Marvelous Women Episode 1 Recap
> Marvelous Women Recap
The story unfolds during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, centered around Kesi, a refined traditional Chinese silk art regarded as a priceless cultural asset. It chronicles the journey of a woman from a Kesi family who, through her determined efforts, transcends feudal constraints to independently establish a Kesi school, meticulously showcasing the entire process of Kesi technology's origin, development, and flourishing, thereby allowing for a deeper appreciation of profound Chinese culture.
Shen Cuixi, the formidable first lady of the Ren family—the largest silk weaving household in Jiangnan—has carved a successful business path in Suzhou through her own endeavors. Her husband, Ren Xuetang, the eldest master of the Ren family, who historically avoided family business to pursue poetry and calligraphy, maintains a difficult marriage with Shen Cuixi despite their years together.
He secretly meets Zeng Baoqin, his childhood sweetheart and the pampered daughter of a former Suzhou prefect who later became a courtesan after her family's downfall. Ren Xuetang meets Zeng Baoqin under the guise of meeting literary friends or listening to her sing opera in a private room. Upon learning of his infidelity, Shen Cuixi confronts them, bursting into their private room and slapping Zeng Baoqin.
Zeng Baoqin, seeking to prove her devotion, threatens to commit suicide with a pair of scissors, stating she would rather die than cause Ren Xuetang any harm. Shen Cuixi, however, swiftly intervenes, disarming her and warning that while Zeng Baoqin's life might be insignificant, her death on Ren family property would lead to Ren Xuetang's banishment and forced servitude.
As Shen Cuixi escorts Ren Xuetang back to the estate, local gossips comment on Shen Cuixi's long-standing childlessness, suggesting Ren Xuetang's actions were justified to secure an heir for the family. Back at the estate, Zeng Baoqin tells her maid, Ru Yi, that Shen Cuixi is merely a "beggar" fostered by the Ren family, while she and Ren Xuetang share a bond forged from childhood that is "stronger than gold."
Shen Cuixi questions Ren Xuetang about his intentions for Zeng Baoqin, asserting that Zeng Baoqin's status as a courtesan would only bring ruin to Ren Xuetang, a respected scholar and a successful candidate in the imperial examinations. Ren Xuetang, however, staunchly defends Zeng Baoqin, declaring he cannot abandon her in her misfortune.
He reveals he has already redeemed Zeng Baoqin, freeing her from her courtesan status, and firmly warns Shen Cuixi never to mention it again, demanding she respect his feelings. Shen Cuixi, infuriated by his stance, falls ill. Her maid, Qiao'er, offers unsolicited advice, suggesting Shen Cuixi flatter Ren Xuetang as Zeng Baoqin does to win his affection. Enraged, Shen Cuixi knocks over her medicine and orders Qiao'er to kneel outside.
Meanwhile, Ren Rufeng, the second master of the Ren family, is a compulsive gambler. After losing all his money at the casino, he is approached by Zhang Biao, who claims to be a Guangzhou merchant and offers him a loan. Ren Rufeng uses the money to continue gambling but loses again and returns home discreetly.
He sees Ren Xuetang's confidant, Shu Yan, tied up, and learns from his mother, Chen Xiaohong, that Ren Xuetang has brought Zeng Baoqin to reside on Shantang Street, a widely known fact in Suzhou. Later, Zhang Biao visits the Ren estate, repaying his previous loan. He claims to be a representative of a Guangzhou weaving business seeking to purchase a large quantity of raw silk and brocade in Suzhou, as other merchants are reluctant to sell.
He asks Ren Rufeng for help procuring raw silk, promising him substantial profits. Tempted by the money, Ren Rufeng readily agrees. Shen Cuixi instructs Shu Fang to deliver several boxes of account books to Ren Xuetang. Ren Xuetang, noting Ren Rufeng's age, advises him to learn how to manage the family's responsibilities by reviewing the account books. While looking through them, Ren Rufeng discovers the immense sums Ren Xuetang has spent on Zeng Baoqin over the years.
His mother, Chen Xiaohong, acknowledges Shen Cuixi's crucial role in sustaining the Ren family during past difficulties but laments that Ren Xuetang's heart is entirely with Zeng Baoqin, believing Shen Cuixi cannot compete. Chen Xiaohong gives her entire savings to Ren Rufeng, urging him to pursue good business opportunities, as she believes he is genuinely engaging in commerce. At the same time, the Suzhou weaving official, Li Zhao, places a massive order for Kesi brocade with the Ren family.
Faced with insufficient stock, Ren Xuetang, despite his inexperience in business, is determined to procure the necessary raw silk, even at a loss. However, upon attempting to buy raw silk from Manager Lu, he discovers that Ren Rufeng has already purchased all the available high-quality stock. Ren Xuetang confronts Ren Rufeng, who falsely claims Shen Cuixi instructed him to buy the silk to keep Ren Xuetang at home and away from Zeng Baoqin.
Misled and enraged, Ren Xuetang accuses Shen Cuixi of being ruthless and declares his intention to bring Zeng Baoqin back to the Ren estate. Suppressing her emotional pain, Shen Cuixi instructs Shu Fang to track Ren Rufeng. Shu Fang and her people locate Ren Rufeng at the docks, engaged in a transaction with Zhang Biao and his associates. Upon their arrival, Zhang Biao and the water bandits quickly flee.
Shu Fang apprehends Ren Rufeng and brings him back to the Ren estate, where he kneels in the ancestral hall, confessing that Shen Cuixi did not instruct him to buy the silk. Ren Xuetang pleads for leniency for his brother, but Shen Cuixi reveals the grave truth: Zhang Biao is not a legitimate Guangzhou merchant but a notorious water bandit active in the South and East Seas. She scolds Ren Rufeng for his carelessness in dealing with such a dangerous individual, who Ren Rufeng still believed was merely a small-time criminal.
