Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 31 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Fang Jianming mused to Fang Haishi whether a person with a short lifespan could truly bring happiness to others. Fang Haishi asserted that true happiness for her was being with the one she loved, even if only for a single day. Moved, Fang Jianming returned a thumb ring to her, which she joyfully accepted as a symbol of their lifelong commitment.
She expressed her resolve to remain by his side, acknowledging the inherent dangers of their profession where every parting could be the last. Touched by her unwavering dedication, Fang Jianming promised he would never let her go again. In a report to him, Fang Haishi mentioned a letter from Zhang Chengqian which merely confirmed peace at Huangquan Pass.
She also noted seeing Tang Qianzi, a close aide to Lord Chang, making secret gestures to an unknown contact, and that Lord Chang himself had become increasingly inscrutable since his recovery, indulging in nightly revelries. Fang Jianming then confirmed that Fang Haishi would not need to return to Huangquan Pass for the time being. Meanwhile, although defense measures around the capital and Mount Mingluo had been strengthened, Lord Chang had been feigning illness and skipping morning court for days.
His mansion had become a hub for magicians and foreign eagle sellers, hosting lavish parties that raised suspicions among court officials. Di Xu, however, dismissed these concerns, believing Lord Chang’s recent injuries were sustained in an act of valor. Unbeknownst to the Emperor, Lord Chang received a foreign man disguised as an eagle merchant. After dismissing his entertainers, Lord Chang tested the visitor by having a guard attack him. The "merchant" effortlessly disarmed the guard, impressing Lord Chang.
He then unveiled his treacherous plan: in exchange for assassinating Di Xu, he would honor his agreement with the Lord of Left Pudun, ensuring Dazheng would not interfere in the conflict between the Huku and Jiaman tribes. Should he ascend the throne, this non-intervention would be guaranteed. At the same time, Ti Lan was suffering from recurring nightmares in which she saw someone trying to harm Di Xu.
Concerned, Di Xu summoned Physician Li and harshly criticized him for his inability to cure her chronic illness. Physician Li suggested the therapeutic hot springs at Diequan Valley, explaining that their effects were diminished if the water was transported. After consideration, Di Xu decided to accompany Ti Lan to the Diequan Valley resort palace the following day for her recuperation.
Before their departure, Zhou Youdu bid farewell to Fang Haishi, informing her of his journey to Shangzhou to seek a long-lost saber manual. As a friend, he offered to help with any unfinished business she had. Fang Haishi later encountered Eunuch Mu overseeing preparations for the imperial trip and, realizing the Emperor's decision was final, resolved to take on the responsibility of protecting them.
She found Fang Jianming with Fang Zhuoying and Shaozi, who were reviewing a map of Diequan Valley. They confirmed that the Secret Force had already established patrols and watch posts, ready to cordon off the area at the first sign of trouble, with teams assigned for rescue and searching the mountains. Fang Jianming instructed Fang Haishi and Fang Zhuoying to accompany the procession and prioritize the safety of Di Xu and Ti Lan.
At the Diequan Valley resort palace, while servants helped Ti Lan prepare for her bath, Di Xu noticed Fang Haishi looking toward Ti Lan's location and teasingly remarked on her keen eyesight. Fang Jianming quickly intervened to ease the tension, playfully "punishing" Fang Haishi by making her kneel and advising her to be mindful of etiquette. Once they were alone, Fang Haishi complained about her aching knees before drawing closer to Fang Jianming, their lighthearted banter highlighting their deepening bond.
While Di Xu was watching over Ti Lan, an assassin, later identified as a Wind Waker, suddenly emerged from the water and attacked the Emperor. Fang Jianming immediately shielded Di Xu, taking the full force of the blow and spitting blood. Fang Zhuoying arrived to provide backup, prompting the assassin to call him by his Huku name, "Duohan'ersa," before vanishing.
In the aftermath, to conceal the truth of the attack, the official account stated that Emperor Di Xu was injured, and the imperial entourage hastily returned to Jincheng Palace for his treatment. Back at the palace, Fang Haishi and Shaozi led the forces, ordering heightened security and illuminating the grounds as brightly as day. Fang Zhuoying sketched the assassin’s likeness, identifying him as a Wind Waker from Huku and realizing his own Huku identity was now compromised.
Fang Jianming revealed that the Secret Force, which was monitoring Lord Chang’s Mansion, confirmed a man resembling the Wind Waker had recently visited. This, combined with prior visits from magicians, led Fang Jianming to connect Lord Chang to the assassination attempt and a previous plot. Acknowledging the imminent danger, Fang Jianming disclosed Fang Zhuoying's true origin as a "war-horse" from Huku, destined to return to the grasslands.
He urged Fang Zhuoying to seek out his uncle, the Lord of Right Pudun, and unite with him to end Duoluo’s tyranny. Though Fang Zhuoying wished to stay, Fang Jianming insisted it was too dangerous now that his identity was known. He tasked Fang Zhuoying with this difficult path and promised to care for Zheliu in his absence. Inside Jincheng Palace, a distraught Ti Lan prayed earnestly for Di Xu’s recovery.
She was somewhat relieved after hearing from a maid that security was tight and the physicians were with the Emperor, indicating his condition was stable. Fang Haishi reported to Fang Jianming that security was fully implemented. Anticipating the Wind Waker’s return on the new moon when his powers would be strongest, Fang Jianming decided he and Fang Zhuoying would take turns guarding the palace.
Fang Zhuoying expressed his concern over how heartbroken Fang Haishi would be to learn the truth, but Fang Jianming insisted they prioritize the greater good. Later, on a rooftop, Fang Zhuoying shared a final drink with Fang Haishi. She confessed her anxiety over the recent events and her worry for Fang Jianming's health, having learned he had spat blood during the attack.
As a veiled farewell, Fang Zhuoying reminded her that hardship was part of their life and instructed her to take good care of their master. Unaware of his impending departure, Fang Haishi replied that she was looking forward to attending his and Zheliu's wedding. The following day, morning court was canceled. Lord Chang inquired about Di Xu's condition from Fang Jianming, who claimed the Emperor had merely caught a contagious cold at the hot springs. He subtly advised the still-recovering Lord Chang to postpone any visit, an offer Lord Chang accepted.
