Episode Summary
In Episode 15, Ji Mo distances himself from Ariya after learning she's a princess, while she mistakenly tries to "cure" his old ailment. Qiao Manman successfully orchestrates a reunion between Fu Chengjin and his estranged mother, the Empress, at the Emperor's birthday celebration. The Empress, deeply hurt by past accusations and the Emperor's lack of trust, reveals the ongoing plots against Prince Jin's household but refuses to leave her seclusion despite the Emperor's plea. Meanwhile, Fu Chengjin foils a deadly assassination attempt plotted by his ambitious brother, Fu Yunnuo, who had hidden assassins in a birthday gift for the Emperor. Fu Chengjin replaces them with a celebratory performance. Qiao Manman confronts Fu Yunnuo, who vows to continue his ruthless pursuit of power against Fu Chengjin.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 15 Recap & Spoilers: A Mother's Return and a Brother's Treachery
This episode was a rollercoaster of hidden identities, emotional reunions, and dastardly plots, leaving us on the edge of our seats!
A Princess in Disguise and a Prince's Dilemma
Ever since Ji Mo discovered that Ariya is, in fact, the Princess of Xilin, he's been consciously keeping his distance. Poor Ariya, however, remains blissfully unaware of the real reason for his aloofness. She’s convinced his old "fear of women" ailment hasn't fully healed and is adorably determined to find a cure for him, leading to some awkward yet endearing moments.
Qiao Manman's Quest to Reunite a Family
Qiao Manman, ever the strategist with a heart, is determined to use the Emperor's upcoming birthday celebration as an opportunity for Fu Chengjin (Prince Jin) to reunite with his long-lost mother, the Empress. Her search leads her through layers of palace gates into the deep, secluded quarters. The courtyard is sparsely populated, but after some searching, Qiao Manman spots a lady tending vegetables. Initially mistaking her for a palace maid, Qiao Manman politely asks for the Empress's whereabouts.
When the "maid" stands and asks who Qiao Manman is, our heroine introduces herself. Upon hearing she is Princess Jin (Fu Chengjin's wife), the lady shows a flicker of strong emotion. Qiao Manman, observing her dignified bearing and striking beauty, realizes this must be the Empress herself. The Empress, while concealing her true identity, is desperate for news of her son, Fu Chengjin. Seizing the moment, Qiao Manman astutely decides that making the Empress worry about Fu Chengjin is the only way to draw her out of seclusion. She paints a picture of recent turmoil in Prince Jin's residence, urging the Empress to step forward and be a pillar of support for Fu Chengjin, emphasizing how much he misses his mother.
The Empress Emerges
Qiao Manman's heartfelt words hit their mark. On the day of the Emperor's birthday celebration, the Empress indeed makes her appearance. The moment Fu Chengjin sees his mother, his eyes well up with emotion. The Empress takes her place beside the Emperor, and together they receive the respects of the assembled court.
The narrative then takes us back over a decade: vicious rumors in the harem had claimed Fu Chengjin was not the Emperor's biological son. The Empress was framed and endured immense suffering, unable to clear her name. Although a blood test eventually proved Fu Chengjin was indeed of royal blood, the Emperor's coldness and lack of trust had deeply wounded her. Heartbroken, she retreated into the deep palace, never taking a step out until this very day.
During the birthday festivities, the Empress pointedly mentions that someone has been relentlessly trying to frame Prince Jin's household. The Emperor, surprised by this public declaration, begins to pay closer attention to Prince Jin's affairs and promises to offer more protection.
A Plea Denied, A Son's Silent Vow
After the celebration, the Emperor tries to persuade the Empress to leave her self-imposed seclusion and live a peaceful life with him. He points out that Fu Chengjin is now grown and married, and they might soon be grandparents. However, the Empress's heart has grown cold over the years, and she firmly refuses his plea.
Later, under a heavy downpour, Fu Chengjin follows his mother, his umbrella shielding him as he walks. After more than a decade, this reunion is overwhelming, and he watches her until she disappears inside, lingering long after she's gone. His attendant, Jiu Tian, asks if he wants to go in and see the Empress. Fu Chengjin shakes his head. He explains that with the court still fraught with power struggles and his own residence facing hidden threats, it's too dangerous for his mother to fully re-enter their lives. He is willing to bear the pain of separation alone, as long as she remains safe.
A Deadly Gift, A Narrow Escape
Unbeknownst to many, the Emperor's birthday nearly took a far darker turn. Fu Yunnuo, another prince and Fu Chengjin's rival, had deviously hidden assassins inside the gift Fu Chengjin had prepared for the Emperor. Fortunately, Fu Chengjin discovered the treacherous plot in the nick of time. He swiftly dealt with the assassins in the chest and ingeniously replaced them with a traditional celebratory performance called "Magu Xian Shou" (literally "Magu Offers Birthday Peaches," a dance symbolizing longevity and good fortune, often performed for elders).
So, when the gift box was opened during the celebration, Fu Yunnuo, anticipating chaos, reflexively called out for guards to be wary of assassins. Instead, a performer dressed as the immortal "Magu" gracefully emerged, holding symbolic peaches. The Emperor, unaware of the foiled plot, simply thought it was a false alarm caused by Fu Yunnuo's overzealousness.
A Confrontation and Unyielding Ambition
Later, Qiao Manman confronts Fu Yunnuo directly, warning him to cease his dangerous machinations. However, Fu Yunnuo is unrepentant. He chillingly reveals his mindset: he understood from a young age that if he couldn't achieve ultimate success and power, he would forever live in the shadow of others, dependent on their whims. He declares he is unwilling to remain merely a prince for his entire life. Despite Fu Chengjin's consistent efforts to show forbearance, even to the point of planning to escape the palace intrigues altogether, Fu Yunnuo is resolute. He is determined to fight Fu Chengjin to the bitter end, a fight to the death.
