Episode Summary
A devastating betrayal by Zhang Qian leads to the failure of the heroes' plan and the death of Jiang Changyang at King Ning's hands. The traitor, Zhang Qian, is subsequently poisoned by Liu Chang. Liu Chang then abducts and torments the grieving He Weifang, who, after a vision of her lost love, finds the strength to plot her escape. She successfully flees with the unexpected help of Liu Chang's wife, Li Youzhen, setting the stage for a desperate pursuit.
Spoiler Alert
"In the Name of Blossom" Episode 20: Betrayal, Revenge, and a Daring Escape
The carefully laid plan ends in catastrophic failure. King Ning personally plunges a dagger into Jiang Changyang's chest, callously ordering his men to confirm the kill before departing. The Emperor can only watch in horror as his loyal subjects are slaughtered one by one, powerless against King Ning's treason. To add insult to injury, he is coerced into publicly announcing a commendation for King Ning's "heroic" act of protecting the throne.
Witnessing the murder of her beloved, a tear-stricken He Weifang attempts to kill Liu Chang with her hairpin. However, Liu Chang easily overpowers her, knocking her unconscious and carrying her away. His wife, Li Youzhen, secretly observes the abduction and, understanding the gravity of the situation, chooses not to intervene.
The mission's collapse is traced back to a single act of betrayal. Jiang Changyang had placed his full trust in Zhang Qian, a man from a humble background who had struggled for years to earn an official post. Believing Zhang Qian would be loyal to the court that elevated him, Jiang Changyang made him privy to every detail of the plan. Unexpectedly, Zhang Qian went straight to King Ning and exposed the entire operation, leading to its utter demise.
Believing he has secured a powerful position for himself, Zhang Qian is then manipulated by Liu Chang. Liu Chang uses him to deceive the Hedong Army, convincing them to stand down by falsely claiming the Emperor is unwell. Once Zhang Qian has served his purpose, Liu Chang discards him without a second thought, inviting him for a drink and serving him poisoned wine. As Zhang Qian dies, Liu Chang remarks that the traitor reminds him of himself, a type of person he despises most.
Imprisoned and chained by Liu Chang, He Weifang is consumed by grief and despair, wishing only for a quick death. Liu Chang, however, refuses to grant her this release. He plans to wait for her to submit willingly. When she begins a hunger strike, he threatens to kill innocent people, forcing her to eat to save them.
In her darkest moment, as she lies awake, shackled and unable to even take her own life, He Weifang seems to hear someone calling her by the name "Mudan." She looks up to see a vision of Jiang Changyang, who encourages her to be the strong, resilient, and brilliant woman he always knew. This vision reignites her will to live—not just to survive, but to avenge him. A new resolve takes hold, and she devises a plan. She asks Liu Chang to buy her various spices, claiming she wants to practice perfumery to pass the time.
Eager to see her smile, Liu Chang quickly provides the spices. He Weifang mixes them, filling the room with a pleasant but toxic aroma. Unaware of the danger, Liu Chang soon collapses. Just as she is about to kill him, Li Youzhen enters. She persuades He Weifang that trading her life for his is not a worthy exchange and offers to help her escape if she spares him.
He Weifang agrees and flees her prison. Standing under the sun, she is overwhelmed by the memories of her recent torment—the dark room, the chains, and the constant pain of her loss, a living hell she has just escaped.
When Liu Chang awakens, he finds his wife by his bedside. His first question is whether she has killed He Weifang. Li Youzhen reminds him of his own past threat: that he would never forgive her if she harmed He Weifang. Hearing that she is still alive, Liu Chang immediately gets out of bed to begin the search.
