Episode 32 recap: Pei Xing Jian sought alternative ways to procure military provisions.
Upon returning home, Wang Jun Meng's father informed him that they temporarily couldn't provide such a large amount of grain and forage. Wang Jun Meng was deeply worried because the entire Western Province was currently dealing with the threat from the Zhang family. If the Wang family failed to fulfill their obligations at this critical moment, it would undoubtedly lead to problems. Wang Jun Meng didn't want his father to act ungratefully, so he became angry and left.
Wang Jun Meng also shared the situation with Ai Chongyu. Unexpectedly, Su Nanjin was still attempting to undermine them. Nonetheless, Ai Chongyu expressed gratitude to Wang Jun Meng. Though Wang Jun Meng sincerely supported the Ai family, he felt somewhat uncomfortable receiving such praise from Ai Chongyu.
Soon, it was time to deliver the grain and forage. Pei Xing Jian and Ai Chongyu supervised the process. Pei Xing Jian knew that Su Nanjin intentionally targeted him and the Ai family on this occasion, even attempting to bribe other influential figures. Su Nanjin wanted to embarrass the Ai family. Pei Xing Jian tried to console Ai Chongyu, emphasizing that people are driven by self-interest. However, Ai Chongyu was still angry, feeling that they were resorting to any means necessary for personal gain.
Ai Chongyu also stated that he would resign from his official position in the future and no longer involve himself in such turmoil. Su Nanjin visited the Protectorate Office and informed Pei Xing Jian and Ai Chongyu of his intention to marry Zhang Min Niang. Ai Chongyu deliberately mentioned that Pei Xing Jian recognized Zhang Min Niang as a sworn sister, implying that Su Nanjin was like a younger brother to him. Upon hearing this, Su Nanjin became furious and found an excuse to leave.
In reality, Ai Chongyu was intentionally teasing Su Nanjin. Although he couldn't take direct action, this was enough to satisfy him. Suddenly, Ai Chongyu received news that his father had fallen ill. They hurriedly returned home, where his father warned Pei Xing Jian and Ai Chongyu not to fall into Su Nanjin's trap. Su Nanjin's actions were pushing the Ai family and other major clans towards confrontation, putting the Ai family in a difficult position.
Ai Chongyu's father expressed gratitude to Pei Xing Jian for everything he had done for the Ai family. Although they were uncertain about the future of the Ai family, it remained unclear whether the other major clans would succumb to Su Nanjin's manipulation.
At first, Ai Chongyu's stepmother didn't agree with what Liu Li had said and even mocked her. However, to her surprise, Liu Li's words turned out to be true. Ai Chongyu's stepmother suddenly realized that even though the Ai family had once been kind to the other major clans, now they were disregarding each other for the sake of their own interests.
Zhang Min Niang gave a flute to Su Nanjin, who liked it very much. Su Nanjin asked about their relationship with Pei Xing Jian, and Zhang Min Niang complained. Su Nanjin said that he would make sure Zhang Min Niang lived a good life in the future and wouldn't make her do things she didn't like.
Just as Zhang Canjun was about to go find Ai Chongyu, he saw someone being dragged out and beaten. He was worried that Ai Chongyu was venting his frustration about the grain and forage on someone. Zhang Canjun quickly went to find Su Nanjin. Seeing that Zhang Canjun was visibly upset, Su Nanjin thought it might be a good idea to let him probe for information. Zhang Canjun found Pei Xing Jian, who was in his office, and deliberately mentioned that time was running out but the grain and forage were not yet fully gathered. Even the merchants were unwilling to sell most of the provisions. Pei Xing Jian remained calm and composed, and Zhang Canjun had no choice but to leave.
Today was the day of Su Nanjin and Zhang Min Niang's wedding. People from the other major clans were now on Su Nanjin's side. It was clear that gathering military provisions was of utmost importance, and they couldn't afford any issues for the sake of personal gain. Su Nanjin assured them that they should not worry and he would handle it. On the day of Su Nanjin's wedding to Zhang Min Niang, Ai Chongyu unexpectedly arrived uninvited and said that the provisions would be delivered as promised. Su Nanjin was naturally surprised, and after toasting a glass, Ai Chongyu left, leaving everyone puzzled.
At that time, the other major clans had followed Zhang Canjun's words, thinking that if the Ai family couldn't deliver the provisions without their support, it would be impossible. However, they were surprised that the Ai family managed to gather everything. This posed a problem. Zhang Canjun also told everyone that since this was the case, they couldn't offend Su Nanjin, or else they would have no way out. Wang Canjun, on behalf of Su Nanjin, called the elders of the other major clans, and although they were still somewhat worried, Wang Canjun assured them not to worry. Transporting the provisions to the military camp was indeed a big task, and he simply wanted them to contribute their own people to help escort the provisions. People started to hesitate.
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