Royal Nirvana Episode 18 Recap
> Royal Nirvana Recap
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Still at Lu Shiyu's residence, Xiao Dingquan was consumed by sorrow for his teacher. Madam Lu, discerning his grief, gently reassured him, yet also inquired if he could extend his protection to Lu Wenxi, sensing that the Ministry of Penalty was targeting her. Xiao Dingquan confirmed her suspicions and immediately rushed to the Lu family mansion. He found the residence in disarray, its interior resembling a ruin. Inside, he shielded young Lu Wenjin from the Ministry of Penalty soldiers.
Soon after, Zhang Shaoyun, unaware of Xiao Dingquan's true identity, brazenly entered and ordered his men to arrest Xiao Dingquan. Although Xiao Dingquan attempted to take Lu Wenjin away, an official clarified that they were acting on an imperial decree. Unable to defy the Emperor's command, Xiao Dingquan entrusted his own guards with the protection of Lu Wenxi and Lu Wenjin, then proceeded to the Emperor.
Before the Emperor, Xiao Dingquan, now sober, immediately challenged the arrest of Lu Ying's children, emphasizing that Lu Ying had not yet been convicted. He criticized the blatant conflict of interest in allowing Zhang Luzheng, who harbored a deep-seated enmity towards Lu Ying, to preside over the case, branding it an obstruction of justice. The Emperor sternly forbade his intervention, hinting that Xiao Dingquan was swayed by personal feelings for Lu Wenxi.
The Emperor then presented Xiao Dingquan with two characters, "貞" (loyalty) and "謬" (absurdity), demanding he choose one as Lu Shiyu's posthumous title. He explained that if Lu Ying were not identified as the chief plotter, then Lu Shiyu would be held accountable, in which case "謬" would be a merciful posthumous title. Xiao Dingquan realized the agonizing choice he faced: he had to sacrifice Lu Ying's entire family to preserve his beloved teacher Lu Shiyu's honor.
The Emperor, with a subtle smile, remarked that he was merely granting Xiao Dingquan the power of final judgment for his teacher, questioning if such a decision was truly so difficult for him. Ultimately, Xiao Dingquan chose "貞," thereby sealing the fate of the Lu family. The Emperor, accepting his choice, declared that this posthumous title would be immutable for eternity and sternly warned Xiao Dingquan against regret or future pleas.
Meanwhile, Xiao Dingkai tried to comfort a visibly distressed Lu Wenxi, offering her cheese and milk, highlighting its soothing and restorative qualities. He offered her his own place as a temporary refuge and then sent her to Li Ming'an's residence. There, Madam Li voiced her worries about Lu Wenxi's predicament. Li Ming'an informed Lu Wenxi that he had received an imperial decree commanding his immediate return to Changzhou.
He promised to rescue Lu Wenjin and then take both him and Lu Wenxi along. Lu Wenxi's expression darkened as she grasped the dire implications for her father, Lu Ying, and elder brother, Lu Wenpu. She desperately pleaded with Li Ming'an for their rescue. Li Ming'an, turning away in despair, explained his profound friendship with Lu Ying, stating he would not "stand by" if he had the power to "help him," but he was currently powerless.
Understanding his constraints, Lu Wenxi told him she would not burden him further, wiped away her tears, and departed, returning to the desolate Lu mansion to retrieve her unfinished painting of two cranes. Later, Li Ming'an confided in Madam Li that he allowed Lu Wenxi to leave because she was resolute and would not be dissuaded.
He also elucidated his inability to intercede for Lu Ying; having just assumed command of the Tianchang Guards, any attempt to persuade the Emperor would be construed as "threatening the emperor with military force," a perilous accusation he sought to avoid. He concluded that the Emperor needed to make an example to "set the constitution straight," and thus, as the head of the Censorate, Lu Ying was destined to bear the responsibility.
The announcement of Lu Shiyu's posthumous title at his residence brought Madam Lu to tears. Gu Fengen, already in agony from being stripped of his academic achievements and disqualified from lifelong exams, arrived drunk to mourn his teacher, furiously demanding to know who had caused Madam Lu's distress. Xiao Dingquan arrived, taking responsibility for the situation and expressing his profound shame. He eventually had Gu Fengen, who continued to rage and blame him, escorted away.
Later, as Xiao Dingquan was being transported in his sedan chair, Lu Wenxi, disguised as Lu Wenjin, intercepted him. She asked to speak with him and presented her unfinished painting, a silent plea for intervention. Remaining inside his sedan, Xiao Dingquan commented on the painting's "novel and delicate" colors but critically noted its "unsatisfactory" vigor and that it was "not good enough for the Imperial Household," advising her to "practice your technique more."
Lu Wenxi, recalling their first encounter and his previous assertion that he had no one he would protect without reason or power, desperately asked if she could still hope for his promised help. Xiao Dingquan, his voice conveying a chilling finality, replied, "Sorry, I am powerless. And I have no will." He then referenced Lu Shiyu's posthumous title, stating that the Emperor had recognized his teacher as a loyal minister, thereby confirming his choice and its consequences.
He added that he could not fulfill Madam Lu's request to protect Lu Wenxi, blaming himself for this failure. Understanding his decision, Lu Wenxi knelt, calling herself "ignorant and shameless," asking for forgiveness and stating, "I understand," before walking away.
As she departed, Xiao Dingquan, visibly collapsing within his sedan, reflected on his helplessness and the painful choices forced upon him, the Emperor's words echoing in his mind that all he possessed was granted by the Emperor, and that his "personal feelings" for Lu Shiyu had led him to abandon his "so-called justice."
