Episode 12 recap: The crown prince used captives to blackmail Yin Ruoshui.
Upon learning that Yin Ruoshui was pregnant, the crown prince decided to take charge and arrange a marriage between her and Lin Cangwu. He also stated that since the Lin family had good news, he would temporarily spare the captives from execution. Upon hearing the crown prince's words, Nangong Xi became furious and angrily questioned how he would explain himself to the soldiers ahead. She then returned to the palace with her people. Lin Shunqin was also in a bad mood because she had already developed feelings for Lin Cangwu. Now that the crown prince arranged a marriage for Yin Ruoshui and Lin Cangwu, she felt that she had lost her chance.
The crown prince then ordered the general's residence to be completely surrounded, not allowing anyone to escape. Worried about the safety of the captives, Yin Ruoshui couldn't help but go to the courtyard to check. She saw soldiers stationed every few steps, making it impossible for anyone to escape from the general's residence. Seeing Yin Ruoshui in the courtyard, the crown prince approached and asked why she wasn't resting in her room, considering her pregnancy.
Yin Ruoshui replied that there was chaos in the residence, and she couldn't rest peacefully. The crown prince suggested that she accompany him outside, and Lin Cangwu, who was worried, followed along. They arrived at the border, where Yin Ruoshui saw the captives being brought over. The crown prince proposed a game to Yin Ruoshui. If he shot an arrow as a signal, and the blindfolded captives could run across the border, he would set them free. Otherwise, they would be executed on the spot.
Subsequently, both he and Yin Ruoshui picked up their bows and arrows. As the arrows hit the ground, the captives sprinted towards the national border. The crown prince's arrow was aimed at General Huang but was shot down by Yin Ruoshui's arrow.
The ending absolutely should not have been the male lead hurting her when he was the crown prince. I can understand him wanting to protect her, but when he became the general's wife, it was completely unnecessary and absurd. In real life, that's just twisted.
The female lead, as a princess, has responsibilities in her own country, even if she's not favored. It's okay for her not to seek revenge, but she should never be willing to forgive the male lead.