Love and Crown 凤凰台上 (2025) Episode 26
Happy Black Friday!
One episodes today.
Links to discussion: Masterpost & Ep 1–3 | Ep 4–7 | Ep 8-9 | Ep 10-11 | Ep 12-13 | Ep 14 | Ep 15-16 | Ep 17 | Ep 18-19 | EP 20 | Ep 21-22| EP 23 | Ep 24-25|
Spoilers: If you'd like to discuss anything past Ep 26, please tag your spoiler.
Together in Grief
CangCang is awake but has to learn the sad news about the baby. Xiao Huan assures her that as long as she takes care of herself they will have another child someday.
Both feel responsible for not protecting the baby but ultimately are glad they have each other and hope for the future.
Brother United
Xiao Huan spares Xiao Ying's life at Xiao Qian Qing request in recognition for the love and loyalty his brother has shown him.
CC and XH both love little brother XQQ and maybe even XY.
XH reminds XQQ that loving someone isn't about indulging them.
Despite his grief XH is to sharp to not suspect something else is going on.
XH also doesn't believe XY acted on her own but instead was manipulated by someone. He really is so smart and knows his siblings well. XQQ decides to lead the investigation.
Meanwhile Empress Dowager has also concluded that someone has lead XY astray but she thinks it is XH??? She truly just likes to blame him for everything. This is completely illogical.
Grandpa Ling no more!
Daddy Ling gets the news that CC was injured saving XH and lost the baby.
Were you planning on using that baby in your nefarious scheme?
XH gets the news that Daddy Ling collapsed. Worried about CC he doesn't want her to know but also decides to bring him back for treatment.
XQQ Steps Up
XQQ cannot get anything out of XY. He tells her she is wrong and must pay for her mistakes. He decides to cut her inner channels preventing her from ever being able to refine poison again.
What will we call our Poison Princess now?
Was this the right choice? Her skills had done good a time or two but if she cannot control herself than the cost outweighs the benefit.
XQQ questions whether the Empress Dowager was behind it. She is smart enough to not take a risk that would put her or the Liu clan at risk. She is upset XQQ seems to be on XH's side and reminds him how hard she had it in the past. Was she? I guess we didn't get that backstory yet. All I have seen is how XH was mistreated as a child.
Zhong Lin is back. I was wondering why she never went to see CC. Turns out she was on a mission to get ants that can help prove who was involved. She tells XQQ she did it for him, XY, and CC not his mother.
She tries to reassure him that XH will not stay mad. Even ZL can see how much he craves his brothers love and attention. She promises to be there for him and that as long as CC is safe and happy she will go with him wherever he wants. Is the stress getting to him?
XQQ goes to see XH and tells him about the Dual-Pupil insect, which forces out a persons inner power but then leaves the person dull and witless. XY cannot give answers now. He firmly believes it wasn't his mother. XQQ has a plan he knows that to use the insect one needs to use Gold Incense for 7 days. It is a rare, expensive contraband and not found in the palace.
Daddy Ling's Hidden Piece
Daddy Ling is at a temple in the Capital now, as healthy as ever, meeting Maleficent Du. He is annoyed the plan went so far astray.
She warns him there is no going back and that he is just a responsible as her for the baby's death.
Back out? Daddy Ling would never! He remains committed. He summons Commander Zhang of the Capital Patrols, with whom he has pretended to be in conflict with for years.
Daddy Ling put his most hidden piece in the most important position.
Identifying the Culprit
XQQ brings forward the ants that ZL brought along with a register of everyone who entered the cold palace. The ants can detect the scent of Gold Incense even a dozen days later. XH wants to test General Lu first but XQQ didn't even list him since he is LHQ trusted 2nd in command. XH however is suspicious about him since he was "ill" instead of leading the guards to Wuying Palace during the assassination attempt. XQQ doesn't think someone from a loyal family could be bought off. Little brother is still to innocent.
The red ant goes straight for General Lu. XH you are right again!
General Lu leads them to Commander Zhang
XH realizes that with LHQ away these 2 are now in charge of the Imperial Assembly patrol.
XH figures out it is Daddy Ling. General Lu has been escorting him around and was supposed to be watching him. While Commander Zhang who appeared against Daddy Ling and thus won XH's trust actually couldn't have risen as smoothly as he did if he was truly against Daddy Ling. XH realizes he missed stuff in the past but he is putting it together quickly now. All these moves go back to Shi Yan's incident.
XH decides to go ahead with the Imperial Assembly in 5 days.
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Our chess players are planning their moves and putting their pieces in play!
LXX helped LHQ rescue Shi Yan. XH asks XL to bring him into the palace to meet with and protect CC.
Let the Show Begin
Enter Male Lead. He really does make a great Emperor!
Did Daddy Ling's entrance just save XH from drinking her wine?
Step forward all the wannabe villains!
Daddy Ling has shown his hand.
XH is prepared, he replaced all the Imperial Guards overnight, and
Who is this force fighting there way through?
Who will win this Round and what will be the body count?
Posted Nov 29, 2025, 4:25 AM UTC