Love Like The Galaxy Episode 1 Recap, Plot

> Love Like The Galaxy
> Love Like The Galaxy Recap

The victory drums echoed from the border as Ling Buyi, the young general, triumphantly returned to the capital from Longyou. Outside the city gates, he dismounted to receive an imperial decree. He was appointed Deputy of the Court of Imperial Entertainments, tasked with leading the left cavalry of the Yulin Guards, and also commanded the Yueqi Guards from the Five Schools of the Northern Army.

Furthermore, he was granted the rare privilege to enter the inner palace for duties, and allowed to meet His Majesty with his sword and shoes, walk at a normal pace in the royal court, and have his name omitted during formal salutations. After Attendant Cao finished reading the decree, he helped Ling Buyi to his feet and urged him to change into the Emperor's gifted robes before heading to the palace for a celebratory banquet.

Attendant Cao mentioned the Emperor had been sleepless awaiting Ling Buyi's return and had originally wished to greet him personally but was dissuaded by Imperial Censor Zuo. However, Ling Buyi respectfully declined, stating that he had received urgent intelligence regarding an important case that required immediate attention. He promised to resolve the matter first, then return to the palace to dine with His Majesty and personally seek forgiveness.

With that, Ling Buyi and his deputies swiftly departed, riding towards a remote village on the outskirts of the city, leaving his subordinates wondering about the urgency of his mission. Meanwhile, at a desolate village, Housemaid Li stood guard outside a room, insisting that Cheng Shaoshang eat before they embarked on their journey. Despite addressing her as "Fourth Lady," Housemaid Li's words and demeanor conveyed clear contempt.

She scoffed, suggesting Cheng Shaoshang wouldn't die so easily despite being sick for over a month. Lianfang, Cheng Shaoshang’s maid, angrily countered that Fourth Lady's severe illness was a direct result of being abandoned in the village. Housemaid Li, however, was adamant; with Master Cheng Shi due to return in two weeks, Cheng Shaoshang had to come back, "whether she's sick or dead."

She brought a food box, condescendingly remarking that Cheng Shaoshang probably hadn't eaten warm food in a while, and threatened to dump the contents if the door wasn't opened immediately. Inside, Cheng Shaoshang, still recovering from a serious illness, was ravenously eating the food. Lianfang worried she would hurt her stomach by eating so fast, but Cheng Shaoshang replied that survival came before worrying about one's stomach.

Lianfang expressed her anger at the "shameless guys" who only appeared after Cheng Shaoshang had recovered, suspecting an ulterior motive. Cheng Shaoshang lamented that her parents' care over the years had amounted to "just a few letters," and sarcastically noted her own resilience for not succumbing to illness, or her parents would have received a death notice. Housemaid Li then rudely demanded she finish eating and accompany them, making it clear that the Cheng family provided no free meals.

Unbeknownst to them, Ling Buyi was observing the scene from a high vantage point. He had heard rumors of Cheng Shaoshang being sickly and weak, but Housemaid Li's increasingly frantic state made him doubt the veracity of such tales. Housemaid Li, losing patience, burst through the door, only to trip and fall face-first into a pile of wood ashes that Cheng Shaoshang had strategically placed. The other servants secretly chuckled at Housemaid Li's embarrassment.

Angered, Housemaid Li accused Cheng Shaoshang of disrespect. Cheng Shaoshang coolly explained that the wood ashes, which had been placed there on Second Aunt’s (Madam Ge's) orders to deal with insects, had just been moved to avoid bothering her. She claimed Housemaid Li's rude intrusion had made her, the junior, appear disrespectful.

Housemaid Li retorted that no one would believe her excuses, insisting Cheng Shaoshang's "bad character" was why Second Madam had sent her there to learn obedience and prevent her from "sabotaging the Cheng Family." Cheng Shaoshang responded with biting sarcasm, declaring her gratitude "for not starving me to death here." Cheng Shaoshang then boarded the carriage with Lianfang.

She immediately noticed fresh men's footprints around the carriage and a distinct, unwashed male scent inside, much to Lianfang's confusion, who initially thought it was Housemaid Li's body odor. Cheng Shaoshang realized it was the smell of a man who hadn't showered for days. As the carriage prepared to depart, Ling Buyi and his men intercepted it, stating they were under imperial decree to apprehend a suspect.

Housemaid Li attempted to prevent the search, citing the impropriety of men searching an unmarried lady's carriage. Cheng Shaoshang, however, silenced her, declaring that as a general's family, they must comply with lawful orders and not hinder military duties. She then sarcastically offered an apology on behalf of Housemaid Li, who she called "stupid and ugly."

Cheng Shaoshang then requested a word with Ling Buyi, informing him that searching the carriage would be pointless; instead, she pointed to a nearby haystack, hinting that it contained "all the fun stuff" and that setting it ablaze might reveal "a living man." Housemaid Li frantically tried to dismiss Cheng Shaoshang's words as delirious ramblings from her fever, but Cheng Shaoshang insisted on burning the haystack to prove her truth. Despite Housemaid Li's protests, Ling Buyi ordered the haystack ignited.

Old Master Dong, a relative of Cheng Shi, stumbled out of the burning hay, immediately pleading for mercy. Ling Buyi allowed Cheng Shaoshang's carriage to proceed, leaving Housemaid Li dumbfounded. Old Master Dong continued to beg for his life, identifying himself as Cheng Shi's maternal uncle. Housemaid Li furiously blamed Cheng Shaoshang, warning her that her actions against Old Master Dong would now incur her family's wrath, especially without her parents' immediate return.

Cheng Shaoshang retorted that betraying Old Master Dong was a minor issue compared to Second Aunt's previous actions that nearly sabotaged the entire Cheng Family. Housemaid Li then harshly condemned Cheng Shaoshang as an "uncultured troublemaker" who "grew up parentless." Back at the Cheng family hall, Madam Ge was anxious, worrying that her past harsh treatment of Cheng Shaoshang might lead to trouble now that Cheng Shi was returning.

She had even shown off new golden earrings to Old Madam Cheng earlier, thinking they looked more lavish than Old Madam Wan's. She fretted that if Cheng Shaoshang spoke ill of them or if Xiao Yuanyi learned of her mistreatment, they would assume Old Madam Cheng kept Cheng Shaoshang merely to torture her. A servant then announced that the master had arrived.

Old Madam Cheng excitedly rose to greet her son, but her smile vanished when she saw Xiao Yuanyi, clad in military attire, enter first. Cheng Shi followed, offering Xiao Yuanyi her favorite honey pastry. Old Madam Cheng immediately complained that her son had forgotten his mother, prioritizing his wife. Cheng Shi playfully chastised his mother for eating pungent onions, remarking on her unchanged country habits.

Old Madam Cheng, offended, reminded him of her arduous years farming to raise him and his brothers. Xiao Yuanyi intervened, praising Old Madam Cheng's robust health. When Cheng Shi asked about Cheng Shaoshang, noting her absence, Old Madam Cheng simply stated she was "not here." Suddenly, Cheng Shaoshang appeared, looking frail and dressed in rough clothes, collapsing dramatically. Lianfang rushed to her, recounting how Cheng Shaoshang had been left to die with a high fever in the village.

Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi were visibly distressed by their daughter's emaciated appearance. Cheng Shaoshang, weakly addressing her parents, proclaimed she had "finally lived long enough to see your return." Cheng Shi expressed deep regret for her condition, lamenting that after 15 years of fighting, he had expected his daughter to be well cared for, not "end up like this."

Old Madam Cheng, however, quickly turned the blame, accusing Cheng Shi of despising her and neglecting her for his wife and daughter. She complained about her years of hardship and illness, sarcastically suggesting they would be happy if she were "resting in my grave." Xiao Yuanyi's sworn sister, Qingcong, spoke up, subtly hinting that Xiao Yuanyi was forced to leave Cheng Shaoshang behind, not that she chose to abandon her.

Old Madam Cheng, enraged by the "lowly maidservant's" insolence, demanded she be punished, but Xiao Yuanyi staunchly defended Qingcong. She accused Old Madam Cheng of unfairly portraying them as neglectful parents who had burdened her. Madam Ge joined the fray, defending Old Madam Cheng and accusing Xiao Yuanyi of hurting her feelings. She argued that Cheng Shaoshang was unruly and caused Old Madam Cheng much distress, adding that they had put in "a lot of effort" to care for her.

Madam Ge then questioned Cheng Shi, reminding him that as the eldest son, it was his duty to care for his mother, implying he valued his children more than his parents. Cheng Shaoshang, having feigned her faint, was now resting in her room, keenly listening to the commotion.

Old Madam Cheng continued to rail, accusing Cheng Shi of always siding with Xiao Yuanyi and deliberately hiding his military rewards and titles from her, making her feel like an "ignorant old woman." Cheng Shi tried to calm his mother, suggesting she rest, but she dramatically declared she was "out of breath" and needed a "breather."

After Old Madam Cheng and Madam Ge left, Xiao Yuanyi went to Cheng Shaoshang’s room, promising to order the kitchen to cook her favorite dishes. Cheng Shaoshang, ever astute, asked her mother directly if she even knew what foods she liked, then turned away, leaving Xiao Yuanyi to ponder her profound lack of understanding of her own daughter. Later, a servant frantically reported that many black armored guards had surrounded the Cheng residence.

It was Ling Buyi, who had come to visit Cheng Shi. Ling Buyi explained that he was apprehending a thief suspected of embezzlement and theft of military equipment, apologizing for the disturbance. Cheng Shi, a man of integrity, praised Ling Buyi's actions against such "rats" who caused the death of many soldiers and offered his full assistance. Ling Buyi commented, "Like father, like daughter," expressing admiration for Cheng Shi's sense of justice.

Cheng Shi asked if Ling Buyi knew his daughter, to which Ling Buyi replied enigmatically that he didn't, but couldn't say they were complete strangers either. Ling Buyi then ordered Old Master Dong, whom he called a "rat," to be brought in for Cheng Shi to identify. Cheng Shi was shocked to recognize his own maternal uncle, asking what had happened. Old Master Dong, in desperation, blamed Cheng Shaoshang for his predicament.

Ling Buyi then firmly stated that the evidence of Old Master Dong's embezzlement was conclusive, and that regardless of rank, anyone who "corrodes the country" would be punished without mercy. As Ling Buyi prepared to depart, he noticed Cheng Shaoshang secretly observing him from an upper floor. He deliberately spoke to Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi, praising Cheng Shaoshang.

He commended her for upholding "righteousness before family," for standing up for justice, and for not being afraid of turning in a family member. He likened her "disposition" to that of officials in the Ministry of Justice who carried out interrogations, declaring that Cheng Shaoshang "will have a very bright future" and "No one shall underestimate her capability." Cheng Shi, taken aback, dismissed the praise as flattery. However, Cheng Shaoshang interpreted Ling Buyi's words as thinly veiled insults.

She fumed to herself that his words about righteousness meant she was unfilial, his mention of not fearing elders implied she was disrespectful, and his comparison to Ministry of Justice officials was a jab at her "fiery" and "unladylike" nature. Outraged, she silently cursed Ling Buyi, accusing him of repaying kindness with enmity and lacking all sense of morality.

Episode 2 Recap