Story of Kunning Palace Episode 2 Recap
> Story of Kunning Palace Recap
In her past life, Jiang Xuening had once questioned Xie Wei as to why he had committed such treason, only to learn that when they had gone to the capital, Xie Wei had, in Jiang Xuening’s delirium, spoken some treasonous words. After testing her several times and realizing she didn’t remember, he spared her life. But now, Jiang Xuening’s behavior had caught his attention. If he became suspicious, she would be in danger.
Xie Wei realized Jiang Xuening was very different from the rumors—deeply calculating, far from ordinary. On the journey to the capital, he had talked in his fever, and worried that Jiang Xuening might know about his soul-leaving illness, he immediately ordered someone to watch the Jiang family. In her past life, Jiang Xuening had been consumed with gaining the position of Empress and had overlooked too much.
Now, thinking about Xie Wei’s identity and his connections with the Yan family, she felt full of doubt. What should she do in her current situation? Jiang Xuening had once asked about Xie Wei’s relationship with Yan Lin but received no answer. All she knew now was that she had to seize the initiative. Yan Lin went to see his father, who promised to propose to the Jiang family after the coming-of-age ceremony.
Lady Meng did indeed harbor resentment toward Jiang Xuening—every time she saw her, she thought of Wan Niang. Father Jiang joyfully came to her room to discuss the matter of sending a daughter to be a companion reader to a princess. Lady Meng had her mind set on Jiang Xuehui, but Father Jiang still cherished Jiang Xuening and made no decision.
Yan Lin climbed up the tree near the wall, saying he wanted to take Jiang Xuening to the Double Ninth Festival. This was when Jiang Xuening met Shen Zhiyi—Shen Zhiyi fell for Jiang Xuening in male disguise at first sight. Later, when she became a companion in the palace and learned the truth, she was humiliated and furious. Jiang Xuening thought she must avoid her this time. She refused Yan Lin’s invitation.
Father Jiang caught Yan Lin climbing the wall and angrily threw him out. After court, Xie Wei casually brought up political positions, advising Father Jiang to make a firm decision. Jiang Xuening and Yan Lin were close, but rumors were powerful. If one didn’t want to be swept up in the storm, why get involved at all? Because of Yan Lin’s wall-climbing visit, Lady Meng scolded Jiang Xuening harshly.
When Father Jiang returned, Meng discussed with him taking both daughters to a banquet at the Xue residence. Another invitation came from the Qingyuan Bo Residence, and Jiang Xuening immediately thought of You Fangyin, her personal maid in her past life, who had been an illegitimate daughter of that household. Father Jiang was reluctant to curry favor with the Xue family, but finally relented.
Jiang Xuening volunteered to attend the banquet at the You residence on behalf of the Jiang family to show goodwill. At the You residence, Jiang Xuening ignored You Yue and went straight to find You Fangyin, enraging You Yue, who cursed loudly. Hearing that Jiang Xuening had gone to the Qingyuan Bo Residence, Yan Lin immediately followed. Though a daughter of the family, You Fangyin was bullied and even locked up, left to be beaten by the servants.
She cried and begged to see her mother one last time, only to be brutally held under water. Jiang Xuening found her just in time and saved her. Yan Lin arrived shortly after, as did a flood of other guests. Afraid of further embarrassment, Yan Lin advised Jiang Xuening to change clothes. She took You Fangyin to her room. You Fangyin repeatedly thanked Jiang Xuening. Though she knew it was too late, she still wanted to see her mother.
Jiang Xuening held her hand, gave her some money, and urged her to take care of herself. You Fangyin asked why she was being so kind. Jiang Xuening said she too had once been an illegitimate daughter sent to the countryside, dressed poorly and hungry. And they had met long ago—You Fangyin was a good girl. She should live well from now on.
Yan Lin still hoped to take Jiang Xuening to the lantern festival, but before she could refuse, they heard that an honored guest had arrived among the female guests, and he hurried away. Unexpectedly, that guest was Princess Leyang, Shen Zhiyi. Jiang Xuening knew she couldn’t avoid it. Shen Zhiyi had a scar at the corner of her eye, drawing much gossip among the women. Also present was Xue Shu of the Xue residence.
Jiang Xuening tried to keep a low profile and planned to slip away, but Shen Zhiyi came directly to her, saying she was there for Jiang Xuening. On the men’s side, Yan Lin anxiously peered through the screen, worried that Jiang Xuening might be embarrassed. When the ladies were to paint, Jiang Xuening remained still. Shen Zhiyi, seeing this, was displeased and insisted she paint.
