The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Episode 6 Recap
> The Legendary Life of Queen Lau Recap
Emperor Duan Yunzhang instructed Chai Tietie to lead his fighters to practice intensively with crossbows overnight, preparing for an ambush on Liu Xie. He explained to his subordinates that the plan would be executed at Qingchi Palace, the only place in the palace where Liu Xie would truly let down his guard, as one must undress to bathe.
Duan Yunzhang intended to use the upcoming relative banquet as an opportunity to invite Liu Xie to the hot springs in the Queen's name, hoping his new status as son-in-law would make Liu Xie accept. Although one of his subordinates voiced concerns about the risks, Duan Yunzhang was resolute, stating that Liu Xie would not spare him anyway, and success could restore the empire. His subordinates pledged their unwavering loyalty.
Meanwhile, Queen Jinfeng was struggling to memorize the identities and appearances of dozens of imperial clan members. Duan Yunzhang walked in and casually mentioned soaking in the hot spring at Qingchi Palace. Jinfeng's eyes lit up, and she eagerly asked to join him. Seizing the chance, Duan Yunzhang suggested she also invite her mother and, crucially, her father, Liu Xie, implying it would help mend their strained relationship. Jinfeng, touched by his apparent thoughtfulness, readily agreed.
Duan Yunzhang then provided her with a helpful album of clan portraits. At Liu Xie's residence, a servant reported that all arrangements had been made, but there was a guest waiting. The next morning, Jinfeng excitedly prepared for the relative banquet, eager for her mother's arrival. She asked about Su Jingtang's return, who was dispatched to fetch her mother. Her servant, Sufang, informed her that there might be a slight delay, but her mother should arrive that day.
Unbeknownst to Jinfeng, Su Jingtang had already reported to Duan Yunzhang that he had failed to find Madam Yongfu in Xianpa Village, as she had gone missing the day before his arrival. Su Jingtang had spent a day searching, causing his delay. Duan Yunzhang ordered him not to inform the Queen to avoid worrying her. At the relative banquet, the imperial clan members gathered, but the Queen's absence caused a stir.
Many expressed discontent over her tardiness and previous "unruly" behavior, citing a false earthquake report and her disruptive appearance at Taihe Hall. The Empress Dowager, trying to ease the tension, suggested they adjourn to the Imperial Garden to admire exotic flowers. Jinfeng, still hoping for Duan Yunzhang to arrive, was eventually urged by a messenger to enter the hall, as at least one of the imperial couple should be present.
Just as the impatient clan members were about to leave, Jinfeng arrived. She apologized for her tardiness, explaining she was delayed preparing seasonal appetizers, Jade Ruyi Rolls, as a token of appreciation for her first meeting with the elders. The Empress Dowager was impressed by her thoughtfulness. Jinfeng then gracefully greeted Prince Yan, identifying him by a mole and praising his calligraphy, prompting him to apologize for any previous rude remarks.
The Empress Dowager was surprised by Jinfeng's excellent performance, though the Grand Empress Consort cautioned her not to celebrate too soon. Indeed, Jinfeng soon struggled to name other clan members, prompting Duan Yunzhang to arrive and subtly rescue her. Jinfeng thanked Duan Yunzhang for his timely intervention. He jokingly explained that she hadn't recognized Consort Mu because the consort had "fixed her eyes," a practice Jinfeng was surprised to learn was popular in the palace.
Jinfeng then asked about her mother. Duan Yunzhang lied, telling her that her mother had refused to come because she found Liu Xie annoying. Jinfeng was upset, feeling that she and even her husband were less important than her mother's disdain for Liu Xie. She then wondered why Liu Xie was also late. Duan Yunzhang remarked that her father simply enjoyed making everyone wait.
The Marquis of Beijing suggested starting the banquet, but the Empress Dowager insisted on waiting for the Grand Chancellor. Jinfeng sighed, thinking her father deliberately liked to pose and being his daughter was hard. Finally, Liu Xie arrived, making a grand entrance with Yongfu, Jinfeng's mother, much to everyone's surprise. Yongfu, refusing Liu Xie's attempt to hold her arm, refused to kneel before the Empress Dowager, boldly declaring that they were in-laws and commoners didn't kneel to their in-laws.
She approached the Empress Dowager like an old friend, calling her "my dear in-law" and insisting she be called Yongfu. She proclaimed her main reason for coming was to meet her son-in-law. The Empress Dowager, amused and slightly flustered, gestured to Duan Yunzhang. He approached, and after a quick glance at Jinfeng, addressed Yongfu as "mother-in-law" and himself as her "son-in-law" (a term he learned from a play), which greatly pleased Yongfu.
Duan Yunzhang then extended an invitation to Yongfu to the Qingchi Palace hot springs. She eagerly accepted. He then subtly invited Liu Xie, mentioning his hard work for the country. Liu Xie tried to decline, citing urgent matters at the Grand Council, but Yongfu interjected, scolding him for "putting on airs" and accepting on his behalf. The Empress Dowager then announced a feast at Qianluo Hall before they proceeded to the hot springs.
Yongfu pinched Liu Xie's arm, ensuring his reluctant agreement. Before the scheduled events, Duan Yunzhang went to his father's memorial tablet. He confessed his knowledge of Liu Xie's abuses of power, deception, and clear intentions of rebellion since becoming Grand Chancellor. He implored his father to forgive him for disobeying his will, as he was now determined to eliminate Liu Xie, who was no longer the honorable general his father once admired.
He prayed for success in his endeavor that day. Meanwhile, Liu Xie arranged for Yu Changya to enter the palace, stating he was busy and Yu Changya had been eager to go. After the banquet, Sufang informed Jinfeng that the Emperor had praised her performance, lifting her restriction and allowing her to move back from Xuanchen Hall. Jinfeng was initially disappointed that she would no longer be staying with Duan Yunzhang.
Soon after, the Empress Dowager invited Yongfu to tour the palace from the turret. During lunch, Yongfu's impressive drinking capacity astonished the Empress Dowager and others, who had expected her, a village woman, to be awestruck by the palace's grandeur. Instead, Yongfu commented that the imperial tea cups were too small and questioned the repetitive architecture, fearing getting lost.
She enthusiastically described Xianpa Village's houses, each uniquely built to personal preferences, like Erniu's "Rainbow House" and the village head's "Endless Wave." Princess Duan Yunyan was captivated and expressed a strong desire to visit. Jinfeng seized the moment to remind Yunyan of their agreement: if Jinfeng succeeded at the banquet, Yunyan would acknowledge her as "sister-in-law." Yunyan, albeit reluctantly, complied. Jinfeng, delighted, promised to take Yunyan and anyone else who wished to Xianpa Village.
At Qingchi Palace, Duan Yunzhang briefed the martial arts experts, handpicked by Su Jingtang, on their mission. He instructed them that a "tall and ferocious man" would join him for drinks. His signal to attack would be to drop his cup after two toasts. Crossbowmen would be in ambush to assist. He promised handsome rewards for success and dire consequences for failure. Soon after, Liu Xie arrived, invited by one of Duan Yunzhang's subordinates.
Liu Xie observed Duan Yunzhang watching a mock fight and criticized him for being frivolous as an emperor. Duan Yunzhang calmly replied that it was merely for entertainment, and he fully trusted Liu Xie with state affairs, adding that the acrobatic troupe was mainly for the Queen's pleasure. Liu Xie, seemingly appeased, took his seat. As they raised their cups, an arrow suddenly shot from outside the wall, knocking the cup from Duan Yunzhang's hand. Liu Xie immediately shouted, "Assassins!"
The martial arts experts, disguised as acrobats, immediately surrounded and attacked Liu Xie. Realizing it was a trap, Liu Xie fought back fiercely. Despite being numerous, the dozens of fighters struggled against Liu Xie. Duan Yunzhang then commanded the crossbowmen to fire. The fighters held Liu Xie down, and he was struck by multiple crossbow bolts.
