Episode 8 recap: Han Zi Qing's Unexpected Victory
In Episode 8, Han Zi Qing was clearly trailing in the first half of the competition, struggling with her leg injury. The audience believed Chu Fei Yan had the victory secured. However, Han Zi Qing quickly adjusted her strategy, gradually closing the gap with Chu Fei Yan. In a stunning moment, she leaped over an obstacle and surged past, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Riding this momentum, she ultimately claimed victory in the first round, and everyone cheered for her. But Jun Bei Yue noticed her leg injury and inquired privately. Han Zi Qing downplayed it, claiming she hurt herself while riding, but Jun Bei Yue saw right through it, recognizing it as a mark from a fight.
When pressed for more details, Han Zi Qing fell silent, breaking into a cold sweat before eventually fainting. Jun Bei Yue quickly summoned Lao Gu to treat her and was surprised to find she had already bandaged the wound herself, making the Fourth Prince realize that Han Zi Qing was hiding many secrets.
Meanwhile, in the palace, the King praised Li Ge Gongzi’s music, introduced by Lao Shi, who took the opportunity to claim credit for bringing him in. The Queen then entered, presenting a unique iron arrow from Xiling and suggesting a contest to test Jun Bei Yue’s skills. Although the King had reservations, he ultimately agreed after the Queen’s persuasion, and they exchanged knowing glances, hinting at a secret plan.
On the day of the competition, the King unexpectedly changed the rules from shooting incense to shooting coins, declaring that the winner would be the one who hit the smallest coin. Chu Fei Yan looked stunned as the competition began. Han Zi Qing hit a coin first, but Chu Fei Yan's arrow followed closely behind, ultimately surpassing hers and winning the match.
Next came the written exam. Han Zi Qing felt uncertain and sought Jun Bei Yue’s help. He wanted to teach her poetry, but she only offered half-hearted responses. During the exam, Lao Shi suggested that Li Ge Gongzi pose a challenge based on musical skills. Li Ge played a new piece, asking both to perform together. Faced with Li Ge’s exceptional talent, neither could keep up in the first round. In the second round, Chu Fei Yan attempted to play blindly—though it was rough, it was still impressive, while Han Zi Qing remained motionless.
Suddenly, memories of her mother teaching her music flooded back, and she recalled the melody of the piece. In the third round, Han Zi Qing finally joined in, producing beautiful notes that perfectly harmonized with Li Ge Gongzi’s playing, winning widespread applause. Li Ge announced Han Zi Qing as the winner, explaining that her inaction in the second round showcased her wisdom since it was not a duet challenge.
Jun Bei Yue urged the King to declare the final result: Han Zi Qing emerged victorious! The Xiling siblings were left humiliated and stormed off. Han Zi Qing reminded Jun Bei Yue to fulfill his promise, as Chu Tian Ge reluctantly signed the contract, and Jun Bei Yue carefully reminded him to seal it.
Meanwhile, the Second Prince privately questioned Li Ge about his decision not to judge based on his own preferences, to which Li Ge insisted that he judged solely on musical skill.
That night was not just a contest of skills but also a battle of wits and hearts. Han Zi Qing’s resilience and talent, Jun Bei Yue’s keen insight and fairness, along with the complex power struggles behind the scenes, were all vividly displayed in this competition.
Comments(Episode 8)