Episode Summary
Jiang Si uncovers the truth about her mother's poisoning and Princess Fuqing's blindness, both linked to the Grand Princess. Fuqing reveals the Grand Princess blinded her to silence her. Yu Qi also exposes the Grand Princess's past schemes. Cui Mingyue seeks the Grand Princess's help to marry Yu Qi. The Grand Princess manipulates the Emperor. Fuqing enjoys a secret outing with Zhen Heng. The Emperor decrees that both Jiang Si and Cui Mingyue will marry Yu Qi, leading Yu Qi to protest by kneeling at the palace, risking his life.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 32 of "Si Jin" dives deeper into the treacherous world of palace intrigue, with Jiang Si and Yu Qi facing increasing pressure from the manipulative Grand Princess.
The episode opens with Jiang Si, having learned about her mother's poisoning and Princess Fuqing's blinding, encouraging Fuqing to reveal the truth about what happened. We learn in a flashback that a young Fuqing overheard the Grand Princess plotting to poison the previous Empress. The Grand Princess, discovering Fuqing, had her blinded as a warning. Fuqing, fearing for her mother's safety, remained silent for years. The current Empress is devastated to learn that her position was bought with her daughter's sight. Yu Qi adds fuel to the fire, revealing that the Grand Princess also framed him as a "bad omen" in the past, shocking the Empress with the Grand Princess's audacity. Madam Duo, following Jiang Si's instructions, deceives the Grand Princess into believing that Yu Qi discovered the Gu insect antidote in Nanjiang, keeping her true involvement hidden.
The Empress, Yu Qi and Jiang Si discuss exposing Grand Princess. The Empress is hesitant, she points out the Emperor's high regard for the Grand Princess and her past contributions to the nation, making her a difficult target. The Empress advises Yu Qi and Jiang Si to distance themselves from the Grand Princess after their marriage.
Meanwhile, Cui Mingyue, worried that Jiang Si's success in healing Fuqing will diminish her chances of marrying Yu Qi, begs the Grand Princess for help. The Grand Princess, unable to refuse her daughter, decides to use her birthday celebration to plead her case to the Emperor.
Jiang Si realizes that overthrowing the Grand Princess will be a long and arduous process. She and Yu Qi take a moment to discuss their upcoming wedding.
The Crown Prince is shown meticulously preparing for the Grand Princess's birthday, believing she is his only support against Consort Xian and her son, Prince Qi. The Crown Prince's wife is saddened by his efforts, as he has forgotten the anniversary of his own mother's death. The Emperor arrives at the Grand Princess's residence to find it deserted and cold. The Grand Princess is found drinking alone, feigning sadness and reminiscing about the past to manipulate the Emperor into granting her a marriage decree.
Princess Fuqing, now with her sight restored, longs to see the outside world. The Empress, indulging her daughter, allows Madam Duo to take Fuqing out of the palace. Fuqing revels in the bustling streets. She deliberately sends Madam Duo away to enjoy her freedom and encounters Zhen Heng. Fuqing recognizes his voice, and Zhen Heng is astonished to see her sight restored. Fuqing asks him to show her around, and they spend the evening together by the lake, with Zhen Heng returning her to the palace late at night.
Back at the residence, Yu Qi and Jiang Si playfully rehearse their wedding ceremony. Their joy is cut short by an imperial decree: the Emperor has decreed that both Cui Mingyue and Jiang Si will marry Yu Qi. Yu Qi, refusing to marry Cui Mingyue, risks his life by storming the palace gates and kneeling before the Emperor, begging him to retract the decree. The Emperor, feeling indebted to the Grand Princess, rebukes Yu Qi and insists on the marriage. Yu Qi remains kneeling outside the palace in protest.
A heavy rain begins to fall, and Yu Qi remains kneeling in supplication. The Grand Princess arrives to persuade Yu Qi, even threatening him. Yu Qi confronts her about her past actions, but the Grand Princess remains unfazed. Jiang Si, worried about Yu Qi and helpless to intervene, waits outside the palace. Yu Qi's family is deeply concerned, unsure how to resolve the situation. Yu Qi kneels for a day and a night, his loyal servant Bao Ping tries to persuade him to relent, but Yu Qi remains steadfast. During the morning court session, the officials remain silent, except for Zhen Heng, who steps forward to present a memorial.
