Love Like The Galaxy Episode 21 Recap, Plot

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Although Cheng Shaoshang had already witnessed He Zhaojun’s ruthless and resolute nature, she still suppressed her inner fear and tried to persuade her not to force this marriage. However, He Zhaojun had yet to emerge from the shadow of losing her father and brothers. Her mind was entirely consumed by her father’s dying words — to endure until her younger brother came of age.

It was precisely because He Zhaojun understood the purpose of her existence that she no longer intended to offend anyone. Cheng Shaoshang deeply sympathized with her experience, but since Lou Yao had no affection for her, how could she let herself sacrifice her own happiness? Listening to Cheng Shaoshang’s words, He Zhaojun became increasingly emotional, stating that she didn’t like Lou Yao either.

If it could bring her father and brothers back to life, she wouldn’t care even if it were a thousand Lou Yaos. At that moment, Ling Buyi arrived to protect Cheng Shaoshang. He first asked her to return to the carriage, then warned He Zhaojun that although as a daughter of a loyal martyr, she was pitied by many, the road ahead would be long.

Whether she would make enemies everywhere or get along with others was up to her — she should take care of herself. Through Ling Buyi’s explanation, Cheng Shaoshang learned of the He family’s heroic sacrifice in protecting the citizens of the entire city without a single casualty, and she was deeply shaken.

So when she returned home and saw Lou Yao waiting at the door, she hesitated for a moment but eventually lowered her head and walked through the gate, not wanting to see him again so soon. That night, Lou Yao refused to leave, and Cheng Shaoshang didn’t rest either. Gazing at the starry sky, she felt a deep sorrow.

Everyone expected her to be selfless and righteous, but she only had one simple wish — to marry peacefully and live a stable life. Yet things turned out contrary to her wishes. Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but break down in tears. Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi, upon learning of the matter, felt extremely conflicted. Early the next morning, Old Madam Cheng caused a ruckus while holding the betrothal gifts.

Cheng Shi was at his wit’s end — he knew well his mother’s temperament. While Xiao Yuanyi patiently tried to calm Old Madam Cheng, Cheng Shaoshang suddenly approached and announced her decision to go to the Lou family and break off the engagement. The moment she said it, Old Madam Cheng was shocked and terrified. Thus, when Cheng Shaoshang appeared at the Lou residence with her parents, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn. The main hall was tightly shut.

Lou Taifu and Cheng Shi sat at the head of the hall, while Lou's First Madam, Second Madam, and Xiao Yuanyi with her daughter sat in proper order. Cheng Shi explained their intention to break off the engagement and returned the token of betrothal. First Madam Lou was overjoyed, but Lou Yao strongly opposed it. Seeing Lou Yao looking so aggrieved, Cheng Shaoshang took him outside for a private conversation and told him the full story about the He family.

Back then, the former County Magistrate Cheng had died at the hands of the rebels to protect the people, which led Lou Yao to vow to become an official. Now, by marrying He Zhaojun, it was no longer about repaying the He family’s favor — he had to take care of General He’s orphan, to teach, restrain, and protect her from harm.

The He and Lou families were closely connected; many people who were just names to the Cheng family were vivid memories to the Lou family — their voices and smiles still remembered though they were gone. Lou Yao understood that the engagement could not be salvaged, and finally returned with Cheng Shaoshang to the main hall, where he agreed in front of the elders to marry He Zhaojun.

Lou Yao took on this marriage with the He family out of righteousness, warning the First Branch not to meddle in Second Branch affairs in the future. He told Cheng Shaoshang’s parents to regard him as a nephew, and he and Cheng Shaoshang agreed to treat each other as siblings from now on, bidding farewell to one another with tears in their eyes.

Upon hearing that the Lou and He families were reuniting through marriage, the Princess of Ruyang found it laughable. In contrast, Princess Yuchang pitied Cheng Shaoshang for being rejected and worried she might not find a good match again. However, the Princess of Ruyang didn’t care — she had never thought highly of Cheng Shaoshang and now just hoped Princess Yuchang could soon marry her ideal husband.

Madam Chunyu naturally understood what the Princess of Ruyang meant, so she flattered her by saying that Cheng Shaoshang came from a lowly background and lacked any manners, completely incomparable to Princess Yuchang. Unexpectedly, Ling Buyi overheard this and immediately said Cheng Shaoshang’s withdrawal from the engagement was by imperial decree. He even warned the Princess of Ruyang not to speak ill of her, or she would be committing a grave offense and showing disrespect to the Emperor.

Old Madam Cheng, unwilling to part with the betrothal gifts, sat crying and cursing Cheng Shi for breaking off such a fine marriage over so-called reputation. To make up for Cheng Shaoshang’s grievance, Emperor Wen permitted the entire Cheng household to attend the sacrificial ceremony at Mount Tu, excluding only Old Madam Cheng. Coincidentally, Cheng Shi had been thinking of letting his daughter go out to ease her mind.

A few days later, spring was in full bloom — the most beautiful time of the year. Although it was officially a sacrificial ceremony, to Cheng Shaoshang, it felt more like a grand spring outing and picnic, for which she had no interest and spent most of her time in the tent. Wan Qiqi, knowing Cheng Shaoshang was feeling low, took her to watch a mounted archery competition hosted by the Young Marquis Ban.

Among the audience were not only noble ladies but also several royal princesses. Wan Qiqi introduced them to Cheng Shaoshang and mentioned the background of the Young Marquis Ban — he too was from a family of loyal martyrs, very much like He Zhaojun. This made Cheng Shaoshang recall her painful past. At that moment, Lou Yao and He Zhaojun appeared one after another. Cheng Shaoshang pretended to be calm but was actually flustered. Wan Qiqi quickly shifted the topic to the competition to divert Cheng Shaoshang’s attention.

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