Episode 12 recap: Qu Zheng and Million at the Qintai

In Episode 12, the atmosphere between Million and Qu Zheng is as warm as a spring day, filled with affection as if the entire world revolves around just the two of them. In stark contrast, Jin Mu Qiu and Lin Feng find themselves in a very different situation. Although they are married and sitting in their new home, their hearts feel like they're separated by mountains and rivers. Lin Feng wants to follow tradition and share a cup of wedding wine to symbolize their union, but Jin Mu Qiu coldly rejects the idea.

She reminds him that their marriage was for the sake of the reputation of Taoyuan Valley, and she entered it for the benefit of the Jin Family Escort Agency. There’s no genuine love left between them, so there's no point in drinking the wine. Left with no choice, Lin Feng drinks the bitter cup alone, and the kite on the wall now seems to mock their union.

Meanwhile, guests outside are celebrating at the wedding banquet, with Million and Qu Zheng among them. Million feels a mix of emotions, saddened by the thought that she won’t be able to stay close to her lady in the future. Qu Zheng comforts her with a smile, reminding her that she is now his wife and should prioritize their new family. They dream together about their future, radiating happiness. Zi Jing witnesses this and quietly approaches the valley master to offer her congratulations. Suddenly, Qing Yun appears, shocking everyone with his revelation: the long-lost senior sister Ah Chu from the Ninefold Ghost Palace is actually in Taoyuan Valley, and that person is Million!

This news stuns everyone present, except for Qu Zheng. When Qing Yun sees their disbelief, he calls Zi Jing to testify. Zi Jing explains that the Xueyue Envoy has only one successor at a time, marked by a unique moon symbol. She lifts her clothing to reveal her mark. In surprise, Million checks herself and discovers the same moon symbol! Even Qu Zheng furrows his brow, but he firmly believes Million is his wife, and no mark can change that fact. Qing Yun insists on taking Million away, claiming the valley master will decide her fate.

Qu Zheng cannot tolerate this and makes his stance clear. A disagreement escalates into a fight. Despite still being poisoned, Qu Zheng's martial skills remain formidable. After a fierce battle, he manages to take Million away, leaving the guests in shock.

The crowd buzzes with chatter, each person having their own opinion. Meanwhile, Jin Mu Qiu’s situation worsens. She had intended to sneak a look at the outside scene but was caught and reprimanded by Lin Feng, deepening their rift. Just then, her subordinate brings news of new developments involving Qu Zheng and Million.

When Million wakes up, she finds herself in the Qintai, but Qu Zheng is not by her side. Jian Yun informs her that Qu Zheng is deliberately avoiding her to protect her, as he is injured. Qu Zheng reminisces about the past and realizes Million is indeed the Ah Chu he has been searching for. Years ago, during a massacre that wiped out his family, Ah Chu saved his life, but she later disappeared, and everything is tied to the secrets of the Ninefold Ghost Palace.

Meanwhile, Jing Yuan enjoys the fleeting pleasure brought by the snow lotus, unaware of the storm approaching. Concerned for Qu Zheng, Million sneaks out at night to see him. When they meet, words are unnecessary. Million carefully tends to Qu Zheng's wounds, and he asks her thoughts on the day's events.

Million expresses that the recent occurrences are too bizarre; while she longs to recover her lost memories, she treasures every moment with Qu Zheng even more. Listening to her, Qu Zheng silently vows to cherish and protect this hard-won happiness. Together in the snowy night, they walk side by side, leaving behind a trail of joyful footprints.