Episode 3 recap: Ep3
In Episode 3, the Fourth Prince is summoned by the Emperor, who inevitably brings up the topic of selecting a consort.The Fourth Prince, fully aware that this is a test, respectfully replies that he has agreed to an arranged marriage with the Xiang family but wishes to choose the specific lady himself Outside, his subordinates are anxious, and even his closest allies are puzzled as to why he has chosen Han Zi Qing, especially since she was poisoned because of him
Some sharp observers suspect that Han Zi Qing's survival after the poisoning is suspicious, prompting them to investigate discreetly.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince engages in a chess match with the Emperor, who hints that one of his moves is a mistake, warning that failure to adjust will lead to certain defeat. Stubbornly sticking to his strategy, the Fourth Prince offends the Emperor, who, in a fit of anger, orders him to be temporarily imprisoned and says he will be starved for a few days as punishment.
On another front, the Queen invites Han Zi Qing to the palace for tea. A maid in red, knowing of the Queen's discord with the Fourth Prince, harbors ulterior motives and plans to use the Queen to eliminate Han Zi Qing. She arranges transportation to the palace. Aware of the dangers, Han Zi Qing proceeds cautiously. Upon entering, she finds herself surrounded by women chattering away, and she inwardly laughs, realizing it's merely a "gossip gathering."
Facing the Queen's probing and the others' hostility, Han Zi Qing remains composed. When asked if the rumors of her beauty are true, she confidently admits to them. When the Queen offers her poisoned tea, Han Zi Qing sees through the ruse but drinks it without revealing her awareness, plotting her next move.
The Queen believes her plan has succeeded and waits seven days to see Han Zi Qing succumb to the poison. She feigns concern and then lets her leave.
Outside the palace, the maid in red waits. When she sees Han Zi Qing leave the carriage and detoxify herself, she is stunned and quickly develops respect for Han Zi Qing's bravery and cunning. She admits her mistake and promises not to offend again. Han Zi Qing graciously forgives her but cautions her to keep this incident secret to avoid escalating tensions between the Fourth Prince's household and the Queen.
Back at home, Han Zi Qing continues to feign illness while secretly plotting. When sisters from the General's household visit, she recognizes them as the Queen's spies and deliberately pretends to be weak, provoking them to speak ill of her. At a crucial moment, Han Zi Qing "coughs up blood," frightening them off and calling in a physician, who diagnoses her with tuberculosis, convincing the Queen's spies that it’s true. Once they leave, Han Zi Qing praises their acting skills and energetically returns to her room for rest.
Meanwhile, two figures in the shadows are secretly concocting poisons in search of the legendary "person immune to all poisons," and Han Zi Qing's unusual behavior raises their suspicions about her.
On the sixth day, persuaded by the Queen, the Emperor finally releases the Fourth Prince and announces that he will send an envoy to the Fourth Prince's residence. Overjoyed, the Fourth Prince learns on the way home that Han Zi Qing has been summoned by the Queen and has fallen ill with tuberculosis, stirring a complex mix of emotions within him.
Comments(Episode 3)