Episode 17 recap: Lu Jiang discovered that Guo Zhen Sheng had left, while Li Teng Yun was severely injured while trying to save Pei Lan.
Guo Zhen Sheng was meditating in his room when he overheard Lu Jiang and Du Ru Yu talking outside. Lu Jiang wanted to take Lu Bu Ping and leave the Chun family, but Du Ru Yu was desperately trying to persuade him to stay until he recovered. When Guo Zhen Sheng went out, Du Ru Yu asked him to fetch some ginseng from the medicine room, as she wanted to make a tonic soup for Lu Jiang. Guo Zhen Sheng refused outright, but Du Ru Yu commanded him to retrieve it. Guo Zhen Sheng turned and left, while Du Ru Yu told Lu Jiang that something seemed off with Guo Zhen Sheng these past few days and advised him not to follow in his footsteps.
Pei Lan knelt in front of her father's memorial tablet and confided her feelings. She admitted that she liked Lu Bu Ping, but he was the son of the martial arts alliance leader and would become the future head of the Lu family. She didn't want to hold him back and considered staying with her parents for the rest of her life. Meanwhile, Lu Bu Ping was washing vegetables and speculated that Pei Lan must have feelings for him. When Pei Lan approached him, Lu Bu Ping quickly apologized for his behavior the previous day, and Pei Lan said she shouldn't have taken Master Li's shoes and promised to return them today.
Suddenly, Li Teng Yun entered looking for Pei Lan, and Lu Bu Ping became furious upon seeing him. They started arguing loudly, and it almost escalated into a physical confrontation if it weren't for Pei Lan intervening. Pei Lan was about to return Li Teng Yun's shoes, but he insisted on inviting her to dinner at the Chun Jiang Tower as a way to thank her for the eggs she gave him. He cheerfully bid farewell without waiting for Pei Lan's response.
Lu Bu Ping angrily asked about the eggs. Guo Zhen Sheng was distracted while preparing medicinal herbs in the medicine room and nearly cut his finger. Ban Xia asked him what was wrong, and he complained about Du Ru Yu's excessive attention toward Lu Jiang. Ban Xia considered it normal since Lu Xia was a guest, and besides, Lu Bu Ping had been scolded by his mother for the past few days, so his mother knew what was going on.
Ban Xia knew that Guo Zhen Sheng refused to give ginseng to Lu Jiang and believed he was in the wrong. She also mentioned that Lu Bu Ping often helped with the herbs, so their master was being too stingy. After Ban Xia left, Guo Zhen Sheng began to doubt himself. Even Ban Xia thought he was wrong. Could it really be his fault? Pei Lan recounted the incident of giving Li Teng Yun an egg to Lu Bu Ping, who understood Li Teng Yun's feelings. Receiving an egg from Pei Lan when he needed support would definitely leave an impression on him.
Pei Lan assured him that she had no ulterior motives. However, Lu Bu Ping couldn't help but be conflicted because he didn't trust Pei Lan completely, as she was unable to refuse others. Pei Lan told him not to worry and promised not to have any further contact with him. But Lu Bu Ping still couldn't shake off his concerns, and despite saying he wasn't angry, Pei Lan noticed that he had a nosebleed.
Ban Xia came to diagnose Lu Bu Ping and concluded that he had an excessive internal heat. Pei Lan offered to cook for him and assured him that she wouldn't go anywhere that night.
In the evening, Li Teng Yun came to find Pei Lan as she hadn't shown up despite him waiting for her for two hours. Pei Lan explained that she hadn't promised to go and that she was taking care of the sick Lu Bu Ping. She quickly handed Li Teng Yun his shoes and he reluctantly left.
The next day, Pei Lan brewed a herbal tea for Lu Bu Ping and brought it to him. Lu Bu Ping thought of chopping more firewood for Pei Lan since she would be responsible for it once he left. Just then, they heard the sound of someone chopping wood outside and hurriedly went to check. It turned out to be Li Teng Yun, who had come early in the morning to chop wood. Lu Bu Ping immediately tried to stop him, but Li Teng Yun insisted on helping Pei Lan with the work. This made Lu Bu Ping so angry that he started to have a nosebleed again.
Guo Zhen Sheng was bored and watched Lu Jiang and Ke Ling playing soccer together while Du Ru Yu served them tea, appearing blissful. Guo Zhen Sheng felt that he should give up. In the evening, Guo Zhen Sheng packed his belongings and prepared to leave. Unconsciously, he found himself standing in front of Du Ru Yu's door and silently bidding her farewell in his heart. Unexpectedly, Du Ru Yu opened the door and was puzzled about why he was there. Guo Zhen Sheng could only say that he was passing by. Du Ru Yu asked him to fetch some ginseng soup and clean up Ke Ling's room since Lu Jiang and Lu Bu Ping had already left. Guo Zhen Sheng was overjoyed upon hearing this and happily went to tidy up the room.
Lu Bu Ping believed that Li Teng Yun's persistent pursuit of Pei Lan wasn't a solution, and he wanted to take Pei Lan to Dali to pursue their own happiness. In the evening, Lu Bu Ping waited at the dock but didn't see Pei Lan. Instead, Lu Jiang arrived. It turned out that Pei Lan had thought it over and told Lu Jiang about Lu Bu Ping's plan to elope, as she didn't want to hold him back. Lu Jiang considered Pei Lan a sensible girl and supported Lu Bu Ping in pursuing his own happiness. He agreed to stay behind.
Si Huang Zi accompanied the Empress Dowager and enjoyed some layered cake. He thought of Ke Ling and asked permission from the Empress Dowager to go out for a while. Ke Ling was thinking about Si Huang Zi when Shi Zi came and delivered a letter from Si Huang Zi. Lu Bu Ping decided to stay, and Pei Lan was delighted. Lu Bu Ping asked when would be a suitable time for his father to come and propose marriage. As Lu Bu Ping went to buy steamed buns, Li Teng Yun happened to see Pei Lan standing alone and was about to approach her when suddenly a startled horse charged towards Pei Lan. Without hesitation, Li Teng Yun threw himself in front of her to shield her and ended up being seriously injured by the startled horse.
The main story of this drama revolves around Du Ru Yu, a spirited and capable mother who goes to great lengths to find good matches for her daughters.
The eldest daughter is unmarried at thirty and enjoys being spoiled. The second daughter is reliable and capable, working as a chef at home.
The third daughter loves reading and works at the pharmacy with her martial uncle. The youngest daughter considers herself a female hero and travels with two loyal followers, upholding justice.
In just two episodes, the main storyline and character traits are clearly established, while the humor is abundant and there are constant high-energy twists.
This period comedy incorporates many real-life pain points, such as "leftover women" and "plastic sisterhood," allowing viewers to relate on a personal level.
What's even more commendable is that while delivering laughs, the drama doesn't come across as contrived.
Instead, it resonates with the audience.