Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 11 Recap
> Story of Yanxi Palace Recap
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Following up on the Empress's concerns for Noble Lady Yu, who often kept to herself in the Palace of Eternal Peace, she personally invited her for a walk. The Empress advised her to visit Changchun Palace more frequently, explore the imperial gardens, and always have servants by her side. Noble Lady Yu expressed deep gratitude, but the Empress stated it was her duty to care for everyone in the imperial harem.
Just then, Noble Consort Gao arrived with her beloved dog, Snowball, accompanied by Concubine Jia. Noble Lady Yu, still traumatized from a previous near-fatal encounter orchestrated by Noble Consort Gao, became visibly distressed and tried to leave, stating her fear of dogs. Noble Consort Gao stopped her, mocking her fear and insisting she stay. As Noble Lady Yu backed away in terror, Snowball suddenly lunged at her.
Wei Yingluo, who was present, quickly intervened, kicking the dog away and shielding Noble Lady Yu from harm. Noble Consort Gao was enraged by Wei Yingluo's action, accusing her of harming her beloved pet and demanding she pay with her life.
Wei Yingluo calmly explained that her actions were to protect Noble Consort Gao's reputation, arguing that if Snowball had injured Noble Lady Yu, who was pregnant with an imperial heir, it would lead to accusations of attempting to murder the Emperor’s offspring. Wei Yingluo also subtly hinted at foul play by pointing out Snowball's sudden, unprovoked aggression.
The Empress, having recovered from the shock, supported Wei Yingluo’s reasoning and warned Noble Consort Gao to control her household, stating she would not tolerate such incidents again. Concubine Jia attempted to shift blame, suggesting Snowball might have misunderstood Noble Lady Yu's hasty movements. After the encounter, Noble Consort Gao confronted Concubine Jia, questioning who gave her the audacity to use her as a pawn.
Kneeling in desperation, Concubine Jia confessed her actions were driven by fear that Noble Lady Yu might give birth to another prince, thus threatening her own son, the Fourth Prince's, future. She claimed her intent was also to eliminate a threat for Noble Consort Gao, arguing that her previous failed attempts had already created enmity with the Palace of Eternal Peace, and further inaction would lead to unending trouble.
Noble Consort Gao dismissed the idea that a mere dog could achieve such a serious outcome. Concubine Jia clarified that Snowball was merely the beginning, assuring Noble Consort Gao that there would be a "good show" to come, hinting at a more elaborate scheme. Later, Wei Yingluo arrived at Noble Lady Yu's palace to deliver a fresh batch of pearl powder from the Empress.
Noble Lady Yu's maid, Fang Cao, mentioned that Noble Lady Yu had been suffering from nightmares since the incident with Snowball. Wei Yingluo, however, noticed a yellowish powder on Fang Cao's fingernails. When questioned, Fang Cao dismissed it as residue from preparing pearl pills. Wei Yingluo then compared it to the pure white pearl powder from the Empress, revealing the difference in color.
Further inspection of the prepared "pearl balls" showed them to be white on the outside but shimmering inside, which Wei Yingluo identified as cheap shell powder, not pearl powder. Cornered, Fang Cao confessed that her mother was gravely ill, and in desperation, she had swapped the precious pearl powder for shell powder to sell for money. Though deeply disappointed by her maid's betrayal, Noble Lady Yu considered forgiving her. Wei Yingluo, however, did not believe Fang Cao's simple explanation.
She pressed the maid, pointing out that plain shell powder is yellowish and would not result in pure white pills, suggesting something else had been added to alter its color. When threatened with exposure to the Empress, Fang Cao broke down and confessed that Concubine Jia had ordered her to poison Noble Lady Yu.
She revealed that Concubine Jia had promised her a transfer to the Palace of Gathered Elegance, exploiting Fang Cao's desire to escape the declining fortunes of the Palace of Eternal Peace. Wei Yingluo realized that harmful dyes must have been used to color the shell powder, making it lethal for Noble Lady Yu and her unborn child. Fang Cao also revealed Concubine Jia's contingency plans to blame either the Imperial Household Department or the Empress.
Devastated, Noble Lady Yu wanted to immediately report Concubine Jia, but Wei Yingluo cautioned against a rash accusation without evidence. Instead, she devised a plan: Noble Lady Yu should keep Fang Cao by her side and feign ignorance, and in half a month, Fang Cao would request more "shell powder," creating an opportunity to catch Concubine Jia red-handed.
Meanwhile, Chunwang, who had been punished for secretly helping Consort Xian sell assets, found himself demoted to the lowest rank of eunuchs, assigned to emptying commodes. He endured constant humiliation and beatings from his peers. Reduced to destitution, he was even seen vying with a dog for its food, pushing the animal away to eat the meat himself before being discovered and chased by other eunuchs.
Consort Xian, the mistress he had tried to help, remained unaware of his dire situation. In a grand gesture, the Emperor arranged for rare lychee trees to be delivered to the palace. He explained that these trees, a special "March red" variety, had been painstakingly transported by water from Fujian to ensure their freshness. He presented the best of the tribute to the Empress at Changchun Palace as a token of his affection.
Overjoyed, the Empress decided to host a lychee party and entrusted Wei Yingluo with the crucial task of caring for the precious trees. This trust sparked Ming Yu's jealousy, but Er Qing remained calm. Wei Yingluo diligently counted the lychees with Chamberlain Wu, ensuring a precise handover to prevent any future disputes. Following Wei Yingluo's instructions, Fang Cao reported to Concubine Jia and Noble Consort Gao, detailing Noble Lady Yu's deteriorating condition.
Concubine Jia appeared pleased, believing her scheme was succeeding. Fang Cao then requested a new supply of "shell powder." However, Concubine Jia grew suspicious after Fang Cao, eager to show results, reported that Noble Lady Yu was suffering from severe abdominal pain. Maintaining a calm demeanor, Jia instructed Fang Cao to collect the new powder in two days—on the day of the lychee party. Fang Cao relayed this to Wei Yingluo.
Realizing that Fang Cao's likely exaggeration had made Concubine Jia wary, Wei Yingluo nevertheless saw the scheduled meeting as an opportunity and declared her intention to report the matter to the Empress, aiming to "catch the turtle in the jar." Consort Chun approached Consort Xian, who was in dire financial straits, seeking funds to save her imprisoned brother.
Consort Chun pointed out that those Xian had previously helped were too low-ranking to reciprocate, while higher-ranking consorts resented her and refused to lend assistance. Consort Chun then offered money herself, but made it clear that accepting it would obligate Consort Xian to align herself with the Empress's faction. Consort Xian firmly refused, asserting her vow to remain neutral in the palace's power struggles.
Despite the urgent need to save her brother, she prioritized her principles, much to Consort Chun's disappointment. The Empress hosted the grand lychee party. During the festivities, Wei Yingluo confronted Concubine Jia's personal maid, Ah-Shuang, accusing her of attempting to murder the imperial heir. Ah-Shuang, feigning innocence, revealed that she was only carrying a harmless blessing pouch for the future prince. Wei Yingluo realized Concubine Jia had anticipated the trap. Ah-Shuang then tried to provoke and delay Wei Yingluo.
Recognizing that the true intention was to lure her away from the banquet, Wei Yingluo quickly left. Meanwhile, at the party, Noble Consort Gao asked Concubine Jia if her troubles with Noble Lady Yu were finally over, to which Concubine Jia assured her they were.
