Better Halves Episode 9 Recap
> Better Halves Recap
Upon hearing gossip questioning a match her mother had made, Shi Fa'ke staunchly defended her mother's reputation, pointing to Xu Ao's success as proof of a flawless union. Her confidence soared when news arrived of Xu Ao's promotion. An imperial envoy soon declared Xu Ao the new Commander of the Imperial Cavalry Bureau, a position coveted by Marquis Wu'an. Xu Ao's wife, Liu Yingying, graciously rewarded the eunuch for the good news.
However, the joyous occasion was shattered when Liu Yingying unexpectedly demanded a divorce, leaving Xu Ao completely bewildered. Meanwhile, Marriage Broker Deng was instructed by an affiliate of Marquis Wu'an to arrange a marriage between Hua Yuerong, the Marquis's sworn sister, and Xu Ao. Initially hesitant because Xu Ao was married, Deng was delighted upon learning of Liu Yingying's divorce request.
She saw it as a perfect opportunity to tarnish Chief Matchmaker Tao's "No. 1 Matchmaker in the World" reputation by proving one of her matches had failed. The next day, Deng assigned the divorce case to a stunned Shi Fa'ke, who couldn't believe her mother's matchmaking could ever fail. Presented with a divorce agreement bearing Liu Yingying's fingerprint, and to prevent Deng from confronting her mother directly, Shi Fa'ke reluctantly took the case to uncover the truth.
Afterward, she ran into Lu Chi, but feeling embarrassed after having boasted about her mother's infallibility, she made an excuse and left. At home, she sought her mother's advice on divorce cases. Her mother wisely counseled that marriage is like a fragile paper that, once creased, is marked forever. She advised that if a couple's feelings have truly changed, it is better to let them part, as their happiness is more important than a matchmaker's reputation.
Investigating, Shi Fa'ke visited Liu Yingying and questioned why she would want a divorce when Xu Ao's career was flourishing. Liu Yingying confessed that Xu Ao was having an affair with Hua Yuerong, the manager of the Flower House, and that Hua had brazenly visited her, claiming to be pregnant with Xu Ao's child. Outside, Lu Chi waited for Shi Fa'ke, unknowingly followed by her protective brother, Shi Xianxian.
After hearing the details, Lu Chi suggested they visit the Flower House. Shi Xianxian's attempt to tag along was thwarted by a playful Li Pan'er, who flirtatiously detained him, much to her amusement and his flustered dismay. At the Flower House, unaware they were being manipulated as part of a larger scheme by Marquis Wu'an, Shi Fa'ke and Lu Chi saw Xu Ao and Hua Yuerong drinking together.
Mistaking this for an intimate moment, an enraged Shi Fa'ke confronted Xu Ao with the divorce papers. Xu Ao furiously refused to sign, tearing the agreement in half. Seeing the escalating situation, Lu Chi wisely pulled Shi Fa'ke away. Afterward, Lu Chi helped Shi Fa'ke analyze the scene, pointing out that the door was left open and Xu Ao's tone when dismissing Hua Yuerong was not that of a lover, suggesting the scene may have been staged.
That night, their suspicions grew as they watched Xu Ao scale the wall to enter his own home, only to climb back out. Following him to the Flower House, they overheard a stunning confession: Hua Yuerong admitted she had been coerced into seducing Xu Ao and feigning pregnancy to force the divorce. Xu Ao, who had just confirmed he secretly left a gift of rouge on his wife’s dressing table, was shocked to learn the true reason for her behavior.
Realizing the truth, Shi Fa'ke brought Liu Yingying to the Flower House. There, the couple tearfully reconciled, clearing up seven years of misunderstandings. Liu Yingying confessed her guilt over her inability to have children, while Xu Ao admitted he feared she had grown tired of his humble origins. He reassured her that his love was unconditional and they could adopt if they wished.
Hua Yuerong, assured of her safety by Lu Chi, revealed she was coerced by forces connected to Marquis Wu'an. Shi Fa'ke explained that she and Lu Chi had already uncovered Hua Yuerong's secret lover, Mr. Li, by tracing a matching twin lotus jade pendant, which convinced Hua Yuerong to cooperate. Lu Chi promised to ensure the safe passage of Hua Yuerong, Mr. Li, and their unborn child from the capital.
Later, Shi Fa'ke's mother, having overheard her daughter's earlier turmoil, expressed her pride that Shi Fa'ke had prioritized the couple's happiness over reputation. Lu Chi arrived with more good news, having found a skilled physician who could treat Liu Yingying's condition, and echoed that true love, like Xu Ao's, transcends the need for children.
