Episode Summary
Ling Cangcang confronts her father about his betrayal and poison attempts. Xiao Huan intervenes with troops to strip Ling Xuefeng of his power but spares his life. Du Tingxin discovers she is the daughter of the late Empress. She later overhears Xiao Huan confessing his love to Cangcang and turns vengeful.
Spoiler Alert
"Love and Crown" Episode 22
A Toxic Family Dinner
Ling Cangcang tries to share a quiet moment with her father. She leans on Ling Xuefeng's shoulder and tells him she loves his roasted pears. It seems like a sweet bonding moment. Xuefeng thinks back to his wife and says her cooking was better. But the mood shifts fast. Cangcang notices that Xuefeng is only focused on Ling Jueding. He ignores the moment and walks away.
Xuefeng realizes his daughter knows the truth. He thinks about it for a second. Then he decides he has to kill her.
The Showdown at the Shrine
Xiao Huan watches Cangcang practice her sword fighting. She tells the guards not to announce him. She wants to improve her skills to protect the Emperor. She decides to stop running from the truth. She goes to find Ling Xuefeng. She suggests they visit her mother's memorial. He agrees immediately.
They stand before her mother's spirit. Xuefeng gets lost in thought. He hands Cangcang a roasted pear. Cangcang breaks the silence. She mentions the assassination attempt on her life. Xuefeng does not deny he poisoned her. He made his choice long ago. He values his position more than his daughter's life.
Cangcang tells him to stop. Xuefeng laughs maniacally. He threatens to kill Luo Xianxue. He thinks he is safe because he holds Cangcang hostage. He believes the Emperor won't touch him.
He is wrong. Xiao Huan storms in with his soldiers. He tells Xuefeng he won't kill his father-in-law. But he cannot allow his Empress to have a rebellious family. He did all of this to clear a path for her. Xuefeng realizes he pushed his favorite daughter away for nothing.
Secrets Revealed
Xuefeng realizes Luo Xianxue spared his subordinates. His adopted son taught him a lesson in mercy. He regrets being too soft.
Du Tingxin receives the news of Xuefeng's failure while bathing. She composes herself. Xuefeng decides to tell her the dark family secrets. She learns she is actually the daughter of the late Empress. This destroys her. She cannot accept that her birth was considered a crime against heaven.
Xuefeng goes to court. He takes off his official hat and resigns. Xiao Huan knows the old man is plotting something. But he accepts the resignation anyway.
Love and Hate in the Garden
Xiao Qianqing watches Xuefeng leave. He feels like they missed something. Xuefeng goes to pray. Du Tingxin is depressed. She looks like she lost her soul. She tries to see the Emperor. The eunuch hints that Xiao Huan is in the Plum Garden.
Xiao Huan gets honest with Cangcang. He admits he made a deal with Xuefeng years ago. He promised to marry Cangcang and make Xuefeng the Grand Preceptor. He kept his word. He admits he calculated every step of his life. But marrying her was his only real success. It is his greatest happiness.
Du Tingxin listens from the shadows. She hears everything. Her sadness vanishes. She stares at them with pure hatred.
