Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Episode 24 Recap
> Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Recap
Ming Hui desperately dragged the unconscious Yinti through the wilderness, the constant howls of wolves filling the night. Though Yinti, in his haze, urged her to leave him and save herself, Ming Hui refused to abandon him. They struggled until dawn, completely exhausted, when Yinsi's reinforcements finally arrived. Ming Hui tearfully welcomed Yinsi, who was relieved to have found them. Ming Hui, credited with risking her life to save Yinti, was brought to the palace to recover.
Consort De visited her, bringing ginseng black-bone chicken soup to aid her recovery. Consort De remarked that Ming Hui shouldn't treat her as a stranger, as her injuries were sustained protecting Yinti, and the entire palace was abuzz with the news of her heroic act. Ming Hui, seizing the opportunity to express her heartfelt devotion, stated that she had acted rashly but could not bear the thought of Yinti dying.
She confessed her deep admiration for him, acknowledging that he was out of her league, but hoping Consort De would understand her long-standing affection for Yinti, whom she had known and faced life-and-death situations with since childhood. Consort De, understanding Ming Hui's intentions, told her that she was aware of her feelings but insisted that the most important thing now was for Ming Hui to recover.
During a casual conversation with Consort De, Noble Consort Nalan subtly brought up Ming Hui's potential marriage to Yinti, praising the Yinglu family for raising such capable daughters, akin to the women generals of the Yang Family, citing Ming Wei's past heroism for Yinxiang and Ming Hui's recent act for Yinti. Noble Consort Nalan implied that even though the Emperor had not yet decreed a marriage, the royal family should acknowledge Ming Hui's contribution.
Consort De, however, skillfully dodged the topic, suggesting that the younger generation should decide their own fates. Later, Yinti, now fully recovered, arrived to pay his respects to Consort De. The Fourth Prince's Consort and Madam Nian were also present. Madam Nian spoke without reserve, openly questioning why Ming Hui's injuries hadn't healed when Yinti's had, despite receiving the best medical care and supplies, implying Ming Hui was feigning illness.
Noble Consort Nalan defended Ming Hui, saying she wasn't as strong as Yinti and needed more time to recover from bone injuries. She also made a veiled reference to the pain Ming Hui's parents must feel for their injured daughter. Consort De eventually urged Yinti to visit Ming Hui when he had time, reminding him that Ming Hui had been injured protecting him and should not feel neglected in the palace. Yinti acknowledged his mother's advice.
Meanwhile, Ming Hui was not genuinely recovering. After dismissing a servant who brought her medicine, she deliberately poured out the herbal soup and used a hairpin to reopen her healing wounds. When Yinti eventually visited her, Ming Hui feigned vulnerability, remarking that he had finally come to see his "patient." Yinti, however, saw through her pretense, stating that she had deliberately inflicted her own suffering. Ming Hui claimed it was worthwhile if it earned his pity.
Yinti called her shameless but admitted her "beauty saving the hero" tactic was brilliant, as everyone in the palace now knew she had risked her life for him. Ming Hui confirmed she had indeed risked her life and declared that the "process doesn't matter, the result does." Yinti questioned why she was so certain he would marry her. Ming Hui asserted they were alike, reminding him they had once killed a tiger and rebels together, sharing hardships.
She argued that certain things could only be achieved through their cooperation and that a woman like her by his side would make his life more interesting. She concluded by stating he owed her his life, and a marriage would not be an excessive repayment. Yinti warned her that marrying him might not lead to a good outcome, but Ming Hui dismissed his concerns, saying she only desired the title of princess consort.
Yinti retorted that it depended on whether he was willing to give it, but Ming Hui confidently declared that the position meant little to him, and she was prepared to wait for him to concede. After his visit with Ming Hui, Yinti took a bath, his mind replaying childhood memories of Ming Hui bravely killing a tiger to save him, and her more recent act of fighting off rebels to protect him.
Meanwhile, Yinxiang, content with having Wei back in his life, was nevertheless concerned about Yinti's potential marriage to Ming Hui. He saw Ming Hui as a significant threat to Wei and decided to distance himself from court affairs to live peacefully with Wei. Wei, however, did not want Yinxiang to abandon his ambitions for her sake, supporting him wholeheartedly in his endeavors. But Yinxiang's deep love for her meant her safety was his absolute top priority.
The next morning, Yinti, after a night of careful consideration, surprised everyone by formally requesting Emperor Kangxi to bestow marriage upon him and Yalaerta Minghui. Kangxi, without much deliberation, granted his request, simply noting it was time for Yinti to marry. Consort De later expressed her concerns to Yinti. While she didn't oppose the marriage, she worried that Ming Hui was too intelligent and potentially difficult to control.
She warned Yinti that love could be both beautiful and a dangerous weapon, fearing Ming Hui might ultimately harm him. However, seeing Yinti's resolve, Consort De resigned herself, hoping Ming Hui would protect her beloved son and be a warm stove rather than a hot potato. The wedding day quickly arrived. Ming Hui, initially believing she would be left alone on her wedding night, was pleasantly surprised when Yinti entered her room.
She cautiously asked if they were to perform the traditional couple's drink, to which Yinti responded by questioning the necessity of such formalities between them. Ming Hui then acknowledged their relationship was merely a cooperation. Yinti, with a subtle query, challenged her statement. He stayed the night, granting her the long-desired position of princess consort and a moment of unexpected tenderness. The day after the wedding, Ming Hui was visibly pleased.
During their morning visit to Consort De, Yinti showed great care and affection for Ming Hui, even promising his mother that he would take Ming Hui to the upcoming temple fair. He stopped Consort De from giving Ming Hui an egg-yolk puff, reminding her that Ming Hui's injuries were not yet healed and oily foods were forbidden by the imperial doctor.
Consort De, who had never seen her son act so caring, was delighted, instructing them to burn incense and pray for a grandson at the temple during the fair. She also bestowed precious gifts upon Ming Hui. Later, when they were alone, Ming Hui remarked on Consort De's kindness and the lavish gifts she received, feeling flattered. Yinti abruptly told her to drop the act, as they were alone.
Ming Hui insisted her happiness was genuine, but Yinti teased that she had fallen for him and desired not just the title of princess consort, but his heart as well. Ming Hui countered by asking if he was still unaware of her feelings. When Yinti later asked if his tenderness earlier was real or an act, Ming Hui admitted she hoped it was real and wanted their "act" to continue forever.
Meanwhile, at Yinxiang's mansion, he and Wei engaged in playful banter, with Yinxiang teasing Wei, who was disguised as a maid, about being molested by her master. Qixiang, overhearing them, intervened, gently scolding them for their public displays of affection, warning that it could arouse suspicion about Wei's true identity, which was a matter of deceiving the emperor and could jeopardize both Yinxiang's and the Fourth Prince's households.
Yinxiang, having replaced all the servants, tried to reassure her, but Qixiang remained vigilant. Other servants, witnessing Yinxiang and Wei's affectionate interactions, gossiped about their constant closeness. Yinxiang playfully joked about Qixiang's fierce personality, saying no man would want to marry her, though Qixiang responded that she simply chose not to marry. Yinxiang expressed guilt over keeping Wei confined to the manor, but Wei assured him that being with him was enough for her.
Realizing the upcoming temple fair presented an opportunity, Yinxiang devised a clever plan to take Wei out. Yinxiang's attendant, Shun'er, distributed free masks in the streets, ensuring that if everyone wore one, no one would recognize Wei, allowing her and Yinxiang to enjoy the temple fair safely. The two donned their masks, playfully teasing each other about their appearance, then descended into the bustling crowd, enjoying street food and the lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Yinti and Ming Hui, having completed their incense offering at the temple as per Consort De's wishes, prepared to return home. Yinti, however, unexpectedly suggested they explore the temple fair, noting that it would be a shame to waste Ming Hui's beautiful attire.
Ming Hui, initially concerned about the inconvenience of her elaborate dress in the crowded streets, agreed when Yinti challenged her, reminding her that she had risked her life for him and shouldn't fear such a minor discomfort. As they walked hand-in-hand through the vibrant fair, the crowds admired Ming Hui's beauty and remarked on her good fortune to be with the Fourteenth Prince.
They bought a lover's knot, and Ming Hui, deeply touched by what she perceived as Yinti's genuine affection, wished for them to grow old together. Yinti further indulged her, insisting they hang the knot on the highest branch of a tree to ensure their wishes came true. Ming Hui accepted this, recognizing it as a playful test of his sincerity. As the day progressed, Ming Hui, despite her elegant attire, grew weary and her feet began to ache.
Yinti noticed her discomfort and offered to carry her on his back. He teased her, suggesting she had wanted to "parade" her status as princess consort all day, and he was simply giving her the opportunity. Ming Hui, however, asserted that as princess consort, she was prepared to receive such courtesies. While being carried, she asked Yinti why he had come to her on their wedding night, implying he could have simply given her the title and nothing more. Yinti's answer—that since he married her, she was his wife—made Ming Hui even happier, strengthening her belief in his developing feelings.
