Pursuit of Jade Episode 37

Fire, Betrayal, and a Plan That Backfires

First Impression
This episode was chaotic in the best way—schemes, fire, and everything spiralling out of control.

Episode Thoughts
The episode kicks off with the Emperor’s welcoming banquet, but it’s clear from the start that something isn’t right. Between the Emperor and the grand tutor, there’s a trap being set for the ML—and it’s worse than expected. The use of aphrodisiac incense turns the situation dangerous fast, forcing the ML to injure himself just to stay in control and fight his way out.

While all of this is happening, the Royal Princess is left unconscious in the room, and the situation escalates even further when the palace catches fire. Whether it was planned or not, everything descends into chaos. The rescue scene is intense, with Mr Sun rushing into the burning building to save the Royal Princess. That moment where he refuses to give up on her and manages to bring her back is both emotional and beautiful.

Back in the main hall, the ML and FL demand answers, and for once, the Emperor is the one on the back foot. His plan completely backfires, and you can feel the shift in power. The ML doesn’t hold back either, taking decisive action and eliminating the eunuch who becomes the scapegoat.

At the same time, Captain Li steps up in his own way, taking the blame for the fire to protect others, even knowing the consequences. It’s a huge moment for his character, especially after everything he’s been through.

And just when you think the chaos is over, we get that shift in tone—the lingering effects of the drug lead to a slightly chaotic but intimate moment between the ML and FL, ending with a kiss that feels both unexpected and inevitable.

Character Notes
• FL: Still in full protective mode, but her concern for the ML is so clear beneath it all.
• ML: Smart, controlled, and ruthless when needed. Even under pressure, he stays one step ahead.
• Royal Princess: Vulnerable in this episode, but her storyline adds emotional weight.
• Mr Sun: MVP of the episode—his rescue was everything.
• Captain Li: Finally proving he has his own sense of loyalty and justice.
• Emperor: Completely outplayed—his plan backfires spectacularly.

Final Thoughts
This episode had everything—action, tension, emotional moments, and just a touch of romance. The stakes are getting higher, and the power dynamics are definitely shifting.

Favourite Moment
Mr Sun running into the burning building and refusing to give up on the Royal Princess.

Trope Check
• Trap set by the palace
• Rescue from fire
• Political betrayal
• Sacrifice for others
• Drugged / forced proximity

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A Banquet of Schemes and a Feast of Desire

Episode 37 really took the phrase “palace drama” and cranked it all the way up to chaos mode, because from the moment Xie Zheng steps into that banquet, you just know someone’s about to get humbled. And true enough, Marquis Wu’an lives up to the name, doing whatever he wants, whenever he wants, with zero hesitation and even less patience. Watching him put officials in their place is oddly satisfying, especially with Chang Yu right there matching his energy like they share one brain cell labeled “blunt honesty only.” Power couple behavior, your honor. Meanwhile, the Emperor and Grand Tutor Li are busy cooking up a scheme with aphrodisiac incense in the cold palace, and I’m not gonna lie, this whole plan had me side-eyeing hard. How did they know who would be there, and why does the accusation logic only target Xie Zheng when there were clearly other people in the room? It feels shaky, but I rolled with it for the chaos. Things escalate fast when Qi Shu and the maid drop unconscious while Xie Zheng fights his way out like a man refusing to lose both his dignity and his life in one night. Then comes Chang Yu to the rescue, and suddenly the tone shifts from political thriller to “sir, please control yourself.” Zhang Ling He absolutely understood the assignment here because that dazed, hungry, borderline feral expression? Gold. Xie Zheng was out here sniffing, chasing kisses, and completely forgetting they were in danger, while Chang Yu stayed locked in survival mode. The contrast is hilarious and weirdly on brand, and the fact that she just knocks him out to regain control? Peak Chang Yu, no notes. The aftermath at court only gets messier with Li Huai An stepping in to take the fall, Xie Zheng and Chang Yu demanding justice with straight faces, and then boom, Xie Zheng kills the eunuch like it’s just another Tuesday. I was a bit surprised Chang Yu didn’t react more, but I guess in her eyes, wrong is wrong regardless of who’s following orders. And then we get THE moment, Wei Yan slapping the Emperor like he’s disciplining a misbehaving child and casually dropping that lethal line about how otherwise he wouldn’t even be emperor. Sir did not just speak, he declared. The aura? Immaculate. Yan Yi Kuan carried that entire scene on pure charisma alone. As if that wasn’t enough, Yin Gong Sun comes in with his own brand of devotion, running into a burning palace after soaking himself in water to save Qi Shu, and that whole rescue felt straight out of a legendary romance painting. Him carrying her out looked grand in every sense of the word, and the CPR scene that follows just seals it. For someone so bound by propriety, crossing that line without hesitation says everything about how deep his feelings run, and I love that the Empress Dowager didn’t even hesitate to allow it. And then the ending? PURE GOLD. We finally get Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei going all in with an intense kissing scene that honestly caught me off guard in the best way. The censorship really said “not today,” because the lip smooching sounds were loud and clear, and I am not complaining. That scene was so hot I had to replay it multiple times like it was my full-time job, and if this is how they’re closing the episode, then episode 38 is about to have me fully fired up.

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