• Aired:2024-08-25, Last updated: 2024-09-02 06:42

Episode 25 recap: Liu Mian Tang's Assassination Attempt Fails

In Episode 25, Cui Xing Zhou secretly instructed his subordinates to keep an eye on Liu Mian Tang. When the Spring Hunting Festival arrived, he heard that Liu Mian Tang was planning to take action, so he discreetly followed her, ready to protect her.On the day of the hunt, Liu Mian Tang sneaked into the woods. Spotting Sui Wang unguarded, she quickly shot an arrow, intending to teach him a lesson. Unfortunately, the arrow missed its mark. Just as Liu Mian Tang prepared to shoot again, Zi Yu rushed out and grabbed her, saying, "Don't be impulsive! If we wait any longer, we're both done for!" He then pulled Liu Mian Tang away to escape. They were closely pursued, but fortunately, Cui Xing Zhou appeared just in time to block their pursuers, buying them precious moments to flee.

Cui Xing Zhou rode up to Sui Wang and pretended that he was the one who shot the arrow. Furious, Sui Wang ordered his men to capture him. However, Cui Xing Zhou was prepared and threatened, "If you arrest me, I'll expose your secret dealings in buying iron ore for weapons. The Empress Dowager won't let you off the hook." Sui Wang's heart sank at the thought of such a scandal; if it got out, he was finished, so he reluctantly swallowed his anger.

Zi Yu hid Liu Mian Tang near Shi Xue Ji, helping her escape a dire situation. When Shi Xue Ji saw Liu Mian Tang, she praised Zi Yu for his good judgment. Liu Mian Tang recognized Shi Xue Ji as smart and kind and noted that she had feelings for Zi Yu. Liu Mian Tang then playfully remarked, "I also want to find someone I can trust, like Miss Shi."

After the Spring Hunt, Zi Yu took Liu Mian Tang to a mountain to watch the sunrise. At the peak, he asked if she had returned to the capital for him. Liu Mian Tang shook her head with a smile, explaining that she came back for revenge. If she failed, Sui Wang would surely tighten his defenses, making future attempts even more difficult.

Zi Yu promised to protect her, but Liu Mian Tang understood that he had his own considerations. He had previously refrained from stopping Sun Yun Er from harming her to avoid offending Sui Wang. With their differing paths, Liu Mian Tang decided to leave the capital with her family and friends.

Cui Xing Zhou stood on the city wall, watching Liu Mian Tang's carriage disappear, feeling a mix of emotions. Yet, he knew he had a more important mission ahead—convincing Sui Wang's former followers in the border regions to submit to the court.

Meanwhile, under the crabapple tree in the Crown Prince's residence, Zi Yu contemplated deeply before deciding to marry Shi Xue Ji as his empress. This move would not only win over Shi Yi Kuan but also help him regain half of the military power. Although Shi Xue Ji understood that Zi Yu's heart was not truly hers, she was still taken aback to be named empress. On their wedding night, she asked him why he chose her. Zi Yu replied, "You come from a military family, have a sense of propriety, and can help me stabilize the throne."

Shi Xue Ji realized that their marriage was merely a political arrangement, devoid of genuine feelings. That night, Zi Yu left the bridal chamber under the pretense of reviewing court documents.

Meanwhile, in the northwest, Cui Xing Zhou faced Sui Wang's former subordinates—cunning old foxes who appeared aloof but had their own agendas. Cui Xing Zhou remained calm, initially aligning with their opinions while gradually seeking opportunities to persuade them to submit to the court. This political struggle was just beginning.