The Legend of Taotie Episode 3 Recap
> The Legend of Taotie Recap
Zhu Chengbi changed into the clothes Zhao Heng had gifted her, making her fair skin and striking beauty even more radiant, resembling a celestial maiden. Even the usually stern and unyielding guards beside her were momentarily stunned. Chang Qing attempted to stop her again, but Zhu Chengbi paid him no heed and stepped directly into Zhao Heng’s sedan chair. Worried, Chang Qing quickly hired a carriage to follow them.
Zhao Heng’s sedan stopped by the riverside, and he and Zhu Chengbi boarded a boat together. To Chang Qing's surprise, he saw Gao Zong and A Jiao also boarding the boat, carrying an invitation. Realizing that no one could board the boat without an invitation, and knowing the city was full of people hunting for mermaids, Chang Qing grew anxious. Desperate, he jumped into the water and snuck aboard the boat.
Gao Zong held A Jiao’s hand tenderly and declared that today they would wed and become a couple. Deeply moved, A Jiao was overcome with tears, captivated by Gao Zong’s sweet words. When Gao Zong suggested they drink a ceremonial cup of wine together, A Jiao drank without hesitation. Moments later, she fainted and reverted to her true form. Zhu Chengbi emerged from the shadows, praising Gao Zong’s plan.
She noted that the wine she had brewed herself would naturally force A Jiao to reveal her true form. As planned, Zhu Chengbi was to prepare the mermaid into exquisite delicacies for the banquet guests. Closing the kitchen doors, Zhu Chengbi asked A Jiao if she regretted anything. A Jiao pleaded for Zhu Chengbi to spare her. Zhu Chengbi cast a spell, surrounding A Jiao with a layer of blue mist. The banquet soon began.
After ensuring the guests had bathed and changed to fully appreciate the delicacies, Zhu Chengbi presented each one with meticulously crafted dishes. Jia Lian, delighted, ate with great enthusiasm and even spoke to the guests about the rarity and profound story behind the dish. He narrated how the mermaid endured hardships, experienced human love, and, at the moment of death, was still intoxicated by the illusion of affection. Eating such a dish, he claimed, would naturally bring unparalleled happiness.
Listening to this, Chang Qing was heartbroken. As a compassionate person, he could not accept Zhu Chengbi harming any being other than mythical beasts. He believed mermaids, with their pure emotions, should not fall victim to such cruelty. Hearing that Zhu Chengbi had killed such a deeply affectionate creature, he was overwhelmed with sorrow. Zhu Chengbi then encouraged everyone to drink the aperitif she had prepared.
Zhao Heng, observing Zhu Chengbi’s expression closely, noticed her satisfied smile when the guests began sipping their wine. Sensing something amiss, he discreetly put his cup down. Jia Lian, impressed by Gao Zong’s apparent devotion to A Jiao, praised him lavishly, promising him promotions and rewards, including a special fish dish to enjoy.
Trembling, Gao Zong picked up a piece of fish, forced it into his mouth, and, despite his difficulty swallowing, remarked that it was both delicious and brought him a sense of happiness. Meanwhile, in a water basin, A Jiao overheard the men shamelessly commenting on the taste of her flesh. Enraged, she wailed in despair.
Watching the banquet, Zhu Chengbi finally revealed the truth with a laugh: the wine everyone drank was the same poisoned wine Gao Zong had served to the mermaid. It not only exposed their true forms but also caused hallucinations and weakened their limbs. The guests were shocked, and many began collapsing. At that moment, the mermaid clan stormed the boat, seeking revenge while protecting their own.
Amidst the chaos, a young servant from the mermaid clan urged A Jiao to eat Gao Zong, saying it would help her completely forget him. However, as A Jiao recalled the happy moments she had once shared with Gao Zong, she chose not to devour him. Instead, she silently left.
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