The Wolf Episode 14 Recap
> The Wolf Recap
Haunted by a nightmare about his past with Ma Zhaixing, Chu Youwen became convinced that she would be exploited and harmed by his father, Chu Kui. Recognizing the potential danger, he resolved to cruelly push her away. He then issued a stern command to his subordinates, instructing them to maintain a strict distance from Ma Zhaixing and to refrain from any personal involvement.
His loyal attendant, Hai Die, understood that Prince of Bo was not truly heartless; his drastic orders were merely a desperate attempt to protect the Commandery Princess. However, Hai Die also knew how deeply Ma Zhaixing had fallen for him, making it unlikely for her to easily abandon her feelings. Prince of Bo believed that if a relationship was destined for a tragic end, it should never begin. To make someone truly give up, they must first endure endless disappointment.
Unaware of Chu Youwen's true intentions, Ma Zhaixing was still basking in their recent moments of joy and rose early to prepare breakfast for him. As she passed through the courtyard, she noticed a child's paper kite tangled on the eaves of the roof. Eager to help, she fetched a ladder. Just then, Prince of Bo emerged from his study.
His gaze instinctively fell upon her injured leg, but he quickly concealed his concern, instead harshly scolding her for her improper behavior as a princess consort before storming off, leaving Ma Zhaixing and Ma Jing in utter confusion. Prince of Bo received an imperial order to travel to Qitan to secure a treaty for borrowing soldiers and escort the Fourth Prince, Youzhen, back to the palace.
Knowing the route would pass through Kuizhou City, Chu Kui specifically instructed Prince of Bo to bring his Princess Consort along to deepen their relationship. Prince of Bo immediately sensed a hidden scheme and began devising a way to have Ma Zhaixing end her journey with him as soon as possible. That evening, Hai Die was in the study preparing Prince of Bo's clothes for his journey. Ma Zhaixing offered to help but was politely refused.
Feeling bewildered by the sudden shift in attitude from the servants, Ma Zhaixing felt helpless. Hai Die, feeling pity, eventually allowed her to organize the items. While tidying, Ma Zhaixing discovered a piece of calligraphy on the desk—the character "Break" (æ–), personally written by Prince of Bo. Ma Jing was distressed by the ominous character, declaring it bad luck.
She promptly tied a red string, which she had gotten repaired at the Yuelao Temple, around Ma Zhaixing's wrist and shared a divination slip she had drawn, promising her husband's favor. Deeply touched, Ma Zhaixing prepared musk dew as a gift for Princess Bao Na and the Qitan King. Having researched their preferences, she knew Bao Na liked fragrant gifts and that the Qitan King favored musk, hoping this gesture would aid Prince of Bo's mission.
Though slightly surprised by her thoughtfulness, Prince of Bo sternly rebuked her, warning her not to interfere in court affairs. Prince of Yun, Chu Yougui, secretly met with Ji Chong to discuss their assassination plot. Prince of Yun believed this was a golden opportunity and had already contacted the Jin troops, who were prepared to ambush Prince of Bo midway through his journey.
Ji Chong's role was to infiltrate Prince of Bo's retinue disguised as a horse expert, approach Ma Zhaixing, and find an opportunity to isolate Prince of Bo. Ji Chong demanded he be allowed to name his own price upon success, to which Prince of Yun declared he would spare no expense, even his entire fortune, to eliminate Prince of Bo. During the journey, Ji Chong appeared and boldly approached Ma Zhaixing for a chat.
Prince of Bo, seeing their pleasant conversation, grew visibly jealous and immediately interrupted them. Ji Chong then summoned his intelligent golden eagle, Zhuiri, which he had trained for years, to demonstrate his findings. He asserted that the road ahead was impassable, suggesting a detour. Coincidentally, scouts soon returned to report that a gorge about a hundred miles away had indeed collapsed due to continuous heavy rain, proving Ji Chong's foresight.
Though Prince of Bo disliked Ji Chong, he offered him one hundred taels of silver to scout the path and ensure their safe passage. Ji Chong noticed Prince of Bo's detached attitude towards Ma Zhaixing. He recalled the widespread rumors of their deep affection, which now seemed dubious. He privately considered their strained relationship a good thing, as it would spare Ma Zhaixing heartache should Prince of Bo meet his demise.
The group eventually arrived at Kuizhou City, where the new city lord, Li, had been waiting for days. Having bought his official position, he was eager to curry favor with the royal couple to secure his future and had meticulously prepared a lavish welcome banquet. However, Prince of Bo unexpectedly commanded that Ma Zhaixing return to Ma Manor instead of attending the feast, stating that Kuizhou was her home and she must be eager to return.
Later, Ma Zhaixing expressed a desire for Prince of Bo to accompany her to Langshou Mountain, a place famous for wolves. This request was again rejected by him, who stated he was not there for a trip. Ji Chong, witnessing Ma Zhaixing's public disappointment, mockingly suggested that expressing affection by "watching wolves" was peculiar. He advised her to perform the Princess Dance at the banquet that night to win Prince of Bo's favor.
The Princess Dance was originally a sword dance performed by the Ma Family Army to celebrate victories. Over time, it had become a well-known dance among the women of Kuizhou City, often performed during celebrations. Under the joint persuasion of Ji Chong and Lord Li, who emphasized Prince of Bo's supposed appreciation for the dance's symbolism, Ma Zhaixing decided to perform it herself.
Unbeknownst to her, she was falling into Ji Chong's trap, as this dance was the first step in his assassination plan. Ji Chong had already imitated Princess Bao Na's handwriting to draft a letter and provided her official token, instructing General Cheng to deliver it to Prince of Bo, luring him into an ambush in Fuhu Forest. That night, Lord Li hosted a grand banquet for Prince of Bo at his manor.
Even the three young lords who had previously sought Ma Zhaixing's hand in marriage were in attendance, aiming to please Prince of Bo. Amidst the festivities, Prince of Bo initially seemed uninterested. However, his demeanor changed when Ma Zhaixing, dressed in a tight-fitting uniform and wielding a sword, gracefully ascended the stage, poised to perform the Princess Dance.
