Jun Jiu Ling Episode 4 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Following Jun Zhenzhen's treatment, Fang Chengyu's health showed significant improvement, a fact his grandmother, Ms. Cao, and aunt, Madame Su, noted with pleasure as his appetite increased. Madame Su, who was initially skeptical of Jun Zhenzhen's medical skills, was now convinced of her dedication after seeing her personally preparing the medicine.
Grateful for her efforts, Ms. Cao encouraged Jun Zhenzhen to be less formal and arranged for her to learn the family business by reviewing the Deshengchang accounts with her cousins, Fang Jinxiu and Fang Yuxiu. While examining the ledgers, Jun Zhenzhen discovered suspicious entries, particularly a horse purchase listed at an unusually high price of 200 taels, far exceeding the market average. This suggested embezzlement by long-serving employees.
Although Fang Jinxiu wanted to report the issue to Ms. Cao immediately, Jun Zhenzhen advised caution. She proposed a comprehensive audit of all branches, collecting all current and past account books and shipping records to prevent the culprits from being alerted and tampering with evidence. This method, she explained, would not only expose the corrupt individuals but also help promote trustworthy staff.
Meanwhile, Song Yunping, a manager at Deshengchang, overheard their plan and discreetly sent a servant to warn Madame Su that Jun Zhenzhen might be targeting the Fang family's wealth. Jun Zhenzhen bought a toy horse for Fang Chengyu, a gift that reminded her of her younger brother, Chu Jiurong. Fang Chengyu initially scoffed at the childish gift but secretly examined it after she left.
Recognizing that acupuncture and diet were not enough, Jun Zhenzhen knew a medicated bath was necessary for a full recovery. As she contemplated how to proceed, she encountered Madame Su bringing a tonic soup to Fang Chengyu. Though the soup seemed harmless, Jun Zhenzhen felt uneasy and reported the incident to Ms. Cao. While Ms. Cao initially defended the gentle-natured Madame Su, she acknowledged that human hearts can be unpredictable and agreed to have her monitored.
To advance the treatment and deter any hidden adversaries, Jun Zhenzhen made a bold proposal: an engagement to Fang Chengyu. She argued that announcing a "good luck" marriage would provide a perfect cover for the intimate care required for his recovery, such as the medicated bath, which would otherwise be impossible given his strict views on propriety. Though reluctant to let Jun Zhenzhen sacrifice her reputation, Ms. Cao tearfully agreed, seeing it as the only way to save her grandson.
She promised to treat Jun Zhenzhen as her own and repay her with genuine care. Meanwhile, in the capital, Chu Jiuli and Chu Jiurong folded paper boats by a river to commemorate their late sister, Chu Jiuling. Their grief was interrupted by the arrival of Lu Yunqi. Harboring deep resentment for Lu Yunqi's role in his sister's death, Chu Jiurong promptly left.
Lu Yunqi then coldly informed Chu Jiuli that the Emperor had approved their marriage, set for June 18th—Chu Jiuling's birthday. Resigned to her fate, Chu Jiuli accepted, believing it was the only way to protect her brother. At the same time, Zhu Zan received urgent news from the Sky Pavilion: they had rescued Bing'er, the late Emperor's personal maid, from the Arm Moral Department.
Bing'er revealed that the Emperor's death was a murder orchestrated by Chu Rang and Lu Yunqi, evidenced by strangulation marks on his neck. She recalled seeing Chu Rang secretly enter the Imperial Study on the night of the murder and also drew a mysterious pattern that had deeply troubled the late Emperor. Bing'er confirmed she had told Princess Jiuling all of this before her death. Zhu Zan's companion noted the pattern resembled a shipment seal.
This led Zhu Zan to connect it to a redemption silver exchange in Zezhou—Chu Rang's former fief—and the subsequent massacre of the imperial family. He ordered an immediate investigation into Zezhou merchants who might be linked to the pattern, sensing a dark secret tied to the death of the former emperor's father. The engagement announcement enraged Fang Jinxiu, who accused Jun Zhenzhen of scheming to seize the family fortune, using her sudden interest in the accounts as proof.
Ms. Cao sternly overruled her, stating the marriage was solely for Fang Chengyu's health. A tearful Fang Jinxiu complained to her mother, Madame Su, who, while comforting her, secretly instructed her servant to inform Song Yunping that the marriage was set and they needed a new plan. News of the union spread through Zezhou, with some pitying the orphaned Jun Zhenzhen and others suspecting her motives, recalling her past dealings with the Ning family.
Unfazed by the gossip, Jun Zhenzhen focused on Fang Chengyu. He confessed his deepest regret was never having seen the Lantern Festival since he was five, wistfully recalling a giant lantern that once lit up the whole city. Moved, Jun Zhenzhen promised to take him to the festival and build him a lantern, overcoming Ms. Cao's concerns and Fang Jinxiu's protests by arguing the outing would boost his spirits. While designing the lantern, she was approached by Zhu Zan.
He questioned her about a "Map of the Capital" in her possession, revealing he had created it years ago to attract Emperor Chu Rang's notice and get closer to Princess Jiuling. He spoke fondly of making lanterns with the princess, remembering her in a scarlet dress, and openly confessed his love for her and his regret for not telling her sooner. When he tried to ask about Deshengchang, Jun Zhenzhen feigned ignorance, claiming to be focused on her lantern. Before leaving, Zhu Zan invited her to the Yunmengze Inn if she remembered anything, leaving Jun Zhenzhen to wonder if he, too, was investigating the secrets of Zezhou.
