Jun Jiu Ling Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
With Fang Chengyu's courageous revelation of Chu Rang's crimes, a stunned silence fell over the imperial hall, followed by gasps from the assembled officials. Although some older ministers had harbored doubts about the ransom, they kept their suspicions hidden, fearing to touch upon such a dangerous subject.
Fang Chengyu declared that the silver meant for the ransom was not counterfeit but the only batch produced in the third year of the Taiyuan period, specifically for the redemption of the late emperor from Zezhou. He asserted that the Northern Qi had not betrayed their word by killing the late emperor after receiving the ransom; rather, the silver never reached Zezhou at all, implying a frame-up.
Chu Rang immediately accused Fang Chengyu and others of colluding to frame him and plot rebellion, ordering imperial guards to seize them. However, he found himself surrounded by Arm Moral Department forces, led by Lu Yunqi, who declared he had failed to protect "her" in the past and would not repeat the same mistake. Chu Rang, desperate, reiterated his status as the legitimate emperor who inherited the throne from his father and brother, daring anyone to convict him.
However, his authority crumbled as Chu Jiuling, or her allies, reminded him how he ascended the throne. They revealed that the late emperor had secretly investigated Chu Rang, who, fearing exposure for embezzling silver, killed his own brother to seize power. Furthermore, during his reign, Chu Rang had been swayed by crafty sycophants, estranged wise ministers, ceded three counties, and increased taxes, plunging the people into hardship. It was proclaimed that he was unfit to be emperor.
To substantiate these claims, Bing'er, the imperial maid of the late emperor, stepped forward. She testified that the late emperor had been in good health, refuting claims of sudden illness, and that on the night of his death, Chu Rang secretly entered the palace. After he left, Bing'er saw distinct strangulation marks on the late emperor's neck.
Lu Yunqi then confessed that he had been on duty in the imperial palace that night and had witnessed Chu Rang strangling the late emperor in the Imperial Study after hearing the late emperor's cries for help. As the truth emerged, the imperial guards faltered, unwilling to protect Chu Rang, who became hysterical, denying his actions and branding everyone mad.
Lu Yunqi, despite Chu Rang's desperate pleas about their past relationship, finally revealed the full truth: his loyalty now lay with Chu Jiuling, because she was Princess Jiuling, still alive. Chu Jiuling confirmed her identity, telling Chu Rang that she had returned step by step to face him directly and avenge her father. She accused him of usurping the throne, believing corrupt officials, neglecting loyal ones, leading to loyal ministers sacrificing their lives, and causing the state to nearly collapse.
Seeing Chu Rang utterly defeated, the assembled ministers, now enlightened by the truth and the presence of the true heir, knelt in unison, welcoming Princess Jiuling back to the palace. Chu Jiuling, addressing her deceased father, proclaimed that an immoral emperor should not rule the world. Though the dramatic events unfolded within the tightly sealed hall, outside, life continued as usual, with market vendors and patrolling guards oblivious to the seismic shift in power.
Only the anomalous sky hinted at divine retribution. Chu Jiuling decided not to kill Chu Rang, but rather to let him live, suffering the eternal scorn and condemnation of the Tianyou people, which she deemed a far greater punishment. With the transition of power complete, Ning Yunzhao presented the imperial jade seal to Chu Jiuling.
He explained that he had secretly hidden it and had acted as a "traitor minister" by observing Chu Rang's every move, not just for Chu Jiuling, but for the future peace and prosperity of Tianyou, to protect loyal officials from Chu Rang's suspicious and cowardly rule.
While he initially proposed enthroning Prince Huai, citing his intelligence and determination despite his youth, Chu Jiuling, after careful consideration and consultation with Zhu Zan, decided against it, noting that Prince Huai (Jiurong) was still too young for such a heavy responsibility. Instead, she argued that true imperial power lay in the hearts of the people, not merely on the throne.
She proposed Prince Xian as the most suitable candidate, highlighting his bravery, wisdom, orthodox lineage as the late emperor's direct bloodline, and the popularity he gained by standing with the people during the recent conflicts. Later, Lu Yunqi sought out Chu Jiuling. As others respectfully withdrew, Lu Yunqi recalled his first day on duty in the palace, meeting her, and how her passing by had become the happiest moments of his life, like a dream.
He acknowledged his role as an accomplice in her father's death, admitting he had a chance to save the late emperor but hesitated due to a single misguided thought. Offering his life as atonement, he said he had nothing else to give. Chu Jiuling, tightly gripping a dagger, plunged it towards him, but intentionally avoided a fatal blow.
This symbolic act was her way of severing their complicated past, declaring their ties broken and forgiving herself, believing that the true punishment for him was to be forever estranged, never to meet again. As spring faded into early summer, the Jiuling Drugstore buzzed with joyful celebration. Fang Chengyu, Chen Qi, and Fang Jinxiu, now married, were among the lively crowd.
Chen Qi often teased Fang Jinxiu about her past promise to marry him if he returned alive, while she playfully denied it. Fang Chengyu, seeing Chu Jiuling as his own sister regardless of blood, affectionately called her his "princess sister." Amidst the revelry, a servant announced the arrival of Ning Yunzhao, who wished to speak with Chu Jiuling privately. Zhu Zan, though feigning magnanimity, showed clear signs of jealousy.
When others openly commented on Ning Yunzhao being a popular choice for a husband among young women, Zhu Zan, feeling a bit "dizzy" from the wine and the conversation, decided to look for hangover medicine, knowing full well it was located near the front hall where Ning Yunzhao was waiting. He secretly observed Chu Jiuling and Ning Yunzhao playing Go, feeling a weight lift from his heart before rejoining the others for drinks.
Ning Yunzhao had come to bid farewell, knowing that Chu Jiuling was soon to embark on a journey to the North with Lord Cheng's family for her impending marriage. They decided to play one last game of Go. As they placed their pieces, the moment echoed their first encounter at the Lantern Festival, when they played a blind Go match, fostering an unspoken understanding between them.
Ning Yunzhao commented on Chu Jiuling's decisive and thoughtful moves, admitting he was consistently outmatched. He reflected on life's encounters and partings, noting how he had always felt alone until meeting her that night. He then publicly reaffirmed his engagement with her from his days as the No. 1 Scholar, stating that while many might be unhappy about it, he had since let go of those expectations.
Chu Jiuling, without preparing tea for his visit, offered a pear as a substitute, marking the bittersweet end of their journey together. Ning Yunzhao accepted, acknowledged the end of their game and their shared path, and bid her farewell, disappearing into the night. Following these events, the capital city returned to an era of peace and prosperity.
Fang Chengyu returned to Zezhou to reunite with his family, while Chen Qi and Fang Jinxiu remained in the capital, managing the Jiuling Drugstore. Prince Xian was enthroned as emperor, with the Ning family leading the officials in respectfully paying homage, symbolizing a new, grander era for the ancient palace. Meanwhile, Zhu Zan took Chu Jiuling to the North. He showed her the beautiful northern manjusaka flowers he had promised.
He then confessed that their future life together would not always be easy, but with her by his side, he would face any hardship with joy. He lovingly called her "Ling Jiu" and asked her to marry him, proposing they travel the world, enjoy its mountains and rivers, and spend the rest of their lives together.
Chu Jiuling readily accepted, expressing her desire for a diverse life with him, to be with him day and night, and to cherish him forever, promising they would never separate. As he took her hand, Zhu Zan told her that compared to her, high mountains, broad rivers, twinkling stars, and the bright moon were all negligible. He promised that whether she was Jun Jiuling or Chu Jiuling, he would give her whatever she desired and he possessed, vowing to keep his promise to her for life.
