The Princess Royal Episode 5 Recap, Plot

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The Emperor summoned Pei Wenxuan alone, leading him to the back garden, ready to confront him. However, Pei Wenxuan suddenly appeared grief-stricken and began explaining how the Empress intended to form an alliance with the Yang family. He narrated that the previous day's events were merely a heroic rescue act and that he was forced to spend the night alone with the Princess, seeking the Emperor's help.

Indeed, the Emperor remained silent for a moment, encouraging Pei Wenxuan to continue. Seizing the opportunity, Pei Wenxuan analyzed the dangers the Yang family posed to the Xia dynasty. He detailed how the Yang family had been wielding power at the border for years, extorting money and troops from the court whenever there was conflict. While they appeared to be defending against enemy nations, they never truly eradicated the threat.

A folk song in the streets reflected the sentiment: "Xia has two emperors, the North Yang and the South Li," showcasing the immense power of the Yang family in the northwest. Across the court, civil and military officials both feared and respected the Yang family for their military authority and steadfast defense of the border. However, last winter, when the enemy attacked again, the Yang family surrendered without a fight, losing two cities. With 50,000 troops, they were defeated by an enemy force of 20,000. Pei Wenxuan, aware of the Emperor's secret investigation into the Yang family, boldly stated that the Yang family had been bribing the enemy with military funds and that the so-called wars were staged.

The Emperor pretended to scold Pei Wenxuan quietly, testing whether he was worthy of a significant role. Pei Wenxuan declared his loyalty, skillfully flattering the Emperor, who then decided to assign him the task of killing Yang Quan as a betrothal gift for marrying Princess Hua Le, Li Rong. After Pei Wenxuan accepted the mission and left the palace, the Emperor instructed the head eunuch to ensure Pei Wenxuan's success; if he failed, he should be silenced to cover up the meeting.

Meanwhile, Li Rong explained to Li Chuan the pros and cons of the Yang family, hoping he would maintain his current innocence while she handled the rest. After leaving the Eastern Palace, Li Rong encountered Pei Wenxuan and presented him with the Prince's sword as a token of gratitude for saving her life and a symbol of their alliance.

Upon hearing that Pei Wenxuan was favored by both the Emperor and the Empress, Yang Wan decided to have him ambushed to prevent him from hindering the Yang family's rise. Despite receiving intelligence of impending chaos in the city, Su Rongqing arrived with the Ministry of Justice guards only to find Yang Quan's body in the street, with Pei Wenxuan and Tong Ye disappearing into the crowd.

The assassination of Yang Quan shocked the court. Yang Wan, enraged, ordered the family to evacuate Huajing and sent a message to her father at the border, assigning spies to monitor the Emperor. On the other hand, Li Rong used a flower offering as an excuse to meet her father. Hearing the Emperor discussing matters with officials, she patiently waited outside and asked the maid to add another chair.

Soon, Pei Wenxuan hurried to the palace, feigning panic. Li Rong, noticing his composed demeanor, smiled confidently. When summoned by the Emperor, they both entered the hall. Pei Wenxuan, performing masterfully, recounted how he accidentally killed Yang Quan, each word causing the officials to tremble with fear.

Uncles Pei Lixian and Pei Liming were terrified, fearing that Pei Wenxuan's actions would bring disaster to the family. However, the Emperor used the Yang family's failure to defend the city as a pretext to investigate the case of Yang Quan kidnapping the princess and assassinating officials. Since powerful families avoided involvement in such disputes, Li Rong seized the opportunity to request leading the investigation, with Su Rongqing as the overseer.

With the matter settled, the Emperor calmed down, ordering everyone to leave except Li Rong. He subtly inquired about her impression of Pei Wenxuan, praising his character and appearance, suggesting that marrying him would be advantageous. Li Rong, feigning grievance, acted obediently, implicitly agreeing to the marriage.

In the corridor, Pei Wenxuan waited for Li Rong, jealously questioning her about appointing Su Rongqing as the overseer, suspecting ulterior motives. Later, Li Rong returned to clean house, investigating a maid's affair with Yang Quan, who promised to take her as a concubine once he married the princess. Li Rong, feeling regretful and heartbroken, told the maid that a woman's biggest mistake was losing to fantasies about men. Out of consideration for her years of service, she sent her to a temple to live a life of solitude.

Su Rongqing asked his father about his stance on the Yang case. Su's father bluntly stated that protecting the family meant protecting the Yang family. The next morning, officials gathered outside the palace, chatting in small groups while waiting for the Emperor's summons. Li Rong scanned the crowd but did not see who she was looking for until Pei Wenxuan arrived, yawning, indicating a sleepless night.

The officials entered the hall, except for Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan, who stayed outside. As Pei Wenxuan grew drowsy, Li Rong stood beside him, allowing him to rest on her shoulder. The Emperor briefly mentioned the Yang family's case, intending to file charges. Most officials remained silent, with some pleading for leniency for the Yang family. Given the situation, the Emperor summoned Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan to testify, confronting the officials.

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