A Girl Like Me Episode 34 Recap
> A Girl Like Me Recap
Xie Wanyu, lost and alone after finding the Ban family's residence burned to the ground, wandered the wilderness declaring she would rather starve than return to the palace. When two thugs accosted her, Ban Heng appeared to save her, only to find she had already fainted from fright. Meanwhile, in Zhongzhou, Ban Hua, lacking a clean military uniform, borrowed a dress from a local girl, instantly captivating the soldiers.
They flocked to her, reporting various trivial matters just for a glimpse of her in civilian clothes. Rong Xia noted that they were all there to admire her beauty and urged her to change back, expressing concern that her attire might undermine her authority. However, Ban Hua asserted that true prestige was not built on outward appearance, pointedly asking if the "trouble" was hers or his.
When Xie Wanyu awoke, she was overjoyed to see Ban Heng alive, embracing him tightly and admitting she feared she would never see him again after finding their residence destroyed. Touched by her concern, Ban Heng noticed she still had the bracelet he had given her, which had been confiscated by soldiers. He asked for it back, and as she tried to remove it, it slipped from her grasp.
Both reached for it, their heads gently knocking together, their hearts racing. Unbeknownst to them, Ban Huai and Yin Shi had witnessed the tender moment from afar and, not wanting to disturb them, quietly left. In Zhongzhou, Commander Wang expressed his worry that the imperial court, upon learning of Zhao Zhong's defection, would punish Ban Hua and Rong Xia. Ban Hua firmly declared that she would bear all responsibility, refusing to kill starving civilians to appease the Emperor.
After dismissing the others, she turned to Rong Xia, who was attempting to reconcile with her. Ignoring his personal plea, she voiced her suspicion of Commander Wang. Rong Xia admitted he already suspected the commander and had sent Li Hu to monitor him, reassuring her before again pressing her to reconcile. News of the situation reached Jiang Luo, who, in a fit of rage, ordered the immediate arrest of Ban Hua and Rong Xia for distributing military grain to rebels.
Shi Feixian and Xie Chongjin urged him to reconsider. Shi Feixian warned that such rash action could fuel rumors that he had withheld grain and intended to use the rebellion as an excuse to execute Ban Hua. Convinced to rethink, Jiang Luo dismissed them. Afterward, Shi Feixian approached Xie Chongjin, offering to reveal Xie Wanyu's whereabouts in exchange for his help in dispelling Jiang Luo's suspicion of her.
Xie Chongjin agreed, and she revealed that Xie Wanyu was with the Ban family in a small house outside the capital. Xie Wanyu settled in with the Ban family, offering to cook for them. Soon after, men sent by Xie Chongjin attacked, killing the guards. Ban Heng urged Xie Wanyu and his parents to flee while he created a diversion. Worried, Xie Wanyu doubled back to find him.
The two managed to hide together in the tall grass, evading the pursuit, with Ban Heng even suggesting they play dead. Meanwhile, Shi Feixian, by a pond, lamented to her maid that despite her position, Jiang Luo failed to understand her true feelings. Jiang Luo, passing by, overheard her. Seizing the opportunity, she explained that she always offered sincere advice, even if it led to misunderstanding, citing her past counsel to spare Count Cheng'an.
Convinced and now attributing his distrust to Rong Xia's manipulation, Jiang Luo apologized for his doubts and promised their hearts would be linked forever. In the capital, Ban Huai and Yin Shi were given refuge at the Xie mansion by Count Xie. Ban Huai complained about the simple meal, prompting the Count to explain the famine. Ban Huai then jokingly accused Count Xie of planning to hand them over to his son, Xie Chongjin.
The Count assured him he was merely repaying a debt for the Ban family's physician saving his son's life. Seizing the moment, Ban Huai playfully suggested they finalize the marriage between Ban Heng and Xie Wanyu. Count Xie reacted with shock, reminding Ban Huai that Xie Wanyu was the Queen. Back in Zhongzhou, Commander Wang was caught setting fire to a grain barn, destroying half the stored food.
He confessed he acted out of fear, believing Ban Hua's actions amounted to treason. Instead of executing him, Ban Hua declared that killing solves no problems and ordered Wang and his men expelled from the city. With the remaining food lasting less than three days, she tasked Zhao Zhong with finding more sources nearby. Starving and exhausted, Ban Heng and Xie Wanyu arrived at Ban Hua's residence in Zhongzhou.
A subordinate then reported on the Sun family, a wealthy household that had amassed a fortune by hoarding grain. They possessed a formidable "iron-chain barn," but the owner's daughter was notoriously fond of handsome men. Ban Hua realized Rong Xia was the perfect candidate for the mission. Rong Xia reluctantly went to the Sun mansion, where he met the formidable Miss Sun.
She acknowledged his good looks but immediately accused him of being unfaithful to Princess Ban and declared she would never be interested in such a man. As she dismissed his entourage, Ban Heng suddenly appeared, chastising her for her arrogance. Ban Hua, hearing of the exchange later, was highly amused by Rong Xia's failure and insisted he reflect on his approach. Later, Ban Heng brought Xie Wanyu some sweet potatoes.
As she ate, she was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face as she declared how sweet they were, leaving Ban Heng flustered. The next day, Miss Sun, captivated by Ban Heng's personality, made a public display outside Ban Hua's residence, her entourage chanting for "Young Master Ban" in exchange for grain. She proclaimed him the most unique man she had ever met and grandly offered her family property as betrothal gifts.
A horrified Ban Heng pleaded with Ban Hua to save him. Ban Hua, in a calculated move, asked Miss Sun how much grain she would offer. Miss Sun promised one warehouse—enough to feed Zhongzhou for a month—and hinted at ten more if she became Ban Hua's sister-in-law. Feigning hesitation, Ban Hua asked for time to consult their parents, to which Miss Sun enthusiastically agreed. Later, Ban Hua teased Ban Heng, calling his potential marriage a "sacrifice for the nation."
He insisted Miss Sun was "horrible," but Ban Hua praised her as rich, brave, and generous. Ban Heng firmly stated he already loved someone else. When Ban Hua pressed him, he finally confessed that Xie Wanyu was his heart's desire and that he would marry no one but her, and she would marry no one but him. Despite his heartfelt declaration, Ban Hua continued to urge him to consider the marriage for the sake of the starving populace.
