Episode 21 recap: Shen Du Helps Find the Antidote
In this episode, Yan Xing is thrilled to have obtained a prescription that seems promising, except for one ingredient that poses a significant challenge: the blood of a Mirror Person. Lu Chui Chui is taken aback and points out that the Mirror Person is none other than Chen Huo'e, who has long since passed away. Yan Xing sighs, realizing they will have to come up with another plan and hope for some luck.
Meanwhile, Jing Lin informs Shen Du that the Yan family has approached him for help in gathering information because Yan Caiwei was involved in the "Cocoon to Butterfly" event organized by the Hehuo Sect. Shen Du feels uneasy, wondering why the Yan family knows to come to him when Yan Xing hasn’t directly sought him out.
On another front, Han Shi Yuan goes to great lengths to plead with Princess Yong'an for assistance, only to be roughly treated by the palace guards. When he finally meets the princess, he makes a desperate promise that if she saves him, his life will be hers to command. Princess Yong'an, feeling helpless, explains that she didn’t create the poison and is surprised by Han Shi Yuan's determination. She quickly orders him to be sent back to the Yan family to avoid any trouble under her watch.
Shen Du, realizing that the situation is aimed at him, heads straight to Lai Luo Zhi's territory. Upon arrival, he finds the place deserted and shrouded in mist. In a moment of distraction, he inadvertently gets into a scuffle, quickly clarifying that he meant no offense to the women present.
Lai Luo Zhi appears and reprimands Shen Du for barging into the backyard, suggesting it would reflect poorly on her. Shen Du directly asks her what she means by this, and Lai Luo Zhi cuts to the chase, revealing that something valuable is hidden there, but others are too scared to come near her, even to drink a cup of tea.
Determined, Shen Du drinks the tea, and Lai Luo Zhi finally discloses that the blood of the Mirror Person is contained in a special cup she had crafted by artisans from the Western Regions, designed for long-term preservation. Shen Du then asks what she wants in return, and Lai Luo Zhi requests a promise: today’s help will require double the favor in the future. After some thought, Shen Du agrees.
Meanwhile, Yan Xing's father seeks Zhang Xiang’s help but is unsuccessful. The Virtuous King learns of Yan Caiwei’s poisoning and questions Zhang Xiang’s involvement. Zhang Qian (a name mentioned but unclear in the original) suggests that as long as Yan Caiwei is poisoned, a rift will form between the English King and Shen Du, leading Shen Du to withdraw his support for the English King.
The Virtuous King feels conflicted, recognizing the allure of power while wishing to avoid getting entangled in such schemes. Lady Yang is frantic and urges Yan Xing to find another solution. Yan Xing’s aunt also complains that they have done all they can. Undeterred, Lady Yang insists they should seek Shen Du’s help, reasoning that Yan Caiwei is his sister, and he wouldn’t turn his back on her.
Just then, Shen Du appears with the cup containing the blood, announcing that he has found it. Everyone cheers as Yan Xing quickly prepares the antidote and even tests it herself. Seeing Shen Du drink it, Yan Xing panics and asks why he would do such a thing and if he feels unwell.
Shen Du reassures her with a smile, stating that since Lai Luo Zhi provided it, the medicine should be safe. He hadn’t expected to drink it himself, or he would have added something extra. His underlying message to Yan Xing is clear: she should think of him first in future matters.
Meanwhile, Lai Luo Zhi’s sister privately questions her about the chaos of poisoning and then curing, especially with Shen Du witnessing it. Lai Luo Zhi sighs, explaining that her actions are all for her family to receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
Comments(Episode 21)