Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 36 Recap
> Story of Yanxi Palace Recap
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
Consort Xian, speaking to Consort Chun, emphasized that pain could bring clarity. She remarked on Consort Chun's beauty and talent, suggesting it was not too late for her to pursue her own ambitions. Consort Xian highlighted the loneliness of a life without children and urged Consort Chun to awaken from her prolonged dream, implicitly encouraging her to contend for the Emperor's favor, especially as Consort Chun was already heartbroken over Fu Heng.
Meanwhile, the Emperor found himself consumed by thoughts of Wei Yingluo, recalling the Empress's words about his possible affection for her. Confused by his own feelings, he questioned his eunuchs about his treatment of Wei Yingluo. When Li Yu hesitated, De Sheng stepped forward, boldly stating that the Emperor had treated Wei Yingluo exceptionally well. De Sheng pointed out that despite Wei Yingluo's numerous rule infractions, she remained unharmed, a testament to the Emperor's extraordinary magnanimity.
The Emperor abruptly cut him off and decided to go for a stroll. Li Yu, having previously accepted a gift from Consort Chun, discreetly sent a subordinate to her residence, Zhongcui Palace. The Emperor initially intended to go to Changchun Palace but changed his mind and ordered his retinue to the Imperial Garden. There, he came across the rockery where Wei Yingluo had once sought shelter from the rain, and memories of her clouded his mind.
At that moment, Consort Chun approached, holding a fan depicting West Lake. She explained it was a memento from her late grandmother, with whom she had enjoyed a free-spirited life. She confessed her deep longing for that lost freedom and expressed her past fear of competing for favor, only to be cast aside. However, having experienced profound loneliness during her self-imposed isolation, she bravely asked the Emperor for a little warmth and affection.
Amused, the Emperor promised to visit her after he finished his work. He then instructed Li Yu to send Consort Chun two precious gifts: the renowned "A Consoling Letter" calligraphy by Lu Ji and his personal jade Go board, implying a game later. Shortly after, the Emperor summoned Fu Heng and informed him of his promotion to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Despite the significant promotion and his upcoming marriage, the Emperor noticed Fu Heng's lack of joy.
When asked for an explanation, Fu Heng simply stated that he did not wish to deceive the Emperor. Infuriated by Fu Heng's candor, the Emperor dismissed him. As Fu Heng left, the Emperor came across Wei Yingluo clearing charcoal ashes in the Heating Department. Seeing her in such a state, the Emperor asked if she wished to return to Changchun Palace, mentioning that the Empress was unwell.
Wei Yingluo, deeply missing the Empress, immediately knelt and pleaded for permission, expressing her willingness to accept any punishment. The Emperor then presented her with two stark choices: either tell Fu Heng she never truly loved him and had only sought his wealth and status, or kowtow every three steps for twenty-four hours across all twelve palaces during the first winter snow. That evening, the Fu Heng mansion was adorned with lights, celebrating his wedding to Er Qing.
However, Fu Heng stood alone, lost in thought. After the initial ceremonies, Er Qing asked if he regretted their union. Fu Heng admitted that he was determined to forget Wei Yingluo now that they were married and promised to be a responsible husband. However, he confessed that Wei Yingluo still resided in his heart and asked for time. Er Qing accepted his honesty and declared her willingness to wait.
The next day, as the first heavy snow of winter fell, Fu Heng and Er Qing returned to the palace. Wei Yingluo was already outside, beginning her arduous penance. A eunuch, De Sheng, explained the Emperor's order: if she kowtowed every three steps through all twelve palaces for twenty-four hours, she would be pardoned and allowed to return to Changchun Palace. Fu Heng watched her with a pained expression.
As he moved to approach her, Er Qing firmly pulled him away, reminding him of his promise. Wei Yingluo, meanwhile, internally affirmed that she chose this punishment rather than deny her true feelings for Fu Heng. With this act, she declared their love severed, vowing they would be strangers from that day forth. The Emperor then declined to see Fu Heng and Er Qing, directing them to visit the Empress instead.
Inside Changchun Palace, Ming Yu tried to reconnect with Er Qing, but found her completely transformed. Er Qing boasted of her new status, her family's elevation, and how she was now a true match for Fu Heng. She expressed relief at no longer being a humble servant and encouraged Ming Yu to also marry out of the palace. Ming Yu, hurt, declared her loyalty to the Empress.
Er Qing simply remarked on how she could finally enjoy the snow without worry. Outside, Yuan Chunwang watched with concern as Wei Yingluo performed her penance. He had offered to walk the path with her, but she refused. Eventually, Wei Yingluo collapsed from exhaustion. The Emperor, who had been observing from afar, carried her to his quarters. As she lay unconscious, he recalled the Empress's words about his feelings for her.
He reached for her but drew his hand back, conflicted. Li Yu, understanding the Emperor's unspoken command, instructed his subordinate to take Wei Yingluo, have her cleaned up, and bring her to the Emperor's private quarters. Wei Yingluo awoke feeling weak. Palace maids dressed her in unfamiliar, lavish robes, then giggled and left, locking the door. Seeing her reflection, Wei Yingluo was shocked to find herself dressed as a consort. Realizing the danger, she rushed to the door and tried to force it open, only to tumble into the arms of the Emperor, who was waiting just outside.
