Legend of Yun Xi Episode 7 Recap
> Legend of Yun Xi Recap
Imperial Doctor Gu Beiyue was inspecting several bodies at the morgue, attempting to determine the cause of death for a series of high-ranking officials who had mysteriously perished. He admitted his limited knowledge of poisons, noting that even top poison experts were baffled by the strange toxins. Han Yunxi, feigning a commission from Imperial Doctor Han Cong'an, arrived to assist in the investigation.
Using her unique abilities, Han Yunxi quickly identified the cause of death as a poison from "spider mosquitoes." She explained that the perpetrator mixed a special powder into the victims' food or fragrances, which attracted the bloodthirsty spider mosquitoes, causing a silent and untraceable death by paralyzing the victims' functions and stopping their hearts. Impressed by her insight, Gu Beiyue inquired about her source, but Han Yunxi claimed she couldn't remember the name of the ancient book and quickly departed.
Meanwhile, at Wanyan House, Gu Qishao provided Yu Ze, the top courtesan, with fresh "poison mosquito powder," instructing her to lie low. He explained that since Prince Qin Long Feiye's military power had been removed, he would have more time to investigate the case. Gu Qishao believed the Imperial Academy of Medicine would find nothing and advised against any rash actions that might arouse Long Feiye's suspicions.
He reflected on the insidious nature of the poison, which, while harmless itself, attracted the spider mosquitoes that caused undetectable deaths. As Han Yunxi left the morgue, she unexpectedly encountered Gu Qishao. Their playful banter led to Gu Qishao insisting on treating her to a meal at his favorite noodle shop, a place he considered his "secret base." After their meal, as Han Yunxi walked away, she inadvertently bumped into Yu Ze, who was distracted and dropped a small bottle.
Han Yunxi recognized the contents as the very poison powder she had just identified at the morgue. Unseen by Yu Ze, Han Yunxi followed her to Wanyan House, suspecting her involvement. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Long Feiye, searching for Han Yunxi, discovered a silver needle in her room.
This discovery, coupled with recalled conversations about draining poison with needles and the Empress Dowager's desire to find the Wind Tribe mark on him, led him to realize that Han Yunxi was not only the "poison girl" who had stolen his medicinal scripture but also a spy sent by the Empress Dowager. He began to reflect on their past encounters, a mix of emotions stirring within him.
In Qinghui Palace, Consort Qing, who was Princess Chu Qingge of Western Qiu, lamented the unavenged defeat of her country. Unwilling to wait passively, she decided to send her treasured Thousand-Year Blood Jade to the Empress Dowager. She instructed her senior maid to ensure that all the palace consorts knew of this grand gesture, hoping to draw attention.
Noble Consort Xiao, mother of the Second Imperial Prince, immediately saw Consort Qing's move as a threat and ordered her maid to investigate the gift. At Renshou Palace, the Empress Dowager received the blood jade, appreciating its value but suspicious of Consort Qing's motives. When Emperor Tianhui arrived, she brought up his recent decision to strip Prince Qin of his military power.
The Emperor dismissed it as a mere "test," assuring her that a "tiger without teeth" was no longer a threat. The Empress Dowager warned him against pushing Long Feiye too far and then showed him Consort Qing's gift, pointedly asking if he was captivated by her beauty. Emperor Tianhui asserted his focus remained on the country. The Empress Dowager cautioned him about "beauty breeding disaster," expressing her distrust of Chu Qingge.
She concluded by reminding him that she had secured his throne, but maintaining it was his responsibility, especially with Prince Qin "waiting in the wings." Later, Emperor Tianhui made an unannounced visit to Consort Qing's residence. He found her painting a landscape of Xiqiu and praised her artistry. The Emperor then subtly probed her thoughts on the recent poisonings.
Feigning humility, Consort Qing stated that Prince Qin, known for his wisdom and bravery, would not resort to such a "silly method" if he wished to eliminate someone, expressing her belief in his innocence. Upon Han Yunxi's return, Long Feiye confronted her, forcing her to kneel. Deliberately omitting his discovery that she was a spy, he demanded to know why she had hidden her identity and seemingly implicated him in the Grand Court murder.
Han Yunxi earnestly explained she had only sought the Shenyou grass for her carbuncle and hadn't known his identity until their marriage, keeping silent out of fear. To prove her worth, she revealed that the victims died from spider mosquito poison and that she had seen a woman carrying the poison powder. Acting on her tip, Long Feiye and his aide, Xifeng, went to Wanyan House. There, they learned the top courtesan, Yu Ze, only entertained familiar noble clients.
Though he suspected Yu Ze, Long Feiye decided against immediate action, concluding that a single bottle wasn't conclusive proof and acting in a crowded place like Wanyan House would be improper. He ordered Xifeng to quietly investigate Yu Ze's patrons. The next morning, Han Yunxi learned that Long Feiye had gone to welcome Tang Li, his close brother known for his lively personality and formidable skills.
Meanwhile, Ouyang Ningjing, Tang Li's spirited fiancée from Yunkong Academy, was furiously beating a wooden dummy with his name on it, enraged by his decision to flee their marriage. After her father advised her to change her tactics, and she learned Tang Li was not at the academy, Ouyang Ningjing deduced he was at Prince Qin's Mansion. Determined, she resolved to stop waiting and go drag him back herself.
That night, a frantic maid informed Consort Qing that Emperor Tianhui had fallen ill. At Wende Palace, Imperial Doctor Han Cong'an diagnosed the Emperor with the highly infectious smallpox. The Empress Dowager was furious at the doctor's inability to promise a cure but displayed little genuine sorrow. When she asked who would volunteer to stay and care for the Emperor, the other consorts remained silent. Consort Qing immediately stepped forward, proclaiming her unwavering loyalty.
The Empress Dowager praised her while scolding Noble Consort Xiao for her cowardice. As strict isolation protocols were issued, Consort Qing observed the Empress Dowager's composure and the fact that only the Emperor was afflicted with no clear source of infection. She suspected the illness was a carefully orchestrated political test.