Episode 8 recap: Amputation as a punishment.
Ling Zhi returned to her sleeping quarters, and the maid placed the freshly washed clothes in the cabinet. At this time, Huan Fei came again, saying she had lost a precious item and suspected Ling Zhi of stealing it. Upon arriving in the room, she proceeded to thoroughly search Ling Zhi's room.
Sure enough, the lost item was found in a box in the wardrobe. Ling Zhi suspected that the maid had secretly placed it there in an attempt to frame her.
Ling Zhi was now in an indefensible situation, facing Huan Fei's accusations and trying to defend herself. However, Huan Fei was resolute, even intending to cruelly subject Ling Zhi to the punishment of hand amputation, which left Ling Zhi feeling greatly wronged. She was unable to prove her innocence, and her mood was anxious and her situation dire. During this time, Qing Yan witnessed Ling Zhi's suffering and was deeply concerned.
Qing Yan was worried that Ling Zhi would sustain further harm from this injustice, so he decided to take action. Qing Yan quickly found Emperor Mu Xuan Jue and recounted the incident, hoping to draw the emperor's attention and clear Ling Zhi's name. However, Mu Xuan Jue believed that the relationship between Qing Yan and Ling Zhi was merely that of lord and subject, which should remain loyal and upright without excessive intervention.
He felt that the truth would eventually come to light. At this time, Huan Fei had already drawn her sword, and Ling Zhi was being restrained by two maids. Just as the blade was about to fall, the sword suddenly stopped in midair, as Mu Xuan Jue had arrived and severely reprimanded Huan Fei. Huan Fei could not understand why the wise Mu Xuan Jue would be willing to stand up for a lowly maid, when he had never truly reciprocated her own good intentions. Huan Fei even suggested that Mu Xuan Jue ally with her, but Mu Xuan Jue paid her no heed.
Seeing that Mu Xuan Jue was unwilling to ally with her, Huan Fei realized they would become enemies. Mu Xuan Jue prepared to kill Huan Fei, but Ling Zhi stood in front of her, stating that if Huan Fei were to cut off her hand, the other palace concubines would surely hold it against her.
Mu Xuan Jue instructed Huan Fei to leave first, and then he left with Ling Zhi in his arms.
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