Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 67 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
The Fourth Prince, Yong Cheng, vehemently swore to the Emperor that he had never harmed the Fifth Prince, Yong Qi, and was entirely unaware of any evil deeds. He insisted that the Empress was lying, describing her as a pretentious and heartless woman who sought to eliminate him and Yong Qi to advance her own son. The Emperor urged Yong Cheng to calm down, stating that the truth would soon be revealed.
Supervisor Li then reported the findings: the Fourth Prince's food was not poisoned, and the palace maid Zhen'er confirmed that she had been bedridden and had not seen the Fourth Prince that night. Stunned, Yong Cheng realized he had been manipulated and confronted the Empress, questioning why she treated him as a disposable pawn when he had always regarded her as his own mother.
He lamented his constant efforts to gain her affection, feeling like a mere clown compared to the more talented Yong Qi and the favored Twelfth Prince. The Emperor, believing Yong Cheng had been a foolish tool in someone else's scheme, regretfully ordered him confined to the Imperial Clan Court to reflect on his mistakes, admitting he could no longer protect him.
Unaware of Yuan Chun Wang's manipulation, the Empress believed Yong Cheng's actions had cast suspicion upon her, causing her immense distress and severe headaches. Meanwhile, Wei Yingluo, deeply concerned for Yong Qi's recovery, ordered her servants to find Physician Ye Tian Shi, who had left the Forbidden City years ago. She later visited the exhausted Emperor. While she initially wanted to demand justice for Yong Qi, she reconsidered upon seeing his pain, acknowledging that both princes were his sons.
She subtly criticized the Emperor for preferring sweet lies over harsh truths and expressed her deep concern for the Fifteenth Prince, Yong Yan, fearing he might suffer a similar fate. The Emperor assured her he would protect Yong Yan, but Wei Yingluo’s distrust of the Empress remained. To safeguard his sons, the Emperor decreed that Yong Qi be conferred the title of Prince Rong and ordered increased security patrols around all princely residences.
When Supervisor Li reported the Empress’s grave illness, the Emperor remained outwardly indifferent. Despite her illness, the Empress insisted on having her hair styled. Yuan Chun Wang gave a palace maid named Yun Xiang a vibrant flower to wear, suggesting it would cheer up the Empress. However, when the Empress saw Yun Xiang wearing the flower, she interpreted it as a mockery of her aging appearance and angrily struck the maid, just as the Emperor entered the room.
The Empress immediately tried to reassure him of her innocence regarding the incidents involving the princes, recounting her past devotion to Yong Cheng. Yet, the Emperor remained unconvinced. After his departure, the Empress, feeling deeply wronged, ordered Yun Xiang to be caned thirty times for breaking palace rules. Later, Yun Xiang confronted Yuan Chun Wang, blaming him for her punishment. In a twisted act of manipulation, Yuan Chun Wang brutally murdered Yun Xiang, making her death appear as a suicide.
Supervisor Li reported the discovery of Yun Xiang's battered body in a well to the Emperor, who immediately suspected the Empress of severe maltreatment. Unaware of this, the Empress was momentarily delighted by a new beauty regimen and a parrot gifted by Prince He. Her joy turned to despair when a eunuch reported Yun Xiang's "suicide." Overwhelmed, she descended into a fit of rage, lamenting her lost youth. Zhen'er, distressed by the Empress's state, confronted Yuan Chun Wang.
He cunningly exploited Zhen'er’s loyalty, claiming his actions were necessary to expose the Emperor's true character and strategically position the Twelfth Prince for succession, assuring her the Empress would ultimately understand. News of Yun Xiang’s tragic death spread throughout the harem. Nalan Chun Xue and Noble Lady Qing discussed it with the Empress Dowager, implying the Empress’s cruelty was the cause.
When the Empress arrived to pay her respects, the Empress Dowager’s displeasure was evident, suggesting the Empress suffered from a "mental illness." Wei Yingluo tactfully mediated. As discussions turned to the Emperor's upcoming southern tour, Wei Yingluo expressed concern about the Empress remaining behind, subtly suggesting it would be unsafe for the children. She urged the Empress to join the tour, claiming her presence would ease everyone's minds.
Separately, Nalan Chun Xue confronted Noble Lady Qing about her distrust, hurt that her gifts to the Fifteenth Prince, Yong Yan, were never used. She tearfully explained her genuine affection for Yong Yan and denied any malicious intent, prompting a sincere apology from Noble Lady Qing. Meanwhile, despite the Emperor's insistence that she remain in the Forbidden City to recuperate, the Empress adamantly demanded to join the southern tour.
She argued that as the Empress, it was her duty and that her absence would undermine her dignity and the Qing Dynasty's decorum, portraying her as a discarded burden. Yuan Chun Wang then told the Twelfth Prince, Yong Ji, that his mother's insistence on joining the tour was for his sake. Naively, Yong Ji knelt before the Emperor, pleading for his mother to be allowed to go. The Emperor, angered by this, dismissed him. Soon after, Yong Qi arrived.
While acknowledging Yong Ji's filial piety, he cautioned the Emperor against being swayed by such naive pressure. Nonetheless, Yong Qi also gently urged the Emperor to permit the Empress to join them, citing the beautiful scenery and ease of water travel, implying it would be best for all involved.
