The Princess's Gambit Episode 25 Recap
> The Princess's Gambit Recap
Prince Wuxia oversaw preparations at the examination hall, ensuring provisions such as dry food and water were readily available, particularly for scholars who had traveled long distances, especially those from impoverished backgrounds. He overheard some scholars discussing rumors that exam questions had been leaked. Upon inquiry, he learned the rumors implicated Prince Wuhen. Two scholars were intensely arguing about whether to expose the issue, with one expressing a willingness to risk everything.
Other scholars then accused the two of trying to disrupt the exams out of fear of failing. Prince Wuxia intervened, addressing the conflict. After one scholar explained the rumors about the Second Prince selling questions, Prince Wuxia acknowledged the reports and assured the scholars he would handle the matter personally, urging them to focus on their preparation. Prince Wuxia then went to Chunyue Pavilion where Prince Wuhen was entertaining two women.
Wuxia confronted Wuhen about privately selling exam questions, stating it was a serious offense and undermined the integrity of the imperial examinations. Prince Wuhen was contemptuous, boasting about his wealth and the company he kept, and used dismissive language, telling Wuxia to leave. Wuxia insisted he had the responsibility to intervene as the issue challenged the conduct of the exams.
Back at the examination hall, a clerk was turning away a scholar named Li Dian because his travel slip was incomplete and illegible. Li Dian explained that he had been robbed on the road, losing everything except the half-slip he fought to recover, and had begged his way to the capital. The clerk remained unsympathetic, refusing to accept the incomplete slip and dismissing Li Dian's hardship. Prince Wuxia arrived and overheard their exchange.
To assess Li Dian's capabilities, he questioned him on the interpretation of a passage from the "Dao De Jing". Impressed by Li Dian's insightful answer, Prince Wuxia reprimanded the clerk, ordered him removed, and instructed that Li Dian's name be registered, declaring that the exam sought genuine talent, not just complete paperwork. Li Dian was overcome with gratitude, promising to view Prince Wuxia as his patron and pledging to be an upright official if appointed.
Other scholars present also expressed their deep respect and admiration for Prince Wuxia. Suddenly, Imperial Guards arrived at the examination hall. Delivering the King's command, they instructed Prince Wuxia to return to his residence and refrain from receiving visitors. A guard then informed Wuxia that Prince Wuhen had been found dead the previous night and that Wuxia was being accused of the crime.
At the King's residence, members of the Qin family, maternal relatives of Prince Wuhen, accused Prince Wuxia of killing him. They claimed numerous witnesses saw the two princes arguing at a restaurant shortly before Wuhen's death and demanded the King severely punish Prince Wuxia to avenge their kinsman. The King became enraged, shouting at them for seeking the life of his remaining son after already losing one. Seeing the King's fury, the Qin family members withdrew.
Overwhelmed, the King collapsed weakly and called for his medicine. Consort Lan rushed to his side, comforting him and reminding him of her presence. Shen Zaiye requested an audience, which the King initially refused. Consort Lan persuaded the King to see Shen Zaiye, stressing the historical tragedies caused by royal infighting and the need for severe punishment to prevent ruin.
When Shen Zaiye was admitted, the King spoke of the devastating consequences of internal conflict, referencing the downfall of the Zhao State due to fratricide. He emphasized that killing one's own flesh and blood must be severely punished. The King expressed his belief that Prince Wuxia was cunning and capable of such a deed.
Shen Zaiye respectfully disagreed, stating that based on his understanding of the Fourth Prince, he believed Wuxia would not commit such an act and highlighted that the matter was fraught with inconsistencies. He requested permission to question Prince Wuxia personally or participate in the investigation. The King refused both requests, stating he had issued strict orders prohibiting anyone from meeting with Prince Wuxia.
He informed Shen Zaiye that Prince Wuyin had been appointed as the chief examiner for the upcoming imperial examinations, Meng Zhongyan had been reinstated to his post as a co-examiner assisting Wuyin, and Shen Zaiye was also involved in overseeing the exam, commanding him to focus on this duty and not be distracted by Prince Wuxia's case. At the Meng residence, Meng Zhenzhen ordered her servants to search Meng Huairui's room.
She confronted her cousin, Meng Huairui, accusing him of possibly being involved in Prince Wuhen's death. Meng Huairui adamantly denied the accusation, explaining that he had merely been at Chunyue Pavilion that night, overheard the heated argument between the two princes, and left quietly beforehand. Meng Zhenzhen discovered a broken jade pendant in his hand and was visibly alarmed, expressing fear that he could bring disaster upon the Meng family.
She later took the pendant to Prince Wuyin, seeking protection for the Meng family. Meng Zhenzhen then met with Prince Wuyin. She congratulated him on his appointment as chief examiner and her father, Meng Zhongyan, on his reinstatement. Prince Wuyin stated that while he preferred peace and quiet, her father's assistance with the exam was necessary. Meng Zhenzhen expressed hope for Prince Wuyin's continued favor towards the Meng family, emphasizing their loyalty.
Prince Wuyin spoke of his deep bond with Prince Wuhen and declared that Prince Wuxia was deranged and responsible for Wuhen's death, vowing that he would never allow anyone to clear Wuxia's name. Meng Zhenzhen voiced her concern, sharing information that the reopening of the imperial exams was actually orchestrated by Shen Zaiye behind the scenes, not initiated by Prince Wuxia as widely believed.
She suspected a connection between Shen Zaiye and Wuxia, possibly linked to the earlier Li Jiaohan case. Prince Wuyin dismissed her worries, revealing he had an informant placed near Shen Zaiye. Prince Wuyin summoned Jiang Taohua, who he referred to as "Meng'er." He informed her about Prince Wuxia being accused of killing Prince Wuhen, stating that the evidence was difficult to refute.
He predicted that Shen Zaiye would inevitably investigate the matter and tasked Jiang Taohua with finding a way to approach Shen Zaiye to discover the progress of his investigation. Jiang Taohua expressed her disbelief that Prince Wuxia would kill his own brother.
Wuyin noted her concern and suggested that Shen Zaiye's sister, Xiang Qingying, who was known to be close to Prince Wuxia, might be a useful point of contact, asking Jiang Taohua to find a way to approach Shen Zaiye without arousing suspicion. Jiang Taohua encountered Xiang Qingying, who was distraught and crying. Xiang Qingying told her about Prince Wuxia being falsely accused and confined to his residence with all outside contact cut off.
Xiang Qingying reminded Jiang Taohua that Prince Wuxia had provided assistance and protection to her in the past, including standing up for her after she was injured. She expressed her determination to help him. Hearing this, Jiang Taohua stated that having learned of Prince Wuxia's past kindness, she felt obligated to assist and would accompany Xiang Qingying wherever she went to help.
Xiang Qingying impulsively suggested trying to force their way into Wuxia's residence with her sword, but Jiang Taohua advised against this approach as it would only cause more trouble for Wuxia. She suggested instead they go to the crime scene at Chunyue Pavilion first to look for potential evidence that could clear Wuxia's name. Xiang Qingying agreed, stating that clearing his name was the most important thing, and knew the location of the crime scene.
Jiang Taohua and Xiang Qingying went to Chunyue Pavilion. Shen Zaiye was already present, investigating the scene, with imperial guards searching the surrounding area. Shen Zaiye saw them arrive. They found a way into the building, which Shen Zaiye seemed to have intentionally left open for them. Shen Zaiye spoke to Jiang Taohua, asking if she had regained her memory and remembered Prince Wuxia.
She denied having regained her memory, stating she only knew of Wuxia's past assistance from Xiang Qingying and felt a need to repay the kindness. Shen Zaiye questioned her involvement and warned her not to get entangled in such a dangerous matter. Their exchange was tense and strained, indicating a troubled history between them, which left Xiang Qingying confused by their dynamic.
Shen Zaiye continued examining the scene, noting fingernail scratch marks that suggested a struggle, and a footprint on the windowsill, indicating a possible escape route used by the killer. Jiang Taohua and Xiang Qingying also observed the scene. Jiang Taohua noted the large amount of blood, likely from a head injury, but the lack of signs of a prolonged fight.
Recalling Wuxia's lack of martial skill and physical disparity with Wuhen, they concluded Wuhen was likely attacked by surprise and struck down when unprepared, rather than in a prolonged struggle that Wuxia was physically incapable of winning. Jiang Taohua reported back to Prince Wuyin, telling him she had followed Shen Zaiye to the crime scene and found a broken piece of a jade pendant approximately the size of a Go piece, showing him the size with her fingers.
Prince Wuyin received this information without much comment and dismissed her, telling her to rest. After Jiang Taohua left, Prince Wuyin went into a secret room. He held a handchain and thought of Lu Yuanhua, referred to as "Ah Hua," mentioning that once he cleared the path for her, she would be able to return to his side. A large character for "囍" (double happiness, often used for weddings) was displayed in the room.
