Royal Feast Episode 27 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
While the Emperor was still ill, Yao Zijin advised Zhu Zhanji to remain composed and temperate, reminding him that the Crown Prince should not overstep palace rules and must consider the larger implications. Zhu Zhanji remained unmoved by her pleas. Seeing his persistence, Yao Zijin deliberately played along, loudly instructing her attendants to spread word that the Crown Prince would be staying in her residence that night.
Just as the attendants prepared to comply, Zhu Zhanji quickly stopped them and bid Yao Zijin farewell. As she turned, Zhu Zhanji unexpectedly leaned in and kissed her. Meanwhile, in Kunning Palace, the Empress was informed that Guo Guifei had stood vigil outside Qianqing Palace for three days, finally moving the Emperor to permit her to serve him.
The Crown Princess noted Guo Guifei's uncharacteristic diligence in preparing the Empress's birthday banquet, remarking that it was too late to mend the long-standing resentment between them. Wu Cairen noticed that the other concubines were frequently absent from their own rooms. Her attendant informed her that they were all flocking to Yao Zijin's residence, eager to curry favor due to Yao Zijin's growing favor. Wu Cairen, visiting Yao Zijin for the first time, observed the crowd of concubines.
Despite her initial intent to mock them, a gift from Yao Zijin softened her stance. Learning of Wu Cairen's fondness for fragrances, Yao Zijin gave her a high-quality citrus scent string she wore. Wu Cairen, delighted by its fresh, natural scent, reluctantly accepted it, still suspecting Yao Zijin of trying to win her over. The Crown Princess, hearing of the Empress's upcoming birthday, wondered what gift Yao Zijin would present.
Wu Cairen also caught wind of the preparations and, in the West Nuange, observed many concubines and consorts frequenting Yao Zijin's residence for entertainment. She fumed, accusing them of abandoning their vows of loyalty to the Crown Princess. Another concubine lamented the boredom of staying in their own palaces, stating that arts like music, chess, poetry, and painting only truly brought joy when shared with a sympathetic ear.
She found it more entertaining to visit Yao Zijin, where they could converse and perhaps even catch a glimpse of Zhu Zhanji. Wu Cairen, further incensed by this logic, departed. The Crown Princess visited Zhu Zhanji in his study, delivering medicine for his unhealed wounds. She subtly implied that Yao Zijin was being extravagant in preparing the Empress's birthday gift, suggesting the Empress might be displeased by such ostentation given the Emperor's illness and the call for frugality.
Zhu Zhanji, longing for Yao Zijin and hoping to coax her into making the first move, grew curious about her activities since she hadn't visited him. He secretly went to her chambers that night and personally fastened a concentric lock onto her wrist, professing his sincere feelings. Yao Zijin, in turn, entrusted him with an important task, urging him to remember it.
Soon after, an urgent report arrived from Nanjing about frequent earthquakes, prompting Zhu Zhanji's immediate departure to pay respects at the Xiaoling Mausoleum and remain in Nanjing. Purple Azolla, hearing that Shaoyuan accompanied the Crown Prince, found herself missing him deeply. During Zhu Zhanji's absence, the concubines continued to visit Yao Zijin's residence, offering flattery and causing minor disruptions. Wu Cairen, learning that Yao Zijin planned to present a peony painting to the Empress, "accidentally" ruined the meticulously crafted artwork.
At the Empress's birthday banquet, concubines presented their gifts. The Crown Princess preemptively announced that Yao Zijin's original gift, the peony painting, had been accidentally damaged. She suggested Yao Zijin perform a song and dance instead to show her filial piety. Yao Zijin's performance, featuring music and costumes themed around peonies, symbolized prosperity and beauty. The Crown Princess was secretly impressed by Yao Zijin's ingenious solution, recognizing that this was precisely what the Empress desired.
The Empress feigned displeasure at the display's extravagance, but Yao Zijin explained that it was Zhu Zhanji's sincere wish, sent from Nanjing to honor her birthday. After the banquet, Guo Guifei personally went to Kunning Palace to offer her birthday wishes to the Empress. She spoke earnestly, expressing regret for her past arrogance and requesting the Empress's forgiveness for their previous grievances, promising to repay her kindness.
With that, Guo Guifei extended a cup of wine to the Empress with both hands. The Empress, aware of Guo Guifei's cunning, hesitated to accept the drink. Just then, the Emperor arrived, still fuming from a dispute with Censor Li Yushi during the morning court. Seeing the Empress's reluctance to accept the wine, he took the cup from Guo Guifei's hands and drank it in one gulp. Guo Guifei looked on in shock, realizing her plans had gone awry as the Emperor was suddenly overcome by his chronic illness, experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath.
