Survivre et prospérer : The Mute Consort

• Counterattack
• Revenge

• Ep. 1
  Everly Swan, now a mute consort, finds herself entangled in the treacherous politics of the palace. The episode begins with a chilling cry for help as a death is discovered near the lotus pond. Everly, accompanied by her attendants, rushes to the scene, where they encounter the lifeless body of a maid named Xi Yue. The maid had been sent by Consort Zhou to care for Everly, who is pregnant. The sudden and mysterious death raises questions and suspicions, hinting at the dangerous undercurrents within the palace walls. As Everly grapples with the tragedy, she is reminded of the fragility of her position and the constant threats she faces. The episode sets the stage for her struggle to survive and protect those she loves in a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every turn.
• Ep. 2
  In the palace, a noblewoman laments the death of a maid named Xiyue, who allegedly slipped and drowned in the dark. She instructs her servant to inform the Imperial Consort to avoid misunderstandings and arranges for Xiyue’s proper burial. The noblewoman reflects on the Emperor’s recent favoritism towards Consort Zhou Wanru, viewing Xiyue’s death as a lesson for her rival. Her servant suggests leveraging the mute second daughter, Everly, who has been brought into the palace, to regain the Emperor’s favor. The noblewoman, intrigued by the plan, praises her servant’s cleverness and hints at rewards for their loyalty. Meanwhile, the servant subtly hints at the timing of Everly’s introduction to the Emperor, setting the stage for a calculated move in the palace’s intricate power struggles.
• Ep. 3
  Everly Swan, now known as Chun'er, faces a pivotal moment in her life as her father decides to send her to the imperial palace to support her half-sister, Yu'er, who is pregnant with the emperor's child. Despite her muteness, Chun'er is expected to navigate the treacherous court politics to secure the family's future. Her father dismisses concerns about her inability to speak, insisting that she must fulfill her duty to the family. Chun'er's mother, heartbroken and powerless, laments her inability to protect her daughter from the family's schemes. However, Chun'er reassures her mother, revealing that she has long anticipated this moment and has her own plans. She vows to use this opportunity to carve out a better future for both of them, despite the dangers that lie ahead. Her mother, though worried, advises Chun'er to remain cautious and avoid drawing attention until she can secure the emperor's favor. She expresses her deepest wish for Chun'er's happiness and safety, rather than wealth or power. Chun'er, determined and resolute, promises to rise above the family's oppression and ensure her mother's well-being, setting the stage for her journey into the imperial court.
• Ep. 4
  Everly Swan, now mute due to her past poisoning, finds herself in a tense household where her half-sister, Yue'er, is praised for her singing talent. The matriarch, Cao, lavishes compliments on Yue'er, calling her the "apple of her eye" and marveling at her quick learning. Everly, standing silently, watches as her mother enters the room, shivering from the cold. The matriarch, ever manipulative, mocks Everly's mother, suggesting that her voice could "seduce a lord." She then strikes a deal, promising rewards if Yue'er can secure a high position through her singing. Everly's mother, desperate, pleads for warmth in their freezing quarters, to which the matriarch coldly agrees, her repeated "good" dripping with insincerity. The scene underscores the stark contrast between Yue'er's privilege and Everly's silent suffering.
• Ep. 5
  Everly’s mother kneels on the ground, enduring humiliation as the matriarch coldly mocks her, promising to spare Everly only if she remains submissive. The matriarch’s cruel words echo, claiming she will keep her word, but her tone drips with disdain. Meanwhile, Everly watches helplessly, her heart breaking as her mother suffers for her sake. Nearby, onlookers sneer and compare Everly to a dog, even suggesting she is lower than a beggar. Their laughter and insults cut deep, but Everly remains silent, her mute voice unable to defend herself or her mother. The scene is a stark reminder of the relentless oppression they face, with Everly’s mother sacrificing her dignity to protect her daughter from further harm.

Ma Note