Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Episode 10 Recap
> Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Recap
Consort De's cough had worsened considerably. Wei prepared medicine for her, adding fish mint. Consort De was initially furious upon seeing the fish mint, but Wei quickly explained that Fourth Prince Yinzhen had gone to great lengths to find it, hoping it would cure his mother's cough. Consort De's mind drifted back to a time when Yinzhen, as a child, suffered from a persistent cough.
She had personally brewed fish mint medicine for him then, but before he could drink it, he was taken away by a Noble Consort, leading to years of estrangement between them. The painful memory faded as Consort De saw Yinzhen arriving to pay his respects. She was deeply moved and began conversing with him. Wei then excused herself and stepped outside, where she encountered Yinxiang.
Curious, she asked him why Consort De seemed to favor Fourteenth Prince Yinti, and conversely, why Yinxiang shared such a strong bond with Yinzhen. Yinxiang playfully dismissed the question about Yinti, remarking that among the princes, Yinti was the only one "slightly worse" than himself, which made him a tolerable, albeit somewhat incompatible, companion. He then explained his profound connection with Yinzhen, stemming from his early days in the Palace of Eternal Spring, where he was a rather unruly child.
Unaccustomed to life in the Palace of Eternal Spring, Yinxiang often disobeyed and longed for his birth mother, Concubine Min. He frequently snuck back to her residence. Before her passing, Concubine Min entrusted Yinxiang to Yinzhen. Later, during a harsh winter, Yinxiang was found mourning alone at his mother's tomb. Yinzhen, unable to convince him to leave, stayed by his side. He promised Yinxiang that he would always protect him, vowing that they would be like true brothers, forever together.
Yinzhen's promise never faltered, and they continued to support each other through the years, cementing their unbreakable bond. As winter approached, Emperor Kangxi declared it the ideal time for a hunting expedition, emphasizing the importance of martial skills for the Manchu people. The princes buzzed with discussion. During their conversation, Tenth Prince Yin'e subtly mocked Crown Prince Yinreng's archery skills.
Yinzhen quickly came to the Crown Prince's defense, and Kangxi himself intervened, affirming his son's capabilities and instructing him not to be overly modest. En route to the hunting grounds, Yinxiang paused to offer Wei a cup of ginseng soup, knowing girls tended to feel the cold. Upon rejoining the procession, he was immediately challenged by Yinti to a race to the hunting ground.
The imperial winter hunt was no ordinary event; it was a deeply valued tradition of the Qing Dynasty, offering a crucial opportunity for the princes to demonstrate their prowess before the Emperor. Yinti, in particular, viewed Yinxiang as his primary rival, even taunting him that he was destined to lose because he was "hindered by emotions" for someone in his heart. The hunt commenced, and Crown Prince Yinreng successfully bagged a wild boar, in addition to discovering a peculiar creature.
Yinxiang and Yinti's intense competition continued, neither gaining a clear advantage. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince excitedly had his peculiar catch carefully wrapped, intending to present it as a special gift to Emperor Kangxi. This "peculiar prey" turned out to be part of a malicious plot by Eighth Prince Yinsi's faction. After making snide remarks about the Crown Prince's mysterious bounty, a ferocious bear suddenly attacked Kangxi's imperial carriage.
Crown Prince Yinreng, Yinsi, and others who were nearby rushed to the Emperor's aid. Yinxiang and Yinti, arriving at the scene, swiftly ordered the other guards to escort Kangxi to safety, while they remained to confront the rampaging bear. The bear, for unknown reasons, displayed extreme aggression, injuring both Yinxiang and Yinti. Yinzhen, who had been transporting the Crown Prince's special "gift"—a small bear cub—back to the camp, learned of the danger and hastened to the forest.
He found his brothers in a desperate struggle. Joining the fight, Yinzhen was soon caught in the bear's powerful grip, unable to break free. In a selfless act, Yinxiang pushed Yinzhen away from the attacking bear, taking the brunt of its charge. At that moment, Wei arrived, carrying the bear's baby cub. She used the cub to divert the enraged mother bear's attention. Yinti, seeing his brother's peril, quickly returned to fight alongside Yinxiang.
Together, they managed to subdue the bear. Wei, realizing the mother bear was simply trying to protect her child, pleaded with them not to kill it. Yinxiang, having sustained severe injuries, collapsed after the battle and was immediately taken away for urgent medical attention. Wei, exhausted and with a sprained ankle, sat down to rest under a tree. Yinti noticed her injury, chivalrously took off his cloak, and carried her back to the camp in his arms.
Back at the camp, Consort De instructed Wei to care for Yinzhen. Although Yinxiang was also gravely wounded, Yinzhen was at least semi-conscious and managed to converse with Wei. He expressed relief that she was safe and asked about Yinxiang's condition. Wei assured him that the bear had been subdued by Yinxiang and Yinti, but admitted she was uncertain about Yinxiang's exact injuries.
Soon after, a servant came from Yinxiang's tent, urgently requesting Wei's presence as Yinxiang had woken up and was insisting on seeing her. Wei, concerned for Yinxiang but also mindful of Yinzhen, sought Yinzhen's permission to go. Despite his evident feelings for Wei, Yinzhen gave his consent. Wei went to Yinxiang's tent, where he, regardless of his own serious injuries, insisted that she promise never to put herself in danger again.
He only found peace and rested after receiving her heartfelt promise. Later, in his own tent, Yinzhen's attendant offered to call Wei back from Yinxiang's tent, but Yinzhen quietly declined. Back with Yinxiang, when Wei tried to get charcoal for warmth, he clung to her, refusing to let her leave his side.
He stared at her, remarking that a girl like her was rare and so "foolish" that he had to keep a close watch, so no one would "steal" her away. He then pulled her hand close and drifted back to sleep.
