The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Episode 29 Recap
> The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Recap
Yu Changya's subordinate reported successfully apprehending the two Xiyue envoys. The men knelt and addressed Yu Changya as the Crown Prince. He offered them one last chance to reveal the identity of the spy the "old fool" had planted in the palace. However, the men defiantly refused and bit their tongues, taking their own lives. Yu Changya had already guessed the spy's identity: Consort Dowager Xu.
He recalled an incident on the Imperial Observatory where he had deliberately dropped a sacred gourd, and she had firmly caught it, a giveaway since all Xiyue people know such a sacred item should never be dropped. Later that evening, in Jinfeng's strong insistence, Duan Yunzhang finally apologized to her. When he asked if an apology was so important, she asserted that one should apologize for mistakes.
She then pointed out his fault in concealing his prior acquaintance with Yu Changya. Duan Yunzhang conceded and apologized, though he initially hesitated, arguing that an Emperor should not apologize easily. Jinfeng countered by referencing Grand Tutor Wei's teaching that "the people are the heavens," and as their son, the Emperor should be capable of apologizing. After Jinfeng continued to press for a sincere apology, Duan Yunzhang finally expressed his regret, saying, "Jinfeng, I'm sorry."
He felt a sense of relief, realizing it wasn't as difficult as he had imagined, and asked her to accompany him somewhere the next day. The following day, Duan Yunzhang and Jinfeng appeared before the palace gate to address the ongoing issue with the Xiyue emissaries. The citizens, who had previously complained about the lack of compensation for the emissaries' misdeeds, were gathered.
Duan Yunzhang openly admitted his fault, acknowledging that his initial leniency had allowed the emissaries to cause havoc and that he had failed to provide a timely response to their suffering. He offered a sincere apology to everyone present. The citizens were deeply moved by the Emperor's words, proclaiming him a wise ruler and chanting, "Long live Your Majesty!" Liu Xie smiled contentedly in his sedan chair as he witnessed this scene.
Duan Yunzhang then promised full compensation for all their losses from the Ministry of Rites. Afterwards, Jinfeng affirmed that apologizing had brought him peace of mind, not embarrassment. Duan Yunzhang agreed and extended an apology to Su Jingtang, thanking him for always defending him and enduring grievances. He promised to face future challenges personally. When Xiao Shuanzi jokingly asked if he would apologize to him too, Duan Yunzhang chuckled, saying he hadn't wronged Shuanzi yet, but would apologize next time.
Jinfeng then suggested he extend apologies to other key figures like Grand Tutor Wei, the Empress Dowager, Consort Dowager Xu, and Chai Tiezhou, which made Duan Yunzhang feel quite pleased. He then dismissed the matter to rewrite his letters for Jinfeng, insisting she only remember his new words, particularly that he was the only person she could ever love, past, present, or future.
In her quarters, Consort Dowager Xu reflected on the many years that had passed, sensing that something she long anticipated was finally approaching. She reminisced about entering the palace at sixteen, with a promise of being brought home soon, a promise that remained unfulfilled for over two decades. Later, she rushed into Lingxu Court to confront Yu Changya, asking if they were on the same side.
Yu Changya directly stated that Consort Dowager Xu was from Xiyue and affirmed their common goal of obtaining the Qianhuafu Formula, implying their alliance depended on her choice. He then revealed his knowledge of her true identity: not only was she from the Xiyue Empire, but she was also a spy who had spent twenty years stealing countless secrets, including Donghao's border layouts and marching routes, and placing Xiyue agents within the palace.
He reminded her of her multiple attempts to test his identity and her scheme to kidnap the Queen's mother using his power, only to then blame him. Exposed, Consort Dowager Xu sat on the ground crying bitterly, lamenting that men like him always made things difficult for women. She claimed she was forced to be a spy and that she was promised she could return home after finding the name list.
She blamed Consort Li for hiding the list and implored Yu Changya to find it, so everyone could be happy. That evening, Yu Changya reported Consort Dowager Xu's exposure as a spy to Liu Xie. Liu Xie remained unfazed, having known her true identity all along since she first entered the palace. He dismissed Consort Dowager Xu as a threat, assuring Yu Changya that she posed no danger to him.
Liu Xie then declared that their advantage lay in Jinfeng finding the formula. He explained that this arduous task would be crucial for Jinfeng to form a true understanding with Duan Yunzhang and become a genuine Empress. Yu Changya questioned why Liu Xie would subject Jinfeng to such a risk, expressing his belief that Liu Xie didn't understand women.
Liu Xie countered by pointing out that Consort Li, also from the Xiyue Empire, would never betray her own people and nation by leaking a list of spies. Early the next morning, Sufang informed Jinfeng that Grand Chancellor Liu Xie had sent gifts and several paintings to Madam Yongfu.
Yongfu understood these to be Liu Xie's confessions: he would kneel if she didn't marry him, wash her feet daily if she did, and had collected fine honey, waiting for her to return to taste it. Jinfeng admired this romantic gesture. Duan Yunzhang, upon hearing this, promised Jinfeng he would show her "true romance."
He immediately summoned Duan Yunchong and Su Jingtang to brainstorm ideas, emphasizing that a nation's stability depends on its families, and only by satisfying one's wife can one govern the world. This insight resonated with Duan Yunchong, who then ran off to find Baiyu, encountering two eunuchs carrying a tribute telescope on the way. Later, at Xiangluo Hall, Jinfeng discovered her mother, Yongfu, sleeping on the floor.
Yongfu explained she had been resisting Liu Xie's attempts to make her do something she didn't want to. When Liu Xie arrived, Jinfeng tried to hide Yongfu, but Liu Xie produced a painting Yongfu had given him, proving her presence. Jinfeng insisted her mother would stay with her until Liu Xie recognized his mistakes. Liu Xie then stated he would coax and beg her to return.
Jinfeng and Duan Yunzhang were astonished to learn that Yongfu had actually rejected Liu Xie's marriage proposal in their youth, even when he had been appointed a generalissimo. Yongfu explained that her great-grandmother had taught her that men with wealth and power often go astray, so she had preemptively "dumped" Liu Xie when he was rising through the ranks. Jinfeng and Duan Yunzhang couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Liu Xie.
Jinfeng then mused that Duan Yunzhang was fortunate to be born at the top, ensuring his status couldn't "improve" and lead him astray. The following morning, Liu Xie continued his romantic overtures by sending Yongfu fresh flowers and Silkie chicken soup. Duan Yunzhang, who was present, identified the herb "Dong quai" in the soup, which carried the message of urging her to come home.
Jinfeng, impressed by Liu Xie's romantic gestures, reminded Duan Yunzhang of his promise to show her "true romance." He assured her he was still preparing it and would keep his word. That night, Duan Yunzhang led Jinfeng to the Imperial Observatory, intending to surprise her with a romantic stargazing session using a telescope. However, as they approached, they saw Duan Yunchong and Baiyu already there.
Duan Yunchong was holding the telescope, speaking of a legend where confessions made under a "rose cloud" in the stars would be blessed. Baiyu, initially seeing nothing, was subtly guided by Duan Yunchong to look in his direction, where she discovered him holding a rose in his mouth. He then bravely confessed his love for her. Jinfeng found the scene hilarious, much to Duan Yunzhang's chagrin, who realized his planned romantic gesture had been preempted.
He dejectedly dropped the telescope, which he had brought along to monitor the palace as Emperor, and urged Jinfeng to go home. Later, Duan Yunchong escorted Baiyu home, pressing her for a response to his confession, but she remained silent on her feelings. Duan Yunchong, undeterred, secretly vowed he would never give up. Duan Yunzhang, determined to execute his own romantic plan, instructed Xiao Shuanzi to prepare for an event at Yufang Garden and to notify the Queen.
Feng Yue then rushed in to relay a message to Baiyu that if she didn't go to Yufang Garden, Duan Yunchong threatened to jump from Lijing Pavilion. Baiyu calmly dismissed the threat, noting that Lijing Pavilion was only one story high. Duan Yunzhang arrived at Yufang Garden, expecting to execute his elaborate romantic gesture. To his surprise, a large crowd of palace staff had already gathered, looking up in awe.
Before he could process the situation, the crowd erupted in cheers for "Prince Yunchong," who was seen suspended in mid-air in a flower-decorated carriage, having once again stolen Duan Yunzhang's thunder.
