In Episode 26, the investigation into Prince Wuhen’s death intensifies as Shen Zaiye uncovers jade clues pointing to Meng Huairui. Jiang Taohua faces deadly consequences while pursuing the antidote and a path to freedom.
🧩 1. The Broken Jade Resurfaces
As the investigation continues, a broken jade pendant resurfaces—etched with the Emperor’s secret exam topic. Shen Zaiye confirms that the piece connects to Prince Wuhen’s last location and likely holds the key to unraveling the murder and exam fraud.
“The topic was carved on the jade—this wasn’t a coincidence.”
Zaiye presses the Emperor for full investigative rights and gets reluctant approval.
🔍 2. Qingtai’s Reluctant Help
Jiang Taohua covertly passes the jade fragment to Zaiye through her loyal friend Qingtai, now posing as a maid. The Chancellor, recognizing the risk Taohua is taking from inside Prince Wuyin’s residence, warns:
“If she’s helping us, she’s endangering herself.”
But Taohua’s resolve is firm:
“I’m not doing this for him—this is for Prince Wuxia.”
⚖️ 3. The Jade Clue and a New Strategy
To protect Taohua, Zaiye publicly launches a search for jade engravers, using them as a scapegoat to misdirect suspicion.
“Let the city believe the clue came from a craftsman—not the Princess.”
This clever ploy shifts pressure away from Taohua while keeping the investigation alive.
❤️ 4. Bittersweet Reunion and Farewell
Taohua reunites with Qingtai and urges her to leave the capital in search of Prince Changjue, who may hold the antidote to the Jiangtao poison.
“You’re the only one I can trust… go find him.”
Their emotional exchange reveals Taohua’s long-buried pain:
-
She remembers everything.
-
She knows her love for Zaiye can never survive betrayal.
“We serve different masters. Love cannot survive in war.”
🧪 5. The Poison Awakens
Tragically, Taohua’s symptoms worsen. The poison mark reappears, and she begins coughing blood—proof that her time is running out without the antidote.
Zaiye rushes her to an imperial physician who can only offer temporary pain relief. But time is of the essence.
“We must find the source. Or she’ll die.”
👑 6. Meng Huairui’s Fall
Through intense questioning and account book analysis, Shen Zaiye uncovers a pattern:
-
Certain meals at the tavern were code for illegal dealings.
-
The servant confirms Meng Huairui met Prince Wuhen the night of his death.
Faced with exposure, Huairui confesses:
“I didn’t mean to kill him—I just pushed him. He hit his head…”
It’s clear Wuhen’s death was not murder, but manslaughter—an accident in a fight over selling exam questions.
🔄 7. Zhenzhen’s Bargain
Meng Zhenzhen meets Zaiye and offers a chilling ultimatum:
“Take Huairui and close the case. Or Jiang Taohua dies.”
She knows Taohua is poisoned—and implies the Meng clan has the antidote.
Zaiye is stunned, realizing the family has fully allied with Prince Wuyin.
🥀 8. Pain in the Name of Love
Despite warnings, Taohua returns to assist Zaiye’s investigation. She collapses at the jade workshop, barely conscious. Her mind burns with one thought:
“When the woman you love brings you pain... can you still stand your ground?”
Zaiye watches helplessly as she fades before him again.
🔐 9. The Final Pieces Fit
Shen Zaiye uncovers the final links:
-
The jade pendant connects to Meng Huairui’s family craftsman.
-
A tavern pattern reveals how the jade and exam topics changed hands.
Prince Wuyin, in his private residence, reacts with casual coldness:
“She’s just a pawn gone bad. Replace her.”
His ambitions grow clearer: sacrifice the weak, protect the larger scheme.
🎭 10. A War of Willpower
As the episode closes, Shen Zaiye prepares for the final phase of the investigation. The political chessboard shifts once again.
“He places his next move on my piece. Let him. I’m not afraid.”
💬 Overall Impressions
Episode 26 is one of the most emotionally wrenching entries in the series. It brings:
-
The courtroom suspense of a historical legal drama,
-
The desperation of forbidden love, and
-
The slow unmasking of a multi-tiered conspiracy.
Taohua’s suffering is heartbreaking—especially as she chooses strategy over survival, knowing that helping Zaiye may cost her life.
Meanwhile, Zaiye proves himself not just as a chancellor, but as the only man left fighting for truth in a kingdom of lies.
🔚 Final Verdict
“Episode 26 turns heartbreak into resistance, betrayal into leverage. The jade isn't just a clue—it's the symbol of a war waged silently beneath power’s surface.”