Episode 7 recap: Han Zi Qing Accepts the Challenge
In episode 7, the Fourth Prince and Han Zi Qing return home after completing their tasks. On the way, the Fourth Prince praises Han Zi Qing’s horse riding skills, to which she responds confidently, claiming it might just be a natural talent. As they chat, a servant rushes up to inform them that a messenger from Xiling will be arriving tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Second Prince becomes alert upon hearing that the Fourth Prince has entered the palace.
At this moment, a mysterious figure in black appears, leading the Second Prince to a secluded spot. The figure directly asks if the incident at Guose Tianxiang was his doing. The Second Prince realizes that Han Zi Qing has come to confront him. When they meet, Han Zi Qing confirms that she was responsible for the "masterpiece" from that night. Their conversation quickly escalates into a fight.
Though injured, the Second Prince recognizes that Han Zi Qing is skilled. Just as he is about to be overwhelmed, he manages to injure her leg with his last bit of strength. Both sustain injuries, but while the Second Prince is hurt more severely, Han Zi Qing's strong constitution makes her injury seem minor.
The next day, the Fourth Prince waits at the city gate to greet the Xiling envoy, while Han Zi Qing stands on the city tower. They wait all day but see no sign of the envoy. As the Fourth Prince's frustration grows, the envoy finally arrives as night falls. The Fourth Prince refrains from approaching until the envoy greets him, at which point he invites them into the palace.
During the banquet, everyone seems pleased, except for Chu Tiange, who appears troubled. Suddenly, the princess arrives, and Chu Tiange seizes the opportunity to invite her in. Once seated, the princess gets straight to the point, mentioning the prospect of marriage and directly questioning whether the Fourth Prince finds her unappealing. The king quickly denies this, shifting the responsibility to Jun Bei Yue (the Fourth Prince).
Jun Bei Yue cleverly redirects the question to Han Zi Qing, and the princess boldly declares that if she is to be the Fourth Prince's wife, then Han Zi Qing must step aside. Before the Fourth Prince can respond, Han Zi Qing readily agrees.
However, privately, the Fourth Prince warns Han Zi Qing that if the princess truly enters the palace, she will never see her dagger again. Upon hearing this, Han Zi Qing is moved to tears and kneels to plead for mercy. Jun Bei Yue quickly reassures her that he didn’t mean it that way, and they put on a show of affection that leaves Chu Fei Yan stunned.
Unwilling to back down, Chu Fei Yan proposes a competition of literary and martial skills against Han Zi Qing. Jun Bei Yue intends to intervene, but the king supports the idea, leaving Han Zi Qing with no choice but to accept the challenge. That night, Jun Bei Yue's subordinates and Hong Yi encourage Han Zi Qing, explaining that defeating the Xiling envoy would be beneficial for everyone. Understanding this, Han Zi Qing agrees to give it her all.
Jun Bei Yue privately tells Han Zi Qing that if she wins, she can borrow the dagger for a while. The next day, the martial competition begins, featuring events like horseback riding and archery. Chu Fei Yan raises the stakes, stating that if she wins, she wants Han Zi Qing's hands, but if she loses, she'll provide a thousand fine horses.
Han Zi Qing is undeterred and counters that if she wins, Xiling can forget about stepping into the Three Realms again. Although Xiling hesitates, Han Zi Qing’s taunt spurs them on, and the competition officially commences.
Initially, both competitors are evenly matched, but Han Zi Qing’s leg injury begins to flare up. Despite her efforts, she starts to lag behind. Spectators begin to believe Chu Fei Yan is destined to win, but Han Zi Qing refuses to give up. Gritting her teeth and summoning every ounce of strength, she miraculously pulls ahead! The Xiling envoy, seeing this, has no choice but to concede. This competition not only secures Han Zi Qing's position but also demonstrates her strength and determination to Xiling.
Comments(Episode 7)