Episode Summary
Ariya's foreign princess identity is revealed to a terrified Ji Mo. Meanwhile, Qiao Manman fails to cure Prince Fu Chengjin's legs and faces execution. Just as she's about to be put to death, Fu Chengjin dramatically walks in, fully recovered. His recovery saves Qiao Manman, and he even speaks favorably of her to the Emperor. Grateful, Qiao Manman tries to gift Fu Chengjin a crutch and then an embroidered handkerchief, the latter of which he initially criticizes, only to later apologize with a candlelight dinner after learning of her efforts. Elsewhere, Ariya's spy learns Qiao Manman is not the true Xilin princess, delighting Fu Yunuo.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 11 Recap & Spoilers: Revelations and Recoveries
Episode 11 brought a whirlwind of emotions, with secrets unraveling and miraculous recoveries taking center stage.
Ji Mo’s world was turned upside down when an outing with Ariya took an unexpected turn. While they were out to lift Ariya's spirits, she was captivated by the sight of other women dancing. Unable to resist, Ariya joined in, her dance style utterly unique and clearly not from the Lu Zhaoguo nation. Her performance was so distinct that many onlookers clapped in admiration, even asking to become her students. Ji Mo watched, completely stunned. As he pieced together his observations of Ariya, a horrifying realization dawned on him: the woman he had been spending his days with was a foreign princess. The implications were dire – if her true identity were exposed, it would mean execution for those involved.
Panicked, Ji Mo rushed home to confront his uncle. With the truth impossible to hide any longer, his uncle confessed Ariya's royal lineage. This revelation left Ji Mo even more distraught. He had developed genuine feelings for Ariya, but the vast chasm in their social standing now made any future together seem impossible.
Meanwhile, Qiao Manman faced her own crisis. After days of trying, she still hadn't managed to cure Prince Fu Chengjin's legs. Returning to the Wanshi Tang in despair, she warned her uncle to pack their valuables, fearing they would soon need to flee. Unbeknownst to them, a spy dispatched by Ariya had been closely monitoring Qiao Manman. The spy overheard the conversation, learning the explosive secret that Qiao Manman was not the true princess of Xilin. This news quickly reached Fu Yunuo, who was overjoyed. He saw a glimmer of hope – if Qiao Manman’s deception was revealed, perhaps he would finally have a chance to be with her.
The ever-scheming Noble Consort, still bitter about her failure to discredit Fu Chengjin, continued her machinations. When a jailer reported to the Emperor that the female physician Bilian had died mysteriously in her cell, likely from poisoning, the Noble Consort seized the moment. She fanned the flames of suspicion before the Emperor, who, incensed, immediately summoned Qiao Manman to the palace for interrogation.
Upon receiving the imperial summons, Qiao Manman was convinced her end was near. She anxiously asked her maid for Fu Chengjin, only to learn that neither he nor his attendant Jiufeng had been seen for days. Qiao Manman felt a pang of bitterness, believing Fu Chengjin was so heartless as to not even grant her a final meeting.
Before the Emperor, Qiao Manman's fate seemed sealed. Furious that Fu Chengjin’s legs remained uncured, the Emperor ordered her immediate execution. As Qiao Manman prepared to resign herself to death, a familiar voice cut through the tension – it was Fu Chengjin! The doors to the hall swung open, and in strode the prince, looking dashing and elegant, walking confidently on his own two feet. Qiao Manman stared in utter disbelief, completely captivated by the sight of this healthy, vibrant man. Could this truly be Prince Fu Chengjin?
With Fu Chengjin’s miraculous recovery, the execution order was instantly revoked. Furthermore, Fu Chengjin spoke warmly of Qiao Manman to his father. The Emperor, who had always cherished his son and lamented his confinement to a wheelchair, was ecstatic to see him standing tall and healthy. His joy extended to Qiao Manman, and his previously critical opinion of her softened considerably.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Qiao Manman sought ways to thank Fu Chengjin. Concerned for his well-being after his long illness, she painstakingly crafted a wooden crutch for him, hoping to ease any lingering fatigue. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a little too short. Undeterred, Qiao Manman then decided to embroider a handkerchief for him. Despite it being her first time ever attempting embroidery, she worked through the night and completed it. The next morning, she excitedly presented her gift to Fu Chengjin. However, lacking tact, he bluntly remarked that she had embroidered "two ugly ducks" (a misinterpretation of what were likely intended to be mandarin ducks, symbols of love), deeply wounding her pride.
Later, Jiutian informed Fu Chengjin that Qiao Manman had poured an entire day and night of effort into the handkerchief. Ashamed of his insensitivity, Fu Chengjin decided to make amends by personally preparing a candlelight dinner for her. Given that Fu Chengjin had saved her life, and now her esteemed benefactor was offering a personal apology, Qiao Manman’s spirits soared, and she was once again filled with happiness.
