Episode Summary
Episode 6 sees Qiao Manman and Fu Yunnuo bond over a kite's cloud pattern, sparking intense jealousy in Fu Chengjin. During an outing, Aliya's true identity as a princess is inadvertently revealed to Fu Chengjin. Later, Fu Yunnuo recognizes Qiao Manman as his long-lost childhood friend and realizes his deep feelings for her, despite her current status as Fu Chengjin's wife (Princess Consort). To learn more about the cloud pattern, Qiao Manman, disguised as a man, accompanies Fu Yunnuo to Ju Yi Ge, an entertainment establishment. This further fuels Fu Chengjin's jealousy, leading him to demand that Fu Yunnuo direct all future communications and gifts through him, not Qiao Manman.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 6 Recap & Spoilers
The drama in Episode 6 intensifies as Fu Chengjin extends another invitation for a kite-flying date, an invitation Qiao Manman eagerly accepts, starting her preparations well in advance. Fu Yunnuo, remembering Qiao Manman's fascination with the kite's design from their previous outing, thoughtfully gifts her a new one. Qiao Manman is delighted and becomes even more determined to uncover the mystery behind its intricate cloud pattern.
However, the sight of Qiao Manman and Fu Yunnuo sharing a cheerful, engrossed conversation stirs a potent jealousy in Fu Chengjin. He instructs his attendant, Jiutian, to pointedly wheel him closer, thereby interrupting their discussion. Qiao Manman, who was hanging on Fu Yunnuo's every word as he explained the cloud pattern's origins, grows visibly irritated by Fu Chengjin’s repeated interruptions. She even pointedly suggests flying kites with Fu Yunnuo, hoping for another chance to delve into the pattern's secrets.
Meanwhile, a separate outing unfolds with Ji Mo and Aliya, their first time venturing out together. As they wander through picturesque, lush green fields, Ji Mo, who typically faints in the presence of women, feels surprisingly at ease, not even flinching when Aliya playfully takes his hand. Their peaceful stroll is interrupted when Aliya spots Qiao Manman in the distance and calls out an excited greeting. The situation escalates when Aliya's maidservant impulsively cries out, "Princess!" Qiao Manman is thrown into a state of high alert, her carefully constructed facade nearly crumbling. She quickly shoots a warning glance at her own maid, Chun Tao, while trying to deflect suspicion by claiming the maidservant must have mistaken her for someone else. Fu Chengjin, who has long harbored doubts about Qiao Manman's true identity, observes Chun Tao's nervous reaction. Combined with his prior knowledge of a princess's portrait, he pieces things together and realizes that Aliya is, in fact, the genuine princess.
Later that evening, Qiao Manman, Fu Chengjin, and Fu Yunnuo find themselves around a blazing campfire, each preoccupied with their own thoughts and hidden feelings. Qiao Manman continually seeks moments to speak with Fu Yunnuo, subtly probing for more information about the cloud pattern. Their quiet evening is punctuated by the sudden appearance of a shooting star. Qiao Manman, who has never seen one before, gasps in wonder. Fu Chengjin, still nursing his jealousy, dismissively remarks that it's "just a star, nothing special." His comment visibly irks Qiao Manman, who passionately retorts that even the smallest star possesses the power to shine and illuminate the vast night sky.
Her heartfelt words strike a deep chord with Fu Yunnuo. He is instantly reminded of his youth, when a cherished female friend offered him similar words of encouragement, assuring him that though he felt small then, he would one day grow powerful and respected, no longer a target for bullies. The connection deepens when Qiao Manman notices an injury on Fu Yunnuo's hand and insists on bandaging it herself. The focused, caring expression on her face as she tends to his wound feels incredibly familiar to Fu Yunnuo. The final piece of the puzzle clicks into place when she ties the bandage with a distinctive bow – a bow that jolts his memory. He becomes absolutely certain: Qiao Manman is his long-lost childhood friend. The realization that he has spent years searching for her, even avoiding other women, only to find her right beside him, is overwhelming. Fu Yunnuo is almost moved to tears, grappling with the incredible truth that the woman who has captured his heart is the Princess of the Xilin Kingdom.
Now aware that this cherished figure from his past, the Xilin Princess, is also the current Princess Consort (Qiao Manman's identity within the household as Fu Chengjin's wife), Fu Yunnuo is spurred into action. He pens a letter inviting Qiao Manman to the night market. Qiao Manman, still intent on unraveling the cloud pattern's secrets and eager to foster a good rapport with Fu Yunnuo, consults Chun Tao on what might appeal to a man. Chun Tao earnestly suggests Ju Yi Ge, an establishment known for its many beautiful women. Taking this advice, Qiao Manman decides to visit Ju Yi Ge with Fu Yunnuo, disguised as a man for the outing.
Fu Chengjin, however, is not one to be left in the dark. His attendant informs him of Qiao Manman's planned meeting with Fu Yunnuo, and unable to contain his unease, Fu Chengjin secretly follows them. Witnessing their animated and joyful interaction is almost more than he can stand. The tension escalates the following day when Fu Yunnuo sends a lavish array of gifts to Qiao Manman via his attendants. Fu Chengjin immediately tries to intercept and refuse the presents at the door. But Qiao Manman, showing him no deference, bypasses his objections and accepts a box of gifts. This act solidifies Fu Chengjin's growing sense of crisis. He wastes no time in sending a clear message to Fu Yunnuo through his own attendant: any future dealings or communications should be directed through him, and Fu Yunnuo is to cease sending gifts directly to Qiao Manman.
