The Princess Royal Episode 25 Recap
> The Princess Royal Recap
Li Rong originally planned to use Taoist Hongde to postpone the Crown Prince's marriage, but before she could act, Su Rongqing had already taken the initiative. It seemed as if every step he took was foreseen, making meticulous moves. When Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan thought it over, they suspected that Su Rongqing was also reborn. Therefore, in this life, he would certainly try to change the fate of the Su family.
In the next moment, Pei Wenxuan suddenly hugged Li Rong tightly, feeling anxious and uneasy. Although he could surpass the current Su Rongqing, he had no chance against the Su Rongqing who had been with Li Rong for seventeen years. Sensing this, Li Rong comforted Pei Wenxuan, telling him not to overthink. To her, Su Rongqing was just an old acquaintance; her heart had long belonged to Pei Wenxuan.
The next morning, when Su Rongqing learned that Li Rong had entered the palace, he sent a message to Concubine Rou, instructing her to act according to plan. Concubine Rou praised the intelligence of the second son of the Su family. Li Rong, aware of Hongde's true identity, quickly gathered evidence and entered the palace to reveal to the Emperor that Hongde had committed many heinous acts under the guise of a Taoist.
The Emperor questioned Li Rong about why she allowed Hongde to spread rumors of natural disasters to delay the Crown Prince's marriage and had Concubine Rou bring Hongde for confrontation. To gain the Emperor's trust, Hongde presented a piece of paper with the horoscope of the Princess and the Prince Consort. Although Li Rong was unaware, she recognized Pei Wenxuan's handwriting and claimed that the Prince Consort had casually obtained it during a trip.
Li Rong revealed that Hongde's real name was Wang Caishan, a swindler from Qing Shui Town, who, after committing a murder, abandoned his wife and children and wandered around as a fake Taoist, eventually infiltrating Qingfeng Temple. Wang's wife was brought to the court and recognized Hongde as her long-lost husband. However, Hongde refused to acknowledge her, causing her to curse him in anger.
Seeing this, the Emperor ordered Hongde to be imprisoned. Concubine Rou hurriedly distanced herself from Hongde, claiming she knew nothing about him. Li Rong proposed taking Hongde back to the Inspectorate for further interrogation. After everyone left the hall, Concubine Rou used the horoscope paper to suggest to the Emperor that it was a symbol of deep affection between the Prince Consort and the Princess.
Pei Wenxuan, born into a humble family, was initially a tool for the Emperor to balance the noble families. But if manipulated by Li Rong, this tool could turn against them. Concubine Rou suggested that the Emperor strip Pei Wenxuan of his official duties and make him focus solely on being the Prince Consort, to avoid future trouble.
Li Rong brought the horoscope paper back to the Princess' residence. Seeing it, Pei Wenxuan's face changed, asserting that someone had imitated his handwriting. He explained the real meaning of the paper to the Emperor, leading to suspicion towards both the Princess and the Prince Consort. Thus, Pei Wenxuan's career would end, becoming a thorn in the Emperor's side.
Su Rongqing's move was like cutting the ground from under Pei Wenxuan's feet. Li Rong knew that Pei Wenxuan was a pawn of the Emperor. If they gave up on him now, it would be a pity. If Pei Wenxuan showed enough loyalty, he might have a chance to survive. Therefore, she suggested that they immediately annul their marriage if necessary.
Although Li Rong emphasized that it was a temporary measure and they would remarry after the situation settled, Pei Wenxuan firmly opposed it. He would rather give up his official position and return to his hometown than separate from Li Rong, accusing her of never giving him the respect he deserved, always choosing power before decisions. Li Rong, angered by Pei Wenxuan's words, left in a fit of rage.
That night, upon learning that Li Rong had chartered a boat for a night cruise and invited several performers from Nanfeng Pavilion, Pei Wenxuan lost control of his emotions. He took a sword hanging by a pillar and started swinging it around wildly in the house, accidentally discovering the letters Li Rong had written to him, full of longing. Realizing Li Rong's feelings for him, Pei Wenxuan ran to the dock with the sword. Meanwhile, Concubine Rou prepared a calming soup for the Emperor, which the chief eunuch inspected and found no issues.
Li Rong arranged for the performers to showcase their talents, playing instruments and dancing. Even those without any skills could sit quietly by the side. After tonight, the news of Li Rong chartering a flower boat would surely reach the palace. Li Rong hoped Pei Wenxuan would calm down and use this opportunity to explain to the Emperor their fading relationship, thus facilitating their divorce.
A performer claimed to have been entrusted to perform a magic trick for Li Rong. Just then, Cui Yulang emerged from a box. Cui Yulang had seen the Princess charter the boat and mingled with the crowd, intending to seek justice for his friend, Chen Houzhao. Previously, Chen Houzhao had topped the provincial exams and was supposed to enter the capital for the spring exams, but Xiao Pingzhang conspired with the authorities to strip him of his qualification, replacing him with his son, Xiao Shunwen.
Chen Houzhao had come to the capital to seek justice, facing several assassination attempts, but no officials dared to take his case. To persuade Li Rong to investigate, Cui Yulang offered to be a guest at the Princess' residence, even volunteering to share her bed. Before he finished speaking, Pei Wenxuan rushed out, kicked Cui Yulang to the ground, and drew his sword, scaring Cui Yulang into hiding behind the Inspectorate guards.
Despite Li Rong's refusal, Pei Wenxuan dragged her onto another small boat, quickly heading to the center of the lake. Realizing their isolation, Li Rong felt a bit uneasy but pretended to stay calm, attempting to talk to Pei Wenxuan. However, Pei Wenxuan, driven by jealousy, forcefully kissed Li Rong in a fit of anger, pinning her down on the boat. Li Rong fought back, scratching two bloody marks on Pei Wenxuan's neck.
Amid Li Rong's scolding, Pei Wenxuan hugged her tightly, apologizing and expressing his feelings, admitting his jealousy due to his care for her. His tone carried a hint of grievance, softening Li Rong's heart. She responded with a gentler tone, expressing her feelings for Pei Wenxuan, and the two embraced each other.
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