Episode Summary
The meticulously planned operation to expose and capture King Ning at Fang Garden fails catastrophically. King Ning turns the tables, revealing that he had anticipated the plot, infiltrated the garden with his own men, and eliminated the Hedong Army. In the ensuing battle, Jiang Changyang is defeated and brutally stabbed by King Ning, who then forces the Emperor to declare him a hero and Jiang Changyang a rebel.
Spoiler Alert
In the Name of Blossom, Episode 19: The Trap at Fang Garden
The long-awaited confrontation is finally here. After years of careful planning, Jiang Changyang presents the Emperor with a complete collection of evidence detailing King Ning's crimes. He lays out the final plan: to lure the cunning and powerful King Ning to Fang Garden, a location Jiang Changyang knows intimately, making it the perfect place for an ambush. The Hedong Army is poised to strike in a few days, aiming to cut off King Ning's support. The Emperor, his face grim, understands the immense risk; everyone involved has sworn a death oath, ready to stake everything on this single move to bring down the traitorous minister.
Jiang Changyang returns home to discuss the final details with his wife, He Weifang. He will send an invitation to King Ning, setting the stage at their own Fang Garden. He Weifang gives her husband her full support, insisting only that she be allowed to stay by his side during the operation, promising she can protect herself.
With the plan set to unfold in seven days, the couple shares a few precious, peaceful moments. They visit a temple to pray for blessings. While tying a red ribbon to a wishing tree, they overhear two women gossiping, calling He Weifang a profligate and criticizing Jiang Changyang's taste. He Weifang immediately confronts them, defending her husband as handsome and responsible, and wishing them luck in finding such a high-quality man for themselves. A spilled container of fortune sticks leads to an impromptu reading; she draws a supreme fortune, while he draws the worst possible one. She quickly shoves her good fortune into his hand, but he is unconcerned, stating that with her by his side, he no longer believes in such things. He has someone to comfort him in life and someone to remember him in death.
Later, under a bright moon, they sit shoulder-to-shoulder. He Weifang weaves a lock of her hair with his, creating a lover's knot as a prayer for them to grow old together. Jiang Changyang reflects that in a long life, it is moments like this—the moonlight tonight—that are truly unforgettable.
The day of the operation arrives, filled with tearful goodbyes and grim resolve. He Weifang begs Jiang Changyang to return to her alive, no matter how difficult the fight. The Emperor and Consort Shu also prepare for the worst. He Weifang has quietly sent away her trusted "sisters-in-arms," leaving Fang Garden clear for the life-or-death battle to come.
As noble guests, including the Emperor and King Ning, gather at Fang Garden, the trap is sprung. A group of loyal ministers steps forward to present a memorial impeaching King Ning for his corruption and cruelty. Jiang Changyang stands as a witness, accusing the King of attempted regicide in the great fire at Yongzhou. Just as the Emperor, no longer showing favor, is about to order his arrest, the plot unravels. King Ning reveals that many of the servants are his own spies in disguise. They draw their weapons, surrounding the Emperor and his loyalists.
King Ning's forces, led by Liu Chang, have completely sealed off Fang Garden, setting traps at every corner. The Hedong Army, meant to be their salvation, has been ambushed and slaughtered.
Jiang Changyang fights valiantly to protect the Emperor but is ultimately overwhelmed by the sheer number of enemies. A triumphant King Ning picks up a sword and mockingly orders the Emperor to execute Jiang Changyang himself. At that moment, He Weifang rushes in, screaming "No!" as she sees her husband, pierced by an arrow and surrounded. When the Emperor hesitates, King Ning seizes a dagger and plunges it into Jiang Changyang's chest, twisting it viciously. Liu Chang claps a hand over He Weifang's mouth, forcing her to watch in silent, tear-streaked horror as Jiang Changyang collapses in a pool of his own blood.
With the battle lost, King Ning stands victorious. He coerces the captive Emperor to issue a decree: Jiang Changyang is a traitor, and King Ning is a hero for protecting the throne.
