A neglected prince finds warmth in a girl who brings him misfortunes.
Notable Actors/Actresses
As Fu Rong predicted, there is something off about Ju Shui’s celebration. The pillars fall down deliberately on Xu Jin. Fu Rong starts running immediately to Xu Jin to protect him. She falls over him and he recognizes her. Did he fall in love with her? Seeing that he’s okay, she gets up to leave but he stops her. She pretends to not recognize him. She thinks she’s experienced enough misfortune with him already (all she remembers is his knife at her neck). Fu Rong’s heroic act not only captured Xu Jin’s attention but also Ju Shui’s (the masked man).
At this celebration, Fu Rong learns Xu Jin is a prince.
Notable Actors/Actresses
Ju Jing Yi: Fu Rong
Zhang Zhe Han: Xu Jin
Liu Yi Chang: Xu Ping
Wang You Shuo: Wu Bai Qi
Xu Jia Qi: Fu Xuan
Director:
Chinese Title
如意芳霏
如意芳霏
Network: iQIYI
Recap Grade: B
First Impression: 2.5/5
Jump to Rev iew
[Ep1] Xu Jin (who has a hat to hide his features) asks Fu Rong to predict when he will die. Fu Rong is disguised as a fortune teller. She’s staking out at this masked man’s place because she suspects there will be danger here. She was almost in harm’s way until Xu Jin saves her. Her vision becomes impaired by the powder that entered her eyes so she can’t see him. Not that she can with his hat on. She begs Xu Jin to stay because of her temporary blindness. I like how she pulled his hat to make his head tilt awkwardly. First, he asks her why she wants to see the masked man (Ju Shui). He believes her when she says she’s curious about Ju Shui’s beautiful appearance. Then he places his arm out in front of her (he also brushes away the cloth attached to his hat so she doesn’t grab that again, heh) to allow her to latch onto his arm.
When Fu Rong regains her vision, she accidentally pulls off Xu Jin’s hat. At once he puts his knife (which was a fan in disguise) at her neck demanding her for her motive. She doesn’t have any; she just wanted to warn him from attending Ju Shui’s celebration because she predicted that he’d be in danger.
First Impression: 2.5/5
Jump to Rev iew
Mini Recaps
When Fu Rong regains her vision, she accidentally pulls off Xu Jin’s hat. At once he puts his knife (which was a fan in disguise) at her neck demanding her for her motive. She doesn’t have any; she just wanted to warn him from attending Ju Shui’s celebration because she predicted that he’d be in danger.
At this celebration, Fu Rong learns Xu Jin is a prince.
At night, Fu Rong dreams of her own marriage. It’s not a happy one. In the dream there are whispers that her family died because of her. The image of her groom is blurry though.
Fu Rong is accepted into Ju Shui’s manor as a student-servant. It’s a semi punishment from her father for entering Xu Jin’s training site.
[Ep3] Fu Rong sneaks out of Ju Shui’s manor. On her venture, she bumps into Xu Jin. He is on high alert because he was almost assassinated. He traps her between him and the tree this time. She pouts that must they always be in Bi-Dong-mode every time they meet. Bi Dong (壁咚) means Wall Bam which refers to the hand slam that drama boys do to trap drama girls.
[Ep4] Fu Rong and Xu Jin overhear how Qi Ce has failed three of his assassination attempts. They both investigate him separately. Fu Rong is interested in him because he is the man who will marry her sister. Meanwhile, Xu Jin enlists Wu Bai Qi to go undercover in a brothel to look into Qi Ce. Fu Rong is there too and instead of investigating she ends up drunk. In her stupor, Fu Rong thinks Xu Jin is her sister and starts spluttering out her love for her. Xu Jin piggybacks her out of the brothel.
[Ep5] Qi Ce is arrested for plotting against Xu Jin but he’s not the mastermind. The mastermind is Zhang Yao Cheng. He was Yun Xi’s father but here he’s an evil minister. Qi Zhu, who believes her brother is innocent, bears vengeance against Fu Rong. They used to be the best of friends.
Fu Rong had tried to ask Xu Jin to go easy on Qi Ce’s punishment with very little hope that ye would. To her, he's not a very nice guy. He might have considered it because she requested it but it’s not him who’s after Qi Ce's life. It’s that minister.
Xu Jin meets up with his mother but it’s awkward. There’s no mother-son feeling at all. That’s because Xu Jin is only allowed to return to the palace once a month. These two are more like strangers. It's odd though because she wants to be motherly but it's Xu Jin who's putting up the wall.
[Ep6] Qi Ce exchanges his life for his sister’s safety. Qi Zhu is now taken in by Consort Rui to be a royal maid but she commits suicide because she doesn’t need status or wealth. Xu Jin saves her and hides when he sees Fu Rong. Fu Rong persuades Qi Zhu to decline Consort Rui’s favour but since Qi Zhu hates her, she’ll do exactly the opposite of what Fu Rong is heeding her against. Xu Jin reveals his presence after Qi Zhu leaves. Fu Rong realizes she may have offended him about her palace comments. But he’s not offended. He tells her his past in one breath. He’s restricted to enter the palace once a month because he’s predicted to bring doom to his family ever since the late Empress's death. He’s sharing with her his past. Although the topic is heavy, the atmosphere turns a little romantic when their hands touch by accident.
By the way, Xu Jin thinks it’s weird Qi Ce admitted to his assassination crimes. There’s too many holes but it’s too late to interrogate Qi Ce because he committed suicide (for his sister’s safety).
Fu Rong takes Ju Shui by the lake to make a wish. He only has one wish. He wants to see his mother who passed away. Ah. I wonder who that is /s. When the lantern with his wish gets stuck in the lake, Fu Rong walks into the water to set it free. Turns out she wrote her wish on it too (to get more allowance money). He laughs at her but he’s effectively cheered up.
It's Fu Rong’s last day studying at Ju Shui’s place. He has a present for her. It’s for her to take off his mask. She doesn’t want to. He then taunts her that it’s because she doesn’t dare to. When taunted, our Fu Rong immediately takes the challenge. She takes off his mask.
[Ep7] When Fu Rong takes off Ju Shui’s mask, she recognizes him immediately as her childhood friend. Technically, she calls him her follower. He promises he’ll always be her follower as long as she wants. Not good buddy, you should be the leader otherwise you’ll be stuck as a second lead without the girl forever.
Fu Rong’s master (the head-mistress at Ruyi Pavilion) is accused of something she didn’t do. Fu Rong is on a mission to prove her master’s innocence.
So, who is Ju Shui? He’s the younger brother of the Emperor. His real name is Xu Ping. He is therefore Xu Jin’s uncle. He wants to investigate into his mother’s death from ten years ago. He’s led to believe it was Xu Jin who set the place on fire causing his mother’s death. The servant tells hims about Ruyi Pavilion. If one exchanges them with a valuable item they will give you the information you need.
[Ep8] Fu Xuan and Wu Bai Qi apologize to each other for their previous misunderstandings.
Fu Rong has another prophetic dream. She is Xu Jin’s wife and he’s taking her side against another bratty wife of his. So when are they getting married!
[Ep9] Fu Rong is trying to gather acorns that’s too tall for her to reach. From afar, Xu Jin helps her make the acorns fall but they all fall on her. He laughs. Fu Rong ends up twisting her ankle. Xu Jin picks her up and tends to her ankle rather sweetly. Ju Jing Yi is naturally attracted to poles. She’s always hugging them in her dramas.
[Ep17] Fu Rong is about to be beheaded with no concrete proof. Xu Jin arrives to save her. She doesn't want to drag him into her mess though but when he offers his hand to her, she takes it. Xu Jin is risking his life to protect hers. As they're escaping the city, they hide in ice. She's shuddering in the cold and he hugs her to keep her warm.
[Ep19] After 18 episodes it’s finally the wedding that they both prophesied. A royal decree has dropped, Fu Rong is to marry Xu Jin but not as his rightful wife, she’s a mere consort. Her family is upset for her but Fu Rong says she’ll marry him because she wants to. Earlier in the episode, she admitted to Fu Xuan that her and Xu Jin are mutually in love. However, her reason for marrying him now is not out of love. It’s for revenge. Thanks to our Xu Ping who’s turned into a baddie, our Fu Rong is led to believe Xu Jin is the one who murdered her master.
Fu Rong sneaks out to meet Xu Ping. She tells Xu Ping she doesn’t think Xu Jin killed her master. She needs more proof. Obviously Xu Ping won’t let her find any.
Xu Jin doesn’t know Fu Rong met up with Xu Ping. He’s just angry with her putting herself in danger. He doesn’t punish her though. He punishes all the servants and reminds her that whenever she does something wrong, others will always suffer for her. The way Xu Jin carried Fu Rong in his arms made all the servants speechless.
There’s also a ton of misunderstanding between them. Xu Jin brought her cookies he thought she likes but he saw her servant (Ah Yuan) eating them instead. It’s not that Fu Rong doesn’t like it, she’s allergic to peanuts. Meanwhile Fu Rong sneaked out to meet Xu Ping also to buy a return present for Xu Jin for the cookies but he didn’t know until the servant told him. Fu Rong also misunderstands that Xu Jin wants to marry another rightful wife. That night Fu Rong tells him she wants a divorce.
[Ep30] Despite being divorced, Xu Jin continues to investigate into Fu Rong's case to prove her innocence. To make him believe she wants a divorce, she lies to him that she truly wants to divorce him. He brings her too much danger. She doesn't like the stifling palace. Girl, what happened to facing your problems together (Ep27)?
[Ep39] Qi Zhu is reunited with her prince but to protect him she's pierced with a poison needle. The prince doesn't know it. They spend one day together happily. The next morning when the prince wakes up Qi Zhu disappears. She lies to him that she accompanied Cui Wan's marriage so that she can gain freedom from the palace. In actuality, she’s probably dying in a corner.
[Ep2] Fu Rong once again finds herself captured by Xu Jin. She says she’s here at his training site to steal his clothes. She was told that as long as she burns a piece of his clothing, she’ll vanquish all the bad energy around her. Xu Jin smirks. He questions her that she's already a fortune teller, why rely on others. He ties her up and sends words to her family to retrieve her. Fu Xuan, her sister, picks her up. Wu Bai Qi is guarding Fu Rong. Once Wu Bai Qi sets eyes on Fu Xuan, it’s love at first sight. Wang You Shuo is very charismatic here.
Fu Rong is accepted into Ju Shui’s manor as a student-servant. It’s a semi punishment from her father for entering Xu Jin’s training site.
[Ep3] Fu Rong sneaks out of Ju Shui’s manor. On her venture, she bumps into Xu Jin. He is on high alert because he was almost assassinated. He traps her between him and the tree this time. She pouts that must they always be in Bi-Dong-mode every time they meet. Bi Dong (壁咚) means Wall Bam which refers to the hand slam that drama boys do to trap drama girls.
Somehow Xu Jin is captured in a net and is hanging on the tree. Fu Rong laughs at him and notes that their union brings upon misfortune to the both of them. She urges him to give her his clothes. He’s like do you think this is appropriate right now? Fu Rong doesn’t mind at all. Xu Jin then takes his knife (the fan) out and Fu Rong runs as fast as she can. He hollers for her to come back. Hesitantly, she does. When she‘s back to check on him he’s gone from the net. But now he’s in a ditch. She reiterates that burning his clothing would really be good for both of them. Xu Jin has a no-nonsense face on as he flies out the ditch. Fu Rong runs away again, this time on a boat. Ju Shui is the paddler taking her to safety.
[Ep4] Fu Rong and Xu Jin overhear how Qi Ce has failed three of his assassination attempts. They both investigate him separately. Fu Rong is interested in him because he is the man who will marry her sister. Meanwhile, Xu Jin enlists Wu Bai Qi to go undercover in a brothel to look into Qi Ce. Fu Rong is there too and instead of investigating she ends up drunk. In her stupor, Fu Rong thinks Xu Jin is her sister and starts spluttering out her love for her. Xu Jin piggybacks her out of the brothel.
[Ep5] Qi Ce is arrested for plotting against Xu Jin but he’s not the mastermind. The mastermind is Zhang Yao Cheng. He was Yun Xi’s father but here he’s an evil minister. Qi Zhu, who believes her brother is innocent, bears vengeance against Fu Rong. They used to be the best of friends.
Fu Rong had tried to ask Xu Jin to go easy on Qi Ce’s punishment with very little hope that ye would. To her, he's not a very nice guy. He might have considered it because she requested it but it’s not him who’s after Qi Ce's life. It’s that minister.
Xu Jin meets up with his mother but it’s awkward. There’s no mother-son feeling at all. That’s because Xu Jin is only allowed to return to the palace once a month. These two are more like strangers. It's odd though because she wants to be motherly but it's Xu Jin who's putting up the wall.
[Ep6] Qi Ce exchanges his life for his sister’s safety. Qi Zhu is now taken in by Consort Rui to be a royal maid but she commits suicide because she doesn’t need status or wealth. Xu Jin saves her and hides when he sees Fu Rong. Fu Rong persuades Qi Zhu to decline Consort Rui’s favour but since Qi Zhu hates her, she’ll do exactly the opposite of what Fu Rong is heeding her against. Xu Jin reveals his presence after Qi Zhu leaves. Fu Rong realizes she may have offended him about her palace comments. But he’s not offended. He tells her his past in one breath. He’s restricted to enter the palace once a month because he’s predicted to bring doom to his family ever since the late Empress's death. He’s sharing with her his past. Although the topic is heavy, the atmosphere turns a little romantic when their hands touch by accident.
By the way, Xu Jin thinks it’s weird Qi Ce admitted to his assassination crimes. There’s too many holes but it’s too late to interrogate Qi Ce because he committed suicide (for his sister’s safety).
Fu Rong takes Ju Shui by the lake to make a wish. He only has one wish. He wants to see his mother who passed away. Ah. I wonder who that is /s. When the lantern with his wish gets stuck in the lake, Fu Rong walks into the water to set it free. Turns out she wrote her wish on it too (to get more allowance money). He laughs at her but he’s effectively cheered up.
It's Fu Rong’s last day studying at Ju Shui’s place. He has a present for her. It’s for her to take off his mask. She doesn’t want to. He then taunts her that it’s because she doesn’t dare to. When taunted, our Fu Rong immediately takes the challenge. She takes off his mask.
[Ep7] When Fu Rong takes off Ju Shui’s mask, she recognizes him immediately as her childhood friend. Technically, she calls him her follower. He promises he’ll always be her follower as long as she wants. Not good buddy, you should be the leader otherwise you’ll be stuck as a second lead without the girl forever.
Fu Rong’s master (the head-mistress at Ruyi Pavilion) is accused of something she didn’t do. Fu Rong is on a mission to prove her master’s innocence.
So, who is Ju Shui? He’s the younger brother of the Emperor. His real name is Xu Ping. He is therefore Xu Jin’s uncle. He wants to investigate into his mother’s death from ten years ago. He’s led to believe it was Xu Jin who set the place on fire causing his mother’s death. The servant tells hims about Ruyi Pavilion. If one exchanges them with a valuable item they will give you the information you need.
[Ep8] Fu Xuan and Wu Bai Qi apologize to each other for their previous misunderstandings.
Fu Rong has another prophetic dream. She is Xu Jin’s wife and he’s taking her side against another bratty wife of his. So when are they getting married!
[Ep9] Fu Rong is trying to gather acorns that’s too tall for her to reach. From afar, Xu Jin helps her make the acorns fall but they all fall on her. He laughs. Fu Rong ends up twisting her ankle. Xu Jin picks her up and tends to her ankle rather sweetly. Ju Jing Yi is naturally attracted to poles. She’s always hugging them in her dramas.
This episode, Xu Jin doesn’t like it when another man touches Fu Rong. It’s not quite the same with Fu Rong though. She doesn't seem to notice when another girl touches Xu Jin.
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi and Fu Xuan drop into the water together. He pre-apologizes to her for touching her before touching her because he needs to pick her up from the water. After they're out of the water, she runs away. Her heart is racing. The next day, Wu Bai Qi apologizes for touching her and says he’ll take responsibility for it. Of course he wants to take responsibility, heh. But Fu Xuan has already left.
The next time Wu Bai Qi and Fu Xuan meet, it’s at Zhang Yao Cheng’s birthday celebration. Wu Bai Qi’s father is actually Zhang Yao Cheng. However, neither father or son acknowledges the other. He's sort of disowned because he doesn't like to follow his father's plans.
[Ep10] A bratty girl who likes Xu Jin challenges Fu Rong to an aiming contest while blindfolded. This makes Fu Rong panic. She has these random flashbacks when she was blindfolded before. She doesn’t have memories of that though. Xu Jin immediately goes to help her and conspicuously helps her aim to allow her to win the match. That bratty girl is even more jealous.
A doctor takes a look at Fu Rong’s pulse. She has a common cold but the doctor also diagnosed a rare disease in her. She can only give birth to girls. This pulse reading skill... Also it’s not even the woman’s gene that determines the sex of the fetus.
Xu Jin and Xu Ping are obsessed with Fu Rong's bracelet. It’s somehow related to the fire incident. This bracelet is also very important to Fu Rong.
Randomly, Fu Rong is listening to a story about this girl called Han Yun Xi (from Legend of Yunxi). The storyteller pauses at whether she’s alive; some say they’ve seen them live happily every after somewhere. I BELIEVE THIS.
Fu Rong’s little brother wants to go out and play so Fu Rong finds a baby goose for him. However, a mob of geese run at them at full speed. Fu Rong flees with the baby goose and her baby brother. From afar, Xu Jin saves them and tells her to return the baby goose that way they’ll stop chasing them. The little brother tugs at Xu Jin’s waistband cutely. Xu Jin cutely smiles back but when Fu Rong takes back her brother and coldly apologizes for his misbehaviour, Xu Jin’s smile disappears. The brother whimpers that Xu Jin has the ability to change faces in an instant. Heh.
Fu Rong is quick to clarify that she didn’t follow him this time. She was already lodging here before him. She even offers to prove it by taking him there too. He immediately takes the offer. The way he initially worded it sounded like a rejection so when Fu Rong heard his conclusion of accepting her offer, she immediately regretted offering in the first place.
When Fu Rong takes Xu Jin to the hut she’s staying at, Xu Jin accuses her of being able to secretly let others know his whereabouts. Fu Rong makes another offer. She can follow him around the whole day that way he’ll know exactly what she’s up to. He doesn't show how much he likes the sound of that to her. When he moves and she stays put, he taunts her that she must be guilty since she’s not doing what she promised. Immediately, Fu Rong walks ahead of him right into the trap he oh so wanted her to take. I'm happy I get a few more smiles from Zhang Zhe Han this episode.
The next time Wu Bai Qi and Fu Xuan meet, it’s at Zhang Yao Cheng’s birthday celebration. Wu Bai Qi’s father is actually Zhang Yao Cheng. However, neither father or son acknowledges the other. He's sort of disowned because he doesn't like to follow his father's plans.
Wu Bai Qi brings up about touching her again from the water incident. Fu Xuan gives him a Bi-Dong and warns him to not mention it again especially when nothing indecent happened. He reverse Bi-Dongs her, making her heart flutter. However, she’s adamant on not marrying someone as unfilial as him.
A doctor takes a look at Fu Rong’s pulse. She has a common cold but the doctor also diagnosed a rare disease in her. She can only give birth to girls. This pulse reading skill... Also it’s not even the woman’s gene that determines the sex of the fetus.
Xu Jin and Xu Ping are obsessed with Fu Rong's bracelet. It’s somehow related to the fire incident. This bracelet is also very important to Fu Rong.
Randomly, Fu Rong is listening to a story about this girl called Han Yun Xi (from Legend of Yunxi). The storyteller pauses at whether she’s alive; some say they’ve seen them live happily every after somewhere. I BELIEVE THIS.
Fu Rong’s little brother wants to go out and play so Fu Rong finds a baby goose for him. However, a mob of geese run at them at full speed. Fu Rong flees with the baby goose and her baby brother. From afar, Xu Jin saves them and tells her to return the baby goose that way they’ll stop chasing them. The little brother tugs at Xu Jin’s waistband cutely. Xu Jin cutely smiles back but when Fu Rong takes back her brother and coldly apologizes for his misbehaviour, Xu Jin’s smile disappears. The brother whimpers that Xu Jin has the ability to change faces in an instant. Heh.
Fu Rong is quick to clarify that she didn’t follow him this time. She was already lodging here before him. She even offers to prove it by taking him there too. He immediately takes the offer. The way he initially worded it sounded like a rejection so when Fu Rong heard his conclusion of accepting her offer, she immediately regretted offering in the first place.
When Fu Rong takes Xu Jin to the hut she’s staying at, Xu Jin accuses her of being able to secretly let others know his whereabouts. Fu Rong makes another offer. She can follow him around the whole day that way he’ll know exactly what she’s up to. He doesn't show how much he likes the sound of that to her. When he moves and she stays put, he taunts her that she must be guilty since she’s not doing what she promised. Immediately, Fu Rong walks ahead of him right into the trap he oh so wanted her to take. I'm happy I get a few more smiles from Zhang Zhe Han this episode.
[Ep11] Fu Rong doesn’t have money to buy the pouch she wants so Xu Jin buys a whole bag of them for her. She learns he bought them all as favours to get the information he wants. But I say he bought them for her. It’s cute how reluctant she was to give one out of her many pouches back to him. He calls her stingy and thus they begin to argue the entire day. All her anger stemmed from her thinking he bought the pouches specifically for her but that wasn’t the case.
Night falls and it happens to be the lantern festival in the village they're visiting. A random lady tells Fu Rong that the higher the lanterns are placed, the luckier it'll be. When Fu Rong looks into the crowd, she's able to single out Xu Jin among all the people. He is rather good looking. He's back with two pretty lanterns, one pink and one blue. Fu Rong is elated but she contains it in front of him. She points to the ladder to tell him to hang it but instead he gives her the pink one. Thinking she'll have to climb up herself, she grumpily takes the lantern. The next moment his hands are on her waist and he's flown her up to the highest point to hang their lanterns. She immediately calls him out for taking advantage of her so he lets go and she quickly loses her balance. Fu Rong clasps onto Xu Jin's arms and it's his turn to call her out for the same thing. Fu Rong humphs that she's happily willing to take his advantage. The mood becomes serene when Fu Rong stares up at the beautiful scenery. Xu Jin stares down at the beautiful Fu Rong. He flies her down. She was so scared she hugged onto him tightly. She doesn't know yet she's on the ground. Xu Jin asks her how long she plans on taking advantage of him.
When Fu Rong and Xu Jin are back from the festival, her little brother is feverish. He sneaked out to play. Fu Rong is mad at him. The little brother whimpers so Xu Jin gives him two pouches. One pouch is for him, the other pouch is for whoever he wants to give it to. The little brother asks if he can give it to Fu Rong. Xu Jin is like of course. It was meant for her all along.
Xu Jin leaves the next morning. The brother and Fu Rong find themselves with a bit of a problem. They've caught a contagious disease. Xu Jin quickly returns to help her by bringing a renowned doctor. She tells Xu Jin to leave but he assures her he had chicken pox already. He wouldn't be infected again. However, it’s not chicken pox they have. They're poisoned. Since Fu Rong is an adult, the poison affected her less. She only has small acne-like bump on her forehead. The doctor assures them he has an antidote.
Fu Rong thanks Xu Jin and is willing to return the favour. He asks her about the bracelet. He's interested in it because it was in Qi Ce's notebook. The bracelet was given to her by her master Liu Ru Yi (which is a play on word with Ru Yi Pavilion). Fu Rong doesn't want to expose her master but promises Xu Jin that once she has everything figured out she will tell him. She asks him to give her some time if he trusts her. He trusts her. Xu Jin also asks about all the medication she has prepared in this hut. It's because she prophesied her brother will have chicken pox in the city. To protect him, she brought him to this secluded village. Xu Jin then asks whether she prophesied his death. She lies that's only something she hopes for. Is that lie better than the truth? To make up for those malicious thoughts she had of him, she promises to be his slave in her next life and wish upon his health and longevity at a temple. Before she leaves, Xu Jin reminds her of her promises. He takes her words seriously. He’s expecting her to go to a temple for him.
Xu Jin wanted to pinch Fu Rong's pimple that's not a pimple. She stops him. She doesn't want a scar. She doesn't want to be ugly. He's like, "Scar or no scar, you're the same." She's suddenly lost in thought. She had a prophecy about her having a scar and Xu Jin making a comment at it some time in the future.
The next morning, Fu Rong's pimple-not-pimple has turned into a mole. Xu Jin catches her sleeping and was about to cover her with a blanket. Instead he accidentally scrapes off the mole. Fu Rong freaks out at the scar it left behind.
Xu Jin: Scar or no scar. You're the same. Pause. Not ugly.
Fu Rong lights up. She chases him down to make him clarify that if she's not ugly does that mean she's pretty. Xu Jin doesn’t want to answer her, He's saved by her brother waking up.
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi overhears Fu Xuan complimenting his character. She believes he's not bad and perhaps he could be an amazing general one day.
[Ep12] Fu Rong and Xu Jin are investigating on who poisoned her brother. They track it down to Xu Jin's uncle (his mother's brother).
Xu Jin and Fu Rong spontaneously bump into each other again. He's in front of Ru Yi Pavilion. It's raining and so she gives him warm ginger tea. He's distracted by her beauty marking on her forehead. Consciously, she covers it. She doesn't need him tell her she's "not ugly” again. He needs to head back and so she gives him an umbrella. He comments on how she kept the umbrella and that's how she finds out it was him who gave her the umbrella, the food, and the ointment last time.
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi works extra hard to be the General that Fu Xuan wants. However, in the middle of the contest when Wu Bai Qi was about to win, an old man is being bullied. He gives up the contest to help the old man. That was actually part of the test. Wu Bai Qi wins Xu Jin's contest to be the General.
[Ep13] Fu Rong farts her way out of an arranged date her family set her up and spontaneously meets Xu Jin. Once he learns of her date, his expression changes and he quickly takes her away. Then boulders fall from the sky, Xu Jin protects her and injures his back. She tends to his injuries. He’s shy at exposing his skin to her. She assures him she already saw his naked back when he bathed. Suggestively, he asks, “Then did/do you see it clearly?” Fu Rong gulps.
They’re stuck under the cliffs. The boulders have blocked their path home. Xu Jin tells her more about his past. Because he is prophesied to be a Death Star and he brought misfortune to the late Empress Dowager and his own mother, the Emperor sent him to the battleground where his dark aura can be put to good use. Fu Rong comforts him. She was born with fortune and brings it to others. She takes his hand, “I’ll share half my fortune with you.”
They’re stuck under the cliffs. The boulders have blocked their path home. Xu Jin tells her more about his past. Because he is prophesied to be a Death Star and he brought misfortune to the late Empress Dowager and his own mother, the Emperor sent him to the battleground where his dark aura can be put to good use. Fu Rong comforts him. She was born with fortune and brings it to others. She takes his hand, “I’ll share half my fortune with you.”
That night, they share a cloak and she falls asleep on his shoulder. He was supposed to wake her up when the sun rises but he got too lost staring at her sleeping.
Spoiled Princess is jealous Fu Rong got to spend the whole night with Xu Jin. She confronts Fu Rong’s relationship with him. Fu Ron retorts, “What relationship I have with Xu Jin is none of your business.” Xu Jin perks up as he hears the word “relationship” from her. This scene is probably the first time Fu Rong got a bit jealous when Spoiled Princess touched Xu Jin’s arm.
Spoiled Princess is jealous Fu Rong got to spend the whole night with Xu Jin. She confronts Fu Rong’s relationship with him. Fu Ron retorts, “What relationship I have with Xu Jin is none of your business.” Xu Jin perks up as he hears the word “relationship” from her. This scene is probably the first time Fu Rong got a bit jealous when Spoiled Princess touched Xu Jin’s arm.
[Ep14] Xu Jin believes in Fu Rong about the bracelet. He will wait for her to tell him the truth. He just doesn’t want her involved in any danger. Fu Rong thanks him for his trust but still unwilling to tell him the bracelet was given by her master, Liu Ru Yi.
There's also a solar eclipse in this episode.
[Ep15] Overwhelmed by a stimulation medication, Xu Jin kisses Fu Rong. She tickles him to distract him. The mastermind behind this is Xu Ping. He wanted to catch Xu Jin in an indecent act but he immediately retracts his plan when he sees the girl is Fu Rong. Xu Ping safely takes Fu Rong out of the room leaving Xu Jin unconscious in the room. Xu Jin has a prophetic dream. He's lifting the veil of a bride and only sees her shoes. The Spoiled Princess finds Xu Jin just when he wakes up. In her hand is the shoes in his dreams. It's the shoes Fu Rong dropped but the princess lies that she sewed it.
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi and Fu Xuan are stuck in a hut because they have no carriage and it's raining. He starts telling her his past. These men, whenever they're stuck alone with their girl, they automatically start spilling their past eh. His mother passed away and he knew it was his father's doing because he wanted profit but his mother wouldn't give him access to it. His father also married another woman afterwards. That's how he cut ties with his father. The next morning, Wu Bai Qi sends her back home. He asks her to be his accountant. She shyly agrees. He also wants her to keep his past a secret between the two of them. She nods to that too. He wants a pinky promise. Embarrassed, she walks away but he grabs her pinky with his pinky to make the promise.
[Ep16] Xu Ping is going dark now. He wants Xu Jin to pay with his life. Haa?
Xu Jin bumps into Fu Rong. He wants to take her to a place. It's atop this tall tower. Omg. All these random scenes. This is his favourite place to be whenever he's upset about something. He's trying to cheer her up. She plays with her bracelet and he promises to not ask if she doesn't want to share it. She sighs that she doesn't know whether the person who raised her is good or not after all these years. She reveals to Xu Jin it's her master who gave her the bracelet. Unfortunately, her master soon dies (supposedly at the hands of Xu Ping). Fu Rong finds her corpse first and she's somehow arrested as the murderer.
Second Couple: Xu Mao (Prince) wants to capture Fu Rong but his men capture Fu Xuan instead. Wu Bai Qi saves Fu Xuan but the men pretend to be bandits and release her if Wu Bai Qi gives them money. When Fu Xuan is awake, Wu Bai Qi tells her she's his because he bought her. She wants to buy herself back. He won't sell her though. She replies, "I'll buy you then." He swiftly agrees and asks how much she's offering. She offers Wu Bai Qi (507). It's a pun because each character of his name sounds like a number.
[Ep18] Fu Rong and Xu Jin escape to a village. They pretend to be brothers and sisters but the old couple saw through them immediately that they're actually lovers who just eloped. The lady brings them one blanket. Fu Rong exclaims at that but later corrects herself. The lady asks Xu Jin for his opinion. He's like whatever my wife wants. Later that night, she finds a thread on him that she recognizes is for female clothes. He smirks and asks, "Do you mind?" She says she's just casually asking. He asks her again, closer this time, "Do you mind?" She repeats the same answer. He repeats his question. She finally looks him in the eye but he's moving in close just to blow out the candle that next to her. He blew out the light because he sensed danger outside. They're on the run again. Xu Jin suffers an injury. Fu Rong is worried for him but he assures her he's okay with a gently grasp at her shoulders. When the enemies are gone, they casually remove grass from each other's hair.
Enemies continue to narrow in on them. Fu Rong and Xu Jin jump off the cliff into the water to escape. It's night again when they wake up. They immediately run but fireflies surround them. They stop to intake the beauty of the scenery. Fu Rong sighs, "If I die here.." Xu Jin immediately stops her by clasping her hand tighter. She reminds him he that he's okay with dying. Yes, but that was before he met her. Xu Jin gives Fu Rong his fan. It's for self defence. Although he's giving it to her, he also promises he won't let her use it because he won't leave her in danger like that but he still wants her to keep it. She refuses out of courtesy; it is an important personal item of his. But that is exactly why he's giving it to her.
Xu Jin: This lifetime let's not ever separate.Fu Rong: You princes, do you propose with a mere fan?
He smiles and is about to kneel. She quickly takes the fan from his hand and tells him to not give other girls the same thing.
Xu Jin: The fan, I only have one. My heart, I only have one.
After they're temporarily safe from the enemies, Xu Jin wants Fu Rong to stay away from the city. However, right when the city gates closes, Fu Rong quickly enters. She doesn't want Xu Jin to face danger alone.
Xu Jin proves Fu Rong's innocence. However, for her reckless actions, she's punished by the Emperor (her family will not have salary for the next three months). What reckless actions? Does he mean running away to keep her life? Xu Jin's punishment is to be told next episode.
The guests wonder why Xu Jin isn’t in the wedding hall. It's because he wants to receive his wife first before any guests. Spoiled Princess is upset Xu Jin isn’t marrying her. Bai Wu Qi rubs it in that Xu Jin had vowed only to marry one woman. He had begged the Emperor to let him marry Fu Rong as his rightful wife but Fu Rong doesn’t have the proper background for such a noble title.
Xu Jin removes Fu Rong’s veil. He asks her what’s in her hand. It’s the Phoenix Crown her master gave her as her wedding present. She’s not allowed to wear it because she’s not his rightful wife. He doesn’t care because to him she is his one and only wife. He puts the crown on her but at that moment, she takes a knife and stabs him. She’s in full revenge mode.
Xu Jin: Rong Er, I will only ask one thing of you. Do you believe me?
He stares into her eyes but she doesn’t answer. He moves into her sword. She’s shocked and steps back. She still doesn’t answer him. My silver lining in this marriage: I’m just glad they’re married and they don’t have to meet spontaneously ever again.
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi piggybacks Fu Xuan. She’s okay with the intimacy and he knows it.
[Ep20] Xu Ping has his men ready to take Fu Rong out of Xu Jin’s manor. His men also update him on Fu Rong’s failed attempt at killing Xu Jin. But no one can take Fu Rong from Xu Jin. He suffers more injuries to protect her. Fu Rong checks up on him but he’s cold to her. It’s not like she’s particularly warm to him either. He sleeps in the study room.Fu Rong sneaks out to meet Xu Ping. She tells Xu Ping she doesn’t think Xu Jin killed her master. She needs more proof. Obviously Xu Ping won’t let her find any.
Xu Jin doesn’t know Fu Rong met up with Xu Ping. He’s just angry with her putting herself in danger. He doesn’t punish her though. He punishes all the servants and reminds her that whenever she does something wrong, others will always suffer for her. The way Xu Jin carried Fu Rong in his arms made all the servants speechless.
There’s also a ton of misunderstanding between them. Xu Jin brought her cookies he thought she likes but he saw her servant (Ah Yuan) eating them instead. It’s not that Fu Rong doesn’t like it, she’s allergic to peanuts. Meanwhile Fu Rong sneaked out to meet Xu Ping also to buy a return present for Xu Jin for the cookies but he didn’t know until the servant told him. Fu Rong also misunderstands that Xu Jin wants to marry another rightful wife. That night Fu Rong tells him she wants a divorce.
[Ep21] Xu Jin is utterly depressed. He drinks both pots of alcohol as he visits all the places he has memories with Fu Rong. Fu Rong leaves that night too and coincidentally finds out her master had committed suicide. She left Fu Rong a letter in her secret chamber to clarify her death (Ah Yuan has a weird expression on her face). Fu Rong quickly runs back to Xu Jin and burns the divorce letter. Xu Jin is too drunk to hear her apology. He grabs Fu Rong into his bed and drunk cries. Fu Rong rubs his ears to comfort him. She gets up from the bed after he's calmed down but stays the night to care for him. Xu Jin is surprised to see her the next morning at his bedside. When he learns of Fu Rong's master's letter, he's emotionless. He's mad that she didn't trust him. He tells her, "I will sincerely consider the divorce." Fu Rong mutters under her breath that he's petty. Well....she almost killed him on their wedding night.
The next morning, Fu Rong personally cooks for him. When he sees (minor) injuries on her hand, he tells her to leave cooking for servants from now on. I don't think Fu Rong picked up his "from now on" comment. He wants to eat the breakfast she prepared but he's summoned to palace. The Emperor is pressuring him to marry a rightful wife. Xu Jin agrees.
When Xu Jin is back, he finds Fu Rong up in a tree. She says she can't get down anymore after saving a bird. There is no bird. Xu Jin flies up to help her down but she almost falls. He sustains more injuries to save her. Fu Rong tends to all his injuries. She also gets to see his chest in full galore now. It's all covered in scars plus the one she gave him the night of their wedding.
The next day, a whole bunch of portraits arrive for Xu Jin. It's for him to select his consort. Fu Rong purposely pours soup all over them. Xu Jin finally smiles as he enjoys her jealously. He tells her he has decided to marry Lady He. Fu Rong quickly finds out she's very sick and tells Xu Jin. Xu Jin knew. Because he knew that that's why he selected her. That way, he can cancel the wedding.
The next morning, Fu Rong finds out the marriage is cancelled but Xu Jin updates her there's a Lady Yao this time. Ha. Fu Rong follows him that night. Xu Jin takes her hand to bring her along. He's helping Lady Yao and her lover elope. With that, Xu Jin escapes this marriage too. Now his rumours about being a Death Star is rampant across the city. No one would want to marry Xu Jin. That was Xu Jin's plan all along. However, there's one girl who desperately wants to marry him: Cui Wan (Spoiled Princess).
[Ep22] Xu Jin catches Cui Wan receiving information from his maid and punishes both of them. He clarifies to Cui Wan he won't marry another woman because he promised Fu Rong. Meanwhile Fu Rong thinks Xu Jin is set on marrying Cui Wan and wanders aimlessly in the street. She's picked up by Xu Ping. When Fu Rong accidentally falls, Xu Jin is there to catch her. He forcibly takes her back home. He's angry with her but she is too. She tells him he might as well divorce her and marry Cui Wan. Xu Jin kisses her, "Tomorrow I will give you an answer." Why not tonight! What happens tomorrow: Cui Wan is "sick" and cannot receive orders to marry Xu Jin. All marriage talks are halted.
Fu Rong is called to the palace to take care of Consort Shu. Consort Chu tells her that Xu Jin is very sick. He has a poison and only has a month left to live. It’s all Consort Shu's plan to make Fu Rong care for her son (after she heard news of Fu Rong hurting Xu Jin). Fu Rong believes Consort Shu right away because she prophesied his death before. When she’s back home, she quickly prepares medicine for him. All the servants retreat to give them alone time. She tells him in all seriousness that she will wait for him at night. Xu Jin is very confused at how forward she is. She threatens him that she will not sleep if he doesn’t sleep. Xu Jin’s eyes are wide. Confused, he drinks the medicine anticipating what will happen tonight.
Night arrives. Fu Rong quickly unravels Xu Jin’s belt. When he climbs in the bed, she touches his feet. He pulls back, shocked at her touching his feet, haha. She wants him to put socks back on so he’s warm down to his toes. He hovers over her to suggest it’s time for her to be a mother but she pushes him off her. She’s only interested in keeping him alive, lol.
In the middle of the night, Fu Rong is back up to read all she can about his poison. With the help of the physician, she finally finds a way to cure Xu Jin. It’s to exchange all his blood for new blood. She’s ready to give Xu Jin her life. First she gives her family farewell presents. Then, she makes Xu Jin drunk. He sees through her that she’s making him drunk on purpose but with a kiss, he faints over. She tells him if she has another chance to meet him the way she did, she’d do it all over again. She takes a knife and aims it at herself.
All this poison stuff and giving him blood is bringing back my memories of Legend of Yun Xi. I do find the story progression a bit jostling though. Ep19 she was ready to kill him. Ep20 she wanted a divorce. Ep 21 she was jealous he’s taking a new wife. Ep 22 she’s ready to die for him.
[Ep23] The physician quickly stops Fu Rong and tells her the truth. Xu Jin has no poison. Fu Rong is relieved. But Xu Jin is angry for her. He asks her if she’s ever thought of what it would be like for him to wake up to find that she’s no longer there. Anyone who’s watched Legend of Yun Xi would know... Fu Rong explains that she has all these plans for her future but when she realized that if these plans don’t have Xu Jin, then all is worthless.
Xu Jin and Consort Shu seem to be on better terms now. He knows he lied to Fu Rong for his sake.
Fu Rong finds a hairpin and asks Xu Jin who he was planning to give it to. Of course, it's to her but she thinks it looks terrible. However, she quickly changes her mind when she learns he didn't buy it, he made it for her. Xu Jin also promises to take her on a date after he finishes organizing this competition to select a new general.
What happened to Master Liu Ru Yi. Xu Ping fought with Liu Ru Yi. He doesn't trust her to keep his secret. In the middle of the fight, Ah Yuan takes a knife to herself to threaten Liu Ru Yi in order to protect Xu Ping. She likes Xu Ping. Xu Ping then flings off Liu Ru Yi and she "coincidentally" falls onto the knife Ah Yuan was holding. I say “coincidentally” with quotes because he purposely flung her over there but Ah Yuan wouldn’t think that.
[Ep24] Zhang Yao Chen will sacrifice his son, Wu Bai Qi, to make Xu Mao the General (because Wu Bai Qi has the better odds). The arrow didn't kill him on the scene. But there's a second arrow that injures him when he's resting in his tent. Fu Xuan is there with him. When the doctors are taking the arrow out, he wants Fu Xuan to turn around. She won't. She wants to be with him even if it's scary. After the arrow is out, he tells her "My wound doesn't hurt. It's just one place that hurts now. My heart." Everyone exclaims at his cheesiness. Me too. Only Fu Xuan smiles.
Xu Ping tells Wu Bai Qi it's his father who shot those arrows. His entire scheme is to make Zhang Yao Chen believe it's Xu Jin who's against him so that these two will go at each other's throats. And he himself can stay clean.
[Ep25] Cui Wan almost dies to protect Xu Jin. He was in a battle with Zhang Yao Cheng (to arrest him for embezzlement). Zhang Yao Cheng runs off but runs right into Wu Bai Qi. Dad evokes pity from his son to release him (recalling his mother and even kneeling while crying). Right when Zhang Yao Cheng kneels, Wu Bai Qi picks him up and that's when his father captures him hostage. Zhang Yao Cheng flees. But he flees back home... Xu Jin is there shortly after to arrest him. Zhang Yao Cheng takes him into a study room but prohibits his "unfilial" son from entering. It's because Zhang Yao Cheng planned to commit suicide and to take Xu Jin with him by making the room explode. Xu Jin flies out in time. Of course.
Wu Bai Qi, although was betrayed by his father, is heartbroken at his death. Blood is blood after all. Fu Xuan is there to comfort him.
Cui Wan uses the excuse of her eyes going blind (from her chest injury...) to stay in Xu Jin's manor. Obviously no one believes her but Fu Rong allows her to stay because she does feel bad for her (unrequited love).
[Ep26] For reasons I don't understand Xu Jin is forced by the Emperor (under Xu Ping's influence) to marry a proper wife or divorce Fu Rong.
Second Couple: Fu Xuan helps Wu Bai Qi regain the pavilion Consort Duan stole from under his nose.
[Ep27] Fu Rong finds a master to coach her on creating accessories so that she can revive Ru Yi Pavilion. When she's walking home, it's pouring rain. Xu Jin is there with her and takes her somewhere to dodge the rain. He's here on purpose to look for her. Fu Rong tells Xu Jin she knows about the impending divorce. She wants them to face their problems together. She doesn't like him hiding it from her (that's how misunderstandings happen).
Fu Rong is forcibly pulled into a competition to win the bid for creating palace accessories. Fu Rong thinks she'll need this mysterious seven coloured item to win. While on a date with Xu Jin (at the place he proposed to her), they find this colourful item. It's a seashell (inside there's a pearl). All seems to be well but her designs are stolen by Consort Duan's team.
[Ep28] Fortunately, Fu Rong has another headdress as her competition piece. Her originally accessories were accidentally burned. However, Qi Zhu pours salt all over her pearl so that it turns black. With a bit of help from (an unwilling Cui Wan), Fu Rong turns the pearl back to its original form.
Randomly in the middle of the street, Xu Jin teaches Fu Rong how to shoot an arrow. Street dancing?
Fu Rong is sabotaged by Consort Duan (with the help of Qi Zhu). She's accused of embezzling and now she's imprisoned. Xu Jin doesn't know yet. He's secretly investigating into Liu Ru Yi's death still. He doesn't believe she committed suicide.
Xu Ping knows of Fu Rong’s current detriments but he's waiting for Xu Jin to save Fu Rong, mess up, and then he (Xu Ping) can steal back his Fu Rong. Whatever. Just sit there and do nothing again, Xu Ping.
[Ep29] Emperor tells Fu Rong all the sacrifices Xu Jin is making to clear her name. He's guilt-tripping her into signing a divorce letter. With the divorce letter signed, Fu Rong is freed from prison.
[Ep30] Despite being divorced, Xu Jin continues to investigate into Fu Rong's case to prove her innocence. To make him believe she wants a divorce, she lies to him that she truly wants to divorce him. He brings her too much danger. She doesn't like the stifling palace. Girl, what happened to facing your problems together (Ep27)?
[Ep31] Fu Rong finds the group of bandits that stole the palace accessories. She also finds a bunch of kidnapped girls. Fu Rong sets them free and ends up in danger. Xu Jin and Xu Ping save her. The tribe launches a full out battle against them. Xu Jin hands Fu Rong (who fainted) to Xu Ping. Xu Jin tells him to take her to safety. He watches them leave as the gates closes. Xu Jin is staying behind to fight the thugs. He fights all night and barely survives. However, all evidence to the crimes this group of thugs have done are burnt down to smithereens. The thugs here are related to Consort Duan and Xu Mao.
Fu Rong wakes up having no idea what Xu Jin had done for her. She's later kidnapped by this man who I forgot existed. It's Zhang Yao Cheng's other son. He's getting revenge for his father. First, he buries Fu Rong alive in a coffin. Then he lures Xu Jin to kill him off too. But instead, he dies and Fu Rong's whereabouts are unknown.
[Ep32] Xu Jin finds Fu Rong and saves her from the coffin (despite being very weak himself). He also gives her his fan again.
Xu Jin: You forgot a very important item (it's the fan but it's himself he's talking about). It just wants to be with you forever. Will you allow that?Fu Rong: Yes.
Back in the palace, all evidences Xu Jin had against Xu Mao suddenly points to himself. However, Fu Rong has counter proof. With that Xu Jin and Fu Rong are free of any crimes. Emperor does not disapprove of their marriage anymore despite not explicitly saying he approves. Thus, Fu Rong is still Xu Jin's wife.
Forehead kiss.
[Ep33] Xu Jin wants Fu Rong to stop investigating in the master's death for her safety. But how can she? Xu Jin ah, this girl will even kill you for her master. To keep her safe from lurking dangers, it's Xu Jin's turn to say he regrets marrying her. Ooooooo-kay.
[Ep34] Fu Rong believes Xu Jin that he hates her and wants a divorce. She quickly accepts the divorce to his dismay. However, before he can say anymore, she leaves (that's her way of stopping his conversation) She continues to investigate into her master and meets Ru Yi Lou's other members. Fu Rong is suspicious of them though. When the leader hears this, he's furious. Of all people who suspect Liu Ru Yi it cannot be Fu Rong. Her master loved her so much, she left her a bracelet that as long as she's wearing it, she will have the protection of all of Ru Yi Lou.
Fu Rong learns that Xu Jin only wanted to divorce her to protect her.
[Ep35] Fu Rong is getting closer to the mysteries her master left behind. She also discovers Ah Yuan is trying to steal the jade (that Fu Rong is trying to find; this jade can control all of Ru Yi Lou and it cannot be in the hands of the wrong person).
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi misunderstood that Fu Xuan is marrying someone else. He crashes into the wedding and makes a grand confession. Fu Xuan is there in the audience and hears his confession. She takes his hand and runs away with him (they need to run because he made a scene). Fu Xuan tells him she rejected the other guy because there's someone she likes. Wu Bai Qi teases her who this man is. Fu Xuan gives him a peck on the cheek. The person she likes is obviously him. Wu Bai Qi kisses her but blocks their lips from touching with his hand. Fu Xuan takes his hand away. She closes her eyes. It's a signal from him to kiss her. They kiss for real.
[Ep36] Qi Zhu discovers the one who killed her brother was Xu Mao. She also learns that Consort Duan knew all along and used her as a servant.
Fu Rong avoids Xu Jin because she doesn't know how to convince him about Ru Yi Lou doing good deeds. Belatedly, she learns that Xu Jin has put a death sentence on all of Ru Yi Lou members. Fu Rong, being Ru Yi Lou's new leader confronts Xu Jin whether he planted Wu Bai Qi near her to protect her or to spy on her. Xu Jin can't believe she thinks of him that way.
Fu Rong's father is lured to this place and a fire engulfs the area. Xu Jin tries to save him (Ah Yuan was the one who lured him there under Xu Ping's orders) but it's no use. Yikes, so Xu Ping just indirectly killed her father. Before it was her master. Just how is he any better than the murderer of his mother? Fu Rong misunderstands that the man who killed her father is Xu Jin, of course.
Second Couple: Fu Xuan avoids Wu Bai Qi too. After her father's death, Fu Xuan cannot marry for three years. Wu Bai Qi assures her he will wait for her whether it's three years or thirty years. Fu Xuan cries in his arms.
[Ep37] Ah Yuan discovers that Xu Ping has plans to kill her after using her. She escapes from Xu Ping.
Cui Wan is to be married off to another man. It’s this Prince from out of nowhere who wants to marry her and only her. That should set off the alarm in anyone’s brain. Cui Wan devises a plan to make Xu Jin hers but obviously that doesn't work. Xu Jin reminds her that he only has one wife. Thus Cui Wan is set to marry this prince.
[Ep38] Ah Yuan reveals everything to Fu Rong. Fu Rong finally knows who's the good guy and who's the bad guy among Xu Jin and Xu Ping.
Cui Wan is to leave the palace to attend her marriage to this Prince. Xu Jin is to escort her. Qi Zhu is selected as the maid to marry with her. Qi Zhu, however, is manipulated by Xu Ping to kill Cui Wan (so that Xu Jin would be in trouble). Qi Zhu leads Cui Wan to the edge of the cliff where she can be killed off by these men. However, Fu Rong is here (she's looking for Xu Jin after all her misunderstandings of him has been cleared). Fu Rong protects Cui Wan and almost takes an arrow to the heart if Ah Yuan had not stepped in front of her.
Qi Zhu who's hidden in the corner aims her bracelet at Fu Rong. Why does Qi Zhu still hate Fu Rong when she knows that her brother's death has nothing to do with her? The bracelet can shoot needles. Cui Wan unintentionally blocks the path and the needles send her off balance; she falls off the cliff. Fu Rong dives for her and the girls fall down together. Fu Rong manages to catch a rope from nowhere. Xu Jin finds the exact cliff edge to save the girls. Fu Rong tells Xu Jin to save Cui Wan first and so she's the first one hoisted up. Fu Rong's rope snaps. Without a second thought, Xu Jin jumps with her. And so they spin downwards and downwards and downwards in each other's arms. With some qinggong (I assume) the two are peacefully asleep on this meadow like place. They're perfectly fine. They find themselves in a cherry blossom world. I honestly have no idea if they're still on Earth. Fu Rong thinks it's okay if they die here but then she remembers everything she needs to do. She can't die. Xu Jin glares at her telling her to make up her mind on whether she wants to die or to live. Anything with him is fine with her. In this hidden place, they meet a lady who's wearing a hat to hide her features. She’s got these otherworldly blue eyes.
Second Couple: Wu Bai Qi is severely injured. Both his ankles are still oozing with blood. A guard calls Fu Xuan for him but Wu Bai Qi hides his injuries to her. He doesn't want Fu Xuan to worry for him.
[Ep39] Qi Zhu is reunited with her prince but to protect him she's pierced with a poison needle. The prince doesn't know it. They spend one day together happily. The next morning when the prince wakes up Qi Zhu disappears. She lies to him that she accompanied Cui Wan's marriage so that she can gain freedom from the palace. In actuality, she’s probably dying in a corner.
Cui Wan is chummy with Fu Rong now. She's worried for both Fu Rong and Xu Jin because they have to continue with the escort plan. Fu Rong is replacing Cui Wan to distract the assassins who are preventing the marriage from happening (i.e. Xu Ping).
Xu Ping surrounds his men around Xu Jin. Xu Ping sends Xu Jin down a water fall. He doesn't harm Fu Rong though and sends her safely back home. When Fu Rong is awake, she's told of Xu Jin's death. She has no idea it was Xu Ping who killed Xu Jin.
But Xu Jin is alive! Duh. Fu Rong had given Xu Jin an armour and that's why he's alive.
Second Couple: Fu Xuan helps Wu Bai Qi with his daily needs without him knowing like putting a cushion on his wheelchair, or a stool next to his bed to help him ease into his wheelchair. Wu Bai Qi thinks the current him doesn't deserve her. That doesn't matter to her at all. It's him who she likes. Thus Wu Bai Qi takes her strolling atop his wheelchair, heh. She's adding her weight on top of that heavy wheelchair.
Wu Bai Qi's legs have healed. Before he has the time to tell Fu Xuan, she gifted him an upgraded wheelchair. He doesn't have the heart to tell her anymore. Suddenly, the wheelchair goes out of control as they're rolling downhill. Wu Bai Qi uses her qinggong to fly off. They twirl down to landing but Wu Bai Qi's legs are too weak to sustain weight. They fall over and she accidentally kisses him. He then rolls on top of her to give her another kiss.
Third Couple: I'm amused with Cui Wan now. She's cute with her soon-to-be-husband.
[Ep40] Because of Xu Ping, the Emperor announces that Fu Rong it to be buried alive with Xu Jin. What is Xu Ping thinking? Fortunately, Xu Jin had already planned out everything if he does die. He had written a divorce letter beforehand. If Fu Rong is not his wife, she doesn’t need to be buried with him. However, Fu Rong throws the letter in the fire. She’s set on staying with Xu Jin even in death.
Xu Jin is alive and back but Xu Ping arrives to Fu Rong’s coffin first. The two men battle it out. Xu Ping’s sword has poison and he aims it at Xu Jin. Fu Rong takes the hit for him. In her last breath she tells Xu Jin, "If there’s a next life I want to be your wife again.” Devastated, Xu Ping takes the knife to himself. That’s when Xu Jin’s men arrive with the blue eyed lady. She’s Xu Ping’s mother. Right before Xu Ping’s death, mom spills the truth. It was the (previous) Emperor who set the fire so that she could be safe in a secluded place. Other consorts were green with envy and her life was in constant danger in the palace. Ah, so Xu Ping ruined his life for nothing. I see.
Xu Jin takes a “dead” Fu Rong to the rooftop he likes. Lightening strikes and the life-size orb behind them seems to be harnessing this power. Fu Rong wakes up. She’s alive. When she’s all better, Fu Rong tells Xu Jin and his mother that she made an armour for herself too. The poison only scarped her skin which made it look like she died. What. So the only person who dies from the poison is Xu Ping. And it had nothing to do with that orb.
There’s a fourth couple, sort of: Fu Rong’s maid and Xu Ping’s servant. The servant rejects the maid, though. He has to pay for his sins that he committed with Xu Ping. He cannot accept her love. He compliments the pouch she made though. Aw, poor girl.
Xu Jin clears Ru Yi Lou’s name. They’re a clean organization. Xu Jin has one more request for the Emperor. He wants a divorce from Fu Rong............so that he can take her as his rightful bride the formal way. Phew. He wants to give Fu Rong a grand ceremony so that she can wear her master’s Phoenix Crown gloriously. Fu Rong teases Fu Xuan when she’s going to marry when she’s already on her second marriage. Wait, it’s been three years since their father’s death? And so the marriage that’s been happening in both their dreams was this one all along.
The end.
Bonus EpisodesThese are mini episodes (~15 minutes each with the last one being <2 minutes). It's modern Xu Jin and Fu Rong meeting again.[Ep41] Qiao Yi Rong (Fu Rong reborn) has been having the same dream for ten years. It's the marriage scene with a man she doesn't know (it's Xu Jin). Meanwhile Xu Jin has been searching for her for thousands of years. He murmurs to himself he has a month left. He visits Qiao Yi Rong at her work place (Ru Yi Luo) and gives her a antique hairpin to display at her empty museum. It's called the Fu Rong Hairpin (the one he made for her). She comments it looks shabby and he irritably corrects her that this was handmade.After his visit, Yi Rong's dream has increased in frequency. She's determined to pursue this man she now knows is Xu Jin. She decides to make him jealous and claims that her childhood friend, Wen Ping (Xu Ping reborn) is her fiance. It doesn't really look like Xu Jin cares??Yi Rong and Xu Jin for some reason walk on the street together. She wants to buy cookies from a vendor but Xu Jin spots the peanuts and buys all of it so that she can't eat it (a nod to the pouch scene). She thinks he definitely doesn't like her. It's more like he remembers she's allergic to peanuts.Yi Rong moves onto plan B and commits suicide to make him care. She lies that her fiancé ditched her and somehow asks him to be in a fake marriage with her. He agrees on the spot. They get their license and they're now officially married. He asks her what she'll call him from now on. Hubby? Darling? Nope, he wants her to call him Xu Jin. He makes her sign a contract that this marriage will only last a month with the last date being December 25th. They can't fall in love with each other. Yi Rong asks him why he agreed to marry her. He says it's to improve his public image. It has absolutely nothing to do with her.[Ep42] Xu Jin develops a fever and so Yi Rong stays up to take care of him all night. In his slumber, he calls out to Rong'er and this makes Yi Rong jealous. She was going to confront him in the morning but he keeps calling her pighead such that she can't utter another wordYi Rong wants to test if he loves her and asks Wen Ping for advice. He tells her to watch a horror movie with Xu Jin but it turns out Xu Jin is more scared than she is. Next up, Yi Rong dresses skimpy for the cold weather to see if he'll take off his jacket for her. He does but it's not because she looks cold. It's because she sat on coffee and it dirtied her pants. Finally she cooks for him and remembers to take out the ginger. He asks her why he knew his taste in food. Her answer is that she likes it that way. This is a déjà vu for the both of them. After he gobbles down her food, Yi Rong is proud of herself. She ties his necktie for him but she does it wrongly. When Xu Jin's secretary sends him a quizzical look, Xu Jin proudly declares he likes his necktie this way.Xu Jin agrees with Yi Rong to go to an amusement park together. When she thinks he's asleep, she kisses his cheek. He's awake though. He's not the least bit romantic as he reminds her she violated their contract.
[Ep43] Yi Rong uses her peanut allergy to make Xu Jin worried. He was but once he saw her with Wen Ping, he's angry she lied to him (about the fiancé thing). Yi Rong runs out to stop him from leaving. She knows that there might be something wrong with his body. She says she wants to be with him still. Yi Rong confesses she likes him and she doesn't believe he doesn't like her when he's willing to marry her. Xu Jin only has one thing to say to her: their contract ends on December 25th. He will divorce her.It's Christmas. Yi Rong is waiting for him in the cold street. He shows up as Santa Claus ??? to give her their marriage contract. She immediately knows it's him. She stops him from leaving and that's when he tells her the truth. He shows her his palm that indicates he's dying. I don't know. Although to her he's a dream, to him everything is real. He had waited for her for a thousand years. Seeing her is already more than enough for him. He leaves the contract with her and tells her to do whatever she wants with it. Yi Rong rips it to pieces. She doesn't need the contract; she wants him. Yi Rong hugs Xu Jin and he hugs her back.The end. But is he still dying?Oh wait there's more..Extra Scene: Qiao Yi Rong sends a friend request to Xu Jin (this extra scene connects from Ep41). She thanks him for saving Ru Yi Luo. She then video calls him in the middle of night. Xu Jin forgot he just showered and is showing a bit more chest than usual. Yi Rong's major takeaway from this call is to confirm he's single.But is he still dying??[Ep44] Xu Jin and Yi Rong are sleeping together. In her sleep she calls out to Prince Su. Xu Jin assures her he's right here beside her. He looks at his own palm and notices the line of death is gone.[Comments] I would have preferred a modern epilogue for Legend of Yun Xi because that drama needed it more than this one. I don't really understand the purpose of this when Fu Rong and Xu Jin have a happily ever after. Why put Xu Jin under more pain of dying and waiting a thousand years for her? I have a tiny hypothesis that the drama crew had two endings for this and one of them was a sad ending where Fu Rong does die in Xu Jin’s arm when he took her to that magical roof top place (remember that magical light in the sky that turned out to be nothing?) hence why Ep41 starts with Xu Jin standing at that specific spot. He’s waiting for the rebirth of Fu Rong.
Remarks
[First Impression (Ep1-8)] This drama takes its time to get into the story and it can afford to because of its star studded cast. The Blooms of Ruyi Pavilion brings back a lot of the cast from Legend of Yunxi. It’s not just the two main couples reprising similar roles but also the parents. Plus a whole lot of new people. A lot. Am I the only one overwhelmed or I’m just juggling too many dramas? Each person has a story, a parent, a relationship to this other person. I admit to losing focus as I watch the story. Do correct me if I misunderstood anything in the recaps.
My excitement for this drama is all for the chemistry between Zhang Zhe Han and Ju Jing Yi. I’m waiting for the sweet. For now, I’m getting tiny portions of it. Our main leads chance upon each other for what feels like a gazillion time. They’re always investigating something and spontaneously meet each other. Although they meet a lot, I’d say the drama is pretty stingy with their scenes. I only get a few shots of Zhang Zhe Han smiling because of her and that’s it. My hunger for them isn’t satiated. Wang You Shuo and Xu Jia Qi (Kiki Xu) are not filling in that emptiness either yet.
The skeleton of the story is there’s people who want Xu Jin dead. Xu Ping (who has another identity as Ju Shui, the masked man) is one of them. Maybe he doesn’t want him dead dead but he wants Xu Jin to pay for the crimes of killing his mother. It’s almost certain Xu Jin isn’t the one who killed his mother but Xu Ping won’t know that yet. Fu Rong comes into the equation randomly with all her spontaneous encounters with Xu Jin. Fu Rong is also Xu Ping’s childhood friend. There’s nothing on whether Xu Jin and Fu Rong know each other as children but I wouldn’t rule that out just yet. In addition, there’s also a mysterious organization working in the dark. It’s called Ruyi Pavilion which is not so coincidentally the name of the drama.
How impressed am I with the introduction? Not very. The story is a lot more complex than I had anticipated. I can’t say it’s interesting either. We’re still in setup phase. But I will sit tight because I haven’t seen my romance yet.
[Actors/Actresses] Almost all the significant actors are back from Legend of Yunxi with the exception of Mi Re (Yalkun Merxat). Ju Jing Yi is a bit more ditzier in this. Zhang Zhe Han is just as cool. Wang You Shuo is the one who amazed me. His first impression was manly and charismatic especially that moment when he fell in love with Xu Jia Qi's character. Liu Yi Chang impresses too. This is my third time seeing him this year and he's able to create different characters each time.
Final Review
[Review] After completing this, the first thing I want to say to those still watching it or planning to watch it, don't fret the prophecies. They're empty threats.
As for my feelings for this drama. I'll get straight to the point. This was pointless. I wish there was a prophecy that told me I was better off re-watching Legend of Yun Xi (which I love by the way). The story had no focal point. It just had a lot of people, two separate romances, and random stuff that were happening. I have this dude that's scheming things; he makes himself sound so smart but in reality he's not doing anything at all. There's this mysterious and secretive agency that does these mysterious and secretive stuff; that's it. Our leads get these prophetic dreams in the beginning but the drama doesn't do anything with it other than scaring us poor audience. The drama doesn't even bother using smarter reasons for our leads to meet up. It's always, omg, what a coinkydink! Honestly, I may have just forgiven everything above if the romance delivered. I admit that Zhang Zhe Han staring at Ju Jing Yi with love just oozes with chemistry but there needs to be a romantic development for me to believe in this couple. The drama was SO lazy. The writers completely relied on the leads previous fame from Legend of Yun Xi. The one and only thing that this drama might have exceeded its predecessor is the romance between Wu Bai Qi and Fu Xuan.
This belongs in my "one" rating for being pretty with no substance, but, sigh, my love for the people in this drama makes it so difficult for me to be this harsh.
[Verdict] Just re-watch Legend of Yun Xi instead. I beg of you.
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