The Legend of Mi Yue Episode 53 Recap
> The Legend of Mi Yue Recap
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Mi Yue, Aunt Kui, and Shanhu discussed Fan Changshi's recent accusation against Mi Shu. Shanhu expressed surprise at Fan Changshi's newfound courage, given her usually timid nature, noting that most in the palace would now believe the Queen's guilt. Aunt Kui believed that Gongzi Tong's tragic death had destroyed Fan Changshi's last hope in the palace, leaving her with nothing left to fear.
Shanhu remarked that without concrete evidence, it would be difficult to prove Mi Shu's guilt regarding the "killer bee" incident from long ago, lamenting the loss of the specific clothing Mi Shu had given to Gongzi Ji, which could have served as crucial proof. Meanwhile, the court was in turmoil over the accusations against the Queen.
Yong Rui and Zhang Yi argued that Mi Shu's immoral conduct and her plot against a prince warranted her deposition and confinement to the cold palace to reassure the populace and other royal family members. However, Gan Mao vehemently opposed this, asserting that it was the King’s private family matter, and ministers should not interfere in the inner palace.
Prince Chu Li Ji chastised Zhang Yi and Yong Rui, stating that without a definitive conclusion, it was inappropriate and disrespectful for officials to pressure the King into such a drastic action. Zhang Yi countered that if the Queen, as the nation’s mother, was truly immoral, they, as key Qin officials, could not stand idly by.
He warned that overlooking such behavior would only encourage further wrongdoing, and with over a dozen princes, mishandling this delicate matter could sow widespread distrust and lead to future catastrophe. Emperor Ying Si, troubled by the political unrest, privately met with Chu Li Ji, who presented the King with a dilemma: either depose the immoral Queen, risking Prince Dang's succession, or endure the Queen but face the possibility of civil strife among the other princes if the succession remained uncertain.
Chu Li Ji highlighted the potential for chaos if Ying Ji, despite his intelligence, were to be named Crown Prince due to Mi Yue's humble background and Ying Ji's young age, fearing Mi Yue would then seize control of the government. Ying Si reluctantly concluded that for the sake of national stability, he had no choice but to uphold Prince Dang's position, even if it meant overlooking Mi Shu's alleged transgressions.
He believed Prince Dang’s assertive nature would deter other feudal lords. Meanwhile, Prince Dang, panicked, sought advice from Gan Mao. Gan Mao reassured him that Fan Changshi's accusation was merely one person's word; if Mi Shu and her attendants vehemently denied it, and with no corroborating evidence, the issue would eventually fade. Later, Mi Yue confided in Aunt Kui, reflecting on past tragedies in Chu palace, recalling suspicions that Dowager Wei had caused her mother's death.
Aunt Kui urged her to let go of such painful memories. Soon after, Mu Supervisor informed Mi Yue that Ying Si had summoned her to Chengming Hall. During their meeting, Ying Si, visibly distressed and sleepless, asked Mi Yue if she truly believed the Queen had harmed his child. He acknowledged that while Gongzi Tong had witnessed the "killer bee" incident, his death left them with no direct evidence.
Ying Si revealed his intention to depose Mi Shu if her guilt was confirmed, as he could not protect an immoral Queen and maintain authority in the harem. Mi Yue, however, advised extreme caution, emphasizing that deposing the Queen could destabilize the entire nation, especially with the evidence still ambiguous. When Ying Si pressed her on whether she had ever suspected Mi Shu during the original "killer bee" investigation, Mi Yue skillfully avoided a direct answer.
Ying Si then declared his intention to personally interrogate Shanhu the following day to ascertain the truth, to which Mi Yue agreed that a decision should only be made after Shanhu’s confession. Mi Shu’s loyal eunuch, Feng Jia, visited Shanhu in prison. He urged Shanhu to deny all accusations, but subtly conveyed that she would likely remain imprisoned regardless.
He then suggested a drastic "end-all" solution to spare her further suffering, reassuring her that Mi Shu had already sent word to the King of Chu to ensure her family’s well-being. Understanding the grim implication, Shanhu took her own life by striking her head against a wall. When Mu Supervisor reported Shanhu’s suicide to Ying Si, the King realized the case had become deadlocked without a witness and suspected he was being deliberately misled.
Later, Chu Li Ji advised Ying Si against hasty decisions regarding the Queen, reminding the King that he had previously observed Prince Dang's reckless and unbrotherly conduct. He urged Ying Si to resolve the mounting chaos swiftly to prevent external factions and powerful mother-clans from exploiting the instability, emphasizing that adhering to the law maintains order while forsaking it leads to disarray. Ying Si acknowledged the need for a resolution but also the complexity.
Zhang Yi then approached the King, who questioned his unusual eagerness to intervene in royal succession matters. Zhang Yi clarified that his concern was not personal power but the enduring legacy of Qin’s legalist reforms and its hegemonic ambitions. He expressed deep worry that after Ying Si’s passing, a "mediocre monarch" might undo Qin’s century-long achievements. Ying Si challenged Zhang Yi's assessment of Prince Dang.
While admitting Prince Dang's bravery, Zhang Yi argued that his rash, arrogant, and strategically inept nature made him unfit to rule, comparing him to a "mediocre monarch." He posed difficult hypothetical choices, such as future military campaigns, to highlight Prince Dang's potential shortcomings. Ying Si was left in profound contemplation, reflecting on Qin's arduous history, the sacrifices of his ancestors, and the weighty choices he faced at this critical juncture for the kingdom.
A servant reported to Mi Shu that Ying Si had ordered Gongzi Ji to reside in Chengming Hall, in the very side chamber once occupied by Prince Dang. Mi Shu, alarmed, realized this indicated Ying Si’s consideration of changing the Crown Prince. Feeling betrayed, she suspected Mi Yue, who had been the only concubine recently visiting the King. Mi Shu then met with Gan Mao, who confirmed the King’s resolve and suggested a drastic course of action against Gongzi Ji.
Soon after, Prince Dang, accompanied by his strongmen Wu Huo and Meng Ben, confronted Gongzi Ji outside Chengming Hall. Prince Dang mocked Gongzi Ji's martial arts practice and offered his guards, then himself, as sparring partners. Gongzi Ji politely declined, cautioning Prince Dang against unbecoming conduct that might displease their father. Angered by Gongzi Ji's sharp retort, Prince Dang ordered his men to forcefully take Gongzi Ji. Mu Supervisor bravely intervened, declaring they would have to go through him first.
Prince Dang, incensed, ordered his men to attack, resulting in Mu Supervisor sustaining injuries while protecting Gongzi Ji. Just then, Ying Si arrived, witnessing the chaotic scene. He furiously demanded an explanation from Prince Dang, who tried to dismiss it as mere playful sparring and blamed his strongmen for their rough manners. Ying Si pointed to Mu Supervisor's injury, condemning Prince Dang's violent and murderous intent.
Prince Dang, in a fit of rage, accused Ying Si of favoritism, asking if he was no longer the King's true son since Gongzi Ji and Mu Supervisor were permitted to brandish weapons while he was not. Overwhelmed by anger and distress, Ying Si coughed up blood and collapsed, falling unconscious. Prince Dang quickly instructed his men to flee while he feigned concern for his father. A servant hastily informed Mi Yue of the King's critical condition.
With Ying Si gravely ill and unconscious for three days, news of his condition quickly spread. Gan Mao admitted to Chu Li Ji that he had purposefully leaked the news early to summon all the princes back, believing it was for the national good, though Chu Li Ji accused him of exacerbating the crisis.
Mi Shu, claiming the harem needed leadership during this chaotic time, stepped forward to manage affairs, an action Chu Li Ji publicly endorsed to maintain stability, despite Mi Yue's attempts to challenge Mi Shu’s authority as she was technically still under investigation. Mi Yue and other concubines were barred from Ying Si's bedside, with Mi Shu asserting her power and warning them not to disturb the ailing King.
Upon regaining consciousness, Ying Si learned that Mi Shu, acting on Gan Mao’s directive, had resumed control of the harem, much to his displeasure. He found that only Mi Shu and Jingying person had been attending him, with all other concubines kept away. Ying Si then summoned Mu Supervisor and his brother, Chu Li Ji.
He observed that all the princes, including those from their fiefdoms, had rushed back, not merely out of filial duty but to contend for the throne, fueled by rumors that he intended to replace the legitimate Crown Prince with an illegitimate one. Chu Li Ji confirmed these fears, warning Ying Si that while deposing Prince Dang might be feasible, installing Gongzi Ji as Crown Prince would be nearly impossible, inevitably triggering a bloody conflict among the many royal sons.
He passionately urged Ying Si to accept this as "Heaven's will" and abandon any thoughts of changing the heir to prevent national upheaval. Resigned to the situation, Ying Si conceded. Accepting his fate, Ying Si declared that Chu Li Ji had prevailed. He then dictated his final edict: Prince Dang was appointed regent, to be assisted by Left Prime Minister Chu Li Ji.
All un-enfeoffed princes in the palace were to immediately proceed to their respective fiefdoms, accompanied by their mothers. As for Gongzi Ji, Ying Si revealed a pre-written decree, naming him the Shu Marquis, and ordered Mi Yue to accompany her son to his new territory in Bashu. Finally, the King commanded that Lady Ying be summoned to the palace to attend to him. The eunuch conveyed the King's decree to the anxiously waiting concubines, specifically calling for Lady Ying.
