Different Princess Episode 13 Recap
> Different Princess Recap
After Ji Chu presented the findings of his investigation, His Majesty was furious to learn that Imperial Consort Wei was behind everything. Expressing deep regret for what happened to Ji Chu's mother, His Majesty acknowledged the clear evidence against Imperial Consort Wei. However, he deemed it an unsuitable time to reveal the truth, citing the powerful Wei family's control of the military and the need for a more extensive plan to uproot them without causing instability.
Ji Chu, frustrated that his father continued to protect the Wei family, resolved to show no mercy and seize their military power himself. Soon after, Ji Yun also approached His Majesty, urging him to disclose the full truth. His Majesty explained that his hesitation was not due to Imperial Consort Wei alone, but the powerful Wei family behind her. He argued that minor issues should not jeopardize current major affairs.
Ji Yun felt this decision was unfair to Ji Chu, as his mother's case remained a deep, unresolved wound. Ji Yun emphasized that as the Crown Prince, he believes a royal is as equally punishable as a commoner when breaking the law, and he could not break his principles.
His Majesty, however, advised Ji Yun that for the sake of the country, a ruler must sometimes turn a blind eye and prioritize the greater good, even if it means sacrificing the justice of a few for the peace of the populace. Ji Yun struggled to understand this, but His Majesty questioned if Ji Chu currently had the power to confront the Wei family. Ji Chu later discussed the Emperor's decision with Gong Yeqi, both expressing anger at the injustice.
Gong Yeqi declared the Emperor an "ineffectual ruler" for covering up for Imperial Consort Wei, saying that the royal family had become rotten to the core. Ji Chu questioned what good it did to be angry, stating he never had any lingering affection for the royal family. Gong Yeqi then suggested he would go into the palace to kill the evil woman.
Ji Chu challenged him, asking if he would let her get away with it so easily after all their years of planning. Gong Yeqi realized that under the ruler's protection, gathering more evidence was futile, concluding they had been approaching the problem incorrectly from the start and needed to devise a new strategy. Meanwhile, Hua Qingge, still concerned about Ji Chu, went to his residence.
Ji Wan'er spotted her and questioned her return, but then noticed Gong Yeqi and quickly left. As Hua Qingge wondered how to find Ji Chu, he suddenly carried her to the rooftop. Startled at first, Hua Qingge realized Ji Chu was drinking heavily to drown his sorrows. Despite not knowing his intentions, she felt a pang of sympathy, speculating that he seemed bitter and had not actually gotten revenge for his mother.
Ji Chu then asked Hua Qingge if she missed her home far away, to which she confirmed, but added she could not return. He shared that he, too, once desired to return home, but found himself feeling even further away. Ji Chu admitted he returned for revenge and saw his few years with his mother as the most important time, justifying any means to achieve his goals.
Hua Qingge reflected internally that she had only wanted to give him a motive for revenge, never realizing the profound and lasting pain his tragic past would cause. She understood then that there is no hatred or evil without a cause. After descending from the rooftop, a guard approached Hua Qingge to thank her for being with Ji Chu during his lowest moment.
Hua Qingge expressed that she was forced to stay, as Ji Chu held power over life and death. The guard then corrected her, stating Ji Chu was not the bloodthirsty man of rumor and never killed the innocent. Hua Qingge questioned this, recalling rumors that Ji Chu had killed her royal maids and wet nurse. The guard clarified that they had committed suicide to protect her after being interrogated about her whereabouts.
The guard confirmed that Ji Chu never cared about his reputation, which is why he bore the "bloodthirsty" title without explanation. Hua Qingge then realized she might have misjudged Ji Chu and that there was still hope for him. Back at the study, Hua Qingge searched for books to "purify the soul" and alleviate Ji Chu's hatred, describing them as stories promoting truth and kindness. An attendant in the study informed her that such books did not exist.
Realizing she couldn't find or write such a book in time, Hua Qingge had an idea: a "Mindfulness Club" to help Ji Chu through interactive games, role-playing, and inner self-narration for emotional guidance. News then spread that the murderers of the Liu family were to be beheaded that afternoon, with the Crown Prince presiding.
Hua Qingge lamented how the usually fair Ji Yun had seemingly changed, but Ji Wan'er defended her brother, explaining that His Majesty had pressured him, leaving him no choice. Hua Qingge disagreed, believing that one should not compromise their values for the sake of expediency. Hua Qingge then entrusted Ji Wan'er with delivering an invitation to Ji Chu. Reading the "Club invitation card," Ji Chu found it intriguing and accepted, promising to attend on time.
Ji Yun, upon learning of the Mindfulness Club, appeared uninvited, asking why he hadn't received an invitation. Hua Qingge nervously offered an excuse about his busy schedule. He wondered if his handling of the Liu family case had upset her. While she denied it, she reflected internally that she was struggling to accept that someone she admired—her "white moonlight"—was now flawed. She then invited him to join if he wished.
Meanwhile, Ji Wan'er sought out Gong Yeqi, reiterating the club's concept of emotional guidance through games and role-playing. Gong Yeqi found it interesting, remarking it might help Ji Feng's condition. Ji Wan'er, remembering Ji Feng, enthusiastically promised to tell him to attend, urging Gong Yeqi not to forget to come. The Mindfulness Club formally began. Hua Qingge, acting as the "mindfulness counselor Qing," welcomed everyone.
She explained the club aimed for "mindful interactions" and was a "club of love" to help participants open their hearts and foster an optimistic outlook. Gong Yeqi remarked on its profoundness, comparing it to a venerable monk at Lingguang Temple. Ji Feng, however, found it dull, likening it to spiritual cultivation. Hua Qingge offered him leave if he was bored, but Ji Yun interjected, urging everyone to cooperate.
Hua Qingge then instructed everyone to close their eyes, relax, and recall their most cherished memories. Ji Wan'er fondly recalled playing hide-and-seek with her brothers in the royal gardens as children. Ji Yun added details, mentioning Ji Wan'er hiding in bushes and Ji Feng under tables. Ji Wan'er then reminisced about Ji Chu always climbing the tallest rockery, making him impossible to find. Ji Feng, however, felt disconnected, stating he didn't remember those specific games.
He then remarked that the last hide-and-seek game he played with them was "unforgettable," hinting at a painful memory. Ji Wan'er confirmed that they stopped playing after Ji Feng was "startled" that time. Lin Xiyao expressed envy, having grown up without siblings. Gong Yeqi wished he could return to his youth. Ji Yun then suggested they play hide-and-seek again to fulfill Ji Wan'er's wish.
Hua Qingge observed that their "mindfulness session" was working, as recalling childhood memories was a form of healing. As Hua Qingge counted down, everyone scattered to hide. Ji Yun and Lin Xiyao hid together, furthering their connection. Ji Wan'er, recognizing a strategic opportunity, decided to hide with Gong Yeqi.
As Ji Feng found a hiding spot in a familiar place, he suddenly remembered a childhood scene: he overheard Imperial Consort Wei and her servant, after discussing that they "didn't catch them," being informed that demon poison had been placed in Imperial Consort Xian's food. This was the memory connected to the moment Ji Feng had witnessed Imperial Consort Xian seemingly transforming into a demon.
