Episode Summary
Hanyan blackmails Consort Miao into aiding her plot against Zhuang Shiyang, using emotional revelations about Ruan Xiwen’s death. Meanwhile, Prince Qi escalates his bride hunt, Zhuang Yushan sacrifices herself to marry him, and A’zhi bonds with Hanyan in a bittersweet moment.
Spoiler Alert
The Glory Ep 23: Iron Hairpins & Imperial Chess Games
Let’s talk about that palace showdown. Hanyan, our resident queen of calculated risks, struts into Consort Miao’s chambers rocking her signature iron swallow hairpin — because apparently, that thing’s a good luck charm for political warfare. Fu Yunxi (her ever-tense husband/bodyguard hybrid) side-eyes the accessory at the palace gates, but Hanyan’s got a plan. Spoiler: It involves weaponized jewelry.
Consort Miao’s White Silk & Emotional Blackmail
The royal One-to-one starts with Consort Miao casually whipping out a box of three-foot white silk — because nothing says “I’ve accepted my mortality” like prepping your own funeral decor. Turns out, she’s been mentally checked out since the Lantern Festival incident. Hanyan, ever the motivational speaker, counters with a pep talk about the late Consort Chen’s tragic legacy, calling out Miao’s survivalist act: “You don’t want power — you just want to breathe.” Mic drop.
But here’s the kicker: Hanyan demands Miao order Zhuang Shiyang to finish editing the imperial codex in 10 days (or face execution). When Miao pulls the “后宫不得干政” card (cough “no girls allowed in politics” cough), Hanyan goes full stabby-mode, pressing her hairpin to Miao’s throat. Drama! Except Miao stays ice-cold, deducing Zhuang’s crimes must connect to Ruan Xiwen’s murder. Her tearful confession about their past bond — poetry swaps, leg-saving surgeries, unspoken sapphic yearning — adds layers to her icy facade. The takeaway? That hairpin’s better aimed at Zhuang Shiyang.
Fu Yunxi’s Near-Cardiac Arrest
Outside, Fu Yunxi paces like a man who’s regretting his life choices. When Hanyan emerges unharmed, he almost strangles her for reckless scheming. But her gamble pays off: The palace now greenlights investigating the Duchayuan (aka digging up dirt on Yuwen Chang’an). Fu’s grumbling? Priceless.
Meanwhile, in Chaotic Side Plots…
- Prince Qi’s Bride Hunt 2.0: Dude’s so desperate for a wife, he’s threatening to kidnap one after every matchmaker flees. Spoiler alert: Zhuang Yushan’s about to enter his crosshairs.
- Zhuang Shiyang’s 10-Day Death Clock: The emperor’s ultimatum leaves him sweating under house arrest. His “fatherly” guilt-tripping fails spectacularly when Hanyan compares him to a shattered teacup. Cold.
- A’zhi’s Heartstrings Moment: The kid’s tearful plea to call Hanyan “Mom” is almost wholesome… until Grandma’s summons ruin the vibe.
- High Society Shenanigans: Hanyan dazzles nobles with fictional bedtime stories (future storytelling empire, anyone?), while Aunt Kou Er snarks about her “fox borrowing tiger’s prestige.”
Zhuang Yushan’s Sacrifice Play
The episode’s gut-punch? Zhuang Yushan agreeing to marry Prince Qi to save her father. Zhou Ruyin manipulates her with promises of power (“Even Hanyan will kneel!”), while Zhuang Shiyang serves Oscar-worthy fake tears. Bonus tragedy points: Yushan burns her horse’s gear, symbolically torching her freedom.
Next Episode Tease:
Will Hanyan’s hairpin diplomacy collapse? Can Fu Yunxi survive this marriage? And will Prince Qi’s bride hunt end in flames? Share your bets below.
