Better Halves Episode 21 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Lu Chi met with the Emperor, who, as his Senior Brother, playfully inquired if Lu Chi was soon to have a senior sister-in-law. Lu Chi then asked the Emperor about his recent frequent outings from the palace, wondering if Marquis Wu'an was making new moves. The Emperor replied that it wasn't about Marquis Wu'an, but because he had met an interesting person.
This led to a friendly banter about whose wedding would come first, with Lu Chi denying his relationship was progressing quickly. On the final day of an art exhibition, Yan Qiyue, regretting she hadn't yet met Mr. Lin Yuan, vowed not to leave until she did. Just then, Marquis Wu'an's steward arrived to collect the paintings, claiming they were to be returned to Mr. Lin Yuan's residence. Yan Qiyue earnestly pleaded with the steward to meet the artist.
Though initially reluctant and stating his master disliked meeting outsiders, the steward, after confirming Yan Qiyue's daily presence at the exhibition, made an exception and led her inside. There, Marquis Wu'an feigned annoyance at being disturbed, but Yan Qiyue insisted it was her unwavering determination to meet him. She confessed her long-standing admiration for his works, telling him that meeting him today was a wish fulfilled.
Marquis Wu'an, maintaining his facade, claimed to have observed her daily at the exhibition, noting her emotional responses to his paintings, which led him to believe she was a truly understanding and appreciative soul. Deeply moved, Yan Qiyue revealed she had traveled far to the capital specifically to find him, and Marquis Wu'an, still posing as Mr. Lin Yuan, expressed his profound gratitude for her sincerity.
Excited, Yan Qiyue rushed to tell Shi Fa'ke about finally meeting Mr. Lin Yuan, describing him as a man in his prime, with an impressive presence and unmarried, clearly dispelling Shi Fa'ke's earlier concern that Mr. Lin Yuan might be Lu Chi. Shi Fa'ke, however, felt something was amiss and advised Yan Qiyue to get to know him thoroughly before considering marriage.
Shi Fa'ke then shared her concerns with Lu Chi, who immediately declared that this Mr. Lin Yuan was an impostor and Yan Qiyue had been deceived. He urged Shi Fa'ke to prevent Yan Qiyue from rushing into marriage, warning of dire consequences. Believing Lu Chi, Shi Fa'ke confronted Yan Qiyue, highlighting Mr. Lin Yuan's historically low profile and the sudden, convenient timing of his exhibition and their meeting as too coincidental. Yan Qiyue dismissed these concerns, attributing it to fate.
Despite Shi Fa'ke emphasizing Lu Chi’s certainty, Yan Qiyue grew frustrated, accusing Shi Fa'ke of never wanting her to be with Mr. Lin Yuan from the beginning, before storming off. Yan Qiyue met Marquis Wu'an again. Shi Fa'ke unexpectedly arrived and exposed him as Marquis Wu'an, not Mr. Lin Yuan. Yan Qiyue was upset and told Shi Fa'ke to leave.
Marquis Wu'an then calmly admitted his true identity, explaining that he concealed it to prevent others from assuming he used his power to gain false fame, wishing his art to be appreciated on its own merit. Yan Qiyue accepted his explanation, even expressing sympathy for his perceived solitude. Marquis Wu'an subtly expressed concern for Yan Qiyue's friendship with Shi Fa'ke, saying he didn't mind being misunderstood but didn't want Yan Qiyue to suffer.
Yan Qiyue assured him she would explain things to Shi Fa'ke. Learning that Yan Qiyue was currently staying with Shi Fa'ke due to running out of travel money, Marquis Wu'an suggested it might be difficult for her to continue staying there after their argument, and offered to take care of her. Yan Qiyue acknowledged his kindness but felt it would be heartless to leave Shi Fa'ke's home immediately after the conflict.
Marquis Wu'an simply told her she was welcome to come to him anytime if she was unhappy. Back at Xibao Pavilion, Shi Fa'ke was furious. She recounted the confrontation to Lu Chi, expressing her frustration that Yan Qiyue was still deceived. Lu Chi found it suspicious that a man like Marquis Wu'an, known for his unscrupulousness and love of money, would waste time deceiving an outsider like Yan Qiyue, who had no wealth.
Shi Fa'ke, unable to wait any longer, resolved to find a way to make Yan Qiyue realize the truth herself. Later, Lu Chi received urgent news that a large number of troops were gathering around Mount Qianya, with spies scouting daily, seemingly preparing for an attack. He quickly conveyed this news to the Emperor, understanding this was a diversion tactic by Marquis Wu'an, who was now waiting for him at Mount Qianya.
Lu Chi immediately sent orders to his subordinate, Zhuxi, to hold the mountain, avoid direct confrontation at the foot, increase patrols, and carefully deploy their forces. The next morning, Lu Chi went to Shi Fa'ke to bid her farewell, explaining he had urgent matters requiring his return to Mount Qianya. Shi Fa'ke was saddened by his sudden departure and asked when he would return.
Lu Chi promised that his return to Mount Qianya was to fulfill a vital mission, after which he would return to officially marry her. He presented her with a partially carved seal, envisioning her using it to stamp wedding letters for every successful matchmaking case. Shi Fa'ke refused the unfinished seal, asking him to complete it and give it to her personally upon his safe return. Lu Chi agreed and reassured her he would definitely come back.
Before leaving, he entrusted the care of Shi Fa'ke to his Senior Brother and Second Brother, who promised to protect her. Yan Qiyue and Marquis Wu'an met again. Shi Fa'ke interrupted their tea, presenting a painting she claimed was an "earlier work" by Mr. Lin Yuan, asking for his profound interpretation. Marquis Wu'an delivered an eloquent critique, interpreting the landscape as a symbol of his inner wounds and the profound loneliness of being too refined for common understanding.
Shi Fa'ke then revealed that she had purchased the painting from Yunlou Painting Shop, and it was, in fact, painted by someone else. Marquis Wu'an tried to dismiss it as a casual piece he no longer remembered, but Shi Fa'ke pressed him to provide a calligraphic inscription. When he hesitated, Yan Qiyue expressed her desire to see it, compelling him to agree.
As he prepared to write, Shi Fa'ke "accidentally" spilled water on the fan, then presented a variety of other fans, including a "waterproof silk" one, clearly cornering him. Enraged, Marquis Wu'an called Shi Fa'ke "outrageous" and attempted to leave with Yan Qiyue. The realization finally dawned on Yan Qiyue; she lamented meeting such a "con artist" and worried about being alone for the rest of her life.
Shi Fa'ke comforted her, explaining that her impatience made her an easy target for opportunists. Yan Qiyue apologized for her earlier distrust, and Shi Fa'ke reminded her that true marriage involves understanding beyond initial passion, including daily life's complexities. Shi Fa'ke then promised to help Yan Qiyue understand her own heart. After his identity was exposed again, Marquis Wu'an was furious.
A subordinate informed him that the Emperor had been absent from court for days, likely fearing his power, and that his ascension to the throne was imminent. The subordinate also reported that Lu Chi had departed for Mount Qianya. Pleased, Marquis Wu'an stated that everything was proceeding as planned. He now intended to exploit Lu Chi's weakness by controlling Shi Fa'ke and ordered his subordinate to immediately capture her to use as leverage.
While strolling, Shi Fa'ke and Yan Qiyue were accosted by a group of thugs. The Emperor, whom Yan Qiyue knew as Mr. Huang, appeared and attempted to intervene, urging Yan Qiyue to flee. Just as the situation grew tense, Lu Yi suddenly appeared and drove the thugs away. Lu Yi explained that Lu Chi, as the Chief, had instructed him to protect Shi Fa'ke.
At an opera house, Shi Fa'ke introduced herself to Mr. Huang as a matchmaker, thanking him for his assistance. Mr. Huang kindly offered Yan Qiyue a brown sugar cake, her favorite, and they shared a pleasant meal. Shi Fa'ke, ever the matchmaker, subtly tried to ascertain Mr. Huang's background, leading Yan Qiyue to playfully chide her for always trying to matchmake. Observing Yan Qiyue's reactions, Shi Fa'ke noticed she seemed to harbor special feelings for Mr. Huang.
Later, Shi Fa'ke visited Xibao Pavilion alone, feeling a profound sense of loss as she recalled her sweet moments with Lu Chi. Li Pan'er handed her a letter from Lu Chi, noting how much he missed her despite his urgent departure to Mount Qianya. Reading Lu Chi's heartfelt words expressing his deep longing and how "flavorless" everything felt without her, even the sunrises and sunsets on Mount Qianya having "lost their luster," Shi Fa'ke was deeply moved.
Yan Qiyue approached Shi Fa'ke, confused by her own fluctuating emotions. Shi Fa'ke concluded that Yan Qiyue must have feelings for Mr. Huang, but Yan Qiyue denied it, insisting they were merely kindred spirits who shared an admiration for Mr. Lin Yuan, and that she would marry no one but Mr. Lin Yuan.
Shi Fa'ke advised her to honestly ask herself if Mr. Huang had a place in her heart, warning that if not, they should avoid meeting to prevent unrealistic expectations. Conflicted, Yan Qiyue admitted she was unhappy without seeing Mr. Huang but also unwilling to give up on Mr. Lin Yuan, feeling utterly confused. Shi Fa'ke promised to help her discern her true feelings.
She first presented Yan Qiyue with several paintings, asking her to identify Mr. Lin Yuan's authentic work, which Yan Qiyue failed to do. Then, Shi Fa'ke presented five young men and asked Yan Qiyue to identify Mr. Huang simply by looking into their eyes. Yan Qiyue immediately picked out the Emperor. Shi Fa'ke pointed out the stark contrast: Yan Qiyue couldn't identify Mr. Lin Yuan's true art, but instantly recognized Mr. Huang, indicating her heart had already made its choice.
She urged Yan Qiyue to "look at who's already by your side." A squad of soldiers from the Military Headquarters arrived at Shi Fa'ke's home, demanding her arrest. Her parents fiercely resisted, demanding an arrest warrant and refusing to let them take their daughter, warning that "weapons don't discriminate." To protect her parents from harm, Shi Fa'ke stepped forward, declared herself, and agreed to go with them, believing she had committed no wrong and would eventually be released.
Her parents desperately tried to stop her, but she reassured them before being taken away. Yan Qiyue and Shi Fa'ke's aunt and uncle remained behind. Shortly after, Lu Chi's Senior Brother and Second Brother arrived and decided to go rescue Shi Fa'ke, with Yan Qiyue also joining them. At Mount Qianya, a subordinate reported to Lu Chi that their forces were heavily outnumbered by Li Ang's stubborn and brutal troops, resulting in heavy casualties.
Lu Chi acknowledged their numerical disadvantage and praised his subordinate for gaining valuable intelligence on the enemy. He observed that Li Ang's elite troops aimed to cut off the capital's retreat route, but he had a plan. He ordered his men to go down the mountain with great fanfare, buying and stockpiling provisions, and making loud demonstrations with war drums and banners to make the enemy believe they had vast numbers and ample supplies.
This strategy was designed to deter the enemy from making rash moves before their own supplies arrived. Once the enemy's provisions were in place, they would engage in a prolonged war of attrition to wear them down. Lu Chi then mentioned a clever tactic to dampen their spirits.
