Episode Summary
In "The Princess's Gambit" Episode 9, Jiang Taohua and Shen Zaiye hide out in a rural village, but their host, Xiao Lian, grows suspicious of Shen Zaiye's true identity. After discovering Zaiye is the powerful evil prime minister responsible for her village's suffering, she leads them into an ambush but helps them escape at the last moment. The tension escalates with the arrival of their friends, Xiang Qingying and Mu Wuxia, culminating in a chaotic fight that sends Zaiye storming off with Taohua in pursuit.
Spoiler Alert
"The Princess's Gambit" Episode 9 Recap & Spoilers
This episode swaps palace intrigue for countryside dangers, as Jiang Taohua and Shen Zaiye’s temporary refuge is shattered by buried secrets and a thirst for revenge. While their friends embark on a disastrous search, the seemingly peaceful village reveals a dark past that puts everyone on a collision course. Trust is broken, identities are exposed, and the simmering tension between Taohua and Zaiye finally boils over.
A Deceptive Calm in the Country
The episode opens with Jiang Taohua and Shen Zaiye settling into a rustic life at the home of a young woman named Xiao Lian and her grandmother. Zaiye, in a surprising turn, takes on the farm chores, from chopping wood to tilling barren land. This out-of-character behavior immediately puts Xiao Lian on guard, and she watches his every move with suspicion.
An awkward but tender moment arises when Taohua, prompted by Xiao Lian, nervously tries to wipe the sweat from Zaiye’s brow, only for him to take the towel and do it himself. During a meal, Zaiye suggests they extend their stay. Though Xiao Lian is annoyed he’s going back on his word, her grandmother agrees. Zaiye promises to handle all the farm work, a vow that only deepens Xiao Lian's mistrust. As they work, Taohua muses on the beauty of their simple life, but Zaiye cryptically remarks that not everyone is so fortunate, secretly hoping she is not the Beiyuan Princess he believes her to be.
Friends on a Fool's Errand
Meanwhile, Xiang Qingying scales a wall to escape and unexpectedly runs into Mu Wuxia. Wuxia, deeply concerned for Taohua’s safety after her public confrontation with the Crown Prince, insists on joining the search. Qingying’s naive description of Zaiye’s appearance does little to inspire Wuxia’s confidence. Their journey quickly goes south when Qingying’s attempt to help a woman pleading for aid turns out to be a scam; they are robbed and left with nothing but beggars' clothes. Wuxia scolds her for her impulsiveness, and a hurt Qingying nearly walks off, but the discovery of a marker left by Zaiye convinces them to press on together.
A Secret in the Ink
The fragile peace between Taohua and Zaiye shatters when he accidentally finds a painting she has been working on: a partial copy of the famous "A Thousand Peaks in Sunlight." The discovery sends him into a rage. He storms off to confront her but stops short when he overhears her planning to cook bamboo shoots, his favorite dish. Torn and conflicted, he tells himself not to trust her, regretting his decision to save her life. He channels his anger into furiously tilling the land, leaving Taohua confused by his sudden coldness. When she tries to placate him on Xiao Lian’s advice, he gives her the cold shoulder, and she fumes at his mercurial nature.
The Village's Dark Past is Revealed
During a chat with local women, Taohua learns the grim reason the village has no young men. Xiao Lian’s grandmother tearfully recounts how officials seized their land and crushed their resistance by framing them as rebels. The men, including Xiao Lian’s older brother, were forced to leave for work programs. Her brother sends money home but never any letters, leading the family to fear the worst.
Later, Taohua teases Zaiye that he must have enemies everywhere. In a chilling confession, Zaiye callously agrees, stating that the weak deserve to be crushed. The two argue fiercely, unaware that Xiao Lian is eavesdropping. Horrified, she finally understands the truth: Shen Zaiye is the infamous and powerful evil prime minister , a man connected to the suffering of her people.
Ambush and a Change of Heart
The next day, Xiao Lian offers to guide Taohua and Zaiye to the local town. Zaiye senses something is off, and once they arrive, Taohua also notices Xiao Lian’s unnerving silence. Their suspicions are confirmed when they walk straight into an ambush. However, at the last moment, Xiao Lian’s conscience gets the better of her. Unable to watch them be harmed, she screams for Taohua to run, allowing them to fight their way out and escape.
On the way back, Zaiye furiously confronts Xiao Lian, demanding to know why she set them up. Cornered, Xiao Lian reveals she knows he is evil prime ministerand blames him for what happened to her village. Zaiye's demeanor turns menacing as he interrogates her, terrifying her into tears. Taohua steps in, shielding the crying girl from his wrath, and a shamed Zaiye backs down.
A Tense Alliance
Taohua gently coaxes the story from Xiao Lian, who admits she wanted revenge but couldn't go through with it because Taohua had been kind to her. To comfort her, Taohua promises that evil prime ministerhas the power to find her brother and will help. Zaiye, however, remains unmoved and coldly warns Taohua that Xiao Lian will inevitably turn on her again.
A Chaotic Reunion and a Water Fight
Just as tensions peak, Xiang Qingying and Mu Wuxia arrive. They had helped Xiao Lian’s grandmother on the road, who then led them to the house. When Taohua and Zaiye return, they find two extra sets of bowls and chopsticks. Zaiye, ever vigilant, grabs a wooden stick to protect Taohua. Qingying and Wuxia then reveal themselves. Xiao Lian quietly notes the striking resemblance between Wuxia and Zaiye.
The reunion is anything but happy. Wuxia ignores everyone but Taohua, while Qingying, annoyed by the situation, speaks rudely to Zaiye. He coldly reminds her of the difference in their stations. Enraged, Qingying throws a cup of water at Taohua, who ducks, causing the water to splash Zaiye instead. In the ensuing chaos, Taohua retaliates by splashing Zaiye, and Wuxia moves to shield her.
Fed up, Zaiye wordlessly gets up and walks out. Thinking she has truly angered him, Taohua immediately runs after him, leaving their bewildered friends behind with Xiao Lian, who can only explain that the two are troubled by what has happened in the village.
