Episode 6 recap: Liu San Niang seduced the wealthy Mr.Gui
At the Ningguo Mansion, Wu Lian gathered with Meng Wan and Lady Ningguo. There was an unmistakable killing intent in Meng Wan's eyes. Upon returning to Yan Yu Lou, Wu Lian took out the painting of the group photo from years ago and carefully pondered over it. She couldn't shake the feeling that there were intricate connections between Meng Wan and Xu Yuan Wai's eldest daughter, Niang Zi. Wu Lian commanded her subordinates to investigate the whereabouts of Niang Zi from the Xu Yuan Wai family.
Seven years later, Liu San Niang arrived late, offering drinks and apologizing to the numerous officials. As the crowd discussed among themselves, Liu Xin accidentally fell from the rooftop. Liu San Niang, who initially intended to report the incident, paused upon hearing the name Rulan and welcomed Liu Xin inside.
The room was now empty, with only Liu Xin and Liu San Niang present. Liu Xin introduced a young man named Zhao Yin, a privileged son from the capital, who had recently arrived in Xunzhou Prefecture. He was known to frequent brothels and his first order of business in any new place was to befriend the local famous courtesans. If he favored someone, it would bring them one step closer to overthrowing Wu Lian. However, the current Liu San Niang no longer wished to involve herself in Wu Lian's affairs. Dwelling on the past would only tarnish Lin Rulan's reputation once again. Seeing Liu San Niang's resolute refusal, Liu Xin had no choice but to ask her to return to Huaizhou Prefecture.
At the Ningguo Mansion, Wu Lian brought in a fortune teller and, in front of Lady Ningguo, forcefully questioned him. Under pressure, he eventually admitted that a crippled man had indeed purchased Hu Ban Xian's cloth banners, copper bells, and the Eight Trigrams disc. With solid evidence now available, the deception of the impostor was exposed. Lady Ningguo dismissed Wu Lian and requested some time to consider the situation.
Lady Ningguo was dissatisfied with the various embroidery patterns provided by Meng Wan. In the end, she decided to take Meng Wan on a visit to Yan Yu Xiu Lou. Although Meng Wan hesitated, she ultimately couldn't refuse the invitation.
As Liu San Niang and Meng Wan met, Meng Wan kindly advised her to let go of the past and not get entangled in old memories. Meng Wan didn't give a direct response but instead shared the recent rumors she had heard. In Huai Prefecture, a nobleman had kept a courtesan, but unfortunately, the courtesan offended a powerful figure and fled overnight. Soon after, even the nobleman suffered, enduring torment and horror. Not only did he lose his immense wealth, but he also lost his sanity. He ended up wandering the streets for seven years, completely deranged. Only Liu San Niang seemed capable of convincing him. Outside the window, Lord Yuan knelt on the ground begging for food. Liu San Niang rushed out and embraced her lord, and in that moment, his senses became clear. With an incredulous expression, he offered Liu San Niang the steamed bun he had grabbed, expressing his apologies.
Liu San Niang brought her lord back to the Sparrow Garden, where a peacock had been brought from the Flower Planting Pavilion. When Liu San Niang escaped from Huai Prefecture and entered the Flower Planting Pavilion, she saw the peacock for the first time. It was displayed in a golden cage, suspended high in the hall, for people to mock and enjoy. From that day on, she resolved to seek wealth and power, thinking she had escaped her past. Now, she found it all laughable. Liu San Niang had already learned of Zhao Yin's whereabouts.
Zhao Yin was inside the Flower Planting Pavilion, toying with women when Liu San Niang, with her musical talent and beauty, instantly caught his attention. Zhao Yin begged Mother Wang to help him arrange a meeting with Liu San Niang. Mother Wang remembered that every year, there would be a Flower Feast Night in Liu San Niang's Sparrow Garden. During the event, distinguished officials, literati, and guests from all over Xun Prefecture would gather. At the banquet, San Niang would play the zither and invite the guests to perform together, hoping to win applause from the whole audience. Liu Xin witnessed all of this and was satisfied.
Afterwards, Liu San Niang and Zhao Yin drank together. Zhao Yin couldn't contain his lust and attempted to make a move on Liu San Niang. When she pushed him away, he thought it was because his payment was insufficient. He then directly held San Niang's hand and invited her to return to the capital with him to buy a house and acquire land. San Niang requested that Zhao Yin bring her a painting of the "Misty Rain Embroidery."
The next day, Zhao Yin, Liu San Niang, and Liu Xin, disguised as a brother, traveled to Liuzhou for business. While drinking with Zhao Yin, Wu Lian unintentionally mentioned Liu San Niang, causing Wu Lian to become more vigilant and order his soldiers to capture her. Just as Liu San Niang was in danger, Shen Mu appeared with his men.
Mr. Wu is the kind of person with a great image and reputation. His embroidery works are sought after by the upper class. That's why ordinary families are willing to send their daughters to his embroidery building to learn the craft, only to become his prey.
Some girls are forced into it, while others are naive and ignorant about such matters. They may feel uneasy about it, but Mr. Wu claims it is beneficial for learning embroidery skills and for their emotional development...
This is also a real-life issue. Many children lack sexual knowledge, and when someone tells you it's a game or a learning opportunity, you may sense that something is wrong but not understand why.
The victims don't know how to refuse or protect themselves.
Women seeking justice not only require courage but also strategic thinking! Otherwise, others' sweet words and deceptive actions can distort the truth.
However, I believe that when a woman stands tall and fights for justice, there are always righteous people who can discern right from wrong standing behind her, offering their support.
The portrayal of human nature in this drama truly touched me.