Different Princess Episode 26 Recap
> Different Princess Recap
Hua Qingge awoke to find Ji Chu by her side, informing her that she had drunk poisoned tea and nearly died. Her first concern was for Nanqing, who, thankfully, was unharmed. Ji Chu then thanked Ji Yun for providing the antidote, mentioning that Ji Yun had arrived with Lin Xiyao.
Ji Yun explained that he and Lin Xiyao had come to deliver wedding invitations and only then learned of Hua Qingge's poisoning, conveniently having an antidote that could cure any poison. Suspicion arose in Ji Chu, and Lin Xiyao, sensing the tension, quickly found an excuse to leave with Ji Yun. However, Hua Qingge, despite her weak state, stopped them. She directly confronted Ji Yun, asking if he was responsible for the poisoning, finding the timing too coincidental.
She showed him a jade pendant she had found, implying it was evidence of his involvement. Hua Qingge expressed profound disappointment, having hoped her suspicions were wrong. She questioned his motives for targeting Nanqing, a child, for political reasons, recalling his past ideals of peace and stability.
Ji Yun admitted that he was not the "pure and innocent" person she believed him to be, attributing his actions to the unavoidable constraints of the imperial family and the constant struggle to balance and endure. Hua Qingge dismissed his excuses, returned the jade pendant, and urged him to stop his dangerous path before she lost all faith in him.
After Hua Qingge left, Lin Xiyao approached a somber Ji Yun, reassuring him that she understood he had his reasons and lived for those he cared about, vowing to stand by him and believing he would not make further mistakes. Back in her room, Hua Qingge was met by Ji Chu, who revealed he also suspected Ji Yun and shared her disappointment. Hua Qingge worried about the growing rift between the brothers.
Ji Chu declared that if Ji Yun ceased his actions, he would forgive him, but if he persisted, he would not hesitate to act, regardless of their brotherly ties. Meanwhile, Ji Chu's men continued to monitor Imperial Consort Wei, who feigned madness, constantly searching for her son, Feng. Ji Chu's subordinate reported no unusual activity from her.
Ji Chu maintained that she was pretending to avoid punishment and intended to confront her on Ji Feng’s death anniversary to uncover the truth about the events 15 years ago, and the Empress's potential involvement. His spies also reported the Empress was occupied with Ji Yun's upcoming wedding preparations and showed no other suspicious activity, but Ji Chu insisted on continued surveillance.
Hua Qingge, aware of Ji Yun's "villainization," worried about the escalating conflict between the brothers, fearing it would lead to a clash that contradicted her desire for Ji Chu to remain the good man he had become. The next morning, Hua Qingge was abruptly awakened by Nanqing, who joyfully greeted his elder sister, Wei Nanyi. Feeling self-conscious in her disheveled state compared to the elegant Wei Nanyi, Hua Qingge quickly retreated to get ready.
Wei Nanyi commented on Ji Chu having a "family," to which Nanqing playfully suggested that Wei Nanyi should marry Ji Chu herself to form a complete family. Inside, Wei Nanyi updated Ji Chu on the precarious situation in Nanjing since his departure. She explained that Prime Minister Li Dianzhao was actively plotting to usurp the throne, spreading rumors that Ji Chu was conspiring with foreign powers.
Despite her efforts to dismantle Li Dianzhao's faction as instructed, he attempted to assassinate Nanqing, leading her to rescue the boy and bring him to Ji Chu for safety. Ji Chu expressed concern that bringing Nanqing to Daliang put Wei Nanyi in further danger, to which Wei Nanyi replied that Nanqing was struggling in Nanjing and she had no other choice.
She then informed Ji Chu that his spies reported Li Dianzhao had turned the tables, publicly accusing Ji Chu of attempting to kill Nanqing to claim the throne. Ji Chu then suggested they seek refuge with him temporarily while they strategized their next move.
She voiced fears of Li Dianzhao launching a full rebellion, but Ji Chu assured her that Li Dianzhao could not yet seize the throne because Wei Nanyi possessed the Fish-shaped Token, which commanded Nanjing's 100,000 elite soldiers. Wei Nanyi also revealed that the assassins who attacked Nanqing bore a distinct tattoo, which Ji Chu recognized as belonging to the same organization that had framed him, confirming the Empress's insidious reach into Nanjing's affairs.
Determined to present a striking appearance, Hua Qingge adorned herself elaborately, only to be met by Ji Chu who gently removed her excessive hair ornaments, restoring her more natural look. Her efforts were spurred by a fear of losing him. Ji Chu, in turn, kissed her, a moment witnessed by Wei Nanyi, who watched with a hint of melancholy.
Later, during a shared meal, Hua Qingge felt like an outsider observing a family reunion between Ji Chu, Wei Nanyi, and Nanqing. Ji Chu lovingly fed Hua Qingge, while Nanqing playfully teased her about her appetite. Hua Qingge reflected on her novel, perplexed that Nanqing and Wei Nanyi were not characters in her original story, wondering who was now dictating the plot.
She grew increasingly anxious that the presence of Nanqing and Wei Nanyi would further endanger Ji Chu, making him a target for Ji Yun. The day of Ji Yun and Lin Xiyao's wedding arrived. Hua Qingge privately wished Ji Yun had not been corrupted and could find happiness with Lin Xiyao as in her original story. Elsewhere, Ji Wan'er was introducing Gong Yeqi to her mother, the Empress, as her close friend and potential suitor.
Before Ji Wan'er could fully explain, the Empress announced that she had already arranged a marriage for her daughter with a man of high status, talent, and impeccable character, deeming him the perfect husband. Ji Wan'er was distraught, protesting that her mother had made this decision without her consent.
The Empress firmly stated that a parent's duty was to arrange a suitable marriage and that she would not permit Ji Wan'er to marry a commoner, a decision her father, the Emperor, would never approve of either. Gong Yeqi, standing nearby, was left to ponder his own inadequate status.
