Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 54 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
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Three new consorts, Noble Lady Ke, First-Class Attendant Gong, and First-Class Attendant Xi, arrived in the palace and paid their respects to Empress Ruyi. Ruyi welcomed them, remarking that the Empress Dowager's upcoming sixtieth birthday would be livelier with more people. She noted that Noble Lady Ke was from Mongolia and might not be used to Southern tea, offering her tea with milk. Ruyi then advised them to learn the rules to serve the Emperor effectively.
Later, Noble Lady Ke and the Emperor built a snowman and barbecued meat in the courtyard. Consort Ling, Yanwan, arrived with two wild ducks, wanting to join them, but Noble Lady Ke politely refused, stating that Mongolian barbecued meat might be too greasy for others. She then pointedly remarked that they were only eating barbecued mutton, not "lusting after deer blood wine," a clear reference to Yanwan's past actions.
Noble Lady Ke then ordered her servants to close the doors, leaving Yanwan outside. Humiliated by Noble Lady Ke's rejection, Yanwan was visibly displeased. Her irritation grew when she saw Noble Consort Jia's attendants selecting midwives, fueling her jealousy. She also learned that the Emperor had allowed Ruyi's mother, Duchess Cheng'en, to enter the palace early to care for her during her pregnancy, which made Yanwan feel even more unappreciated. Ruyi's mother arrived and expressed joy at her daughter's well-being.
Seeing Ruyi's pointed belly, her mother initially believed it would be a prince, but Ruyi told her that Imperial Physician Jiang Yubin had indicated it would be a girl. Her mother was content, saying a child of the Empress was a blessing either way. Meanwhile, the Emperor, also curious about the gender, questioned Imperial Physician Jiang Yubin, who cautiously stated that while the pulse was faint, sometimes strong, the subtle pulse suggested a girl.
Unsatisfied with the ambiguous answer, the Emperor personally visited Ruyi. Ruyi expressed her desire for a princess, explaining that daughters were more considerate to their parents, and showed him pink baby clothes she was stitching. The Emperor agreed, finding the idea of a princess delightful. Yanwan later sought out Grandmother Tian, the midwife who delivered Consort Shu's child. She generously bribed Grandmother Tian, inquiring about the Empress's pregnancy.
However, Grandmother Tian was reluctant to divulge any details, only stating she would serve well, much to Yanwan's frustration. Imperial Physician Jiang Yubin continued to monitor Ruyi's health. During a consultation, Ruyi asked about her maid Suoxin's child, which Jiang Yubin believed would be a daughter, then subtly hinted that Ruyi herself would bear a son, fulfilling the Emperor's wish.
Ruyi, however, desired to keep the gender a secret, and Jiang Yubin suggested that people would only be able to guess based on her appetite, referencing the folk belief of "sour for a boy, spicy for a girl." To maintain the illusion of carrying a girl, Ruyi instructed Rongpei to bring a Sichuan chef to serve her daily spicy dishes.
The following day, Lixin from Qixiang Palace, Noble Consort Jia's residence, brought sour dried apricots as a gift, hoping to gauge Ruyi's cravings. Rongpei, however, informed Lixin that Ruyi currently had no appetite for sour foods. Lixin reported this back to Noble Consort Jia, who felt reassured that Ruyi was likely carrying a princess. Palace servants buzzed with gossip, noting that Noble Consort Jia, who always craved sour foods during pregnancy, often bore sons.
They speculated that if Noble Consort Jia gave birth to a prince while Ruyi had a princess, Noble Consort Jia would gain even more favor. Soon, news arrived that Noble Consort Jia had indeed given birth to the Eleventh Prince, Yongxing.
Noble Consort Jia was delighted, instructing her maid to ensure the Eleventh Prince was often brought to the Emperor, and reiterated her belief that the Emperor still favored the Fourth Prince, Yongcheng, as the first son born after his ascension. Meanwhile, Ruyi made preparations for her own delivery. She inspected the auspicious burial spot for the placenta and selected two meticulous midwives, specifically requesting Grandmother Tian, who had assisted Consort Shu, for night duty.
Rongpei, ever vigilant, thoroughly checked all birthing supplies – from white cloths to scissors and blankets – to ensure their safety and prevent any foul play. During the day, Ruyi continued her charade, consuming only spicy foods to reinforce the idea of a girl. However, under the cloak of night, Rongpei secretly brought Ruyi sour apricots from Yongping, which Ruyi eagerly ate, even wishing they were more sour.
Rongpei expressed concern over Ruyi having to conceal the gender of her unborn prince, but Ruyi explained her strategy: if people expected a princess, a prince would be a joyous surprise, and if it turned out to be a princess, the Emperor's disappointment would be lessened. As Ruyi neared her delivery, the Emperor knelt in Fengxian Hall, fervently praying to his ancestors for a healthy legitimate prince.
Noble Consort Jia, meanwhile, anxiously hoped for Ruyi to give birth to a princess. Ruyi's labor was prolonged, lasting a full day and night, causing anxiety to the Empress Dowager and concern among the palace. Hailan faithfully remained by Ruyi's side throughout. Finally, the joyous news arrived: Ruyi had given birth to a prince! The Emperor was immensely relieved and overjoyed, thanking his ancestors for their blessings.
Upon hearing the news, Noble Consort Jia was furious, realizing she had been deceived. She lamented her own incompetence and expressed deep concern that the Emperor would now heavily favor his legitimate son.
Yongcheng tried to reassure her, but Noble Consort Jia emphasized the Emperor's historical preference for legitimate heirs, declaring her resolve to "bet her life" to secure a prominent future for Yongcheng, ensuring the Emperor's affections remained with him and that the legitimate heir would be seen as inferior. Yongcheng vowed to live up to her expectations. The Twelfth Prince, whom Ruyi named Yongji, proved to be a robust and strong baby.
The Emperor, pleased with Yongji's vigor, noted his name's similarity to the Fifth Prince Yongqi's, both referring to "fine jade," hoping they would be good brothers. He decreed that Yongji would be raised by Ruyi in her palace, allowing him to visit often, and encouraged Ruyi to recover well, suggesting they could have "many more princes in the future." Third Prince Yongzhang, Fourth Prince Yongcheng, and Fifth Prince Yongqi were practicing archery together. Yongzhang soon left, claiming he needed rest.
Yongcheng and Yongqi continued their intensive practice, preparing for the upcoming Mulan Autumn Hunt. Yongqi praised Yongcheng's archery skills, humbly admitting he couldn't match him. Later, while with Noble Consort Jia, the Emperor inquired about Yongcheng's riding and archery, revealing his high hopes for him and disappointment with Yongzhang, considering Yongcheng as his "eldest son" who would share his burdens. That night, in the privacy of Yanxi Palace, Yongqi secretly practiced archery blindfolded, having already mastered the skill.
He explained to Hailan that he deliberately concealed his true abilities from Yongcheng, understanding the wisdom of biding his time. Yongqi then voiced his concern that the Emperor might favor the newborn Yongji over him. Hailan, however, reminded him that he was neither the eldest nor a legitimate son, nor the first son born after the Emperor's ascension like Yongcheng, and owed his current standing to Ruyi's nurturing. She sternly warned him against such thoughts.
When Yongqi mentioned Yongcheng's recent intense practice for the Mulan Hunt, Hailan suspected Yongcheng was aiming to win the Emperor's favor. She advised Yongqi to feign ignorance and stay close to Yongcheng throughout the hunt. The Imperial entourage arrived at the Mulan Hunting Preserve. Ruyi and Hailan conversed, with Ruyi expressing concern for her younger sons left behind and wondering about Ling Yunche's welfare after two years of exile. Hailan suggested they might encounter him.
Earlier, the Emperor expressed dissatisfaction with the hunt, having only caught small game. He recalled a successful hunt with his grandfather, Kangxi, where he caught a black bear. To ensure a more exciting hunt for himself and the princes that afternoon, he instructed an official to release some wild beasts into the preserve. Later, as Ling Yunche was leading a horse, he crossed paths with Noble Consort Jia and Fourth Prince Yongcheng.
Noble Consort Jia immediately recognized him as the servant who had "lusted after her" at the Jiangning Temporary Palace and ordered Yongcheng to severely punish him. Yongcheng eagerly began whipping Ling Yunche. Just then, Ruyi intervened, stopping Yongcheng. She reminded him that a master should not personally administer punishment and pointed out that Ling Yunche had already received his due punishment from the Emperor. She subtly questioned if Noble Consort Jia intended to defy the Emperor's mercy.
Noble Consort Jia relented, and Yongcheng was dismissed to prepare for the hunt. Ling Yunche profusely thanked Ruyi, who observed his weight loss and changed demeanor. Ling Yunche recounted his two years of solitary labor, feeding horses and cleaning stables, and expressed his torment over being wrongly accused. Ruyi advised him to endure the injustice for now but understand its underlying reasons. Ling Yunche vowed to remember her words and return "properly with his head held high."
