Royal Nirvana Episode 60 (Ending) Recap, Plot

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Xiao Dingtang, defeated, was confined to his mansion. His Princess remained by his side, affirming her unwavering loyalty. She had packed their belongings, ready to accompany him to his fief. An official arrived with Zhang Songzhi, announcing her as a duke's concubine. Xiao Dingtang was bitter, having no desire for a new wife, but his Princess, with compassion, allowed Zhang Songzhi inside.

However, as the gate opened, Xiao Dingtang, consumed by desperation, broke free, mounted a horse, and galloped to the palace gate, pleading to see his Emperor and Empress. Guards blocked Xiao Dingtang, citing an imperial edict that forbade him from entering the palace before his departure to the fief. The Empress emerged, heartbroken, and pleaded with the guards to allow her a final farewell with her son, but the guards cited palace protocols.

Xiao Dingquan then appeared, sternly telling his older brother to stop being childish and return. Xiao Dingtang cried out, asserting that once the gate closed, he would never see his mother again, asking why Xiao Dingquan didn't just kill him. Xiao Dingquan retorted that Xiao Dingtang was spoiled, and refused to relent, even slapping Xiao Dingtang. Despite being hit, Xiao Dingtang showed no anger, continuing to plead pitifully for another chance.

Xiao Dingquan finally softened, no longer interfering, and allowed Xiao Dingtang and the Empress to bid farewell. He then strictly ordered his brother to be taken back, stating, "For the last time. No delay. And no crying." The Empress, despite the cold, wrapped a hand-made cotton jacket around Xiao Dingtang, expressing regret that she hadn't made it warmer.

As the palace gate was about to close, Xiao Dingquan, observing the heartbreaking scene, recalled his own last painful farewell with his mother three years ago on a snowy night. He remembered her gentle questions and how she knew, even then, that they would never meet again. He reflected on how he cherished her beautiful, unchanging smile, and the lesson, "So don't cry when you leave someone."

With a final, agonizing farewell, the Empress retreated inside, lamenting that without her son, the palace was no longer a home. Xiao Dingtang, equally distraught, cried out for his mother as the gates closed. Xiao Dingquan, left in the snow, mused on the relative lightness of death compared to separation, wondering if he would ever see his loved ones again when the gates reopened.

After the emotional farewell, Xiao Dingquan decided not to return to the Eastern Palace but to seek solace at a "friend's home." There, he found Lu Wenxi, separated by a screen. He playfully urged her to stop pretending not to see him. Wenxi questioned if she was still destined for exile to Changzhou, but Xiao Dingquan revealed the Emperor had granted him the power to decide her fate, saving her from that punishment.

He confessed how deeply he missed her, explaining that he had come to get her himself since she hadn't returned as promised. Their conversation was filled with longing and playful banter. Wenxi joked about her disheveled state after days in the Ministry of Justice, while Xiao Dingquan asked about his lost seal, which she claimed to have left at their teacher's place.

She then teased him, telling him not to "gild his own lily," before he explained the profound meaning behind his name, Xiao Dingquan, and his style name, Mincheng, which the Emperor bestowed upon him during his coming-of-age ceremony. He elaborated that "Ding" and "Quan" signify a leader who serves as a pillar for the nation, earning the praise of the people through righteous conduct.

Wenxi, however, playfully dismissed his serious explanation, saying that such deep admiration was not appropriate in their current setting. Xiao Dingquan then asked for her name. Wenxi began to say she would tell him everything, but Xiao Dingquan stopped her, listing the many loved ones he had lost – Minister Lu (his teacher), his mother, younger sister, Nianzhi, and his teacher. He admitted, "I'm afraid after you tell me, I will be alone," expressing his fear of further loss.

He assured her he could wait if she wasn't ready to share, promising it wouldn't be like last time. Wenxi suggested waiting until tomorrow as she had just come from prison, but Xiao Dingquan, unable to bear further separation, declared, "I can't wait till tomorrow. I don't want to miss you again." He then stepped from behind the screen, took her hand, and they shared a passionate kiss in the falling snow, unwilling to miss each other any longer.

An imperial decree proclaimed Gu Fengen, ennobled as Earl of Jiayi (Jia Yibo), as a loyal and talented defender of the frontier. For his efforts in securing the nation, he was ennobled as the Marquis of Heyang and appointed Vice Governor of Changzhou. Soon after, joyful military intelligence arrived from Changzhou, reporting a decisive victory. The Emperor, pleased, shared the good news with Xiao Dingquan, who became emotional, shedding tears of relief and pride for the Gu family army.

The Emperor, witnessing his tears, playfully remarked on Xiao Dingquan's "naivety." However, the celebration was cut short by another urgent military report: Wu Dehou (Gu Silin), on his way back from the victorious campaign, was ambushed and tragically died for the country. The devastating news shocked the Emperor, while Xiao Dingquan, overwhelmed by grief, coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed, prompting the Emperor to immediately call for a doctor.

That night, Xiao Dingquan confided in Lu Wenxi, his voice heavy with grief. " Tomorrow morning, I will go to Changzhou," he told her, explaining that the Emperor had commanded him to escort Wu Dehou's coffin and console the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers. Overcome, he cried, "My uncle died. No one loves me, cherishes me, and protects me." He expressed deep regret for his coldness during their last meeting, fearing his uncle might have resented him.

He tragically concluded, "He dies now. It's the punishment from the god." Wenxi gently comforted him. The next day, Xiao Dingquan departed. His loyal attendant, Wang Weng, stood by the road to see him off. Xiao Dingquan offered a reassuring smile and promised to return from Changzhou quickly, urging Wang Weng to go back. Wang Weng, with a heavy heart, bid him to "take care." However, this journey would stretch on for eight long months.

Eight months passed, but Xiao Dingquan did not return. Lu Wenxi, now visibly pregnant, spent her days gazing at a landscape painting. In her heart, she conversed with him, saying she no longer had worries and looked forward to exploring the beautiful scenery of "cloudy mountains and vast rivers" with him. She gently accused him of breaking his promise this time and expected him to compensate her in the future.

Gazing at the painting, she reflected on their shared dream, concluding her thoughts with a heartfelt plea for him: "Please wait for me." In the tranquil scene, two white cranes soared through the sky, their forms echoing Xiao Dingquan and Lu Wenxi, forever bound in love and companionship.

Episode 59 Recap