Episode 12 recap: Lu Jia Xue Meets Luo Yi Ning Again
In Episode 12, Luo Yi Ning hears her grandmother mention that her mother frequently drank Huang Qi and Peony Soup during her pregnancy. Later, when she accidentally poured the herbal soup into a begonia plant, it ended up dying, which deepens her suspicions. To investigate further, she decides to grow her own begonia and often uses the leftover herbal residue as fertilizer.
To cover up their actions, Luo Cheng Zhang secretly bribes officials to pin all the blame on Master Cui, quietly clearing the second wife of any wrongdoing. Lin Hai Ru calls Luo Yi Ning to hear her father's final decision. Upon learning that her stepmother has been exonerated, Luo Yi Ning feels devastated. She confronts her father, questioning why he continues to protect the Luo family's reputation at the expense of justice, allowing her stepmother to commit so many cruel acts.
However, Luo Cheng Zhang remains unyielding, urging Luo Yi Ning to prioritize the Luo family's interests and not tarnish their name. Meanwhile, Lu Jia Xue sends someone to investigate the whereabouts of Luo Yi Ning and Luo Shen Yuan on the day of the incident at Yuan Jing Pavilion, but there are no leads; the Luo family members are tight-lipped about what happened that day. Lu Jia Xue decides to conduct her own investigation to uncover the truth about Luo Yi Ning and Luo Shen Yuan.
In the days that follow, things calm down, and Luo Shen Yuan takes Luo Yi Ning out for some fresh air. He finds her a job at a newly established school named "Ming Lan Tang," named after her study. Luo Shen Yuan explains that he received care from Luo Yi Ning's mother when they were young, and he has donated some silver to the school, allowing Luo Yi Ning to come and contribute as well.
Luo Yi Ning is thrilled; she has been feeling anxious and stifled in the Luo residence. Her father's favoritism has left her heartbroken. Secretly, she has instructed her servants to look for a quiet place, giving herself a year to uncover the true cause of her mother's death. Once she has clarity, she plans to move out with her grandmother.
Luo Shen Yuan takes Luo Yi Ning to a small shop to eat wontons and they discuss their futures. Luo Yi Ning asks Luo Shen Yuan about his plans, but he only smiles and remains silent. She suggests that he should consider an official career, as a man's ambition lies in the world, and pursuing a degree is a legitimate path. However, to take the imperial examination, he needs to be registered in the family tree, and since Luo Shen Yuan has not yet been added, Luo Yi Ning decides to help him resolve this issue.
After finishing their meal, they stroll around the nearby market. Lu Jia Xue catches sight of Luo Yi Ning and can't take his eyes off her; she is the “Mei Mei” he has been longing for. At that moment, Luo Yi Ning is alone at a paper-cutting stall, examining various designs. Cheng Lang, who is next to Lu Jia Xue, greets Luo Yi Ning. When she sees Lu Jia Xue, she is startled. He was the one responsible for her falling off a cliff, and the memory still haunts her. She reminds herself that she once helped the blind Lu Jia Xue, bringing him medicine and trying to cheer him up. Back then, he couldn't see her, only hear her voice, so she resolves to remain silent. To cover her nervousness, she coughs.
Before long, Luo Shen Yuan arrives. Upon seeing Lu Jia Xue, he immediately senses the danger. Since Luo Yi Ning can't speak due to her cough, Luo Shen Yuan helps mask her condition and quickly leads her away.
On their way back, Luo Yi Ning and Luo Shen Yuan are ambushed. The assailants consistently target Luo Shen Yuan's back. He deduces that the attackers are spies sent by Lu Jia Xue, so he refrains from using his martial skills and hurriedly escapes with Luo Yi Ning back to the Luo residence.
Lu Jia Xue hears from his subordinates that Luo Shen Yuan cannot fight, and he remains suspicious, planning to look for another opportunity to test him further.
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