Episode 12 recap: Mu Zhuo Hua receives a beating.
Upon learning that the Crown Prince and the Third Prince had gotten into a fight, Liu Yan hurriedly rushed over. The Empress Dowager believed that neither the Crown Prince nor the Third Prince had ill intentions, as they had always been on good terms. It was during Mu Zhuo Hua's class that the fight broke out, so she was certain that Mu Zhuo Hua must have done something. Liu Yan discussed the peace talks with the Emperor, expressing the desire to negotiate with Dongxia, which would put Beiliang in a hurry.
The Crown Prince stated that they were the ones who fought, and a mere civil official like Mu Zhuo Hua couldn't stop them. Although the Second Prince also pleaded on Mu Zhuo Hua's behalf, his words contained some criticism of Mu Zhuo Hua. The Empress Dowager was also aware of Mu Zhuo Hua's reputation for indulging in sensual pleasures, and she was extremely angry. She declared that Mu Zhuo Hua dared to harbor wicked thoughts towards her grandson and ordered his dismissal from the teaching position, along with twenty strokes of the cane.
Mu Zhuo Hua admitted that he had indeed failed to prevent the two princes from fighting, acknowledging his mistake in that matter. However, he refused to accept the other accusations and maintained his innocence. As Mu Zhuo Hua received the beating, Liu Yan arrived and suggested that if Mu Zhuo Hua had committed a wrongdoing, his charges should be made public and brought before the Three Departments for examination. The Empress Dowager believed that Mu Zhuo Hua was insignificant, and it wasn't necessary to make a big fuss. Liu Yan, on the other hand, argued that if Mu Zhuo Hua was insignificant, then there was no need for further punishment. It was then that the Empress Dowager realized that Liu Yan was using a strategic retreat.
Princess Rou Jia Gong Zhu learned about the situation and came to persuade the Empress Dowager not to let these small matters affect her health. Eventually, the Empress Dowager agreed. Liu Yan took Mu Zhuo Hua back to his residence and called for a physician. The Empress Dowager believed that Liu Yan had developed genuine feelings for Mu Zhuo Hua. Princess Rou Jia Gong Zhu suggested that Liu Yan should request the reinstatement of the female grace examination and that since Mu Zhuo Hua had achieved the top score, it was normal for Liu Yan to pay more attention to her.
The steward was delighted to see Liu Yan bringing Mu Zhuo Hua back and even burned incense to pray, hoping that Liu Yan would have his own child soon. The physician examined Mu Zhuo Hua and stated that her injuries were superficial and would heal with proper care. The steward had a long conversation with Liu Yan, expressing the opinion that Mu Zhuo Hua should not be moved around and arranged a room in the backyard for Liu Yan to stay in. The steward also advised Liu Yan to visit Mu Zhuo Hua more often, bringing gifts with him.
Princess Rou Jia Gong Zhu summoned Shen Jing Hong and gave her a hairpin, explaining that she couldn't conveniently visit Mu Zhuo Hua and asked Shen Jing Hong to go in her place. Shen Jing Hong went to see Mu Zhuo Hua and gave her the hairpin. Mu Zhuo Hua was worried that if others found out, there would be gossip, but since Liu Yan had chosen to stay in the Wang residence, she was no longer afraid of rumors. Liu Yan came with medicine and said that Mu Zhuo Hua needed to rest well. Shen Jing Hong then left.
Guo Ju Li secretly went out to poison someone but was caught by Zhi Mo. Guo Ju Li claimed that the medicine was too bitter and that Mu Zhuo Hua had prescribed it for herself. Liu Yan came with medicine, and Mu Zhuo Hua had no choice but to drink it. Liu Yan asked Mu Zhuo Hua if she thought she was wronged for being beaten, and Mu Zhuo Hua felt that it was both right and wrong. It was obvious that the Third Prince was deliberately provoking the Crown Prince, causing the Crown Prince to have a reputation for a bad temper. Mu Zhuo Hua didn't realize it herself and was used as a pawn by them. However, if it weren't for her bad reputation, things wouldn't have turned out this way.
Mu Zhuo Hua had been studying about Beiliang and felt that she had made up her mind about the previous incident. She was willing to follow Liu Yan and help with the peace negotiations. Liu Yan overheard her and said that Mu Zhuo Hua didn't need to join him just because he had saved her. He wasn't someone who sought to take advantage of others' gratitude and hoped that Mu Zhuo Hua would follow her own heart.
Mu Zhuo Hua expressed that she understood how rare sincerity was and that Liu Yan had always treated her sincerely, which was why she was willing to follow him. Liu Yan brought many materials about Beiliang for Mu Zhuo Hua to study carefully.
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