Glory Episode 27 Recap
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Rong Shanbao realized that the Empress Dowager’s true interests lay in history and literature rather than tea. She concluded that a rare book with a century of history would be a more prestigious tribute. Consequently, she issued a high-reward notice for the Song Dynasty edition of "Chin Hsiu Wan Hua Ku", promising to fulfill any condition for whoever could provide it. Governor Jiang Yiqian noticed the notice and consulted Bai Yingsheng.
Driven by a desire to destroy the Rong family, Bai urged Jiang to be patient, promising to ensure Rong Shanbao’s downfall. Meanwhile, the Rong residence was in a state of anxiety; tea production had halted following the burning of the legendary Tea King Tree. Rong Shanbao suspected that Jiang Yiqian was behind the recent attacks as retaliation for his previous humiliations at their tea plantation.
A man named Wei Zhou responded to the reward notice, claiming he had been in hiding since escaping from the Wei family years ago. He requested that his whereabouts remain a secret and asked the Rong family to fulfill one major condition. He led Rong Shanbao to his home, asking her to write an agreement while he retrieved the book. Shortly after, the sound of breaking porcelain echoed from the inner room.
When Rong Shanbao investigated, she found Wei Zhou dead. She immediately sent her maid to report the murder to the authorities. A neighbor of Wei Zhou soon arrived and discovered Rong Shanbao alone with the body. He testified that the doors and windows were shut, making her the only suspect. In court, he further claimed that Wei Zhou had planned to trade the book for half of the Rong fortune, implying Rong Shanbao killed him out of greed.
In the Linji Prefectural Office, Governor Jiang Yiqian personally intervened, pushing for a quick conviction through torture. However, Lu Jianglai defended Rong Shanbao, pointing out the suspicious nature of the missing book. Luo Deze, the higher-ranking official, decided to preside over the case personally to ensure the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebrations were not tainted by a wrongful death, ordering Rong Shanbao to be taken into custody. The murder was actually a trap orchestrated by Bai Yingsheng.
Jiang Yiqian had hired Wei Zhou, who was terminally ill and agreed to die in exchange for a dowry for his daughter. Meanwhile, An—the father of Rong Yunxi’s daughter, Lizi—realized he was being used by Jiang and Bai. He fled with Lizi, sending her to the tea plantation for protection before being caught and beaten by Jiang’s men. He was later found by Rong Yunxi, to whom he expressed his deep regret.
While in jail, Yan Bailou visited Rong Shanbao and finally answered a question she had asked him previously. He declared his unwavering loyalty, promising to stay by her side even if the Rong family lost its prestige. Their meeting was interrupted by Lu Jianglai, who dismissed Yan due to his own obsession with Shanbao. Rong Shanbao shared her counter-plan with Lu, who agreed to help her, despite the immense risks.
Bai Yingsheng visited the Rong residence to pressure Rong Yunshu, offering her a tea mountain if she testified that Rong Shanbao had burned the Tea King Tree. Yunshu firmly refused, stating that while the Rong daughters might fight for power, they would never betray each other to survive. During the public hearing, a young girl named Miao’er struck the drum to introduce a new witness—an old woman from the Wei family.
She presented a copy of "Chin Hsiu Wan Hua Ku", claiming it had been hidden during the family's previous downfall. This weakened the motive for the alleged murder. Lu Jianglai suggested that the neighbor had conspired to deceive the Rong family and killed Wei Zhou in a dispute over the rewards. Luo Deze ordered the book to be verified.
Rong Shanbao and Lu Jianglai were privately uneasy because the book brought by the old woman was a fake they had provided to draw out the enemy. Meanwhile, Jiang Yiqian revealed to Bai Yingsheng that he possessed the authentic version, which he had taken from the Wei family years ago. Bai Yingsheng presented this authentic book in court to prove the other copy was a fake, intending to trap Rong Shanbao for deceiving the sovereign.
In a stunning reversal, Rong Shanbao formally accused Jiang Yiqian of corruption and framing the Wei family years ago. She revealed that Jiang had coveted the Wei family's collection and orchestrated their ruin after being refused three times. Bai Yingsheng, acting as a double agent who had gathered evidence while living in the Governor's office, turned on Jiang and confirmed his crimes.
To everyone's shock, Wei Zhou suddenly stood up in the courtroom; he was actually a performer skilled in faking death, and the entire murder had been a ruse to force Jiang Yiqian to reveal the stolen book. With both witness and physical evidence presented, Luo Deze ordered Jiang Yiqian's arrest.
Rong Shanbao explained that her true gift to the Empress Dowager was not just a rare book, but the removal of a corrupt official to ensure the integrity of the government. Luo Deze admitted he had underestimated the wisdom and justice of the Rong family.
