The Princess Royal Episode 12 Recap, Plot

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Although Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan often rode in the carriage together, this time the atmosphere was different. Pei Wenxuan expressed that his words tonight were not to demand a response from Li Rong but to hope to resolve the knots in their hearts, facilitating future cooperation. Therefore, Pei Wenxuan suggested changing their way of interacting and being honest about their emotions. Similarly, Li Rong reminded Pei Wenxuan not to frequently mention separation in the future.

In the grand hall, the emperor reviewed the list submitted by General Xiao Su through the Ministry of War and was about to confer rewards when Shangguan Xu suddenly raised an objection. He believed that the Crown Prince, who led the aristocratic children in bloody battles, deserved recognition and should not be left off the list. However, the officials from humble backgrounds did not agree, and both sides argued endlessly. Li Chuan was named by the emperor to speak and humbly requested merits for the soldiers.

After the morning court session, Li Rong received a summons from the palace, guessing it was related to the selection banquet. As she made her way to Weiyang Palace, she found her brother Li Chuan kneeling on the ground. Hearing Li Chuan take the blame upon himself, Li Rong did not hide the truth and straightforwardly said that when water overflows, it must recede; the Shangguan family cannot be queens in every generation. If Shangguan Ya became the Crown Princess, Li Chuan would surely face obstacles in ascending the throne. Li Rong’s words left the Empress stunned. Without waiting for the Empress's reaction, she led Li Chuan out.

Reflecting on the earlier scene, Li Chuan felt great respect for his elder sister and was grateful for her protection until now. But Li Rong knew that in her previous life, she had not seen through the true intentions of various factions in the court, leading to her downfall and pushing her brother into the abyss. Therefore, Li Rong told Li Chuan that only by being strong enough could one have the power to choose, and she would fully support him.

The Empress felt heartbroken by her usually obedient son's sudden change in personality and suspected he had fallen in love, so she sent someone to investigate secretly. Pei Wenxuan analyzed the emperor's intention to suppress the Crown Prince and predicted a struggle between the aristocratic families and Concubine Rou's Xiao family. He sent Tong Ye to inform Li Rong, assuring her that regardless of who won between the emperor and the aristocrats, they were confident in controlling the situation.

On Qin Zhenzhen's birthday, Li Chuan used the excuse of selecting a sword to take her to a blacksmith shop and personally gifted her a treasured sword as a present. That night, Li Chuan and Qin Zhenzhen watched fireworks on a bridge, where he took the opportunity to confess his feelings. Qin Zhenzhen, unable to respond immediately, had to leave first.

The emperor approved the military merit list, but the aristocrats avoided meeting the chief eunuch Fu Lai for various reasons, angering the emperor. Shangguan Xu actively sought cooperation with Lord Su, planning to use a family from humble origins as a warning. Thus, the Qin family was falsely accused of involvement in the Yang case, becoming the target of the aristocrats.

The Ministry of Justice acted overnight, sealing off the Qin family with the Censorate and the Dali Temple. Old Master Qin hurriedly handed important items to Qin Zhenzhen and protected her escape. Li Rong, upon hearing the news, immediately led her people to the Qin residence, encountering the maids from the Qin family along the way, and found the injured Qin Zhenzhen hiding in a corner.

The emperor knew that the aristocrats intended to eliminate dissidents, but with conclusive evidence, he could not intervene. Pei Wenxuan suggested the emperor send a representative to oversee the Ministry of Justice's investigation before verifying the evidence to ensure fairness. Just as Pei Wenxuan was about to volunteer, the emperor entrusted the task to Su Rongqing. Fortunately, Su Rongqing arrived at the Qin residence in time, saving the Qin father and son. Feng Ming and others, hiding in the shadows, decided to report back. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince went to question the Empress, confirming the Qin family's involvement and feeling deeply grieved.

Li Rong took Qin Zhenzhen back to her residence to recuperate. Li Chuan suddenly appeared, stating his intentions bluntly. He explained that the recent rash actions of Concubine Rou's clan had alarmed his uncle, who, knowing about his close relationship with Qin Zhenzhen, used heavy-handed tactics to frame the Qin family with treasonous charges.

Now, Li Chuan finally understood that one must be strong to have the power of choice. Therefore, he hoped Li Rong could find a way to pledge allegiance to the emperor, taking this opportunity to establish a personal guard under the guise of thoroughly investigating the case. This guard would be directly managed by the emperor, independent of the three departments, and could be named the Inspection Department, wielding the power of life and death.

However, Li Rong believed that the matter was of great importance and required careful consideration. She did not immediately agree to Li Chuan's request. Before leaving, Li Chuan confessed that he had always tried to be the Crown Prince his mother and sister envisioned but realized he was inadequate. Yet, thinking of Qin Lin and Qin Zhenzhen's help, he felt increasingly guilty toward the entire Qin family and vowed to clear their names.

After Li Chuan left, Pei Wenxuan returned from outside. Hearing the conversation between Li Rong and her brother, Qin Zhenzhen decided to follow Li Rong, willing to be her sharp weapon and no longer the second Miss Qin. Li Rong asked Qin Zhenzhen to rest first, feeling some concern about the uncertain situation after establishing the Inspection Department.

Pei Wenxuan understood that Li Rong needed time to consider and assured her that no matter which path she chose in the future, he would be by her side to shield her from risks. As husband and ally, they had long been in life and death together. Pei Wenxuan's words left Li Rong conflicted, unable to confirm her feelings for him. But considering her past experiences, she decided to maintain a cooperative relationship with him, fighting side by side, while she must establish her footing in the court to avoid repeating past mistakes.

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