The Unexpected Marriage Episode 9 Recap
> The Unexpected Marriage Recap
Despite the opposition, Liu Changsheng declared in the main hall her willingness to go to Great Tang for the peace-making marriage, stating she would dedicate her life to maintaining the alliance between Fuyu and Great Tang. She boldly requested that thirty Muyan tree saplings accompany her, explaining their significance as the core of Fuyu's salt business, never before given away, but presenting them would demonstrate Fuyu's firm resolve for friendly relations and potentially open opportunities for mutually beneficial trade.
The King granted her request. As the envoy, Yi'an expressed his honor and promised to protect her, ensuring she would not suffer any injustice. Seeing the decision made, Xiao Zilv requested permission to accompany the peace-making team as the envoy. Xiao Zilv's father vehemently opposed his son's decision, reminding him that the Xiao family had only one male heir per generation and emphasizing the extreme danger of the trip, suggesting he might not return alive.
Despite his father's anger and refusal to listen, Xiao Zilv remained determined, stating he felt compelled to stay by Changsheng's side. His father, furious, accused him of being unfilial and forgetting basic principles, punishing him by ordering him to write "filial piety" a thousand times in the courtyard. An imperial decree arrived at Prince Changle's mansion for Liu Changsheng.
The list of accompanying gifts from the King was read, including items like jade pots, red agate, and paintings, which were privately considered meager. However, the decree confirmed the inclusion of the thirty Muyan tree saplings and instructed Prince Changle's mansion to host the farewell banquet without strict adherence to rules. At the banquet, guests toasted Prince Changle, praising his daughter.
Prince Changle, however, expressed his deep sorrow at his daughter's departure, saying he only wanted her happiness, not for her to be a heroine or bring honor to the family. A play, written by Guangde, was performed. Its first act depicted a princess deceived, leading to a tragic self-inflicted death, which visibly unsettled Yi'an, causing him to wonder if his own deception might lead to a similar outcome for Changsheng.
Guangde dismissed the bad omen, mentioning there was a planned happy ending. It was explained that Xiao Zilv was absent because he had knelt in the snow all night, fulfilling his father's punishment and aggravating an old leg injury. Xiao Jin reassured Changsheng that their father had finally consented to Zilv joining the team after much punishment. Xiao Zilv then arrived at the banquet despite his injury.
Yi'an, seeing his condition, subtly suggested it might be better for him to stay and rest rather than accompany the journey to Great Tang, implying it would be a hindrance. Xiao Zilv insisted he was going for Changsheng's safety and would not be a burden. When Changsheng attempted to dissuade him, Xiao Zilv claimed his true purpose was to study medicine and perhaps even marry a princess in Great Tang, telling her not to interfere with his plans.
Later, Changsheng, Guangde, and Xiao Jin shared drinks, becoming visibly flushed and emotional as they reflected on their close bond and the impending separation. Xiao Jin noted the distance to Great Tang meant they might never see each other again. Guangde presented Changsheng with a box as a dowry gift, instructing her to open it only at the "most important time."
Yi'an, having completed his task in Fuyu as the envoy, moved to a nearby posthouse, informing Changsheng she could find him there if needed. He pondered how Changsheng would react upon discovering his true identity as Prince Qin, recalling the tragic play. Discussing this with his subordinates, Youyong believed she would react intensely, possibly leading to a justifiable reason for Prince Qin to declare war on Fuyu, though he found her potential fate unfortunate.
Youmou, however, felt Changsheng was reasonable and would not hold it against him. Yi'an then decided to write a letter to Changsheng. Changsheng received Yi'an's letter, which contained poetic lines suggesting continued connection and waiting. She interpreted this as Yi'an being reluctant to leave Fuyu and perhaps waiting for her to suggest they elope.
Although her attendants, Jinyan and Shenxing, debated the serious consequences of eloping with a foreign envoy, especially as the future wife of Prince Qin, they also acknowledged Yi'an's apparent sincerity. Changsheng decided she could not elope, but felt compelled to see him to clarify the situation since she believed he was sincere. She went to the posthouse. Upon arrival, she found Youyong and learned Yi'an was in his room.
Standing outside the door, she began speaking, asking him not to come out and explaining her thoughts: while feelings had developed due to their closeness, they could not be together given their respective roles and her commitment to the marriage, urging him to let go of the idea. To her surprise, she discovered Youmou and others were also inside the room, leading to an awkward revelation of her private thoughts. Yi'an then emerged and dismissed his men.
Changsheng, still confused, asked why he wasn't leaving, referencing his letter where he said he would wait for her. Yi'an clarified that he meant he would wait for her, but "in Great Tang". Realizing her misunderstanding and the comedic nature of the situation, Changsheng quickly departed. Before her departure, Changsheng met with her mother, the Princess Consort.
Her mother gave her some colorful yarn, explaining it was unique to Fuyu and intended for her wedding dress there, but wouldn't be needed now that she was marrying in Great Tang. She expressed her sadness and worried about the reputation of Prince Qin, whom she had heard was cruel and violent.
Changsheng tried to soothe her mother's fears, claiming Yi'an had described Prince Qin as a good person with a dignified appearance and easygoing personality, suggesting the negative rumors were spread by jealous people. The peace-making team began their journey to Great Tang, with Xiao Zilv accompanying them. Inside the carriage, Changsheng felt bored. Despite Jinyan's warnings that her father said the dowry box contained priceless treasures and shouldn't be opened yet, Changsheng insisted on opening it.
Upon opening the box, she found numerous bottles of medicine with strange and alarming names like "Pregnant Pill," "Nourishment Pills," "Spring Pill," "Lotus Powder," "Life Pill," and "Life and Death Pill." Amused and bewildered, she questioned if she was going to die given the amount of medicine, joking about choosing which one to take based on its name.
