Episode 1 recap: He Jiu Ling completed her studies and descended from the mountain, while Rong Yu provided relief to the disaster-stricken people.
A girl in a red dress led a donkey down the mountain. The world below was bustling with noise and excitement. As she walked and observed, everything appeared novel and intriguing to her. She couldn't help but marvel at how a single day in the mountains equated to a thousand years in the world below. On the streets, the girls were gathered around a painter, eagerly purchasing Rong Yu's paintings. The girl was unimpressed, wondering if even these pretty boys were now so popular. She believed she could handle three of them with a single whip.
General He Liang, stationed in the capital, received a report from his subordinate that his third son, He San, was outside the camp with a girl, seeking an audience. He Liang came out to investigate and witnessed He San behaving intimately with the girl. He immediately rushed forward and kicked him to the ground, disapproving of his involvement with the girl. He San cried out in protest, and He Liang even considered striking him. However, the girl stopped He Liang, revealing herself to be He Liang's beloved daughter, He Jiu Ling.
He Jiu Ling reported to her father that her master had taught her everything she needed to learn, and therefore, had allowed her to descend from the mountain. To compensate for He Jiu Ling's hardships on the mountain, He Liang took her out to enjoy delicious food. After their meal, he bought her many beautiful clothes. Seeing He Jiu Ling in her new attire, looking pure and lovely, He Liang couldn't help but sigh. He Jiu Ling asked her father what was wrong, and He Liang explained that when she was very young, the family had arranged a marriage for her. Now that she had returned after completing her studies and reached the age to marry, he feared they wouldn't have much time together.
He Jiu Ling inquired about the person in question, and He Liang replied that it was Rong Yu, the assistant head of the astrology hall. He Jiu Ling was displeased upon hearing this, as she disliked the pretty boy who had been painted by the artist. However, upon learning of He Jiu Ling's return, Rong Yu felt delighted.
He recalled an incident from a month ago. There had been severe flooding that year, and many people were displaced. Rong Yu had bought a lot of meat buns on the street to provide relief to the disaster victims. He Jiu Ling managed to eat a few of them, and the victims referred to the person distributing the buns as a living bodhisattva. He Jiu Ling had also heard that the person was a beautiful young lady.
On the way, He Jiu Ling encountered Rong Yu's carriage again. Several unruly individuals tried to extort money from Rong Yu, but He Jiu Ling couldn't stand by and helped drive them away. Upon learning that they were heading to Shangzhou, and sensing that the journey wouldn't be peaceful, she volunteered to escort her sister to Shangzhou.
On the way, they encountered more disaster victims. Rong Yu and his two subordinates, along with He Jiu Ling, distributed food to the victims. From their conversations, Rong Yu became even more convinced that the relief funds provided by the court were not washed away by the flood, but rather part of a conspiracy. That night, they stayed in an inn, and He Jiu Ling suddenly started her menstrual cycle. She asked Rong Yu for a menstrual belt, and Rong Yu quickly transformed his brand-new undergarment into a makeshift belt overnight. He also thoughtfully made red sugar water for He Jiu Ling.
He Jiu Ling received the menstrual belt outside the door and felt even more favorable towards her previously unknown sister after drinking the red sugar water. When they reached a safe area, He Jiu Ling and Rong Yu parted ways but made a special arrangement to celebrate the Qixi Festival together. Back at home, He Jiu Ling was determined to sabotage her engagement with Rong Yu. She sought the help of He San, but when he saw the tight security at the Rong residence, he poured the medicine given by He Jiu Ling into Rong Yu's horse trough.
He Jiu Ling decided to take matters into her own hands. She climbed over the walls and arrived at the Rong residence. In fact, Rong Yu had known in advance about He San and He Jiu Ling's arrival. He instructed his subordinate, He Shan, not to disturb He Jiu Ling and wanted to see what tricks she had up her sleeve.
He Jiu Ling climbed into the courtyard but was discovered by her visiting father, He Liang. He Liang chased after her relentlessly, almost catching He Jiu Ling. Rong Yu hurriedly stepped in and stopped He Liang, stating that it wasn't worth General He's effort to deal with a petty thief in his residence. He Jiu Ling took the opportunity to escape back home.
Her eldest brother and sister-in-law were waiting for He Jiu Ling to have dinner. When He Liang returned and sat at the table, he brought up He Jiu Ling's marriage to Rong Yu, stating that Rong Yu was the best candidate for a husband. He Jiu Ling expressed her disagreement, and He Liang angrily stated that she could have her say in anything except for this matter.
Upon hearing this, He Jiu Ling turned and walked away. He Liang instructed the family to keep an eye on He Jiu Ling since the next day was the Astrology Festival, and they couldn't let her cause trouble. The next day, He San still released He Jiu Ling. He knew that by allowing her to attend the Astrology Festival, he would be in for a beating, but he couldn't help indulging his sister. He Jiu Ling was also determined to disrupt the festival and turn everything upside down, making the Rong residence come to her and call off the engagement.
When those who abandoned you in your most helpless moments, whether they are relatives, friends, or lovers, there's no need to continue deepening your relationships with them. They are fully aware of your suffering, yet they can coldly stand by, or even kick you when you're down.
Because when you become strong, they will forget your weaknesses, and when you are vulnerable, they will magnify your flaws. People like that are never worth forming deep connections with or forgiving.
My favorite bittersweet scene is when faced with the person they love, who is naturally gifted with eloquence, Rong Yu stutters and fidgets nervously, their hands trembling. Even their confession is polite and restrained, avoiding any abruptness, as they solemnly express their love and await a sincere response.
The heartbreaking scene is when the two of them misunderstand each other in a room at the tavern. Rong Yu becomes visibly upset, their eyes turning red...
Jiuling suffered from a strange illness and was sent to Wuhua Mountain for treatment when she was six years old. Although her master loved her, he had a peculiar temperament and didn't like outsiders disturbing him.
He often accompanied various insects and monsters, and frequently went on journeys. There was no one to take care of her in Wuhua Mountain, except for an older martial brother who was only a few years older than her.
They had simple meals, let alone teaching her other things. So, even ten years later when she recovered from her illness and descended the mountain, Jiuling still had the hairstyle of a six-year-old child with two braids pointing upwards.
This hairstyle is very fitting for the storyline. In addition, this drama mainly highlights the male lead's celestial appearance, while the female lead is more adorable, mischievous, and dominant.
The early portrayal by Yiren was particularly lively. Jiuling truly embodies her character. I have also seen many of Yiren's modern school-themed dramas, and they were good too. Recently, I came across Yiren's reality show "Peach Blossom Valley," and I felt a special sense of empathy.
But I want to say, don't exhaust yourself mentally. Just focus on being yourself. If you discover your shortcomings, make efforts to improve what you can, and accept the things that cannot be changed.
You have so much because you deserve it.