Romance of a Twin Flower Episode 1 Recap
> Romance of a Twin Flower Recap
On a cliff edge, Nie Sangyu is surrounded by household guards. Ning Yuxuan approaches, stating that Wen Wan's life is uncertain and ordering Nie Sangyu to return with him for punishment. Nie Sangyu vehemently denies causing harm, questioning why Ning Yuxuan is so unforgiving after four years of marriage.
After he gives a final command to return, a desperate Nie Sangyu curses him to a lifetime of despair and pain like her own, with a tragic end, before leaping off the cliff. Nie Sangyu wakes up in a room with amnesia, not recognizing her maid, Muxu, or her surroundings. Muxu explains that Nie Sangyu is the First Lady of the Marquis Moyu's Mansion and is confined for having "done something wrong."
When Nie Sangyu tries to leave, she is immediately stopped by guards, confirming she is trapped. Inside, Nie Sangyu asks Muxu for an explanation. Muxu recounts that Nie Sangyu is the eldest daughter of General Zhenyuan, Nie Xiangyuan. Despite falling for Marquis Moyu Ning Yuxuan at first sight, her cruel behavior earned her the title "No. 1 Vicious Woman of the Capital."
Muxu explains their troubles began "with a chicken," revealing that Nie Sangyu herself had a wedding ceremony with a rooster four years prior. To humiliate Ning Yuxuan's new bride, Wen Wan, Nie Sangyu recently replicated this by sending a rooster to the bride's pickup ceremony. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan, discussing security for his wedding with his subordinate Gui Bai, anticipates that bandits—remnants from past campaigns—might use the event for revenge and arranges for increased patrols and men among the guests.
On the wedding day of Ning Yuxuan and Wen Wan, Nie Sangyu storms in to stop the proceedings, declaring that as the hostess, she forbids the marriage. When Ning Yuxuan ignores her, she produces a knife, claiming he forced her hand. Wen Wan shields Ning Yuxuan and is wounded. Nie Sangyu, shocked, denies responsibility for the injury. Amidst the chaos, bandits who had infiltrated the ceremony reveal themselves but are swiftly apprehended by Gui Bai's prepared forces.
Following the wedding, Muxu informs Nie Sangyu that Wen Wan's wound was not fatal and she is recovering in the mansion. Ning Yuxuan learns from Gui Bai that three bandits escaped and orders the captured men to be interrogated, suspecting a link to the Tea Gang. He then summons Nie Sangyu to his study. There, Ning Yuxuan confronts her, calling her crimes unforgivable.
He presents a "Statement of Confession" for offenses like violence and abusing servants, demanding she sign it, move to the Reflection Pavilion, and live confined to the mansion for life. He offers this as a final chance due to their past marriage. Nie Sangyu refuses, maintaining her innocence and pointing out how having a convicted criminal as his wife would damage his public standing as Left Consul.
Ning Yuxuan dismisses her claims, insisting her actions are undeniable, regardless of her amnesia. Realizing it's her only way out, Nie Sangyu flippantly signs the document, irritating Ning Yuxuan. The confession states that if she reoffends, she will be at his disposal. Nie Sangyu and Muxu relocate to the dilapidated Reflection Pavilion. Nie Sangyu surprises Muxu by readily cleaning the neglected space. For meals, they are served only vegetarian dishes.
Muxu explains that Nie Sangyu has been a vegetarian for years to pray for Ning Yuxuan's well-being, a fact that astonishes Nie Sangyu. However, this diet is also a rule Ning Yuxuan enforces for anyone sent to the pavilion. Meanwhile, Ning Yuxuan expresses doubts to Gui Bai, questioning if the woman he rescued was truly Nie Sangyu. Gui Bai confirms her identity is certain.
Ning Yuxuan then shows him a sample of Nie Sangyu's recent writing, noting its powerful style contrasts sharply with her usual delicate script, suggesting years of practice that the old Nie Sangyu did not possess. He wonders what she is plotting. Feeling hungry one night, Nie Sangyu sneaks into the kitchen and, finding ingredients, decides to cook. Suddenly, the kitchen catches fire, and she discovers the door is locked from the outside.
Hearing her cries for help, Ning Yuxuan, despite his deep-seated fear of fire, rushes into the burning building to rescue her. After carrying her to safety, he abruptly pushes her away and leaves, leaving her confused by his coldness. Later, Ning Yuxuan soaks in a tub of cold water. Gui Bai remarks that this only suppresses his "heart disease"—a deep-seated trauma—but cannot cure it.
Alone, Ning Yuxuan is tormented by his pyrophobia, recalling a past event and questioning when he will overcome his inner demon. Unaware of this, Nie Sangyu, realizing someone intentionally locked her in the kitchen, goes to confront Ning Yuxuan and walks in on him bathing.
