Episode 33 recap: Ning Yuan Zhou received the Snow Injustice Decree.
Ning Yuan Zhou waited anxiously in Anguo Liubao for Ruyi, but she didn't arrive. He had a bad feeling about it. Yuan Lu also knew that Ning Yuan Zhou was worried about Ruyi and informed him that Lord Du had woken up, but Wuhuang was still unconscious due to severe injuries. Qian Zhao said whether they could make it through the night would determine their fate.
Yuan Lu presented the false decree that Ning Yuan Zhou had asked him to forge. He had done his best to make the seal look similar, but if it didn't work, they could inform the ministers that the emperor was seriously injured and unable to hold a pen, thus requiring someone else to write on his behalf. Ning Yuan Zhou felt that everything was ready, except for the emperor's fingerprint.
Qian Zhao insisted on transferring his internal energy to the emperor. Yu Shi San believed that Qian Zhao would lose his life if he continued, but Qian Zhao firmly believed that the emperor should not die at this time, as there were still matters he needed to attend to. Sun Lang accidentally dropped the military flag on the ground, and Ning Yuan Zhou noticed the Snow Injustice Decree written by the emperor on it. At that moment, the emperor woke up, coughing up blood and desperately searching for the decree. Ning Yuan Zhou told the emperor that he had the decree in his possession, and the emperor asked him to keep it safe, expressing his apologies before fainting again.
Qian Zhao saw the emperor's momentary relief but knew that it was only temporary. Ning Yuan Zhou felt conflicted and called his brothers out to discuss. He believed that the emperor had grown and suggested that they escort the emperor back to the capital while he stayed behind, waiting for Ruyi to return. Yu Shi San understood Ning Yuan Zhou's intentions and directly exposed the fact that Ning Yuan Zhou had little internal energy left. It would be suicidal for him to go alone, shocking Yuan Lu and the others.
After assigning tasks to his brothers, Ning Yuan Zhou intended to leave, but Yu Shi San and the others refused, stating that he should complete these tasks himself. Ning Yuan Zhou understood their concern for him, but he also had his own duties to fulfill.
Chu Yue found the hairpin on Yu Shi San's head inside the burned tower and instructed others not to tell anyone that she had been there. Lord Du felt responsible for bringing Yang Ying back since they had come here together, and since Yang Ying hadn't returned, he believed it was his duty to find her.
Li Tong Guang was caught burning paper for Ruyi by Yang Ying, who questioned him in disbelief. Back in their room, Yang Ying, feeling weak, contemplated suicide but remembered Ruyi's words about not being too weak. Suddenly, she came up with an idea.
Yang Ying went to see Emperor An and deliberately provoked him, confessing her true identity as a woman and expressing her willingness to become the Empress of Anguo. Li Tong Guang was shocked to see Yang Ying making such a sacrifice. Emperor An agreed to make Yang Ying the empress, as he indeed needed someone to stabilize the country and the throne. Though aware of the danger Yang Ying faced, he was willing to give it a try.
Emperor An knew that Yang Ying was Wuhuang's biological sister, which would be helpful to him, and the imperial bloodline had its own value. If Wuhuang caused trouble for the Crown Prince, he could use Yang Ying's status to his advantage. He saw no reason not to seize this opportunity. However, as he turned around, Emperor An's expression changed. He disliked being threatened, but after Ruyi's disturbance, he had no choice but to agree to Yang Ying's request.
When Yang Ying and Li Tong Guang came out, she asked him to deliver a message to Ning Yuan Zhou, asking him not to rescue her. After all, she didn't want to return to the cold palace and preferred being the empress. She instructed Li Tong Guang to support the Third Prince instead of the Crown Prince and to find Ruyi's body and give her a proper burial.
In her heart, Yang Ying questioned whether what she was doing was right, but she enjoyed the current situation. Deng Hui advised Emperor An to think twice before making Yang Ying the empress, but Emperor An followed Deng Hui's suggestion and made the imperial decree regarding the empress more ambiguous, making it easier for him to control the situation with a crown princess instead.
Ning Yuan Zhou couldn't fully accept Ruyi's death. He changed into the clothes she had bought for him, feeling as if she were still by his side, reminiscing about their moments together, as if it were just yesterday. Qian Zhao informed the emperor that they were about to reach Hexian. They had been evading and hiding along the way. Wuhuang was filled with mixed emotions and paused when he heard the mention of Hexian. He apologized to Qian Zhao for what happened to their brothers.
We really need a brother like Ning Yuan Zhou. Though not blood-related, Ning Yuan Zhou treats Yang Ying much better than Wu Di does. Little Zhou has always patiently protected and accompanied the princess.
When she was afraid and hesitant, he used the wisdom of the people to give her courage and inspiration. With his and Ru Yi's help, Yang Ying has grown a lot. Tonight, when he said, "Yang Ying, you've grown up," it really brought tears to my eyes.
It will become a classic! Every cast member, whether in terms of looks or acting skills, is top-notch. The martial arts guidance and props are meticulously done! Ru Yi and Yuan Zhou's love story finally comes to fruition! I feel so sorry for Jiu Er; it's a pity that there's only one Ru Yi in the world!
Sigh... Sometimes, love has no reason. It just happens. From the love of a parentless childhood, with only the Master's love and protection, one can truly understand his obsessive love! It's a great drama!