Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 28 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Emperor Di Xu, intent on arranging a marriage for Fang Jianming, often had Princess Yanling accompany them for zither music and tea at Shuangping Lake. The princess's clear admiration for Fang Jianming made them seem a perfect match in the Emperor's eyes. On one occasion, Emperor Di Xu summoned Princess Yanling to the palace to introduce her to Nanny Liu, her childhood nanny.
Upon seeing the woman, the princess froze in shock before bursting into tears and embracing her long-lost caretaker. From a distance, Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying observed the emotional reunion. Haishi admitted her earlier suspicions about the princess's identity were likely mistaken and was relieved this was a joyous outcome. Zhuoying reassured her it was a good thing. Reflecting on their master, Haishi asked what Zhuoying considered Fang Jianming's most remarkable quality.
Zhuoying highlighted his ability to conceal his emotions, making him unpredictable. Haishi now understood the wisdom in stepping back to gain a clearer perspective, a lesson she felt was particularly relevant given her master's recent self-resignation, and resolved to handle matters with similar calm and thoughtfulness. Nanny Liu expressed her wish to stay and serve the princess.
Acknowledging Nanny Liu as both her foster mother and savior, Princess Yanling immediately ordered a chamber prepared for her and commanded all servants to treat the nanny with the utmost respect. Meanwhile, Physician Li reported to Emperor Di Xu that Consort Shurong’s health was severely compromised. Her constitution, combined with contraceptive decoctions and a severe episode of excessive menstruation, had left her body significantly damaged. He regretfully informed the Emperor that she would likely be unable to bear children.
Di Xu was distraught and remorseful, but Consort Shurong comforted him, stating that it was simply her fate. The Emperor, however, dismissed the physician’s prognosis, vowing to find a cure. Shortly after, Ji Chang visited Princess Yanling and revealed the escalating pressure from officials like Censor Duan to expel Lord Qinghai from the capital. Rumors painted Fang Jianming as a treacherous minister and Di Xu as a foolish ruler for protecting him.
As the Emperor fumed over the officials' attempts to cripple him by removing his most trusted man, Princess Yanling arrived. In a desperate plea to ensure Fang Jianming could remain, she boldly requested an imperial edict for them to be married. Di Xu readily agreed, viewing it as both compensation for her past suffering and a solution to his own predicament. Despite Fang Jianming being mired in public controversy, Princess Yanling consistently visited Jifeng Pavilion.
Troubled by the situation, Emperor Di Xu found the princess's proposal a convenient solution. When he confronted Fang Jianming with the plan, Jianming reiterated his lifelong vow of celibacy and refused the marriage. Angered, Di Xu emphasized the immense political pressure, declaring that only marrying the princess would legitimize his presence in Tianqi. He questioned why Jianming would reject his only surviving kin, who was so deeply in love with him.
Though Jianming maintained that the princess was a perfect woman, he insisted he could not marry her. The Emperor, however, declared the matter settled. Soon after, an imperial edict was announced, decreeing a marriage between Lord Qinghai and Princess Yanling. Faced with the unchallengeable decree, Fang Jianming had no choice but to accept. Eunuch Mu delivered the edict to Jifeng Pavilion, where the servants, including Fang Zhuoying, offered their congratulations.
To hide her true nature, Princess Yanling maintained an affectionate bond with Nanny Liu while secretly taking medication for her asthma. When Nanny Liu lovingly prepared pastries for her, the princess pretended to enjoy them, but as soon as the nanny left, she succumbed to a severe coughing fit. Later that night, her guard, Yingnian, discreetly buried the dregs of her medicine in the backyard. Meanwhile, Fang Haishi found her master drinking alone.
She poured herself a cup and offered congratulations, remarking that the princess's resilient character made her a fitting consort. Misinterpreting her words due to his jealousy over Zhou Youdu, Fang Jianming probed if she truly knew him. Haishi replied that he was someone she "used to like." Visibly troubled, Jianming told her to rest, and she departed.
The next day, Ji Chang informed Fang Haishi that the Emperor had entrusted him with the wedding preparations, scheduled for a mere dozen days away. As Fang Jianming had secluded himself, Ji Chang pleaded for Haishi's help. Though heartbroken, she concealed her emotions and agreed. Princess Yanling soon joined them to select fabrics, explaining she had requested Haishi’s involvement as his favorite disciple would know his preferences.
Haishi recommended a soft, red satin from Liushang, Fang Jianming’s hometown, which the princess approved. As preparations advanced, Fang Jianming remained detached, secluding himself in meditation. Fang Zhuoying worried for Haishi, but she maintained a composed demeanor, treating the task as a learning experience. That evening, Fang Zhuoying visited Zhe Liu at the Fabric Office as she crafted the wedding gowns. He lamented that his powerful master was forced to marry a woman he did not love.
Zhe Liu advised him to accept that all things have their natural course. Meanwhile, Fang Haishi searched for a wedding gift at Ruyi Shop. Her search ended when Zhou Youdu appeared, revealing the shop was his ancestral property. He showed her treasures from his travels, and her gaze fell upon a pair of red candlesticks, stirring memories of giving a similar pair to her master at Huangquan Pass, unaware of their significance.
Zhou Youdu explained the candlesticks were a priceless treasure he was saving for his own wedding. Sensing her unhappiness about the marriage, he refused to sell them, promising to gift them to her when she found true love. Instead, he gave her a jade Ruyi. He then helped her quickly finish the rest of her shopping. Afterwards, they wandered through the streets, where Haishi became captivated by a lively performance, while Zhou Youdu’s gaze remained fixed on her with clear adoration.
