Episode 21 recap: Liu Mian Tang and Cui Xing Zhou's Ascend to Yang Mountain

In Episode 21, Mr. He is anxious to establish a connection with the noble family of the Southern Duke to enhance his family's reputation. Upon returning home, he orders He Zhen to stay at home and prepare for marriage. He Zhen feels uneasy, realizing that despite her hard work at home, marrying into a good family seems to be what's most important.

Despite her reluctance, He Zhen suppresses her grievances and tries to cope. Whenever she has a moment, she rushes to Liu Mian Tang, feeling confused and unsure of how to express herself. After pondering for a while, she concocts a story about a friend who accidentally injured herself and is now confused about her identity, seeking advice on how to reveal the truth but being stopped by others.

Liu Mian Tang quickly understands He Zhen's feelings. Instead of confronting her directly, she offers comforting words that ease He Zhen's anxiety. With a newfound sense of clarity, He Zhen relaxes, and the two engage in conversation about embroidery, allowing their previous tensions to dissipate.

Meanwhile, Lian Rui Lan is determined to secure the position of Princess of Huaiyang. She frequently visits the Huaiyang Prince's residence and publicly declares her intention to be the future princess during her visits to the temple with her aunt. This bold move makes her ambitions known to the entire city. Cui Xing Zhou's mother, being compassionate, agrees to this arrangement after hearing Lian Rui Lan's declaration.

On the day of the blessing at Liu Ming Temple, some Taoists arrive in town. Although everything seems in order, Cui Xing Zhou senses something amiss and realizes that two unwelcome guests have infiltrated the city. With a ceremony scheduled at the temple, he increases security and learns that Liu Mian Tang plans to visit as well, prompting him to rush home.

Upon reaching home, he overhears Liu Mian Tang and her maid discussing how fresh the fish paste they bought is. The maid is puzzled, as they had originally planned to go to Liu Ming Temple. It turns out Liu Mian Tang used this as an excuse to send the maid away so she could secretly meet someone important and make further plans.

When Cui Xing Zhou sees Liu Mian Tang return safely, he feels relieved, but he can't shake his suspicion about her connection to the assassins. Liu Mian Tang directly questions him, wondering if he's testing her. Although Cui Xing Zhou is skeptical about her amnesia, he can't bear the thought of her leaving, so he remains silent.

Cui Xing Zhou's mother calls him back to the palace, insisting he marry Lian Rui Lan. He refuses vehemently, resulting in a confrontation where his mother strikes him. Liu Mian Tang is heartbroken to see his injuries. Cui Xing Zhou fabricates a story about being punished because the Huaiyang Prince rejected a marriage proposal, which Liu Mian Tang quickly sees through. He shares some past experiences related to Yang Mountain, and she suggests they go there to resolve a personal matter.

The two set off for Yang Mountain, discussing the recent ambush along the way. Based on Cui Xing Zhou's clues, Liu Mian Tang deduces that the attack was not orchestrated by Lu Wen but rather by the malicious Yuan. Before leaving, Liu Mian Tang deliberately leaves a handkerchief on Yang Mountain, scheduling a meeting with Yuan.

Upon hearing that his mother is ill, Cui Xing Zhou rushes back to the palace. This time, his mother concedes, allowing him to take Liu Mian Tang as a concubine. However, Cui Xing Zhou resolutely declines, having witnessed the pain his father’s multiple marriages caused his mother. After expressing his determination, he respectfully bows to his mother, reaffirming his stance.