Episode 35 recap: Jin Cang's Suicide
In Episode 35, Lu Chui Chui is confused about why Lai Luo Zhi has captured her. Lai Luo Zhi has even prepared wedding attire and brought traditional betrothal gifts, wanting to marry Lu Chui Chui. However, Lu Chui Chui states that she is already engaged to Jiang Langxing. Lai Luo Zhi argues that even if they were married, they could still get a divorce.
Lu Chui Chui insists that she and Jiang Langxing are in love, while Lai Luo Zhi claims that he loves Lu Chui Chui too and believes she has feelings for him as well. When Lai Luo Zhi tries to force her, Lu Chui Chui breaks down in tears. He releases her, promising to wait until she is willing.
Yan Xing is happy to see her mother has returned. She explains that she wrote a petition to her father, stating that as a married woman, she belongs to the Yan family, which is why she was allowed to leave. Yan Xing's father mentions that it was Zhang Xiang who reminded him to write the petition, which Shen Du submitted.
Jin Cang is paraded through the streets for public humiliation. He claims that Lai Luo Zhi has falsely accused him and is trying to frame the virtuous king. Jin Cang insists he has secrets to share with Lai Luo Zhi, who dismisses him as an unarmed musician without any secrets worth hearing.
As Lai Luo Zhi approaches, Jin Cang asserts that he knows about Lai Luo Zhi's own misdeeds and pulls at his collar. Yan Xing and the others arrive, and Jin Cang gives Yan Xing a bloody letter he wrote, asking her to deliver it to the Empress Dowager.
In a tragic turn, Jin Cang grabs a nearby sword and commits suicide. Yan Xing's mother cannot handle the shock and faints. Lai Luo Zhi sends for help, and Yan Xing challenges him, questioning whether he will even seize the letter meant for the Empress Dowager in public.
When the Empress Dowager learns of Jin Cang's death, she is taken aback, stating she never ordered his execution. Shen Du argues that the situation allows Lai Luo Zhi to frame the Jin family, while Lai Luo Zhi claims he is simply seeking the truth.
Shen Du suggests that, given the circumstances, Lai Luo Zhi should no longer interrogate the Jin family and recommends handing the case over to the Imperial Guard. The Empress Dowager agrees.
Shen Du has returned and wants Yan Xing to go back and keep her mother company. Yan Xing feels that comforting her mother at this moment might not be helpful, and insists they should first resolve the current issues.
Shen Du meets with the Empress Dowager, who mentions that after reviewing Jin Cang's musical scores, she realizes how long Jin Cang has been by her side. During a time when the Empress Dowager was playing chess with the late emperor, Jin Cang was nearby playing the harp. On significant days in the future, Jin Cang would always be there. The Empress Dowager also has an unfinished piece of music that Jin Cang intended to play once the Ming Hall was completed.
The Empress Dowager acknowledges that Shen Du has been seeking answers and promises to provide one once the situation is resolved. Yan Xing informs Shen Du about what Jin Cang said before he died regarding the Fire Moth Three, believing that Jin Cang's actions were justified and not merely to humiliate Lai Luo Zhi.
Jiang Langxing has been searching for Lu Chui Chui and receives a note instructing him to come to the residence. When he arrives at Lai Luo Zhi's place to look for her, he is stopped by Lai Luo Zhi. Xu Xiangren intervenes, telling Jiang Langxing to leave first. Xu Xiangren insists that if he can take things from the palace, then Lai Luo Zhi should be able to do the same.
Lai Luo Zhi is shocked and quickly returns to look for Lu Chui Chui, only to find that she has already disappeared. It turns out that Lai Luo Zhi's servant has set Lu Chui Chui free, stating that she has decided to ensure Lai Luo Zhi can never possess her.
Lu Chui Chui confides in Yan Xing and the others that she had seen Lai Luo Zhi at the cemetery but never mentioned it before. She reveals that she saw a ceremonial robe with a taotie design while with Lai Luo Zhi.
Xu Xiangren says he has to leave, and Shen Du follows him, realizing that Xu Xiangren intends to retrieve the ceremonial robe from Lai Luo Zhi. Xu Xiangren explains that they finally have evidence now, and they cannot let this opportunity slip by. He asks Shen Du to take care of Yun Que if anything happens to him.
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