Love Like The Galaxy Episode 18 Recap, Plot

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> Love Like The Galaxy Recap

On the carriage ride home, Xiao Yuanyi thought her daughter had seen the Lou family’s internal strife and would surely want to break off the engagement. But Cheng Shaoshang replied that even in the heavens, fathers and sons fight; how could such intrigue not exist in a family? Besides, the Cheng family was already in a difficult position, and Xiao Yuanyi still resolutely married into it.

Although a husband should ideally have a good family background and fine character, such men often lack ambition or ability. She had decided to wait for Lou Yao to receive an official appointment and live out her life with him. Xiao Yuanyi countered that Lou Yao’s elder brother, though capable in both civil and military affairs, still held no office.

This was because the emperor had instituted rules to balance the power between aristocratic and low-born officials—no two brothers could both hold office. Thus, the main Madam wanted to keep the opportunity in the main branch and would naturally suppress the second branch, forcing Lou Ben to give up his career aspirations. Wang Yanji had a good impression of Cheng Shaoshang and shared what had happened with her husband.

She felt that if Cheng Shaoshang truly married Lou Yao, she could help secure benefits for the second branch. However, Lou Ben had already learned of Prince Yong’s rebellion, and court appointments would soon be made. The Liang brothers were ordered to seal off the brothels and theaters Prince Xiao frequented and also found shops closely connected with him. Ling Buyi ordered his men to set up roadblocks overnight.

They happened to see the Cheng family carriage and offered to escort Cheng Shaoshang and Xiao Yuanyi home. Xiao Yuanyi noticed Ling Buyi’s feelings for her daughter and deliberately invited him to the Lou family's engagement banquet, but he politely declined. To ensure Cheng Shaoshang upheld a woman’s propriety and would not bring shame after marrying into the Lou family, Xiao Yuanyi specially invited Yuan Shen to the residence to give lessons.

However, Cheng Shaoshang found it odd—if her mother wanted to hire a tutor, it should have been a female teacher. Cheng Song explained that Xiao Yuanyi felt Yuan Shen’s knowledge was profound, and listening to one of his lectures was better than reading ten books. Realizing her own academic level was poor and fearing future criticism, Cheng Shaoshang showed little interest.

Cheng Shaogong suggested inviting Wan Qiqi to attend classes, so that Cheng Shaoshang could at least avoid being the worst student. Everyone agreed. Sure enough, Wan Qiqi came as promised, bringing luxury items and carefully setting up her seat.

“In the golden house, still alone;” lamenting how no lovers remained in the Changmen Palace, Yuan Shen shared a story with the group, bluntly stating that all married couples once loved each other deeply, but with time, passion faded, proving that people in love are rarely truly faithful. Cheng Shaoshang refuted Yuan Shen at every turn, and the two fell into yet another heated debate, neither yielding.

Outside, Xiao Yuanyi listened secretly and couldn’t understand why Yuan Shen avoided answering Cheng Yang. However, Cheng Shi believed Cheng Shaoshang was not inferior in any way, causing Xiao Yuanyi to storm off angrily. Prince Yong and his son used a wedding banquet to target General He’s relatives, attempting to coerce him into rebellion. But General He swore not to comply and led his troops to trap Prince Yong in Shu.

Their nanny died under torture by Prince Xiao to protect He Zhaojun and her brother, but she never revealed anything. He Zhaojun hid in a secret chamber with her brother, silently enduring the grief. Soon, the military report reached the capital. The court was divided: the third prince’s faction called for immediate suppression, while the crown prince’s faction advocated for imperial pardons to showcase the emperor’s benevolence. Grand Tutor Lou agreed with the latter.

Ling Buyi volunteered to lead the army to Fengyi Commandery and reported General He’s death to Emperor Wen. Emperor Wen was shocked but finally agreed to suppress the rebellion. However, he did not want Ling Buyi to risk himself and sought an old general to take his place. Ling Buyi’s old friend was well-versed in the region, but Ling Buyi still pleaded to lead the army himself.

Grand Tutor Lou pretended to regret that Ling Buyi would miss Lou Yao’s engagement banquet, but Ling Buyi retorted that the friend was at the Lou household, so he could still have a drink. After court was dismissed, Emperor Wen kept Ling Buyi behind, expressing his concern and saying he could not face the Huo siblings if Ling Buyi were harmed. In fact, Ling Buyi had begun monitoring Prince Yong since the arms case.

As it started because of him, he felt it should end with him. Besides, the outcome was already certain. Emperor Wen knew Ling Buyi cared deeply for the Cheng family’s Fourth Miss and yet had to hide his feelings. Out of frustration, he gifted him a grand reward. Ling Buyi seized the chance to request an imperial decree for Cheng Shaoshang, not only granting favor to the Cheng family but also preserving the Lou family’s reputation.

What mattered most to him was securing Cheng Shaoshang’s status so she would never be bullied again. The next day, the Lou family hosted a banquet and invited guests, including Cheng Shaoshang’s entire family and Wan Qiqi. Originally, the main Madam Lou wanted to intimidate Cheng Shaoshang. The other women offered sarcastic comments, but Cheng Shaoshang handled it with ease. At that moment, Ling Buyi arrived to deliver the imperial decree.

Before everyone, he praised Cheng Shaoshang’s civil and martial talents, diligence, and virtue—so much that even Cheng Shaoshang blushed. After the decree was read, Cheng Shaoshang stood up to accept it but tripped on her skirt and almost fell. Fortunately, Ling Buyi caught her in time. Because of this, everyone’s expressions changed. Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi exchanged a glance, understanding everything. The women pursed their lips in silence—part envy, part jealousy—while Wan Qiqi struggled to hold back a laugh.

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