Episode 34 recap: In Episode 34, Liu Mian Tang is busy getting ready when the Dowager Empress arrives
A true expert, she helps Liu Mian Tang select a hairpin that perfectly suits her As they chat while preparing, the Dowager reminisces about the days when she used to dress her unmarried daughter and later her niece, whom she generously adorned with many pieces of jewelry However, her niece's appearance didn't quite resemble hers; she had a more delicate beauty, so the jewelry didn't seem to fit her as well Now, seeing Liu Mian Tang, the Dowager feels the jewelry is practically custom-made for her, filling her with joy and pride in her son's choice of such a wonderful daughter-in-law
During their conversation, the Dowager mentions Cui Xing Zhou, noting that he hasn’t sent a single letter since going off to war. Liu Mian Tang is puzzled by this, as she has been receiving his letters daily since he went to the front lines. Then she remembers that she had stored all his letters in her jewelry box. The Dowager reads a few of them and feels a mix of emotions, realizing her son has grown up and is independent, even neglecting to write to her. Feeling a bit melancholy, she leaves after a short while.
Meanwhile, He Zhen has finally managed to create a rare porcelain color. According to family tradition, she should share the firing techniques and temperature so everyone can benefit, especially her anxious second brother. However, He Zhen is reluctant, believing that since she worked hard for this achievement, others shouldn't reap the rewards without contributing.
Just then, Liu Mian Tang arrives, now a county princess recognized by the emperor, and her words carry weight. She advocates for He Zhen, and after some consideration, Grandpa He entrusts the family affairs to her, officially acknowledging her authority. He Zhen is thrilled but decides to still pass the reins to her father, promising to share the formula in the future.
That evening, Zhao Quan comes to take He Zhen home, and they resolve their earlier misunderstandings. They both harbor feelings for each other but were too shy to admit it. He Zhen feels she made the right choice; despite being a young master from a noble family, Zhao Quan is down-to-earth and even helps her fire porcelain in the mountains—an earnestness not everyone possesses.
On Liu Mian Tang's side, that night someone sneaks into her room and steals the luminous pearl hairpin gifted by the Dowager. The next day, the Dowager takes Liu Mian Tang to a banquet where Cui Xing Zhou's aunt deliberately asks about the hairpin Liu Mian Tang is wearing. Proudly, the Dowager announces it's the luminous pearl hairpin, prompting Lian Binglan to stir the crowd into wanting to see it. When the room darkens, the hairpin fails to shine. Lian Binglan and her mother begin to question whether the hairpin is real or if it has been stolen. Liu Mian Tang remains calm, explaining that the wedding is not yet complete, so she’s following the family rule of thriftiness by wearing a replica.
This clever response wins everyone over. Upon returning home, the Dowager gathers the family to discuss the hairpin incident. Liu Mian Tang reveals that she noticed a maid coveting the hairpin, so she had prepared a fake in advance. This revelation exposes Lian Binglan and her mother. This time, the Dowager does not defend Lian Binglan, teaching them a valuable lesson.
Comments(Episode 34)