The Eternal Love 2 Episode 10 Recap
> The Eternal Love 2 Recap
Qu Xiaotan excitedly led Jingxin to their new room in the Eighth Prince's palace, a spacious, south-facing sunroom in a prime location. Jingxin was immediately impressed by its grandeur. Declaring that good friends share everything, Qu Xiaotan presented Jingxin with beautiful new clothes. Overjoyed, the two began to play, imagining themselves as Dongyue's top models and practicing their catwalk. Their playful antics escalated as they started roleplaying.
Jingxin announced the arrival of the Eighth Prince, while Qu Xiaotan, fully immersed in the role, adopted his persona. She declared she was on an imperial visit in casual clothes and demanded low-key behavior, then theatrically rebuked Jingxin for impertinence, threatening to confiscate her gold.
Continuing her impression, Qu Xiaotan spoke of the Eighth Prince's "deadpan" demeanor, explaining that it concealed a gentle and merciful heart, and that his generosity stemmed from his nature as a "strong, determined person with great tenderness." Unbeknownst to them, the Eighth Prince and Fourteenth Prince approached, drawn by the lively sounds. Upon opening the door, they found Qu Xiaotan in the midst of her dramatic performance. The Eighth Prince, observing her intently, simply said, "Go on."
Jingxin, spotting the princes, immediately dropped to her knees in fright, desperately trying to signal Qu Xiaotan, who, with her back to the door, remained oblivious and grew even more animated. Only when she finally turned around did Qu Xiaotan see the Eighth Prince's stern expression and abruptly halt, mortified. Recovering quickly, she apologized, insisting that despite her jokes, her gratitude was genuine. The Eighth Prince, feigning displeasure, commented on feeling thirsty.
Seizing the opportunity to defuse the awkward situation, Qu Xiaotan quickly offered to serve tea and led Jingxin away. The Fourteenth Prince, stifling his laughter, then remarked to the Eighth Prince that although Qu Xiaotan was rash, she seemed to understand him quite well. Though the Eighth Prince feigned displeasure, he was secretly pleased by her praise. Just then, Liu Shang appeared, formally greeting the Eighth Prince.
He stated he had come to invite Qu Xiaotan to the Snow Courtyard immediately. After receiving the Eighth Prince's reluctant approval, Qu Xiaotan departed with Liu Shang. The Eighth Prince watched their retreating figures, his brow furrowed and his grip tightening on his teacup. In the Snow Courtyard, Liu Shang instructed Qu Xiaotan to familiarize herself with the surroundings, explaining that from then on, only the two of them would inhabit the space.
Qu Xiaotan, observing the bridges, streams, and roses, found the decorating style surprisingly feminine, remarking that it seemed more suited for a princess than an advisor. Liu Shang agreed, noting it was very suitable for the Eighth Princess. Qu Xiaotan confessed that she not only loved the courtyard but also felt a strong sense of deja vu.
While she had no specific memories, she had always dreamed of owning such a place, and it was uncanny how perfectly it matched his arrangement. Liu Shang mused that perhaps the Snow Courtyard had been waiting for her. Qu Xiaotan then began to ponder the odd situation, wondering about the true nature of the relationship between Liu Shang and the Eighth Prince, especially after recalling the Prince secretly drawing Liu Shang's portrait.
Meanwhile, Liu Shang gazed at Qu Xiaotan, inwardly affirming that regardless of this life or the next, she would always be the sole owner of the Snow Courtyard, and he would wait until they fell in love again. Back in her room, Qu Xiaotan fretted over her upcoming meeting with Mo Yihuai, the Grand Prince. Having already accepted the Eighth Prince's generous silver, new clothes, and housing, she felt obliged to fulfill her commitment to Liu Shang.
She decided to send Jingxin as her messenger, explaining that Mo Yihuai's status as the Grand Prince made direct communication risky. To inquire about returning to her world, she drafted a letter in English and modern slang, hoping the obscure language would allow him to respond freely. Jingxin delivered the letter, but Mo Yihuai found the writing indecipherable. Ingeniously improvising, Jingxin offered her interpretation.
She claimed the letter expressed Qu Tan'er's deep remorse for being unable to meet him, promising to make it up to him wholeheartedly next time. Jingxin continued, fabricating that Qu Tan'er's love for him made her uneasy and that her days in the Eighth Prince's palace were filled with anxiety. Finally, Jingxin explained that the letter suggested meeting by the river, a familiar spot, as the palace had too many prying eyes.
Convinced of Qu Tan'er's profound affection and distress, Mo Yihuai was deeply moved. The next day, Qu Xiaotan presented herself at the Snow Courtyard. She intended to strictly adhere to the Eighth Prince's "Three Bans," specifically the rule about maintaining an arm's length distance. However, Liu Shang's subtle methods proved too formidable. He casually quoted the arm's length rule, making Qu Xiaotan realize she had already broken it by standing too close.
When she admitted she could not play the zither, he offered to teach her, pulling her gently but firmly towards him. As their four hands moved in unison over the zither strings, a melody filled the courtyard. After their musical interlude, Liu Shang instructed Qu Xiaotan to serve tea, adding a reminder about the ban on entering his inner chamber, which was demarcated by a screen.
After she served the tea, he asked her to bring him lighter clothes from his inner chamber. Though hesitant, she reasoned that as long as she didn't cross the screen, she wouldn't truly break the second rule, and perhaps could even catch a glimpse of his physique. However, upon entering the partitioned area, Liu Shang asked her to bring the tea inside. Frustrated at having now broken the second rule, she resolved to at least check his muscles.
As she moved closer, Liu Shang took a piece of gauze and gently blindfolded her, explaining it would make them both more comfortable. He then admonished her, reminding her that a woman must be reserved and should never casually peep at a man's body. With her eyes covered, Qu Xiaotan's other senses sharpened. She noticed Liu Shang's scent was strikingly familiar, reminiscent of the mysterious client who had once wanted to buy her house.
She asked Liu Shang if he believed in fate, then proposed introducing him to a "bosom friend" whom she believed he would get along with perfectly. She described this friend as someone who also loved changing clothes, was a neat freak who adored white, enjoyed enigmatic music, and was clever but used his intelligence mainly for decoding things. She hinted that her current predicament was deeply connected to this person.
Liu Shang, picking up on her detailed knowledge, asked if this "bosom friend" was her beloved. Qu Xiaotan sadly replied that even if he were, she could not return to him. Jingxin returned with a reply from Mo Yihuai, a long letter in classical Chinese.
Qu Xiaotan struggled to read it, joking that Mo Yihuai’s "English" was even worse than her own, but she recognized his use of her modern slang (Laotie/buddy) as confirmation that he was indeed her "fellow countryman." Jingxin interpreted the crucial sections: Mo Yihuai also felt the palace was too risky for a meeting and suggested a private rendezvous by the water near willow trees at midnight.
Qu Xiaotan excitedly realized that since she arrived in this world by falling into water, her departure might also involve it. His use of the phrase "let's go to the fairyland" further solidified her belief. Overjoyed, Qu Xiaotan shared a celebratory toast with Jingxin using snacks instead of wine. That afternoon, as she prepared to leave, she was unexpectedly intercepted by Liu Shang, who questioned her hasty departure, stating he had not granted her leave.
Liu Shang then instructed Qu Xiaotan to serve him during his bath, a ploy to prevent her from meeting Mo Yihuai. As they entered the bathing area, Qu Xiaotan tried to sneak a peek while he changed behind the screens. Liu Shang, having removed his mask to reveal Mo Liancheng's face, anticipated her mischief and swiftly pulled her into his embrace to hide his identity. He then playfully pushed her out, remarking that her naughty character needed to be curbed.
Just then, the Eighth Prince's voice was heard from outside. The Eighth Prince had arrived with wine as a housewarming gift. Qu Xiaotan quickly opened the door, informing him that Liu Shang was bathing. Hearing this, the Eighth Prince’s expression immediately soured and he questioned if she had violated his "Three Bans." Qu Xiaotan quickly reassured him that she had adhered to all the rules, falsely claiming she neither played the zither with Liu Shang nor peeked at him.
She explained that Liu Shang was extremely cautious, using both screens and curtains, and had even instructed her to wait outside. She then added, as an observation of her own, that she found it suspicious he would burn incense while bathing. When the Eighth Prince asked how she knew about the incense if she hadn't entered, Qu Xiaotan explained that Liu Shang had given her a gauze to cover her eyes. The Eighth Prince, already suspicious, found Liu Shang’s excessive caution highly unusual, concluding that he must be hiding a secret.
