Jun Jiu Ling Episode 29 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
In a time of great unrest in the North, Lord Cheng, defying an imperial decree to return to the capital, remained steadfast at the frontier, unwilling to abandon the populace to danger. Prime Minister Huang seized this act of insubordination as an opportunity to impeach Lord Cheng. Ning Yunzhao's uncle, unable to bear seeing such a loyal general framed, publicly defended him, resulting in Emperor Churang suspending his duties for three months and ordering him to reflect at home.
Meanwhile, Jun Jiuling, known for her smallpox remedy, met Madame Yu. They mutually revealed their identities, with Madame Yu recognizing Jun Jiuling by her reputation. Jun Jiuling then learned that Madame Yu, Lord Cheng's wife, had come to the North to secure provisions and military aid from the Earl of Qinghe in Daming Prefecture.
Madame Yu explained that Lord Cheng was unable to leave the front lines, and obtaining supplies from the imperial court was proving to be a slow and arduous process. She emphasized the challenges of controlling public morale and the severe restrictions on military resources. Admiring Madame Yu and Lord Cheng's dedication to the people, Jun Jiuling offered to help them find a faster route.
In the midst of the conflict, Zhu Zan, accompanied by Li Sanbing and Zhang Baotang, successfully defended Kaide Prefecture. Though Prime Minister Huang shamelessly claimed that the capital could be secured without the Zhu family army, he later had to acknowledge that Lord Cheng's messenger had been instrumental in the victory. Capitalizing on the moment, Prime Minister Huang advised the Emperor to engage in peace talks with Beiqi, arguing that it was a strategic opportunity.
However, the Beiqi envoy presented exorbitant demands: equal standing between the two nations, open markets for mutual trade, and the return of three counties—Baozhou, Xiongzhou, and Bazhou. These terms, coupled with a threat of further southern invasion by 50,000 soldiers, incensed Ning Yunzhao and his father, though it became clear the Emperor, fearful of further conflict, would likely acquiesce.
Elsewhere, Lu Yunqi, suspecting Zhu Zan's involvement in the Kaide Prefecture victory, ordered his men to find and kill the messenger he believed to be Zhu Zan. With the peace talks underway and the cession of land imminent, continuing their journey to Daming Prefecture became meaningless for Jun Jiuling and Madame Yu. Jun Jiuling was deeply moved by the plight of the refugees, tirelessly distributing porridge and aid.
She argued to Madame Yu that while land might be ceded, the people should not be abandoned. She urged Madame Yu to lead the people from the three counties to Hejian, ensuring their safety from Beiqi's influence. Madame Yu readily agreed to this compassionate endeavor. Upon learning of the peace agreement and the land cession, Zhu Zan made the strategic decision to continue northward, recognizing that the withdrawal of Tianyou forces would leave countless civilians vulnerable to Beiqi’s southward advance.
In the capital, Ning Yunzhao witnessed the influx of displaced people, lamenting the corruption within the court and his own inability to effect change, which further deepened his disillusionment. Back at the Fang family estate, Ms. Cao, reviewing her financial records, became concerned by Jun Jiuling's substantial expenditures in Southwestern Hebei, fearing she might be exploited amidst the northern turmoil.
However, a letter from Jun Jiuling arrived, clarifying that the funds were being used to escort the people from the three ceded counties back to safety. Relieved and immensely proud of her granddaughter's noble actions, Ms. Cao declared that some endeavors transcend mere profit and loss. She immediately instructed Steward Gao to direct all profits from Deshengchang, her family's enterprise, to Southwestern Hebei, ensuring Jun Jiuling had ample resources for her vital work.
Upon reaching Baimang City, a crucial defensive stronghold for Hejian, Madame Yu introduced Jun Jiuling to Minister Tian as her prospective daughter-in-law. Minister Tian, acknowledging her as the Young Lord's wife, initially hesitated to comply with their request due to imperial decrees. However, Minister Tian and his officials were swayed by Jun Jiuling’s compelling argument: the empire had ceded land, but not its citizens.
She asserted that escorting these compatriots was not defiance but a meritorious act that demonstrated the Emperor’s benevolence. With the officials convinced, Madame Yu expressed her concern about potential Beiqi spies among the refugees. Jun Jiuling proposed a solution: establish a checkpoint outside the city's main defenses, house the refugees there, verify their identities, and provide humanitarian aid like food and medical care to calm their spirits.
Madame Yu, understanding the practical necessity, apologized to Jun Jiuling for the public announcement of her identity, explaining that it provided Jun Jiuling with the necessary authority to operate effectively in the North. Jun Jiuling expressed her understanding. As news of Jun Jiuling's efforts spread, common folk lauded the "wife of His Lordship," praising her bravery, resourcefulness, and compassionate spirit for helping refugees and rescuing people from Bazhou. These rumors reached Zhu Zan, who was conflicted.
He was annoyed by the impersonation of his "wife," yet also worried that Jun Jiuling might misunderstand his character. Meanwhile, Lu Yunqi, upon learning that Zhu Zan was headed towards Baozhou, and deducing that Zhu Zan was likely behind the Kaide Prefecture victory, ordered his men to assassinate him. Lu Yunqi cynically noted that Zhu Zan’s mother and "wife" were out fighting while he appeared to be hiding.
Determined to expedite the return of the people from Bazhou, Jun Jiuling and Madame Yu decided to divide their forces and venture out of Baimang City for rescue operations. Jun Jiuling led her contingent from the west, while Madame Yu took the southeast. Minister Tian was tasked with preparing the city for the influx of people and directing them further south to alleviate strain on the city. During the perilous rescue, Beiqi soldiers showed no mercy, executing those who faltered.
Jun Jiuling confronted the enemy, asserting Tianyou's claim over Bazhou and its people, engaging them directly. While Mr. Lei bravely fought the Beiqi soldiers, Jun Jiuling herself was in danger but was fortunately saved by Jin Shibo's timely intervention. Jun Jiuling successfully rescued many, and the grateful citizens, recognizing her as "the wife of His Lordship," knelt in reverence, hailing her as a living deity. The rescue of the Bazhou populace infuriated the Emperor, who feared Beiqi's reprisal.
Yuan Bao, a palace official, advised the Emperor to scapegoat Lord Cheng, framing his actions as an attempt to "buy people's hearts" and thus appeasing Beiqi. Simultaneously, Jiang Cheng, the military officer of Baozhou, loyal to Lord Cheng and Zhu Zan, pledged his army to Zhu Zan's command. Despite acknowledging his own "guilty" status, Zhu Zan accepted Jiang Cheng's support, thanking the soldiers on behalf of his father for their unwavering commitment to protect Tianyou's people.
In a moment of quiet reflection, Jun Jiuling, though far from him, spoke to Zhu Zan, confiding her new identity as "your wife," expressing her deep concern for his safety, and longing for his return.
