Episode 31 recap: Rong Yudie Sends Someone to Poison Jiang Ci
In Episode 31, Wei Zhao feels sorry for Jiang Ci's dull life in the palace and secretly takes her out for some fresh air. While strolling through the streets, they come across a vendor selling cute little clay cats. Wei Zhao immediately buys one for Jiang Ci as a gift. Later, when Jiang Ci spots some candied hawthorns, Wei Zhao quickly goes to buy them. However, Jiang Ci playfully sneaks away while he isn't looking.
Meanwhile, Dong Juan invites Cui Liang to the riverside to enjoy the night view. The two hit it off, chatting as if they've been friends for years. Pei Yan sits alone at a noodle stand, the steaming noodles reminding him of meals shared with Jiang Ci, causing him to zone out in thought.
At that moment, Cui Liang spots Pei Yan and eagerly pulls Dong Juan over to greet him, inviting Pei Yan to join their outing. Jiang Ci, concerned about her master Yan Qiao Shuang, plans to sneak out of the palace but is caught by Wei Zhao. He kindly advises her against acting recklessly to avoid raising Xie Che's suspicions and promises to find a way for her to leave the palace soon.
Though Pei Yan is reluctant, he joins Cui Liang and Dong Juan for a stroll, where they unexpectedly run into Jiang Ci and Wei Zhao. The six gather together, raising their cups in a toast. Pei Yan can't help but question Wei Zhao about how Jiang Ci managed to leave the palace, leading to a heated argument between the two. Jiang Ci cleverly diffuses the tension by suggesting they share some roast chicken.
Dong Juan learns about Jiang Ci's true identity and Pei Yan's decision to break off their engagement, feeling quite moved by the situation. She and Jiang Ci bond over their shared experiences, talking openly and pouring out their feelings. Jiang Ci notices Cui Liang’s affections for Dong Juan and encourages her to cherish the one in front of her. The two women find themselves increasingly in sync, as if they have endless conversations to share.
As the banquet concludes, Wei Zhao escorts Jiang Ci back to the palace. With the effects of the alcohol taking hold, Jiang Ci leans on Wei Zhao's shoulder for a brief rest.
The next day, Prince Xie Chi held a banquet in the Eastern Palace to celebrate Jiang Ci, inviting Pei Yan, Wei Zhao, Dong Juan, and Xie Yu among others. The guests engaged in poetry, while Jiang Ci presented flowers, but the flower she gave to Wei Zhao concealed a clever twist. Although it was harmless, she made it sound serious, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Seizing the moment, Xie Yu teased Wei Zhao, while Pei Yan felt a mix of emotions. Noticing this, Dong Juan suggested that Wei Zhao give Jiang Ci another flower as an apology, to which he reluctantly agreed.
During the feast, Wei Zhao noticed something unusual in Jiang Ci's drink and, under the pretense of adjusting her flowers, discreetly swapped her cup. Later, he revealed to Pei Yan that Jiang Ci had nearly been poisoned and suspected that Rong Yudie was behind the plot.
Feeling lonely while dining alone, Jiang Ci invited Liu Cui to keep her company. Upon learning that Liu Cui had come to the palace for her sister, Jiang Ci felt compassion and gifted her a beloved hairpin. Soon after, Wei Zhao hurried in, bringing two palace maids to enhance Jiang Ci's protection.
Wei Zhao quickly uncovered the truth: the maid Chun'er had been instructed by Tao Zizhu to poison Jiang Ci. However, Wei Zhao saw through Chun'er's lies and deduced that the true mastermind was Rong Yudie, aiming to frame Xie Che. To lure the culprit out, Wei Zhao instructed Yi Fei to spread false news about Chun'er's suicide while closely monitoring Granny Du.
Not to be outdone, Pei Yan dispatched An Cheng to secretly watch Granny Du, unexpectedly discovering Yi Fei's movements, which confirmed Rong Yudie's scheme. Furious, Pei Yan confronted Rong Yudie, sternly warning her to cease any harm to Jiang Ci or face severe consequences. With her plans thwarted, Rong Yudie exploded in anger.
In the end, Pei Yan earnestly requested Xie Che for permission to marry Jiang Ci, vowing to protect her for life. Seeing the deep affection between them, Xie Che agreed to the marriage and instructed Pei Yan to ensure everything was arranged properly, guaranteeing that Jiang Ci would suffer no more grievances.
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