Episode 1 recap: Liu Li and Pei Xingjian are manipulated by others.
During the prosperous reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, the renowned clothing family An lived a simple life, detached from fame and fortune, residing in the marketplace. They had a daughter, gifted and intelligent, named Huanfu Liuli. However, her peaceful life was disrupted by Zhuo Jinniang, who aspired to become a master tailor. Reluctantly, An entrusted their daughter to an old friend in the palace, Sun Decheng, who became her adoptive father. From then on, Liuli disguised herself as a man, assuming the identity of a physician named Dou Yiguan (portrayed by Gulnazar), while her mother tragically committed suicide in prison.
Upon discovering that her sister, who had once saved her life, had passed away, Liuli resolved to secretly sew a purse for her. However, Zhuo Jinniang discovered her sewing technique, which was identical to their master's from years ago. Despite the passing of ten years, Liuli's talent in sewing remained exceptional. Zhuo Jinniang learned through various channels that the person who made the purse was a man named Dou Yiguan. Concerned that Liuli's identity would be exposed, Sun Decheng sent her out of the palace.
Though reluctant to leave the palace, Liuli encountered a man named Pei Xingjian (portrayed by Xu Weizhou). She demanded that he hand over her cousin's belongings. Thus, Liuli and Pei Xingjian began an inextricable series of encounters. Later, Pei Xingjian discovered that Liuli was being pursued by the imperial court. Their paths became intertwined, and Pei Xingjian was appointed as a personal guard to the crown prince. After returning to the palace, Liuli discovered the connection between her mother's death and Zhuo Jinniang. She decided to investigate by visiting the Shanggong Bureau.
Taking care of each other within the palace, Pei Xingjian eventually realized that Liuli was the person he had admired over a decade ago. In order to dispel Zhuo Jinniang's suspicion, Pei Xingjian handed over the "Number One Needle in the World," which belonged to Liuli's mother, to Zhuo Jinniang. This greatly angered Liuli, but her true identity could not remain hidden forever. In self-defense, Zhuo Jinniang forced Liuli to consume poison. Ignoring the danger, Pei Xingjian found the antidote for Liuli, and they reconciled their differences.
In the end, Liuli's mother's case was resolved, Zhuo Jinniang was executed, and Emperor Gaozong issued an edict for Liuli to marry Pei Xingjian. They happily became a couple, unaware that a greater crisis loomed over them.
The Grand Princess is currently selecting a suitable woman for her son. The Grand Princess learned that Pei Xingjian and Liuli are still very much in love, but it is said that they have been looking at new residents.
Early in the morning, while Liuli was still in a deep sleep, Pei Xingjian prepared himself to attend the morning court session. After their marriage, Pei Xingjian and Liuli were deeply in love. Liuli went to the garden early in the morning and heard someone playing the flute. Coincidentally, Pei Xingjian heard the laughter and flute music and approached. To his surprise, he saw the face of a woman whom he once loved dearly. The woman's name was Yunu, and Liuli also learned that Yunu bore a striking resemblance to Lady Lu from the Lu family. Liuli felt uneasy about this and even planned to sell Yunu.
Later, Liuli deliberately sent Yunu away, pretending that she wanted to obtain Yunu's contract of indentured servitude. However, when the Grand Princess fell ill, Liuli was unable to provide the contract and claimed to have lost it. In fact, Liuli's intention was to prevent Pei Xingjian from becoming interested in Yunu. Yunu intentionally approached Pei Xingjian, even imitating Lady Lu's appearance and preferences, hoping to make Pei Xingjian fall in love with her again.
Lady Lu had actually passed away many years ago, and her death was also connected to the Grand Princess. The Grand Princess deliberately shifted the blame onto Liuli. When Liuli went to see the Grand Princess, they took the opportunity to make Liuli accompany them. Liuli originally wanted to bring Yunu along, but the Grand Princess directly refused. After returning home, Liuli told Pei Xingjian about the incident, and he fully supported her. In reality, the Grand Princess wanted to intentionally separate Liuli from Pei Xingjian, allowing Yunu and Pei Xingjian to spend time alone together, creating conflicts between Pei Xingjian and Liuli.
Due to heavy rain, Liuli was very worried about Pei Xingjian. When he returned home, he found a table filled with food prepared by Yunu. The Grand Princess deliberately kept Liuli occupied until the rain stopped and only returned home the next day.
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