The Unexpected Marriage Episode 22 Recap
> The Unexpected Marriage Recap
Upon his return, Lv Jing is warmly welcomed by His Majesty, who expresses great relief, stating that Lv Jing's survival is a blessing for Great Tang. His Majesty confirms a decree has been prepared to restore Lv Jing's title as Prince Qin and grant him the Langhuan jade talisman, giving him status equivalent to the Crown Prince. The duty of overseeing disaster relief following the locust plague is also returned to Lv Jing.
As Lv Jing thanks him, Lv Guan attempts to voice her suspicion that the assassination was planned by someone close, but His Majesty quickly dismisses her, citing her duties at Xiuwen Hall. His Majesty then speaks to Lv Jing privately about Changsheng, acknowledging their strong affection but emphasizing the importance of the person beside him given his bright future. He expresses concern about Changsheng's character and the rumors surrounding her, questioning her suitability as the mistress of the harem.
Lv Jing staunchly defends Changsheng, describing her as innocent, lively, intelligent, compassionate, and upright, stating he is completely satisfied with her. He dismisses the rumors as groundless, pointing out he is alive and well. When His Majesty presses the point about the mistress of the harem, Lv Jing declares he would sacrifice his future for Changsheng, stating he cannot live without her. His Majesty, seeing his resolve, accepts his decision, acknowledging that his children must follow their own paths.
Meanwhile, in his residence, Lv Ke is furious and disbelieving that Lv Jing returned unharmed, vowing vengeance. Chu Ge, who is with him, suggests they abandon their conflict, expressing her sole desire for Lv Ke's safety and promising to stay by his side regardless of his status. Lv Ke rejects the idea, stating they have no way out after misappropriating public grain, attempting to murder a prince, and colluding with powerful officials.
He demands Chu Ge help him eliminate Lv Jing. Despite her attempts to speak, he orders her out, ignoring her concern for his injuries. Left alone, Lv Ke mutters threats against Lv Jing. Lv Jing returns to Prince Qin's Mansion, where he is joyfully reunited with Changsheng. He recounts falling off the cliff, being caught by a vine, and drifting downriver to a small town near Great Tang.
There, he discovered evidence of someone deliberately delaying the locust plague by using ten percent of the grain supplies, suspecting Lv Ke was responsible. He notes that the people involved are gone, leaving no evidence, but his worry for Changsheng's safety alone in Great Tang prompted his speedy return. Changsheng expresses relief at his timely arrival and notes that his title has been restored, suggesting his military power will soon follow.
Lv Jing reiterates that titles and power are not what matter to him; Changsheng is his greatest concern. At that moment, Ru Jing is announced seeking an audience. Lv Jing meets with her, thanking her and Mr. Huaishan for their assistance during the plague. He asks about her plans since Mr. Huaishan has returned. When Ru Jing states she doesn't plan to leave, Lv Jing offers to find her a residence and suggests she needs a home after wandering.
He mentions he is busy and will ask his wife, Changsheng, who is discerning, to help find her a suitable match. Ru Jing rejects the idea of a match, stating she only wants to be by Lv Jing's side, even without a proper status. Lv Jing clarifies he has always treated her as a sister. She rejects being a sister. He offers friendship, or if not even that, they would be strangers.
She questions what is so good about Changsheng and how she herself is inferior. Lv Jing unequivocally states that his wife is wonderful in every way, leaving no room in his heart for anyone else, making comparison impossible. He excuses himself, stating his wife was frightened that day and he needs to be with her. Ru Jing is left lamenting that with Changsheng, he won't even look at others. Soon after, Lv Jing visits Lv Ke in his mansion.
They exchange veiled remarks about Lv Ke's injuries. Lv Jing reveals he is there on His Majesty's command to retrieve a token and the ten percent of grain Lv Ke had promised to turn over. Lv Ke quickly agrees to send the grain, telling Lv Jing there was no need for him to come in person.
Lv Jing states he will wait for the delivery at his mansion and warns Lv Ke to send it on time, reminding him of the severe consequences of disobedience. After Lv Jing leaves, Lv Ke is enraged, seeing Lv Jing's swift return to power and visit as a direct challenge and a sign that he will not be let off the hook.
Chu Ge again tries to calm him, suggesting Lv Jing might not intend to pursue the matter further, but Lv Ke dismisses her as foolish and orders her to leave. Back at Prince Qin's Mansion, Changsheng discusses the logistical details of distributing the grain. She reveals she had secretly stored forty percent of the grain, anticipating potential issues from Lv Ke during Lv Jing's absence.
Now that the plague is over, she believes it should be distributed quickly to help the people. Lv Jing agrees and informs her he has already instructed trusted officials to begin preparations, planning to open the granaries the next day. Half a month later, the locust plague is successfully managed, and His Majesty holds a banquet in the palace, attended by many officials and princes. His Majesty praises Lv Jing for his success in the disaster relief efforts.
He then announces that Lv Jing's wedding is in seven days and that he is personally preparing a generous gift with the Directorate of Astronomy. He suggests they tell a story to experience the joy of ordinary families. His Majesty tells a story about an elderly father and his three sons, each with distinct personalities. He describes the second son as clever and decisive, like himself, and notes that the third son was somewhat neglected and made mistakes.
He states he is old and has come to terms with many things. He then turns to Lv Jing, claiming Lv Jing has heard the story, and asks him to provide the ending. Lv Jing respectfully replies that he has not heard the rest of the story and suggests the future should be left for future generations to write. Seeing the hour, His Majesty dismisses everyone.
After the banquet, Lv Ke is visibly agitated, questioning Lv Jing about the story and its meaning. Later, speaking with Chu Ge, Lv Ke expresses his fear that His Majesty knows about their actions and believes the story was meant to gauge Lv Jing's intentions regarding how to deal with him.
He suspects the generous wedding gift is the designation of Lv Jing as Crown Prince, seeing the conflict between them as irreconcilable and believing Lv Jing will never forgive him. Panicked, fearing exposure and retaliation, he desperately pleads with Chu Ge to help him, stating the truth cannot be concealed forever. Chu Ge reassures him that she will find a way. Back in their residence, Changsheng confirms to Lv Jing that she understood the underlying meaning of His Majesty's words.
Lv Jing acknowledges this, explaining he didn't reveal his thoughts at the banquet because he is accustomed to Lv Ke's schemes and was particularly angered by Lv Ke's recent attempt to harm him while he was vulnerable. He mentions that Lv Ke delivered the ten percent grain the previous day, completing the necessary amount for relief. Lv Jing then gives Changsheng a task: helping Ru Jing find a suitable husband.
He explains he has tried to convince Ru Jing to leave but she refuses, and since Changsheng will manage the household someday, this is good practice. Xiao Zilv, overhearing, jokes that Changsheng is experienced in matchmaking, having met many men in Fuyu. Changsheng playfully retorts that she also knows how to make people unable to speak forever. They banter lightheartedly before Xiao Zilv backs down.
Changsheng attempts the task by bringing portraits of eligible men in Great Tang for Ru Jing to review, a method she says she learned from Xiao Jin. However, Ru Jing reacts negatively, calling the practice unvirtuous and suggesting Changsheng read more books on women's virtues instead. Changsheng is furious and tells Lv Jing she cannot do it, preferring to be useless.
Looking for an alternative, Changsheng suggests a counter-intuitive plan: Lv Jing should pretend to want to marry Ru Jing and then deliberately display his negative traits to deter her. Lv Jing is hesitant but agrees to try the tactic the next day. Changsheng lingers afterward, but Lv Jing urges her to leave, playfully referencing Ru Jing's earlier criticism, and they express their anticipation for their wedding when they can be together freely.
Lv Jing implements the plan, meeting with Ru Jing. He gets straight to the point, stating he wants her to stay and proposes to marry her. Ru Jing is overjoyed, believing her prayers have been answered and immediately asks about wedding arrangements. Lv Jing clarifies there will be no wedding. Ru Jing accepts this, reiterating her willingness to marry him without a formal status.
Lv Jing then attempts to deter her further, demanding her dowry be larger than Changsheng's as compensation, stating the marriage is not his true wish. He continues by claiming his seemingly gentle demeanor is a facade; he likes to hit those close to him, even his wife (correcting himself that Ru Jing would not be a wife but a concubine).
He falsely claims to have recently hit Changsheng severely, leaving her injured in bed, and suggests they practice a new boxing technique he's learned. Ru Jing is unfazed, referencing his past words about treating his lover with respect. He dismisses this, quoting another saying about refining oneself through interaction and implying conflict fosters bonding. Ru Jing, noting Changsheng appears unharmed, accepts his conditions, citing a saying about following the man one marries.
She even expresses eagerness to practice the boxing technique with him. Lv Jing is stunned by her acceptance. Ru Jing then suggests her body is not as strong as Changsheng's and she needs to prepare medicine to ensure she can stay by his side long-term, leaving him momentarily speechless and wondering why she wasn't scared away. Meanwhile, haunted by his actions, Lv Ke suffers a nightmare.
In his dream, Lv Jing and Changsheng stand over him; Lv Jing accuses him of evil deeds and asks if he is still struggling, showing him a white cloth, implying his impending death. Lv Ke cries out in terror and wakes up, assuring himself it was just a dream, but immediately realizes his fear is real – Lv Jing will not let him go, and he declares Lv Jing must die before he does.
Chu Ge is present and assures him she will help him achieve his goal. Amidst this turmoil, preparations for Lv Jing and Changsheng's wedding are in full swing at Prince Qin's Mansion. Staff are busy selecting wedding attire and accessories. Changsheng reflects that while getting married seemed difficult before, having the wedding feels even more so.
Lv Jing comforts her, saying that things obtained with difficulty are more cherished, echoing a saying about the rarity of finding a loving partner compared to wealth. They share a warm, playful moment, acknowledging the long journey and hardships they've endured since their first meeting as Princess of Fuyu and envoy from Great Tang. Lv Jing expresses his hope for a simple, enduring life together, always remaining inseparable. Changsheng feels her parents would be relieved to see her happiness.
Lv Jing mentions he has sent invitations to Xiao Jin and Guangde, who should be arriving soon. Lv Jing vows this is his only wedding and he wants to give Changsheng everything she desires. Changsheng playfully teases that she might remarry if he doesn't behave, and he accepts the challenge with amusement.
