Episode Summary
Hongning discovers Jinxiu is the Flower Deity and wants to be his Empress, but she needs to become an immortal first. Kunlun is released and given a job. Jinxiu punishes Apricot Immortal for her schemes and sends Hongning to the Abandoned Garden to cultivate. Hongning learns about love from Shaoyao and struggles with transformation magic, eventually turning into Jinxiu.
Spoiler Alert
"Love Never Fails" Episode 5: Recap & Spoilers
Okay, so Hongning finally puts two and two together and realizes that the Flower Deity she's been searching for is actually Jinxiu! The Plum Immortal, bless her heart, sees that Hongning has the Hua Jian (Flower Token) and came all this way, so she suggests giving her a shot. Jinxiu agrees, but when Hongning presents the flower, it's a total dud – it doesn't bloom! Apricot Immortal, naturally, is all snarky about it. But then, Hongning's tears fall on the flower, and BAM! It blooms.
Everyone's shocked because it's not a Camellia at all! Jinxiu explains that it's actually Kochia scoparia (that's Broom Cypress, for those not up on their botanical Latin), and that stuff is super aggressive. It probably invaded the Camellia's roots. Add Hongning's spiritual energy, and you get… a blooming weed! Jinxiu, being fair, says that even though Hongning didn't grow the Camellia, making the Kochia scoparia bloom deserves a reward. So, she asks Hongning what she wants.
And here's where it gets interesting. Hongning asks if she can be Jinxiu's Empress! The Chrysanthemum Official nearly chokes, pointing out that Hongning doesn't even know what love is. But Hongning's all, "Jinxiu saved me, so I want to repay him." Lu Yao jumps in with a "Well, Jinxiu saved a bunch of plants in my palace, should they all marry him too?" Jinxiu's response? To be Empress, Hongning needs to become an immortal first. So, back to cultivation for her!
Meanwhile, Kunlun's getting his drink on when Jinxiu finds him. He wants to know how Hongning got out. Kunlun claims it wasn't him, saying Hongning burned the drawing, and the flower petals scattered. The Emperor and Empress summon Jinxiu and Kunlun. Kunlun lays it on thick, saying he's been reflecting on his mistakes and will fix the frozen plants. Jinxiu backs him up, saying Kunlun's genuinely sorry. The Emperor, figuring it's been centuries, lets it slide. The Empress warns Kunlun that she'll punish him if he messes up again.
The Emperor decides Kunlun needs to take responsibility and asks Jinxiu to give him a job. Jinxiu suggests he manage the wine garden. But wait, there's more drama! Apricot Immortal brings two fairies who think Hongning's a demon and shouldn't be there. Jinxiu knows Apricot Immortal is behind it all, deliberately sending Hongning to grow flowers in the Kochia scoparia patch and abusing her power. So, she throws Apricot Immortal into the Water Moon Mirror to think about what she's done.
Plum Immortal asks Jinxiu what to do with Hongning. Jinxiu decides she'll stay in the Abandoned Garden until she becomes an immortal. Zi Teng (Wisteria) takes Hongning to the garden, explaining that it's full of flowers with damaged spiritual roots, making it super hard to get them to bloom. Hongning, though, thinks it's great. Shaoyao (Peony) visits Hongning and is shocked she doesn't know Jinxiu is the Flower Deity. Hongning says she didn't recognize him without the deity mark on his forehead.
Shaoyao explains that the deity mark is a symbol of status and isn't shown all the time. Then, she asks Hongning if she really likes Jinxiu. Hongning's clueless about love, so Shaoyao explains it. Hongning realizes she feels all those things and confirms she really likes Jinxiu.
Jinxiu visits Hongning, saying he wants to help her become an immortal, even though demons are generally considered evil. Hongning suggests Jinxiu visit her home to see that the demons there aren't doing anything wrong. Jinxiu teaches Hongning a spell to transform, telling her to think of what she wants to become. But all Hongning can think of is Jinxiu, so she can't transform into anything else!
Hongning keeps practicing and finally transforms into Jinxiu! She's spotted, but no one realizes it's not the real Jinxiu. Lu Yao brings some flower nectar, and Hongning, after taking a sip, compliments Lu Yao's eyebrows and asks her to get closer so she can take a good look. And then… Jinxiu shows up!
What a cliffhanger! What will Jinxiu do when he sees Hongning impersonating him? And will Hongning ever figure out this whole "love" thing? We'll have to wait for the next episode to find out!
