Episode 40 recap: Mu Zhuo Hua and Liu Yan got married.
Rou Jia Gong Zhu was shocked to discover that all of this was orchestrated by Shen Jing Hong. Shen Jing Hong urged Rou Jia Gong Zhu to let go, but she refused. She believed that as a woman, she didn't have the right to fight for her position. Liu Chen was born into privilege, and for the sake of his status, her own mother had to die.
Rou Jia Gong Zhu insisted that she did nothing wrong and only wanted to make the country better. She drew her sword, intending to stab Liu Chen, but Shen Jing Hong suddenly rushed forward and took the blow for him.
Rou Jia Gong Zhu embraced Shen Jing Hong, greatly shocked that he would sacrifice his life for Liu Chen, whom she considered worthless. Shen Jing Hong explained that he did it for Rou Jia Gong Zhu's sake.
Shen Jing Hong closed his eyes, and Rou Jia Gong Zhu burst into laughter, stating that she could never love someone like Shen Jing Hong. Mu Zhuo Hua realized that Rou Jia Gong Zhu's words about serving others and the country were all driven by her own greed.
Rou Jia Gong Zhu ascended to the throne step by step and sat upon it. She took poison and ended her own life. Mu Zhuo Hua asked about Liu Yan's fake death plan, which Liu Yan had discussed with Liu Chen. Liu Chen was concerned that Liu Yan would have to drink poison, which was too dangerous.
Liu Yan assured him that she would consume the Soul Detachment Powder, which would temporarily simulate death with no heartbeat, allowing her to deceive Rou Jia Gong Zhu. Reluctantly, Liu Chen agreed. After Liu Yan's staged death, they brought her back, and three days passed without her waking up. Fortunately, Liu Yan eventually recovered.
Zhi Mo confessed her feelings to Guo Ju Li, expressing that she liked her. Guo Ju Li revealed that she had known for a long time. Zhi Mo was surprised and asked if Guo Ju Li truly knew. Guo Ju Li confirmed that Zhi Mo liked her, just as a prince would like a princess.
Zhi Mo promised to treat Guo Ju Li better in the future, and Guo Ju Li assured her that she would also treat Zhi Mo well. Zhi Jian came to find Liu Chen and expressed that he didn't want to go with Liu Yan but instead wished to stay on this side and join the Forbidden Army.
Liu Chen agreed, recognizing that Liu Yan's side was now filled with pairs, and Zhi Jian wouldn't fit in there.
Mu Zhuo Hua came to find Liu Chen, who asked if Mu Zhuo Hua was planning to leave. Mu Zhuo Hua admitted it and said that Liu Yan was going to the fiefdom, and he would also go there to implement border defense policies. If everything went smoothly, they might no longer have to engage in warfare in the future. Liu Chen mentioned how Mu Zhuo Hua had taught the Crown Prince to read in the past and expressed his deep emotions.
Mu Zhuo Hua said that at that time, Liu Chen had considered him an ignorant person, and Liu Chen acknowledged that he had been unfair. Mu Zhuo Hua noticed that it was snowing outside and went out with Liu Yan to see. Liu Yan draped a cloak over Mu Zhuo Hua. Mu Zhuo Hua asked if Liu Yan wanted to go out and enjoy the snow together, so they could be together until old age.
Guo Ju Li came to inform Mu Zhuo Hua that Liu Chen had been busy with state affairs and was exhausted. As soon as he arrived at the other courtyard, he fainted. Upon hearing this, Mu Zhuo Hua hurried back to check on him and coincidentally met Liu Yan outside. Mu Zhuo Hua and Liu Yan pushed open the door and were surprised to find everything arranged inside. Liu Chen was there with the ministers, and Mu Lao Ye (Mu Zhuo Hua's father) and the Madam were also present. Liu Chen stated that he wanted to hold a wedding for them. Mu Zhuo Hua was greatly shocked, as it violated the regulations. However, Liu Chen explained that marriage was a common desire, and from now on, women officials in the court were free to marry.
Mu Zhuo Hua was delighted upon hearing this. Both Mu Zhuo Hua and Liu Yan changed into ceremonial attire, and the wedding ceremony began. They paid respects to heaven and earth and drank the ceremonial wine. Liu Chen presented them with congratulatory gifts, carefully selecting the best items. Knowing that Mu Zhuo Hua liked money, Liu Chen even gave him an extra box of silver ingots.
Liu Chen left first, feeling that his presence might make others uncomfortable. Mu Zhuo Hua went to the court and reminisced about his experiences in the square. The Grand Marshal announced the imperial edict, and Liu Chen appointed Mu Zhuo Hua as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Mu Zhuo Hua knelt down to receive the edict and exchanged smiles with Liu Yan.
(The drama ends)
The Emperor's eyes are filled with reluctance, and there's a hidden emotion in his heart that he has never expressed. It's a mixture of blessings and heartache, a sentiment that only he can understand.
Perhaps the Crown Prince also understands it. It's a perfect ending, but it's a pity that the Emperor is still alone. I wish him a better future ahead.