Episode Summary
Shen Zaiye successfully blackmails Mu Wuyin into withdrawing from the imperial examinations by using the accidental death of his servant, Qingfeng. As Mu Wuxia takes over the exams, the investigation into Liyuan Hua's mysterious past uncovers her former identity as a palace maid named "Ah Hua," who was close to Mu Wuyin. Fearing for Shen Zaiye's life, Jiang Taohua attempts to distance herself from him, but he secretly redoubles his efforts to find a cure for her poison and uncover the full extent of Liyuan Hua's conspiracy.
Spoiler Alert
The Princess's Gambit Episode 27: A Web of Deceit
The episode opens with Qingfeng being interrogated in a prison cell by a relentless Zhan Lu.
Meanwhile, Meng Zhenzhen visits Meng Huairui in his cell. After promising to care for his elderly parents, she orders his execution.The King, however, sees through the ploy. He knows the Meng family is powerful and that this resignation is a veiled threat, a power play to influence the selection of the heir to the throne. He tosses the official seal on the ground, leaving the ultimate decision to a stunned Meng Zhongyan.
Mu Wuyin confronts Shen Zaiye, demanding to know why he has arrested Qingfeng. Shen Zaiye cleverly bluffs, claiming Qingfeng has confessed to many things and will be handed over to the King.
Cornered, Mu Wuyin has no choice but to approach the King of Qi and voluntarily withdraw from the examinations, feigning a lack of interest in fame and admitting his talents are inferior to Mu Wuxia's. The King agrees. As soon as Mu Wuyin leaves, Zhan Lu informs him that Qingfeng's body has been returned.The realization that he has been tricked sinks in, and Mu Wuyin's hatred for Shen Zaiye deepens.
With his name cleared, Mu Wuxia returns and finds Shen Zaiye organizing writing materials for him. He bows deeply, thanking Shen for saving his life. Jiang Taohua and Xiang Qingying arrive, with Xiang Qingying reminding Mu Wuxia that Jiang Taohua was the true hero in his exoneration. Jiang Taohua then asks Shen Zaiye for help investigating Liyuan Hua, suspecting a deep connection between her and Mu Wuyin.Shen Zaiye admits his own investigation into Liyuan Hua's past before she entered the palace has hit a wall.
As Jiang Taohua leaves, Xiang Qingying laments how their relationship has become so formal and business-like. She also chides Mu Wuxia for not thinking of a way to repay Shen Zaiye, but Mu Wuxia believes that succeeding in the examinations is the best form of repayment.
In a quiet moment, Shen Zaiye pays respects at his family's ancestral shrine, telling his late father that his wish concerning the examinations has been fulfilled.
Shen Zaiye's investigation finally bears fruit. He learns that after Mu Wuyin's sister passed away, a palace maid named "Ah Hua" was always by his side—unusual, as he typically allowed no one near him. This Ah Hua later vanished without a trace, and all official records of her disappeared from the palace archives.
Mu Wuyin quickly learns of Shen Zaiye's investigation into Liyuan Hua and, suspecting Jiang Taohua is involved, confronts her furiously.
Fearing for Shen Zaiye's safety, Jiang Taohua goes to him and asks him to stop the investigation into Liyuan Hua to avoid tipping her off. She also asks him to intercept letters from her brother for her. Shen Zaiye reveals that Physician Bai is already working on an antidote for her poison, which would free her from Mu Wuyin's control.
Undeterred, Shen Zaiye orders Zhan Lu to find Qingtai and Jiang Changjue, stating that he doesn't need Jiang Taohua's gratitude.
