Episode 22 recap: Shen Du and Yan Xing Investigate in Gannan
In Episode 22, Yan Caiwei finally wakes up after taking her medication, bringing joy to the entire family. At this moment, Princess Yong'an sends a pair of exquisite jade ruyi as a gift, recognizing the deep bond between Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan, who have remained steadfast through life and death. The princess hopes this gift symbolizes their lasting happiness and unity. Yan Xing feels a sense of relief, thinking that the princess has finally let go of her feelings for Han Shiyuan and will no longer interfere.
Meanwhile, Yan Sidang finds herself in a difficult situation. She is unwilling to return to her cold husband’s family and desperately wants a divorce. However, Yan Daren strongly opposes this, claiming that a divorce would disgrace the Yan family and bring shame upon her sisters. Yan Xing shakes his head at this, believing that family reputation won’t fill their stomachs or solve real problems. He advises Yan Daren that both Han Shiyuan and Shen Du are not superficial people and wouldn’t look down on the Yan family over such matters. Mrs. Yang supports Yan Xing’s view, and after some persuasion, Yan Daren finally agrees to Yan Sidang's request for a divorce.
Meanwhile, Shen Du and the others are busy with the imperial examination. When the results come out, Shen Du emerges as the top scholar. Lu Chui Chui feels genuinely happy for them. However, when the official appointment orders arrive, she notices that Yan Daren's name is missing, leaving her to ponder the underlying reasons.
Before long, it's the wedding day for Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan. Zhang Baohuan is busy hosting guests, creating a lively atmosphere. Lu Chui Chui privately tells Yan Xing that since Yan Daren has agreed to Yan Sidang's divorce, it might not be too difficult for Yan Xing to pursue a similar path in the future.
To everyone’s surprise, Lai Luozhi makes an unexpected appearance, adding an intriguing twist to the wedding. He and Shen Du exchange some sharp words, but ultimately, Lai Luozhi is just there to deliver a congratulatory gift and leaves shortly after. Shen Du seizes the opportunity to sit beside Yan Xing, and Lu Chui Chui, understanding the situation, discreetly steps away.
During the wedding ceremony, as Yan Caiwei and Han Shiyuan pay their respects to heaven and earth, Yan Xing feels a warm sense of happiness. He recalls the issue with the official appointment orders and privately asks Shen Du if he had a hand in it. Shen Du merely smiles, not giving a direct answer. Understanding the implication, Yan Xing expresses his gratitude to Shen Du.
Good times don't last long. Urgent reports came from Gannan, indicating a bizarre incident of a headless ghost committing murder, causing widespread panic among the populace. Upon learning this, the Empress Dowager immediately summoned Shen Du and Yan Xing, commanding them to investigate the truth in Gannan. The two accepted the mission and set off.
Before they left, the Empress Dowager privately called Yan Xing aside, gifting him a piece of clothing and accompanying it with a secret edict. This edict instructed Yan Xing to secretly investigate whether Mo Qianzhi, the governor of Gannan, harbored any rebellious intentions. Yan Xing was puzzled as to why this task fell to him instead of Shen Du. He consulted his master, and after an explanation, Yan Xing finally understood.
It turned out that Mo Qianzhi shared a mentor-student relationship with Shen Du's father. When Shen Du's family faced disaster years ago, Mo Qianzhi risked his life to defend his master, saving Shen Du’s life but earning himself a banishment to the frontier. The Empress Dowager's actions might be a test for Mo Qianzhi.
Yan Xing and Shen Du set off for Gannan. Yan Xing prepared thoroughly, with Lu Chui Chui and his mother sending along plenty of provisions. Although Shen Du remarked that one cart couldn’t hold it all, they ended up bringing everything along.
The journey was bumpy, and Yan Xing felt unwell, getting out of the carriage to vomit. Shen Du expressed concern for his condition, urging him to communicate any discomfort promptly.
While resting at an inn, Jing Lin quietly informed Shen Du that the carts were filled with medicinal meals, likely because Yan Xing feared Shen Du wouldn’t enjoy them and didn't mention it. This thought warmed Shen Du’s heart.
Later that night, Shen Du noticed Qi Ye Yun sneaking around outside the inn, wanting to apprentice himself to Yan Xing. Seeing his sincerity, Yan Xing allowed him to join them, suggesting they would consider it further when the time was right.
Thus, Shen Du and Yan Xing continued their journey to Gannan, embarking on a thrilling investigation that was about to unfold.
Comments(Episode 22)