Debit Queen Episode 18 Recap
> Debit Queen Recap
Upon arriving at the suburban posthouse, Ping'er was visibly excited to see Wang Zhujue waiting for them. He proudly announced that he had passed the Provincial Examination and was now in Furong City for the Metropolitan Examination. Wang Zhujue mentioned that he had trouble finding accommodation after being tricked by Wang Zixuan, but Xu Zilu was able to secure them a room thanks to his family's connections with the posthouse.
At the posthouse, they encountered Lyu Qingfeng, a Constable from the Ministry of Personnel. Lyu Qingfeng, who claimed to be an old acquaintance from Linchun, addressed Xu Zilu coolly. When Ling Se introduced herself as Xu Zilu's wife, Lyu Qingfeng offered one of the two rooms he had booked and help with obtaining their entry permits. Xu Zilu, however, responded curtly, refusing his offer.
Sensing tension, Ling Se inquired if they had a past conflict, but Xu Zilu quickly dismissed Lyu Qingfeng, telling him to stay silent, and led Ling Se away. Unbeknownst to them, men in black were observing their arrival, noting the presence of officials, and plotting to sneak into their room. Later, Fuding and Ling Shuo arrived.
Ling Shuo, Ling Se's younger brother, explained tearfully that he had won first place in the Provincial Examination but had run away from home after their father decided he couldn't afford to support his studies further and wanted him to return to the countryside. He had planned to travel with Wang Zhujue but was forgotten and had to make his way alone until he met Fuding. Ling Se was furious at Wang Zhujue and promised to punish him later.
Fuding then added that he had met Ling Shuo while traveling. Ling Shuo recognized Lyu Qingfeng, who had left earlier, and impulsively revealed that Lyu Qingfeng was the person who had stolen Xu Zilu's fiancée, making Xu Zilu the laughingstock of Linchun City and causing him to remain unmarried for years. Ling Se was taken aback by the revelation. Lyu Qingfeng departed, offering his sincere blessings before leaving.
Fuding cautioned Ling Se to stay away from Lyu Qingfeng, saying their young master couldn't endure another heartbreak. Fuding eventually managed to get Ling Shuo, who initially wanted to stay and protect Ling Se, back to their room. Afterward, Ling Se discussed the revelation with Ping'er, expressing her confusion and curiosity about Xu Zilu's former fiancée. Ping'er speculated that the fiancée must have been blind to choose Lyu Qingfeng over Xu Zilu, confirming she was likely a well-matched noble lady.
Ping'er playfully suggested a scenario where Xu Zilu and his ex-fiancée might rekindle their relationship upon meeting, leaving Ling Se, the contract wife, behind. Feeling teased, Ling Se decided she would just ask Xu Zilu directly. That evening, Ling Se asked Xu Zilu to join her to admire the moon. He noticed her contemplative gaze and asked if she was still preoccupied with what had happened earlier.
She admitted she was just curious and would drop the subject if he preferred not to talk about it. When she asked if his fiancée was pretty, Xu Zilu described her as a childhood friend from the same academy, popular among many, and a renowned beauty and talent in Linchun, adding with a hint of bitterness that "apart from poor taste, everything else about her is impeccable."
Ling Se felt a pang of sadness and asked if he regretted not marrying her. Xu Zilu responded that he hadn't understood feelings before but did now. Ling Se, feeling a blush, said she was going back to sleep. Later, men in black attacked Xu Zilu. Lyu Qingfeng and his subordinates apprehended two of the attackers, but they promptly took poison and died in custody.
Fuding later reported to Xu Zilu that the attack had happened the night after they left home and the men had searched his room. Fuding mentioned the Old Madam suspected Third Uncle was behind it. Xu Zilu connected this incident to the problem with the shop in Furong City. Recognizing the danger, Xu Zilu planned to send for more guards from home. Ling Se, hearing about thieves at the posthouse, came to check on Xu Zilu.
He reassured her he was unharmed and the attackers were caught. Ling Se expressed her fear, and Xu Zilu comforted her, promising to take her shopping in the city the next day to help her relax. They shared a tender moment before Ling Se left, feeling shy. Meanwhile, Xu Zilu's Third Uncle in Furong was resentful that Xu Zilu had arrived so quickly.
He was struggling to transfer funds from the perfume shop, realizing he couldn't leave Xu Zilu with an empty storefront. Third Uncle had been trying to forge connections with Wu Qi, sending visiting cards which were returned, and even visiting in person with gifts. However, Wu Qi's butler blocked him, stating that Wu Qi refused to meet him because "those with different values can't work together."
Angered, Third Uncle left, warning that Wu Qi should not blame him in the future. Wu Qi, speaking to his butler, acknowledged Third Uncle's persistence and his own need to be cautious around him. Upon their arrival in Furong City, Ling Se was excited by the bustling atmosphere and wanted to explore. Fuding showed her the lively Xilin Street, pointing out shops selling jewelry and mentioning a famous one.
Ping'er felt unwell, citing a headache and lack of breakfast, and asked Wang Zhujue to buy her candied haws. As Xu Zilu and Ling Se walked, they passed a shop called "Yushan Perfume Shop." Ling Se noticed its style was similar to the Xu family's shops but the name was different. Xu Zilu confirmed it "was" their family's shop, kept by his Third Uncle, and promised he would personally take it back later.
They received the report about the captured attackers poisoning themselves before heading to the Xu Mansion in Furong. At the mansion, Butler Chen greeted them warmly and offered them Three Flower Tea, a local specialty. Ling Se recognized him as Chen Bin. Xu Zilu explained that after the incident involving Third Uncle, he had kept Chen in Furong as his butler. Fuding, hearing this, was visibly upset and complained about not being made butler himself despite his years of service.
Xu Zilu teased Fuding about his job performance. Butler Chen then showed them around the mansion. Later, Wu Qi met with Ling Se, greeting her with warm regard and stating her arrival had dispelled his worries. He showed her a large shop he intended to give her, explaining its prime location and high value.
Wu Qi stated he had planned to open a branch there but decided to give it to her due to the sense of affinity he felt with "both" her and Xu Zilu during their time in Linchun. Ling Se was surprised and delighted by his generosity, accepting the gift while wondering how to make the most of such a large, well-situated space.
Wu Qi suggested she consider a larger business scope and offered to cooperate and invest more if she had concerns. Xu Zilu then arrived, thanking Wu Qi for his kindness. Wu Qi framed it as a simple business discussion and invited them to share some Three Flower Tea, hoping it might inspire Xu Zilu's incense-making. While Ling Se continued to look around the shop, Xu Zilu joined Wu Qi for tea.
Wu Qi asked Xu Zilu if his purpose in Furong was solely to accompany his wife and establish her business, or if he had other objectives. Xu Zilu prompted him to be direct. Wu Qi then inquired about Third Uncle's status within the Xu family, mentioning the returned visiting cards. Xu Zilu confirmed that Wu Qi was well-informed.
Wu Qi offered advice on navigating the complexities of Furong, highlighting the strict rules and the influence of powerful figures like Prince Xian, who favors Imperial Merchants and cultivates connections. Wu Qi noted Xu Zilu's prior dealings with Prince Xian. Xu Zilu acknowledged the advice but pressed Wu Qi on his reasons for repeatedly approaching him from Lingnan to Furong.
Wu Qi revealed that their destinies were intertwined by a "certain person," but he assured Xu Zilu that this person would not be Ling Se. Back at the mansion, Xu Zilu asked Fuding if the visiting card had been delivered to Prince Xian's residence. Fuding confirmed it had been personally delivered. Xu Zilu then inquired about lively places in Furong suitable for taking Ling Se.
Fuding mentioned the Qianqiu Festival Garden Party the following day, explaining the local tradition where lovers exchange sachets to pledge lifelong devotion and receive blessings. Xu Zilu seemed intrigued by the prospect of attending the Garden Party but declined Fuding's offer to buy him a sachet. Later that night, Xu Zilu was still awake, working on making incense. Ling Se came to check on him, noting his late hours.
Xu Zilu, who was dressed up and had new clothes ready for her, mentioned the Qianqiu Garden Party with its food and fun, suggesting they go together. Ling Se was excited and happily changed into the dress he had prepared. He complimented her appearance, making her beam. As they were preparing to leave, Fuding arrived with an urgent message: Prince Xian had summoned Xu Zilu immediately.
Xu Zilu was hesitant, saying he was busy and asking Fuding to reply that he would visit another day. Fuding insisted that it was Prince Xian. Ling Se urged him to go, saying she could go to the Garden Party alone or with Ling Shuo. Xu Zilu decided to go quickly, finish the meeting, and return to accompany her, emphasizing that she must wait for him. He then departed to meet with Prince Xian.
