Episode Summary
Fu Yunnuo exposes Qiao Yuanzhi's past treason, leading the Emperor to order his and Qiao Manman's execution for deceiving the monarch, a move pushed by Fu Chengjin. However, Fu Chengjin secretly gives them a "Resurrection Pill" instead of poison. After faking their deaths, Fu Chengjin gets permission to leave the capital with Qiao Manman and Qiao Yuanzhi, starting a new, free life. Meanwhile, Aliya enjoys her peaceful life with Ji Mo, who worries about her regaining her memory. Fu Chengjin faces the challenges of self-reliance.
Spoiler Alert
"Destiny of Love" Episode 20 Recap & Spoilers
Fu Chengjin swiftly pacified the rebellion and returned to the imperial court. The Emperor was overjoyed to see their numerous military achievements. At this moment, Fu Yunnuo, who was standing aside, was prepared to present some matters. The Emperor immediately ordered the many court officials to withdraw. However, Fu Yunnuo cupped his hands and stated that he needed to report some important issues that required the officials present to bear witness.
Since Fu Yunnuo insisted, the Emperor had no choice but to agree, wondering what his son was planning. Fu Yunnuo uttered the name Qiao Yuanzhi. Previously, Qiao Yuanzhi had committed treason by colluding with the enemy and was originally sentenced to death. However, the Emperor, moved by compassion at the time, changed the sentence to house arrest, confining him to a single room for the rest of his life, never to step outside. Now that this old account was brought up again by his son, the Emperor had to claim that the elderly man before them was probably not Qiao Yuanzhi.
Fu Yunnuo did not back down and even had people from the Ministry of Justice bring the roster of names to compare the physical features of the man beside him. The evidence was conclusive. Just as the Emperor was about to issue an order, Qiao Manman quickly knelt beside him, begging the Emperor to show leniency. Fu Chengjin, of course, knew Fu Yunnuo's true intentions. He immediately advised that both Qiao Yuanzhi and Qiao Manman had committed the crime of deceiving the monarch and deserved to be executed, then implored the Emperor to issue the order to kill. The situation had become untenable, and the Emperor had no choice but to give the command.
Qiao Manman and Qiao Yuanzhi were thrown into prison. Fu Chengjin personally delivered the poisoned wine. Qiao Yuanzhi calmly took the wine cup without any complaint. However, Qiao Manman repeatedly begged Fu Chengjin to show mercy. Qiao Yuanzhi drank the wine in one gulp and fell to the ground, bleeding from the mouth. Fu Chengjin then offered the wine cup to Qiao Manman. Gazing at her former lover, soon to be separated by death, Qiao Manman was tear-stricken and speechless. She tearfully accepted the wine cup and drank it all. Only then did Fu Yunnuo feel immense regret. He had originally intended for the Emperor to strip Qiao Manman of her title as Shizi Fei (Crown Princess Consort), but he never expected Fu Chengjin to directly ask the Emperor to end Qiao Manman's life. However, it was Fu Yunnuo who had initiated the incident.
Fu Chengjin picked up the dying Qiao Manman and started to leave. Fu Yunnuo, overcome with grief, couldn't help but question Fu Chengjin why so many people had revolved around him since childhood, and now the only woman he deeply loved was also dying because of him. Fu Chengjin handed the household registration records from recent years to Fu Yunnuo and left without a word. He had given Fu Yunnuo too many chances, but unexpectedly, Fu Yunnuo still refused to settle down, leading to today's situation – who else could be blamed?
In reality, Qiao Yuanzhi and Qiao Manman did not drink real poison but a "Resurrection Pill" that Fu Chengjin had prepared earlier. It was originally intended for himself and Qiao Manman, but due to the sudden turn of events, it had to be given to Qiao Manman and her father first. Upon returning to the Prince's Mansion, Fu Chengjin immediately ordered his subordinates to pack their belongings quickly.
Fu Chengjin requested permission from the Emperor to travel, and the Emperor finally agreed. That night, Fu Chengjin left the capital city with Qiao Manman and Qiao Yuanzhi. The daily pretense of suffering in the imperial palace was finally over, and they were free. In the evening, Qiao Manman chatted with Aliya and a maidservant. Aliya was very content with her current life; she could see Ji Mo every day and they ate together. Everyone sitting together was very lively, making her feel very satisfied.
Meanwhile, Ji Mo both hoped that Aliya could regain her memory soon and also wished for her to live so carefreely forever. What if Aliya no longer loved him after regaining her memory? Fu Chengjin began a new life where he needed to be self-reliant, no longer enjoying the privileged treatment of the imperial palace. He felt a sense of frustration and hoped to become independent through his own efforts soon.
