Ep 9. Episode 9
- July 19, 2018
- 45 min
Set in the Qing Dynasty, Story of Yanxi Palace is a Chinese television series that follows the story of Wei Yingluo, a lowly palace maid who rises through the ranks to become the most powerful woman in the kingdom. In season 1 episode 9, titled "Episode 9," tensions continue to mount as Wei Yingluo finds herself at the center of a dangerous plot.
The episode opens with Wei Yingluo meeting with Empress Fuca, who tasks her with uncovering the truth behind the death of the late emperor's favorite consort, Concubine Zhen. Wei quickly realizes that she has been given this assignment because the empress suspects foul play, and wants her to investigate the matter independently.
Meanwhile, Yingluo's relationship with the emperor continues to develop. Though she is still determined to avenge her family by killing him, she is finding herself increasingly drawn to his charm and charisma. During a private meeting, the emperor tells her that he believes her to be a good person at heart, and that he wants nothing more than for the two of them to be happy together.
As Yingluo continues to struggle with her conflicting feelings, she begins to uncover more clues about the conspiracy surrounding Concubine Zhen's death. She discovers that the eunuchs in charge of the imperial guards were responsible for carrying out the order to kill her, and that a powerful courtier named Niuhuru is behind the plot.
With this knowledge in hand, Yingluo hatches a plan to catch Niuhuru in the act. She offers him a bribe to reveal his true intentions, and he takes the bait, confessing to his involvement in the murder of Concubine Zhen. Yingluo secretly records their conversation and presents the evidence to the empress.
In the end, the empress uses the evidence to launch a full investigation into the conspiracy, and she entrusts Yingluo with the task of escorting the late concubine's son out of the palace to protect him from harm. Though Yingluo is relieved to have solved the mystery, she is still left with a heavy heart as she contemplates the growing gulf between her duty to the court and her own personal desires.
Overall, episode 9 of Story of Yanxi Palace is a tense and dramatic chapter in the story of Wei Yingluo's rise to power. As she continues to navigate the treacherous waters of the palace, she must use her wits and her courage to stay one step ahead of her enemies and protect those she loves.