Jun Jiu Ling Episode 35 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
The Fang family was in deep sorrow following their recent misfortune, with friends and acquaintances arriving to offer condolences. Chu Jiuling’s arrival, however, stirred an immediate commotion. Senior Madame Fang publicly slapped Chu Jiuling, angrily accusing her of causing the family's ruin and her son's death by engaging in forbidden actions. Steward Gao intervened, asking the mourning guests to leave.
Once the gates were closed, curious onlookers outside discussed the family's internal dispute, with some noting the intense argument between Senior Madame Fang and Chu Jiuling, specifically hearing accusations that Chu Jiuling was responsible for Fang Chengyu's death. Unbeknownst to them, Yuan Bao's operatives in Zezhou city observed the entire scene. Inside, Chu Jiuling revealed the truth to Senior Madame Fang: the widespread rumor of Fang Chengyu's demise in a fire was a deliberate fabrication she orchestrated.
In reality, Fang Chengyu was alive and well, having been safely sent to the North, Lord Cheng’s territory, by Zhu Zan. Senior Madame Fang was greatly relieved upon hearing this but also expressed her frustration at Chu Jiuling's ruthlessness, including her in the deception and enduring a slap for the sake of the plan. Chu Jiuling, however, did not mind, explaining that this dramatic display was essential to convince Chu Rang that Fang Chengyu was truly dead.
At that moment, Zhu Zan entered and respectfully apologized for not informing Senior Madame Fang earlier about the fake death, which was a plan conceived in the capital to help Chengyu escape. Senior Madame Fang, seeing Zhu Zan's clear affection for Chu Jiuling, noted their strong bond and expressed her peace of mind if they were to face challenges together.
Realizing the precarious situation, Senior Madame Fang understood that to fully protect the Fang family and restrain Chu Rang, they needed to reveal the concealed batch of silver. She led Chu Jiuling into a secret room through her sleeping chambers. This was only the second time Senior Madame Fang had entered this secret place; her late husband had shown it to her just before his death.
Inside, they found boxes of official silver, which the Fang family had melted and recast into ordinary ingots during the third year of the Taiyan period, turning it into private wealth. Senior Madame Fang expressed deep regret that her father-in-law had indirectly caused the death of the then emperor's father, which in turn brought decades of unrest upon the Fang family. She believed her husband's death was a just punishment for his actions.
Unable to continue the deception, Chu Jiuling revealed her true identity as Princess Chu Jiuling, much to Senior Madame Fang's astonishment. Senior Madame Fang immediately knelt and apologized, feeling that the Fang family had caused the princess great harm through their greed. Chu Jiuling quickly helped her up, reassuring her that she did not blame the Fang family, as they had already suffered for their past sins.
She acknowledged that her life was saved by Jun Zhenzhen and offered to continue serving Senior Madame Fang as Zhenzhen. Zhu Zan then explained that with the silver and the previously obtained seal, they had enough evidence to expose Chu Rang's actions, which dated back to the involvement of Jiuling's grandfather and father in the war with Beiqi and the abduction of the then emperor's father.
They agreed to transport the silver and seal to the capital by concealing them within Deshengchang’s next delivery convoy, ensuring their safe passage without arousing suspicion. To avoid further scrutiny, Chu Jiuling proposed a bold plan: the Fang family should publicly stage a dramatic family dispute, dividing Deshengchang into three separate entities. This spectacle, she argued, would create enough noise and attract public attention, making the Fang family appear preoccupied with internal affairs and thus safer from external interference.
The Fang family members diligently played their roles. Yuxiu, the Second Lady, proactively closed down a dozen of the shops she managed. Fang Jinxiu then went to the county government office, publicly beating the yamen drum and appealing to the magistrate to help her reclaim her rightful inheritance. A crowd gathered, watching the unfolding drama.
Senior Madame Fang, feigning outrage and supported by other female family members, arrived at the yamen's gate, publicly scolding Fang Jinxiu and accusing her of being ungrateful. Fang Jinxiu, in turn, passionately defended her long years of dedication to the family business since childhood, lamenting the sacrifices she and Yuxiu made, such as refusing marriage proposals and preparing for arranged live-in husbands, all for the sake of their fragile younger brother.
Now that Chengyu was gone, she argued, it was only fair to redistribute the family assets. Faced with the public spectacle, Senior Madame Fang reluctantly "agreed" to the family division for the sake of the Fang family's image. After the dramatic display, Zhu Zan and Chu Jiuling departed for the capital, anticipating that news of the Fang family's turmoil would soon reach the palace.
Indeed, in the palace, Yuan Bao reported to Chu Rang, dismissing the Fang family women as incapable of posing any significant threat. On their journey, Zhu Zan and Chu Jiuling enjoyed a lighthearted exchange, with Zhu Zan playfully teasing Jiuling and affirming his lifelong commitment to her, much to the amusement of their companions, Li Sanbing and Zhang Baotang, who observed their public display of affection.
Meanwhile, Lu Yunqi intercepted a secret letter from Lord Cheng addressed to the North, revealing his continued interest in the region's affairs. This angered Chu Rang, who felt his authority was being undermined. Lu Yunqi, witnessing Zhu Zan and Jiuling's affection, felt a surge of jealousy but decided to wait for a more opportune moment to act against Chu Jiuling.
Soon after their return, Lord Cheng was summoned to the palace by Chu Rang, who intended to force him into retirement. Chu Rang publicly accused Lord Cheng of deliberately inciting conflict between border troops and Beiqi. Lord Cheng, undeterred, boldly affirmed his long-standing policy of constant vigilance against Beiqi, stating that their offers of goodwill were always a deceptive ploy.
He argued that even an inch of territory must not be yielded, as appeasement now would lead to harsher battles later. He implored Chu Rang to strengthen military affairs and maintain a firm stance against Beiqi, urging him to meet aggression with force.
However, other officials quickly chimed in, accusing Lord Cheng of secretly controlling the army, ignoring imperial orders, and creating unrest in the border regions, urging Chu Rang to dismiss him from military service and punish him for abusing his power.
