Episode 12 recap: Mei Lin and the King of Jing Part Ways
In Episode 12, on the eve of the beauty selection ceremony, Mei Lin learns that ten injured women will be allowed to return to Xi Yan. This news elicits mixed reactions among the crowd: Ai Yi is overjoyed because her beloved is waiting for her in Xi Yan, while A Jia feels despondent, having already lost her family and feeling homeless.
The three of them take shelter from the rain under a corridor, discussing their futures. Unexpectedly, Mei Lin regains her sense of taste and is thrilled when she tries osmanthus cake. Ignoring the pouring rain, she eagerly wants to find Mu Rong Jing He to share her joy, only to discover that Yan Di has ordered all the beauties to remain at Honglu Temple.
After some investigation, Yue Qin uncovers a deep connection between the beauties' injuries and the King of Jing. He concludes that these women have become pawns in the power struggle within the Da Yan royal family. Consequently, he sends a message to Zi Gu through someone at Fanghua Palace. Meanwhile, Yan Di is troubled by Mu Rong Jing He’s romantic entanglements, pondering that if Mei Lin were nearby, Yin Luo Mei might not choose Mu Rong Jing He.
Seizing the opportunity, Zi Gu suggests transferring Mei Lin to Fanghua Palace, elevating her status while also testing the King of Jing's feelings for her. Yue Qin personally visits the Eastern Palace to seek favor and protection. The introspective Crown Prince, Mu Rong Xuan Lie, dismisses the matter of spies from Xi Yan and orders Yue Qin to eliminate the ten beauties from Xi Yan as proof of loyalty.
Yue Qin, aware of the Crown Prince's cunning nature, reluctantly agrees and expresses his desire for change. On the day of the selection, Mu Rong Jing He prepares early, intending to take Mei Lin back to his residence, but his unusual behavior catches Qing Yan's attention. Meanwhile, the ten beauties are announced for deportation, and Mei Lin, who personally bids them farewell, unexpectedly discovers that an Eastern Palace guard has infiltrated the Xi Yan delegation.
At that moment, a decree arrives, selecting Mei Lin to serve Zi Gu in Fanghua Palace. Concerned for the safety of the Xi Yan delegation, she rushes to catch up but finds it too late—the ten beauties have met with misfortune. In her anger and grief, she storms into the King of Jing's residence, questioning Mu Rong Jing He about why he involved innocent people in the conflict, leading to their demise.
Mei Lin accuses Mu Rong Jing He of being ruthless, while he insists that they are facing a formidable enemy in the Crown Prince, and the court's power struggles are merciless, allowing no room for compassion.
The two have completely different perspectives, and Mei Lin cannot accept this, declaring her break with Mu Rong Jing He on the spot.
The next day, Mu Rong Jing He discovers a unique suffocation pill from Xi Yan at the inn, realizing that things have changed. He quickly catches up with the Xi Yan delegation and finds that the ten beauties have not actually been harmed; it was all part of a scheme set up by Yue Qin. Aware that he cannot keep this hidden, Yue Qin asks Mu Rong Jing He to convey the truth to Mei Lin.
Zi Gu informs Mei Lin that the King of Jing had sought to marry her on the day of the selection, expecting to stir up a commotion, but everything remains surprisingly calm. Just then, Mu Rong Jing He appears at Fanghua Palace, handing Mei Lin a letter from Yue Qin, stating that he has never intended to harm them.
While Mei Lin contemplates her feelings, she realizes that Mu Rong Jing He is not as malicious as she thought, but she feels disappointed and pressured by the situation, leading her to reconsider her decisions regarding marriage. Meanwhile, Yin Luo Mei enters the palace and proposes that the winner of the spring hunting contest become her husband, clearly expressing her interest in Mu Rong Jing He.
Yan Di notices the implications and agrees, planning to arrange the marriage after the spring hunt.
Alone in the palace, Mei Lin reflects on Mu Rong Jing He’s words and opens the gifts he sent: osmanthus cakes, a stone hairpin, and a portrait of herself. These items leave her confused about Mu Rong Jing He’s true nature.
Seeing Mei Lin troubled by the King of Jing's entanglements, Zi Gu takes her to the pond and folds the portrait into a forget-me-not flower, placing it in the water to symbolize letting go of the past. However, this paper flower is unexpectedly retrieved by Mu Rong Jing He, suggesting that their fates may not easily separate as they had hoped.
Comments(Episode 12)