The Eternal Love 2 Episode 5 Recap
> The Eternal Love 2 Recap
Qu Xiaotan’s demeanor towards the Eighth Prince underwent a swift change, prompting Jingxin to question why she was suddenly bringing nourishing soup after previously criticizing him. Qu Xiaotan explained that as a dependent, she had no choice but to be subservient, especially after offending the Prince multiple times. She saw his recent injury from the hunting expedition as an ideal opportunity to curry favor and improve her living conditions.
She even elaborated on her choice of trotter and soybean soup, claiming its collagen could both heal wounds and beautify. Meanwhile, in the study, the Eighth Prince and Fourteenth were discussing matters when Yu Hao announced the arrival of Liu Shang. As Qu Xiaotan entered with the soup, she saw Liu Shang, and an inexplicable connection passed between them. The Eighth Prince, observing their interaction, felt a pang of displeasure.
Liu Shang, a man of exceptional talent, came seeking to assist the Eighth Prince. He revealed that he was responsible for thwarting the plot at the hunting ground. Having been in Dongyue for some time covertly observing the political landscape, he discovered General Wei Zongheng had stolen the Eighth Prince’s exclusive arrows and anticipated the conspiracy.
He then monitored Wei’s assassin at the hunting grounds and fired a second arrow only after the assassin had acted, ensuring the Prince suffered only a minor injury while the scheme was foiled. Fourteenth eagerly suggested using this to undermine Noble Consort Dugu. However, both the Eighth Prince and Liu Shang advised caution, noting that the Emperor was already wary of the Eighth Prince and further investigation might arouse more suspicion.
Liu Shang then proposed a strategy to help the Eighth Prince secure the Crown Prince position. Citing his knowledge of astronomical phenomena, he predicted a destructive, decade-rare flood in the Yellow River. He advised the Prince to proactively deliver food to the affected areas, which would garner support from influential court ministers. The Eighth Prince, however, remained skeptical of the prediction and of Liu Shang’s motives.
Liu Shang explained that over ten years ago, the Eighth Prince had saved a drowning child in Nan city, and he was that child. The Eighth Prince remained deeply suspicious, unsettled by Liu Shang's uncanny ability to anticipate his thoughts and particularly wary of how Liu Shang recoiled from his touch. Before leaving, Liu Shang recommended a hot spring on Yumen Mountain for the Prince's injuries.
In a secluded area, Liu Shang met with Liu Qianshui, revealing that he was in fact Mo Liancheng from the future, wearing an elaborate disguise. Liu Qianshui cautioned him that the mask was not waterproof. When pressed for the identity of the Soul Bead’s host, Mo Liancheng cryptically told him to watch for the "Mars is close to Antares" celestial event.
He then revealed his secret: a space-time anomaly had brought him to this era, meaning two versions of himself now existed. Mo Liancheng asked why touching the First Prince or the current Eighth Prince caused an electric shock. Liu Qianshui explained that because he did not belong to this timeline, touching any blood relatives was a "prohibited zone" that triggered a warning. At the palace, Noble Consort Dugu was furious about the failed plot.
General Wei suspected Liu Shang’s interference and proposed a new scheme: to exploit the First Prince’s affection for his childhood sweetheart, Qu Tan'er, to sow discord between the brothers. With Qu Tan'er now a servant in the Eighth Prince's residence, they could manipulate the situation, let the princes destroy each other, and then seize control. Dugu approved and summoned Qu Pan'er. Qu Pan'er arrived at the Eighth Prince’s residence to see her sister.
After flaunting a valuable bracelet from Noble Consort Dugu, she deliberately dropped and broke it, then accused Qu Xiaotan of the deed. Chief Butler Zhou rushed in and immediately blamed Qu Xiaotan, but Liu Shang (Mo Liancheng) forcefully intervened, throwing Qu Pan'er aside and declaring Qu Xiaotan under his protection. He examined the bracelet, pointing out that its clean fracture proved it was broken intentionally. Cornered, Qu Pan'er claimed it was just a joke, enraging Xiaotan.
Liu Shang warned Qu Pan'er against further schemes and admonished Chief Butler Zhou for his biased judgment, ordering all staff to treat Qu Xiaotan with respect. Afterward, Liu Shang led Qu Xiaotan to a room that held many of their shared memories. He asked her to help him change his clothes, and as she reached for his belt, he leaned in and kissed her. Though initially stunned and angry, Xiaotan found herself unexpectedly enjoying it.
Liu Shang then casually asked about her love life; she admitted someone had pursued her, rating the suitor a "nine" in looks but calling Liu Shang a "perfect ten." He then dismissed her, warning her never to speak of their encounter. Later, Qu Xiaotan playfully told fortunes for the maids using her knowledge of zodiac signs. When Jingxin brought up a childhood prank they had played, Xiaotan claimed to have no memory of it.
This lapse left Jingxin perplexed, noting that her mistress seemed to be forgetting her own past. Subsequently, the Eighth Prince inquired about Liu Shang’s accommodations. Liu Shang expressed his satisfaction but requested Qu Tan'er's assistance as his Lady Steward. He provided a strategic reason: he wanted to inquire about her demoted father, Qu Jianglin, to aid in their planning. The Prince, again struck by Liu Shang’s foresight, agreed.
As a final warning, Liu Shang advised the Prince that Dugu and Wei would not give up and that he should increase his security. The Prince acknowledged his intelligence but reminded him of the importance of loyalty.
