Royal Feast Episode 28 Recap
> Royal Feast Recap
You Yifan observed the hurried movements of the eunuch seeking a Great Doctor, and though the eunuch remained silent, the cold sweat on his face revealed enough for You Yifan to suspect the Emperor's grave condition. Meanwhile, Meng Shang Shi of the Food Bureau announced that from that day forward, she would personally oversee the Emperor's meals, a task previously handled by Yue Hua. Yue Hua, confused by this sudden change, discreetly informed You Yifan.
Sensing the Emperor's impending death, You Yifan immediately dispatched a message to Han Wang, informing him that the Emperor was critically ill and that the Crown Prince was urgently summoned to Beijing, knowing Han Wang would understand what to do. Yue Hua, overhearing this, realized the ongoing communication between You Yifan and Han Wang. The Empress, anxiously awaiting the Crown Prince's return to the capital, prayed for the Emperor's spirit to protect his safe journey.
In the study, Yao Zijin discovered a collection of charming drawings and various items left by Zhu Zhanji before his departure. These included an inkstone, crickets, and various plants, all entrusted to her care. Zhu Zhanji had also named his beloved cat "Yantai," asking Yao Zijin to care for it as a way to alleviate the pain of separation.
Yao Zijin found the cat, "Yantai," particularly endearing, noting its adorable eyes and docile meow, considering it even cuter than its master. Late one night, Yao Zijin discovered an intruder in the study, who turned out to be Guo Guifei. Terrified by the day's events, Guo Guifei knelt, pleading with Yao Zijin for help. She confessed that when the Emperor collapsed, he had not even touched the wine cup, yet the Empress immediately accused her of malicious intent.
Convinced that the Emperor's death would be blamed on her, Guo Guifei had fled and sought refuge in the study, believing only the Crown Prince, the future Emperor, could save her. Yao Zijin, understanding the gravity of the situation, concealed Guo Guifei. Shortly after, Yao Zijin's maid, Ah Kin, came to report missing lily crisps and tea, nearly exposing Guo Guifei.
Yao Zijin quickly dismissed her, then reassured Guo Guifei that the Empress was likely keeping the Emperor's death a secret to prevent turmoil among the vassal kings, which was why a thorough search for her had not yet begun. The Crown Princess, sensing something amiss, visited the study. Yao Zijin, seeing her suspicion, cautiously hinted that the Emperor was unwell and advised the Crown Princess to investigate the Tai Hospital.
The Crown Princess then subtly entered the Tai Hospital, examined the medical records for the past few days, found them empty, and intelligently filled in the missing entries. This proved timely, as Han Wang and Zhao Wang, along with several high-ranking officials, arrived at Qianqing Palace, demanding to see the Emperor and his medical records.
They claimed ancestral precepts allowed them to return during times of crisis and expressed concern over the widespread rumors and the lack of an East Palace regent. The Empress firmly rebuked Han Wang, Zhu Gaoxu, for his past misdeeds and reminded them of her own authority. Meng Shang Shi then confirmed that the Emperor was resting after taking a calming medicinal porridge, and the Crown Princess presented the complete medical records, effectively diffusing the tense confrontation.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhanji, upon receiving the urgent dispatch from the Empress, immediately ordered his return to Beijing, but his journey was ambushed by assassins. In Qianqing Palace, just as the Empress had seemingly stabilized the situation, You Yifan appeared, reporting the Crown Prince's alleged demise and presenting a body, urging the Empress to brace herself for grief. As the Empress, trembling, reached to unveil the white cloth, Zhu Zhanji, alive and unharmed, entered the palace.
Han Wang and the other conspirators quickly changed their demeanor, expressing relief and concern for Zhu Zhanji. The immediate crisis was averted. Zhu Zhanji then knelt before his deceased father, and an imperial edict was read, announcing his ascension to the throne. The edict, issued by the late Emperor, declared Zhu Zhanji, his eldest son, to be of compassionate, filial, and wise disposition, worthy of succeeding to the throne.
It also decreed that funeral rites should be simple and mourning periods shortened. The new Emperor, Zhu Zhanji, immediately issued commands that all princes remain in their respective domains during the mourning period and that all border generals maintain strict vigilance, ensuring no more "farces like Han Wang's" would occur. According to palace rules, concubines without sons were to be martyred upon the Emperor's death.
Despite Guo Guifei having borne three sons for the late Emperor, the Empress included her name on the list for martyrdom, accusing her of attempting to poison her. Zhu Zhanji initially stated that Guo Guifei, as a daughter of a meritorious family who had borne three sons, should not be martyred, but conceded after the Empress claimed Guo Guifei intended to poison her. Wu Cairen discovered Guo Guifei hidden in the West Nuange and intended to expose her.
However, two other concubines restrained Wu Cairen, reasoning that the Crown Princess's associate, Yao Zijin, would try to save Guo Guifei, and warning that Guo Guifei's current plight could easily become their own. The concubines discreetly chose not to intervene. Guo Guifei, aware of her name on the martyrdom list, visited the Food Bureau and observed Yao Zijin personally preparing zongzi. Recognizing Yao Zijin's continued efforts to help her, Guo Guifei was deeply moved.
Later, as Yao Zijin delivered food to Qianqing Palace, the 10th Prince, Wei Wang, was found kneeling outside the palace gates, tearfully begging Yao Zijin to save his mother, Guo Guifei. You Yifan, knowing Yao Zijin's compassionate nature, quietly advised her not to interfere, citing palace rules. However, Yao Zijin turned to You Yifan, requesting his assistance.
You Yifan, seeing the young prince's desperate plea, which reminded him of his own past pleas to Han Wang to spare his mother, listened as Yao Zijin suggested that by helping Guo Guifei, he could gain favor with the new Emperor and earn gratitude from two people. Wei Wang continued to plead with Yao Zijin for help.
