Sassy Beauty Episode 10 Recap
> Sassy Beauty Recap
The Qixi monthly exam for the Palace Makeup Service officially commenced. Si Yan, recalling her identity as a TikTok beauty blogger named Sugared Chestnuts, aimed to showcase her skill in creating a pearlescent eyeshadow pencil for "big watery eyes," a technique she considered her unique advantage in the game. Prince Xiu (Fifth Young Master) and Guard Yun were among the judges observing the contestants.
While examining the various makeup looks, one judge praised an orange-toned look emphasizing cheekbones and deep lip gloss, while another highlighted a light purple base emphasizing sparkling and charming eye makeup. A third judge remarked on the pleasant fragrance of the women compared to his greasy-smelling wife, and found the sparkling eye makeup acceptable, though another judge preferred Hu Ying's red-lipped "Flower Before Moon Makeup."
Meanwhile, a shadowy figure advised a superior about a "weird maid" who could be used as a scapegoat if their plans went awry, indicating a broader, sinister plot unfolding in the background. When the results were announced, Hu Ying's "Flower Before Moon Makeup" won first place. Si Yan achieved a passing score, much to her delight.
Prince Xiu, who had voted for Si Yan, complimented her innovative pearlescent eyeshadow pencil and suggested that if Qiguan Yi (Seventh Young Master) and Qiguan Bao (Ninth Young Master) had been present, her score would have been even higher. Min Taotao then arrived, stating she needed special makeup for her rare outing with Qiguan Yi. Hu Ying, still simmering from her victory, confronted Si Yan and Lan Miao.
She accused Si Yan of using the princes' influence to advance, calling her a "lowly maid who fast-tracked her way up by kissing up" and hinting at illicit dealings. Infuriated, Si Yan retaliated by slapping Hu Ying and then pushing her into a shallow well, stating that Hu Ying would be rescued in two hours, giving her time to reflect on her actions. Si Yan then accused Hu Ying of bribing Director Hua.
Away from the exam, Tong Rui, disguised as a man, encountered a woman mercilessly beating a child, claiming the child was a "freeloader" after the child's father died. Tong Rui intervened, logically explaining to the woman the long-term benefits of keeping the child, comparing him to a loyal "house dog" who could protect the home, rather than a "wild wolf" returning for revenge.
Qiguan Da (First Young Master), who had been observing this interaction, was impressed by Tong Rui's unconventional wisdom and invited her for a drink, which she accepted, hoping to uncover his weaknesses. Qiguan Da noted that the child had "fire in his eyes" and, even if raised like a dog, would possess a "wolf's heart" and eventually become his own master. Concurrently, the Oiran election was underway.
A stunning woman, simply known as Yuege, made a dramatic appearance, leaving behind only a hairpin as her identity. The madam overseeing the event immediately recognized her as the long-awaited Yuege. Back at the mansion, Si Yan received her monthly exam reward: a sum of coins. Though insufficient to buy the expensive clothes she desired, Jie Ke, her manager, suggested she could rent an outfit until midnight.
Si Yan tried on a rented ensemble, prompting Jie Ke to meticulously critique her makeup, which Si Yan playfully dismissed, telling him to simply say she looked "nice and very nice." Si Yan chose not to wear her "Grape Blossoms with Rain Makeup," explaining it was designed for "heart-broken girls" and she wished to avoid bad luck.
Tong Rui, however, arrived wearing that very makeup, declaring it was for her first private outing with "Brother Yi" (Qiguan Yi) and warning Si Yan not to replicate it. She then subtly cautioned Si Yan to "know her place" to avoid stirring up more rumors that could tarnish the princes' reputations. Jie Ke then informed Si Yan of the Qixi Festival activities, including riddles and sky lanterns, which excited Si Yan, who planned to enjoy the festivities with Lan Miao.
Soon after, Qiguan Bao approached Si Yan, inviting her to the Lantern Festival that night as he had something important to say. Si Yan felt awkward, as she no longer held feelings for him. Jie Ke, accessing his data, noted her "relationship virgin" status, which Si Yan playfully denied, claiming her database was "glitchy" as she was a beauty blogger with millions of fans.
Later, Peach, impersonating Min Taotao, was on a boat with Qiguan Yi, wearing the "Grape Blossoms with Rain Makeup." Qiguan Yi complimented her "unique makeup" for the Lantern Festival. During a chess game, Peach feigned a loss. Qiguan Yi then cleverly brought up his second brother, Prince Teng, and his past praises of Min Taotao's chess skills, implying Peach was deliberately losing.
Peach, startled, almost revealed herself but quickly recovered by emphasizing "Min Taotao's" deep affection for Prince Teng and their shared romantic past. Qiguan Yi, feigning concern, offered to help Peach (as Min Taotao) cancel her engagement, which Peach vehemently refused, stressing the importance of the alliance between their families. Qiguan Yi then revealed his suspicion regarding recent incidents in the East Mansion, questioning if "Min Taotao" (Peach) had ever suspected her maid of tampering with the First Lady's reins.
Peach was taken aback, realizing his keen observation. Meanwhile, Min Taotao had already instructed her maid Peach to impersonate her and meet Qiguan Yi, while Min Taotao herself sought to get closer to Qiguan Da, taking advantage of Prince Da's fear of women and the broader strategy of "not putting all eggs in one basket."
As evening fell, Si Yan, Lan Miao, and Jie Ke (whom Si Yan affectionately called "Xiao Li Zi" for the day, granting him a break from his butler duties) immersed themselves in the vibrant Lantern Festival. With Jie Ke's clever assistance, Si Yan excelled at guessing riddles, winning several lanterns and delighting her friends. Elsewhere, Qiguan Bao was searching for Si Yan when he encountered Prince Xiu, who advised him to be more thoughtful when choosing gifts for a girl.
Si Yan, drawn by a new "hidden task" in the game, chose an icon of a black spider, a challenge Jie Ke could not assist with. She then decided to browse at the Tongzhuang makeup shop, where she unexpectedly ran into Qiguan Bao. Si Yan asked him for help with her riddle, a complex verse that, when solved, revealed the phrase: "Wait for you to say 'I love you'." Qiguan Bao, visibly flustered, took Si Yan to a secluded spot.
He presented her with a "spider of joy" as a gift, but struggled to verbalize his feelings. After putting on a mask, he began to read from a pre-written confession, expressing how Si Yan had dazzled him and made him speechless. Before he could finish, Si Yan innocently interrupted, assuming it was a love letter he had written for Xiaowan.
At that precise moment, Qiguan Yi, who was at the festival with Peach (still impersonating Min Taotao), appeared and witnessed Qiguan Bao's failed confession. Seizing the opportunity, Qiguan Yi swiftly took Si Yan away while Qiguan Bao was distracted.
