Episode Summary
Grieving the death of Li Jiaohan, Mu Wuxia, accompanied by Xiang Qingying, vows to find a new path for scholars from humble backgrounds by reinstating the imperial examinations. His request to the King of Qi is initially denied, but Mu Wuxia refuses to yield, kneeling outside the main hall in a desperate plea. Although the King is moved, he doesn't relent. Shen Zaiye cleverly intervenes, seemingly siding with the King but subtly pointing out that with envoys from Beiyuan present, the standoff is a bad look. He frames the situation so that the King, not wanting to appear afraid of the powerful aristocratic families who oppose the exams, has no choice but to agree. The King orders both Mu Wuxia and Shen Zaiye to oversee the new examinations.
Spoiler Alert
The Princess's Gambit: Episode 24 Summary
Grieving the death of Li Jiaohan, Mu Wuxia, accompanied by Xiang Qingying, vows to find a new path for scholars from humble backgrounds by reinstating the imperial examinations. His request to the King of Qi is initially denied, but Mu Wuxia refuses to yield, kneeling outside the main hall in a desperate plea. Although the King is moved, he doesn't relent. Shen Zaiye cleverly intervenes, seemingly siding with the King but subtly pointing out that with envoys from Beiyuan present, the standoff is a bad look. He frames the situation so that the King, not wanting to appear afraid of the powerful aristocratic families who oppose the exams, has no choice but to agree. The King orders both Mu Wuxia and Shen Zaiye to oversee the new examinations.
This turn of events is exactly what Shen Zaiye had planned. He immediately spreads the news, ensuring that all the scholars in the land know it was Mu Wuxia's unwavering determination that won them this opportunity, effectively turning them into Mu Wuxia's staunchest supporters. Later, while visiting Li Jiaohan's grave, Shen Zaiye quietly vows that the sacrifices made will not be in vain and that he will eradicate the old, corrupt system.
Meanwhile, as Duo Yuanhua departs the Daqi Kingdom, she tasks Mu Wuyin with a "one stone, three birds" plan, demanding he show no mercy to his brothers. Mu Wuyin promises not to disappoint her. In a countermove, Mu Wuxia meets with Meng Zhenzhen to discuss how to sabotage the very examinations he fought for, recognizing that he and Shen Zaiye are the key figures. Meng Zhenzhen's own plans are complicated when her foolish relative, Meng Huairui, expresses a surprising and determined interest in taking the exam himself, forcing her to have him watched.
Xiang Qingying grows suspicious of activity at the Zhengchun Pavilion and climbs a wall to investigate. She spots Qingtai heading to Mu Wuyin's residence in the middle of the night. Following her, Xiang Qingying finds Jiang Taohua and tells her how much Shen Zaiye has been suffering since she left. He has lost his appetite and his smile, consumed by what everyone believes is the stress of the examinations, but Xiang Qingying knows he is heartbroken over Jiang Taohua.
Though separated, Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua are thinking of each other. Mu Wuyin, seeing an opportunity, tells Jiang Taohua to meet with Shen Zaiye, clearly intending to use her as leverage. Aware of his intentions, especially after noticing she is being watched by Qingfeng, Jiang Taohua agrees. She arranges a dinner with Shen Zaiye, thanking him only for rescuing Qingtai. When Shen Zaiye hears her speak as if his past confessions through Qingtai were just stories about someone else, he is hurt. As she leaves, he desperately asks to see her again, but she coldly departs, hoping to push him away and prevent herself from being used against him. Watching her go, Shen Zaiye is filled with regret for not trusting her completely and hopes she will turn back.
Later, while carving a hairpin, Shen Zaiye dismisses Zhan Lu's advice not to fixate on one woman. He resolves to protect Jiang Taohua from the shadows, realizing she has chosen a difficult path. In another part of the city, Mu Wuyin and Meng Zhenzhen conspire, predicting that the Second Prince will try to sell the exam questions. They decide to facilitate this, with Mu Wuyin asking Meng Zhenzhen to recommend a skilled artisan to the prince to help him cheat.
