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| Love in Pavilion Ends in Tragedy — But Extra Episode Delivers Unexpected Peace (iQIYI/Weibo) |
The curtain has finally closed on Love in Pavilion, the romantic costume drama that captured audiences for two consecutive years. Starring Liu Shishi and Zhang Yunlong, and supported by a stellar cast including Ding Yuxi, Meng Ziyi, Zhang Ruonan, and Hou Minghao, the series concluded with a deeply emotional finale that left viewers across the internet shedding tears.
The final episode told a tragic yet poignant story: Dongfang Huaizhu (played by Liu Shishi) and Wang Quan Hongye (Zhang Yunlong) at last marry and welcome a child, a long-awaited union that seemed to offer a sliver of happiness.
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But the joy is fleeting — wounded in battle and drained of spiritual energy, Huaizhu dies shortly after childbirth in her husband’s arms. Her final words to Hongye are a tearful plea: to live on for their son, Wang Quan Fugui.
This heart-wrenching farewell shattered the hearts of countless fans, many of whom were not prepared for such a sorrowful ending. The blow was made heavier by the fate of the “Masked Group,” of which only two members survived.
Video: Behind-the-scenes moment of Dongfang Qinlan with baby Yuechu in the Love in Pavilion bonus episode.
Behind-the-Scenes of Dongfang Qinlan with Baby Yuechu in the Love in Pavilion Bonus Episode #LoveinPavilion #ShenYue
— Tonboriday (@tonboriday.com) May 15, 2025 at 7:39 AM
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In a brutal confrontation with the antagonist Black Fox, six of the eight perished — including the character portrayed by Ding Yuxi, who was fatally stabbed by Meng Ziyi’s character after her descent into darkness.
Off screen, the emotional toll was just as raw. Liu Shishi, Zhang Yunlong, Wu Xuanyi, and Zhai Xiaowen joined fans in a livestream viewing of the finale. Prior to the broadcast, Zhang Yunlong jokingly remarked, “I’ll have a couple of drinks if I feel sad later.”
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Yet the atmosphere turned solemn quickly. As the death scene played out, all four stars were visibly overcome with emotion, wiping away tears in silence — a moment that rapidly spread across social media. One netizen quipped, “Were we supposed to watch with them or cry with them?”
Behind-the-scenes footage further deepened the emotional impact. Zhang Yunlong revealed that during the filming of Huaizhu’s death, he suddenly recalled a heartfelt line: “I don’t want to change the world anymore. I admit I was wrong. Please bring Huaizhu back to me, okay?”
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The memory moved Liu Shishi to tears during the interview, requiring comfort from her co-star. Their genuine connection to their roles resonated deeply with fans, making the finale all the more affecting.
But just as hearts were breaking, a ray of light emerged.
The production team released a special extra episode — a quiet, dreamlike epilogue that brought comfort and closure to many. In this scene, set in a serene bamboo forest, Huaizhu and Hongye are reunited. Huaizhu, holding a paper umbrella and her green bamboo weapon, is met by Hongye, sword in hand.
They sit peacefully, drink tea together, and smile. At one point, Hongye gently removes a bamboo leaf from Huaizhu’s hair before embracing her from behind — a tender gesture of the deep affection between them. The scene closes with their magical weapons stacked together, symbolising a love that transcends time and death.
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This poetic reunion transformed sorrow into solace. Viewers once again found themselves in tears — this time from joy and relief. For many, this bonus episode was exactly what was needed to soften the blow of the finale’s tragedy. It offered the comfort of knowing that somewhere beyond the pain, the couple found peace.
Love in Pavilion has left a lasting mark — a tale of love and loss, bravery and redemption, brought to life with exceptional performances and heartfelt storytelling. With its blend of sweeping romance, high-stakes conflict, and a finale that stirred the soul, it has rightly earned its place as one of the most unforgettable dramas of recent years.
OMG LOVE IN PAVILION BONUS EPISODE DROPPED #淮水竹亭 #loveinpavilion #liushishi #刘诗诗 pic.twitter.com/CPbLr0rqAh
— soshimood | Kill My Sins 🪙 (@wheeinandout) May 10, 2025