The Sleepless Princess Episode 33 Recap
> The Sleepless Princess Recap
A few days prior, assassins infiltrated the palace. Though unrelated to Infanta Naxi and her companions, Xue Yao submitted their portraits for wanted posters, trapping them in the city. Resolved to escape, Naxi was confronted by Prince Ning, who mocked her, suggesting Xue Yao didn't even enter the nuptial chamber on their wedding night. Naxi drew a knife, warning him to be silent if he wanted to live.
She then coerced Prince Ning into helping her escape the city, and he reluctantly complied. Meanwhile, Xue Yao continued to secretly tend to the blind Chu Yue, who believed a servant was caring for her. When Xu Xingchen and Eunuch Gao arrived for a visit, Xue Yao hid and listened. Noting Chu Yue’s craving for sour jujubes, Eunuch Gao surmised she might be pregnant with a prince, news that would surely delight the ailing Emperor.
Xu Xingchen fabricated a story, claiming they had been so intimate he couldn't recall the specific date of conception. He insisted their love was proper and mutual, comparing Chu Yue to a fallen fairy. Uncomfortable with the lies, Chu Yue feigned a stomachache to end the visit. Eunuch Gao then noticed only one pillow on the bed, but Xu Xingchen cleverly explained they were abstaining from sleeping together out of filial piety for the Emperor.
Elsewhere, Nannan selected clothes for Luo Ji, whom she now saw as a "rough jade," more worthy of her heart than Xue Yao. Her father, Lord Su, intercepted Luo Ji, stating his humble background made a union with Nannan impossible. However, admiring Luo Ji's character, Lord Su offered him a chance: if he could rescue Prince Ning, who had been abducted by Naxi, Lord Su would no longer object to their relationship.
Luo Ji accepted the dangerous mission, asking Lord Su to give Nannan a token so she wouldn't wait for him in vain. When Nannan learned of the mission, her father placed her under house arrest to stop her from following. In the palace, Xue Yao focused on the Emperor's illness, deeming it more urgent than the threat from Xizhao.
He relayed what Uncle Liao had discovered: the Grand Preceptor had rescued Dong Shi from poverty, but Dong Shi's true motive was to be with a woman named Feixue in the palace. After Feixue sacrificed herself for him, a grieving Dong Shi became obsessed with using Chu Yue's birthstone to revive her. Recalling his late brother Xue Mu's foresight in strengthening security, Xue Yao realized Xue Mu had secretly protected Chu Yue from this plot.
Having agreed that King Shun would secure the palace, Xue Yao prepared his forces to hunt for Dong Shi. Before leaving, Chu Yue entrusted Xu Xingchen with a protective bracelet to give to her friend Tao Yao for her birthday. Seizing the moment, Xu Xingchen told Chu Yue a scandalous tale: a man had been publicly divorced by his wife, a great humiliation. He revealed this man was Xue Yao, who had received a divorce letter from Naxi.
Xu Xingchen emphasized that for a man of Xue Yao's stature to sacrifice his reputation proved his profound love for Chu Yue. Overcome, Chu Yue immediately wanted to find Xue Yao and apologize for her harsh words. Led by a servant, Chu Yue arrived at a secluded spot and, recognizing a familiar floral scent, deduced that Xue Yao had been her secret caretaker. He confessed, then led her to a spectacular fireworks display he had prepared for her missed birthday.
As the fireworks lit up the sky, Chu Yue’s sight miraculously returned. She then confessed that she was not pregnant; it was a lie Xu Xingchen created to protect her. Overjoyed, Xue Yao passionately kissed her. The next morning, the two shared an intimate breakfast. Xue Yao promised to capture Dong Shi quickly so no one could ever harm her or force her to be the State Preceptor again.
He acknowledged his past failures but affirmed their love, born from his brother's sacrifice, was worth cherishing. As he departed, he urged her to stand tall, worthy of the man she loves. Meanwhile, Luo Ji and his troops tracked Naxi and Prince Ning to a hideout. As Luo Ji aimed an arrow at Naxi, Prince Ning shielded her with his body and was struck. Naxi escaped while Luo Ji's men rushed the gravely wounded prince back to the palace.
The Emperor was enraged to hear Luo Ji had injured his son and issued a nationwide warrant for his arrest. Before losing consciousness, Prince Ning gave Naxi his longevity lock, lamenting that he would die without ever seeing her cry for him, as she desperately pleaded for him to live.
