Nancheng Banquet Episode 13 Recap
> Nancheng Banquet Recap
Yan Zhangyun had everything planned out, explaining to Lei Chuyue her escape plan. However, Lei Chuyue didn't want to leave. At that moment, Xiao Qiang Zi arrived with some snacks. Yan Zhangyun immediately asked Xiao Qiang Zi to leave, and from his expression, Lei Chuyue sensed his unusual feelings towards Xiao Qiang Zi.
In her room, Xiao Qiang Zi tidied up, feeling much prettier than Lei Chuyue. Suddenly, the Emperor arrived and was shocked to discover Xiao Qiang Zi was a woman. He was flustered when Yan Zhangyun arrived, trying to inquire about Xiao Qiang Zi. Yan Zhangyun felt there was more to the Emperor's words.
Later, Yan Zhangyun returned to the room and found Xiao Qiang Zi dressed as a woman. He immediately guessed why the Emperor had asked earlier. Sternly, he warned Xiao Qiang Zi not to let her hair down in the future. As they argued, Yan Zhangyun's purse fell, and Xiao Qiang Zi picked it up. Seeing his concerned expression, she realized the purse wasn't important to him. It was a gift from his childhood playmate, and they had made a marriage pact.
That night, the Emperor painted a portrait of Xiao Qiang Zi, considering bringing her into the palace but ultimately deciding against it to protect her from the Empress Dowager's bullying. He believed Xiao Qiang Zi was pursuing him and would become a eunuch to stay by his side.
The next day, the Emperor not only helped Xiao Qiang Zi fetch water but also brought her lots of food. Xiao Qiang Zi deliberately praised the food in front of Yan Zhangyun and even fed Ah Cheng, making Yan Zhangyun and the Emperor jealous.
To repay Xiao Qiang Zi for guarding the door for Lei Chuyue, she intentionally went back to the palace with the Emperor, leaving Yan Zhangyun to guard the door. The next day, Yan Zhangyun brought steamed buns for Xiao Qiang Zi, but Ah Cheng couldn't find any in the kitchen.
In the evening, Yan Zhangyun gave his blanket to Xiao Qiang Zi, shivering himself. Xiao Qiang Zi told him he didn't need to pretend, knowing she held a special place in his heart. Blushing, Yan Zhangyun admitted she was his person, and touched, Xiao Qiang Zi covered him with the blanket.
Following the plan, Lei Chuyue went to Duke Wei's mansion. However, Xue Ying, impersonating Lei Chuyue, was forcibly taken to the Xiao mansion. Lei Chuyue tactfully stated she was invited by Duke Wei's mansion but was detained by Xiao Quan to play the qin. Xiao Quan intended to use Lei Chuyue's past connection with Guo Zhen to lure others to rescue her and then capture them all. The Empress Dowager found Xiao Qiang Zi's portrait in the Emperor's bedchamber and flew into a rage.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qiang Zi secretly embroidered a purse for Yan Zhangyun. Just then, Wang You took Xiao Qiang Zi away, implying she was invited by the Empress Dowager. Wang You cryptically informed Ah Cheng, who quickly informed Yan Zhangyun. Upon hearing about Lei Chuyue's situation, Yan Zhangyun chose to rescue her, instructing Ah Cheng to seek the Emperor's help for Xiao Qiang Zi.
Xiao Qiang Zi was taken to the palace, and her identity as a woman was confirmed. The Empress Dowager ordered her execution, suspecting her of treason. However, the Emperor arrived and lied that Xiao Qiang Zi was pregnant with his child. When the physician examined her, Xiao Qiang Zi signaled with her eyes, and the physician declared she was two months pregnant.
The Empress Dowager summoned the imperial scribe, who found evidence of Xiao Qiang Zi and the Emperor's secret meetings. Grateful for the "dragon child," the Empress Dowager accepted Xiao Qiang Zi and allowed her to stay in the palace.
At midnight, a group arrived to rescue Lei Chuyue, but Xue Ying, impersonating her, played the qin in the courtyard, leading Lei Bao and others into an ambush. Lei Bao's men were killed or injured, and Lei Bao was forcibly taken away by his subordinates, who refused to reveal his whereabouts.
Yan Zhangyun arrived with the Qianyu Guard to rescue Lei Chuyue, but Xiao Quan insisted that if they took her away, it would confirm his involvement with Guo Zhen. Lei Bao's subordinates, to protect Yan Zhangyun's reputation, cursed him for colluding with Xiao Quan and were killed in anger by Xiao Quan. Lei Chuyue came out and offered to die to prove Yan Zhangyun's innocence.
Seeing Xiao Quan insist on detaining Lei Chuyue, Yan Zhangyun directly sealed the Xiao mansion on the grounds of the crime scene. To cover his tracks, Xiao Quan ordered his men to dump the bodies in an unmarked grave. The Empress, believing that Fu Xiao was truly pregnant with the Emperor's child, publicly tore the handkerchief, severing ties with her.
Related Posts
