Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Episode 79 Recap
> Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Recap
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The Emperor, having heard that the Twelfth Prince Yongji claimed to have seen Ruyi and Ling Yunche in a compromising situation, was furious. Wei Yanwan subtly suggested asking Ruyi directly or questioning Rongpei. However, Jinzhong argued that Rongpei, Ruyi's loyal confidant, would never speak against her, and had even shown special care for "Xiao Lizi" when he served in Yikun Palace. The Emperor ordered someone to investigate Ling Yunche's whereabouts and purpose in the Imperial Garden.
Wei Yanwan then offered to take the frightened Yongji to Yongshuo Palace, claiming it was inconvenient for him to be around so many people. The Emperor agreed. At Yongshuo Palace, Jinzhong administered sedatives to Yongji, reassuring Wei Yanwan that the effects of the wild mushroom toxicity, which he had arranged for Yongji to consume, would dissipate upon waking, leaving no trace. He also confirmed that "Xiao Lizi," the eunuch who served Yongji, had been dealt with.
Wei Yanwan then departed to see the Emperor. Meanwhile, Hailan hurried to Ruyi, expressing her suspicion about the incident. Ruyi informed her that Imperial Physician Jiang had found nothing amiss with Yongji's pulse or diet, leading Ruyi to conclude that she and her son had been cunningly framed by a cruel scheme. Hailan pointed out that Yongji's involvement would make the Emperor more prone to believing the rumors and could drive a wedge between Ruyi and her son.
She revealed that the Emperor had already sent Ling Yunche to the Office of Careful Punishment for severe torture, indicating his conviction in the matter and the slim chance of Ling Yunche surviving. Hailan then proposed that Ruyi take action herself to execute Ling Yunche, hoping it might convince the Emperor of her and Ling Yunche's innocence, rather than waiting for the Emperor to give the order.
Ruyi, maintaining her innocence, rebuked Hailan, asserting that she and Ling Yunche were truly blameless. Hailan countered that while she believed Ruyi, the Emperor's perception was paramount, and his current ferocity towards Ling Yunche placed Ruyi in even greater danger. Ruyi dismissed the immediate concern for Ling Yunche, prioritizing Yongji's well-being and ordering Sanbao to thoroughly investigate the eunuchs who had served him, even those dismissed from the palace.
At the Emperor's palace, Wei Yanwan reported that Yongji had rested after taking sedatives and was now with Consort Yu, likely remembering little of the incident, which she deemed for the best. She advised the Emperor to keep the matter quiet to prevent a scandal and protect Ruyi's reputation. Enraged, the Emperor smashed a teacup, declaring Ruyi unworthy of being Empress. Yongqi later questioned Yongji about seeing Ruyi and Ling Yunche.
Yongji, remembering nothing, was filled with remorse, believing he had somehow harmed his mother. Hailan instructed Zizhi to take Yongji to his room to rest. Yongqi then confided in Hailan, expressing his fear that Ling Yunche would endure excruciating torture and Ruyi's position was precarious, especially if the Emperor decided to depose her. Jinzhong reported to the Emperor that Ruyi was still intensely investigating the incident, seemingly determined to save Ling Yunche.
Ruyi, for her part, had discovered the mysterious death of "Xiao Lizi," who served the Twelfth Prince. Later, she also discovered "fragrant mushrooms" in Yongji's meal menu from that day. She recalled hearing about poisonous wild mushrooms in the south where a small quantity was harmless but a larger amount could be dangerous. She believed that a thorough investigation could still save Ling Yunche.
However, Hailan cautioned Ruyi that the Emperor's deep resentment towards Ling Yunche meant Ruyi's continued investigation would only be perceived as an attempt to protect him, thereby increasing Ling Yunche's suffering and Ruyi's own peril. Hailan reiterated her suggestion: eliminate Ling Yunche to dispel the Emperor's suspicions. Ruyi vehemently disagreed, stating that Ling Yunche's death due to her would leave her with no peace, and Yongji would also bear the burden of guilt.
She firmly stated her intent to pursue the investigation and warned Hailan against any rash actions. Disguised as a palace maid, Wei Yanwan visited Ling Yunche in the Office of Careful Punishment, bringing medicine to stop bleeding and alleviate pain, along with homemade side dishes, which she claimed were his favorites. Ling Yunche coldly remarked that his past preferences might no longer hold true and questioned if she was there to send him to his death.
Wei Yanwan confirmed his impending doom, stating he had committed the gravest taboo for a man. She spoke of accompanying him into the Forbidden City and now seeing him off to his end. Ling Yunche confessed he never forgot the "old Wei Yanwan" but lamented that she no longer existed. He requested the ring he had once given her, wishing to take it with him to the netherworld.
Wei Yanwan, after a moment, removed the ring, noting the "cloud" representing Ling Yunche and "swallow" representing her, Wei Yanwan, carved on it, and returned it to him. Ling Yunche thanked her for the "affection" and "kindness." Leaving Yikun Palace, Hailan encountered Wei Yanwan, visibly distraught, being escorted out of the Office of Careful Punishment by Chunchan. Hailan recognized where she had been. Sanbao, Hailan's attendant, reminded her of Ruyi's opposition to her plans.
Hailan, however, asserted that her actions were solely for Ruyi's welfare, and decided to act without Ruyi's knowledge. Arriving at the Office of Careful Punishment, Hailan emphasized to the guards that she was there on Ruyi's orders. The guards mentioned that Chunchan, Consort Ling's palace maid from Yongshuo Palace, had also just visited Ling Yunche. Inside, Hailan spoke with Ling Yunche, acknowledging Wei Yanwan's visit.
Ling Yunche expressed his regret that his past affection for Wei Yanwan had inadvertently sullied Ruyi's reputation. Hailan explained that Ruyi's continued investigation, aimed at clarifying Yongji's situation and proving their innocence, would only be seen by the Emperor as an attempt to protect Ling Yunche, thereby jeopardizing Ruyi further. Ling Yunche concurred, recognizing that only his immediate death could bring the matter to an end.
He astutely pointed out that suicide would only solidify an impression of guilt, failing to clear Ruyi's name. Instead, he proposed that being granted death by Ruyi's order might appease the Emperor's resentment and restore a measure of trust in Ruyi. Hailan, impressed by his understanding, inquired about his true feelings for Ruyi. Ling Yunche revealed an emotion transcending typical male-female affection, an understanding shared only with Ruyi, which he found sufficient.
He found peace merely in the rare sight of her genuine smile and was willing to sacrifice his life for her safety. Deeply moved, Hailan asked if he had any final wishes. Ling Yunche presented her with the ring Wei Yanwan had returned, identifying it as their token of commitment and suggesting it might prove useful in the future. Asked if he had a message for Ruyi, he simply wished her to cherish herself.
Hailan then ordered Sanbao to execute Ling Yunche by "promotion to the nobility," a method involving suffocation by wet paper, known for its cruelty. Sanbao hesitated, but Ling Yunche, sensing no other way, embraced his fate with dignity. Before his death, he smelled plum blossoms, regretting he could no longer pick them for Ruyi, and requested Sanbao bring a single branch to his grave in the coming year. He then passed away.
Hailan instructed Yongqi to inform the Emperor of Ling Yunche's death while keeping Ruyi unaware for the time being. Yongqi reported to the Emperor that Ruyi had ordered Ling Yunche's execution by "promotion to the nobility," a cruel method. The Emperor, though acknowledging Ruyi's severity, still felt Ling Yunche got off lightly. Yongqi suggested disposing of the body as a common servant, by cremation.
Yongqi also subtly interceded for Ruyi, mentioning her anger over her tainted reputation but downplaying Yongji's testimony, as Yongji remembered nothing. He advised the Emperor to have Yongji visit Ruyi less to preserve her dignity. The Emperor, weary of further conflict, ordered Ling Yunche's body thrown into a mass grave, declaring the matter closed.
Later, Hailan confessed her actions to Ruyi, asserting she acted solely for Ruyi's benefit and felt no wrongdoing, emphasizing Ling Yunche's willing sacrifice to protect Ruyi's reputation. She relayed his last words and presented the ring, describing it as a token of commitment between Ling Yunche and Wei Yanwan, adorned with symbols of their names, which Ling Yunche hoped might one day aid Ruyi.
Ruyi, however, revealed she was close to uncovering the truth about the poisonous mushrooms in Yongji's meal, which would have fully exonerated Ling Yunche. She tearfully acknowledged that in her darkest moments within the palace, only Hailan and Ling Yunche had offered her warmth, a bond of profound understanding beyond romantic love. While understanding Hailan's intentions, Ruyi insisted that Hailan should not have taken such action and dismissed her. Alone, Ruyi gazed out the window, murmuring Ling Yunche's name with deep regret.
