Episode Summary
After being kidnapped by what she believes are bandits, He Weifang discovers they are actually desperate refugees. Jiang Changyang, despite being seriously injured during an investigation, races to her rescue. The emotional reunion solidifies their feelings for each other. The incident gives He Weifang a new sense of purpose as she dedicates herself to helping the needy, and it also prompts a heartfelt confession from a remorseful Liu Lang.
Spoiler Alert
"In the Name of Blossom" Episode 14: Spoilers
He Weifang sets out for a relaxing trip with her companions, bringing along a cart of exquisitely cared-for peony flowers. Their journey, however, is violently interrupted by what appear to be mountain bandits. Her precious flowers are destroyed, and she and her maids are taken captive.
Meanwhile, Jiang Changyang is in the midst of a dangerous investigation. Using the distraction of a birthday celebration, he infiltrates Minister Zheng's study. Despite his stealth, he triggers a hidden mechanism, unleashing a volley of arrows. He is struck by one but manages to escape. Just as he is trying to deal with his injury, He Weifang's servant arrives in a panic, reporting that his mistress has been kidnapped and that the bandits are demanding a ransom.
With He Weifang's life on the line, Jiang Changyang ignores his grievous wound. Fearing the kidnappers could harm her at any moment, he leaps onto a horse and gallops up the mountain. Blood flows freely from his injury, but he grits his teeth, his only focus being her safety. When he finally finds He Weifang and sees that she is unharmed, he is overcome with emotion and pulls her into a tight embrace, weeping with relief at the thought that he almost lost her forever.
He Weifang is horrified when she sees Jiang Changyang's pale lips and his clothes soaked red with blood. Liu Lang explains how furiously Jiang Changyang had ridden to reach her. In that powerful moment, He Weifang has a profound realization about her life in Chang'an. She understands that home isn't a physical place but a sense of belonging, and she feels most secure and at peace wherever Jiang Changyang is. She then quickly explains the situation: she is perfectly safe, and the "bandits" are not criminals but poor, displaced farmers who have fallen victim to a disaster.
Completely exhausted and weak from severe blood loss, Jiang Changyang is forced to stay on the mountain to receive medical care. He Weifang remains by his side, tending to him with unwavering devotion. Once he regains some of his strength, she tells him the full story. After being tied up in a small hut with her maids, Da Fu and Xiao Chun, she managed to free herself. As she prepared to escape, she looked out the window and saw their captors cooking wild vegetables to feed starving children. She saw the elderly, women, and sick among them and understood they were refugees in desperate need. Her heart moved, she decided to use her own money to help them.
As Jiang Changyang continues to recover, Liu Lang comes to him to confess. Overcome with guilt, he admits that he was the one who broke the jade hairpin that He Weifang had intended to give Jiang Changyang as a symbol of her affection. His jealousy had gotten the better of him. Jiang Changyang, finally understanding the reason for the broken hairpin, shows no anger. Instead, he is simply relieved to see that Liu Lang has matured, recognizing that He Weifang's patient guidance has helped him grow.
Putting her newfound purpose into action, He Weifang sells all of her accumulated gold and valuables, using the money to buy medicine and food for the refugees. A smile of deep satisfaction graces her face as she watches the disaster victims finally receive nourishment. She now sees the meaning of life in a new light. Previously, she held a low opinion of merchants, but she now believes that one's actions define their worth. She deeply admires people like Jiang Changyang, who forge ahead with unwavering conviction, even when the path is fraught with peril.
Once the situation in the disaster area has stabilized and the spread of illness is under control, the time comes for them to leave. Before departing, He Weifang takes a moment to speak to the young girls among the refugees, encouraging them to live their lives with purpose and assuring them that they can achieve anything a man can.
