The Eternal Love 3 Episode 24 Recap
> The Eternal Love 3 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.
