Love Like The Galaxy Episode 27 Recap, Plot

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Since the betrothal, the Cheng residence has been bustling, though not in the way one might expect. Ling Buyi stationed black armored guards around the front and back courtyards, maintaining constant patrols day and night, ostensibly for protection. This newfound security came with a price: rigorous training sessions. The Cheng brothers, initially enthusiastic about practicing martial arts with Ling Buyi, soon found themselves exhausted and complaining, with even Cheng Shi admitting he couldn't keep up.

One morning, before Cheng Shaoshang had even fully woken, Ling Buyi carried her, still wrapped in her bedding, out to the courtyard. There, a scene of intense training awaited her: weapons, shouting, Cheng Song balancing on a rock, Cheng Shaogong struggling with archery, and even the delicate Cheng Yang forced to practice swordplay. Under the watchful eyes of the black armored guards, no servant or family member dared to slack off, all sweating profusely.

Ling Buyi applied his rigorous standards to everyone, including Cheng Shaoshang, who had to balance porcelain basins on her hands and head, maintaining perfect stillness. In stark contrast, Ling Buyi himself trained with heavy weights, appearing completely unfazed. After an hour, Cheng Shaoshang instructed Lianfang to prepare cold plum drinks to quench their thirst, but Ling Buyi, claiming it was for their health, replaced them with hot tea, leaving everyone crestfallen.

The Cheng family had initially assumed the worst outcome of the betrothal would merely be sharing meals with their future son-in-law. However, the unexpected and demanding training regime left a deep impression on everyone. Despite her growing desire to break off the engagement, Cheng Shaoshang faced stern opposition from Old Madam Cheng, who emphatically declared that the marriage must proceed and even threatened her own life if Cheng Shaoshang backed out.

Seeing the situation, Xiao Yuanyi and Cheng Shi, along with the other siblings, quickly made their excuses and departed, leaving Cheng Shaoshang to deal with Ling Buyi alone. That night, Cheng Shaoshang scaled the wall and went to the Wan residence, where she poured out her frustrations to Wan Qiqi over drinks. She confessed that she missed the past, reminiscing about Lou Yao, who, despite their similar ages, wouldn't have interfered with her choices, even if they weren't ideal.

Ling Buyi, on the other hand, had grown up in the imperial palace and was raised by the Emperor and Empress. He was independent and decisive from a young age, always having his own strong opinions whether in study or in battle. He wouldn't simply comply with Cheng Shaoshang's wishes like Lou Yao, instead expecting her to follow his arrangements. This constant pressure made Cheng Shaoshang's life feel tedious and unbearable.

Wan Qiqi listened to Cheng Shaoshang's complaints but still believed she harbored feelings for Ling Buyi; otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed to marry him. Cheng Shaoshang, however, struggled to understand what "liking" truly meant. As they talked, Ling Buyi suddenly appeared. Before Cheng Shaoshang could react, he effortlessly picked her up and carried her on his back to the Cheng residence.

Upon their return, Xiao Yuanyi admonished Ling Buyi, reminding him that despite their engagement, they were not yet married and should observe proper boundaries between men and women. Ling Buyi explained that he had no choice, as Cheng Shaoshang was clinging to him and wouldn't let go. Seeing her daughter's unseemly behavior, Xiao Yuanyi felt deeply embarrassed. Meanwhile, Cheng Song went to check on Wan Qiqi in the horse cart and found her utterly drunk and causing a ruckus.

In a moment of desperation, he kissed her. The next morning, Cheng Shaoshang awoke from her drunken stupor with no memory of the previous night. Lianfang filled her in on the details, including Ling Buyi's tireless care throughout the night. Ling Buyi personally brought her hangover soup and peach blossom liquor, specially concocted to be less intoxicating. However, Cheng Shaoshang coldly stated her preference for Qianlizui, her demeanor clearly rejecting him.

Ling Buyi sensed Cheng Shaoshang's unhappiness, recognizing that their strained relationship stemmed mostly from fundamental differences in their views. He acknowledged her strong will but also his own equally firm resolve. He admitted that having been raised in the military, he was accustomed to strict orders and direct action, and therefore struggled with the subtleties of family interactions, which he had never truly experienced.

He assured her he wasn't trying to control or oppress her but was simply trying to learn how to integrate into family life. Cheng Shaoshang, however, found his "care" suffocating. She told him she didn't need his peach blossom liquor or his constant attention, emphasizing that he wasn't an ordinary person and their relationship was unequal from the start, especially since he hadn't consulted her before seeking the Emperor's decree for their marriage.

She felt completely overwhelmed and unable to breathe under his "love." When he asked directly if she liked him, she declared that if his definition of love involved constant submission, interference, daily surveillance, forced training, and causing her family endless turmoil, then she could not bear such love and would never like such a life—a life without him. Ling Buyi asked if this was truly how she felt, and she confirmed it was her sincerest wish.

She then asked him to leave her home, her life, and herself, stating that they should sever all ties and go their separate ways. Ling Buyi, though deeply hurt, agreed to her request and left, granting her freedom. After his departure, Cheng Shaoshang remained in a state of loss. Learning from Lianfang that Ling Buyi had stayed up all night to care for her, never once complaining about her drunken antics, stirred a complex mix of emotions within her.

As she prepared to leave her room to see her parents, she discovered a pair of brand-new snake leather shoes at her door. Lianfang explained that Ling Buyi, concerned that Cheng Shaoshang often went barefoot, had hunted a giant python specifically to craft these shoes, which were designed to be comfortable in all seasons. Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi had observed the tension between their daughter and Ling Buyi, initially dismissing it as typical lovers' quarrels.

However, upon learning that Cheng Shaoshang had directly proposed breaking off the engagement, they became serious and urged her to reconsider. Cheng Shi argued that Ling Buyi had done nothing wrong and that their interactions clearly indicated mutual affection. Xiao Yuanyi added that no one can live entirely according to their own will, not even the Emperor.

She pointed out that Cheng Shaoshang's confidence that Ling Buyi wouldn't retaliate stemmed from his affection for her, suggesting she was acting proud and spoiled. Breaking an imperially sanctioned betrothal, she emphasized, was not the act of a noble person. Seeing Cheng Shaoshang's shifting expressions, her parents continued to impart their wisdom on married life.

They explained that they themselves had never sought wealth or power when they joined the military; their initial goal was simply to protect their hometown and ensure their family's well-being. They said that if Cheng Shaoshang truly disliked Ling Buyi, they would unconditionally support her decision, even if it meant resigning from their official posts and returning to the countryside to live as peasants.

They urged her to be honest with herself: did she truly not like Ling Buyi and not want to be with him? They reminded her that no one is perfect and that couples learn and grow together through adjustment. To marry someone one truly loves is a rare blessing, and they wanted her to think carefully before making a final decision, assuring her of their unwavering support regardless of her choice.

Cheng Shaoshang was deeply conflicted, pondering her parents' words, Lianfang's revelations, and all her experiences with Ling Buyi. As the lamps were lit that evening, a realization dawned on her. She immediately rose and hurried to the main hall, declaring her decision to marry Ling Buyi.

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