Episode Summary
Xiao Qianqing takes control of the court to cover for the Emperor, while staging a fake breakup to protect Zhong Lin from Du Tingxin. Xiao Huan survives an assassination attempt by the Lingbi Sect and decides to abdicate the throne to his sister. The episode ends with high tension as all parties gather for the Empress Dowager's funeral, where Xiao Huan plans to sacrifice himself.
Spoiler Alert
Love and Crown Episode 30 Recap
A Messy Breakup
Xiao Qianqing is spiraling. She tells Zhong Lin that he is the only person she has left. She is convinced Xiao Huan killed their mother and sister. She says things can never go back to normal with her brother. Zhong Lin tries to talk some sense into her. He defends Xiao Huan. He insists the Emperor isn't a killer. This makes Qianqing furious. She hates that her boyfriend is defending the man she thinks destroyed her family.
Du Tingxin is lurking outside. She is eavesdropping on the whole fight. Qianqing realizes there is a spy nearby. She has to act fast. She swallows her pain and puts on a show. She kicks Zhong Lin out. She acts cruel to protect him. Du Tingxin walks in and mocks the situation. She threatens to use Zhong Lin as leverage against the royals. Qianqing drops the act for a second. She warns Du Tingxin to leave him alone.
Power Plays in the Palace
Zhong Lin isn't buying the act. He knows Qianqing is hiding something. He realizes he is being followed. He shakes off the tail and finds Ling Cangcang. She is in bad shape. She has an arrow stuck in her chest. Zhong Lin pulls the arrow out. He asks what is going on inside the palace.
The next morning is chaotic. The ministers are gossiping. They sense a regime change. Qianqing takes the throne. She announces the Emperor is sick. She is taking charge. Some ministers object. They want to know where the Emperor is. Others support her. Qianqing issues a decree. The Emperor is ill. The Empress is away. No one leaves the palace. She is trying to stabilize the court. Deep down, she doesn't want to believe her brother is a murderer. But she has to keep up appearances.
Assassins and Betrayals
Du Tingxin is done waiting. She realizes Xiao Huan has zero feelings for her. He even smuggled the Empress out of the palace right under her nose. She decides to go nuclear. She meets with the Lingbi Sect.
Xiao Huan is meditating alone. A masked assassin attacks him. He fights back. He knocks the mask off. It is a member of the Lingbi Sect. He realizes the State Preceptor has betrayed him. The Preceptor is working with the cult.
Zhong Lin tells Ling Cangcang to wait. He goes back to check on Qianqing. He watches her sleep. She admits she is terrified. She pretends to fall asleep. Zhong Lin steals the Jade Seal. He stamps a document and leaves. Qianqing knows he did it. She lets him go.
The Funeral Setup
Zhong Lin takes the bait. He meets Du Tingxin. He tries to stall for time. Du Tingxin sees right through him. She asks him a twisted question. Who would he save between Qianqing and Ling Cangcang? While they talk, Ling Cangcang sneaks off to find the Emperor.
Qianqing crashes the meeting. She accuses Zhong Lin of betrayal. She knocks him unconscious. It is another lie. She is saving his life again. Du Tingxin vows to kill Xiao Huan. Qianqing defends her brother's royal blood. She won't let him be insulted.
Xiao Huan makes a decision. He tells Qianqing he will pass the throne to her. He plans to die at the Empress Dowager's funeral. Ling Cangcang calls in favors from the martial arts world. She prepares to protect him. The funeral begins. The atmosphere is heavy. Everyone is watching.
