Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 43 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Following the suspicious death of Nihualuo's Deputy Envoy in Zhaoming Palace, Fang Jianming regained consciousness to learn the man had been poisoned in an intentional act. Although Emperor Di Xu had sealed the news, Fang Jianming knew it could not be contained for long. If the truth emerged, Nihualuo would likely use it as a pretext to declare war, a conflict that Dazheng, already facing internal strife and external threats, could not afford.
Concerned by the dwindling supply of luminous pearl powder, Fang Jianming requested to travel to Yuezhou to find Lang Huan. Knowing the journey was perilous, he presented Di Xu with a rosewood box containing years of intelligence on Leizhou tribes' weaknesses and negotiation tactics, urging Di Xu to use it as leverage for diplomacy. His only plea was that Fang Haishi be kept out of harm's way. Di Xu questioned his extreme self-sacrifice for Haishi.
Fang Jianming explained that while he taught Haishi the wisdom of sages, she had taken the lessons to heart, telling him she believed that those who enjoy the benefits of the world must also bear its troubles. He confessed he did not want her to suffer the same pain he endured as "another Fang Jianming."
While he did not regret his own path, he wished for his beloved to lead a simple, happy life, a matter on which he desired to be selfish. Di Xu finally conceded, agreeing to Fang Jianming's request but making him promise to strive for survival. He also vowed to ensure Fang Haishi would receive all that Fang Jianming deserved, with dignity and honor, before telling him to rest and take Physician Li's medicine to recover.
After Fang Jianming left, Fang Haishi emerged from hiding, having overheard their conversation. Di Xu explained the dire situation facing Dazheng—the aftermath of the Prince Yi Rebellion, the recent war at Huangquan Pass, and drought in the southeast—warning that another conflict would turn the world into a bloodbath. Understanding that Dazheng could not continually appease the approaching Leizhou envoys, Haishi declared her resolve to go to Yuezhou to quell the crisis.
Recognizing her selfless spirit, Di Xu noted her similarity to Fang Jianming. Haishi promised to bring Lang Huan back and asked Di Xu to protect Lang Huan from any harm, a promise Di Xu made in his capacity as Emperor. Haishi then requested a stand-in at Fengwu Palace to mislead the poisoner, and Di Xu assured her it would be arranged, adding that Physician Li's medicine would keep Fang Jianming asleep for a few days.
That evening, Fang Haishi visited the sleeping Fang Jianming. Watching him, she recalled his words from their first meeting about the divergent paths a girl and a boy would take by his side. Overcome with emotion, she confessed her deep understanding of his immense sacrifices for the people, the Emperor, and Dazheng, while few had ever done anything for him. Vowing that it was her turn to protect him, she asserted that her happiness was inextricably linked to his survival.
After a tender farewell, she changed into male attire and departed the capital under the cover of night. Meanwhile, Prince Ji Chang anxiously awaited news. He learned that Nihualuo's mission had sent word back threatening war, putting Di Xu in a difficult position. Ji Chang was also informed that Fang Haishi was reportedly confined to Fengwu Palace due to injury. He concluded that if Haishi failed to bring Lang Huan back, Nihualuo and other tribes would rally against Dazheng.
His subordinate also confirmed that Tang Qianzi at Huangquan Pass had been ordered to send Fu Yi and Zhang Chengqian back to Tianqi with 50,000 troops, delighting Ji Chang, who believed these forces would soon be under his command. Separately, a maid in Ti Lan's Yu'an Palace accidentally spilled her pregnancy tonic, and the liquid caused nearby plants to instantly wither, revealing it was poisoned. Mu Deqing reported that the investigation found no flaws in the medicine's preparation or delivery.
Furious, Di Xu ordered Mu Deqing to secretly move Ti Lan and her maid Bizi to Jincheng Palace and confine the rest of the staff. Feeling exhausted, Di Xu visited the sleeping Fang Jianming, lamenting that despite their past efforts, new threats were emerging. With Nihualuo poised for war, an enemy trying to harm Ti Lan and their unborn child, Jianming unconscious, and Haishi's whereabouts unknown, Di Xu felt utterly isolated.
Later, Di Xu told Ti Lan about her younger brother Suolan's arrival as Zhunian's special envoy. Ti Lan confessed her conflicted feelings, longing to see her brother for a private talk but fearing the meeting would be laden with political implications. Di Xu reflected on the burdens of royalty, wishing that he and his brother Ji Chang, and she and Suolan, could have led ordinary lives free from such separations.
As Zhunian's special envoy, Suolan met with Di Xu, expressing Zhunian's commitment to justice regarding his uncle Puyouma's transgressions. He then requested to see his sister, but Di Xu tactfully postponed the visit, suggesting Suolan first tour the capital. In Yuezhou, Fang Haishi arrived at the sea and used her palm imprint to summon Lang Huan. She shared her memories, which flashed before Lang Huan's eyes. Deeply moved, Lang Huan agreed to return to Tianqi with Haishi.
She understood the loss of her freedom but believed her sacrifice was worthwhile to prevent war and help her friend. Haishi reassured Lang Huan of her safety, explaining Di Xu had prepared a special ebony log container filled with preserved seawater for her journey. Back in Dazheng, a group of men arrived at Mrs. Ye's home with a forged edict, claiming Di Xu had summoned her to Tianqi to reunite with her daughter, Madam Pearl.
When Mrs. Ye asked for time to pack, the men insisted she leave immediately, arousing the suspicion of her guard. At Jifeng Pavilion, Fang Jianming awoke with a start from a dream of Haishi becoming his Baixi and dying for him. A guard informed him that he had been asleep for days, but that Fang Haishi had successfully found Lang Huan and Shaozi was en route to escort them back. The guard then handed him a note left by Shaozi.
The note's contents, revealing Mrs. Ye’s abduction, sent Fang Jianming storming to confront Di Xu. He accused the Emperor of using Mrs. Ye’s life to coerce Haishi into going to Yuezhou. However, Di Xu’s genuine bewilderment made Fang Jianming realize the horrifying truth: someone had impersonated the Emperor and issued a false edict.
