Episode 10 recap: Feng Da skillfully sues Wu Lian.
Lady of the Ningguo Duke's Residence was concerned about the situation on the large ship and felt anxious about what to do. She sought help from Meng Wan. Meng Wan suggested using a larger boat to rescue Wu Lian. Shortly after, they received news that the Chen Zhi Fu's office had been suspended.
Seven years later, on the journey from Huaizhou to Xiangyang, a distance of three to four hundred li, a significant portion of the Kunlun crabs, filling three large carts, had died. Now, Hu, the boss, had to compensate for the loss. Feng Da, who worked as a convoy guard, made a grand apology, but his head was told to roll. In the midst of the conversation, a guest in the front hall specifically requested Feng Da to escort a convoy. This person was Meng Wan, but Feng Da didn't recognize her until Meng Wan mentioned the promise he made to Xiao Niang Zi years ago. Only then did Feng Da remember.
Feng Da followed Meng Wan's plan and arranged a scene to rescue the chief jailer, Lou Ming Zhang. He successfully intercepted Lou Ming Zhang's carriage and drove it to Huaizhou City.
Inside the prefectural office of Huaizhou, Lou Ming Zhang questioned Chen Zhi Fu. Chen Zhi Fu nodded and stammered in response. Lou Ming Zhang directly demanded that Chen Zhi Fu surrender his official seal and stop the investigation. Lou Ming Zhang personally went to the pier to escort the people on the ship ashore.
On the other side, Meng Wan was in the Ningguo Duke's Residence, appraising tea together with Lady Fu. Lady Fu paced back and forth, asking Meng Wan to think of a solution. Meng Wan suggested that it was time to let go.
Lou Ming Zhang personally sat on the court and interrogated Wu Lian and Zhao Yin. Upon hearing Lou Ming Zhang's name, Zhao Yin directly confessed the incident of Wu Lian's violation of the women at the Yanyu Embroidery Tower. However, Wu Lian shamelessly defended himself just as he did in the past. Lou Ming Zhang directly presented the embroidered samples from the ship, but Wu Lian shamelessly explained that his relationship with Zhao Yin was merely a normal business transaction, and the embroidered goods were not royal tributes. Wu Lian tried to wash himself clean of any guilt and shifted all the blame onto Zhao Yin, accusing him of corruption, smuggling embroidered goods, and engaging in illicit business. However, Zhao Yin directly exposed all the dirty deeds Wu Lian had done, but without authenticated evidence, everything became unsubstantiated.
With the weight of the accusations lifted, Wu Lian returned to his Yanyu Embroidery Tower, while Lou Ming Zhang repeatedly reviewed the case file from seven years ago, but found no clues. He could only wait until evidence was found to capture Wu Lian once again. Lou Ming Zhang discussed with Feng Da, but Mrs. Lou grumbled and urged Lou Ming Zhang to return to the capital to save his life. Lou Ming Zhang immediately decided to take Zhao Yin to the capital first, while the others would plan their journey to return to the capital tomorrow.
Inside the Yanyu Embroidery Tower, Wu Lian soaked in a bathtub, asking Mo Mo about the new embroiderers and their respective rooms.
Liu San Niang, Liu Xin, Shen Mu, and Feng Da gathered together. Feng Da admired Liu San Niang's beauty, while Liu Xin and Shen Mu argued and played around. In the midst of their playful banter, Meng Wan appeared with food. Liu Xin felt fortunate that they didn't bring Wu Lian back to the capital, as it would have allowed him to easily escape and possibly accuse them of false charges. Frustrated, the impulsive Feng Da couldn't understand why they couldn't just get rid of Wu Lian with a single strike. The four of them accused Wu Lian, exchanging words and accusations. Finally, Meng Wan spoke up about the main matter. To her surprise, Wu Lian had conducted his affairs so cleanly over the years that even Zhao Yin couldn't find any substantial evidence. Now that Zhao Yin had turned against Wu Lian, they would leave Lou Ming Zhang in the Huai Gong Mansion.
The five of them raised their cups in celebration and drank to their shared goal of opposing Wu Lian. According to Meng Wan's plan, everyone was assigned their roles. Some were responsible for writing petitions, while others were tasked with posting them. Overnight, the streets and alleys of Huai Prefecture were filled with these petitions. The sound of discussions reached Lou Ming Zhang, who was about to leave. Looking at the plaques on the city gates, which displayed the names of Huai Prefecture, Yanyu Embroidery Tower, and the Duke of Ningguo Mansion, it meant that the Duke of Ningguo Mansion and the Huai Prefectural Office were the protectors of the Yanyu Embroidery Tower. This matter was definitely not simple, and there must be a powerful backing behind Wu Lian.
A person should have a broad mind and not hold grudges, but there are some hatreds that penetrate deep into one's bones and cause great pain. Faced with such oppression and cruelty to one's dignity, should one choose to remain silent and forget?
In ancient times, a girl's chastity was a significant matter. Even in modern society, although it has become more open, there are still high standards for maintaining one's chastity. Girls who strive to preserve their purity still consider it a major aspect of their lives and treat it with caution.
In ancient times, once a woman lost her chastity, death could be the price she paid. I strongly support Lin Ru Lan's idea in the drama that such a heartless person should not be allowed to continue harming others and must face consequences.
However, Lin Ru Lan's bravery and determination alone were not enough. She misplaced her trust in someone and underestimated the complex relationships behind this matter, which ultimately affected her family and friends.
As for her sister, Meng Wan, her initial intention may not have been solely focused on punishing the wrongdoer. She was inclined to resolve conflicts and maintain peace. Due to the dramatic changes within her family, she had to take a desperate gamble by choosing to learn embroidery at the brothel, hoping to avoid trouble and patiently wait for the opportunity to escape her predicament.
She was waiting for the chance to become skilled and leave her suffering behind. However, due to her deep sense of guilt for her good friend and the circumstances she carried on her shoulders, she had to strategize and embark on an irreversible path of revenge.
It is often said that those with a kind heart inevitably suffer torment. This is because their innate goodness makes them feel remorseful when they act in self-interest or deviate from their principles, as they deeply care about not hurting others.
It breaks my heart to see Ru Lan giving her testimony at the yamen. I feel like crying. I don't have the right to "encourage" Ru Lan and others to bravely come forward and speak the truth because I know that even in 2023, sharing such experiences still entails facing immense public scrutiny and psychological trauma.
I simply hope that the audience can be kind with their words and show them some goodwill. I also hope that one day, individuals who have faced similar experiences won't have to worry about the judgment they might receive after speaking the truth. They shouldn't be afraid to voice their thoughts due to the potential criticism and finger-pointing they may encounter.
Rulan's character development is actually flawed. Strictly speaking, there are issues. If we say she was forced by Meng Wan, then I understand the determination to pursue legal action.
However, she initially admired Mr. Wu and their relationship, both before and after becoming intimate, was consensual. She even continued to admire Mr. Wu and had expectations. At most, it can be considered that she was deceived and encountered a scoundrel.
What exactly does she want to accuse Wu Lian of with such persistence? Everything around her is changing, people around her are being influenced and sacrificed, yet she remains determined to sue.
The key issue is that she lacks intelligence and is unable to articulate any useful arguments in court. She becomes speechless when confronted. Yet, she continues to persist in her legal action.
Meng Wan did so much for her, but Rulan doesn't see it or doesn't have the capacity to appreciate it.
In reality, Rulan's character development is not well-rounded. On the other hand, Meng Wan's character has some solidity.
Except for one aspect. Initially, Rulan was just a source of comfort and a ray of sunshine for Meng Wan, who was disappointed in life. In fact, Rulan doesn't have a deep emotional foundation with her.
In the beginning, Rulan didn't even trust her and rejected her because of the Wu Lian incident, but Meng Wan still valued Rulan so much. Because of Rulan, Meng Wan's character undergoes a drastic change.
But I'm not really sympathetic towards Rulan's character. I may sound harsh, but I think she's as dull as a pig. Until now, I haven't figured out what she wants to achieve by sacrificing everything and making such a big fuss.
What crime does she want to charge Wu Lian with? Rape doesn't exist. Seduction can be argued, but she's also essentially standing up for other women without being able to provide evidence against them.
So, what is the purpose and meaning behind her actions? It seems utterly pointless.
Don't you think there's a problem with the characterization of the female lead? She clearly knows the truth, yet she doesn't tell her close friend.
In her own words, she had no choice but to enter the embroidery building, but it's different for Lin Ru Lan. Lin Ru Lan comes from a wealthy family. If she had informed her of the truth and helped her leave the embroidery building, she wouldn't have met such a tragic end.
Seeking revenge afterward is just ridiculous, and it's all for her own sake.
Please don't say it's for Lin Ru Lan's sake. If I were Lin Ru Lan, I would never be friends with someone like that.
I feel that this drama is the author's depiction of the dark aspects prevalent in society today, translated into ancient settings. How many "respected gentlemen" in our present society exploit naive women under the guise of morality and virtue!
These individuals often have influential backgrounds and collude with those in power. It's difficult for girls from humble backgrounds to resist their advances! Therefore, whether in modern or ancient times, girls must be vigilant, raise their awareness, and protect themselves.
They should never be deceived by the seemingly refined and cultured facade of these individuals, as it's often themselves who suffer the most in the end!
I feel sorry for Ru Lan's situation. But getting pregnant before marriage was consensual, and moreover, after the incident with Wu, she even felt secretly happy in her heart. How could that be considered coercion?
There might be manipulation involved, but it's not the direct cause.
At least, that's how it appears from the situation with San Niang and Wu.