Different Princess Episode 31 Recap
> Different Princess Recap
Ji Chu woke to find Hua Qingge lying beside him, still in his arms, causing them both a moment of embarrassment. Meanwhile, the Empress met with the Duke, feigning concern for her in-laws. She inquired if he had recently seen Lin Xiyao, but the Duke responded that a married daughter is like spilled water, and it would be inappropriate for an official to frequently visit the Crown Princess.
The Empress then made it clear that Crown Princess Lin Xiyao's standing directly affected his own. Using his daughter as leverage, the Empress persuaded the Duke to agree to her terms. Later, in the Emperor’s study, the Empress discovered a painting of Imperial Consort Xian. Her jealousy flared, and just then, the Emperor walked in. He immediately dismissed the Empress, who, although displeased, dared not argue further.
Feeling a rising sense of crisis, the Empress realized the Emperor still cherished Imperial Consort Xian, evidenced by the preserved painting. Remembering she still possessed some Demon Poison, she began plotting anew. She confided in her maid that the Emperor must have already doubted Imperial Consort Xian was a demon, but she intended to make the world believe it, thereby stripping Ji Chu of any claim to the throne.
Ji Wan'er's escort procession was suddenly ambushed by a group of bandits. Ji Wan'er sensed danger, and soon her maid, Ru Jiao, confirmed their worst fears: they were under attack. Ru Jiao bravely shielded Ji Wan'er inside the carriage as the guards were brutally slain, leaving the princess in grave peril. The Emperor, having earlier scolded the Empress, later sent her many precious jewels as a gesture of apology.
However, the unexpected arrival of Ji Wan'er's personal maid, Ru Jiao, shattered the peace. Crying hysterically, Ru Jiao reported that Ji Wan'er had been killed by savage bandits near Liang’s border and her remains were on their way. Ji Chu soon received the same devastating news from his subordinates, a conversation Hua Qingge overheard from outside. Hua Qingge initially refused to believe it, but upon seeing Ji Wan'er's personal effects, she completely broke down.
The Empress, too, was overcome with grief, unable to comprehend her daughter's tragic fate. Gong Yeqi also learned of Ji Wan'er's death. Enraged, he confronted Ji Chu, accusing him of having multiple opportunities to save Ji Wan'er but choosing not to, thus making him complicit in her death. Gong Yeqi vowed to personally seek revenge, and a fight ensued between the two men. Ji Chu, though injured, worried about Gong Yeqi's more serious wounds.
In her palace, the Empress was inconsolable, consumed by guilt that her schemes had led to her daughter's demise. She cried until she fainted. The Emperor, witnessing the tragedy, blamed himself for failing to protect his own children. Ji Yun stayed by his mother’s side, comforting her. The Empress, still mourning, asked him to ensure Ji Wan'er was dressed in thick clothes for her burial, as she was always afraid of the cold.
Ji Yun questioned why they couldn't live peacefully with Ji Chu. The Empress explained her fear that Imperial Consort Xian would usurp her position, and consequently, Ji Chu would take Ji Yun’s place. She urged Ji Yun to seize the throne, asserting that otherwise, she would be at everyone's mercy. Ji Yun reassured her, promising his protection. Upon returning to his residence, Ji Yun found Lin Xiyao patiently waiting for him.
Despite his neglect of her since their marriage, she had never complained, and he felt a pang of tenderness for her. Hua Qingge, bandaging Ji Chu’s wounds, wished their relationship could return to its former simplicity, but acknowledged that it was too late. Nanyi arrived with medicine, and Ji Chu informed her that Ji Wan'er’s death had left Prime Minister Li isolated, paving the way for Nanyi’s swift return to her homeland. Nanyi expressed her gratitude to Ji Chu.
The next morning, Hua Qingge woke to find her room locked. Her maid, Mo Yu, informed her that Ji Chu wanted her to rest and not attend Ji Wan'er’s funeral, fearing the emotional toll it would take. Just then, Gong Yeqi appeared and offered to take Hua Qingge to "watch a show." At Ji Wan'er’s funeral, Ji Chu had meticulously prepared everything, ensuring his father's safety.
His attendant noted that keeping Hua Qingge away was a wise decision, anticipating potential complications if Gong Yeqi chose that day to act. The Emperor, Empress, and Ji Yun arrived to pay their respects. The Empress, still feigning disbelief, found it difficult to accept Ji Wan'er's death, while the Emperor openly expressed his sorrow and sought his daughter's forgiveness. Suddenly, a silver needle struck Ji Yun's neck, causing his vision to blur.
The Empress, who had intended the Demon Poison for Ji Chu, was horrified to see her own son collapse. Ji Yun became frantic, inadvertently pushing Lin Xiyao to the ground. Ji Chu immediately demanded that the Empress produce the Demon Poison. Desperate to save Ji Yun, the Empress quickly complied.
Ji Chu then revealed that he had deliberately misled her, claiming the Demon Poison was also an antidote, knowing it was the only way to force her to hand it over. He then administered the true antidote to Ji Yun. Seeing Ji Yun’s frenzied state and his attempt to harm Ji Chu, Hua Qingge bravely stepped forward to protect Ji Chu.
The Emperor, now fully aware that the Empress was the mastermind behind the tragedy, ordered her to be confined to her palace indefinitely. The Empress protested, begging for a chance to explain, but her pleas were ignored. Ji Chu then explained the full truth to his father: the Empress was responsible for his mother's death fifteen years prior, and her actions today provided irrefutable evidence.
He revealed that he obtained the antidote from Physician Su’s son, who likely developed it after creating the poison. Ji Chu implored his father to finally clear his mother's name. The Emperor produced an imperial decree, written some days prior, announcing his abdication of the throne to Crown Prince Ji Yun, and his intention to live as the Retired Emperor.
The decree also posthumously bestowed the title "Imperial Concubine Tai Ming" upon Imperial Consort Xian, granting her the honor of being buried alongside him in the Imperial Tomb after his passing. Ji Chu thanked his father for finally restoring his mother's dignity.
