The Love by Hypnotic Episode 11 Recap
> The Love by Hypnotic Recap
Reeling from overhearing Li Qian call her a mere chess piece, Li Mingyue drops the restorative soup she made for him. By the time Li Qian and Sikong Zhen open the door, they only see her retreating figure. Sikong Zhen points out that Li Qian's harsh words were likely a lie even to himself and questions if he will allow the misunderstanding to continue.
Li Qian, however, believes it might be for the better, bringing a somber clarity to them both. Feeling used, Li Mingyue flees to Princess Kangle's residence and drinks until she is thoroughly intoxicated. Li Qian arrives to take her back, and seeing her drunken state, forbids her from drinking ever again. Defiantly, Li Mingyue declares that no one can control her.
When Li Qian presses her on what she wants, she grabs his face and kisses him on the lips, only to immediately vomit all over him. Upon returning to the residence, a disgusted Li Qian orders his soiled clothes to be burned. That night, however, he sleepwalks and washes the very same clothes himself. Still in denial about his feelings, he internally blames his sleepwalking on Li Mingyue's hypnotism, insisting that she is nothing more than a chess piece.
The next morning, Li Mingyue wakes with a headache, muttering that she is not a pawn. Tanli brings her hangover soup, sent by the prince. Though initially touched, Mingyue refuses it upon learning it's from Li Qian. Tanli, surprised, reminds her that Li Qian was the one who carried her home, covered in her vomit. Just then, Li Qian arrives. Li Mingyue quickly lies down, feigning sleep.
When Li Qian reaches out to check her forehead, she turns away to avoid his touch. Sensing her reluctance, he leaves, instructing Tanli to take good care of her. Once he is gone, Li Mingyue lies in bed, silently weeping and questioning why she cannot bear to see him, while Tanli offers what little comfort she can. Li Qian has been restless since the previous night.
He asks his attendant, Queyan, if Tanli has said anything about the princess's thoughts on him. Missing the point, Queyan only rambles about Mingyue's complaints about the food and her friendship with Kangle. The impatient Diwu Cheng interjects, bluntly stating that the princess kissed the prince, who is now clearly smitten and wants to know her true feelings. As Queyan offers his flustered congratulations, an exposed Li Qian dismisses him.
Diwu Cheng correctly observes that Li Qian's agitation stems from his budding feelings. Still trying to blame his turmoil on hypnosis, Li Qian is reminded by Diwu Cheng that Mingyue hasn't used the technique on him in a long time. Unsure how to get answers, he sends Song Jinyu to discreetly ask Princess Kangle about Mingyue's state of mind, but Kangle easily sees through the ruse.
Unable to understand the meaning behind Mingyue's kiss, Li Qian paces outside her room, resolving to ask her directly and clear the air. Before he can enter, Queyan reports that Qiao Huixin is insistent on seeing him. Qiao Huixin is worried Li Qian misunderstood her for spilling the first bowl of soup. Li Qian, feeling no affection for her, speaks bluntly, reprimanding her for misjudging Mingyue and showing no remorse.
Qiao Huixin argues that love is selfish, but Li Qian coldly states he has never had romantic feelings for her and warns her to stay away. Delusional, Qiao Huixin leaves, convinced Mingyue's "black magic" is clouding Li Qian's judgment. Worried he has completely disheartened Mingyue, Li Qian confides in Sikong Zhen. Song Jinyu returns and reports what he learned from Kangle: Mingyue had been drunkenly mumbling about being a "chess piece" and smashing things in anger.
This confirms Li Qian's fears. Sikong Zhen urges him to be honest, warning that misunderstandings will drive them apart. Since Mingyue won't see him, Sikong Zhen proposes a plan: Mingyue's brother, Kaierbi, is about to arrive, and she will surely want to present a stable front for her family. This is Li Qian's chance to show genuine care and prove she is more than a pawn. Li Qian agrees, knowing he must drop his princely arrogance.
When Kaierbi arrives with Xiyue's Left General, Yunsi, the general's familiar and affectionate behavior toward Li Mingyue is immediately apparent. Yunsi, who grew up with Mingyue, even brings her personally brewed wine, which instantly puts Li Qian on guard. Li Qian declares that the princess should not drink to avoid impropriety and tries to confiscate the wine. A tense struggle ensues, with Yunsi insisting his wine is harmless and that he would protect her.
The wine ends up with Kaierbi, who apologizes for Yunsi's forwardness. Annoyed, Li Qian tells a defiant Mingyue to drink if she pleases. At the welcoming banquet, Li Qian intercepts every cup of wine offered to Li Mingyue, drinking on her behalf. He then deliberately feeds her grapes, much to Yunsi's irritation. Sensing the tension, Kaierbi suggests they retire early. However, Mingyue invites them to tour her quarters, where Yunsi happily presents her with her favorite Xiyue pastries.
Recognizing Li Qian's displeasure, Kaierbi quickly ushers Yunsi away. Later, Tanli remarks that the prince was clearly jealous, but Mingyue dismisses it, clinging to the "chess piece" narrative and blaming Li Qian's pride. Shortly after, a valuable saber is delivered from the official rest stop with a message from Yunsi. He calls the saber a gift and challenges Li Qian to a sparring match the next day to settle the "slip of the hand" from their earlier encounter.
Fueled by anger, Li Qian accepts the challenge by slicing through a candle flame. The household immediately begins placing bets. Diwu Cheng and his men bet on Li Qian, while Tanli and others favor Yunsi, Xiyue's undefeated master. Li Mingyue, however, places her bet on both, confidently declaring she will win no matter what.
