The following contains spoilers for Episode 11 of Raven of the Inner Palace, “Groundwork,” now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Danger lurks in the shadows for Shouxue and those she holds dear as Raven of the Inner Palace approaches its final episodes. As Shouxue gets closer to unearthing the plot against her in Episode 11, she begins to regret the friendships she has made as she realizes the danger that surrounds her.
Shouxue’s vision in Episode 9 revealed the face of a man she calls the Owl, leaving her confused and fearful. Though this mysterious figure has only appeared a few times, his mission is clear: he wants to kill Shouxue. Given the historical connection between the Raven Consort and the Emperor, the Owl poses an even more significant threat, as Shouxue’s death could spell trouble for the entire kingdom. Amid this pressing danger, Shouxue also contends with the role her new friendships play in the rising conflict.
Shouxue Gets Closer to the Truth About Feng Xiao Yue
After hearing about the corpse of the court lady found in the forest in Episode 10, Shouxue gets to work to uncover her identity and find the cause behind her death. Believing the victim may be connected to the court lady who visited her one night asking her to raise someone from the dead, she asks Wen Ying to investigate. Shouxue and Wen Ying also discuss the nature of the victim’s injuries and posit that her neck wounds could have come from human teeth, suggesting a gruesome act behind the murder.
As Shouxue and Wen Ying continue their investigation, they find that the Magpie Consort has isolated herself from everyone but a eunuch named Feng Xiao Yue due to her intense grief. This eunuch is the mysterious figure known to Shouxue as the Owl. Startled, she asks Wen Ying to proceed with caution and not get too close. Shouxue also realizes it was the Magpie Consort who once visited her with a strange request.
With all the puzzle pieces coming together, it is becoming clear that Feng Xiao Yue is using dark magic and violence to fulfill the Magpie Consort’s request and bring her deceased brother back to life. This is an act that not even the Raven Consort can do, demonstrating the deeply disturbing power behind Feng Xiao Yue that makes him an even more terrifying threat to Shouxue’s life.
The Investigation Puts Wen Ying in Danger
Though Shouxue tells Wen Ying to be careful, his investigation leads him to cross paths with Feng Xiao Yue. Though the scene is brief, it suggests that Feng Xiao Yue attacks Wen Ying, potentially even killing him. When concern over Wen Ying’s absence arises, Shouxue expresses her regret over the relationships she has formed. She feels as if her carelessness and selfishness has put those around her in danger. With the implications of her role as Raven Consort and the fate of her friends, she has become afraid of both dying and losing those she loves. The threat that hangs over her has become even more personal.
As the series nears its conclusion, fans anticipate a thrilling climax to Raven of the Inner Palace’s beautifully told saga. With the lives of beloved characters hanging in the balance and Feng Xiao Yue’s sinister smile foretelling the trouble that lies ahead, the final episodes are sure to be breathtaking.