Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 73 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
The Emperor arrived at Baoyue Tower, dressed in Han tribe garments, to the surprise of the attending concubines. He explained to the assembled Han tribesmen, and particularly to Xiangjian, that since she was unwilling to become his woman and change her attire, he would become a Han tribesman for her. He then publicly announced Xiangjian's enfeoffment as "Noble Lady Rong," and declared that she would reside at Baoyue Tower. The tribesmen cheered in exultation.
The Emperor then cautioned all the concubines to be tolerant of Noble Lady Rong and to maintain harmony, reminding them not to cause further fuss. He also had Jinzhong reward the Han tribesmen and escort them away, mentioning that he had specifically brought the weak, young, and elderly to the capital to care for them, thus revitalizing their homeland.
Xiangjian, however, understood that while the Emperor cherished her, he was also blackmailing her, effectively ensuring she could never escape, not even in death. As the other concubines departed, claiming they had appreciated the view, only Empress Ruyi remained. Ruyi offered to help the Emperor change his attire, but he insisted on wearing the Han garments. He thanked Ruyi for persuading Xiangjian to live.
Ruyi, while congratulating him, implored him to change back into his dragon robes, expressing concern that his choice of attire, despite being the Son of Heaven, could cause bitterness among the historically allied Mongolian tribes who had never seen an Emperor wear their traditional clothing. The Emperor, however, dismissed her worries, telling her to focus on his happiness.
Ruyi countered that as his wife, her emotions should mirror his, but as Empress, she had only acquiesced to his request out of duty, and as his wife, she disagreed with his actions and felt sympathy for Noble Lady Rong. The Emperor reiterated that he had given Xiangjian a proper title and would treat her and her tribe well, expecting Ruyi to simply be a role model for the harem and treat Xiangjian kindly.
He believed Xiangjian would eventually understand his feelings. He confessed his deep affection for Xiangjian, stating that even if he couldn't win her heart, her presence by his side was enough. Ruyi, comparing his wishful thinking to Cao Zhi's devotion to the nymph of Luo River, retorted that even if he wore Cao Zhi's clothes, the nymph would not fall for him.
The Emperor angrily accused her of mocking him, expressing disappointment that she didn't understand his feelings after he had shared them. Ruyi admitted that after many years of believing their hearts were interconnected, she understood him less and less since Xiangjian's arrival and asked him to simply regard her as someone who no longer understood him. She then took her leave, despite his calls.
As Ruyi walked out into the rain, feeling utterly heartbroken and chilled, she encountered Master Lang, who informed her that the Emperor had ordered him to paint a joint portrait of himself and Noble Lady Rong. This news further saddened Ruyi, as such a privilege had only been accorded to her after she became Empress. Li Yu, seeing her distress, instructed Ling Yunche to escort her back to Yikun Palace.
Ruyi walked in silence, her steps heavy, feeling that the once warm palace was now as cold as her heart. Later that night, Noble Lady Rong, left with no other choice, submitted to the Emperor, who promised to treat her and her tribe well from then on. Empress Dowager, upon hearing that Noble Lady Rong was serving the Emperor, expressed concern, worrying that if Noble Lady Rong became pregnant and gave birth, the entire harem would be thrown into chaos.
She resolved to intervene. The next morning, the concubines gathered at Yikun Palace to pay their respects to Ruyi, discussing how much weight Ruyi had lost. To their surprise, Noble Lady Rong also arrived, having changed into the palace attire, sparking murmurs among the concubines. Ruyi urged everyone to let bygones be bygones and to embrace harmony within the harem, asking them to be tolerant of Noble Lady Rong, whose customs differed due to her border origins.
She suggested Noble Lady Rong seek advice from Consort Yu, as she was the most senior in the harem. Noble Lady Rong then requested a private conversation with Ruyi, prompting the other concubines to depart, continuing their gossip. Alone with Ruyi, Noble Lady Rong expressed gratitude for Ruyi's genuine kindness and asked why Ruyi had persuaded her to live and even helped her, rather than wishing her dead, especially given the Emperor's intense infatuation.
Ruyi explained that as the Empress of Great Qing, her duties extended beyond just being a wife; compliance with orders and fulfilling her responsibilities were paramount. Noble Lady Rong then inquired if the youthful lover Ruyi had once spoken of was the Emperor, to which Ruyi confirmed. Noble Lady Rong lamented that at least Ruyi's lover was still alive, suggesting there was always hope for change, unlike her own situation with Hanqi, separated forever by death.
Ruyi sighed, alluding to her own youthful lover no longer being the same person, but chose not to elaborate. Finally, Noble Lady Rong revealed the true purpose of her private visit, asking Ruyi how she could avoid pregnancy while serving the Emperor. Ruyi was visibly shocked by her request.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was spending most of his time at Baoyue Tower, delighting in Noble Lady Rong's presence and showering her with gifts, including exquisite Tianbai porcelain vases and warm Hongluo charcoal. He even had Russian olive flowers, which she loved, transplanted around Baoyue Tower to please her. His continued neglect stirred resentment among the other concubines.
Wan Yin, who had not served the Emperor in six years, four months, and three days, expressed her despair to Ruyi, reciting a poem about a disfavored court lady, agreeing that such a fate was inevitable for them. Other concubines, while discussing the Emperor's prolonged stay at Baoyue Tower, wondered if Noble Lady Rong possessed "unorthodox skills." Some advised patience, noting that even the Empress Dowager, who was most concerned for the Emperor's well-being, had not yet commented.
Ruyi, though outwardly calm, was inwardly disheartened by the Emperor's actions. Noble Lady Rong, however, remained indifferent to the Emperor's affections. When the joint portrait of her and the Emperor, painted by Master Lang, was delivered, she immediately ordered it to be stored away in the back, never to be brought out again.
The Empress Dowager, exasperated by the Emperor's obsession, pruned Russian olive flowers, comparing him to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who had recklessly imported lychees for Noble Consort Yang. She voiced her frustration, stating she could not prevent Noble Lady Rong's entry or service, but feared the consequences if she bore a child. Knowing that Noble Lady Rong's heart still belonged to her deceased betrothed, the Empress Dowager saw an opportunity to act.
She directly ordered Ruyi to deliver a decoction that would render Noble Lady Rong infertile and to witness her drink it. Ruyi was deeply conflicted, understanding that while this might protect the Emperor's reputation, it would also incur his hatred. The Empress Dowager firmly reiterated that as the mistress of the Six Palaces, it was Ruyi's duty to stabilize the harem, and she must comply.
Rong Pe, trying to ease Ruyi's burden, reminded her that Noble Lady Rong herself had expressed a desire not to bear children. Torn between the Empress Dowager's command and the Emperor's feelings, Ruyi eventually took the decoction to Baoyue Tower. She explained to Noble Lady Rong that it was delivered on the Empress Dowager's orders and would lead to permanent infertility, urging her to consider it carefully, as there would be no room for regret.
Noble Lady Rong, however, declared that she had no regrets. She eloquently stated that children should be conceived out of love, not used as tools for gaining favor or preserving one's life, and should certainly not be forced into this world. With resolve, she drank the entire bowl. Ruyi immediately sent for Imperial Physician Jiang and wet nurses to attend to her. Noble Lady Rong endured the subsequent pain in stoic silence, not uttering a single cry.
Ruyi and Rong Pe waited outside, concerned about how they would explain the situation to the Emperor. Despite news that Imperial Concubine Ling (Wei Yanwan) was in labor, the Emperor rushed to Baoyue Tower. Upon learning that Noble Lady Rong was fine but now infertile, he flew into a rage, demanding to know who was responsible. Ruyi stepped forward and admitted it was her doing. Enraged, the Emperor slapped Ruyi forcefully. Just then, the Empress Dowager arrived, immediately intervening.
She chastised the Emperor for striking his own Empress, calling his actions mad. The Emperor insisted on Noble Lady Rong's innocence. The Empress Dowager countered that the Emperor had gotten what he desired, but Noble Lady Rong's heart remained with another. She blamed the Emperor's excessive indulgence for pushing Noble Lady Rong to this drastic measure, asserting that Noble Lady Rong herself had wished to drink the decoction. Ruyi, having suffered the slap and the argument, quietly took her leave.
Once Noble Lady Rong awoke, the Emperor quickly entered to check on her. She confirmed that she had willingly drunk the medicine, expressing her desire to serve him peacefully and in silence, having understood both his and the Empress Dowager's intentions. Just then, Jinzhong arrived with joyful news: Imperial Concubine Ling had successfully given birth to the Fifteenth Prince.
Overjoyed, the Emperor immediately issued decrees: Noble Lady Rong was promoted to "Imperial Concubine Rong," and Imperial Concubine Ling (Wei Yanwan) was elevated to "Consort Ling," with permission to personally raise the Fifteenth Prince, rather than sending him to Shoukang Palace. Furthermore, citing Ruyi's "poor management of the harem," the Emperor stripped her of her authority, entrusting the full management of the Six Palaces to Consort Ling. Jinzhong, ecstatic, hurried away to relay the news.
In the aftermath, Imperial Concubine Rong found herself increasingly neglected by the Emperor, who stopped visiting Baoyue Tower. To her, this was a relief, though she felt immense guilt for having implicated Empress Ruyi. Consort Ling, now restored to favor and managing the harem, basked in her newfound influence, with other concubines flocking to her. During a conversation, Consort Yu (Hailan) and Consort Ying discussed Consort Ling's methods.
Consort Ying complained about being forced to wear a cat's eye headband gifted by Consort Ling, which she had initially been unwilling to wear, because the Emperor had noticed her not wearing it and asked about it. Consort Yu, on the other hand, mentioned having returned a bangle Consort Ling gifted her, as she didn't want it. Both Consort Yu and Consort Ying observed that while Consort Ling was competent, her elaborate gestures often stemmed from an underlying insecurity. Meanwhile, Yikun Palace, once a center of power, became deserted, reflecting Ruyi's isolation.
