Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 23 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
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Imperial Concubine Jia welcomed her son, the Fourth Prince, into the world, bringing immense joy to the Emperor. He named the child Yongcheng, signifying a "perfect and flawless jade," and declared him precious as he was the first male child born since his ascension. The Emperor cherished Yongcheng, which led Pure Consort Chun to believe he was neglecting the First Prince Yonghuang and the Third Prince Yongzhang.
Noble Lady Hai suggested Pure Consort Chun take both princes to visit Imperial Concubine Jia, hoping for a chance encounter with the Emperor to foster father-son bonds, or at least to demonstrate her magnanimity. Pure Consort Chun, however, only brought the Third Prince, stating that Yonghuang was dedicated to his studies and could not spare the time. Witnessing Pure Consort Chun's dedication to raising her children, the Emperor soon promoted her to Consort.
Meanwhile, the First Prince felt neglected, understanding that as he was not Consort Chun's biological son, she would naturally prioritize her own. He knew that if he were to leave Zhongcui Palace, his life would become even harder. Consort Chun, now elevated, expressed her deep gratitude to Noble Lady Hai, acknowledging that it was Hailan's earlier advice to bring back Yongzhang after the Second Prince's incident that led to her current good fortune and promotion.
The Emperor later visited Zhongcui Palace to see the princes. Wei Yanwan, a palace maid, cleverly informed him that the First Prince had been teaching the Third Prince to read. The Emperor was pleased to hear Yongzhang could read and offered to teach him himself, delighting Consort Chun. Consort Chun, prompted by Noble Lady Hai, rewarded Yanwan with sweet steamed curd for her quick thinking, which had brought such happiness to the Emperor.
Noble Lady Hai, observing the Emperor's tender gaze and encouraging words to Yanwan during a chance encounter in the Imperial Garden, grew concerned, remarking that they might have a "second A'Rou" in the palace. The Emperor had told Yanwan that true family standing was not inherited but earned through one's own efforts. Despite working in a prominent palace, Yanwan's life was difficult. Her mother continually demanded more money, sending messages that the silver she sent last month was already gone.
Distressed, Yanwan sought out Ling Yunche, a guard in the Cold Palace. She poured out her heart, expressing her mother's disdain for Ling Yunche's humble origins and lack of prospects. Ling Yunche vowed to work harder and ensure she had a good life. However, Yanwan grew desperate, lamenting that she was merely a maid to the First Prince and had limited time until she turned twenty-five, when she would be forced to leave the palace if no opportunities arose.
She did not want her mother and brother to suffer alongside her. With a heavy heart, she told Ling Yunche they could no longer meet, as he was only a Cold Palace guard with no future, and their relationship would only condemn them both to a life of servitude. Watching her walk away, Ling Yunche was heartbroken. Noble Lady Hai confided in Consort Chun about the Emperor's growing interest in Yanwan.
Though displeased, Consort Chun felt powerless to stop the Emperor's affections. Hailan then proposed a strategic plan, explaining that if Yanwan were to become one of the Emperor's concubines while still serving in Zhongcui Palace, others would suspect Consort Chun of using Yanwan to gain favor, making the Third Prince a target of animosity. Consort Chun immediately agreed that nothing should harm Yongzhang. Just then, the First Prince called out for Yanwan, who was standing outside the room.
Consort Chun, observing Yanwan's distracted demeanor, summoned her. Consort Chun coldly informed Yanwan that a palace astrologer had determined her birth chart clashed not only with the First Prince but also with the Emperor, rendering her ill-suited to remain in Zhongcui Palace. For the well-being of the Emperor and the First Prince, Consort Chun decreed that Yanwan be transferred to the floral bureau to tend to flowers and plants.
Hailan added that she should consider herself lucky, as a true curse would have sent her to the laundry department. Yanwan, left with no choice, accepted her new posting. The Emperor, showing his favor, sent Hailan an exquisite lipstick called "tender wuxiang." As Hailan gazed at her reflection, adorned in makeup and elegant robes that pleased the Emperor, she felt a profound sense of detachment.
She saw a different person, with a changed heart, no longer recognizing the woman she once was. Meanwhile, in the Cold Palace, Ruyi gave Ling Yunche some newly-made handkerchiefs. She found him reeking of alcohol and deeply despondent. He spoke bitterly of his low birth into the lower-fifth banner and his lack of future, lamenting that his beloved woman had left him because he could not elevate her status.
Ruyi, despite her own confinement, offered him solace, telling him that a woman who abandons a man for personal gain is not worth his sorrow. A woman truly worthy of lament, she advised, is one who is willing to share both sweet and bitter with him. Ling Yunche, however, dismissed her words as heartless, claiming only women could speak so. Ruyi urged him to reconsider her words.
Later, Imperial Physician Jiang Yubin bravely ventured into the Cold Palace to examine Ruyi and Suoxin. He confirmed that Ruyi's health was generally stable, though she suffered from anxiety and a kidney deficiency, along with a newly developed but not deep-rooted rheumatism that could be healed with diligent treatment. Suoxin's rheumatism was less severe. Ruyi observed the subtle glances and affection between Jiang Yubin and Suoxin.
As the Emperor prepared for an early court session, he realized he had left the "star river-lotus" pouch, embroidered for him by Noble Lady Hai, in his sleeping chamber. He sent Arrou to retrieve it. While searching, Arrou secretly opened a box by the Emperor's bed and discovered a handkerchief Ruyi had once embroidered for him, filling her with silent fury. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Gao visited the Empress, who was now recovering from her grief over Yonglian's death.
Noble Consort Gao presented the Empress with a paper effigy that Princess Hejing had found near the Cold Palace. With sinister insinuations, Noble Consort Gao suggested that the effigy, having been found so close to Ruyi's place of confinement, was proof that Ruyi had been performing witchcraft to curse Yonglian. Enraged by the perceived treachery and the memory of Yonglian's death, the Empress vowed to exact vengeance on Ruyi, wishing her a fate worse than death.
Noble Consort Gao encouraged her to find an unassailable way to make Ruyi suffer a living hell. Ling Yunche, unable to forget Yanwan, continued to drown his sorrows in alcohol. Yanwan's life in the floral bureau was indeed miserable, filled with strenuous labor and constant abuse from her fellow palace maids, who forced her to work late into the night.
