Resumo do episódio 20 de Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos
> Resumos de Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos
Jinzhan went to Chai Zhenzhen to dissuade her from her intentions but found Zhenzhen resolute. Later, Jinzhan approached Xue Rong, expressing her frustration that Zhenzhen was "stubborn." Xue Rong playfully retorted that "stubborn" was a term more fitting for Jinzhan herself, stating that if he hadn't intervened to stop Zhenzhen, Jinzhan would have already agreed to the marriage. Xue Rong admitted he only had one sister and wished for her happiness.
Jinzhan urged him to prevent Zhenzhen from suffering the same "wrong marriage" fate that both she and Xue Rong had endured, hoping the painful experience wouldn't be repeated. Xue Rong, amused, noted Jinzhan’s unexpected logic. Xue Rong then summoned his ministers, declaring he wished to discuss his "family affairs" rather than state matters: his intention to abolish the empress.
When asked for reasons, Xue Rong cited Jinzhan's "inappropriate behavior" and lack of aptitude for managing harem affairs, emphasizing that an empress must be a role model for all women. Some ministers immediately agreed to the proposal. However, one general questioned if Jinzhan had committed any of the "seven major faults."
Another minister quickly clarified that she had been empress for less than a year, and the "no son" fault, often associated with the seven, only applies after a woman reaches fifty. Mr. Zheng, the Minister of Rites, then argued that as empress, Jinzhan, though from a noble family and well-raised, had not committed any significant offense since entering the palace.
He acknowledged that managing the vast imperial household could lead to minor errors and suggested providing more imperial maids for assistance, believing she would learn over time. He concluded that it would be illogical and improper to abolish an empress without a clear major transgression, respectfully urging Xue Rong to reconsider. Many ministers seconded this plea.
Princess Royal was surprised to hear Xue Rong intended to abolish the empress, questioning what Jinzhan could have done to make him abandon the highly beneficial alliance with the Fu family. Her maid, Yueying, speculated that Xue Rong might have ulterior motives, perhaps still harboring feelings for Yuzhan, recalling his past intention to marry her when he was Prince Jin. Princess Royal, finding this prospect intriguing, decided to test Xue Rong.
A letter, seemingly from Yuzhan, inviting him to a rendezvous in the Secluded Bamboo Garden that night, was placed for Xue Rong to find. Xue Rong, suspecting it was from Yuzhan, arrived as requested and waited for one hour in the high winds. Witnessing his devotion from afar, Princess Royal confirmed his genuine affection for Yuzhan. She then instructed Yueying to widely spread scandalous rumors about Xue Rong and Yuzhan throughout the capital.
While shopping, Yuzhan overheard widespread discussions about Xue Rong's intent to abolish the empress. People were openly insulting the Fu family, accusing them of being cunning and manipulative, spreading rumors that Yuzhan instigated Jinzhan’s downfall to claim the empress title herself, aligning with the "Fu female empress" prophecy. Angered, Yuzhan confronted them, reminding them of royal law and threatening their fathers with dismissal if the rumors persisted.
Later, Mr. Su confronted Fu Yanxin, expressing disbelief at the "absurd" and widely known rumors about his daughters' "love affairs" with the emperor. He criticized Fu Yanxin’s "poor family education" and warned of severe consequences from court officials if the rumors weren't stopped. Fu Yanxin promised to immediately approach Zhang Yongyao to discuss the marriage.
Prime Minister Fan then informed Fu Yanxin that numerous impeachment petitions had been filed against him, accusing him of "wolf-like ambition" and using Yuzhan to "bewitch the monarch" to secure the empress's position. He warned that these accusations would be used to force Fu Yanxin to surrender his military command. Fu Yanxin presented Yuzhan with Zhang Yongyao’s betrothal gifts, instructing her to prepare her wedding gown.
He explained the gravity of the situation: refusing to surrender his military power would brand the Fu family as power-hungry traitors. Moreover, he revealed that Jinzhan's status as empress would become a "shame" rather than an "honor" with her own sister accused of coveting her position. He stated unequivocally that Yuzhan's marriage to Zhang Yongyao was essential to quash the rumors and clear the Fu family's name; otherwise, he would surrender his military power immediately.
Xue Rong was informed by Guo Fu that Yuzhan was set to marry Zhang Yongyao the following day, with betrothal gifts already delivered to the Fu family. Disbelieving, Xue Rong was then presented by Jinzhan with a letter, allegedly from Yuzhan, which included his jade pendant and served as a farewell message, seemingly in response to Xue Rong's broken promise. Xue Rong doubted its authenticity, realizing it wasn't personally given by Yuzhan.
Jinzhan urged him to intervene before it was too late. Xue Rong decided to go to the Fu mansion with Jinzhan. Princess Royal also learned of the impending marriage and went to bid Zhang Yongyao farewell, telling him to take care. At the Fu mansion, Jinzhan asked Yuzhan if she genuinely intended to marry Zhang Yongyao, to which Yuzhan silently confirmed. Xue Rong demanded a private conversation with Yuzhan.
Fu Yanxin initially objected, deeming it improper, but Xue Rong, asserting his imperial authority, dismissed the concern. Jinzhan, stepping in, assured her father of Xue Rong’s sincere feelings and respectful conduct, convincing him to allow the private discussion. Alone, Xue Rong reminded Yuzhan of her promise to wait, affirming his unwavering commitment and urging her not to give up.
He stressed their past hardships and the necessity of enduring together, even if it meant "facing hellfire and becoming enemies of the world." Yuzhan questioned why they had to choose such a difficult path, but Xue Rong insisted it was the only way for them to unite. Yuzhan then asked if he could truly ignore the rampant rumors and the mounting impeachments against the Fu family, who had become a public target.
Xue Rong dismissed these concerns, prompting Yuzhan to retort that as emperor, he couldn't comprehend the Fu family's struggles, citing the perilous Xingzhou corruption case as an example. Xue Rong, however, assured her he would never have punished the Fu family. He implored Yuzhan to release herself from the constant burden of family interests, warning that she was losing her own identity. He asked how much longer she would carry this load and when she would finally live for herself.
Yuzhan tearfully confessed she "cannot," asserting that "there would be no Yuzhan without the Fu family," and she couldn’t be responsible for its destruction. Xue Rong promised the Fu family would be safe under his protection. Yuzhan, however, declared herself "tired," expressing uncertainty about facing "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or any future day." Meanwhile, Fu Yanxin voiced his frustration with both his daughters.
Jinzhan challenged her father, accusing him of forcing them into unwanted marriages despite his claims of wanting their happiness. She passionately declared that "rules are rigid, but people are alive," and that living individuals should not be "trapped by rules," a statement that sparked an idea in her mind. Jinzhan went to Jiang Shao's mansion, but he was not there. Instead, she found Chai Zhenzhen sewing a wedding dress.
Zhenzhen then informed Jinzhan that Xue Rong had promised to issue an imperial decree for her marriage to Jiang Shao, and she would be getting married soon. Zhenzhen asserted that even if Jinzhan and Jiang Shao loved each other, Jinzhan, as the empress, could not be with him and should not burden Jiang Shao with a lifetime of unhappiness. Zhenzhen declared her unwavering resolve to have Xue Rong grant her marriage to Jiang Shao.
Later that evening, in Ciming Palace, Jinzhan, seemingly agitated, dismissed all her palace maids, including Qingge, and locked herself inside. Meanwhile, Xue Rong was lost in thought about Yuzhan when Guo Fu urgently reported that Ciming Palace was on fire. Rushing to the scene, Xue Rong learned from Guo Fu that Jinzhan was believed to still be inside, prompting him to order an immediate rescue.
Jiang Shao, who had accompanied Chai Zhenzhen to the palace to seek Xue Rong’s consent for their marriage, learned of the fire. Concerned for Zhenzhen's safety and presence in the palace, he quickly hid her before frantically attempting to reach Jinzhan. Zhenzhen tried to stop him, but Jiang Shao gently rendered her unconscious to ensure her safety.
He desperately inquired about Jinzhan's whereabouts from other officials, including Commander Li Huaijin, who had just emerged from the flames, but received no hopeful news. Jiang Shao then tried to re-enter the raging inferno himself, only to be knocked unconscious by soldiers for his own protection. Chai Zhenzhen soon regained consciousness and secretly witnessed Xue Rong instructing his eunuchs to covertly transport a corpse out of the palace, warning them to "kill anyone who discovers them."
Shocked, Zhenzhen immediately concluded that Xue Rong had murdered Jinzhan and used the fire to destroy the evidence. Fu Yanxin quickly informed Yuzhan about the fire and Jinzhan's disappearance, prompting Yuzhan to rush to the palace. Princess Royal also arrived at Ciming Palace, but Guo Fu advised her against viewing the "badly burnt and damaged" corpse. Yuzhan, however, found a body covered by a white cloth and broke down, refusing to believe it was Jinzhan.
Qingge confirmed that Jinzhan had driven everyone out of the palace before the fire. Yuzhan confronted Xue Rong, demanding to know if Jinzhan was truly dead. Xue Rong, confirming he "personally saw her corpse," affirmed that Jinzhan was indeed gone. Yuzhan, heartbroken, blamed him for failing to protect her sister. Witnessing Yuzhan’s profound grief, Chai Zhenzhen wrestled with the dilemma of whether to reveal the secret she had uncovered. The truth, however, was that Jinzhan was not dead.
It was all her meticulous plan. She had intentionally set fire to Ciming Palace, using a secret passage to escape and a scarecrow dressed in her clothes to create "human-shaped ashes" on her bed, proudly calling it her "golden cicada shedding its shell" trick to feign her death.
Xue Rong, initially startled and angered by her "absurd" scheme, quickly recognized the immense danger: if Jinzhan were discovered alive, the "crime of deceiving the emperor" would lead to the execution of her entire family. He swiftly ordered Cao Han to "secretly take the empress away from the capital city," emphasizing that "no one must know the empress is still alive" to protect the Fu family.
Jinzhan initially resisted, wanting to bid farewell to her father and sister and to meet Jiang Shao, asking Cao Han to bring him to a rendezvous point. Cao Han agreed to take her to a safe spot, promising to fetch Jiang Shao there. Xue Rong then separately instructed Guo Fu to "find a female corpse" to replace Jinzhan in the palace.
However, outside the capital, Jinzhan grew suspicious of Cao Han, realizing he wouldn’t willingly facilitate her reunion with Jiang Shao given his past concerns about their relationship. When Cao Han indeed tried to kill her, Jinzhan threw sand in his eyes and managed to escape. Unbeknownst to Xue Rong, Cao Han then instructed his men to closely monitor for any suspicious activity or persons.
Xue Rong, meanwhile, hoped that Cao Han would successfully lead Jinzhan far away, preventing any further complications. Chai Zhenzhen brought pastries to Yuzhan, who had not eaten all day, trying to comfort her. Zhenzhen believed Jinzhan, being inherently optimistic and candid, wouldn't have committed suicide. Yuzhan, however, speculated that Xue Rong's words might have "hurt her." Zhenzhen acknowledged Xue Rong’s deep affection for Yuzhan, recalling his gaze in Luocheng, but she cautioned Yuzhan against marrying him.
She warned that the imperial throne transforms a person, making them "very terrible and strange," a fate she wished Yuzhan to avoid. Sensing Zhenzhen knew more, Yuzhan pressed her for details, and Zhenzhen began to recount what she witnessed "that night." Far outside the capital, Jinzhan, having not eaten for several days, was offered a pancake by a kind woman. As she ate, she found herself deeply missing her father and sister, yearning to return home.
