Episode Summary
In this episode, Jiang Changyang's political maneuvering results in Liu Chang's downfall, exposing him as a disposable pawn in King Ning's rebellion. Simultaneously, He Weifang is forced to confront a dark family secret when her stepmother reveals her mother was murdered. The search for the killer leads to a devastating revelation that puts her directly at odds with Jiang Changyang, whose personal connection to the murderer creates a painful new rift between them.
Spoiler Alert
In the Name of Blossom: Episode 12 Spoilers
The political chessboard becomes deadlier as a carefully laid trap springs shut, while a devastating personal truth comes to light, threatening to tear a budding romance apart.
The episode opens with Liu Chang enjoying his new, seemingly prosperous role as Transport Commissioner, a position granted by King Ning. However, this "cushy job" is nothing more than poisoned bait set by Jiang Changyang. For some time, Jiang Changyang has been aware of King Ning's treasonous ambitions, which involve secretly shipping copper and iron ore to forge weapons. By planting an informant named She Yan, Jiang Changyang finally has the evidence he needs to make a move.
Late one night, officials, acting on a tip, descend upon the docks to investigate claims of Liu Chang smuggling contraband. A startled Liu Chang attempts to delay the search, but the officials are determined. When they force open the cargo holds, they don't find raw ore but rows of bronze Buddha statues. In a clever move to hide his illicit cargo, Liu Chang had the copper melted down and cast into religious figures.
Despite this, he is summoned before the Emperor. Liu Chang feigns innocence, claiming the hundreds of statues were commissioned to celebrate his father-in-law's birthday. The Emperor, not buying the excuse, prepares to charge him with gross extravagance and dereliction of duty. Seeing the Emperor's fury and wanting to cut his losses, King Ning intervenes. He pleads with the Emperor to merely strip Liu Chang of his position as a warning to others, thus swiftly sacrificing his pawn to protect himself.
Meanwhile, He Weifang's family is on the brink of collapse. Since her ambitious stepmother drove her away, the family's peony business has plummeted. The stepmother, however, continues her lavish lifestyle and spoils her son. After a major fight with her husband, she takes the boy and travels to the city to find He Weifang.
She lies, claiming He Weifang's father sent her for financial aid. Concerned, Weifang offers goods from her own shop to help. But the stepmother isn't satisfied; she demands that Weifang also hand over Fang Yuan (Fragrance Garden). This raises Weifang's suspicions. Her father would never make such a request, especially since Fang Yuan was her mother's dowry and has no connection to him. She flatly refuses.
The stepmother's true nature erupts. She viciously insults Weifang, reminding her that as a woman, she is nothing and that her younger brother will inherit everything. Her loyal attendant, Da Fu, steps in, reminding the woman that He Weifang is now an independent business owner. Fed up, Weifang orders them to leave. Cornered and desperate, the stepmother plays her final, cruel card: she reveals that Weifang's mother did not die from illness—she was poisoned.
The shocking truth comes with a price: five thousand bolts of cloth. In exchange, the stepmother provides a name: Wu Hong.
He Weifang immediately has Da Fu investigate. Upon seeing a portrait of the man, she is stunned. After tracking him down, she confronts him. Wu Hong confesses, explaining his tragic motive. During a famine, his wife and daughter died from poverty and sickness, filling him with a deep-seated hatred for the wealthy. On the day his young daughter died, he was overcome with despair and wanted to make a rich person pay. He had encountered Weifang's mother, who, seeing his hardship, kindly gave him fifty guan. Despite her generosity, his bitterness consumed him, and he poisoned her, leading to her death days later.
Overwhelmed with grief and rage, He Weifang draws a dagger to avenge her mother. But Jiang Changyang suddenly appears and stops her. He reveals a heart-wrenching connection: Wu Hong had also raised him, and he views the man as an adoptive father. He pleads with Weifang to let go of her hatred. For Weifang, the plea is impossible. The pain of her mother's murder is a wound that cannot be closed so easily. A deep chasm forms between them at this moment. Dropping her dagger, a heartbroken He Weifang walks away in despair.
