Episode 16 recap: The Grand Wedding of Qiang Xuan and Hao Ling Yi
In episode 16, Qiang Xuan is set to marry Hao Ling Yi, but he seems troubled. Jiu Yao doesn't understand why he's not happy, as she thought Hao Ling Yi was special and could win Qiang Xuan's heart. However, Qiang Xuan tells her this marriage is not what he truly wants. Jiu Yao advises him that the alliance can bring peace between the two nations, and Hao Ling Yi genuinely loves him.
But Qiang Xuan becomes angry, saying Jiu Yao doesn't understand his feelings. Jiu Yao recalls how happy Qiang Xuan was when he married Chen Rong Xin Yue, and is now saddened by his conflicted state. In a moment of impulse, Qiang Xuan almost kisses Jiu Yao, but ultimately just leans on her shoulder, his emotions complicated.
Jiu Yao comforts him tenderly, hoping he'll feel better. Hao Ling Yi is set to marry Qiang Xuan, but she is not happy - it's nothing like she had imagined. When Hao Ling Wang sees her daughter's distress, he thinks she regrets it and tries to console her. But Hao Ling Yi says she knows Qiang Xuan doesn't love her, yet her own love for him is sincere. She explains that even if this isn't the outcome she wanted most, she would regret it forever if she gave up now. Hao Ling Wang is both relieved and concerned seeing his daughter's maturity.
Jiu Yao wants to cancel the wedding, but Qiang Xuan says he was just drunkenly rambling earlier, and now thinks the wedding can proceed, as the bigger picture is more important. Seeing his sadness, Jiu Yao offers to help him in any way. Qiang Xuan just hopes everyone will be safe, and asks Jiu Yao not to attend the wedding.
Jiu Yao agrees, silently wishing her brother happiness and hoping the alliance will bring peace. On the wedding day, Jiu Yao walks alone by the sea, lost in her thoughts. Xiang Liu appears, saying he knows of Hao Ling Wang's plan, and asks Jiu Yao what she plans to do. Jiu Yao urges him to stop following Hong Jiang, but Xiang Liu leaves without a word.
Later, Tu Shan Jing comes and tells Jiu Yao that Xiang Liu may know how to break the curse. They talk, and their feelings deepen again as they embrace. Xiang Liu watches from afar, his emotions inscrutable.
Meanwhile, major events unfold in Hao Ling. Hao Ling Wang passes the throne to Qiang Xuan, solidifying his position. Old Xi Yan Wang is pleased, feeling Qiang Xuan has done well. To secure the nation's future, Hao Ling Wang decides to relocate to West Yan Mountain. On the other side, Chen Rong Xin Yue is furious about Hao Ling Yi's marriage, and even avoids her brother Chi Shui Feng Long. Seeing this, Chi Shui Feng Long can only silently depart.
Comments(Episode 16)