Unique Lady Season 3 Episode 17 Recap
> Unique Lady Season 3 Recap
Two servants, Lan and Huang, were loudly spreading rumors about Tang Meng, claiming that her father, Master Tang, had colluded with the former grand chancellor to plot against Sheng Jing. Tang Meng confronted Lan, who insisted she was right and advised Lin Luojing to distance herself from people like Tang Meng. Lan then pulled Huang away. Lin Luojing approached Tang Meng, asking if the rumors were true. Tang Meng denied them, urging Lin Luojing not to believe the gossip.
Lin Luojing assured Tang Meng of her belief in her affection for Jiang Xuanyu and her conviction that Tang Meng would never harm him. She also stated that she would not spread rumors without definite proof. Tang Meng pleaded with Lin Luojing not to tell Brother Jiang until she investigated the matter, emphasizing that her happiness with him was hard-won and she did not want it ruined. Lin Luojing promised to keep silent.
Later, Prince Jing Yuan met with Liu Xiuwen. After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Xiuwen asked the reason for his visit. Prince Jing Yuan revealed that the Sacrificial Offering Ceremony was approaching, presenting a rare opportunity for a major event, and instructed Liu Xiuwen to simply sit by and watch. Zhong Wumei observed their meeting from a distance, puzzled by their apparent familiarity. Xi Que was seen secretively holding a letter. Yu noticed her unusual behavior and asked what was wrong.
Xi Que handed the letter to Yu, asking for her help. As Yu prepared to leave with the letter, Lin Luojing called out to her, causing Yu to drop the letter in a panic. Lin Luojing took the letter, opening it to find Xi Que's handwriting on the envelope, but the contents were written in Qi Yu characters.
Lin Luojing recalled Zhang Ji's previous report about a faint footprint found in the restaurant kitchen, believed to belong to a petite woman, and began to suspect Xi Que’s involvement in the opium incident.
This suspicion aligned with Lin Luojing’s earlier thoughts that the opium incident was an inside job, having noted Tang Meng's confession (after Lan's accusations) and concluding that a sheltered young lady like Tang Meng wouldn't have the expertise to execute such a complex scheme without instruction from experienced individuals. Lin Luojing had even briefly harbored suspicions about Yu, an orphan who adapted quickly to household rules and never acted out of line.
Yu then explained that Xi Que had needed money for a family emergency and, not wanting to worry Lin Luojing, had taken six months' salaries in advance and asked Yu to send the letter for her. Lin Luojing, remembering that Xi Que had been a servant in the Grand Chancellor Mansion since childhood, questioned how she could be connected to Qi Yu. She decided to keep the matter quiet for now.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ji's investigation into the footprint led him to a troubling conclusion. He carried a diagram of the footprint to Zhong Wumei, looking visibly bothered. Two guards speculated that Zhang Ji's mood was due to "love-sickness" over Xi Que, prompting Zhong Wumei to order them to run twenty rounds. Zhang Ji confirmed that the intruder's shallow footprint, found in a hidden corner, matched a pair of shoes with a magpie pattern that he himself had given to Xi Que.
Coupled with the Qi Yu letter, all evidence pointed towards Xi Que being a Qi Yu spy. Lin Luojing found it hard to believe, asserting that Xi Que had always been a kind, innocent, and sometimes silly girl, and that the incident must have another explanation. Zhang Ji vouched for Xi Que's character, guaranteeing with his reputation that she was not a cunning person.
He vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly to vindicate Xi Que, stating that even if she was involved, she must have been hoodwinked into committing the crime, and he would find the true mastermind. Zhong Wumei approved Zhang Ji's plan. Later, while Xi Que was styling Lin Luojing's hair, Lin Luojing sensed Xi Que was absent-minded and asked if anything was bothering her.
Xi Que confessed to feeling jealous of Yu, believing Lin Luojing no longer needed her as much since Yu had joined the household. She recalled being left behind when Lin Luojing ran away and that Lin Luojing now consulted Yu more. Lin Luojing reassured Xi Que, reminding her that she was like a younger sister to her and that no one could replace her in her heart.
Lin Luojing then internally expressed her determination to uncover the truth for Xi Que. Zhang Ji, too, was seen reflecting on his resolve to protect Xi Que. Zhong Wumei discussed the situation with Lin Luojing, suggesting they ask Xi Que directly. Lin Luojing still found it hard to believe Xi Que was involved, citing her long loyalty and lack of motive.
Zhong Wumei, drawing from his experience growing up in the treacherous palace, advised Lin Luojing to be more sensible, as even close kin could betray one's trust. Lin Luojing, though still hesitant, agreed to directly question Xi Que. Just then, a guard brought urgent news: His Majesty was seriously ill.
Zhong Wumei rushed to the Palace but was turned away by Eunuch Su, who cited His Majesty's anger over Zhong Wumei's past defiance regarding the Princess of Bei Yu, which had caused him great distress and led to his current illness. Eunuch Su emphatically stated that Zhong Wumei would not be allowed in, even if he offered immense wealth, and warned him to leave or face dire consequences.
Zhong Wumei realized that he had never given Eunuch Su gold, leading him to suspect that His Majesty was in a difficult situation and that Eunuch Su was subtly trying to convey a message. As Zhong Wumei left, two palace servants gossiped about rumors circulating in the city: that Zhong Wumei was not the Emperor's biological brother, but an adopted child, and that his mother had an affair. Zhong Wumei overheard these rumors, which added to his growing unease.
Lin Luojing found Zhong Wumei deeply troubled. She tried to comfort him about the rumors, but Zhong Wumei clarified that he was not disheartened by gossip, but rather by the realization that such widespread rumors, especially during the Emperor's illness, indicated a powerful force at play. Reflecting on Eunuch Su's cryptic words—"no amount of gold" and "not seeing the sun in the morning"—Zhong Wumei deciphered a hidden message pointing to Jin Chen, Prince Jing Yuan.
He recalled the Emperor's past words about granting Prince Jing Yuan his title as both a reward and a warning. Zhong Wumei suspected his Royal Brother was being controlled by Jin Chen and resolved to confirm his safety immediately. That night, Zhong Wumei, with the help of a loyal guard, stealthily entered the palace. He saw Prince Jing Yuan leaving the Emperor's chambers, confirming his suspicions.
Eunuch Su, relieved to see Zhong Wumei, confirmed that Jin Chen had locked His Majesty in a secret passage and was attempting to extract information about a treasure, the crystal bead. Eunuch Su expressed regret for failing to see Jin Chen's true, ambitious nature, despite his past pretense of caring for the Emperor with gifts like the thousand-year-old Isatis root. Zhong Wumei acknowledged Jin Chen's cunning and vowed to rescue his brother.
He learned that Jin Chen was primarily after the crystal bead, which was of paramount importance. As long as Jin Chen did not possess the bead, the Emperor would remain safe. The upcoming Sacrificial Offering Ceremony, where the Emperor was expected to preside, presented a crucial opportunity for rescue, despite Jin Chen's expected challenge. Meanwhile, in the secret passage, Jin Chen aggressively demanded the crystal bead from the Emperor.
The Emperor refused, even under threat of death, insisting he would never hand it over. Jin Chen then speculated that the bead might be with Zhong Wumei or even Princess Royal Zhong Ziyun. The Emperor adamantly denied Ziyun having it, explaining she had been wandering outside for years. Jin Chen declared that the "game" had begun and threatened to kill everyone if he didn't obtain the crystal bead by the ceremony.
He reminded the Emperor of his father's unjust death and accused the Zhong family of greed, especially for holding onto the crystal bead. The Emperor revealed that Jin Chen's father had been executed for abusing his power and killing innocent people during a campaign against Qi Yu, clarifying that the crystal bead would never belong to the Jin clan.
Jin Chen, enraged, retorted that it was the Zhong family's retribution and swore to reclaim everything his family was owed, piece by piece. Eunuch Su then informed the Emperor that Zhong Wumei had visited and promised to find a way to rescue them. Elsewhere, Hua Yingchi, the Elder Cang Jian of Tian Yi Clique, met with Jin Chen. Hua Yingchi praised Jin Chen for capturing Zhong Shi Li (the Emperor), calling it a bold move.
Jin Chen detailed his plan: at the Sacrificial Offering Ceremony, Zhong Shi Li would offer sacrifices and announce his successor. Only high-ranking officials would be allowed into the Royal Ancestral Temple, which was outside the palace. This, Jin Chen believed, would be the perfect opportunity to ensnare Zhong Wumei. Hua Yingchi confirmed his preparations, having deployed his scouts, and reiterated his expectation that the crystal bead, which he "had been promised", would be present.
He affirmed his determination to acquire the crystal bead. Lin Luojing, having processed the shocking revelations, expressed her disbelief that the gentle Prince Jing Yuan was the ultimate villain. Zhong Wumei then instructed her about the imminent danger. He stated that he must attend the Sacrificial Offering Ceremony but forbade her from leaving the mansion. If he did not return on time, she was to immediately leave Sheng Jing with Zhang Ji, as her safety was his highest priority.
