Episode Summary
Fu Yunnuo's mental state deteriorates after his brother's departure, leading to a public confrontation with the Emperor and the confinement of his own mother, whom he suspects of conspiring against him. Meanwhile, in the countryside, Fu Chengjin plans to officially marry Qiao Manman under her real identity. Witnessing Ji Mo's hesitation to propose to the amnesiac Aliya due to their differing social statuses, Aliya devises a plan. She fakes the return of her memory, which convinces an overjoyed Ji Mo to propose. Inspired by Aliya's proactive approach, Qiao Manman takes the lead and proposes to Fu Chengjin, leading to a happy engagement for both couples.
Spoiler Alert
Destiny of Love: Episode 21 Recap & Spoilers
A Prince's Downfall and a Lover's Gambit
The absence of his brother, Fu Chengjin, has sent Prince Fu Yunnuo spiraling. His grip on reality loosens with each passing day, a fact that becomes alarmingly clear during a meeting with his father. When the Emperor consults him on military appointments for the border, Fu Yunnuo’s recommendation is swiftly dismissed. This rejection triggers an unprecedented outburst. For the first time, Fu Yunnuo openly defies the Emperor, accusing his father of being an autocrat who has never once considered his feelings or valued him as a son. His mother, the Noble Consort, frantically signals for him to stop, but her warnings fall on deaf ears.
The confrontation continues in the Noble Consort’s private chambers. She reprimands her son, reminding him of how she has painstakingly schemed and endured so much for his sake. But Fu Yunnuo is past listening. Filled with bitterness, he recalls his harsh upbringing of constant pressure and punishment, devoid of parental affection. Consumed by a new, dark suspicion, he believes his mother was swayed by Fu Chengjin and that they conspired together to murder Qiao Manman. In a shocking display of power, he orders his own mother to be placed under house arrest.
Meanwhile, life for Fu Chengjin and Qiao Manman has taken a peaceful turn. Having retired to the countryside, Fu Chengjin finds himself restless and without purpose. Manman gently reassures him, reminding him that life is long and that he should take his time to find his way. Touched by their new beginning, Fu Chengjin confides in his friend Ji Mo that he wants to marry Manman again, this time officially, using her true identity. Unbeknownst to them, Manman overhears the conversation. The thought of shedding her alias as "Aliya" and truly becoming herself again leaves her feeling surprisingly anxious and unprepared.
Ji Mo, ever the loyal friend, continues his patient wait for the real Aliya. Fu Chengjin suggests he should simply propose, but Ji Mo refuses. He feels it would be wrong to take advantage of Aliya while she has amnesia, and he is acutely aware of the vast difference in their social status. While respecting his friend's honorable stance, Fu Chengjin has another idea brewing.
He secretly meets with Aliya, who is eager to know if Ji Mo has any intention of proposing. When she hears of his concerns about their status, she grows determined. Her affection for Ji Mo is strong, and she won't let his noble hesitations stand in the way of their happiness. Aliya hatches a plan: she will pretend to regain her memory, thus removing Ji Mo’s final reservation.
The group, including Jiutian and Yuetao, arranges for a scenic picnic under a perfect blue sky. As Fu Chengjin gathers wildflowers for Manman, he discreetly coaches Aliya on how to stage her "recovery"—a light, accidental bump against a tree should do the trick. However, the plan goes awry when Aliya misjudges the impact and genuinely knocks herself unconscious. A panicked Ji Mo forgets everything else, immediately scooping her up and rushing her back for medical attention, derailing Fu Chengjin's hopes for a grand romantic moment.
Later, Aliya awakens and immediately launches into her performance. She joyfully proclaims that her memory has returned and that she wholeheartedly accepts the prospect of marrying Ji Mo. Overcome with emotion, a thrilled Ji Mo presents her with a precious family heirloom left by his mother.
Afterward, Aliya confesses her little white lie to Qiao Manman, encouraging her friend to also take the initiative in love. Why wait when Fu Chengjin’s devotion is so clear? Inspired by Aliya's boldness, Qiao Manman finds Fu Chengjin and proposes to him herself. He accepts without hesitation, and the two share a blissful embrace, finally securing their future together.
