Episode 17 recap: Million Leaves the Qin Garden
In Episode 17, Qu Zheng carries the unconscious Million back, while Qing Yun witnesses this but is too weak to intervene. Qu Zheng quickly arranges for a car to take them both home. Jin Mu Qiu and Lin Feng learn that Million has returned, and Lin Feng wants Jin Mu Qiu to come back with him to Taoyuan Valley. However, Jin Mu Qiu wishes to care for the unconscious Million. Lin Feng insists, promising that no one will blame her when they return, which only deepens Jin Mu Qiu's sadness. She realizes that Lin Feng has never understood why she left Taoyuan Valley. Hurt, Jin Mu Qiu walks away, fearing not the blame, but that Lin Feng will never comprehend her feelings.
Meanwhile, Qu Zheng watches as Song Jian Shan prepares the wedding attire, knowing it will not be needed for now. Just as they are talking, Million rushes in. Qu Zheng instinctively shields the wedding clothes, but Million doesn't notice; she questions Qu Zheng about the truth of certain events. Unable to disclose what happened five years ago, Qu Zheng secretly hopes Million will hate him instead, wishing to shield her from painful memories.
Heartbroken, Million feels she has misjudged Qu Zheng and realizes she trusted him too easily. Qing Yun returns to the Ninefold Abyss, facing punishment from Jing Yuan for failing to complete his mission. He pleads for another chance, and Jing Yuan warns him that this is the last time he will trust him. Ultimately, Qing Yun endures two hundred lashes. Zi Jing expresses concern for him, but Qing Yun dismisses her; his heart belongs solely to A Chu, rendering Zi Jing's efforts meaningless in his eyes. Watching Qing Yun leave, Zi Jing feels a deep sense of unease.
Meanwhile, various sects gather in the Ninefold Abyss to discuss Qu Zheng. Their trust in him has waned, and they also debate the upcoming Martial Lake Conference. Concerned that the situation should not delay the event, someone suggests that the Ninefold Abyss should host it instead!
Million wants to leave, but Qu Zheng won't let her go. They have a fierce argument, and in her anger, Million throws down their token, a peach wood hairpin. This time, Qu Zheng is truly determined to keep her from leaving. Million is resolute that she will not give up her escape, but Jin Mu Qiu has already seen that the Qin Garden is now heavily guarded, making it nearly impossible to get out. However, she overhears some servants discussing the Martial Lake Conference, and realizes this might present an opportunity.
At that moment, Su Zhuo Zhuo rushes in, excitedly revealing that she has received a response from her father regarding Million's memory. Su Zhuo Zhuo learns that Million isn't suffering from amnesia; rather, her memories have been sealed away, and the moon mark on her hand is proof of that. She also discovers that only the Ling Yao grass can help her. Suddenly, Jin Mu Qiu remembers that the prize for the Martial Lake Conference is indeed the Ling Yao grass!
Song Jian Shan informs Qu Zheng that Million is once again insisting on leaving and has even injured several disciples. Qu Zheng, however, is unconcerned about that; all she cares about is Million's well-being. Realizing that Qu Zheng is being unreasonable, Song Jian Shan speaks up, stating the truth: while Qu Zheng believes she is acting in Million's best interests, Million has the right to reclaim her former self. Qu Zheng is taken aback by Song Jian Shan's words; it seems that her heart is beginning to change.
While wandering, Million sees some maids hiding red items, piquing her curiosity. She approaches for a closer look and discovers the wedding attire Qu Zheng has prepared. Memories flood back, and tears spill down her cheeks uncontrollably. Just then, Qu Zheng appears behind her. Having come to terms with her feelings, she tells Million that if she wants to leave, she can. Both of them are in immense pain at that moment. After leaving the room, Million kneels down to pick up the broken pieces of the peach wood hairpin, and Qu Zheng watches, her heart aching for her.
The next morning, Million, Jin Mu Qiu, and Su Zhuo Zhuo prepare to leave. Just as they set out, Qu Zheng instructs Song Jian Shan to gather their things and get ready to depart. He believes the Martial Lake Conference is a trap, but he feels compelled to go!
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