The Unexpected Marriage Episode 2 Recap
> The Unexpected Marriage Recap
While trespassing in Princess Changsheng's room, Lv Jing is discovered by her. A tense exchange ensues where Changsheng gives him a choice for his impropriety. Lv Jing deflects and strikes a deal: he will help her avoid the impending peace-making marriage to Prince Qin if she lets the matter go. Changsheng agrees to this arrangement.
Lv Jing's subordinate expresses concern about the implications of being in the Princess's private chambers, but Lv Jing seems more focused on his mission in Fuyu. The next day, Prince Qin announces he will interview members of Princess Changsheng's household in the garden to record her daily habits for reference in the peace-making marriage selection process. Changsheng's staff, prompted to provide unfavorable accounts, describe her as stingy, petty, bad-tempered, and disrespectful.
However, Prince Qin, or his scribe, reinterprets these descriptions as virtues like diligence, good household management, keen memory, strength of character, and innovative thinking, much to the frustration of Changsheng's maid, Jinyan, who notes that Prince Qin seems deliberately twisting their words. Prince Qin concludes that Princess Changsheng is an admirable role model for women.
Later, Xiao Jin presents Princess Changsheng with a collection of portraits of eligible young noblemen from the various Ministries, acquired by Xie Lin from the Ministry of Works. Xiao Jin intends to help Changsheng find a suitable match quickly to preempt the imperial decree regarding the peace-making marriage. Changsheng is grateful but confirms that Xiao Jin's brother, Xiao Zilv, is unaware of this plan. They begin reviewing the portraits. Changsheng dismisses many.
She considers Zhao Huaibi, the seventh son of General Zhao, due to his reputation for talent, but he is not currently in the capital. Her attention then falls on Shen Bin, son of Minister Shen and the Assistant Minister of Revenue, who is also described as gifted and capable; Changsheng decisively chooses him. Suddenly, Xiao Zilv appears. Upon seeing him, Changsheng expresses exasperation.
Xiao Zilv immediately makes sarcastic remarks about his leg injury, implying she is responsible, and offers mock thanks for only partially harming him. He then comments on her selection of Shen Bin, noting that Shen Bin is the sole heir of his family for three generations and, given Changsheng's notorious reputation, marrying her would surely mean the end of the Shen lineage. Their exchange quickly devolves into a heated argument.
Provoked, Changsheng retorts that if her reputation is truly that bad, she might as well marry "him" to be rid of him. Xiao Zilv responds with similar taunts. Angered, Changsheng storms away, with Xiao Zilv momentarily following her. Back with Lv Jing, he is discussing with his subordinate how to gather intelligence about Fuyu. They determine that the Ministry of Revenue is crucial for understanding the country's finances and tax system.
The subordinate reports on Changsheng's husband selection attempt and her argument with Xiao Zilv. Crucially, he informs Lv Jing that Changsheng selected Shen Bin, the Assistant Minister of Revenue, known for his exceptional memory and ability to answer complex questions about public affairs. Lv Jing immediately recognizes this as an opportunity.
While his subordinate suggests finding a way to distance themselves from Changsheng, Lv Jing concludes the opposite: they must stay close to her to gain access to Shen Bin and his knowledge. Changsheng, wanting to assess Shen Bin firsthand, decides to visit Minister Shen's residence rather than wait for him to call.
She persuades her father, Prince Changle, to accompany her, framing the visit as a casual inquiry given the urgency of the peace-making marriage situation, emphasizing they should not appear overly eager. Lv Jing, having learned of her plan, insists on accompanying her, citing his duty as the envoy to remain by her side. Changsheng reluctantly agrees.
Meanwhile, Xiao Zilv visits his friend Shen Bin at his residence and, aware of Changsheng's pending visit, advises Shen Bin to act deliberately crude, sloppy, and unimpressive. He explains that Changsheng dislikes men without manners and behaving poorly will ensure she loses interest. Changsheng, her father Prince Changle, and Lv Jing arrive at the Minister Shen's mansion. Shen Bin is summoned to meet them. He appears deliberately disheveled and behaves awkwardly, attempting to follow Xiao Zilv's advice.
Prince Changle and Minister Shen exchange pleasantries. Prince Changle alludes to the rumors about Changsheng bringing bad luck, claiming they were spread intentionally to ward off suitors seeking power, but now worries how they affect the peace-making marriage selection. Shen Bin makes a remark echoing Xiao Zilv's sentiment about Changsheng's reputation threatening his family line. Changsheng observes Shen Bin's unkempt appearance and awkwardness with clear disappointment.
Lv Jing, seeing an opportunity under the guise of conversation, proposes a test of Shen Bin's knowledge, posing a question about the number and types of Confucius's disciples mentioned in a specific passage of the Analects. Shen Bin is unable to answer immediately, stating the text doesn't provide that information. Lv Jing subtly mocks the talents of Fuyu's scholars. Stepping in, Changsheng provides the correct answer, demonstrating her sharp intellect. Lv Jing acknowledges her quick wit and talent.
After Changsheng answers the question, Lv Jing praises her intelligence, suggesting she is highly capable. Shen Bin attempts to recover, but Lv Jing remains dismissive. Lv Jing then suggests another test, but Changsheng intervenes, stating Shen Bin possesses talent despite lacking ingenuity and suggesting they conclude the visit. She guides Lv Jing away, saying her father will remain to chat. Outside the mansion, Changsheng thanks Lv Jing for his help.
Lv Jing, however, then states that her display of intelligence makes her even "more" suitable for the peace-making marriage to Prince Qin, directly contradicting his earlier agreement with her. Changsheng is taken aback by his shift in stance. Xiao Zilv suddenly appears, seeing Changsheng with Lv Jing. Changsheng tells Xiao Zilv she is not marrying Shen Bin, addressing their earlier disagreement. The episode touches upon an past incident where Xiao Zilv broke his leg while saving Changsheng.
While he dismisses it as a past event when she mentions it, his persistent sarcastic remarks and argumentative behavior toward her suggest a complex mix of lingering resentment and affection, masked by constant teasing. Changsheng's reaction to his behavior, particularly her strong declaration that she would never marry him, indicates that she interprets his actions as purely antagonistic rather than romantic.
Having gained insight into Fuyu's financial administration (implied through Shen Bin's position), Lv Jing determines that their next target for intelligence will depend on Changsheng's next choice of suitor. His subordinate expresses concern that Changsheng's unfavorable public reputation will make it difficult for her to find another candidate. Lv Jing dismisses the rumors, stating that based on his observations, he finds Changsheng to be intelligent and a good person, believing people often credit rumors over what they see.
His subordinate jokingly suggests Lv Jing might want to marry Changsheng himself, a possibility Lv Jing does not directly deny before sending the subordinate away. Changsheng continues her search for a suitable husband among the remaining portraits. After considering other options, she focuses on Yang Wulang, son of the Minister of Works. Xiao Jin expresses reservations, mentioning rumors about Yang Wulang having a specific "quirk."
Changsheng, however, is resolved and selects Yang Wulang, stating she will not be deterred by rumors. In her enthusiasm, she bounces a ball that flies through a window and hits Lv Jing inside, who is shirtless. Changsheng and her companions react with embarrassment, quickly covering their eyes.
