The Eternal Love 2 Episode 3 Recap
> The Eternal Love 2 Recap
Waking in a daze, Qu Xiaotan found herself on a bed, with a maid named Jingxin feeding her porridge. Xiaotan asked for a mirror to check her appearance, but the blurry copper mirror left her longing for modern cameras and photo-editing software. She comforted a crying Jingxin, declaring herself the "queen of real estate agents" and vowing to overcome any hardship.
From Jingxin, Xiaotan learned she was in the body of the Qu family's second daughter, who had a stepmother known as the Grand Lady, a half-sister named Qu Pan’er, and was involved in a dramatic love triangle with her sister and the Grand Prince. Curious about her new family's wealth, Xiaotan inquired about their assets, only to be told by Jingxin that as the daughter of a concubine, she had enough for daily needs but no extra money for luxuries.
This shattered Xiaotan’s fantasy of being a rich socialite. She then slyly asked Jingxin about the most handsome man in Dongyue. Jingxin revealed that the Eighth Prince was widely considered the most handsome, though she personally found the Grand Prince more appealing. Jingxin cautioned Xiaotan not to let her father or the Grand Lady know about their conversation, fearing punishment. Determined not to be bullied in this new world, Xiaotan decided to escape the Qu mansion.
Despite Jingxin's pleas, Xiaotan, confident in the wall-climbing skills she gained as a real estate agent, scaled the high wall and fled, noting the family’s lax security. Unbeknownst to her, the Eighth Prince observed her actions from a distance, finding her interesting. Out on the streets, Qu Xiaotan unsuccessfully questioned passersby about strange astronomical phenomena. Meanwhile, the time-traveling Mo Liancheng, disguised in a hat, followed her.
When Xiaotan passed a sugar figure stall with no money to pay, she performed a unique dance to earn a treat, attracting a large crowd. From the second floor of a nearby inn, the Eighth Prince also watched the spectacle. Suddenly, a cavalry unit charged through the street, and as the crowd scattered, Xiaotan remained in their path.
The time-traveling Mo Liancheng moved to save her but was stunned when he saw his other self, the Eighth Prince, descend from the building to rescue her. This confirmed his suspicion: the space-time rift had brought him back to Dongyue in the fifteenth year of Yuanning, where he now faced his past self. The soldiers, led by General Wei, proceeded to the Qu mansion and arrested everyone.
General Wei announced an imperial edict: the Minister of Revenue, Qu Jianglin, was stripped of his title and exiled for corruption. All his assets were confiscated, and the female members of his household were to be enslaved. The eldest daughter, Qu Pan’er, was sent to Noble Consort DuGu's palace, while the second daughter, now inhabited by Qu Xiaotan, was sent to the Eighth Prince’s mansion as a slave.
The time-traveling Mo Liancheng witnessed these unexpected events, noting that Qu Tan’er was not betrothed to him as she should have been. He suspected his arrival had caused a "butterfly effect" altering history and wondered to himself about the whereabouts of the Soul Bead. Noticing General Wei's uncharacteristic involvement in court politics, Mo Liancheng decided to remain hidden and observe, believing Qu Tan’er would be safe in the Eighth Prince’s mansion while he formulated a plan.
Qu Xiaotan and Jingxin became maids in the Eighth Prince’s mansion. During Chief Butler Zhou’s lecture on household rules, Qu Xiaotan spotted the Eighth Prince. Believing him to be Mo Liancheng, she excitedly called out his name, declared him her boyfriend, and rushed towards him. Guards restrained her, and Chief Butler Zhou punished her with sweeping duties.
Xiaotan remained convinced that the Eighth Prince was Mo Liancheng, who had also time-traveled, and resolved to find a way to approach him and find a way back to her own time. Jingxin, demonstrating her loyalty, pledged to handle the chores so Xiaotan's hands wouldn't be roughened. Touched, Xiaotan declared Jingxin her best friend and asked to be called "Xiaotan."
Meanwhile, the time-traveling Mo Liancheng sought out Liu Qianshui, revealing he knew of Liu's origin from the Xuanling Continent, his quest for the Soul Bead's host, and his possession of the Soul Wandering Flute. He demanded a disguise, which Liu Qianshui agreed to create. Mo Liancheng then inquired about Dongyue's political situation and learned of rumors that Noble Consort DuGu was using black magic on the emperor, whose health was declining.
Realizing his father's life was at risk, Mo Liancheng resolved to stay hidden, protect Qu Tan’er, and foil the political schemes, hoping he could also prevent the tragic fate of his elder brother, the Grand Prince. Liu Qianshui offered Mo Liancheng lodging in his courtyard. Later, Qu Xiaotan got the opportunity to clean the Eighth Prince’s study. When he entered early, she excitedly called out "Mo Liancheng."
The Eighth Prince, recognizing her as the "crazy girl" from the street, admonished her for her impudence. Before she could be punished, Yu Hao arrived with an edict from the Empress Dowager summoning the Eighth Prince to her palace. As they departed, the Eighth Prince inquired about Xiaotan's identity. Yu Hao explained she was the Qu family's second daughter, whom the Grand Prince wished to marry, but who had reportedly lost her memory after falling into a lake.
Confused and fearful about why the Eighth Prince had acted so coldly, Qu Xiaotan wondered if she had been mistaken. Shortly after, the time-traveling Mo Liancheng, now successfully disguised, appeared in the courtyard where she was sweeping. Recalling Yu Hao's earlier warning, Xiaotan instinctively bowed. However, Mo Liancheng pulled her into an embrace from behind and reassured her, "Tan'er, it's so good to see you safe. I won't let you be in danger again. I will never leave you."
