Go Princess, Go! Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Go Princess, Go! Synopsis
Playboy Zhang Peng accidentally fell into the water to escape from his ex-girlfriends.
After waking up, he found that he not only traveled through the millennium but also changed his sex to become the Crown Princess of the dynasty – Zhang Pengpeng.
Zhang Peng, who has had numerous girlfriends, cannot accept this fact, but he cannot change it either.
On the one hand, Zhang Pengpeng was drooling over the three thousand beauties in the prince’s harem, but on the other hand, she had to learn how to manage herself in the harem.
The most painful thing for her was that as the “Crown Princess”, she had to please Crown Prince Qi Sheng.
As a result, Zhang Pengpeng, who has a girl’s body and a boy’s heart, has to be caught in the struggle between the Crown Prince, the Ninth Prince, and Lord Zhao for the throne in order to protect herself.
After all the struggles and love-hate entanglements, Zhang Pengpeng finally fell in love with Qi Sheng, and they gave up everything and retired to the mountains.
Go Princess, Go! Recap
Episode 1 Recap
A playboy, Zhang Peng, moved among the beauties at the party, flirting and having a great time. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriends, whom he had heartlessly betrayed and who held grudges, were on their way to kill him. His friend advised Zhang Peng not to be so fickle, otherwise, it would ruin his character. Zhang Peng disagreed, believing that it wasn't his fault that women fell madly in love with him before he had even finished two sentences.
Just as the two were discussing the boss's beautiful and charming woman, Zhang Peng's three ex-girlfriends had already entered the party venue and formulated a plan of separate action. The boss's woman accidentally fell into the water. Zhang Peng, filled with compassion, bravely jumped into the water to save her. " "" Early in the morning, Zhang Peng was awakened by the urge to urinate.
After groggily getting out of bed, he discovered that his original male body had inexplicably turned into a woman's. He cried out in surprise, but his voice had also changed into a sweet, feminine one. The sudden change shocked Zhang Peng. He looked around the antique room, feeling an inexplicable dread. When he saw his beautiful self in the mirror, he realized he had truly become a woman.
Recalling everything that had happened at the party, Zhang Peng realized that he hadn't died, but had traveled through time to ancient times. Just then, a young maid, accompanied by an imperial physician, burst into the room. Seeing Zhang Peng awake, she was overjoyed, claiming that if he hadn't woken up, Jiang Yingyue might have harmed her husband, Zhao Wang, and then spent day and night in intimacy with the Crown Prince.
Zhang Peng couldn't understand what the young maid was saying at all. After a difficult explanation, Zhang Peng finally understood that he had transmigrated and become the Crown Princess, Zhang Pengpeng, and the young maid beside her was Zhang Pengpeng's personal attendant, Lv Li. Having transmigrated from a man into a woman, Zhang Peng found this fact hard to accept. Zhang Peng believed that only by dying could he return to modern society.
He frantically attempted various suicide methods, such as self-mutilation with scissors, hanging, and jumping into a river, but all failed. Lv Li reminded Zhang Pengpeng to cherish her identity as the Crown Princess, but the latter stated that she wouldn't want it even if she were to become Empress Wu Zetian. Imperial Physician Song came to diagnose Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng took the opportunity to threaten Imperial Physician Song and obtained red-crested crane venom from him.
Zhang Pengpeng intended to commit suicide by taking poison, but the poison turned out to be fake. Just as Zhang Pengpeng was feeling disheartened, Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng that Jiang Yingyue, who was involved in her falling into the water, had been imprisoned and severely punished by the Empress Dowager in Shengning Palace. The Crown Prince and Zhao Wang were currently kneeling outside the palace, pleading for her.
Hearing that Jiang Yingyue might be executed, Zhang Pengpeng came up with a plan. She pulled Lv Li to the outside of Shengning Palace. However, the Crown Prince had a strong dislike for Zhang Pengpeng as the Crown Princess, and harshly rebuked her, telling her to get lost.
Episode 2 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng was indifferent to Crown Prince Qi Sheng's coldness and instead spoke mockingly. Qi Sheng did not know that the Zhang Pengpeng before him was no longer the weak woman she once was, and he found her attitude both strange and inexplicable. Inside Shengning Palace, the Empress Dowager was furious that the Crown Prince and Zhao Wang were kneeling outside the palace, begging for mercy for a woman.
At this time, a eunuch reported that the Crown Princess was trying to force her way into the palace and had been stopped by the guards. The Empress Dowager decided to go out and see. Seeing the Empress Dowager approach, the guards released Zhang Pengpeng. Eager to die, Zhang Pengpeng ran to the Empress Dowager and took all the blame.
The Empress Dowager, unaware of the situation, instead thought the Crown Princess was virtuous for taking the blame for the Crown Prince. Seeing this, Zhang Pengpeng could only continue to exaggerate, telling the Empress Dowager that she had plotted the drowning incident to harm the Crown Prince, and that she had malicious intentions, asking the Empress Dowager to grant her death. The Empress Dowager refused, instead scolding Qi Sheng.
Qi Sheng defended himself, saying that Zhang Pengpeng had already confessed to the crime. The Empress Dowager was furious upon hearing this and ordered the Crown Prince to go to the Jiangbei Barracks to inspect and reflect. He was not to return to the palace until he understood how to get along with his wife. The Empress Dowager returned Zhao Wangfei Jiang Yingyue to Zhao Wang and reminded him to keep a close watch on his wife.
Seeing Jiang Yingyue's weak state after being punished, both Zhao Wang and the Crown Prince felt extremely distressed. Zhang Pengpeng, observing the people and events unrelated to her, still stubbornly wished for death. The Empress Dowager ordered the imperial physicians to care for the Crown Princess, but the Crown Prince ordered her to be detained and not allowed to step out of her palace. The Crown Prince's sedan chair encountered the Ninth Prince's sedan chair.
The Crown Prince ordered his subordinates to pursue, but the Ninth Prince's subordinates were unable to dodge in time, and the two sedan chairs collided. The Ninth Prince was the Crown Prince's younger brother, handsome, dashing, elegant, and exceptionally talented. The Crown Prince and the Ninth Prince immediately engaged in a heated argument upon meeting. The Crown Prince was very displeased that the Ninth Prince had rescued the drowned Crown Princess.
The Ninth Prince stated that he could not stand by indifferently, otherwise it would be disloyal and unjust. The Crown Prince warned the Ninth Prince not to meddle. Zhang Pengpeng, confined in the Crown Princess's palace, felt she could neither live nor die. She was too sorrowful to eat, and Lv Li patiently comforted her. Zhang Pengpeng wanted to eat "maxiao" (spicy crayfish), but Lv Li did not know what it was.
Zhang Pengpeng suddenly felt unwell in her stomach and discovered she had her "aunt flow" (menstruation). Having once been a man, Zhang Pengpeng was at a loss, deciding to try to control the menstrual blood back, a strange behavior that startled Lv Li. Zhang Pengpeng sighed at the difficulty of being a girl, and in her helplessness, could only continue to live this way. Zhang Pengpeng asked Lv Li to summon all the Crown Prince's concubines to her palace.
Lv Li found it strange that the Crown Princess was suddenly becoming close to these women. Zhang Pengpeng vaguely explained that it was precisely because they usually had little contact that she wanted to get closer. Lv Li specifically obtained the roster of the Crown Prince's concubines from the Imperial Household Department. Zhang Pengpeng's eyes lit up upon seeing the beautiful women in the portraits.
Seeing the beautiful women's long legs and lovely breasts, Zhang Pengpeng's former lecherous nature as a playboy was revealed without a doubt. She began uncontrollably flirting with the Crown Prince's concubines. To better adapt to her identity as a woman, Zhang Pengpeng organized a "Menstruation Seminar" in the palace. Initially, the concubines were very shy about this private topic, but gradually they opened up and spoke freely, even showing Zhang Pengpeng various types of menstrual cloths.
This greatly broadened Zhang Pengpeng's horizons, and she also sighed that people of different statuses used different items. That night, the Crown Prince was to depart for Jiangbei, and all the secondary consorts went to see him off, but the Crown Princess was suffering from continuous diarrhea in her palace and could not go. Zhang Pengpeng changed into men's clothing, wanting to sneak out to seek pleasure. Lv Li also wanted to follow, but she was shaken off.
Episode 3 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng came to the brothel named Chunjiang Huayue Tower, thinking that she finally had a nightclub where she could have some fun. Unexpectedly, she was immediately seen through by the madam as a woman. She couldn't help but inwardly complain that the cross-dressing in TV shows, where a woman disguises herself as a man for a dozen episodes without being exposed, was purely deceptive.
Seeing money, the madam enthusiastically found several beautiful girls for Zhang Pengpeng, some dressed as Chang'e, and some as Meng Jiangnü. Zhang Pengpeng marveled that cosplay existed even in ancient times. Zhang Pengpeng drank and played happily with the beauties in the brothel, having a great time. Later, however, she couldn't hold her liquor, and muddle-headedly entered the men's restroom, where she coincidentally met the Ninth Prince, who was dressed in flowing white robes.
But she didn't know the Ninth Prince's identity. The Ninth Prince was stunned, looking at Zhang Pengpeng, who had lipstick marks all over her face and was dressed in men's clothing. Lv Li gave Zhang Pengpeng a massage, which Zhang Pengpeng enjoyed greatly. She called Lv Li "baby" and explained the meaning of "baby" to her. Lv Li, not understanding the full implications, was deeply touched.
A eunuch from Shengning Palace came to inform the Crown Princess that the Crown Prince had returned. Zhang Pengpeng went to attend the welcoming banquet for the Crown Prince. Seeing the elaborately dressed concubines of the Crown Prince, she became lustful, leeringly remarking that this was truly "a riot of blossoms, gradually dazzling the eyes," and even couldn't resist going forward to flirt. Qi Sheng appeared handsomely before everyone in black armor. The concubines were all smitten.
Qi Sheng opened his arms to Zhang Pengpeng, gesturing for her to remove his armor. However, Zhang Pengpeng misunderstood, thinking Qi Sheng was asking for a hug. So, she publicly embraced Qi Sheng and patted him, saying, "You've worked hard, brother." Qi Sheng sarcastically remarked on Zhang Pengpeng's impatience, making Zhang Pengpeng very embarrassed. At the banquet, to please the Empress Dowager, Qi Sheng deliberately showed meticulous care towards Zhang Pengpeng, serving her food and pouring her wine.
This made Zhang Pengpeng very unaccustomed, and she sarcastically asked if Qi Sheng's ice-cold face was melting due to global warming, like an iceberg meeting the spring breeze. Jiang Yingyue, the wife of Zhao Wang, who was sitting at the opposite table, felt jealous upon seeing this. Zhang Pengpeng saw Zhao Wang wearing a green hat and felt it was inappropriate, so she hinted for him to take it off.
However, Zhao Wang didn't understand the implication and thought Zhang Pengpeng was praising him. The Empress Dowager also noticed the green hat on Zhao Wang's head, praised its appearance, and said she would have one made for the Crown Prince in the future. Zhang Pengpeng burst into laughter, reminding the Crown Prince that a green hat was not a good thing. Qi Sheng thought Zhang Pengpeng was talking nonsense.
After the Empress Dowager left, Jiang Yingyue and Qi Sheng exchanged affectionate glances. Zhang Pengpeng felt injustice for Zhao Wang but decided she didn't want to meddle in other people's wives' affairs, nor did she want to concern herself with Qi Sheng's matters. The Ninth Prince, dressed in white robes, arrived at the banquet, graceful as an immortal. All the women were captivated by his elegant demeanor.
Zhang Pengpeng recognized the Ninth Prince as the person she had encountered in the brothel's restroom that day, and felt uneasy, afraid of being recognized. After the Ninth Prince toasted the Crown Prince, he then toasted Zhang Pengpeng. Qi Sheng suddenly stood up to block the toast for Zhang Pengpeng and started a drinking contest with the Ninth Prince. The concubines cheered them on.
Zhang Pengpeng took the opportunity to leave amidst the chaos, only to encounter the Ninth Prince again in the women's restroom. Zhang Pengpeng helped the Ninth Prince out of a predicament, stating that they were even. The Ninth Prince wondered why he had encountered her in the brothel, and she also questioned why he had gone to the brothel.
The Ninth Prince stated that he had only gone there that day to handle official business, and that Yang Yan was also present. Zhang Pengpeng didn't believe him, winking and gesturing to indicate that she understood men's psychology. Zhang Pengpeng received an invitation from Lv Li and arrived in the woods on a dark and windy night. She thought Lv Li had invited her for a secret rendezvous, but unexpectedly, her mouth was covered by a stranger.
The stranger led Zhang Pengpeng behind a tree, where Zhang Pengpeng saw Jiang Yingyue and Qi Sheng on a date. Only then did Zhang Pengpeng realize that Lv Li had invited her to catch them in the act. Jiang Yingyue worried that Qi Sheng might develop feelings for Zhang Pengpeng. Qi Sheng stated it was impossible, adding that he only blocked the toast for Zhang Pengpeng to make the Ninth Prince lose face.
Jiang Yingyue brought up their promise of being a couple for life. Qi Sheng stated that he would keep his word. Jiang Yingyue feigned coldness, hoping Qi Sheng would hug her, but Qi Sheng was insensitive to her romantic hint. Zhang Pengpeng, watching the drama unfold, complained incessantly. The stranger offered her osmanthus cakes, asking if she wanted to eat, but Zhang Pengpeng was not interested in snacks. Jiang Yingyue proactively threw herself into Qi Sheng's arms.
Zhang Pengpeng and the stranger excitedly shouted from the side, "Kiss, kiss. . ." As a result of too much noise, they were discovered by Qi Sheng. The stranger swiftly escaped up a tree, but Zhang Pengpeng was caught red-handed by Qi Sheng. Enraged, Qi Sheng ordered Zhang Pengpeng to be confined.
Episode 4 Recap
Ever since Zhang Pengpeng collided with Qi Sheng in the forest last time, Qi Sheng ordered that the Crown Princess's palace cuisine must not contain any meat. Zhang Pengpeng lamented that not only did she not get any "meat" from Lv Li, but she couldn't even get any meat for her mouth. Just as Zhang Pengpeng was craving meat and starving, the stranger who had watched a play with Zhang Pengpeng in the small forest earlier appeared unexpectedly.
He said he was Yang Yan, the son of the Great General, specially sent by the Ninth Prince to visit the Crown Princess, and he brought roasted chicken for Zhang Pengpeng. Yang Yan affectionately called Zhang Pengpeng "sister", but Zhang Pengpeng felt very awkward, so she asked Lv Li to bring a plate of osmanthus cake to play a trick on Yang Yan.
Yang Yan returned to report to the Ninth Prince, stating that he couldn't figure out the relationship between the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince, but he really liked Zhang Pengpeng's lively personality. The Ninth Prince thought Zhang Pengpeng had regained some of her childhood spirit. Zhang Pengpeng and Lv Li started playing Red Light, Green Light, but Lv Li didn't know how to play. To pass the boring time, Zhang Pengpeng danced a ballroom dance with Lv Li.
A young eunuch reported the movements in the Crown Princess's palace to the Crown Prince. Qi Sheng rushed to check, and saw Zhang Pengpeng gracefully dancing with Lv Li. At this moment, Zhang Pengpeng was very captivating, and Qi Sheng couldn't help but stare in awe. Qi Sheng told Zhang Pengpeng that he would accompany her back to her maiden home for the year-end Daughters' Festival. Zhang Pengpeng was worried about being exposed and didn't want to go back.
Qi Sheng said there must be a reason why Zhang Pengpeng resisted returning home. Zhang Pengpeng denied it. Qi Sheng took out the Zhang family tree for Zhang Pengpeng to see, but Zhang Pengpeng couldn't even recognize her mother, Lady Fan. Qi Sheng gave Zhang Pengpeng three days to give him a satisfactory explanation. After careful consideration, Zhang Pengpeng brought durian and honestly confessed her past experiences to Qi Sheng. Jiang Yingyue eavesdropped on their conversation from behind the curtain.
Qi Sheng thought Zhang Pengpeng was fabricating a joke to amuse him, and was alluding to him with the incident of falling into the water. Zhang Pengpeng tried her best to explain to Qi Sheng, but only made things worse. Qi Sheng said he needed to think it over.
Jiang Yingyue walked out from behind the curtain, believing that Zhang Pengpeng's change in personality was due to being possessed, and even hinted that Zhang Pengpeng might be a jinx to her husband. Lv Li brought a light green dress to Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng mistakenly thought Lv Li was trying to seduce her. Lv Li pulled Zhang Pengpeng under a peach blossom tree, and told her to wait patiently, as someone would arrive soon.
Unexpectedly, the person who arrived was Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng looked at Zhang Pengpeng's graceful back and was somewhat stunned. Zhang Pengpeng questioned why Qi Sheng had come, but Qi Sheng questioned why Zhang Pengpeng was dressed so provocatively. It turned out that Lv Li had arranged to meet Qi Sheng under Zhang Pengpeng's name. Qi Sheng accused Zhang Pengpeng of not only forgetting her parents but also female virtues.
Zhang Pengpeng clearly stated that she was not interested in Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng thought Zhang Pengpeng was unreasonable. Qi Sheng came to find Zhang Pengpeng, asking her to memorize the family tree before returning home. Zhang Pengpeng stated that she was illiterate. Qi Sheng read it to Zhang Pengpeng, but Zhang Pengpeng frequently made jokes. Qi Sheng became furious.
Episode 5 Recap
The day of returning to her maiden home finally arrived. Standing in front of the Minister's Residence, Zhang Pengpeng felt uneasy. She asked Qi Sheng for help, but Qi Sheng reminded her not to be shifty-eyed. Zhang Pengpeng saw Jiang Yingyue among the family members who came to greet her, which she found very strange. Lv Li explained that although Lady Jiang was Princess Consort Zhao, in the Zhang Residence, she was merely an impoverished relative.
To prevent Zhang Pengpeng from giving herself away, Qi Sheng took all sorts of care of her and stayed by her side all day, which made Jiang Yingyue very uncomfortable. On a rainy night, Lady Jiang met with Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng reminded Lady Jiang that she should have known long ago that Zhang Pengpeng was an insurmountable bond between the two of them.
Lady Jiang worried that Qi Sheng would forget their agreement, but Qi Sheng said that they could not rush and could not do anything out of line. In the Zhang family ancestral hall, Zhang Pengpeng's mother, Lady Fan, believed that Jiang Yingyue should bear full responsibility for her daughter falling into the water, and thus punished Jiang Yingyue in front of their ancestors.
Seeing this, Zhang Pengpeng's inherent male nature of cherishing and pitying beautiful women was revealed, and she pleaded for mercy for Jiang Yingyue with all her might. Qi Sheng rushed over to help Jiang Yingyue, but Lady Fan did not give in, and every word she said was aimed at Qi Sheng. To repay Qi Sheng for helping her, Zhang Pengpeng did her utmost to spare Jiang Yingyue from punishment, and Qi Sheng felt grateful.
Lady Fan arranged a secret talk with Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng and Lv Li chatted idly and learned that although Lady Fan was a woman, her methods of managing the family were ruthless; she had once poisoned a live-in son-in-law in the family who had cheated. Zhang Pengpeng worried that Qi Sheng would be poisoned by Lady Fan and that she herself would be implicated and forced to be buried with him.
While they were talking, she rushed into the room and knocked over the teacup in Qi Sheng's hand. Qi Sheng was furious, thinking that Zhang Pengpeng was very disrespectful. Lady Fan explained to her daughter that she had no intention of poisoning Qi Sheng and clarified the truth about poisoning the live-in son-in-law in the family back then. Lady Fan told Zhang Pengpeng that Qi Sheng dared not act recklessly because he had misgivings about the family's influence.
Zhang Pengpeng said that she only wanted to live a life of luxury, and Lady Fan reminded her that in the palace, she must have a bargaining chip for survival, which was an imperial heir. Zhang Pengpeng thought it over and over and concluded that she could not spend a romantic night with Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng specially thanked Zhang Pengpeng for helping Jiang Yingyue out and asked her to chat with him.
Qi Sheng said that Zhang Pengpeng was indeed vastly different from before, much more reasonable and considerate, and increasingly attracted his attention. Zhang Pengpeng couldn't help but laugh at Qi Sheng's words. Qi Sheng said he wanted to find an opportunity to make it up to Zhang Pengpeng, but she decisively refused, and Qi Sheng left disappointed. Thinking of the complex environment in the deep palace and the modern era she could not return to, Zhang Pengpeng felt extremely stifled. She asked Lv Li to accompany her to drown her sorrows in wine, and as a result, she got completely drunk and was helped to bed by Lv Li.
Episode 6 Recap
The next day, waking up from the alcohol, Zhang Pengpeng thought she had spent an intimate night with Lv Li. Lv Li's shy and blushing appearance upon seeing her further confirmed this idea in Zhang Pengpeng's mind, and she probed Lv Li about whether their relationship could continue after returning to the palace, to which Lv Li gave irrelevant answers.
On the carriage back to the palace, Zhang Pengpeng saw hickeys on Qi Sheng's neck, mistakenly thought Qi Sheng and Jiang Yingyue had relations, and started passionately sharing her insights on love with him. Qi Sheng felt bewildered, not understanding why Zhang Pengpeng had changed so much overnight, and in a fit of rage, he kicked Zhang Pengpeng out of the carriage.
Lv Li tearfully asked Zhang Pengpeng why she and Qi Sheng were so affectionate last night, and now things were bad again. After Lv Li's narration and vague memories, Zhang Pengpeng finally realized that she was the one who had relations with Qi Sheng last night. Zhang Pengpeng angrily said to Lv Li: "You're trying to make me gay!"
After returning to the palace, Zhang Pengpeng felt disgusted every time she thought about the night she spent with Qi Sheng, believing Qi Sheng had caused immense damage to her young heart, liver, spleen, and lungs. Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng that Qi Sheng was going to hold a Cuju competition in the palace, inviting all the female relatives from the various palaces to participate, and no leave was allowed.
Qi Sheng knew Zhang Pengpeng was not skilled at ball games, so he pulled her to an outdoor area to train her, and the intense training made Zhang Pengpeng complain endlessly. Finally, the day of the competition arrived, but Zhang Pengpeng kicked the ball into her own goal. The match was in full swing, with Jiang Yingyue desperately defending against Zhang Pengpeng.
Just as the two were locked in an intense struggle, Jiang Yingyue's clothes suddenly fell into Zhang Pengpeng's hands, and Jiang Yingyue fell to the ground, barely covered. For a moment, everyone was stunned. Jiang Yingyue questioned Zhang Pengpeng, asking why she would strip her clothes when she (Jiang Yingyue) was just trying to get the ball. Zhang Pengpeng was speechless, unable to defend herself.
Just as she was about to cover Jiang Yingyue with clothes, Zhao Wang and Qi Sheng both ran over. Zhang Pengpeng felt incredibly wronged. The Ninth Prince rushed over and pulled her away, telling her not to care about what others thought. Qi Sheng publicly embraced Jiang Yingyue and left. Qi Sheng's concubines gossiped about Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng stood up to defend herself, but Qi Sheng slapped Zhang Pengpeng, scolding her for making Zhao Wang's consort publicly embarrassed.
Episode 7 Recap
Late at night, Qi Sheng came to the Crown Princess's palace to apply medicine for Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng, who was asleep, thought it was Lv Li. When she recognized Qi Sheng, she was very resistant. Qi Sheng admitted that the matter of Jiang's clothes slipping that day had been investigated, and Zhang Pengpeng was indeed wronged. However, Zhang Pengpeng said that he had the heart to protect mistresses, and she could understand.
Qi Sheng said that he had always known that Jiang Yingyue, although gentle in appearance, was actually sinister inside. Zhang Pengpeng said that Jiang Yingyue was a green tea bitch, and didn't understand what Qi Sheng liked about her. Qi Sheng told her that he had been close to Jiang Yingyue since he was a child, and her personality suited him. Zhang Pengpeng recalled that when she was a man, there were countless green tea bitches around her.
She told Qi Sheng that she had fallen for such women countless times, but Qi Sheng thought she was talking nonsense. Zhang Pengpeng was taking a bath in her palace when Yang Yan fell from the sky into the bathtub. He was entrusted by Zhao Wang to deliver medicine to Zhang Pengpeng. Yang Yan mistakenly thought that Zhang Pengpeng was being domestically abused by Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng scolded Yang Yan for being an idiot.
Yang Yan said to Zhang Pengpeng that Zhao Wang wanted to invite her to dinner to comfort her. Zhang Pengpeng said that she didn't take the previous injustice to heart. Yang Yan revealed that Zhao Wang wanted to invite her to see the sea. Zhang Pengpeng thought that it was inappropriate for her, a man, to go to the sea with two men.
At night, Yang Yan used sleeping incense to knock out Zhang Pengpeng and brought her to Zhao Wang's appointment. Qi Sheng came to find Zhang Pengpeng, but Zhang Pengpeng was not there. Qi Sheng said that he would wait for her to return. Zhao Wang invited Zhang Pengpeng to eat Western food and watch the sea of lights, and also expressed his feelings to her, recalling the things of their childhood.
After Zhang Pengpeng returned to the palace, Qi Sheng bluntly said that he knew where she had gone. Qi Sheng chatted with Zhang Pengpeng, asking her what kind of man she liked. Zhang Pengpeng said in her heart that she didn't like any kind of man. Qi Sheng questioned whether Zhang Pengpeng liked him or Zhao Wang. Zhang Pengpeng admitted that Qi Sheng was difficult to get along with.
Qi Sheng mistakenly thought that Zhang Pengpeng liked Zhao Wang in her heart, and coldly said that Zhang Pengpeng had ultimately made the wrong choice. At this time, he had murderous intentions towards Zhang Pengpeng. The eunuch Qiang Gonggong beside the Crown Prince asked to see the Crown Princess, telling Zhang Pengpeng that the Crown Prince asked her to accompany him on a visit to Jiangbei, and that the two would not depart together. Although Zhang Pengpeng was suspicious, she still changed into men's clothing and headed to Jiangbei under the guard of a guard.
Episode 8 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng and Guard Li arrived at the most important freight transfer station leading to Jiangbei, where they encountered Yang Yan. Yang Yan felt that Guard Li was suspicious and noticed that the direction they were heading was opposite to Jiangbei, so he ordered someone to quickly inform the Ninth Prince. On the way, Zhang Pengpeng sensed danger. She tried to find an excuse to escape, but failed.
Just as Guard Li was about to kill her, Yang Yan arrived in time. Yang Yan's martial arts were no match, so he could only pull Zhang Pengpeng and flee. At the critical moment, the Ninth Prince arrived, apprehended Guard Li, and saved the two of them. Zhang Pengpeng woke up in the Ninth Prince's military tent and learned that he was interrogating Guard Li.
It turned out that Guard Li had been living incognito, hiding in the Ninth Prince's mansion. The Ninth Prince stated that he had long known Guard Li's true identity, but didn't know what he and his master behind him were plotting. At this moment, Zhao Wang was in the bamboo forest, plotting an assassination with a group of masked men in black.
The Ninth Prince and Zhang Pengpeng conversed, and both realized that the one who wanted to kill the Crown Princess was none other than Crown Prince Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng felt disbelief at Qi Sheng's ruthlessness. Qi Sheng brought people to question the Ninth Prince why he assassinated the Crown Princess. Zhang Pengpeng was displeased with Qi Sheng's act of biting back, and she almost blurted out the truth she knew, but was fortunately stopped by the Ninth Prince.
The main camp suddenly caught fire, and the men in black sent by Zhao Wang wanted to kill the Crown Prince and the Ninth Prince. In the chaos, the Ninth Prince reminded Zhang Pengpeng to run quickly. Seeing Zhang Pengpeng's hurried retreating figure, Qi Sheng felt a sense of loss. After repelling the assassins, the severely wounded Ninth Prince found Zhang Pengpeng. The two supported each other and, after enduring countless hardships, finally escaped the pursuit.
Qi Sheng rushed to the riverside, thinking that Zhang Pengpeng couldn't swim and worried she might be in danger. He shouted Zhang Pengpeng's name by the river, recalling their every little moment together. At this moment, he could no longer let go of this woman in his heart, and he decided to go find Zhang Pengpeng alone. The Ninth Prince fainted due to his severe injuries. Zhang Pengpeng hesitated for a moment, then decided to give him artificial respiration.
The Ninth Prince woke up, and Zhang Pengpeng tore her gauze dress to wrap his wounds. The Ninth Prince confessed his feelings again. The Ninth Prince's high fever wouldn't subside, and Zhang Pengpeng cared for him all night, secretly thinking that if he could survive this time, the two of them might be able to form an alliance.
Episode 9 Recap
Early morning, the Nine Prince woke up. Looking at Zhang Pengpeng, he felt as if he didn't quite know her anymore, because everything she did surprised him. The Nine Prince believed that Zhang Pengpeng had become someone Qi Sheng couldn't give up, so if Qi Sheng couldn't have her, he would destroy her. That's why he planted spies around himself, deciding to kill both of them.
The Nine Prince was unwilling to give up his claim to the throne, and Zhang Pengpeng was also unwilling for her fate to be controlled by others. The two of them decided to live well. Zhang Pengpeng intended to go fishing in the river, but by the riverside, she discovered Qi Sheng, who had already fainted. Qi Sheng was very angry to see Zhang Pengpeng barely clothed.
Zhang Pengpeng internally complained that Qi Sheng was trying to kill her, yet he still cared about whether she was dressed or not. Qi Sheng told Zhang Pengpeng that he had defeated the assassin. Zhang Pengpeng told the Nine Prince that she had encountered Qi Sheng, and she thought it would be better if the two of them didn't meet, but at this moment, Qi Sheng was already standing in front of the Nine Prince.
The Nine Prince suggested that the three of them find a place to hide. Qi Sheng and the Nine Prince, through discussion, determined that the assassin was instructed by Zhao Wang. Zhang Pengpeng explained to the two what 'wearing a green hat' meant, and said that Zhao Wang resorted to this desperate measure precisely because he was pushed too far.
Upon hearing this, Qi Sheng pulled Zhang Pengpeng into his arms and kissed her forcefully, then threatened that if she dared to make him wear a green hat, he would take that person's life. Meanwhile, Zhang Pengpeng secretly thought to herself that she and the Nine Prince had already embraced and even given artificial respiration, so Qi Sheng's head was already glowing green. At this moment, a group of people arrived, whose allegiance was unknown.
To prevent the Crown Prince and the Nine Prince from taking risks, Zhang Pengpeng stepped forward, but ended up falling off a cliff and fainting. When she woke up, Qi Sheng told her that fortunately, those people were his own. Qi Sheng asked her if she knew who assassinated her that day. Zhang Pengpeng, fearing that Qi Sheng would kill witnesses, did not tell the truth.
Qi Sheng received a letter from the Empress Dowager, learning that the Emperor had passed away, and was asked to immediately return to the palace to take charge of the situation. Qi Sheng did not want Zhang Pengpeng to follow him into danger, so he planned to leave her in the Jiangbei Grand Camp, where he trusted. Zhang Pengpeng was very bored staying in the Grand Camp. Finally, one day, Eunuch Qiang arrived with Lv Li.
Eunuch Qiang told Zhang Pengpeng that the Emperor had passed away, and the Crown Prince had already ascended the throne. He was ordered to escort her back to the palace. Zhang Pengpeng was pensive. The new Emperor issued an edict to the Nine Prince, bestowing rewards upon Nine Prince Qi Han, but in reality, it was to weaken his power. Zhao Wang, having failed in the assassination attempt in Jiangbei, was drowning himself in drink at his residence. Qi Sheng came to reprimand Zhao Wang but did not condemn him to death. Zhao Wang did not understand Qi Sheng's good intentions.
Episode 10 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng and Lv Li were applying cucumber slices to their faces in the palace. Zhang Pengpeng worried that she was becoming more feminine. She felt angry whenever she thought of Qi Sheng, blaming him for keeping her in Jiangbei for so long. Zhang Pengpeng came to confront Qi Sheng, only to find him enjoying a massage from two beautiful women. She harshly criticized Qi Sheng.
Qi Sheng explained that he hired the masseuses for healing purposes, but Zhang Pengpeng didn't believe him. Qi Sheng used sign language to order the masseuses to leave. It was then that Zhang Pengpeng discovered both women were blind, deaf, and mute. Zhang Pengpeng and Lv Li encountered a drunken Zhao Wang. Zhang Pengpeng hated Zhao Wang's assassination attempts in Jiangbei, so she decided to retaliate, ordering Lv Li to beat Zhao Wang severely.
Zhao Wang told them that people in his residence lied to him, saying Jiang Yingyue had died suddenly, but he knew she had been taken away by Qi Sheng. He confessed that he couldn't understand if Jiang Yingyue would still treat him this way if he and Qi Sheng had swapped identities. Zhang Pengpeng deeply sympathized with him, while also worrying that she wouldn't be crowned empress.
Qi Sheng suddenly appeared beside Zhang Pengpeng, pulling her to the secluded Youlan Hall in the imperial palace. Qi Sheng told Zhang Pengpeng that Jiang Yingyue was inside Youlan Hall, having suffered greatly, and that he had let her down. He also said he felt ashamed towards Zhao Wang, because Zhao Wang was useless ("rotten mud cannot be plastered onto a wall") and couldn't take care of Jiang Yingyue, which was why he brought her into the palace.
Qi Sheng sincerely hoped that Zhang Pengpeng could accommodate Jiang Yingyue. Zhang Pengpeng secretly believed that Qi Sheng crowned her empress so quickly to keep an ace up his sleeve, but she outwardly pretended to be very understanding. Qi Sheng and Zhang Pengpeng walked into Youlan Hall together to visit Jiang Yingyue. Hearing Jiang Yingyue's weak cough, Zhang Pengpeng's heart softened with compassion for her.
She even took liberties with Jiang Yingyue in front of Qi Sheng, taking advantage of the situation, and was subsequently driven away by Qi Sheng. Jiang Yingyue told Qi Sheng that her elder sister was very different from before. Qi Sheng also thought so. Jiang Yingyue then asked Qi Sheng if he thought Zhang Pengpeng was more "fresh" than she was, and brought up their lifelong promise. Qi Sheng remained non-committal. Jiang Yingyue believed Qi Sheng loved her.
Qi Sheng frankly admitted that his feelings for both her and Zhang Pengpeng had changed. Jiang Yingyue, fearing Qi Sheng would abandon her, quickly interrupted the conversation with a cough. Qi Sheng walked outside the hall and found Zhang Pengpeng already dozing off there. Qi Sheng reminded Zhang Pengpeng to maintain her elegance at all times and everywhere. Zhang Pengpeng's words implied a hint of jealousy.
To humiliate the Ninth Prince, Qi Sheng specifically had him preside over Zhang Pengpeng's enthronement ceremony. The Ninth Prince, Qi Han, came to see Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng told him about her "golden triangle alliance" theory, because she worried that the empress position would eventually belong to Jiang Yingyue.
Episode 11 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng enjoyed the feeling of being second only to one person and above ten thousand, while Lv Li stated that the Emperor being able to have an Empress was the happiest thing in the world. Qi Sheng came to visit Zhang Pengpeng and wanted to drink with her, but Zhang Pengpeng was unwilling to be intimate with Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng said he would leave after chatting for a while.
Qi Sheng recounted his past memories to Zhang Pengpeng, specifically when he first met the five-year-old Zhang Pengpeng at the age of nine. It turned out that Emperor Chengzu had instructed the late Emperor to establish Qi Sheng as the Crown Prince due to his affection for Zhang Pengpeng, who was very adorable in her childhood and whose personality resembled Qi Sheng's Imperial Grandmother. Emperor Chengzu believed that anyone who married Zhang Pengpeng would be blessed.
Qi Sheng was very emotional recalling the past, but Zhang Pengpeng was eager to send him away and even asked Eunuch Qiang to take the Emperor to Youlan Palace for the night. However, Qi Sheng returned to Daming Palace. To prevent Zhang Pengpeng from being wronged, Lv Li secretly monitored Youlan Palace. She told Zhang Pengpeng that the Emperor had not spent the night in Youlan Palace.
The imperial concubines in the harem often came to the Empress for trivial matters, which greatly annoyed Zhang Pengpeng. On this day, they came again to the Empress, seeking fairness regarding Jiang Yingyue in Youlan Palace. After listening to the concubines' gossip, Zhang Pengpeng finally understood that they wanted her to stand up for them.
However, the crying concubines suddenly shifted the topic to cosmetics, dropping the issue of Jiang Yingyue and instead talking about waterproof rouge and powder, which left Zhang Pengpeng feeling utterly bewildered. Zhang Pengpeng complained to Lv Li that ever since she became the Empress, she had not had a moment's peace, dealing with "neighborly disputes" among the concubines every day. Lv Li, however, believed this was the lovely side of women.
Zhang Pengpeng thought that friendship between women could only be built on shopping, buying clothes, and going to the restroom. She came up with a way to unite the harem. Zhang Pengpeng went to see the Emperor and told him that she planned to establish a LeTV Mall, so that the women in the harem could have a spiritual outlet and stop causing trouble. She also emphasized to the Emperor the importance of express delivery for women.
Zhang Pengpeng's idea received Qi Sheng's approval. As soon as the LeTV Mall opened, business was booming. The Ninth Prince and Yang Yan were writing express delivery forms so much their hands were almost breaking. Zhao Wang was also mobilized by Zhang Pengpeng to participate.
Episode 12 Recap
Inside Shengning Palace, the Grand Empress Dowager and Zhang Pengpeng chatted about the LeTV Mall, with the Grand Empress Dowager praising Zhang Pengpeng's good idea. Since the establishment of the LeTV Mall, the concubines had become much more harmonious. The Grand Empress Dowager asked Zhang Pengpeng to help her find a "Midsummer Scenery" porcelain vase by Zhang Sanqian, and Zhang Pengpeng assured her that she would take care of it.
In the garden, Zhang Pengpeng met with a eunuch who resold art and successfully obtained the "Midsummer Scenery" porcelain vase as she wished. She also inquired if he had any other good items. The eunuch was very confident in his business. Zhang Pengpeng accidentally discovered a naked statue of David in the cave where the eunuch stored his goods, which was contraband in ancient society.
The eunuch worried that Zhang Pengpeng would expose him and quickly knelt down, begging for mercy. Zhang Pengpeng realized that this was a rare item, so she asked for it and took it back. In the Empress's palace, Zhang Pengpeng discovered that the David statue was missing and frantically searched for it. Lv Li remembered that she might have accidentally mailed it to the Grand Empress Dowager's palace during express delivery pickup.
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lv Li cried out in panic. Zhang Pengpeng rushed to Yang Yan's place to look for the express package, but after searching through all the packages, she still couldn't find it. The Emperor consulted Eunuch Qiang about express delivery matters, realizing that the open-closed loop ecosystem mentioned by the Empress was indeed convenient. The Emperor asked Eunuch Qiang to help him send something.
The Emperor then received an urgent package from the LeTV Mall, which contained a letter with the lyrics to "Little Apple," signed by Eunuch Qiang. The Emperor calmly asked Eunuch Qiang to write the three characters "Little Apple" on a piece of paper, and he discovered that the handwriting was exactly the same as that on the letter.
The Emperor didn't know that the express delivery had sent the wrong item; instead, he mistakenly thought the urgent package was a love letter written to him by Eunuch Qiang, and he was secretly greatly annoyed. Eunuch Qiang served the Emperor in getting up as usual, but when the Emperor saw Eunuch Qiang, he felt awkward, thinking that he had a crush on him. He ordered him to maintain a three-meter distance from him from now on. Eunuch Qiang, unaware of the truth, felt very innocent and wronged.
Episode 13 Recap
The Grand Empress Dowager summoned all the concubines to her palace and invited everyone to admire Zhang Sanqian's Midsummer Scenery porcelain vase with her. Zhang Pengpeng realized that the porcelain vase the Grand Empress Dowager spoke of was the David statue that had been mistakenly sent out from her palace. She tried every means to stop the Grand Empress Dowager from displaying the vase, but failed. The concubines saw David's naked statue and gasped in surprise.
The Grand Empress Dowager was furious and ordered an investigation into the matter. Zhang Pengpeng cursed inwardly. Left with no choice, Zhang Pengpeng had to admit her fault to the Grand Empress Dowager and told her that the person she was protecting was none other than Emperor Qi Sheng.
She also said that Qi Sheng secretly kept such an indecent item to enhance marital intimacy and conceive heirs sooner, and that Qi Sheng wanted to use the aphrodisiac Jing Ge to win her heart. The Grand Empress Dowager, hearing that they did this for the continuation of the royal lineage, expressed her support and understanding. No sooner had one problem been dealt with than another arose.
Qi Sheng brought the David statue to Zhang Pengpeng's palace and asked her why the Grand Empress Dowager claimed it was hers. Zhang Pengpeng did not want Qi Sheng to see the David statue. She pretended to accidentally break the statue, finally covering up the matter. Qi Sheng handed the letter with the lyrics of "Little Apple" to Zhang Pengpeng and told her that she needed to reflect on the mistake with the express delivery this time.
Outside the palace, Eunuch Qiang and Lv Li were chatting and laughing. It turned out that the letter was sent by Eunuch Qiang to Lv Li. Qi Sheng, upon learning the truth, revoked his order for Eunuch Qiang to maintain a three-meter distance from him. Inside Youlan Palace, Jiang Yingyue danced alone. She received an express delivery from Qi Sheng. Inside the box was a bergamot cut in half. The delivery person frankly stated that this might mean a breakup.
Jiang Yingyue was deeply shocked and found it hard to accept after learning that Qi Sheng wanted to break up with her. She blamed Zhang Pengpeng for everything. The Grand Empress Dowager summoned Lv Li and Eunuch Qiang and ordered them to arrange a romantic and sweet setting for the Emperor and Empress to conceive heirs sooner. The Grand Empress Dowager dressed Zhang Pengpeng in a very sexy dress and claimed it was her own design.
The Grand Empress Dowager also prepared Jing Ge for the Emperor, but Zhang Pengpeng, already impatient, had run away. Eunuch Qiang and Lv Li sat outside the palace, gazing at the stars. Eunuch Qiang expressed his fondness for Lv Li. Lv Li reminded him not to forget his identity as a eunuch. Eunuch Qiang felt very sad.
Episode 14 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng, dressed provocatively, stood in the center of heart-shaped candles. Her dark hair flowed, and her smile was enchanting. Qi Sheng was captivated upon seeing her. Zhang Pengpeng wondered why Qi Sheng had come, but he retorted, asking if she hadn't invited him to discuss important matters. Qi Sheng understood the Grand Empress Dowager's painstaking efforts. Zhang Pengpeng said he was a donkey, while she was a wild horse.
With no other choice, Qi Sheng reluctantly decided to spend a night in Zhang Pengpeng's palace, but he insisted on sleeping in a separate bed from her. Outside Xingsheng Palace, the Grand Empress Dowager thought her plan had worked, and ordered Lv Li to stand guard, ensuring no one disturbed the Emperor and Empress.
As night fell, Qi Sheng gazed at Zhang Pengpeng's charming back, unable to fall asleep for a long time, while Zhang Pengpeng's sleeping posture was anything but graceful. Eunuch Qiang rushed to report to the Emperor that something had happened at Youlan Palace. The Emperor hesitated, considerate of Zhang Pengpeng's feelings, but Zhang Pengpeng pretended to be unconcerned and urged him to go.
The Ninth Prince had Yang Yan bring Zhang Pengpeng a golden triangle, showing his willingness to form an alliance with her. Zhang Pengpeng told Lv Li that this item came at just the right time. Qi Sheng would eventually elevate Jiang Yingyue, and she, too, had to plan for herself. After morning court, Qi Sheng went to Youlan Palace to visit Jiang Yingyue. Jiang Yingyue asked Qi Sheng to visit her every day and spoke of their childhood sweethearts past.
However, Qi Sheng said that the past should not be brought up again, leaving Jiang Yingyue feeling bitter inside. Zhang Pengpeng wanted to hang up the golden triangle. She decided to make it her life goal and begin to endure hardships for future success. Qi Sheng came to Xingsheng Palace intending to apologize to Zhang Pengpeng, but her words were sarcastic and biting, making Qi Sheng leave in anger.
Lv Li complained that Zhang Pengpeng's attitude towards Qi Sheng was poor, but Zhang Pengpeng retorted that it was because Qi Sheng was heartless that she was unjust. Qi Sheng went to Youlan Palace to visit Jiang Yingyue, who had attempted suicide. Jiang Yingyue told him that she was pregnant with his child. Qi Sheng pitied Jiang Yingyue and promised to treat the child well and give him/her a proper status. Qi Sheng stood outside Xingsheng Palace, heavy-hearted.
He didn't know how to explain the matter of Jiang Yingyue and the child to Zhang Pengpeng, and he worried she would be sad. Imperial Physician Zhang routinely took the Empress's pulse and diagnosed her with pregnancy. Zhang Pengpeng was greatly shocked; as a man in the past, she found this fact difficult to accept. Zhang Pengpeng found the children's clothes sent by the Zhang family strange.
Lv Li, with no other choice, revealed the truth: Zhang Pengpeng was not pregnant, but the Zhang family had bribed Imperial Physician Zhang to falsely claim she was. Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng that Jiang Yingyue was already pregnant. The Zhang family, fearing Zhang Pengpeng would be bullied by Jiang Yingyue, resorted to this desperate measure. Instead of being upset, Zhang Pengpeng felt relieved.
She asked Lv Li to relay a message to the Zhang family, demanding that Jiang Yingyue's child must be protected. Qi Sheng showed Zhang Pengpeng every kind of care, but Zhang Pengpeng reminded him not to neglect Youlan Palace. She also understandingly expressed her happiness about Jiang Yingyue's pregnancy. Seeing that Zhang Pengpeng was not jealous or sad, Qi Sheng thought she had no feelings for him, and angrily stormed off.
Zhang Pengpeng told Lv Li that she would rather die than bear a child herself. At the same time, she was more worried that the news of her pregnancy would be a blow to the Ninth Prince, thereby impacting their alliance. She asked Lv Li to send a message to the Ninth Prince, saying she wanted to see him.
Episode 15 Recap
Nine Prince Qi Han and Zhang Pengpeng met in the toilet. Qi Han didn't understand why she arranged to meet him in such a filthy place. Zhang Pengpeng explained that the two of them had an inexplicable connection with the toilet. Qi Han mentioned that ever since his promotion, he had always been assigned trivial matters, and he felt very resentful.
Zhang Pengpeng frankly stated that she was not pregnant, but it was a scheme by the Zhang family, and the alliance forged between the two would not be affected in the slightest. Qi Han calmly indicated that he knew. Zhang Pengpeng then told him that Jiang Yingyue was pregnant with Qi Sheng's child. Qi Han said he knew that too. Zhang Pengpeng asked Qi Han for his opinion on the matter.
Qi Han said that if Jiang Yingyue gave birth to a prince, it would be against the norms, and at that time, he and the Zhang family would unite to challenge Qi Sheng, which would surely garner widespread support. Zhang Pengpeng also believed that Jiang Yingyue would not tolerate her being empress, but the court officials would not tolerate Jiang Yingyue being empress either.
The two made a plan, deciding to do nothing but watch Qi Sheng make one mistake after another. Jiang Yingyue met Zhang Pengpeng in Youlan Palace. Zhang Pengpeng constantly reminded herself not to lose control with Jiang Yingyue. Zhang Pengpeng smelled the incense in the room and was utterly bewildered by it. Jiang Yingyue deliberately spoke of her intimate relationship with Qi Sheng, but unexpectedly, Zhang Pengpeng was not jealous at all.
She even said that her own child was not important, and Jiang Yingyue's child was what truly mattered. Jiang Yingyue deliberately showed off about Qi Sheng painting for her. A few days later, rumors spread in the palace that Jiang Yingyue had lost a portrait and the empress was the one who stole it. Qi Sheng's concubines rushed to Xingsheng Palace to warn Zhang Pengpeng, who found it inexplicable.
Lv Li worried about her mistress and tried to get information from Eunuch Qiang. Eunuch Qiang said he didn't know the full story, but he told her that almost everyone in the harem had such a portrait, so it wasn't a rare item. Qi Sheng summoned the Nine Prince and tasked him with investigating the loss of Jiang Yingyue's portrait. Late at night, Yang Yan came to Xingsheng Palace and found Jiang Yingyue's portrait in Zhang Pengpeng's medicine cabinet.
Yang Yan told the Nine Prince about this, and the Nine Prince believed that Zhang Pengpeng was not a narrow-minded person, and there was something fishy about the matter. The black-clad man sent by Jiang Yingyue saw the investigators going to Xingsheng Palace and finding the portrait. Jiang Yingyue gave the black-clad man money and ordered him to leave the place forever. The secret agent sent by the Emperor told the Emperor the truth about the lost portrait.
The next morning, Nine Prince Qi Han and Yang Yan appeared hand-in-hand at Xingsheng Palace. Zhang Pengpeng joked that the two couldn't possibly be having an affair. Yang Yan told Zhang Pengpeng that Jiang Yingyue's lost portrait was in her palace, and also complained about Zhang Pengpeng's terrible sleeping posture. Zhang Pengpeng took the portrait and went to see the Emperor with Qi Han. Qi Sheng told them that Jiang Yingyue had framed Zhang Pengpeng.
The Nine Prince was a little disheartened, believing that Qi Sheng was proving that he was Zhang Pengpeng's reliance. Zhang Pengpeng told him that she was a person who kept promises and would always choose to trust him. Zhang Pengpeng saw the portraits Qi Sheng had drawn for the various concubines and could not compliment Qi Sheng's painting skills. Jiang Yingyue, who had been waiting for Qi Sheng for a long time but he never came, drowned her sorrows in wine in Youlan Palace, feeling deeply distressed.
Episode 16 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng prepared to put on a good show of miscarriage, and had everyone ensure that Jiang Yingyue could smoothly give birth to the child. Lv Li hurriedly ran back to Xingsheng Palace. She told Zhang Pengpeng that the Grand Empress Dowager knew about Jiang Yingyue's pregnancy and had already gone to Youlan Palace with abortion medicine. Zhang Pengpeng rushed to comfort Jiang Yingyue.
Jiang Yingyue believed Zhang Pengpeng's concern was feigned and confessed that she was not pregnant, also admitting to having previously framed Zhang Pengpeng using a portrait. Jiang Yingyue tearfully complained that she was at her wit's end. Zhang Pengpeng kindly advised her to make good use of Qi Sheng.
Lv Li thought it was a good thing that Jiang Yingyue was not pregnant, but Zhang Pengpeng, on the contrary, felt that this incident made her lose the excuse to bring down Qi Sheng. Doctor Zhang came to Xingsheng Palace to diagnose Zhang Pengpeng's pulse and told her that she was actually truly pregnant. Zhang Pengpeng once again collapsed and lost control. Qi Sheng came to visit Zhang Pengpeng.
Zhang Pengpeng found an excuse not to give birth to the child, but Qi Sheng expressed that he was very happy when he learned about the child, and also warned Zhang Pengpeng that he would not let her off if she dared to do anything to the child. Yang Yan secretly visited Xingsheng Palace at night and brought Zhang Pengpeng the duck necks she wanted to eat. Zhang Pengpeng was very happy. Zhang Pengpeng chatted with Yang Yan.
Yang Yan hoped that the wife he would marry in the future would also be named Zhang. Zhang Pengpeng promised him that she would keep an eye out for his female cousins when she returned to her maiden home. Inside Youlan Palace, Jiang Yingyue danced alone. Qi Sheng came to the palace to see her. Qi Sheng frankly stated that Jiang Yingyue had become cruel and manipulative, full of schemes, after entering the palace.
Jiang Yingyue claimed that all her actions were because of love. Qi Sheng sternly reprimanded her, telling her not to think about using love to threaten him again. Losing Qi Sheng, Jiang Yingyue collapsed to the ground, heartbroken. Zhang Pengpeng asked her mother to come to Xingsheng Palace. Madam Fan cried tears of joy upon learning that her daughter was pregnant.
Zhang Pengpeng said she wanted to introduce a partner to Yang Yan and asked if there was a suitable candidate in the family. Madam Fan mentioned a girl from the clan, Zhang Lingling.
Episode 17 Recap
Eunuch Qiang brought boxes, cages, and books to Xingsheng Palace, telling Zhang Pengpeng that the Emperor was worried about her severe pregnancy reactions and had decided to move into Xingsheng Palace to take care of her. Zhang Pengpeng, however, was very resistant. After some thought, Zhang Pengpeng came up with a good idea to keep Qi Sheng from bothering her: implement a rotational lodging system, allowing the imperial concubines to take turns serving Qi Sheng.
To prevent Qi Sheng from opposing this system, Zhang Pengpeng proposed that the national treasury was tight and asked the concubines to contribute their private funds as military provisions, solving Qi Sheng's urgent financial needs and making him worry-free and willing to accept the concubines. Zhang Pengpeng, with her big pregnant belly, brought the gold, silver, and jewels donated by the concubines to see the Emperor, and also explained the rotational lodging system she had devised.
Qi Sheng, however, was furious, believing that Zhang Pengpeng was selling him out. Seeing that Qi Sheng was not persuaded, Zhang Pengpeng adopted a softer approach, coaxing and acting coquettish towards Qi Sheng, finally getting him to agree to the rotational bed-serving arrangement. Inside Daming Palace, Qi Sheng was still reviewing memorials late at night. Eunuch Qiang reminded him that according to the rotational lodging system, it should be Huang Liangyuan's turn to serve him.
However, Qi Sheng was unwilling to share a bed with Huang Liangyuan. Huang Liangyuan presumptuously presented the aphrodisiac Jingge to Qi Sheng, and was reprimanded by him. Inside Xingsheng Palace, the concubines tearfully came to Zhang Pengpeng, complaining that they had not benefited from the rotational lodging system, losing both their people and their wealth, and were all sadly preparing to become nuns.
Zhang Pengpeng turned their trick against them, testing and discovering that the concubines' collective protest of becoming nuns was not actually a genuine desire to leave the secular world. Zhang Pengpeng sent for Zhao Wang, asking if he knew whether Qi Sheng had ever been provoked by a woman before. Zhao Wang, however, stated that Qi Sheng was a person of integrity and devoted in love. Zhang Pengpeng could never forget Qi Sheng's attempt to kill her when they were in Jiangbei. She could not waver in her determination to bring down Qi Sheng.
Episode 18 Recap
Under the peach blossom tree in Xingsheng Palace stood a beautiful woman. She had a graceful figure and a beautiful appearance. Yang Yan was deeply moved upon seeing her, falling in love at first sight. It turned out that this woman was Zhang Lingling, the eldest daughter of General Zhang Ling. Zhang Pengpeng asked Yang Yan if he was satisfied with Zhang Lingling. Yang Yan expressed that he was a hundred percent satisfied.
Zhang Pengpeng then asked Zhang Lingling for her opinion on Yang Yan, but Zhang Lingling stated that the man she liked must meet three conditions. Zhang Pengpeng knew in her heart that Yang Yan did not meet a single condition, but in order to facilitate their marriage, she had to train Yang Yan. Yang Yan felt overwhelmed. Zhang Pengpeng took Yang Yan back to the Zhang family to meet the family elders. Madam Fan proposed to oversee Zhang Lingling's marriage.
At the banquet, Madam Fan tested Yang Yan's drinking capacity. The Zhang family's immense drinking capacity astonished both Zhang Pengpeng and Yang Yan. The Zhang family got Yang Yan completely drunk, and Madam Fan finally recognized Yang Yan as a son-in-law of the Zhang family. Qi Sheng reminded Zhang Pengpeng not to spend every day busy helping others with matchmaking, and to take care of her own body and the baby.
Qi Sheng brought a pile of books to Zhang Pengpeng, asking her to provide prenatal education for the baby. Zhang Pengpeng could only apologize, thus avoiding the hardship of studying. Qi Sheng then suggested that Zhang Pengpeng learn embroidery and gave her five days to embroider a sachet for him. Zhang Pengpeng complained endlessly.
Zhang Pengpeng called Zhang Lingling over, reminding her that after marriage she should get along well with Yang Yan to strengthen the alliance between the Zhang and Yang families. The intelligent Zhang Lingling fully understood Zhang Pengpeng's good intentions. Qi Sheng used flower arranging to remind Zhang Pengpeng not to be too pushy in everything she does. Zhang Pengpeng seized the opportunity to request him to bestow a marriage for Yang Yan and Zhang Lingling. Qi Sheng agreed and asked Zhang Pengpeng to stay in Xingsheng Palace to take good care of her pregnancy. Zhang Pengpeng felt that she was virtually under house arrest.
Episode 19 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng started embroidering a sachet for Qi Sheng. Completely unskilled in embroidery, she went through a lot of hardship before finally finishing it. Five days later, Qi Sheng came to Xingsheng Palace and saw Zhang Pengpeng's scarred hands, and the very ugly sachet she had embroidered. Qi Sheng led Zhang Pengpeng to the city wall to admire the scenery of Shengdu. However, Zhang Pengpeng was uninterested and said she felt cold.
Qi Sheng thoughtfully held her in his arms, but Zhang Pengpeng shyly and awkwardly pushed him away. Qi Sheng voluntarily brought up his past with Jiang Yingyue, saying that he had always felt pity for Jiang Yingyue and hoped that Zhang Pengpeng could understand his attitude towards Miss Jiang. However, Zhang Pengpeng had no interest in their relationship. Qi Sheng asked Zhang Pengpeng directly if she hated him.
Zhang Pengpeng frankly admitted that she had long known that Qi Sheng was behind the assassination attempt on her in Jiangbei. She also said that she no longer hated Qi Sheng because she had already despaired of him. Qi Sheng was deeply fascinated by Zhang Pengpeng and made a bet with her, wagering that he could protect her for a lifetime. If he won, Zhang Pengpeng would have to be devoted to him and share the empire with him.
Although Qi Sheng was deeply affectionate, Zhang Pengpeng, who was once a man, did not believe in men's vows. Zhang Pengpeng thought long and hard and felt very scared. She worried that the child in her womb would make Ninth Prince feel threatened, as they both could potentially become emperor. For the sake of her child, Zhang Pengpeng decided to ask Ninth Prince to give up his claim to the throne.
Inside the Chunjiang Huayue Tower, Zhang Pengpeng met with Ninth Prince, Yang Yan, and Yang Yan's father, General Yang. The three of them discussed the military situation. Zhang Pengpeng knelt down and pleaded with Ninth Prince not to compete for the throne with the child in her womb. Ninth Prince Qi Han expressed his feelings to Zhang Pengpeng and agreed to her request. Zhang Pengpeng was extremely grateful. Late at night, Qi Sheng came to Zhang Pengpeng's bed and held her in his arms. The two shared a very warm moment.
Episode 20 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng accidentally tripped and fell in her palace. She was very worried about the child in her belly. After the imperial physician checked her pulse, it was confirmed that she was out of danger, but the imperial physician told her that the day of labor might be in these two days. Zhang Pengpeng's mood was complicated. She instructed Lv Li to bribe the guards with jewels, stating that she must leave the palace tonight.
Zhang Pengpeng, with her big belly, arrived at Prince Qi Han's residence. Upon seeing Prince Qi Han, her words faltered. She worried that Prince Qi Han might harm her child. Prince Qi Han expressed that he would definitely keep his promise, but Zhang Pengpeng was still hesitant. Prince Qi Han retrieved a sword and handed it to Zhang Pengpeng, saying that if she didn't believe him, she could stab him to death.
Zhang Pengpeng finally understood that Qi Han was willing to sacrifice his life for her, let alone the throne. Zhang Pengpeng felt that she owed Prince Qi Han too much and didn't know how to repay him. Prince Qi Han only hoped that Zhang Pengpeng would remember the sacrifice he made for her. Zhang Pengpeng was finally going into labor, enduring the pain of childbirth on the bed.
Qi Sheng felt distressed for his Empress and ordered the imperial physicians to find a way to relieve the pain. Before the imperial physicians could think of a method, the dreadful news of the Empress's severe bleeding came from within the palace. Qi Sheng was extremely worried. After Zhang Pengpeng's efforts, she finally gave birth to an imperial prince. Qi Sheng held Zhang Pengpeng's hand by the bed. Qi Sheng told her that the child's eyes and eyebrows resembled hers.
Zhang Pengpeng's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Lv Li said that Zhang Pengpeng had become more feminine after giving birth, but Zhang Pengpeng stated that deep down, she was always a pure man. To thank Prince Qi Han for his deep affection and kindness, Zhang Pengpeng embroidered a pouch for him. Qi Sheng came to Xingsheng Palace and almost saw the embroidered pouch Zhang Pengpeng made for Prince Qi Han.
Qi Sheng told Zhang Pengpeng that today was the little imperial prince's hundredth day celebration, and they should celebrate. He named the little imperial prince Qi Hao. Zhang Pengpeng was dissatisfied that Qi Sheng had given the child a complicated and difficult-to-write name. The Grand Empress Dowager criticized Zhao Wang for being dispirited because of Jiang Yingyue. She also asked Prince Qi Han if he had a beloved one.
Prince Qi Han said no, but the Grand Empress Dowager exposed his lie. Yang Yan's intimate behavior towards Prince Qi Han, serving him food and pouring wine, made the Grand Empress Dowager very displeased. She suspected that Yang Yan and Qi Han had a homosexual relationship. Zhang Pengpeng quickly defended them. At the restroom entrance, Prince Qi Han met Zhang Pengpeng again.
Prince Qi Han gave a longevity lock to the little imperial prince, which also represented his feelings for Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng gave the embroidered pouch she had prepared earlier to Prince Qi Han, saying that she would always remember that Qi Sheng wanted to kill her, while Qi Han saved her. Zhang Pengpeng and Lv Li encountered a drunk Prince Qi Han again. Prince Qi Han said he had seen through the vanity of the mundane world. Zhang Pengpeng was angry that he didn't strive for improvement and lamented his misfortune.
Episode 21 Recap
Qi Sheng immediately recognized the sachet hanging on Prince Jiu as one embroidered by Zhang Pengpeng. He was very bothered by it and publicly proposed to bestow a marriage upon Prince Jiu, but Prince Jiu refused. At the banquet, the tension between Qi Sheng and Qi Han was palpable, and Zhang Pengpeng felt uneasy. Lv Li quietly told Zhang Pengpeng that she had beaten Zhao Wang, and Zhang Pengpeng immediately felt overwhelmed.
After drinking, Qi Sheng came to Xingsheng Palace and questioned Zhang Pengpeng about how many sachets she had actually made. Zhang Pengpeng realized that Qi Sheng had discovered the matter of her giving a sachet to Prince Jiu. She could only say that she had given the sachet to her son. Qi Sheng questioned Zhang Pengpeng why she returned to the banquet so late. Lv Li thought that Qi Sheng was furious because she had beaten Zhao Wang.
Unexpectedly, the more she tried to explain, the worse things got, and Qi Sheng left in a rage. Eunuch Qiang rushed to report the news, saying that the Emperor had ordered Lv Li to be beaten to death. Zhang Pengpeng realized the seriousness of the matter. She took Lv Li to find Zhao Wang. Under Zhang Pengpeng's coercion and inducement, Zhao Wang finally agreed to marry Lv Li.
Zhang Pengpeng took Zhao Wang and Lv Li to see the Grand Empress Dowager. Zhao Wang stated that he was no longer saddened by Jiang Yingyue's matter because he had already fallen in love with Lv Li. The Grand Empress Dowager happily granted Zhao Wang and Lv Li their wish and also conferred the title of Ruren upon Lv Li.
Lv Li was finally spared from death, but Eunuch Qiang was very reluctant to part with his beloved Lv Li and was heartbroken. However, Lv Li was not willing to marry Zhao Wang wholeheartedly either. Qi Sheng was furious to learn that Lv Li had been bestowed upon Zhao Wang. He had originally only hoped that Zhang Pengpeng would admit her mistake to him, but unexpectedly, Zhang Pengpeng did not understand his heart.
Qi Sheng, disappointed by Zhang Pengpeng, was in a very bad mood. He went to Youlan Palace to visit Jiang Yingyue, who was extremely considerate and attentive to Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng sighed that Zhang Pengpeng could not understand him as Jiang Yingyue did. Jiang Yingyue seized the opportunity to express her willingness to demote herself to a maid and stay in the palace to accompany Qi Sheng, and Qi Sheng granted Jiang Yingyue's request.
Episode 22 Recap
Qi Sheng came to Xingsheng Palace, hinting to Zhang Pengpeng that he had gone to Youlan Palace to see Jiang Yingyue, and also said that he felt refreshed after seeing Jiang Yingyue. Qi Sheng angrily questioned Zhang Pengpeng if she had ever truly cared for him, and in a fit of rage, placed Zhang Pengpeng under house arrest. Qi Sheng uttered harsh words, threatening to make Zhang Pengpeng taste a life worse than death.
Zhang Pengpeng realized that she would soon be replaced by Jiang Yingyue, and that she and the Zhang family would be in jeopardy, thus she felt distressed. Lv Li, in order to cheer Zhang Pengpeng up, suggested inviting all the empresses from other palaces to keep her company and relieve her boredom, which was exactly what Zhang Pengpeng wanted.
Zhang Pengpeng played games with the concubines, but discovered that her body had changed since she became pregnant; she was no longer interested in women. She believed this was caused by her career setbacks. Zhang Pengpeng thought of bringing Zhao Wang into her camp, securing more support for herself, and strategizing to ensure her survival. Zhang Pengpeng was concerned that Zhao Wang might still have feelings for Jiang Yingyue. Zhao Wang stated that he no longer loved Jiang Yingyue.
Zhang Pengpeng furiously told Zhao Wang that his ex-wife was about to become his sister-in-law. Zhao Wang agreed to the alliance and reminded Zhang Pengpeng to "walk on two legs" (meaning to have multiple strategies) and also learn to please Qi Sheng. The Emperor sounded out the Ninth Prince regarding the appointment of generals for the war. The Ninth Prince did not recommend General Yang.
The Emperor said he had already made his decision and dispatched Yang Yu to lead the expedition. Zhang Pengpeng brought Zhao Wang to Chunjiang Huayue Tower to meet the Ninth Prince and Yang Yan. Zhao Wang reminded Zhang Pengpeng to endure grievances and get close to Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng also realized that men do not like overly strong women, so she decided to change her attitude towards Qi Sheng, which would be beneficial for her own survival.
The next day, Zhang Pengpeng summoned Qi Sheng and sincerely apologized to him. Although Qi Sheng knew there was truth and falsehood in Zhang Pengpeng's words, he still lifted the ban on Xingsheng Palace. Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng that someone had seen Lady Jiang in Daming Palace. Zhang Pengpeng worried that Qi Sheng intended to elevate the mistress to a legitimate position, so she decided to personally go to Daming Palace.
Jiang Yingyue told Zhang Pengpeng that Qi Sheng had already bestowed upon her the surname Su, renamed her Su Xiaorou, and that she had become a palace maid. Zhang Pengpeng did not want this Su Xiaorou to ruin her plan to curry favor with Qi Sheng, so she decided to have Lv Li teach her a good lesson.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng came to see Qi Sheng and told him that she had already met Jiang Yingyue, who was using the alias Su Xiaorou. Qi Sheng asked Zhang Pengpeng what she had talked about with her. Zhang Pengpeng only said it was an old acquaintance meeting and exchanging a few pleasantries. Seeing that Zhang Pengpeng was not jealous, Qi Sheng felt a little uneasy.
Inside Daming Palace, Lv Li, as the head maid of the Empress's palace, was critical of Jiang Yingyue, who was using the alias Su Xiaorou, making her fan her and pour water for her. To get back at Lv Li, Jiang Yingyue put soapberry powder and saliva in Lv Li's tea, but unexpectedly, her attempt to harm others backfired on herself. Zhang Pengpeng pretended to be gentle and virtuous in front of Qi Sheng, but Qi Sheng was not happy.
She personally made durian porridge for Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng showed no emotion, but he actually liked drinking it very much. Yang Yu won a battle in Yunxi, and Qi Sheng was overjoyed. Zhang Pengpeng believed that Qi Sheng's indifference towards her was because of Jiang Yingyue. Qi Sheng came to visit the Grand Empress Dowager and frankly stated that he and the Empress were drifting further apart.
To reconcile the Emperor and Empress, the Grand Empress Dowager decided to help them by staging a play to make Zhang Pengpeng jealous of Jiang Yingyue, thereby narrowing the distance between Zhang Pengpeng and Qi Sheng. At the banquet, Zhao Wang, dressed in green, and the eunuchs performed a peacock dance, which looked very vulgar and disgusting. The Emperor attended the banquet with Madam Jiang (Jiang Yingyue) in elaborate attire, sparking discussions among the concubines.
Qi Sheng formally introduced Jiang Yingyue. Zhao Wang did not want to see his ex-wife and pretended to have a twisted neck halfway through the dance, while Lv Li was very jealous of this. Zhao Wang expressed to Zhang Pengpeng that he had a good impression of Lv Li and stated that he no longer had any lingering feelings for his ex-wife. Zhao Wang reminded Zhang Pengpeng again to win over Qi Sheng.
He believed that Jiang Yingyue and Qi Sheng were together more out of habit than love, and that the person Qi Sheng truly liked was Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng decided to use Qi Sheng's affection for her to achieve great things, and she resolved to do her best to win back Qi Sheng's heart.
Zhang Pengpeng came to Daming Palace to deliver durian soup to Qi Sheng, drove away Jiang Yingyue, and even said that she would take meticulous care of the Emperor. Qi Sheng deliberately brought up Jiang Yingyue's matter, wanting to make Zhang Pengpeng jealous, but Zhang Pengpeng did not understand Qi Sheng's true intention. Tired from grinding ink, Zhang Pengpeng fell asleep at her desk and was gently carried to bed by Qi Sheng.
Everyone in the palace knew that the Empress had stayed overnight at Xingsheng Palace and that the Emperor had overslept and missed the morning court. Jiang Yingyue was very jealous, and the concubines also discussed the deep affection between the Emperor and Empress. Even Jiu Wang couldn't keep his composure.
Episode 24 Recap
The Nine Prince invited Zhang Pengpeng to meet. Zhang Pengpeng made an excuse to Qi Sheng, saying she wanted to go to Fuyuan Temple to pray for a good marriage. Qi Sheng thought it over and was uneasy, suggesting he would take Zhang Pengpeng out of the palace himself. Fuyuan Temple was hidden deep in the mountains. Qi Sheng pulled Zhang Pengpeng up the mountain, and Zhang Pengpeng was so tired that she constantly complained.
Qi Sheng reminded Zhang Pengpeng that if she had any other intentions for coming to Fuyuan Temple besides praying for a good marriage, she should give them up early. Zhang Pengpeng explained with a guilty conscience. Qi Sheng expressed his willingness to tolerate all of Zhang Pengpeng's shortcomings, stating that he would always dote on her until she was willing to stand by his side and view the world with him. After hearing Qi Sheng's words, Zhang Pengpeng felt conflicted.
She asked Qi Sheng what he wished to pray for at the temple. Qi Sheng frankly said that what he sought was the same as what the person beside him sought, and Zhang Pengpeng was touched upon hearing this. On the way to the temple, Qi Sheng hinted several times in his words, making Zhang Pengpeng feel that the situation was not right, believing that Qi Sheng might have noticed her meeting with the Nine Prince at Fuyuan Temple.
Just as Zhang Pengpeng was worrying, Yang Yan and Zhang Lingling appeared, chatting and laughing. Zhang Lingling first pretended to encounter Zhang Pengpeng by chance, then pretended to fall into the water, allowing Zhang Pengpeng, the Nine Prince, and Yang Yu to meet.
Yang Yu told Zhang Pengpeng that after the Emperor redresses the injustice in Yunxi, he would personally lead troops to conquer Beimo, stating that this was a good opportunity to overthrow Qi Sheng, and he hoped Zhang Pengpeng would firmly stand by his side. Qi Sheng asked Yang Yan why he was so close to the Nine Prince.
Yang Yan said that the Nine Prince had looks, a good figure, and was gentle and tender towards him, making Qi Sheng feel even more annoyed upon hearing his nonsense. Inside the inner hall, the Nine Prince expressed his dissatisfaction with Zhang Pengpeng and Qi Sheng's deep affection as emperor and empress. Zhang Pengpeng could only comfort him with kind words.
She had already developed genuine feelings for Qi Sheng in her heart, but she could not tell the Nine Prince. Yang Yu reported the agreement between the Nine Prince and Zhang Pengpeng to Qi Sheng. It turned out that he was Qi Sheng's most trusted person, also sent by Qi Sheng to infiltrate the alliance between Zhang Pengpeng and the Nine Prince.
Zhang Pengpeng waited for Qi Sheng in Daming Palace and told him that she had met Yang Yu at Fuyuan Temple, claiming the reason was that Yang Yan and Zhang Lingling were going to get a divorce. Zhang Pengpeng also said that she had met the Nine Prince and brought up the Jiang family's matter. Qi Sheng finally couldn't help but tell Zhang Pengpeng that he already knew everything she said to him was a lie.
Qi Sheng was heartbroken by Zhang Pengpeng's deception and drank himself into a stupor in Daming Palace. Love turned into hatred, and unable to bear it any longer, Qi Sheng burst into Xingsheng Palace with a sword, intending to kill Zhang Pengpeng. Qi Sheng exposed all of Zhang Pengpeng's lies. Zhang Pengpeng fought furiously with Qi Sheng, and the two, heartbroken, had relations.
Episode 25 Recap
The next morning, Zhang Pengpeng recalled the intimate night she and Qi Sheng had the previous evening, and not only did she not feel angry, but instead, she felt joy in her heart. Qi Sheng felt guilty about having forced Zhang Pengpeng into an intimate act, and went to see Zhang Pengpeng with utmost apology.
Qi Sheng promised that he would no longer force Zhang Pengpeng to do things she was unwilling to do in the future, and also said that he would use every possible means to win Zhang Pengpeng's true affection. Zhang Pengpeng was touched. Qi Sheng came to Youlan Hall to see Jiang Yingyue, and Zhang Pengpeng sent Lv Li to inquire.
Qi Sheng told Jiang Yingyue that if he kept her by his side, he would feel even more guilty towards the person in his heart, and he wanted to give her a chance at a new life. Jiang Yingyue found this hard to accept, so Qi Sheng bestowed upon Jiang Yingyue a cup of poisoned wine. Jiang Yingyue recalled Qi Sheng's appearance, and filled with endless affection for Qi Sheng, drank the poisoned wine.
Zhang Pengpeng came to Youlan Hall with Lv Li, but found that Jiang Yingyue was no longer there. It turned out Jiang Yingyue was not truly dead, but had been ordered by Qi Sheng to be taken out of the palace. A great victory was achieved at Yunxi. Qi Sheng issued an order to hold a welcoming banquet for Yang Yu, who had returned victoriously. Zhang Pengpeng had pimples on her face.
After diagnosis by Imperial Physician Zhang, it was due to excessive yin deficiency. Zhang Pengpeng missed Qi Sheng a little; she had unknowingly fallen in love with Qi Sheng. At Yang Yu's welcoming banquet, Zhang Pengpeng was extremely considerate towards Qi Sheng, and her words and actions were very intimate, which Qi Sheng was very unaccustomed to. Zhang Pengpeng chatted with Zhao Wang.
She felt that the Yang family's prominence was too great for a while, believing her position as empress would soon be unstable, but Zhao Wang thought otherwise. Zhang Pengpeng asked the Ninth Prince to remind Yang Yan not to be too prominent to avoid getting into trouble. She also told the Ninth Prince that her heart was troubled, and there was no need to meet unless necessary.
Qi Sheng conspired with Yang Yu, the purpose being to let the Empress know who she could truly rely on. Yang Yan and the Ninth Prince's carriage collided with the Censor's carriage. The Censor used the incident to make an issue of it before the Emperor, causing the Emperor to become furious.
Episode 26 Recap
Yang Yu severely lectured his son Yang Yan, but Zhang Lingling's pleas on the side were unsuccessful. The Ninth Prince was smitten with the sachet Zhang Pengpeng gave him. Zhao Wang came to find the Ninth Prince and just happened to witness this scene. Zhao Wang wondered how the Ninth Prince still had the mood to drink tea. The Ninth Prince stated that he would meet all changes with changelessness. Zhao Wang left, unconvinced.
The ministers reported to Qi Sheng about the Ninth Prince's collusion with his cronies, presenting numerous pieces of evidence against him and tearfully demanding that Qi Sheng severely punish him. Qi Sheng stated that he would make his own decision regarding the Ninth Prince's case. Zhao Wang reminded the Ninth Prince that it was inconvenient for him to meet with Yang Yan and Zhang Pengpeng.
The Ninth Prince replied that he had no choice, as it was too late to do anything. Zhang Pengpeng's father and uncle were dismissed from their posts for investigation. Fan Shi and Lv Li came to her, crying and complaining. Zhang Pengpeng understood this was Qi Sheng's displeasure with her lies, and she decided to bear all responsibility herself.
Zhang Pengpeng put on plain clothes and went to Daming Palace to find Qi Sheng, sincerely admitting the mistakes she had made. She hoped Qi Sheng could give her a chance to correct her flaws. However, Qi Sheng clearly understood that Zhang Pengpeng's meekness was due to circumstances. Zhang Pengpeng tearfully pleaded with Qi Sheng to forgive Yang Yan, the Ninth Prince, Zhao Wang, and the others. Qi Sheng's heart softened as Zhang Pengpeng cried.
Zhang Pengpeng said that the Emperor was the one she could rely on the most. Qi Sheng dealt lightly with the Ninth Prince and the others, but humiliated Zhao Wang. Zhao Wang was in a bad mood, and the Ninth Prince and Yang Yan came to find him. All three believed their fates were entirely in Qi Sheng's hands, which made them feel very uncomfortable. The Emperor and Yang Yu's plan was still underway in secret.
Yang Yu didn't understand why Qi Sheng hadn't taken down the Ninth Prince and the others in one fell swoop. Qi Sheng told him that he must first stabilize the court situation at the moment. Zhang Pengpeng was not optimistic about her situation. She hated that her fate was in Qi Sheng's hands. The previous events made her even more determined to solidify her alliance with the Ninth Prince and the others.
Zhang Pengpeng was practicing Thai martial arts in Xingsheng Palace. The Ninth Prince found an excuse to bring her a gift. He gave Zhang Pengpeng the love knot he carried with him, saying that even if he died in battle, his heart would be with Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng said her feelings were the same as his. Eunuch Qiang came to Xingsheng Palace, bringing the Emperor's oral command, inviting Zhang Pengpeng to meet him in the Daming Palace study.
Qi Sheng gave Zhang Pengpeng a large pile of books, but Zhang Pengpeng misunderstood that he wanted to give her a hug. Qi Sheng said he would teach Zhang Pengpeng everything he had learned in his life. Although Zhang Pengpeng was reluctant to study, she was still very happy to be constantly by Qi Sheng's side. Qi Sheng taught Zhang Pengpeng calligraphy. However, Zhang Pengpeng's thoughts drifted towards Qi Sheng; she could no longer conceal her affection for him, but Qi Sheng still insisted on keeping his distance from her.
Episode 27 Recap
Ministers presented themselves to the Emperor. Both the court and the common people were dissatisfied with Qi Sheng's decision to go on an expedition to Beimo. Just as the ministers and Qi Sheng were at an impasse, Qi Hao and Zhang Pengpeng successively ran into the council hall. Looking at his son, Qi Sheng's paternal love swelled, and his mood improved. Zhang Pengpeng, watching their deep father-son bond, felt greatly comforted.
The ministers discussed that it was inappropriate for the Emperor and the Prince to be together. Qi Sheng, however, stated that Qi Hao would be the future monarch. Zhang Pengpeng felt a mix of emotions upon hearing Qi Sheng's words. Qi Sheng told the ministers that his decision to go on an expedition to Beimo was final. Zhang Pengpeng had doubts about Qi Sheng's intention to pass the throne to Qi Hao, but Qi Sheng could not understand her thoughts.
Qi Sheng suggested teaching Zhang Pengpeng how to review memorials, but Zhang Pengpeng misunderstood that Qi Sheng wanted to have an intimate relationship with her. Qi Sheng taught Zhang Pengpeng how to use "approve, disapprove, read, discuss" when reviewing memorials, but Zhang Pengpeng completely ignored him. Qi Sheng and Zhang Pengpeng conducted physical training together. Zhang Pengpeng, gazing at Qi Sheng's robust physique, felt her affection grow stronger. She flirted with him repeatedly, but Qi Sheng remained unmoved.
Zhang Pengpeng realized that Qi Sheng's painstaking efforts to cultivate her were not about dating her, but about tormenting her. Zhang Pengpeng lamented that seducing him was difficult. Qi Sheng seriously told Zhang Pengpeng that if she didn't work harder, the country would be ruined. Zhang Pengpeng felt bewildered. Taking advantage of a dance, Zhang Pengpeng openly took liberties with Qi Sheng, but this scene was fully observed by the Ninth Prince and Yang Yan.
The jealous Ninth Prince and Yang Yan then started dancing. The Ninth Prince even, in his confusion, mistook Yang Yan for Zhang Pengpeng. Yang Yan advised the Ninth Prince to be open-minded and to understand Zhang Pengpeng's helplessness. In order to spend a night of passion with Qi Sheng, Zhang Pengpeng put Jinge in Qi Sheng's tea, but Qi Sheng did not drink it.
Qi Sheng found Zhang Pengpeng's significant change strange, and said that when he liked someone, he liked her true nature, reminding her to just be herself. Zhang Pengpeng did not understand Qi Sheng's expectations of her. Qi Sheng explained that the reason he rigorously trained her was because he was going on an expedition to Beimo. If anything were to happen to him, Zhang Pengpeng would need to assist Qi Hao. Qi Sheng's painstaking efforts deeply moved Zhang Pengpeng.
Zhang Pengpeng was finally completely conquered by Qi Sheng. With mutual affection, they spent a night of passion together. The Zhang Peng within Zhang Pengpeng finally completely accepted this body, and her mind and body became one.
Episode 28 Recap
Qi Sheng finally decided to go on an expedition to Beimo. Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng this news. Zhang Pengpeng was conflicted; she hadn't expected Qi Sheng to set off so soon. Qi Sheng summoned his brothers, Zhao Wang and Jiu Wang, to discuss the expedition against Beimo. He told them that he would personally lead the campaign and wanted them to accompany him to the front lines.
Both Jiu Wang and Zhao Wang expressed their willingness to follow Qi Sheng on the expedition. Zhang Pengpeng was worried about Qi Sheng and probed Jiu Wang. Jiu Wang told Zhang Pengpeng that Qi Sheng had left all of the Zhang family's troops in Shengdu. Zhang Pengpeng believed this was meant to make Jiu Wang lose support. Lv Li was worried about Zhao Wang going on the expedition, fearing she would become a widow before even getting married.
She had a long cry in Xingsheng Palace. Zhang Pengpeng immediately saw through this, realizing Qi Sheng was uneasy about his two brothers. She warned Lv Li that Zhao Wang might be in mortal danger. Zhang Pengpeng felt that Qi Sheng was planning to wipe out their entire alliance in one fell swoop. Jiu Wang secretly visited Xingsheng Palace at night to meet with Zhang Pengpeng. He told Zhang Pengpeng that he had already made arrangements for the Beimo situation.
He decided to have his guards assassinate Qi Sheng in Beimo, and after the deed, Zhang Pengpeng would assist the young prince in ascending the throne. He also promised that if they failed, the responsibility would lie solely with him. Zhang Pengpeng felt deeply indebted to Jiu Wang. Jiu Wang realized that Zhang Pengpeng might have already developed feelings for Qi Sheng. After an internal struggle, Zhang Pengpeng promised Jiu Wang that she would not let him down.
Jiu Wang affectionately embraced Zhang Pengpeng, but Zhang Pengpeng was deeply saddened. Lv Li and Zhao Wang bid farewell in Xingsheng Palace. Lv Li was deeply affectionate towards Zhao Wang. Before Qi Sheng set off, Zhang Pengpeng came to see him off. Qi Sheng asked her if she would miss him, but Zhang Pengpeng avoided answering. Qi Sheng left disappointed. Since Qi Sheng's departure, Zhang Pengpeng felt a sense of loss, writing Qi Sheng's name every day.
Lv Li was very worried about her. Zhang Pengpeng was deeply concerned about Qi Sheng, even wanting to sound out the Empress Dowager Grand Imperial to get news of Qi Sheng. Yang Yan came to Zhang Pengpeng, telling her that his father and several brothers were missing. Zhang Pengpeng sensed that something was wrong. She asked Zhang Lingling to return to the Zhang family to inquire about the military situation.
The Empress Dowager Grand Imperial brought the imperial concubines to see Zhang Pengpeng. To liven up the atmosphere, everyone played a game of "Radish Squat," but Zhang Pengpeng remained preoccupied. Good news arrived from Beimo, and Zhang Pengpeng felt genuine joy.
Episode 29 Recap
At the front line, Qi Sheng summoned the Ninth Prince, Zhao Wang, and others to discuss the war. The Ninth Prince wanted to mislead Qi Sheng into directly confronting the Northern Desert, but Yang Yu expressed an opposing view. Opinions among the group were divided and could not be settled, and everyone wanted to hear Zhao Wang's opinion, but Zhao Wang spoke nonsense. Qi Sheng entrusted Zhao Wang with an important task.
Yang Yu worried that Zhao Wang and the Ninth Prince would collude to ruin things. Qi Sheng believed he understood Zhao Wang very well, saying that although Zhao Wang appeared foolish on the surface, he was actually very intelligent. He hoped that giving him an important role at a crucial moment would make Zhao Wang turn over a new leaf. At night, Zhao Wang and the Ninth Prince met.
Zhao Wang told the Ninth Prince that Qi Sheng had clearly known about their alliance's scheme for a long time. The Ninth Prince was eager for quick success, but Zhao Wang reminded him not to attract suspicion to himself. The Ninth Prince wanted to act against Qi Sheng immediately, and he plotted to have Zhao Wang lead men to assassinate Qi Sheng while the guards were relaxed. Zhang Pengpeng sat in Xingsheng Palace, still feeling uneasy.
She figured out that Yang Yu was very likely Qi Sheng's man. She was glad that the most crucial plan had not been leaked. She knew that Qi Sheng had already started to suspect her. She used to worry that she had misunderstood Qi Sheng, but now it seemed that was not the case. A heavy rain fell during the night. Out of consideration for his subordinates, Qi Sheng ordered the guards to withdraw from outside his tent.
The men in black led by Zhao Wang had already ambushed in the woods near the camp. Danger was slowly approaching Qi Sheng. Assassins and guards clashed outside the tent. The assassins rushed into the tent to assassinate the Emperor, but Zhao Wang rushed in to protect Qi Sheng and repelled the assassins. The Ninth Prince waited a long time for Zhao Wang's signal, becoming very anxious. He had not expected Zhao Wang to switch allegiance on the battlefield.
Qi Sheng and Zhao Wang had a heart-to-heart talk inside the tent. Zhao Wang stated that he had always regarded Qi Sheng as a brother, but he hated him because Qi Sheng took away the woman he loved. Yet he was grateful to him for Qi Sheng's small acts of kindness and favors. He admitted his lowliness and cowardice. The two brothers recalled their bond from childhood.
Qi Sheng told Zhao Wang that he was sorry to him for the matter concerning Jiang Yingyue. Their grievances were cleared, and Qi Sheng was still willing to let Zhao Wang help him conquer the empire.
Episode 30 Recap
Even after Yang Yu's severe interrogation, the black-clad assassins who attempted to assassinate Qi Sheng did not reveal their mastermind. Qi Sheng greatly respected those loyal guards and did not make things difficult for them. Both he and Yang Yu knew that the mastermind behind this incident was the Ninth Prince. Qi Sheng directly stated that he had not expected the Ninth Prince to commit regicide.
The Ninth Prince expressed that being born into the imperial family, he had no control over his own destiny. Qi Sheng advised him not to strive for things that were not meant for him. The Ninth Prince told Qi Sheng that everything he did was for Zhang Pengpeng, because he saw that Zhang Pengpeng was neither happy nor stable in her position as empress. Qi Sheng was very angry after hearing this.
Qi Sheng had the Ninth Prince detained to await punishment. Zhang Pengpeng told Yang Yan that the previous Censorate case was also instigated by Qi Sheng, and that Qi Sheng had long known about the plans of several people in their alliance. Yang Yan was at a loss. Zhang Pengpeng told Yang Yan that they could only run away now, and she made up a story to trick Yang Yan, who believed it to be true.
Zhang Pengpeng worried that the assassins sent by the Ninth Prince had already taken action, which would lead to a dire outcome. Yang Yan notified the Ninth Prince overnight, but he did not know it was already too late. Qi Sheng knew that the Ninth Prince's assassination attempt on him was inextricably linked to the empress. He had long wanted to depose the empress, but he could never bring himself to be cruel to Zhang Pengpeng.
Qi Sheng wrote two letters. The first letter was sent to the Grand Empress Dowager, falsely claiming that he had been poisoned in an assassination attempt and urgently needed an antidote to be developed in the palace and sent to the front lines. The second letter was for Zhang Pengpeng. The consorts were strolling in the garden when Huang Liangyuan suddenly fainted. Physician Zhang came to diagnose her, but Huang Liangyuan ordered him not to publicize it.
The Grand Empress Dowager summoned Zhang Pengpeng and told her about Qi Sheng's poisoning mentioned in the letter. Zhang Pengpeng was extremely anxious and sad upon hearing this. Physician Zhang reported to Zhang Pengpeng late at night, saying that he had discovered Huang Liangyuan was more than two months pregnant, while Qi Sheng had already departed for the expedition three months ago. Zhang Pengpeng barged into Huang Liangyuan's palace.
She was having an affair and was exposed by Zhang Pengpeng on the spot. Zhang Pengpeng slapped Huang Liangyuan on the spot, executed her paramour, and demoted Huang Liangyuan to a commoner, exiling her to Lingnan. Zhang Pengpeng worried that Qi Sheng would soon die from poisoning. She decided to take Lv Li with her to deliver the antidote. She was very worried that she would cause Qi Sheng's death.
Lv Li reminded Zhang Pengpeng that the matter might not be simple. The Grand Empress Dowager saw Zhang Pengpeng off, hoping that Qi Sheng and Pengpeng would return safely. To avoid delay, Zhang Pengpeng decided to abandon the carriage and ride a horse to Beimo. Yang Yan took away the sleeping Zhang Pengpeng under the cover of darkness.
Episode 31 Recap
Yang Yan wanted to take Zhang Pengpeng away, but Zhang Pengpeng was unwilling to leave. Yang Yan asked Zhang Pengpeng if she had fallen in love with Qi Sheng, but Zhang Pengpeng stubbornly refused to admit it. Yang Yan had originally thought that Zhang Pengpeng and the Ninth Prince would be a perfect couple, but now he declared that he would no longer believe in love.
Yang Yu came to the tent to report to Qi Sheng, saying that the Empress was abducted halfway. In reality, Yang Yan and Zhang Pengpeng had gotten lost in the forest. Zhang Pengpeng looked at the antidote in her hand, feeling anxious, but the two of them could not find a way out. Qi Sheng brought people to search for Zhang Pengpeng.
Yang Yan wanted to take the antidote from Zhang Pengpeng, because he did not want her to go to her death. Zhang Pengpeng desperately protected the antidote and also said that she was very sad to hear the news of Qi Sheng being poisoned. She did not want Qi Sheng to die. Yang Yan scolded Zhang Pengpeng for being foolish. He did not want to see Zhang Pengpeng do anything that would betray the Ninth Prince.
Amidst their argument, Yang Yan threw the antidote into the river. Zhang Pengpeng desperately searched for the antidote in the mud. By the time she found the antidote, Zhang Pengpeng was covered in mud and in a sorry state. Yang Yan climbed up a tree to check the situation. He told Zhang Pengpeng that Qi Sheng was coming with his men. Zhang Pengpeng was very surprised that Qi Sheng was still alive.
At the critical moment, Yang Yan chose to leave Zhang Pengpeng to protect the Ninth Prince. Zhang Pengpeng held the antidote, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Zhang Pengpeng and Qi Sheng finally met. Qi Sheng, moved, told Zhang Pengpeng, "You have suffered." Zhang Pengpeng, seeing her beloved safe and sound, couldn't help but shed tears. She handed the antidote to Qi Sheng, then sadly turned and left, but fainted from exhaustion. Qi Sheng held Zhang Pengpeng, his heart aching greatly.
Episode 32 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng had been in a coma for many days and had not woken up. Qi Sheng had been by her side, taking care of and accompanying her without rest. The imperial physician told Qi Sheng that Zhang Pengpeng's prolonged deep sleep was due to the exhaustion from her journey and many sleepless nights. Zhang Pengpeng finally woke up. She questioned Qi Sheng why he had deceived her. Qi Sheng retorted by asking if she wished him to die.
Zhang Pengpeng was very angry that he played with her feelings. Qi Sheng said that this time he was gambling with himself that Zhang Pengpeng would not abandon him. He was glad that he had not lost Zhang Pengpeng after all. However, in Zhang Pengpeng's eyes, Qi Sheng was playing with other people's lives again and again. The couple had a long talk. Zhang Pengpeng stated that she could not accept Qi Sheng's actions.
Qi Sheng, however, declared that he would no longer deceive Zhang Pengpeng in the future. Yang Yan stole his third brother's token and came to the prison to visit the Ninth Prince, intending to take him away. The Ninth Prince was initially unwilling to implicate Yang Yan, but could not resist Yang Yan's persuasion and decided to leave with him. Zhang Pengpeng fell into a deep sleep again. Lv Li cried heartbrokenly by her bedside, finally crying Zhang Pengpeng awake.
Zhang Pengpeng told Lv Li that the Emperor had expressed his deep affection for her, but she could not accept this emotion all at once. She felt that her joys, sorrows, and even her life and death were all controlled by him. She did not want such a relationship, and she did not know how to face Qi Sheng.
Yang Yu reported to Qi Sheng that the Ninth Prince had been taken away by Yang Yan, and he had already dispatched people to pursue them quickly. In the early morning, the Ninth Prince and Yang Yan were hiding in a sheepfold. The Ninth Prince lamented that misfortune never comes alone for him. He was worried about Zhang Pengpeng in his heart.
Yang Yan told the Ninth Prince about Zhang Pengpeng bringing the antidote to Qi Sheng, and also said that Zhang Pengpeng seemed to have fallen in love with Qi Sheng. The Ninth Prince was very sad. Qi Sheng's army rested in Beimo for a period, planning a major attack on Beimo. He heavily relied on Zhao Wang and Yang Yu, the father and son. Yang Yan went to Pingning City to inquire about Zhang Pengpeng.
He told the Ninth Prince that he could not enter the General's residence to see Zhang Pengpeng. The Ninth Prince still intended to move Zhang Pengpeng with his sincerity. The Ninth Prince guessed that Qi Sheng intended to use the 'empty fort strategy'. He decided to use the Tartars of Beimo to employ the strategy of "killing with a borrowed knife" against Qi Sheng.
The Ninth Prince and Yang Yan went to the enemy's camp to request an audience with the Beimo leader. The Ninth Prince told the leader that he could help them, and also told him how to defeat Qi Sheng, thus gaining the trust of the Beimo leader. Beimo's large army had already attacked under the walls of Pingning City, and Nansha's main forces had all been dispatched. Qi Sheng could only personally supervise the battle. Zhang Pengpeng, after learning this, ordered Lv Li to prepare her battle attire.
Episode 33 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng put on her battle attire and chased after Qi Sheng. She wanted to join Qi Sheng on the battlefield to face the enemy, but Qi Sheng ordered his guards to stop Zhang Pengpeng and lovingly told her to stay alive. Zhang Pengpeng found the guard who stopped her to be very familiar. He told her that he was Yang Su, Yang Yan's older brother.
Zhang Pengpeng tried to get close to him to let her go, but Yang Su sternly refused. Lv Li arrived and used a trick to hold back Yang Su, allowing Zhang Pengpeng to reach the city wall and meet Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng and Qi Sheng displayed their affection together, causing the soldiers to chuckle. The Northern Desert army below the city brought a woman tied to a cart; this person was Jiang Yingyue.
The Northern Desert leader asked Qi Sheng whether he wanted Pingning City or the woman. Qi Sheng worried that no matter what choice he made, he would be criticized. Zhang Pengpeng said she would help Qi Sheng. She ascended the city wall and verbally humiliated the Northern Desert leader. The Northern Desert leader was enraged, and arrows were shot towards Zhang Pengpeng. Qi Sheng shielded her from the arrows and fainted from his injuries.
Jiang Yingyue saw Qi Sheng hit by an arrow and shed tears of sorrow. The Northern Desert army was about to take advantage of the chaos to attack Pingning City. At this critical moment, Zhang Pengpeng plunged an arrow into her own arm and ordered the soldiers to shout, "Her Royal Highness the Empress has been shot!" Qi Sheng and Zhang Pengpeng were finally escorted back to the general's mansion.
Qi Sheng's arrow wound was very severe; the arrowhead was only two inches from his internal organs. Removing the arrow was fraught with danger. Qi Sheng worried he wouldn't survive and gave his last instructions to Zhang Pengpeng, who was deeply saddened upon hearing them. The imperial physician removed the arrow for Qi Sheng inside the room, while Zhang Pengpeng was very agitated outside.
The next day, after Zhang Pengpeng woke up, Qi Sheng told her that Zhao Wang had returned and Pingning City was relieved. Qi Sheng told Zhang Pengpeng "I love you," and the lovers finally tasted the sweetness of love. Zhao Wang returned to Pingning City early and rendered great service, so Qi Sheng decided to reward him handsomely. Zhao Wang told Qi Sheng and Zhang Pengpeng that he found Jiang Yingyue in the Tartar camp.
Jiang Yingyue told him that the Northern Desert Tartars besieged Pingning City because the Ninth Prince had tipped them off. Qi Sheng was very troubled by the Ninth Prince's treasonous act. The Northern Desert suffered a great defeat, and all of the Ninth Prince's hopes were shattered. He contemplated death. Yang Yan used his own life to persuade the Ninth Prince to live, and the Ninth Prince was deeply moved.
Yang Yan felt pity for the Ninth Prince and hugged him, weeping uncontrollably. Zhang Pengpeng couldn't understand why the Ninth Prince would commit treason. She believed that the moment the Ninth Prince allied with the Tartars to attack Pingning City, he was also abandoning her. The Southern Xia army achieved victory, capturing the Tartar emperor and his consorts. Qi Sheng ordered the army to return to the capital.
Episode 34 Recap
Inside the imperial palace, the imperial concubines, due to Qi Sheng's long absence from the palace, neglected their appearance and became undisciplined. The Emperor and Empress finally returned to the palace, and received a warm welcome from their subjects. Yang Yu came to Daming Palace to confess his sins to Qi Sheng; it turned out that he had received a letter from Yang Yan, stating that Yang Yan was escaping beyond the passes with the Ninth Prince.
Qi Sheng had not yet decided how to deal with the Ninth Prince and Yang Yan. He was worried that court officials would petition for their execution, but Qi Sheng was mindful of the Grand Empress Dowager's old age, and given that Yang Yan was Yang Yu's son, he couldn't bring himself to execute them. Yang Yu was deeply moved by Qi Sheng's benevolence and generosity. The Ninth Prince and Yang Yan endured wind and dew, looking utterly dishevelled.
The Ninth Prince felt extremely guilty for implicating Yang Yan in his suffering. He planned to return to Shengjing to confess his crimes; he intended to use his own life to secure the safety of others. Zhang Pengpeng felt uneasy whenever she thought of the Ninth Prince. She felt that everything the Ninth Prince did was because of her, and she couldn't bear it. The Ninth Prince and Yang Yan returned to Shengjing to surrender themselves.
The Ninth Prince was determined to die, taking all the blame upon himself before Qi Sheng. Upon hearing this, Zhang Pengpeng ordered Lv Li to prepare delicious food and go see Yang Yan. In prison, Yang Yan sarcastically remarked that Zhang Pengpeng couldn't remain faithful to one person. Zhang Pengpeng, however, didn't understand why they had returned after having successfully escaped.
Yang Yan accused Zhang Pengpeng of throwing herself into Qi Sheng's arms, which led to the Ninth Prince being possessed and defecting to the enemy. Zhang Pengpeng felt deeply pained hearing Yang Yan's tearful accusations. She could understand the Ninth Prince's actions and admitted that she felt she had let him down. Yang Yan urged Zhang Pengpeng to go see the Ninth Prince, but Zhang Pengpeng said she wasn't ready. Zhang Pengpeng got heavily drunk with Yang Yan in prison.
Upon returning to Xingsheng Palace, she saw Qi Sheng waiting for her. Qi Sheng knew she had gone to see Yang Yan, but he did not punish Yang Yan. He could understand Zhang Pengpeng treating Yang Yan like a younger brother, and he also understood her concern for Yang Yan's uncertain fate. Qi Sheng told Zhang Pengpeng that the Ninth Prince's reason for returning to the capital to confess his crimes was to avoid implicating others.
Zhang Pengpeng declared her loyalty to Qi Sheng, and hoped that Qi Sheng would spare the Ninth Prince's life. During the morning court, Qi Sheng decreed that the Ninth Prince Qi Han be spared the death penalty. He was demoted to a commoner and exiled to Lingnan. Yang Yan was conscripted into the army in Beimoh for five years. Zhang Pengpeng went to visit Qi Han. Qi Han said he had been waiting for Zhang Pengpeng.
Zhang Pengpeng returned the ruyi scepter that the Ninth Prince had given her to Qi Han. She also told Qi Han that many things in the world are predetermined and cannot be forced. Qi Han watched Zhang Pengpeng's resolute departing back, and tears of sadness streamed down his face. Before leaving the city, Qi Han entrusted someone to return the ruyi scepter to Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Pengpeng, however, did not see him off. She felt it was better for them to go their separate ways. Dressed in white, Qi Han, with a lingering reluctance for Zhang Pengpeng, rode his horse away from Shengdu.
Episode 35 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng framed the characters Qi Sheng taught her hand-in-hand to write. She wanted to cherish them well. Qi Sheng asked Zhang Pengpeng when she started to fall in love with him. The husband and wife sat down and poured out their hearts to each other. Zhang Pengpeng stated that she could only give half of her heart to Qi Sheng, because she had to remain rational to be a queen with peace of mind.
However, Qi Sheng was not content; he wanted Zhang Pengpeng's whole heart, because what he desired was not just a queen, but a wife who would treat him wholeheartedly. The next morning, Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng that the emperor was going to disband the harem. Zhang Pengpeng rushed to find Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng said his actions were to show his true feelings for her.
Zhang Pengpeng told Qi Sheng that as long as he was the emperor for one day, he would be the master of her destiny, and their status would be unequal, unless Qi Sheng ceased to be the emperor. Five years later, Crown Prince Qi Hao was playing 'radish squat' with the young palace maids, and he was very caring towards the injured maid, Qiao'er. His gentle and considerate manner towards girls was very much like Zhang Peng before he time-traveled.
Zhang Pengpeng called Qi Hao into the room and reminded him that a man should be like Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng checked Qi Hao's annotations on the memorials and found that he did them quickly and well. A masked man entered the palace late at night and took Zhang Pengpeng away. Zhang Pengpeng was clearly awake but pretended not to know. She thought it was Yang Yan, but unexpectedly, it was Qi Sheng.
Qi Sheng took Zhang Pengpeng to a beautiful small house, telling her that he had spent a year building it. He also told Zhang Pengpeng that they would not return to the palace, that he was no longer the emperor, and Zhang Pengpeng was no longer the empress, but his wife.
Zhang Pengpeng did not want Qi Sheng to give up the throne, but Qi Sheng said that Qi Hao was now capable of handling matters independently, and ever since he met Zhang Pengpeng, he felt that everything else in the world was no longer important. Qi Sheng asked Zhang Pengpeng if she was now willing to be his wife, and Zhang Pengpeng sweetly uttered the three words, 'I do.'
From then on, the two lived in reclusion, leading a life like immortal companions. Zhang Pengpeng was assassinated and died. Before her death, she told Qi Sheng to live on. Qi Sheng was heartbroken. Numerous assassins surrounded Qi Sheng and killed him with a flurry of blades. Continuously falling petals buried the bodies of the lovers. Time traveled back to modern times. Zhang Peng, wearing a ventilator, woke up in the hospital.
He pulled off the medical equipment on his body and went to the poolside. He recalled the scene before his time travel, then resolutely jumped in. Zhang Peng arrived at the place where he and Qi Sheng lived in seclusion in ancient times. Past events reappeared vividly before his eyes, filled with countless emotions. （Ending One）
Episode 36 Recap
Zhang Pengpeng framed the characters Qi Sheng had personally taught her to write. She wanted to treasure them properly. Qi Sheng asked Zhang Pengpeng when she had started to love him. The couple sat down and poured out their hearts to each other. Zhang Pengpeng said that she could only give half of her heart to Qi Sheng, because she had to remain rational so she could be an empress with peace of mind.
However, Qi Sheng was unwilling; he wanted Zhang Pengpeng's whole heart, because he wanted not just an empress, but a wife who would treat him wholeheartedly. The next morning, Lv Li told Zhang Pengpeng that the Emperor was going to disband the imperial harem. Zhang Pengpeng rushed to find Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng said his actions were to show his true feelings for her.
Zhang Pengpeng told Qi Sheng that as long as he was the emperor for one day, he would be the master of her destiny, and their statuses would be unequal, unless Qi Sheng stopped being the emperor. Five years later, Crown Prince Qi Hao was playing "Radish Squat" with the little palace maids. He was very caring towards the injured little palace maid Qiao'er.
His gentle and considerate way of treating girls was exactly like Zhang Peng before he traveled through time. Zhang Pengpeng called Qi Hao into the room and reminded him that a man should be like Qi Sheng. Zhang Pengpeng checked Qi Hao's annotations on the memorials and found that he had done them quickly and well. A masked person entered the imperial palace late at night and took Zhang Pengpeng away.
Zhang Pengpeng was clearly awake but pretended not to know. She thought it was Yang Yan, but unexpectedly, it was Qi Sheng. Qi Sheng took Zhang Pengpeng to a beautiful small house. He told Zhang Pengpeng that he had spent a year building it. He also told Zhang Pengpeng that they wouldn't return to the imperial palace, that he was no longer the emperor, and Zhang Pengpeng was no longer the empress, but his wife.
Zhang Pengpeng did not want Qi Sheng to give up the throne, but Qi Sheng said that Qi Hao was now capable of handling matters independently, and ever since he met Zhang Pengpeng, he felt that everything else in the world was no longer important. Qi Sheng asked Zhang Pengpeng if she was now willing to be his wife, and Zhang Pengpeng sweetly uttered the three words, "I do."
From then on, the two lived in seclusion, leading a life like immortal companions. Zhang Pengpeng gave birth to a daughter for Qi Sheng, naming her Qi Pa. At night, the couple watched the stars together. Zhang Pengpeng told Qi Sheng that tomorrow was a big day. Qi Sheng, however, feigned being sleepy and said he was going to bed. Zhang Pengpeng worried that he had forgotten her birthday.
But when Zhang Pengpeng woke up the next day, she discovered the surprise Qi Sheng had prepared for her, which deeply moved her. Time traveled back to modern times. Zhang Peng, with a ventilator, woke up in the hospital. He pulled off the medical equipment and emotionally started looking for Qi Sheng. When he went barefoot to inquire with a doctor, he discovered that the doctor was none other than Qi Sheng. Their eyes met, and as Qi Sheng gazed at Zhang Peng, he recalled Zhang Pengpeng's face and smile in his mind. (Ending Two)
Episode 37 Recap
Playboy Zhang Peng accidentally fell into the water while trying to escape his ex-girlfriends surrounding him. After waking up, he found that he had not only traveled through a thousand years, but also transformed into the Crown Prince Consort of the current dynasty – Zhang Pengpeng. Zhang Peng, who had countless conquests, could not accept this reality, yet he also could not change it.
On one hand, Zhang Pengpeng lusted after the three thousand beauties in the Crown Prince's harem, while on the other hand, she had to learn how to conduct herself in the harem. What bothered her most was that as the "Crown Prince Consort," she had to please Crown Prince Qi Sheng. . . .
Therefore, Zhang Pengpeng, with a female body and a male heart, had to get involved in the struggle for the throne between the Crown Prince, the Ninth Prince, and Zhao Wang, to protect herself. After experiencing all the struggles and entanglements of love and hate, Zhang Pengpeng finally completely fell in love with Qi Sheng, and the two of them gave up everything and retreated to the mountains and forests. . . （Ending Three）
