Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 13 Recap
> Story of Yanxi Palace Recap
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Fuheng confronts Wei Yingluo, having deduced her deception from a black spot on the fur she submitted, knowing his dog, Snowball, was entirely white. Wei Yingluo explains that she switched the dogs to save the innocent Snowball from being used by a cruel master and unjustly put to death. Softened by her apparent kindness, Fuheng offers to take Snowball out of the palace and find it a good home, which Wei Yingluo gratefully accepts.
Later, she confesses to Madam Liu that her act was a calculated move. She intentionally used flawed fur so Fuheng would discover her "rescue" and perceive her as a harmless, kind-hearted girl, making it easier to enact her plans for revenge. Madam Liu, noticing Yingluo still shows genuine kindness by saving her own food for the dog, warns her that in the Forbidden City, one must be thoroughly ruthless, as being merely 'tough-talking but soft-hearted' will only lead to disaster.
Meanwhile, Concubine Jia seeks forgiveness from Noble Consort Gao. Though initially upset, Noble Consort Gao's mood brightens considerably upon hearing that Consort Xian's family bribed Prince Yi. She grants Concubine Jia leniency and instructs her to find a way to deal with Wei Yingluo. In her own palace, Consort Xian is optimistic, believing the money she sent home will secure medical care for her ailing brother, Changshou.
However, the Emperor arrives abruptly, revealing that her father, Na’erbu, used the 500 liang gifted by the Empress to bribe Prince Yi, the official presiding over Changshou's case. Consort Xian staunchly defends her father's integrity, refusing to believe the accusation. Frustrated by her denial, the Emperor allows her to visit her father in prison. In prison, Consort Xian’s faith is shattered when Na’erbu tearfully confesses to the bribery, explaining he did it to save Changshou, his only son.
Overwhelmed, Consort Xian feels her life's principles crumble, and she leaves distraught, ignoring her father's pleas. Outside, her mother intercepts her, desperately begging for help and lamenting her own unfulfilled ambitions for wealth and status, blaming both her husband's mediocrity and Xian's lack of cunning. At that moment, news arrives that Changshou has died from his illness in the cold prison.
In a fit of despair and fury, Consort Xian's mother screams that her daughter is to blame for the family's ruin before committing suicide by running headfirst into a wall. Consort Xian is left to embrace her mother's lifeless body, overcome with grief after losing two family members in quick succession. Under the Empress's guidance, Wei Yingluo begins learning calligraphy.
Her messy first attempts prompt Ming Yu to tease that her writing resembles caterpillars, but the Empress kindly encourages her, expressing happiness at having such a clever student. Elsewhere, Noble Consort Gao relishes the news of Consort Xian's downfall. When Concubine Jia asks why she didn't use the scandal for blackmail, Gao explains that with the Empress already showing Xian favor, winning her over is impossible; it is better to use the family’s ruin as a public warning.
Jia then suggests a new plan: use Prince Yi, Hongxiao. Despite his noble title, Hongxiao is merely a guard at the Qianqing Gate and eager for Noble Consort Gao's patronage. Leveraging old rumors of Wei Yingluo having an affair with a guard, Jia proposes that Hongxiao can easily frame her. Gao, who resents Yingluo for repeatedly foiling her schemes, readily agrees. Upon learning of Consort Xian's tragedy, the Empress decides to intercede for Na’erbu.
While Ming Yu advises against it, Wei Yingluo supports the Empress’s compassion. The Empress visits the Emperor, skillfully shifting focus from Na’erbu's crime to Consort Xian's suffering. She takes partial responsibility, noting the bribe was paid with money she gifted, and pleads for Na’erbu’s life to spare Xian from being left utterly alone. Moved, the Emperor agrees to pardon him. Later, Consort Xian, dressed in mourning, comes to thank the Empress.
Wei Yingluo observes a profound change in her demeanor, though Ming Yu dismisses it as grief. Secretly, Consort Xian is haunted by her mother’s dying words and harbors a deep, transformative resentment. Following Noble Consort Gao's instructions, Prince Yi, Hongxiao, begins his plot. He privately questions a palace maid about Wei Yingluo, an exchange that Fuheng witnesses with suspicion. When confronted, Hongxiao arrogantly dismisses Fuheng, boasting of his status as an 'iron-cap' prince whose title is hereditary.
Hongxiao then recruits Qingxi, a guard eager for promotion, promising to recommend him in exchange for help framing Wei Yingluo, a task he dismisses as simply 'crushing a small ant.' Meanwhile, in Changchun Palace, the Empress continues to teach Wei Yingluo calligraphy. She shares the story of King Wen of Zhou burying a set of bones out of a sense of duty, explaining that a ruler is responsible for everyone in their domain.
She extends this principle, stating that everyone has responsibilities suited to their station. In response, Wei Yingluo argues one must first secure their own position, quoting the principle, "When in adversity, focus on self-preservation; when prominent, extend benevolence to the world." As she practices, the Empress points out that her elbow is trembling, preventing her from writing well.
