Ever Night Episode 45 Recap, Plot

> Ever Night
> Ever Night Recap

Sang Sang was taken back to the House of Calligraphy by Mrs. Zeng, who learned along the way that Sang Sang had been an abandoned baby found by her Young Master, Ning Que, near the border of Yan and Tang. This news deeply affected Mrs. Zeng, who promptly invited Sang Sang to visit the Zeng Jing’s mansion the following day, an invitation Sang Sang politely accepted.

Upon returning home, Mrs. Zeng tearfully recounted to Zeng Jing how their child was sold to a human trader by the first wife and a midwife years ago. Zeng Jing tried to console her, but Mrs. Zeng was convinced Sang Sang was their lost daughter. Zeng Jing, accustomed to her persistent search and previous disappointments, did not take her seriously, though Mrs. Zeng maintained faith that their daughter was still alive.

The next day, Sang Sang arrived promptly at the Zeng Jing’s mansion, bringing a gift of handmade cured meat. Zeng Jing and his wife were waiting eagerly at the entrance and had prepared a lavish feast. They watched with joy as Sang Sang ate heartily. Mrs. Zeng then intentionally spilled pear soup on Sang Sang, insisting she go to her room to wash up. Sang Sang, realizing Mrs. Zeng’s true intent, allowed Mrs. Zeng to wash her feet.

Upon seeing the birthmark shaped like a mulberry leaf on Sang Sang’s left foot, Mrs. Zeng embraced her, weeping with overwhelming emotion, exclaiming that her daughter was alive. Zeng Jing, equally moved, was also tearfully joyful, finally reunited with their long-lost daughter. News of Zeng Jing finding his daughter quickly spread throughout the capital. The Emperor of Tang and Queen Xia Tian sent congratulations and a generous gift to Zeng Jing, wishing his family reunion.

Meanwhile, Li Yu was furious, having spent a year painstakingly cultivating a relationship with Ning Que and his maid. She lamented that her carefully laid plans had been ruined by the sudden appearance of the Zeng family and their unexpected recognition of Sang Sang.

Li Yu's attendant revealed that Zeng Jing's daughter, born in the first year of Tianqi, had a mulberry leaf-shaped birthmark on her left foot, and that the child, sold by a midwife at the instigation of a man named Cui, was lost near the Yan border, possibly taken to the Yan-Tang border by human peddlers. Li Yu speculated on Zeng Jing's connection to the Queen.

The Zeng couple then went to the House of Calligraphy to take Sang Sang home, hoping she would no longer serve as a maid. Mrs. Zeng tearfully explained how she was drugged and couldn't protect Sang Sang as a baby. Sang Sang, however, resisted firmly. She admitted that as a child she had envied others who had parents, but ever since meeting Ning Que, she no longer felt that way and had no desire to leave him.

Despite Zeng Jing’s reassurances about a beautiful room awaiting her, Sang Sang refused, stating she had promised her Young Master to look after the house and handle all daily chores, including cooking and cleaning, and therefore could not move to the Zeng mansion. The Zeng couple became agitated, attempting to pull Sang Sang out, but she quickly retreated into the house and locked the door.

Despite their persistent pleas, Sang Sang remained resolute, forcing the Zeng couple to reluctantly leave, deciding to wait for Ning Que's return. Pippi Chen unexpectedly arrived to play chess with Sang Sang. However, Sang Sang was preoccupied, anxiously awaiting Ning Que's return, and had no interest in the game. She reluctantly played while eating hot and sour noodle soup, prompting Pippi Chen to get a bowl for himself as well.

Soon after, Li Manman, Ning Que, and Mo Shanshan arrived back in the capital, heading directly to the House of Calligraphy. Sang Sang was overjoyed to see Ning Que but felt self-conscious upon seeing the beautiful Mo Shanshan by his side. She quickly went to prepare tea. Pippi Chen enthusiastically greeted Mo Shanshan, acknowledging her as the "Book-Addicted" Master Mo of the Mochi Garden.

Ning Que wanted to embrace Sang Sang as they used to, but she kept her distance, leaving Ning Que feeling a pang of disappointment. Mo Shanshan intently admired Ning Que's calligraphy, praising its flowing, resolute, and authentic quality. Li Manman seized the opportunity to commend the bond between Ning Que and Mo Shanshan, highlighting Mo Shanshan's unwavering support during Ning Que's breakthrough in the wilderness. He even mentioned Mo Shanshan's admiration for Ning Que’s "Chicken Soup Copybook."

Sang Sang, observing the subtle glances exchanged between Ning Que and Mo Shanshan, retreated to the kitchen to make more noodle soup. Pippi Chen, feeling awkward, joined her and began to criticize Ning Que, but Sang Sang paid him no mind. After dinner, Ning Que went to the kitchen and again asked Sang Sang for a hug. Overcome with missing him, Sang Sang finally embraced him, finding a familiar comfort.

Ning Que then presented her with a doll he had bought in Tu Yang City, which Sang Sang cherished. Later, General Xia Hou submitted a memorial to the Emperor of Tang, earnestly requesting to retire to his hometown. Xu Shi believed this desire stemmed from the influence of Li Manman and Ning Que, expressing concern that the Academy's disciples were interfering in court affairs, a violation of the Sage's established rules.

Xu Shi advised the Emperor that the Academy should not meddle in such matters, and the Emperor agreed to seek an explanation from the Academy. At the House of Calligraphy, Sang Sang brought out two ceramic urns, one containing Yan Se's ashes and the other Wei Guangming's, and tearfully informed Ning Que of Yan Se's passing. Ning Que held Yan Se's ashes, overcome with profound grief. Mrs. Zeng, learning of Ning Que's return, was eager to reclaim Sang Sang immediately.

However, Zeng Jing urged caution, advising her to wait until Ning Que had resolved his own complications, particularly those involving the Academy and the court. The following morning, Ning Que and Sang Sang took the ashes of Yan Se and Wei Guangming to a scenic mountainside for burial. As they prepared the graves, Ning Que, suppressing his sorrow and anger, insisted that Sang Sang bury Wei Guangming far away from Yan Se.

Sang Sang refused, arguing that she wished for them to be neighbors in the afterlife, as they had planned when choosing their urns. Ning Que erupted in a furious outburst, accusing Wei Guangming of being the architect behind the massacre of General Lin's entire family, as well as the villagers at the Yan-Tang border, his brother Zhuoer's family, and even Sang Sang's own family. He condemned Sang Sang for recognizing such an enemy as her master.

Sang Sang retorted, blaming Ning Que for bringing back "a pile of people," a clear reference to Mo Shanshan. Angered, Ning Que stormed off, with Sang Sang following closely behind. Both Ning Que and Sang Sang had something important they wanted to tell each other. Ning Que confessed that he had learned the Qi of Magnanimous and had become "deviated."

He demonstrated this by squeezing a tael of silver into a ball, his eyes turning blood-red as he stared at Sang Sang. Sang Sang recoiled in fear. Ning Que immediately reverted to his normal state, and Sang Sang, still shaken, quickly fled.

Episode 44 Recap

Episode 46 Recap