Episode 24

At the banquet at Prince Sui's Mansion, Qiu Linxian used his extensive knowledge to introduce the unique charm of Hu jewelry to everyone, which aroused Princess Sui's interest.She instead invited Cui Xingzhou to choose one as a meeting gift, and cleverly arranged for Liu Miantang to come forward to serve her, while Cui Xingzhou tacitly agreed not to reveal Liu Miantang's true identity.

Princess Sui originally intended to set up a matchmaker for Cui Xingzhou and talk about marriage, but her sister declined because Cui Xingzhou already had a relationship in her heart.When the topic changed, the princess asked with concern about the progress of Cui Xingzhou's relationship with the woman, whether she had met her elders and paid a betrothal gift. Her words revealed her concern for Cui Xingzhou's feelings.Liu Miantang was frightened when he heard this, and accidentally dropped his belt, adding to his panic.

Afterwards, Cui Xingzhou learned that Liu Miantang went to the former Prince's Mansion alone, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings and pain.When Liu Miantang stepped into the mansion, the first thing she saw was the huge crabapple tree. The layout of the house was exactly the same as Yangshan in her memory, which evoked deep memories in her.Ziyu's sudden appearance showed a bit of urgency and concern, and he prepared multiple heaters for her, trying to find out the true feelings between her and her husband.Liu Miantang responded with lies, but Ziyu saw through it at a glance and said she would not forgive Cui Xingzhou for what he did when she lost her memory.However, Liu Miantang defended Cui Xingzhou, believing that he was saved because of him, and that the past tragedies were also related to Ziyu's connivance and King Sui's ambition.

Ziyu knew the purpose of Liu Miantang's trip and deliberately summoned King Sui to the palace in the name of the Empress Dowager, not only to avoid Liu Miantang's assassination, but also to protect her.He confessed his worries and expectations to Liu Miantang, hoping that she could return to him.Liu Miantang took out the 300,000 taels of gold that had been kept for Ziyu, indicating that the property had returned to its original owner.

The next day, Ziyu discussed state affairs with King Sui, Shi Yikuan, and Cui Xingzhou. Cui Xingzhou was absent-minded and left with an excuse.However, Ziyu insisted on staying with him to share the crab roe bibimbap. Cui Xingzhou ignored the etiquette of a monarch and his ministers and insisted on returning home.Later, Ziyu ordered the crab roe bibimbap to be delivered to the Qingguo Duke's Mansion, which showed his delicate thoughts.

That night, Ziyu and Liu Miantang met again to discuss the defense of Prince Sui's Mansion.Liu Miantang suggested taking advantage of the spring hunting opportunity to carry out the assassination, but felt it was inappropriate.She was bent on revenge, turned a blind eye to Ziyu's deep love, and left in a hurry.The servant quietly informed Ziyu that Cui Xingzhou did not return home, but went to the jewelry shop.Ziyu came up with a plan and deliberately sent flowers to Liu Miantang in front of the jewelry store. This scene happened to be bumped into by Cui Xingzhou in the distance, and he felt extremely sad.

The two of them got hairpins, Ziyu put them on Liu Miantang with her own hands, and then she was attracted by the chess game in the chess hall.Cui Xingzhou couldn't hold himself back and joined the game. He wanted to win, but because of Liu Miantang's secret help, Tzuyu won the game.Cui Xingzhou questioned Liu Miantang's identity and position, but Liu Miantang responded coldly, and the relationship between the two dropped to a freezing point.Cui Xingzhou left angrily, locked himself in his room, and wrote to calm his inner turmoil.

The Empress Dowager's body was getting weaker and weaker. She looked forward to Ziyu's early marriage to Lady Shi, and suggested that Lady Shi move into Chonghua Palace in advance.Ziyu knew that this matter was not trivial and involved the position of queen, so she decided to wait until spring hunting before making a decision.At the same time, the Empress Dowager proposed to marry Princess Wuhua, and she favored King Huaiyang, thinking that he and Wuhua were of similar age and had the same temperament.Tzuyu did not object this time, but suggested to let nature take its course and see how the fate of Wuhua and Cui Xingzhou was.

Shi Niangzi knew that Ziyu didn't have her own heart, so she took the initiative to open her heart to him, and admitted that the engagement between the two was nothing more than mutual use.Tzuyu was moved by her frankness and decided to take her with her on a spring hunt to let her see the outside world.After Sun Yun returned to Beijing, she pretended that her injury had not healed, and secretly planned how to control Liu Miantang's fate after becoming the queen.

On the day of spring hunting, the Empress Dowager took out a precious jade pendant as a lucky charm. Princess Wuhua was also heroic and not to be outdone.The Queen Mother specifically told Cui Xingzhou to take good care of the safety of Princess Wuhua.