Episode Summary
In this episode, Mu Wuxia reconciles with Shen Zaiye's methods. At a royal banquet, the Crown Prince springs a trap, attempting to drown Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua in a mine shaft. They are saved by Shen Zaiye's quick thinking and escape, turning the tables on the Crown Prince, who is publicly punished by his father, the King of Qi. The near-death experience solidifies the bond between Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua, who now plan to rescue the captive miners and form a stronger alliance.
Spoiler Alert
"The Princess's Gambit" Episode 12
A Deadly Banquet and a Narrow Escape
The spring hunt becomes a deadly stage as the Crown Prince sets his sights on eliminating Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua for good. At the event, Mu Wuxia remains conflicted about Shen Zaiye, still troubled by his methods despite respecting his foresight. His guilt over the death of Xiao Lian's grandmother weighs heavily on him. It's Xiang Qingying who finally helps him see reason, using the game of Touhu (pitch-pot) as a metaphor: though their starting points and methods differ, he and Shen Zaiye share the same goal. This insight allows Mu Wuxia to reconcile his beliefs; he decides to protect the villagers of Tianshui and their evidence, sending it directly to the Jingzhao Yin (Capital Prefecture Magistrate), an office that reports to the highest authority, thus bypassing any corrupt departments.
Later, at the lavish Qu Shui Liu Shang (Flowing Goblet Feast), the Crown Prince openly challenges a seemingly drunk Shen Zaiye. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua stage a small accident. He "accidentally" spills wine on her, giving them the perfect excuse to leave the banquet to change clothes. In reality, they sneak away to investigate a pre-scouted location, where they discover clear signs of mining activity.
However, this is a trap meticulously laid by the Crown Prince and Meng Huaijin. As soon as Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua are inside the tunnel, a gate is released, flooding the chamber with water. The plan is to drown them and pass it off as a drunken accident. As the water rises, Jiang Taohua's leg gets trapped by a rock. For a terrifying moment, she watches Shen Zaiye leave and believes he has abandoned her to save himself. But her fear turns to relief when he returns with a wooden plank to pry the rock off her leg. Above, the Crown Prince and Meng Huaijin block the exit to ensure their demise, an act witnessed by the hidden Zhan Lu.
Just as Jiang Taohua's strength fails, her thoughts are of avenging Xiao Lian's grandmother. Touched by her selflessness, Shen Zaiye holds her up, keeping her head above the rapidly rising water.
Miraculously, they escape. Shen Zaiye reappears at the King of Qi's side, calmly returning a missing game piece. The Crown Prince, unnerved, then sees Jiang Taohua heading towards a tent. He follows and rips a parcel from her hands, only to find it contains nothing but clothes. At that moment, Consort Lan emerges from the tent—her own—and slaps the Crown Prince for his insolence. The King of Qi arrives and, furious at the public disturbance, orders his son to be whipped as punishment. For Jiang Taohua, the Crown Prince's humiliation is a satisfying first step toward justice for Xiao Lian's grandmother.
Later, Shen Zaiye tends to Jiang Taohua's injured foot, carrying her back to her tent in full view of everyone, sparking jealousy in Meng Zhenzhen. Jiang Taohua realizes the silver mine they discovered is significant enough for the Empress to train an army, solidifying her resolve to form a true, unshakeable alliance with Shen Zaiye. The two spend the night poring over maps, deducing the miners are likely hidden near the hunting grounds. As they plan the rescue, a quiet intimacy grows, culminating in Shen Zaiye preparing a bed for himself on the floor by her side, a silent promise of protection for the dangers that lie ahead.
