Royal Nirvana Episode 41 Recap
> Royal Nirvana Recap
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His Majesty assigned He Daoran to teach Crown Prince Xiao Dingquan and give him homework. However, Xiao Dingquan spent his time teaching Wenxi calligraphy, subtly having her complete his assignments. His Majesty soon noticed this and dispatched Xu Changping with a ruler to punish Xiao Dingquan. Xu Changping reluctantly complied, striking Xiao Dingquan’s palms sixty-six times. Xiao Dingquan grimaced in pain, then chided Wenxi for not writing diligently enough to prevent his punishment. Wenxi was speechless in her defense.
Meanwhile, Yang Sheng captured Gu Fengen and his men, binding them. He interrogated them, demanding to know if they had disobeyed orders by leaving the camp or had fled the battle. Yang Sheng declared his intention to behead them all. Gu Fengen watched in agony as his subordinates were executed one by one. Believing he too would face the blade, he was surprised when Yang Sheng spared him.
Confused, Gu Fengen asked about his father, Gu Silin, but Yang Sheng coldly informed him that this was Gu Silin’s instruction: Gu Fengen was to return to the capital and not waste time on the battlefield. Gu Silin’s true intention was for his son to assist the Crown Prince, especially now that Concubine Zhao had been named empress, leaving Xiao Dingquan in a precarious position.
Yang Sheng conveyed Gu Silin’s message, saying that since Gu Fengen could neither achieve scholarly honor nor wield a spear effectively, he was useless to both country and family, making his life akin to death. His Majesty instructed Xu Changping to meticulously prepare for the capture sacrifice ceremony, revealing that he had summoned Gu Silin back to the capital, planning a special "welcome" for the victorious general.
During this conversation, His Majesty mused about the historical figures Shen Sheng and Chong’er, both sons of Duke Xian, noting that Chong’er’s mother, Hu Ji, had a brother who was an admiral. He implied that Chong’er succeeded because he had a strong uncle, subtly referencing Xiao Dingquan and Gu Silin.
Xu Changping then asked if Wu Dehou (Gu Silin) was indeed returning, to which His Majesty confirmed he was on his way back for a report and to discuss future battles. His Majesty added that with the new empress, Gu Silin would return to offer congratulations, and the royal banquet would include all princes. He stated that Xiao Dingquan could attend if he wished, but his previous decision regarding the Crown Prince would remain unchanged.
Xiao Dingquan, still teaching Wenxi calligraphy, grew frustrated when she struggled, calling her "stupid" and asking, "Why can't you work hard?" Wenxi retorted that she knew she was "stupid" and questioned why he forced her, asking why he didn't just write himself. He insisted she was his "only student" for his "unique" calligraphy. As they continued, Xu Changping arrived.
He remarked on a classical text, "Transcription of Xingshi," where Wangdao, Wang Xizhi's uncle, hid a precious calligraphy scroll in his sash to preserve it. Xu Changping likened this to Xiao Dingquan's attachment to Wenxi, suggesting Xiao Dingquan would hide her in his own sash if she were small enough.
Xu Changping asserted that His Majesty already knew about Xiao Dingquan’s actions, including how he intentionally made it evident by having Wenxi write for him, implying Xiao Dingquan had already received His Majesty's "reply." Xu Changping then directly questioned Xiao Dingquan, asking if he genuinely favored Wenxi so much that he would remain confined forever rather than surrender her.
Xiao Dingquan affirmed this, acknowledging the widespread palace rumors that portrayed him as a love-struck fool who defied His Majesty for Wenxi. Xu Changping, however, suggested that it was Wenxi's "sash" that "hid" Xiao Dingquan, indicating that the Crown Prince was unwilling to face the world. He then revealed the critical news: General Gu Silin was returning victorious from the front lines, but no imperial decree had been issued for his return.
This meant Gu Silin had returned privately, out of concern for Xiao Dingquan. Xu Changping explained that Li Chongkui and imperial guards would welcome Gu Silin at Chunming Gate, an ominous sign of a "White Vengeance" banquet. He implied that His Majesty expected Xiao Dingquan to make a choice, to "let her sink alone" if he was not truly devoted. Outside the city, Li Chongkui and Xiao Dingtang greeted Gu Silin.
Li Chongkui quickly informed the general that His Majesty had prepared a banquet and advised him to change, subtly declining to accompany him due to his "unqualified" status, stating another person would. Xiao Dingtang then appeared, telling Gu Silin that His Majesty had sent him to welcome the general home. He urged Gu Silin, still in his armors, to proceed quickly to Yan'an palace.
Li Chongkui had already detained Gu Silin's personal guards, confirming the "White Vengeance" nature of the event. Bound to Wenxi, Xiao Dingquan was in turmoil. He looked at her sleeping face, tightly gripping her hand. Wenxi, lying on the couch, heard the approaching footsteps of guards outside, knowing her precarious fate without Xiao Dingquan's protection. At Yan'an palace, Gu Silin arrived.
Prince V (Xiao Dingtang) informed him that His Majesty was changing and would arrive soon, and that the new empress would also attend. Gu Silin immediately inquired about the Crown Prince's whereabouts. Xiao Dingtang tried to reassure him that Xiao Dingquan was "unwell" but would arrive shortly, adding that it was a "family feast," so formalities between monarch and minister could be overlooked. His Majesty then made his entrance.
His Majesty informed Gu Silin that he had granted Xiao Dingquan's absence due to illness. Gu Silin expressed concern and requested to visit Xiao Dingquan, but His Majesty urged him to stay and drink a toast to the new empress. Gu Silin deflected, stating he had already celebrated with the empress in the past at the royal residence.
His Majesty insisted on his "seasonal new wine," but Gu Silin firmly refused, invoking his promise to the late empress to protect Xiao Dingquan and asking again for the Crown Prince's location. Just then, Xiao Dingquan arrived, apologizing for his delay. His Majesty told him to sit down, dismissing his concern about preparations as "details."
Xiao Dingquan then gestured to Chen Jin, who departed to oversee the arrangements, leaving Wenxi to face her uncertain destiny alone, the words "let her sink alone" echoing in her mind.
