Good Bye, My Princess Episode 12 Recap
> Good Bye, My Princess Recap
Li Chengyin presented calming incense from the Western Border to the Grand Empress Dowager, who had been experiencing restless sleep. During their conversation, the Grand Empress Dowager spoke of her beloved daughter, Ming Yuan, who had been appearing in her dreams, longing for her former home. As Li Chengyin prepared to leave, Xiaofeng and A'Du seized the opportunity to hide behind his carriage, successfully slipping out of the palace. The vibrant market captivated Xiaofeng and A'Du.
Their curiosity led them to the Mi Luo Drinking House, where they met the charismatic owner, Mi Luo, who was secretly a spy from West Zhou. Mi Luo proudly touted Shangjing City's three treasures: the fragrant incense of the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the beautiful women of the Singing Jade Brothel, and the exquisite wine of her own establishment. Meanwhile, Li Chengyin shared a private moment with Zhao Sese, who harbored a deep affection for him.
She recited a poem expressing her longing and revealed a minor injury on her hand, explaining she had been diligently practicing horse riding with her brother's guidance, hoping to one day ride alongside Li Chengyin. Across from Mi Luo's tavern stood the Singing Jade Brothel, the capital's most renowned pleasure house. Gao Zhen, Prime Minister Gao's third son, was a frequent patron who often flew into rages whenever he couldn't see his favored courtesan, Miss Mingyue.
In the imperial court, ministers pressed the Emperor to designate a new heir, citing unrest in the Western Border following the war with Danchi. The Emperor sought the counsel of Yu Ming, the Empress's maternal uncle. Though privately inclined to support his nephew, Li Chengyin, Yu Ming understood the Emperor’s suspicious nature. He strategically recommended the second prince, Xuande Chengye, as the most suitable heir, citing his seniority, military achievements, and virtuous character.
This feigned impartiality pleased the Emperor, who believed Yu Ming to be a loyal and unbiased official. Consequently, the Emperor officially named Prince Xuande Chengye as the new Crown Prince and declared that his marriage to Xiaofeng would take place one hundred days later. In the palace, Directress Fang continued to teach Xiaofeng imperial etiquette. In a mischievous prank, Xiaofeng and A'Du served the Directress vinegar instead of tea.
Amidst the chaos, news arrived that Prince Xuande Chengye had been named Crown Prince and their wedding was set. Xiaofeng was shocked and filled with despair, confessing to A'Du her discomfort with marrying a man she barely knew and her weariness of the Li Empire's restrictive rules. Later, a lady-in-waiting brought snacks from the Grand Empress Dowager and warned of thieves in the palace, mentioning that guards had spotted a "white shadow" on the roof.
Restless, Xiaofeng gazed out her window and saw a white-clad figure perched in a distant tree. Startled, Xiaofeng watched as the figure, who was Gu Jian, swiftly entered her room. Not recognizing him, she cried out for help. In a crucial moment, A'Du, recalling their past, intervened to save Gu Jian from the guards. Gu Jian was shocked to discover that Xiaofeng had lost her memory and A'Du could no longer speak.
Later, Pei Zhao informed Li Chengyin and Chai Mu of the intrusion, speculating that Gu Jian had returned. Soon after, Gu Jian sought out Pei Zhao and learned the truth: Xiaofeng and Li Chengyin had both jumped into the River of Oblivion, resulting in their shared amnesia. Pei Zhao also revealed that A'Du's inability to speak was her own choice. Deeply unsettled, Gu Jian asked Pei Zhao to keep his presence a secret.
Li Chengyin met with his advisors to plan his next moves. Chai Mu urged him to proactively secure his position and not become a pawn, suggesting a strategic alliance with Prime Minister Gao. In a separate meeting, his maternal uncle, Yu Ming, cautioned that with the Crown Prince now designated, Li Chengyin must maintain a low profile to accumulate strength discreetly.
Yu Ming also alerted him to a suspicious matter involving Li Yan’s request for funds to repair bronze statues at the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, urging an investigation. Meanwhile, the Emperor sought a candidate to be conferred as the North Subduing Marquis and govern Danchi. Li Chengyin recommended General Gao Xian, but his half-brother, Li Yan, countered by suggesting Li Chengyin himself.
Understanding that leaving the capital would end his prospects for the throne, Li Chengyin politely declined, proposing instead to compile a comprehensive "Western Border Annals" to assist the court in its governance of the region. The Emperor, impressed by this initiative, approved the project. Prime Minister Gao viewed Li Chengyin's refusal of the military post as a calculated "retreat to advance" strategy, acknowledging his opponent's cunning.
During a stroll, Li Chengyin and Crown Prince Chengye discussed the slow progress of the Western Border Annals due to incomplete records. Xiaofeng, who had just been complaining to Yongniang about the restrictive palace life, happened upon them. Overhearing the mention of the Western Border, she eagerly offered to help with the project. Citing her homesickness and her unique knowledge of Xi State's extensive archives, she argued she could help fill the gaps in the records.
Prince Chengye initially hesitated, deeming it improper for the future Crown Princess Consort. However, after Li Chengyin voiced his support for her participation, Prince Chengye relented and agreed to seek the Emperor's permission. Xiaofeng was ecstatic at the prospect.
