Episode 16 recap: Cui Xing Zhou Discovers Smuggling of Iron Ore in the Court
In Episode 16, Liu Mian Tang is enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot spring, basking in its warmth. Meanwhile, Cui Xing Zhou is nearby, carefully preparing some warm tea, planning to share it with her when she comes out so they can both warm up. Liu Mian Tang feels a surge of warmth in her heart at Cui Xing Zhou's thoughtful gestures, making her feel as if she's still in the hot spring.
After her bath, she can't help but reflect on how satisfying life is lately and how her opinion of Cui Xing Zhou has changed; she no longer sees him as just a frivolous playboy. Feeling in a good mood, Liu Mian Tang decides to ask Cui Xing Zhou for a small reward.
She tiptoes over to him, and as she gets closer, her freshly bathed skin glows like snow, causing Cui Xing Zhou, who has just had some medicinal wine, to feel flustered. Afraid he might act inappropriately, he quickly jumps into the water to cool off.
Just then, Zhao Quan rushes in with urgent military news for Cui Xing Zhou. Upon learning from Liu Mian Tang that Cui Xing Zhou has drunk quite a bit of medicinal wine, Zhao Quan is alarmed. This wine is potent, and only a tiny sip is recommended each day; Liu Mian Tang's well-meaning actions have led to a potential disaster.
Meanwhile, A Gu Shan comes forward to discuss the iron ore dispute between the court and the Rong tribe, revealing that there are many hidden agendas behind the conflict. He warns Cui Xing Zhou to stay out of it, as he has the backing of the court and Cui Xing Zhou cannot contend with him. Upon hearing this, Cui Xing Zhou realizes the situation is more complicated than it seems. The Empress Dowager’s call to drive out foreign enemies likely has deeper implications.
On the other side, Shi Yi Kuan learns that A Gu Shan has been captured and is furious. He had hoped to use this opportunity to pit Cui Xing Zhou against A Gu Shan, creating chaos to cover up the secrets of the iron ore dealings. However, Cui Xing Zhou remains unharmed, and A Gu Shan has even been given a way out! Unable to sit idly by, he decides to take matters into his own hands and eliminate Cui Xing Zhou.
Interestingly, the pregnant woman Liu Mian Tang previously helped turns out to be Princess Chun Yue of the Rong tribe. When the Rong tribe comes to reclaim her, Cui Xing Zhou offers a deal: he will let the princess go but demands the records of the iron ore transactions between the court and the Rong tribe in return. Having lost her father, Princess Chun Yue sees no use for the records and agrees.
She secretly tells Liu Mian Tang that Cui Xing Zhou has been protecting her and asks her to keep it a secret. As the princess prepares to leave, Liu Mian Tang feels a deep sense of attachment, and they exchange gifts. Liu Mian Tang gives her a jade pendant, while Chun Yue gifts her a black iron dagger, saying it’s for her closest friend’s protection.
Looking at the dagger, Liu Mian Tang suddenly remembers something; she seems to have received a similar dagger for protection in the past. Recently, she's been dreaming about old times, and Chun Yue’s mention of the Rong tribe feels eerily familiar, as if she's been here before.
Cui Xing Zhou and Zhao Quan head to Qizhou to investigate the transportation records of the iron ore, hoping to find some clues. They manage to get a reason to secretly check the records from the past three years, but once they reach the year A Gu Shan came into power, all leads go cold. A Gu Shan claims that the conflict arose because the court betrayed them by killing their former leader, and that the Empress Dowager remains unaware of the situation.
Cui Xing Zhou is determined to uncover the truth, but Zhao Quan worries about the danger, as the enemy lurks in the shadows while they are exposed, especially since the Empress Dowager views Cui Xing Zhou as a threat. However, Cui Xing Zhou insists that without clarity on this matter, it will always weigh heavily on his mind.
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