Love & Crown Episode 23 Recap
> Love & Crown Recap
After secretly overhearing a conversation between Ling Cangcang and Xiao Huan, Du Tingxin was profoundly changed, sinking into despair. She spent her days drinking heavily, often grabbing those nearby in her drunkenness to express her bitter mockery. She questioned why Ling Cangcang was Xiao Huan's greatest prize while she herself was nothing more than a used tool.
She reminisced about a time in her childhood when she felt so much pain she thought she couldn't go on, hiding away until Xiao Huan appeared, took her hand, and told her not to fear. She had considered him the light of her life, living for him entirely, but now she questioned if he had genuinely meant to save her or had merely used her as a pawn. She adamantly asked Xiao Huan if she truly owed him anything.
She revealed the tragic story of her mother, who was accused of being wanton and burned alive after the late Emperor's death by a man of exalted identity whom her mother could never name. Her mother had written a letter in blood to prove Du Tingxin's identity, hoping to ensure her safety, but her birthright was hidden. Du Tingxin fiercely declared that the imperial family had ruined both her mother and her, leaving them voiceless.
As a princess, she felt she was equally entitled to the royal power and wealth that Xiao Huan possessed. She vowed that the Xiao clan would repay the debt of her mother's death. Meanwhile, Vice Commander Lu reported to Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang that Ling Xuefeng, the former Imperial Father-in-law, had been safely escorted to Fayun Temple and settled in the Deer Courtyard.
Xiao Huan instructed that Ling Xuefeng's daily needs be met but that he should be kept from others. Ling Cangcang hoped her father would reflect on his actions, and Xiao Huan assured her she could visit him once things had settled. Du Tingxin confronted Vice Commander Lu, acknowledging he had overheard her words from the previous night. He confirmed no other palace servants were present. She demanded he keep her secret, then questioned why he wouldn't commit suicide.
When he drew a knife, Du Tingxin stopped him, stating she appreciated his loyalty, even if it was partly a display. She informed him that she had decided he was trustworthy and that his eyes revealed a willingness to live and die for her, though she could never give him her heart. Vice Commander Lu expressed his honor in dying for her, but Du Tingxin insisted she wanted him to live and serve her instead.
Later, Du Tingxin sought an audience with Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang, maintaining a respectful demeanor. Ling Cangcang observed that Du Tingxin seemed thinner and inquired about the medicine Du Tingxin was bringing for Xiao Huan, as he was still recovering from past injuries. Entering Wuying Hall, Du Tingxin told Xiao Huan she had "thought things through."
She apologized for overstepping her bounds and interfering in his and Ling Cangcang's personal affairs, acknowledging that as the Son of Heaven, his concerns extend beyond matters of state. She admitted her narrow-mindedness regarding the Jiangzhou matter and regretted betraying his trust, promising to adhere strictly to her duties. Xiao Huan responded that her sincerity mattered more than her remorse. She then presented a meticulously drawn waterworks map, which included records of annual tides, to aid the Ministry of Works.
Impressed by her diligence, Xiao Huan asked if the celestial signs indicated it was suitable to begin construction. Du Tingxin thanked him for another chance, vowing not to disappoint him, and Xiao Huan reaffirmed his belief in her meticulous capabilities. Xiao Ying excitedly told Xiao Qianqing she believed she was pregnant, asking if pregnant women often lose their appetite and sleep poorly.
Enraged by this news, Xiao Qianqing stormed into Wuying Hall, confronted Hongqing, and attempted to strike him, calling him a "beast" for taking advantage of his sister. Xiao Huan intervened, defending Hongqing and stating he was not that kind of man, while also believing his sister wouldn't lie about such a thing. Hongqing declared his innocence and offered his head if the accusation were true, swearing he and the Princess had remained pure. Xiao Huan summoned the imperial physician.
Ling Cangcang then accompanied Xiao Ying, where the physician revealed she was not pregnant but suffering from "love-sickness" due to missing Hongqing. Encouraged by Ling Cangcang, Xiao Ying found Hongqing and confessed her feelings, revealing she hadn't seen him for "seven days and ten hours" and couldn't eat or drink due to her thoughts of him. She asked if he liked her. From a distance, Xiao Qianqing lamented his "straightforward and adorable sister" falling for the "blockhead" Hongqing.
Hongqing, however, respectfully rejected Xiao Ying, stating he was "terrified" and "unworthy" of her. Xiao Ying attempted to protect Hongqing from her furious brother. Xiao Huan advised Hongqing to take time to consider his feelings, as forced affection brings no joy. Xiao Ying declared that she didn't mind if Hongqing didn't like her now, as he eventually would. Hongqing then excused himself. Ling Cangcang comforted a disheartened Xiao Ying, praising her bravery.
Xiao Qianqing complained to Xiao Huan, demanding he decree a marriage. Xiao Huan reiterated that marriage required mutual affection, citing that a forced match yields no joy. Xiao Qianqing retorted that the forced match between Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang seemed "quite sweet" now. Xiao Qianqing found Zhong Lin and, feigning a scorpion bite that he claimed caused hallucinations, used the opportunity to confess his love and propose marriage.
Zhong Lin, aware of the scorpion's non-fatal venom, initially dismissed his theatrics but was moved by his sincere declarations. She then revealed a deep secret: since joining the Lingbi Sect, she had been afflicted with the incurable "Heartbane" poison, which was fused with her blood and would erupt whenever the "Heartbane Bell" rang. She lived in constant fear of any bell sound.
Despite her past and her condition, Xiao Qianqing insisted he was serious, reaffirming his desire to marry her, stating she had already "feigned death and escaped the Lingbi Sect" and was now "under his protection." He emphasized that he liked "her" specifically. Determined to marry Zhong Lin, Xiao Qianqing sought the Empress Dowager's blessing. She vehemently refused, disparaging Zhong Lin's unknown origin, questionable virtue, and "crooked and unorthodox ways," insisting she was not a proper maiden.
Xiao Qianqing passionately argued that Zhong Lin had saved his life multiple times, risking her own safety, and that her courage and loyalty surpassed all other women in his heart. He declared he would marry no one else. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager had already orchestrated Zhong Lin's abduction to her chambers under the pretense of copying sutras. The room was filled with drugged incense, and a man was sent to defile her.
Xiao Qianqing burst in, thwarting the plot and furiously confronting his mother for using such "palace ploys" against his beloved. Later, in Wuying Hall, Xiao Qianqing formally requested Xiao Huan to grant the marriage. The Empress Dowager again objected, citing Zhong Lin's low status. Xiao Huan acknowledged that, by the rites of Great Qi, Zhong Lin's status was indeed too low to become a princess consort.
However, he praised Zhong Lin's upright character and her significant contributions to the state, including resolving the crisis in Xuzhou and retrieving the Frost Blossom, deeming these acts worthy of reward. He then decreed that Zhong Lin be granted the title of "Princess of Ding'an." Ling Cangcang immediately assured Zhong Lin that she and Xiao Huan were now her family and would protect her from any future harm.
Xiao Huan then asked Zhong Lin if she was willing to marry Xiao Qianqing, and she consented. A joyous Xiao Qianqing thanked Xiao Huan. Despite the imperial decree, Zhong Lin later expressed her insecurities to Xiao Qianqing, questioning if he was truly serious or merely pitying her, as she couldn't comprehend why a noble prince would desire someone like her, who had nothing. Xiao Qianqing tenderly reassured her that he simply loved her for who she was.
He acknowledged their shared past of wandering without rest but promised that with each other, their hearts could finally find peace. He declared her the woman he loved most. Zhong Lin, deeply touched, expressed her happiness, admitting she never imagined she could marry him. Xiao Qianqing then asked why she treated Ling Cangcang differently. Zhong Lin explained that from childhood, Ling Cangcang had been the only person who ever truly wished to protect her.
A flashback showed a young Ling Cangcang comforting a frightened Zhong Lin on her birthday, after she was beaten, and swearing sisterhood with her under a wishing tree, vowing eternal friendship and mutual support. Zhong Lin concluded by mentioning Ling Cangcang's selfless act of cutting down all the bells for her. Xiao Qianqing expressed his understanding. Separately, Xiao Ying saw a palace servant offering Hongqing a calming sachet. Jealously, Xiao Ying forbade him from accepting it and directly asked if his lack of affection for her was due to the other woman.
