• Aired:2024-08-28, Last updated: 2024-09-02 06:42

Episode 30 recap: Cui Xing Zhou's Proposal

In this episode, Zi Yu learns that Shi Xue Ji has returned from visiting her family. Curious, he decides to pay her a visit. When he arrives, he finds Shi Xue Ji happily washing bright red dates with the palace maids, laughing and chatting, showing no signs of having suffered any grievances at her family home.

As she hands some cleaned dates to Zi Yu, he munches on them while chatting with Shi Xue Ji. He asks, “Did your father have any messages for you while you were home?” Shi Xue Ji smiles even more sweetly but doesn't answer directly. Instead, she uses the dates as a metaphor: “See these dates? They become sweeter after being frostbitten. Zi Yu, you should remember that a little pressure is good, but don’t let it overwhelm you.” Hearing this, Zi Yu feels a wave of relief, appreciating how thoughtful Shi Xue Ji is—she brings him comfort without causing any trouble in the palace. However, he wonders why she hasn’t said anything on behalf of her father.

Shi Xue Ji knows that supporting Zi Yu is the right path and is willing to help him with his burdens.

Meanwhile, that night, Cui Xing Zhou is studying hard when suddenly a wisp of white smoke wafts in through the window—someone has poisoned him! His servant collapses, and Cui Xing Zhou drops his book in shock. When he opens the window, he finds Liu Mian Tang, who is worried about his safety. She rushes over late at night, bringing medicine to treat his injuries. While bandaging him, she casually flips through a journal on his desk and finds it quite interesting.

After finishing the bandaging, Liu Mian Tang attempts to leave, but Cui Xing Zhou grabs her hand. It turns out he was pretending to be unconscious to take the opportunity to confess his feelings, hoping to spend his life with her. Liu Mian Tang, however, stubbornly refuses to give him an answer.

The next day, feeling better, Cui Xing Zhou quickly arranges for a carriage to visit the Qiao family. Why? Because it’s the day Liu Mian Tang’s sister is returning home. The Qiao family is celebrating, with everyone gathered at the door. When the carriage arrives, everyone is stunned to see Cui Xing Zhou stepping out. Liu Mian Tang's uncle quickly tries to smooth things over by explaining that Cui Xing Zhou is just a friend.

Seeing a good opportunity, Cui Xing Zhou presents a beautiful jade walnut as a token gift, leaving the Qiao family in awe. Just as he prepares to propose, Liu Mian Tang's grandfather returns home, startled and agitated.

After the Qiao family’s celebration wraps up, Liu Mian Tang's grandfather calls Cui Xing Zhou aside to interrogate him. Upon learning that Cui Xing Zhou took Liu Mian Tang home while she was suffering from amnesia, the grandfather becomes furious. Despite Cui Xing Zhou’s repeated apologies, it’s clear that the grandfather is not easily appeased; he raises his cane threateningly. Liu Mian Tang rushes out to defend Cui Xing Zhou, revealing that he is actually the Prince of Huaiyang.

This revelation puts Liu Mian Tang's grandfather in a difficult position. The Prince of Huaiyang is celebrated for his military achievements, yet he feels a sense of debt towards his daughter. He is torn between not wanting Liu Mian Tang to be with Cui Xing Zhou and not wanting her to be alone. Ultimately, he hopes she will marry a commoner and live a stable life.