The Princess Royal Episode 18 Recap, Plot

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While Li Rong and Su Rongqing were playing chess in the high tower, Pei Wenxuan had already presented evidence of the Qin family’s unjust treatment in the court, pleading with the emperor to spare their lives. The eunuch with the order left the palace quickly, but someone immediately informed Shangguan Xu. Knowing the timing was wrong, the executioner still ordered the beheading of the Qin family. Seeing this, Xun Chuan had no choice but to risk his life to save them. Finally, the eunuch arrived in time, and the Qin family was saved.

Pei Wenxuan reported to the emperor about his findings and the information he had gathered. He argued that the Qin family, despite being outnumbered, managed to evacuate the city's citizens with minimal casualties, and therefore, they should be rewarded, not punished. Moreover, Pei Wenxuan requested the emperor to investigate the corruption in Huangping County regarding military provisions.

Before he could finish, the Deputy Minister of War hurriedly opposed, and others also criticized Pei Wenxuan. A large group of noble officials knelt, pleading for the emperor's wisdom. The emperor, unable to make an immediate decision due to the widespread implications of the case, wanted to maintain the balance among the nobility rather than cause an upheaval. He then reminded Pei Wenxuan to bring Li Rong back to the princess's residence.

Upon hearing that Pei Wenxuan had returned safely, Li Rong wept with joy, while Su Rongqing felt his heart sink as he lost the outcome he desired once again. Su Rongqing rose to leave, no longer wanting to intrude. As Li Rong looked at the black and white chess pieces, she suddenly called out to Su Rongqing, feeling for a moment that he might also be reborn. However, she held back her questions, thinking there were countless others behind them, and did not pursue the matter further.

Pei Wenxuan, hearing that Li Rong was at the Beiyan Tower, rushed over without even changing his clothes. Just as he entered the courtyard, he saw Su Rongqing coming out. Now, as rivals in love, Su Rongqing's face turned cold, unabashedly claiming that he was Li Rong's true love and that if it weren't for the emperor's fear of powerful in-laws, Pei Wenxuan would never have been qualified to be the princess's consort.

Before Pei Wenxuan could respond, Su Rongqing stated directly that he had come today to propose marriage. If Pei Wenxuan continued to oppose the noble families with the princess, putting her in danger, he would certainly take back his beloved. After saying this, Su Rongqing left calmly, leaving Pei Wenxuan stunned until Li Rong appeared, and they embraced tightly.

Xun Chuan personally interrogated Tian Zhong, but Tian Zhong refused to confess. Shangguan Xu, knowing that Tian Zhong had been captured, decided to use the princess to clear out some of the loose-tongued and timid people within the noble families. Li Rong brought Pei Wenxuan back to the residence, relieved to find that he was not seriously injured.

The Qin family thanked Li Rong for saving their lives, with Qin Lin and Qin Yun pledging their loyalty to her. Qin Lin personally escorted Li Rong out, promising to serve her and the crown prince with unwavering loyalty, securing the military power in the northwest. This reassured Li Rong significantly.

After ensuring the safety of the Qin family, Li Rong went to see Shangguan Ya and reviewed the confessions collected by Xun Chuan. She instructed Shangguan Ya to take the initiative in conducting an internal investigation within the Shangguan family, thereby increasing her prestige within the family, which Shangguan Ya was more than willing to do. Seeing Li Rong return to the princess's residence early, Shangguan Ya's curiosity was piqued, wondering whether Li Rong favored Su Rongqing or Pei Wenxuan more.

Due to Pei Wenxuan’s previous leave of absence, official duties had piled up, forcing him to stay in the study to catch up. Li Rong, meanwhile, reviewed documents in her room, and the two did not interact. As it got late, Jing Lan and Jing Mei grew anxious and urged the consort to advise the princess to rest early.

Concerned for Li Rong's health, Pei Wenxuan entered her room without hesitation, pulling her towards the bed, making Li Rong almost think he was angry. Meanwhile, Su Rongqing practiced swordsmanship to ease his frustration and proposed a match with his elder brother, becoming increasingly aggressive in his moves. After calming down, he felt guilty, and Su Ronghua, knowing his brother's unrequited love, advised him to live for himself. However, Su Rongqing resolved to use Concubine Rou’s influence to balance Li Rong’s power, preventing her from becoming a target.

At this moment, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan lay on the same bed, unable to sleep. They had a heartfelt conversation, the atmosphere gradually becoming intimate, leading Pei Wenxuan to kiss Li Rong, claiming it was to "bring joy to the world in return for her kindness." Momentarily stunned, Li Rong pushed him away, stating she wasn't ready. Pei Wenxuan did not insist and told her not to dwell on Su Rongqing, assuring her that he was not inferior to Su Rongqing and would always be at her service whenever she wished.

After a sleepless night, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan went to court. The emperor, upon hearing about the premature execution at the execution ground, was furious at the nobility's audacity and praised Li Rong in front of all the officials for her effective work. Contrary to his usual demeanor, Shangguan Xu openly supported Li Rong, prompting the emperor to officially place her in charge of the Inspectorate, allowing her to report directly to him without going through other departments.

The emperor granted Li Rong the authority to select and assemble the Inspectorate’s personnel, allocated the northern Ming Sheng drill ground as its office, and had the Ministry of Revenue budget at least thirty thousand taels annually for its expenses. Additionally, the emperor assigned the Qin case and the military provisions corruption case to the Inspectorate, appointing Su Ronghua as Li Rong’s deputy. Li Rong suspected that the emperor harbored some resentment towards her with this arrangement.

After the court session, Shangguan Ya and her father Shangguan Xu came to see Li Rong. Shangguan Xu hoped Li Rong would stop investigating the Qin family case due to their familial ties. Shangguan Ya also spoke on behalf of her father, but Li Rong did not agree, instead questioning Shangguan Xu, who was unwilling to argue further, urging her to cease and avoid further conflict.

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