Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Episode 18 Recap
> Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Recap
Wei arrived at the palace with Yinxiang, intending to visit Consort De and Concubine Zheng. There, she witnessed Ming Hui talking to Concubine Zheng's maids, Yu'er and Cui'er. Ming Hui claimed she was guiding the maids to serve Concubine Zheng well in Wei's absence, but Wei suspected she was bribing them.
When Wei later spoke to Concubine Zheng, she shared her suspicions, explaining that from what Fourth Prince and Yinxiang had said, and what she observed, Ming Hui and Yinsi might have bought over the maids. Concubine Zheng was distraught, wondering why Yinsi wouldn't leave the Crown Prince alone, especially when he was already suffering. She couldn't understand why Ming Hui targeted her, having no prior enmity.
Wei explained that Concubine Zheng was different from them, seeking only true love, not power or the throne. Concubine Zheng, fearing for her future with the Crown Prince, asked what they should do. Wei sternly advised her not to meet the Crown Prince again, reminding her that an affair with an emperor's concubine was a grave offense. Concubine Zheng expressed that her life would be meaningless without the Crown Prince, but Wei urged her to endure the separation for now.
Concubine Zheng reluctantly agreed. Wei then arranged for Concubine Zheng to replace her compromised maids with the trustworthy eunuch Zhu'er, instructing her to report any problems to Zhu'er, who would then inform Wei and Yinxiang. Zhu'er pledged his unwavering loyalty. Concubine Zheng thanked Wei, feeling deeply indebted. Wei reminded her that her relationship with the Crown Prince was an immoral bond and could not endure.
Concubine Zheng acknowledged this, stating she had long known their love was a road to nowhere, but she cherished every moment and had no regrets, even if it led to death. Wei promised to do her best to protect her. Meanwhile, Yinsi confronted Ming Hui, frustrated that his men had been watching the Crown Prince for over half a month without finding any fault.
Ming Hui blamed Wei, who had become vigilant and was protecting Concubine Zheng and the Crown Prince. She assured Yinsi she would not disappoint him, suggesting that since catching them in the act was now difficult, they should instead "make them meet." Despite Wei's warning, the Crown Prince, unable to bear the lovesickness, sent a message to Concubine Zheng.
Concubine Zheng attempted to meet him but was intercepted by Zhu'er, who reminded her of Wei's advice and the dangers of their situation. Concubine Zheng, consumed by lovesickness, refused food and felt weak, almost collapsing when she tried to stand. Zhu'er summoned Imperial Doctor Zhang, who reported a "joyful pulse," indicating pregnancy, though he was not entirely certain. Concubine Zheng dismissed the doctor before a definitive diagnosis.
She confirmed to Zhu'er that the Emperor had not visited her in months, meaning the child could only be the Crown Prince's. Zhu'er, for her safety, urged her to abort the child, but Concubine Zheng refused, desperate to keep her and the Crown Prince's baby. She pleaded with Zhu'er to arrange a meeting with the Crown Prince. Zhu'er, unable to deny her, reluctantly agreed, stressing that it would be a one-time occurrence.
Ming Hui, while attending Noble Consort Nalan, subtly informed her of Concubine Zheng's supposed pregnancy, adding that the Emperor had not visited her in months. Noble Consort Nalan immediately understood the implications and was enraged. Concubine Zheng and the Crown Prince met secretly in North Garden. They shared their longing and despair, and Concubine Zheng revealed her pregnancy.
She allowed the Crown Prince to touch her belly but insisted that the child could not survive, as their love was against all moral codes and the child would not be accepted into the world. The Crown Prince was devastated, blaming himself for being unable to protect his beloved or their child. Concubine Zheng reassured him of her profound love, stating she had no regrets, even if it meant eternal damnation.
Inspired by her unwavering devotion, the Crown Prince declared his intention to confess everything to Emperor Kangxi, offering to sacrifice himself to secure Concubine Zheng and their child's safety. Concubine Zheng, however, refused to let him face it alone, insisting they would bear all consequences together, even death. Back in Concubine Zheng's palace, Zhu'er noticed her two maids, Yu'er and Cui'er, preparing a calming tea for her.
When he asked for a drink, they offered the same tea but then prevented him from drinking it, claiming it was only for Concubine Zheng. Suspicious, Zhu'er sent the maids away on an errand to the Imperial Household Department. He then quickly sent an urgent message to Wei, informing her of Concubine Zheng's supposed pregnancy, her secret meeting with the Crown Prince in North Garden, and his suspicion that it was a trap.
Wei, realizing the danger, immediately rushed to the palace. Wei arrived at North Garden to find only Noble Consort Nalan and Ming Hui. Ming Hui had already told Noble Consort Nalan that Concubine Zheng's affair was assisted by a secret helper, implying Wei. Despite the tense situation, Wei calmly explained that she was there to meet Concubine Zheng to pay respects to their deceased friend, Xiaoyu, who had died in the lotus pond.
Noble Consort Nalan, after considering Yinxiang's position, accepted Wei's explanation and let her go, but warned her to avoid forbidden areas and not meddle in palace affairs. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince knelt before Emperor Kangxi, confessing his transgressions and pleading for mercy for Concubine Zheng and their supposed child, reminding Kangxi that it was his own grandchild. Concubine Zheng was then brought in.
Three imperial doctors confirmed that she was not pregnant; her morning sickness symptoms were merely a "false pregnancy" induced by medicine. The Crown Prince realized they had been set up, but driven by his deep love for Concubine Zheng, he bravely declared his genuine feelings, hoping for Kangxi's understanding. However, Emperor Kangxi, utterly disappointed, ordered the severe punishment of both the Crown Prince and Concubine Zheng.
Yinsi and his faction celebrated the Crown Prince's downfall, with Yintang declaring Yinsi the rightful heir and crediting Ming Hui for her crucial role. Yinti, however, remained aloof, refusing Ming Hui's toast and showing his disdain. Yinsi corrected his brothers, explaining that merely deposing the Crown Prince wouldn't deal a fatal blow to Yinzhen; only eliminating Yinxiang would truly weaken Yinzhen.
Ming Hui then revealed she had already planned a cunning scheme to ensnare Yinxiang, proclaiming that a grand play was about to begin. Yinti, observing Ming Hui's self-assuredness, muttered that some people were too clever for their own good. However, when Ming Hui pressed him, he directly told her that her tactics, while effective against the Crown Prince, would be useless against Yinxiang, as all her schemes and tricks would be futile against him.
Soon after, news arrived that Concubine Zheng had reportedly set her prison cell on fire and died by self-immolation. Yinsi's followers dismissed her as an "abandoned chess piece," but Ming Hui suspected a trick. Reasoning that Wei's friendship with Concubine Zheng and Yinxiang's loyalty to the Crown Prince meant they wouldn't stand by, Ming Hui concluded that Concubine Zheng had faked her death to escape.
She urged Yinsi to immediately dispatch men to intercept Yinxiang's carriage, believing they could catch him transporting the "dead" convict, thus providing irrefutable evidence to bring Yinxiang down. Yinsi, convinced, sent Yintang and Yin'e. Yinti, observing Ming Hui's self-assuredness, remained silent, not wishing to enlighten her. Yintang and Yin'e intercepted Yinxiang and Wei's carriage but found nothing. Yinxiang, with Wei by his side, playfully scolded them for ruining their romantic outing, embarrassing Yintang and Yin'e, who then let them pass.
Concurrently, Concubine Zheng had already been secretly spirited out of the palace. Yinxiang, disguised by Wei as an "ugly old man" pushing a dung cart, was the one transporting her. He grumbled about the stench and the unflattering disguise Wei had put him in. Outside the palace, Wei met Concubine Zheng, providing her with new clothes and money. Wei urged her to find a peaceful place, adopt a new identity, and start a new life.
Concubine Zheng thanked Wei, feeling deeply indebted, but Wei told her that living well was the greatest repayment. Concubine Zheng confessed she did not regret her love for the Crown Prince, believing their encounter was a destined repayment from a past life. She cherished every bittersweet moment and thus had no regrets. Accepting that their fate in this life was sealed, Concubine Zheng entrusted Wei with a farewell letter for the Crown Prince.
Wei, in turn, gave Concubine Zheng a letter from the Crown Prince. Concubine Zheng expressed her profound gratitude for Wei's friendship, considering her a cherished confidante, and voiced her hope for their reunion in a future life. Wei reluctantly bid her farewell. The Crown Prince's letter to Concubine Zheng was filled with remorse and deep love, apologizing for the trouble he caused and his inability to protect her, affirming that their time together was the most beautiful of his life.
Concubine Zheng's letter to the Crown Prince was equally loving and encouraging, urging him not to blame himself, to face his future bravely, and expressing her wish that they might meet again in another life, not born into royalty, so they could love freely.
