Episode 6 recap: Rong Yu Die Falsely Claims Pei Yan is a Prince
In Episode 6, we learn that years ago, Wei Zhao secretly spread a false rumor claiming that on the night of the moon's descent, the Prince of Qi was murdered, and palace guard Zhao Wu witnessed the entire event. Unfortunately, Zhao Wu was later killed, leaving behind an unsolved mystery. Before entering the palace, Zhao Wu had a family, but his wife had already passed away, leaving their only son living in Nanling. This news quickly reached the ears of the Grand Councilor, Tao Zizhu, who immediately reported it to the suspicious Emperor Xie Che.
Xie Che held a grudge against Rong Yu Die for her sudden return to Qingkang, especially after hearing about her connection to the Pei family and Zhao Wu's son, which fueled his anger. In the past, Rong Yu Die was admired for her talent and bravery, gaining the favor of both Pei Yan's father, Pei Zijing, and Xie Che himself. Xie Che once wished to compete with Pei Zijing for Rong Yu Die's affection through archery, but Pei Zijing intentionally let him win. However, as a prince, Xie Che could not directly marry Rong Yu Die and ultimately entrusted her to Pei Zijing, leading to their eventual union.
Feeling wronged, Xie Che visited the Jian Ding Marquis's residence late at night, seeking answers from Rong Yu Die. Upon learning that the emperor was coming, Pei Yan quickly arranged for Xie Che to wait in the most secluded room of the residence. At that moment, Jiang Ci happened to pass by the quiet room and saw Pei Yan lost in thought, sparking his curiosity.
Inside the quiet room, Xie Che saw a portrait he had made of Rong Yu Die, lost in a sea of memories. Soon after, Rong Yu Die arrived and revealed an astonishing secret—Pei Yan was actually her and Xie Che's biological child. Xie Che, shocked, gained a deeper understanding of Rong Yu Die's struggles. After comforting Pei Yan, he hurried away, feeling somewhat less wary of the Pei family. It turned out that Rong Yu Die had endured humiliation for years to protect Pei Yan under Xie Che's guardianship, aiming to preserve the Pei bloodline while inciting internal conflicts within the Pei family to alleviate Xie Che's suspicions.
Pei Yan had faced much criticism since childhood, but his mother Rong Yu Die's resilience inspired him. Observing Pei Yan's heavy heart, Jiang Ci gently comforted him, and their bond deepened. After a banquet, a sudden fire broke out in the residence, and Pei Yan, disregarding his own safety, led the rescue efforts. Although the fire was eventually controlled, it claimed the life of Teng Rui.
However, the truth was far more complicated; Teng Rui had actually been secretly imprisoned by Wei Zhao, who was interrogating him about the Prince of Qi's murder. Rumors swirled in the community about Pei Yan's engagement to Dong Juan, and some officials warned Dong Fang not to associate too closely with the Pei family. Jiang Ci remained suspicious of the fire, worrying that Pei Yan might be implicated. He learned that the emperor had not punished Pei Yan, which eased his concerns.
Soon after, the Wei State envoy, led by General Lei, surrounded the Jian Ding Marquis's residence, demanding Pei Yan take responsibility for Teng Rui's death. Wei Zhao arrived just in time, using his influence to disperse General Lei and protect Pei Yan. After several days of seclusion, Pei Yan finally emerged from his gloom, accompanied by Jiang Ci. Their relationship grew increasingly intimate, while Wei Zhao quietly observed, feeling a mix of emotions.
Pei Yan, with his keen intuition, suspected that the silver-masked assassin was Wei Zhao, but Jiang Ci firmly denied it and defended him. Although Pei Yan had doubts, he chose not to pursue the matter further, and the storm seemed to settle for the time being. Yet, the undercurrents hinted at even greater challenges on the horizon.
Comments(Episode 6)