The Sleepless Princess Episode 24 Recap
> The Sleepless Princess Recap
The Emperor convened with the Xizhao Envoy, granting permission for commercial ports along the border. However, the envoy expressed dissatisfaction, declaring his intention to return and forge dark steel into weapons, explicitly threatening further conflict. Enraged, the Emperor ordered his troops to surround the envoy, but the envoy remained undaunted, asserting that his death would merely provide Xizhao with a legitimate cause for war, potentially prolonging hostilities for two decades.
Observing the envoy's unwavering resolve, the Emperor tempered his anger and sought alternative resolutions. The envoy then pressed for the Emperor's sincere commitment, emphasizing that without Xizhao's skilled metallurgists, the dark steel would be worthless. Faced with this impasse, the Emperor was compelled to concede. Later, in the palace gardens, the Imperial Noble Consort Su encountered Chu Yue and Na Xi.
The Consort immediately chastised Chu Yue for her lack of filial piety, pointing out that she wore red on the anniversary of the former emperor's death, deeming it a profound disrespect. Accusing Chu Yue of arrogance due to the current Emperor's favor, the Consort ordered Chu Yue's garments to be stripped and her mouth slapped. Na Xi, the Infanta of Xizhao, bravely stepped forward to shield Chu Yue.
The Imperial Noble Consort Su retaliated by insulting Na Xi, labeling her a "bastard" and a "surrendered general" who disregarded her proper place, threatening to relegate her to the status of a government courtesan. In a swift, defiant act, Na Xi struck the Consort multiple times. Xue Yao then arrived, prompting the Consort to seize the moment, accusing Chu Yue and Na Xi of rebellion and demanding their immediate arrest.
Xue Yao, however, refused to comply, stating his allegiance lay solely with the Emperor's commands. Exasperated, the Consort was then escorted away. Na Xi then reassured Chu Yue that the Emperor, preoccupied with securing the dark steel ore, would not punish her. Chu Yue expressed her gratitude to Xue Yao for his timely intervention. Upon returning to her palace, the Imperial Noble Consort Su wept profusely, feeling deeply humiliated before the entire harem and believing her authority was now compromised.
She promptly summoned her son, Prince Ning, demanding that he punish Chu Yue. Prince Ning, in turn, vowed to avenge his mother's affront, asserting that he would prioritize his mother's honor even if his father, the Emperor, were to discover his actions. Soon after, Su Nannan rushed to inform Chu Yue that the Imperial Noble Consort Su intended to retaliate through Prince Ning, urging Chu Yue to apologize and diffuse the escalating tension.
Chu Yue, however, felt that her long-standing animosity with the Consort could not be resolved by a mere apology. During their conversation, Su Nannan also playfully teased Chu Yue about her evident unresolved feelings for Xue Yao, referencing her own audacious pursuit of her martial arts senior. Meanwhile, Su Nannan observed Biyuan discreetly offering pastries to Luo Ji, instantly becoming jealous and accusing him of being fickle.
Luo Ji quickly clarified the misunderstanding, explaining that Biyuan's family member was ill, and since it was inconvenient for Biyuan to leave the palace, she had sought his assistance. Luo Ji then proceeded to praise Su Nannan's noble character, listing her virtues, which caused Su Nannan to blush in embarrassment. Luo Ji also briefly spoke of General Xue Mu, hinting at his profound respect for the late military leader.
A palace attendant informed Chu Yue that Yinghua Hall, the site of General Xue Mu's death, was only accessible at midday when the guards were dining. Chu Yue felt an urgent need to personally investigate Xue Mu's demise there to find peace of mind. Although advised to seek Xue Yao's protection, Chu Yue initially declined, but Na Xi unexpectedly volunteered to accompany her. Bai Liqi presented Xue Yao with his findings regarding Dong Shi's background.
Dong Shi, a famine refugee adopted by the Grand Master, possessed an unblemished record, known for his talent, sincerity, and devoted care for Princess Chu Yue and Prince Shun. After the Grand Master's passing, Dong Shi had seamlessly assumed his position. Bai Liqi concluded that there was no basis for suspicion. Despite the seemingly clear report, Xue Yao harbored a sense that something was amiss and ordered additional personnel to closely monitor the alchemy room.
Shortly thereafter, Luo Ji informed Xue Yao that Prince Ning had entered the palace, failed to locate Chu Yue at Jinque Palace, and was now actively searching for her. Luo Ji cautioned Xue Yao that Prince Ning, being inherently domineering and arrogant, would likely seek retribution against Chu Yue for the previous incident involving his mother. Upon hearing this, Xue Yao immediately departed to protect Chu Yue. At Yinghua Hall, Prince Ning confronted Chu Yue and Na Xi.
Chu Yue swiftly concealed herself as Na Xi engaged Prince Ning in combat, injuring him and forcing his retreat. Just as Xue Yao arrived to assist, the Emperor himself approached the hall to conduct an ancestral worship ceremony. The group quickly hid. As the Emperor entered, he perceived the commotion and disturbed scene, believing assassins were present, and promptly called for his guards. Seizing this diversion, Xue Yao and Chu Yue made their escape.
To evade the pursuing guards, Xue Yao and Chu Yue were compelled to jump into a deep lake. Submerged, they shared an intimate embrace, their unspoken feelings momentarily surfacing. Afterward, Chu Yue led Xue Yao back to her residence to dry their wet clothes.
Xue Yao questioned Chu Yue's reckless actions, but she clarified that her visit to Yinghua Hall was not frivolous but a sincere effort to uncover the truth behind his brother Xue Mu's death, an endeavor she claimed was for his sake. As Xue Yao held Chu Yue's hand, Na Xi unexpectedly appeared. Misinterpreting Xue Yao's presence, Na Xi drew her sword, intending to force him out.
The two engaged in a fierce battle, concluding in a draw, with Na Xi acknowledging Xue Yao's formidable skill. Xue Yao then stayed to guard Chu Yue's chambers for the night. Later that evening, Xue Yao observed Tao Yao wistfully caressing General Xue Mu's uniform. Intrigued, he inquired if she had known his deceased brother.
