Episode Summary
Yu Qi's relationship with Jiang Si faces opposition from her father, while palace intrigue intensifies. A flower appreciation banquet is set up for royal consort selection, and Cui Mingyue schemes to marry Yu Qi. Yu Qi plans to publicly declare his love for Jiang Si at the banquet, despite Consort Xian's disapproval of her. Zhen Heng shows his affection to Princess Fuqing.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 26 of "Si Jin" sees plenty of court intrigue and romantic developments. Yu Qi's attempts to see Jiang Si are thwarted by her father, Jiang Ancheng. Jiang Ancheng is wary of Yu Qi's royal status, fearing the dangers and instability that come with being entangled in imperial affairs. He doesn't want his daughter caught in the crossfire, even though Yu Qi promises to protect Jiang Si. Meanwhile, Jiang Si confides in her sister, Jiang Yi, admitting her feelings for Yu Qi.
In another storyline, Jiang Zhan learns more about Lu Chuchu's aspirations to be a "daxia" (a heroic warrior). Lu Chuchu explains that growing up in a military environment, she was surrounded by men and witnessed women constantly waiting to be rescued. This fueled her desire to be independent and become a rescuer herself, rather than the one needing rescue. Jiang Zhan, far from being put off, admires her confidence and spirit.
Yu Qi and Zhen Heng are busy investigating the assassination attempt, discovering that many people, including high-ranking officials, are involved. The Emperor is troubled because members of the Imperial Observatory, infiltrated by the Nightingales, concealed celestial omens, nearly leading to the assassination's success. Zhen Heng cleverly uses this situation to recommend Jiang Ancheng for a position in the Imperial Observatory.
Zhen Heng shows his affection for Princess Fuqing by crafting a special kite for her. It's equipped with a wind chime, allowing the visually impaired princess to perceive the kite's location through sound. The Empress, noticing Fuqing's early rest after a day of kite flying, learns about Zhen Heng's thoughtful gift. This prompts a discussion about Fuqing's approaching marriageable age.
To alleviate her sister's boredom, Jiang Si brings Jiang Yi to help manage the family shop. Meanwhile, Cui Mingyue goes to extreme lengths to gain the Emperor's favor. She colludes with the imperial physician, using her own blood as a medicinal ingredient for the Emperor. The Emperor, deeply moved by her supposed sacrifice, restores her title as a Junzhu (a rank below princess). Cui Mingyue, feigning weakness, seizes the opportunity to propose marriage to Yu Qi.
Later, Yu Qi, missing Jiang Si intensely, sneaks out to see her. He reveals that a flower appreciation banquet is being held at the palace to select consorts for him and the Sixth Prince. Yu Qi plans to use this event to publicly declare his relationship with Jiang Si.
Yu Qi visits his birth mother, Consort Xian, who initially shows little interest in him. However, realizing Yu Qi could be useful to Prince Qi, she agrees to meet. Yu Qi hints at his desire to choose his own princess, and Consort Xian, seeing his naiveté, starts to warm up to him.
The palace invitations arrive, delighting Old Madam Jiang. The Grand Princess also confers with Yu Qi, offering him gifts and proposing an alliance, promising to help him become Crown Prince. Yu Qi, however, declines the offer. Madam Xiao, upon hearing about the invitation for Jiang Si to attend the palace event for prince consort selection, is envious.
As the flower appreciation banquet begins, all the invited ladies gather at the palace. Cui Mingyue encounters Jiang Si and, seeing they are wearing identical outfits, orders her attendants to tear Jiang Si's clothes. The Grand Princess intervenes, realizing that Cui Mingyue's actions would ultimately harm herself. The ladies are then put through a series of tests. Consort Xian, upon seeing Jiang Si, expresses disapproval, finding her too outstanding and opinionated, and with a questionable reputation. Consort Xian prefers a more obedient princess for Yu Qi, someone she can easily manipulate.
