The Romance of Tiger and Rose Episode 2 Recap
> The Romance of Tiger and Rose Recap
Chen Qianqian wakes up to find Zi Rui and others still before her, instantly frustrated, believing she’s still trapped in a dream or that Han Shuo altered the script. Her attempt to return to reality through suicide failed, and with the script’s filming looming and no draft submitted, she grows anxious. She knows Chen Chuchu must endure trials to ascend the throne, but on the day of her coronation, a celestial phenomenon opens the Heavenly Gate.
Chen Qianqian realizes she might only return home on that day, which requires Han Shuo to help Chen Chuchu ascend. Chen Qianqian rushes to find Han Shuo, only to learn he’s been imprisoned. In his cell, Han Shuo is furious, vowing to execute Chen Qianqian by a thousand cuts, but his need for the Dragon Bone prevents him from leaving. Chen Qianqian pleads with the Owner to release Han Shuo and have him marry Chen Chuchu.
The Owner, suspecting Han Shuo, the sole son of Xuanhu City, has ulterior motives, refuses. Desperate, Chen Qianqian lies, claiming she’s pregnant with Han Shuo’s child. The Owner, exasperated but unwilling to scold her, sends Han Qi to tell Han Shuo he’ll be released if he acknowledges the child. Han Shuo is freed and showered with treasures, kneeling until his legs go numb. Han Qi instructs him to uphold husbandly virtues.
Knowing the child isn’t his, Han Shuo glares in anger but can’t vent. Chen Qianqian, standing nearby, urges him not to be picky, noting the child won’t bear his surname. Han Shuo plots to eliminate Chen Qianqian’s unborn child. Zi Rui tampers with the food in glass cups. Per Huayuan City’s customs, the female master is served by her male spouse, so Han Shuo endures to execute his plan. Chen Qianqian eats heartily, demanding all dishes be served.
Han Shuo notices they look identical, all in glass cups, and glares at Zi Rui, frustrated but helpless. He diligently serves her every dish. Noticing his unusual attentiveness, Chen Qianqian recalls the script, overturns the table, and goes to dine with the Owner. The Owner, mindful of Chen Qianqian’s pregnancy, urges her to watch her diet but spots the chastity mark on her arm. Enraged, the Owner scolds her for ruining her reputation over a man.
Chen Qianqian kneels, begging mercy for Han Shuo, claiming she truly loves him. The Owner, moved, advises her to keep Han Shuo in check and avoid trouble. Seeing Han Shuo as a ticking time bomb, Chen Qianqian decides to push him toward Chen Chuchu to reach the story’s end.
She consults local storytellers to revise the script, hoping to steer it back on track by arranging a “damsel saves hero” or “hero saves damsel” moment for Han Shuo and Chen Chuchu. Chen Qianqian takes Han Shuo to Lin Qi’s “courtesan house.” Facing a crowd of handsome men, she boldly boasts about finding a good man and proposes a public contest. Han Shuo, her first wager, competes against Lin Qi’s choice, Su Mu, a renowned male beauty.
Chen Qianqian, smitten at first sight, fawns over Su Mu, who gifts her a folding fan. Han Shuo scoffs. Su Mu plays the zither, Han Shuo performs a sword dance, filling the courtyard with flying petals—a breathtaking scene. As Chen Qianqian anxiously awaits Chen Chuchu’s arrival, Han Shuo suddenly swings his sword at her. Chen Chuchu arrives just in time, blocking the strike and berating Han Shuo for daring to attack Chen Qianqian.
Zi Rui whispers the newcomer’s identity to Han Shuo, who grabs Chen Qianqian’s fan to cover his face. Chen Qianqian explains she forced Han Shuo to compete with the performer, angering him. Chen Chuchu insists a husband must obey his female master unconditionally and not resort to violence. During the scuffle, she tears Han Shuo’s clothes. Pei Heng intervenes, and Chen Qianqian freezes, recognizing him as her favorite character from the script.
Pei Heng, Huayuan City’s most handsome and accomplished man, is the idol of the city’s maidens. He was once betrothed to Chen Qianqian, but she broke it off. Learning the situation, Pei Heng pulls Chen Qianqian aside to “reprimand” her for mistreating Han Shuo after forcing him into marriage and bringing him to a courtesan house to humiliate him. Chen Qianqian, in tears, claims she’s lonely and treading on thin ice, desperate to return home, which led to her actions. Pei Heng, seeing her cry uncontrollably, is taken aback, never expecting this vulnerable side of Chen Qianqian.
