Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Episode 3 Recap
> Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Recap
Feng Ruche officially ascended to the throne as the Winged Empress. During her coronation, officials explained that The Castle in The Sky, once held by the Human Clan, had been restored to its former glory as the Winged Clan’s true palace and would now sit atop Novoland, symbolizing their unwavering power. Feng Ruche, though a new ruler, showed her unaccustomedness by telling her kneeling subjects to "stand up," who then respectfully corrected her to "rise."
She was informed that her parents, Emperor Wende and Empress Wenren, had collected ample meteor dust through their true love, which would allow the Castle in The Sky to float. She was also instructed to address herself as "Empress." When she asked if she would ascend alone, she was told that only the most powerful had the right to reach the highest peak.
Feng Ruche then spread her wings, inserted the Sky Eye into the structure, and watched as The Castle in The Sky majestically ascended into the sky, while the crowd below hailed her as their destined empress, wishing her everlasting benevolence. Later, she wondered if her friends had received the portrait of her as Empress. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong, upon seeing her portrait, also realized that Feng Ruche had become the Winged Empress.
Soon after, Feng Ruche faced challenges in court when she attempted to implement her decree to reduce taxes. She was confused when she discovered that Yang Duan, a civilian, was being arrested for refusing to pay the increased tax. An official explained that her decree had never been announced publicly, citing the high costs of her enthronement ceremony, palace construction, and military expenses as reasons for the increased taxation.
Feng Ruche insisted on upholding her promise to reduce taxes, because she valued loyalty. Madam Xuan Ji, however, reminded her that her personal promises were minor compared to the nation's welfare, emphasizing her new position as ruler. The other ministers agreed, urging her to study diligently before making judgments. Despite her pleas for them to stay, they all left, leaving Feng Ruche disheartened but resolute not to cry.
Rain Guocong planned to control Feng Ruche by having her indulged in carnal pleasures, and ordered Bai Dangdang, now Supreme Commander, to find handsome and talented young men to attend to Feng Ruche in the palace, threatening to revoke his title if he failed. Bai Dangdang reluctantly accepted the task. Xue Jingkong, having learned that Feng Ruche was seeking a royal teacher, decided to enter the palace for that role.
He confided in Xing Shangli, asking him to care for his pet, Orca. Xue Jingkong explained that he needed to find Feng Ruche because she might know his brother, Yun Muyang's, whereabouts. He recalled how two years prior, Yun Muyang had saved him when he was frozen and had lost his memories. Yun Muyang had told him to pick a new name, and seeing the vast snowy landscape, he named himself Xue Jingkong.
Xue Jingkong recounted that he had always believed his brother was killed in a war, but finding Feng Ruche's jade pendant made him realize that Yun Muyang might still be alive. At the Wuji Arena, Wei Zhao subjected Du Xianyin to a cruel game, binding her before a crowd and auctioning her off. He announced that whoever could shoot down all the swinging bells would win her, but if they failed, the chain around her neck would tighten.
Many men tried and failed, causing Du Xianyin to despair. Yun Muyang, who initially tried to ignore the spectacle, could no longer stand by. He stepped forward and successfully shot down all the bells. However, Wei Zhao and his guards recognized Yun Muyang as a traitor and refused to release Du Xianyin, instead attempting to capture and kill him.
Despite an injury to his arm, Yun Muyang, displaying exceptional combat skills, fought through a volley of arrows and managed to escape with Du Xianyin. He saved Du Xianyin simply out of a sense of justice. Back in the palace, Xue Jingkong began his duties as the royal teacher.
He was bewildered when palace nannies, rather than teaching him academics, instructed him on how to smile, wink, and adopt seductive poses, even having him practice with an object in his mouth to "curl around with your tongue" for a "glib tongue" to "resolve her problems." When Feng Ruche was informed that her new "teacher" had arrived, she was shocked to see Xue Jingkong. She immediately accused him of betraying himself for money.
Xue Jingkong tried to clarify that being a teacher did not belittle him and money was a worldly possession, but Feng Ruche believed he was trying to take advantage of her and furiously ordered her guards to take him away. Outside, the guards, interpreting her anger as an order for execution, prepared to behead Xue Jingkong. Feng Ruche, overhearing the commotion, rushed out, screaming for them to stop, as she only intended for him to be removed, not killed.
As she shielded Xue Jingkong, a guard accidentally stabbed her in the back. As Xue Jingkong held her, the pain triggered a faint memory for Feng Ruche, and she murmured, "You had saved me once. Just like now." Xue Jingkong was deeply surprised, as he had previously erased her memories of that incident. Yun Muyang and Du Xianyin reached a temporary safe haven.
Yun Muyang, noting his injury, told Du Xianyin to leave, as he had other urgent matters and traveling with her would be difficult. Du Xianyin, reluctant to part, asked for his name. He refused, stating, "It's not important. We won't meet each other ever again. Leave now." She thanked him for saving her life, and he gave her some silver for protection before urging her to leave, sensing pursuers.
As Du Xianyin left, guards patrolled the city, holding up Yun Muyang's portrait and checking people at every intersection. Just as Yun Muyang was on the verge of being discovered, a fire erupted in the northern part of the city, creating a diversion.
