Episode Summary
In this episode, He Weifang finds a new philanthropic purpose in creating affordable medicine, while Xuexi gracefully exits her engagement. A tender moment between He Weifang and a blushing Jiang Changyang is overshadowed by political danger. After Prince Ning is impeached, a suspicious Jiang Changyang takes drastic steps to protect He Weifang from the fallout, sensing he has become the King's next target. The episode ends with the shocking reappearance of Lianzhou, who reveals she is in an abusive marriage and deeply regrets her past choices.
Spoiler Alert
In the Name of Blossom Episode 15: A New Calling and a Gathering Storm
After a period of self-discovery, He Weifang has a revelation. Her time helping disaster victims has shown her that any profession, including business, can be meaningful if pursued with a kind heart and good intentions. With newfound purpose, she leads everyone back to Fang Garden. She announces her plan to research ancient formulas to create affordable medicines, ensuring that even the poorest citizens can afford treatment.
He Weifang diversifies her business, cultivating not just peony flowers but also medicinal herbs and spices like sesame, and even running an embroidery house. Putting her sharp business acumen to work, she decides to waive medicinal fees for the poor. When Jiang Changyang asks how she'll identify those in need, she reveals she has already obtained a list of impoverished households from the government office. Impressed by her clear-headed compassion, Jiang Changyang praises her, remarking that the Emperor would surely be gratified to learn of her noble actions.
Meanwhile, the Xiao family successfully petitions the Emperor to annul Xuexi's marriage to Jiang Changyang. With the engagement officially broken, Xuexi's father assures her not to worry about any repercussions from Prince Ning, confident he can handle the situation. Xuexi bids a gracious farewell to He Weifang and Jiang Changyang. Despite her feelings for him, she doesn't force the issue, showing her kind and wise nature. As a symbol of their enduring friendship, He Weifang gifts her a precious peony flower in a pot decorated with their likenesses.
In a tender moment, He Weifang decides to test her new muscle-regenerating cream on Jiang Changyang, who recently suffered a sword injury. Though typically bold and straightforward, Jiang Changyang becomes shy and blushes as he removes his top for her to apply the ointment. When she playfully asks why his face is so red, he hastily puts his shirt back on and leaves with an embarrassed smile.
Political intrigue brews as Prince Ning is impeached in court. The accuser is the newly appointed Transport Commissioner, Zheng Shoude, who charges the King with selling official positions to corrupt individuals. The Emperor wishes to see Prince Ning fall, but the King's extensive network of allies in court makes him a difficult target. Prince Ning publicly proclaims his innocence, vowing to gather evidence and personally repay any illicit funds.
To avoid suspicion, Jiang Changyang deliberately arrives late to court. He feigns loyalty, telling Prince Ning he was late due to heavy drinking the previous night and even offers him advice on how to raise the necessary funds. However, Prince Ning is no fool and grows suspicious, questioning how a man who can normally hold his liquor so well could get drunk so easily.
Sensing he is about to be targeted by Prince Ning, Jiang Changyang rushes home. He tears up all the contracts and IOUs he holds with He Weifang, declaring all her debts to him null and void. Having already given her a document releasing her from their arrangement, he feels relieved that she will not be implicated in his potential downfall. His fears are confirmed when he learns that Prince Ning's subordinate, Zhang Qiufeng, has emerged from the King's residence unscathed. Realizing Prince Ning has found a new strategy and that he is the next target, Jiang Changyang orders his men to prepare for a major upheaval, instructing them to keep He Weifang out of it at all costs.
As He Weifang manages her pharmacy, a heavily cloaked woman enters. The visitor reveals herself to be Lianzhou. She tearfully recounts that she married Pei Zhong, who turned out to be a cruel sadist. He brutally whips her, leaving her back covered in raw, painful wounds. Lianzhou expresses deep regret for not heeding He Weifang's earlier advice to leave Chang'an and forge her own path.
