Sassy Beauty Episode 7 Recap
> Sassy Beauty Recap
The Flower Feast commenced, displaying an array of exotic flowers, including the Withered Butterfly from South Jiuzhai, the Blue Fire Lotus, and the Ghost Orchid from the Northland. Si Yan expressed her fascination with the Ghost Orchid, surprised by its name despite its ordinary appearance.
Tong Rui explained that the flower's name derives from its ghost-like movement in the wind and its refreshing scent, and shared that she had learned psychic magic from a Zen master during her childhood in the Northland. She described a ritual where a drop of blood from a living person, if destined, could create a spell to connect with a deceased spirit.
Tong Rui subtly attempted to obtain a drop of the First Lady's blood using a spoon, but her efforts were thwarted when the First Lady, feeling unwell, excused herself to rest before the upcoming Makeup Contest. Qiguan Yi, concerned, checked on his mother. She reassured him of her well-being and advised him to prioritize his standing as a legitimate prince by spending more time with Miss Min, then instructed Mrs. Huang to inquire about Miss Min's floral preferences.
Si Yan overheard discussions about the Makeup Contest, a significant event at the Flower Feast where the winning maid could be promoted to an officer. Enthusiastically, she decided to participate. However, Hu Ying, a maid from the Palace Makeup Service, scoffed at Si Yan's ambition, claiming only maids from the service were qualified. Qiguan Yi intervened, asserting that the rules were not so rigid and that Si Yan was eligible to compete.
Si Yan thanked him, then audaciously pressed him for details about the First Lady's preferred makeup, attire, or even colors. Qiguan Yi, visibly irked, refused her persistent requests and walked away. Later, Si Yan was deep in thought, searching for inspiration. Qiguan Bao, noticing her struggle, offered his help. He admitted that Hu Ying was a strong competitor and presented Si Yan with a copy of Hu Ying's design.
Si Yan, however, expressed her desire to win purely on her own skill, prompting Qiguan Bao to tear the copy, affirming his belief in her talent. As Qiguan Bao gently removed a flower petal from Si Yan's hair, Qiguan Yi witnessed the moment, misinterpreting their closeness. Later, Qiguan Yi sought information from Mrs. Huang about his mother’s preferences, learning she favored "peach blossom" makeup. He crumpled the note containing this information in vexation.
He then confronted Si Yan, accusing her of being overly fixated on winning and having too many willing helpers. Their argument was cut short by Tong Rui's approach, and Qiguan Yi hastily pulled Si Yan into hiding. After Qiguan Yi left, Si Yan discovered the crumpled note, which revealed the First Lady's fondness for peach blossom makeup. Armed with this knowledge, she submitted her design to the head manager. The Makeup Contest officially began, with various designs being presented.
The First Lady and City Lord found the "Begonia before Rain," "April Blossom," "Sunlight Lotus," and "Night Mist" looks uninspiring, with other ladies echoing their criticisms. Hu Ying then showcased her "Smoky Sunset" makeup, which garnered widespread praise from the City Lord and the ladies for its poetic depth, romantic appeal, and elegant suitability for the First Lady.
When Si Yan's "Peach Blossom in Dreams" was displayed, it was a simple sketch adorned with actual peach blossoms, drawing ridicule from Hu Ying and the other attendees for its unconventional presentation. Si Yan defended her design, explaining that while her artwork might not adhere to traditional standards, the contest rules did not prohibit the use of real objects for demonstration. She emphasized the importance of practicality, aiming for a design that was useful rather than merely decorative.
Watching from the side, Tong Rui recognized the "Peach Blossom" makeup as her own creation from the real world, fueling her resentment towards Si Yan for claiming it. The City Lord appreciated both designs but left the final decision to the First Lady. The First Lady, while acknowledging the technical perfection of Hu Ying's design, ultimately chose Si Yan's, commending its innovative and refreshing spirit and her willingness to try something new.
For her reward, Si Yan declined all offerings, requesting only to be admitted into the Palace Makeup Service. Tong Rui then stepped forward, proposing that her maid, Ju zi, who also possessed makeup skills, should compete against Si Yan. The First Lady agreed, setting the stage for a "Makeup Makeover" challenge, with the winner determined by the greatest transformation between before and after makeup. The competitors were given one hour.
Ju zi, Tong Rui's maid, presented a model with exquisite makeup, praised for its masterful use of color and bold, unique style. Qiguan Yi, observing, seemed to doubt Si Yan's chances. Aware that she couldn't win on traditional technique, Si Yan chose an unexpected strategy: her model was Yun Li, Prince Xiu's guard, cleverly disguised as a woman. The reveal stunned the audience, but the City Lord found it highly amusing, exclaiming "Interesting! How interesting! How wonderful!"
The First Lady conceded that Ju zi's makeup was technically superior, yet found Yun Li's transformation "breathtaking." Unable to declare a clear victor, the City Lord called the competition a draw. With the Second Lady's support, Si Yan successfully secured her entry into the Palace Makeup Service.
Later, Jack congratulated Si Yan on her promotion but warned her that another player, "Wang Zhaojun of the Borderlands," specializing in makeup product refinement, was also within the East Mansion, and their missions might coincide. Shortly after, the First Lady's carriage abruptly overturned. Amidst the ensuing chaos and distraction, Tong Rui seized the opportunity to quickly prick the First Lady's skin, collecting a crucial drop of blood. Back in her room, Tong Rui successfully refined an alluring rouge.
Her next objective was to locate a rosewood powder box. That night, Si Yan, troubled by Jack's warning, dreamt of his hint about a "lotus pattern on an envelope" related to the other player, waking abruptly with a realization about who the other player might be.
The following morning, Si Yan arrived at the Palace Makeup Service, only to be assigned menial tasks such as sweeping and grinding precious East China Sea pearls by Hu Ying, who sternly warned her of severe penalties if the powder was not perfectly fine. Frustrated, Si Yan covertly used her magical abilities to swiftly complete the cleaning.
Jack contacted her, reporting that the database containing information on the new player had been deliberately locked by a core engineer named Tong Hui, who was responsible for developing the game's system. Si Yan made the connection: Tong Rui and Tong Hui were likely father and daughter, which made sense of her recent string of bad luck.
Meanwhile, the City Lord, enraged by the attack on the First Lady, ordered a thorough yet discreet investigation to prevent public panic and avoid diplomatic complications with impending envoys. Qiguan Yi was tasked with leading this secret inquiry. He interrogated Lady Cui, who confirmed possessing Qing Yan's scripts and portrait. She revealed that Qing Yan, a footboy, had abruptly left the mansion three years after joining, reportedly due to a purchasing error involving the Second Lady's courtyard.
Lady Cui also identified a handkerchief with a dandelion, stating the embroidery was a later addition, but claimed no knowledge of its meaning or the identity of the person Qing Yan depicted in his art. Qiguan Yi demanded a relentless search for Qing Yan, "alive or dead." Later, Si Yan accidentally dropped her work badge over a high wall.
While attempting a risky climb to retrieve it, she nearly fell but was rescued by Qiguan Yi, who had been tracking the scent of safflower powder. He examined Si Yan’s shoe, leading him to suspect that the First Lady's assailant was a maid. He then dismissed her potential involvement in the attack, asserting she lacked the courage for such an act.
Si Yan, attempting to diffuse the tension, then began an impromptu "makeup class" for Yun Li, demonstrating the use of a cleansing masque to control oil as a crucial first step for makeup, telling him he would definitely want this transformation.
