My Queen Episode 18 Recap
> My Queen Recap
Jiang Mengmeng, confronting Murong Chen who was disguised as Yun Ya, declared her decision to marry Yun Ya, asserting that she had finally realized who she truly loved. She then launched into a harsh criticism of Murong Chen, describing him as a neat freak, sharp-tongued, and directionless. She claimed he was incapable in both scholarly and martial arts, and utterly useless in governing or trade.
She dismissed him as nothing more than a burden when traveling, calling him a "useless, lousy and worthless wretch." When Yun Ya (Murong Chen) questioned why she had previously worried about Murong Chen, Jiang Mengmeng retorted that her concern was merely pity, akin to what she felt for stray cats and dogs. In stark contrast, she lauded Yun Ya as a powerful and perfect hero and lover.
She pledged to remove Murong Chen from their lives quickly so she and Yun Ya could be together, to which Yun Ya (Murong Chen) responded that they should discuss marriage later and asked her to leave, leaving her to question if he truly wanted her to go. Jiang Mengmeng then dramatically unmasked Yun Ya, revealing him to be Murong Chen. She expressed regret that she hadn't done so the first time they met.
Murong Chen repeatedly apologized, but Jiang Mengmeng rejected his apologies, lamenting that he had countless opportunities to tell her the truth but chose not to. She tearfully admitted that while she believed he had feelings for her, she felt he prioritized the blood night-blooming cereus over her.
Murong Chen tried to explain, but Jiang Mengmeng, asserting that the blood night-blooming cereus had been obtained, handed it to him, declaring their relationship over and that they no longer owed each other anything. She walked away, stating she was not one to cling to former lovers and that they would never meet again, leaving a heartbroken Murong Chen behind.
Meanwhile, Song Che was excitedly demonstrating a new martial arts move to Zhe Xiang, proclaiming that fighting was his most serious pursuit. As they sparred, they lost their balance and fell, their lips accidentally meeting. Zhe Xiang immediately slapped Song Che across the face and stormed off. Before Song Che could react, he saw Jiang Mengmeng running back in tears. He rushed to comfort her, asking if Murong Chen had upset her and offering to confront him.
Jiang Mengmeng, however, simply stated she never wanted to see Murong Chen again and wished to leave immediately. Song Che, secretly thrilled at the prospect of being rid of Murong Chen and traveling alone with Jiang Mengmeng, readily agreed. The next morning, Xiao Ai informed Chang Kong that Princess Jiang Mengmeng and her belongings were gone, as were Murong Chen and Song Che. Chang Kong confirmed that Zhe Xiang was also missing, prompting Zhe Xiang to exclaim, "Oh no!"
On the road, Jiang Mengmeng remained sullen, barely responding to Song Che's attempts at conversation. Suddenly, Murong Chen rode up, calling out to Jiang Mengmeng and begging her to return to the palace with him so he could explain everything. Jiang Mengmeng stubbornly refused, asking him to let her go. Just then, Murong Yi, the Crown Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom and Murong Chen's elder brother, arrived with his entourage. Murong Chen was surprised by his brother's presence.
Murong Yi expressed his relief at finding them, explaining that Governor Ye had reported Murong Chen's whereabouts, and he had personally requested the Emperor's permission to retrieve them due to Murong Chen's journey with his "sister-in-law" on such a difficult path without sufficient servants. Jiang Mengmeng began to protest, stating she could walk on her own.
Murong Yi then spoke of his declining health and how seeing Murong Chen finally settling down with such a wonderful "sister-in-law" would bring him peace, even if it meant his immediate death. Alarmed, Jiang Mengmeng started to reveal the truth about their broken engagement, but Murong Chen quickly pulled her aside. He implored her to pretend they were still engaged for just two more days, not wanting to upset his ailing brother.
Seeing Murong Yi's frail condition, Jiang Mengmeng reluctantly agreed to the charade. They all returned to Cang Yun Kingdom, with Jiang Mengmeng agreeing to go along with them for now. Back in Cang Yun Kingdom, Murong Yi hosted a banquet. During the meal, Song Che ate without restraint, while Murong Chen tried to offer Jiang Mengmeng food, which she refused, maintaining a tense atmosphere.
Later, Chang Kong urgently reported that Xiao Ai had gone into the forest and was now missing. Jiang Mengmeng immediately left to search for her, instructing Chang Kong to gather others to help. She eventually found herself by a river, where Murong Chen had arranged fireflies to spell out the word "Sorry." Jiang Mengmeng was unimpressed, confronting him for using Chang Kong to lure her there, stating it was pointless as they were to part ways in two days anyway.
Murong Chen asked if she truly wouldn't forgive him. She reiterated that she had said all she needed to say. He then insisted she listen to his explanation. Murong Chen recounted how, nine years prior, he and Murong Yi were pursued by Yu Qingzhu. He confessed that on an earlier occasion, before he met Jiang Mengmeng, he had inadvertently entered Yu Qingzhu's poisonous miasmatic forest.
Murong Yi, in an act of sacrifice, saved him but was bitten by a two-headed snake, resulting in systemic poisoning, paralysis, and a prognosis of only ten years to live, meaning his brother would die next year. Jiang Mengmeng was shocked, realizing that Murong Chen's quest for the blood night-blooming cereus was to save his brother. She also inquired about his own cold poison.
Murong Chen noticed her concern, casually dismissing his own condition as non-fatal as long as he avoided using internal force. He acknowledged her anger for his deception, admitting he would not forgive himself either, but insisted that if faced with the same choice, he would still make it due to his responsibilities to his brother and the kingdom, which was constantly challenged by Yu Qingzhu and the Jing Yue Sect.
Jiang Mengmeng now understood his dual identity as the "ridiculous prince" and Yun Ya, the protector of the world. Murong Chen confessed that Jiang Mengmeng was the only person he never wanted to lie to, calling her his sole "selfish desire" in a life burdened with responsibility. He revealed that her genuine wish to cure him ignited a desire in him to live for himself, stating that beyond his duties, she was the only thing he truly wanted.
He passionately declared his love, explaining that as Murong Chen, he would lavish her with love and the best of everything, living happily ever after, or as Yun Ya, he would journey with her across the world to uphold justice. But being both, he faced an inescapable dilemma. He reiterated, "I love you."
He then presented her with the blood night-blooming cereus, reminding her that she had once said the flower was more important, and promised to take her to his brother in a few days, allowing her to make her own choice, which he would respect. Later, Zhe Xiang visited Jiang Mengmeng, who was still deeply troubled. Jiang Mengmeng confided in Zhe Xiang about Murong Chen's true identity and her dilemma, admitting she still liked him despite his deception.
She mentioned Murong Chen had given her the crucial blood night-blooming cereus, which she interpreted as a sign of his sincerity, leading her to consider forgiving him if he promised never to lie again. Zhe Xiang was visibly surprised by this revelation. Jiang Mengmeng felt pressed for time as she had to make a decision when meeting Murong Yi the next day. Zhe Xiang advised her not to rush, suggesting that understanding someone fully could sometimes happen in an instant.
Meanwhile, Song Che, having noticed Zhe Xiang's old shoes during dinner, bought her a new pair and surprised her with them. Zhe Xiang playfully chided him, explaining that gifting shoes symbolized sending someone away. Song Che, however, earnestly clarified that he intended the opposite, wishing for her to stay and emphasizing their bond as "partners" and "friends." Zhe Xiang was touched by his sincerity.
After Song Che left, Zhe Xiang reflected on how these newfound friendships were making her waver in her mission. Remembering Yu Qingzhu's instructions, she steeled herself to complete one final task. Subsequently, Murong Yi discussed with Murong Chen how Jiang Mengmeng's recent reclusiveness might be due to his presence. Murong Chen attributed it to an earlier argument he had with her, but Murong Yi encouraged him to reconcile, stating that quarrels were common among lovers.
As Murong Yi inquired further about the cause of their disagreement, Zhe Xiang, who had paralyzed Jiang Mengmeng, brought her to secretly listen outside Murong Yi's room. They overheard Murong Chen tell his brother that he had found the blood night-blooming cereus and its necessary medical supplement. Murong Yi was astonished. Murong Chen revealed that the blood night-blooming cereus was in Jiang Mengmeng's possession, and to Murong Yi's further shock, that Jiang Mengmeng herself was the medical supplement.
Murong Chen clarified that only a small amount of her blood was required, but he intended to tell her personally at their scheduled meeting and allow her to make her own decision. Murong Yi concurred with this approach. Murong Chen confidently asserted that Jiang Mengmeng, being kind-hearted, would surely help. Murong Yi then apologized for being the cause of the friction between Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng.
Murong Chen assured him it was not his fault and left to retrieve Jiang Mengmeng for their meeting. Jiang Mengmeng, heartbroken and in despair from eavesdropping, realized with crushing clarity that Murong Chen had never told her about the medical supplement. All his past kindness, heartfelt words, and efforts, including helping her escape her marriage and accompanying her on their journey, now seemed to be merely ploys because he knew she was the vital component for the blood night-blooming cereus.
She felt foolish for being touched by his gesture of giving her the flower. Concluding that he had manipulated her all along to secure the blood night-blooming cereus and use her blood, she felt like nothing more than a tool, utterly worthless in the eyes of the man who had lied to and exploited her.
When Murong Chen arrived at Jiang Mengmeng's room, Zhe Xiang, who was still with Jiang Mengmeng, quietly urged her to decide whether to face him or flee. Overwhelmed by pain, Jiang Mengmeng chose to leave without a word. Murong Chen entered the empty room, instantly realizing that Jiang Mengmeng was gone and that she must have overheard his conversation with Murong Yi.
