The Eternal Love 3 Episode 12 Recap
> The Eternal Love 3 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.
