Court Lady Episode 25 Recap
> Court Lady Recap
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Sheng Chumu went to Princess Consort Han, seeking her help to marry Fu Rou. Princess Consort Han explained his chances were less than two and a half percent, emphasizing the clear distinction in status: Prince Liang's grandfather was the Grand Imperial Sire, Prince Zhou's grandfather was His Majesty, while Sheng Chumu's father was merely the Duke of Lu State.
She stated that the Empress would only consider Prince Liang or Prince Zhou, never Sheng Chumu or Yan Zifang, as the palace valued rank and title over fairness. Princess Consort Han also voiced her regret for insisting on bringing Fu Rou into her manor, which she felt led to the current predicament. She cautioned Sheng Chumu against rash actions that could offend the Empress and bring disaster to his family.
She then suggested he consider Ma Hainiu, who was persistently learning etiquette and embroidery for him. Sheng Chumu, however, dismissed Ma Hainiu as shameless and annoying, expressing disgust. Ma Hainiu, who had been standing nearby, overheard his harsh words. Heartbroken, she confronted him, but Sheng Chumu refused to offer an explanation. Feeling devastated, Ma Hainiu declared her hatred for him before leaving.
Later, Ma Hainiu, still upset, was about to discard a gift she had prepared for Sheng Chumu when Lian Yan'er approached. Seeing Ma Hainiu's genuine feelings, Lian Yan'er offered her advice on how to win a man's affection. She told Ma Hainiu that constantly pursuing a man was ineffective, as men are often perverse; they despise those who cling to them but chase those who remain aloof.
Lian Yan'er suggested three rules: first, ensure he always owes you; second, maintain a noble and distant demeanor so he can see but not have you; and third, do not cling to him. Embracing this new strategy, Ma Hainiu decided to continue her studies at the Han Manor, proclaiming she no longer cared for Sheng Chumu but wished to become a noble lady.
Meanwhile, news of four powerful men vying for Fu Rou had spread through the palace, causing many to believe she was manipulative. Lady of Treasure Li met with Fu Rou and advised her against any impulsive actions, warning that angering the Empress could jeopardize both her and Sheng Chumu.
Lady of Treasure Li explained that the Empress was aware the Emperor wished to marry Fu Rou to Prince Zhou, but needed to navigate the situation delicately to avoid offending the Grand Imperial Sire, who favored Prince Liang. To disrupt the Empress's plans for her, Fu Rou orchestrated a scheme.
She intentionally spoke ill of Crown Princess Sun Lingshu and feigned eagerness to marry Prince Zhou in front of Sun Lingshu's maid, Shuang Xi, hoping the maid would report her words to the Crown Princess. Sheng Chumu, in a bid to change his fate, began feigning madness, focusing obsessively on embroidery after a minor head injury. His mother, Sheng Madam, worried he was bewitched and instructed Sheng Chujun to visit Fu'an Temple outside the city.
She ordered him to perform a ritual of kowtowing every ten steps to pray for Sheng Chumu's well-being. At the same time, Sun Lingwei arrived at Fu'an Temple, earnestly kowtowing every ten steps up the stairs. She sought to gain her sister, the Crown Princess's, forgiveness after a past misunderstanding involving Chen Ji. Sheng Chujun, initially reluctant to perform the tedious ritual, observed Sun Lingwei's sincere devotion.
Intrigued by her, he decided to join her in kowtowing, engaging her in flirtatious conversation. Sun Lingwei, needing a wishing charm, was disappointed to find the temple had run out. Sheng Chujun, eager to impress her, offered her a Sheng family safety knot, claiming it was highly effective for granting wishes and had even cured Princess Xin Nan's illness. Grateful, Sun Lingwei accepted the gift and promised to return to repay him if her wish came true.
Sheng Chumu then entrusted an embroidered handkerchief to Princess Consort Han, requesting she deliver it to Fu Rou in the palace. Despite her reservations, Princess Consort Han agreed and presented the handkerchief to the Empress, claiming it was a small gift for Fu Rou. The Empress inspected the handkerchief before allowing it to be sent to Fu Rou. Upon receiving it, Fu Rou examined the embroidery and understood Sheng Chumu's hidden message.
Shortly after, Princess Xin Nan arrived, proposing that Master Su, a renowned physiognomist, examine Fu Rou's face to determine her most compatible match, suggesting this would align with Heaven's will. However, the Empress dismissed the idea, stating she had already made her decision, which was to grant Fu Rou to Prince Zhou, and even had an edict drafted. At that moment, the Crown Princess made a sudden appearance.
As Fu Rou had intended, Shuang Xi had indeed reported Fu Rou's disparaging remarks about the Crown Princess and her supposed eagerness to marry Prince Zhou.
To protect her own position and the Crown Prince's future, the Crown Princess eloquently argued to the Empress that if Fu Rou were to marry Prince Zhou, her extensive network and influence would become a powerful asset to Prince Zhou, allowing him and Consort Yan to monitor all palace affairs, thereby undermining the Crown Prince. This argument resonated deeply with the Empress, forcing her to reconsider her decision.
Recognizing the validity of the Crown Princess's concerns, the Empress ordered the edict for Prince Zhou to be burned. Finding herself in an impossible position, unable to choose between Prince Liang (backed by the Grand Imperial Sire) and Prince Zhou (favored by the Emperor), the Empress informed the Emperor of her predicament.
She then revived Princess Xin Nan's suggestion, proposing that Master Su use his physiognomy to determine Fu Rou's fate, thereby deferring the decision to Heaven's will and providing an acceptable explanation to all parties. The Emperor, visibly disappointed by her apparent reluctance to marry Fu Rou to Prince Zhou, nonetheless consented. He then abruptly departed the Empress's palace to visit Consort Yan.
Alone, the Empress reflected on her long history of sacrifices, recalling how she had, years ago, even welcomed Consort Yan into the palace, a testament to her enduring efforts for harmony, despite her husband's affections lying elsewhere. She sadly noted that Prince Zhou was not her own son and lamented how distant the Emperor had grown.
