Love & Crown Episode 19 Recap
> Love & Crown Recap
Ling Cangcang noticed it was snowing where they were, and Xiao Huan appeared increasingly lethargic and spiritless. She found his body to be extremely cold, which caused her great worry. Xiao Huan managed a faint smile, expressing his happiness at her concern. Ling Cangcang questioned why he had deceived her into leaving and then returned himself. Xiao Huan asserted that he was not only the Emperor but also her husband, and his return was solely to ensure her safety.
She pressed him again about his return, to which he replied that he did not want to be blamed for her death. Ling Cangcang, however, suspected his true motive was concern for her, a notion he quickly denied. Suddenly, Xiao Huan pulled her close, complaining of the cold and seeking warmth in her embrace.
As Ling Jueding and his soldiers arrived to greet the royal couple, Xiao Huan suddenly collapsed beside Ling Cangcang without a word, unresponsive to her frantic calls. Du Tingxin, summoned to examine him, delivered a grim diagnosis: Xiao Huan was gravely ill, perhaps beyond saving. She revealed that his critical condition was due to taking the Yushu Pill, a potent substance he consumed to suppress his cold poison, enabling him to rush to Ling Cangcang's rescue.
However, this pill, being a poison itself, had caused his qi to be obstructed throughout all organs, severely damaging both his heart and lungs. Overwhelmed by this revelation, Ling Cangcang broke down in tears, realizing that Xiao Huan had given her his only antidote, the Frost Reed. Ling Jueding then presented an old shaman's medicinal bath prescription, previously used to treat soldiers with cold poison, though its efficacy in Xiao Huan's severe state was uncertain.
Despite Du Tingxin's hesitation, Ling Cangcang vehemently insisted they try the remedy without delay, ordering guards to prepare the bath and boil the herbs. Ling Cangcang personally tended to Xiao Huan through the night as he underwent the medicinal bath. Though he had awakened briefly and witnessed her lying beside him, he had feigned sleep to test her. Now, as his fever finally broke, he genuinely opened his eyes to her joyful relief.
He expressed regret for past misunderstandings, asking for a chance to start anew and promising to remain by her side until she willingly embraced him. Later, Xiao Huan subtly sent Ling Cangcang away for pear blossom honey, allowing him to speak with Du Tingxin privately. He confronted her about her choice to save the Phoenix Seal over the Empress when Kumor forced the decision.
Du Tingxin, unwavering, defended her actions, claiming they were for the good of Great Qi and the Emperor, as she viewed Ling Cangcang as a threat. Undeterred, Xiao Huan ordered Du Tingxin to leave the Phoenix Seal and return to the Capital immediately. He firmly declared that while many could treat his illness, Ling Cangcang was his one and only Empress, even if it meant sacrificing his life for her.
Later, Ling Cangcang brought him a crystal ice lantern, suggesting they return to the Capital soon due to the harsh conditions. Xiao Huan agreed, promising to tell her tomorrow what would truly make him happy, and asked her to rest beside him for now. Meanwhile, Du Tingxin harbored deep resentment towards Xiao Huan, internally questioning the longevity of his renewed relationship with Ling Cangcang.
General Lu Qi sought an audience with her at Nanrong Palace, ostensibly to report on his mission but with a clear intent to express his admiration. Du Tingxin, discerning his unspoken affection, gently rebuffed him by referencing the palace's name, "Nanrong," which signifies that one devoted to the divine cannot be tainted by mortal desires. Nevertheless, she kindly offered him incense and tonic pills for his sleepless nights, inviting him to collect them monthly.
Separately, Xiao Qianqing, having captured Physician Li, proceeded alone to Mount Xiandu, distrusting his accompanying guards whom he ordered to be closely watched. He recalled a past conversation with Xiao Huan, who, before his departure, had warned him against reckless behavior and entrusted him with a pouch, hinting at its importance.
Xiao Qianqing confronted Physician Li, who revealed that although the original Frost Reed antidote was gone, an alternative, Frost Blossom, could save Xiao Huan's life for at least ten more years. Physician Li then detailed how Frost Blossom, a rare cliff-dwelling plant, could be found by following bee-eaters, which collect the flower during courtship. As Xiao Qianqing navigated the dangerous cliffs in search of the flower, he almost fell but was saved by Zhong Lin.
Surprised, he asked why she returned after he had set her free. Zhong Lin explained that she was repaying him for sparing her life, adding that they were now even. Xiao Qianqing confessed he couldn't have left her to die alone in the mountains. Weeping, Zhong Lin revealed her despair, stating she had nowhere to go and feared facing Ling Cangcang.
She recounted her past: she was rescued from the Lingbi Sect Saintess by Master Li Lu, who tasked her with protecting Ling Cangcang. However, she was later ordered by Lingbi Sect's guardian to kill Xiao Qianqing. She apologized for her attempt on his life and warned him that the Lingbi Sect would pursue him relentlessly.
Zhong Lin offered to stay and protect him, an offer Xiao Qianqing accepted, albeit playfully telling her to stop her gloomy demeanor and even asking her to smile. He then promised to take her to Ling Cangcang in Jiangzhou and shoulder any consequences. Back in the Capital, Ling Xuefeng received a letter from Ling Jueding, confirming the victory in Jiangzhou and the safety of his children.
Overjoyed, Ling Xuefeng lavishly rewarded his household and ordered his butler to closely monitor Ling Jueding and Ling Cangcang's interactions with Xiao Huan. Shortly after, Guan Qi reported his failure to apprehend Xiao Qianqing in Xuzhou, infuriating Ling Xuefeng, who commanded him to reflect on how his skills fell short of Xianxue's.
