Episode 5 recap: A Night in the Forest: Confronting the True Culprit at Wenhua Pavilion
In Episode 5, after confirming the token, Mu Rong Jing He discovers that someone is impersonating the Weibei Army. He decides to delve deeper into military affairs to expose a conspiracy orchestrated by the Eastern Palace. He suspects that the Crown Prince will abandon Zhang Yin for self-preservation, choosing to observe the situation before taking action.
Meanwhile, Yin Luo Mei learns that Mu Rong Jing He has been attacked. Ignoring the long journey ahead, she rushes back to Zhao Jing and sends him nourishing supplements, demonstrating her deep affection for him. However, she refrains from going directly to the Jing Wang Manor, believing that Mu Rong Jing He will seek her out.
Jiang Tu feels indignant on behalf of Yin Luo Mei, noting that despite her annual gifts, she has received no response. In truth, Yin Luo Mei harbors feelings for Mu Rong Jing He, which she has never openly expressed.
At this moment, a gift from Mu Rong Xuan Lie arrives, stirring emotions in Yin Luo Mei. While she pretends to be concerned for her comrade, her feelings are complex. That night, as she reminisces, Mu Rong Jing He visits, seeking Chi Fu Zi to ease his troubled heart.
Seeing the once vibrant Mu Rong Jing He now in despair pains Yin Luo Mei, but she ultimately hands over the Chi Fu Zi to him. Just after Mu Rong Jing He leaves the manor, he learns that Mei Lin has gone to Wenhua Pavilion alone, sensing danger, and immediately heads there.
At Wenhua Pavilion, Mei Lin unexpectedly discovers that Zhang Yin is the leader of the Mo Mai and the mastermind behind the massacre from years ago. Suddenly, a fire breaks out, engulfing the Mo Mai assassins clad in phosphorescent clothing. Zhang Yin and a mysterious woman escape through a secret passage, leaving Mei Lin trapped. Fortunately, Mu Rong Jing He arrives just in time to rescue her.
Later that night, Zi Gu feels anxious and hides a dagger gifted by her brother under her pillow, only to be discovered by Emperor Mu Rong Qian. Instead of scolding her, he comforts Zi Gu, expressing respect for her wishes and not forcing a political marriage. He skillfully diffuses the tension by using a blood test to verify her loyalty, then resumes his state affairs.
After taking the Chi Fu Zi, Mei Lin falls into a trance, mistakenly identifying Mu Rong Jing He and even reminiscing about her deceased parents. Mu Rong Jing He gently guides her back to reality, and when Mei Lin awakens, she finds that the Mo Mai markings on her arm have vanished, bringing her some relief.
However, the physician informs her that while Chi Fu Zi can alleviate the poison, due to her unique constitution, it will only delay the effects for a year. If taken again after that, it could be life-threatening. Although Mu Rong Jing He feels despair, he instructs the physician to continue searching for an antidote, hoping for a miracle.
Meanwhile, Lord Wang reports to Mu Rong Xuan Lie that all Mo Mai assassins from the Wenhua Pavilion incident have perished, with only Zhang Yin's belongings found, leaving his fate uncertain.
As Yue Qin plays chess with Emperor Mu Rong Qian, she expresses her concern for Mei Lin and suggests that the beauties of the Honglu Temple be instructed in literature before being assigned roles. She volunteers to teach, and Mu Rong Qian agrees, scheduling Zi Gu to visit the Honglu Temple for inspection in three days.
After awakening, Mei Lin reveals to Mu Rong Jing He that Zhang Yin did not perish in the fire but escaped. She is perplexed by Zhang Yin’s actions, which have unjustly affected the innocent citizens of Qingzhou. Mu Rong Jing He shares her outrage, as the Weibei Army has also suffered wrongful blame due to this incident. Together, they resolve to continue their investigation and seek justice for the innocent.
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