Episode 23 recap: Ding Zhaozhao meets the Emperor.
Ding He sent people to hunt down Chu Bufan and instructed them not to harm his daughter, Ding Zhaozhao. In a short time, wanted posters were plastered all over the city, and the common people were discussing it. Ding Zhaozhao felt that her father's plan was a win-win situation and would also benefit from it. The incident in the capital city had caught the Emperor's attention. Ding He assured the Emperor that he would do everything in his power to capture the real culprit. However, while he was speaking, he heard his daughter, Ding Zhaozhao, outside beating a drum and proclaiming her innocence.
After Ding Zhaozhao was brought in, she voluntarily accepted a punishment of fifty lashes and revealed her father's guilt. The Emperor ordered Ding Zhaozhao to carry out the execution, and she showed no resentment. Ding He, standing by, felt heartbroken for his daughter. After receiving her punishment, Ding Zhaozhao handed over the account books to the Emperor for disposal. Ding He knew that he was clearly unable to defend himself.
The Emperor was furious upon seeing the names of those involved and questioned Ding He about his defense. Ding He dared not speak. Ding Zhaozhao told the Emperor that her father had forced her not to reveal his crimes. The Emperor was enraged and decided to handle the matter seriously. Ding He was angry when he saw his daughter coming to meet him. He told her that he was unable to resist the situation in the court at that time and was implicated in many things.
However, Ding Zhaozhao felt that her father simply couldn't bear to let go of his power. Before leaving, Ding He advised his daughter not to be too picky about her meals and to take care of herself. Ding He actually knew that Chu Bufan was Liu'an and that he was the son of General Jing. When Ding He discovered Chu Bufan's identity years ago, he instructed the people at Shantang to treat him well. However, those people were afraid of exposure and ended up burning down Shantang.
Chu Bufan knew that Ding He had accepted the situation back then because Ding Zhaozhao's mother had difficulties giving birth, and it was for the sake of his wife and daughter.
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