Practice Daughter Episode 18 Recap
> Practice Daughter Recap
Xing Shi escorted Mei Yushan to the entrance of the Eastern Palace, suggesting she enter first to avoid any gossip affecting his reputation. He planned to join her shortly. Meanwhile, Nanbei and Dōngxī were stationed at a post waiting for the Crown Prince when they saw Mei Yushan leave swiftly in the company of Bai Ye and Ling Xiao, leading them to speculate about a secret mission.
Xing Shi approached them, inquiring if Mei Yushan had returned to the Eastern Palace. When they described seeing her leave with Bai Ye, Xing Shi felt a sense of foreboding and immediately left the palace grounds to search for her. Bai Ye brought Mei Yushan into the Astronomical Bureau and confronted her fiercely.
He demanded to know her true identity, the meaning of the fishtail-shaped mark on her shoulder, and why she had come into the palace and gotten close to the Crown Prince, accusing her of trying to fulfill the prophecy foretelling the destruction of Jixi Kingdom. Mei Yushan realized he had mistaken her for Princess Yueying. She denied his accusations, pointing out that if she intended to harm the Crown Prince, she had ample opportunity long before.
She admitted that she and Douzi had come to the palace seeking the Moon Spirit Pearl but claimed she could not reveal more, as it would endanger Douzi's life. Intrigued by Douzi's connection, Bai Ye pressed her relentlessly.
After making him swear he would protect Douzi and keep their secret, Mei Yushan confessed the startling truth: they had switched bodies due to the Moon Spirit Pearl, meaning the person known as Mei Yushan was actually the original Mei Yushan, and the person known as Douzi was originally Princess Yueying, who had swapped places with her. Bai Ye was stunned by this revelation, now understanding that Douzi was the true princess.
He explained that while killing the person currently bearing the mark might not necessarily prevent the prophecy, failing to do so would surely result in Douzi's death. He then prepared to act, but Xing Shi arrived at the Astronomical Bureau just in time, stating he was looking for Mei Yushan. Despite Bai Ye attempting to block his entry, Xing Shi entered, intervened, preventing Bai Ye from harming Mei Yushan, and swiftly pulled her out of the room.
As Xing Shi led Mei Yushan out of the Astronomical Bureau, they abruptly encountered Nangong Yao and Douzi arriving. Douzi instantly stepped in front of Mei Yushan protectively. Nangong Yao demanded Bai Ye lower his weapon and explain the situation. Bai Ye remained unyielding, declaring that he must kill Mei Yushan that day for Nangong Yao's sake and that he would accept any punishment afterward. Douzi repeatedly pleaded with Bai Ye to drop the dagger.
Nangong Yao, observing Bai Ye's unusual and intense behavior, questioned his motives given their long history of friendship, asking if he truly intended to kill her for his and Douzi's sake. Bai Ye insisted it was so but refused to provide further details. Amidst the tense exchange, Douzi, who had been desperately urging Bai Ye to stop, suddenly collapsed.
Mei Yushan returned to her quarters and spoke with Xing Shi, cautiously asking why he had saved her life again, especially now that he knew she was not the princess. Xing Shi replied simply that he did not want her to be hurt and that she was someone he wished to protect alongside Douzi. Mei Yushan questioned why Bai Ye still intended to kill her even after learning about the body switch.
Xing Shi speculated that Bai Ye was even more determined to protect Douzi, perhaps believing that eliminating the person currently carrying the fishtail mark was the way to avert Jixi's destruction as foretold by the prophecy, or that it was necessary to safeguard the Crown Prince. Xing Shi reassured her that Bai Ye had refrained from revealing Douzi's true identity to Nangong Yao during the confrontation and likely would not do so in the future, suggesting Douzi was temporarily safe.
However, he stressed that Bai Ye was unlikely to abandon his intentions and strongly urged that Mei Yushan and Douzi must leave the palace without delay. Mei Yushan expressed her deep gratitude for his help and offered to repay the life debt, but Xing Shi reiterated the urgency of their immediate departure. For his impulsive and discourteous actions, Bai Ye was confined to the Astronomical Bureau under house arrest for six months, with the mansion sealed and guards posted.
Passing by the Astronomical Bureau, Nangong Yao discussed Bai Ye's punishment with his Grand Tutor. The Grand Tutor remarked on the turmoil caused by the prophecy, which had led ministers to demand Nangong Yao's removal and caused the Empress great distress. Nangong Yao inquired if the Grand Tutor also believed he would lead to Jixi's downfall.
The Grand Tutor replied that he dared not say so, but acknowledged that Bai Ye's predictions had historically been accurate and that the ministers trusted his judgment. Nangong Yao mused that perhaps if he simply chose never to fall in love with a Shengdong princess, or indeed anyone, he could break the prophecy. The Grand Tutor spoke of the uncontrollable nature of love and its history of stirring conflict.
Nangong Yao found it perplexing that he, who could command armies and influence the destiny of individuals and nations, seemed unable to control his own affections. The Grand Tutor suggested this was a matter he would come to understand as he matured. Nangong Yao summoned Douzi and Mei Yushan to discuss their situation, particularly Mei Yushan's safety and future in the palace now that their body switch was known and her life was threatened.
He recognized that Mei Yushan, with her current appearance (Douzi's original appearance), was in an unsuitable and dangerous position as a maid. He offered to help her return to the Mei residence if that was her wish. Mei Yushan responded that returning to her family in her current form would be impossible to explain. She firmly stated her desire to remain with Douzi, sharing whatever difficulties they faced.
Douzi strongly supported this, declaring she didn't need another maid and emphasizing her profound bond with Mei Yushan, insisting they must stay together. Respecting their decision, Nangong Yao assured them he would find another way to protect them. Douzi affectionately reinforced her loyalty to Mei Yushan, describing their mutual commitment to stay together regardless of circumstances. Douzi suddenly recalled Bai Ye's attempt on Mei Yushan's life and asked her why he had done it.
Xing Shi appeared unexpectedly, having overheard their conversation. Mei Yushan quickly cautioned Xing Shi to remain silent. Xing Shi then produced a map or route, instructing them that if they truly wished to understand the reason behind Bai Ye's actions, they should find a way to leave the city at the same hour the following day and meet him.
He explained he believed Douzi deserved to know the truth and promised that after they left the city, he would not try to force them into any specific decision. At that moment, Nangong Yao's attendant arrived to summon Douzi to see the Crown Prince. Xing Shi and Mei Yushan then departed ahead of Douzi. Nangong Yao spoke with his mother, the Empress, requesting her permission to designate Douzi as his Crown Princess.
The Empress vehemently opposed this, believing Douzi lacked the virtue and bearing required to manage the imperial household and serve as a future Empress. She suggested instead making Douzi a concubine to silence gossip, while they sought a more suitable candidate for the position of Crown Princess. Nangong Yao argued that true virtue lay in qualities like bravery, righteousness, kindness, and loyalty, all of which Douzi possessed, having even protected him with her own life.
He declared that if Douzi became his consort, he would never take other wives, thus negating the Empress's concerns about managing a harem. When the Empress remained resolute in her refusal, Nangong Yao firmly stated that if he could not marry Douzi as his Crown Princess, he would remain unmarried throughout his life. Angered by his defiance, the Empress decided to postpone the decision and discuss the matter with the Emperor.
Douzi secretly left the palace and was met by Xing Shi, who guided her to a secluded shrine containing many memorial tablets without names inscribed on them. Xing Shi revealed these were the spirits of Shengdong's fallen royalty and subjects, including Emperor Dingning and Empress Li, Douzi's parents, and his own father, who would have been present in her life had the kingdom not been destroyed. Announcing himself as Shengdong's Young General, Xing Shi then addressed Douzi as Princess Yueying.
Douzi reacted with shock and disbelief, thinking he was mistaken or playing a trick, insisting she was an orphan who grew up in the capital's Black Dog Alley and knew nothing about Shengdong. Xing Shi swore upon the spirits before them that he spoke the truth, recounting the events of Shengdong's demise eighteen years prior. He described how Empress Li had entrusted the infant princess to his father, who fled with both children.
When they were pursued, his father left Douzi with Xing Shi, who was forced to hide her in a box carried by an escort team by the road while his father returned to fight, only to find the team gone upon his return.
Xing Shi provided specific, verifiable details about the box's contents, including a handkerchief embroidered with lilies of the valley (Shengdong's national flower), clay pots cushioned with rice beans, and a pink rattle drum, mentioning he had also marked the outside of the box. Douzi was astonished by the accuracy of these details, questioning how he knew them, prompting Xing Shi to point to the fishtail-shaped mark she had carried since birth as further confirmation.
Finally accepting the truth of her identity, Douzi asked how this connected to Bai Ye's attempt on Mei Yushan's life. Xing Shi explained that Bai Ye knew about their body switch and was targeting the person who currently bore the fishtail mark – which was Douzi, in Mei Yushan's body – because "she" was the Princess foretold by the prophecy to bring about Jixi's destruction. Douzi was horrified by this revelation.
Xing Shi urged her and Mei Yushan, who was present, not to return to the palace now that they were outside the city. He pleaded with her to return to Shengdong, where surviving former officials eagerly awaited her to help rebuild their homeland. Douzi hesitated, expressing fear that if Nangong Yao discovered her true identity, he might turn against her or even kill her.
Mei Yushan and Xing Shi attempted to reassure her that they would not reveal her secret, noting Bai Ye had kept silent despite his punishment. However, Mei Yushan admitted that Bai Ye, knowing about the switch, might still pose a threat. Xing Shi pressed Douzi not to return to the palace, warning that if she were to meet Nangong Yao again, they might be regarded as enemies due to the prophecy. Douzi refused to accept this possibility.
Xing Shi implored both her and Mei Yushan to gravely consider returning to Shengdong with him, mentioning that former Shengdong subordinates were nearby and ready to provide assistance. Douzi, however, remained steadfast in her refusal to return to Shengdong.
