Love & Crown Episode 25 Recap
> Love & Crown Recap
A guard attempted to serve Princess Xiao Ying her meal, but she dismissively told him to leave, expressing her dislike for him. The guard, however, quickly mentioned that Commander Hongqing had left a message for her. Xiao Ying’s demeanor softened, and she eagerly inquired about the message. The guard relayed Hongqing's words: if she remained calm, did not lash out, and behaved, the flower she was tending would soon bloom.
Though she complained that the guard didn't deliver the message as nicely as Hongqing would have, Xiao Ying composed herself and agreed to eat. Soon after, Empress Ling Cangcang arrived, worried that Xiao Ying would still be angry about Hongqing’s sudden departure. Xiao Ying, however, surprised her by declaring that she had forgiven them, calling it a secret she wouldn't share.
When Xiao Ying asked when Hongqing would return, Ling Cangcang admitted she didn't know but assured the princess that Emperor Xiao Huan would have a surprise for her upon Hongqing’s return. Inspired to prepare a return gift, Xiao Ying decided to make a sachet after Ling Cangcang affirmed that a handmade gift from the heart was the most precious.
Ling Cangcang later reported to Xiao Huan that Xiao Ying seemed to be handling Hongqing’s absence with unusual stability, which pleased the Emperor. Ling Cangcang then expressed her hope for Hongqing’s safe return. Xiao Huan, confident in his meticulous and trusted general, noticed a sachet nearby and mistakenly thought Xiao Ying had made it for Hongqing. Ling Cangcang, slightly embarrassed, clarified that she had made it for Xiao Huan.
Initially surprised, Xiao Huan quickly recovered and praised her skilled embroidery, assuring her he cherished the gift. Meanwhile, Du Tingxin discussed with General Lu Qi that Princess Xiao Ying was genuinely in love with Hongqing, but she doubted Hongqing would return alive, believing the Lingbi Sect would surely kill him. General Lu expressed concern that Du Tingxin's powerful ally was dangerous and saw her merely as a pawn.
Du Tingxin, whom General Lu addresses as the National Master, brushed off his concern, asserting her desire to live freely and not be controlled by others. She then reaffirmed that the Lingbi Sect was capable of taking Li Hongqing's life. During his mission, Hongqing infiltrated the Lingbi Sect to rescue General Shi Yan. Inside, he encountered Luo Xianxue, who unexpectedly helped him secure Shi Yan's escape. With many pursuers closing in, Hongqing decided to stay behind as a distraction.
Before creating the diversion, he entrusted Shi Yan to Luo Xianxue, urging him to take Shi Yan to the capital and report the Lingbi Sect's activities to the Emperor and Empress. He also reassured Luo Xianxue that he would not die, as someone was waiting for his return. Luo Xianxue, in turn, told Hongqing to be careful.
Back in the palace, Xiao Ying continued to nurture her Blaze Blossom, reminiscing about Hongqing's promise to take her to see a sea of blossoms when it bloomed. When a servant brought her dinner, she remembered Hongqing’s words about not bullying the weak and reluctantly ate. Unable to bear the suspense any longer, she went to find Xiao Huan. There, she saw Hongqing’s sword.
Xiao Huan tried to soften the blow, suggesting that because no body had been found, Hongqing might still be alive. However, a general revealed the grim truth: Hongqing had sacrificed himself to distract the Lingbi Sect's elites after they set an ambush, leading to his presumed death by falling off a cliff, with only his sword recovered. The general also mentioned that Luo Xianxue had saved the mission from total failure.
Xiao Huan sternly ordered the general to continue the search and to ensure Xiao Ying remained ignorant. But it was too late; Xiao Ying had overheard everything. Overwhelmed with grief and rage, Xiao Ying accused Xiao Huan of intentionally sending Hongqing to his death because he disliked their relationship. She refused to call him "brother," insisting only her other brother, Xiao Qianqing, had that right.
Xiao Huan tried to calm her, reminding her he was her brother and desired her happiness, but she defiantly challenged him to prove it by promising her something. Concerned by Xiao Ying's erratic behavior, Xiao Huan summoned Prince Xiao Qianqing. Meanwhile, Ling Cangcang went to check on Xiao Ying and discovered her room in disarray. Beneath a moved carpet, she found a disturbing drawing: a figure crowned like the Emperor with a dagger pointing at his heart.
Realizing the danger, Ling Cangcang quickly dispatched servants to notify General Lu and summon Xiao Qianqing, while she hurried to Wuying Hall to find Xiao Huan. At the same time, the conspiracy against the Emperor moved forward. Having been secretly instigated by General Lu, who manipulated her grief into a thirst for revenge, Xiao Ying was preparing to use a legendary Dual-Pupil Art, a process that was causing her to lose her sanity.
Du Tingxin confirmed to General Lu that she had been subtly tampering with Xiao Huan's daily pills to make him drowsy and less alert. Elsewhere, their ally, Ling Xuefeng, prepared to make his move. Oblivious, Xiao Huan was indeed feeling drowsy after taking his medicine. Xiao Ying, having performed a ritual that involved cutting her hand to allow a worm to enter her body, confronted Xiao Huan.
As he attempted to reason with his distraught sister, Xiao Ying lunged at him with a dagger. General Lu rushed to intervene but was struck by her. Just then, Ling Cangcang burst into the hall and bravely tried to stop Xiao Ying, pleading with her to remember Hongqing's promise to take her to see the flower sea. Enraged, Xiao Ying violently pushed Ling Cangcang away. The Empress stumbled and was struck in the abdomen, collapsing instantly and suffering a miscarriage.
Xiao Qianqing arrived to find his sister in a trance-like state and the Empress injured. Understanding the grave situation, he immediately begged Xiao Huan to spare Xiao Ying's life. But Xiao Huan, heartbroken and furious over the loss of his child and Ling Cangcang’s unconscious state, was in no mood for mercy. Imperial Physician Li assured Xiao Huan that Ling Cangcang had a strong constitution and would likely recover if she regained consciousness.
Despite this, Xiao Huan refused to leave her side, ignoring pleas to rest. He also banished Xiao Qianqing, ordering him to remain kneeling outside. The next morning, Ling Cangcang finally awoke. Her first concern was for Xiao Huan's safety, asking if he was hurt. Xiao Huan, deeply relieved, assured her that he was fine.
