The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Episode 17 Recap
> The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Recap
Duan Yunzhang continued his grueling run around the imperial city, with numerous palace maids lining the path, holding flowers and shouting words of encouragement. Seeing his exhaustion, Jinfeng, feeling for him, pleaded with her father, Liu Xie, to let Duan Yunzhang off. Liu Xie, however, remained firm, stating that if Duan Yunzhang failed to complete his ten laps, he would be even more despised. Undeterred, Jinfeng decided to take matters into her own hands to atone for her father's actions.
She approached Duan Yunzhang, explaining that her mother had taught her to be a good wife and queen, and that she was there to support him and prevent anyone from mocking him. She then proclaimed that according to a book she read, being frightened could unleash one's potential, and though the Empress Dowager and her father doubted him, she believed he would make a good Emperor.
With that, she brought forth a large dog named "Wangcai" and, under her command, the dog chased Duan Yunzhang, causing him to dramatically increase his speed. Watching this, Liu Xie smirked, acknowledging Jinfeng's actions as characteristic of his daughter. Meanwhile, some palace maids expressed confusion about Jinfeng's true intentions, noting Duan Yunzhang's fear of dogs.
An official present praised the Emperor and Queen, highlighting their fitness as a representation of the strong Donghao Empire, predicting a brand-new future under their leadership. Elsewhere, Duan Yunchong confronted Liu Baiyu in Taihe Hall, demanding to know if she had written the note found in the exam. Baiyu feigned ignorance, but Duan Yunchong pressed on, accusing her of forging his handwriting. Baiyu defiantly asked for proof, to which Duan Yunchong declared that Fengyue had confessed everything.
He revealed that Fengyue claimed Baiyu had eavesdropped on their plans, then used the information to imitate his handwriting and frame Duan Yunzhang. Baiyu scoffed, boasting that Duan Yunchong's handwriting resembled a child's scribble, and it only took her less than an hour to master, not days and nights as Fengyue supposedly claimed. Realizing she had admitted her guilt, Duan Yunchong forcefully dragged her to face their father, Liu Xie.
As Duan Yunzhang continued his run, Jinfeng, exhausted, sank to the ground, urging him to go on without her. Duan Yunzhang paused, confessing that for the first time, he found merit in Liu Xie's harsh words, which made him doubt himself. However, Jinfeng's unwavering belief that he would be a good Emperor had restored his confidence. Jinfeng, insisting that "husband and wife are one," encouraged him to get up, reminding him they were almost done.
When she still couldn't move, Duan Yunzhang, declaring that he would carry her as a couple, lifted her onto his back and resumed running. Jinfeng was pleasantly surprised and honored by his actions. This sight deeply saddened Yu Changya. As they continued, Duan Yunchong, still dragging Liu Baiyu, blamed her for the hardship Duan Yunzhang and Jinfeng were enduring, to which Baiyu exclaimed that this was not the outcome she had intended.
Duan Yunchong finally brought Liu Baiyu before their father, Liu Xie, revealing her as the culprit behind the forged note. Liu Xie asked if it was true, and Baiyu confessed, explaining she only wanted to help Duan Yunzhang pass the exam and hadn't anticipated causing such trouble. She apologized to her father. Liu Xie, infuriated, turned and walked away. The Empress Dowager also expressed her deep disappointment in Baiyu.
Once Liu Xie and the Empress Dowager left, Baiyu, heartbroken by her father's anger, lashed out at Duan Yunchong, blaming him for everything. The Empress Dowager later approached Duan Yunzhang, informing him that the truth about the cheating case had been revealed, and he could stop running. However, Duan Yunzhang, resolute, insisted on finishing all ten laps, saying he always kept his word.
Jinfeng, still on his back, interjected, assuring the Empress Dowager they would complete the laps and telling Duan Yunzhang he didn't need to compliment her. Liu Xie, observing the scene, expressed a mixture of concern and a grudging acknowledgment of Jinfeng's endurance, even claiming to be worried about her.
The Empress Dowager then remarked on the harmonious sight of the Emperor and Queen working hand-in-hand, expressing her growing admiration for Jinfeng's loyalty and sincerity, which made her feel more at ease. The Imperial Concubine concurred, stating that such harmony between the Emperor and Queen was a great fortune for the nation. As they neared the finish line, Jinfeng asked why Duan Yunzhang wouldn't give up. He explained that giving up now would mean admitting defeat.
He then playfully told her he had learned something new that day: that she preferred him over her father. Jinfeng retorted, joking about his lack of intelligence. Finally, with a determined cry, Duan Yunzhang sprinted towards the finishing line, carrying Jinfeng. Amidst thunderous cheers and showers of petals, they collapsed side-by-side at the finish line, having successfully completed all ten laps. That evening, Duan Yunzhang and Jinfeng sat on a rooftop, gazing at the stars.
Duan Yunzhang questioned why Jinfeng had helped him, given their rivalry, noting they were also friends. Jinfeng explained it was a win-win situation; she wanted him to be the Zhuangyuan (top scholar) and she didn't want to come in last, so there was no conflict. She also admitted that another reason was simply because he was handsome. Duan Yunzhang then asked about the candle she had given him before the exam, which had made him sleep so profoundly.
Jinfeng revealed it contained "Mirror Moon Sand," a folk remedy from her village. It was said to release a scent similar to a mother's, helping children who missed their mothers sleep soundly. Duan Yunzhang grew melancholic, admitting he no longer remembered his mother's scent or the taste of her cooking. He pressed Jinfeng for the true ingredients of Mirror Moon Sand, promising not to be upset after enduring such a strenuous run.
Jinfeng, after some hesitation, revealed it was made from mountain earth mixed with the droppings of thirty different insects. She quickly made her escape, leaving a stunned Duan Yunzhang to muse, with a laugh, about the absurdity of his mother's scent being "droppings." The next day, Yunyan presented Jinfeng with a new novel from "Bright Moon and Gentle Breeze."
Jinfeng was immediately engrossed in the romantic tale: a woman escaping, encountering a hero who saves her and bids her meet him under a peach tree. The hero, dressed in white, descends from the sky, pledging eternal love. However, bandits reappear, snatching the woman for a forced marriage. At the wedding, she discovers her rescuer is, in fact, her groom.
Jinfeng was moved to tears by the tragic beauty of the story, lamenting that Yunyan hadn't given her the book sooner. She then generously gifted a copy to each of her palace maids. As she looked up, she saw Duan Yunzhang heading towards the Imperial Garden, initially thinking he was coming for her. Sufang, however, reminded her that today was the day the exam results were to be posted at the Imperial Garden.
At the results board, both Duan Yunzhang and Jinfeng had enthusiastic cheerleading squads. Grand Tutor Wei invited Duan Yunzhang to personally unveil the results, but Duan Yunzhang suggested adhering to tradition. As the red cloth was removed, a roar of cheers erupted: Duan Yunzhang had won the Zhuangyuan title! Jinfeng was genuinely thrilled for him, not bothering to check her own ranking, only hoping she wasn't in last place.
Yunyan later informed her that Yu Changya had placed last, while Jinfeng herself was second to last. Duan Yunzhang, acknowledging that his success was not solely his own, decided to reward those who had helped him. He brought forth a collection of treasures, intending to select special gifts. However, before he could finish, Duan Yunchong, Chai Tiezhou, and Jing Tang eagerly selected items for themselves, profusely thanking him.
Duan Yunzhang, amused and somewhat speechless, allowed them to keep their chosen gifts. Later, Jinfeng, still anticipating a special gift from Duan Yunzhang, discovered a brocade box left for her. Despite outwardly dismissing it as cliché, she was secretly delighted. Inside, she found a note instructing her to meet him under the peach tree. Believing this to be a romantic gesture reminiscent of her novel, Jinfeng arrived at the peach tree, eager to follow the storyline.
However, her romantic expectations were shattered when four men in black tied her up, claiming they were taking her home. To her extreme disappointment, it was Yu Changya, also dressed in black, who appeared. He paid off the "bandits," dismissing them, and then reminded Jinfeng of their bet. As he untied her, Jinfeng accused him of deliberately submitting a blank paper in the exam.
Yu Changya readily admitted it, stating that with his capabilities, he could easily have ranked in the top three. He then warned Jinfeng that he wouldn't do anything to her charming face until he had a proper plan, revealing that special equipment imported from Persia would arrive in three days for the surgery. He concluded by asserting that Jinfeng was destined to be his.
