Royal Nirvana Episode 16 Recap
> Royal Nirvana Recap
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Xiao Dingquan, dozing in the imperial chariot alongside his father, is haunted by a vivid memory from three years prior: the tragic death of his mother, the Empress. Simultaneously, a group of censors led by Lu Ying gathers, expressing grave concern that the Crown Prince is being held under house arrest at the detached palace. They are determined to seek justice for Xiao Dingquan and secure Prince Qi's departure from the capital before it is too late.
After discussion, they resolve to make their remonstrance at Wu hour, first quarter, immediately following the court test. To maintain secrecy, Lu Ying instructs everyone to stay in their offices but dispatches Censor Li and Censor Chen to monitor the Danfeng Gate, with Censor Chen volunteering due to his nearby residence. Lu Ying reiterates that their objective is solely to uphold justice for the Crown Prince, cautioning against mentioning the detached palace to avoid an adverse outcome.
Unbeknownst to the censors, Censor Chen is Li Baizhou's informant. He swiftly relays their plans to Li Baizhou. An aide of Li Baizhou expresses worry, noting only two hours remain until the censors' planned action. Li Baizhou, unfazed, orders paper and brush prepared. He then sends his aide to persuade the Ministry of Rites official, promising him a high position if he cooperates.
Meanwhile, the Emperor watches the sleeping Xiao Dingquan, recalling his past favoritism towards Prince Qi, a memory that still causes Xiao Dingquan deep pain, particularly the moment Prince Qi received a jade belt during his capping ceremony. Minister He of the Ministry of Rites then arrives, confessing that a court test paper was damaged by rats and its seal broken. He expresses concern that rescheduling the test would provoke the censors, especially since their monthly report is due.
He implores the Emperor to change the test papers and requests the commander-in-chief's presence for supervision. The Emperor agrees, granting one and a half hours for new papers to be printed and sealed. He also orders the new scholars to wait inside Danfeng Gate, prohibiting any movement until his arrival. In the chariot, the Emperor gently advises Xiao Dingquan to rest, revealing that the court test has been rescheduled.
Censor Chen, having been promised a bright future by Li Baizhou, continues to wait at Danfeng Gate with Censor Li. When Censor Li spots the imperial carriage and suspects a change in the test schedule, he attempts to return to the yamen. However, Censor Chen, under the guise of taking over, allows his confederate to attack Censor Li and knock him unconscious, ensuring the censors remain uninformed. Within the palace, the Emperor's attitude towards Xiao Dingquan perceptibly softens.
He plans a rare family meal with Xiao Dingquan and Gu Fengen, hinting at good news regarding the Lu family. Xiao Dingquan, oblivious to the impending disaster, beams with hopeful anticipation. Unaware of the rescheduled test, Lu Ying and the other censors proudly march into the palace to present their remonstrance. Wenxi, disguised as a palace attendant, witnesses her father's determined advance.
Recalling Li Ming'an's instruction for her to tell her father that "everything is fine, don't be impulsive," she realizes the catastrophic implications of her delay in delivering the message, a delay caused by her earlier search for Xiao Dingquan's lost seal. She desperately tries to warn her father but is blocked by palace guards. Inside, Xiao Dingquan joyfully serves tea to the Emperor, a rare moment of father-son warmth.
This peace is abruptly shattered by Li Baizhou, who arrives to report that Lu Ying and the censors are at Chuigong Palace, protesting on behalf of the Crown Prince and disrupting the court test. He implicates Gu Fengen in the protest as well. Enraged, the Emperor accuses Xiao Dingquan of instigating the chaos. When Xiao Dingquan struggles to defend himself, the Emperor swiftly directs his suspicion towards Lu Shiyu.
Prince Qi, present at the scene, strategically paints the protest as a direct challenge to the Emperor's authority, subtly shifting blame to Lu Shiyu's students. In a fit of fury, the Emperor orders Xiao Dingquan to strip off his jade belt and crown, and immediately be confined to a sealed carriage, destined for the mausoleum. Lu Shiyu, who was preparing to leave for his hometown that very day, learns of Xiao Dingquan's predicament and bravely confronts the Emperor.
He invokes the late Emperor's profound trust, recalling how he was entrusted to guide the five-year-old Crown Prince into a loyal, filial, benevolent, and dignified gentleman. Lu Shiyu recounts his unwavering dedication of fifteen years, noting Xiao Dingquan's consistent attendance at lessons, a stark contrast to his own occasional absences. He implores the Emperor to consider the far-reaching impact of his decision, emphasizing that a ruler's virtue sets the standard for all subjects.
To protect Xiao Dingquan and the censors, Lu Shiyu dramatically takes full responsibility for the protest, declaring, "Today's events, I instigated. My crime is like mountains, death cannot atone. However, I ask Your Majesty to discern the smallest detail (to find out the truth). Crown Prince, I'm leaving." He then commits suicide before the Emperor. At that moment, Xiao Dingquan shatters his confinement, rushing out, his eyes red and hair disheveled, consumed by grief.
He tries to summon a doctor, but Lu Shiyu weakly waves him off. With his dying breath, Lu Shiyu acknowledges his own violation of his principles through this sacrifice, expressing deep shame. He then admires Xiao Dingquan's unique calligraphy style, reciting a profound verse: "Gold from Lishui, Jade from Kunlun. Cast in Lishui by mistake, Jade broken in Kunlun. If things aren't broken, how to tell beauty from ugliness? If people aren't broken, how to speak of good and evil?"
He names this style "Jincuodao" before succumbing to death in Xiao Dingquan's arms. Faced with the irreversible sacrifice of Lu Shiyu and the unyielding protest of the censors, the Emperor is forced to retract his orders. He instructs Li Chongkui to recall his men and bring Xiao Dingquan back.
Profoundly changed by his teacher's death, Xiao Dingquan, with newfound resolve, takes back his crown and clothing, stating, "A gentleman dies without losing his cap, let alone just going to the mausoleum." He then directly challenges the Emperor, warning that he will show no mercy if his loved ones are harmed. He asserts his authority as Crown Prince, declaring that as long as he is not formally deposed, all remain his subjects.
He states that he will not immediately investigate the leaked gazette or the manipulated court test delay and the student strike, implying he will proceed with his departure from the capital as ordered. However, he reveals his true intent: his Zhanshi Department and Liangchunfang Department will initiate discussions to reopen the investigation into the death of Lady Zhang during his capping ceremony—a move he deems "reasonable and justified."
He defiantly questions the Emperor, asking if he believes the Crown Prince will leave the capital before the truth of that case is fully revealed, before those involved face deposition, imprisonment, or even death. He concludes with a chilling declaration that "to do something, it's really much easier" now.
Meanwhile, Wenxi, witnessing the tragic events, collapses in uncontrollable grief, blaming her momentary negligence for the devastation that has fallen upon Lu Shiyu's family, her own Lu family, and the Gu family, as well as the Crown Prince. Elsewhere, Li Baizhou remains unfazed, telling his subordinate that the fire is not yet out, and they must "add more firewood" to their schemes.
