Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 77 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
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Hailan reproached her son, Yongqi, for not informing her about the perilous situation involving Empress Ruyi. She revealed that Zhao Jiuxiao had asked him to convey the message so she could go to Yangxin Hall to assist Ruyi, but Yongqi had deliberately withheld the information, and she only learned of it through Xiao Lezi. Yongqi admitted to his mother's reproach but argued that the situation was too dangerous for her to intervene.
Hailan countered that their deep sisterly bond in the palace meant she should have been there to support Ruyi, not leave her isolated and without assistance. She called Yongqi heartless for his actions. Yongqi reiterated that the matter concerned the Imperial Harem's secrets and the reputation of both Ruyi and the Emperor.
He believed that if Hailan had intervened then, the Emperor, in his rage, would not have listened to her and might have become even more incensed, leaving no one to advocate for Ruyi later. He explained that his intent was not to stand idly by, but to wait for a more suitable opportunity, reminding Hailan of her own advice to be wise and protect oneself.
Yongqi also pointed out that Zhao Jiuxiao’s connection to Ling Yunche’s alleged affair could implicate Hailan if the Emperor investigated, making her voice even less heard. He said he chose to bear the criticism of being unfilial rather than expose her to such risks, believing that protecting herself now would allow her to speak more effectively in the future. Hailan eventually acknowledged the logic in Yongqi’s words but expressed her deep heartache over her inability to help Ruyi.
Back at his residence, Yongqi's consort, Yun Jiao, observed his disquiet. Yongqi confided in her that his mother's earlier reprimand was not unfounded. He confessed his selfish motivation for withholding information about Ruyi's plight, fearing his mother’s implication. Yun Jiao, having also heard of the day’s events, agreed that he should distance himself from the situation, particularly given Ruyi’s increasingly precarious position as his adopted mother.
She emphasized that one must first secure their own safety before being able to protect others, and suggested they go for snacks. In Yangxin Hall, Yuhu attempted to counsel the Emperor, urging him not to dwell on suspicions and expressing her unwavering trust in Ling Yunche, whom she had personally selected from the Cold Palace. The Emperor, however, dismissed her words, retorting that her acquaintance with Ling Yunche was over a decade old and that people change over time.
He then requested to be left alone. His thoughts were plagued by the recent accusations, replaying Maoqian's claim that Ling Yunche, in his dreams, called out Ruyi's maiden name, revealing his obsession. He vividly recalled the "ruyi cloud" embroidery on the boots, an alleged secret token, and the image of Ling Yunche bravely shielding Ruyi, even grasping her hand. Overwhelmed by these memories, his suspicions deepened. He summoned Jinzhong and entrusted him with a specific task.
To ensure no loose ends, Wei Yanwan ordered the death of her maid, Lancui, under the guise of colic, stating that it was better to "clean up everything together" to avoid future complications. When Chunchan learned of Lancui's fate, she was horrified, realizing Wei Yanwan's increasing ruthlessness since collaborating with Eunuch Jinzhong, and feared she herself might suffer a similar end. That night, Chunchan secretly burned paper money for Lancui, expressing her anxiety about Wei Yanwan and Jinzhong.
While doing so, she stumbled upon a violent scene: Jinzhong and others brutally beating Ling Yunche, who was then dragged away, leaving Chunchan terrified. For several days, Ling Yunche's whereabouts remained a mystery, fueling various palace rumors—some speculating he and Maoqian were exiled after their divorce, others claiming he was punished for theft, or that he had left to become a monk.
Ruyi was also trying to find out what happened to Ling Yunche, but even Li Yu had no news, and Ling Yunche seemed to have vanished without a trace. Chunchan later reported to Wei Yanwan that she had seen Jinzhong taking someone away one night, though she hadn't clearly identified if it was Ling Yunche. One day, Eunuch Jinzhong arrived at Yikun Palace bearing gifts from the Emperor for Ruyi.
He presented a collection of precious items, including twelve pearl collars, two pairs of white porcelain gourd bottles, a pair of red agate Ganoderma ruyi sceptres, and a pair of concentric knots, pointedly highlighting that all were "top-quality items in pairs." Ruyi, however, showed no reaction, and Rongpei instructed the maids to put them away. Jinzhong then announced another gift, and to Ruyi's shock, Ling Yunche was brought in, now castrated and serving as a eunuch.
Jinzhong declared that the Emperor had appointed Ling Yunche as the "Eunuch of Yikun Palace," to serve Ruyi. He instructed Ling Yunche to greet Ruyi, correcting him from "humble subject" to "this slave." Ling Yunche, now referring to himself as "Slave Ling Yunche," bowed before Ruyi, both their hearts heavy with unspoken emotions. Jinzhong then warned Ling Yunche to be dutiful, suggesting that eunuchs were expendable, a comment Ruyi pointedly countered by reminding Jinzhong of his own status.
Before leaving, Jinzhong informed Ruyi that the Emperor would dine with her that night. Once alone, Ling Yunche urged Ruyi not to grieve for him. He asserted his willingness to endure this fate if it would appease the Emperor's anger and ensure Ruyi's safety.
He implored her not to burden herself further or concern herself with him, asking her to view him merely as an inanimate object in the palace, a "pillar" or "piece of furniture," needing no regard or care. This, he stated, was the only way to satisfy the Emperor. His final wish was for Ruyi never to act on his behalf again, fearing that any further involvement would only bring her more trouble, an unforgivable sin.
Overcome with guilt and sorrow, Ruyi wept silently, unsure how she could ever face him. Chunchan breathlessly informed Wei Yanwan that Ling Yunche had been made a eunuch. Yanwan was visibly shaken, admitting that while she had considered many possibilities, she never imagined such a humiliating punishment. She felt that for him to live in such a state was nothing but prolonged agony, expressing a preference for his death.
Chunchan reminded her of her own willingness to sacrifice Ling Yunche and that the punishment was the Emperor's decision. Meanwhile, the Emperor questioned Jinzhong about Ruyi's reaction to seeing Ling Yunche. Jinzhong claimed he hadn't dared to look, and that Ruyi would never betray her emotions before a slave. The Emperor, however, scoffed, certain Ruyi "must not have looked well," and agreed with Jinzhong that Ling Yunche deserved a fate worse than death for "daring to covet" Ruyi.
Later, the Emperor visited Yikun Palace. He took Ruyi's hand, which she instinctively tried to withdraw. He suggested they visit Ruyi Hall in a few days to see new peach flower drawings, but Ruyi, feigning illness, politely declined. The Emperor then insisted that Ling Yunche, despite Ruyi's attempts to deflect, serve her during dinner. When the meal was brought in, Rongpei observed that all the dishes were Ruyi's least favorites, yet the Emperor declared them to be her absolute favorites.
Noticing Ruyi's reluctance to eat, the Emperor again called Ling Yunche forward and instructed him to serve Ruyi, specifically placing the dishes he claimed she loved onto her plate. Ruyi tried to eat the food Ling Yunche served but found it almost impossible to swallow. The Emperor then mockingly asked if the server had irritated her. Ling Yunche immediately took the blame, confessing his guilt for his inadequate service and asking for punishment.
The Emperor ordered him to go outside and be punished for his "clumsy service." After Ling Yunche departed, the Emperor announced his intention to spend the night with Ruyi, leaving her seething with anger but compelled to feign delight. That night, Ruyi lay with her back to the Emperor, unresponsive to his repeated commands to turn towards him. Enraged by her silence, he forcibly turned her over.
Ruyi then broke her silence, asking if he had returned to Yikun Palace after "one year, three months, and twenty-four days" only for such an unpleasant encounter. The Emperor claimed he came to be kind, questioning her unhappiness, to which Ruyi retorted, "Is Your Majesty happy?" She then wrapped herself in the quilt and turned her back to him again. The next morning, the Emperor dismissed Ruyi, instructing Li Yu to help him dress before he departed for court.
Rongpei observed that Ruyi clearly had not slept well. After the Emperor's departure, Wei Yanwan arrived at Yikun Palace. She first encountered Ling Yunche, who was tending to flowers, and he greeted her impassively as "this slave." Wei Yanwan then proceeded inside to greet Ruyi, stating she was there under orders to oversee the Imperial Harem and had come to inspect Ruyi's "new slave."
She immediately launched into an accusation, blaming Ruyi for Ling Yunche's tragic state, claiming Ruyi had inspired his affection and ignited the Emperor’s suspicion, leading to his current humiliation. Wei Yanwan even declared she would have preferred him dead than to suffer such a life. Ruyi sternly rebuffed Yanwan's accusations, demanding how Yu Fei could have possessed such influence to slander her and Ling Yunche without Yanwan's covert manipulation.
Ruyi then angrily warned Yanwan that if she still harbored any vestige of their shared childhood affection for Ling Yunche, she should refrain from slandering him further and, more importantly, stop exploiting him as a weapon against Ruyi. Ruyi then ordered her to leave. As Wei Yanwan departed, she again encountered Ling Yunche and remarked on how easily he used the term "slave," asking if he felt no disgust remaining at Yikun Palace.
Ling Yunche calmly replied that he was punished as his "Mistress wished" and would diligently perform his duties wherever he was placed. News of Ling Yunche’s new status and placement reached Han Xiangjian, who, having never believed the rumors between Ruyi and Ling Yunche, found the Emperor's actions incomprehensible and expressed profound pity for Ruyi, observing that everyone in the palace seemed to be suffering. Hailan, too, understood the Emperor’s underlying intentions but was deeply troubled.
She believed Ling Yunche could not remain in Yikun Palace, fearing Ruyi’s situation would only deteriorate, and she dreaded contemplating what the future held. Meanwhile, the Twelfth Prince, Yong Jiao, confronted Ling Yunche, distraught by his transformation into a eunuch. He questioned why Ling Yunche, once his bodyguard, was now in such a state and why, amidst rumors linking him to the Empress, he was still serving at Yikun Palace.
Ling Yunche explained it was by the Emperor's order and blamed himself. Yong Jiao tearfully lamented that everyone he cared about had changed, and were no longer as he knew them, as Ling Yunche embraced him in silent pain. Han Xiangjian then sought an audience with the Emperor at Yangxin Hall.
She confronted him directly, stating he should not have suspected Ruyi, nor should he have punished Ling Yunche so harshly, and certainly not sent him, after such punishment, to serve in Ruyi's palace. The Emperor questioned why Xiangjian, whose infertility Ruyi was responsible for, would defend her, suggesting that if Ruyi truly cared about him, she should have personally executed Ling Yunche rather than keeping him in the palace.
Xiangjian clarified that her infertility was her own choice, and countered that the Emperor should not so casually disregard human life. She further accused the Emperor of being more concerned with his own reputation and "losing face" than with Ruyi's well-being, arguing that he couldn't tolerate any perceived admiration for Ruyi from others.
Xiangjian recalled Ruyi's past reflections, speaking of the Emperor as her "youthful lover" and "soulmate," and expressed her bewilderment as to how he could now harbor such suspicions given their once profound affection. The Emperor responded that he "once had a sincere Ruyi," but wondered how her heart could now turn to "such a humble man." He concluded that "everyone around me has changed, since I became the Emperor!" Xiangjian, however, pressed further, asking what he truly aimed to achieve by sending Ling Yunche to Yikun Palace, suggesting that he, being too "closely-involved," had become "muddle-headed."
