Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Episode 7 Recap
> Novoland: Pearl Eclipse Recap
Servants in the rear garden whispered that Princess Tilan and Tang Qianzi knew each other since childhood and were as close as siblings. Emperor Di Xu, however, interpreted this differently. Knowing Tang Qianzi was about to depart for Huangquan Pass, the Emperor deliberately decreed that Princess Tilan should personally see him off. A maid, Bizi, cautioned Princess Tilan against this, reminding her that palace consorts should avoid interaction with external officials to prevent suspicion.
Following this advice, Princess Tilan deliberately immersed herself in cold water that night, repeatedly pouring it over herself until she contracted a severe cold. On the day of Tang Qianzi’s departure, no court officials or civil servants came to bid him farewell, wary due to his long association with Lord Chang in Zhunian.
When Emperor Di Xu heard of Princess Tilan’s illness, he was surprised but showed no concern, instead gloating and sarcastically remarking that she had chosen a convenient time to fall ill and perhaps should be sent out of the palace. Princess Tilan admitted her past acquaintance with Tang Qianzi but vehemently denied any romantic involvement, asserting that their conversations always took place in public.
To prove her innocence, Princess Tilan volunteered to be sent to the inner prison, pleading with Di Xu not to implicate Tang Qianzi. Finding her pleas tiresome and losing interest, Di Xu left Yu'an Palace. Though the Emperor did not see him off, Tang Qianzi departed for Huangquan Pass, bidding a formal farewell to the Emperor and Lord Chang from afar.
Meanwhile, arrangements were made to investigate all examination candidates entering Tianqi City, and palace security was tightened to ensure the Emperor’s safety. In Jifeng Pavilion, Fang Haishi was diligently preparing for the imperial examination, constantly pestering Fang Zhuoying with questions. Overwhelmed, Fang Zhuoying complained to Fang Jianming, who then agreed to personally oversee Fang Haishi's training. Later, Fang Zhuoying received news that his new official robe was ready at the Fabric Office.
Ashamed to face Zhe Liu, he coaxed Fang Haishi to accompany him, then feigned a stomachache and slipped away, instructing Haishi to pick up the robe on his behalf. At the Fabric Office, Zhe Liu was practicing blind embroidery. Relying on footsteps and breath, she initially mistook Fang Haishi for a young woman. Upon removing her blindfold, she was surprised to see a young man. Fang Haishi explained his purpose and admired a delicate pouch she was working on.
After Zhe Liu presented the official robe, Chief Stewardess Ju, who had observed the interaction, curiously asked Zhe Liu why she had mistaken Haishi for a woman. Zhe Liu explained her misjudgment was based on senses, but Chief Stewardess Ju took note of this information. Back at Jifeng Pavilion, Fang Haishi praised Zhe Liu’s embroidery skills and beauty, which made Fang Zhuoying jealous. He accused Fang Haishi of being frivolous and punished her by making her perform a horse stance.
However, moments later, Fang Zhuoying secretly retrieved the new official robe embroidered by Zhe Liu, hugging it and grinning foolishly. Fang Haishi prepared dinner for Fang Jianming, but he, consciously avoiding her after a recent emotional slip, declined to eat. Later, at dinner with Zhuoying, Haishi seemed distracted. Concerned, Zhuoying went to her room and found her secretly attempting to embroider a pouch. The stitches were so crooked that he mocked her, remarking that even Shaozi's patches were better.
Despite his teasing, Fang Haishi remained determined. After an entire night of effort, the pouch still appeared crude. She lingered outside Fang Jianming’s room, unsure how to present it. When he emerged, she explained it was to replace his broken jade pendant, awkwardly shoved the pouch into his hand, and shyly ran off. As the imperial examination drew near, Fang Haishi faced the challenge of a physical examination, a problem given her female identity.
She asked Fang Zhuoying to impersonate her. He vehemently refused at first, fearing he would be recognized by officials from his own examination three years prior. Despite his firm stance, Fang Haishi's threats to reveal his embarrassing shyness around Zhe Liu forced him to reluctantly agree. Indeed, the examination official was the same one from three years ago and immediately recognized Fang Zhuoying.
Zhuoying insisted he was Fang Haishi, and with the official roster confirming the name, the officials did not press further, though they reported the matter to Su Ming. Wary of offending an official like Fang Zhuoying, Su Ming decided not to confront him directly and instead instructed his subordinates to continue monitoring Haishi.
Having passed the examination, Zhuoying handed the certificate to Haishi, advising her to rely on her own skills and to prioritize stability over a reckless desire to win. Soon, Fang Haishi and the other candidates entered the examination hall. Other scholars noticed that her appearance differed from the person who underwent the physical examination and concluded she was an unqualified individual who had used connections to get in.
Candidates from humble backgrounds saw this as a mockery of their own efforts, and a heated argument erupted. Witnessing the chaos, Fang Haishi intervened, stating there was no need for a war of words as their true abilities would be revealed in the martial trials. Meanwhile, at Jifeng Pavilion, Fang Jianming instructed Shaozi to closely monitor the proceedings to prevent anyone from interfering. That night, restless in the dormitory, Fang Haishi went to rest in the hallway.
Several scholars followed, intending to ambush her. However, these idle young men were no match for her and were swiftly defeated. When a supervisor arrived to investigate, a scholar named He Chong spoke up, stating that the others had attacked first and Haishi had only retaliated. The matter was thus dismissed.
