The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Episode 26 Recap
> The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Recap
Longyue informed Duan Yunzhang that his recent divination indicated he was surrounded by insidious individuals, advising him to be cautious. Jinfeng, intrigued, asked Longyue to read her fortune as well. Longyue explained that one could only have their fortune told twice a year, or it would lose its efficacy. Jinfeng then requested to use Duan Yunzhang's opportunity for the following year, which he readily granted. Jinfeng's card revealed "Extreme Brutality and Viciousness."
Longyue warned her to avoid dogs and those born in the Year of the Dog, and also to keep her hair tied up. Jinfeng glanced at Duan Yunzhang, who quickly clarified that his zodiac sign was the Dragon, not the Dog. Liu Xie received an imperial invitation to the national banquet and pleaded with Yongfu to accompany him. Yongfu initially refused, citing her busy schedule.
Liu Xie explained that the invitation required him to attend with his wife, and going alone would be perceived as disobeying a decree, which could lead to severe consequences. Yongfu, however, scoffed, accusing him of regularly defying imperial orders. Finally, Liu Xie resorted to threatening Jinfeng's reputation, saying that if Yongfu didn't attend, their daughter, the Queen, would lose face. Yongfu reluctantly agreed.
Yunchong was preparing a mechanical contraption called "Nine Dragons Spitting Pearls" as a gift for Duan Yunzhang, with Baiyu participating. During their work, a crude firearm suddenly smoked, causing Yunchong to pull Baiyu under a table for safety. After a small explosion, Baiyu angrily pushed him away, calling him a rascal. Yunchong, offended, claimed he had saved her and insisted that from now on, she must come daily to observe his work, saying that their affairs were now one.
Consort Dowager Xu led the Empress Dowager to a secluded place outside the palace, promising it would allow her to "stun the crowd" at the national banquet. They arrived at Muyan Palace, where Consort Dowager Xu persuaded the Empress Dowager to try a beauty treatment featuring volcanic mud, a rare specialty from Xiyue Empire. The Empress Dowager was surprised that Muyan Palace could acquire such exotic goods.
Consort Dowager Xu asked to meet the owner for a discount, but the beauticians explained that even they had never met the mysterious boss, as Ms. Jian had assured them that as long as they were paid, they didn't need to know the owner's identity. Meanwhile, Yu Changya received an urgent report: "Something will happen at Muyan Palace!" Jinfeng, taking Longyue's prophecy to heart, ordered her maid, Sufang, to round up all the dogs in the palace the next day.
They were to be housed together, well-cared for, and released only after the national ceremony was over. Yu Changya delivered a small piglet to Yongfu on behalf of Liu Xie. Yongfu, expecting a puppy, complained about the gift, but Yu Changya explained that no dogs could be found in the palace. Yongfu was charmed by the piglet and found it endearing.
She then subtly hinted to Yu Changya that pampering people excessively, much like over-pampering pets, could be detrimental to both the individual and their caregiver, suggesting that everyone, including pets, needs their own designated space. Yu Changya concurred. On the day of the national ceremony, Duan Yunzhang instructed Shuan to deliver a padded pouch and some specially prepared clothes to the Queen's quarters. Yunchong excitedly informed Duan Yunzhang that emissaries from 21 nations, including Xiyue, Cangwu, and Danyi, were waiting.
Duan Yunzhang, pleased, invited Yunchong to attend the Imperial Court with him. In her chambers, Jinfeng received the custom-made dress, which fit her perfectly, and the pouch, which contained detailed information about the emissaries' backgrounds and accomplishments. Equipped with this knowledge, Jinfeng navigated the ceremony with grace and ease, earning the approval of the Empress Dowager and Consort Dowager Xu.
Meanwhile, Second Madam Liu, hearing about Baiyu's increasing closeness with Prince Yunchong, instructed her maidservant, Fengyue, to split up and proceed with their tasks. During the ceremony, a female emissary from Xiyue Empire presented the "Qianhuafu Formula," a beauty secret, as a tribute. She also sent a private message to Liu Xie, requesting a meeting that day.
Liu Xie's subordinate advised him that the timing was a deliberate test to see whether he prioritized the national banquet or his commitments to Xiyue. Just then, Yongfu arrived to urge Liu Xie to the banquet. Liu Xie then told his subordinate to inform the Ministry of Rites that he had "more important matters" than the national banquet, stating that since his wife didn't want to attend, he wouldn't either. He then led a surprised Yongfu away for dinner.
Second Madam Liu and her maidservant separately incapacitated Jinfeng and Yu Changya, dragging them to a secluded building. The maidservant revealed that this structure was secretly commissioned by the Queen through the Xiangluo Hall palace staff. Second Madam Liu, believing this hinted at illicit activities, was thrilled, exclaiming that heaven was assisting her. Duan Yunzhang grew increasingly agitated by Jinfeng's continued absence, especially after learning that Liu Xie also wouldn't attend the banquet.
His anxiety intensified when reports confirmed that the Queen could not be found anywhere in the palace. Jinfeng, awakening in the secluded building, was horrified to find herself and Yu Changya surrounded by a pack of dogs. She screamed for help. Yunchong presented his "Nine Dragons Spitting Pearls" to Duan Yunzhang, emphasizing that Baiyu had personally crafted the dragon's head and inviting the Emperor to activate the mechanism.
At that moment, Second Madam Liu's maidservant burst in, reporting that something had happened to the Queen. She led the Empress Dowager, Duan Yunzhang, and others to the building, claiming she had heard the Queen's cries along with another man's voice. When Su Jingtang opened the door, a flurry of dogs charged out, startling the Empress Dowager and Consort Dowager Xu. Inside, they found Jinfeng, unconscious with bloodstains on her face, being shielded by Yu Changya.
The imperial physician informed Duan Yunzhang that Jinfeng was physically unharmed. He speculated that her unconsciousness and high fever were caused by extreme fright from the dogs, suggesting she would recover once the "negative energy" receded. Unconvinced, Duan Yunzhang went to find Yu Changya, who promised to explain the day's events later. Duan Yunzhang, however, stressed that his sole concern was Jinfeng, regardless of their relationship.
After examining Jinfeng, Yu Changya confirmed she wasn't physically ill but was suffering from a "panic attack," a "heart disease" that required a "heart medicine." Seeing Jinfeng shiver, Duan Yunzhang tenderly covered her with multiple blankets and wiped her forehead. Yu Changya then revealed that a legendary "Patchwork Robe" from Xianpa Village could cure her. Upon hearing of her daughter's condition, Yongfu immediately began cutting Liu Xie's clothes to create a Patchwork Robe.
She recounted that Jinfeng had suffered a similar illness as a child after being chased by a large yellow bull, leading to a prolonged fever and unconsciousness. The physician at the time, perplexed by Jinfeng's strong pulse despite her symptoms, prescribed a "Patchwork Robe" – an garment sewn from one hundred pieces of cloth from different families. Yongfu recalled that Jinfeng made a full recovery the moment the robe was draped over her. Liu Xie instructed Yongfu to stop, assuring her that someone else would make the robe for Jinfeng, and its maker would be revealed once Jinfeng was well.
