Episode Summary
A romantic evening between Qiao Manman and Fu Chengjin is cut short when Qiao Manman's drunkenness prevents Fu Chengjin's intended confession and leads her to voice her fears about her precarious position. The following morning, after worrying about her drunken revelations, Qiao Manman is abducted. Fu Chengjin, alongside Fu Yunnuo, manages to rescue her, with Fu Yunnuo eliminating all the attackers. It's later revealed through Fu Yunnuo's confrontation that the Imperial Consort orchestrated the kidnapping due to her animosity towards Qiao Manman. Subsequently, the Emperor assigns the planning of his upcoming birthday celebration to Fu Chengjin and Qiao Manman, a decision the Imperial Consort attempts to influence by adding Fu Yunnuo to the organizing committee. The episode concludes with Fu Yunnuo inviting Qiao Manman to an opera that depicts scenes from their shared childhood, causing Qiao Manman to recall familiar events.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 12 Recap & Spoilers
Under the soft glow of the moonlight, Qiao Manman and Fu Chengjin sat opposite each other, sharing a few drinks. The pleasant mood and cool evening breeze led Fu Chengjin to take Qiao Manman's hand and begin to dance. Qiao Manman had always seen Fu Chengjin as cold and distant, but this moment revealed a surprisingly romantic side to him. However, just as Fu Chengjin was about to confess his feelings, Qiao Manman, who had had a bit too much to drink, suddenly felt nauseous, abruptly shattering the romantic atmosphere.
Fu Chengjin ended up carrying Qiao Manman back to her quarters. Lying in bed, dazed, Qiao Manman mumbled about the hardships of being a princess, living in constant fear of execution. Hearing this, Fu Chengjin couldn't help but smile, though he recognized the genuine stress she had been under. He silently vowed to himself that he would protect her and ensure no harm came to her.
The next morning, Qiao Manman slowly woke up, a wave of anxiety washing over her as she tried to recall the previous night. She worried about the things she might have said while drunk – badmouthing Fu Chengjin, complaining about her suffering – and, most importantly, whether she had accidentally revealed her true identity. She couldn't be sure, but the fear lingered. Fu Chengjin brought her an array of pastries to help with her hangover. As Qiao Manman picked up an osmanthus cake and nodded in approval, Fu Chengjin suddenly asked if she had noticed a "sweet scent." Mortified, Qiao Manman instantly remembered exclaiming the night before that Fu Chengjin himself carried that same osmanthus fragrance.
Later, Qiao Manman was chatting with her attendant, Chun Tao, in the corridor. Chun Tao remarked that she could see the Prince's (Fu Chengjin's) feelings for Qiao Manman were genuine and advised her to confess her impersonation, suggesting that Fu Chengjin might offer his protection. Qiao Manman remained apprehensive, unsure if Fu Chengjin could truly forgive her. Just then, a paper ball was thrown towards them. Qiao Manman opened it to find an invitation for a meeting. Excitedly believing it was related to Yun Wen, she quickly left the Prince's Mansion with Chun Tao following close behind. However, as they reached the main gate, several burly men and a coachman suddenly appeared and abducted Qiao Manman. Chun Tao raced back into the mansion to alert Fu Chengjin, who, along with Jiu Feng and a few of his most skilled men, immediately rushed to the rescue.
The assailants held Qiao Manman at swordpoint, clearly intending to kill her. Qiao Manman desperately tried to explain that she wasn't the real princess but an imposter. However, her captors were unmoved, stating that even an imposter had to be eliminated. In the nick of time, Fu Chengjin and Jiu Feng arrived, closely followed by Fu Yunnuo. Fu Yunnuo swiftly dealt with the attackers, leaving none alive. Jiu Tian then questioned why no one was left alive to interrogate, as it would have helped identify the mastermind. Fu Yunnuo offered no response. Fu Chengjin, however, began to understand; this attack seemed to have connections to someone within the palace.
Late that night, Fu Yunnuo paid a visit to the Imperial Consort. He confronted her, and she admitted to orchestrating Qiao Manman's kidnapping. Her justification was her dislike for Qiao Manman and the fear that if Qiao Manman were to bear a royal grandchild, their own position would be compromised. Fu Yunnuo sternly warned the Imperial Consort not to target Qiao Manman again, or he would show no mercy.
The Emperor's birthday celebration was fast approaching, and he intended to assign its organization to Fu Chengjin and Qiao Manman. The Imperial Consort, however, interfered, insisting that Fu Yunnuo also be involved, fearing that Fu Chengjin would otherwise gain too much of the Emperor's favor. Qiao Manman felt completely overwhelmed by the task of organizing such an important event. Fu Chengjin reassured her, telling her not to worry, as the Ministry of Rites would also be involved, and historically, the annual birthday celebrations always proceeded without major incident, neither exceptionally grand nor disastrous.
Fu Yunnuo invited Qiao Manman to attend an opera. He had specially commissioned a play based on their childhood friendship. As Qiao Manman watched, she found the story strangely familiar. This feeling intensified when a scene depicted a little boy praising a young girl's "cute" bandaging skills – a distinct memory from her own past.
