Episode 22 recap: The Revelation of Ziyu's True Identity
In Episode 22, Cui Xing Zhou unexpectedly returns home, catching Liu Mian Tang off guard. Her eyes keep darting toward a porcelain vase behind him, as if it holds some hidden treasure. After a bit of casual conversation, Cui Xing Zhou suddenly expresses a craving for the crab meat balls that Liu Mian Tang makes. Without hesitation, she rushes into the kitchen to prepare them.
Once they're alone, Cui Xing Zhou secretly reaches into the vase and pulls out something Liu Mian Tang has hidden away. To his surprise, he finds an old, yellowed book, and tucked inside is a letter! The letter contains a list of significant matters Liu Mian Tang is investigating, including revealing Lu Wen’s true nature and events that occurred in Yangshan, even mentioning her grandfather’s current situation.
The complexity of the information makes Cui Xing Zhou’s head spin, filling him with doubt. Liu Mian Tang usually appears carefree, but the contents of the letter reveal a meticulous and ruthless character, one that rivals even the strongest men.
Later, a maid discreetly warns Cui Xing Zhou that Liu Mian Tang has purchased several potent medicine formulas and advises him to be cautious. During dinner, as Cui Xing Zhou is enjoying his meal, Liu Mian Tang suddenly mentions that she added “special ingredients” to the meatballs. When he takes a bite, he discovers a red wood splinter inside. Liu Mian Tang smiles and explains that this is a good omen for the New Year, saying that eating such meatballs brings good fortune. Cui Xing Zhou feels a mix of emotions; he has noticed a change in Liu Mian Tang lately—she’s no longer the innocent and harmless person he once thought, and there’s a new glint of mistrust and wariness in her eyes.
Later that night, while watching Liu Mian Tang sleep peacefully, Cui Xing Zhou silently bids her farewell and rides away. Deep down, Liu Mian Tang is crystal clear about her feelings; she has long lost any expectations of him, and trust is out of the question.
On the other hand, when Cui Xing Zhou returns home late at night, a maid informs him that the dowager has shown significant improvement. His family also eases their stance, saying that if Cui Xing Zhou truly cares for Liu Mian Tang, they will no longer oppose their relationship.
Zhao Quan asked Cui Xing Zhou what his plans were next, and Cui Xing Zhou replied that he intended to set off for the capital immediately. He felt that the situation in the capital was turbulent, with the feudal lords harboring ambitious intentions. The iron mine business was clearly a front for them to secretly manufacture weapons, and their rebellious thoughts had long been brewing.
Meanwhile, Shi Yi Kuan had brought his prospective son-in-law, Ziyu, to meet the country uncle. After a few rounds of drinks, Ziyu sensed something was off; people around him were sneaking glances, making him uneasy. However, Shi Yi Kuan continued to drink as if nothing were wrong. Eventually, Shi Yi Kuan got drunk and collapsed on the table. At that moment, Shi Xue Ji sent a message to Cui Xing Zhou, and Ziyu immediately understood—it was a warning that something was wrong with the drinks.
Ziyu was clever; he hadn’t actually drunk the wine. He realized that the country uncle had uncovered his true identity—he was the legitimate son of the former crown prince! The country uncle ordered that the drunken Shi Yi Kuan be carried inside, and a splash of cold water revived him a bit. Upon learning that his chosen son-in-law was a descendant of the former crown prince, Shi Yi Kuan was nearly faint with shock.
That night, Ziyu used his clear-headedness to safely bring Shi Yi Kuan home, narrowly escaping disaster. Shi Xue Ji went to visit her father and found Shi Yi Kuan in a disheveled state, muttering about having chosen the wrong person. Shi Xue Ji was also taken aback by Ziyu’s identity but quickly regained her composure.
She held her father's trembling hand and told him that since they had embarked on this path, there was no turning back; they could only press on with determination. Their family’s fate was now tied to Ziyu and herself, and they would have to act with even greater caution in the future.
Comments(Episode 22)