Episode 24 recap: Han Zi Qing Kidnapped by Chu Fei Yan
In Episode 24, Xin Er dislikes Han Zi Qing and initially refuses to toast her. However, the Second Prince and the Queen pressure her, suggesting that if she doesn’t drink, they might throw the wine in her face to vent their frustration. Reluctantly, Xin Er agrees and heads to the banquet. Jun Bei Yue, aware of Xin Er's intentions, tells her to apologize to Han Zi Qing properly. Xin Er puts on a respectful demeanor, but when Han Zi Qing refuses to drink, Jun Bei Yue insists that Xin Er drink it herself. Angered, Xin Er seizes the opportunity and splashes the wine on Han Zi Qing’s face! This infuriates Jun Bei Yue, who immediately calls for Si Tu Hao Nan to take Xin Er away, while Han Zi Qing follows Hong Yi to change her clothes.
Han Zi Qing's makeup is ruined, and just as Hong Yi prepares to leave, a maid delivers cosmetics sent by the Fourth Prince. Ignorant of the plan, Hong Yi uses them on Han Zi Qing. However, what she doesn’t realize is that the makeup, while normally fine, reacts badly when mixed with alcohol! When Han Zi Qing returns to the banquet, her face is noticeably altered. Realizing the totem must not be seen, she runs away. Jun Bei Yue immediately pursues her but only finds the unconscious Hong Yi, who informs him that Han Zi Qing has been kidnapped, though she didn’t see who took her.
At the banquet, Prince An asserts that this matter is an internal royal issue and could be exploited if leaked, which the King agrees with. Consequently, they immediately seal the news. Meanwhile, the Second Prince and his men are transporting Han Zi Qing south when they unexpectedly encounter Chu Fei Yan! Chu Fei Yan strikes and kidnaps Han Zi Qing, killing the Second Prince in the process. Li Ge attempts to rescue Han Zi Qing but is subdued as well; Chu Fei Yan takes both of them away.
Back at the palace, Jun Bei Yue is unable to find Han Zi Qing, and Prince An advises him to be cautious. Jun Bei Yue insists he knows what he’s doing and plans to leave the city with Ying Zi to search for her, while Shi Liang and his troops come to assist.
Li Ge eventually regains consciousness but is too weak to fight back. Chu Fei Yan explains that he only used a mild poison, ensuring Li Ge won’t die but is unable to resist. Li Ge has no means to retaliate and is soon drugged back into unconsciousness.
Chu Fei Yan visits the bound Han Zi Qing, presenting her with a mirror. She sees her disfigured face and remarks that it looks good, infuriating Chu Fei Yan. He lashes out at her with a whip, but Han Zi Qing remains defiant. Just as he considers killing her, he is stopped by Chu Tian Ge, who has his own plans for the islanders. The challenge is how to transport them back to Xi Ling.
Chu Fei Yan then introduces him to Zhao Xi, explaining that all land routes are blocked by Jun Bei Yue, and they must use the sea route from Dong Ling to return to Xi Ling. Seeing Zhao Xi, Li Ge musters all his strength to leave a trace of his blood as a signal.
Jun Bei Yue, carrying the Second Prince’s corpse, confronts the King and Queen in the palace. The Queen is devastated by the loss of her son and, in despair, admits to everything. Meanwhile, Chu Fei Yan prepares to leave with Li Ge and Han Zi Qing.
Comments(Episode 24)