Episode 36 recap: Pei Yan Fights for Wei Zhao to Clear His Name
In episode 36, Yu Jiming and Inspector Yin are jointly reviewing the case while Xie Chi, Xie Yu, Wei Zhao, and Pei Yan quietly observe. Yu Jiming insists that Jiang Ci is the true culprit behind the poisoning of Xie Che, while Jiang Ci desperately tries to defend himself and prove his innocence.
At this point, Inspector Yin presents new evidence: the Crown Princess has also fallen victim to the poison from the Nine-section Peach, which was hidden in the "Three Friends of Winter"—pine, bamboo, and plum—items Xie Chi had prepared for the family banquet. Xie Chi quickly counters, accusing Prince Xie Yu of framing him. Xie Yu vehemently denies this, leading to a heated argument between the two.
Inspector Yin then reveals a dagger stained with poison, intensifying Xie Yu's suspicions about Xie Chi's motives. The tension between the brothers escalates further. Seeing this, Jiang Ci loudly defends himself, questioning why he is the only one imprisoned when both princes are under suspicion. Xie Chi and Xie Yu promise to help Jiang Ci clear his name, but their argument grows even more intense.
Suddenly, Xie Che appears with shocking news: the real poisoner is the Grand Steward, Tao Zizhu. This revelation stuns everyone present. Xie Che had previously asked Tao Zizhu to investigate Wei Zhao, which uncovered Wei Zhao’s connection with the Lord of Moonfall City, Xiao Haitian, as well as Jiang Ci's marriage to Xiao Haitian.
Realizing this was Wei Zhao's scheme to frame both princes and exonerate Jiang Ci, Xie Che instructs Tao Zizhu to take the blame. Tao Zizhu confesses in court, admitting he intended to poison Jiang Ci but mistakenly harmed Xie Che instead. Xie Che orders Tao Zizhu imprisoned and allows Jiang Ci to return to Yuchun Pavilion to rest.
However, Xie Che keeps Wei Zhao behind, leaving Jiang Ci puzzled. Pei Yan and Wei Zhao had already arranged for Liu Cui to escort Jiang Ci out of the palace, but they are thwarted by Jiang Yuan. When Jiang Ci learns that Wei Zhao's identity has been exposed, she becomes frantic.
Fortunately, Pei Yan arrives just in time to rescue Jiang Ci and help her escape the palace. After awakening, Jiang Ci learns that Wei Zhao is trapped in the Gladiator Arena, facing imminent danger. She is determined to rescue him, but Wei Zhao is fighting off numerous attackers in the arena.
Meanwhile, Xie Che discovers the truth about Xie Yu and Wei Zhao teaming up to frame Xie Chi but chooses not to pursue it further, allowing Xie Yu to continue living a carefree life, which leaves Xie Yu disheartened. Xie Che's citywide search for Jiang Ci yields no results, but urgent news arrives from the front lines: Lu Yu has betrayed them and joined Wei State, leading the Wei Emperor Gao Xiu to attack and occupy Zhu Prefecture.
During a strategy meeting with his officials, Yue Jinglong volunteers to go into battle, and Pei Yan receives recommendations from Xie Chi and Inspector Yin. Ultimately, Xie Che agrees to let Pei Yan lead the troops.
While hiding in Lanyue Tower, Jiang Ci remains deeply concerned about Wei Zhao's safety and asks Pei Yan to rescue him. Pei Yan delivers on this promise, successfully retrieving the badly injured Wei Zhao, who receives pardon and healing medicine from Xie Che. Wei Zhao is also willing to redeem himself and assist Pei Yan.
Jiang Ci is immensely grateful to Pei Yan for saving Wei Zhao and decides to join the troops to tend to the soldiers' wounds. Despite Pei Yan's attempts to dissuade her, he eventually agrees to her request. After a warm dinner together, they put aside their feelings for each other and focus on the fight to defend their country.
Comments(Episode 36)