Love Like The Galaxy Episode 26 Recap, Plot

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After the banquet, Ling Buyi personally escorted Cheng Shaoshang home in a quiet carriage, the only sound the turning of the wheels outside. Ling Buyi initiated conversation, asking why she seemed unhappy. Cheng Shaoshang directly expressed her true feelings, stating she did not wish to rely on his power. She told him that his words carried more weight than anything she could say, and she had witnessed firsthand the immense influence he wielded.

She questioned if her access to his power was solely conditional on marrying him, bearing his children, and ensuring his happiness. Ling Buyi responded that a husband and wife are one entity, and once married, what was his would be hers. Cheng Shaoshang conceded that she might be overthinking, explaining that she was accustomed to living an unrestrained life and feared losing herself if she had to adhere to his rules.

When Cheng Shaoshang took out a biscuit to eat, Ling Buyi stopped her, explaining that eating late at night could lead to indigestion. He shared his military practice of abstaining from food after noon, believing hunger kept one alert and eating too much could diminish the will to fight. Cheng Shaoshang, however, disliked being controlled, even if it was for her own good.

She firmly told him that if he wished to marry her, he would have to tolerate her temperament. Ling Buyi tried to reason with her, asking for her justification for eating the biscuit despite it being harmful. Cheng Shaoshang retorted that not everything in the world had a reason, just like his unexpected proposal to her. Just then, a report arrived concerning an emergency in Western Village.

Ling Buyi immediately sent Cheng Shaoshang back to her residence and then proceeded to Western Village himself, having learned that Han Wu had not returned and was possibly in danger. His subordinate reported that despite Han Wu's promise to return within three days, he had not been seen, and suspicious individuals were spotted in the area. Ling Buyi, recalling the Huo Army's practice of leaving clues if in danger, decided to investigate in person, setting aside his upcoming betrothal duties.

In Western Village, Ling Buyi located a hidden message left by Han Wu: "two short and two long" sticks, signaling that he was safe and would return on his own. Ling Buyi instructed his men to remain vigilant for any further clues and prepared to return to the capital. Meanwhile, at the Cheng family residence, Old Madam Cheng was ecstatic about Cheng Shaoshang's engagement to Ling Buyi, an adopted son of His Majesty whose status was akin to a prince.

She proudly boasted that no other lady in the capital could compare to Shaoshang. Convinced that Ling Buyi's family would send more valuable betrothal gifts than the Lou family, she enthusiastically ordered her servants to clear the front courtyard for the incoming gifts. Xiao Yuanyi, however, cautioned her against premature celebration, pointing out that the engagement cards had not yet been exchanged.

Undeterred, the Old Madam insisted that Xiao Yuanyi ensure the marriage was secured, offering to visit the Ling family herself if necessary. Shortly after, Lianfang delivered a message from the Ling family housekeeper, stating that Madam Chunyu was unwell and could not deliver the betrothal gifts on time. The housekeeper also explicitly requested the Cheng family not to visit. This blatant slight greatly angered the Cheng family, and the Old Madam despaired, fearing the marriage would fall through.

Unbeknownst to them, Madam Chunyu was feigning illness. Lady Ruyang, emboldened by this delay, declared that without the betrothal gifts and exchanged engagement cards, the marriage was not binding, giving her granddaughter, Princess Yuchang, another chance with Ling Buyi. She plotted to "reason" with His Majesty to annul the engagement. However, news soon arrived that Ling Buyi had already sent a request to His Majesty, stating he was "fatherless and mother-sick" and pleading with the Emperor to oversee his marriage.

His Majesty had agreed and designated Lord Ruyang to serve as the protocol officer and deliver the betrothal gifts the very next day. Lady Ruyang and Princess Yuchang were stunned, realizing Lord Ruyang was the only eligible "Old Lord." Lord Ruyang, a man dedicated to a philosophy of "non-action" and estranged from Lady Ruyang, was visited at his temple retreat by his furious wife and granddaughter. Lady Ruyang accused him of forgetting his roots, recounting her past hardships.

Princess Yuchang, crying dramatically, threatened to become a nun if her wishes were not met. To placate them, Lord Ruyang deceptively agreed to find Cheng Shaoshang and attempt to ruin the engagement on their behalf. The next day, Lord Ruyang, acting as His Majesty's representative, arrived at the Cheng residence with the grand betrothal gifts. Despite the display, Cheng Shaoshang remained visibly unhappy. Lord Ruyang found her in a secluded courtyard, angrily hitting a wooden table.

Initially intending to intimidate her, he instead listened as she expressed her frustration, feeling like the defenseless table, stepped on by anyone. She voiced her disdain for the prevailing notion that she was "climbing the ranks" to marry Ling Buyi, asserting her desire for an equal and respectful partnership. Shaoshang boldly deduced his identity and challenged him to cancel the marriage, admitting her own fear of power, much like him.

Lord Ruyang, reflecting on his own 50-year-long unhappy and unequal marriage, was moved. Though he initially refused to be manipulated, stating he had watched Ling Buyi grow up and wished him happiness, he ultimately decided to support the marriage, perhaps to remedy the unhappiness of his own. Furious that he had successfully delivered the gifts, Lady Ruyang and Princess Yuchang confronted Lord Ruyang again. Princess Yuchang offered to be a co-wife to Ling Buyi, serving alongside Cheng Shaoshang.

Pushed to his limit, Lord Ruyang found the suggestion disgraceful. He finally exploded, reprimanding Lady Ruyang for her insatiable greed and revealing her long-held secret: the "life-saving meal" she gave the Emperor decades ago was merely a bowl of spoiled rice, a favor she had leveraged for years of prosperity. He then gave Princess Yuchang a firm ultimatum: find a suitable husband to marry, or stay at the temple and become a nun.

Upon learning of Han Wu's safety, Ling Buyi decided to return to the capital immediately to apologize to the Cheng family. His subordinate Liangqiu Qi noted that Ling Buyi's stern demeanor resembled someone going to interrogate rather than apologize. Taking the feedback, Ling Buyi asked the Liang brothers for interesting stories to help him make a better impression. That evening, the Cheng family gathered for dinner. Cheng Shaoshang, still feeling Xiao Yuanyi didn't truly care for her, provoked her mother.

Surprisingly, Xiao Yuanyi remained unusually calm. Cheng Yang and the brothers defended Xiao Yuanyi, highlighting her recent stress. Cheng Song and Shaogong whispered that Shaoshang's behavior was due to Ling Buyi's absence during the gift ceremony and resolved to give him a "warm welcome" on her behalf. Suddenly, a group of black armored guards stormed into the main hall, followed by Ling Buyi himself. He apologized for his absence, citing urgent military affairs.

Cheng Shaoshang sarcastically remarked that he always made decisions independently. Xiao Yuanyi, attempting to ease the tension, invited him to dine in a separate hall, but Ling Buyi insisted on joining them, stating they were soon to be family. His presence made the dinner stiff and awkward.

Ling Buyi tried to lighten the mood by recounting a cautionary tale about a selfish scholar who drowned due to his unwillingness to help repair a leaking boat, a story that only further unnerved the silent family. He then repeatedly offered toasts to the Cheng brothers, who sweated profusely. Just as the tension peaked, Old Madam Cheng arrived, her face beaming.

She showered Ling Buyi with compliments, declaring that he and Cheng Shaoshang were a perfect match, as if "carved from the same mold." Ling Buyi shrewdly agreed with her "wisdom," leaving her to ponder the true meaning of his compliment. Following the betrothal, Ling Buyi began frequenting the Cheng residence, but he brought with him a detachment of black armored guards. He justified their presence as necessary for "home protection."

Cheng Shaoshang observed with a complex mix of emotions as six personal guards remained close by, another dozen stood guard around the house, and additional bodyguards were stationed at the main entrance, her brow furrowed in unease.

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