The Eternal Love 3 Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Eternal Love 3 Synopsis
After Mo Liancheng ascended to the throne, he and Qu Xiaotan continued to live happily in Dongyue.
However, the soul pearl had a disturbance, resulting in time and space being disrupted again, and Qu Xiaotan traveled to another world, at which time she found that Mo Liancheng had lost all memories of his previous life.
In order to regain the memory loss of her lover, Qu Xiaotan would open a new journey of chasing love.
The Eternal Love 3 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Dressed in elaborate wedding attire and visibly inebriated, Qu Xiaotan returned to her room. She had anticipated meeting the two beautiful individuals she was to marry, but instead, she discovered them in an intimate embrace. Her curiosity piqued, she wondered how such a situation came to be, prompting a flashback to one month prior. At that time, Dongyue was still the familiar Dongyue, ruled by Emperor Mo Lian Cheng and his Empress, Qu Xiaotan.
Qu Xiaotan was often frustrated by her son, Yu Er, who scattered his homework everywhere. She lamented Mo Lian Cheng's easy life as an emperor, complaining that women were burdened with childcare and homework while men enjoyed power and wealth. She even expressed regret for having a child with him, asserting her own ambition in real estate. Separately, Mo Lian Cheng was ambushed by assassins. He skillfully fended them off, neutralizing them before rescue officials could arrive.
Upon returning home, Mo Lian Cheng found Qu Xiaotan distraught over Yu Er's reluctance to study. He attempted to comfort her, but his suggestion that Yu Er might be better off as a girl, so he wouldn't have so many responsibilities, angered Qu Xiaotan, who accused him of sexism. Their bickering escalated, with Qu Xiaotan complaining about her duties at home and Mo Lian Cheng countering that servants handled most tasks.
As they argued, Yu Er became fixated on the Soul-guarding Pearl. Mo Lian Cheng quickly rushed to protect Yu Er, with Qu Xiaotan following close behind, just as the pearl exploded, rendering them unconscious. Qu Xiaotan awakened to find Qu Jiang Lin, a man she knew to be long dead, standing before her. She was terrified, believing she was seeing a ghost, but then her maid, Jing Xin, rushed in, calling her "Your Highness" and reassuring her.
Disoriented, Qu Xiaotan frantically searched for Mo Lian Cheng and Yu Er. She realized that the Soul-guarding Pearl's instability might have caused a temporal shift, but she was puzzled, as she had not been a princess even before Qu Jiang Lin's death in her original timeline. Qu Jiang Lin, however, informed her that she was Qu Tan Er, the Second Princess of Dongyue, destined to inherit the throne.
He explained that after her fall into the water, if her mental state was impaired, the succession would pass to her elder sister, Qu Mei Er. Qu Xiaotan, suspicious of Qu Jiang Lin's protectiveness, suspected Qu Mei Er was involved in her "accident." Realizing she had once again transmigrated, this time into a world with reversed gender roles, she decided to feign confusion to gather more information.
She learned that in this Dongyue, women held power, striving to govern the country, while men were subordinate, adhering to a code of virtue and three obediences and four virtues. The current Empress, who was Qu Tan Er's aunt and Qu Jiang Lin's cousin, was childless and intended to select either Qu Tan Er or Qu Mei Er as her heir. After dismissing Qu Jiang Lin, Qu Xiaotan pressed Jing Xin for information about Mo Lian Cheng.
Jing Xin revealed that Mo Lian Cheng, the eighth young master of the Mo family, was currently in the palace, participating in the harem selection to become part of the Empress's consort. Enraged, Qu Xiaotan immediately set off to "snatch her groom." In the palace, Mo Lian Cheng's elder brother encouraged him, hinting at Mo Lian Cheng's prior connection to the Empress. However, Mo Lian Cheng remained quiet and sullen, seemingly due to his amnesia.
Su Jing Yuan, a fellow candidate, mocked Mo Lian Cheng, suggesting he was only there due to favoritism from his elder sister, Official Su, who was a supervising officer. Mo Lian Cheng retorted sharply, implying Su Jing Yuan’s own sister had not arranged for his selection, causing Su Jing Yuan to leave in a huff. Meanwhile, Qu Xiaotan relished the deference shown to her as a princess, finding it "awesome."
Jing Xin attached a perfume sachet, a gift from the Empress, to her, noting its precious fragrance that attracted butterflies. Upon seeing Mo Lian Cheng among the male candidates, Qu Xiaotan excitedly called out "Cheng Cheng," but Jing Xin quickly silenced her, reminding her that all candidates were considered the Empress's men until selected. Realizing the need for discretion, Qu Xiaotan decided to infiltrate the selection process to understand the situation better.
Her attempt to sneak in was interrupted by Su Yue La, who informed her that the Empress had appointed both of them to co-host the harem selection. Mo Lian Cheng, battling amnesia, reflected on the difficulty of adapting to this new world's stringent rules where men were subservient. Qu Xiaotan approached him, attempting to tell him he didn't need to join the harem and that she would help him get eliminated.
Mo Lian Cheng, not recognizing her, addressed her formally as "Your Highness" and dismissed her words as heresy. Qu Xiaotan, attributing his aloofness to the public setting, encouraged him and the other candidates before he walked away, leaving her determined to find a way to eliminate him and then reconnect. During the tea ceremony portion of the selection, Qu Xiaotan ruthlessly eliminated candidates for minor faults, but Mo Lian Cheng performed flawlessly.
To her surprise, Su Jing Yuan also wanted Mo Lian Cheng eliminated. Su Jing Yuan deliberately bumped into Mo Lian Cheng, spilling tea onto Qu Xiaotan. Seizing the opportunity, Qu Xiaotan declared Mo Lian Cheng eliminated for lacking manners and insulting her. Su Yue La, however, intervened, explaining that Mo Lian Cheng was favored by the Empress and would be selected regardless. Accepting this, Qu Xiaotan demanded Mo Lian Cheng assist her in changing.
Alone with him, she realized he still didn't recognize her, prompting her to consider he might be this world's version of Mo Lian Cheng, not her husband. She remembered her Mo Lian Cheng had a sword wound on his chest from an assassination attempt. To confirm his identity, she pulled open his robe. Finding no scar, Qu Xiaotan was crestfallen.
She quickly bid him well, wishing him to "become the Emperor Consort soon," and left, leaving a bewildered Mo Lian Cheng behind. Later, Su Yue La mentioned that all candidates underwent a full body inspection before the final selection. The term "body inspection" immediately caught Qu Xiaotan's attention. She went to secretly observe the male candidates changing and being examined. Mo Lian Cheng discovered her peeking and confronted her.
As he spoke, his memories were suddenly triggered by her familiar complaints. He recognized her, calling out "Tan Er," and a rush of emotion overwhelmed Qu Xiaotan, leading her to kiss him. However, during their kiss, Mo Lian Cheng suddenly pushed her away, his recognition fading once more. Determined not to let him join the harem, Qu Xiaotan decided to ally with Su Jing Yuan. Soon after, the Empress arrived, and Qu Xiaotan was stunned to see that the Empress bore an exact resemblance to herself.
Episode 2 Recap
Upon seeing the Empress, who strikingly resembled her, Qu Xiaotan privately wondered if anyone else found it odd, though she mused that nieces often resemble their aunts. Noticing the Empress smiling at Mo Lian Cheng, Qu Xiaotan grew silently jealous, thinking to herself that "Cheng Cheng is mine." She quickly interjected, declaring Mo Lian Cheng reserved and boring, unsuited to entertain Her Majesty.
Su Yue La, however, praised Mo Lian Cheng's exquisite sword skills, leading the Empress to have him perform a sword dance to convince everyone. During his performance, a perfume sachet slipped from his sleeve. Qu Xiaotan recognized it as her own and immediately accused Mo Lian Cheng of concealing a woman's personal belonging and acting improperly, demanding his removal from the selection.
Mo Lian Cheng defended himself, suggesting the sachet's placement should be questioned with its owner or the attendant who prepared his attire, not him, as he had already undergone a body search. Su Yue La supported the palace's attire preparation as faultless and denied having the sachet. Qu Xiaotan pressed further, alleging Mo Lian Cheng had deliberately spilled tea on her and taken the sachet while assisting her with a change of clothes, driven by admiration.
Mo Lian Cheng retorted that she knew well how the tea was spilled and who requested the change. Su Yue La then suggested that, despite potential injustice to Mo Lian Cheng, his continued participation would harm the harem's reputation if the rumors persisted. The Empress commanded Su Yue La to thoroughly investigate the matter. Mo Lian Cheng's involvement in the harem selection incident brought shame upon the Mo family.
His father sternly rebuked him for tarnishing their revered reputation, remarking on the ridicule and criticism they now faced. Mo Father ordered Mo Lian Cheng to copy the code of virtue daily as punishment. Mo Yanchen defended his brother, suggesting it was a misunderstanding and that the truth would soon emerge, with Mo Jingxuan adding that those slandering others would face their comeuppance.
Mo Father silenced them, asserting that Mo Lian Cheng's innocence or guilt would be decided by the Empress, not by them or public opinion, and reiterated the punishment. Qu Xiaotan, reflecting on the incident, realized Mo Lian Cheng had been framed and she had inadvertently exacerbated his predicament. She initially attributed the entire situation to the Empress's resemblance to herself, a thought Jing Xin quickly hushed, deeming it highly disrespectful.
Jing Xin then cautioned Qu Xiaotan about the severe consequences for a man whose reputation is tarnished, especially when the Empress is involved; a lighter sentence could mean becoming a monk, while a heavier one could lead to being drowned in a pig cage. Alarmed by the gravity of her actions, Qu Xiaotan rushed to the Mo Residence with Jing Xin.
Spotting a familiar cherry blossom tree outside the residence, Qu Xiaotan immediately halted the carriage and began to scale the wall, feeling a sense of destiny, as if her beloved awaited her on the other side. In the courtyard, Mo Lian Cheng was engrossed in copying the code of virtue. Qu Xiaotan called out to him to catch her as she descended, but he failed, as he always did, much to her exasperation.
She chastised him for letting her fall, to which he coldly responded that men and women should not have direct contact. Just then, Mo Yanchen approached, addressing her as Tan Er and expressing concern for her fall, mentioning that Mo Lian Cheng was well aware of their mutual affection. This remark left Qu Xiaotan bewildered, as she recalled Qu Tan Er's affections were for Mo Yihuai, making her question Mo Yanchen's identity.
Mo Yanchen escorted Qu Xiaotan to the main hall to meet Mo Father, with Jing Xin rushing back to join them. Qu Xiaotan nearly addressed Mo Father as "Father Emperor," momentarily forgetting his changed status. She declared her willingness to take responsibility for Mo Lian Cheng's predicament. Mo Yanchen appeared surprised, but Mo Lian Cheng gently declined her offer, pointing out that her intervention would only further tarnish both their reputations given his already compromised standing.
Qu Xiaotan, however, was resolute, promising to restore his and the Mo family's honor. To achieve this, she instructed Jing Xin to find a storyteller to narrate Mo Lian Cheng's heroic deeds, even commissioning a mason to create plaques and children to sing specially composed nursery rhymes throughout the city. Later, Yu Hao summoned Qu Xiaotan and Su Yue La to the palace to discuss the investigation's progress.
Su Yue La hesitated to report, but Qu Xiaotan confidently stated that Mo Lian Cheng was innocent, citing his well-known upright character. She proposed a method to identify the true culprit: by releasing butterflies, which were attracted to the unique scent of her imperial perfume sachet, among all the harem candidates. The person on whom the butterflies landed, besides herself and Mo Lian Cheng, would be the most suspicious.
Recognizing the implication for her brother, Su Jing Yuan, Su Yue La quickly interjected, declaring Mo Lian Cheng's innocence and dismissing the need for any test. Qu Xiaotan subtly warned Su Yue La about the dangers of jealousy and framing others before departing. Yu Hao subsequently reported to the Empress that Su Yue La's brother, Su Jing Yuan, was indeed suspected of framing Mo Lian Cheng.
The Empress decided to retain Su Yue La for her own purposes but ordered Su Jing Yuan to be punished according to the law. Yu Hao also suggested that Qu Xiaotan's behavior in the hall that day was likely a misunderstanding, given her usual respect towards Her Majesty. Qu Xiaotan then went to the Mo Residence to find Mo Lian Cheng, where she encountered Mo Yanchen.
Despite her efforts to clear his name, Mo Lian Cheng remained displeased by her public antics and abruptly left upon seeing her. Mo Yanchen tried to soothe Qu Xiaotan by offering tea, but she made an excuse about urgent state affairs and quickly departed. Meanwhile, Mo Jingxuan was discreetly presenting a gift to Jing Xin when Qu Xiaotan unexpectedly appeared. She immediately questioned Mo Jingxuan about his brothers, discovering that many were twins and that he also had a sister.
She then inquired about Mo Yihuai, to which Mo Jingxuan revealed that he had been given away to another family shortly after birth, a fact his father had once mentioned. Qu Xiaotan then turned to Jing Xin, who downplayed her relationship with Mo Jingxuan, insisting they were merely acquaintances and reminding Qu Xiaotan that it was she who had previously warned Jing Xin to maintain her distance from Mo Jingxuan.
Late that night, Mo Lian Cheng entered the palace to see the Empress, who asked him for a shoulder massage. Upon hearing this, an enraged Qu Xiaotan stormed into the palace, determined to disrupt their private meeting. She burst into the Empress's chambers, finding Mo Lian Cheng holding the Empress's hand. As Qu Xiaotan intervened, Mo Lian Cheng suddenly experienced a severe headache, and the look in his eyes instantly changed.
After leaving the Empress's presence, Mo Lian Cheng sought out Qu Xiaotan. She was overjoyed, believing he had returned to his true self, and playfully chided him for pretending not to recognize her and for not catching her when she fell from the wall. As they bickered, Mo Lian Cheng unexpectedly pulled her into a kiss. However, the moment was fleeting; he abruptly pushed her away, admonishing her to maintain propriety.
He then stated she was the Second Princess of Dongyue and Mo Yanchen's childhood sweetheart. Confused, Qu Xiaotan realized he had lost his memory again. Mo Lian Cheng also acknowledged his memory lapse regarding their interaction and how he left the Empress's chambers, musing if this brief amnesia was connected to his previous memory loss. Qu Xiaotan then speculated that Mo Lian Cheng might be experiencing the same phenomenon she once did with Qu Tan Er, sharing one body.
Episode 3 Recap
Eldest Princess Qu Meier reveled in the city-wide imitation of her style, though she declared only one man in the world could truly capture her attention. Upon hearing that even noble gentlemen were waiting along her route to the Imperial Palace to catch a glimpse of her, she ordered them to leave, emphasizing that even to see her, men must uphold their moral codes.
Later, when a servant, under duress, admitted to hearing two women gossip about her "round face" instead of "rosy," Qu Meier, enraged by the perceived slight to her beauty, ordered the servant to be dragged away for punishment, demonstrating her fierce intolerance for any perceived criticism. Meanwhile, Qu Xiaotan was deeply troubled by Mo Lian Cheng’s unpredictable personality switches. She theorized that, like herself in the past, he might switch personalities when he lied.
Determined to test this, she ordered Jing Xin to prepare a carriage for a trip to the Mo Residence, despite Jing Xin's apprehension about her focus on Mo Lian Cheng instead of Mo Yanchen. Qu Xiaotan secretly hoped that "Cheng Cheng," her true love, would emerge to meet her. At the Mo Residence, Qu Xiaotan found Mo Lian Cheng in his room and declared her visit was for him.
She offered to forgive his actions from the previous day, but when she asked him to tell a small lie to test her theory, he refused, claiming he didn't know how. Qu Xiaotan reminded him of his past deceptions, such as the divorce paper, but Mo Lian Cheng instead demanded an explanation for what he called her "harassment" of him yesterday. Mo Yanchen then entered, having overheard their conversation.
Misunderstanding the situation, he assumed Qu Xiaotan was belittling Mo Lian Cheng over the recent Harem Selection. Mo Lian Cheng quickly explained he was merely afraid of being belittled. Mo Yanchen, urging his brother to cope, offered to persuade him further and then left. Disappointed that Mo Lian Cheng hadn't switched personalities, Qu Xiaotan concluded that lying didn't trigger his transformation. She then considered that previous switches had occurred after head injuries, not sleep.
Deciding to try anything, she instructed Jing Xin to arrange an outing for Mo Lian Cheng the following day, under the guise of praying for Dongyue's prosperity. Jing Xin confirmed that she meant the Eighth Young Master, not the Eldest, and worried that things were about to go awry.
The next day, Mo Lian Cheng arrived for the outing accompanied by Mo Yanchen and Mo Jingxuan, much to Qu Xiaotan's irritation, as she saw them as "love rivals" hindering her plans. She decided to proceed, leading them to an abandoned inn for a "secret room escape" game, which she described as a quest to find clues and escape flesh-eating ghosts. During the game, Qu Xiaotan pretended she couldn't reach a clue and asked Mo Lian Cheng for help.
He reluctantly complied, only to accidentally trigger a trap that caused a wooden barrel to hit Qu Xiaotan squarely on the head. Mo Lian Cheng coldly remarked that she deserved it, while Mo Yanchen, disturbed by the incident, declared the place inauspicious and insisted they leave immediately.
As Mo Yanchen, Mo Jingxuan, and Jing Xin left the room to search for another exit, Qu Xiaotan accidentally triggered a mechanism and fell into a dark compartment, dragging Mo Lian Cheng down with her. In the enclosed space, Mo Lian Cheng accused Qu Xiaotan of setting up traps and harassing him. She denied any knowledge of the trap, claiming it was part of the escape room game.
Frustrated, Qu Xiaotan hit him on the head, furiously calling him a "jerk" and a "heartless man" and demanding he remember her. Mo Lian Cheng, seemingly shaken, pondered if her words related to his memory loss and admitted that he had indeed forgotten some things about their past. Qu Xiaotan, relieved, then reminded him that he was once the Eighth Prince of Dongyue, who later became the Emperor, and that they even had a son.
Mo Lian Cheng, alarmed, cut her off, stating he dared not listen to any more of her "interesting story." Qu Xiaotan swore her words were true. Following a beam of light, they found an exit, but were immediately ambushed by assassins. Qu Xiaotan, severely injured while protecting Mo Lian Cheng, collapsed. At that moment, Mo Lian Cheng underwent a personality switch.
The "Cheng Cheng" persona emerged, declaring his unwavering protection for "Tan Er" and vowing revenge on those who harmed her. He swiftly defeated the assassins. Qu Xiaotan, overjoyed to see her beloved "Cheng Cheng" back, joyfully called out to him. They kissed, but then, Mo Lian Cheng switched back to his original personality, confused about what had just transpired. Mo Yanchen, Mo Jingxuan, and Jing Xin arrived, finding Qu Xiaotan unconscious.
Mo Yanchen, deeply concerned, decided they would make no decisions until Qu Xiaotan awoke. Mo Lian Cheng, seeing the dead assassins, wondered if Qu Xiaotan had protected him. Mo Yanchen speculated that someone had meticulously planned the trap and assassination, leading them to the ambush point. They then transported Qu Xiaotan back to the Mo Residence. At the Mo Residence, Mo Yuan Long confronted Mo Lian Cheng, expressing his anger over Qu Xiaotan's assassination attempt.
He urged Mo Lian Cheng to quickly seek the Empress's favor as a shortcut to their goals. Mo Lian Cheng countered that relying on the Empress was not the best strategy, as she was "hard to control," while Qu Xiaotan presented a different opportunity.
When Mo Yuan Long reminded him of Mo Yanchen's long-standing affection for Qu Xiaotan, Mo Lian Cheng questioned if his father could truly be certain that Mo Yanchen would choose the Mo family's interests over Qu Xiaotan. This implied Mo Lian Cheng's own ambition to win Qu Xiaotan's favor. Mo Yuan Long cautioned him to be careful and avoid a plan that might backfire.
Qu Xiaotan eventually woke up in the Mo Residence, still puzzled by Mo Lian Cheng's sudden personality switch and return. She suspected Qu Meier was behind the assassination but lacked concrete evidence. Deciding to use her "injuries" as an excuse, she chose to recuperate at the Mo Residence, hoping to get closer to Mo Lian Cheng. Jing Xin informed her that General Mo Feng Yang would be returning that day.
Qu Xiaotan, realizing Mo Feng Yang was Mo Jingxuan's older sister, dismissed her as a distraction, reaffirming her determination to pursue Mo Lian Cheng. She then summoned Mo Lian Cheng and feigned extreme weakness, asking him to feed her medicine. He reluctantly fed her a couple of spoonfuls before Mo Yanchen arrived, took the bowl, and took over, offering to fetch an imperial physician from the palace.
Qu Xiaotan quickly sent him and Jing Xin away, effectively isolating Mo Lian Cheng. Shortly after, Mo Feng Yang, celebrated as a hero for conquering Fort Gu Feng, returned to the Mo Residence. Her father informed her that Mo Lian Cheng was caring for the injured Qu Xiaotan. Mo Feng Yang went to the guest room where Qu Xiaotan, still feigning weakness, asked Mo Lian Cheng to carry her for a walk.
Just as he was about to, Mo Feng Yang entered. Mo Lian Cheng quickly put Qu Xiaotan down. After a brief greeting to Qu Xiaotan, Mo Feng Yang sharply pulled Mo Lian Cheng away. She berated him, accusing him of ruining the Mo family's hard-earned honor with his "indecent" and intimate behavior with Qu Xiaotan, turning him into the household's "laughing stock."
Mo Lian Cheng defended himself, claiming his actions were not intentional, but Mo Feng Yang accused him of seducing Qu Xiaotan. Qu Xiaotan intervened, openly criticizing Mo Feng Yang for her "matriarchal mindset," calling her "conservative, narrow-minded, gullible, and arrogant," and dismissing her "rules and precepts" as mere "prejudices." Mo Lian Cheng was struck by Qu Xiaotan's bold defense and noted how her thoughts aligned perfectly with his own.
Reflecting on her earlier claims about his past as an emperor and their son, he wondered if there was truth to her words and if he truly had a history with her. He concluded that collaborating with Qu Xiaotan, given her apparent affection for him, would be a "win-win" and far more effective for his grand schemes than simply trying to gain the Empress's favor.
Meanwhile, an envoy delivered a warning from the Empress to Qu Meier, urging her to "manage her subordinates well" and threatening severe consequences for any future incidents, implicitly confirming Qu Meier's role in the assassination attempt. Later, the Empress discussed Qu Xiaotan with her attendant, noting that Qu Xiaotan had become "more bold than before" since her immersion in the water.
The attendant confirmed that Qu Xiaotan's temperament had become "more lively," and she had even dared to speak of "men and women being equal" and criticized matriarchy. Inquiring about the Mo Residence, the Empress was informed that Mo Yuan Long remained reclusive, showing no signs of treason, while Mo Lian Cheng was frequently punished and appeared despondent.
The Empress then mused that "the young master of the Mo family is not him," hinting at her suspicion regarding Mo Lian Cheng's true identity or intentions, and concluded that if there were any signs of disloyalty, there would be "no need to keep him."
Episode 4 Recap
Mo Yanchen appeared troubled, prompting Mo Lian Cheng to inquire about his state. Mo Yanchen questioned Mo Lian Cheng's newfound closeness with Qu Xiaotan. Mo Lian Cheng explained that Qu Xiaotan's recent words about men living for themselves and not depending on women held truth, and suggested that Mo Yanchen might have misunderstood their interaction. He then advised Mo Yanchen to be wary of Qu Xiaotan, noting her significant change.
Mo Yanchen, however, dismissed these concerns, asserting his long-standing bond with Qu Xiaotan and warning Mo Lian Cheng not to speak ill of her. Mo Lian Cheng cautioned his brother not to be blinded by love. Soon after, an official arrived with a royal decree, summoning Mo Lian Cheng to the palace. Before he departed, Mo Feng Yang urged him to be cautious with his words and actions to avoid bringing disgrace upon the Mo family.
Meanwhile, Jing Xin presented Qu Xiaotan with an invitation from Qu Meier, the eldest princess. Qu Xiaotan, suspicious of Qu Meier's intentions, initially refused to go. Jing Xin expressed her concern, wondering if the traumatic events had profoundly altered Qu Xiaotan's personality. Qu Xiaotan acknowledged her recent changes, admitting she couldn't fully explain them, but reassured Jing Xin of their unbreakable sisterly bond across all timelines.
She insisted that Jing Xin call her "Xiaotan" informally, much to Jing Xin's delight, despite Jing Xin's initial hesitation about the breach of protocol. Three days later, the Bachelor School was set to open. Their father, the head of the Mo family, gathered Mo Lian Cheng, Mo Yanchen, and Mo Jingxuan, reminding them of their family's reputation and demanding exemplary conduct. After dismissing the others, he privately questioned Mo Lian Cheng about his palace visit.
Mo Lian Cheng revealed that the Empress was testing his loyalty and likely harbored no trust in him. He then proposed using Qu Xiaotan as a strategic move, to which his father agreed, emphasizing the importance of doing his utmost. At the Bachelor School, taught by Official Su Yue La, the curriculum focused on cultivating men to be good husbands who would bear offspring and work hard without complaint.
Mo Lian Cheng found himself preoccupied with how to compel Qu Xiaotan to propose to him. Su Yue La, noticing his distraction, tried to corner him, but Mo Lian Cheng flawlessly recited the lecture content, thwarting her attempts. Later, she excused herself, leaving the students to study. During a study session, Mo Yanchen was helping Mo Jingxuan, who snatched Mo Lian Cheng's notebook.
Mo Jingxuan read aloud entries about "intimate contact with a strange man" and "sending expensive gifts to a strange man," sparking Mo Yanchen's curiosity about the identity of this "strange man." Their discussion was interrupted when Qu Xiaotan arrived at the school gates with a lunchbox, loudly summoning Mo Lian Cheng, drawing the attention of all the students. Mo Lian Cheng internally noted that this grand public display would serve his purpose.
Mo Yanchen watched their interaction with a heavy heart. Qu Xiaotan, after giving Mo Lian Cheng snacks she had brought, snatched his textbook, discovering his notes detailed her recent actions towards him. Mo Lian Cheng used this opportunity to demand compensation for his tarnished reputation. Qu Xiaotan, ever playful, asked if he meant she should marry him. Despite sensing that this was not the real Cheng Cheng, she decided that marrying him was the way forward.
She eagerly agreed to his terms, declaring her willingness to do anything. Mo Lian Cheng then presented his "Three Orders and Three Rules" for their interaction: maintain one-arm distance, use a screen in the bedroom, and no intimate gestures. Qu Xiaotan, surprised but undeterred, agreed to the "see and no touch" conditions, reaffirming her desire to marry him.
Mo Lian Cheng agreed to visit her residence that evening to discuss the marriage arrangements, and Qu Xiaotan triumphantly told him to prepare to sit in the bridal sedan chair. That night, Qu Xiaotan was playfully attempting to give Jing Xin a more feminine makeover when Mo Lian Cheng suddenly appeared, startling them both. Jing Xin quickly withdrew. Mo Lian Cheng revealed that the Empress had summoned him after school, expressing curiosity about Qu Xiaotan's altered demeanor.
Qu Xiaotan complained that Mo Lian Cheng was a "playboy" attracting powerful rivals, including the Empress. Mo Lian Cheng explained that given the Empress's suspicions, a direct proposal of marriage would be complicated. He suggested they cooperate in a staged performance. The next day, Mo Lian Cheng formally accused Qu Xiaotan before the Empress of molesting him and ruining his reputation.
Qu Xiaotan, following his lead, countered that Mo Lian Cheng, after failing to be chosen for the Empress's harem, was trying to frame her into marrying him. Mo Lian Cheng brought up her public visit to the school, leaving Qu Xiaotan temporarily speechless. Mo Lian Cheng then asked the Empress to arbitrate, prompting Qu Xiaotan to request that the Empress bestow a marriage upon them.
The Empress, however, unexpectedly asked if they had engaged in "skin-to-skin" contact, leaving Qu Xiaotan at a loss for words. Mo Lian Cheng dramatically threatened to commit suicide to prove his innocence. The Empress ultimately decreed that Qu Xiaotan was free to choose her own spouse. Qu Xiaotan instantly recognized this as a trap; choosing Mo Lian Cheng directly would expose their charade. The Empress awaited her choice with keen interest. News of the Empress's decree distressed Mo Yanchen.
Mo Lian Cheng opined that Qu Xiaotan's nature made her an unsuitable match for Mo Yanchen. Their father, the Mo family head, reminded them that Mo Yanchen and Qu Xiaotan had been childhood friends, and without her, Mo Yanchen might spend the rest of his life as a monk. Mo Lian Cheng assured his father that he would not let Mo Yanchen be troubled.
Qu Xiaotan, after dismissing her attendants, confided in Mo Lian Cheng her determination to choose him, regardless of the Empress's hidden motives. Mo Lian Cheng, anticipating future complications, then proposed that Qu Xiaotan marry both him and Mo Yanchen. Qu Xiaotan was dumbfounded, fearing his eventual regret, but under his persistent pressure, she reluctantly agreed, betting that he would eventually regret his audacious suggestion. Later, before the Empress, Mo Yanchen, Mo Lian Cheng, and Qu Xiaotan presented themselves.
The Empress bestowed Mo Yanchen upon Qu Xiaotan in marriage, praising Mo Yanchen's steadfast character. She then added Mo Lian Cheng to the union, stating that the brothers could look after each other and manage the household together. Mo Yanchen understood this as the Empress's attempt to sever Mo Lian Cheng's supposed affections for her. Qu Xiaotan, however, felt a surge of triumph, relishing the unexpected fortune of having two husbands.
This familiar situation triggered Mo Lian Cheng's memory, causing him to instantly switch back to his original personality. He immediately pleaded with the Empress and Qu Xiaotan to reconsider, asserting that marriage was not a trivial matter. Qu Xiaotan, unaware of his switch, was baffled by his sudden change in demeanor. Mo Yanchen, noticing Mo Lian Cheng's renewed devotion to the Empress, stepped in and assured the Empress that he and his brother would diligently serve the princess.
The Empress then asked Qu Xiaotan to designate one of them as the primary husband. Mo Lian Cheng, now fully aware of the scheme, proposed Mo Yanchen as the primary husband, embracing the "as things stand, let's go with the flow" approach. Qu Xiaotan, finding the idea of Mo Lian Cheng as her "second husband" intriguing, readily agreed. Mo Yanchen, misinterpreting her decision, believed it was a sign of her lingering affection for him.
As they left the palace, Mo Lian Cheng abruptly pulled Qu Xiaotan aside, confronting her. Qu Xiaotan, still confused by his erratic behavior, reminded him of his constant theatrics. Mo Lian Cheng, now the true Cheng Cheng, then passionately reaffirmed his eternal love for her, reiterating his timeless promise to find and marry her countless times, never to be separated. Qu Xiaotan, hearing these familiar words, finally realized that her beloved Cheng Cheng had returned.
Episode 5 Recap
The previous episode saw Mo Lian Cheng (MLC) reassuring Qu Xiaotan (QXT) of his eternal love, promising to find and marry her countless times across all timelines. They kissed, but MLC suddenly switched personas. QXT, annoyed, immediately confronted him. MLC, now in a different state, questioned if the Empress had approved their plan for him to be her concubine and Mo Yanchen (MYC) her primary consort.
QXT confirmed this with a playful taunt, which led MLC to ponder if this outcome, achieved while his memories were lost, was a blessing or a curse. Mo Yanchen, observing their interaction, intervened, mistaking MLC's state for anger towards QXT. He gently pulled MLC away, assuring QXT that he knew she was wronged and would compensate her for MLC's behavior. Later, Mo Yanchen and MLC met with their father, who was pleased with the Empress's marriage decree.
Mo Yanchen, believing MLC held affection for the Empress (QXT), advised him to move on from the past and face the present with grace. MLC, however, firmly stated he had no romantic feelings for QXT and no intention of competing with Mo Yanchen. Mo Yanchen insisted he understood MLC's feelings but cautioned him against speaking ill of his future wife, emphasizing the need for mutual support to avoid gossip.
He then raised concerns about the upcoming virginity inspection, subtly asking if MLC was still "intact" despite late-night summons to the Empress's palace. MLC avoided a direct answer. Mo Feng Yang, MLC's sister, then appeared, offering to find a way for only Mo Yanchen to marry QXT if MLC wished to withdraw. She warned him to plan ahead if he anticipated trouble. MLC, suspicious, asked if she truly cared for him or merely the Mo family's reputation.
Mo Feng Yang reiterated her warning for him to face the consequences if he was stubborn. Meanwhile, Qu Xiaotan lamented to Jing Xin about the burdensome wedding preparations. Jing Xin mentioned the virginity inspection, surprising QXT who learned it applied to men and that failure could lead to execution. Worried about MLC, especially given his unique condition and potential past with the Empress, QXT questioned the Empress's true intentions in granting the marriage.
She secretly wrote a letter to MLC, promising to stand guard with Jing Xin during the inspection and to rescue him if necessary, declaring him her "Cheng Cheng" regardless of his virginity status. Receiving the letter, MLC was deeply moved, feeling a familiar heartache and recognizing imagery of a "Sakura tree" from his memories. The name "Tan Er" flashed in his mind, making him wonder about his profound connection to QXT.
The next day, Qu Xiaotan and Jing Xin waited impatiently outside the Virginity Inspection Bureau. After a long wait, QXT, worried, burst inside. She found MLC, who had already switched back to his original self. Their intimate moment was interrupted by Mo Feng Yang, who forcefully entered, reminding QXT that seeing the groom before the wedding was a grave taboo that the Mo family could not afford. MLC, desperate to see QXT before another memory loss, was taken away.
He was then visited by his father, who MLC almost addressed as "Father Emperor." Mo Father, upset about the stir before the wedding, locked MLC in his room to reflect. MLC, now alone, recognized his father's relentless pursuit of power, a pattern that, even in this alternate world, threatened to repeat the tragedies of their past. Later that night, Qu Xiaotan secretly snuck into MLC's room, using her skills to pick the lock.
She praised him for maintaining his original persona for an extended period, while he playfully complimented her lock-picking abilities. Their reunion quickly led to another passionate kiss, but MLC transformed yet again. The new MLC, visibly agitated, accused QXT of using "voodoo tricks" on him, claiming he couldn't control his actions around her. QXT scoffed, reminding him they had a child together and a kiss was trivial.
To prove her point, she revealed a secret mole on his left inner thigh. Furious, MLC accused her of bribing the virginity inspectors to spy on him and stormed out. Frustrated by MLC's constant shifts, QXT confided in Jing Xin, who remarked on the unpredictable nature of men. QXT then decided to redesign her backyard into a "Snow Court," a name and layout identical to their former residence, evoking bittersweet memories of her past happiness with MLC.
Unaware of QXT's intentions, MLC's attendant, Yun Ying, informed him of the "Snow Court" arrangement, interpreting it as QXT's deliberate attempt to "cold shoulder" him. MLC, however, felt an inexplicable heartache and found the name "Snow Court" profoundly familiar. Meanwhile, wedding attire arrived for both Mo Yanchen and MLC. Mo Yanchen's robe was simpler, but he expressed contentment, stating that marrying his beloved was his only desire and forbidding Yun Ying from comparing their attire.
Soon after, Qu Meier arrived, presenting Mo Yanchen with a lavish, intricately embroidered wedding robe. Mo Yanchen politely refused, reiterating his happiness and advising her to seek love elsewhere. Qu Meier, however, remained steadfast in her affection, reminiscing about a poem he had once written at Jingyi Pavilion, which had captured her heart: "Pearl and jade piece together as one. . .
Winding stream cup-floating game, yet one doesn't get drunk, ink writings of a thousand autumns, who could ever forget?" On the day of the wedding, Mo Lian Cheng, dressed in his ceremonial robes, was struck by a profound sense of déjà vu. The entire scene felt eerily familiar, leading him to wonder if he truly had a forgotten past with Qu Xiaotan.
Episode 6 Recap
On their wedding day, Mo Yanchen reflected that fulfilling his lifelong wish felt different than he had imagined. Although it was difficult for Mo Lian Cheng, Mo Yanchen knew that for himself and Qu Xiaotan, this night would be sleepless. An intoxicated Qu Xiaotan went to Mo Lian Cheng's bridal chamber but found him missing. Annoyed, she ordered her servants to find him. Mo Lian Cheng, however, was hiding in Mo Yanchen's room.
When Qu Xiaotan arrived, she was surprised to find them in a compromising position, with Mo Lian Cheng on Mo Yanchen's lap. Worried, Mo Yanchen urged Mo Lian Cheng to leave, but Qu Xiaotan interrupted, telling them to continue. This familiar scene triggered Mo Lian Cheng to transform, and feeling overwhelmed, he pulled Qu Xiaotan away. Mo Lian Cheng realized Qu Xiaotan had been imagining an elaborate scenario.
When she saw that he had transformed back to his usual self, Qu Xiaotan was overjoyed. She moved to kiss him but stopped, suddenly realizing that every time they kissed, Mo Lian Cheng would change back. Unable to kiss him normally, Qu Xiaotan suggested using a red handkerchief as a barrier. She even pondered whether to call him her "beloved consort" or "beloved husband." Mo Lian Cheng tossed the handkerchief over their heads, and they kissed through it.
Meanwhile, Her Majesty suffered a relapse from a previous disease. Xiao Zhen believed she was distressed by Mo Lian Cheng's wedding, but Her Majesty clarified that the man who could move her deeply was not present, though she couldn't help but remember him today. Xiao Zhen began playing the Soul-parting Flute, and Her Majesty found comfort in its melody. After Mo Lian Cheng transformed back again, he was perplexed by the events of the previous night.
Mo Yanchen brought him a tonic, believing it was his first time being favored and he needed to replenish his strength. Mo Lian Cheng was stunned to hear that he was the one who had pulled Qu Xiaotan from Mo Yanchen's room. Jing Xin and Mo Jingxuan gathered to gossip about the previous night. Qu Xiaotan arrived, remembering that Mo Lian Cheng had transformed back after making contact with his blood relative, Mo Yanchen.
She began to suspect that Mo Yanchen was the trigger for his transformation. To test her theory, Qu Xiaotan asked Mo Lian Cheng to give the tonic to Mo Yanchen, then subtly tripped Mo Yanchen, causing him to fall onto Mo Lian Cheng. However, Mo Lian Cheng did not transform back. Qu Xiaotan's plan had failed, leaving her even more frustrated.
As Qu Xiaotan, Mo Lian Cheng, and Mo Yanchen prepared for their return visit to the Mo residence, Qu Xiaotan, knowledgeable about the etiquette, advised Mo Lian Cheng to be careful. Their father noticed Qu Xiaotan's sprained waist and began to reprimand Mo Yanchen. However, Mo Lian Cheng confessed that he, not his older brother, was responsible. Mo Feng Yang then questioned why Qu Xiaotan was not in the main Prince Consort's room on her wedding night, deeming it inappropriate.
Qu Xiaotan angrily retorted that Mo Feng Yang was overstepping, stating that she had slept alone. She explained that even with the handkerchief, Mo Lian Cheng had transformed back, and in his altered state, he had pushed her, causing her to sprain her waist. Qu Xiaotan declared that her Prince Consorts did not require their instruction, shot a fierce glare at Mo Feng Yang, and then left with the two men.
Both Mo Yanchen and Mo Lian Cheng simultaneously offered to help Qu Xiaotan onto the carriage, filling her with a sense of triumph. However, before she could get on, Mo Lian Cheng withdrew his hand. Her Majesty, upon learning that Qu Xiaotan had argued fiercely with Mo Feng Yang over Mo Lian Cheng, decided to send her a grand gift.
Back at the mansion, Qu Xiaotan received many presents from Her Majesty, including a specific gift that required her to open it personally. Upon opening it, she discovered it was the Imperial Token and quickly hid it. Mo Lian Cheng thanked Qu Xiaotan for speaking up for him. Qu Xiaotan, in turn, playfully demanded he escort her back to her room and then serve her tea once there.
Mo Lian Cheng dutifully complied, giving Qu Xiaotan an opportunity to tease him. Accidentally, Qu Xiaotan dropped the Imperial Token, and Mo Lian Cheng clearly saw it. He then suggested an outing to the lake the next day, insisting that Mo Yanchen should also join them. The next day, Qu Xiaotan eagerly waited in the outskirts for Mo Lian Cheng, but to her disappointment, it was Mo Yanchen who arrived.
Not wanting to make Mo Yanchen feel bad, Qu Xiaotan resolved to enjoy their outing with him. Meanwhile, Mo Lian Cheng secretly entered Qu Xiaotan's room. He believed the Imperial Token could help them mobilize troops for a major endeavor and, feeling regretful towards Qu Xiaotan, intended to steal it, only to find the token was not in her room. While Qu Xiaotan and Mo Yanchen were together, Mo Yanchen performed a sword dance for her.
He noticed her troubled expression and pulled her into a dance, encouraging her to vent her frustrations. Just then, Mo Lian Cheng arrived, stating he needed to speak with Qu Xiaotan alone. Mo Yanchen and Jing Xin then boarded the carriage to wait. Mo Lian Cheng immediately asked Qu Xiaotan where the Imperial Token was. Qu Xiaotan, in a fit of pique, declared that she had pawned it.
Episode 7 Recap
Mo Lian Cheng confronted Qu Tan about the imperial token, to which she coolly replied that she had pawned it. He questioned how she could dispose of such a powerful item that could command armies, and why she resorted to such an act when he could have simply asked for it. Qu Tan retorted that he wouldn't have received it if he had asked directly, and admitted that pawning it as if she knew nothing was the best choice.
She explained that someone else had once tested her with the imperial token—a person who was always before her eyes yet whom she could never truly meet. She lamented that she and this person had been entangled across several parallel universes since the Xuanling Continent, experiencing love and pain repeatedly. Mo Lian Cheng dismissed her words as lies, but Qu Tan insisted she was not the princess or Qu Tan Er, and hadn't been since the harem selection.
She revealed that she was Qu Tan, from another Dongyue, and the person she loved, with his exact appearance and name, resided within Mo Lian Cheng. Her insistence on marrying him was not for Mo Lian Cheng himself, but to stay by her beloved's side.
Observing her, Mo Lian Cheng conceded that her drastic change in temperament suggested she was indeed a different person, prompting him to wonder if another version of himself truly existed within his body, the one Qu Tan genuinely loved. Meanwhile, a report reached the Empress that the Second Princess had actually pawned the imperial token.
The Empress was surprised by Qu Tan's unpredictable actions, realizing this proved Qu Tan’s disinterest in the token and simultaneously blocked Mo Lian Cheng’s ambitions to acquire it. She pondered why Qu Tan would give up such power. An attendant suggested Qu Tan didn't trust Mo Lian Cheng and feared the Mo family's manipulation, choosing to relinquish the token rather than be controlled.
The Empress mused whether the couple's relationship was merely a pretense, and if so, why Qu Tan had insisted on marrying Mo Lian Cheng. She was informed that the critical time for "Tianji" was still three months away. To be safe, the Empress decided to discreetly arrange for Qu Tan to prepare for a grand ceremony.
Mo Lian Cheng acknowledged to Qu Tan that his previous intimate actions with her must have been the other self within him, and all her efforts were for that person. Qu Tan expressed her sadness that Mo Lian Cheng seemed indifferent, contrasting it with how the other self always made her feel like the most important person in his heart. Mo Lian Cheng claimed not to care.
Qu Tan countered that while she didn't care about him, she cared deeply for the other Mo Lian Cheng. She stated her indifference to his schemes, whether it was stealing the imperial token or the Mo family's rebellion, and could have even happily seen him marry into the harem. However, because the other self was still present, she occasionally confused the present Mo Lian Cheng with her beloved.
Qu Tan vowed to always remember that the current Mo Lian Cheng was not her beloved. She declared that once they were separated, his actions would be of no concern to her, but for now, she would not tolerate any actions that would endanger the other Mo Lian Cheng. Mo Lian Cheng then questioned why, if her words were true, she would give him leverage, fearing he might expose her.
Qu Tan clarified that, from his perspective, their relationship was one of mutual exploitation, and having leverage over each other was beneficial. Later, as Qu Tan, feeling overwhelmed, wished for everything to be a dream, Mo Yanchen approached her with a wine jug. Realizing their predicaments were similar and that they had never truly conversed, Qu Tan proposed a picnic.
Qu Tan confided in him, asking what one should do if the person they loved changed into someone who looked the same but was not truly them. Mo Yanchen, embracing her, said he would instinctively love her regardless of any change, recalling how everyone thought she had gone mad after falling into the water, yet he never forgot their bond.
As this happened, Mo Lian Cheng's personality switched to his other self, "Cheng Cheng," who saw the embrace and became intensely jealous. He charged towards them, causing Mo Yanchen to stumble and fall, which resulted in Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Tan accidentally kissing. Immediately after, the personality switched back to the amnesiac Mo Lian Cheng, who, upon regaining his composure, pushed Qu Tan away in disgust.
As an angry Mo Yanchen called out to his Eighth Brother, Qu Tan quickly intervened, claiming it was simply a warm display of family solidarity. Qu Tan discussed Mo Lian Cheng's alternating memories with Jing Xin, noting that whenever "Cheng Cheng" appeared, his memory was continuous, unlike her own and Qu Tan Er's past switches. Jing Xin suggested Mo Lian Cheng might have amnesia.
Qu Tan suddenly realized that there might not be two souls, but rather Mo Lian Cheng had simply developed intermittent amnesia after coming to this world with her. Since there were no psychologists or neurologists available, Qu Tan decided to take matters into her own hands. Transformed from a realtor into an artist for his sake, she began a challenging artistic endeavor.
She wrote a detailed story of her and Mo Lian Cheng's love, featuring their most significant moments, hoping to trigger his memories. After completing her work, she read the emotional story to Jing Xin, Yu Hao, and Mo Jingxuan, moving all three to tears. She then cast Jing Xin as Romeo and Mo Jingxuan as Juliet for a live performance, with Yu Hao playing the head assassin.
Qu Tan introduced her "avant-garde play," titled "Love Under the Sakura Tree," to the entire residence, explaining it as a tale of profound romance. During the performance, as Jing Xin and Mo Jingxuan acted out their first meeting and subsequent rescue, Mo Lian Cheng watched with intense focus, at one point internally imagining Qu Tan in the role of Juliet. However, he simply muttered "vulgar" and "disgusting" in response to the romantic portrayals.
Mo Yanchen also found himself uncomfortable with the male character's consistent role as the protector, asking Qu Tan if she would save him in a similar dangerous situation, to which Qu Tan vaguely responded about the residence's strict security. Qu Tan, undeterred, pressed Mo Lian Cheng if he felt any familiarity with the story, but he curtly responded with "disgusting" before walking away.
Mo Yanchen tried to comfort a disappointed Qu Tan, suggesting the play might be "a little hard to understand" and offering ideas for more scholarly scenes instead of kissing scenes, but Qu Tan dismissed his suggestions. Meanwhile, Qu Mei Er received a report from Mixue about the Second Princess's drastic change in personality since her "drowning incident."
She was no longer indecisive, put on plays with no regard for status, depicted a strong man and an idle woman in her stories, claimed they were based on her personal experience, and was now indifferent to Mo Yanchen, despite their past closeness. Suspecting a fraud, as Qu Tan Er's body had never been found, Qu Mei Er decided to confront Qu Tan the next day.
Qu Tan continued her relentless pursuit of Mo Lian Cheng, even waiting outside his door for days. Jing Xin advised her to be more reserved, befitting her status as a princess, but Qu Tan argued that she had to be proactive given Mo Lian Cheng's dullness. Inside his room, Mo Lian Cheng read Qu Tan's notebook, finding it childish but amusing. Eventually, Qu Tan hatched a new plan.
She instructed Jing Xin to tell Yu Hao that she was staying in Mo Yanchen's chambers every night, living licentiously and neglecting her official duties, and that Jing Xin was seeking Yu Hao's help out of desperation. Qu Tan positioned herself to "lie in wait," believing this would surely provoke Mo Lian Cheng. When Yu Hao emerged, Jing Xin conveyed the exaggerated message, adding that she couldn't even rest because of the princess's behavior.
To Qu Tan's surprise, Mo Lian Cheng did not appear. Instead, Yu Hao returned with Mo Lian Cheng’s actual message, which he completely misinterpreted and distorted: that while Qu Tan was childish, her actions were indecent, and she was free to do as she pleased with whomever she pleased. Furthermore, Yu Hao incorrectly conveyed that Mo Lian Cheng would no longer assist her with government affairs and awkwardly wished Qu Tan and Mo Yanchen well, hoping for tiny feet soon. Enraged by this misunderstanding and Mo Lian Cheng's apparent indifference, Qu Tan ordered Jing Xin to break down his door.
Episode 8 Recap
Having exhausted various remedies to restore Mo Lian Cheng's memory, Qu Xiaotan suddenly remembered Liu Qian Shui. The next day, accompanied by Jing Xin, she ventured out of the city to a secluded residence she recalled as his abode. She found an old man with black hair there, which made her doubt his identity. Nevertheless, she sent Jing Xin outside and directly addressed the old man as Liu Qian Shui, a sage from the Xuanling Continent, to test him.
The man, who was actually Liu Bai Shui, was surprised to learn of his legendary reputation. Qu Xiaotan explained that she had come because of an anomaly with the Soul-guarding Pearl and that she was its host. Liu Bai Shui, unfamiliar with these concepts, played along, inadvertently providing what she took as a correct counter-sign. Believing she had successfully reconnected with Liu Qian Shui, Qu Xiaotan greeted him warmly.
Internally, Liu Bai Shui, amused by being called "Liu Qian Shui" instead of his real name, felt like he had somehow gained an extra nine hundred. As Qu Xiaotan detailed her and Mo Lian Cheng's journey from a parallel world, Liu Bai Shui concluded she was mad and saw an opportunity to exploit her financially.
He informed Qu Xiaotan that Mo Lian Cheng's amnesia could be treated with a specific medicine, but its rare ingredients were costly and hard to find. He claimed he needed to travel to Beixuan, Nanlu, and Xiyue to acquire them, each journey incurring significant expenses. He further embellished his story, mentioning other elusive ingredients like millennial ginseng and ancient Ganoderma fungi, and even claiming he might need a trip to the Xuanling Continent.
Desperate to cure Mo Lian Cheng, Qu Xiaotan handed over all her money, instructing him not to skimp on costs. Liu Bai Shui vowed to dedicate himself entirely to the task. When she pressed him for a timeline, he vaguely estimated "a month or so," emphasizing the need for patience. Though anxious, Qu Xiaotan urged him to be as swift as possible.
After she and Jing Xin departed, Liu Bai Shui chuckled at his newfound wealth, lamenting what he saw as the country's misfortune and believing the money wouldn't cure Qu Xiaotan's perceived madness anyway. Upon returning to the mansion, Qu Xiaotan found Official Su awaiting her with an imperial decree for Qu Tan Er. The decree stated that Her Majesty held great expectations for Qu Tan Er and desired to test her talents and abilities, giving her three days to prepare.
Mo Yanchen expressed confidence that Qu Tan Er, being well-read and skilled in arts since childhood, would excel. However, Qu Xiaotan, aware of her own lack of such accomplishments, worried about the impending test. Meanwhile, Qu Meier invited Official Su for tea, attempting to subtly inquire about Mo Yanchen. Official Su assured her that Mo Yanchen was well, a statement Qu Meier disbelieved, feeling that Mo Yanchen had been wronged by Qu Tan Er.
Qu Meier then revealed her strategic thinking regarding the assessment she had pushed for: regardless of the outcome, the test would disadvantage Qu Tan Er. If she passed, Her Majesty would become more wary of her. If she failed, it would clearly demonstrate that Qu Tan Er was unfit to be the Crown Princess. Panicked by the unexpected examination, Qu Xiaotan considered faking an illness to avoid it.
Jing Xin, however, quickly recognized her deception, warning her about the severe consequences of trying to fool an imperial physician. Qu Xiaotan then decided to flee, but Mo Lian Cheng arrived before she could. He stopped her, asserting he had a plan to help her. He led her to the study, showing her Qu Tan Er's personal letters and calligraphy.
He explained that he was intimately familiar with Qu Tan Er's handwriting, having read numerous letters she penned to a "worthless friend." Mo Lian Cheng’s strategy was for Qu Xiaotan to painstakingly mimic Qu Tan Er's writing style, focusing solely on the character "Yong" (forever), which encompassed all the fundamental strokes of calligraphy.
Qu Xiaotan wanted Mo Lian Cheng to remain by her side for guidance, but he insisted she practice in seclusion to conceal her true identity from Mo Yanchen, as its discovery would jeopardize her life. He promised that Jing Xin would deliver her practice sheets to him every four hours for corrections. He then demonstrated the intricate strokes for writing "Yong."
As he guided her hand, they drew close, and Mo Lian Cheng, suddenly aware of their proximity, quickly stepped back, leaving Qu Xiaotan to smile at his hasty retreat. Qu Xiaotan diligently practiced the character "Yong" for three days. Jing Xin regularly delivered her practice sheets to Mo Lian Cheng, who provided corrections. On one occasion, Qu Xiaotan playfully penned "Forever Love Cheng Cheng."
Mo Lian Cheng responded with a note indicating that the "Yong" character was now perfected, wishing her success for the next day's test and a restful sleep. The following day, Qu Xiaotan was unexpectedly led to the training grounds, realizing to her dismay that Her Majesty had arranged a martial test instead of a written one. Xiao Zhen, the supervising official, explained that the test aimed to assess her physical fitness.
Qu Xiaotan, with her background as a real estate agent and some martial training from Mo Lian Cheng, initially felt confident. However, she quickly recalled that the real Qu Tan Er was known for her frailty. To avoid raising suspicion, she resolved to deliberately perform poorly. In the first challenge, an arm strength test with bows, Qu Xiaotan feigned inability to draw even the lightest one. She similarly underperformed in the second challenge involving a horse stance.
After the test, Qu Xiaotan apologized for her lackluster performance, attributing it to being a newlywed and thus somewhat "lax." Xiao Zhen then conveyed Her Majesty's decree: Qu Tan Er was to report to the palace daily for practice, with a re-test in ten days. Qu Xiaotan was deeply frustrated by this turn of events.
Back at the mansion, Qu Xiaotan recounted the details to Mo Lian Cheng, admitting her intentional poor performance was to maintain the illusion of being the frail Qu Tan Er, as she was physically more robust. Mo Lian Cheng praised her quick thinking but then mused over Her Majesty's peculiar choice of a physical test, finding it unsettling.
When Qu Xiaotan teasingly asked about his sudden concern, he quickly retorted that she was overthinking and he was "not him," hinting at his amnesia. Meanwhile, Mi Xue informed Qu Meier about the martial test. Qu Meier initially suspected Her Majesty was deliberately trying to challenge Qu Tan Er, knowing her delicate health.
However, upon learning that Her Majesty had ordered Qu Tan Er to undertake daily practice in the palace, Qu Meier concluded that this was Her Majesty's way of grooming Qu Tan Er as the next Crown Princess and decided it was time to take decisive action. Concurrently, Xiao Zhen reported Qu Tan Er's test results to Her Majesty. Despite her disappointment, Her Majesty harbored hope.
With her own health deteriorating, she expressed her desire for Qu Tan Er to prove her worth as Crown Princess, ensuring a smooth succession. She planned to use the daily palace visits to covertly improve Qu Tan Er's health, making her fit for the role. To fund a costly altar, she instructed Official Su to increase taxes on royal farmlands, and he assured her of his diligent execution.
Episode 9 Recap
Qu Xiaotan began her rigorous training in the palace, often accompanied by Mo Lian Cheng, who would offer her water and wipe her brow. Finding this disruptive, Xiao Zhen ordered Mo Lian Cheng to return to his residence, instead tasking General Lu with providing Qu Xiaotan’s individual training. Qu Xiaotan was visibly dejected by Mo Lian Cheng’s departure. Later, the Emperor sent Qu Xiaotan a special tonic, meant to fortify her after her strenuous efforts.
Qu Xiaotan eyed the dark liquid with suspicion, wondering if it was some exotic game, but Xiao Zhen urged her not to displease the Emperor. He relayed the Emperor's strict warning: if Qu Xiaotan failed to pass this military training, severe punishment awaited her. Subsequently, Qu Jiang Lin visited Qu Xiaotan, bringing her a special tea containing herbs to promote pregnancy.
Qu Xiaotan, whose son Yu Er was already old enough to walk, expressed her frustration at the incessant pressure to conceive, stating she simply did not wish to be pregnant at this time. Qu Jiang Lin, however, emphasized the importance of providing heirs for both the Qu Family and the future of Dongyue. He also advised her not to neglect Mo Lian Cheng, the secondary prince consort, despite her strong connection with Mo Yanchen, the main prince consort.
He reminded her to share the special herbs, which he claimed were good for their sex life, with both consorts and to treat them equally in her choice of bedtime companion to maintain family harmony. Qu Xiaotan, feeling cornered, agreed to heed his advice, though she privately grumbled that if Mo Lian Cheng had been more cooperative, she wouldn't be in this predicament.
At lunch, Qu Xiaotan proposed a system of taking turns for bedtime, an idea she had considered for a long time. Mo Yanchen readily agreed, seeing it as a way to strengthen their marital bond and set a good example for the nobility and the Emperor. Mo Lian Cheng, however, viewed this as a potential breach of their initial agreement.
He asserted that while he would support actions that fostered harmony, he would not tolerate anything that violated their prior promises. Qu Xiaotan silently fumed, perceiving this as a threat from a concubine. The meal quickly devolved into an awkward exchange as Mo Yanchen offered shrimp to Qu Xiaotan, who passed it to Mo Lian Cheng, only for him to return it to Mo Yanchen, leaving Mo Yanchen's bowl overflowing.
Qu Xiaotan declared it was Mo Lian Cheng’s turn for bedtime that night, but both brothers attempted to defer. Mo Lian Cheng ultimately decided to go along with it and observe the situation. That evening, Mo Lian Cheng did not receive a visit from Qu Xiaotan. Instead, Mo Yanchen arrived with wine, sensing Mo Lian Cheng’s apprehension. Mo Lian Cheng questioned why Mo Yanchen, given his long-standing relationship with Qu Xiaotan, didn't directly address her reluctance to consummate their marriage.
Mo Yanchen responded that he believed Qu Xiaotan had her own reasons and he did not wish to add to her worries. Mo Lian Cheng then pondered whether a man's constant concession and tolerance in marriage could transform it into a prison, devoid of happiness. Mo Yanchen countered that true happiness and harmonious relationships required prioritizing others' feelings over personal gains. Mo Lian Cheng found himself reflecting on Mo Yanchen's words, wondering if his own resistance had made him selfish.
Meanwhile, Qu Xiaotan meticulously prepared herself for the night, showering and dressing up, much to Jing Xin's amusement, who thought such elaborate preparations for consummation were unnecessary. Qu Xiaotan, however, felt that pleasing her beloved was a source of happiness, not a burden. She then eagerly went to Mo Lian Cheng's room, only to find both him and Mo Yanchen heavily intoxicated, their speech slurred. Overwhelmed, Qu Xiaotan gently embraced Mo Lian Cheng, pouring out her heart.
She expressed how deeply she missed him, longed to hear him call her "Tan'er" again, thought of their son Yu Er, and simply wished for him to remember who she was. Seeing him in a deep sleep, she decided not to disturb him and quietly left. Unbeknownst to her, Mo Lian Cheng had awakened shortly after her departure.
He pondered her usual boldness contrasted with her respectful restraint in that critical moment, questioning if he was truly the "Cheng Cheng" she yearned for. Driven by her goal to restore Mo Lian Cheng’s memories, Qu Xiaotan, accompanied by Jing Xin, visited Liu Bai Shui. She brought him gifts and eagerly inquired about the amnesia medicine. Liu Bai Shui, a trickster, claimed the pills were complete and presented a box of what he described as potent medicine.
He advised her to increase the dosage if it proved ineffective, assuring her that taking up to three pills a day was safe. He then attempted to demand more payment, but Qu Xiaotan swiftly departed, leaving him to grumble about the insufficient silver. Knowing Mo Lian Cheng's suspicious nature would prevent him from taking the medicine directly, Qu Xiaotan decided to hide the pills in Jiangnan glutinous rice balls, specially prepared for him.
At the dinner table, Mo Lian Cheng hesitated to eat his portion, claiming the rice balls were too hot. Mo Yanchen, unaware of Qu Xiaotan's plan, kindly swapped his own bowl for Mo Lian Cheng’s. Upon tasting, Mo Yanchen identified the filling as hair-removal medicine. Qu Xiaotan, caught off guard, quickly feigned ignorance and stormed off to confront the kitchen staff.
Mo Yanchen, misinterpreting the situation, believed Qu Xiaotan was subtly attempting to address Mo Lian Cheng’s supposedly excessive body hair. He urged Mo Lian Cheng to consume the medicine, emphasizing it was a gesture of Qu Xiaotan's good will. Later, after overhearing servants gossip about his hairy legs and Qu Xiaotan's supposed dissatisfaction, Mo Lian Cheng desperately began to pluck the hairs from his legs.
Qu Xiaotan, entering his room stealthily, was horrified to witness this, realizing the extent to which she had inadvertently pressured him. She quickly explained that she had been deceived by Liu Bai Shui, believing the pills were for amnesia, and assured Mo Lian Cheng that she actually preferred hairy, "testosterone-filled" men. To quell the escalating rumors, Qu Xiaotan declared her intention to stay the night in Snow Court, to which Mo Lian Cheng reluctantly agreed to salvage his reputation.
Qu Xiaotan briefly wondered if his agreement implied a willingness to consummate their marriage, but quickly dismissed the idea, concluding it was not the right time. Mo Lian Cheng, meanwhile, felt a pang of disappointment, wondering if his hairy body was the reason for her reluctance. As Qu Xiaotan slept soundly beside him, Mo Lian Cheng gazed at her, captivated by her unexpected peacefulness. The news of Qu Xiaotan staying overnight at Snow Court quickly spread throughout the residence.
Overhearing the servants gossiping, Mo Yanchen sternly reprimanded them for discussing the princess behind her back. The next morning, Qu Xiaotan, remembering Mo Lian Cheng kissing her the previous night, eagerly sought him out for another kiss, but he swiftly evaded her, denying anything had happened and claiming she must have been dreaming.
Mo Yanchen, still trying to facilitate intimacy between the two, brought a tonic to Mo Lian Cheng, implying it was to help him recover from the previous night's "exertions." When Mo Lian Cheng insisted that nothing had occurred, Mo Yanchen’s hopes were visibly dashed, and he accidentally dropped the bowl of tonic. Later that day, it was Mo Yanchen’s turn for bedtime.
Although physically and mentally exhausted from her training, Qu Xiaotan, feeling pity for him, went to his room without any special preparations. Mo Yanchen, seeing her arrive, was genuinely pleased, believing that, despite all the complications, her first intimate experience was ultimately for him.
Episode 10 Recap
Qu Xiaotan pulled Mo Yanchen out to practice swordplay, which left him feeling a little down. Mo Lian Cheng observed the scene with surprise. The following evening, Mo Lian Cheng thoughtfully presented Qu Xiaotan with a new sword, inviting her to practice in the courtyard. However, Qu Xiaotan was not interested in swordplay that night. Instead, she wrapped her legs around Mo Lian Cheng's waist and began doing sit-ups, occasionally brushing his lips with an accidental kiss.
She explained that this exercise would strengthen her core muscles and improve stability. As she grew tired, she eventually fell asleep in his embrace. Mo Lian Cheng looked at her peaceful face and mused that she looked quite adorable when she slept. Meanwhile, Mo Lian Cheng’s father revealed that an army of 20,000 had been assembled, and the Wei Clan had pledged support with weapons and provisions, all awaiting the acquisition of the imperial token to ensure a decisive victory.
Mo Lian Cheng expressed his concern about such a hasty plan, pointing out that Her Majesty granting the imperial token to the Second Princess was suspicious and likely a test of her ambition. He argued that rash actions could lead to failure. His father, however, dismissed his concerns and demanded that Mo Lian Cheng prove his loyalty to their cause through action, to which Mo Lian Cheng affirmed his unwavering devotion.
As the day of the assessment approached, Qu Xiaotan admitted to Mo Lian Cheng that she was nervous about facing General Lu, fearing she wouldn't win. Despite her recent rigorous training, which had made her more robust, she worried about becoming a "muscular Barbie" and still lacked confidence. Mo Lian Cheng decided to accompany her to the palace for the final test, admitting, after some playful teasing from Qu Xiaotan, that he couldn't bear to leave her.
During the swordfight, Qu Xiaotan ultimately defeated General Lu using a clever trick. Xiao Zhen praised her significant improvements in stamina and skill on behalf of Her Majesty. However, Qu Xiaotan soon realized Mo Lian Cheng was no longer by her side. Suspecting his intentions, Qu Xiaotan rushed to the royal bedroom and found Mo Lian Cheng attempting to steal the imperial token. She immediately stopped him, emphasizing that the token was not to be touched.
Just as she was about to lead him away, Xiao Zhen and his guards arrived, catching them in the act. Thinking quickly, Qu Xiaotan concocted a story, claiming she was trying to steal a medicinal prescription for a tonic Her Majesty had once given her, which she believed had greatly improved her health and made her martial arts training easier.
She claimed to have ambitious goals to serve Dongyue but felt too frail without the tonic’s benefits, hence resorting to asking Mo Lian Cheng to steal the recipe. Mo Lian Cheng was deeply touched by her willingness to take the blame for him. Xiao Zhen, considering the theft of a royal item no small matter, reported the incident to Her Majesty.
He also voiced his suspicion that Qu Xiaotan might be aware of the Mo family's conspiracy and was intentionally covering for Mo Lian Cheng. Her Majesty, though surprised by the audacity of stealing a prescription, decided to remain vigilant, confident that the Mo family could not cause significant trouble for the time being, and ordered Xiao Zhen to secure the imperial token. Outside the royal study, Qu Xiaotan knelt for a long time, nearly fainting from the ordeal.
Mo Lian Cheng offered to take her punishment, but Her Majesty decreed that due to the prince consort's lack of manners, the Second Princess would receive ten lashes and be sent home for reflection. Mo Lian Cheng carried the injured Qu Xiaotan back to their residence, expressing deep remorse for her suffering. He personally applied medicine to her wounds, promising to repay her kindness for taking the blame.
Qu Xiaotan playfully suggested he could "serve her at bedtime," but Mo Lian Cheng reminded her it was Mo Yanchen's turn that night. Qu Xiaotan argued that fighting for men's rights and achieving ideals didn't solely depend on the imperial token, emphasizing that his struggles were their struggles and his ideals were their ideals. She leaned on him for comfort, then, playing hard to get, told him to come to her room later if he couldn't sleep.
After Qu Xiaotan left, Mo Lian Cheng pondered his feelings, questioning if his gratitude for her selflessness had clouded his judgment. He wrestled with the decision of whether to go to her room. Qu Xiaotan waited, sending Jing Xin away so Mo Lian Cheng would feel more comfortable approaching. However, Mo Lian Cheng ultimately didn't come, instead sending a bottle of pain relief ointment. Qu Xiaotan was moved, realizing that even without his memories, he still cared for her.
She resolved to help him regain his past. Meanwhile, Qu Meier was enraged by Qu Xiaotan's success and popularity but found perverse joy in hearing about her punishment for stealing the prescription. She worried about Mo Yanchen's continued devotion to Qu Xiaotan. Qu Xiaotan began to analyze Mo Lian Cheng's past instances of memory recovery, noting a pattern that he seemed to regain his memories whenever he got angry. Convinced that anger was the key, she started deliberately provoking him.
However, Mo Lian Cheng remained surprisingly calm, which only frustrated her further. Desperate, Qu Xiaotan decided on a drastic measure: she would intentionally provoke Mo Lian Cheng by appearing to be interested in another man. She invited Mo Yanchen for a private dinner, intimately feeding him pork jerky from Xiyue, making sure their interaction was observed by Yu Hao. Yu Hao, exaggerating the details, reported the intimate scene to Mo Lian Cheng.
Though clearly pained, Mo Lian Cheng maintained his composure and said nothing. When Jing Xin confirmed Mo Lian Cheng's lack of reaction, Qu Xiaotan grew even more furious and stormed off to confront him. Qu Xiaotan confronted Mo Lian Cheng, acknowledging his secret plans and insisting on joining him, reminding him that he was her Cheng Cheng and she would always be by his side.
However, Mo Lian Cheng coldly refused, stating that her involvement would only be a burden to him. Qu Xiaotan, noticing he was holding his small personal notebook, accused him of being stubborn. Mo Lian Cheng then threw the notebook to the ground, claiming Yu Hao had simply forgotten to discard it. Heartbroken and enraged, Qu Xiaotan left. After she was gone, Mo Lian Cheng carefully picked up the discarded notebook.
He internally confessed his true feelings, burdened by the difficult path ahead and the dangers it posed to his family and the Mo household. He realized he couldn't risk Qu Xiaotan's safety for his plans. He wished for her to live a peaceful, happy life with Mo Yanchen and to simply forget him, accepting a lonely existence for himself.
Later, Qu Xiaotan, still upset, tried to comfort herself, reiterating to Jing Xin that Mo Lian Cheng was merely suffering from amnesia, and she shouldn't argue with a "patient." Jing Xin, although not fully understanding Qu Xiaotan's modern expressions, wholeheartedly believed and supported her, promising to always be by her side and protect her, no matter what. Qu Xiaotan, empowered by Jing Xin’s loyalty, vowed not to be defeated easily, declaring herself a "princess" who would keep fighting.
Episode 11 Recap
Mo Yanchen, observing the tension between Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan, approached Mo Lian Cheng with concern. He advised Mo Lian Cheng to uphold the virtues expected of a husband and act cautiously, emphasizing that marrying into the Princess's Residence was a coveted position. Mo Lian Cheng clarified that his ambition extended beyond merely relying on a woman for luxury or fulfilling his father's schemes, which could harm others.
Mo Yanchen conceded that he was aware of his father's plans and disagreed with them, but felt powerless to intervene. He questioned why Mo Lian Cheng had willingly entered such a precarious situation. Mo Lian Cheng then confessed his desire to leave the residence and sought Mo Yanchen's advice on how to do so without simply escaping. Mo Yanchen was stunned, warning that such a move would ruin Mo Lian Cheng's future.
Despite the warning, Mo Lian Cheng remained resolute, stating he had made up his mind and would bear any consequences himself. Unable to sway him, Mo Yanchen explained that obtaining a repudiation paper from the Princess required committing one of the "seven types of grounds," severe offenses that carried harsh penalties, including the risk of being drowned. Mo Lian Cheng suggested feigning a serious illness as a possible method and requested Mo Yanchen's cooperation.
Mo Yanchen, though conflicted, noted how much Mo Lian Cheng had changed and felt these changes should not continue. The following day, Qu Xiaotan went to check on Mo Lian Cheng. Yu Hao urgently informed her that Mo Lian Cheng had suddenly contracted a contagious illness, exhibiting fatigue and diarrhea, and might need to leave Snow Court soon.
Ignoring Yu Hao's pleas to stay away, Qu Xiaotan rushed into the room, where Mo Lian Cheng was feigning severe sickness under a pile of blankets. She insisted on staying by his side, declaring their eternal bond. Internally, Mo Lian Cheng apologized to Tan, believing his current path was irreversible and that leaving was the only way to protect her from danger.
Later, when Mo Lian Cheng "woke up," he reiterated his need to leave, claiming his illness could infect her and the entire residence. Qu Xiaotan, however, was unwavering, asserting, "I will follow you in life and death." She reminded him of their long marriage and urged him to focus on recovery. While Qu Xiaotan was out heating medicine, Mo Lian Cheng, exhausted, quickly stretched and then fell asleep.
Upon her return, Qu Xiaotan discovered a note detailing plans to obtain a repudiation paper, confirming her suspicion that he was feigning illness. Although initially hurt, she decided to play along, dismissing the idea of a mistress suggested by Jing Xin, who assured her no one would dare challenge the Second Princess. Qu Xiaotan, with Jing Xin's support, then confronted Yu Hao about his role in the charade.
Yu Hao later admitted to Mo Lian Cheng that Qu Xiaotan's concern was genuine, but Mo Lian Cheng remained committed to his plan, feeling that the more she cared, the sooner he needed to leave. Qu Xiaotan brought a quilt and announced her intention to stay with Mo Lian Cheng until his "recovery." When Mo Lian Cheng became visibly uncomfortable, Qu Xiaotan exasperatedly piled two more quilts on him, kissed him, and insisted he needed to sweat out the illness.
Realizing his cover was completely blown, Mo Lian Cheng kicked off the quilts and directly asked her to repudiate him. Qu Xiaotan expressed relief that he hadn't harmed himself with fake medicine. She reminded him that even if his amnesia made him doubt her, she remembered everything, including his past journey to the modern era for her. This time, she declared, it was her turn to protect him, and she would wait for him to love her again.
Mo Lian Cheng was speechless. Qu Xiaotan, with tears in her eyes, promised to stay with him until he fell asleep, then quietly leave. Mo Lian Cheng, feeling immense guilt, silently concluded that he couldn't turn back and that leaving was the best choice to prevent Qu Xiaotan from being dragged into his perilous situation. Determined to succeed, Mo Lian Cheng decided on a more public tactic.
He instructed Yu Hao to hint to Qu Xiaotan that he was going to the Yaju Pavillion. There, his flute playing attracted the attention of many ladies, who began competing for his time. To Mo Lian Cheng's surprise, Qu Xiaotan arrived and proudly watched the spectacle. Frustrated, Mo Lian Cheng left abruptly.
Finding the Yaju Pavillion unsuited to his nature, he told Yu Hao he needed a more powerful move to ensure Qu Xiaotan had no alternative but to grant him a repudiation paper. Despite Yu Hao's pleas to abandon this "last option," Mo Lian Cheng was adamant. He instructed Yu Hao to discreetly inform Qu Xiaotan that he would host a poetry gathering at Snow Court, inviting numerous female guests from a list provided by the Yaju Pavillion owner.
He expected Qu Xiaotan not to interfere. Qu Xiaotan was initially furious at the thought of "homewreckers" attending, but seeing an opportunity, she agreed, planning to "catch all the women interested in Mo Lian Cheng in one go" and confidently claiming she had a "Plan B" for the palace. Mo Lian Cheng was surprised by her unexpected agreement.
Mo Yanchen, hearing of Mo Lian Cheng's latest scheme, rushed to advise caution, warning of the potential fallout for the Mo family and the palace. However, Mo Lian Cheng insisted that "what's done cannot be undone" and pressed Mo Yanchen for his cooperation. The next day, at Snow Court, Mo Lian Cheng began reciting a new Ci.
As he spoke of women's make-up, Qu Xiaotan made a grand entrance, announced "small gifts" for the attendees, and swiftly hijacked the event by promoting a royal brow powder and special rouge. She extolled their virtues, promising 24-hour wear and delivery at cost, captivating the ladies who rushed to place orders. Mo Lian Cheng watched in frustrated silence. Qu Xiaotan announced that the poetry session would continue, but quickly interrupted Mo Lian Cheng again as he tried to resume.
She launched into a passionate promotion of a luxurious lip rouge, showcasing its exquisite texture and unique scent, proclaiming its ability to brighten the complexion and its status as a "noblewoman's scent." She declared, "We can switch out our men, but our lip colour must stay the same," inciting a frenzy of purchases among the women. Mo Lian Cheng was left utterly speechless.
News of Mo Lian Cheng's "seven types of grounds" and his request for a repudiation paper reached the Emperor via Xiao Zhen, who noted Qu Xiaotan's surprising lack of reaction. The Emperor, puzzled by Mo Lian Cheng's uncharacteristic behavior, ordered a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Mo Father discussed his plans with an unknown confidant, assuring them that Mo Lian Cheng's actions were a deliberate part of a larger strategy.
Later, Mo Lian Cheng approached Qu Xiaotan, who, proud of her sales success, teased him about his "contributions" and promised him dividends. He questioned her high status engaging in commerce, asking if she wasn't afraid of giving others leverage. Qu Xiaotan retorted that she saw no fault in earning her own living and pointed out his repeated "wanton" acts, asking if he wasn't afraid of the leverage that might give.
Mo Lian Cheng finally managed to ask for the repudiation paper, requesting to leave the residence as soon as possible. To his astonishment, Qu Xiaotan agreed. After a moment of surprise, she explained that since she had once sought a repudiation paper from him, they would resolve this "the same way as before." Mo Lian Cheng, resigned, agreed to her terms. Qu Xiaotan then specified her condition: he must "sleep with me," and if she was satisfied, she would give him the repudiation paper.
Episode 12 Recap
Mo Lian Cheng, frustrated, practiced his swordplay in the courtyard. In recent days, Qu Xiaotan frequently asked him, "Have you decided yet?" She used the repudiation paper as leverage, pushing him to agree to her terms, which he found absurd. He recalled her asking a similar question to him and his elder brother during their wedding anniversary, presenting it as a way to express affection. Yet now, he believed she was merely trying to coerce him using his reputation.
Mo Lian Cheng's mind was preoccupied, causing Mo Jingxuan to worry. Jing Xin arrived once more to convey Qu Xiaotan's message, asking if Mo Lian Cheng had made up his mind. Mo Jingxuan and Yu Hao were curious about the meaning behind the repeated question, but Mo Lian Cheng was hesitant to explain. He eventually revealed that it was a test, and if he passed, he would be disowned.
Mo Jingxuan found it odd, suggesting that Her Highness didn't value Mo Lian Cheng if she set an "easy to pass" test as a condition for disowning him. Feeling that Qu Xiaotan was indeed eager to send him away, Mo Lian Cheng decided to fulfill her wish. He told Jing Xin to inform Qu Xiaotan that he had made up his mind.
Upon hearing Mo Lian Cheng's agreement, Qu Xiaotan felt a surge of emotion, almost to the point of tears. She excitedly planned for the "bedtime," instructing Jing Xin to prepare a bath with petals and incense, along with sexy pajamas. Jing Xin reminded her that it was usually the man who prepared himself for such an occasion.
Qu Xiaotan found this logical and decided to act aloof, waiting for Mo Lian Cheng to come to her once he was all set. She also hinted to Jing Xin that they should wait for a good show. Mo Lian Cheng sought solace in drink with Mo Yanchen, affirming his determination not to give up on the challenge.
Mo Yanchen, though unaware of the specifics, deduced that the challenge involved physical strength, understanding why Mo Lian Cheng had been practicing his swordplay. Mo Jingxuan attempted to eavesdrop but was swiftly sent away by Jing Xin, who teased him about how all men fear this particular challenge. That night, Qu Xiaotan waited in her room, wearing her pajamas. Hearing footsteps, she quickly extinguished the candles and pretended to be asleep.
Mo Lian Cheng, still under the influence of alcohol but perceptive, noticed the smoke from the recently put-out candle, knowing Qu Xiaotan was feigning sleep. He deliberately roused her and proceeded with the "bedtime." He leaned over her, his dominant tone familiar to Qu Xiaotan. However, she quickly flipped him over, leaving an ambiguous atmosphere in the room.
Meanwhile, in his own room, Mo Yanchen punished himself by copying texts, reflecting on how he too had become one of those narrow-minded men for love. The next morning, Mo Lian Cheng woke up, gazing at Qu Xiaotan's sleeping face. He felt a pang of reluctance, knowing this was their last night sharing a bed, yet she seemed oblivious. Qu Xiaotan, however, was already awake, secretly admiring her own charm. She turned and kissed Mo Lian Cheng.
Startled, Mo Lian Cheng sat up, urging Qu Xiaotan to fulfill her part of the agreement and give him the repudiation paper. Qu Xiaotan, however, simply declared that she was "not satisfied" and left without giving him the paper. Mo Lian Cheng was left in a state of deep self-doubt. Soon, rumors spread throughout the city, even reaching the Mo family, claiming that Qu Xiaotan was "not satisfied" with Mo Lian Cheng.
Mo Jingxuan, concerned, warned Mo Lian Cheng about the dire consequences others faced for such a declaration, citing the son-in-law of the Minister of War and the concubine of the Princess of Qian Yue. Adding to his frustration, Qu Xiaotan sent tonic soup, which Mo Lian Cheng angrily discarded. While shopping, Qu Meier encountered Mo Yanchen, who was buying a fragrance sachet. He hoped the sachet would help Qu Xiaotan "recollect her original self."
Qu Meier, distressed, argued that Qu Xiaotan did not care for him, otherwise she wouldn't ignore his pain or make him endure such humiliation. Mo Yanchen, however, dismissed her words, claiming he was indeed blinded by his feelings but asking if Qu Meier was any different in her own affections. Qu Xiaotan, meanwhile, found the phrase "not satisfied" incredibly potent and decided it should be their family motto.
She wrote "keep working" in large characters, intending for Jing Xin to deliver it to Mo Lian Cheng to hang above his bed. Jing Xin refused, feeling Mo Lian Cheng had suffered enough and was worried about his delicate heart. In the courtyard, Mo Lian Cheng practiced his swordplay, convinced that if he hadn't been drunk, he wouldn't have received the "not satisfied" comment, though he quickly dismissed it, claiming he didn't care. Mo Yanchen watched, conflicted.
He wondered why Mo Lian Cheng, so determined to get the repudiation paper, would engage in "bedtime," speculating that he might be trying to protect Qu Xiaotan from future trouble. He challenged Mo Lian Cheng to face his difficulties bravely. Mo Lian Cheng resolved to obtain the repudiation paper that very night, believing it was the only way to protect Qu Xiaotan from danger.
Elsewhere, Mo Yanchen, grappling with his own feelings, locked himself in his room, vowing self-punishment for repeatedly violating the code of virtue, musing that for people, a step forward is to be a sage, while a step back is to fall into an abyss. Later that evening, Mo Lian Cheng, once again inebriated, arrived at Qu Xiaotan's room. She was not surprised by his drunken state. He abruptly picked her up and carried her towards the bed.
News of Mo Lian Cheng being deemed "not satisfied" after "bedtime" reached Her Majesty. She found this unusual for Qu Xiaotan and suspected something was amiss, deciding to summon Mo Lian Cheng to the palace for confirmation. The next morning, before he could demand the repudiation paper from Qu Xiaotan, Mo Lian Cheng was summoned to the palace. At the palace, Mo Lian Cheng was punished to kneel outside the main hall for his "insolent" challenge to Her Majesty.
He dared to question why marriage dissolution was solely at the woman's discretion, arguing for men's equal rights in ending a marriage. He vividly painted a picture of societal chaos if men were denied this right and forced to resort to violating the seven grounds for being disowned. Her Majesty noted his transformed demeanor and insightful arguments, remarking on how much he resembled "that person."
Recognizing his resolute desire to leave, Her Majesty announced a new decree, granting all men the right to end their marriages, to be implemented first in the capital. She invited Mo Lian Cheng to be the first to exercise this right. This offer triggered Mo Lian Cheng's memories. He immediately retracted his previous stance, stating he should not act rashly.
He asserted that a lasting marriage required embracing both good times and hardships, declaring that he would stand by Qu Xiaotan and overcome difficulties together, lest Her Majesty's concern be in vain. Upon hearing the news that Mo Lian Cheng had openly defied Her Majesty in the palace, Qu Xiaotan immediately concluded that "Cheng Cheng" had returned. As soon as Mo Lian Cheng returned to the residence, they went to their room. To prevent another amnesia episode, they resolved to act cautiously. Despite their efforts, during their playful banter, Qu Xiaotan accidentally kissed Mo Lian Cheng.
Episode 13 Recap
Qu Xiaotan found herself in an awkward situation after accidentally kissing Mo Lian Cheng again. Having flashes of his memory, Mo Lian Cheng recalled rejecting a request for repudiation, which made him feel he was constantly at odds with his past self. Qu Xiaotan, frustrated, confronted him, pointing out he had proposed their marriage and was now pushing for their separation without a clear reason, an unfair situation she found hard to accept.
Their argument was interrupted by Jing Xin, who reported a large crowd had gathered outside the residence, making entry and exit difficult. It was rumored to be connected to the New Law, which the Empress had unexpectedly announced after Mo Lian Cheng's return from the palace. Many believed Mo Lian Cheng had personally requested it and came to express their gratitude.
Among them was Yu Hao, who came on behalf of his elder brother, who had been suffering from domestic abuse. Yu Hao's brother's wife, however, angrily tried to drag her husband home, questioning Qu Xiaotan if she would permit Mo Lian Cheng to leave her. Qu Xiaotan, holding Mo Lian Cheng's hand firmly, declared that if it were his wish, she would never stand in his way.
Later, Qu Xiaotan playfully boasted to Mo Lian Cheng about her clever support, but Mo Lian Cheng, less pleased, shifted the topic to the Empress. He suspected her sudden announcement of the New Law had a deeper motive, possibly using him as a pawn to target the Mo family. Meanwhile, Xiao Zhen observed that not only Qu Xiaotan but also Mo Lian Cheng had undergone a drastic change in personality.
He noted that Mo Lian Cheng's recent inconsistency couldn't simply be attributed to his usual cunning. The Empress, informed of the events at the Princess's residence and Mo Lian Cheng’s actions to calm the crowd, mused that he had indeed changed. She was aware of Mo Yuan Long's ambition and the Mo family's subtle moves concerning secret funds, but stressed that they were not the true focus of her grand scheme.
Xiao Zhen expressed concern that Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng might form an alliance, but the Empress dismissed his worries, believing Mo Lian Cheng would eventually be hers. Yu Hao's elder brother, now free from his wife, faced a new predicament as his father intended to send him to a monastery. He desperately sought Mo Lian Cheng's help, leading Mo Lian Cheng to realize that the New Law, in its current form, couldn't fully secure the future of men.
Soon after, the Empress summoned Mo Lian Cheng to the palace alone, fueling his suspicions about her true intentions, yet he knew he had to address the New Law's shortcomings. In the palace, Mo Lian Cheng pointed out a significant loophole: men who left their wives, even if legally divorced, would face social ostracism and potentially become homeless.
To remedy this, the Empress proposed that they make perfume sachets together, which would be given to these men as a symbol of imperial affirmation. Mo Lian Cheng agreed, praising her thoughtful solution. While Mo Lian Cheng was in the palace, a sleeping Qu Xiaotan was awakened by Jing Xin, who anxiously informed her that he had been summoned.
During their meeting, the Empress remarked on Mo Lian Cheng's current clumsiness with the sachets, contrasting it with his earlier dexterity when they made Knots of Love. Mo Lian Cheng realized this memory pertained to the time before his amnesia. The Empress then instructed him to draft a repudiation paper as a template, to be publicly announced alongside a new edict encouraging remarriage for divorced men.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Mo Lian Cheng reluctantly complied, knowing the Empress had other motives, but he needed to act quickly. Upon Mo Lian Cheng's return, Qu Xiaotan was visibly upset about his prolonged absence at the palace with the Empress. She accused him of chasing after a glamorous life, which he denied, assuring her he wasn't someone who coveted wealth or status.
Her anger intensified when Xiao Zhen arrived, not only announcing generous imperial rewards for Mo Lian Cheng but also presenting Qu Xiaotan with the repudiation paper he had drafted in the palace. Qu Xiaotan was heartbroken. Despite constantly reminding herself that Mo Lian Cheng was ill and had lost his memory, seeing the paper made her question if the old Mo Lian Cheng would ever do such a thing.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she angrily declared she would let go, leaving a stunned Mo Lian Cheng standing alone. In a fit of pique, Qu Xiaotan drafted her own "divorce agreement" for Mo Lian Cheng to sign. Jing Xin presented it to Mo Lian Cheng, suggesting he simply keep it without signing. Moments later, Yu Hao arrived, expressing heartfelt gratitude.
He explained that Mo Lian Cheng's perfume sachet and the repudiation paper template, announced by imperial decree, had saved his elder brother from being forced into a monastery. Realizing the misunderstanding, Jing Xin immediately rushed to tell Qu Xiaotan. Although still miffed by Mo Lian Cheng's distant behavior, Qu Xiaotan decided she wanted her divorce agreement back, admitting to herself she couldn't bear to let go.
She made several attempts to retrieve the paper, even sneaking into Mo Lian Cheng’s study, but each time she was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Mo Yanchen, upon hearing about Mo Lian Cheng's repudiation paper and his renewed imperial favor, feigned concern but was secretly delighted. He presented Mo Lian Cheng with a collection of valuables he had saved over the years, ostensibly to prepare him for a possible future within the royal palace.
However, Mo Lian Cheng felt a profound unease, realizing that despite all the talk of a new future, he had never truly desired to leave Qu Xiaotan. He felt powerless to explain his actions to her, wishing desperately for a way to show her his regret and his desire to stay.
He reflected on how he had never performed the simple acts of intimacy, like serving her tea or helping her dress, as other husbands did—a regret he feared might last forever. To avoid Mo Lian Cheng, Qu Xiaotan pretended to be asleep when he entered her room. He offered her a cup of tea, leading to a series of awkward misunderstandings between them. Mo Lian Cheng gently blew on the tea to cool it before serving it to her.
Qu Xiaotan felt a mix of annoyance and confusion, observing that he seemed genuinely uncomfortable, not malicious, as he served her. He then offered to help her change, further puzzling her. She awkwardly asked when he would give her the signed divorce agreement, still clinging to the idea that he wanted to separate. At this point, Mo Lian Cheng revealed his true feelings.
He vowed never to push her away again, admitting that forcing her to let go was a grave mistake. He confessed to experiencing a heartache so profound he had never known before, a feeling akin to having his soul ripped from his body, rendering his future meaningless.
He explained that his earlier attempts to distance himself were due to deep-seated concerns about himself, his family, and Dongyue, a feeling of "a blind man on a blind horse approaching a deep pool at night." He was willing to face danger alone but couldn't bear the thought of involving her. Qu Xiaotan, touched, chided him for underestimating her, assuring him she could protect her own husband. Mo Lian Cheng, overcome with emotion, kissed her, offering it as an apology.
Qu Xiaotan playfully demanded he clarify their relationship, then firmly declared that as the Princess, she wouldn't permit him to repudiate her. Mo Lian Cheng readily agreed, and they mutually decided to nullify their previous agreement. He confessed that his love for her made it impossible to leave. He had mistakenly thought that by avoiding her, he would cease to love her, but instead, the separation only intensified his longing.
As they expressed their heartfelt emotions, Qu Xiaotan promised to help him regain his lost memories, while Mo Lian Cheng, in a characteristic display, grew comically jealous of his former, un-amnesiac self. Qu Xiaotan then embraced him tenderly, telling him she could only sleep soundly when he was by her side.
Episode 14 Recap
Xiao Zhen led his men to Liu Bai Shui’s home. Liu Bai Shui, believing Qu Xiaotan had sent them for revenge, quickly tried to explain that any issues with the medicine were due to the wrong one being taken, and his payment absolved him of responsibility. Xiao Zhen, however, was trying to gather information and pressed him about who the medicine was for.
Liu Bai Shui, feigning ignorance, claimed to be a recluse who avoided high-ranking officials and that the medicine's purpose was a secret. Xiao Zhen, concluding Liu Bai Shui was a fraud yet noting Qu Xiaotan's involvement, paid him a sum of money, hinting at future favors, and then departed. Liu Bai Shui, considering the difficulty of his business, contemplated leaving with the money but was startled by Jing Xin’s sudden appearance.
Xiao Zhen later reported to Her Majesty that Qu Xiaotan had sought medicine from Liu Bai Shui for Mo Lian Cheng. Her Majesty confirmed her suspicion that this Mo Lian Cheng was not the one she knew. Meanwhile, as Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng were affectionately spending time together, Jing Xin arrived to report on Xiao Zhen’s visit to Liu Bai Shui. Qu Xiaotan, angered, denounced Liu Bai Shui as a traitor.
Mo Lian Cheng, unaware of Liu Bai Shui, prompted Qu Xiaotan to explain about the fake medicine incident. She then clarified that this man was definitely not Liu Qian Shui, the true Liu Qian Shui being a sage from the Xuanling Continent who sought the Soul-guarding Pearl's host and had given her the Soul-parting Flute. Both Mo Lian Cheng and Jing Xin were baffled by her explanation. Jing Xin then brought Liu Bai Shui, tied up, before Qu Xiaotan.
Qu Xiaotan interrogated him about Liu Qian Shui, but Liu Bai Shui claimed no knowledge of such a person in his family, insisting his name was Liu Bai Shui and his father was Liu Hei Shui, with no "Qian" in their lineage. Exasperated, Qu Xiaotan ordered Jing Xin to hand him over to the authorities.
Mo Lian Cheng intervened, suggesting that sending him to the authorities would lead to interrogation by Her Majesty and potentially expose their secrets, so he proposed silencing Liu Bai Shui permanently. Frightened, Liu Bai Shui pleaded for a chance to redeem himself, boasting about his knowledge of astrology, which he claimed Qu Xiaotan could utilize. Qu Xiaotan agreed to give him another chance. Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng had Jing Xin untie Liu Bai Shui.
Liu Bai Shui suggested that Mo Lian Cheng might regain his memories by reliving past events in similar environments. He slyly hinted at "unspeakable scenes" that might trigger a memory, prompting a blushing Qu Xiaotan to send him and Jing Xin away. Qu Xiaotan then had Jing Xin dig a large pit overnight, after which she sent Jing Xin and Yu Hao away.
Qu Xiaotan tried to persuade Mo Lian Cheng to jump into the pit with her, suggesting they recreate a past fall where he acted as her cushion. Mo Lian Cheng found the idea illogical and refused, citing his lack of martial arts and inability to protect her if they got hurt. Qu Xiaotan was disappointed, lamenting her inability to help him regain his memories. Mo Lian Cheng, sensing her sadness, reassured her that his memory loss didn't matter to him.
Later that evening, Mo Lian Cheng, pondering Qu Xiaotan's feelings, wondered if she loved him or merely the memories of the past. Qu Xiaotan found him looking troubled. She reminded him that it was June 17, their first wedding anniversary. Qu Xiaotan listed their three anniversaries, but Mo Lian Cheng, only wishing to celebrate their current union, expressed his disinterest in the previous two he couldn't remember.
Qu Xiaotan, respecting his wishes, then told him about their adorable son, Yu Er. Unable to draw Yu Er herself, she described him, and Mo Lian Cheng drew a strikingly accurate portrait. Seeing the drawing, Mo Lian Cheng expressed profound sadness, feeling unworthy as a father for not remembering his son. Qu Xiaotan, in turn, complained about his past absence, saying she felt like she was raising Yu Er as a single parent.
Mo Lian Cheng, unwilling to discuss past actions he couldn't recall, became upset. Their argument ended unhappily, with Mo Lian Cheng departing for his room, stating he was tired. Mo Yanchen, hearing about the argument between Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng, felt responsible. As it began to rain, he went to check on Qu Xiaotan, remembering her childhood fear of thunder.
Meanwhile, Mo Lian Cheng stood alone under a cherry blossom tree, burdened by his amnesia and the fear of not living up to Qu Xiaotan’s memories of him. Mo Yanchen visited Qu Xiaotan, offering comfort and assuring her of his unconditional love, regardless of her memory. His words resonated deeply with Qu Xiaotan, who realized Mo Lian Cheng's true struggle. She rushed to find him under the cherry blossom tree.
Mo Lian Cheng confessed his weariness of trying to remember the past. Qu Xiaotan, embracing him, declared her unwavering love and assured him that his memories didn't matter; he was the man she had chosen, her constant support. She proposed they create new memories together, starting with a heartfelt kiss under the cherry blossom tree. The next day, under clear skies, Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng went for an outing.
Qu Xiaotan, enchanted by the scenery, proposed buying the land to develop it into a tourist destination, an "investment in the love market" to create more new memories and make money together. Mo Lian Cheng playfully teased her about the high cost of such a memory. She asserted that the price was small for their new memories, but he stopped her, revealing that her choosing him over money was a precious new memory, something his past self had never witnessed.
Meanwhile, Mo Yanchen, oblivious to their joy, furiously practiced swordplay alone. His attendant urged him to stop, pointing out that Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng had spent the entire day together and she clearly didn't care for him. Mo Yanchen, however, insisted on practicing, believing that perfecting his swordplay to her liking would eventually win her affection, despite his attendant's insistence that she didn't care. That night, Qu Xiaotan visited Mo Yanchen in his room to propose a divorce.
He desperately pulled her into a hug, confessing his silent longing for her affection and recalling her childhood promise to make him her prince consort, wishing to be with her till the end of time. He questioned why she was now ignoring him and refusing his touch, asking what he had done wrong.
Qu Xiaotan explained that the divorce was the best choice for all three of them, assuring him it was not a rejection and promising him a good life afterward. Mo Yanchen, heartbroken, declared his love for her an incurable disease. Qu Xiaotan, expressing her fear of hurting him further by continuing their marriage, could only apologize and left him alone in despair.
Episode 15 Recap
Qu Xiaotan approached Mo Lian Cheng, inquiring about the situation with Mo Yanchen. She then questioned him, asking if he would be upset if she didn't want Mo Yanchen to leave and even wished to maintain the deception indefinitely, allowing Mo Yanchen to live in a dream. She confessed that she understood Mo Yanchen's profound love for Qu Tan Er and how unbearable it would be for him to believe Qu Tan Er had abandoned him.
Qu Xiaotan couldn't bring herself to cause him such anguish. Mo Lian Cheng acknowledged her sentiments, stating that Mo Yanchen’s previous kindness towards both of them had been genuine. He admitted that he also wished they could deceive him forever to spare him pain, but he knew that any decision they made would inevitably deeply hurt Mo Yanchen. Mo Lian Cheng speculated that Mo Yanchen was fated for pain from the moment the real Qu Tan Er drowned.
Qu Xiaotan, however, felt a deep sense of guilt, believing her arrival had thrown everything into disarray. Mo Lian Cheng advised her to give Mo Yanchen some time to think calmly, and for them to do the same. In the following days, Mo Yanchen continued to act as if nothing had happened, leaving Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng at a loss.
Mo Yanchen even brought Qu Xiaotan lighter clothes, concerned she might be too warm, and discussed managing household accounts due to Mo Lian Cheng’s frequent salary deductions, maintaining an illusion of normalcy. Overwhelmed by his self-deception, Qu Xiaotan found it difficult to proceed. Later, when Mo Yanchen brought her homemade walnut and date delights, Qu Xiaotan gathered her courage and presented him with the divorce paper.
Mo Yanchen was enraged, tearing the document and accusing her of feigning concern while trying to dismiss him with "compensation" which he found laughable. He insisted that a divorce was inappropriate and demanded a repudiation paper instead, declaring he would leave if she repudiated him. He stressed that a repudiation would cause him less pain than her insincere offers, as he truly did not wish to leave.
Qu Xiaotan pleaded with him to calm down, stating she was compelled to do this and was truly sorry, but Mo Yanchen reiterated his demand to be repudiated. Mo Lian Cheng intervened, attempting to explain that the "real" Qu Tan Er had genuinely loved Mo Yanchen, but the present Second Princess was not her.
Mo Yanchen, however, angrily accused Mo Lian Cheng of meddling in his emotions and bitterly stated that if not for Mo Lian Cheng, the former Tan Er's love would have remained constant. He cited various instances of Qu Xiaotan's recent actions, attributing them to Mo Lian Cheng's influence and questioning his true intentions in pursuing Mo Yanchen's beloved.
Mo Lian Cheng conceded, admitting that while he initially had no ulterior motives towards Qu Xiaotan, he later developed genuine feelings, and confessed that his gaze had been fixed on her for a long time, offering a heartfelt apology. Tears welled in Mo Yanchen's eyes as he finally declared he would leave, fulfilling their wishes.
Mo Yanchen left the Princess’s Residence, explicitly refusing Qu Xiaotan’s offer to escort him home, and even threatening to cut his hair on the spot if she insisted. He then departed alone. Back at the Mo Residence, Mo Yanchen knelt in the courtyard. His father, Mo Yuan Long, conveyed through a servant that the Mo Family’s motto, emphasizing faithfulness and courage, could not accommodate a man who had been repudiated.
Mo Yanchen was given an ultimatum: either shave his head and become a monk or have his name placed on a memorial arch to preserve his chastity, thus upholding cardinal virtues. Mo Yanchen produced a knife, intent on cutting his hair. Mo Feng Yang rushed to stop him, but Mo Yanchen, saying he could "finally cut off his feelings," was resolute and could not be persuaded to stay.
Mo Feng Yang instructed Yun Ying to care for Mo Yanchen, assuring him it wasn't his fault. Qu Xiaotan learned that Mo Yanchen had been expelled from the Mo Residence. She wondered why Mo Feng Yang, as the family head and a person who always respected Mo Yanchen, couldn't offer him refuge. She was told that Mo Feng Yang had indeed tried to stop him from taking vows, but Mo Yanchen feared his presence would tarnish the Mo Family's reputation.
Qu Xiaotan expressed her profound wish for Mo Yanchen to live a peaceful life. Seeing her distress, Mo Lian Cheng went to confront his father, Mo Yuan Long, urging him to allow Mo Yanchen back into the residence. Mo Yuan Long adamantly refused, accusing Mo Lian Cheng of being the true cause of Mo Yanchen's misfortune and reminding him of his initial plan to use Qu Xiaotan to seize power, having robbed Mo Yanchen of his beloved.
He pressed Mo Lian Cheng to focus on his own ambitions. However, Mo Lian Cheng declared that he now had someone he wished to protect and a reason to avoid harming the innocent, and therefore, he could no longer conspire with his father. Mo Yuan Long, holding his late wife’s cherished sword, warned him that those with many weaknesses achieve nothing. Mo Lian Cheng then bid his father farewell, regretting his inability to be a filial son.
An official questioned Her Majesty about her perspective on Mo Yanchen's repudiation. Her Majesty revealed that she had initially suspected Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Tan Er were merely using each other for their own gains, but now understood their relationship to be one of genuine affection, for otherwise, there would have been no need to repudiate Mo Yanchen.
Relieved of her previous doubts, she anticipated that Qu Meier would not let the matter rest, expecting her to make a significant fuss rather than treat it as a private family affair. Meanwhile, Qu Meier met with Official Chen and Official Su, thanking them for their unwavering support and promising to reward their loyalty in the future.
The officials advised Qu Meier to distance herself from Mo Yanchen, cautioning against letting personal feelings jeopardize their plans, as entanglement with a repudiated man would appear immoral in Her Majesty’s eyes. Qu Meier, however, firmly declared that Mo Yanchen was, and always would be, her only Prince Consort, insisting they remember this. The next day in court, Qu Meier, supported by Official Su and Official Chen, led the impeachment of Second Princess Qu Tan Er.
They accused Mo Lian Cheng of disrespecting his elders and violating cardinal virtues, and Qu Tan Er of neglecting her duties, being consumed by romance, and unjustly repudiating Mo Yanchen. They called for her abolition. Qu Xiaotan, who had been kneeling outside, entered the hall and humbly pleaded with Her Majesty. She took full responsibility for Mo Yanchen's plight, arguing it was unjust for him, the innocent victim, to suffer alongside her.
She earnestly requested that Her Majesty clear Mo Yanchen's name, promising to accept any punishment in return. Qu Meier confirmed Mo Yanchen's innocence. Qu Xiaotan further implored the Empress to issue a decree allowing all innocent men, like Mo Yanchen, who had been unjustly repudiated, to live peaceful lives. Her Majesty agreed to clear Mo Yanchen’s name and issue the decree, but also handed down a punishment to Qu Xiaotan.
As their relationship deepened, Jing Xin continued to teach Mo Jingxuan swordsmanship. Mo Jingxuan visited the Princess's Residence to collect some items for Mo Yanchen, and Jing Xin walked him out. During their conversation, Jing Xin asked Mo Jingxuan why he had previously called her "cute," stating she would stop if he disliked it. Mo Jingxuan assured her that "cute" was a positive trait and shared Qu Xiaotan's playful advice about using reduplication to enhance cuteness.
Embracing this, Jing Xin playfully bid Mo Jingxuan to "hurry hurry" back to his "residence-dence" and be "careful careful" with the "present-sents," promising to teach him "swordsmanship-ship" again. Mo Jingxuan, in turn, asked her not to get "mad mad" if he proved "clumsy clumsy," lest he become "depressed-pressed," affectionately calling her "Jing Xin Xin." After he departed, Jing Xin mused that Mo Jingxuan was even cuter than herself, struggling with the complexities of reduplicating "Fourteenth Young Master."
Meanwhile, Her Majesty discussed her suspicions with an official, believing that the Second Princess’s proposals in court were connected to Mo Yuan Long. She pondered whether Qu Tan Er and Mo Lian Cheng were mere pawns or active collaborators in Mo Yuan Long's schemes, and consequently, ordered an investigation. As part of this, Her Majesty mandated that Su Yue La be sent to the Princess's Residence to "rectify" its conduct, hoping she would uncover evidence of Mo Yuan Long's manipulation.
Su Yue La arrived at Qu Xiaotan's residence with a grand retinue, presenting the imperial decree to "supervise rectification and rebuild cardinal guides and constant virtues." Qu Xiaotan was openly displeased by the extravagant display, likening it to a house confiscation rather than a decree. Her frustration escalated when Su Yue La announced her intention to reside in the Princess’s Residence indefinitely until the "rectification" was complete.
Su Yue La merely stated she was following imperial orders and cautioned Qu Xiaotan against attempting to divine Her Majesty's true intentions. Qu Xiaotan vented her frustration, believing Su Yue La was merely using the imperial decree to assert authority and exact revenge for her younger brother's failed attempt in the harem selection. Mo Lian Cheng, however, suspected that Her Majesty had a more profound agenda.
While Su Yue La herself might be easy to manage, the act of sending an official to reside in their household strongly suggested that the Empress wished to investigate something specific. Qu Xiaotan, playfully feigning jealousy, speculated that Her Majesty might still harbor feelings for Mo Lian Cheng and sent Su Yue La to ascertain the true depth of their relationship.
She also acknowledged their recent high-profile activities promoting men's financial autonomy and divorce rights, suggesting the Empress was cautioning them against encroaching on imperial power. Mo Lian Cheng resolved to respond cooperatively, believing Su Yue La would eventually expose her true motives when the time was right.
As Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng were sharing a public display of affection, Su Yue La abruptly intervened, scolding them for their "shameful act" in broad daylight and questioning their disregard for royal decorum. Qu Xiaotan playfully blamed Mo Lian Cheng's irresistible charm for her inability to resist. Annoyed, Su Yue La decided to instruct Mo Lian Cheng on the "Three Obediences and Four Virtues" for men, convinced he lacked moral understanding.
During her lengthy lecture, Qu Xiaotan paid little attention. She even discreetly affixed a note with the character for "Sand Vulture" (a derogatory term for "idiot") onto Su Yue La’s back. When Mo Lian Cheng attempted to remove it, Su Yue La discovered the note. Qu Xiaotan quickly concocted a whimsical explanation, claiming "Sand Vulture" referred to a mythical, majestic beast with golden wings, suggesting it was a high compliment for Su Yue La.
Su Yue La then proceeded to teach them lessons in tea ceremony and ink grinding. Throughout these activities, Qu Xiaotan continued to treat Su Yue La as if she were invisible, frequently flirting with Mo Lian Cheng, playfully inspecting his hands and face for ink, ignoring Su Yue La's lectures on proper etiquette.
Episode 16 Recap
Mo Lian Cheng sighed as he and Qu Xiaotan were about to become intimate. Qu Xiaotan jested about him enjoying ordering her around, then quickly apologized, promising not to make him serve her tea again. She warned that Su Yue La would not forgive her. Mo Lian Cheng dismissed the thought, wanting to enjoy the moment, but their intimacy was interrupted by Su Yue La's arrival.
Su Yue La reminded them of the strict rule that the Princess and Prince Consort could only sleep together once every seven days, and they must restrain their urges. She declared she would wait outside until Qu Xiaotan returned to her own room. Qu Xiaotan, frustrated, tried to make Mo Lian Cheng tell Su Yue La she wasn't there, but he insisted it would be useless as Su Yue La would surely barge in.
Qu Xiaotan confided in Jing Xin about her predicament. Jing Xin, offering her help, agreed to distract Su Yue La. Su Yue La, meanwhile, asserted that she would stand guard outside Qu Xiaotan's room, ensuring no "evildoer" could approach. Jing Xin initiated a conversation with Su Yue La about the full moon, lamenting her own solitude on such nights and expressing how touched she felt by Su Yue La's company.
Su Yue La, finding a kindred spirit, reciprocated that everyone misses old friends on quiet nights and wishes for a soulmate by their side. While Su Yue La was engrossed in this conversation, Qu Xiaotan seized the opportunity to quietly slip back into Mo Lian Cheng's room. The next day, Su Yue La brought Mo Yuan Long to Qu Xiaotan's residence, praising his virtuous character and his steadfastness as a widower.
She then accused Mo Lian Cheng of seducing Qu Xiaotan, preventing the Princess from sleeping alone, and urged Mo Yuan Long to strictly supervise his son and teach him not to use his charm to tempt the Princess. Qu Xiaotan immediately countered, clarifying that she had insisted on staying in Mo Lian Cheng’s room and there was no seduction involved.
Su Yue La then shifted her attack, arguing that Qu Xiaotan and Mo Yanchen were childhood sweethearts, and Mo Yanchen's love for her was unwavering; therefore, Qu Xiaotan wouldn't have repudiated Mo Yanchen if Mo Lian Cheng hadn't used his charm. This angered Qu Xiaotan, but Su Yue La quickly ushered her away, claiming Her Majesty had orders for her.
Afterward, Mo Lian Cheng advised his father to be cautious of Su Yue La, but Mo Yuan Long dismissed his concern, stating that he was not foolish and didn't need Mo Lian Cheng's lecture. To appease Su Yue La, Mo Yuan Long simply instructed Mo Lian Cheng to copy moral codes for men as a superficial gesture.
Su Yue La reported to Xiao Zhen, explaining that while Mo Yuan Long and Mo Lian Cheng presented a public image of a loving father and son, they had no private communication, merely going through the motions of copying moral codes. She inferred that the repudiation of Mo Yanchen had created an irreconcilable rift between them. Xiao Zhen instructed her to continue observing their interactions and to employ additional tactics if necessary, assuring her of his full assistance.
That night, Mo Lian Cheng received a letter, bearing his father’s distinctive handwriting, urging him to come to Black Cloak Alley at 3 AM to discuss potential troubles with military supplies. Mo Lian Cheng, knowing his father had already withdrawn from the rebellion, suspected that Su Yue La had forged the letter to test if he and his father were secretly conspiring. He also deduced that his father must have received a similar forged letter in his own handwriting.
Indeed, Xiao Zhen had set an ambush with guards at Black Cloak Alley. Fortunately, Yu Hao intercepted Mo Yuan Long en route, informing him of Su Yue La's trap. Mo Yuan Long and Yu Hao quickly left, thus foiling Su Yue La and Xiao Zhen’s scheme, who were left to interrogate an innocent passerby and realized their plot had been exposed.
Mo Lian Cheng recounted the events of the foiled ambush to Qu Xiaotan, who then realized that Her Majesty had sent Su Yue La not to impart moral teachings, but to uncover any secret conspiracy between Qu Xiaotan's residence and Mo Yuan Long. Mo Lian Cheng emphasized that Su Yue La's cunning nature and her collaboration with Qu Meier meant they needed to swiftly find leverage against her.
Qu Xiaotan, observing that Su Yue La was past her youth and still unmarried, suggested that her "lonely heart" might be her weakness. She then instructed Jing Xin to find out about Su Yue La’s first love, a man whom Su Yue La reportedly could not forget, which was why she remained single. Upon seeing a portrait of this man, both Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan were struck by his uncanny resemblance to Yu Hao.
Qu Xiaotan, with some makeup, transformed Yu Hao, even suggesting a beard to complete the look. Despite Yu Hao's strong reluctance to seduce Su Yue La, emphasizing his honor over money, Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng pressed him, reminding him that their safety depended on this plan. Yu Hao, left with no choice, reluctantly agreed. Yu Hao positioned himself under a tree and began to recite poetry.
Su Yue La, drawn by his voice and presence, approached him and was visibly stunned by his striking resemblance to her first love. She inquired about his identity, and Yu Hao introduced himself as Mo Lian Cheng’s attendant, humbly attributing his poetic skills to his elder sister's teachings. Su Yue La expressed surprise at never having noticed him before, to which Yu Hao politely responded that her busy schedule prevented her from noticing a mere servant.
Over subsequent days, Su Yue La sought out Yu Hao frequently, eventually asking him if he had considered marriage. Yu Hao, adhering to the plan, replied that he would rather remain unmarried than fail to find a woman as dignified and graceful as herself. Later, Su Yue La discovered a perfume sachet that Yu Hao had "accidentally" dropped. Believing it was a deliberate gesture, she concluded that Yu Hao had fallen deeply in love with her.
The following day, feeling confident of Yu Hao's affection, Su Yue La donned special attire and went to "favor" him. She told Yu Hao she would grant his "wish" as he had taken the initiative. Yu Hao, feigning resistance, cried out dramatically that Su Yue La was attempting to defile his innocence. Su Yue La dismissed his pleas, claiming no one would come to his aid. At that precise moment, Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng arrived.
Qu Xiaotan publicly chastised Su Yue La for brazenly defiling a man in her residence. Yu Hao, seizing the moment, dramatically accused Su Yue La of stealing his perfume sachet and attempting to tarnish his reputation. Su Yue La stammered that it was a misunderstanding, but Qu Xiaotan threatened to report her to the administrative office. Panicked, Su Yue La desperately apologized, promising to stop causing trouble and to behave respectfully, begging for their mercy.
Mo Lian Cheng, appearing to be magnanimous, suggested they could overlook the incident if Su Yue La truly ceased her disruptive behavior. Su Yue La profusely agreed to "behave at all times" and quickly left. Later, she discovered that Yu Hao's elaborate makeup had come off, revealing his true appearance, and realized she had been thoroughly tricked.
Humiliated and distraught, she rushed to Qu Meier's residence to complain, lamenting Qu Xiaotan's blackmail and Her Majesty's growing dissatisfaction with her lack of results, feeling caught in an impossible situation. Qu Meier, however, was preoccupied with her own frustrations, having just been informed that Mo Yanchen had once again refused her ginseng soup. She advised Su Yue La to be cautious about her frequent visits, as they could attract unwanted suspicion.
Xiao Zhen reported to Her Majesty, confirming that Su Yue La's interactions with Qu Meier had indeed become increasingly frequent, just as Her Majesty had suspected. Her Majesty, expressing her past tolerance for Su Yue La's collusion with Qu Meier, condemned her recent "inspection on the operation progress" as a brazen act. Convinced that Su Yue La's allegiance had shifted and she had betrayed her trust, Her Majesty deemed her unforgivable.
She then commanded Xiao Zhen to deliver an imperial edict to Qu Xiaotan's residence the following day, appointing Su Yue La as the Governor of Yu Prefecture, effective immediately. Her underlying intent was to send Su Yue La to that distant and desolate region to "nip the evil in the bud." When Xiao Zhen announced the decree, Su Yue La was terrified, knowing Yu Prefecture was a remote and dangerous place where a previous official had met a grim end.
She frantically pleaded with Qu Xiaotan to intercede on her behalf, promising unyielding loyalty, but Qu Xiaotan, with feigned sympathy, refused, sarcastically congratulating her on her "promotion" and stating she could not defy an imperial decree. Enraged, Su Yue La drew a dagger and lunged at Qu Xiaotan, vowing to kill her for her misfortune. Mo Lian Cheng, seeing the imminent danger, quickly stepped in front of Qu Xiaotan, taking the stab himself.
The intense shock of the injury instantly triggered his full memory recall. As Qu Xiaotan tended to his wound, he tenderly called her "Tan Er," confirming his true identity had returned. Overwhelmed with relief and emotion, Qu Xiaotan embraced him, confessing how difficult her time had been and her deep longing to return home and protect their son, Yu'er.
Mo Lian Cheng explained that his memories returned whenever he experienced intense emotions—such as worry, fear, or jealousy—for her, especially when those feelings were coupled with flashes of similar past dialogues or memories. He specifically noted a powerful "palpitation" he felt during these moments, particularly when Su Yue La attacked Qu Xiaotan, causing his heart to race dramatically.
Qu Xiaotan elaborated on his observation, theorizing that memory recall occurs when his current emotional state strongly matches past experiences, and his heart rate rapidly accelerates to a critical "value." She acknowledged the lack of modern medical tools like electrocardiograms or MRI to measure this value, but concluded that extreme emotional peaks were the key to unlocking his memories.
While Mo Lian Cheng's full power had not yet returned, Qu Xiaotan was content, as long as he was "her Cheng Cheng," and they still had many important matters to plan. Under the pretense of returning a gift, Mo Yanchen visited Qu Xiaotan's residence, hoping for an opportunity to see her. He instructed his attendant not to announce his presence, believing he still held a place within the household.
However, as he approached, he witnessed Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan intimately kissing in the courtyard. Qu Xiaotan, celebrating the newfound understanding of Mo Lian Cheng's memory recovery mechanism—which she humorously attributed to Su Yue La's unwitting contribution—suggested they commemorate this "double delight" with a kiss. Mo Lian Cheng playfully reminded her that a kiss might revert his memories, but he affirmed that he remained himself, regardless of his past memories, and would never tire of kissing her.
Witnessing their passionate embrace, Mo Yanchen was utterly heartbroken. He concluded that there was truly no place for him in this home, and all his sacrifices had been nothing but a "joke." Disheartened, he returned to his own residence and drowned his sorrows in alcohol. Qu Meier entered his room, and though he initially told her to leave, she refused.
She offered him unwavering support, promising to stand by him in anything he wished to pursue, even if it meant facing the world's condemnation and public scorn. Mo Yanchen questioned why he was not worthy of even the slightest attention or affection. Qu Meier insisted that he was not at fault; rather, it was "their" mistake, the fault of the restrictive societal customs that forced him into compliance.
Mo Yanchen lamented that these customs were a knife in his heart, slowly draining his lifeblood. Embracing him, Qu Meier pledged that he would live a life better and freer than any other man, truly becoming his authentic self.
Episode 17 Recap
Mo Yanchen was about to get married to Qu Meier. Despite daily visits from Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Tan Er, he refused to see them. Mo Yanchen confided in his father, Mo Yuan Long, that he had been too naive in the past, constantly entangled in love and romance. He assured his father that after marrying the Eldest Princess, he would diligently follow his father's teachings and devote himself entirely to the Mo family.
Mo Yuan Long was extremely pleased, remarking that he had not misjudged his son, who, despite his gentle nature, possessed great ambition. Soon after, a servant announced the bridal sedan chair had arrived, and Mo Yanchen departed. Her Majesty mused that Qu Meier had finally achieved her wish of marrying Mo Yanchen, though she suspected Mo Yuan Long's machinations were heavily involved, not just love.
Recognizing that Mo Yuan Long now had two powerful allies, Her Majesty declared it was time to set a trap. Xiao Zhen suggested that the annual Spring Hunt be replaced by a public competition between the two princesses, the winner of which would be granted the prestigious position of Commander of the Capital Guards. He believed this would surely stir up any restless individuals.
Meanwhile, at the wedding, Qu Meier, radiant in her wedding robes, finally had Mo Yanchen by her side. She tearfully expressed her long wait and vowed to forever cherish and protect him, acknowledging the unfairness of a man's fate. An official announced Her Majesty's decree for the competition, consisting of two rounds: Into-the-clouds Archery and a showdown with weapons, to take place in ten days.
Qu Tan Er, overwhelmed, lamented her constantly turbulent life and wished to be a laid-back young woman. Mo Lian Cheng, however, understood the political implications. He suspected Mo Yanchen had allied with his father, and if Qu Meier gained military command, Mo Yuan Long could fall into Her Majesty's trap, confirming Her Majesty's intention to "draw a snake out of its nest."
Mo Lian Cheng expressed his concern for his father, and Qu Tan Er promised to win the competition to prevent future troubles. Recognizing their equal skill levels, Mo Lian Cheng decided to personally train Qu Tan Er, starting the next day. However, Qu Tan Er, skeptical of his abilities without his memories, staged an assassination attempt with Jing Xin, who dramatically exaggerated the event. Mo Lian Cheng easily saw through the deception, pointing out Jing Xin's clean clothes.
Frustrated, Qu Tan Er confronted Mo Lian Cheng, accusing him of laughing at her and challenging him to win the military command himself. She desperately tried to provoke him into recovering his memories. Mo Lian Cheng calmly acknowledged her attempts to provoke him and assured her that even without his full memories, his martial arts skills were more than sufficient to defeat Qu Meier. Mo Lian Cheng began training Qu Tan Er in archery.
He noted her accuracy but highlighted her lack of quick target acquisition, emphasizing that only diligent practice would improve it. Qu Tan Er, however, demanded a kiss as a reward for her efforts, and Mo Lian Cheng complied. He reminded her that actual competition would feature a wider shooting range and higher targets, requiring continuous training.
Qu Tan Er, thinking strategically, decided that if she knew the ball's serving direction, she could simply run to the closest shooting position to ensure accuracy. Next, during sword training, Mo Lian Cheng tried to explain the concept of becoming one with the sword, which Qu Tan Er found abstract. She playfully offered to teach him "The Flirting Sword Skill," demonstrating it by gracefully falling into his arms.
She also mentioned other unconventional skills like "The Lovey-dovey Sabre Skill" and "The Blazing Passion Palm." Mo Lian Cheng reminded her that Qu Meier was diligently training under Mo Feng Yang at the Mo residence to win, warning Qu Tan Er against slacking off, which merely made Qu Tan Er sigh and call him "unromantic." The night before the competition, Mo Lian Cheng finally recovered his memories.
However, Qu Tan Er insisted on keeping an arm's-length distance between them, fearing that excessive "sweetness" might cause him to lose his memories again. Mo Lian Cheng teased her about her self-importance. She, in turn, expressed surprise that her casual complaint of "dissatisfaction" had actually worked to restore his memories. He reassured her to relax and face the competition, calling her an extraordinary princess regardless of the outcome.
On the day of the competition, Jing Xin and Yu Hao led a group of supporters, loudly cheering for Qu Tan Er. The first round, Into-the-clouds Archery, commenced. Qu Tan Er, full of confidence, quickly secured a victory. It was later revealed that she had bribed a servant to serve the cloud balls in a pre-arranged sequence of directions, allowing her to easily hit six targets while Qu Meier hit only three.
Qu Meier, displeased by Qu Tan Er's unexpected performance, accused her of secretly hiring an expert. Qu Tan Er, in response, credited Mo Lian Cheng for her training. Qu Meier scoffed, asserting that men were inherently weak and probably couldn't even properly hold a bow and arrow. Offended by this remark, Qu Tan Er proposed that Mo Lian Cheng face a female general in the next round to prove whether men were indeed weaker than women.
Despite an official's protest that such a match would be against societal norms and a public joke, Mo Lian Cheng confidently challenged their concerns, and Her Majesty permitted the showdown. Mo Lian Cheng faced his female opponent, who, showing respect, offered to compete without weapons. Mo Lian Cheng accepted and skillfully defeated her. Realizing she was outmatched, the female general drew her sword, only for it to be swiftly taken by Mo Lian Cheng.
Her Majesty then personally stepped into the arena, declaring her intent to test Mo Lian Cheng's hidden skills. During their intense exchange, Her Majesty experienced a moment of profound recognition, seeing a familiar shadow in Mo Lian Cheng. Although Mo Lian Cheng did not win the match against Her Majesty, he acknowledged her victory, and Qu Tan Er accepted the outcome without complaint.
After the competition, Xiao Zhen brought forward the bribed servant, who confessed to serving the balls in the specific directions as instructed by Qu Tan Er. Qu Tan Er readily admitted her "lack of skill" and "dishonest intentions," taking full responsibility and pleading with Her Majesty to spare the servant. Her Majesty, noting Qu Tan Er's quick confession, sentenced the servant to eighty lashes and ousted him from the Palace.
Qu Tan Er, distraught, apologized to the servant and vowed to care for his family. With Qu Tan Er having lost both rounds and openly cheating, Her Majesty declared Qu Meier the winner and awarded her the position of Commander of the Capital Guards. She then condemned Qu Tan Er for "defying rules, cheating in public, disregarding the morals of men, and violating cardinal guides," sentencing her to be grounded in her residence and forbidden from entering the Palace.
Later, Xiao Zhen attempted to reassure Her Majesty that giving military command to Qu Meier would ensure Qu Tan Er's obedience. However, Her Majesty was preoccupied, lamenting that her current "ruined appearance" was why Mo Lian Cheng didn't recognize her. Xiao Zhen was surprised when Her Majesty confirmed that during their fight, all her past memories had returned, and she was now certain that Mo Lian Cheng was indeed Young Master Lian Cheng, the man she had been searching for.
Despite Xiao Zhen suggesting she might be tired and overthinking, Her Majesty firmly declared that she could not wait any longer and demanded that Mo Lian Cheng be brought back to her side immediately.
Episode 18 Recap
Her Majesty issued a decree, stating that due to a severe drought in Qian Prefecture, granaries would be opened for the people in need. To ensure the nation's well-being, all noblemen in the capital were ordered to enter the palace for a month of prayer, starting the following day. However, Prince Consort Mo Yanchen was exempted from this duty because the Eldest Princess was newly wedded.
Second Princess Qu Xiaotan was dismayed to learn that her husband, Mo Lian Cheng, was not exempted. She tried to intervene, claiming Mo Lian Cheng had been ill recently and feared his condition might displease Her Majesty. Mo Lian Cheng, however, advised her not to cause trouble for Official Xiao or disobey the imperial order. Official Xiao then relayed Her Majesty's definitive message: Mo Lian Cheng must participate in the prayer.
Back at her residence, Qu Xiaotan began gathering her valuables, intending to flee. Mo Lian Cheng stopped her, explaining their need for the Soul-guarding Pearl to return to their original world. He theorized that the pearl, being the Qu family's treasure and with Her Majesty holding the most power in that family, was likely in the palace. He intended to use his time in the palace to investigate and try to leave this place sooner.
Qu Xiaotan worried about his lack of memories and martial arts, but Mo Lian Cheng assured her that "ignorance gives me courage," which would make his actions easier. He then cautioned her to be wary of Her Majesty and the Eldest Princess while he was away. Qu Xiaotan, in turn, handed him a dagger for self-protection, stressing that a man must always protect himself. Mo Lian Cheng was summoned by Her Majesty while still copying scriptures.
Despite his unfinished task, the guard insisted that Her Majesty's order must be followed at once. Later, Qu Xiaotan was plagued by nightmares about Mo Lian Cheng and dispatched Jing Xin to gather news from the palace, also asking Jing Xin to arrange for food to calm her mind. When Mo Lian Cheng met Her Majesty, he noted her unusually casual attire. She decided to address him as "Young Master Mo" and invited him to play pitch-pot.
Mo Lian Cheng initially deemed it "not appropriate," but Her Majesty playfully questioned when he started caring about decorum. She proposed a wager: the loser would answer the winner one question. Mo Lian Cheng agreed to let Her Majesty decide the rules, which involved three arrows each, with the highest score winning. After a draw, Her Majesty asked when he had learned pitch-pot and what else he could do.
Mo Lian Cheng humbly replied he knew nothing about chores or managing a household. Her Majesty then observed his resemblance to an old acquaintance who also lacked such skills, but noted that this friend was never as respectful as Mo Lian Cheng. She reminisced about their shared past, which now felt like "a distant memory."
Mo Lian Cheng respectfully stated that, as Her Majesty was the ruler of the nation, showing respect was his duty, and he would not dare to comment on her old friend. Her Majesty then brought up his "impulsive words" during a previous sparring test. Mo Lian Cheng took responsibility, explaining that after meeting the Second Princess, he had come to know love, which had changed him. Recognizing his profound transformation, Her Majesty conceded the game.
Mo Lian Cheng, as the winner, asked if she had heard of a "priceless bead" belonging to the royal Qu family that could "change destiny and reshape reality." Her Majesty denied any knowledge and questioned where he had heard such a rumor. Mo Lian Cheng dismissed it as merely a "novel's story," apologized for his foolishness, and requested to be excused to change his clothes, citing the hot weather and his sweat, which Her Majesty permitted.
Upon learning that Mo Lian Cheng had played pitch-pot with Her Majesty, Qu Xiaotan was consumed by jealousy and fury. Jing Xin tried to reason that Mo Lian Cheng likely had his reasons, as he "can't disobey her order." Unconvinced, Qu Xiaotan dramatically demanded her "40-meter great spear" to "break into the palace." Later, Qu Xiaotan staged a suicide attempt by hanging, instructing Jing Xin to "start gathering the people" to save her.
In her haste, Jing Xin accidentally kicked away the stool, genuinely almost suffocating Qu Xiaotan, who furiously blamed her for nearly getting her killed. Jing Xin was terrified, fearing she "would be blamed for it even if I die!" Qu Xiaotan, however, assured her that a convincing act was necessary and she "can handle it."
Official Xiao reported Qu Xiaotan's staged suicide attempt to Her Majesty, conveying Qu Xiaotan's supposed lament that "she's let Your Majesty down" and that "her life is pointless" if she couldn't enter the palace. Mo Lian Cheng, unfazed, reiterated his promise with Qu Xiaotan to "take care of ourselves and reunite after the prayer." After Mo Lian Cheng's departure, Her Majesty commented on his drastic change and his suspicious knowledge of the Soul-guarding Pearl.
She pondered if he was indeed Young Master Lian Cheng but, still uncertain after testing him, ordered Official Xiao to "tighten the security around my bedroom first." Still without news from the palace, Qu Xiaotan questioned if Her Majesty genuinely didn't care about her. Jing Xin warned her to speak softly, suggesting Her Majesty might have "seen through your plot." Determined, Qu Xiaotan decided to try entering the palace again.
She attempted to bribe guards with money, but they politely refused, citing orders from their superiors. Soon after, Qu Xiaotan spotted a carriage, escorted by attendants wearing veils, and disguised herself among them. Guards halted the carriage, stating that "foreign officials cannot ride on carriages inside the palace" and must be examined on foot. The carriage's attendant argued that General Pugu (Yun Xiu) would be delayed, and Yun Xiu himself declared he "will not step out of the carriage."
The head guard clarified that Her Majesty had exempted Yun Xiu from inspection but insisted that his "convoy must be examined to prevent impostors from sneaking in." Yun Xiu intervened, asserting that he "knows every member of my convoy" and that the guards "don't need to worry," effectively allowing Qu Xiaotan to pass uninspected. Inside the palace, Qu Xiaotan thanked Yun Xiu, who dismissed it as a minor favor and, judging by her aura, deduced she didn't know martial arts.
Unable to find Mo Lian Cheng, who was copying scriptures, or Her Majesty, who was meeting envoys, Qu Xiaotan decided to check Her Majesty's imperial chamber to see if Mo Lian Cheng had engaged in any "intimate experience" with Her Majesty. As she neared the Soul-guarding Pearl within the chamber, she suddenly felt weak with a throbbing headache, attributing it to low blood sugar from skipping a meal, though the sensation quickly passed.
Official Xiao burst in, catching Qu Xiaotan trespassing and demanding her purpose. Qu Xiaotan deflected, claiming she simply missed Her Majesty, and quickly fled. Official Xiao had witnessed a strange light emanating from her but noted that Qu Xiaotan herself "doesn't seem to know the truth." Meanwhile, Yun Xiu formally met Her Majesty, who inquired about his peace-making marriage.
Her Majesty then announced that she had chosen him to be "Second Princess Qu Tan Er's main prince consort," with the wedding to take place in "two days from now." Yun Xiu was taken aback by the suddenness but, realizing he "can't disobey the empress's order," reluctantly accepted. Later, Yun Xiu joyfully greeted Mo Feng Yang in the palace.
Mo Feng Yang, however, coldly dismissed him, refusing to discuss past misunderstandings on the battlefield and warning him against causing "any trouble" in Dongyue. Back at her residence, Qu Xiaotan received the imperial edict of her marriage to Yun Xiu, lamenting her fate and wondering if he had known about the arrangement all along and had deliberately helped her to curry favor.
With the date of his departure from the palace approaching, Mo Lian Cheng decided his only remaining course of action was to investigate Her Majesty's heavily guarded imperial chamber. He instructed Yu Hao to remain behind to avoid drawing suspicion. That night, Mo Lian Cheng secretly entered the imperial chamber, using sleeping incense to subdue the occupants.
He triggered a mechanism that led him to a hidden chamber where he discovered ancient texts detailing the history of the Dongyue continent: the rise of the Qu family who united the land under the Xihe regime, and the subsequent decline of the once-benevolent Mo family. Unbeknownst to Mo Lian Cheng, the entire setup was a trap; Her Majesty, feigning unconsciousness, watched as Official Xiao activated a mechanism under her instruction.
Trapped deeper within the hidden chamber, Mo Lian Cheng failed to find the Soul-guarding Pearl. Official Xiao found a dagger Mo Lian Cheng had dropped, recognizing it as belonging to the Second Princess. Later that night, Qu Xiaotan and Jing Xin attempted to scale the palace wall to find Mo Lian Cheng. Qu Xiaotan, frustrated by their failure, accused Official Xiao, who had once again intercepted them, of installing a "GPS tracker on me."
She tried to feign an urgent meeting with Her Majesty, but Official Xiao revealed that Mo Lian Cheng had "trespassed into the forbidden ground and was trapped there." He added that Mo Lian Cheng was "carrying injuries" and "might lose his life" due to the numerous deadly contraptions. Official Xiao offered to personally rescue Mo Lian Cheng, but only if Qu Xiaotan agreed to "return to your residence and await the wedding." Qu Xiaotan, suspicious, questioned why she should trust him.
Episode 19 Recap
To ensure Mo Lian Cheng's safety, Qu Xiaotan was forced to agree to marry Yun Xiu after Xiao Zhen threatened her with Mo Lian Cheng's private entry into forbidden grounds. Xiao Zhen displayed Mo Lian Cheng's dagger, which he claimed Mo Lian Cheng had accidentally dropped. Qu Xiaotan initially feigned ignorance about the dagger, but after deliberating on the potential danger to Mo Lian Cheng, she resolved that she could not gamble with his life.
She declared that marrying Yun Xiu for Mo Lian Cheng’s sake was not infidelity, and Xiao Zhen returned the dagger to her, congratulating her on her new Main Prince Consort. Meanwhile, in a secret room, Mo Lian Cheng, seeking an exit, relied on moving embers to detect airflow and successfully found his way out. The following day, Mo Lian Cheng served tea to Her Majesty, his hands noticeably trembling.
When questioned, he claimed it was from prolonged scripture copying, a response Her Majesty found unconvincing given his earlier steady hands. She probed further, asking if he could not bend over, to which he attributed his discomfort to extended prayer. Her Majesty then spoke of recent palace commotions, expressing her intent to address those with ulterior motives.
Mo Lian Cheng humbly stated he dared not speculate on her intentions, but when pressed, he praised Xiao Zhen’s combat prowess and acknowledged Her Majesty’s past admiration for his martial skills. Her Majesty then commanded him to guard her chamber for the night. Despite his initial hesitation, citing the great responsibility, he accepted the order. However, he insisted on guarding from outside, deeming it inappropriate for a man and woman to be alone in a room.
After Mo Lian Cheng departed, Xiao Zhen informed Her Majesty that Qu Xiaotan (Second Princess) had immediately agreed to the peace-making marriage upon hearing of Mo Lian Cheng's situation. Xiao Zhen suggested that Her Majesty could simply take Mo Lian Cheng into her harem if she desired him, but Her Majesty maintained that true love cannot be bought with power.
Xiao Zhen then reminded her of the health risks associated with excessive affection due to her illness and highlighted Mo Lian Cheng's suspicious night visit to the Altar of Souls, a forbidden palace area. While Xiao Zhen initially proposed Mo Lian Cheng might be pursuing power, Her Majesty suspected he was investigating for someone else, specifically Qu Xiaotan.
Xiao Zhen confirmed this suspicion, reporting that he had witnessed Qu Xiaotan near the Soul-guarding Pearl, sensing a commotion from the pearl and observing a sudden white light emanating from her. Her Majesty, intrigued, believed this connection could be highly beneficial to her grand plan and instructed Xiao Zhen to proceed with their arrangements, reminding him of Qu Xiaotan's marriage that day. Qu Xiaotan, now married to Yun Xiu, deliberately avoided him.
Mo Jingxuan arrived at her residence, informing her that Mo Lian Cheng had gone to Her Majesty's imperial chamber the previous night and had yet to return. He added that Her Majesty had bestowed many new clothes and gifts upon Mo Lian Cheng.
This news infuriated Qu Xiaotan, who, despite having sacrificed her own happiness to protect him, concluded that Mo Lian Cheng was not forced and was instead enjoying himself, calling him a "bastard" for being "lovey-dovey" with Her Majesty. Shortly after, Xiao Zhen appeared to convey Her Majesty's congratulations and gifts for her wedding, along with a crucial imperial decree: to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline, Qu Xiaotan must spend the night in Yun Xiu's room.
Back in her room, Qu Xiaotan fumed over the lavish gifts Mo Lian Cheng received instead of punishment, fully understanding Her Majesty's underlying intentions. Jing Xin attempted to persuade her that Mo Lian Cheng was compelled, but Qu Xiaotan remained seething, lamenting that he couldn't have refused Her Majesty's advances even once. Just then, Yun Xiu entered her room uninvited, boldly signaling for Jing Xin to leave.
Despite Qu Xiaotan's protests, Jing Xin reluctantly departed, leaving Qu Xiaotan helpless as Yun Xiu advanced towards her, declaring his intention to stay for the night and forcibly grabbing her. Soon after, Mo Lian Cheng requested permission to return to his residence, which Her Majesty granted. However, his relief was short-lived as Xiao Zhen informed him of Qu Xiaotan's new Prince Consort, a revelation that deeply unsettled him.
Meanwhile, Mo Feng Yang shared her suspicions about Yun Xiu with her father, Mo Yuan Long, recounting his cunning tactics in past battles. She believed this peace-making marriage was far from simple. Her father acknowledged Her Majesty's likely ulterior motives and advised caution. Concerned that Yun Xiu's true intentions could endanger not only Mo Lian Cheng and the Mo family but also all of Dongyue, Mo Feng Yang resolved to investigate.
She later arrived at Qu Xiaotan’s residence to offer her congratulations. Qu Xiaotan, praising Yun Xiu, dismissed Mo Feng Yang's concerns about his integrity. To facilitate her investigation, Qu Xiaotan cleverly persuaded Mo Feng Yang to stay at the residence, under the guise of preventing gossip should she personally deliver gifts to Yun Xiu’s private chambers. Mo Feng Yang readily accepted the invitation.
Upon his return, Mo Lian Cheng overheard servants gossiping about Yun Xiu's bold actions towards Qu Xiaotan, leading him to believe they were deeply involved. When informed that Qu Xiaotan was in Yun Xiu’s chamber and had forbidden disturbances, Mo Lian Cheng sent Yu Hao to gather more information. He then confronted Qu Xiaotan and Yun Xiu, who were openly flirting.
Still fuming over Mo Lian Cheng’s stay at the palace, Qu Xiaotan deliberately provoked him, demanding he greet Yun Xiu, the Main Prince Consort. Mo Lian Cheng refused, arguing that morning greetings were out of place. Yun Xiu intervened, urging Qu Xiaotan not to be angry and suggesting "more opportunities" in the future, further enraging Mo Lian Cheng as he witnessed Yun Xiu patting Qu Xiaotan’s hand.
Yu Hao soon reported that Mo Feng Yang had already confronted Yun Xiu, but Qu Xiaotan had intervened. Mo Lian Cheng then sought out Mo Feng Yang, offering to help her investigate Yun Xiu, a task difficult for her as a woman, in exchange for information. Mo Feng Yang described Yun Xiu as a cunning and treacherous military leader, whose past actions included strategic troop withdrawals, feigned surrenders, and night attacks.
She concluded that his peace-making marriage was "definitely not simple." Mo Lian Cheng promised to find an opportunity to search Yun Xiu's room for clues, and Mo Feng Yang urged him to be cautious. That night, Qu Xiaotan intentionally had a servant inform Mo Lian Cheng that she was spending the night in Yun Xiu's room. This act left Mo Lian Cheng sleepless, seeking solace in alcohol.
The next morning, Mo Lian Cheng stealthily entered Yun Xiu's room to search, but was discovered. A fight ensued, with Yun Xiu accusing Mo Lian Cheng of trespassing and Mo Lian Cheng questioning Yun Xiu’s aggressive response. Qu Xiaotan intervened, remarking on Yun Xiu's impressive fighting skills. To explain his presence, Mo Lian Cheng claimed he was attempting to make amends for his past behavior by tidying Yun Xiu's room.
Qu Xiaotan seized the opportunity, instructing Mo Lian Cheng to prepare Xiyue nut cake for lunch under Yun Xiu's guidance, using ingredients from Yun Xiu's dowry. In the kitchen, as Mo Lian Cheng diligently prepared the cake, Qu Xiaotan and Yun Xiu openly flirted, with Qu Xiaotan playfully criticizing Mo Lian Cheng's culinary skills and even asking Yun Xiu to feed her. Mo Lian Cheng, exasperated, pushed Yun Xiu's hand away, sarcastically stating he was concerned Qu Xiaotan might choke.
When Yun Xiu mentioned taking lunch to Mo Feng Yang, Qu Xiaotan instructed him to take the cake that Mo Lian Cheng had made. Mo Lian Cheng protested, but Qu Xiaotan clarified that he made it with her and Yun Xiu’s guidance. Mo Lian Cheng observed that Yun Xiu seemed quite pleased, hinting that he preferred to be with Mo Feng Yang. Qu Xiaotan dismissed his remarks as an attempt to change the subject.
Later, Yun Xiu indeed took the Xiyue nut cake to Mo Feng Yang, who was practicing sword fighting. Mo Feng Yang, not hungry, initially refused it, but Yun Xiu insisted, taking a bite to subtly assure her it was safe, which she correctly interpreted as him showing her it was not poisoned.
Mo Lian Cheng, observing Yun Xiu's gaze frequently drifting towards Mo Feng Yang while he and Qu Xiaotan dined, began to suspect Yun Xiu's true interest lay with Mo Feng Yang, and that his flirtations with Qu Xiaotan were merely a show to provoke him. Qu Xiaotan, noticing Yun Xiu's distraction, suggested he go practice swordsmanship. He readily agreed and joined Mo Feng Yang. During their practice, Yun Xiu held back his moves, admitting he feared injuring her.
Mo Lian Cheng then confronted Qu Xiaotan, asking if she had deliberately orchestrated Yun Xiu's training with Mo Feng Yang. She denied it, but upon realizing her efforts to upset him stemmed from her jealousy over his time in Her Majesty's imperial chamber, Mo Lian Cheng chose not to offer immediate explanations. He found her jealousy endearing and decided it was best to first uncover Yun Xiu's secrets before revealing the truth, fearing that premature disclosure would "wake a sleeping wolf."
Episode 20 Recap
Yun Xiu, using Second Princess Qu Xiaotan's name, arranged a meeting with Mo Feng Yang, hoping to clear up a past misunderstanding. He intended to explain that he had not ambushed her, but was merely delivering something. However, Mo Feng Yang refused to believe him, accusing him of lying and violating the moral codes for a loyal husband by secretly meeting another woman while already married. Yun Xiu, troubled by this, confided in Qu Xiaotan.
Mo Lian Cheng, overhearing, offered to help Yun Xiu, but only if he revealed what truly happened on his wedding night with Qu Xiaotan. Under Qu Xiaotan's intense gaze, Yun Xiu eventually recounted the events. On their wedding night, Yun Xiu had no intention of consummating the marriage. After Xiao Zhen departed, Yun Xiu confessed to Qu Xiaotan that his heart belonged to Mo Feng Yang, and the two formed an alliance.
Mo Lian Cheng, upon hearing this, pulled Qu Xiaotan away, explaining that she had been misled by Xiao Zhen's words. They realized Her Majesty had orchestrated a scheme to sow discord between them. Learning that Mo Lian Cheng had only been keeping watch outside the Empress's chamber, Qu Xiaotan immediately checked his shoulder injury.
She then mentioned sensing the Soul-guarding Pearl, suggesting that the forbidden area Mo Lian Cheng had visited might be the Altar of Souls, which could offer a way for them to return to their own world. Their moment of shared intimacy was then interrupted by Yun Xiu, who lamented that his own romantic dilemma remained unresolved. Following Mo Lian Cheng's advice, Yun Xiu had flowers delivered to Mo Feng Yang, but this gesture only angered her further.
Mo Lian Cheng then visited Mo Feng Yang, urging her to play hard to get and apologize to Yun Xiu first to lower his guard. While Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng relaxed with tea, Yun Xiu anxiously awaited Mo Feng Yang. When she finally arrived, the couple quickly hid to observe. Mo Feng Yang invited Yun Xiu for a drink at dusk, proposing they resolve their differences over wine, an offer Yun Xiu happily accepted.
Yun Xiu wondered if he should bring a valuable gift, but Mo Lian Cheng advised him that "sincerity" was the only true gift. Later, at their rendezvous, Yun Xiu and Mo Feng Yang drank together, promising to answer any questions truthfully. Yun Xiu asked Mo Feng Yang how she felt upon first seeing him on the battlefield. Mo Feng Yang deftly turned the question to his troops, for which Yun Xiu apologized and offered a drink as self-punishment.
He then directly asked what kind of man she liked and what kind of love she yearned for. Mo Feng Yang replied that, like other women, she preferred the gentle and graceful men of Dongyue, leaving matters of love to men. Yun Xiu, sighing, offered her a taste of Xiyue's fine wine. Mo Feng Yang, feigning drunkenness, soon passed out. Yun Xiu gently draped his coat over her shoulders and watched her sleep.
The next morning, Yu Hao, with dark circles under his eyes, reported to Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng that Yun Xiu had merely covered Mo Feng Yang with his coat and nothing more. Qu Xiaotan was frustrated by Yun Xiu's slow progress, but Mo Lian Cheng considered it a significant step forward. Qu Xiaotan then asked Mo Lian Cheng about his ideal woman and vision of love.
He confessed that due to his amnesia, he previously harbored many doubts, thus having no particular interest in women or yearning for love. He explained that everything changed when he met Qu Xiaotan, who taught him to open his heart, and that the woman he loved and the love he yearned for would forever be what she showed him. They then shared a passionate embrace before going to sleep.
Meanwhile, Mo Feng Yang found herself disturbed by the memory of Yun Xiu covering her with his coat. Mo Lian Cheng approached her, subtly probing about the night. He mentioned rumors of them hugging, which she denied. He then brought up another rumor about Yun Xiu touching her lips, which Mo Feng Yang explained was to prevent her from accidentally revealing classified military information.
She suggested his act of covering her with a coat also had a hidden reason and dismissed all the rumors as baseless gossip. Back at the residence, Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng confronted Yun Xiu about the "ambush." Yun Xiu explained that while the Empty Fort Strategy and feigned surrender were indeed his tactics, the "ambush" was different.
One day, while relieving a garrison with his brothers, he secretly crossed the border and saw Mo Feng Yang letting down her long hair by the river. He was instantly captivated. His brothers dared him to steal her personal trinket, and he managed to take a sword buckle without her noticing.
From that day on, he paid close attention to her and realized they were kindred spirits – her battlefield strength masked a private vulnerability, and she instinctively understood his strategies. He felt she was like his other self. Due to the tense border situation, he could do nothing. However, when an opportunity for peace talks arose, he believed it was the right time to confess his feelings.
He had intended to personally deliver a truce letter and the sword buckle as a gift, but his attempt was mistaken for an ambush, leading to her counterattack, Xiyue's defeat, his demotion from general, and his forced peace-making marriage. Yun Xiu then produced the other half of the matching sword buckles. Mo Lian Cheng, seeing it, immediately devised a plan. Qu Xiaotan took Mo Feng Yang out to admire flowers.
As they walked, Yun Xiu and Mo Lian Cheng staged a scene where Yun Xiu "accidentally" dropped his sword buckle. Mo Feng Yang picked it up and accused him of stealing it. Yun Xiu countered, asking her to prove it was hers. Mo Feng Yang then revealed an identical sword buckle she wore, claiming it was a gift from an admirer.
Yun Xiu explained that the two buckles were a pair and that the box in which hers was delivered also contained a hidden truce letter. Mo Feng Yang rushed back to the Mo Residence, retrieved the box, and indeed found the truce letter, realizing she had wrongly accused Yun Xiu. When she asked why he had given her the sword buckle, Qu Xiaotan quickly interjected, explaining it was "for peace."
Mo Lian Cheng echoed this, and they swiftly led Yun Xiu away, leaving Mo Feng Yang bewildered. Yun Xiu, frustrated, asked why they prevented him from confessing his feelings now that the misunderstanding was resolved. Mo Lian Cheng explained that since Yun Xiu was still the secondary Prince Consort, and Mo Feng Yang adhered strictly to moral codes, an immediate confession would only scare her away. He emphasized the need to first win her favor.
Qu Xiaotan suggested transforming Yun Xiu into a gentle and graceful Dongyue man, as that was Mo Feng Yang's preference. Mo Lian Cheng disagreed, arguing that a man should not change himself for a woman, but Yun Xiu, eager to win Mo Feng Yang's heart, agreed to Qu Xiaotan's plan. Jing Xin and Yu Hao then struggled to give Yun Xiu a makeover, including a beard shave, threading, and a new hairstyle.
Mo Lian Cheng complained that the once proud eagle was being turned into a "peacock" and questioned if pleasing others was more important than being oneself. Qu Xiaotan retorted that Mo Lian Cheng himself had been like a "peacock" when he pursued her in other timelines. Yun Xiu, ignoring their bickering, expressed his anticipation for Mo Feng Yang's reaction to his new look.
Episode 21 Recap
Yun Xiu, having shaved his beard and styled his hair to appear as a Dongyue gentleman, presented himself to Mo Feng Yang, who simply observed that he looked "brand-new." Yun Xiu explained his desire to embody a Dongyue gentleman, and Mo Feng Yang remarked that it was "good for him." As the sunlight was glaring, Yun Xiu suggested they move under a tree.
Qu Xiaotan, Jing Xin, and Yu Hao, watching from nearby, covertly pulled down cherry branches to create a beautiful shower of petals around them. Mo Lian Cheng, observing their efforts, playfully commented that Qu Xiaotan cared "more about other people's relationships than your own." Mo Feng Yang then returned a sword buckle to Yun Xiu, explaining that she had "misunderstood" him earlier, so the "peace present" should not remain with her.
Yun Xiu refused to accept it, stating that if she truly wished to apologize, she should do so "in the Xiyue way." Later, they shared drinks under the moon. Yun Xiu reflected on how a year ago, they couldn't have imagined such a moment. Mo Feng Yang mused on how the "unconventional and uninhibited General Pu Gu" had become "gentle and virtuous" like he was now.
When Yun Xiu asked if she liked this version of him, she turned the question back to him. He dismissed his own feelings as "not important," but Mo Feng Yang insisted, "What if it's important to me?" Yun Xiu then pulled her into his embrace, a moment that made Mo Feng Yang realize his "unconventional and uninhibited" nature was his true essence, "more attractive than the graceful Dongyue gentlemen."
She quickly regained her composure, reminding herself that he was the Second Princess's Prince Consort. As she grew increasingly inebriated, she declared that "unconventional and uninhibited" suited him better before passing out on his shoulder. The next morning, Mo Feng Yang woke to find Yun Xiu still by her side, which made her uneasy. She urged him to return to his room, claiming she had urgent matters to attend to.
Yun Xiu, however, followed her, revealing that the sword buckle's true meaning was "my heart," not peace. He confessed that he had fallen in love with her on the battlefield long ago, and his forced peace-making marriage was solely driven by the hope of seeing her again. He assured her that he could overcome "all misunderstandings and barriers."
Mo Feng Yang was furious, calling his words "inappropriate" as he was already the Main Prince Consort and had supposedly "consummated your marriage on the wedding night." Qu Xiaotan quickly intervened, clarifying that Yun Xiu had not consummated the marriage; it was an act for Officer Xiao. She further explained that she and Yun Xiu had made a deal: she would help him pursue Mo Feng Yang, and in return, he would help her annoy Mo Lian Cheng.
This revelation only angered Mo Feng Yang more, making her feel manipulated and treated "like your puppets." She declared she would "move out of the Princess's Residence immediately." Qu Xiaotan suggested to Yun Xiu that Mo Feng Yang was likely "being stubborn" but had already been "attracted," advising him to "leave her alone for a few more days" to let her realize her true feelings.
Mo Lian Cheng disagreed, arguing that they had used "enough tactics" and it was time to "put yourself in her shoes" and "open your heart to her." Qu Xiaotan retorted that it was Mo Feng Yang who was being unforthcoming, and that "romantic measures" were essential to keep love "fresh."
This led to a heated argument between Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng about the nature of love and romantic gestures, culminating in both of them walking away in a huff. Yun Xiu, caught between them, tried to stop their quarrel, but they ended up in a cold war. Mo Feng Yang spent her days at the Mo residence practicing calligraphy to calm her mind, but notably omitted the character "yun" from the poems.
Mo Jingxuan, seeing her distress, tried to speak with her but was sent away. Qu Xiaotan, upon learning from Mo Jingxuan that Mo Feng Yang hadn't eaten or slept, and specifically avoided the character "yun" in her calligraphy, realized that Mo Feng Yang had indeed fallen for Yun Xiu.
Qu Xiaotan instructed Mo Jingxuan to invite Mo Feng Yang to Wangyou Lake at five o'clock and then told Yun Xiu to meet her there, asserting that five o'clock would be the "moment that determines your fate." As Mo Lian Cheng walked past Qu Xiaotan without a word, Yun Xiu remarked that Mo Lian Cheng was using Qu Xiaotan's own tactic of "playing hard to get" against her, much to Qu Xiaotan's annoyance.
At Wangyou Lake, Mo Feng Yang was helping a child with a kite when Yun Xiu arrived. He helped her reel in the kite, and she was touched to discover that the kite bore her likeness. Yun Xiu confessed his profound love, declaring that after meeting her, "all I have in my mind is you, all I can draw is you, all I can think about is you."
He reassured her that Her Majesty's recent decree encouraging men to remarry meant that if they were "on the same side," they could "overcome natural moats." Moved by his sincerity, Mo Feng Yang asked for "three more days to think about it." Qu Xiaotan, still upset with Mo Lian Cheng, muttered to herself about always directing romantic plays for others while her own heart was "like broken glass."
However, she soon discovered numerous bell tags hanging from a peach tree, each bearing a reason why Mo Lian Cheng was attracted to her, such as her "sad tears," "twinkling eyes," and "passion for my chest muscles." Mo Lian Cheng appeared, admitting he "was not romantic enough" previously and promising "from now on, I won't let you be jealous of other people's relationships." Qu Xiaotan, pleased, forgave him and they shared a kiss.
She affirmed that he was "always my Cheng Cheng," and she would "always accept him." Meanwhile, the Empress learned from Officer Xiao that the Second Princess (Qu Xiaotan) intended to repudiate her Prince Consort, Yun Xiu, and was actively trying to arrange his marriage to General Mo Feng Yang. The Empress deduced that Qu Xiaotan sought to "overcome the scheme of disunity and make generals from two countries work for her."
Enraged by Qu Xiaotan's audacity, the Empress began to cough up blood, declaring that she would not let Qu Xiaotan "do whatever she wants." Officer Xiao, concerned for her health, advised against anger. Despite his warnings about her "unstable condition" and the Altar of Souls being "still under construction," the Empress ordered him to take her there.
Inside the Altar, as the Empress attempted to stabilize her mind using the Soul-guarding Pearl's spiritual power, the Pearl suddenly emitted dark spiritual energy, which backfired and trapped her. Officer Xiao, realizing her "spiritual power has backfired," concluded that "someone must control the Soul-guarding Bead with me to wake Her Majesty up," and that Qu Xiaotan "may be the only hope."
As Yun Xiu grew increasingly anxious for Mo Feng Yang's three-day reply, Qu Xiaotan and Mo Lian Cheng calmly played chess. Officer Xiao then arrived, delivering an "emergency order" for Qu Xiaotan to enter the palace. Officer Xiao claimed ignorance of the reason for the summons. Mo Lian Cheng, sensing a trap, suspected the Empress knew about Qu Xiaotan's "special connection with the Soul-guarding Bead" and was attempting to lure them "to walk right into a trap ourselves."
While sending Yun Xiu to escort Officer Xiao to the front hall, Mo Lian Cheng quickly whispered instructions to Qu Xiaotan: the secret passage to the Altar of Souls could be opened by pushing the second drawer inward in the imperial chamber's Bogu Shelves. He sternly warned her "not to get close to it and don't touch it," as any proximity would make the Soul-guarding Pearl "react," alerting the Empress and putting Qu Xiaotan "in danger."
He urged her to "insist until I come." Qu Xiaotan departed with Officer Xiao, while Yun Xiu worried whether the Empress knew of their plans. Mo Lian Cheng calmed Yun Xiu and then went to Mo Feng Yang, informing her of Qu Xiaotan's urgent summons to the palace.
Mo Feng Yang immediately decided to go to the palace to investigate, vowing that if she and Yun Xiu were indeed the cause of Qu Xiaotan's trouble, she would "apologize to Her Majesty." Upon arriving at the palace, Mo Feng Yang noticed the absence of guards and inquired with General Lu. General Lu confirmed that the Empress had not left her imperial chamber and had refused to meet any officials that day.
Mo Feng Yang mentioned Qu Xiaotan's summons, and General Lu confirmed seeing Officer Xiao escort Qu Xiaotan towards the imperial chamber. However, he also noted that the "guards were suddenly changed" at the imperial chamber, "unnecessary people cleared," and "more armed forces were also added," leading him to believe "something may be going on." Mo Feng Yang concluded that there were "a few questionable points; among them, there must be something fishy."
Officer Xiao led Qu Xiaotan through the palace, which she recognized as the "secret passage to the Altar of Souls," recalling Mo Lian Cheng's warning. She feigned ignorance, asking "What is this place?" Officer Xiao, aware of her pretense, stated, "It's not good for you to pretend like you don't know." He pressed her, noting that she could "feel the strange movements within the Soul-guarding Bead," just as he could. Qu Xiaotan continued to play dumb, asking, "What pig?
Why can you feel the pig moving?" Officer Xiao, exasperated, drew his sword and told her that "Her Majesty knows everything," urging her to "Go in." Qu Xiaotan expressed her fear of the dark and claustrophobia, but Officer Xiao reminded her that "Disobeying Her Majesty's order is also punishable by death." Resigned, Qu Xiaotan chose to face her fear and entered the dark passage. Deep within the Altar of Souls, she discovered the Empress trapped within a swirling mass of dark spiritual energy.
Episode 22 Recap
As Qu Xiaotan found herself within the Altar of Souls, she was shocked to see Her Majesty unconscious, realizing then that Xiao Zhen had deceived her. Mo Lian Cheng surmised that Her Majesty had discovered Qu Xiaotan’s connection to the Soul-guarding Pearl, and in that moment, his memories were fully restored. He felt it was a serious matter and wished to shield Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu from it, but Mo Feng Yang pressed him for answers.
Reluctantly, Mo Lian Cheng revealed that the mysterious bead inside the Altar of Souls was intimately connected to Qu Xiaotan, and Her Majesty likely intended to use both to enhance her own power. He warned that such an act would endanger them all. Mo Feng Yang was furious, declaring she would not violate cardinal guides and virtues to blindly side with him.
However, Mo Lian Cheng urged her to consider the matter fairly and determine who was truly in the wrong. Meanwhile, Qu Xiaotan, now also within the Altar, recognized the Soul-guarding Pearl. She wondered if Her Majesty was the pearl's host in this parallel world and if it could be their means of returning home. Observing Her Majesty's state, Qu Xiaotan suspected she was suffering a backlash from cultivating the Soul-guarding Pearl.
She worried that Xiao Zhen, who had brought her there and relentlessly questioned her connection to the pearl, might intend a blood sacrifice, similar to what Qu Jiang Lin had attempted. Without the Soul-parting Flute, she felt powerless. Mo Lian Cheng and Yun Xiu, disguised in night clothes, prepared to infiltrate the imperial chamber, planning a diversion to draw out the guards.
Their surprise turned to understanding when Mo Feng Yang arrived, confirming she had indeed thought through the implications of the situation. Mo Feng Yang, using her authority, joined them in entering the Altar of Souls, determined to persuade Her Majesty but vowing to prevent any harm coming to her. Inside, Qu Xiaotan confronted Xiao Zhen, accusing him of pushing her and Her Majesty into a deeper abyss, but he remained resolute in taking her blood.
Mo Lian Cheng realized Xiao Zhen’s true intention was to use Qu Xiaotan’s connection to the Soul-guarding Pearl to awaken Her Majesty, even if it meant risking both their lives. Mo Feng Yang openly accused Xiao Zhen of forging an imperial decree and committing treason. A fierce confrontation erupted as Xiao Zhen and his guards attacked. Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu fought valiantly together, while Mo Lian Cheng rushed to Qu Xiaotan's side.
Amidst the chaos, black masses of spirit energy erupted from the Soul-guarding Pearl, attacking everyone. Mo Lian Cheng shielded Qu Xiaotan, Yun Xiu protected Mo Feng Yang, and Xiao Zhen guarded Her Majesty. Severely injured, Qu Xiaotan urged Mo Lian Cheng to escape and protect their son, Yu Er. Mo Lian Cheng refused, declaring he would never abandon her for a world without her, having followed her across lifetimes.
A powerful burst of spiritual energy from the Soul-guarding Pearl then struck them all, leaving Mo Lian Cheng the most gravely wounded. After the Altar of Souls settled, Her Majesty's symptoms of the backlash disappeared. Mo Lian Cheng lay unconscious. Xiao Zhen, recognizing his misjudgment, gently placed Her Majesty down and instructed Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu to take Qu Xiaotan and leave, claiming their presence, though initially trespassing, had ultimately protected Her Majesty.
He promised to explain everything to Her Majesty when she awoke. As Mo Lian Cheng drifted in and out of consciousness, he experienced vivid memories of his three lifetimes with Qu Xiaotan, a profound dream that felt like an impending farewell. Three days later, Qu Xiaotan, who had tirelessly cared for him, despaired that he might never wake.
When Mo Lian Cheng finally opened his eyes, he acknowledged that having the memories of three lifetimes was a strange sensation, transforming his perception of Qu Xiaotan. He decided to feign continued memory loss to observe her. Qu Xiaotan, worried, asked if his wound still hurt, but he pretended not to remember the injury or how he got it, only recalling Mo Feng Yang telling him he had saved Qu Xiaotan and been hurt in the process.
He then playfully demanded Qu Xiaotan fulfill her promise to serve him. Qu Xiaotan, observing his familiar demeanor, began to suspect he was faking. She helped him back to their room, and during a subtle test, Mo Lian Cheng's pretense crumbled. He then proposed an experiment to confirm if a kiss would still trigger memory loss. Despite Qu Xiaotan's reluctance to risk him losing his memories again, she agreed.
After their kiss, Mo Lian Cheng had not lost his memories and declared that the memory trigger mechanism had malfunctioned after their return from the Altar, meaning he would never lose his memories again. Qu Xiaotan was overjoyed, embracing him and pleading for him never to leave again. Mo Lian Cheng explained that he had arrived in this world months before her, likely due to the Soul-guarding Pearl's temporal disruption, and without his memories, he had doubted and tested her.
Now, with all his memories restored, he could finally embrace her and promise to face everything with her. Meanwhile, Jing Xin prevented Mo Jingxuan from entering the room, alluding to Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan's intimacy. Mo Jingxuan expressed envy for their deep bond. Jing Xin shared how Qu Xiaotan had once spoken of their "three lifetimes of destiny," finding it incredibly romantic. Inspired, Mo Jingxuan shyly took Jing Xin's hand, placed a rose in it, and quickly departed.
Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu arrived, bringing medicine for Mo Lian Cheng. It was clear that Mo Feng Yang had accepted Yun Xiu's devotion, admitting she had no reason not to commit to him after he risked his life for her. Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan invited Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu to their residence the following day for a martial arts sparring match, a "small ceremony."
Qu Xiaotan questioned why the Soul-guarding Pearl had stopped its attack because of Mo Lian Cheng's sacrifice. He clarified that it was actually her act of embracing him from behind that caused the pearl to attack both of them, and her special connection to the Soul-guarding Pearl ultimately caused it to cease its assault. He admonished her for her recklessness, emphasizing the need for one of them to remain to care for Yu Er.
They both reasoned that Her Majesty was likely the Soul-guarding Pearl's host in this world and might possess the Soul-parting Flute. They concluded that merely relying on the Soul-guarding Pearl's power might not be enough to return to their original world and that Her Majesty and Xiao Zhen likely held the keys to other necessary conditions. They resolved to cautiously seek answers, wary of Her Majesty's hidden agenda.
Qu Xiaotan confessed how much she missed Yu Er after not seeing him for half a year, and Mo Lian Cheng reassured her that they would find a way back home. In Her Majesty's chamber, Xiao Zhen attentively nursed her, expressing deep regret for placing her in such peril and wishing he could bear her suffering. Upon waking, Her Majesty inquired about her condition.
Xiao Zhen confessed his actions, detailing how he had used Qu Xiaotan to awaken her, and how Mo Lian Cheng had intervened when the spiritual energy spun out of control. He acknowledged that Mo Lian Cheng's timely arrival had saved them all. Hearing this, Her Majesty inferred that Mo Lian Cheng had saved Qu Xiaotan, not her. Infuriated, she cast aside any lingering hopes for Mo Lian Cheng. She then hardened her resolve, deciding to accelerate her grand plan, concluding that Qu Xiaotan would ultimately have to be sacrificed for the greater good.
Episode 23 Recap
Qu Xiaotan and Mo Liancheng coached Yun Xiu, giving him specific instructions like, "be more affectionate" and "speak clearly" while looking Mo Fengyang "in the eyes." When Mo Fengyang arrived, expecting a martial arts sparring session, Yun Xiu surprised her by kneeling with a ring, asking, "Feng Yang, will you take me as your husband?" Mo Fengyang playfully chided him for forgetting his prepared speech, but Yun Xiu confessed he was overwhelmed by seeing her.
With Qu Xiaotan and Mo Liancheng’s encouragement, Mo Fengyang accepted, declaring "I do," to which Yun Xiu placed the ring on her finger. Witnessing the proposal, Mo Liancheng reflected that being proposed to is "what every girl fantasizes about," realizing he still owed Tan Er an official proposal.
Qu Xiaotan, moved by their union, wished Yun Xiu and Mo Fengyang a lifetime of happiness, while Mo Liancheng promised Qu Xiaotan he would "always care for you, love you, and stay with you until we're old and grey." Qu Xiaotan then proudly proclaimed herself his "love of two lifetimes" and him her "love of three lifetimes." Meanwhile, in the palace, an official questioned the Empress’s decision to approve Mo Fengyang and Yun Xiu's union, suggesting it was too lenient.
The Empress explained that Yun Xiu, belonging to the prestigious Pugu clan in Xiyue, would strengthen the Mo family, making them more audacious. If Mo Fengyang's father, Mo Yuanlong, made any moves, Xiyue would be implicated, thus allowing her to "keep Xiyue in check." She also inquired about Mo Liancheng’s recovery, noting his unusual ability to resist the Soul-guarding Pearl. Before proceeding with her "grand scheme," she declared her need to uncover all truths.
An imperial decree was then announced, ordering Prince Consort Mo Liancheng to the palace for "morality training," accusing him of jealousy and disrespecting royal traditions. Qu Xiaotan was distraught, fearing his identity might be exposed and endanger him. Mo Liancheng reassured her that he would be careful and use this opportunity to investigate other conditions for their return, in addition to the Soul-guarding Pearl. Qu Xiaotan urged him to be especially wary of Xiao Zhen.
In the palace, the Empress frequently summoned Mo Liancheng, telling him he reminded her of a deceased friend. She described the friend's striking features and his "white, cotton robes," revealing he was "a doctor" whom she met while he was "on his way to pick herbs."
Mo Liancheng recognized the description as remarkably similar to Young Master Lian Cheng from Xuanling Continent, and given the Empress's resemblance to Qu Xiaotan, he wondered if she knew Qu Xiangtan or might even be her. The Empress, observing him, mused that while his handwriting differed from Young Master Lian Cheng's, he had clearly recalled something. Although she allowed him to return to his residence the following day, Mo Liancheng secretly re-entered her royal study that night.
There, he discovered an astronomy chart depicting the "Red Star of Demise" (Yinghuo Shouxin). He deduced that this celestial event was linked to the Empress's plans and was likely another crucial condition for him and Qu Xiaotan to return to their original world, alongside the Soul-guarding Pearl. Upon Mo Liancheng's return to the residence, a distressed Qu Xiaotan was overjoyed to see him. He had romantically arranged flowers into a large heart on the ground.
Despite their three previous marriages, Mo Liancheng felt he still owed her a formal proposal. Expressing how her presence still made his heart pound and how he longed to marry her "thousands of times over," he formally proposed. Qu Xiaotan eagerly accepted, proclaiming, "I do," and that she would marry him "thousands of times" again. She reflected that "every day is Valentine's day" when you are with the right person and expressed her desire to "be with you forever."
Mo Liancheng then shared his discovery about the "Red Star of Demise," emphasizing the urgency of calculating its exact date, fearing they might be trapped in this world forever if they missed the opportunity. However, he chose to keep his suspicions about the Empress's possible connection to Qu Xiangtan from Qu Xiaotan. The next morning, Qu Xiaotan and Mo Liancheng found the household in disarray, with Yu Hao scolding idle servants.
Yu Hao explained that since Mo Yanchen's departure, no one had managed the internal affairs, leading to chaos. Neither Qu Xiaotan nor Mo Liancheng knew how to manage a household. Simultaneously, the Empress sent memorials, ordering Qu Xiaotan to begin reviewing them and assist in governmental affairs. Mo Liancheng suspected the Empress's true intentions were to groom Qu Xiaotan as Crown Princess. Qu Xiaotan complained about the overwhelming task, comparing the memorials to "college entrance examination materials."
She tried to persuade Mo Liancheng to manage the household, arguing that if she could learn politics, he could learn domestic duties, especially since he was currently "doing nothing." Initially reluctant, Mo Liancheng eventually conceded, agreeing to manage the household so Qu Xiaotan could focus on politics. He ventured out with Yu Hao for groceries, only to find himself haphazardly buying items without haggling, quickly running out of money, and realizing the complexities of household purchasing.
Meanwhile, Qu Xiaotan struggled with the memorials, even misinterpreting the classical term for 'galloping' (奔驰, bÄ“nchÃ) as 'Mercedes-Benz.' Returning home, Mo Liancheng found Qu Xiaotan asleep, dreaming of her high school math teacher. He saw her flawed critiques in the memorials, confirming that if submitted, they would cause trouble. To avoid further issues, they agreed to swap roles: Mo Liancheng would handle the memorials, and Qu Xiaotan would manage the household.
Qu Xiaotan, with Mo Liancheng's full discretion, decided that all men and women in the residence would swap roles. The "gender role reversal" was announced the following day. Women who were formerly guards struggled with cooking and cleaning in the kitchens, while men previously in domestic roles awkwardly attempted to guard the residence. Jing Xin reported the chaos to Qu Xiaotan, highlighting the women's unsuitability for kitchen work and the men's injuries from trying to wield swords.
Qu Xiaotan admitted that a complete "one-size-fits-all" gender role reversal was "not realistic." Mo Liancheng, who had quickly and efficiently completed his share of the memorials, observed the disorder and explained that the "division of labour" should not be solely "based on gender." He argued that true reform should involve "appointing people on their merit, not gender," as this is "the true meaning of gender equality."
Inspired by this, Qu Xiaotan implemented a new system where everyone reported their skills and hobbies, leading to a more orderly and efficient household based on individual aptitudes. Separately, Qu Meier, concerned by the Empress's decision to let Qu Xiaotan handle state affairs, vowed not to be complacent before the Crown Princess announcement and discussed a plan with her aide to counter Qu Xiaotan. However, the Empress later reviewed Qu Xiaotan's edited memorials and was enraged by the things written within them.
Episode 24 Recap
The Empress was enraged, believing Qu Tan Er had written disrespectful words in a memorial. She ordered Official Chen to read the controversial passage, which stated, "The people must follow and they must stay ignorant. The nation should be clouded by folly. There should only be a handful who are knowledgeable." Official Chen interpreted this as Qu Tan Er advocating for an ignorant populace, directly contradicting the Empress's motto of "Better virtues, finances, and knowledge for the people."
Qu Tan Er, realizing the original words could not have been written by Mo Lian Cheng, admitted the handwriting was hers but insisted the interpretation was wrong. She requested to use the imperial brush and, by re-punctuating the text, completely altered its meaning. The new interpretation read: "Should the people be able, we should allow them freedom. Should the people not be able, we should show them guidance.
May this nation be cleansed of foolishness, may scholars and erudite fill every household." Official Sun was impressed by the clarity the "punctuation" provided and suggested Qu Tan Er teach this system to the civil officials to prevent future misinterpretations, especially in critical military documents. Official Chen objected, finding the marks messy and preferring careful wording.
However, the Empress found merit in Official Sun's proposal, noting that writers often overlook ambiguity in their own work, and these simple marks would prevent severe consequences. She decreed that Qu Tan Er would begin teaching all civil officials in the palace the following day, with a wider national implementation to be considered based on the trial's success. Later, Mo Lian Cheng confirmed that the ambiguous line was an insertion by someone who had copied his handwriting.
Qu Tan Er immediately knew Qu Meier was behind it, but dismissed it, telling Mo Lian Cheng to focus on preparing for her classes. The following day, Qu Tan Er began teaching civil officials the proper usage of punctuation, including exclamation marks, question marks, and ellipses. Meanwhile, Qu Meier angrily reprimanded Official Chen for his incompetence, which had allowed Qu Tan Er to gain favor by inventing these symbols and the shift work system.
She warned him and his colleagues that if Qu Tan Er became Crown Princess, they would be the first to face her retribution, urging them to abandon their cautious demeanor in these desperate times. Qu Tan Er confided in Mo Lian Cheng that she had no ambition to be the Crown Princess, preferring a life solely dedicated to their love. Mo Lian Cheng, however, praised her significant achievements since becoming a princess, noting they already surpassed his own.
He explained that acquiring more power would enable them to better protect their loved ones and, crucially, gain access to the Soul-guarding Pearl, the Soul-parting Flute, and the secret of the Red Star of Demise, all currently in the Empress's possession. He reminded her that the Empress's recent serious illness, which required Qu Tan Er's blood to activate the Soul-guarding Pearl, made it likely she would soon appoint a successor, and Qu Tan Er was the ideal candidate.
Although Qu Tan Er expressed fear of the danger that came with approaching the Empress, Mo Lian Cheng vowed to ensure her safety, regardless of what transpired. Qu Tan Er also worried that if she became the Crown Princess, she would be overwhelmed with work and have no time for their relationship. Mo Lian Cheng told her that if she desired a love life, they could have it now, and then invited her to a special place.
To give Qu Tan Er a break from her worries, Mo Lian Cheng took her to a secluded spot by a lake. He played a mesmerizing melody on the zither, and she playfully reciprocated with expressions of love. Qu Tan Er then asked for a more enchanting tune, prompting Mo Lian Cheng to play "Love's Reflection", a song he hadn't played in a long time.
They cherished this rare moment of quiet intimacy, imagining themselves as the only two people in the world. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Zhen observed them. He reported to the Empress that Mo Lian Cheng could play the zither, specifically mentioning "Love's Reflection". The Empress was deeply affected, recognizing it as a unique song from the Xuanling Continent, one that Young Master Lian Cheng had played for her in the past.
As her emotions intensified, leading to a coughing fit, Xiao Zhen quickly played the Soul-parting Flute. The Empress, in a state of growing frailty, became convinced that Mo Lian Cheng was indeed her dear Young Master Lian Cheng, and that she was his beloved Xiang Tan, lamenting that he no longer recognized her.
She confided in Xiao Zhen that her deteriorating health made the burdens of power too great, agreeing that it was time for Qu Tan Er to succeed her. However, her true desire before her body perished was to reunite with Lian Cheng, not as the Empress, but as her former self.
Xiao Zhen tried to cautiously express doubts about Mo Lian Cheng's identity, but the Empress, fiercely clinging to her conviction, silenced him, stating she trusted her feelings that it must be him. The next day was Qu Tan Er's investiture ceremony. Qu Meier, though defeated, was unwilling to accept her loss. She confronted Mo Yanchen, asking if he regretted marrying her now that she had failed.
He reassured her, expressing gratitude for her love and stating that there was no victor or loser in this matter. Unmoved, Qu Meier planned to send assassins to kill Qu Tan Er before the ceremony to change their fate. Mo Yanchen vehemently opposed this, warning that it would implicate her and ruin her future, adding that he doubted the Empress truly intended to abdicate.
Despite Qu Meier's schemes, the Empress issued an imperial decree, recognizing Qu Tan Er's exceptional character and wisdom, and formally declared her the Crown Princess, granting her residence in the East Palace. After the long day of the investiture, Qu Tan Er returned to her new quarters exhausted, marveling that she had actually become the Crown Princess, a role she never imagined.
She quickly found fault with the East Palace, complaining that its bed, yard, and incense lacked the comfort and beauty of the Snow Court. Mo Lian Cheng tried to cheer her up, reminding her that their home was wherever they were together and that he would always be by her side.
However, Qu Tan Er was upset, realizing that her new duties meant studying memorials in the royal study, while Mo Lian Cheng would be teaching zither to the harem's consorts, effectively separating them. Mo Lian Cheng reasoned that their relocation to the palace might be a blessing in disguise, as the means to return to their original world and reunite with Yu Er were likely hidden within the palace.
He decided he needed to sneak out that night to consult Liu Bai Shui, who was knowledgeable in astrology, about the Red Star of Demise. Qu Tan Er initially wanted to accompany him, but he explained that it would be too risky for both of them to leave the palace. Reluctantly, she agreed, making him promise to return before she woke up. Later that night, Mo Lian Cheng stealthily left the palace and rode to Liu Bai Shui's home.
He found Liu Bai Shui observing the stars with a sigh, sensing a bad omen. Mo Lian Cheng directly asked for the time and location of the Red Star of Demise, explaining its importance for his family's reunion and returning to their world. Overjoyed that someone finally believed in his astrological skills, Liu Bai Shui enthusiastically agreed to help.
He consulted his ancient tools and revealed that the Red Star of Demise was indeed imminent, expected to appear within two weeks to two months. The most likely location would be north of the imperial city. He also observed a falling star from the Dipper constellation, which he interpreted as a grave omen, warning that someone's life was in danger due to marital troubles and various hardships.
Upon his return, Mo Lian Cheng found Qu Tan Er awake and anxious, having been unable to sleep without him. She expressed her fears, suspecting Liu Bai Shui had delivered bad news. Mo Lian Cheng reassured her, sharing the good news that they might see their son, Yu Er, in about half a month. Qu Tan Er was thrilled at the prospect, though she playfully wondered if he had been fooled by the "old fraud."
Mo Lian Cheng confirmed Liu Bai Shui's expertise, noting that he had already predicted the Red Star's appearance. He advised Qu Tan Er to remain calm and focus on secretly finding the Soul-guarding Pearl and Soul-parting Flute within the palace as a precaution. He also warned her to be wary of the Empress, finding it too coincidental that she possessed the Soul-guarding Pearl and looked exactly like Qu Tan Er, hinting that the Empress might be Qu Xiangtan.
He then urged her to sleep and save her strength, so they could react to any situation. The following day, Mo Lian Cheng went to teach zither lessons as ordered. He introduced himself to a noble lady, the Empress in disguise, who sat behind a screen, obscuring her identity. He requested to know her proficiency before beginning the lesson. The noble lady remained silent, then started playing a tune. Mo Lian Cheng instantly recognized the melody as "Love's Reflection".
He realized with shock that, besides Qu Tan Er, only one other person knew this specific song. Despite only hearing a few notes, he questioned if this could truly be a coincidence.
Episode 25 Recap
Amidst the soothing melody of a zither, Mo Lian Cheng found himself reliving memories from the Xuanling Continent. He recalled a day when, as Young Master Lian Cheng, he encountered a gravely injured woman on a mountain. Her physical wounds began to heal under his care, but her internal injuries, which seemed to be caused by Mo Yi Feng, persisted.
Initially, she was hostile, threatening to kill him, but Young Master Lian Cheng urged her to be patient, assuring her that once cured, she could exact her revenge. He taught her a healing song called "Love's Reflection" in a place with ample spiritual power to expedite her recovery, even suggesting she learn it for future self-treatment. Eventually, she revealed her name: Qu Xiang Tan.
In the present, Mo Lian Cheng was startled when Her Majesty emerged from behind a screen, realizing with a shock that she was Qu Xiang Tan. Meanwhile, Qu Tan Er, confined to the royal study, pondered the connections between Dongyue and the Xuanling Continent. She deduced that if Dongyue was established by Mo Yi Feng from the Xuanling Continent, then the current royal Qu family must be related to the Xuanling Continent's Qu Clan.
Considering Her Majesty's surname, Qu, Qu Tan Er concluded Her Majesty was Qu Xiang Tan. Mo Lian Cheng, remembering how he died by Qu Xiang Tan's sword in the past to prevent a conflict between his dear friend Mo Yi Feng and his beloved Qu Xiang Tan, was pulled back to the present. He couldn't bear to see his closest friend and the woman he loved turn against each other, so he willingly sacrificed himself.
Qu Xiang Tan, now in the present, tearfully questioned whether it was more painful to die by a loved one's hand or to kill a loved one. Mo Lian Cheng pulled his hand away from her, a sudden realization dawning on him: if she was Qu Xiang Tan, then Qu Tan Er's marriage to him must have a deeper meaning, as Mo Yi Feng would not have arranged it without cause.
He politely excused himself, but Qu Xiang Tan implored him to save her again, just as he had before. Qu Tan Er, convinced Her Majesty was Qu Xiang Tan, frantically searched the royal study for information, specifically Her Majesty's personal name, though her attendant, Jing Xin, warned her that such a detail would not be recorded. Realizing Official Qu was Her Majesty's only living relative, Qu Tan Er decided to seek him out.
However, a servant informed her that Her Majesty and Mo Lian Cheng were in the imperial gardens, playing the zither. She rushed there, only to witness Mo Lian Cheng embracing Qu Xiang Tan. Mo Lian Cheng immediately followed, trying to explain that he was only healing her. Qu Xiang Tan let him go but made sure to schedule another meeting for the following day to continue her treatment.
Feeling heartbroken, Qu Tan Er lamented that she had always believed her fate with Mo Lian Cheng was destined, only to find Qu Xiang Tan appearing and their connection intrinsically linked to her. Mo Lian Cheng quickly reassured Qu Tan Er that she was the only one he loved. He admitted he was still trying to understand Qu Xiang Tan's situation, believing that solving this mystery might be the key to their return to their original world.
Overwhelmed, Qu Tan Er confessed she was tired, missed Yu Er, and yearned to go home. The next day, Mo Lian Cheng met Qu Xiang Tan, who was dressed in more casual attire. He asked about the origin of her illness and her presence in Dongyue. She recounted how, after a fierce battle with Mo Yi Feng and the Demon Lord, she had been gravely wounded but managed to seal the Demon Lord.
Xiao Zhen later found and saved her, bringing her to Dongyue. She explained that she survived only because of the Soul-guarding Bead and the Soul-parting Flute, and needed a suitable altar for the bead, which was the Altar of Souls. This drove her to ascend the throne, acquiring the power and resources to build it, all to stay alive and await his return.
She revealed that her injuries were exacerbated by strong emotions, trapping her in a cycle of pain, where living meant thinking of him, and thinking of him meant enduring agony. Mo Lian Cheng promised to cure her, but she preferred to remain ill if curing her meant he would leave. Mo Lian Cheng clarified that he was not the former Eighth Young Master, and he didn't know what had happened to him or why he himself now inhabited his body.
Qu Xiang Tan then pressed him, asking if his feelings for her in the Xuanling Continent were genuine. He responded that those were Young Master Lian Cheng's true feelings, but he was Mo Lian Cheng now. He reminded her of his promise and affirmed he would return the next day to continue her treatment.
Upon Mo Lian Cheng's return, Qu Tan Er greeted him warmly with a table full of his favorite dishes, including braised carp and steamed shrimp, along with homemade desserts. She playfully asked about his meeting with Qu Xiang Tan. He teased her, claiming they had "revisited everything they did before," even implying night visits to her bedchamber.
This sent Qu Tan Er into a fit of jealous rage, but Mo Lian Cheng quickly calmed her, confessing he enjoyed seeing her jealous and that he was merely joking. He reiterated his belief that his complicated emotional entanglement with Qu Xiang Tan might hold the key to their return to their original world.
Qu Tan Er agreed he must honor his promise to treat her, but Mo Lian Cheng warned her the final stage of healing was the most difficult, involving seven days and nights alone together, unclothed, for the "pure chi of Yang" to mix with her. Qu Tan Er, exasperated, mockingly suggested accompanying him, but he insisted she must not act recklessly.
Later that evening, Qu Xiang Tan listened to Xiao Zhen play the Soul-parting Flute, remarking on how the melody brought back painful memories of her and Young Master Lian Cheng. Despite the pain, she admitted the music was essential for her to sleep. She recalled teaching Xiao Zhen the song and passing him the flute when she had no one else. As Xiao Zhen left, she requested he leave the Soul-parting Flute behind for her to use the next day.
Xiao Zhen, in his thoughts, acknowledged that while the flute held memories of Qu Xiang Tan and Young Master Lian Cheng, it also held memories between himself and Her Majesty. The next day, Mo Lian Cheng began healing Qu Xiang Tan with his zither. Xiao Zhen brought Qu Tan Er a booklist from Her Majesty, asking her to study it diligently. Qu Tan Er observed the healing process, noting their "normal social distance between a doctor and his patient."
When Qu Xiang Tan began playing the Soul-parting Flute, Qu Tan Er was visibly surprised, accidentally blurting out the name of the flute to Xiao Zhen, who then questioned her knowledge of it. Qu Tan Er quickly explained that her father had mentioned it when she was a child. Mo Lian Cheng, seeing Qu Tan Er leave, deliberately broke a zither string and excused himself. He caught up with Qu Tan Er, reflecting on their interaction.
He explained that only the chief of the Qu Clan in the Xuanling Continent could play the Soul-parting Flute, and since Qu Tan Er had an innate ability to play it, it meant she was a descendant of that clan from their original world. He clarified that Qu Xiang Tan was from a parallel universe, and the Young Master Lian Cheng who loved her was from that parallel world, not him.
Though theoretically, he and Her Majesty were unrelated, he admitted that he had experienced everything the parallel world's Young Master Lian Cheng did. Therefore, he couldn't completely disassociate himself from her situation. He expressed hope that the Soul-guarding Bead had not brought them here due to this complicated entanglement. Meanwhile, Qu Xiang Tan, having learned that Qu Tan Er recognized the Soul-parting Flute, was deeply suspicious.
She confirmed with Xiao Zhen that Official Qu Jiang Lin knew nothing about the flute, solidifying her belief that Qu Tan Er's background was mysterious. She ordered Xiao Zhen to investigate Qu Tan Er's true identity immediately.
Episode 26 Recap
Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu, worried about Tan and Mo Liancheng, found an excuse to enter the palace, joined by Mo Jingxuan. Tan, seeing everyone gathered, suggested a hearty drink, and Jing Xin was instructed to prepare food and fine wine. Over drinks, Tan decided to reveal a truth she could only share with her closest friends and family: she came from another Dongyue, where her name was Qu Xiaotan, not Qu Tan Er.
She explained that the original Qu Tan Er had passed away and now only she remained. Mo Liancheng then added that the original Eighth Brother, too, might have passed away during a sickness. Mo Jingxuan, though saddened by this revelation, affirmed his love for Mo Liancheng, grateful for the joy he brought, which was absent before. Yun Xiu admitted he had long sensed Tan was different but couldn't bring himself to believe it.
Jing Xin expressed a wish that both the current Tan and the former Princess could exist so she could protect them both, then consoled Tan, assuring her that she was just as important as the original Princess and would always be protected. Tan then shared that she had indeed met Qu Tan Er, and they were good friends, with Qu Tan Er even having saved her life.
Yun Xiu acknowledged the story was baffling but thanked them for their honesty, while Mo Liancheng expressed gratitude for their meeting, despite knowing they would eventually return to their own world. They all then decided to drink to their hearts' content. Later that night, Xiao Zhen was caught breaking into the East Palace by Mo Liancheng.
Mo Liancheng, aware of Xiao Zhen's intentions, instructed him to relay a message to Her Majesty: he would honor his promises and protect what was precious to him. Mo Liancheng chose to spare Xiao Zhen, acknowledging that Xiao Zhen had once saved Her Majesty’s life.
Xiao Zhen later reported to Her Majesty, Qu Xiangtan, about Mo Liancheng's formidable skills and also revealed that several supposedly retired commandants from the Mo family's troops had reappeared in the border garrison under new names, pointing to Mo father's involvement. Her Majesty immediately ordered Mo Feng Yang to be permanently stationed at the border.
Hearing that the yin imperial token had been retrieved and Mo Feng Yang was dispatched to the border, Mo father confronted Mo Feng Yang, viewing it as Her Majesty stripping her of power to curb him. He urged her to retrieve the imperial token. Mo Feng Yang, however, vehemently refused, declaring that her future lay at the frontier, on the battlefield, not in her father's elaborate schemes.
She accused him of neglecting his children's happiness, highlighting how he had treated her eldest brother, eighth brother, and even Mo Jingxuan. After a heated argument, Mo Feng Yang bid her father farewell and left. Yun Xiu, who had long desired to fight alongside Mo Feng Yang, readily decided to join her, stating he would follow her to the ends of the earth, even if it meant never returning.
Three days later, everyone gathered to bid farewell to Mo Feng Yang and Yun Xiu. Tan playfully teased Mo Feng Yang about keeping Yun Xiu on a leash, while Yun Xiu embraced their adventurous future. Mo Liancheng apologized for his role in their departure, but Mo Feng Yang saw it as a blessing, a chance to live freely at the border with Yun Xiu and defend their country without distractions.
Mo Jingxuan presented Mo Feng Yang with some injury medicine from Mo Yanchen, who, unable to face her directly, watched from a distance, wishing her a life of peace and hoping she would never return to the palace's chaotic quagmire. Meanwhile, Her Majesty, Qu Xiangtan, entrusted the yin imperial token to General Lu for safekeeping, noting her mediocrity made her a reliable choice to hold the divided power.
Qu Xiangtan chose to spare Mo Feng Yang, recognizing her strength and integrity compared to the fawning officials on the court, and realizing that without military power or political backing, Mo Feng Yang posed no threat. She admitted to envying Mo Feng Yang’s opportunity to live a life true to herself. Mo Liancheng then sought an audience with Her Majesty, reiterating his concern for her as a subordinate and family member.
He then addressed her as Qu Xiangtan, urging her to abandon the past, reminding her that "Young Master Lian Cheng" was gone and their scores were settled. He declared that his love for Qu Xiaotan was absolute, regardless of her identity, and asked Qu Xiangtan to direct any grievances solely at him, not to involve others. Xiao Zhen interjected, reminding Her Majesty to control her emotions, as her body was already failing.
Qu Xiangtan, feeling her body weakening, resigned herself to letting it go. She decided to grant Mo Liancheng's wish, saying, "Whoever she is, you will always love her. Very well. So be it!" Subsequently, Her Majesty summoned Qu Meier, testing her with a childhood favorite osmanthus cake, which Qu Tan Er used to pretend to like to please her.
Qu Meier seized the opportunity, noting how Qu Tan Er’s tastes had changed and that she now acted like a completely different person, even forgetting past events. Qu Meier, aiming to surpass Qu Tan Er, was encouraged by Her Majesty to investigate the matter, to "cleanse Dongyue of any evil." Later, while Tan was playfully enjoying a swing Mo Liancheng had built, she was summoned to the royal study.
There, Qu Meier formally accused Tan of impersonating Qu Tan Er, betraying the royal bloodline, and attempting to usurp the throne. Tan vehemently denied the accusations, countering that her changed handwriting was an after-effect of her drowning accident, which weakened her hands. She argued that servants could easily be bribed and that expecting her to prove her own identity was illogical.
Tan explained that her memory issues and desire for a new life, free from bullying, stemmed from her near-death experience during the drowning, and suggested investigating the circumstances of that incident. Qu Meier, undeterred, implied Tan might have murdered Qu Tan Er and taken her place. Despite Tan’s defiant assertion that she was indeed Qu Tan Er, Her Majesty, while acknowledging some logic in Tan’s defense, found Qu Meier’s evidence sufficient to raise doubts.
She tasked Qu Meier with a thorough investigation and ordered Tan's temporary imprisonment in the royal prison, though she allowed Tan to retain her title as heir apparent in the East Palace pending the investigation’s outcome. Mo Liancheng rushed to the prison as Tan was being led away, suspecting a setup. Tan, however, comforted him, asserting she was merely experiencing life as a future Empress and would return soon.
In her cell, Tan, despite the bland watery rice, made herself comfortable, even wishing for pickles and chili sauce. Her Majesty, Qu Xiangtan, then arrived to confront Tan directly, who knew this was all part of Her Majesty's plan. Qu Xiangtan demanded to know who Tan truly was, her connection to Mo Liancheng, and her purpose in coming.
Tan, revealing a truth she knew would be hard to accept, explained she came from a parallel Dongyue founded by Mo Yi Feng, where she was the reincarnation of Qu Xiangtan, essentially another Qu Xiangtan. Her Majesty scoffed at this, declaring herself the sole ruler of Dongyue. Tan insisted that she and Mo Liancheng came from the same place, and he had always been "her Cheng Cheng," having no relation to Her Majesty's "Young Master Lian Cheng."
She dismissively called Qu Xiangtan a "lousy ex-girlfriend." Xiao Zhen again advised Her Majesty to remain calm as "it's almost time." Her Majesty then threatened Mo Liancheng's life if Tan did not behave. Tan challenged her, questioning if she truly had the heart to harm Mo Liancheng. Qu Xiangtan chillingly replied that if she couldn't have him, she wouldn't mind destroying him.
Meanwhile, Mo Yanchen confronted Qu Meier, expressing his disbelief that the current Tan was not his Qu Tan Er and questioning the evidence and the swift imprisonment. He recalled Tan mentioning that her drastic personality change was due to the after-effects of her drowning and that to understand what truly happened, one should investigate the site of her accident. When Qu Meier claimed ignorance of the drowning’s details, Mo Yanchen decided to investigate it himself.
Episode 27 Recap
Mo Lian Cheng stealthily entered the underwater palace one night, only to discover Mo Yanchen being pursued by guards. Mo Yanchen's concern for Qu Xiaotan was no less than Mo Lian Cheng's, and he urgently sought answers from her in person. After Mo Lian Cheng successfully diverted the guards, Mo Yanchen seized the opportunity to infiltrate the prison. He bribed the Lead Prison Guard, securing a visit with Qu Xiaotan.
Qu Xiaotan was sound asleep in her cell when Mo Yanchen arrived. Upon seeing him, she urged him to leave immediately, emphasizing the severe death penalty for his actions. Mo Yanchen, who had always believed in Qu Tan Er, confessed his current wavering state and confusion. He pleaded with her to tell him if she was truly his Qu Tan Er, promising to believe anything she said.
Struggling with how to respond, Qu Xiaotan realized that revealing Qu Tan Er had been killed by Qu Meier was not appropriate at that moment. With a heavy heart, she finally admitted that she was not Qu Tan Er and had never loved him. As Mo Yanchen questioned her identity and Qu Tan Er's whereabouts, Mo Lian Cheng arrived.
He explained that the true Qu Tan Er had died during the previous drowning incident, and Qu Xiaotan, hailing from another world, was now inhabiting her body. Despite the absurdity, Mo Lian Cheng stressed that the real Qu Tan Er would never have betrayed Mo Yanchen. Though Mo Yanchen found the truth hard to accept, his conviction was shaken. Mo Lian Cheng then tried to convince Qu Xiaotan to leave with him, unwilling to let her suffer any longer.
However, Qu Xiaotan believed Her Majesty had ulterior motives for allowing them to meet so easily and suspected an escape would play right into Her Majesty's hands. She insisted Mo Lian Cheng leave alone, assuring him of her well-being. Looking at Mo Lian Cheng, she reflected that even in such dire circumstances, love could bring happiness. Later, Mo Yanchen skillfully interrogated Qu Meier's maid, discovering inconsistencies in her account regarding Qu Tan Er's drowning, which implicated Qu Meier.
He confronted Qu Meier, who offered him a dagger and urged him to take revenge on her for Qu Tan Er. Qu Meier confessed her deep love, believing she was the only one who truly understood him, and promised to support him in any endeavor, even if it meant her own death. Unable to bear her intense love, Mo Yanchen instead plunged the dagger into his own body, returning her love and severing their ties.
Mo Yanchen recuperated at the Mo Residence, where his father reminded him of his earlier promise to dedicate himself to the Mo family, despite any grievances. Mo Yanchen, however, declared that his destiny with Qu Meier was over. His father grew angry, stressing that Mo Yanchen was his last hope for the family's future, and that his current plans were to fulfill Mo Yanchen's mother's last wish.
He revealed that the Mo family had been feudal lords before the establishment of Dongyue, and Her Majesty's reign was built on their power. However, with Her Majesty's current tyrannical rule causing widespread suffering, Mo Yanchen's mother had wished for the Mo family to replace her for the sake of the common people. Hearing this, Mo Yanchen agreed to follow his father's plan. Her Majesty prepared to activate the magic circle.
Xiao Zhen informed her that he had completed the Soul-destroying Song, assuring her of his lifelong loyalty since she saved him as a child. Her Majesty, touched by his devotion, promised he would be the first to play instruments with her after her rebirth. Xiao Zhen then instructed Qu Xiaotan to get ready. Suspecting it was a prelude to her execution, Qu Xiaotan tried to delay by questioning Xiao Zhen's unwavering loyalty to Her Majesty.
Despite seeing through her stalling, Xiao Zhen, considering it their last meeting, shared his past with Her Majesty, recounting how she saved and nurtured him. He described his growing feelings for her, acknowledging that Her Majesty was the foolish one for not understanding true love. Qu Xiaotan realized that Xiao Zhen was deeply in love with Her Majesty.
She then put on the white gown prepared for her, and in that moment, Xiao Zhen was struck by her resemblance to Her Majesty. Meanwhile, Mo Lian Cheng sought out Liu Bai Shui to inquire about the "Yinghuo Shouxin" celestial event. Liu Bai Shui performed a divination, revealing that while there was a great chance to change fate that day, the "two stars clash," meaning only one could remain, and there was an uncertain danger.
Mo Lian Cheng, understanding the urgency, quickly departed. Qu Xiaotan found herself bound at the altar, realizing Her Majesty intended to usurp her body. She was forced to watch as Xiao Zhen used her blood to activate the Soul-guarding Pearl. Qu Xiaotan furiously accused Her Majesty of being deranged, challenging her to compete fairly.
She realized Her Majesty had orchestrated everything, from her marriage to Mo Lian Cheng to her anointment as Crown Princess, all to steal her body and claim both Mo Lian Cheng and the country as her own as her dying day approached. Her Majesty responded that she had waited years for this moment, and no one's will was stronger than hers.
Qu Xiaotan pointed out that the ritual required Xiao Zhen's sacrifice, asking if Her Majesty was willing to let him die for her. Ignoring Qu Xiaotan's warning, Xiao Zhen began the ritual. At the same time, Mo Lian Cheng arrived at the prison, only to be told that Qu Xiaotan had been declared innocent and sent back to her residence by Her Majesty's order. He demanded to see her cell, only to find it empty.
As the ritual progressed, Qu Xiaotan's and Her Majesty's consciousnesses began to fade. With his last vestiges of strength, Xiao Zhen embraced Her Majesty's body, expressing his final wish that Mo Lian Cheng would protect Her Majesty on his behalf. Subsequently, Qu Xiaotan, Xiao Zhen, and Her Majesty all lost consciousness.
Episode 28 Recap
Qu Xiangtan, now inhabiting Qu Xiaotan’s body, woke to find Xiao Zhen’s lifeless form. She reflected that each person has only one heart, and she had ultimately let Xiao Zhen down. She returned to the East Palace, where Jing Xin greeted her with relief, concerned about her well-being and offering to prepare supper. Qu Xiangtan, feigning exhaustion, dismissed Jing Xin and declined the meal. Alone in the bedroom, she was greeted by a relieved Mo Lian Cheng.
She eagerly kissed him, but his concern grew when he noticed a fresh wound on her hand. She dismissed it as a minor scratch and found comfort in his warmth, appreciating his rare smile—a happiness she had long forgotten. She then made him promise never to leave her, sealing it with a pinky swear, recognizing it as one of Qu Xiaotan's childish habits. While getting ready, Qu Xiangtan saw the words "Cheng Cheng, save me" scrawled on a mirror.
Enraged, she ordered Jing Xin to remove all mirrors from the room, claiming she felt she looked much older after her time in prison. Soon after, an edict declared the Empress's sudden passing and appointed Qu Xiaotan as the successor, with a minimalist five-day mourning period. Qu Xiangtan, in Qu Xiaotan’s body, readily prepared to ascend the throne. During a court session, Qu Meier questioned the hasty coronation and the Empress's sudden death, calling it suspicious.
Qu Xiangtan, adopting an imperious tone reminiscent of the late Empress, immediately put Qu Meier in her place, hinting at past misdeeds and threatening to "rake over the ashes" if Qu Meier didn't leave. Later, Qu Xiangtan happily told Mo Lian Cheng she was Empress and he would be the "top of the harem." Mo Lian Cheng noted her performance in the main hall was strikingly similar to the late Empress.
She dismissed it as an act to control Qu Meier. He then probed her memory of their earlier agreement: once she completed her reforms, they would return to their original Dongyue with the Red Star of Demise and reunite with Yu Er. Qu Xiangtan repeated the terms but privately seethed, vowing to find a way to keep Mo Lian Cheng by her side and dismissively referring to Yu Er as a "bastard" who wasn't worth returning for.
Mo Lian Cheng sensed something amiss, especially after Yu Hao reported Qu Xiaotan had ordered all mirrors removed and seemed increasingly restless. Suspecting foul play beyond mere prison trauma, Mo Lian Cheng decided to investigate. At the prison, a frightened warden confessed that Xiao Zhen had taken Qu Xiaotan towards the imperial chamber. Mo Lian Cheng and Yu Hao then went to the chamber.
Despite signs of a recent clean-up, Mo Lian Cheng discovered traces of burned Glacial Soulweed in the Altar of Souls. He explained that this rare herb enables "body-usurping" through human sacrifice. By extinguishing all the candles, shimmering specks of light—the "light dust" of a sacrificed body—became visible, confirming his suspicion that Xiao Zhen had been the sacrifice and the Empress had taken over Qu Xiaotan’s body.
Mo Lian Cheng deduced that Qu Xiaotan's consciousness was still present but suppressed within her own body, explaining her occasional struggles for control and the mirror incident. He instructed Yu Hao to secretly prepare a guest room filled with mirrors. Mo Lian Cheng led Qu Xiangtan into the mirror-filled room, confronting her directly.
Surrounded by her reflection, she finally admitted she was Qu Xiangtan, stating that Qu Xiaotan's body was always meant for her, and Qu Xiaotan's consciousness would soon be erased. Through the mirrors, Mo Lian Cheng heard Qu Xiaotan's faint pleas for help. Qu Xiangtan, her control over the body wavering, held a knife to her own throat, threatening to harm Qu Xiaotan if Mo Lian Cheng didn't cooperate.
Mo Lian Cheng remained defiant, declaring he would follow Qu Xiaotan to heaven or hell. Qu Xiangtan scoffed, warning him to play along and keep her identity a secret, or face severe consequences. At court, Qu Xiangtan continued to assert her authority, publicly humiliating Qu Meier and executing several "sinful officers" loyal to her, accusing them of corruption.
When Qu Meier feigned illness to avoid the coronation, Qu Xiangtan brutally forced her to attend, even threatening to have her carried in, chilling Qu Meier into submission. Qu Xiangtan then demanded Qu Meier help her overthrow Mo Yuan Long, revealing her knowledge of their secret collusion and ordering Qu Meier to provide all evidence. Jing Xin, overhearing this, was deeply disturbed by Qu Xiaotan’s drastic change and her intention to harm the Mo family.
She immediately reported to Mo Lian Cheng, who confirmed her fears, revealing that the person was not Qu Xiaotan but the late Empress. A distraught Jing Xin wanted to rescue Qu Xiaotan, blaming them for their secrecy. Mo Lian Cheng explained the need for secrecy and instructed Jing Xin to remain by Qu Xiangtan's side, feigning ignorance, to observe and uncover her weaknesses. He tasked Yu Hao with urgently informing Mo Yuan Long of the impending danger.
Meanwhile, Qu Meier met Mo Yanchen, confessing she had revealed Mo Yuan Long's plans to "Qu Xiaotan." Mo Yanchen, still bitter, accused her of betrayal and of trying to use his family to eliminate 'Qu Xiaotan'. She argued it was a desperate measure, insisting that only by stopping the tyrannical new empress could they save their own lives and the Mo family.
Though Mo Yanchen expressed lingering resentment, he urged her to be careful, acknowledging he would feel indebted if she sacrificed her life. Qu Meier dismissed their past entanglements, suggesting they forget their love and hatred. Yu Hao arrived at the Mo Residence with Mo Lian Cheng's warning that "Her Highness" knew of their rebellion and was ready to strike. Mo Yuan Long initially dismissed it, believing Mo Lian Cheng was on Qu Xiangtan's side, but Mo Yanchen's confirmation swayed him.
Realizing their plan was compromised, Mo Yuan Long decided to rely on General Lu, who possessed the yin imperial token. He asked General Lu to risk his life to publicly prove the regicide and lead troops to quell the uprising, to which General Lu bravely agreed. Mo Yuan Long then ordered Mo Yanchen and Mo Jingxuan to leave the city for their safety.
Mo Yanchen refused to abandon his father, so Mo Yuan Long insisted Mo Jingxuan leave to preserve the Mo family bloodline. Just as they finalized their plans, news arrived that imperial guards were rapidly approaching to surround the Mo Residence. Mo Yuan Long quickly instructed his steward, Yun Ying, to find a way to trick Mo Yanchen out of the mansion through the back door.
Episode 29 Recap
Mo Yanchen was sent out of the Mo Residence, completely unaware of the drastic changes about to befall his family. Soon after, the Mo Residence was surrounded by the Imperial Guards, who arrested Mo Yuan Long. Mo Yuan Long fiercely resisted, but the guards used Mo Jingxuan to threaten him. To spare his family, Mo Yuan Long agreed to plead guilty and accept his punishment.
The guards promised that only his sacrifice was needed, and the Mo family would be safe. Mo Yuan Long then told a crying Mo Jingxuan to close his eyes, assuring him it was his final instruction, before taking his own life. Tragically, after he had died, a guard announced that while Mo Jingxuan's life could be spared, the Empress's true command was that no one else in the Mo Residence was to be left alive.
The entire residence was then massacred, becoming drenched in blood. Mo Lian Cheng arrived at the horrific scene to find Mo Yuan Long clinging to life, a sword still in his chest. Mo Yuan Long lamented that his life's long machinations had ultimately come to nothing, leaving him deeply unwilling to accept his fate.
Mo Lian Cheng, in tears, confessed that he was not the "Cheng Er" Mo Yuan Long knew but came from another Dongyue, an identical world where Mo Yuan Long was the revered Emperor. Finding some peace in this revelation, Mo Yuan Long entrusted the care of Mo Yanchen, Mo Jingxuan, and Feng Yang to Mo Lian Cheng before taking his last breath. Mo Lian Cheng was overcome with grief. Meanwhile, Qu Meier went to see the Empress, Qu Xiangtan.
The Empress dismissed her attendant, Jingxin, before revealing that Mo Yuan Long had committed suicide, the Mo Residence had been slaughtered, General Lu had been ambushed and killed, and the Yin imperial token had been recovered. She coldly speculated that Mo Yanchen must also be dead and noted that the Mo family and General Lu would die believing Qu Meier was responsible for their demise. Qu Meier realized she had been a pawn in the Empress's scheme.
The Empress admitted she knew Qu Meier would leak information, which allowed her to obtain evidence of Mo Yuan Long's rebellion and seize both yin and yang imperial tokens. Distraught, Qu Meier collapsed, crying for Mo Yanchen and begging the Empress to kill her as well. The Empress, however, refused, declaring that Qu Meier must live to atone for her betrayal and make amends.
Later, Mo Lian Cheng shared the devastating news with Mo Yanchen, revealing that the Empress had used a secret technique to possess Qu Tan Er's body, and the entire Mo Residence, including their father and Yun Ying, had been annihilated, with Qu Meier also falling into her trap. Mo Yanchen, burning with a desire for revenge, vowed to kill the Empress. However, he also felt utterly helpless and powerless, unable even to openly mourn his father.
As he lamented his fate, a group of people arrived to pay their respects to Mo Yuan Long. Their leader, Wei Qianmo, introduced themselves as old acquaintances who had served Mo Yuan Long for ten years, secretly gathering troops against the tyrant's rule, respecting his righteousness. Wei Qianmo explained that Mo Yuan Long had long possessed the power to overthrow the tyrant but hesitated out of concern for his children's happiness. He pledged his forces to Mo Yanchen for revenge.
Mo Yanchen, realizing his father's true sacrifices, accepted their loyalty. He announced his plan to avenge his father during the Empress's coronation ceremony in two days. To further manipulate Mo Lian Cheng, the Empress informed him that she had brought Mo Jingxuan back to the Princess's Residence. She asserted that despite the Mo family's treason, Mo Jingxuan, being a child, would be spared, but whether he remained unharmed depended entirely on Mo Lian Cheng's obedience.
On the day of the Empress's coronation, Mo Yanchen and his followers stormed the palace, intending to assassinate her. He declared to the assembled ministers that he sought only justice and would spare the innocent if they did not interfere, stating his actions were not for the common people but for his shattered family and his beloved, whom the Empress had desecrated. When he opened the imperial carriage, he discovered a bound Qu Meier inside.
She immediately warned him that he had fallen into a trap. Mo Yanchen quickly untied her, and they attempted to flee. Wei Qianmo sacrificed himself to cover their escape, dying on the battlefield. As Mo Yanchen and Qu Meier fled, an arrow struck his leg. Qu Meier, seeing another arrow aimed at him, stepped in front, taking the fatal shot. Dying in Mo Yanchen's arms, she regretted her many mistakes, especially her failure to understand and protect him.
Heartbroken, Mo Yanchen wished that in the next life, they would never meet again, and he would never love someone who could not reciprocate. The Empress, Qu Xiangtan, then appeared. Mo Yanchen, consumed by rage, lunged at her. However, the Empress began to speak in Qu Tan Er's voice, expressing how much she missed "Brother Yan Chen." Disoriented by the familiar voice, Mo Yanchen hesitated, allowing the Empress to fatally wound him in the throat.
Mo Lian Cheng, who had been brought in under guard, cried out for the Empress to release Mo Yanchen, but was helpless as he watched his brother die. The Empress then delivered a defiant coronation speech, proclaiming her ascent to the throne as Empress of Dongyue and, in a shocking move, bestowed upon Mo Lian Cheng the title of ruler of the harem.
Later, Mo Lian Cheng and Mo Jingxuan mourned Mo Yuan Long and Mo Yanchen at their memorial tablets in the Mo Residence. Mo Jingxuan, distraught, questioned why they had left him alone and wished he could have died with them, while Mo Lian Cheng solemnly acknowledged that Mo Jingxuan was now an adult and would have to learn the harsh truths.
Mo Lian Cheng, filled with longing for Qu Xiaotan, gazed at a tattered love letter he had written for her, complete with their handprints. He read aloud the words of devotion, recalling their promise to be together forever across all time and space. The Empress, entering the room, angrily confronted him, reminding him that Qu Xiaotan was dead and he should remain by her side, promising him exclusive favor.
Mo Lian Cheng vehemently refused, asserting that Qu Xiaotan remained alive in his heart and their connection was unbreakable, no matter the universe or continent. As he spoke, Qu Xiaotan's consciousness stirred within him, calling out to "Cheng Cheng." Mo Lian Cheng, hearing her, reaffirmed his commitment to finding her and returning home, mentioning the Red Star of Demise, the Soul-parting Flute, and the need for the Soul-guarding Bead and Glacial Soulweed.
Enraged, the Empress tore the letter to shreds, warning him to stop dreaming, as he would only hurt himself. After she left, Mo Lian Cheng carefully collected the fragments and tenderly kissed them. That night, as Mo Lian Cheng painfully tended to his own wounds, the Empress, Qu Xiangtan, tried to comfort him. She claimed she never wished to hurt him and shared his pain. Mo Lian Cheng sharply retorted that she had no heart, only Qu Xiaotan's.
He accused her of being cold and reiterated that he was Mo Lian Cheng, Qu Xiaotan's husband, a truth that would never change. The Empress, trying to force his affection, insisted he was her "Lian Cheng" who loved only her. She then tried a different approach, mentioning the upcoming Flowers Festival, where dancing girls from the south of the Yangtze River would be performing, hoping to persuade him to relax and forget his past sorrows.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
Mo Lian Cheng instructed Yu Hao to sneak into the royal study the following night at 11 o'clock to find the Glacial Soulweed, describing it as approximately 30 centimeters long and grayish-purple when dried. He urged Yu Hao to be careful. Meanwhile, Jing Xin sought out Senior Liu Bai Shui, explaining that Mo Lian Cheng required his help. Jing Xin presented him with a box of gold and other valuables.
Liu Bai Shui claimed his friendship with the Princess was invaluable, but agreed to hold the valuables for safekeeping. He then provided Jing Xin with a pill to replenish one's spirit for Mo Lian Cheng and a powerful sleeping incense for Yu Hao, which can instantly knock someone out. During the Upper Lantern Festival, at 11 PM, a firework show commenced.
While the Empress enjoyed the "night sky of firework, fine wine under the moonlight," and Mo Lian Cheng by her side, Mo Lian Cheng secretly yearned for Qu Xiaotan to be with him. As a diversion, Mo Lian Cheng offered a dance to express his gratitude for the Empress's "marvelous firework." Meanwhile, Yu Hao used the potent sleeping incense to incapacitate the imperial guards in the royal study, and Mo Jingxuan, accompanied by Liu Bai Shui, covertly entered the palace.
Donning a mask, Mo Lian Cheng performed a captivating dance for the Empress. She was completely enthralled, praising the performance and calling for him to be rewarded. During this time, Yu Hao successfully infiltrated the royal study in search of the Glacial Soulweed. However, upon the dance's conclusion, the Empress discovered the dancer was not Mo Lian Cheng, who had already changed into night attire.
Realizing Mo Lian Cheng had escaped, she furiously ordered an immediate search for him and the arrest of all performers. The Empress, realizing Mo Lian Cheng's plan, immediately suspected he had gone to the Altar of Souls. There, Mo Lian Cheng discovered the Soul-guarding Pearl was under a seal, but he managed to break through it. Simultaneously, Yu Hao successfully obtained the Glacial Soulweed from the royal study.
Finding the Altar of Souls empty, the Empress furiously ordered a city-wide search for Mo Lian Cheng. Meanwhile, Mo Jingxuan and Liu Bai Shui arrived to meet Jing Xin, Mo Lian Cheng, and Yu Hao. At Liu Bai Shui's secret hideout, Liu Bai Shui noticed Mo Lian Cheng still appeared weak, to which Mo Lian Cheng explained he used his inner strength.
Liu Bai Shui offered him another pill, momentarily mistaking it for a hair-removal pill before giving him the correct one for energy. Mo Lian Cheng attempted to say his goodbyes to his companions, but Liu Bai Shui urged them to hurry, emphasizing the pill's effects would wear off, and they quickly departed in a carriage. At the secret hideout, Liu Bai Shui reminisced about visiting the spot as "a young man in love."
Mo Lian Cheng shared his belief that he and Tan Er are "destined to be in love in every lifetime." Liu Bai Shui responded philosophically that while the human heart is unreliable, it is also unyielding, and those truly connected will always meet, as a lifetime is but "a blink of an eye."
Mo Lian Cheng confirmed the Red Star of Demise will appear in three days, and all necessary items—the Soul-guarding Pearl, the Soul-parting Flute, and the Glacial Soulweed—were now in place. He planned to continuously play the Soul-parting Song to allow Qu Xiaotan to regain control of her body.
Liu Bai Shui warned him of the grave danger, reminding him he could disintegrate like Xiao Zhen, but Mo Lian Cheng was resolute, stating he would wait for Qu Xiaotan in his next lifetime should he fail. Liu Bai Shui pledged his full support. The Empress experienced a recurrence of her illness, frantically searching her imperial chamber for the Soul-parting Flute, only to discover a fake.
She then heard the distinct tune of the true Soul-parting Flute and followed the sound to Mo Lian Cheng. Upon confronting him, she accused him of swapping the flutes to lure her there and desperately pleaded with him not to leave, offering him freedom. Mo Lian Cheng firmly told her to "stop lying to yourself," asserting he was not the Young Master Lian Cheng she was "obsessed with," and that her beloved "had died by your sword long ago."
He declared, "My love is Tan Er." The Empress vehemently denied this, vowing to recognize him "no matter what you've become" and find him "wherever you are." She threatened him, demanding he return to be her man forever. As the Red Star of Demise appeared, Mo Lian Cheng began to play the Soul-parting Flute. Qu Xiangtan warned him he would die, and an internal struggle between her and Qu Xiaotan's consciousness ensued, with Qu Xiangtan exclaiming, "Qu Xiao Tan! Die!"
and Qu Xiaotan's internal voice urging herself to fight. Mo Lian Cheng attempted to reason with Qu Xiangtan, asking if they "can not do this" and questioning the value of "larger land and greater power" when only the "heart" truly matters. He suggested they "travel to the mountains and fields of crops" to "watch the sunrise and sunset together." However, she refused, stating her people "can't die in vain" and she "can't stop now."
She threatened to kill him if he obstructed her "cause." Mo Lian Cheng calmly accepted, saying he was "willing to die" if it made things easier for her. With her sword at his chest, a memory of her killing Young Master Lian Cheng resurfaced. She relived the moment his love for her "died for good." Dropping her sword, she finally accepted that "he's truly gone" and has "left me forever."
Expressing deep regret for living in an "illusion" fueled by "obsession" and "regret," she told Mo Lian Cheng to "protect the woman you love." She then hoped to find her own true love "on the other side" and, declaring "What's done is done. Let this be the end for me," plunged herself off the cliff. Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan awakened in their original world and were overjoyed to reunite with their son, Yu Er, who excitedly greeted them.
Mo Lian Cheng tearfully apologized to Qu Xiaotan and Yu Er for his past failings, promising to be a "wise ruler," a "great father," and a "loving husband" from now on, sharing the responsibility of raising their child.
He then instructed Yu Hao to "find and arrest Wei Zong Heng," explaining that according to Senior Liu, "the remnants of the Demon Lord's soul remain," and "the anomaly of the Soul-guarding Bead must be linked to Wei Zong Heng" and his "ilks" within the court.
Mo Lian Cheng noted it had been a long time since Yu Hao wore his uniform and playfully asked if a woman named Su Yue La had a crush on him, which Yu Hao denied. In court, Mo Lian Cheng issued a groundbreaking new law: "the restrictions of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues will be abolished," allowing women to attend schools and "become officers."
He further mandated that "men should take up the responsibility to look after their families and children," establishing "equal status" and "same rights" for both genders. Later, Mo Lian Cheng was seen trying to feed a playful Yu Er, who preferred to play with a ball. Mo Lian Cheng jokingly complained about eating Yu Er's leftovers. Liu Qian Shui then appeared, and Mo Lian Cheng asked if he had a brother named Liu Bai Shui who looked like him.
Liu Qian Shui cryptically replied, "Have a guess." At that moment, Yu Er made his ball float in the air, confirming Mo Lian Cheng's suspicion: "No wonder he is the new host of the Soul-guarding Bead. He has extraordinary power." Qu Xiaotan and Jing Xin enjoyed a serene river scene, where Qu Xiaotan envisioned transforming the area into a bustling "hot-spring spa resort" with organic farms, offering "dining, recreations, and SPA."
She playfully stated she would be the "chairperson" and Mo Lian Cheng the "general manager," with men managing childcare at home. Recognizing the remote location, she enthusiastically proposed they "start by building the road." Later, Mo Lian Cheng expressed satisfaction that the first imperial examination open to women saw "three women pass it as advanced graduates," acknowledging his past oversight of talent.
Qu Xiaotan, eager for true gender equality, offered to "supervise the palace examination tomorrow," to which Mo Lian Cheng assured her she would have "many chances for political participation." Mo Lian Cheng then suggested the exciting prospect of having a "lively and playful little princess" next year. Qu Xiaotan teased him about wanting another "valentine," but Mo Lian Cheng quickly promised to handle the "feeding, putting to sleep, and changing diapers" to "share her burden."
When Qu Xiaotan corrected him, asserting that "women aren't born to look after kids," he swiftly agreed that she would feed the baby, but he would take on the responsibilities of "putting her to bed and the diapers." Under a cherry blossom tree, Mo Lian Cheng and Qu Xiaotan embraced, signifying their enduring three lifetimes of love.
