Episode Summary
The Crown Prince plots to kill Shen Zaiye during a royal hunting competition, but Shen Zaiye sends a double in his place while he rescues captive miners. Although the deception is discovered by his rivals, Shen Zaiye returns just in time to claim victory. Later, an assassin's arrow is fired at Shen Zaiye, but Jiang Taohua intercepts it, appearing gravely injured. A desperate Shen Zaiye prays for her recovery at a temple. However, it's revealed that Jiang Taohua faked the severity of her injury as part of a successful plan to test Shen Zaiye's feelings for her.
Spoiler Alert
The Princess's Gambit: A Hunter's Game of Deception
The royal hunt becomes a deadly stage as the Crown Prince, eager to eliminate his rival, challenges Shen Zaiye to a competition with a prized Ferghana horse as the reward. The prince’s true aim, however, is to orchestrate Shen Zaiye's death during the event. Unbeknownst to him, Shen Zaiye has anticipated the danger. He sends his trusted subordinate, Zhan Lu, to hunt in his place, with Jiang Taohua by his side to maintain the illusion. The real Shen Zaiye uses this opportunity to secretly investigate the whereabouts of a group of hidden miners.
Amidst the competition, a separate drama unfolds. Xiang Qingying is nearly thrown from her spooked horse, but Mu Wuxia, who had been quietly reading, rushes to her rescue without a second thought for his own safety. He stops the horse just in time, earning praise from Consort Lan, though the King of Qi remains silent. Xiang Qingying scolds Mu Wuxia for his recklessness, but he was only concerned for her safety. When a guard moves to punish the horse, Mu Wuxia intervenes, gently calming the animal. Witnessing his unexpected tenderness, Xiang Qingying feels a flicker of affection for him.
The ruse at the hunt is soon discovered. Meng Zhenzhen notices that the man posing as Shen Zaiye is an imposter and alerts Meng Huaijin. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Meng Huaijin informs the Crown Prince and quickly rides off. Jiang Taohua sees him leave and guesses their secret is out. While Zhan Lu continues the hunt, she seeks out Mu Wuxia for help. However, Meng Zhenzhen intercepts her, attempting to detain her under the guise of a wife’s authority over a concubine. Just as Jiang Taohua is trapped, Mu Wuyin unexpectedly invites her for a game of chess, providing a perfect excuse to escape. He seems to understand she has other urgent matters and allows her to leave.
Meanwhile, Shen Zaiye locates the miners, only to be ambushed by a group of black-clad assassins. He fights fiercely to protect the miners but is outnumbered and begins to tire.
Back at the hunting grounds, the competition concludes with "Shen Zaiye" as the clear winner. The Crown Prince, believing his rival is absent, tries to frame him as disrespectful to the King. But just as he makes his accusation, the real Shen Zaiye appears, much to the King's delight, to accept his prize. He has successfully rescued the miners, though tragically, one of them—Xiao Lian's brother—was killed while trying to escape. Mu Wuxia later gives Jiang Taohua a wooden comb the young man had carved for his sister.
The danger is far from over. Qingtai overhears the Crown Prince plotting with Meng Huaijin to have Shen Zaiye shot. Later, as Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua walk through the woods, an arrow flies towards him. Without hesitation, Jiang Taohua throws herself in front of him, taking the hit. A frantic Shen Zaiye rushes her away for medical attention and demands the King launch a full investigation. The Crown Prince, however, denies to a frustrated Meng Huaijin that he was behind this attack.
With Jiang Taohua unconscious, a desperate Shen Zaiye, who has long abandoned faith in the gods, goes to a temple to pray for her recovery. He places a blessed amulet in her hand, and miraculously, she awakens. Overcome with relief, he calls for her maid, Qingtai. As Jiang Taohua clutches the amulet, a faint smile graces her lips.
The truth is revealed in a private conversation with Qingtai. Jiang Taohua was never in mortal danger. Having learned of the assassination plot from Qingtai beforehand, she had padded her chest, faking the severe injury. It was all a calculated move. Later, when Xiang Qingying visits and mentions how the stoic Shen Zaiye had prayed for her, Jiang Taohua’s smile widens. Her plan had worked perfectly.
