Episode 34 recap: In the past, the powerful families were thriving, but Li Chuan was ruthless
He killed most of the Shangguan clan, even his own uncle, and wiped out our entire Su family, leaving other noble houses shivering in fear To him, the imperial court and government were just a big chess game - he had to maintain the balance of power
After that, the noble families started forming alliances, planning to revolt. It wasn't until Li Chuan suddenly said he wanted to cultivate immortality and withdraw from politics that they felt a little at ease. However, Li Rong was still seen as a major threat - if she ever conflicted with Li Chuan, she would surely turn against them. Li Chuan didn't trust her either, and even wanted to have her killed.
Li Rong was poisoned by Li Chuan, and her condition worsened as the toxin seeped into her bones. Su Rong Qing and Shangguan Ya knew about this, but to keep control over Li Rong, they did not give her the antidote, only using fragrant pouches to delay the poison's effects. If Li Rong dared to oppose Li Chuan, it would be easy to eliminate her.
Later, when Li Chuan was gravely ill, he instructed Pei Wen Xuan to write his will and ordered the assassination of Li Rong. After Li Chuan's death, Pei Wen Xuan and Qin Lin would assist Li Ping, and deal with the noble families led by Li Xin, so that the power balance could be restored and the new emperor would not be constrained by the noble houses like Li Chuan was.
Su Rong Qing told Li Rong that as the crown princess, her power was too great for the new emperor to tolerate, and she would not tolerate the new emperor either. So even without the alchemist, both she and Li Chuan were doomed. After being reborn, Su Rong Qing still felt Li Chuan would repeat his mistakes, because he was impulsive and stubborn.
Li Chuan's northern campaign failed, draining the imperial treasury. The south also suffered from floods, leaving the common people in dire straits. Yet he blamed the noble families, implementing widespread reforms and sparking turmoil. He also favored Qin Fei, oppressed the noble officials, harmed his own uncle and mother, and framed the Su family.
From the very beginning, Su Rong Qing wanted to overthrow Li Chuan, just like how the previous emperor had deposed his crown prince.
He also wanted to persuade his father to accept Li Cheng's enthronement. Now, Li Cheng is only fifteen years old, and Xiao Su and Rou Fei are both incompetent. Once Li Cheng ascends the throne, they can use him as a puppet, and once he has a son, he will no longer be of use. Su Rong Qing plans to then support a young emperor again and regain power, bringing Li Rong back.
However, he did not tell Li Rong about the poisoning incident, afraid that she would be disappointed.
Then, Su Rong Qing revealed a big secret, saying that Li Xin is actually the child of Shang Guan Ya and Su Rong Hua's illicit affair! Li Rong was shocked upon hearing this, finally understanding why Su Rong Hua had wanted to kill Qin Zhen Zhen.
There are also other secrets, such as Li Chuan framing the Su family, palace punishing Su Rong Qing, Su Rong Qing's alliance with Shang Guan Ya, and so on, all stemming from this hidden truth.
Li Rong feels that the previous life was completely rotten, with the relationships between father and son, siblings, spouses, and friends all twisted.
Pei Wen Xuan came to escort her back to the Princess' residence, but Li Rong's mind was in turmoil, unsure of how to face him. Su Wang died from poisoning, and the Emperor was furious, wanting to find the culprit. Li Rong is worried that Li Chuan's ambition will harm her loved ones, so she decides to ally with the Shangguan family to support a puppet emperor.
Shang Guan Ya was shocked to hear this and got into an argument with Li Rong. But after Li Rong saw Shang Guan Ya's true nature, she no longer treated her politely.
Pei Wen Xuan was overjoyed to learn that Li Rong is pregnant, worried that Shang Guan Ya might influence her, so he asked Shang Guan Ya to leave first and went to prepare a meal himself.
As soon as Pei Wen Xuan left, Li Rong secretly summoned Su Rong Qing through Jing Lan. Meanwhile, the Su brothers were attacked by assassins, and Su Rong Hua fought to the death to protect his younger brother. Su Wang still couldn't make it, and Rou Fei collapsed, wanting Hua Le to hate the Emperor.
Just then, Xiao Su brought a mysterious hooded man to Rou Fei.
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