Love Like The Galaxy Episode 24 Recap, Plot

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Fifth Princess, still fuming from their previous encounter but constrained by the upcoming imperial banquet, sternly warned Cheng Shaoshang that she was fortunate the banquet prevented immediate retribution. She threatened that any misstep during the event would require the entire Cheng Family to apologize. Luo Jitong then escorted Cheng Shaoshang to the front hall where the other female guests were gathering. Cheng Shaoshang thanked Luo Jitong for her intervention, remarking on the intimidating anger of nobles.

Luo Jitong introduced herself; her father is Colonel Changshui Luo Zhu, and she serves as a reading partner to the Fifth Princess. She invited Cheng Shaoshang to address her as Jitong. Cheng Shaoshang questioned the Fifth Princess’s arrogant demeanor, contrasting it with the kind Emperor and Empress. Luo Jitong explained that as the youngest princess, born into peaceful times and a life of luxury, she had naturally become spoiled.

She cautioned Cheng Shaoshang about strict palace rules and the severe consequences of gossiping about nobles, which could bring calamity upon their families. Cheng Shaoshang acknowledged the warning, adding that she was relieved not to be a frequent visitor to the palace. Luo Jitong then directed Cheng Shaoshang to a suitable seat. The Cheng family's relatively low social standing was evident as Cheng Shaoshang endured disdain and open mockery from other guests.

Wang Ling, a persistent antagonist, loudly proclaimed that only those of humble status, like Cheng Shaoshang, belonged in the furthest seats at an imperial banquet. Cheng Shaoshang retorted, questioning Wang Ling's place if she herself were absent. Meanwhile, the Third and Fifth Princesses began to quarrel about their respective marital affairs. The Third Princess insinuated that the Fifth Princess had left Prince Consort Xuan at home due to his ongoing disputes or perhaps because of Ling Buyi’s presence.

The Fifth Princess fired back, suggesting the Third Princess concern herself less with others’ marriages and more with managing her own house's reputation by dismissing her "toyboys" before the capital found out. Another Princess interjected, urging them to cease their bickering before Emperor Wen and Empress Xuan arrived. Spotting Cheng Shaoshang discreetly eating a biscuit, the Fifth Princess called her out, asking if she was the one who had argued with her earlier.

She chastised Cheng Shaoshang for her lack of manners, eating before the Emperor and Empress. Wang Ling quickly jumped in, labeling Cheng Shaoshang an uneducated "wild child" from the countryside, which, she claimed, explained her crude behavior. A different noble lady attempted to excuse Cheng Shaoshang, citing her unfamiliarity with palace rules and hunger. Wang Ling, however, insisted that such impoliteness stemmed from a fundamental lack of parental guidance.

Ignoring Luo Jitong's earlier warning, Cheng Shaoshang calmly corrected the Fifth Princess, stating that what she was eating was not a biscuit but a "millet naan," a common rural food that could sustain a person for hours. She pointedly remarked on the Fifth Princess's ignorance despite the frugal habits of the Emperor and Empress, attributing it to a sheltered life within the palace. Rendered speechless, the Fifth Princess feigned illness and hastily retreated.

In her absence, Wang Ling, seeking revenge, challenged Cheng Shaoshang to a physical confrontation, then deliberately kicked off Cheng Shaoshang's shoe. As other noblewomen approached, seemingly to join in the humiliation, Cheng Shaoshang anxiously asked their intentions. Just then, Ling Buyi appeared. Wang Ling, seeing him, sneered that Cheng Shaoshang’s "savior" had arrived.

Ling Buyi swiftly moved to Cheng Shaoshang's side, gently pressing her back into her seat before kneeling to put her shoe back on, a gesture that silenced the hall. The Fifth Princess returned, demanding to know Ling Buyi’s meaning. Ling Buyi, rather than directly addressing the bullying, offered veiled congratulations: first to the Fifth Princess on her impending marriage to the "dissolute" Prince Consort Yue, whom he dryly noted was a "rare kind" and a perfect match.

He then offered belated congratulations to the Third Princess, claiming his absence in battle prevented him from congratulating her earlier on her marriage to the heir of Marquis Xuan. He then subtly urged Cheng Shaoshang to leave, suggesting that further defiance would only invite more palace ridicule. Meanwhile, a servant gossiped to Luo Jitong about Cheng Shaoshang's apparent intimacy with Ling Buyi. Luo Jitong sternly reminded the servant to mind her own business.

When the servant then mentioned that the Empress had once considered marrying Luo Jitong to Ling Buyi, Luo Jitong angrily dismissed it as baseless rumor, threatening punishment if the topic was raised again, stating the Empress had never taken the idea seriously. Ling Buyi insisted that Cheng Shaoshang sit beside him, dismissing her concerns about breaking etiquette and assuring her it was acceptable. This prompted the Princes to begin teasing.

The Third Prince remarked on the palace's declining adherence to rules, questioning how a household without order could govern a nation. The Fifth Prince, attempting flirtation, recalled Cheng Shaoshang as the "Fourth Lady Cheng" who had broken her engagement with Lou Yao, praising her beauty. He even offered to take her as a concubine, suggesting that as family, her seating would then be acceptable.

Another Prince teased the Fifth Prince for his overly sentimental nature, which often incurred the Emperor's displeasure. Ling Buyi then interrupted, stating that Cheng Shaoshang was already engaged. When the Fifth Prince expressed disbelief, citing her broken engagement, Ling Buyi calmly declared, "So now I can marry her." Alarm spread across Cheng Shaoshang's face as she urged Ling Buyi not to impulsively ruin his life for her.

The Third Prince mocked Ling Buyi, suggesting he had lost his domineering edge from spending too much time with the Crown Prince, now even a mere lady dared to defy him. At that moment, Emperor Wen and Empress Xuan entered with Cheng Shi, Xiao Yuanyi, and Wan Songbai. Emperor Wen cheerfully noted the lively atmosphere, emphasizing the informal nature of a family banquet. Empress Xuan observed Cheng Shaoshang sitting with Ling Buyi.

Ling Buyi then formally requested Emperor Wen to act in place of his elder and propose marriage to Cheng Shaoshang. Emperor Wen was utterly delighted, exclaiming his approval and noting his surprise that the matter had progressed so quickly. He called Cheng Shi forward, announcing his intention to propose on Ling Buyi's behalf, as he had raised Ling Buyi like his own son. Wan Songbai eagerly urged Cheng Shi to accept.

However, Xiao Yuanyi, falling to her knees, vehemently objected, pleading with the Emperor to retract his order. When Emperor Wen asked if she was dissatisfied with Ling Buyi, Xiao Yuanyi quickly clarified that it was her daughter, Cheng Shaoshang, who was unworthy. She publicly disparaged Cheng Shaoshang, detailing her perceived flaws: lack of education, unruly behavior, poor academic and martial skills, a tendency to speak out of turn, and disrespect for elders.

She insisted that if Cheng Shaoshang were not her daughter, she would never allow such a bride into the Cheng family, adding that while Ling Buyi was an excellent match, Cheng Shaoshang's stubborn character would surely bring disaster upon them all. Emperor Wen turned to Cheng Shi, questioning the truth of his wife's accusations. Cheng Shi took responsibility, explaining that he and his wife had neglected Cheng Shaoshang's upbringing while away at war.

Xiao Yuanyi, however, interrupted, stressing that she had only wanted to protect her daughter from embarrassment, but Cheng Shaoshang was simply "unqualified." She portrayed Cheng Shaoshang as cunning, reckless, and troublesome, arguing that Ling Buyi, having known her for a short time, was unaware of her true nature. Emperor Wen then asked Cheng Shaoshang if she indeed believed herself to be as unworthy as her mother described.

Cheng Shaoshang confirmed her mother's assessment, admitting to being rude, troublesome, inconsiderate, and disobedient. She then directly challenged Ling Buyi, asking if he still wished to marry her, knowing her stubborn nature and that any future wife he chose would be "a thousand times better." Ling Buyi responded with an unwavering "Of course." He then turned to Cheng Shaoshang, expressing his surprise at her self-perception and stating that in his eyes, "Cheng Shaoshang is the best lady in the capital."

He addressed Xiao Yuanyi directly, observing that while popular wisdom favored a gentle wife, Xiao Yuanyi herself was a fierce warrior yet shared a loving bond with General Cheng, demonstrating that every couple is unique. He declared that while Cheng Shaoshang might not be everyone's ideal "obedient lady," to him, she was the absolute best woman in the world, pure, decisive, daring to love and hate, and the only one truly capable of standing by his side.

Ling Buyi concluded by vowing to marry no one else in his lifetime. Emperor Wen, delighted by Ling Buyi's passionate declaration, immediately finalized the engagement, reminding Cheng Shaoshang that her agreement was binding and warning that he would reprimand anyone who dared to renege. Ling Buyi and Cheng Shaoshang expressed their gratitude, followed reluctantly by Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi. Emperor Wen then dismissed everyone to rise, only to be informed that Princess Yuchang had fainted upon hearing the news.

Emperor Wen dismissed the incident as typical melodrama from young women who had "drunk too much" before the banquet, jokingly suggesting she be sent to Changqiu Palace to learn manners. He then invited everyone to drink heartily. The Crown Prince and other Princes enthusiastically congratulated Ling Buyi, while the Fifth Princess and Wang Ling seethed with furious, murderous looks. The other noble ladies who had harbored admiration for Ling Buyi displayed expressions of deep sorrow and disappointment.

After the imperial banquet, a heavy silence settled over the Cheng family as they returned home. Upon entering the main hall, Xiao Yuanyi immediately ordered Cheng Shaoshang to kneel. Cheng Shi tried to intervene, suggesting Cheng Shaoshang was still overwhelmed by the day's events, but Xiao Yuanyi angrily retorted that her daughter had acted "mightily" by openly agreeing to the marriage without fear of imperial authority.

Cheng Shaoshang shot back, reminding her mother that while she taught many rules, "defying an imperial order" was not among them. Cheng Shi then reminded Cheng Shaoshang of her previous assurances that she had no private feelings for Ling Buyi, emphasizing that he and Xiao Yuanyi had risked the Emperor’s displeasure to break her engagement with Lou Yao, questioning why she had changed her mind.

Cheng Shaoshang, frustrated, asked if her mother was dissatisfied with her choice of husband or simply with her as a daughter, noting her mother's consistent disapproval regardless of her suitor. Cheng Shi intervened again, trying to explain that Xiao Yuanyi’s concerns stemmed from the dangerous complexities of Marquis Chengyang’s residence, which was far more perilous than the Lou family.

He alluded to Ling Buyi’s mother, Huo Junhua, once celebrated but now in a tragic state, urging Cheng Shaoshang not to get entangled. Cheng Shaoshang pressed for details about Ling Buyi’s parents, as she had never heard the full story. Xiao Yuanyi angrily snapped that Cheng Shaoshang was unfit for marriage if she ignored such crucial family complexities. Cheng Shaoshang dismissively stated she was marrying Ling Buyi, not his parents, and had no interest in the Marquis’s family affairs.

Cheng Shi then began to recount the tragic history: General Huo Chong’s heroic sacrifice during the Emperor’s crisis, holding off a vast enemy army, which led to the massacre of the entire Huo family and the disappearance of Madam Huo and Ling Buyi. Marquis Chengyang subsequently remarried his cousin, Madam Chunyu. Less than a year later, Madam Huo and Ling Buyi miraculously reappeared.

Cheng Shaoshang questioned why the court officials didn't compel the Marquis to divorce Madam Chunyu and reunite with Madam Huo, given the Huo family's immense sacrifices. Cheng Shi explained that divorcing Madam Chunyu was impossible due to her powerful connections with Lady Ruyang, Princess Yuchang’s grandmother. Meanwhile, Madam Chunyu was indeed visiting Lady Ruyang, presenting a pure gold statue and artfully lamenting Ling Buyi's supposed "misunderstanding" of her, which made her position in Marquis Chengyang's residence difficult.

Lady Ruyang consoled her, fiercely criticizing Huo Junhua for her arrogance and for allegedly causing Madam Chunyu to miscarry and remain childless. Lady Ruyang promised that once Princess Yuchang married Ling Buyi, she would ensure Yuchang "persuaded" Huo Junhua. Just then, Princess Yuchang burst in, weeping uncontrollably, declaring that Ling Buyi’s public proposal to Cheng Shaoshang had made her a laughingstock throughout the capital.

Madam Chunyu immediately dismissed Cheng Shaoshang as unworthy and assured Princess Yuchang that she and the Marquis disliked Cheng Shaoshang and would ensure the marriage did not proceed, promising to speak with the Marquis to influence Ling Buyi. Lady Ruyang continued to comfort her distraught granddaughter. Back at the Cheng residence, Xiao Yuanyi renewed her pleas to Cheng Shaoshang, reiterating her belief that Marquis Chengyang's residence was a "tiger's den."

Cheng Shi added that while their words might seem harsh, they truly intended for her well-being. Xiao Yuanyi then expressed her deepest concern about Ling Buyi himself, describing him as fiercely resolute, unlike Lou Yao, and feared that the union of two such stubborn individuals would inevitably lead to conflict, asserting that she and Cheng Shi could not protect Cheng Shaoshang if they clashed.

Cheng Shaoshang admitted she knew Ling Buyi was "hard to get along with," prompting an exasperated Xiao Yuanyi to ask why she had then agreed to the marriage. Turning to her father, Cheng Shaoshang questioned if she truly had any other choice. She explained that her mother had publicly condemned her, and those who regularly mocked her rudeness had witnessed it all.

Her mother's desire to reject a "troublesome son-in-law" had led her to humiliate her daughter until she was deemed "worthless." Cheng Shaoshang asserted her self-esteem and pride, her deep desire to live with dignity. She directly asked her mother if she would have publicly humiliated Cheng Yang in the same manner if the Emperor had proposed to her. Xiao Yuanyi quickly responded that she would not have worried so much if it were Cheng Yang.

Cheng Shaoshang, annoyed, asked why Cheng Yang was relevant. Cheng Shi tried to explain that Xiao Yuanyi's harsh words were only a strategy to dissuade the Emperor, not to genuinely harm her, urging Cheng Shaoshang not to gamble her future out of anger. Cheng Shaoshang denied acting out of anger, stating she had seriously considered her options.

She acknowledged that her personality wouldn't change, and her mother would always worry, regardless of whom she married, so marrying soon might offer her mother some peace of mind. Xiao Yuanyi warned her of the lifelong unhappiness a woman faced if she married the wrong man. Cheng Shaoshang countered that her own unhappiness was preferable to the entire family suffering for defying an imperial order.

She confessed to having harbored resentment towards her parents for not raising her, but now understood that she, too, had never been filial to them. Therefore, they were "even." She declared that she didn't want her father to lose his position or to destroy the Cheng family's hard-won honor—a glory bought by her parents' abandonment of her—which would make her feel like her very birth was a "joke."

She concluded by firmly stating to her parents that she had made this decision herself, would not regret it, and would bear all future consequences alone, without involving the family. Xiao Yuanyi, resigned to her daughter's resolve, finally agreed not to hinder her future, consenting to the marriage. Cheng Shi watched his wife and daughter, their paths diverging, with a profound mix of emotions.

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