Royal Nirvana Episode 32 Recap
> Royal Nirvana Recap
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In the Ministry of Penalty's prison, a servant informed Zhang Shaoyun it was time to "go." Zhang Shaoyun, believing he was being led to his execution, bade a tearful farewell to Lu Wenpu, even asking him to tell a maid he loved her at first sight. The servant then clarified that Zhang Shaoyun was being released and could "go home," much to his joyous relief.
Before leaving, Zhang Shaoyun earnestly promised Lu Wenpu that he would ask his father, Zhang Luzheng, and his brother-in-law, Crown Prince Xiao Dingquan, to save Lu Wenpu and his father. Nearby, former Chancellor Li Baizhou was now a prisoner, sharing a cell block with Lu Ying. Lu Ying taunted Li Baizhou, saying his reputation as a "master manipulator" had become a joke, as his title could change from chancellor to criminal overnight.
Li Baizhou, though chained, smirked, recognizing Lu Ying's voice. Li Baizhou, in turn, ranted about his illustrious career, highlighting his noble birth compared to "poor commoners who ate porridge and studied by candlelight." He refused to hate himself, proclaiming his son-in-law, Xiao Dingtang, would become emperor and his grandson the Crown Prince.
Lu Ying attempted to reason with him, but Li Baizhou remained defiant, challenging Lu Ying by saying he had never agreed to Li Baizhou's proposals, but this time he would have to acknowledge him. Zhang Luzheng prostrated himself before Xiao Dingquan, thanking him for saving Zhang Shaoyun. Xiao Dingquan told Zhang Luzheng to rise, explaining that Zhang Shaoyun had been "taken advantage of by others" and his severe punishment was expiation.
The Crown Prince's memorial, approved by the Emperor, secured Zhang Shaoyun's release. Xiao Dingquan then advised Zhang Luzheng to properly discipline his son in the future and to be both "resolute and prudent." He then tasked Zhang Luzheng with organizing all evidence and archives related to Li Baizhou's case with Assistant Minister Du, the Dali Temple, and the Censorate, giving them ten days.
After Xiao Dingquan left, Zhang Luzheng cast a sinister gaze at a Tea-Horse trade book on the desk. Later, Xiao Dingquan invited Lu Ying to his chambers, expressing gratitude for Lu Ying's contributions to the investigation into the warhorses. He promised to clear Lu Ying and his son's names and asked Lu Ying to remain in the capital to continue assisting him after his release.
Lu Ying, however, respectfully declined, stating his wish to return to his hometown in Huating after picking up his daughter and younger son from Changzhou. Xiao Dingquan pointed out that Changzhou was north of the capital, while Huating was south, making it an illogical "direct" route, prompting Lu Ying to admit he was rejecting the offer. Lu Ying denied harboring resentment but admitted to being deeply disappointed with the royal family.
Xiao Dingquan then revealed Censor Chen Jiusi's confession, which explicitly stated that Li Baizhou had orchestrated the court exam delay to incriminate Lu Ying and others. Despite this revelation, Lu Ying's disillusionment persisted, and he reiterated his desire to leave the capital and return home. Xiao Dingquan, saddened but resolute, apologized on behalf of the Emperor and himself, acknowledging Lu Ying's heartbreak.
Lu Wenxi, who had been secretly listening from outside, later retrieved Xiao Dingquan's private seal, which she had been safeguarding. Zhang Luzheng submitted his findings, recommending Li Baizhou be charged with rebellion, a crime punishable by the extermination of his entire clan. Xiao Dingquan deemed such a punishment too brutal, especially for a case handled during his regency, fearing it would invite future criticism. He therefore decreed that only Li Baizhou's immediate family—his father, mother, and wife—should be executed.
Additionally, Xiao Dingquan ordered Zhang Luzheng to release Lu Ying and his son. Zhang Luzheng hesitated, suggesting they seek the Emperor's permission first. Xiao Dingquan firmly reminded him that he was currently the regent, emphasizing that this was his decree, not a request, despite Zhang Luzheng's past grievances with Lu Ying. That evening, Xiao Dingquan spent time with the Crown Princess. He shared his wish for a daughter, fondly recalling his own deceased younger sister.
The Crown Princess suggested Xiao Dingquan take Lu Wenxi as a concubine, believing her cleverness would be an asset. Xiao Dingquan refused, stating that clever people made him tired and kept him from sleeping. The Princess then proposed marrying Lu Wenxi to Zhang Shaoyun or even Xiao Dingkai, but Xiao Dingquan rejected these ideas as well, finding them ridiculous. They shared a laugh, unaware that Kou Zhu, standing outside, listened with growing jealousy.
Meanwhile, at home, Zhang Shaoyun pleaded with his father, Zhang Luzheng, to release Lu Ying and his son, explaining how Lu Wenpu had cared for him in prison and that he couldn't be ungrateful. Zhang Luzheng, furious that his son was advocating for his adversary, angrily dismissed him. Later that night, Lu Wenxi visited Xiao Dingquan to inform him of her decision to leave.
She told him she would seek a transfer to Li Palace, a more remote part of the imperial complex, through Lady Jiang. Xiao Dingquan tacitly agreed, noting it was "better" that they wouldn't see each other again. As Lu Wenxi departed, she quoted a saying about profound feelings being great but forgetting each other being lucky, reflecting on her own situation by saying "better to forget each other in the deep palace."
Lu Wenxi then visited Xiao Dingkai, happily elaborating on her plans to return to her hometown with her father and brother, engaging in farming, planting, and reading. Xiao Dingkai expressed melancholy at her departure, noting her plans left no room for him. After bidding farewell, Lu Wenxi waited for Xiao Dingquan to leave his desk before secretly placing the brocade pouch containing his private seal on it.
In prison, Li Baizhou remained defiant, still deluded by his glorious past and his son-in-law's future as emperor. While handling state affairs, Xiao Dingquan discovered the brocade pouch on his desk. Before he could open it, Assistant Minister Du Heng rushed in with an urgent report.
Du Heng revealed that Zhang Luzheng, misinterpreting or maliciously twisting the Crown Prince's decree, had included Lu Ying's entire family as part of Li Baizhou's wife's clan, thus designating them for execution, which was scheduled for midday. Horrified, Xiao Dingquan immediately ordered Du Heng to intercept Zhang Luzheng and stop the execution at once, commanding Zhang Luzheng to return to him.
