Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 74 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
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The Emperor supervised the Twelfth Prince Yongji's studies, observing that while Yongji was not exceptionally quick-witted, he possessed an honest and kind nature, never resorting to lies, which deeply pleased His Majesty. The Emperor, however, couldn't help but compare Yongji to the Fifth Prince Yongqi, remarking on Yongqi's faster grasp of texts and superior archery skills. Yongji admitted his shortcomings, lamenting he could only shoot five arrows compared to Yongqi's nine.
The Emperor found his honesty endearing, declaring that not being able to lie was a great virtue. After dinner, Ling Yunche escorted Yongji back to Yikun Palace. Yongji thoughtfully brought back white jade frosted pastries, a dessert he knew Ruyi enjoyed, for her. He shared his feelings of inadequacy after the Emperor's comparisons to Yongqi, asking Ruyi if Yongqi was truly better. Ruyi reassured him, explaining that each person has their unique strengths.
She acknowledged that as the legitimate son born into the Imperial family, Yongji naturally faced higher expectations, which he must bear. Her sole wish for him was to remain morally upright, safe, sound, and to live a smooth life, urging him not to compare himself to Yongqi. Later, Rong Pei noted that Yongqi had been visiting Yikun Palace less frequently, though he continued to send gifts.
Ruyi understood, stating that self-preservation was a crucial survival strategy in the palace and Yongqi should not court trouble on her behalf. Meanwhile, as Yongqi passed Yikun Palace, he considered paying his respects but decided against it, noting the late hour and not wanting to disturb Ruyi. His attendant, Yunjiao, reminded him to cultivate a closer relationship with Consort Ling and to minimize visits to Ruyi, emphasizing the importance of self-preservation.
Yongqi was celebrated for the Fifteenth Prince's full month, where Consort Ling, now managing the Six Palaces, was flourishing. She spoke with Princess Hejing, mentioning that despite her son Yongyan being raised by her, her other daughters were not, and one she had never even met. Consort Ling brought up Empress Xiaoxian, noting the Emperor still cherished her deeply, having composed countless monodies.
She suggested these poems should be publicized to highlight Empress Xiaoxian's virtues and, by comparison, diminish the current Empress. Princess Hejing, agreeing with Consort Ling's astute observation, advised her to find someone inconspicuous to carry out the task. Consort Ling summoned Consort Wan to Changchun Palace, Empress Xiaoxian’s former residence, which remained unchanged. Consort Ling remarked that the Emperor’s enduring love for Empress Xiaoxian was evident.
She then proposed that Consort Wan compile the Emperor’s memorial poems for Empress Xiaoxian, as her death anniversary was approaching. Consort Wan, citing her humble talent and shallow learning, initially demurred, believing she couldn't fulfill such a significant trust. As she moved to leave, Consort Ling stopped her, appealing to her long-held, unrequited devotion to the Emperor.
Consort Ling suggested that compiling these monodies would deeply please His Majesty and serve as a prime opportunity for Consort Wan to gain favor, given her years of neglect in the palace. Consort Wan, swayed by the prospect of Imperial favor, finally agreed. Consort Wan diligently worked day and night, transcribing the numerous monodies the Emperor had composed for Empress Xiaoxian.
Her maid suggested that once the first draft was complete, she should present it to Princess Hejing for review, given Princess Hejing was Empress Xiaoxian's only daughter. Upon completion, Consort Wan presented the compilation to Princess Hejing, who then, in turn, offered it to the Emperor. His Majesty was deeply touched and praised Consort Wan’s thoughtfulness.
Princess Hejing further suggested that since the poems were already compiled, copies should be distributed throughout the harem for study, especially with Empress Xiaoxian's death anniversary days away. The Emperor readily agreed, expanding the distribution to all imperial clanswomen, to promote Empress Xiaoxian’s virtues of diligence, frugality, benevolence, and kindness. He entrusted Princess Hejing and Yongqi with this task.
Soon after, the Emperor visited Consort Wan's palace, expressing his gratitude for her dedication to Empress Xiaoxian, calling her a thoughtful person. Overwhelmed with surprise and joy, Consort Wan diligently attended to him, and the Emperor stayed in her palace that night. While Ruyi remained secluded in Yikun Palace, Hailan visited her to update her on palace affairs. She spoke of Consort Wan’s sudden rise to favor and presented Ruyi with the compiled monodies.
Hailan noted that the compilation had created a trend in the palace of reminiscing about Empress Xiaoxian, leading many to unfavorably compare Ruyi to her. Hailan suspected Consort Ling was manipulating Consort Wan, exploiting her long-standing lack of favor, to sow discord between Ruyi and the Emperor. Rong Pei added that she had seen Consort Ling and Consort Wan leave Changchun Palace together, further fueling Hailan’s suspicion that Consort Ling, having grown close to Princess Hejing, was the orchestrator.
Hailan urged Ruyi to clarify matters with the Emperor, emphasizing that people were capitalizing on the current coolness in their relationship. Ruyi, however, felt a deep sense of resignation. Meanwhile, Consort Qing openly disparaged Ruyi to other concubines, extolling Empress Xiaoxian's virtues. Princess Hejing, overhearing the remarks, was secretly pleased. Separately, Yunjiao tended to Yongqi's leg, which was becoming more painful, suspecting osteomyelitis, though Yunjiao dismissed it as fatigue from riding.
Yunjiao once again reminded Yongqi to distance himself from Ruyi, citing the widespread discussion about the Empress Xiaoxian monodies and Ruyi's increasingly awkward position in the palace. She stressed the importance of Yongqi's self-preservation, especially considering Yongji's status as the legitimate heir. Yongqi, angered by her persistent attempts to sow discord, firmly declared that Ruyi had raised him and Yongji was like his biological brother.
He threatened to banish Yunjiao if she continued speaking such words, but Yunjiao remained steadfast in her advice for him to prioritize his own future. Ruyi took Yongji to the Princes' Study for his new teacher. The Emperor also arrived, wishing to observe Yongji's new instructor. Ruyi, unable to avoid him, faced the Emperor with a cold demeanor. The Emperor compared Yongji's progress unfavorably to Yongqi's.
Ruyi, feeling that her methods of raising her child were unsatisfactory in His Majesty's eyes, attempted to withdraw. The Emperor stopped her, criticizing her for her stubbornness and coldness since the incident at Baoyue Tower six months prior. He suggested that Empress Xiaoxian would never have behaved as she did. Ruyi, her heart already heavy, responded bitterly by echoing a line from the poems, admitting she was indeed less of an Empress than Xiaoxian.
The Emperor angrily declared that his poems were not a criticism but a means of grieving. Ruyi, however, pointed out the irony of his deep devotion to a deceased empress while neglecting his living one, noting that if Empress Xiaoxian knew of his sentiments, she would be deeply moved. Exasperated by her sharp tongue, the Emperor, in a fit of rage, ordered Ruyi to reflect on her mistakes and declared that raising Yongji would only distract her.
He decreed that Yongji would be sent to Consort Yu's palace to be raised, to learn from Yongqi's virtues and share his Imperial burden. Ruyi, deeply wounded, left without a backward glance. Rong Pei, concerned, questioned Ruyi about the decision. Ruyi, though heartbroken, accepted it, finding comfort in the knowledge that Consort Yu (Hailan) would raise Yongji, with Yongqi also watching over him.
Rong Pei then warned Ruyi that Consort Ling, supported by both the Emperor and Princess Hejing, was growing increasingly powerful, urging Ruyi not to distance herself from the Emperor further and allow Consort Ling to act without restraint. On her way back, Consort Wan intercepted Ruyi, profusely apologizing. She explained that she had no intention of causing trouble and merely wished to gain the Emperor's attention, as instructed by Consort Ling.
Ruyi, understanding Consort Wan's desperate pursuit of Imperial favor, assured her she was a good person and wished her all her desires would come true. Ruyi, however, had already grown indifferent to such matters. As summer progressed, it was time for the annual Mulan hunt.
the Empress Dowager reminded the Emperor of the need to release Consort Yu (Yue Xin), who had been confined for two years since her promotion to Consort, to appease the Khorchin tribe, as her father would be present. The Emperor agreed, understanding the importance of political stability, and tasked Consort Ling with making arrangements for the concubines accompanying them. Consort Yu (Yue Xin) was subsequently released and permitted to join the hunt.
Consort Ling, ensuring her own influence, arranged for Consort Yu (Yue Xin)'s dwelling to be close to the Emperor's, earning Consort Yu (Yue Xin)'s profound gratitude. Consort Ling subtly began to instigate Consort Yu (Yue Xin) against Ruyi, reminding her of the past grievances and her vulnerable position compared to Ruyi, who had a legitimate son. During the Mulan hunt, the Emperor led the princes in a grand hunting expedition across the vast grasslands.
They all participated enthusiastically, yielding a rich harvest. The Emperor successfully shot a black bear, gifting its bear bile to the Empress Dowager and its fur to Consort Ling for a blanket. The other princes also had their own successful catches, including deer, pheasants, wild geese, rabbits, and a roe deer for Yongji. Delighted by the plentiful harvest, the Emperor decided to host a celebratory banquet that evening.
