Court Lady Episode 48 Recap, Plot

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Emperor Li Shimin, heartbroken by Prince Han Hao's reckless behavior, decreed that Prince Han Hao was to remain in his manor for reflection. All his responsibilities were transferred to Prince Zhou Ke, the Literature Hall he established was immediately closed, and all associated officials were expelled from the Prince Han's residence. Prince Zhou Ke humbly accepted the edict. Meanwhile, Crown Prince, after learning of Sun Lingxu's death, attempted to hang himself in prison, and was fortunately saved by the guards.

Although his life was no longer in danger, his throat was injured, rendering him unable to speak. Upon waking, he anxiously inquired about his son, but he was assured that Dowager Consort Wang was personally caring for the little prince, and urged the Crown Prince not to worry. Princess Xin Nan, enraged by her brother's confinement, stormed into Fu Rou's quarters, accusing her of causing Prince Han's downfall.

Fu Rou calmly explained that she had merely presented the truth to His Majesty. Princess Xin Nan argued that Prince Han was acting out of agony, avenging his wife, Prince Han's wife, whom the Crown Princess had harmed. Fu Rou countered that if everyone used agony as an excuse, every murderer would have a reason, leading to endless conflict.

She reminded Princess Xin Nan that it was plotting and factionalism that caused the brothers' discord and that Prince Han's act of forcing his sister-in-law (the Crown Princess) to kill herself was a grave mistake. Fu Rou further explained that concealing the truth only leads to more harm, and that a gentle and kind Crown Princess had become ruthless by taking one wrong step and not repenting.

She added that if everyone in the palace followed the rules, there wouldn't be so many tragedies. Fu Rou insisted that adhering to justice and law, without deception or partiality, was the only way to govern the palace. She concluded that Prince Han's confinement, while harsh, was a better outcome than facing more severe punishment if the truth had been concealed longer. Princess Xin Nan was left speechless by Fu Rou's reasoning.

Alone in his manor, Prince Han Hao drank heavily, lamenting the past and regretting the crimes committed for "illusory status and power," which he had always "despised." He grieved for his deceased wife, knowing she would never return, and wished he could have her chicken soup once more. Sheng Chumu, seeing Prince Han's despair, joined him on the rooftop.

Prince Han urged Sheng Chumu to cherish Fu Rou, explaining that Fu Rou truly loved him and had saved his life by preventing him from killing the Crown Princess. He admitted he could no longer protect Sheng Chumu, who must now learn to protect himself, and reiterated that nothing mattered more than being alive with one's loved one. Sheng Chumu, however, lamented that seeing Fu Rou only brought him pain and that he would rather not see her.

After Sheng Chumu left, Prince Han remained in the courtyard, still mourning his wife and wishing he had been by her side to protect her from being poisoned. During the morning court, Emperor Li Shimin publicly rewarded Yan Zifang for being the first to report the scheme involving Crown Prince and Prince Liang. Sheng Chumu was praised for protecting the capital, and Ma Haihu for delivering a crucial message to the Hot Spring Palace.

Fu Rou was also rewarded for her unwavering loyalty. The Emperor then specifically commended Prince Zhou, calling him an "example to all the princes" for his "honest and upright" character and his concern for the people's well-being. With Prince Zhou's increasing favor, other imperial consorts began to flatter Consort Yan.

Consort Zhen complained to Fu Rou about the overly greasy food from the Bureau of Catering and the excessive gifts Consort Yan was receiving even before her birthday, all due to Prince Zhou's rising influence. She remarked that Fu Rou was Consort Yan's "thorn in the side" because of the late empress's past favor. Suddenly feeling unwell and nauseous, Consort Zhen's maid confirmed she had recently served His Majesty.

Fu Rou, suspecting pregnancy, offered to escort Consort Zhen back to her palace. Soon after, an imperial physician confirmed Consort Zhen was indeed pregnant. The Emperor was overjoyed by the news, calling it "good news" that meant he would "have another prince soon," ensuring "The Great Tang will continue to flourish." He announced his intention to visit Consort Zhen that evening. However, shortly after this joyous news, Consort Yan suddenly collapsed while drinking tea with other noble consorts.

The Emperor, informed of her condition, immediately cancelled his visit to Consort Zhen and rushed to Consort Yan's side. Imperial Physician He was unable to diagnose Consort Yan's illness, infuriating the Emperor. Fu Rou stepped in, recommending two female medical aides to care for Consort Yan, which the Emperor approved. Eunuch Yu recalled that Consort Yan had mentioned a "special ingredient" in her tea, which turned out to be licorice.

Imperial Physician He realized Consort Yan suffered from a phlegm-dampness illness, for which licorice was forbidden. Prince Zhou, suspecting foul play, accused Grand Master of Remonstrance Situ Zhen of attempting to murder Consort Yan, linking it to Situ Zhen's prior petitions on behalf of Prince Han. Fu Rou defended Situ Zhen, arguing that as an "outside official," he would not have access to Consort Yan's confidential medical history and therefore could not have known about her specific illness.

She pointed out the absurdity of arresting everyone who submitted a recipe containing common ingredients. The Emperor reprimanded Situ Zhen for "not focusing on his official responsibility" and submitting a tea recipe to appease superiors, but he dismissed Prince Zhou's accusation of attempted murder as an "overreach." Taking advantage of the situation, Prince Zhou requested that Fu Rou be assigned to care for Consort Yan, citing Consort Yan's fondness for her.

The Emperor, acknowledging Fu Rou's "careful and thoughtful" nature, agreed. Despite the prescribed medicine, Consort Yan remained unconscious. Prince Zhou then proposed recruiting skilled doctors from "civilians." The Emperor agreed, issuing an imperial notice promising a "generous reward of 1,000 gold" and a position in the "Bureau of Imperial Physicians" as an "imperial physician" (Taichang Assistant) to anyone who could cure Consort Yan. Among the recruited doctors, a disguised Fu Shui came forward.

After examining Consort Yan, he confidently stated he could wake her using acupuncture on specific points (Baihui, Yintang, and Fengchi). When asked about the precise needle depth, Fu Shui explained that the "unusual" illness required him to "adapt depending on the situation" and adjust based on the patient's reaction. Imperial Physician He objected, deeming it too risky, but Eunuch Yu supported Fu Shui as the only one who claimed he could help.

The Emperor arrived, and Fu Shui reiterated his need for flexible treatment. Prince Zhou urged the Emperor to let Fu Shui try, given Consort Yan's critical state, and confirmed that these civilian doctors had been vetted by the Bureau of Imperial Physicians. The Emperor eventually gave his consent. Fu Shui proceeded to apply three needles, and to everyone's amazement, Consort Yan awoke. Fu Rou, however, noticed a subtle exchange between Fu Shui and Eunuch Yu, sparking her suspicion.

The Emperor, impressed, allowed Fu Shui to "enter the Bureau of Imperial Physicians" with a "pretty good rank." Meanwhile, Yan Zifang had Lu Yingying tied up, attempting to feed her. He told her that Prince Liang was "facing death" and couldn't care for her. Lu Yingying refused to eat, expressing profound regret that her past actions of helping Yan Zifang had led to her family's downfall and her becoming Princess Consort Liang.

She believed their relationship, born from Yan Zifang's "hatred," could not yield a "good result." Yan Zifang, professing his love, offered to "give up everything" and flee with her, settling all grievances with her family and Prince Liang, if only she still had him in her heart for a new beginning. Lu Yingying, however, firmly rejected him, stating that "Heaven would not give us the chance to start anew."

The following day, Yan Zifang returned to find that Lu Yingying had escaped. Taking her monthly leave to visit her family, Fu Rou encountered Sheng Chumu outside the palace gate. Sheng Chumu initially feigned disinterest, believing she was too important for him to greet. Fu Rou, however, approached him and asked if he believed in "cause and effect," defining it as sowing good deeds to reap good results, and vice versa.

She emphasized that holding "good thoughts" could prevent one from going astray, even through turbulence, and that this was the simplest way to stay true to one's original intention. Fu Rou revealed that she couldn't forget her "heart's first wish" and that was why she asked him about cause and effect. Sheng Chumu retorted that he believed only in "kindness and enmity," a sentiment shared by generals who had "been through a bloody battlefield."

At this moment, Prince Zhou arrived, agreeing with Sheng Chumu's view on "kindness and enmity." He then publicly thanked Fu Rou, implying she had spent "every night by my side" caring for Consort Yan and saved him during that difficult time. He invited her to drink with him, but Fu Rou, clearly annoyed by his insinuations, declined, stating she needed to visit her parents, and walked away.

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