The Sleepless Princess Episode 23 Recap
> The Sleepless Princess Recap
The Emperor told Chu Yue he was anxious, but that his helplessness as a ruler meant he sometimes had to act against his will. He explained that Xizhao's newly discovered iron ore posed a great threat to Nansang. While seemingly asking Chu Yue to predict his own safety, he was truly seeking to know the safety of the entire nation, hoping she understood his intentions.
The Emperor then spoke of Xue Yao's older brother, Xue Mu, a valiant warrior who could have achieved great feats on the battlefield. However, the Emperor kept him in the palace, fearing that if both brothers were to fight together, the Xue family would gain too much power. He was forced to detain Xue Mu as a hostage under the guise of General of the Left Guard.
The Emperor lamented that the loyal Xue Mu died protecting the late emperor's memorial tablet, and if Xue Mu were still alive, the concerns about Xizhao would not exist. Hearing this, Chu Yue secretly wondered if Xue Mu's death was indeed unrelated to the Emperor, but she was unsure if she could truly trust him. At this moment, Infanta Naxi of Xizhao sought an audience with the Emperor.
She requested that her temporary residence be changed to Princess Chu Yue's Jinque Palace, claiming an instant bond with the princess. Once alone with Chu Yue, Naxi revealed her true intention was to hide out, explaining that Nansang and Xizhao were bound for heated negotiations over the Dark Steel Ore. As a mere "decoration" sent by her brother, she wished to avoid the conflict and find some peace.
She warned Chu Yue that she had the power to kill her just as easily as she had saved her, demanding cooperation. Chu Yue tried to explain that her own palace was not quiet, but Naxi dismissed her concerns, adding that she was not afraid of ghosts. Xue Yao instructed Bai Liqi to investigate Dong Shi's background, noting that someone so trusted by Chu Yue must be above suspicion.
He then visited Dong Shi, feigning gratitude for Chu Yue's improved health after taking the golden elixirs and requesting more. He questioned why Dong Shi's master, the former Grand State Preceptor, was skilled in astrology, while Dong Shi only practiced medicine. Dong Shi claimed that mastering medicine had consumed all his energy, perhaps due to his limited talent, and mentioned that he and King Shun had long been protecting Chu Yue before Xue Yao's arrival.
Pondering whether to tell Xue Yao about the Emperor's confession, Chu Yue was interrupted by Naxi, who commandeered her bed, claiming it was harder and thus more comfortable. Soon after, Xingchen arrived to discuss their escape from the palace. Overhearing, Naxi immediately insisted on accompanying them. The group ventured out and eventually arrived at Panxiang Court, a famous cosmetics pavilion.
Chu Yue spotted an order for "Liuyunfeixue," the same item she had found in Xue Yao's possession, reminding her of Concubine Yun. Xingchen explained that he was the one who elevated the cream to its legendary status and recounted its poignant origin story: a couple named Liuyun and Feixue were separated by war. When Liuyun was presumed dead, Feixue was forced into another marriage, her hair turning white overnight.
However, Liuyun returned alive and sent her the cream, which restored her black hair and beauty. To preserve her reputation, they never met again. Chu Yue found the story eerily similar to the circumstances of Xue Mu and Concubine Yun. Xue Yao, having learned that Chu Yue had left the palace with Naxi, found them at the pavilion. Chu Yue secretly relayed what the Emperor had told her about Xue Mu, only to learn that Xue Yao already knew.
Xue Yao noticed her disappointment with the tragic ending of the Liuyunfeixue story, interpreting it as a wish for a different outcome in her own life. She told him to stop visiting her at night, reminding him of their divorce. Unswayed, Xue Yao insisted on taking her back to the Xue mansion for her safety, stating he was in constant worry while she was in the palace. Meanwhile, Luo Ji discovered Nannan holding a martial arts competition.
Mistaking it for an event to choose a husband, he feared other men were coveting her and violently drove away all participants, declaring Nannan was his. Nannan chastised him, explaining she was only selecting disciples to train. Before he was summoned back to the palace, Luo Ji persisted in his claims. To prevent him from being expelled by her master, Nannan took the blame for the commotion, considering it repayment for a past favor and declaring them even.
That night, Chu Yue and Naxi shared a room. Naxi noted that, like Chu Yue, she also kept a reversed day-night schedule. As they talked, Xue Yao suddenly appeared. Mistaking him for an assassin, Naxi drew her sword and held it to his throat until Chu Yue intervened. Chu Yue once again demanded Xue Yao stop coming, reiterating their divorce. Later, Naxi gave Chu Yue a makeover with Nansang cosmetics. The experience, however, only deepened Chu Yue's sorrow. The story of Liuyunfeixue reinforced her painful belief that she and Xue Yao were fated to be apart, and that she must not give him any false hope.
