Episode Summary
Changxing Marquis takes the Emperor hostage while the Grand Princess schemes to seize regency. Jiang Si escapes captivity and plans a perilous trip to Nanwu to prevent war. Court tensions explode as the Grand Princess manipulates officials, assassinates the Crown Prince, and pressures Prince Qi. Meanwhile, Jiang Si’s allies face casualties during their mission—and the Grand Princess inches closer to declaring herself empress.
Spoiler Alert
Hold onto your silk robes, drama lovers—Episode 38 is a messy chess game of betrayal, royal hostage situations, and a very determined heroine dodging crossbows. Let’s break it down.
The Emperor’s Hostage Situation
The scheming Changxing Marquis (Marquis) storms the palace with his troops, taking the Emperor hostage. But his alliance with the Grand Princess? More like a ticking time bomb. While he’s busy flexing his military muscle, the Grand Princess casually ups the ante: She plans to announce her regency at tomorrow’s court meeting. Big yikes for the royal family.
Meanwhile, our girl Jiang Si gets a jailbreak assist from the loyal Du Er, reuniting with her crew—Jiang Zhan, Lu Chuchu, and warrior BFF A’Man. Yu Qi (the perpetually stressed royal adjacent) rushes to Jiang Si’s side, urging the Emperor to punish the Grand Princess. But Jiang Si’s got bigger priorities: To prevent a war, she’s heading to Nanwu (Southern Wu) to seek the Grand Elder. Cue the "but it’s a suicide mission!" arguments.
The Grand Princess Goes Full Villain Mode
When the Grand Princess learns Jiang Si escaped? Let’s just say her wrath leaves a trail of dead guards. She issues a nationwide arrest warrant for Jiang Si, who’s now packing for Nanwu with Jiang Zhan and Lu Chuchu. A’Man begs to join, but Jiang Si vetoes it—this isn’t a girls’ trip, folks.
Courtroom Drama 101
At the next day’s court session, the Grand Princess marches in with soldiers, claiming the Emperor’s "sick" and that she’ll rule as regent. Ministers side-eye hard, and even the Crown Prince and Zhen Heng call BS. But Prince Qi? He’s playing Switzerland, staying silent to save his neck. When Jiang Zhan demands proof of the Emperor’s decree, Changxing Marquis threatens him with a sword. Plot twist: The usually neutral Xi Wang supports the Grand Princess.
The Grand Princess then accuses Yu Qi of fleeing with Jiang Si (lol, he’s literally still at court) and tries to order his execution. Enter Prince Yan—uninvited—to crash the chaos. Drama!
Scheming Princes & a Deadly Dinner
Post-court, Princess Fuqing baits Zhen Heng into learning the Grand Princess’ coup plans. The Crown Prince and Prince Qi try visiting the Emperor, but the Swift Wind Guard blocks them. The Crown Prince attempts to recruit Prince Qi to overthrow the Grand Princess, but Chicken Prince Qi nopes out.
The Grand Princess, feeling confident, invites the Crown Prince to a "friendly" meal. Spoiler: It’s a trap. The Crown Prince sends his wife and kids to safety, then brings assassins to dinner. But the Grand Princess outsmarts him, killing him mid-appetizer. The Emperor is shook.
Southern Escapes & War Games
Jiang Si’s crew splits up: Jiang Zhan and Du Er cause distractions while Lu Chuchu sneaks her south. Yu Qi teams up with Long Dan to rally allies, banking on General Cui Xu’s help. But the Grand Princess isn’t napping—she forges a royal decree to pit Cui Xu’s Red Feather Riders against Nanwu’s army.
Casualties & Cliffhangers
In Nanjiang, Yu Qi reunites with Jiang Si and drops the "Grand Princess murdered the Crown Prince" bomb. Meanwhile, Prince Qi caves to the Grand Princess’ pressure, helping her control the court after seeing his brother’s fate.
But the real gut punch? Jiang Zhan arrives in Nanjiang badly injured, revealing Du Er and A’Man were killed during their diversion mission. Jiang Si’s resolve hardens—she must reach Nanwu to stop the war.
Final Tea: The Grand Princess inches closer to declaring herself empress, while Jiang Si races against time. Will Cui Xu’s army abandon the border to save the Emperor? And will Prince Qi ever grow a spine? Tune in next time for more bloodshed and political backstabs—literally.
