Better Halves Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> Better Halves Recap
As Shi Fa'ke worried about the still-missing Yan Qiyue, Lu Chi reassured her that with Marquis Wu'an's power eliminated, Yan Qiyue was safe, and he would continue the search. Just then, an envoy from Gaoyou arrived, explaining that his princess was in the capital for a marriage alliance with the Emperor and had specifically requested Shi Fa'ke to be her matchmaker.
Upholding her principles, Shi Fa'ke insisted on meeting the princess first and arranged to visit her at the posthouse the next day. At the posthouse, Shi Fa'ke was shocked to find that the princess was none other than Yan Qiyue, who had been forcibly brought there. Yan Qiyue confessed her true identity, explaining she had originally fled an arranged marriage to find Mr. Lin Yuan.
After their previous conversation, she had desperately searched for Mr. Huang, only to be captured by her father's delegation. Pleading for help, Yan Qiyue insisted she wanted to marry for love, not political duty. Shi Fa'ke promised to help and to keep her identity secret until Yan Qiyue was certain of her own heart. Meanwhile, the Emperor was furious with his ministers for pressuring him into a political marriage when his only desire was to find someone he truly loved.
On an attendant's suggestion, he decided to hire a matchmaker to find a suitable bride and summoned Shi Fa'ke, whose reputation had reached him. In the palace, the Emperor declared his intention to marry Yan Qiyue, who he knew was staying at Shi Fa'ke's home. Bound by her professional creed, Shi Fa'ke refused, explaining that Yan Qiyue was conflicted, with feelings for both Mr. Lin Yuan and the recently met Mr. Huang.
The Emperor then commanded her to look up, revealing himself to be Mr. Huang. Astonished, Shi Fa'ke was unable to clarify her words before the Emperor, now believing Yan Qiyue to be fickle, ordered her to test Yan Qiyue's true feelings. He decreed that if she truly loved him, she would become Empress; otherwise, she would be granted her freedom. Distraught, Shi Fa'ke confronted Lu Chi, blaming him for not revealing the Emperor's identity.
Lu Chi then provided the final piece of the puzzle: the Emperor was also Mr. Lin Yuan. This stunning revelation meant that Yan Qiyue's affections for both men had always been for the same person. Armed with this knowledge, Shi Fa'ke went to Yan Qiyue, who was in despair after receiving a letter from her father urging her to sacrifice her happiness for a crucial trade alliance.
Shi Fa'ke reassured her that both Mr. Huang and Mr. Lin Yuan wished to marry her. Still, Yan Qiyue felt torn by her duty as a princess. Later, she received another letter from her father, who now supported her in following her own heart. Shi Fa'ke understood that with neither the Emperor nor Yan Qiyue knowing the full truth, both were trapped in a state of confusion.
As she pondered how to resolve their impasse, Lu Chi led her to his home. He revealed a room filled with birthday gifts he had made for her for every year he had been absent, expressing his long-held love. He then proposed marriage, and an overjoyed Shi Fa'ke accepted. On the wedding day, three sedan chairs were presented to Yan Qiyue.
The betrothal gifts for each choice were announced: the Emperor offered a trade agreement, Mr. Lin Yuan a painting, and Mr. Huang a simple robe symbolizing lifelong protection. Trusting Shi Fa'ke, Yan Qiyue followed her heart and chose the sedan chair representing Mr. Huang. That night, Yan Qiyue entered a lavishly decorated chamber and, seeing a dragon robe, feared a mistake had been made. But when the groom lifted her veil, she saw the face of Mr. Huang.
The Emperor then revealed his final secret: he was not only Mr. Huang but also the Mr. Lin Yuan she had long admired. Her disbelief melted away, and they shared a passionate kiss, sealing their union. During Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi's wedding, as they were about to perform their ceremonial bows, an imperial decree arrived. The Emperor bestowed upon Shi Fa'ke the official title of "the No.1 Matchmaker in the World" and a commemorative plaque.
Her mother, Chief Matchmaker Tao, proudly announced her own retirement, entrusting the future of the agency to her daughter. Just as the ceremony was about to conclude, a client burst in with an urgent matchmaking case. Without hesitation, the newly minted No. 1 Matchmaker eagerly accepted, dashing off to her next case with her new husband, Lu Chi, hurrying to keep up.
