Episode Summary
Prince Ning's plot to expose Jiang Changyang by revealing a secret passage backfires when it's found to contain only embarrassing personal items, allowing Jiang to turn the tables politically. During a tribute ceremony, Jiang helps the weakened Consort Shu win an archery contest through clever rule-changing. When the court is then challenged to produce peonies in winter, Jiang puts his trust in He Weifang, publicly declaring her ability to achieve the impossible. The episode ends with the two working closely together in a greenhouse, their bond strengthening as they tackle the challenge.
Spoiler Alert
In the Name of Blossom: Episode 9 Spoilers
The episode kicks off with high tension as Prince Ning, convinced he's about to expose a conspiracy, has his men tear down a wall in Jiang Changyang's residence to find a hidden passage. Inside, Jiang Changyang appears to be playing the guzheng, but the frantic, discordant notes are actually a coded message. He Weifang, ever perceptive, understands the signal immediately and rushes to help with the necessary diversions.
As the wall crumbles, Prince Ning, accompanied by the Emperor whom he arrogantly invited to witness the downfall, prepares for his moment of triumph. At the mouth of the newly revealed tunnel, Jiang Changyang puts on a desperate act, begging the Prince for a shred of dignity. Unmoved, the Prince leads the Emperor inside, expecting to find weapons or proof of treason. Instead, they are confronted with Jiang Changyang's "secret" stash: a collection of erotic art and bedroom trinkets.
The humiliation is palpable. Prince Ning is left speechless, having spent immense effort only to reveal his rival's private, albeit embarrassing, hobbies. Jiang Changyang masterfully seizes the moment. He formally complains to the Emperor about Liu Chang's constant harassment and the destruction of his property, framing the entire event as a malicious attempt to shame him publicly. He pointedly advises Prince Ning to be wary of the "petty men" who might be manipulating him. Later, Prince Ning warns a disgraced Liu Chang that he expects results, not just empty declarations of loyalty.
The scene shifts to the grand tribute day, where leaders from various minority tribes have gathered in the capital. The atmosphere is charged with underlying challenges disguised as diplomacy. Princess Ashina, from a frontier tribe, proposes an archery contest. Consort Shu, an equally skilled archer, accepts the challenge. However, having recently given birth, she is physically weak. Competing against the young and vigorous princess for too long could damage her health. Seeing this, Jiang Changyang cleverly proposes they alter the contest to shooting plum blossoms, a test of precision over stamina, allowing Consort Shu to secure a graceful victory.
Despite the loss, another challenger steps forward, questioning why the capital, famed for its peonies, has no flowers to show in the dead of winter. The demand is a clear attempt to embarrass the court, but the Emperor is too proud to concede. In a silent exchange, Jiang Changyang looks to He Weifang, who, after a moment's thought, gives a confident nod.
Stepping forward, Jiang Changyang proudly announces that his wife is a master horticulturist. He takes He Weifang's hand, leading her before the assembly and declaring that she can make peonies bloom, even in the harshest winter. The episode closes with He Weifang working tirelessly in the greenhouse, with Jiang Changyang by her side, bringing her food and offering support. Their partnership, though born of convenience, deepens as they face the impossible challenge together, showing a remarkable and harmonious bond.
