Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 41 Recap
> Story of Yanxi Palace Recap
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The Emperor expressed his severe displeasure with Ne Qin, the general commanding the front line, for his incompetence in the battle of Jinchuan. He accused Ne Qin of being cowardly and causing heavy losses to the army by bickering with his fellow commanders instead of fighting. The Emperor swiftly dismissed Ne Qin from his post and ordered his immediate return to the capital under escort. When the Emperor asked for a replacement, his high-ranking officials remained silent.
Some even suggested retreating, citing the army's defeats and low morale. However, the Emperor adamantly refused, declaring that every inch of Qing territory was earned by his ancestors' hard work and he could not face them if he withdrew. He challenged his seemingly eloquent ministers, who had suddenly turned timid, to step forward. Only Fu Heng volunteered, declaring his willingness to go to Jinchuan even if it cost him his life.
Other officials warned him about the harsh conditions, dangerous terrain, and the vicious enemy, Shaluoben, who had allied with adherents of the former dynasty, but his decision was made. Upon hearing of Fu Heng's decision, Er Qing became frantic, threatening to kill herself rather than let him go to war. However, Fu Heng saw through her act, accusing her of fearing the loss of her fame and wealth should he die on the battlefield.
When Er Qing demanded he release her from their marriage, Fu Heng's patience wore thin. He stated that he spared her life not for the imperial heir she carried, but due to a past guilt which he no longer felt. He strictly commanded her to remain confined to their room, threatening to cut off her legs if she dared to step out.
Fu Heng asserted his superior understanding of the Emperor's character, explaining that the Emperor would never touch her now that she was married into the Fuca family, and he already knew the true origin of her pregnancy. He warned her to pray for his safe return, for if he did not, her lifelong destination would be a Buddhist nunnery. Qing Lian expressed deep concern for Fu Heng, highlighting the army's severe casualties.
She also conveyed that his mother had fallen ill with worry and refused to see him if he insisted on going. However, Fu Heng was resolute, asserting that his value could only be proven on the battlefield and that he would feel ashamed holding a high rank without proving his worth. He asked Qing Lian to tell his mother he was pursuing what he truly desired and to ask for her forgiveness.
Before leaving for the war, Fu Heng secretly went to the Yuanming Garden to see Wei Yingluo from a distance. Seeing her with Yuan Chun Wang, he felt assured she was living well and left with his mind at ease. Years passed, and while Wei Yingluo found a quiet life in the Yuanming Garden with Yuan Chun Wang's companionship, the Emperor still deeply mourned the late Empress Rong Yin.
The Empress Dowager, advising him to move on, presented him with a longevity prescription from Imperial Noble Consort Xian, knowing the Emperor would only heed advice from his mother. She praised Consort Xian's diligent management of the harem, which had earned her high recognition, and urged the Emperor to promote her to Empress, as the position could not remain vacant indefinitely. Acknowledging Consort Xian's prestige and virtue, the Emperor agreed.
An imperial decree was issued, formally conferring Imperial Noble Consort Hoifa-Nara as the Empress. Upon receiving the news, the new Empress was overwhelmed with emotion. Looking at her reflection, she declared that she was no longer the cowardly, incompetent daughter she once was, but the head of the six palaces and the mother of the empire.
Believing she had finally fulfilled her late mother's expectations and brought honor to their family, she vowed that from then on, she, Hoifa-Nara Shushen, would stand under only the Emperor and above all others. For the Emperor's birthday banquet at the Yuanming Garden, Wei Yingluo was assigned to clear weeds around the back lake where a mercy release ceremony would take place.
She was secretly thrilled, as it meant Noble Consort Chun would attend with Ming Yu, from whom she had not heard recently. While the Empress Dowager toured the grounds with Noble Consort Chun and a noticeably changed, more subservient Noble Lady Yu, Wei Yingluo eagerly approached Ming Yu, only to be met with coldness. Ming Yu dismissed Wei Yingluo and claimed she had no time for her, leaving Yingluo stunned.
Wei Yingluo confided in Yuan Chun Wang that Ming Yu's behavior was uncharacteristically harsh. Yuan Chun Wang suggested Ming Yu might have always harbored a hidden dislike for her. He then gave Yingluo a hairpin, noting her plain adornment, and sternly reminded her to be cautious and always remember that Hoifa-Nara was now the reigning Empress. Determined to understand, Wei Yingluo confronted Ming Yu privately.
Ming Yu initially denied any issues, but when Wei Yingluo noticed her injured hand and insisted on checking it, she finally broke down. She revealed that Noble Consort Chun had been torturing her and threatening her to prevent any contact with Wei Yingluo. Ming Yu urgently warned Wei Yingluo to be extremely careful of Noble Consort Chun before frantically trying to leave. As Wei Yingluo pursued her, Yu Hu, Noble Consort Chun's maid, intercepted them.
She accused Wei Yingluo of making wild accusations and warned her to stop meddling or risk her life. Soon after, two assassins were apprehended in Yuanming Garden. They claimed to be thieves, but Wei Yingluo exposed their lie by pointing out their daggers, ensuring they were treated as would-be assassins. Later, Wei Yingluo admitted to Yuan Chun Wang that the men were sent by a consort to kill her, but explained that interrogating death-defying assassins was useless.
Meanwhile, the Emperor visited the late Empress's offering table and noticed the glutinous rice cake was unusually hard. Wei Yingluo stepped forward, claiming the late Empress had visited her in a dream, expressing a desire for that specific cake. Feigning incompetence, she mentioned that Ming Yu was the one who always made the Empress's favorite snacks. Intrigued by her devotion and Ming Yu's reputed skills, the Emperor immediately ordered Supervisor Li to bring Ming Yu from Noble Consort Chun's palace.
Back at her residence, Noble Consort Chun was furious, realizing Ming Yu had tipped off Wei Yingluo about the assassination attempt. As she confronted a terrified Ming Yu, Supervisor Li arrived to relay the Emperor's command. Despite Noble Consort Chun's reluctance, she had to let Ming Yu go, confident that two lowly palace maids could do nothing to harm her. Once safely away, Wei Yingluo explained her ploy to Ming Yu, revealing she had secured her a day's reprieve.
Seeing Ming Yu's deep fear and reluctance to seek medical attention, Wei Yingluo took a great risk to summon Physician Ye, a doctor highly favored by the Empress Dowager. Physician Ye discovered numerous silver needles embedded deep in Ming Yu's body. He was appalled by the brutality, explaining that the needles caused excruciating pain with every movement and could have been fatal if not treated promptly. He provided medicine and promised to keep her injuries a secret.
