Episode Summary
He Weifang's plan to help Lianzhou escape her abusive husband ends in tragedy when Pei Zhong murders Lianzhou. As the political conspiracy deepens, Jiang Changyang is arrested for corruption by order of the Dali Si, a move orchestrated by the Prince of Ning. Faced with the prince's escalating brutality, Jiang Changyang distances himself from He Weifang to protect her and plans her secret departure from Chang'an, while she begins making her own preparations for the crisis.
Spoiler Alert
In the Name of Blossom Episode 16: A Tragic Death and a Looming Conspiracy
He Weifang, feeling a sense of solidarity and compassion for Lianzhou's plight, devises a clever plan to help her escape. She prepares a special potion from two types of pollen that, when consumed, will cause a severe red rash to break out on the skin, resembling nasty sores. The hope is that Pei Zhong, who holds no affection for Lianzhou, will be disgusted by the sight and immediately cast her out, granting her freedom. Grateful for the help, Lianzhou urges He Weifang to leave Jiang Changyang as soon as possible. She warns that the powerful Prince of Ning has grown suspicious of Jiang Changyang and is actively plotting against him, meaning He Weifang will undoubtedly be caught in the crossfire.
Lianzhou's warning, coupled with the memory of Jiang Changyang suddenly tearing up their business contract the day before, puts He Weifang on high alert. She rushes to find him, only to be met with disaster. Officials from the Dali Si (the Court of Judicial Review) have arrived with a decree to arrest Jiang Changyang on charges of corruption. Though he vehemently denies the accusations, insisting his wealth was earned through legitimate business, the officials ignore his pleas and raid his residence. For now, he is under house arrest pending further investigation, but the threat of severe punishment looms if "evidence" is found.
Just as He Weifang finishes preparing the potion, she is met with a horrific sight: Lianzhou's maid pushing a cart carrying her mistress's dead body. Pei Zhong had brutally tortured Lianzhou to death. He Weifang is devastated to see Lianzhou's blood-stained face and body, discarded without even a proper burial garment. Deeply shaken by the cruelty, she takes it upon herself to give Lianzhou a dignified farewell, carefully cleaning her, dressing her in a fresh set of clothes, and arranging for her burial.
The event leaves He Weifang in a state of profound grief and anger. She reflects on how Lianzhou, once so arrogant and manipulative in Jiang Changyang's household, met such a tragic end. She laments the harsh reality for women in a patriarchal society and feels a pang of guilt for not being able to help sooner. Seeing her distress, Jiang Changyang comforts her, telling her not to blame herself. He reminds her of the good she does by providing free medical care to the poor and blames the corrupt times for fostering such cruelty.
Meanwhile, after learning from Xuexi that Jiang Changyang's feelings for her are genuine, He Weifang decides she wants to be honest about her own feelings. However, Jiang Changyang suddenly becomes distant and hesitant. He has just learned that an official who dared to impeach the Prince of Ning was assassinated, and his entire family was murdered and thrown into the river. Wracked with guilt and terrified by his enemy's ruthlessness, he pushes He Weifang away, fearing he will bring the same fate upon her.
The Emperor is enraged by the news of the official's murder and recognizes the urgent need to curtail the Prince of Ning's escalating power. The timeline for their plans is moved up. Jiang Changyang must now prepare to mobilize troops to secure the palace. Haunted by the fate of the assassinated official's family, he resolves to send He Weifang safely away from the capital city of Chang'an before he makes his move, ensuring she is far from the Prince of Ning's reach. As the political storm brews, He Weifang, sensing the impending danger, instructs her staff to gather all their gold and valuables in preparation for the uncertain times ahead.
