The Glory Episode 23 Recap, Plot

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Zhuang Hanyan carefully dressed up to meet Imperial Concubine Miao, placing the iron wild goose hairpin in her hair once again. At the palace gate, Fu Yunxi saw her off, curious as to why she wore the hairpin again. Zhuang Hanyan hinted that every time she wore it, it brought her good luck, and she hoped for a favorable outcome this time as well.

Upon hearing of Zhuang Hanyan's arrival, Imperial Concubine Miao dismissed all her attendants and handed a box to Zhuang Hanyan. Inside was the three feet of white silk she had prepared for herself. Ever since returning from the Lantern Festival, she had kept it ready. She then asked Zhuang Hanyan if she was feeling triumphant, as she had now saved her twice.

However, Zhuang Hanyan used the story of Imperial Concubine Chen to persuade her to take a gamble and revealed that she understood her true mindset—Imperial Concubine Miao simply wanted a way to survive, not to cause any trouble. Zhuang Hanyan suggested investigating the matter to intimidate those involved so that they would no longer have to live in fear.

In return, she only requested that Imperial Concubine Miao issue an order for Zhuang Shiyang to complete the revision of the grand ceremony within ten days and to withdraw the guards. Imperial Concubine Miao wanted to know the reason but was refused an answer. Zhuang Hanyan also urged her not to stand idly by. However, Imperial Concubine Miao argued that the harem was forbidden from interfering in politics and that she had no reason to help.

Zhuang Hanyan accused her of being ungrateful, but Imperial Concubine Miao countered that everything Zhuang Hanyan had done was of her own volition and had nothing to do with betrayal. Zhuang Hanyan drew the hairpin from her hair and pressed it against Imperial Concubine Miao’s neck to force her compliance. Yet, Imperial Concubine Miao remained calm and only demanded to know the reason.

Zhuang Hanyan accused Zhuang Shiyang of deserving his fate, and suddenly, Imperial Concubine Miao realized that something must have happened to Ruan Xiwen. Zhuang Hanyan then revealed that Ruan Xiwen had been stabbed multiple times and died. Imperial Concubine Miao collapsed onto her couch in tears, speaking of her feelings for Ruan Xiwen.

Back in the capital, they had both been noble ladies, and Imperial Concubine Miao had admired Ruan Xiwen’s literary talent, able to recite her poems from memory even now. She had arranged for Ruan Xiwen’s legs to be treated not just to force her to kneel but in hopes of giving her freedom. Zhuang Hanyan could see that Imperial Concubine Miao truly wanted to help.

Imperial Concubine Miao then took hold of the hairpin in Zhuang Hanyan’s hand and reminded her that the hairpin should not be pointed at her but at someone else. Outside, Fu Yunxi had already guessed that Zhuang Hanyan intended to use force against Imperial Concubine Miao, but entering the palace was impossible. He anxiously waited until she emerged, immediately deducing what had happened.

Enraged, he nearly strangled her, scolding her for her recklessness and accusing her of being insane and indifferent to the lives of others. Zhuang Hanyan, however, told him that in ten days, he would no longer have to protect Zhuang Shiyang. Additionally, by using Imperial Concubine Miao’s investigation into Yao Guangdong as a pretext, they could openly search the Censorate for evidence left behind by Yuwen Changan.

Prince Qi, having lost his princess consort, was furious and ordered his subordinates to find another matchmaker. However, they dared not act without permission, and no matchmaker in the capital was willing to assist him. Enraged, Prince Qi commanded them to seize a princess consort if necessary. The Emperor then issued an edict requiring Zhuang Shiyang to complete all preparations for the grand ceremony within ten days, or he would be charged with deceiving the monarch.

After the decree was announced, Zhuang Hanyan arrived. Zhuang Shiyang tried to appeal to their father-daughter bond to persuade her to relent, but Zhuang Hanyan coldly reminded him that in ten days, he would be as worthless as a shattered teacup. Previously, Zhuang Shiyang had requested additional protection, and this time, he strengthened his security. His residence was now heavily guarded by soldiers, and he was placed under house arrest.

With no other choice, Zhuang Shiyang instructed Zhou Ruyin to deliver a message to Prince Qi’s residence. Ah Zhi came to find Zhuang Hanyan, who looked at her guiltily and admitted that she had done something that might sadden Ah Zhi. She asked if Ah Zhi would forgive her.

However, Ah Zhi suddenly burst into tears, saying that what hurt her most was not Zhuang Hanyan’s past actions but the fact that, despite marrying Fu Yunxi, she refused to let Ah Zhi call her "Mother. " Seeing that Zhuang Hanyan was unwilling, Ah Zhi suddenly pleaded to be hugged, as they were both motherless children. Zhuang Hanyan embraced Ah Zhi and told her that from this day forward, she could call her "Mother.

" Overjoyed, Ah Zhi hugged Zhuang Hanyan and called her "Mother" before asking her to play hide-and-seek together. Just then, a servant arrived to inform Zhuang Hanyan that the Old Madam wished to see her. Madam Fu received numerous invitations from high-ranking families eager to host gatherings with them. She was delighted, remarking that Fu Yunxi had previously offended many people and had never enjoyed such treatment before—it was all thanks to Zhuang Hanyan’s presence that even they were benefiting.

However, Kou Eryi mockingly suggested that Zhuang Hanyan was merely leveraging someone else's power. At the gathering with these noble ladies, Zhuang Hanyan was inevitably questioned about her visit to the palace. She lied, saying she had gone to tell stories to the young princesses and even made up some tales on the spot, which greatly amused the ladies. They were so entertained that they proposed setting up a private school just to hear her stories regularly.

On her way back, Zhuang Hanyan happened to see the examination results being posted. He Wenshen had made the list, much to her relief, as it meant that their broken engagement had not affected him. He Wenshen also saw her in the carriage. When she nodded at him, he seemed lost in thought. Prince Qi confronted Zhuang Shiyang, furious that the daughter he raised had turned him into a lonely man.

Zhuang Shiyang hastily apologized and hinted that he had another daughter. Prince Qi, recalling his previous encounter with Zhuang Yushan, immediately proposed marrying her. This way, he could offer Zhuang Shiyang protection and eliminate Imperial Concubine Miao. Zhou Ruyin overheard their conversation and, after Prince Qi left, immediately volunteered to persuade Zhuang Yushan. At first, Zhuang Yushan opposed the idea, knowing exactly what kind of man Prince Qi was.

However, Zhou Ruyin pointed out the benefits of becoming a princess consort—even Zhuang Hanyan would have to bow before her in the future. She also reminded Zhuang Yushan of her filial duty to Zhuang Shiyang, urging her to help him. This swayed Zhuang Yushan’s thoughts. Later, Zhuang Yushan visited Zhuang Shiyang and asked if, like her mother, he also wished for her to marry Prince Qi.

Holding her hand, Zhuang Shiyang, overcome with fatherly affection, assured her that he did not want her to marry and would rather risk everything than see her regret it. Moved by his words, Zhuang Yushan resolved to marry Prince Qi to save Zhuang Shiyang, unwilling to watch him remain imprisoned. Outwardly, Zhuang Shiyang appeared heartbroken, but inwardly, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Zhuang Yushan released her horse, crying out for it to leave and live freely. Then, she burned its saddle and accessories.

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