Episode: 3
Maria delivers a potted purple iris to Zoe, noting how Ethan cared for her after her nightmare. Zoe places the flower on the windowsill, despite Maria warning that wind will kill it in a week. Zoe reflects on Ethan's past actions. He once asked the Emperor for the iris instead of military rewards. She also remembers how local townsmen mocked Ethan on the street because he refused concubines for her sake.
Maria brings Zoe breakfast and a potted purple iris, explaining Ethan watched over her all night. Zoe sets the plant on the windowsill. Maria warns that the flower cannot survive seven days exposed to open wind.
In a palace flashback, the Emperor offers Ethan a reward for suppressing bandits. Ethan asks only for a purple iris from the Floral Chancery to please his wife. The Emperor laughs at his single-minded request.
Maria notes Ethan gets fresh irises every month regardless of weather. Zoe remembers Ethan painting her eyebrows and bringing gifts in both lives, recalling all the gentle ways he prioritized her throughout their marriage.
Zoe remembers townsmen outside a tea house gossiping about their marriage. Because she forbade concubines, the men openly mock Ethan for being controlled by a jealous wife. Ethan overhears their loud remarks from the street.
“If it's left in the wind, its petals will wilt, and it will die within seven days.”
“Your Majesty. I ask for nothing else, only that you grant me the purple iris from the Floral Chancery.”
“He's totally under his wife's thumb. What a shame for a man! His wife is shamelessly jealous.”
Zoe leaves the fragile flower out in the breeze while remembering Ethan's sacrifices. On the street below the tea house, Ethan overhears the men laughing at his marriage and glares directly at them. Will Ethan confront the gossiping townsmen, and why did Zoe deliberately leave his gift exposed to the wind?