Love Like The Galaxy Episode 42 Recap
> Love Like The Galaxy Recap
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The capital, now serene after the departure of the army, settled into quiet anticipation for Ling Buyi's victorious return and his wedding to Cheng Shaoshang. Cheng Shaoshang spent her days trying on wedding gowns and intricate jewelry. Yet, the preparations became a source of contention between Xiao Yuanyi, who favored understated elegance, and Old Madam Cheng, who insisted on opulent golden accessories, fearing inauspicious white ones and dismissing any non-traditional designs.
Cheng Shaoshang eventually announced that Empress Xuan had generously provided her entire wedding trousseau, crafted by palace artisans, and even designated a bridal chamber in Changqiu Palace for her to marry from. Old Madam Cheng rejoiced at the cost savings and prestige, while Xiao Yuanyi, despite acknowledging the imperial honor, felt a pang of maternal regret at not being able to personally oversee her daughter's momentous occasion.
Cheng Shaoshang often found herself on the palace walls, gazing towards Shouchun, longing for Ling Buyi's swift return. Yuan Shen, observing her pensive state, playfully remarked that she was turning into a "waiting-for-husband stone." Cheng Shaoshang retorted, teasing him for his solitude and inability to comprehend the profound connection she shared with Ling Buyi.
Stung, Yuan Shen declared he would marry before her and immediately tasked his steward with finding a bride superior to Cheng Shaoshang in every aspect—intellect, personality, and appearance. His choice fell upon Lady Cai, renowned for her literary talents. To further his challenge, Yuan Shen planned his wedding for the very same day as Cheng Shaoshang's, hoping to divert all attention. Cheng Shaoshang remained unfazed, humorously suggesting that Ling Buyi could lend him money for the hefty betrothal gifts.
She astutely pointed out that Yuan Shen, always pragmatic, must have weighed the benefits of this match carefully rather than acting purely out of pique. Yuan Shen then reminisced on his own distant parents, implying that he expected Cheng Shaoshang to also choose a spouse out of practical considerations rather than love.
Cheng Shaoshang, however, proudly affirmed her fortune in finding Ling Buyi and wished Yuan Shen similar happiness, though she playfully reminded him that as an engaged man, he could no longer hope to encounter anyone better. Meanwhile, Young Marquis Ban, whose grandfather, Marquis Ban, had ridden off to Shouchun, frequently visited the Cheng household. His shy affection for Cheng Yang was apparent to all.
Cheng Yang, however, declared her intention to remain unmarried, choosing instead to stay and care for Cheng Shi and Xiao Yuanyi. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted when Cheng Shaogong's divination turtle shell fell and broke, a dire omen. The grim premonition was tragically realized when a report reached the capital: Cheng Shi and Yan Zhong, the County Governor of Tongniu, were accused of colluding to embezzle 2,000 jin of refined copper and defecting to the enemy.
Emperor Wen erupted in furious despair, railing for hours in the hall and refusing all food. Empress Xuan, despite her concern, could not reach him. It was Consort Yue who bravely entered, offering snacks and her counsel.
She keenly understood that Emperor Wen's anger transcended the mere loss of copper; it was a profound disappointment over the betrayal by commoners he had personally promoted, a blow to his vision for meritocracy, and a grave threat to Cheng Shaoshang and Ling Buyi's future.
Believing in Cheng Shi's character, Consort Yue advised Emperor Wen to maintain judicial impartiality, publicly punish the Cheng family according to the law to appease the court and the common people, and then secretly investigate the true depths of the conspiracy. Following her counsel, an imperial edict was issued, ordering the imprisonment of the entire Cheng family and the dismissal and detainment of its male members.
Notably, Cheng Shaoshang was exempted from punishment, deemed part of the Ling family due to her engagement. Defying the imperial exemption, Cheng Shaoshang insisted on returning to her family. Yuan Shen, swiftly arranging a horse cart for her, rushed to the palace to plead for the Cheng family. At the Cheng residence, General Zuo arrived to execute the imperial decree, revealing a personal vendetta against the family on behalf of Official Zuo.
Xiao Yuanyi fiercely resisted him, leveraging her own military honors and challenging his authority. As the confrontation escalated, Cheng Shaoshang appeared, publicly exposing the general's past grievances and accusing him of abusing his power. Just then, Yuan Shen arrived, holding a new imperial edict. He announced that the case was transferred to the Ministry of Justice for investigation, and his role was to "escort," not "arrest," the Cheng family.
In a desperate act to protect Cheng Shaoshang and ensure a surviving heir to clear their name, Xiao Yuanyi slapped her daughter, sternly ordering her to live on, regardless of the family's fate, as the last hope for their vindication. Understanding her mother's intent, Cheng Shaoshang watched in anguish as her family was led away. As a torrential rain began to fall, Cheng Shaoshang knelt outside the palace gates, begging Emperor Wen for an audience. He refused to see her.
Soon, the Crown Prince, recently released from detainment, joined her in kneeling. Empress Xuan, frail and delicate, then also appeared and knelt beside them. Consort Yue, concerned for the Empress's health, gently but firmly persuaded Emperor Wen to emerge. Seeing his family kneeling in the rain, Emperor Wen relented and summoned Cheng Shaoshang inside, ordering ginger soup to warm her. He admonished her for her apparent calm demeanor amidst her family's disaster.
Cheng Shaoshang calmly articulated her confusion, highlighting her father's lack of motive given his comfortable life and her impending marriage. She argued that these inconsistencies pointed to a hidden plot. Emperor Wen, while acknowledging his own doubts, stressed the lack of evidence and Cheng Shi's disappearance made it difficult to sway the court.
Cheng Shaoshang boldly offered to go to Tongniu County herself to find the missing copper and her father, citing her self-defense training from Ling Buyi and past experiences. However, Emperor Wen, worried about the dangers of the war-torn region near Shouchun, flatly refused her request. He ordered her confined to Changqiu Palace, declaring her actions as those of a "sinner."
Later, Yuan Shen visited the imprisoned Cheng family, bringing them food and updating them on the welfare of other family members: Cheng Zhi was detained at Bailu Academy, and Cheng Yong and his wife were held in the military camp without mistreatment. Old Madam Cheng, distraught by Cheng Zhi's imprisonment, frantically offered to pay any sum to free him, seeking to bribe their way out.
Xiao Yuanyi sharply admonished her, emphasizing that admitting guilt before the investigation was complete was premature and unacceptable. When Old Madam Cheng defiantly refused to eat, Xiao Yuanyi, demonstrating resilience, took the food herself, declaring that they must preserve their lives to witness their eventual exoneration. Cheng Yang and her brothers, inspired by Xiao Yuanyi's resolve, followed suit and began to eat.
