Jun Jiu Ling Episode 27 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Jun Jiuling finally returned to Zezhou after a long journey, reuniting with Fang Chengyu at the post. Fang Chengyu was overjoyed to see her, noting how thin she had become while he had grown increasingly handsome. He confessed to dispatching people to inform the entire city of her return, explaining that he believed everyone in Zezhou, like their families, would be happy about it. Although Jun Jiuling had some reservations about his spontaneous actions, she appreciated his good intentions.
Upon her arrival at the Fang family mansion, Jun Jiuling received a warm welcome from Ms. Cao and her maternal aunt, who praised her beauty and renewed vigor. Jun Jiuling presented them with high-quality medicinal herbs and gifts from the capital. She inquired about Fang Jinxiu, and a servant reported that Fang Jinxiu was living comfortably and happily in the capital, managing the Jiuling Drugstore efficiently.
Ms. Cao was relieved to hear this, acknowledging that Fang Jinxiu had indeed regained her ladylike demeanor. Jun Jiuling mentioned that Fang Jinxiu had declined her invitation to return. Meanwhile, Ning Yunzhao was struggling with Jun Jiuling’s sudden return, exacerbated by his mother's strong disapproval. His father, Mr. Ning, however, was more understanding. He encouraged Ning Yunzhao, expressing his approval of Jun Jiuling.
Mr. Ning emphasized that Jun Jiuling's skill in vaccination was a "magic skill" that would "go down in history," envisioning the honor of a "Ningjun Jiuling." Ning Yunzhao humbly clarified that it should be the Jiuling Drugstore that received such acclaim, to which his father clarified that the Jiuling Drugstore would also be associated with Ningjun Jiuling.
Despite Ning Yunzhao admitting his previous proposal had been rejected, Mr. Ning urged him not to give up, insisting that even if the engagement was nullified, Ning Yunzhao’s feelings were true. At the Pasturage Department, where Zhu Zan was serving a period of reflection, Li Sanbing and Zhang Baotang reported on their investigation into Prime Minister Huang’s activities. They confirmed that Prime Minister Huang had not revisited the mysterious bookstore.
However, they had identified the bookstore's owner as a scholar named Zhang Siming, whom they suspected to be a spy planted by Beiqi in the capital. Zhu Zan, realizing the severity of the situation, immediately instructed Zhang Baotang to write a letter to his father, Lord Cheng, warning him to be vigilant. He also told Li Sanbing to keep a close watch on the bookstore and report any unusual activities.
Zhu Zan also sought confirmation that Jun Jiuling had safely reached Zezhou, concerned about Lu Yunqi's potential actions. Ning Yunzhao later sought out Jun Jiuling, asking about her sudden return, suspecting it was due to Lu Yunqi. Jun Jiuling admitted it was partly true but not the sole reason. As they spoke, Fang Chengyu arrived with freshly steamed buns from a newly opened shop, intending to give them to Jun Jiuling. His cheerful demeanor soured upon seeing Ning Yunzhao.
Fang Chengyu greeted Ning Yunzhao, acknowledging his previous help in the capital, but then subtly asserted his closeness to Jun Jiuling by offering buns in a pointed manner, implying Ning Yunzhao was an unwelcome guest. Ning Yunzhao suggested that he and Jun Jiuling return to the capital together to confront Lu Yunqi, asserting they shouldn't fear him.
Fang Chengyu interjected, implying that Ning Yunzhao's mother was still ill, and an early return to the capital would be seen as unfilial by censors, potentially causing him trouble. Jun Jiuling agreed with Fang Chengyu, acknowledging that her provincial visit was not yet over and an early return would give their opponents a reason to criticize them, especially since they were already drawing much attention.
Ning Yunzhao then offered to cancel their engagement for Jun Jiuling's sake, but she declined, stating it would worsen his situation with his mother and might lead others to accuse the Ning family of being perfidious. With his intentions thwarted, Ning Yunzhao eventually took his leave. After Ning Yunzhao departed, Jun Jiuling confronted Fang Chengyu about his petty behavior, scolding him for disrespecting Ning Yunzhao, who had, in fact, aided her in the capital.
Fang Chengyu admitted his dislike for Ning Yunzhao stemmed from the Ning family's past treatment of Jun Jiuling, but he promised to rectify his behavior. On his way home, Ning Yunzhao's attendant observed Fang Chengyu's animosity and speculated it was due to the canceled engagement. Ning Yunzhao, however, realized the true reason: Fang Chengyu harbored romantic feelings for Jun Jiuling.
That evening, Jun Jiuling received an urgent letter from Fang Jinxiu detailing a grave situation in Southwestern Hebei: the vaccination program had gone awry, resulting in the deaths of a dozen children. Compounding this crisis, Beiqi was mobilizing tens of thousands of cavalry troops towards the border, signaling an imminent war.
Recognizing that Lord Cheng would be preoccupied with defending against the invasion, Jun Jiuling immediately decided to travel to Southwestern Hebei herself to investigate the vaccine issue, emphasizing the importance of a stable populace for military morale and national security. Fang Chengyu, realizing he could not dissuade her, pledged to arrange additional manpower for her journey and secretly enlisted Mr. Lei to personally escort her.
Mr. Ning, still hopeful for a union, arranged a dinner at Shunde Teahouse to discuss the marriage with Ms. Cao and Jun Jiuling's aunt. Jun Jiuling agreed to attend primarily to bid farewell to Ning Yunzhao. Before the official discussion, Jun Jiuling informed Ning Yunzhao of Beiqi's troop movements and her urgent need to travel north to address the vaccine crisis in Southwestern Hebei, emphasizing the importance of a stable populace for military morale and national security.
Ning Yunzhao, taken aback by the news, then passionately confessed his profound feelings for her again, admitting he couldn't control his emotions and that meeting her had changed his solitary life. Jun Jiuling, while acknowledging his sincerity and assistance, gently but firmly rejected his romantic advances, stating she could only disappoint him.
Ning Yunzhao, accepting her decision, expressed that finding someone to love was a blessing, not a burden, and hoped for a chance to work with her, considering her as a treasured confidant. They shared a toast with tea, wishing each other well. At the formal gathering, Mr. Ning eloquently praised the match between Ning Yunzhao, a newly crowned No. 1 scholar, and Jun Jiuling, now a County Princess, hoping to discuss the marriage.
However, Ms. Cao politely but firmly declined the proposal, stating that mutual affection was paramount in marriage and that Jun Jiuling did not reciprocate Ning Yunzhao's feelings, having already definitively ended their previous engagement. Mrs. Ning then made a dramatic entrance, feigning concern while subtly insulting Jun Jiuling, implying she had seduced Ning Yunzhao. Ms. Cao and Jun Jiuling's aunt quickly retorted, highlighting Mrs. Ning's true intentions and mocking her past disdain for Jun Jiuling when she was a nobody.
Mrs. Ning, in a fit of anger, disparaged the Fang family as mere merchants, claiming a union with them would be a "joke" for their scholarly Ning family. Ms. Cao, unflustered, reminded Mrs. Ning that it was Jun Jiuling who had demanded a significant sum to break the engagement years ago, asserting that the Fang family had rejected them first.
Overwhelmed by Ms. Cao’s sharp wit, Mrs. Ning was left speechless as Ms. Cao and Jun Jiuling’s aunt departed abruptly, leaving a fuming Mr. Ning to lament his wife’s interference. The next morning, Jun Jiuling prepared for her journey. Fang Chengyu attempted to accompany her, but she declined, assuring him she would be fine.
He promised his continued support, urging her to contact the local Deshengchang if she encountered any difficulties in the North and assuring her that he would arrange anything she needed. To Jun Jiuling's pleasant surprise, Mr. Lei was there to escort her, a testament to Fang Chengyu's meticulous arrangements for her safety. As Jun Jiuling's entourage departed, Fang Chengyu watched, a mix of longing and resignation on his face.
His attendant asked if he had confessed his feelings to Jun Jiuling. He admitted he hadn't, fearing that expressing his love might jeopardize their current close relationship, leaving him with neither a sister nor a lover. Concurrently, news of the vaccine deaths in Southwestern Hebei reached the capital, though it was being suppressed. Imperial Doctor Jiang learned that a dozen children had died and their families sought justice against Jun Jiuling.
He discovered that a Dr. Feng was withholding the information from the Imperial Academy of Medicine, likely to protect his own reputation, as he had greatly benefited from the vaccination program. Recognizing his duty to the emperor and the common people, Imperial Doctor Jiang resolved to expose the truth in court. However, as he was about to leave, Lu Yunqi appeared, immediately ordering Imperial Doctor Jiang's imprisonment. Imperial Doctor Jiang protested Lu Yunqi's blatant disregard for authority, but his pleas were in vain.
