Episode 2 recap: Mu Rong Jing He and the Marriage Alliance Group Return to the Capital
In the fourteenth year of the Zhao Ming era, Mu Rong Jing He voluntarily took on the mission to reclaim Qingzhou but tragically earned the infamy of a city destroyer. With the citizens turning against him, he found himself besieged and suffered severe leg injuries, leaving him unable to walk properly. The sudden death of his mother plunged him into deep sorrow, and he sought solace in alcohol, spiraling into despair.
Meanwhile, Mei Lin, disguised as a beggar, secretly plotted to assassinate Mu Rong Jing He. Even after being shot in the leg with an arrow, she persevered, vowing to avenge her grievances. However, before her plan could unfold, a misunderstanding exposed her intentions. Princess Zi Gu mistakenly believed Mei Lin was being bullied by Mu Rong Jing He and confronted him for an explanation. Seizing the opportunity, Mu Rong Jing He proposed an archery contest, deliberately allowing an unskilled soldier to participate, whom he then shot dead. This act reinforced his reputation as the ruthless "General of Massacre."
Mei Lin was stunned; she recognized the soldier as the assassin from the night before and grew wary of Mu Rong Jing He’s cunningness, fearing her true identity would be revealed. Princess Zi Gu showed great concern for Mei Lin, promising to protect her safety once they returned to the capital, which warmed Mei Lin's heart.
As Mu Rong Jing He was granted permission to return to the capital, a subtle reconciliation between father and son began to unfold. However, the Crown Prince, Mu Rong Xuan Lie, had ulterior motives. He conspired with the Minister of War, Zhang Yin, to keep a close watch on Mu Rong Jing He’s return. When the marriage alliance group entered Zhao Jing, citizens openly criticized Mu Rong Jing He, and children sang derogatory nursery rhymes about the Wei Bei army, filling the city with animosity toward him.
Seizing the moment, Mu Rong Xuan Lie incited public sentiment, leading to chaos. In the turmoil, the remnants of the Wei Bei army were trampled. Furious, Mu Rong Jing He took action to intimidate the rioters and attempted to alter the nursery rhymes with money to prove his innocence.
Emperor Mu Rong Qian summoned Mu Rong Jing He for a private audience, urging him to reflect and change his ways, advising him to avoid further conflict with the Western Yan Kingdom. Mu Rong Jing He responded with a bitter smile, still haunted by memories of Qingzhou.
Meanwhile, Liu Zhong arranged lodging for Princess Zi Gu and her accompanying women, informing them that they would need to choose another day to enter the palace, as it was the anniversary of the late empress. Upon learning that her brother, Yue Qin, was nearby, Princess Zi Gu felt a surge of joy.
As the bells tolled, it struck a chord with everyone present. Mu Rong Jing He reminisced about his promises made before departing for Qingzhou and the expectations of his mother, feeling a mix of emotions. He had vowed to marry upon his victorious return, but the auspicious day for the marriage coincided with the anniversary of the late empress's death, filling him with deep guilt. To honor his promise, he donned bridal attire to pay respects to his mother, but this led to a misunderstanding with his father, who forbade him from publicly honoring her again.
While sneaking into the residence of the King of Jing, Mei Lin unexpectedly learned of these past events and encountered a gathering questioning the citizens attacking Mu Rong Jing He. She heard him whispering before his mother’s spirit tablet, sensing his pain and helplessness. Back in her room, Mei Lin noticed discrepancies with the token, while Mu Rong Jing He cautiously approached her room. Tension brewed as both tested each other's limits.
In the dead of night, Mei Lin received a secret order from the dark faction's leader, demanding she complete her assassination mission at the marriage banquet or face death. Struggling to maintain her strength, she left her room, only to discover that Mu Rong Jing He was the leader of the dark faction. The impending clash of assassination and counter-assassination would reach its climax at the marriage alliance banquet in Zhao Jing.
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