Episode 9 recap: Luo Yiyu and Cheng Lang's Secret Affection
In Episode 9, Luo's sister-in-law, Chen Lan, confers privately with the grandmother about the prospect of marrying Luo Yiyu to Cheng Lang. However, the grandmother has reservations about this match and shares Cheng Lang's troubled past with Chen Lan. It turns out that Cheng Lang suffered bullying from his older brother during his youth. After gaining power through his uncle, he retaliated against his brother, resulting in one death and the other fleeing.
The grandmother believes Cheng Lang's complex personality makes him unsuitable for a family connection and favors the gentle and well-educated Liu Jing, though Chen Lan feels Liu Jing's background as a sixth-rank official is rather ordinary.
Meanwhile, Luo Yining accidentally learns that Cheng Lang mentioned Lu Jiaxue also enjoys paper cutting. Fearing her small hobby might be exposed, she rushes home and burns all her treasured paper cuttings. Though confused, her maid follows her lead. Alone, Luo Yining reminisces about a time when she was sent to a separate residence. One day, a kite fell into the neighbor's yard, and despite the danger, she climbed a ladder to retrieve it, encountering the blind Lu Jiaxue. Out of sympathy, she often brought him pastries and flowers, even gifting him paper cuttings to express her feelings. Perhaps it was this warmth that planted the seeds of affection in Lu Jiaxue's heart.
Later, Luo Yining also finds a good medicine for Lu Jiaxue, helping him regain his sight.
At the same time, Luo Shenyuan maintains his calm demeanor, regularly sending flowers to the household. Despite often being overlooked, he remains unfazed. When Luo Yining sees the white peonies blooming in her home, she remembers they were a gift from Luo Shenyuan and decides to inquire about Cheng Lang's true intentions for visiting.
Though Luo Shenyuan doesn't explicitly reveal his motives, he promises to protect the Luo family's safety, which gives Luo Yining some reassurance.
As night falls, the Luo family's steward hurriedly informs the grandmother that the Muxi Hall has come under attack by assassins. Upon hearing this, the grandmother, clutching her prayer beads, feels the long-buried worries of her heart resurface.
Lin Mao, wishing to thank Luo Yixiu, gifts her a special digestive and weight-loss remedy.
Meanwhile, Luo Yining becomes suspicious of Luo Yilian's frequent interactions with Luo Yiyu. Soon, she discovers that Luo Yiyu is sending romantic messages to Cheng Lang through a budding lotus flower, filled with bold and passionate language. Luo Yining discreetly disposes of these notes and decides to privately advise her elder sister to avoid complications that could harm the family's reputation.
The next day, Luo Yining takes the opportunity to approach Luo Yiyu, claiming she found a handkerchief that needs embroidery. She cleverly leads her to the poem, prompting Luo Yiyu to realize her behavior is inappropriate and to promise not to communicate secretly anymore.
Cheng Lang learns that the grandmother frequently visits Yixinzhai and suspects that important items might be hidden there. That night, he sneaks in with the intent to steal.
However, he is confronted by Luo Shenyuan, leading to a fierce battle. The Yixinzhai is engulfed in flames, and both manage to escape. After the fire is extinguished, a body is discovered, identified as Li Yinglong. Cheng Lang's side mistakenly believes Li Yinglong was also searching for evidence, which has now been reduced to ashes.
This series of events leaves everyone in the Luo household anxious, while Luo Yining quietly watches over the family's safety, striving to prevent further turmoil.
Comments(Episode 9)