Episode 31 recap: Liu Miantang and Cui Xingzhou Have a Marriage Contract
In Episode 31, Cui Xingzhou injures his leg after falling from his horse while trying to save the young son of the Bei Zhou Wang. The news spreads through the palace like wildfire. Upon hearing this, Tai Huang Tai Hou starts to speculate. She wonders if Cui Xingzhou is either severely injured or using it as an excuse to avoid marriage.
Ziyu, who never had a favorable impression of Cui Xingzhou, was hoping he would settle down soon for her own peace of mind. Now, with his injury seemingly allowing him to dodge this marriage, Ziyu is determined not to let him off easily. She begins plotting how to make him pay for this.
Shi Xue Ji, being perceptive, notices Ziyu's displeasure. She understands that with Cui Xingzhou currently commanding a strong military presence, now is not the right time to provoke him. If things go wrong, it could demoralize the troops. So, she gently advises the Empress Dowager that while Cui Xingzhou may not be enthusiastic about the marriage, his willingness to risk injury for the prince shows his dedication to the court and his readiness to serve the emperor.
The Empress Dowager finds this reasoning sound. With the new emperor just ascending the throne and the political situation unstable, especially with ongoing schemes from Wang's side, it's indeed not the time to stir conflict. She nods in agreement, but Ziyu remains visibly unhappy and makes an excuse to leave.
After her conversation with the Empress Dowager, Shi Xue Ji is invited by Ziyu to the Qinzhen Hall for lunch. Feeling anxious, she worries that her earlier comments may have offended Ziyu, making their future interactions difficult. When they sit down to eat, and the kitchen serves a fragrant pork dish, Shi Xue Ji nearly jumps, thinking it could be a punishment for her. However, Ziyu smiles and assures her that it’s just a simple meal to lighten her own mood.
Meanwhile, Cui Xingzhou has been visiting Liu Miantang frequently, hoping to chat and relieve his boredom. On pleasant days, Liu Miantang even takes him out in a wheelchair to enjoy the breeze by the river, though she still maintains her icy demeanor.
One night, with newfound courage and leaning on his cane, Cui Xingzhou stands before Liu Miantang and confesses his feelings, hoping she will marry him. Liu Miantang feels a mix of emotions. She recognizes the vast difference in their social standings and longs for an equal love, unwilling to settle for being a concubine.
Cui Xingzhou, feeling desperate, loudly promises that he will honorably marry Liu Miantang and make her the Princess of Huaiyang, not a concubine. However, Liu Miantang still refuses, angrily throwing a pillow and telling him to leave.
The next morning, Cui Xingzhou goes to play chess with Liu Miantang's grandfather. This time, he is determined to marry Liu Miantang and even offers to take her grandfather’s family to Zhenzhou, promising them a grand house. Upon hearing this, her grandfather becomes hesitant and questions why Liu Miantang should give up her hard-earned career in Bei Zhou just to follow him. Cui Xingzhou is taken aback, unsure if this is his grandfather’s sentiment or Liu Miantang’s.
After getting up and not finding Cui Xingzhou, Liu Miantang heads to her grandfather’s place. He recounts their earlier conversation and expresses regret for being so impulsive, fearing he might jeopardize his granddaughter’s happiness. Liu Miantang becomes anxious upon hearing this; she knows that asking Cui Xingzhou to give up his position as the Prince of Huaiyang is impossible, as it relates to his responsibilities and mission.
So, she hurriedly sets out to find Cui Xingzhou, searching everywhere until she finally returns to the riverside where they often go. There, she finds Cui Xingzhou waiting with a notepad, showing her his schedule. He expresses his willingness for her to stay in Bei Zhou while he diligently manages affairs, promising to return whenever he can.
Touched by Cui Xingzhou's sincerity, Liu Miantang finally agrees to the marriage. The two immediately head to the government office, and as they gaze at the bright red official seal on the marriage certificate, their hearts swell with excitement, which is beyond words to describe.
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