Episode Summary
Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang share a romantic moment under fireworks, but political schemes quickly intervene. Ling Xuefeng suspects deception in the court exams, while Xiao Huan manages to cover it up. The situation turns dire when Ling Xuefeng poisons his own daughter, Cangcang. Xiao Huan sacrifices his own antidote to save her. To prevent Ling Xuefeng from using a potential heir as a pawn, Xiao Huan forces Cangcang to drink contraceptive soup without explaining why, causing a massive rift between them.
Spoiler Alert
"Love and Crown" Episode 10
Fireworks and Forgiveness
Xiao Huan is really trying to make things right. He wants Ling Cangcang to forgive him. He plans to prove his sincerity step by step. Before she can even respond to his apology, fireworks light up the sky. They look up together. The tension between them finally breaks.
Cangcang looks at him. She feels a shift. She remembers the osmanthus cake he gave her earlier. It was a small gesture. But it touched her. She asks why he didn't question her about the person she met at the restaurant. Xiao Huan shuts that down immediately. He trusts his Empress. That is all that matters.
Courtroom Drama
Xiao Huan has a serious talk with Hong Qing. He needs better security for the Empress. He refuses to let her fall into danger again.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qianqing is actually being useful. He handles tasks quickly. Xiao Huan thinks his ninth brother is way more reliable than the Empress Dowager. But trouble brews during the palace exam. Ling Xuefeng notices something odd about Zhong Lin.
Xiao Huan steps in to cover the tracks. He tells Ling Xuefeng that Song Lanxi is just a reclusive woman. People mistake her for a man because she keeps to herself. Xiao Qianqing arrives just in time with Li Chengtian. Li testifies for Song Lanxi right there in court. The plan works. Xiao Qianqing expects some praise for his speed. Xiao Huan ignores him and moves on. The poor guy feels like a failure of a brother.
Hidden Affections and Crazy Antics
Du Tingxin visits the Emperor. she brings a rare medicinal ingredient. She thinks it might cure his illness. Xiao Huan misses the subtext completely. Du Tingxin is deeply in love with him. He doesn't see it at all.
We also check in on Xiao Ying. She tries to escape and goes a bit wild. She bites Hong Qing in the process. Then she suddenly calms down and goes back to her room happily. Hong Qing's guards panic. They think their boss is poisoned. It is a chaotic mess.
The Poison Trap
Things look up for the main couple. Xiao Huan visits Cangcang with big news. He can control Han Ji now. He thinks they can finally be together properly. Cangcang feels dizzy. Xiao Huan worries about her. They spend the night together anyway.
The next morning brings regret. Cangcang isn't sure she can trust him again. Then she collapses. She is poisoned. Xiao Huan is furious. He suspects the poison came from Xiao Ying. He storms off to confront her.
Xiao Qianqing defends Xiao Ying. Xiao Ying admits she can't make an antidote that would save a life anyway. Xiao Huan makes a desperate choice. He gives his own antidote to Cangcang. This leaves him vulnerable.
A Cruel Misunderstanding
Du Tingxin finds out about this. She is livid. She confronts Xiao Huan. She realizes Ling Xuefeng is the one behind the poison. The man poisoned his own daughter. He claims it is a necessary sacrifice for his grand ambitions. Du Tingxin tells Xiao Huan to fight back. Ling Xuefeng is desperate and dangerous.
The strategy is clear. If Cangcang gets pregnant, Ling Xuefeng will use the child to seize the throne. Xiao Huan has to stop that.
Cangcang wakes up. Xiao Huan is relieved she is alive. But he keeps the truth from her. He orders a servant to bring "avoidance soup." This is a contraceptive. Cangcang is devastated. It has only been three days. She thinks he is forcing her to drink it because he doesn't want a child with her. She assumes his love was just an act. Xiao Huan says nothing. He lets her hate him to keep her safe.
