A Girl Like Me Episode 20 Recap
> A Girl Like Me Recap
Following the Emperor's order for the Shi family to fund the roast chicken relief effort, Ban Hua cleverly solidified the situation. Instead of accusing the Shi family, she publicly praised them for their generosity, compelling the Emperor to do the same. This move forced the Shi family to continue providing roast chickens to the refugees at their own expense and earned Ban Hua admiration from Rong Xia.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shi Chonghai, fearing an investigation into the Qizhou matter, learned that the late Official Zhao's son, Shunzi, was in the capital. Aware of the boy's love for chicken, Shi Chonghai ordered his subordinates to find and eliminate Shunzi to destroy any connection to a potential blood letter. Ban Heng, eager to treat Shunzi to a good meal, discovered that the Shi family had bought up all the chickens in the capital.
They then stumbled upon a grand disaster relief assembly organized by Shi Feixian and other noble ladies. Shi Feixian's zither performance garnered widespread praise, even from Rong Xia. While the Ban family's porridge shed was deserted in favor of the Shi family’s roast chicken distribution, Ban Hua remained unconcerned, asserting that her goal was genuine relief, not competition. As Ban Heng paused to eat at the Xie family's stall, Shunzi, enticed by the aroma of chicken, wandered off.
He approached the Shi family's shed, where Shi Feixian, seeing he was a child, generously gave him multiple portions. Exploiting this, Shi family retainers took Shunzi to their Charity House. Du Jiu and Wang Qu, investigating the Qizhou case, discovered that Shunzi was the son of Official Zhao and likely carrier of a crucial blood letter accusing Prime Minister Shi. They immediately informed Ban Hua and Rong Xia.
At the same time, Ban Heng arrived with news of Shunzi’s disappearance, having learned that orphaned children were being housed at the Shi family’s Charity House. They rushed there and found Shi Jin genuinely playing with the children. Realizing she had misjudged his character, Ban Hua apologized to him. However, Rong Xia, noticing a steward’s strained expression, sensed something was amiss and subtly urged Ban Hua to take Shunzi home.
Back at his mansion, Shi Chonghai speculated that since the Ban family hadn't acted despite having Shunzi for half a month, they were likely unaware of the blood letter or his true identity. Rong Xia discreetly questioned Shunzi, who seemed to know nothing of a letter, only recalling his parents' wish for his happiness. Rong Xia concluded Shunzi was ignorant of the letter but vowed to expose the corrupt officials.
Inspired by her late grandmother, Ban Hua lamented her own perceived shortcomings in protecting her family, but Rong Xia reassured her, praising her growing strength. That night, Ban Hua dreamt her father was in danger and awoke in a panic. In the imperial court, the Emperor offered Ban Huai the position of Left Prime Minister. Ban Huai initially declined, but when the Emperor extended the offer to Count Xie, he was provoked and immediately accepted, leading to a heated argument.
The Emperor shelved the matter. Meanwhile, as Xie Chongjin had planned, Jiang Luo gained the Emperor's favor and was invited to attend court. Unhappy about Ban Huai's potential promotion, Jiang Luo was assured by Xie Chongjin that another party, seeking to keep the secrets of Qizhou buried, would prevent Ban Huai's appointment. Despite Ban Hua’s pleas, Ban Huai slipped out of the mansion.
As Ban Hua and Ban Heng frantically searched for him, Ban Hua heard a vendor hawking "green bean cakes," a key detail from her dream, and knew the danger was imminent. Spotting their father, the siblings chased after him. Ban Huai narrowly dodged a falling flowerpot but stumbled and was knocked unconscious in the fall. Rong Xia and Ban Hua swiftly apprehended the assailant.
Under Rong Xia's interrogation, the man confessed that Shi Feixian had hired him, providing a rare Southern Pearl as proof of payment. The pearl was traced back to the Shi family. Incensed, Ban Hua resolved to storm the Shi mansion and create a scene so large the Emperor would be forced to investigate. Rong Xia pledged his full support, promising to handle the aftermath. Ban Hua confronted Prime Minister Shi, accusing his daughter of orchestrating the attack. Moments later, Rong Xia arrived with officials from the Court of Judicial Review, ready to help her seek justice.
