Episode 21 recap: King of Nanzhao Takes an Interest in Chu Fei Yan
In this episode, Han Zi Qing and Qin Fei accidentally fall into the water. Quick-thinking bystanders throw a rope and pull them to safety. Qin Fei panics, and both Jun Bei Yue and the King of Nanzhao rush over. Upon seeing the king, Qin Fei urgently pleads for his help.Jun Bei Yue senses that something suspicious is going on and demands an explanation from the Nanzhao king. The king immediately orders his men to find the antidote, but they report that it's in the carriage and not with them. Hearing this, the king's expression darkens, and he warns that if anything happens to the two princesses, he will hold them accountable with his life. Only then does someone remember a small pouch of medicine the king had prepared, which might contain the antidote, and they quickly retrieve it.
Jun Bei Yue takes the antidote, first administering it to Han Zi Qing and then giving it to everyone who had contact with the princesses, just in case. He realizes that someone must be behind this incident, and Han Zi Qing reminds him to be cautious while on Nanzhao's territory.
Feeling guilty, Qin Fei decides to play a tune for the king to lift his spirits and make amends, but the king, worried about her, advises her to rest while he goes to visit Meng Fei.
Chu Fei Yan privately approaches Qin Fei and hints that Han Zi Qing's fall might have been intentional. However, Qin Fei believes the river is toxic, and nobody would want to fall in, suggesting it was just an accident, and she urges Chu Fei Yan not to overthink it. Chu Fei Yan, however, has her own agenda.
Meanwhile, Li Ge's sister advises him against getting involved in Han Zi Qing's issues, but he dismisses her concerns, threatening that he can either elevate her status or bring her down.
The competition begins, and Chu Fei Yan specifically seeks out Han Zi Qing, declaring that she will not lose this time. Han Zi Qing remains calm and seemingly unconcerned. The music competition starts, with Han Zi Qing scheduled to perform last, leaving Qin Fei puzzled about her placement.
Jun Bei Yue notices Qin Fei's unease, and Han Zi Qing seizes the opportunity to let Qin Fei take the final spot, although Qin Fei insists she is just there to join the fun.
When it's Chu Fei Yan's turn, her musical skills impress everyone, including the King of Nanzhao, who can't help but smile. However, when Han Zi Qing takes the stage, she surprises everyone by playing poorly, completely contrasting her reputed talent. Chu Fei Yan, feeling triumphant, remains oblivious to the danger that is quietly approaching.
The king suddenly invites Chu Fei Yan to join him for a later performance and to spend time in his and Qin Fei's cabin, which raises alarm bells for Chu Fei Yan. Meanwhile, Jun Bei Yue and Han Zi Qing discreetly slip away.
The king then asks Qin Fei to invite Chu Fei Yan over, and through their conversation, Chu Fei realizes that Han Zi Qing’s earlier mishap was intentional. Nevertheless, for the sake of peace between their nations, she decides to go.
At the banquet, the king even splashes water on Chu Fei Yan as a sign of his "affection," making her extremely uncomfortable, yet she forces a smile and endures his advances.
Qian Qian informs Si Tu that she will be marrying soon, leaving him feeling unsettled. She hands over some items given by her mother to Si Tu, who offers to escort her home, but she declines coolly and walks away.
As Jun Bei Yue prepares to leave, Han Zi Qing understands he wants her to cover for him while he goes hunting. Although worried, she reminds herself to remain detached.
The next day, during the hunt, Han Zi Qing feigns illness to avoid participating. Bai Li Wei Sheng, upon hearing they are heading to the Misty Valley, decides to join his master. In the valley, the Nanzhao people announce the rules, and everyone sets off. Qin Fei engages in some underhanded tactics, but Han Zi Qing senses something is off. In an effort to protect Qian Qian, she ends up falling into a trap.
In a surprising turn of events, she discovers that her blood has the power to protect her!
Comments(Episode 21)