The Love by Hypnotic Episode 3 Recap
> The Love by Hypnotic Recap
Despite the emperor's approval of his Xuan River diversion plan, Li Qian found himself restless and his music devoid of joy. He sought out Sikong Zhen, questioning if secret spells capable of exploring the human heart truly existed. Sikong Zhen recounted a tale of his own father, who, while residing in Xiyue and feeling homesick, encountered a white-haired musician playing a stringless guqin. Upon making eye contact, his father heard the melodies of his homeland emanating from the instrument.
Sikong Zhen concluded that such a spell, one that could induce a fantasy and evoke the deepest emotions, certainly existed. He then suggested Li Qian’s current unease stemmed from Li Mingyue having discovered his weakness. Li Qian, however, insisted the matter was more complex. Li Qian revealed that during his recent encounter with the spell, though it felt like a fantasy, everything also felt incredibly familiar, as if he were reliving a long-lost memory.
He explained that he had suffered amnesia at nine years old, losing all prior recollections. While he knew what he feared and loved, he never understood the underlying reasons. Now, he believed he had discovered the source of his fear of fire: having witnessed a large blaze. Li Qian resolved that if the secret spell truly could help him recover his lost memories, he would keep Li Mingyue by his side and protect her.
However, if the spell proved to be a deception, he would not tolerate her trickery. Soon after, Qiao Huixin arrived at Li Qian’s residence, presenting him with a handmade gift for his upcoming marriage. She expressed understanding for his lack of control over his royal union, assuring him she could endure it. Li Qian politely declined the gift, praising Qiao Huixin for her intelligence and beauty, and reiterating that he had always regarded her as a sister.
Qiao Huixin, however, tearfully confessed that the childhood marriage contract had always been a deeply cherished belief and a promise she had faithfully guarded for years. Li Qian acknowledged her devotion but gently advised her not to be consumed by such an obsession, wishing her a lifetime of happiness. With a heavy heart, Qiao Huixin accepted his words and departed. Meanwhile, Li Mingyue diligently practiced her hypnosis skills on her maid, Tanli.
Later, Li Qian arrived at her residence, dismissing everyone else to speak with her privately. He immediately questioned her about the secret spell she had used on him, asking if his visions were real or merely a fantasy. Li Mingyue confirmed they were not illusions but real memories accessed through her hypnosis, emphasizing that she could achieve this without any external tools.
Li Qian agreed to proceed with their marriage but stipulated a condition: he must explicitly consent before she could hypnotize him; any breach would result in severe punishment. Li Mingyue, confident with the Zhuxin Bell in her possession, readily agreed to his terms. Despite Li Qian's rejection, Qiao Huixin refused to abandon hope.
She cut a strand of her own hair and symbolically merged it with a lock of Li Qian’s childhood hair, which she had kept from their games together, hoping to secure their future bond. King Ling watched her sorrowfully as she softly murmured that even with his boundless good qualities, she could not find a place for him in her heart. Elsewhere, Li Qian's attendant, Queyan, stealthily acquired the Zhuxin Bell and delivered it to him.
Li Qian spent the entire night studying it but could not decipher its use. He recalled that for the spell to take effect, Li Mingyue had to get close and touch a specific spot. While he pondered this, his friend Song Jinyu teased him, vividly describing his own experience of being utterly captivated by a beautiful woman. Their conversation then shifted to playful banter, with Li Qian pressing Song Jinyu to reveal the name of this woman from his past.
The grand wedding ceremony between Li Qian and Li Mingyue commenced as scheduled, signifying good relations and mutual support between their kingdoms. As they entered the grand hall, Li Mingyue confronted Li Qian about stealing her Zhuxin Bell. He cryptically replied that their marriage was a contract requiring "chips" for trade. Li Mingyue noticed his sachet, where he likely kept the bell, had been moved.
He stated he would only reveal things when he wished to, using the bell as leverage against her recklessness. During the ceremony, the cue to "discard the fan" was given, but Li Mingyue hesitated, feigning ignorance of the custom. Seeing her delay, Li Qian offered her a deal: if she wanted her Zhuxin Bell back, she would have to dance with him.
She agreed, and together, they performed a unique dance, merging the traditions of Xiyue's marriage dance with the customs of Beixuan. The emperor praised their thoughtfulness. After the dance, they took their seats for the banquet. Li Mingyue, famished, eagerly took a bite of meat, only to find it incredibly bitter. As she nearly spat it out, the emperor inquired if Beixuan's meat was difficult to swallow.
Li Qian, realizing this was a trick by King Ling, took the meat, dipped it in tea, and offered it to Li Mingyue. He explained to the emperor that this act symbolized Li Mingyue shedding her identity as the princess of Xiyue to officially become the Princess Consort of Beixuan. Upon tasting the tea-dipped meat, Li Mingyue found it was no longer bitter. Li Qian remarked to King Ling that the initial bitterness represented enduring hardships together.
The emperor approved of this meaningful gesture, declaring the feast open. Witnessing their intimate exchange, Qiao Huixin, heartbroken, abruptly departed. King Ling, though pained, remained seated. Later, Li Mingyue pressed Li Qian about his promise to return the Zhuxin Bell. However, he clarified his wordplay: his promise was that if she "wanted" the instrument back, she "had" to dance with him, not that the act of dancing would guarantee its return.
Their playful bickering amused the emperor, who expressed concern that Li Mingyue's spirited nature might cause trouble. Consort Shu, however, reassured him that Li Mingyue was free-spirited and could be taught the rules, also observing that she might now become a convenient target for King Ling's schemes against Li Qian. King Ling, meanwhile, noticed the wine had been drugged. As the auspicious moment arrived, the newlyweds proceeded outside for the traditional arrow-shooting ritual. King Ling, observing Li Qian's hesitation, wondered aloud if his brother feared his heart was not sincere enough to shoot the arrow far.
