Episode 36 recap: Shen Du is Captured by Lai Luo Zhi
In Episode 36, the Empress Dowager wakes suddenly from a nightmare, looking at the portrait of the late Emperor on the wall, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She reflects on her tireless dedication to the Great Cang Kingdom and wonders if her position as a woman in power has caused the late Emperor's discontent, leading to her punishment in the dream. Just then, Xu Wan quietly enters and, noticing the Empress Dowager's troubled expression, gently advises, "Your Majesty, you are still recovering; it would be best to rest early and not add more worries to your illness."
Meanwhile, Qi Yun Ye is busy managing the shop when his boss rushes in, ordering him to close up immediately. Confused, Qi Yun Ye learns that in these troubled times, Lai Luo Zhi's power is overwhelming, and officials who refuse to submit often meet dire consequences. His boss fears for their lives, while Qi Yun Ye feels a sense of reluctance.
Lai Luo Zhi’s influence soon extends to Shen Du, demanding that Shen Du convict someone. Shen Du insists that solid evidence is necessary. With a mocking smile, Lai Luo Zhi presents what he claims is "evidence," but Shen Du remains unconvinced, arguing that one person’s word is insufficient. Angered, Lai Luo Zhi accuses Shen Du of dereliction of duty and attempts to take him away. When Shen Du questions the basis for his arrest, Lai Luo Zhi smugly reveals that he has the Empress Dowager’s orders, claiming authority to judge officials at his discretion. He even calls in the Imperial Guard as a show of force.
Jing Lin tries to use the leader of the Imperial Guard as a hostage, but Lai Luo Zhi is unafraid, threatening death to anyone who resists. With no choice, Shen Du follows Lai Luo Zhi and suffers brutal torture. Lai Luo Zhi taunts him, saying, “The disaster that has befallen the Shen family is entirely the doing of the Empress Dowager; she has slaughtered everyone except you, her obedient dog.” Shen Du counters that Lai Luo Zhi has no evidence, but Lai Luo Zhi confidently retorts, “Evidence will come, sooner or later.” He further tries to persuade Shen Du to join forces with him, but Shen Du firmly refuses.
Yan Xing learns of Shen Du’s plight and is consumed with worry. Wu Zhu Shi steps forward, presenting Yan Xing’s official documents to assert that she is not only Shen Du’s wife but also a court official, making her untouchable. Tension fills the air when a sudden knock at the door breaks the silence. It is the steward of the Shen household and Yan Xing’s brother, urging her to return home for safety. Yet Yan Xing insists on staying.
She spends the night drafting a memorial to present to the palace the next day, fully aware of the dangers ahead but determined to proceed. As expected, she encounters assassins along the way, but Xu Xiang Ren and Yun Que arrive just in time to protect her with their lives.
Yan Xing is resolute in her desire to see the Empress Dowager, but is denied entry. Xu Wan tries to persuade her, but Yan Xing remains steadfast. Meanwhile, Xu Xiang Ren and others engage in fierce combat with the assassins, retreating under pressure. In the chaos, Xu Xiang Ren is seriously injured and, before dying, makes a wedding promise to Yun Que that he cannot fulfill, leaving her heartbroken. In her grief, Yun Que seeks to join Xu Xiang Ren but is also killed by the assassins. Lai Luo Zhi, upon hearing this news, rejoices, believing he has finally eliminated a major threat.
Later, Lai Luo Zhi takes Shen Du into the palace, where Shen Du sees Yan Xing returning, exhausted. Lai Luo Zhi reveals that Yan Xing knelt in the snow for a day and night to plead for Shen Du’s release but never got to see the Empress Dowager. Seizing the moment, Lai Luo Zhi again urges Shen Du to side with him. Though reluctant, Shen Du ultimately agrees.
When Yan Xing sees Shen Du return, she is overjoyed, only to be stunned when he suddenly proposes a divorce. This shocking revelation leaves Yan Xing reeling, as if her whole world has collapsed.
Comments(Episode 36)