Story of Kunning Palace Episode 25 Recap, Plot

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> Story of Kunning Palace Recap

Upon seeing the crescent scar behind Xue Dingfei’s ear, Xue Guogong fell silent. Xie Wei recalled its origin: he and the Emperor had been competing in archery, and after losing, the Emperor was furious. Xue Guogong had slapped him, leaving that scar. With Xie Wei's words, Xue Guogong had no choice but to acknowledge Xue Dingfei. That scar had been there since the day Xue Dingfei stood in as Xie Wei's double.

The Emperor wanted to reward Xue Dingfei, but Gu Chunfang suddenly stood up and questioned how he had survived back then. Xue Guogong tried to stop him, but Xue Dingfei continued, claiming that he had been imprisoned by Prince Pingnan, who had wanted to send him back to take over military power in Tongzhou and the capital—that was how he had survived. Xue Dingfei earnestly requested to live in the Guogong Mansion.

Xue Guogong was shocked, but the Emperor agreed, much to Xie Wei’s satisfaction. After court, many began currying favor with Xue Dingfei. Chen Ying asked why he called his father “Lord Guogong. ” Xue Dingfei bluntly criticized Xue Guogong for abandoning his mother and marrying another. Enraged, Xue Guogong called him a bastard, but Xue Dingfei didn't acknowledge him as a father and provoked him to the point of almost being struck.

Zhang Zhe accused Xue Guogong of embezzling supplies and manipulating the Yan family case. The Emperor was furious, but Zhang Zhe insisted on reopening the case. Gu Chunfang quickly pulled Zhang Zhe away. The Empress Dowager summoned Xue Guogong to the palace. She reminded him that if not for him, Prince Pingnan wouldn't have gone to extremes. She feared that if the truth got out, the Xue family would be condemned for generations.

Meanwhile, the imperial physician told the Emperor that Consort Qin might be pregnant with a prince, jeopardizing their plans. But there was nothing the Empress Dowager could do—the Emperor now treasured Consort Qin dearly. When Xue Guogong expressed intentions against the Emperor, the Empress Dowager sternly warned him. The Emperor noticed Xue Guogong’s unusual reaction in court. Despite being close kin to Xue Dingfei, he didn’t look pleased but rather frightened.

Xie Wei requested the seal of the Yan family army to ensure the Emperor’s safety, and the Emperor agreed. Gu Chunfang asked Zhang Zhe if Xie Wei had done anything suspicious, but Zhang Zhe, recalling Jiang Xuening’s words, said nothing. Gu Chunfang said Zhang Zhe’s mother had visited and told him to return home. Jiang Xuening returned to the Jiang family.

Her father didn’t plan to pursue the matter, but Madam Meng was relentless, fearing Jiang Xuening would bring trouble to the family. Jiang’s father, however, knew that Madam Meng worried about Jiang Xuening daily, and now that she was back, she said such things. Zhang Zhe rushed home only to find his mother’s frozen body in the snow. Upon learning of her death, Jiang Xuening hurried to the Zhang residence.

After setting up the mourning hall and settling the old lady, Zhang Zhe locked himself in his room, consumed with hatred for himself. Xie Wei also heard the news and prepared a carriage to visit. No one could persuade Zhang Zhe. Jiang Xuening carefully entered his room. He said he was not a good official—words that chilled her to the bone. She blamed herself for everything, saying he should have been like the moon in the sky, not a commoner.

At Shangqing Temple, she had asked Zhang Zhe whether he believed in past lives. She had dreamt of his being misunderstood and his mother dying to clear his name. Jiang Xuening used every hurtful word, saying she had always used him. She didn’t want him to lose his will to live again—she would rather have him hate her if it meant he would keep living. Just as Xie Wei arrived, he saw Jiang Xuening’s devastated figure.

He hurried over to comfort her. Jiang Xuening wanted Zhang Zhe to hate her, but she couldn’t stop loving him. In deep pain, she asked Xie Wei for an answer. Instead, he pulled her into an embrace, saying if she couldn’t forget, then find someone better—someone more suitable. Jiang Xuening had someone watch over Zhang Zhe. She had lost her appetite and sleep. Just then, she received an invitation from You Fangyin to visit the Lü residence.

Episode 24 Recap

Episode 26 Recap

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