Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 27 Recap
> Story of Yanxi Palace Recap
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Following an incident where a eunuch startled the pregnant Empress and caused the Emperor to leave in a rage, the lady-in-waiting Er Qing suggested that the Empress should offer Wei Yingluo to the Emperor. She argued this would help secure his favor while the Empress was unable to attend to him. The Empress considered the idea and asked Wei Yingluo if she would be willing.
Wei Yingluo firmly declined, explaining that she views the Empress not just as her master, but as a benefactor and a sister to whom she has sworn lifelong loyalty. She argued that becoming a concubine would be a betrayal; if she were unfavored, she would be useless to the Empress, and if she gained favor and had children, she would inevitably become selfish. Er Qing was left speechless by her conviction.
Deeply touched, the Empress acknowledged she had not misjudged Yingluo's character and promised to arrange a grand wedding for her one day, vowing never to force her to serve the Emperor. Observing their profound bond, Er Qing felt like an outsider, and her jealousy toward Wei Yingluo intensified. Wei Yingluo, realizing Er Qing had made the unsolicited suggestion to the Empress, immediately confronted her. Er Qing feigned innocence, claiming her suggestion was only for the Empress's benefit.
Wei Yingluo sternly warned Er Qing not to harbor ambitions of gaining the Emperor's favor while the Empress was pregnant, emphasizing that no one from Changchun Palace should entertain such thoughts, as it would be a betrayal of the Empress. Though her face paled, Er Qing maintained a facade of calm, dismissing it as a common palace custom.
Meanwhile, Consort Xian paid a visit to Consort Chun and noticed a familiar painting, the "Four Seasons," a cherished piece of the Empress's collection gifted by Fuca Fuheng. Consort Chun admitted she had borrowed it to admire but had only lent a replica to Consort Xian, claiming she feared damaging the original. Later, Consort Xian discussed Consort Chun with her maid, Zhen'er.
Zhen'er noted that Consort Chun was known for her unwavering loyalty to the Empress, never seeking the Emperor's favor. Consort Xian pondered this, finding it counterproductive if Consort Chun truly sought influence. This led Consort Xian to deduce that Consort Chun's frequent visits to Changchun Palace were not for the Empress, but to get closer to someone else—a secret she believed could give her control over Consort Chun.
While carrying out her duties, Wei Yingluo overheard the eunuch De Sheng informing various palaces about a severe thunderstorm predicted for the following night. De Sheng advised her to accept the Emperor's advances, stating that no woman could truly escape his desires. Wei Yingluo dismissed his advice, her mind already forming a plan. Soon after, Fuheng appeared, concerned that the Emperor might have troubled her, and reiterated his desire to marry her.
Hardened by her plan for revenge, Wei Yingluo coldly rejected him, asserting that vengeance was her sole purpose and that men and love held no significance to her. She declared she would cast aside anyone who obstructed her path. Heartbroken, Fuheng sadly departed. As the storm gathered, Shoukang Palace installed special "chiffonette" window screens believed to repel lightning. Unbeknownst to Consort Dowager Yu's staff, Wei Yingluo had tampered with the screens, replacing the material with one that would attract lightning.
While the Consort Dowager retired to recite scriptures, Wei Yingluo arrived at Shoukang Palace, demanding an audience and taunting that the Consort Dowager was afraid to face her due to a guilty conscience. Despite being warned to know her place, Wei Yingluo fearlessly confronted Consort Dowager Yu, publicly accusing her and Prince He of their crimes. She declared that Prince He had raped her sister, and to cover it up, Consort Dowager Yu had the innocent girl murdered.
The onlookers were stunned, as the Consort Dowager was known for being a devout Buddhist. She vehemently denied the accusations and ordered Wei Yingluo to be seized. Wei Yingluo challenged her to swear on the gods that she was innocent, warning that a false oath would bring divine retribution. Consort Dowager Yu swore she had lived a life of kindness and would accept heaven's punishment if she lied.
Wei Yingluo then looked to the sky, invoking the God of Thunder to deliver justice. As Wei Yingluo was being dragged away, a massive lightning bolt struck and killed Consort Dowager Yu instantly. The horrified crowd proclaimed it was heavenly punishment, and Wei Yingluo knew her plan had succeeded: since human law couldn't punish the Consort Dowager, she made the world believe it was divine judgment.
The news of Consort Dowager Yu's death spread rapidly, with many attributing it to divine retribution. The Empress, suspecting Wei Yingluo's involvement, summoned her for questioning. Wei Yingluo initially feigned ignorance, describing how the Consort Dowager was struck down after swearing a false oath. The astute Empress saw through her story, realizing the immense danger she was in.
Believing she could no longer protect her, the Empress made the difficult decision to banish Wei Yingluo to the Xin Zhe Ku (Labour House) for insubordination, hoping this punishment would save her from the Emperor's wrath. Unaware of the Empress's true intentions, Wei Yingluo tearfully begged to stay until the Empress safely gave birth. However, the Empress sternly refused, stating that Wei Yingluo only brought trouble.
Before leaving, Wei Yingluo tearfully instructed Ming Yu to protect the Empress diligently, warning her to inspect everything and trust no one easily, implying her distrust of Er Qing. Meanwhile, Prince Hongzhou arrived at Shoukang Palace to find his mother dead. The Emperor questioned the palace staff, and a traumatized maid, Bai Ling, incoherently blurted out that Wei Yingluo was responsible. While others insisted it was divine retribution, the Emperor was unconvinced and went to Changchun Palace in a rage.
The Empress, anticipating his arrival, informed him that she had already punished Wei Yingluo by sending her to the Xin Zhe Ku for her insolence. The Emperor, seeing through her attempt to protect Wei Yingluo, declared his intention to pursue the matter regardless. He expressed his confusion over the Empress's unwavering defense of the maid, to which the Empress finally revealed, "Because she is my hope."
