Love Like The Galaxy Episode 34 Recap, Plot

> Love Like The Galaxy
> Love Like The Galaxy Recap

Cheng Shaoshang was bandaging Ling Buyi's hand under an apricot tree, expressing her concern for him. Ling Buyi assured her it no longer hurt and confessed that he wanted her to meet his mother, Huo Junhua, before their engagement, though future frequent meetings wouldn't be necessary. Cheng Shaoshang calmly stated she wasn't afraid, recognizing that Ling Buyi’s mother was simply ill and not at fault, instead blaming those who ruined Huo Junhua's life.

Ling Buyi reflected on how people deemed him cruel and unfilial for his coldness towards Marquis Chengyang, Ling Yi. Cheng Shaoshang countered that true filial piety stems from parental kindness, and if parents fail in their duties, children shouldn't be reproached for being unfilial. She affirmed that Ling Buyi was not a cruel person. She also comforted him about his mother, noting that General Cui You seemed genuinely caring towards Madam Huo and would surely look after her well.

Ling Buyi explained that General Cui You had loved his mother since youth and initially refused to marry. He was later forced into marriage by his family, but his wife tragically died in childbirth. Soon after, Huo Junhua divorced Ling Yi, and General Cui You swore never to remarry, remaining a widower for Huo Junhua to this day. Cheng Shaoshang was moved by such profound affection, deeming it invaluable.

Ling Buyi then confessed his feelings for Cheng Shaoshang were just as sincere. Cheng Shaoshang offered to visit Huo Junhua frequently in his stead. Ling Buyi welcomed this, stating that once they were married, Cheng Shaoshang would be the lady of the house and could come and go as she pleased. Cheng Shaoshang then suggested that Ling Buyi didn't need to pick her up early anymore, as it was too arduous for him.

When he asked how he could see her more if he missed her, she proposed meeting at the palace gates and entering together. Ling Buyi noted this would mean she'd have to wake up half an hour earlier, but she dismissed it playfully. She clarified that if she focused on her palace duties, she couldn't focus on him, prompting Ling Buyi to choose to have her focus on him instead.

She also suggested they could have dinner at Changqiu Palace and walk home, or eat at home if he wasn't busy. Ling Buyi, eager to marry, wished for time to pass faster. He then jokingly suggested they hold the engagement banquet the next day, which Cheng Shaoshang enthusiastically agreed to before he revealed he was teasing. He explained that three days was the absolute earliest, and even that was rushed.

Cheng Shaoshang, recalling her previous broken engagement with Lou Yao, hinted that even an engagement didn't guarantee peace of mind. Ling Buyi, with a touch of jealousy, immediately kissed her, warning her that he would continue to use that method to silence her if she spoke such things he disliked. Xiao Yuanyi expressed concern that the engagement banquet in three days was too hasty.

Cheng Shaoshang explained that Ling Buyi had promised to handle all the arrangements and only needed a guest list from the Cheng family. Just then, Madam Chunyu arrived, presumably to discuss the engagement. Xiao Yuanyi remarked on Madam Chunyu's sudden visit, given her previous feigned illness to avoid sending betrothal gifts. Cheng Shaoshang, already knowing Madam Chunyu's character, was not pleased.

When Madam Chunyu presented two beautiful servants as gifts, Cheng Shaoshang retorted sharply, questioning why Madam Chunyu would send concubines when she herself hadn't even touched Ling Buyi’s bed. She criticized Madam Chunyu for doing vulgar things but being offended by vulgar words. Xiao Yuanyi supported Cheng Shaoshang, emphasizing that the Cheng family stood with Ling Buyi. Madam Chunyu, frustrated, threatened to cancel the engagement banquet and prevent Cheng Shaoshang from marrying into the Ling family, then stormed off.

Xiao Yuanyi questioned Cheng Shaoshang’s actions, but Cheng Shaoshang explained Huo Junhua’s plight, expressing genuine sympathy for her and Ling Buyi, adding that she despised those who steal others' love. She remained confident that when the engagement day arrived, Madam Chunyu would be the one unable to enter the gates. On the day of the engagement, guests began to arrive at the Cheng residence.

Yuan Shen also came, ostensibly to "rescue his student from a life of suffering" as he believed marriage was ruinous. Meanwhile, Madam Chunyu, having gone to Ling Buyi's residence only to find no banquet there, was informed that all guests to the Cheng residence needed an invitation, which she lacked. She became indignant, threatening that without her, the engagement could not proceed.

As the banquet was underway, Ling Buyi sent a message to Cheng Shaoshang, telling her not to worry, to speak her mind, and that he would handle everything. Soon after, Lady Ruyang and Madam Chunyu forcefully arrived with their guards, having no invitations. Lady Ruyang immediately demanded Cheng Shaoshang kneel, accusing her of being untalented, unvirtuous, disloyal, and unfilial. Xiao Yuanyi intervened, attempting to welcome Lady Ruyang but reiterating that without an invitation, she couldn't be formally seated.

Lady Ruyang then berated Cheng Shaoshang for disrespecting elders and not inviting her future mother-in-law, Madam Chunyu, before ordering her servants to seize and discipline Cheng Shaoshang. Xiao Yuanyi fiercely protected her daughter, slapping Lady Ruyang's servant and asserting her family's status. Cheng Shaoshang continued to provoke Madam Chunyu, reminding everyone of Madam Chunyu’s past betrayal of Huo Junhua by climbing into her cousin's bed. Lady Ruyang, outraged, threatened further punishment, but Empress Xuan unexpectedly arrived.

Empress Xuan, after exchanging greetings, requested to speak privately with Lady Ruyang, Madam Chunyu, and Cheng Shaoshang in a quieter part of the residence. As they moved, onlookers gossiped about Ling Buyi choosing the "rude" Cheng Shaoshang over Princess Yuchang. Yuan Shen, disgusted by their behavior, chastised them for gossiping while enjoying the Cheng family's hospitality, causing them to retreat awkwardly.

In the private room, Lady Ruyang continued to accuse Cheng Shaoshang of disrespect and unfilial conduct for not inviting Madam Chunyu. Empress Xuan, despite her gentle nature, asserted that Cheng Shaoshang had been kind and respectful while serving her. Lady Ruyang dismissed Empress Xuan’s opinion, criticizing her lack of assertiveness, and further escalated the situation, causing Ling Buyi, Wen Di, Consort Yue, and Lord Ruyang to suddenly appear.

Consort Yue immediately took charge, sarcastically thanking Lady Ruyang for mentioning her so often. Lady Ruyang continued to complain, calling Cheng Shaoshang's words a disgrace to the royal family. Cheng Shaoshang retorted, pointing out Lady Ruyang's hypocrisy for previously dismissing the matter as trivial. When Lady Ruyang questioned the validity of Cheng Shaoshang's word over Madam Chunyu's, Cheng Shaoshang argued that unlike Madam Chunyu, who schemed her way into her position, she had followed proper conduct.

Therefore, Cheng Shaoshang declared, her own oath was trustworthy while Madam Chunyu’s was not. Madam Chunyu theatrically threatened suicide if not vindicated. Consort Yue then recounted Ling Yi’s cruel abandonment of his wife and son, detailing how Huo Junhua had supported him wholeheartedly, only for him to engage in a clandestine relationship with Madam Chunyu while Huo Junhua and Ling Buyi were struggling for survival. She highlighted Huo Junhua's selflessness as a mother, despite her flaws.

Consort Yue concluded by declaring that Madam Chunyu was banned from entering the palace without a summons, stating that seeing her sickened her. Lady Ruyang, still defiant, claimed Madam Chunyu was her savior and that humiliating her was humiliating herself. She threatened to create a scandal by announcing to the assembled guests how the Emperor treated his aunt. Lord Ruyang, exasperated by his wife's antics, desperately asked Wen Di for a divorce.

Wen Di, reminded by Consort Yue and Empress Xuan of the potential damage to the promotion of Confucianism if a divorce was granted, decided on a compromise. He declared Lady Ruyang to be "old and senile, prone to erratic behavior," and ordered her to a temple, Sancai Temple, for "rest and recuperation," with Ling Buyi ensuring she was well cared for and undisturbed by outsiders.

He then ordered Madam Chunyu to be confined to her residence to care for Ling Yi, prohibiting her from stepping outside their doors. With Lady Ruyang and Madam Chunyu led away in disgrace, Lord Ruyang felt a wave of relief, declaring it a great day and offering fine wines he had brought. Wen Di, pleased, agreed to celebrate without restraint. As everyone else left, Cheng Shaoshang and Ling Buyi shared a loving gaze, their unspoken feelings clear.

Episode 33 Recap

Episode 35 Recap