Renascence Episode 12 Recap
> Renascence Recap
At the Yao Residence, Eunuch An Bing Shan announced Emperor Ye Hongyi's decree, conferring Yao Mowan as Consort Wan. She was to join the three other concubines in managing the palace harem. Dou Shiming offered his congratulations, praising Yao Mowan for swiftly gaining the Emperor's favor and achieving equal status with Yao Su Luan. Dou Xiang Lan echoed his sentiments, calling it a joyous occasion for the Yao family.
Dou Shiming then subtly lauded Yao Su Luan, a legitimate daughter of a prestigious family, for her many years of dedicated service to His Majesty, suggesting she deserved recognition. Ye Hongyi acknowledged Consort Li’s gentle and virtuous character, and with the Six Palaces currently lacking a master, he decided to promote Consort Li to Noble Consort Li, tasking her with temporarily managing the Six Palaces.
He also conferred upon Dou Xiang Lan the title of First Rank Lady for her excellent child-rearing. The consort conferment ceremony was set for three days later. Meanwhile, at Prince Su’s Residence, Ye Junqing appeared to be immersed in a life of hedonism, surrounded by beautiful dancers. During one performance, he mistook the lead dancer, Jing Xin, for Yao Mowan, finding her movements "ethereal and graceful" and rewarding her. Jing Xin introduced herself, offering to be called "Xin'er."
Ye Junqing remarked that her name, Jing Xin (meaning "still heart"), didn't suit her, as "having a gorgeous lady like you beside me, how could any man's heart be still?" Soon after, Han Jinyi informed Ye Junqing that the Emperor's spies had withdrawn, revealing that Ye Junqing’s hedonistic lifestyle was merely an act for the Emperor. Ye Junqing, having fulfilled his purpose, declared himself "tired" and retired for the day.
Ye Hongyi, having received reports of Prince Su's dramatic change in temperament, asked Yao Mowan for her opinion. Yao Mowan congratulated the Emperor, explaining that her sister, Mo Xin, once told her that a person's sudden change in character often follows a traumatic experience that makes them recognize their own powerlessness. Only after recognizing their true self would they cease to covet what wasn't meant to be theirs.
She assured Ye Hongyi that his past worries could now be dispelled, allowing him to "rest easy" from then on. Ye Hongyi expressed satisfaction, noting that Mo Xin had taught Yao Mowan well. After Ye Hongyi departed, Yao Mowan, alone, muttered that for someone like her, even after recognizing her weaknesses, she would "still do everything I can to turn the table, and take back what was meant to be mine."
Later, as Yao Mowan changed out of her formal attire, Yao Su Luan appeared, coldly asking why she wasn't still imitating Yao Moxin, noting that a "plain look suits you much better." Yao Su Luan remarked that Yao Mowan truly resembled Mo Xin and that the muted, elegant makeup she wore suited her perfectly, adding, "No wonder His Majesty fancies you." Yao Mowan feigned memory loss, asking Yao Su Luan to recount Mo Xin's past.
Yao Su Luan, however, accused Yao Mowan of being just like Mo Xin—"fickle-minded," claiming both had "feelings for Ye Junqing" yet chose to "steal my love," while she herself had "been loyal and loved only Hong Yi." She declared, "He should've been my husband. I'm supposed to be his legal wife." Yao Su Luan then recounted her history with Ye Hongyi. Years ago, after her coming-of-age ceremony, she was harassed by drunk men while visiting a temple.
It was Ye Hongyi who saved her. From that moment, her heart was set on him, but she couldn't find him again until the Great Hunt. Overjoyed to discover he was a prince, she believed they were "of similar backgrounds" and "meant to be." However, fate intervened when Ye Hongyi instead became smitten with her step-sister, Mo Xin, their eyes filled with love for each other.
Unable to bear it, Yao Su Luan pleaded with her mother, Dou Xiang Lan, and uncle, Dou Shiming, to persuade the late Emperor to betroth her to Ye Hongyi. On their wedding day, a report came that Mo Xin had run away. Ye Hongyi abandoned Yao Su Luan in the bridal chamber to search for Mo Xin, with whom he secretly took marriage vows and consummated their relationship.
Yao Su Luan spent her wedding night alone, without the traditional couple's wine or intimacy. When Ye Hongyi ascended the throne, he made Mo Xin Empress, leaving Yao Su Luan, the legitimate wife, to "end up as his concubine instead." Yao Mowan then asked if this was "the real reason why Mo Xin must die?"
She reminded Yao Su Luan of the fate of her own mother, Mo Li, who, despite being the legal first wife, was "forced to become a servant" and "her title was taken away" due to the First Madam's background, only being accepted as a concubine after many years. Compared to her mother, Yao Mowan asserted, Yao Su Luan was "very lucky" as "at least you're still alive."
Yao Mowan admonished Yao Su Luan, stating that her "wishful thinking" and "selfish desire" led her to "force things," but "love cannot be forced," and this was "karma getting back at you." Yao Su Luan, undeterred, vowed to become "the most important woman by his side," claiming that since "Mo Xin is gone," it "would've been my turn" if not for Yao Mowan.
Yao Mowan chillingly asked if Yao Su Luan ever had "nightmares" about Mo Xin and her mother's tragic deaths. Later, Ye Junqing met with Ye Hongyi, explaining his delay by admiring camellias in the imperial garden and asking for a plant. Ye Hongyi granted his wish but then questioned Ye Junqing's recent hedonistic lifestyle and whether he truly intended to "continue being so carefree."
Ye Junqing asserted that he was "always carefree" and merely desired "a bottle of wine, to play the zither, and burn incense" for his enjoyment. Ye Hongyi then revealed his intention: to appoint Ye Junqing as the escort for Yao Mowan's upcoming conferment ceremony. He explained this would bestow "unparalleled honour and status" upon Yao Mowan on his behalf and "put an end to any gossip and unfavourable thoughts" regarding her entry into the palace.
Though disheartened, Ye Junqing accepted, promising to "escort Consort Wan to where she's meant to be." As Noble Consort Li was preparing to return to the palace from the Yao Residence, Dou Xiang Lan spotted a loyal servant carrying Yao Mowan's ceremonial gown. She grabbed the gown and threw it to the ground, asserting that "servants shouldn't get to decide in the Yao household" and mocking that even servants were "getting obnoxious" over a mere consort title.
The servant, fiercely loyal, retorted that he had served Young Lady Mo Wan since childhood and she was the only one who treated him like a human. He declared her his master and vowed to protect her, even if it meant risking his life. Enraged, Dou Xiang Lan reminded him that in the palace, "aside from the Emperor, there cannot be other men," and ordered him to be taken away. The servant was brutally punished and castrated.
Upon learning of his suffering, Yao Mowan was devastated, blaming her own powerlessness. She vowed to make them "pay for what they did today." Han Jinyi confronted Yao Mowan, asking if she truly didn't care about Ye Junqing's feelings by entering the palace for revenge. Yao Mowan explained that death was "not the most painful price" for her enemies; she wanted them to "fall from the clouds to the dust, to be judged for their crimes."
She asserted that she needed "the highest power to protect Junqing and my family," and this could only be achieved by "being in the palace." Han Jinyi then informed her that Ye Junqing had been appointed as her escort. Yao Mowan, visibly pained, asked if he was okay, then internally reflected that this was all "just for show," a game of who could act more convincingly.
On the day of the ceremony, as Yao Mowan sat in her bridal robes, she confided in her maid that as long as the ceremony wasn't complete, they were "not officially a proper couple." She then asked to be left alone. Shortly after, masked men burst in and kidnapped her. Upon discovering her disappearance, Ye Junqing and Han Jinyi immediately launched a search.
Han Jinyi believed Yao Mowan would have left clues, and indeed, they soon found scattered boneset from her fragrance pouch along the path. At the palace, Ye Hongyi and Noble Consort Li awaited the ceremony. An Bing Shan reported Consort Wan's sudden disappearance, leading Ye Hongyi to question whether she had "really gone missing or did she run off?" Dou Xiang Lan insisted her daughter would never perform such a "disgraceful act."
An Bing Shan clarified that Prince Su's message indicated Consort Wan was "kidnapped and taken away by thugs." Ye Hongyi declared he would wait to see if Prince Su, who was in charge of the escort, was "capable of bringing my concubine here safely." Following the trail of boneset to a lake, Ye Junqing and Han Jinyi witnessed a black-clad man push Yao Mowan into the water, telling her, "Every debt has its debtor. Someone wants you dead.
Allow me to help you on your way." Ye Junqing immediately dove into the water and rescued Yao Mowan. Back at the palace, An Bing Shan reported to Ye Hongyi that Consort Wan had been found. He hesitantly added that she was "kidnapped by a gang of thugs and assaulted," and when Prince Su found her at the lake, "her clothes were not covering her body." He further revealed that "word of the incident has gotten out in the capital. People are saying that Consort Wan is. . . already tainted." Just as Ye Hongyi reacted in shock, Ye Junqing entered with Yao Mowan.
