Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 55 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
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The Emperor proclaimed the Autumn Hunt a great tradition of the Imperial family, significant to all tributary states practicing martial arts and physical labor. He encouraged everyone to pursue deer on the hunting grounds and enjoy themselves, while Ruyi and the other Imperial concubines remained to await their safe return. As the princes rode off, Pure Consort Chun praised Yongcheng, remarking that the Yu Clan's mountain ginseng supply had indeed produced incredible results.
Noble Consort Jia, however, suggested the Third Prince, Yongzhang, would be the one to reveal his skills and potentially become Crown Prince. Pure Consort Chun retorted, reminding her that the eldest prince, Yonghuang, died due to such forbidden statements, and that their children would ultimately be no match for Ruyi's legitimate son. Ruyi interjected, urging them to focus on the hunt instead of discussing such nonsense.
The Emperor, pleased with Yongqi's accurate shot, then challenged his sons to hunt down the most animals, promising handsome rewards. Separately, Ling Yunche, while exercising a horse in the forest, noticed a small bunch of horse hair on a tree branch and identified it as a mare's scent, finding the situation strange. The Emperor then spotted a magnificent wild horse, a purebred capable of covering a thousand "li" in one day.
Despite Yongzhang's warning about its fierce temper and his own command for no one to follow, the Emperor eagerly pursued it. Concerned for His Majesty’s safety and knowing his love for horses, Yongqi and Yongcheng followed him from a distance. The wild horse led the Emperor to a secluded part of the forest, where an assassin, lying in ambush, shot an arrow at him. The Emperor’s horse was startled, throwing him to the ground.
Yongqi rushed to block the Emperor, while Ling Yunche, who happened to be nearby, arrived to rescue him by using his whip to control the startled horse. Amidst the chaos, the Fourth Prince, Yongcheng, actually shot an arrow at the Emperor. Subsequently, Yongcheng also shot an arrow at the startled wild horse, which helped stabilize the situation.
With the crisis averted, Ling Yunche formally apologized for not coming to the Emperor's aid sooner, and the Emperor, recognizing him as a former palace guard who had left in disgrace, allowed him to rise after Ling Yunche stated he was unfairly wronged. The Emperor then asked Yongqi why he merely stood in front of him instead of shooting the wild horse.
Yongqi explained that he was too far to pull his arrow, and his master had taught him that beasts typically inflict harm only once. Therefore, he reasoned, if the horse injured him, it would not harm the Emperor. The Emperor was greatly consoled by Yongqi’s filial explanation. Later, the Imperial Physician assured the Emperor that his arrow wound was not deep and would heal quickly with proper care. The Emperor ordered Fuheng to investigate.
Fuheng reported that while he had detained the negligent garrison guards, he found no trace of the assassin despite an extensive search. He deduced that at least two assassins had coordinated to lure the Emperor with the wild horse and ambush him in the forest. However, their poor coordination led to multiple misses, causing them to flee in a panic and leave no trail.
Fuheng added that mare’s bodily fluids had been smeared on the shrubbery to lure the wild horse, which also affected the Emperor's horse. He confirmed that Ling Yunche, who was exercising Imperial Concubine Ke’s mare, ended up there purely by accident. That night, the Emperor was restless, plagued by nightmares and calling out about someone trying to harm him. Ruyi woke and comforted him, assuring him that with loyal subjects and filial sons, no assassin could harm him.
The Emperor, however, felt a deep sense of distrust, believing all those around him were untrustworthy. When he asked for Fuheng, Yuhu reported that Fuheng was still patrolling and investigating, and Ling Yunche was guarding outside the tent. Recognizing Ling Yunche’s merit in rescuing him, the Emperor decreed his promotion to Guard of the Second Rank, to guard his person day and night.
Ruyi, later speaking with the Emperor, found it strange that Fuheng had found no trace of the assassin after a full day of investigation. She pointed out the cunning use of the wild horse and mare's scent to lure him. The arrow, being unpoisoned, suggested the assassin either didn't intend to kill the Emperor or aimed to kill him with a single shot.
The Emperor agreed it was peculiar and promised to have Fuheng investigate further, acknowledging the persistent presence of traitorous rebels. The next day, Yongqi told Ruyi that he saw Yongcheng enter the forest alone before the Emperor collapsed. Hailan expressed unease about the sequence of events, finding Yongcheng’s timely rescue too coincidental. She also suspected Fuheng’s quick discovery of the assassin's corpse was merely a rushed attempt to avoid the Emperor’s displeasure.
Ruyi advised them that without solid evidence, they must suppress their suspicions for now, as the Emperor favored Yongcheng and any cold water from them would only make Yongqi appear jealous. Yongqi mentioned Yongcheng’s recent complacency, to which Ruyi wisely advised Yongqi to continue to sharpen his skills, conceal his strengths, and bide his time, to evade Yongcheng’s rising prominence.
Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, informed of the assassination attempt, decided not to intervene, fearing it would fuel the Emperor’s suspicions during such a delicate time. She noted that as the Emperor was not her biological son, there would always be an underlying suspicion between them, and she wished only for her daughters' safety, appearing as an old lady enjoying retirement.
Upon his return to the palace, Ling Yunche was congratulated by Li Yu, who praised his service and suggested he form a family, hinting at an Imperial favor. Ling Yunche expressed gratitude merely for being allowed to return. Separately, Zhao Jiuxiao informed Lancui, Wei Yanwan's maid, that Ling Yunche’s meritorious service could be an opportunity for Wei Yanwan to regain the Emperor's favor if Ling Yunche spoke well of her.
Lancui relayed this to Wei Yanwan, who was happy for Ling Yunche but worried Jinzhong might harm him again. Chunchan reassured her that Ling Yunche’s dignified return would deter Jinzhong. Later, discussing the Mulan hunting incident, the Emperor sought advice on punishing the negligent officials. Ling Yunche humbly deferred to the Emperor’s wisdom, citing his limited education as a military man. Yongzhang, however, pleaded for clemency, arguing that punishing all would hinder further investigation into the true mastermind.
This enraged the Emperor, who harshly reprimanded Yongzhang for being late to his aid, unfilial, disloyal, incompetent, and negligent after the incident, accusing him of seeking fame and disregarding the Emperor's safety. The Emperor then banished him from the discussion. Still suspicious, the Emperor asked Fuheng if Yongzhang was involved, to which Fuheng cautiously replied that he believed the Third Prince, being the Emperor’s biological son, would not do such a thing.
The Emperor, however, maintained a cynical view of Imperial family relations, stating that father and son could also be ruler and subject, or even enemies, necessitating caution. Fuheng tried to reassure him that he was overthinking things, as he was still young and no one would dare to plot against him. Upholding the principle of rewarding merit and punishing offense, Fuheng agreed to punish the negligent officials.
The Emperor then declared his intention to bestow marriage upon Ling Yunche, noting he was over thirty and unmarried. He had selected Maoqian, a Manchurian lady from the Sakda Clan of the Bordered Blue Banner, whose father was a "bithesi" and who was now without family. Ling Yunche, citing his humble background from the Lower Five Banners and inadequate financial situation, expressed unsuitability for Miss Maoqian, but the Emperor perceived this as spurning his arrangement.
Prompted by an eunuch, Ling Yunche had no choice but to accept the Imperial favor. Ling Yunche later visited Ruyi, who congratulated him on his return and thanked him for rescuing the Emperor. She advised him to remain humble and acknowledged the great honor of an Imperial bestowed marriage. When Ling Yunche mentioned he had no family to host his wedding, Ruyi thoughtfully arranged for Jiang Yubin and Suoxin, who resided in the capital, to officiate for him.
Ling Yunche also congratulated Ruyi on the birth of the Twelfth Prince, Yongji, and was told by Li Yu that the Emperor now favored Yikun Palace due to his affection for Yongji. Outside the palace, Ling Yunche encountered Wei Yanwan, who congratulated him on his promotion and impending marriage. Ling Yunche remained cold and formal. Wei Yanwan noted that Maoqian's background was superior to her own and asked if he was satisfied with the marriage.
Ling Yunche evasively replied that it was the best thing as the Emperor arranged it. Wei Yanwan lamented that they were no longer who they used to be, recalling her past belief that she would marry him. Ling Yunche maintained his distance, reminding her that she was now a mistress.
Wei Yanwan, feeling unloved, directly asked if he still loved her and if he could pacify her, but Ling Yunche firmly stated that only the Emperor could fulfill her desires and left to resume his duties. Chunchan, observing the interaction, advised Wei Yanwan against speaking to Ling Yunche, fearing Jinzhong’s wrath. Wei Yanwan, watching Ling Yunche leave, concluded he was unhappy and still cared for her, but questioned the use of such feelings.
The Emperor later praised Yongcheng’s progress in studies, literary arts, equestrian archery, and his proficiency in Mongolian and the Yu Clan language, which Yongcheng attributed to his birth mother. The Emperor tasked him with receiving an envoy from the Yu Clan for his upcoming birthday celebration.
At dinner at Noble Consort Jia’s palace, the Emperor commended Yongcheng's proper bearing and ease in handling court ministers, announcing his plan to confer the title of "Beile" upon Yongcheng after the Double Ninth Festival. Pure Consort Chun, however, complained to Ruyi about Yongzhang being overlooked despite his seniority, to which Ruyi warned her not to repeat such sentiments outside Yikun Palace, as it could be misconstrued as Yongzhang resenting the Emperor.
Ruyi further advised Yongqi to continue to develop his skills quietly, as Yongcheng's growing complacency would make him prone to errors, emphasizing the importance of cultivating both literary and martial arts and evading Yongcheng's increasing prominence. That night, the Emperor expressed his desire for Yongji to grow quickly and share his burdens. Ruyi, noticing his weariness, revealed that Jiang Yubin had confirmed she was two months pregnant again.
The Emperor was overjoyed, delighted that Ruyi was with child so quickly, and expressed that whether it was a boy or a girl, he would be equally happy, having already had Yongji, though another prince would be a bonus. On Ling Yunche’s wedding day, his manor was lively, but he did not exhibit happiness. After the guests departed, Ling Yunche and Maoqian performed the rituals and drank nuptial wine.
Maoqian, stating she spoke her mind, declared that he would handle outside affairs with the Emperor, while she would manage the household and finances. Ling Yunche agreed to respect her, but Maoqian insisted on establishing rules, firmly stating that he would listen to her from now on.
Meanwhile, Ruyi and Hailan were discussing making a patchwork quilt for Yongji, hoping for good fortune, and decided to give it to the ailing Tenth Prince first, with Ruyi promising to make a new one for her unborn child. Ruyi then remembered it was Ling Yunche’s wedding day. Later that night, Ling Yunche, still in his wedding attire, could not sleep.
He retrieved the boots Ruyi had given him, recalling her words about the cloud pattern representing his name and her wish for him to rise rapidly in the world, openly pining for her. Maoqian observed this from the doorway.
