The Princess's Gambit Episode 14 Recap
> The Princess's Gambit Recap
Upon learning that Jiang Taohua had woken up, a maid asked Meng Zhenzhen if she should go and visit. Meng Zhenzhen, however, knew that given Jiang Taohua's intelligence, she likely already suspected her involvement in the recent incident and thus saw no point in visiting, fearing an inability to explain herself if questioned. The maid noted that Shen Zaiye had stayed by Jiang Taohua's tent until she awoke, suggesting his unusual care for her.
Meng Zhenzhen felt a pang of sadness but reflected that the scariest thing is not a cold-hearted person, but one who is cold-hearted yet develops feelings. She believed Jiang Taohua's injury would cause the matter to escalate significantly. Meanwhile, Prince Wugou's guards discovered the hiding spot of the escaped miners. Prince Wugou immediately ordered them all killed, deciding against informing Meng Huaijin, convinced that Shen Zaiye was no match for him.
Meng Zhongyan received a letter from Meng Huaijin and immediately set out to return to the capital. At the same time, Prince Wugou's masked men arrived at a thatched hut intending to kill the miners, but found it empty. Shen Zaiye and his men appeared behind them, capturing them all. Shen Zaiye interrogated their leader, urging him to reveal the truth and promising protection for his family if he cooperated. Shen Zaiye's men then released a signal flare.
When Meng Huaijin came to see Prince Wugou later that night, Prince Wugou was confidently drinking. Meng Huaijin questioned if Prince Wugou had sent men to kill the miners, which Prince Wugou admitted. Meng Huaijin became furious, having previously advised Prince Wugou against reckless actions, yet he had proceeded stubbornly.
Angered, Meng Huaijin splashed wine on Prince Wugou's face and informed him that the signal flare just released had been seen across the entire hunting grounds, leaving him powerless to control the situation. Prince Wugou desperately pleaded with Meng Huaijin to save him again, but it was too late. Soldiers arrived with an order from the King to detain Prince Wugou within his tent.
While detained, Prince Wugou urged Meng Huaijin to find a way for them to be released, fearing Shen Zaiye would frame him with more charges. Meng Huaijin, however, stated that privately operating a silver mine was the most serious crime, making further false accusations unnecessary. Just then, Meng Zhenzhen arrived, asking to see them, but she was denied entry by the guards. Through the tent flap, Meng Huaijin gestured for her to leave.
On the carriage journey back, Jiang Taohua was urged by Qingtai to take her medicine. Though Shen Zaiye said nothing, he took candied fruit from his sleeve and offered it to Jiang Taohua. Jiang Taohua felt a mix of sadness and sweetness in her heart. After she was settled back, Shen Zaiye watched her frail figure and specifically instructed the kitchen staff about her dietary needs, emphasizing a light diet suitable for recovery. Without resting, he immediately went to court.
Prince Wugou was brought before the court. The King, seeing the list of Prince Wugou's crimes, was enraged, causing Prince Wugou to kneel and beg for mercy. The King issued an imperial decree formally deposing Prince Wugou from his position as heir, announcing it publicly. Prince Wugou was furious at Shen Zaiye, wanting to confront him immediately, but the King ordered him taken away.
Shen Zaiye then proposed punishing the Meng family, citing Prince Wugou's actions as having been largely assisted and influenced by them. The King's expression changed drastically. Although he verbally agreed that they should be severely punished, he did not issue a decree immediately and adjourned the court instead. Shen Zaiye felt disappointment and resentment. As Shen Zaiye exited the court, he encountered the newly returned Meng Zhongyan. The two exchanged sharp words.
Meng Zhongyan reminded Shen Zaiye that he too might one day be brought down, and he awaited Shen Zaiye's eventual fate. Meng Zhongyan then visited Meng Huaijin in prison. He was frustrated by Prince Wugou's incorrigible nature, lamenting the Meng family's years of planning ruined by such incompetence. He believed Prince Wugou was unfit for great responsibility, and even without this incident, another would have occurred.
Their only option now, he told Meng Huaijin, was to lie low and wait for the right moment. Meng Huaijin accepted responsibility for the hardships he faced but pleaded with his father to look after Meng Zhenzhen, hoping she could live a more carefree life. Meng Zhongyan promised not to let anyone bully the Meng family's legitimate daughter. Meng Huaijin knelt and bowed to his father, understanding he would no longer be able to serve him.
Meng Zhongyan was saddened, stating the Meng family was proud of Meng Huaijin. As he left, Meng Zhongyan's steps were heavy. Meng Zhenzhen received a letter from Meng Huaijin, written from prison, which was his final communication. Meng Zhenzhen had suspected that her last meeting with Meng Huaijin was their final farewell but was heartbroken that her father would abandon his own son to protect the family. She realized she too might one day be sacrificed by the family.
A maid comforted her, urging her to live well, as it was Meng Huaijin's dying wish. Shortly after, Meng Huaijin committed suicide in prison. In court, Meng Zhongyan admitted his failure in raising his son and requested permission to retire to the countryside. The King refused, stating that Meng Huaijin's mistakes should not be blamed on Meng Zhongyan.
The King personally helped Meng Zhongyan up, comparing the Meng family to a lush tree where a few dead branches could simply be pruned without destroying the whole. Shen Zaiye clenched his fist, understanding the King's message: he was merely a tool in the King's hands, to be used as directed, without the authority to act independently. Shen Zaiye had to temporarily suppress his frustration. Shen Zaiye stood outside Jiang Taohua's door for a long time.
As he was about to leave, Qingtai opened the door and saw him. Shen Zaiye handed over some pastries he had brought for Jiang Taohua. He also mentioned that the King would be hosting a tea banquet in the palace next month and suggested Jiang Taohua could attend if she wished. Jiang Taohua opened the package and found the pastries were her favorites from Beiyuan, which deepened her sweet feelings.
Shen Zaiye also instructed Zhan Lu to change his way of addressing Jiang Taohua, from "Lady Jiang" to "Princess," as she was the princess of Beiyuan. Jiang Taohua realized this banquet was an opportunity to potentially meet Qing.
