Story of Kunning Palace Episode 23 Recap, Plot

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> Story of Kunning Palace Recap

Jiang Xuening tried to apply medicine for Zhang Zhe, but he declined, saying it would be inappropriate. Xie Wei said he had already petitioned credit for Zhang Zhe’s deeds. As expected, Zhang Zhe questioned Xie Wei’s true identity. Xie Wei didn’t answer and instead asked Jiang Xuening to leave. Reluctantly, she left with Xiaobao, who took her to rest and gave her a change of clothes — all arranged by Xie Wei.

Zhang Zhe finally understood that Xie Wei’s scheme had been a deception from the start. Xie Wei never intended to let him return to the capital alive. But for Xie Wei, Zhang Zhe’s life didn’t matter. If Zhang Zhe thought reporting everything to the emperor would bring peace, he could go ahead. Still, Zhang Zhe realized Xie Wei was right — for Feng Mingyu to transport explosives unnoticed, countless court officials must have been involved.

They had simply chosen different paths. Xie Wei didn’t want to be his enemy, and what Zhang Zhe chose to do was up to him. As Xie Wei turned to leave, Zhang Zhe said Jiang Xuening had been dragged into the conflict because of him, provoking Xie Wei to question their relationship. Zhang Zhe insisted it was none of Xie Wei’s business. Xie Wei invoked the teacher-student bond, but Zhang Zhe said that bond came with proper boundaries.

Xie Wei’s disregard infuriated him. Xie Wei blamed Zhang Zhe for Jiang Xuening’s danger, saying if he had truly cared, he wouldn’t have involved her at all. Emotions should be wholehearted; if conflicted, one should stay away. Otherwise, Xie Wei would not hesitate to kill him again. Xue Ye was wounded and verbally abused the Yan troops treating him. The Xue father and son were arrogant, but Xie Wei intervened to stop the conflict between the Yan and Xue families.

Landslides had blocked the mountain path, and the Yan troops were working on repairs. Xie Wei wasn’t in a rush. Xue Dingfei was brought before Xie Wei. When Duke Xue overheard his name, the Xingwu Guard checked the scar behind his ear. Duke Xue was shocked to learn that Xue Dingfei was still alive. Xie Wei had ordered Xue Dingfei to kill Zhang Zhe, but he had failed. Now, because of Jiang Xuening, Xie Wei also couldn’t kill Zhang Zhe.

Prince Pingnan had used Xue Dingfei’s identity but dared not trust Xie Wei, so he found a substitute. But both knew that being a puppet meant death once the plan succeeded. If Xue Dingfei sided with Xie Wei, the identity would be his. If not, he was free to leave. That night, Jiang Xuening brought food to Zhang Zhe, whose injured arm made it hard to eat.

She pleaded on Xie Wei’s behalf, hoping Zhang Zhe wouldn’t report anything to the court. But Zhang Zhe asked what her relationship with Xie Wei was. Though she said it was only that of teacher and student, Zhang Zhe didn’t believe it. Back in the capital prison, he should have given up the mission and taken her away, but he involved her due to imperial orders.

Zhang Zhe apologized, admitting his efforts were not worthy of Jiang Xuening and that he felt deeply guilty. He trusted Jiang Xuening. As long as Xie Wei didn’t betray the court, he would keep silent. Late at night, Duke Xue sought a doctor for Xue Ye, reminding Xie Wei of the time he was held hostage by Prince Pingnan on the city wall — and Duke Xue had shown no mercy.

Jiang Xuening passed by and was seized by Xie Wei, who angrily asked if she truly cared about Zhang Zhe enough to die for him. Jiang Xuening believed Xie Wei was a good man who shouldn’t kill the innocent. But Xie Wei coldly threatened her, saying Zhang Zhe may be good, but he was not. Jiang Xuening was now entangled in his game. If there was a next time, he would kill her first. Terrified, Jiang Xuening fled.

Moments later, Xie Wei coughed up blood — his cold poison had worsened, and he needed immediate care. But he ordered his men to keep silent. He could not afford to collapse. Jiang Xuening began to reflect on her feelings for Zhang Zhe. Thinking back, much had not changed. If she insisted on being with him, what would the outcome be? Her father sent a message asking when she would return to the capital, as her birthday was approaching.

The next moment, Jiang Xuening sought out Xie Wei and softened her stance. The Yan army asked Zhang Zhe to uncover the truth about the stolen supplies from the Tongzhou camp and clear their name. Xie Wei summoned Xue Dingfei and Xiaobao, instructing them to prepare for Jiang Xuening’s birthday. Xue Dingfei also agreed to obey Xie Wei’s orders once they returned to the capital.

The You family threatened Zhou Yinzhi to release You Fangyin, forcing Zhou to go to the Xie residence, where he happened upon Lü Xian. Xie Wei was preparing Jiang Xuening’s birthday, but she didn’t like it — she never celebrated it. Xie Wei knew Zhang Zhe was an upright and honest official, but they were not the same kind of people. Xiaobao said Jiang Xuening didn’t want the gifts, and Xie Wei, angered, threw them all away.

The You family took You Fangyin home and made a lavish meal, claiming she had a perfect marriage prospect — an official in his fifties with over twenty concubines. They intended to marry her off to pay for her father’s business debts. Lü Xian, worried, brought supplies and pretended to need the bathroom so he could find her. Her room was locked, and only Lü Xian could help her now.

Madam Meng had never celebrated Jiang Xuening’s birthday, while Jiang Xuehui’s birthdays were joyful. The two were more like true mother and daughter — this was why Jiang Xuening didn’t celebrate hers. But Zhang Zhe said Yan Lin would surely want her to have a happy birthday. This one especially deserved to be celebrated.

Episode 22 Recap

Episode 24 Recap

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