Better Halves Episode 19 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Yan Qiyue found herself in a financial predicament after spending all her travel money exploring the capital. She confided in her new friend, Shi Fa'ke, who immediately offered her all the silver she had. However, Yan Qiyue realized this was only a temporary solution given the high cost of living and the difficulty of finding Mr. Lin Yuan, a reclusive artist whose works she sought.
Shi Fa'ke then suggested that Yan Qiyue check out of her inn and move into the Shi family residence, which would significantly reduce her expenses. Yan Qiyue gratefully accepted, but expressed concern because she was currently disguised as a man. She worried about how Shi Fa'ke's family, especially Brother Lu, would react to a strange man staying in their home. To resolve this, Yan Qiyue swiftly changed into a beautiful female outfit.
Upon their return, Shi Fa'ke introduced Yan Qiyue to her family: her eldest brother Shi Xianxian, second brother Shi Chongshan, and younger cousin Shi Qin'er. Shi Fa'ke then explained to her mother that Yan Qiyue was a friend visiting the capital with no relatives nearby, and asked if she could stay for a few days. Her mother warmly agreed, arranging for Yan Qiyue to stay in the east wing, near Shi Fa'ke's room.
Meanwhile, Lu Yi, who had been observing Shi Fa'ke, reported to his master, Lu Chi, that she had brought a beautiful young lady home. Lu Yi noted that the Shi brothers, Shi Xianxian and Shi Chongshan, seemed rather interested in the new guest. At Xibao Pavilion, the manager Li Pan'er was sorting new fabrics when Shi Xianxian arrived. He asked for recommendations for items popular with young ladies, specifying that he wanted them for "Miss Yue'er" (Yan Qiyue).
Li Pan'er, observing his purchases for another woman, grew increasingly irritated. Later, when Shi Fa'ke visited, Li Pan'er expressed her frustration, lamenting that Shi Xianxian’s attention was not on her. Shi Fa'ke promised to help. Back home, Shi Fa'ke spoke with Shi Xianxian about his feelings for Li Pan'er. He admitted that he admired her but felt unworthy, considering her status as the manager of Xibao Pavilion compared to his humble position as a constable.
Shi Fa'ke tried to boost his confidence, but he remained dejected. Determined to help, Shi Fa'ke devised a plan. She arranged for Li Pan'er and Yan Qiyue, who again donned male attire, to walk through the streets acting close, hoping to incite Shi Xianxian’s jealousy. Indeed, Shi Xianxian witnessed their apparent intimacy and was visibly upset. Later, Shi Fa'ke confessed to Lu Chi that her attempt had backfired, leaving her brother even more disheartened.
Lu Chi advised her that direct communication was key in matters of the heart. Taking his advice, Shi Fa'ke urged Shi Xianxian to bravely confess his feelings to Li Pan'er. Inspired, Shi Xianxian approached Li Pan'er, declared his affection, and told her he wanted to care for her for the rest of his life.
Li Pan'er playfully questioned why he hadn't asked about her feelings, but ultimately accepted his confession, asking only for his true heart and one condition, which he readily agreed to. Following this, Shi Fa'ke, acting as a marriage broker, took Yan Qiyue to the Official Matchmaking Agency to register her. There, Chief Matchmaker Fang Yue greeted them.
Upon learning Yan Qiyue was staying with Shi Fa'ke, Fang Yue commented on her helpfulness, but Yan Qiyue felt that Fang Yue was staring at her with unusual intensity. Unbeknownst to them, Lu Yi had reported to Lu Chi that Fang Yue was frequently visiting Marquis Wu'an's Mansion, arousing Lu Chi's suspicions. Soon after, an imperial decree appointed Fang Yue to escort Princess Yi'an on her marriage journey to Gaoyou State. The sudden news shocked everyone.
Marquis Wu'an was enraged, as he had plans for Fang Yue concerning a princess. However, his subordinate delivered good news: they had discovered Lu Chi's true identity as the Master of Mount Qianya. Realizing Mount Qianya was connected to the Emperor, the Marquis began plotting to disrupt Lu Chi's operations.
Lu Chi, anticipating this, instructed Lu Yi to send a message to Zhuxi to prepare and arranged for a painting of Mount Qianya to be sold at a high price in Xibao Pavilion. Still determined to find Mr. Lin Yuan's works, Yan Qiyue was directed to Xibao Pavilion, only to learn the latest painting had been sold almost immediately by a child, and the staff knew nothing about the artist.
Disappointed, she then witnessed a man, Mr. Huang, being falsely accused of swapping a bank note for blank paper. Yan Qiyue intervened, exposed the scammer by revealing a hidden layer in the fake note, and retrieved Mr. Huang's money. Grateful, Mr. Huang invited her to dine at the extravagant Xibao Pavilion. Finding him too lavish, she instead led him to a small, beloved noodle stall. As they ate, Mr. Huang subtly observed her frugal nature.
During their meal, Yan Qiyue confided in Mr. Huang about her frustrating search for Mr. Lin Yuan, whom she admitted felt like a "fleeting dream" as she had never met him. Mr. Huang listened empathetically and encouraged her to pursue her dream. Their conversation flowed easily, and he walked her back to the Shi residence, both reluctant to part. Upon returning, Yan Qiyue found Shi Fa'ke awake.
Shi Fa'ke mentioned that Chief Matchmaker Fang was to escort Princess Yi'an for her marriage. This news deeply resonated with Yan Qiyue, who passionately expressed her sorrow for princesses forced into loveless marriages and used as political pawns. Sensing her sadness, Shi Fa'ke shared her own story of pursuing an "impossible dream"—finding her childhood "beggar boy"—and how it eventually came true, promising to help Yan Qiyue find Mr. Lin Yuan.
Meanwhile, at He's Bakery, the owner, He Ketian, was confronted by her former fiancé, Zhu Yizhi. He brazenly demanded money and, when she refused, resorted to violence. Shi Chongshan stepped in to defend her but was no match for Zhu Yizhi. Just as the situation escalated, Lu Chi arrived. He swiftly subdued Zhu Yizhi, warning him never to return. He Ketian and Shi Chongshan expressed their sincere gratitude, to which Lu Chi replied that protecting Shi Fa'ke’s family and friends was his duty.
