Episode 26 recap: Pei Wen Xuan cunningly set a trap.
Pei Wen Xuan expressed his feelings to Li Rong, deeply moving her, and the two reconciled. That night, Pei Wen Xuan brought a flower lantern and lay with Li Rong on a flower boat, gazing at the starry night sky. He expressed that he did not believe in deities before, but since meeting Li Rong, he has wanted to believe, and one day he will prove that this pure love is something only he can give Li Rong.
In the end, Li Rong discovered that Su Rong Qing had been reborn, but she no longer recognized him. Su Rong Qing helplessly said he could only protect Li Rong this way, as his love for her had never changed. Pei Wen Xuan told Li Rong that if they pursued this plan, it would be an outright declaration of war against Su Rong Qing. Li Rong believed Su Rong Qing had already declared war on them.
Su Rong Qing also analyzed Pei Wen Xuan, knowing he would never agree to a separation, as it would betray Li Rong. On the Lantern Festival night, the twinkling lights were reflected on the water. Pei Wen Xuan had specially prepared a flower lantern for Li Rong, allowing her to make a wish.
Pei Wen Xuan did not originally believe in these things, but since meeting Li Rong, he felt he had come to believe in some divine intervention. After a deep discussion, their unease and doubts dissipated, and they felt their hearts draw closer.
Pei Wen Xuan knew Li Rong came from the palace and had seen many who sacrificed their emotions for power, but he could see Li Rong's passionate and pure dedication to love.
He swore he would be the same, never betraying Li Rong. Hearing this, Li Rong felt sweetness in her heart and wished to be with Pei Wen Xuan forever and have a lovely child.
The next morning, the scratches on Pei Wen Xuan's neck caught the Emperor's attention. After the court session, he was summoned by eunuch Fu Lai. As Li Rong was leaving the palace, she happened to see Su Rong Qing standing in the distance, their gazes meeting, as if returning to the past. But Su Rong Qing knew he could only silently protect Li Rong in this way now.
In the imperial study, Pei Wen Xuan began to complain, clamoring to separate from Li Rong. He said someone had forged his handwriting to seek a talisman and mentioned Li Rong's boat excursion. The Emperor pondered their intentions, but seeing Pei Wen Xuan's resolute attitude, it seemed he truly no longer cared for Li Rong.
Although Hongde was detained, Su Rong Qing was not concerned. He knew Pei Wen Xuan's weakness was Li Rong, and because Pei Wen Xuan cared for her, he would not truly separate from her.
Su Rong Qing believed that all those who had betrayed Li Rong should pay the price.
Fu Lai conducted an investigation and confirmed that the forged calligraphy was indeed a forgery. But the Emperor still had doubts, knowing that if he let his guard down, the stability of the dynasty could be jeopardized. Meanwhile, Pei Wen Xuan returned to the Princess's residence and purposely announced that he would be sleeping in the study, making everyone think the two were in conflict.
In the middle of the night, Pei Wen Xuan sneaked back to his room and embraced Li Rong.
He planned to let the Emperor know that someone was manipulating Rou Fei. The next day, he found Teacher Du and asked her to help forge Hongde's handwriting, shifting the blame to Su Rong Qing and formally declaring war on him.
Li Rong went to the Supervisory Department to see Hongde and asked him who had instructed him. Hongde admitted that he had been threatened by his son and reluctantly went along with the arrangement.
Li Rong tried to protect Hongde's entire family, but demanded that he implicate Su Rong Qing. After hesitating, Hongde eventually agreed.
Li Rong directly entered the palace to see the Emperor and reported that Hongde had confessed. The Emperor took the matter very seriously and ordered the memorials to be brought out. But someone had already stolen the memorials and given them to Su Rong Qing.
After reading the contents, Su Rong Qing was actually outwitted by Li Rong and suffered a crushing defeat. To address the crisis, Su Rong Qing ordered the Petition Hall to be burned down. By the time the Emperor arrived at the scene, it was too late.
The Emperor had Li Rong and Su Rong Qing confront each other, but the evidence was already destroyed, so he could only rely on witness testimony.
The Emperor planned to summon Hongde to the palace for questioning, but Hongde suddenly died. The autopsy confirmed it was a suicide, unrelated to Su Rong Qing. The Emperor sternly demanded that Su Rong Qing hand over Hongde's children, but Su Rong Qing protested his innocence.
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