Episode 14 recap: Lu Jia Xue Leads a Search of the Luo Residence
In episode 14, Luo Shen Yuan and his team head to the Dali Temple to rescue Brother Dao Yan. However, Lu Jia Xue arrives first and surrounds the temple. The winding corridors of the Dali Temple make it difficult for Dao Yan to escape his pursuers. Hearing the clashing of weapons, Luo Shen Yuan rushes to provide support and ultimately manages to rescue Dao Yan.
Lu Jia Xue stands in front of Luo Shen Yuan, who is wearing a black mask. The two are evenly matched in martial arts, but Lu Jia Xue's attacks are lethal. With more pursuers closing in, Luo Shen Yuan quickly sets fire to the surrounding wood, and amidst the smoke, he makes a hasty escape.
That night, Lin Mao is feeling down after being scolded by his sister earlier in the day. Seeing him drinking to drown his sorrows, Luo Yi Xiu can't help but approach to comfort him. Lin Mao knows he isn’t cut out for studying, yet his entire family places their hopes on him. Luo Yi Xiu reflects that she isn't as outstanding as her sister, but their mother constantly advises her to lose weight so she can become like her sister.
Lin Mao can't help but chuckle at this; if losing weight is meant to secure a good marriage, it would be quite a challenge for anyone who wishes to marry Luo Yi Xiu. What starts as mutual sympathy between the two turns into playful teasing, and they end up laughing heartily.
Meanwhile, Lu Jia Xue is conducting a citywide manhunt for the escaped suspect, which leads him to the Luo residence. He suspects a connection between this incident and the previous flooding at Yi Xin Pavilion. Lu Jia Xue decides to surround the Luo residence with his guards and begins searching the rooms one by one.
Luo Yi Ning is in a pavilion, deep in thought, when she suddenly hears a maid report that Lu Jia Xue is there to conduct a search. Her heart races; Lu Jia Xue is truly her nightmare.
As Lu Jia Xue finds nothing during his search, he plans to go to Luo Shen Yuan. Luo Yi Ning asks the maid how to face something she fears. The maid, confused by the question, shares a story about how she used to be afraid of chickens until her mother threw her into the chicken coop for half a day, after which she was no longer scared.
Inspired by the maid's story, Luo Yi Ning feels invigorated. Yes, the more she fears something, the more it comes to her. It’s better to face it bravely.
At that moment, Lu Jia Xue was reprimanding Luo Shen Yuan when Luo Yi Ning mustered her courage to intervene, questioning why he was punishing the people of the Luo residence without any evidence. Hearing Luo Yi Ning's voice stirred something in Lu Jia Xue; it reminded him of a girl named "Mei Mei" who had once helped him, whose voice was similar.
Lu Jia Xue felt that Luo Yi Ning resembled an old acquaintance. Luo Yi Ning met Lu Jia Xue’s gaze directly and reminded him that in this world, there are so many people and things that it’s inevitable for some to be alike. She wanted to plead for Luo Shen Yuan, but Lu Jia Xue remained unyielding. Even when Luo Yi Ning leaned over Luo Shen Yuan, he did not lift the punishment.
In the end, it was Lady Luo who intervened. As a noblewoman officially recognized by the court, she had the authority to counter Lu Jia Xue’s orders. Reluctantly, Lu Jia Xue left the Luo residence, instructing his subordinates to investigate Luo Yi Ning’s background in detail.
As night fell, Lady Luo did not delve into the day's events, but the next day, Luo Shen Yuan took the initiative to visit her. He explained that he had been seeking to clear his mentor’s name, as his mentor was a highly respected figure, and he was confident in his ability to rectify the injustice. Lady Luo understood that Luo Shen Yuan had endured humiliation while staying at the Luo residence for the sake of that testimony. He proposed that if he could secure the top spot in the upcoming imperial examination, he hoped Lady Luo would grant him the testimony.
Luo Shen Yuan also requested to be included in the family genealogy, allowing him to rightfully participate in the examination. Lady Luo had long been searching for someone who could help restore the reputation of her late husband, and seeing hope in Luo Shen Yuan’s request, she readily agreed.
Participating in the examination required not only hard study but also understanding one’s opponents. Luo Yi Ning suggested to Lin Hai Ru that they hold a literary competition banquet at the residence. Since the passing of Lady Luo’s husband, the family had not hosted such an event in a long time. This would not only enhance their skills but also provide the daughters a chance to meet distinguished scholars.
Lin Hai Ru immediately went to discuss this with Lady Luo, who merely replied that she would consider it.
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