Love Like The Galaxy Episode 29 Recap, Plot

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Empress Xuan showed an uncharacteristic warmth and talkativeness towards Cheng Shaoshang, even preparing a side room in her palace for her. The Empress meticulously arranged everything, choosing a new fragrance for sleeping and even setting up a long table for Cheng Shaoshang's interest in craftsmen's designs, all of which left Cheng Shaoshang deeply touched and somewhat overwhelmed. Cheng Shaoshang expressed that her own mother, a general, never pampered her this way.

Empress Xuan explained that a young lady should be pampered, especially since Cheng Shaoshang had left home to study palace rules, which was already a hardship. She didn't want Cheng Shaoshang's parents to worry. Cheng Shaoshang also worried about having brought trouble by complaining about Wang Ling in front of His Majesty, but Empress Xuan assured her she wasn't angry.

Cheng Shaoshang wondered if it was simply love for Ling Buyi that extended to her, but Empress Xuan clarified it was also due to curiosity and fondness for the woman Ling Buyi adored. More significantly, Empress Xuan empathized with Cheng Shaoshang's difficult childhood, having grown up without her parents and suffering mistreatment.

Empress Xuan admitted she was in a similar situation herself, knowing how hard it was to survive, and thus found herself wanting to treat Cheng Shaoshang better and be partial to her, not feeling offended even by some misbehavior. Cheng Shaoshang was moved to understand the Empress's deep affection.

After leaving Changqiu Palace, Ling Buyi confronted Cheng Shaoshang, discerning that her complaint against Wang Ling was also a deliberate attempt to "test the waters" and understand the true intentions of the Emperor and Empress towards her. Cheng Shaoshang affirmed her strategic move, stating she needed to know their temperaments to protect herself if she was to spend time under the Empress.

She spoke highly of Empress Xuan, deeply moved by the Empress's kindness, even if her kindness stems from pity for her childhood. Ling Buyi, however, hinted that too soft a heart might not always be beneficial. He urged Cheng Shaoshang not to risk herself again, inviting her to ask him directly about the Emperor and Empress in the future.

Cheng Shaoshang retorted that she also wished for them to understand her character; she detested being helpless and preferred to fight rather than passively accept her fate. Ling Buyi then asked if she knew his story, revealing he grew up in Changqiu Palace. He then led her to the city wall, where he shared a poignant childhood memory.

As a young boy, he would often come to this very spot to gaze at the myriad of twinkling city lights, dreaming of having just one tiny light that was truly his own – a seemingly simple wish that he considered profoundly difficult to achieve. He then explained his decision to join the military: firstly, to repay His Majesty's benevolence, and secondly, to safeguard this "galaxy on earth," the people and the city, from the battlefield.

He declared that he had finally found his brightest star in Cheng Shaoshang, pulling her close and passionately kissing her. This public display of affection caused nearby patrolling soldiers to hastily flee in embarrassment. Back home, Cheng Shaoshang was visibly flustered, her face red, as she recounted the day's events to Cheng Song. She falsely claimed her appearance was due to nervousness about her upcoming palace lessons.

After Cheng Song jokingly expressed relief at her absence from home, Cheng Shaoshang hesitantly asked him if he had ever been kissed. His strong reaction led to a whispered agreement between the siblings: they would keep their respective secrets from their mother, Xiao Yuanyi, whose fiery gaze would surely mean death for them both.

The next morning, Lianfang had to rouse a sleepy Cheng Shaoshang, reminding her that Ling Buyi's carriage was already waiting to take her to the palace for lessons with Empress Xuan. Lianfang had even prepared snacks to "nourish her brain," knowing Cheng Shaoshang often slept poorly when studying and wouldn't return until dark. Meanwhile, the Liang brothers, accompanying Ling Buyi's carriage, grumbled about the early start.

One brother mentioned Ling Buyi had been up all night, having "walked under the moonlight", clearly still "swept away" by his first kiss. They lamented that these early mornings would now be a constant reality, as Ling Buyi was always worried about his "future bride." Cheng Shaoshang's palace education began with cultural knowledge, followed by lessons on being a virtuous lady and proper etiquette, culminating in various skills expected of a fiancée.

She found herself struggling, often dozing off during lessons on classic texts and ancient rituals. Empress Xuan remained remarkably patient, never scolding her. When Cheng Shaoshang confessed her disinterest and asked if her incompetence was truly her fault or if some books were simply boring, Empress Xuan kindly assured her that some profound teachings were indeed beyond her current age, making them uninteresting. Empress Xuan then gave Cheng Shaoshang a puzzle ring, which Cheng Shaoshang effortlessly solved.

Cheng Shaoshang then proudly displayed her own inventions, including a small crossbow, demonstrating her proficiency in mechanisms. Empress Xuan praised her unique talents, encouraging her to hold her head high and never feel inferior, promising to teach her whatever she lacked. Cheng Shaoshang, feeling more confident, hinted at possessing even more skills. Cheng Shaoshang, learning of Empress Xuan's back discomfort, offered to help.

To the surprise and initial alarm of Madam Zhai, who found the method "preposterous," Cheng Shaoshang used a traditional foot massage technique on the Empress's back, explaining it would relax strained muscles. Empress Xuan, however, confirmed she felt "much relieved." Luo Jitong, a fellow lady-in-waiting, expressed envy for Cheng Shaoshang's unique skills and her good fortune in marrying a hero like Ling Buyi, lamenting her own impending marriage far away in the Northwest.

Cheng Shaoshang tried to console her, assuring her that her new family would be influential. Their lighthearted conversation was interrupted by a commotion outside. Madam Zhai identified the source as Madam Wen Xiu, Wang Ling's mother and Empress Xuan's cousin, arriving uninvited. Cheng Shaoshang immediately realized Madam Wen Xiu was likely there for revenge. Upon entering, Madam Wen Xiu brazenly insulted Cheng Shaoshang's appearance, accusing her of using her looks to "seduce" Ling Buyi.

She also disparaged Cheng Shaoshang for quickly adopting Empress Xuan's "shut people out" demeanor after only a few days in the palace. Sensing the escalating tension, Empress Xuan calmly instructed Cheng Shaoshang to escort Wang Ling to the side hall. In the side hall, Wang Ling immediately surveyed her surroundings with disdain, remarking that the furnishings were "crude and simple," implying Empress Xuan treated Cheng Shaoshang poorly.

She then boasted about her own childhood in the palace, claiming she enjoyed luxurious gold lacquerware, raw silk brocade, and expensive fragrances. Cheng Shaoshang swiftly cut her off, flaunting a finely potted ceramic cup and a soft cushion that Ling Buyi had specially sent for her, noting how thoughtful he was in worrying about her knees. She enjoyed seeing Wang Ling "upset" by her happiness.

Wang Ling accused Cheng Shaoshang of shamelessness for constantly mentioning Ling Buyi, but Cheng Shaoshang retorted that she liked Wang Ling because she was "stupid enough" that she could "easily hold something against you whenever you say something," advising her to "keep her mouth shut."

Cheng Shaoshang then exposed Wang Ling's exaggerated claims about palace luxuries, pointing out that His Majesty was frugal and the Empress's chambers were not adorned with such extravagance, suggesting Wang Ling risked being punished for "living extravagantly." Wang Ling clarified that those items were from the old palace, not bought with state funds, but Cheng Shaoshang merely dismissed them as "not yours then."

Exasperated, Wang Ling then launched into a tirade about the Qian'an royal family's supposed opulence, claiming their expenditures should surpass the palace's. She recounted her maternal grandfather's past power and wealth, stating that His Majesty had only married Empress Xuan, whom her grandfather fostered, to secure an alliance, despite his true love for Consort Yue. Wang Ling lamented her family's decline since her grandfather's death, claiming they were now merely a "royal family that is passed its prime."

Madam Wen Xiu then directly addressed Empress Xuan, accusing her of sending Cheng Shaoshang away because she was too "protective of Lady Cheng." She then declared her true purpose: to secure minting rights for her younger brother, Junior Lord Qian'an, who was enduring a "hard life in Shouchun." She emphasized that her brother was the last male descendant of the Qian'an family, who had sacrificed much for His Majesty's cause, and thus, the Empress should not refuse this "small matter."

Empress Xuan, however, firmly stated her policy of never "meddling in state affairs" and declined the request. Enraged, Madam Wen Xiu lashed out, reminding Empress Xuan of the Qian'an family's past kindness, specifically how they took her in after her father's death. She defiantly addressed the Empress by her personal name, Xuan Shen'an, questioning her authority as empress. Despite Madam Zhai's attempts to intervene, Empress Xuan’s earlier command to close the doors prevented anyone from entering.

Madam Wen Xiu continued her verbal assault, calling Empress Xuan "ungrateful" and a hypocrite, claiming everyone should see her "ungrateful face." She recounted sharing her best with Empress Xuan and how her own father treated the Empress like a daughter, even helping her marry His Majesty, the best possible husband. Empress Xuan maintained she would "never forget Uncle's kindness."

Still, Madam Wen Xiu persisted, lamenting her father's death, the collapse of their family's power, and how her brother was now merely a "living signboard" to prevent His Majesty from appearing ungrateful. She concluded by branding Empress Xuan as "ungrateful" once more. In a fit of fury, Madam Wen Xiu knocked over a candelabra. Cheng Shaoshang instinctively rushed to shield Empress Xuan, injuring her hand in the process.

Cheng Shaoshang then fiercely rebuked Madam Wen Xiu, asserting that Empress Xuan had closed the palace doors precisely to protect Madam Wen Xiu from the consequences of her "nonsense," warning that if her seditious words were to leak out, she and her children would not meet a peaceful end. Madam Wen Xiu, scoffing at the threat of death, proclaimed her fearlessness.

Cheng Shaoshang challenged her, asking why, if she was so fearless, she did not confront His Majesty directly instead of harassing the Empress. Madam Wen Xiu retaliated by mocking Cheng Shaoshang's eloquence and Ling Buyi's choice in a future bride. Madam Wen Xiu reiterated her claims, saying she was not afraid of death and His Majesty would not allow her to die, implying her visit was merely to test Empress Xuan's gratitude.

Cheng Shaoshang countered by pointing out the true nature of reciprocal kindness, suggesting that Madam Wen Xiu’s own great-grandfather, Lord Qian'an, likely didn't expect repayment when he aided the Xuan family. She then shrewdly exposed the underlying reason for Empress Xuan's marriage to His Majesty: Madam Wen Xiu, as Lord Qian'an's biological daughter, was a first cousin to His Majesty and thus ineligible to marry him. Therefore, Cheng Shaoshang concluded, Empress Xuan owed Madam Wen Xiu nothing.

Madam Wen Xiu, furious, demanded Empress Xuan silence Cheng Shaoshang. Unfazed, Cheng Shaoshang continued, contrasting Ling Buyi's hard-earned achievements on the battlefield with Madam Wen Xiu's behavior of "holding on to the late Lord Qian'an's achievements" and "behaving wantonly" in Changqiu Palace.

Infuriated, Madam Wen Xiu threatened to teach Cheng Shaoshang the palace rules and the difference between nobility and commoners, and once again demanded the minting rights, cursing the Empress as "ungrateful" and one who would "leave me to my doom." Just as Madam Wen Xiu escalated her tirade, Emperor Wen and Ling Buyi arrived, having clearly overheard the commotion.

Emperor Wen immediately inquired about Empress Xuan's well-being and then directly questioned Madam Wen Xiu about her repeated emphasis on Lord Qian'an's kindness to the Empress. Madam Wen Xiu attempted to defend her words, claiming she was merely stating the fact that her father had fostered the orphaned Empress.

However, Emperor Wen swiftly countered, recounting the long history of mutual kindness between the Xuan and Wen families, asserting that any reciprocal "debt" had long been settled and questioning Madam Wen Xiu’s insistence on rehashing it. Madam Wen Xiu then shifted tactics, tearfully pleading for her younger brother, Junior Lord Qian'an, whose family had suffered greatly and was now reduced to a single heir after her father's sacrifice.

She insisted she was merely asking for the Empress's help, asking if that was wrong. Emperor Wen, however, was not swayed. He demanded to know why she had not presented her request through official channels via her Cavalry General in court. He accused her of deliberately cornering the Empress in Changqiu Palace, knowing the Empress would "tolerate and forgive" her. He then sternly condemned her disrespectful behavior, rule-breaking, and blatant lack of etiquette, demanding she acknowledge her crimes.

Empress Xuan, despite her own distress, tried to intercede, claiming she felt unwell and wished for the confrontation to end. But Emperor Wen, declaring "I won't let it end here," insisted that Madam Wen Xiu still had more to say. At this point, Ling Buyi stepped forward, offering Madam Wen Xiu a choice: either stay and face His Majesty's punishment or follow his orders and leave the palace.

As Ling Buyi escorted Madam Wen Xiu out of the palace, she continued her vitriolic attacks, labeling him an "eye-catching lapdog" of the Emperor and Empress and mocking Cheng Shaoshang for risking her life. Ling Buyi retorted that he and Cheng Shaoshang cherished their lives, unlike Madam Wen Xiu, who seemed to prioritize her brother's safety above all else, sarcastically remarking that the late Lord Qian'an certainly "didn't raise her in vain."

Madam Wen Xiu, in turn, called Ling Buyi "cold-hearted" and reiterated her long-held grievance: her father's death in the miasma, which she blamed on His Majesty's order to rescue Gu City and, by extension, Ling Buyi's uncle, General Huo. She even implied that if her father had lived, the throne might have gone to someone else.

Ling Buyi, aware of a deeper truth, gravely warned Madam Wen Xiu that "there's something fishy behind this incident" and urged her to "pull back before it's too late" and "don't fall into anyone's tricks." He pointed out that Marquis Yue and the Xuan family "never got along," suggesting that Marquis Yue's account of events "may not be telling the truth," and advised her against "listening to a one-sided story."

He also noted that His Majesty had already been more than generous to Junior Lord Qian'an, who owned a copper mine and was thus "definitely living in comfort." At the palace gates, the Third Princess appeared and openly mocked Madam Wen Xiu, expressing surprise that she had been "chased out" of Changqiu Palace. She then taunted Madam Wen Xiu about Junior Lord Qian'an's alleged poverty and incompetence for daring to request minting rights.

Madam Wen Xiu, defiant, told the Third Princess to mind her own business. Witnessing this, Ling Buyi, recalling Marquis Yue's long-standing animosity towards the Xuan family ever since His Majesty married Empress Xuan instead of Consort Yue, suspected foul play. He ordered the Liang brothers to "keep a close watch on Marquis Yue and continue with the investigation" into Lord Qian'an's death.

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