The Princess Royal Episode 31 Recap, Plot

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For the emperor, the internal power struggle with the aristocratic families and external threats from enemy nations were pressing concerns. If he could establish a truly loyal royal army, he could secure Da Xia by conquering the Rong Di in the north and addressing the flood issues in the south. Although the emperor's grand vision was indeed tempting, Pei Wenxuan knew well that his health was deteriorating.

The emperor's sudden elaboration was to make him understand that he had the backing of the Han clan and that supporting Su Wang was his ultimate destination. Now, it was well known that Cui Yulang was assisting Concubine Rou. Pei Wenxuan was akin to a second Cui Yulang, being someone Concubine Rou both tested and intended to employ.

Concubine Rou summoned Pei Wenxuan to the Inspection Department, subtly hinting that he had caused trouble by dealing with Wang Houwen, thereby creating a significant problem for her. However, Pei Wenxuan straightforwardly remarked that Concubine Rou's actions were precisely about establishing prestige and seizing the opportunity to gather talents for Su Wang. These words resonated with Concubine Rou, who then handed Pei Wenxuan a list, asking him to arrange for several aristocratic children to pass the imperial examinations.

She emphasized that these individuals were not included in the family records and were only somewhat connected. Pei Wenxuan understood that this was primarily about monetary transactions. Therefore, he reminded Concubine Rou to carefully consider whether she wanted to secure a sum of money for her retirement in the harem or help Su Wang ascend to the emperor's throne.

Despite the unprecedented importance of this year's imperial examinations, Pei Wenxuan, as the chief examiner, ensured that any attempts at manipulation were cautiously measured. From registering candidates to grading exams, to the final examination before the emperor, and the announcement of results, Concubine Rou accumulated a significant number of "Su Wang's supporters" in the court, forming a considerable force when combined with previous supporters from the Han clan.

As the time for the autumn executions approached, the various aristocratic families began to act. The seven prominent families held significant influence in Huajing City. They suddenly visited the Princess's residence, intending to support the Grand Princess in reclaiming power and regaining control of the Inspection Department. Li Rong knew that the seven families did not want a direct confrontation with the emperor and considered her a puppet to manipulate.

Given Concubine Rou's ambitions and resentment towards the aristocratic families, if left unchecked, she would become a major threat in the long run. Li Rong's words pierced through their intentions, making the leading members of the Wang and Gu families take her seriously. They willingly showed their sincerity and pledged their allegiance to her.

After the seven families left, Li Rong instructed Jing Lan to quickly notify the prince consort that Chen Houzhao would enter the city to file a complaint with the Ministry of Justice tonight. Pei Liming needed to intercept Su Rongqing to prevent any changes, and Shangguan Ya should organize the evidence of Concubine Rou threatening students to abandon their complaints. Li Rong herself prepared for a major battle the next day.

The next day, after meticulously dressing up, Li Rong entered the palace without a summons. In the court, she and the aristocratic families jointly accused Concubine Rou. These individuals had been stirring up trouble and engaging in verbal battles in the court for decades, and even the least among them was no pushover. Concubine Rou was clearly at a disadvantage. However, the emperor was determined to protect Concubine Rou.

So, Li Rong directly had Shangguan Ya bring Chen Houzhao to the court. Chen Houzhao publicly accused Concubine Rou of corruption, allowing her cousin to seize others' examination quotas and sending people to silence them. Faced with Chen Houzhao's accusations, Concubine Rou panicked and pleaded her innocence. Then, the second batch of victims presented evidence of Concubine Rou's crimes in the court. These were the people she had forced to abandon their complaints.

The seven families also provided evidence of her extorting money, solidifying her charges of corruption, favoritism, intentional homicide, and framing loyal officials. Thus, Li Rong demanded that the emperor detain Concubine Rou for a thorough investigation and hold her accountable according to the law. Others knelt down in support. Seeing the influential families and even common scholars, all kneeling, the emperor had no choice but to look at the only two standing individuals—Pei Wenxuan and Su Rongqing.

Given the situation, even if Su Rongqing had immense abilities, he couldn't help. He and Pei Wenxuan knelt down at the last moment, leaving the emperor with no excuse to protect Concubine Rou. Li Rong sternly reminded the emperor that, as the sovereign, he should set an example, uphold justice, and not act selfishly. Despite his favoritism towards Concubine Rou, he shouldn't destroy the fairness owed to hundreds of loyal scholars and ruin the court's order.

Ultimately, the emperor had no choice but to order Concubine Rou to be imprisoned and handed over to the Inspection Department for punishment. Before the court adjourned, the emperor had Concubine Rou taken to the imperial study and, supported by the eunuch Fu Lai, slowly left the hall, trying to maintain his dignity despite showing his age and weakness. Li Rong felt a mix of emotions. This victory brought her no joy.

Instead, she felt a profound disappointment and sadness seeing the endless struggle between the aristocratic families and the Han clan. Pei Wenxuan gently held her hand, promising to stay with her, feeling gratified that in this lifetime, Li Rong finally stood by his side. In the imperial study, the emperor furiously scolded Concubine Rou for her short-sightedness, ruining his lifelong efforts for a few taels of silver.

Concubine Rou begged the emperor to save her, but with so many people united against her and no allies in the court, she had offended the aristocratic families and no Han clan dared to defend her. The emperor told Concubine Rou that her only option was to leave a written confession accusing the crown prince of framing her and prove her innocence by dying, which might preserve Su Wang's reputation.

Concubine Rou was shocked and despaired, cursing the emperor as weak and admitting that she had been taking tranquilizing decoctions to prevent having children for years. The emperor, enraged, almost strangled her but relented, remembering their past relationship. Concubine Rou mocked the emperor for being neither kind nor ruthless enough, failing as a ruler, son, husband, and father. Despite his selfishness, he had some conscience.

Ultimately, his high aspirations but fragile fate led him to end up abandoned and powerless, fitting the image of a lonely sovereign. Later, Princess Hua Le visited her mother in the prison. Concubine Rou told her she had two choices: sever ties with her and request the emperor to let her and Su Wang go to the northwest, living a quiet life away from the royal court, or kill the crown prince and Li Rong.

Only if Su Wang became emperor would she be the sole grand princess of the Li family.

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