Episode 6 recap: Lu Jing Devises a Solution to the Salt Transportation Dilemma
In episode 6, Chang Sheng is faced with a dilemma - on one side sits a pair of vases, one with Zhao Huaibi's name written on it and the other labeled "marriage alliance", clearly indicating that she must choose between the two, both of which would cause her headaches. Meanwhile, Zhao Huaibi is busy transporting salt to the State of Yan, preoccupied with this pressing national matter and having no time to indulge in Chang De's romantic games. The king trusts Chang Le Wang, so he has entrusted the profitable pine salt forest to his care, and the salt Zhao Huaibi is transporting this time comes from there.
Just as Zhao Huaibi is about to depart, Chang De's maid comes in a panic, reporting that Chang De has gone missing. It turns out Chang De said she wanted to make fish floss as a surprise for Zhao Huaibi, but then disappeared without a trace, sending the palace into a frenzy. Zhao Huaibi is also anxiously worried, but the salt transport task at hand cannot be delayed, so he can only wait for news at the pine salt forest.
Chang Sheng and Lu Jing waste no time in rushing to the palace to help search. Chang Sheng is as frantic as an ant on a hot pan, and accidentally cuts her hand, drawing blood, but she pays no heed to the pain, her mind solely focused on finding Chang De. Finally, in the little play kitchen they used to frequent as children, Chang Sheng finds Chang De and carefully helps her put on shoes, then they go together to report the good news to the king.
Chang Sheng discreetly signals to Chang De not to mention the delay in Zhao Huaibi's salt transport, as the bridge has collapsed, which is bound to cause a delay. Chang Sheng brings Chang De to the pine salt forest to meet Zhao Huaibi, solemnly telling him that a delay in the salt transport is a grave matter that could cost him his head. She asks Zhao Huaibi to hold off for now, as she will find a solution.
If the salt transport is delayed, the relationship between the States of Fu Yu and Yan will likely become tense, which would benefit the Great Yan, but Lu Jing is worrying herself sick, watching Chang Sheng frantically search for a solution.
Chang Sheng spends the entire night without sleep, unable to come up with a good idea. It is Lu Jing's quick thinking that provides the solution - transporting the salt by ship over the frozen lake. This way, the salt can be delivered to Yan within two days without delay.
Exhausted like a frost-bitten eggplant, Chang Sheng is allowed to rest by Lu Jing, who takes it upon himself to go to the pine salt forest and inform Zhao Huaibi of the good news, arranging the subsequent details. In truth, Lu Jing has long had feelings for Chang Sheng, and this act of assistance is also a way for him to impress her.
Waking up refreshed, Chang Sheng suggests taking everyone out for a stroll, saying she hasn't properly entertained Lu Jing during his stay in Fu Yu. Together they make sugar, watch a performance, and play in the snow with the children, filled with laughter and joy. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Jing invites Chang Sheng to join him in the snow play, which she readily agrees to.
However, this snow play leads to Chang Sheng catching a cold and coughing profusely, her complexion turning pale. She was supposed to go to the palace to see the Virtuous Consort, but now cannot due to her illness. To Chang Sheng's surprise, Lu Jing had already arranged for her leave and instructed her to rest at home and take medicine.
Upon returning from delivering the salt and thanking the emperor, Zhao Huaibi happens to run into Guang De, who has come to deliver medicine to Chang Sheng. Zhao Huaibi suddenly proposes to marry Chang Sheng, leaving Guang De stunned and running off in tears. Chang Sheng understands that Zhao Huaibi's intention is to continue serving in office, as the rule in Fu Yu is that the imperial son-in-law cannot hold office.
Later, Chang Sheng hears that Guang De has fallen ill and goes to the palace to visit her. Once again faced with the vases, Chang Sheng decides to leave her fate to heaven. But as she tosses the vase, she nearly falls down the steps, only to be swiftly caught by Lu Jing. The two of them tumble into the snow, their lips meeting in an unexpected intimate embrace that leaves both their hearts in a tangled web of emotions.
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