Jade's Fateful Love Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> Jade's Fateful Love Recap
When Yang Xu attempted to control Zhou Zhixuan, he was thwarted when Zhou Zhixuan used his customary signal, crushing a cup, alerting a servant who quickly removed Yang Xu. Meanwhile, Su Nian and Xingyi released prisoners based on orders they claimed came from the Prime Minister. Lin Su confronted Su Nian at the gates of the Prime Minister's residence, accusing her of betraying her master. Su Nian, seeking vengeance for Lingxi, swiftly killed Lin Su after a brief exchange.
In court, Zhou Shiyu confronted Gao Yuan. Zhou Shiyu accused Gao Yuan of sacrificing the safety of his sister, Gao Luoyi, to gain the Prime Minister's trust. Gao Yuan acknowledged Luoyi was his sister and vowed to save her, but blamed Zhou Shiyu for her predicament. When asked about his next steps, Gao Yuan stated that with the Emperor supposedly deceased, Lady Chen's pregnancy would secure an heir, allowing Gao Yuan to become a powerful regent.
He declared his intention to announce that the North Prince Zhou Shiyu had died fighting the rebellion. Zhou Shiyu countered that the outcome was far from decided and Gao Yuan was making pronouncements too soon.
Gao Yuan was still under the illusion of being in control, but Zhou Shiyu dismantled his assumptions by revealing that the fifty thousand soldiers Gao Yuan relied upon from Lingnan could not enter the capital because Zhou Shiyu's forces had secured the city gates, making the imperial city impregnable. Gao Yuan was stunned, questioning how Zhou Shiyu knew his plans.
Zhou Shiyu revealed that his brother, the Emperor, had known of Gao Yuan's ambition for a long time and had feigned weakness precisely to draw out the conspirators. Gao Yuan realized his perceived control over the imperial guards was an illusion, as they now obeyed Zhou Shiyu. Zhou Shiyu exposed Gao Yuan's collusion with the Prime Minister and the forging of a royal decree, ordering his arrest.
The Emperor then appeared, alive, expressing his disappointment in Gao Yuan and offering leniency if he surrendered, noting that the other traitors outside the palace had already yielded. Zhou Shiyu explained to the Emperor that they had anticipated the plotters would make their move on his wedding day and had prepared thoroughly, embedding soldiers from Liuzhou in the capital to intercept them.
The plan involved the Emperor swapping medicine with Lady Chen to feign illness, allowing Lady Chen to fake an imperial decree to lure the Prime Minister, and Gao Yuan intending to eliminate Zhou Jingyuan under the guise of quelling rebellion. When his plan collapsed around him, Gao Yuan, cornered, lunged toward the Emperor with a blade. Ashina Yueling bravely stepped forward to shield the Emperor and was critically wounded.
Lin Mu quickly intervened, ending Gao Yuan's life by throwing a knife. Zhou Shiyu rushed to Yueling's side, urging her to hold on. Yueling, referencing the predictions of the jade pendants, suggested her fate was sealed but asked Zhou Shiyu to promise he would continue to live. Zhou Shiyu was overcome with grief.
In the aftermath, the Emperor issued a decree honoring Princess Consort Ashina Yueling for saving his life and declared that, to ensure lasting peace between Beishuo and Dongyu, people from Dongyu would be treated equally within Beishuo. Zhou Shiyu remained by Yueling's side, unable to bury her or accept her passing, constantly dreaming of her.
Xingyi received a letter from his father, the Dongyu Khan, requesting that Yueling's body be returned home, but he found it impossible to approach Zhou Shiyu, who guarded her vigilantly day and night. It was noted that Yueling, though lifeless, remarkably retained a rosy, lifelike appearance, becoming a subject of strange tales. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhixuan, hearing of Zhou Shiyu's deep sorrow and Yueling's condition, reflected on their past rivalry.
He acknowledged that Zhou Shiyu, his third brother, had previously warned him about Yang Xu having secret dealings with people from the Prime Minister's residence, a warning Zhou Zhixuan had initially dismissed. He recognized the futility of their past competition, realizing it had stemmed from his own inner conflict rather than the distinction between them. Zhou Zhixuan expressed hope that Yueling would recover so Zhou Shiyu could resume assisting the Emperor, as he found the task challenging alone.
Zhou Shiyu continued his vigil over Yueling. He placed the jade pendant she wore back on her. Due to being frequently moistened by Zhou Shiyu's tears, the jade pendant somehow regained its efficacy. Miraculously, as Zhou Shiyu was boiling medicine outside the door, Yueling awakened and softly called out his name. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhou Shiyu rushed to her and embraced her tightly, promising they would never be separated again. Later, they formally celebrated their union with a wedding ceremony.
Zhou Shiyu bade farewell to the Emperor, confirming his plans to travel to Dongyu with Yueling. He explained his purpose was twofold: to honor Yueling's free spirit and desire for freedom, and to eliminate the influence and conflicts caused by the late Zhou Jingyuan, thus thoroughly resolving the border disputes and stabilizing the frontier. The Emperor expressed reluctance to see him go, particularly as he currently lacked an heir and greatly valued Zhou Shiyu's counsel.
Zhou Shiyu reassured him, mentioning Lady Chen's impending childbirth and the imperial physician's expectation of a son, and emphasized that stabilizing the border was a vital way to protect the empire. Recognizing Zhou Shiyu's noble intentions and high aspirations, the Emperor granted his departure, calling it a mission to secure the frontier, and looked forward to his victorious return and their future endeavors together, watching over the vast lands.
Gao Luoyi had completely lost her memory after her ordeal but, upon recovering, only remembered Zhou Zhixuan, having forgotten Zhou Shiyu. She came to live with him, and they developed a harmonious relationship. Zhou Zhixuan cared for her and playfully teased her about her memory loss, noting that her amnesia had prevented the Emperor from blaming her for her family's actions. He even playfully attempted to teach her martial arts and joked about her teaching their future children.
Five years later, Zhou Shiyu and Yueling resided in Dongyu with their two children. Xingyi and Su Nian had also joined them, living together in a free and relaxed manner, enjoying the local customs and food. During meals, Zhou Shiyu consistently served Yueling first, a gesture reflecting his deep affection and respect. The family and friends shared a happy life, enjoying their peaceful existence in Dongyu and the joy of family life.
