Episode 4 of The Princess Royal continues the emotional and political journey of Princess Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan as they struggle to understand the betrayals that ended their previous lives. After escaping an attempted abduction orchestrated by Yang Quan, the former husband and wife find themselves alone in the wilderness, where their shared memories force them to reconsider the painful history of their marriage.

Although Li Rong remains determined to avoid marrying Pei Wenxuan again, their unexpected time together begins to reveal that the truth behind their unhappy relationship is far more complicated than either believed. Meanwhile, the threat posed by Yang Quan places Li Rong in immediate danger, forcing the pair to cooperate despite their lingering resentment.

As the night continues, Li Rong struggles to accept Pei Wenxuan’s explanation about Su Rongqing’s possible involvement in her death. For nearly twenty years, Su Rongqing remained beside her, offering companionship after her marriage deteriorated. She had believed their relationship was built on mutual trust and affection. Now, the possibility that he had secretly used her to pursue revenge against the imperial family leaves her devastated.

Pei Wenxuan explains that the destruction of the Su family gave Su Rongqing a powerful reason to resent the Li dynasty. Although Li Rong protected him after his family’s downfall, her kindness could not erase the suffering he endured. Pei Wenxuan believes that Su Rongqing may have manipulated the situation surrounding their deaths to eliminate his political enemies and gain control over the Princess Royal’s influence.

Li Rong begins crying as she considers the possibility that the man she trusted most may have betrayed her. Pei Wenxuan notices her distress but struggles to comfort her. Their relationship has always been complicated, and he knows that criticizing Su Rongqing further will only deepen her pain. Instead, he gently warns her that becoming involved with Su Rongqing again could expose her to the same dangers that destroyed her previous life.

Meanwhile, political maneuvering continues within the imperial palace. Yang Wan secretly visits the Emperor’s favored Concubine Rou, hoping to establish an alliance that could influence the struggle for the throne. The Yang family possesses considerable military power, but its position is increasingly threatened by the Emperor’s determination to reduce the influence of powerful aristocratic families.

Yang Wan offers Concubine Rou an opportunity to cooperate against their political rivals. However, the concubine refuses to commit herself to the proposed alliance. Confident in the Emperor’s affection and her son’s position, she believes that becoming entangled in the Yang family’s schemes could prove dangerous. Yang Wan warns her that remaining neutral may not be possible once the political conflict intensifies.

Back in the wilderness, Pei Wenxuan notices that Li Rong is cold and exhausted. He removes his outer robe and places it over her so that she can rest more comfortably. Although he is shivering beside the fire, he does not complain.

When Li Rong notices his discomfort, she invites him to lie beside her. Their closeness creates an unexpectedly intimate atmosphere, reminding them of the early years of their marriage when their relationship was still affectionate.

As they talk, Li Rong asks whether Pei Wenxuan intends to reunite with Qin Zhenzhen now that he has returned to the past. His response reveals that he has considered the possibility, but he has not actively pursued her.

The conversation gradually becomes more serious. Li Rong explains that she wants to use their second chance to change the tragic destinies of the people around them, especially her younger brother Li Chuan and Su Rongqing. She no longer wants to spend her life fighting the same political battles or watching the people she cares about suffer.

Pei Wenxuan listens quietly. Although he still disagrees with some of her decisions, he recognizes that her intentions are sincere. Their conversation allows them to reach a fragile understanding: whatever happens in the future, they should avoid becoming enemies again.

As Li Rong eventually falls asleep, Pei Wenxuan reflects on their previous marriage. He remembers that their relationship was not always filled with resentment. During their early years together, they shared moments of genuine happiness and companionship.

However, political ambition, jealousy, and misunderstandings gradually destroyed their trust. He particularly regrets the occasions when Li Rong suffered because of her efforts to protect Su Rongqing. Looking back, Pei Wenxuan realizes that he often failed to understand her feelings or offer support when she needed it most.

The following morning, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan awaken lying close together. Their unexpected intimacy leaves both embarrassed, and Pei Wenxuan quickly assures her that nothing inappropriate happened during the night. Li Rong responds with her usual teasing, but the tension between them has noticeably softened.

Their peaceful moment is interrupted by the sound of approaching horses.

Pei Wenxuan immediately pulls Li Rong into the nearby grass, fearing that Yang Quan’s men have discovered their location. However, they soon recognize the newcomers as Crown Prince Li Chuan and Su Rongqing, who have arrived with a group of men to search for the missing princess.

Li Rong initially prepares to reveal herself, but seeing Su Rongqing causes her to hesitate. Memories of their previous life return, along with the painful possibility that he may have been responsible for her death.

Pei Wenxuan notices her reaction and reminds her that the young Su Rongqing standing before them has not yet experienced the events that led to his family’s destruction. At this point in history, he remains a respected nobleman who has not committed the acts Pei Wenxuan suspects him of carrying out in their previous life.

His words help Li Rong regain her composure.

When she finally emerges from hiding, Li Chuan rushes toward her in relief. He is delighted to discover that his sister is unharmed, but his gratitude quickly turns into suspicion when he notices Pei Wenxuan standing beside her.

Li Chuan angrily warns Pei Wenxuan to stay away from his sister. He does not trust the young scholar and fears that the incident could damage Li Rong’s reputation.

Li Rong reassures her brother that Pei Wenxuan helped protect her from the attackers. Although Li Chuan remains unconvinced, he eventually agrees to escort them back to the capital.

During their return journey, Li Rong rides with Li Chuan while Pei Wenxuan travels alongside Su Rongqing. Seeing her younger brother cheerful and energetic fills Li Rong with sadness because she remembers the bitter and suspicious emperor he eventually became.

She recalls how personal tragedy and political conflict changed Li Chuan’s personality. Determined to prevent that future, she silently promises to protect his happiness and preserve the close relationship they currently share.

Meanwhile, Pei Wenxuan observes Su Rongqing carefully during their conversation. Certain remarks and expressions strike him as unusual, causing him to wonder whether Su Rongqing might also possess memories of another lifetime.

Although he has no proof, Pei Wenxuan becomes increasingly cautious.

Upon returning to the imperial palace, Li Rong is summoned to meet her mother, Empress Shangguan Yue. Pei Wenxuan accompanies her to the palace but remains outside while she enters the Empress’s chambers.

Li Rong expects her mother to express concern about the attempted abduction. Instead, she is shocked when the Empress immediately raises the possibility of marrying her to Yang Quan.

The proposal reveals the extent of the political pressure surrounding the imperial family.

The Empress fears that Concubine Rou and her son, Li Chang, are gaining influence with the Emperor. She also worries that the Emperor intends to weaken the Yang family’s military authority and transfer power to political figures more favorable to his preferred succession plans.

Believing that an alliance with the Yang family could protect Li Chuan’s position as Crown Prince, the Empress considers marrying Li Rong to Yang Quan a necessary political sacrifice.

Li Rong strongly opposes the idea.

She reminds her mother that Yang Quan attempted to abduct her and that the Yang family’s arrogance has already made it a target of imperial suspicion. Rather than protecting Li Chuan, such a marriage could give the Emperor another reason to attack the Crown Prince’s supporters.

The disagreement quickly becomes personal. Li Rong asks whether her mother has considered her happiness or safety, or whether she sees her daughter only as a political tool.

The Empress becomes furious and slaps Li Rong.

Although deeply hurt, Li Rong refuses to surrender. She declares that she will marry Pei Wenxuan instead of Yang Quan. Because Pei Wenxuan comes from a declining noble family, their marriage would be less threatening to the Emperor and could help preserve Li Chuan’s position.

Li Rong promises that she will continue protecting her younger brother, but she asks her mother to remember that she is also a daughter who deserves care and consideration.

After leaving the Empress’s chambers, Li Rong attempts to conceal her swollen cheek with a fan. However, Pei Wenxuan immediately notices that something is wrong.

When he learns that the Empress wants Li Rong to marry Yang Quan, he proposes a practical solution.

He suggests that they marry again, not because they intend to repeat their previous relationship, but because the arrangement would benefit them politically. Once Li Chuan’s position becomes secure and the immediate danger has passed, they can separate peacefully and pursue independent lives.

Li Rong considers his proposal carefully. Although she originally returned to the past determined never to marry Pei Wenxuan again, she now recognizes that he understands the imperial court better than almost anyone else.

Their shared memories give them a significant advantage. Together, they could anticipate political threats and prevent some of the tragedies that occurred during their previous lives.

The proposal therefore becomes the foundation of a new alliance.

Later, the Empress summons Pei Wenxuan for a private conversation. He openly expresses his willingness to marry Li Rong and presents a carefully reasoned political strategy designed to protect the Crown Prince without provoking the Emperor.

His intelligence and confidence impress the Empress. Although she initially doubted whether a man from his background could provide sufficient political support, she begins to recognize that Pei Wenxuan possesses valuable abilities.

After leaving the Empress’s palace, Pei Wenxuan receives another summons, this time from Emperor Li Ming.

Outside the imperial hall, he encounters Yang Quan, who has arrived to request permission to marry Li Rong. The meeting immediately becomes hostile because both men understand that they are competing for the same marriage.

Pei Wenxuan deliberately provokes Yang Quan by revealing that he spent the previous night protecting Li Rong. He implies that their circumstances have already strengthened his position as the preferred prince consort.

Yang Quan becomes furious, realizing that his failed abduction scheme may have helped his rival.

When both men enter the Emperor’s presence, Yang Quan formally requests Li Rong’s hand in marriage. However, the Emperor refuses to grant immediate approval and dismisses his proposal without making a commitment.

Pei Wenxuan remains composed throughout the exchange, knowing that the Emperor’s suspicion of the Yang family works in his favor.

Episode 4 concludes with Pei Wenxuan moving closer to securing another marriage with Li Rong, while Yang Quan’s ambitions face growing resistance. The former husband and wife have begun to transform their painful shared history into a strategic advantage, but their renewed partnership also places them at the center of the imperial family’s dangerous political struggle.

The episode marks a major development in Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan’s relationship. Their conversations in the wilderness reveal lingering affection beneath their resentment, while their decision to consider marriage again demonstrates a willingness to cooperate for a better future.

At the same time, Li Rong’s confrontation with her mother exposes the emotional cost of royal politics. Her determination to protect Li Chuan without sacrificing her own freedom establishes her as a more independent and calculating figure than she was during her first life.

With Yang Quan still determined to gain power and Su Rongqing’s true intentions remaining uncertain, Li Rong and Pei Wenxuan’s second chance promises both new dangers and the possibility of finally correcting the mistakes that once destroyed them.