Episode 34 recap: Jiang Ci Accused of Poisoning Xie Che and Arrested
In Episode 34, for years, Rong Yu Die secretly amassed wealth and military power in Nanling to help Pei Yan ascend to the throne. However, she never anticipated that Pei Yan had little interest in ruling. This obsession stemmed from her past relationship with Xie Che, who had abandoned her for power. In revenge, she married Pei Zi Jing, but her resentment toward Xie Che only grew.
Rong Yu Die devised a plan in collaboration with Wei Zhao and Yan Qiao Shuang to overthrow Xie Che, even willing to sacrifice Yan Qiao Shuang in the process. However, the plan ultimately failed. Pei Yan pleaded for Rong Yu Die's life before Xie Che, saving her from death but resulting in her punishment at a convent.
As Pei Yan bid farewell to Rong Yu Die, he was filled with uncertainty about the future and wariness of Xie Che. Meanwhile, Pei Yan's engagement to Jiang Ci fell apart due to Rong Yu Die's schemes. The tragic death of Jiang Ci's master, Yan Qiao Shuang, left Pei Yan feeling guilty and helpless.
He personally removed the wedding symbols from the door, overwhelmed with guilt towards Jiang Ci and confusion about what lay ahead. With Pei Yan's downfall, many loyal followers left, but Cui Liang, An Cheng, and Tong Min remained steadfast, vowing to support him through difficult times.
Jiang Ci was devastated by her master's death and refused to eat for several days. When Wei Zhao visited, attempting to explain Rong Yu Die's plan, Jiang Ci misunderstood, believing he had pushed Yan Qiao Shuang to her demise for revenge. Wei Zhao left behind a piece of clothing, hand-stitched by Yan Qiao Shuang, hoping it would bring Jiang Ci some comfort.
Wei Zhao took the initiative to apologize to Xie Che and requested a thorough investigation into Rong Yu Die's clandestine machinations in the court. Although Xie Che did not pursue the matter deeply, his doubts about Wei Zhao lingered, leading him to send Tao Zizhu to Lingzhou for investigation.
Jiang Ci fell ill, and while Cui Liang treated her, Dong Juan's visits offered her some warmth, igniting feelings between them.
Rumors circulated among the populace that Xie Che had caused the death of Prince Xie Chun. Seizing the opportunity, Xie Yu encouraged Prince Xie Chi to confront Xie Che. Xie Che clarified that he had not harmed Xie Chun and urged Xie Chi to strengthen family bonds through a family banquet. Nevertheless, Xie Che had already resolved to eliminate Jiang Ci to quell the rumors.
During a visit to Jiang Ci, Xie Che discovered Yan Qiao Shuang's memorial tablet and, in a fit of rage, burned it. Jiang Ci desperately tried to protect it but was powerless to stop him. Xie Yu's provocations failed to anger Xie Che but opened a door for Wei Zhao.
At the family banquet, Jiang Ci's ginkgo and hibiscus soup was accused of containing poison, leading to her arrest. Wei Zhao quickly mobilized to rescue her. Dali Si Qing Yu Ji Ming conducted an overnight interrogation, where Jiang Ci maintained her innocence. Wei Zhao personally intervened, guiding Jiang Ci to recall details of the banquet in hopes of uncovering the truth.
A complex struggle involving power, revenge, and emotions was quietly unfolding.
Comments(Episode 34)