Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 37 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Fang Haishi presented herself before Di Xu, ready to address the court's doubts about her childhood encounter with an immortal. Despite allegations of deceiving the emperor and colluding with Fang Jianming to release Fang Zhuoying, Fang Haishi confidently offered to prove her story with a bowl of clear water. As a servant presented the bowl, her palm began to glow upon touching the water, and luminous pearls moved at her command, astonishing everyone present.
When officials accused Lord Qinghai of treachery and self-interest, Fang Haishi challenged them, asking why, if he were truly so wicked, he hadn't eradicated them, instead always taking the blame to protect their reputations. She asserted that she had been taught by Lord Qinghai that a wise emperor is the greatest fortune in Dazheng.
She declared herself auspicious if the Emperor needed her and a soldier of sacrifice if not, emphasizing that loyalty to the Emperor was the only true principle. Fang Haishi then passionately recounted Lord Qinghai's immeasurable contributions, from his service to Di Xu to his leadership in recent wars, repelling various invaders and securing the frontier.
She detailed the extreme sacrifices of soldiers at Huangquan Pass, whose lives were risked for the peace of Dazheng, questioning how the court could then undermine such a patriot. Her powerful defense swayed many officials, who expressed shame and condemned those who attacked Lord Qinghai. Di Xu then affirmed his prior knowledge of Fang Haishi's origins and Fang Zhuoying's case, declaring that Fang Jianming had already been punished and further discussion was forbidden, thus adjourning the court.
Afterward, Di Xu questioned Fang Jianming about Fang Haishi's presence in court. Fang Jianming explained that she chose to defend him, even if she believed she was being used. Di Xu warned Fang Jianming not to underestimate Fang Haishi's deep affection, suggesting she would find ways to protect him if she knew his struggles. Fang Jianming, however, insisted that this very affection made him even less willing to involve her.
He then turned the question on Di Xu, asking if he was willing to let go of Consort Shurong and set himself free, pointing out that Di Xu couldn't forgive Tilan precisely because he had developed genuine feelings for her. Fang Jianming reminded Di Xu of Tilan's vulnerable position, used as a pawn by Zhunian and lacking support in Dazheng, suggesting that she was not entirely to blame for the poisoning incident.
Meanwhile, Ji Chang was enraged that Fang Jianming had preempted his plans by giving Fang Haishi to the Emperor. He demanded to know who leaked his plot to target Fang Haishi. His subordinate reported that no flaws were found among the servants, particularly the twenty or so with inner courtyard access. Frustrated, Ji Chang ordered a purge of the suspicious servants, instructing his subordinate to fabricate a story about them accidentally consuming poisonous mushroom soup to cover up the killings.
He lamented losing the advantage in public opinion, which now favored Fang Haishi and Fang Jianming, and vowed to coordinate with allies to ensure Fang Haishi would not live long. Fang Haishi later sought an audience with Di Xu, pleading with him to lift the Baixi bond with Lord Qinghai. She referenced the previous Lord Qinghai, who outlived Emperor Xiu, and acknowledged Di Xu's deep friendship with Fang Jianming, believing he would want him to be free.
Di Xu confirmed that while a release was possible, it depended on Fang Jianming's own will. He recounted how during the battle of Tongping City, Fang Jianming had performed the Baixi ritual to take Di Xu's mortal wounds upon himself. Di Xu confessed his numerous failed attempts to undo the bond, stating that Fang Jianming initially resisted, and by the time he might have changed his mind, it was too late.
Distraught, Fang Haishi rushed to Zhaoming Palace and confronted Fang Jianming directly. She demanded to know if he was indeed Di Xu's Baixi and if he had ever considered regaining his freedom to start a family. Fang Jianming admitted to having such thoughts but explained they were in the past. He stated that while humans have moments of weakness, at crucial junctures, one must choose what is necessary: protecting the Emperor, Dazheng, and its people.
Bitterly, Fang Haishi asked what she had gained from being sacrificed and reminded him of their first meeting where he offered her a choice. She tearfully asked why he wouldn't allow her to make a choice this time, declaring that from that moment, their connection was severed. Despite Fang Jianming's profound sadness, Fang Haishi proceeded with her enfeoffment ceremony at Fengwu Palace, officially becoming Consort Chunrong.
Di Xu had again given Fang Jianming a chance to reconsider, but Fang Jianming had resigned himself to a future without hope. He personally escorted Fang Haishi to the ceremony, watching her receive the edict and seal. However, on his return to Zhaoming Palace, he suddenly vomited blood and collapsed. Di Xu immediately summoned physicians, who diagnosed Fang Jianming's condition as a severe flare-up of the "Unborn Flower" poison from Zhunian, exacerbated by excessive worry and stress.
They warned that he needed to calm his mind, or the attacks would become more frequent. Di Xu lamented Fang Jianming's reserved nature and asked about the antidote. The physicians admitted there was no known cure, noting that even the Zhunian king had succumbed to it decades prior. Tilan, who was present, gently urged Di Xu not to press the physicians further.
In Yu’an Palace, Di Xu shared news from Zhunian with Tilan: Prince Suolan was unharmed, and Tilan's mother was well. He had also sent elite secret guards to protect them and ensured Tilan's former maid was properly buried. Tilan expressed her gratitude, and Di Xu reflected on her tendency to shoulder burdens alone, admitting he might not have made her feel she could rely on him.
Tilan affirmed her loyalty, recalling her promise to stay by his side, and reiterated that a true husband and wife share everything. Di Xu comforted her, reassuring her that she no longer needed to worry. The following morning, it was reported that Consort Chunrong was waiting to pay her respects. Tilan, overhearing Di Xu's instruction to exempt Fang Haishi from morning greetings, urged him not to neglect the new consort.
Di Xu then revealed to Tilan that he had only taken Fang Haishi as a consort to protect her and Fang Jianming, clarifying that their relationship was purely one of lord and subordinate, not husband and wife, and he intended to grant her freedom eventually. He also confessed his own jealousy over Tilan's close bond with Fang Haishi. Later, Fang Haishi visited Tilan, who revealed she had known Fang Haishi's true identity all along.
Tilan expressed concern for Fang Haishi, likening her to a caged gyrfalcon who would one day fly free, and promised to help her break her shackles, inviting her to confide in her anytime. Meanwhile, Fang Jianming's subordinate reported that on the night of Consort Chunrong's enfeoffment, twenty-three servants at Lord Chang's Mansion had died from consuming poisonous mushroom soup, confirming Ji Chang was purging spies. Fang Jianming instructed his subordinate to continue monitoring the situation.
The subordinate then informed Fang Jianming that a servant from Fengwu Palace had inquired about Consort Chunrong's eating habits, noting her lack of appetite. Fang Jianming immediately ordered a list of Fang Haishi's favorite foods and preferences to be prepared and sent to Fengwu Palace.
