The Wolf Episode 13 Recap
> The Wolf Recap
Ma Zhaixing, though without concrete evidence, sensed the identity of Princess Bao Na's kidnapper. Ji Chong, impressed by her intuition, revealed that the abductor would meet at the Mountain God Temple on the south slope tomorrow afternoon to retrieve the princess, thus exposing the culprit. As a token of gratitude, Ma Zhaixing signed a written pledge at Ji Chong's insistence.
Ji Chong clarified that if a man owed him, it would be paid in silver, but if it were a woman, she could repay him with whatever she wished, including "beautiful moments" or "some secrets." He added he would collect the debt when he wished, leaving Ma Zhaixing to comment on his peculiar nature. After rescuing Princess Bao Na, Ma Zhaixing escorted her, disguised and hidden, back to the Imperial City.
Bao Na complained about being snuck into the palace like a thief, to which Ma Zhaixing reminded her of her promise to obey her savior. Inside, Chu Kui commended Ma Zhaixing for not disappointing him. Ma Zhaixing humbly attributed the success to the concerted efforts of Bo Royal Mansion and the assistance of Chu Kui's soldiers. Bao Na then apologized to Chu Kui for her reckless actions of burning the agreement and leaving without permission.
Chu Kui stated he would hold her father, the king, responsible for compensation, but Bao Na assured him her father had already agreed to loan his soldiers. Chu Kui questioned Ma Zhaixing's decision to keep the rescue a secret. Ma Zhaixing explained that the mastermind, unaware of the princess's rescue, would still proceed with the plan to appear at the Mountain God Temple.
She confirmed that the culprit was an "inside man" and that Bo Royal Mansion had already laid a trap. Chu Kui, understanding the gravity, agreed to maintain secrecy, ordered Bao Na to remain in the palace for her safety, and promised to send a capable general to assist Ma Zhaixing in apprehending the mole. Bao Na then sternly commanded Ma Zhaixing to return safely the next day, emphasizing that it was an order to stay alive.
Ma Zhaixing also sought Bao Na's help regarding a deal with Bao Na's Bodyguard Captain, where Ma Zhaixing's life was on the line if the princess wasn't found by noon. Bao Na, finding the captain similarly rude to herself, agreed to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, Ji Chong infiltrated Lord Yun's mansion and confronted Chu Yougui, revealing his knowledge of the scheme to kidnap the princess, which Ji Chong discovered from the poisoned horse.
Ji Chong informed Chu Yougui that Bao Na had been rescued and that his accomplices had been eliminated to secure Bo Royal Mansion's trust and seal Chu Yougui's secret. Offering a plan for self-preservation for ten thousand taels of gold, Ji Chong proposed that Chu Yougui send a scapegoat to the Mountain God Temple, as Ji Chong had already misled Bo Royal Mansion into believing the mastermind would appear there.
Chu Yougui, however, argued that a mere scapegoat wouldn't be convincing, given Yun Royal Mansion's responsibility for the princess's temporary imperial residence and horses. Ji Chong subtly hinted that only a high-ranking official would be a believable culprit, and that success depended on Chu Yougui's ruthlessness. At Bo Royal Mansion, everyone prepared for the ambush. Ma Zhaixing assured her allies that their efforts would help rescue Prince of Bo.
Unexpectedly, Chu Youwen appeared in full armor, expressing his relief at finally having the chance to personally give Ma Zhaixing the perfumed sachet. He humorously remarked that he had a "replacement"—Princess Bao Na—who was now safely confined and "reflecting on her actions" in his stead. He insisted that Ma Zhaixing remain by his side for her safety during the operation. When Ma Zhaixing noted that the Emperor had sent him to assist "her", Chu Youwen simply asserted his command.
She then handed him a sword he was familiar with, entrusting him to protect them both. At the Mountain God Temple, Wen Yan correctly deduced that the culprit would be someone they knew. As Prime Minister Jingxiang arrived, the ambush was sprung. Jingxiang was identified as the mastermind behind the kidnapping. He was informed that Prince of Bo and Ma Zhaixing had been released from prison and were en route.
Jingxiang ordered his men to fight, but they were quickly overwhelmed and he was captured. Simultaneously, Chu Yougui sought an immediate audience with Chu Kui. He confessed that his father-in-law, Prime Minister Jingxiang, had orchestrated Bao Na's kidnapping to weaken Prince of Bo and indirectly advance Chu Yougui's position. Chu Yougui claimed he refused to cooperate with Jingxiang's plot, instead choosing to expose him.
He falsely stated that Jingxiang was currently at the temple, planning to bring Bao Na back to his mansion and then present her as if Chu Yougui had rescued her. Chu Kui, enraged by Jingxiang's treachery but relieved by Chu Yougui's apparent honesty, praised his son for pulling back from the brink of treason.
Chu Kui revealed that Ma Zhaixing had already rescued Bao Na the day prior and foiled Jingxiang's conspiracy, allowing Chu Kui to use the plan against the mole. Chu Kui declared that Jingxiang would be executed by "death by a thousand cuts" to account for the matter to Bao Na's king. Chu Yougui feigned reluctance but expressed gratitude that his entire family would not be implicated.
Shortly after, Jing Chuchu, distraught, pleaded with Chu Yougui to save her father, but Chu Yougui stated he was powerless against an imperial death sentence. Jing Chuchu collapsed, nearly suffering a miscarriage. Later, Ji Chong visited Chu Yougui, who presented the promised gold. Ji Chong then offered Chu Yougui a small bottle containing "Breath Stopping Powder."
He explained that if mixed with wine, the powder would make Chu Yougui appear poisoned, with no pulse for two hours, thereby dispelling Chu Kui's remaining suspicions. Ji Chong also suggested the act might help reconcile Chu Yougui with Jing Chuchu. Chu Yougui, at the end of his rope, ingested the medicine. The next day, Chu Kui was informed that Chu Yougui had nearly died after drinking poisoned wine out of remorse, completely clearing any lingering doubts about his loyalty.
Chu Kui apologized to Prince of Bo for wrongly imprisoning him. He then shared good news: Princess Bao Na had sent a letter home, persuading her father to loan soldiers and allow the Fourth Prince Youzhen to return to the capital. Chu Kui credited all these achievements to Ma Zhaixing and ordered fine silks to be prepared as a reward. Indeed, Bao Na was at Bo Royal Mansion, declaring her intention to teach Ma Zhaixing archery as repayment.
Her attempt was abysmal, yet all the guards loudly applauded. Ma Zhaixing, unlike the others, frankly pointed out Bao Na's poor archery. Bao Na was deeply moved, confiding that only Prince of Bo and Ma Zhaixing dared to tell her the truth. She recalled how Prince of Bo's honest critique years prior had motivated her to learn Chinese, and how she had framed Ma Zhaixing out of jealousy.
Conceding that she didn't need to compete, she dramatically declared she would "give" Prince of Bo to Ma Zhaixing, joking that Ma Zhaixing was older and might end up alone otherwise. As Bao Na departed, she teasingly invited Prince of Bo to join her clan if he ever "came to his senses." With the news of the loaned soldiers, Ma Zhaixing felt that avenging her father's death was within reach. She mentally rehearsed confronting the King of Jin.
Chu Youwen, however, was visibly conflicted. Later, Ma Jing brought "qiaoguo" for a belated Qixi Festival. She suggested they pick one with a red string, symbolizing eternal unity. Ma Zhaixing found the string, and Ma Jing tied it between her and Chu Youwen's fingers. As fireflies were released, creating a beautiful scene, Chu Youwen abruptly pulled his hand away, breaking the red string.
He muttered that Ma Zhaixing was right about his selfishness, distinguishing between a white lie and self-deception, before departing and leaving her confused. That night, Chu Youwen was plagued by a nightmare. He relived happy past moments with Ma Zhaixing, only for the dream to turn dark as Chu Kui appeared, forcing Chu Youwen to kill her. He awoke with a gasp, haunted by the vivid dream.
