornness had hurt him deeply, she vowed to become a source of warmth for him, moving Di Xu to tenderly take her hand. The next morning, Fang Haishi awoke in her room, with no memory of who had brought her back.
