Episode Summary
He Weifang confronts an unrepentant Li Youzhen about her cruel actions. Later, He Weifang solidifies her commitment to Jiang Changyang by tearing up a release letter he wrote to protect her, vowing to face all dangers with him. Meanwhile, Prince Ning, spurred on by Liu Chang's warnings, becomes highly suspicious of Jiang Changyang's loyalties. Using a joint visit with the Emperor as a cover, Prince Ning orchestrates a search of Jiang's mansion for evidence of treason.
Spoiler Alert
In the Name of Blossom Episode 8 Spoilers
In this episode, the intricate web of relationships and political schemes tightens, pushing the main characters to make decisive choices.
The story picks up with He Weifang confronting Li Youzhen. She questions Li Youzhen's ruthless actions, pointing out the immense suffering she has caused. He Weifang suggests that her obsession has led her far from the right path, but Li Youzhen remains defiant, believing that any means are justified in the pursuit of love. He Weifang simply picks up Li Youzhen's fallen hairpin, places it beside her, and walks away, leaving Li Youzhen to her own thoughts.
Later, He Weifang and her attendant, Dafu, share a quiet moment. Their conversation turns to Jiang Changyang. While Dafu sees him as heartless, He Weifang defends him, reflecting on their shared history and the deep, unshakable understanding they have for one another.
This bond is put to the test when He Weifang discovers a "Concubine Release Letter" that Jiang Changyang has prepared. He explains it's a measure to protect her from the dangerous affairs he is entangled in. Deeply moved by his concern for her safety, He Weifang tears the letter to pieces. She declares that she has already decided to stand with him through thick and thin; there's no need for an escape route when they are in the same boat.
Meanwhile, the ambitious Prince Ning grows more suspicious of Jiang Changyang. His initial investigations paint Jiang as a mere womanizer chasing pleasure and profit. However, his advisor, Liu Chang, offers a different perspective. Liu Chang argues that Jiang's harmless exterior is a clever facade, citing how Jiang's actions, such as burning a large quantity of fire oil, have directly sabotaged the Prince's plans to forge weapons.
His suspicions confirmed, Prince Ning devises a plan to find concrete evidence. He arranges to visit Jiang Changyang's residence on the same day as the Emperor, bringing along shadow puppets as a gift to create a festive and disarming atmosphere. While performing for the Emperor, he feigns loyalty and even speaks of retiring. The Emperor, aware of the Prince's true intentions, plays along.
During the banquet, Prince Ning uses the pretext of running out of wine to initiate a search of the mansion. He dismisses Jiang Changyang's offer to fetch it himself, insisting that his own guards handle the task. With the atmosphere growing tense, Jiang Changyang can only relent. Prince Ning secretly instructs Liu Chang to conduct a thorough search of the entire residence, ordering his men to break down any hollow walls they find in their hunt for incriminating evidence.
