The Wolf Episode 46 Recap
> The Wolf Recap
Ji Chong declared to Ma Zhaixing that their marriage had become a cage, stating that he, more than anyone, desired her freedom from being a trapped bird. He confessed that he was also the one who caused her to live in lies and agony, and now wished to open that cage and set her free.
Ma Zhaixing, however, insisted that he had never trapped her, but rather had always been her protector, and she intended to stay by his side as a friend for the rest of her life. Ji Chong gently countered that Prince of Bo resided deep in her heart, and she in his, acknowledging an unspoken understanding between them, evidenced by their willingness to sacrifice their lives for each other.
He concluded that Prince of Bo was the one who could truly bring her happiness. Ji Chong vowed that upon returning to Taiyuan, he would divorce her and provide a public explanation. But first, while still her husband, he requested she promise to stay with Prince of Bo during his recovery, supporting him through his most difficult time.
Ma Zhaixing, believing that the deceased could hear words spoken to them within twelve hours of passing, tearfully spoke to Wen Yan while Prince of Bo listened nearby. She thanked Wen Yan and the others for their meticulous care during her stay at Bo Manor and for continuously looking after Prince of Bo. She acknowledged Prince of Bo's quiet nature, noting he would keep his grievances to himself, but knew he cherished Wen Yan as a brother.
She lamented her past wrongs towards Prince of Bo, admitting that his upbringing by wolves meant he didn't fully grasp human emotions, often distrusting people. She credited Wen Yan and the others with healing his heart and mending the damage she had inflicted, saying they had brought him the most sincere and enduring friendship after she had disheartened him. She pledged that from then on, she, Hai Die, and Mo Xiao would collectively care for Prince of Bo.
Prince of Bo thanked her but cautioned against doing anything extra to avoid misunderstandings, given her status as Lord Chuan's princess consort. He secretly knew his worsening poisoned condition meant their relationship was doomed. Ma Zhaixing revealed that she would soon no longer hold that title, assuring him her words to Wen Yan were heartfelt.
She confessed that after learning the truth from Ji Chong about his attempts to repay her at Boxiang even with his life, she no longer pushed him away. She realized he had long repented and changed, but had concealed it. She expressed her gratitude for his sacrifices, stating that his earnest efforts to atone for her stabbing him with an arrow at Boxiang allowed her to forgive everything.
She emphasized life's brevity and unpredictability, urging them to cherish the present and avoid losing another important person. Prince of Bo, however, still kept his distance, advising her to rest as it was getting late. Princess Bao Na approached Ji Chong, observing his apparent melancholy after his breakup. She found him browsing a "Qitan Beauty Album," which he claimed was a rare, out-of-print collection. She offered him wine, noticing his attempt to act tough.
She then asked why he decided to reveal the truth. Ji Chong explained that Prince of Bo and Ma Zhaixing were alike: Prince of Bo hid the truth for her sake, while she suppressed her feelings for his. Both were unhappy, and by trying to fulfill their wishes, he also became unhappy. He concluded that they were shackled by destiny, unable to be close, causing pain for all three.
Therefore, he decided to break their shackles, hoping to at least give Ma Zhaixing the truth and her freedom, so she would no longer be a bird caged by hatred. Princess Bao Na inquired if his heart ached, to which he admitted it did, but stated he would let go, believing many things in life were more important than romance. He playfully boasted about his "coolness" in letting go, claiming he was unrivaled.
Princess Bao Na declared him the coolest man she had ever seen. Ji Chong then mused that while holding on meant only Ma Zhaixing, letting go meant a "sea of stars." Princess Bao Na playfully snatched his album, chiding him for looking at other women. Yao Ji confronted Chu Youwen, discovering black blood, a sign of severe poisoning, and realizing he was near death. She was distraught, but Chu Youwen calmly confirmed his incurable condition.
He inquired if she was there because of Chu Youzhen, revealing his continued concern for his "Fourth Brother." Yao Ji was alarmed by his black blood, confirming his grim prognosis. Chu Youwen expressed his doubt about being able to last long enough to capture Chu Yougui, but noted her arrival might change that. Yao Ji protested his insistence on confronting Chu Yougui, viewing it as a suicidal act given their shared fate.
Chu Youwen acknowledged her feelings, but Yao Ji vehemently retorted that he understood nothing. Chu Youwen then pleaded with Yao Ji to allow him to survive for five more days to capture Chu Yougui, so that Chu Youzhen could ascend the throne, reconcile with Jin Kingdom, and end Chu Kui's tyranny, bringing peace to the world. Chu Youwen revealed he would not let Ma Zhaixing know of his impending death, intending to disappear after capturing Chu Yougui.
Yao Ji, holding a pain-relieving medicine, refused to give it to him, declaring she could no longer grant his wish, and then incapacitated him to prevent his self-destructive plan. Heartbroken, she cradled him, vowing to prevent him from achieving his death wish. Just then, Ma Zhaixing arrived and froze, seeing Yao Ji holding Chu Youwen and weeping.
Yao Ji explained to Ma Zhaixing that Chu Youwen planned to infiltrate the capital in five days to confront Chu Yougui, intending to disappear afterward to end his life. Ma Zhaixing asked if this was due to his deteriorating health. Yao Ji confirmed her suspicion, revealing that Chu Youwen had been hiding the truth from her. She then painfully recounted the full story of his poisoning, blaming Ma Zhaixing for his suffering.
She stated that if Ma Zhaixing hadn't caused Prince of Bo despair, he wouldn't have fallen off the cliff and been forced to take Chu Kui's medicine, leading to his chronic pain. Furthermore, she blamed Ma Zhaixing for him blocking Chu Yougui's arrow for her in the Longevity Forest, which rendered his condition incurable. Yao Ji revealed that Prince of Bo now had only six months to live. Ma Zhaixing acknowledged Yao Ji's deep feelings for Prince of Bo.
Yao Ji, holding a dagger, explained it was the only gift Prince of Bo had ever given her, but she had to destroy it to save his life after the War of Boxiang, symbolizing their close yet distant connection. She confessed that despite sharing the same fate, they did not share the same heart, recognizing Ma Zhaixing and Prince of Bo as soulmates.
Yao Ji, humbled, begged Ma Zhaixing to care for Prince of Bo's wounded and repressed heart during his remaining time. Ma Zhaixing, deeply moved, admitted her envy of Yao Ji for being Prince of Bo's confidante for so many years and thanked her for her selfless care. However, she emphasized that ultimately, he was not Yao Ji's Prince of Bo, but "Wolf Boy" who had waited his entire life for her.
Ma Zhaixing then embraced Yao Ji, expressing her heartfelt gratitude. The next day, Chu Youwen awoke to find Ma Zhaixing hanging clothes and blankets outside. He questioned her presence and the whereabouts of Zhao Liuye and the others. Ma Zhaixing explained that Ji Chong had arranged for everyone to leave, providing them with peace for his recuperation. Chu Youwen, still resistant, told her he didn't need her care and urged her to go home.
Ma Zhaixing responded that not only his body, but her heart also needed rest and healing. She then eloquently described her deepest wish: to live a simple, peaceful life with Wolf Boy, drying laundry, cooking together, and sharing meals, even imagining his presence if he were gone. She wondered aloud if such a life was truly unattainable. Chu Youwen, visibly affected, dismissed her fears.
He revealed that Yao Ji had told him everything, including witnessing Ma Zhaixing collapse from pain after her injury, and how he himself had been scared and worried during the two days she was unconscious, fearing he would never get to experience such a life. He reassured her, saying he felt much better and they still had half a year before the worst.
He promised to help her hang thousands of clothes and eat with her until she no longer wished to. He gently asked if she wouldn't push him away this time, recognizing how much they had missed. He affirmed that her desired life was exactly what he wanted too, vowing not to give up on their future despite his difficult life. Their newfound closeness led to tender moments.
As they engaged in playful banter about domestic chores and their future, Ma Zhaixing modestly admitted her own lack of cooking prowess. Chu Youwen, displaying a newfound ability to care for others, painstakingly picked fish bones for her, prompting her remark about his transformation. As they leaned in for a kiss, Zhao Liuye, carrying a bucket of water, burst in, awkwardly apologizing for the interruption before hastily retreating, only to be called back by Chu Youwen.
