Episode 35 recap: Pei Yan and Wei Zhao Join Forces to Save Jiang Ci
In Episode 35, Wei Zhao sneaks into the Dali Temple prison late at night and meticulously questions Jiang Ci about the events surrounding the family banquet at Xie Chi's house. He takes detailed notes, hoping to uncover the mastermind behind the incident. Wei Zhao then assigns Yi Fei to investigate every lead thoroughly.
During the investigation, they discover that the bowl of ginkgo and hibiscus soup that poisoned Xie Che was actually made by the maid Liu Cui. When confronted by Wei Zhao, Liu Cui admits she was sent by the palace chief, Tao Zizhu, to spy on Jiang Ci from Yuchun Pavilion. However, she claims a deep emotional bond with Jiang Ci and firmly denies any intention to harm her.
Wei Zhao and Yi Fei split up their efforts but find no direct evidence pointing to anyone else, leading Wei Zhao to suspect that Xie Che might have staged the incident to test Jiang Ci's loyalty and undermine potential political rivals. Given Xie Yu's ambition for the crown prince position, Wei Zhao becomes increasingly convinced that Xie Yu is involved.
Meanwhile, Pei Yan, worried about Jiang Ci, learns of her imprisonment and urgently seeks an audience with Crown Prince Xie Chi, hoping he can clear Jiang Ci's name. Although Xie Chi wants to help, he cautions Pei Yan not to get too deeply involved. Undeterred, Pei Yan insists on his course of action and, with Xie Chi's help, manages to visit Jiang Ci, vowing to rescue her from prison.
As Pei Yan investigates, the possibility that Xie Che might have poisoned himself to frame Jiang Ci begins to emerge, shocking him. To exonerate Jiang Ci, Pei Yan decides to exploit the conflict between Xie Chi and Xie Yu to set a trap. He has someone coat a knife with the same poison that affected the crown princess and cleverly tips off Xie Chi, successfully redirecting suspicion toward Xie Yu.
Xie Chi is skeptical of Pei Yan's theory but realizes the seriousness of the situation and decides to collaborate with the Imperial Censorate to investigate the case. Furious upon learning he is implicated, Xie Yu seeks solace in alcohol from Wei Zhao, venting his frustrations. Meanwhile, Xie Chi and Pei Yan visit Jiang Ci again, encouraging her to stay strong and believe that the truth will eventually come out.
Xie Yu, unwilling to back down, tries to persuade Jiang Ci to testify against Xie Chi during the trial to clear his own name. As the investigation deepens, Jiang Ci's plight comes to light, revealing that she is a victim of a power struggle. Upon discovering Jiang Ci's true identity as the wife of Xiao Wuxia, daughter of the Lord of Moonfall City, Wei Zhao becomes even more determined to seek justice for her.
With the collective efforts of everyone involved, the truth is finally revealed. Xie Yu's plot is completely exposed, and Jiang Ci regains her freedom. Looking at the charred remnants of her clothing, she feels a profound sense of longing for her mentor, Yan Qiao Shuang, as well as a steadfast belief in her future.
Encouraged by Wei Zhao and others, she resolves to move forward, fighting for a brighter future for herself and her loved ones.
Comments(Episode 35)