Episode 14 recap: Ge Xin Wei Asks Huo Qing Yun for Help Entering the Mansion
In Episode 14, Huo Qing Yun is taking a bath when Zhen Qu You Jia barges in uninvited, claiming to deliver pastries and insisting on entering Huang Bei Shuang’s quarters. Despite Huang Bei Shuang’s repeated requests for her to leave, Zhen Qu You Jia, thinking Huang Bei Shuang possesses some secret skill, pulls back the shower curtain, only to get splashed in the face by Huang Bei Shuang's hair. Realizing her mistake, Zhen Qu You Jia quickly exits.
Huo Qing Yun pretends to be unconscious, hoping to evoke sympathy from Huang Bei Shuang. When discovered, she deliberately moves closer to Huang Bei Shuang, expressing her desire to stay and help her win the competition. Ruo Wen suspects that the recent political turmoil is connected to Yun Pei and, upon seeing Zhen Qu You Jia return, learns that Huang Bei Shuang is bathing and there are no other developments.
Zhen Qu You Jia believes Huang Bei Shuang is trying to play mind games. With the cooking competition approaching, she is frustrated to see Huang Bei Shuang relaxing in the bath instead of preparing dishes. Ruo Wen chuckles and reassures her that Huang Bei Shuang won’t win, encouraging Zhen Qu You Jia to not worry.
Huo Qing Yun takes Huang Bei Shuang to meet Mr. Gu, who was once the royal chef for Na Zhan but retired due to his bad temper. Huo Qing Yun pleads with Mr. Gu to teach her how to cook, but he firmly refuses. Initially intending to push harder, Huo Qing Yun is advised by Huang Bei Shuang not to force him.
As they leave, Huang Bei Shuang is intrigued by some poorly growing herbs on the ground and points out that the soil lacks proper aeration. Mr. Gu, hearing this, suddenly realizes how to make Na Zhan’s favorite dish, Qian Si Gui, which Huang Bei Shuang discovers is actually noodles. Huo Qing Yun sets aside their formal roles and takes Huang Bei Shuang to enjoy the delights of the market.
Huang Bei Shuang expresses her gratitude for Huo Qing Yun's presence in her life, and Huo Qing Yun leaves her a letter, instructing her not to open it until the time of death. Ge Xin Wei interrupts their moment, asking Huo Qing Yun for help entering the Huayu Mansion to find Ruo Wen.
Huang Bei Shuang catches up with Ge Xin Wei and learns that she has been doing well with Ruo Wen while traveling. Huang Bei Shuang buys a live fish as an ingredient and keeps it in a tank. Ruo Wen, overhearing their conversation from a distance, is unaware of what is inside the tank.
That night, in the stillness, he opens the tank and is surprised to find a live fish inside.
Ruo Wen deliberately pours wine into the water, intending to ruin Huang Bei Shuang's ingredients. The next day, during the cooking competition, Huang Bei Shuang discovers that the live fish has died from being soaked in the wine, and it's too late for her to buy more ingredients.
Ge Xin Wei sneaks into the mansion and appears before Ruo Wen, exclaiming that she can help him showcase his culinary skills. Ruo Wen is surprised to find out she can cook and pretends to support her while secretly doubting her abilities. Zhen Qu You Jia presents her dish, the Pulu Duck, which impresses Na Zhan, but Huang Bei Shuang’s Qian Si Gui leaves him even more astonished.
Since Mr. Gu retired to his hometown, Na Zhan hasn't had Qian Si Gui in a long time. Huang Bei Shuang explains that her version is an improved recipe, earning her Na Zhan's admiration. General Wu, in front of Huang Bei Shuang, deliberately states that he couldn't secure the oasis, making it clear that Na Zhan cannot fulfill his promises and that the outcome of this competition is meaningless.
Huang Bei Shuang understands the situation but still holds onto hope. Ruo Wen visits Yun Fang Pavilion to find Huang Bei Shuang and mentions that Na Zhan is intentionally working with General Wu to mislead him, making it impossible for him to keep his promises. Huang Bei Shuang uses this opportunity to provoke Ruo Wen, encouraging him to attack Masui City, which would give him territory to rival Yun Pei.
Ruo Wen takes Huang Bei Shuang's words to heart and plans to leave the Huayu Mansion. In front of Zhen Qu You Jia, he intends to loot the treasures of Yu Fu Pavilion. Zhen Qu You Jia tries to stop him but is unable to, and unexpectedly, Ge Xin Wei also helps Ruo Wen.
Zhen Qu You Jia is reluctant to inform Na Zhan, fearing he might misunderstand and punish her, and she suspects Ruo Wen might be the thief from that night in the library. General Wu investigates the theft of weapons from the Qin army's arsenal and traces the leads to an old madam at a brothel. The madam reveals the name Man Hu, and Na Zhan realizes that he is the second-in-command of Huang Tian Kuang, prompting General Wu to tighten security around Yun Pei.
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