Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 32 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Early in the morning, Chief Eunuch Mu Deqing publicly announced that Emperor Xu was unwell, excusing all officials from presenting their memorials at court. Taking advantage of the situation, Lord Chang inquired with Fang Jianming about visiting his brother in Jincheng Palace. Fang Jianming feigned difficulty, claiming Emperor Xu's cold was severe and he was not fit to be seen, thus preventing Lord Chang from investigating further. News of the Wind Waker's failed mission reached Hanzhou.
Duoluo, upon hearing this, realized the Wind Waker must have encountered his younger brother, Duohan, who now went by the name Fang Zhuoying. Duoluo explained that he and Duohan were nearly identical twins, a fact known throughout Huku. He had confirmed Fang Zhuoying's identity when Zhuoying pursued the defector Su Ming to Hanzhou. Since the Wind Waker had sworn eternal loyalty to their mother, Princess Hongyao, he would not have dealt a fatal blow to her son.
Despite this setback, Duoluo remained confident and revealed a new plan. He spoke of an ancient skill called Heluo Alchemy, which rendered its practitioners invulnerable to blades. Duoluo concluded that if an Alchemist and the Wind Waker were to attack Emperor Xu and Fang Jianming together on the upcoming "first day of the month," their targets would have no chance of escape. This plan was relayed to their agents in the capital.
Secretary Shi, having received the message, ordered a young eunuch to burn a piece of fabric containing coded messages. However, the fabric was dropped and picked up by Zheliu. To avoid suspicion, Secretary Shi rushed forward, reprimanded the eunuch, and subtly retrieved the fabric. He then fabricated an invitation from Lord Chang, instructing Zheliu to accompany him to Lord Chang’s mansion to mend some embroideries. Along the way, Zheliu remained calm, unaware of the impending danger.
Lord Chang, confused by Secretary Shi's unexpected actions, had Zheliu sent to a side room to work. He then privately questioned Secretary Shi's intentions. Secretary Shi explained that since he was unsure if Zheliu had noticed him destroying the secret message, he had to detain her at the mansion until the "first day of the month" to ensure their plan's safety. Hearing this, Lord Chang realized Secretary Shi was a Huku spy working for Duoluo.
Secretary Shi boldly stated that his identity was not Lord Chang's concern, only that he was there to help, implying the Dazheng throne would eventually be Lord Chang's. He added that he would never allow the "blind girl" to jeopardize their grand plan. Meanwhile, Fang Zhuoying arrived at the Fabric Office and was frantic to learn that Zheliu had been taken by Secretary Shi and had not yet returned.
He wanted to rush to Lord Chang’s mansion to rescue her but was stopped by Fang Jianming and Fang Haishi. Fang Jianming reprimanded him, stating that such an impulsive act would only expose their hand and endanger Zheliu. Fang Haishi agreed, arguing that a rash intervention would only harm Zheliu. To safely bring Zheliu back without arousing suspicion, Fang Haishi devised a plan and advised Fang Zhuoying to be patient and await her news.
That same night, Fang Haishi secretly went to see Emperor Xu, exposing the act he and Fang Jianming had been performing of feigning severe injury. Knowing he could no longer keep up the pretense, Emperor Xu asked her purpose. Fang Haishi pleaded with him to grant a marriage between Fang Zhuoying and Zheliu. Emperor Xu initially feigned disapproval, but after Haishi clarified that their love was proper and they had never acted inappropriately, he agreed to issue the edict.
With Emperor Xu’s edict issued, Lord Chang was compelled to release Zheliu. Back in Zhaoming Palace, Fang Zhuoying paced anxiously until the news of her release arrived. As he was about to go to the Fabric Office, Fang Jianming sent him on an urgent errand to Huixian Restaurant to buy a specific jar of "Three Flowers Spirits" wine, telling him to return quickly. Fang Zhuoying hurried away, heading for the Chuihua Gate, and narrowly missed a passing carriage containing Zheliu.
Meanwhile, in a palace courtyard, Fang Jianming met with Zheliu. He revealed to her that Fang Zhuoying's life was in imminent danger, explaining that Zhuoying was secretly the youngest son of the Huku King and that Lord Chang was colluding with Zhuoying's brother, Duoluo, to expose his identity and have him eliminated. He confessed that he had urged Zhuoying to flee to safety, but Zhuoying, deeply in love with Zheliu, had refused to leave without her.
Understanding that her existence was preventing him from escaping, Zheliu stated she knew what must be done. She asked Fang Jianming to tell Fang Zhuoying that if he did not cherish his own life, her sacrifice would be meaningless. Fang Jianming then gave Zheliu a bottle of fast-acting, painless poison. After he left, Aunt Su emerged, having overheard everything. Zheliu urged her to flee, but the loyal Aunt Su refused, vowing to stay and be Zheliu’s “eyes.”
At Huixian Restaurant, Fang Zhuoying found the wine sold out. However, a Huku woman at an adjacent table offered him her own unopened jar. When she addressed him by his birth name, "Duohan'ersa," he realized she was a messenger from his uncle, the Lord of Right Pudun. The woman informed him that a map of escape routes was hidden beneath the jar's mud seal and instructed him to reach Mohe Pass by mid-September.
Fang Zhuoying paid for the wine and took the woman's hairpin as a gift for Zheliu. His hope of reuniting with Zheliu was about to be tragically shattered. Fang Zhuoying returned to Zhaoming Palace, retrieved the map from the wine jar, and tucked it into his robes. He then raced towards the Fabric Office, oblivious to guards carrying Aunt Su's covered body out of the palace. The Fabric Office gate was locked.
After getting no answer, Fang Zhuoying scaled the wall, with Fang Haishi following close behind. Inside, they froze in shock. Zheliu lay still before her desk, having taken the poison. After carrying Zheliu back to Zhaoming Palace, Fang Zhuoying remained in his room until dusk. When he finally emerged, his uniform was neat, but his eyes were devoid of spirit. He entrusted Zheliu's care to Fang Haishi, stating he was going to Jincheng Palace for his duty.
That night—the "first day of the month"—Fang Jianming and Fang Zhuoying stood guard behind Emperor Xu in Jincheng Palace. The Emperor mused on how being a "Chosen Ruler" was like being in a "golden cage," noting that some wished him longevity while others hoped for his immediate demise. Just then, the Wind Waker lunged from the shadows. Fang Jianming and Fang Zhuoying instantly drew their swords and pursued the assassin.
