Episode Summary
In this episode, Mu Wuxia is framed for the murder of his brother, Mu Wuhen, immediately after they have a public fight over leaked exam questions. The King of Qi, while grieving, prevents Shen Zaiye from investigating the case. The true conspirators, Mu Wuyin and the Meng family, work to solidify the false accusation. Mu Wuyin reveals that Jiang Taohua is his spy and tasks her with monitoring Shen Zaiye. Both Shen Zaiye and Jiang Taohua independently investigate the crime scene, uncovering small clues, while Mu Wuyin's obsessive secret motivations are revealed.
Spoiler Alert
The Princess's Gambit: Episode 25 Spoilers
The episode opens with Mu Wuxia diligently arranging food and lodging for the imperial exam candidates, concerned for their well-being after their long journeys. His efforts are interrupted by whispers of the exam questions being leaked. After inquiring, he is shocked to learn that his own brother, Mu Wuhen, is the one responsible for selling the questions. Furious, Mu Wuxia immediately confronts Mu Wuhen, and the two have a massive, public argument in a restaurant.
Meanwhile, a poor scholar named Li Dian arrives in the capital, having been robbed of half his travel permit and forced to endure hunger along the way. He is denied registration for the exam due to his incomplete papers. Fortunately, Mu Wuxia intervenes. After testing Li Dian and confirming his talent, Mu Wuxia scolds the registrar, punishes him, and personally ensures Li Dian is registered. He delivers a heartfelt speech, hoping all scholars will serve the nation with sincerity, earning him the deep respect and admiration of the candidates. Just then, a palace guard arrives with grim news: Mu Wuxia is summoned to see the King of Qi because his brother, Mu Wuhen, has been murdered.
The Qin Family immediately points the finger at Mu Wuxia, citing the public argument witnessed by many as proof of his guilt. They demand the King of Qi punish him. The King explodes with rage, accusing them of plotting against his son's life, and they quickly retreat. Overwhelmed by grief and stress, the King collapses, calling for his medicinal pills.
Consort Lan tries to comfort the distraught King. He laments that while Mu Wuhen wasn't brilliant, he was still his son. With one son dead and another accused, he is terrified. At this moment, Shen Zaiye requests an audience. Though reluctant, the King agrees after Consort Lan's persuasion. The King, convinced that fraternal conflict is the greatest threat to the kingdom, sees Mu Wuxia as a "wolf in sheep's clothing." He flatly denies Shen Zaiye's request to participate in the investigation and see Mu Wuxia. Instead, the King appoints Mu Wuyin to oversee the imperial examinations, with the reinstated Meng Zhongyan and Shen Zaiye assisting as chief examiners, ordering Shen Zaiye to focus on his duties and stay out of the murder case.
Elsewhere, Meng Zhenzhen storms into her brother Meng Huairui's room, accusing him of being connected to Mu Wuhen's death. He vehemently denies it, claiming he was just at the restaurant and overheard the brothers' argument. Unconvinced, Meng Zhenzhen notices a broken piece of a jade pendant in his hand and is horrified. She takes the pendant to Mu Wuyin, begging him to protect the Meng family. Mu Wuyin promises that he will not let anyone investigate the matter further or do anything to exonerate Mu Wuxia. He then reveals a crucial secret to Meng Zhenzhen: Jiang Taohua is his spy planted by Shen Zaiye's side and is completely loyal to him.
Following this, Mu Wuyin summons Jiang Taohua. He informs her that Mu Wuxia has murdered Mu Wuhen and that Shen Zaiye will undoubtedly investigate. He tasks her with getting close to Shen Zaiye to monitor his progress. Jiang Taohua is stunned, unable to believe that Mu Wuxia would be capable of killing his own brother.
Later, a weeping Xiang Qingying runs into Jiang Taohua and begs for her help to clear Mu Wuxia's name. Jiang Taohua suggests they examine the crime scene for clues. When they arrive, they find Shen Zaiye is already there. He sees them but doesn't stop their investigation. He asks Jiang Taohua if she has remembered Mu Wuxia, but she denies it, stating she only knows of their past through Xiang Qingying. Their conversation is tense and ends in another argument, leaving Xiang Qingying baffled by their changed dynamic.
At the crime scene, Shen Zaiye discovers scratch marks, indicating a struggle, and a footprint on the windowsill, likely left by the killer as they fled. He intentionally leaves the door open so that Jiang Taohua and Xiang Qingying can enter freely.
After her investigation, Jiang Taohua reports back to Mu Wuyin, telling him she found a small, broken piece of jade, about the size of a Go stone, at the scene. Mu Wuyin remains impassive. Once she leaves, he enters a secret room. Inside, a large "喜" (double happiness) character is pasted on the wall. He takes out a bracelet belonging to a woman named Liyuan Hua, holding it to his chest and lost in thought, believing his plans are nearing completion and she will soon return to him.
