Renascence Episode 2 Recap
> Renascence Recap
Under Yao Mowan's attentive care, Ye Junqing finally regained consciousness. Upon learning that his treasured jade pendant had been given to the doctor as payment, Ye Junqing grew furious, asserting that the pendant was more important to him than his own life. Disregarding his injuries, he insisted on retrieving it. Yao Mowan, seeing his stubbornness, reluctantly set out alone to get it back, but she slipped and fell on the wet mountain path.
Later, the old man who was hosting them offered Ye Junqing some porridge, praising Yao Mowan's incredible resourcefulness and devotion. He told Ye Junqing that his wife had tirelessly cared for him while they were on the run and recovering from injuries, urging him to cherish her. Just then, Yao Mowan returned, covered in mud. She admitted she couldn't find the pendant because it was too dark. Ye Junqing's heart softened, and he thanked her for her efforts.
Yao Mowan then went to clean herself. Meanwhile, in the palace, Consort Li had brought a charlatan of a sorcerer to Yao Moxin's bedchamber to perform a soul-summoning ritual. Emperor Ye Hongyi arrived and, angered by the sight, ordered the sorcerer to be dragged out and beheaded. He then admonished Consort Li not to believe in such witchcraft.
Consort Li explained that she was worried about both the Emperor and Yao Moxin since the Empress fell ill, wishing to find a way to help her recover, even if it meant sacrificing her own life. Ye Hongyi appreciated her sentiment and vowed to cure the Empress at any cost. That night, Ye Junqing and Yao Mowan resumed their bickering about who should sleep on the bed.
Ye Junqing suggested Yao Mowan take the bed while he slept on the floor. Yao Mowan, however, refused, fearing his injuries would worsen and she would become a widow. Ye Junqing, irritated, told her to stop calling him "husband" when no one else was around and declared he wouldn't sleep on the bed since she had sat on it. Their argument was interrupted when the old woman brought them an extra blanket due to the cold mountain air.
To maintain their cover, Yao Mowan insisted they share the bed, reminding Ye Junqing of his frail health and her inability to pay for his treatment if he fell ill again. Ye Junqing reluctantly conceded, but not before demarcating an imaginary line on the bed, insisting on boundaries between a man and a woman. Yao Mowan scoffed, saying no one wanted to touch him.
Ye Hongyi sat by the unconscious Yao Moxin, holding a jade pendant and reminiscing about their simple wedding. He recalled how he had only been able to offer her a humble ceremony without lavish decorations, a formal procession, or guests, yet Yao Moxin had declared that she didn't care about such things. She had vowed to stand by him, "till death do us part," whether he became king or a nobody.
Ye Hongyi had promised that if he ascended the throne, he would make her Empress, and they would "soar high in the sky like phoenixes." Yao Moxin had then playfully asked what would happen if he ever grew weary or tired of her. Ye Hongyi had sworn by the heavens that if such a day came, the heavens should punish him by taking her away from him forever, as that would be his harshest punishment.
Yao Moxin, believing him, had playfully remarked that he would regret losing a great girl like her. The next morning, Ye Junqing woke to find Yao Mowan clinging to him tightly. He inwardly called her stupid but decided to remain still, a silent test of wills. Yao Mowan, who was also awake, deliberately maintained her embrace, determined to see who would yield first. Their silent standoff was broken when the old woman knocked on the door, calling them for breakfast.
At a local eatery, a group of remnants from the Kingdom of Shu spotted the doctor in possession of Ye Junqing's jade pendant. They questioned him aggressively about its origin, and the doctor, fearful, revealed that a woman had given it to him. Later, as Ye Junqing and Yao Mowan walked by the river, Yao Mowan admired some flowers, remarking that women love flowers not for the flowers themselves, but for the person who gives them.
She then mused about living freely in the wilderness, unburdened by worldly affairs. Ye Junqing, seeing a flicker of Yao Moxin in her, decided to give her a name at her request: Nian Xin, which means "remembering Mo Xin." Yao Mowan adored the name. When Ye Junqing then asked why she had saved his life, Yao Mowan became flustered. She explained that he was "her guy" and currently "the only person I know and have in this world."
She concluded by reiterating, "You're my guy," before shyly running off. Upon returning to the old couple's home, they discovered the kind elderly couple had been brutally murdered. Realizing the danger, Ye Junqing quickly led Yao Mowan away. As they tried to escape, a group of assassins from the Kingdom of Shu attacked them. The assassins, identifying Ye Junqing as "Chu's God of War," offered a reward of 100 gold for his death.
Despite his injuries, Ye Junqing fought bravely but was outnumbered. Fortunately, Ben Lei arrived with his men, rescuing them. Ye Junqing intentionally let the leader of the assassins escape, telling him to relay to his master that if he wanted to kill him, he should do it on the battlefield, not with such dirty tricks. The assassin leader acknowledged Ye Junqing's reputation and left. Ben Lei, noticing Yao Mowan, asked about her identity.
Ye Junqing initially tried to disavow any knowledge of her, but Yao Mowan quickly asserted that she was his savior and would remain with them. Resigned, Ye Junqing instructed Ben Lei to take her back to his residence and ensure the old couple received a proper burial.
Back in the imperial court, a minister proposed that Emperor Ye Hongyi revoke Prince Su's military command over the Border Guards, arguing it would strengthen the monarchy now that Ye Hongyi had ascended the throne. However, General Huan Heng countered, highlighting Prince Su's recent heroic victories against the Kingdom of Shu and warning that such a move would demoralize the troops and cause unrest, especially since Prince Su had not yet returned.
Just as the argument intensified, Ye Junqing entered the court. He humbly apologized for his delayed return and the rumors it caused, accepting full responsibility. Ye Hongyi welcomed him warmly, praising his great accomplishments and insisting on rewarding him. Despite Ye Junqing's humble attempts to decline, Ye Hongyi feared being seen as ungrateful and appointed him General Shen Wei, urging him to rest. Ye Junqing accepted, vowing his unwavering loyalty.
Afterward, in a private conversation, Ye Hongyi informed Ye Junqing that his delay was due to Shu envoys attempting an assassination, promising that Shu would pay a heavy price. He then assigned Ye Junqing the critical task of overseeing the royal security for the upcoming autumn hunting ceremony, emphasizing its importance to the nation's fortune. Finally, Ye Hongyi revealed that Empress Yao Moxin had suddenly fallen into a coma, the cause unknown.
As Ye Junqing walked through the palace, he was overcome by a memory of Yao Moxin bidding him farewell before he left for war. She had prepared his favorite peach blossom wine, promising a celebratory drink upon his victorious return. Ye Junqing had expressed doubt about their ability to meet freely due to their changed statuses, but Yao Moxin, ever confident, had dismissed his worries, affirming their pure friendship and her own indomitable spirit.
Ye Junqing had then agreed, eagerly anticipating his return. At the Yao Residence, Madam Dou Xiang Lan inquired about Yao Moxin's condition to her husband, Yao Zhen Ting. She lamented that her prayers for the Empress were futile and highlighted Yao Mowan's sudden disappearance. She then subtly suggested that for the sake of the Yao family, they should guide their other daughter, Su Luan, in securing the Empress's position.
Yao Zhen Ting, however, questioned whether her intentions were truly for the Yao family or for her own Dou family. Meanwhile, the Second Madam, Mo Li, tearfully expressed her distress to Yao Zhen Ting over the misfortunes of her two daughters—one ill, one missing—and implored him to promise he would find Yao Mowan. Yao Zhen Ting, remorseful for failing to protect them, promised he would.
Back at Prince Su's residence, Ye Junqing reviewed security plans for the Xilan Paddock autumn hunt with his generals, detailing troop deployments for various critical areas. He kept the purpose of the remaining three thousand men undisclosed. Later, Ben Lei reported on Yao Mowan's comfortable stay at the residence and playfully asked if Ye Junqing was falling in love, given his attentiveness.
Ye Junqing dismissed it as merely repaying a debt, though he admitted she reminded him of someone, quickly brushing it off as overthinking. Enjoying her newfound leisure, Yao Mowan wandered into a room and found a poem on the wall: "Feeling desolate thinking of her. Like rain flooding the depths of the heart. Pining for a love to be fulfilled. Wishing her health and happiness everlasting."
Noticing the name "Nian Xin" in the poem, she secretly delighted, believing Ye Junqing had written it about her. Accidentally, she triggered a secret door, revealing a hidden chamber with a portrait of a woman. A sudden, piercing headache overwhelmed her, and in her confusion, she accidentally tore the painting in half. Just then, Ye Junqing arrived, witnessing the damaged portrait.
He struggled to suppress his rage, telling her that if she hadn't saved his life, she would have been dead by now. He then ordered her to leave the residence. Standing outside the prince's gate, Yao Mowan watched a servant delivering wine to the residence, and an idea sparked in her mind.
