Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 2 Recap
> Story of Yanxi Palace Recap
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Following a lecture from Madam Zhang on proper conduct in anticipation of newly selected concubines entering the palace, the new maids settled into their quarters. Ji Xiang was thrilled to have secured a place, but Wei Yingluo remained composed. Jealous of Yingluo's talent, another maid, Jin Xiu, tried to turn Ji Xiang against her, but failed. Frustrated, Jin Xiu deliberately poured water on Wei Yingluo's bedding.
Refusing to be bullied, Yingluo retaliated by dousing not only Jin Xiu but also everyone else's bedding. When confronted by the other furious maids, Yingluo boldly declared her fiery temper, warning that she was not to be trifled with. Her speech left them speechless, and a chastened Jin Xiu was forced to apologize, ending the dispute. Later that night, Wei Yingluo recalled prying open her sister Ying Ning's coffin.
She had discovered her sister was not a victim of illness but had been strangled to death. Her father, Wei Qing Tai, fearing repercussions from their clan, covered up the murder by claiming Ying Ning had committed suicide in shame after being expelled from the palace. Though her family condemned Ying Ning and refused her a proper burial, Yingluo, who was raised by her sister, vowed to enter the palace to uncover the truth behind the unjust death.
The maids were later woken by a Madam who sternly enforced the palace's strict rules, which even dictated their sleeping posture. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Gao awoke from a nightmare, her suspicions about Noble Lady Yu's illness growing. She believed Concubine Yi was involved. Panicked, Concubine Yi tried to warn a surprisingly unconcerned Noble Lady Yu. Just then, Noble Consort Gao arrived with Imperial Physician Liu to examine Noble Lady Yu.
Fearing for the pregnant Noble Lady Yu's safety, Concubine Yi slipped away to seek help from the Empress. Back in the maids' quarters, a Madam discovered a small bottle of powder among Wei Yingluo's belongings. Yingluo insisted the Madam had no right to inspect her things, but the Madam, assuming it was a hidden snack, tasted the powder and left in a huff when she realized her mistake.
Yingluo told the others it was merely dirt from her hometown, but it was secretly her sister Ying Ning's ashes. Concubine Yi rushed to the Empress, revealing that Noble Lady Yu was pregnant and they had hidden the fact to protect the unborn heir. When the Empress and Concubine Yi arrived at Yonghe Palace, Noble Consort Gao was forcing a distressed Noble Lady Yu to drink medicine. Concubine Yi accused her of trying to poison the royal heir.
However, upon examination by Physician Zhang, the medicine was revealed to be harmless loquat jelly for a cough. Unable to punish Noble Consort Gao, the Empress watched as Gao seized the advantage, accusing Concubine Yi of slandering a high-ranking consort. To protect Noble Lady Yu, Concubine Yi accepted full responsibility and submitted to Noble Consort Gao's judgment. Later, Wei Yingluo asked Madam Zhang about Ying Ning, but the Madam claimed not to know anyone by that name.
She explained that "Ying" was part of Noble Consort Gao's maiden name, a taboo character for servants, meaning Ying Ning would have used a different name in the palace. Madam Zhang then gave Yingluo advice on palace survival, earning her gratitude. Shortly after, Yingluo witnessed Noble Consort Gao's eunuchs publicly slapping Concubine Yi as punishment. The brutal humiliation opened Yingluo's eyes to the ruthless nature of the court. Noble Lady Yu remained convinced the loquat jelly was poisoned.
Witnessing her distress, Yingluo explained that while old loquat leaves are harmless, new leaves are toxic. A remedy made with new leaves would have a faint, undetectable poison, allowing Noble Consort Gao to blame the Imperial Apothecary if discovered. Noble Lady Yu wanted Yingluo to testify, but Madam Zhang tearfully begged her to spare the girl's life, knowing Noble Consort Gao's power. Noble Lady Yu relented and went to see the Empress alone.
Fearing Yingluo's outspokenness would bring disaster, Madam Zhang forced her to kneel in the courtyard as a preventative punishment. Yingluo understood the gesture was meant to protect her and bore no resentment, but refused to admit fault for something she didn't believe was wrong. Madam Zhang then took her to Concubine Yi's residence to show her the consequences of defiance. There, they found Concubine Yi had hanged herself after the public humiliation.
Filled with sorrow and rage, Yingluo lamented Concubine Yi's weakness, believing that with enough endurance, one could always wait for justice. Overwhelmed, she took out her frustration on a nearby spiritual cypress tree, unaware it was a tree favored by the Emperor. The Emperor, who was passing by, witnessed the act and ordered her to be punished with thirty strokes of the cane. Despite this, Yingluo insisted she had a reason for her actions.
