Jun Jiu Ling Episode 34 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Jiuling reflected on the current situation, noting that Chu Rang, still unaware of her true identity, might view Lord Cheng's evident loyalty to the late Emperor as a threat, fearing that popular support could be more formidable than military power. Zhu Zan, understanding her concerns, affirmed that she was already a Prefecture Princess and would soon regain her full princess status. He suggested they go together to welcome Fang Chengyu, who was arriving that day. Jiuling agreed.
Upon Fang Chengyu's arrival, he greeted Zhu Zan as "Your Lordship," then playfully suggested he should call him "Brother-in-law." Zhu Zan was delighted, praising Chengyu's newfound sensibility. However, Chengyu quickly clarified that Jiuling's letter had explained their engagement was merely a temporary arrangement, just like previous ones, so calling him "Your Lordship" would save them from future changes.
He even pointed out that since they were not yet truly "family," there was no need for such intimacy, suggesting Zhu Zan simply call him "Chengyu" just as Jiuling did. Zhu Zan, playing along, affectionately agreed to call him "inner brother-in-law" and then took his leave, allowing Chengyu to catch up with Jiuling. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Chengyu, his elder sister, Fang Jinxiu, had been tirelessly preparing for his arrival.
She had spent the morning cleaning his room, ensuring it was comfortable, even arranging four layers of sleeping mats and placing a precious tea set from the Jiuling Drugstore's opening day in his room—items she normally wouldn't let anyone touch. Chengyu was deeply touched by her thoughtfulness. Jiuling later discussed the upcoming audience with His Majesty with Chengyu, warning him that although it seemed like an honor, it was fraught with danger.
She proposed they seize the opportunity to return the imperial decree proactively, turning a defensive situation into an offensive one, since Chu Rang seemed intent on retrieving it anyway. Chengyu agreed, admitting he was nervous for his first visit to the palace. Zhu Zan tried to ease his apprehension, reminding him that the Ministry of Rites had already instructed him.
When Chengyu insisted on more tips, Zhu Zan humorously warned him against ending up in the imperial prison as he once did, but reassured him he would be by his side. During their audience, Fang Chengyu humbly acknowledged Chu Rang's praise for Deshengchang's meritorious deeds, stating it was his honor to serve His Majesty. He then boldly requested a piece of Chu Rang's calligraphy, praising his artistic skill.
Chengyu then presented the imperial decree that had previously been granted to the Fang family when Deshengchang served as a royal merchant. He explained that since they were no longer royal merchants, it was inappropriate to keep such a significant imperial token, respectfully asking Chu Rang to take it back and bestow a new piece of calligraphy. Chu Rang agreed, asking what character he desired. Chengyu requested the character "fu," signifying happiness. Chu Rang granted his wish.
Once Chu Rang had successfully retrieved the imperial decree, he believed that "only the dead can keep a secret," and immediately ordered arrangements to eliminate the Fang family, considering them useless now. After leaving the emperor, Chengyu thanked Jiuling, crediting her for saving the Fang family by advising the return of the decree. Jiuling humbly responded that it was Chengyu's growing maturity that truly saved their family.
She explained that the imperial decree was only a blessing when the Emperor genuinely intended to bestow it; if he wished to revoke it, holding onto it would only invite disaster. Chengyu hoped the exchange of the imperial decree for the character "fu" would be worthwhile, and Jiuling assured him it was. As they exited the palace, Lu Yunqi approached, addressing Jiuling and asserting that she was his wife, though perhaps not for long.
Zhu Zan quickly intervened, declaring that even if she were no longer Lu Yunqi's wife, she certainly wouldn't be his. He turned to Chengyu for confirmation, which Chengyu readily provided. Lu Yunqi then pointedly asked if they remembered the day's significance. Jiuling initially replied it was the first anniversary of Jiuling Drugstore's opening. Lu Yunqi clarified it was Jiuling's birthday and also the second anniversary of his marriage to Jiuling.
Just then, Zhu Zan swiftly guided Jiuling and Chengyu away, wishing Jiuling a happy birthday. Later, Fang Chengyu expressed his regret for his previous childishness and sincerely thanked Zhu Zan for protecting Jiuling in the palace. Zhu Zan playfully asked him to call him "Brother-in-law" instead.
Chengyu agreed, but only if Zhu Zan promised him three things: firstly, if he ever treated Jiuling poorly, Chengyu would rally the entire Fang family against him; secondly, because Jiuling had many adversaries, Zhu Zan must always prioritize her safety; and thirdly, given that Jiuling had no immediate family other than her maternal relatives, Zhu Zan must ensure her happiness for the rest of her life. Zhu Zan readily promised to fulfill all three conditions.
Satisfied, Chengyu affectionately called him "Brother-in-law" and offered him tea. Jiuling then advised Chengyu to return to Zezhou sooner rather than later, as the return of the imperial decree didn't mean they could relax. She worried that the long-hidden secret of Chu Rang's past conspiracy against the Fang family might now be exploited, especially with the imperial decree no longer serving as leverage. She feared Chu Rang might move against their grandmother.
Chengyu confirmed her suspicion, realizing that without any restraint, Chu Rang might directly target their family. Zhu Zan reassured them both that he had already sent people to protect the Fang family in Zezhou, easing some of their anxieties. He added that he had one more matter to discuss with them.
That evening, everyone gathered for a farewell dinner for Fang Chengyu, which also served as a birthday celebration for Jiuling, as Zhu Zan was the only one who remembered her special day. Sensing an opportune moment, Li Sanbing and Baotang made humorous excuses about stomachaches to leave, ensuring Zhu Zan and Jiuling had time alone.
Zhu Zan then presented Jiuling with a longevity cake, which he had personally made using a recipe from the imperial kitchen, knowing it was her favorite childhood birthday treat. Jiuling, deeply touched, said her father used to have the imperial kitchen make it for her every year, but last year she missed it. She thanked Zhu Zan, who affirmed that while her father used to protect her, he would do so from now on.
She tasted the cake and said it was sweet, not from added sugar, but from the sweetness in her heart. Later, Jinxiu checked in on Chengyu, asking how he was adjusting. He assured her he was doing well and inquired about their grandmother's health. He asserted that he had grown up, was healthier, and no longer needed constant care, proudly mentioning he could now ride, shoot arrows, and travel great distances to see her.
Fang Jinxiu apologized for her past "silly words" and reminded him that they had both moved past the unfortunate incident. Chengyu confirmed he had long let it go. Jiuling thanked Chengyu, reflecting that she now understood why he had opened Jiuling Drugstore on June 18th and why Lu Yunqi had married on the same date—dates significant to her past. Zhu Zan pressed her on her feelings for Lu Yunqi.
She stated she had only agreed to marry him for revenge, and in her heart, he was no different from anyone else. Zhu Zan was satisfied with her answer. When he asked what she thought of him, she playfully teased him, saying he was "inferior to others," before they shared a tender kiss. Chen Qi then announced that dinner was served. At the table, Jiuling thanked everyone for their hard work and contributions to Jiuling Drugstore's successful first year.
They all raised their cups in a toast. Later, Lu Yunqi was seen alone in a memorial hall, lighting incense. He spoke aloud to a memorial tablet, confiding that he had met a girl who strongly reminded him of Princess Jiuling, and he intended to bring her to meet the Princess someday. Back with Zhu Zan and Jiuling, she expressed her profound happiness at having him by her side, a feeling she never thought she'd experience again.
Zhu Zan asked when she had started liking him and why she hadn't told him earlier. She confessed she had liked him "a little" since childhood, and "more" as she grew up. She lamented that he had spent eight years in the North, and by the time he returned, everything had changed. He then asked her to promise him one thing: no matter what happened or who appeared, she would never separate from him.
They sealed their promise with a pinky swear. Jiuling expressed that she was finally no longer alone; before he came, she had to be the strongest for everyone, but with him, she could finally be her true, relaxed self. Zhu Zan then told her that while she might be his weakness, he would be her strongest armor, ensuring she would never have a weakness again.
Following his farewell, news soon arrived from the post that Fang Chengyu's room at the inn had caught fire, and he was believed to have died in the blaze. The Fang family was devastated. When Chu Rang received word, he expressed skepticism about the "accident" and dispatched someone to Zezhou to thoroughly investigate and confirm Chengyu's death, emphasizing that there must be no chance of his survival.
The Fang family confirmed that a treasured ancestral jade pendant, which Chengyu always carried, was found on the body, though damaged. Despite this, Chu Rang still demanded further verification. Distraught by the news, Fang Jinxiu felt it was a deliberate act, while Ms. Cao, recalling Jiuling's earlier warnings, believed Chu Rang was still intent on eradicating their family.
Jiuling, also deeply troubled, immediately decided to return to Zezhou to comfort Ms. Cao, with Zhu Zan and Fang Jinxiu resolving to accompany her. Zhu Zan arranged for their carriage to depart the next morning. Jiuling confided in Fang Jinxiu that Chengyu's visit to the capital had been fraught with danger from the start. She noted that returning the imperial decree and taking on new responsibilities should have alleviated Chu Rang's suspicions.
The timing of Chengyu's death on his way back to Zezhou seemed too coincidental, leading Jiuling to wonder if it was indeed arson. She asserted that there was no such thing as perfect preparation or unchanging promises, and questioned whether Fang Jinxiu was still deceiving herself, reminding her that Chu Rang had dispatched him not merely to monitor the Fang family, but to uproot them entirely.
