Royal Nirvana Episode 53 Recap
> Royal Nirvana Recap
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During a grand court assembly, the Emperor first admonished Xiao Dingquan to behave and cultivate his virtue, citing passages from "illustrious virtue of great learning," before directly asking him if he understood the issue at hand. He then raised the long-standing case of former royal minister Lu Ying, demanding an explanation from both Xiao Dingquan and Zhang Luzheng. Xiao Dingquan nervously admitted his uncertainty regarding whether Lu Ying and his son were indeed part of Li Baizhou's wife's clan.
Zhang Luzheng, the chancellor, also stammered, prompting the Emperor's fury. The Emperor then declared that Lu Ying, though guilty of violating national ceremony, had died unjustly before his case could be fully investigated, despite a general amnesty granted during the Crown Prince's marriage. He pressed Xiao Dingquan and Zhang Luzheng to explain the charge that led to Lu Ying and his son's execution, implying the severity of killing an unconvicted official.
Both remained evasive, with Xiao Dingquan again stating he was "not sure" about Lu Ying's familial ties to Li Baizhou. The Emperor decided to send investigators to Huating to uncover the truth and ordered the imperial secretary to draft a decree. However, when informed that the secretary was on leave for ten days, the Emperor suggested waiting.
This delay was vehemently opposed by He Shizhao, who accused the Emperor of attempting to "cover someone up" and allowing a loyal official's death to go unpunished. He Shizhao, leading the entire Censorate, demanded the judiciary departments investigate Lu Ying's case. When Zhang Luzheng accused him of coercing the Emperor, He Shizhao countered by producing Li Baizhou's five-generation pedigree, declaring it undeniable evidence and asking the Emperor who he was trying to protect now.
Faced with this irrefutable proof, the Emperor pressed Zhang Luzheng for an explanation regarding the pedigree. Zhang Luzheng then confessed, admitting he had indeed mislabeled Lu Ying and his son as part of Li Baizhou's wife's clan. He claimed, however, that changing the pedigree and causing their deaths was not his original intention, but that he acted "under Xiao Dingquan's instruction." Zhang Luzheng then presented a letter, stating it was from the Crown Prince, instructing him to keep silent.
This shocking revelation caused an uproar in the court, with He Shizhao condemning Xiao Dingquan's "filthy" actions and questioning his fitness as the country's foundation. Xiao Dingquan initially denied writing the letter, but upon seeing it, he recognized his unique seal.
His mind raced as he recalled past encounters, connecting fragmented memories—the voice, the detached palace, the seal given by Minister Lu, the maiden who was the daughter of a criminal official and was knowledgeable about horses—and realized that "Maid Gu" was none other than Lu Wenxi, Lu Ying's daughter. He was bewildered by her actions, observing that she had "changed." Despite the Emperor's demands for an explanation, Xiao Dingquan remained silent, offering "nothing to say."
He then defiantly removed his crown and left the court. As he departed, the Emperor implored him to remain "young and clean," even with scars, and Xiao Dingquan silently vowed, "Please, wait for me." In his absence, He Shizhao urged the Emperor to severely punish Xiao Dingquan and dethrone him.
Meanwhile, back at Baoben Palace, Wang Weng, fearing the fallout from the court, tried to bind Lu Wenxi, intending to send her to the Ministry of Justice or Konting Guard for severe torture. Lu Wenxi, weary and resigned, questioned where she could possibly go, stating she was more afraid that Xiao Dingquan would let her go rather than not. Xiao Dingquan burst in, commanding Wang Weng to release her.
He ordered everyone out, insisting on questioning her himself, though his tears betrayed his true intentions. As he untied her, he recalled his envy for the person who would one day truly see her. Lu Wenxi, perhaps trying to distance herself or protect him, coldly claimed to have loved him but was met with Xiao Dingquan's harsh reply that he didn't believe she deserved another day. She then provocatively asked him, "Who are you?"
asserting he was "nothing, compared with her." She pleaded not to be driven away, but Xiao Dingquan, tormented, mused about being abandoned by her again. He reached out to touch her, then tenderly began to comb her dishevelled hair, adorning it with his deceased mother's golden hairpin. As he worked, he spoke of his own past pain, his mother's maid, and the physical agony he endured.
He confessed his internal struggle, admitting that while he couldn't bring himself to write the decree or use his seal due to "him" (referring to the true instigator), he "did plan to abandon you if necessary." He pondered whether he would feel regret or indifference in such a scenario, noting that she was not the only one he had abandoned or failed.
His emotional confession was interrupted by Wang Weng, who burst in, frantically calling for the Queen's spirit to protect the Crown Prince. Soon after, Li Chongkui arrived with an imperial decree. Wang Weng desperately tried to shield Xiao Dingquan, offering himself to be killed in his place. As the guards seized him, Xiao Dingquan, with profound emotion, cried out to Lu Wenxi, "These are my sincere words." He was then taken away under imperial order.
