American Perspectives: A Divorce, A Transition, A Reconciliation

Ji Chong approaches Ma Zhaixing and tells her that their marriage has been a cage for her, and that he wants to see her live her own life.  He feels that his good intentions for marrying her have actually made things worse.  Ma Zhaixing looks sad, confused, and shocked.  Ji Chong is ready to set her free.  Even though they never consummated the marriage, she still cares very deeply about him.  But, the reality is, the marriage can't transfer her love for Prince Bo to him.

Ji Chong promises to stay by her side and protect her as a loyal friend, but he's ready to divorce.  And he does sincerely stay by her side as a friend, no sleazy motives.  He's done being in denial about the remaining feelings between Ma Zhaixing and Prince Bo, and he's also ready to set himself free.  Being in a marriage with a dead bedroom from day one is a lose-lose situation for everyone.  Even though he's never acted entitled, when you're in a relationship that serious a consensually active bedroom is extremely important.  Otherwise, you're roommates.

Ji Chong states that he will take care of the divorce and the explanation behind it in order to protect her reputation.  He tells her to take care of Prince Bo who was recently injured in a stand off with Chu You Kui.

Ma Zhaixing goes to Prince Bo's home, and he isn't 100% ready to process all of this just yet.  They had to spend so much time in anger and fake hatred that right now, the road is a little bumpy and uncertain.  Additionally, in order to make himself stronger, he took a poison that limits the number of days he has left to live.

While at Wen Yan's alter, Ma Zhaixing vows to take care of Prince Bo.  He thanks her, but he doesn't want her doing anything more, as he doesn't want rumors and misunderstandings.  That is when she tells him that she and Ji Chong are getting divorced.  She reveals to him that Ji Chong told her why Prince Bo was pretending to hate her.  She reaches for Prince Bo's hand, he momentarily accepts it, and then rejects it.  He begins to walk away, but Ma Zhaixing calls his name.  He tells her to go home and rest.  It's apparent that he's drained from all the turbulence, and just needs time to process the current turn of events.  

Truthfully, they are both walking out of and into a really complicated situation.  They both need to let their emotions and grievances level out before they can move forward. (Because they have both done really unkind things to each other during the turbulence, and those can't be ignored).  Prince Bo also has to deal with his now limited lifespan (which Ma Zhaixing does know about, unbeknownst to him).  Wanting to keep his upcoming death from Ma Zhaixing would also be indicative of not learning anything, no matter the good intention behind it. Because he's going to die, he thinks it's best to keep it secret.

Ma Zhaixing returns to his home, after gathering up some medical documents, ready to address it.  He's currently sleeping, but she chooses to stay, and tenderly kisses him on the forehead.  She stays until day breaks, leaving him a meal.  He is surprised to find her outside, hanging the laundry.  He resists her help, but she kindly insists on staying.  His guard begins to weaken, and Ma Zhaixing lets him know, with a limited number of days left to live, she still wants to be with him no matter what, and when he dies, she'll deal with it.  He lets her know that he has half  a year to live, and that he's willing to accept her. He takes her hand and embraces her.  All bets are off, and they agree to make the best of what's left.