Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Episode 17 Recap
> Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Recap
On her wedding day, Wei dresses in her bridal attire and pays her respects to Consort De. The consort, who has grown fond of Wei, gives her a personal necklace as a wedding gift. She reminds Wei that Yinxiang had a difficult childhood after losing his mother and implores her to treat him well, a promise Wei readily makes. The wedding ceremony proceeds joyfully at Yinxiang's residence.
While the couple completes their ceremonial bows, Yinzhen remains in his study, hesitant to face the reality of Wei marrying his brother. Yinti and Ming Hui arrive late, just as the ceremony concludes. At the banquet, Yintang and the 10th Prince openly speculate that Yinzhen's absence is due to heartbreak. Just then, Yinzhen arrives, explaining he was delayed by official matters.
He and Yinxiang share a warm, heartfelt greeting, demonstrating a bond so strong that it does not go unnoticed by Yinsi and his allies. Later, in the bridal chamber, Yintang and the 10th Prince try to instigate rowdiness, demanding the newlyweds kiss for the crowd. Wei cleverly placates them with a quick peck on Yinxiang's cheek. However, a jealous Yinti challenges Wei to a drink.
She accepts, but Yinxiang intercepts the cup and drinks it for her, declaring that as husband and wife, they are one. The Crown Prince also arrives to offer his congratulations, bringing Xiaochun with him. Wei takes the opportunity to speak with Xiaochun privately. She gently warns her friend about the dangers of her relationship with the Crown Prince, noting that with enemies like Yinsi watching, any mistake could be fatal for them both.
Xiaochun tearfully admits she cannot control her feelings, and the two friends can only offer each other comfort and a promise to be careful. After the guests have left, Yinzhen shares a final drink with Yinxiang, giving him some sobering tea. He sincerely accepts Wei’s choice, gives the couple his blessing, and promises to do everything in his power to protect them. The next morning, Wei oversleeps. A maid named Qixiang treats her rudely, denying her hot water for washing.
Outside, Wei sees Yinxiang’s servant, Shun'er, directing others to plant an apricot tree. Shun'er explains that six months ago, Yinxiang had planted another one after behaving strangely, painting a picture of an apricot tree and writing a poem for a mysterious girl. A sudden realization dawns on Wei. She rushes to the study and finds the painting, inscribed with the very same poem from her dreams.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she runs out to meet Yinxiang returning from court and throws her arms around him, crying that she has finally found him. She professes her love and makes him promise to be with her for a lifetime. It soon becomes clear that Qixiang is infatuated with Yinxiang and resents Wei's presence. She attempts to sabotage Wei, first by serving her crab and persimmon pastries, a known harmful combination.
When Wei avoids that trap, Qixiang tricks her into drinking honey water after a meal of crab, causing her to suffer from diarrhea. Not stopping there, Qixiang later serves Wei undercooked peas, which cause her to hallucinate, babbling about nightclubs and calling herself the "beauty of Sanlitun." Yinxiang furiously confronts Qixiang, who confesses. He sternly reminds her that Wei is the mistress of the house and warns her never to try anything similar again.
He then patiently stays with Wei, even joining in her delirious dancing, until the effects of the poison wear off. Later, he explains to a jealous Wei that Qixiang is the sister of a trusted friend, left in his care. Amused by her jealousy, he reassures her of his love, telling her his favorite memory is of her shouting her acceptance to marry him before the emperor. Meanwhile, Ming Hui continues her machinations.
She finds a melancholic Xiaochun in the imperial garden and slyly plants a rumor that the Crown Prince is planning to take another concubine. The rumor deeply upsets Xiaochun. Later, the Crown Prince finds her and desperately reassures her of his fidelity, and the two share a comforting embrace. From a distance, Ming Hui watches their silhouettes, her suspicion of their illicit affair confirmed.
She immediately reports her discovery to Yinsi, proposing it as the perfect weapon to depose the Crown Prince. She then visits Yinti to recruit him, but he is dismissive, seeing through her attempts at manipulation and expressing his distaste for women who are so forward. Wanting to do something special for Yinxiang, Wei goes to the kitchen to cook for him, where she is challenged to a cook-off by a defiant Qixiang.
While Qixiang prepares an elaborate feast, Wei makes a simple but heartfelt dish: a heart-shaped serving of fried rice. As she brings the meal to Yinxiang, she is surprised to find him with the Crown Prince and Yinzhen. Mortified but amused, she presents her dish before excusing herself. In the study, Yinxiang and Yinzhen warn the Crown Prince that Yinsi has people watching his every move.
They advise him to be extremely cautious and not to let his enemies find any "soft spot" to exploit. Overhearing this from outside, Wei's expression turns to one of deep concern, as she knows the Crown Prince's greatest vulnerability is Xiaochun.
