Better Halves Episode 23 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
In the imperial palace, Marquis Wu'an confidently confronted the Emperor, gloating that the throne was rightfully his due to birth order and asserting that the Emperor had merely been lucky. Unaware that Lu Chi had already led his troops into the palace and brought his soldiers under control, Marquis Wu'an revealed his true intentions. He confessed to manipulating the Official Matchmaking Agency, imprisoning Chief Matchmaker Tao, and orchestrating various events for his grand scheme.
He admitted to being responsible for the death of Prime Minister Zhu, and declared his intention to kill the Emperor and all who stood in his way, but would spare Shi Fa'ke to serve as a matchmaker for his own political marriage with a foreign princess, ensuring his dynasty's eternal stability. Just as Marquis Wu'an prepared to strike the Emperor, Lu Chi suddenly appeared, blocking the blade.
Seeing Lu Chi alive, Marquis Wu'an was stunned, realizing he had fallen into the Emperor's trap. With his soldiers surrendering without resistance, Marquis Wu'an, seeing his cause lost and unwilling to accept defeat, defiantly consumed a pre-prepared poison. The Emperor mourned his brother, ordering a respectful burial for Marquis Wu'an.
He then told Lu Chi that he regretted not being able to save Marquis Wu'an from his obsession and acknowledged that Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke had suffered because of him. He also revealed that he knew Shi Fa'ke had been captured and, while Lu Chi was busy aiding the Emperor at Mount Qianya, he had been unable to save her.
Recognizing Lu Chi's loyalty and success in quelling the rebellion, the Emperor promised lavish rewards, including for Lu Chi's future wife and his Mount Qianya brothers. Lu Chi, however, put aside formalities and requested immediate permission to leave the palace to find Shi Fa'ke, as his heart would not rest until she was safe. Lu Chi rushed to the prison, calling out for Shi Fa'ke, but found it empty. Believing he was too late, he sank into despair.
Just then, Shi Fa'ke emerged from behind him. She explained that He Kexian had helped her deceive Marquis Wu'an and escape the prison, allowing her to wait for Lu Chi's return. The two shared a heartfelt reunion, a moment of profound relief after fearing each other lost. Shi Fa'ke held up the seal Lu Chi had carved, a symbol of her unwavering belief that he would return.
Together, they went with He Kexian to what used to be He's Bakery, only to find it renamed "Jiangshan Bakery." He Kexian explained that he had given the bakery to Marquis Wu'an to earn his trust, a sacrifice that deeply touched Shi Fa'ke. At the Shi mansion, the family anxiously awaited news of Shi Fa'ke. Their worry turned to joy as Shi Fa'ke returned home safely.
Soon after, an imperial edict proclaimed Lu Chi as the Imperial Envoy of the capital, tasked with investigating and purging Marquis Wu'an's accomplices and maintaining public order, with a special command camp established at Mount Qianya under his authority. Another decree reinstated Shi Fa'ke's mother, Chief Matchmaker Tao, to her rightful position, clearing her name after she was wrongfully accused by Marquis Wu'an. He Kexian and He Ketian also joyfully regained control of He's Bakery.
He Kexian confessed to his sister that he didn't hate Lu Chi anymore, recognizing Lu Chi's goodness and how much he cared for Shi Fa'ke and those around her. He said he understood that true love was mutual and wished them happiness. Lu Chi then visited the Shi mansion, bowing to Shi Fa'ke's parents to formally request her hand in marriage. He pledged his sincerity and vowed that all he possessed would belong to Shi Fa'ke after their marriage.
Shi Fa'ke's father, after a thoughtful conversation and accepting some small gifts from Lu Chi, was impressed by his earnestness and willingness to marry into the family and care for his daughter. He gave his blessing, though not without a warning that he would hold Lu Chi accountable should he ever hurt Shi Fa'ke.
Lu Chi then clarified his true identity, explaining that the Mount Qianya group, appearing as bandits, were secretly aiding the Emperor in protecting the nation and eliminating traitors. He assured them that his previous concealment was out of necessity and that his feelings for Shi Fa'ke had never changed. Shi Fa'ke's mother, a matchmaker herself, sought her daughter's consent, and Shi Fa'ke happily declared her love for Lu Chi, refusing to marry anyone else.
However, her mother added a condition: Shi Fa'ke could only marry Lu Chi after her older brothers were wed, respecting tradition. Meanwhile, Zhu Yanyan, holding the glasses her grandfather had custom-made for her, grieved for him, wondering when his murderer would be brought to justice.
Her cousin, Lu Zhuxi, then delivered the good news: Lu Chi had sent a letter stating that Marquis Wu'an, the mastermind behind her grandfather's murder, had been killed, and the Emperor had purged the traitors and announced the truth of the case. Yanyan wept tears of relief, knowing her grandfather's death was avenged and his spirit could finally rest in peace.
Lu Zhuxi also shared the joyous news that Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke would be getting married next month, although he noted they might miss the wedding as they had to remain on the mountain. Yanyan suggested they hold another celebration for them on the mountain. Amidst the general wedding preparations, Yan Qiyue felt a pang of loneliness, wondering when she would find her own match.
Shi Fa'ke found her and, knowing Qiyue's heart, pointed out that she seemed to be waiting for Mr. Huang, who had left without a word. Qiyue admitted her sadness, but also reminded Shi Fa'ke of her deeper "obsession" with Mr. Lin Yuan, for whom she had run away from home. Shi Fa'ke promised to help Qiyue find both Mr. Lin Yuan to clarify her true feelings, and Mr. Huang to understand his departure.
Later, as Yan Qiyue walked alone, inadvertently mistaking a stranger for Mr. Huang, soldiers sent by her father appeared and took her captive. She realized she was being forced into a marriage alliance with the Emperor and vehemently refused, declaring that her heart already belonged to someone else. Shi Fa'ke grew anxious when Yan Qiyue suddenly went missing and sought Lu Chi's help. Lu Chi immediately dispatched his subordinates to search for her.
Meanwhile, at the posthouse where she was held, Yan Qiyue, now revealed to be a princess from Gaoyou, feigned consent to the marriage alliance. She used this as a ploy, demanding that Shi Fa'ke, the capital's most skilled matchmaker, be brought to her as a condition for the marriage, hoping Shi Fa'ke would be able to save her.
As Lu Chi and Shi Fa'ke continued their search for Qiyue late into the night, Lu Chi reassured Shi Fa'ke that Qiyue would be fine and suggested they head home to check if she had returned, offering to carry Shi Fa'ke when she grew tired.
