Marvelous Women Episode 18 Recap
> Marvelous Women Recap
Shen Cuixi's sudden tip-off to the prefect for arrests was due to Li Zhao's likely involvement in the illicit sale of raw silk to Nanyang pirates. Cao Wenbin, the prefect, was delighted, believing that if Li Zhao, whose Weaving Bureau had a long-standing conflict with Shen Cuixi, was indeed involved in such a crime, it would become a sensational case across Jiangnan, making Li Zhao expendable once solid evidence was obtained.
He immediately ordered increased patrols to gather incriminating evidence against Li Zhao. Li Zhao, in turn, was enraged to learn of Cao Wenbin's patrols. Although only minor figures were caught and not key individuals like Ding Rong and Liu Yong, he arranged for Ding Rong to return to the weaving industry and live discreetly to avoid suspicion.
Liu Shiye, Li Zhao's aide, reminded him that Cao Wenbin was backed by the Two Rivers Governor-General and advised Li Zhao to travel to Jiangning again to exert pressure and curb Cao Wenbin's persistent investigations. Li Zhao decided to depart for Jiangning the following day. Meanwhile, Wei Lianggong also prepared to travel to Jiangning, carrying the evidence he had collected. Shen Cuixi, excited by Li Zhao's departure, had already dispatched a messenger to Jiangning to gather evidence.
She anticipated that the Jiangning officials would soon learn of Li Zhao's incompetence, forcing his powerful patrons to reconsider their support for him. Amidst these political maneuverings, Shen Cuixi helped Wei Lianggong dress. He admired her sharp, genuine nature, finding it more beautiful and real than her usual restrained demeanor. He believed Shen Cuixi possessed a kind heart and that Li Zhao was overly oppressive. They conversed in the courtyard, where Shen Cuixi shared her life story.
She grew up fishing by the sea with her father. After her parents fell ill and passed away, her father left her a ring, a token from when he had saved the life of the Ren family master, instructing her to seek help from the Ren family. Upon arriving at the Ren mansion, she fortuitously met Zeng Baoqin at the gate, who then led her inside. They shared a special connection from their first encounter.
Shen Cuixi initially felt like an uncultured country girl, embarrassed by her lack of etiquette, music, and art compared to Ren Xuetang and Zeng Baoqin. However, after learning kesi tapestry weaving, she found profound peace and joy, feeling a sense of creation. After hearing her story, Wei Lianggong was moved to sing for her. Feeling stifled in the courtyard, Shen Cuixi took Wei Lianggong out for a boat ride.
Wei Lianggong confessed that he had previously been pessimistic and world-weary, burdened by the grief of his mother's death and a sense of responsibility for her early demise. Yet, encountering Shen Cuixi and Zeng Baoqin, and realizing that many people lived difficult but diligent lives, had shown him the world's beauty and inspired him to live fully.
He regretted not meeting Shen Cuixi sooner, but resolved to live well with her, wishing to see winter plum blossoms and spring flowers together. Displaying her kindness, Shen Cuixi bought all the melon seeds from a mother and child and even gave them her clothes, requesting Shu Fang not to reveal her name. Wei Lianggong praised Shen Cuixi's good deeds, noting that only she could manage the critical role of the general accountant.
Shen Cuixi explained that as Suzhou's foremost kesi weaver, she took on the role to stabilize silk prices, preventing severe fluctuations that could ruin mulberry farmers and weavers, even if it meant offending the Weaving Bureau. During their conversations, Wei Lianggong's cough worsened, and Shen Cuixi watched with deep sorrow as he coughed up blood. He comforted her, urging her to focus on the present and cherish their time together, acknowledging their brief moments were their most precious memories.
They spent these final, rare moments together, boating, fishing, and barbecuing fish amidst the gentle rain. As winter gave way to spring, Wei Lianggong survived the cold, but his body grew increasingly frail. Nevertheless, he expressed profound contentment at having Shen Cuixi by his side in the beautiful spring.
With peach blossoms blooming outside the walls and the canal water turning green, he anticipated a clear day and invited Shen Cuixi to walk with him, to visit the bridge underpass one last time to listen to local gossip, and to witness the world's beauty. Leaning on Shen Cuixi's shoulder, he fell silent and passed away. At that moment, the thread Shen Cuixi was using to embroider mandarin ducks suddenly broke, and she understood what it signified.
Her heart was pierced with sorrow, and her tears fell onto her "Mandarin Ducks Playing in Water" painting, which was nearing completion. News of Wei Lianggong's death reached Zeng Baoqin, who rushed to the Ren mansion and found him lifeless on the bed. She promised Shen Cuixi she would ensure Wei Lianggong's final journey was handled properly.
Shen Cuixi, as the head of the Ren family, concealed her overwhelming grief, unable to cry out freely like Zeng Baoqin, and refrained from eating or drinking, causing Shu Fang great concern. On the day of Wei Lianggong's funeral, Shen Cuixi donned white mourning clothes and intended to attend. However, she was delayed by Cao Wenbin, who brought up Li Zhao's trip to Jiangning, implying potential trouble.
Shen Cuixi understood his intent and assured him that the Ren family would provide full support if needed. Cao Wenbin then mentioned his daughter's upcoming wedding in a few days and requested Shen Cuixi, whose kesi embroidery was unparalleled, to select some fine fabrics from his back courtyard. Shen Cuixi reluctantly agreed, mentally preoccupied, and was led by Cao Furen to her daughter Yao Niang's room.
Yao Niang, born the year Cao Wenbin passed the imperial examinations, had never left her bed. Yao Niang took a liking to Shen Cuixi and invited her to sit on her precious small bed, a privilege rarely granted to others. After leaving the Cao household, Shen Cuixi immediately changed into mourning clothes in her carriage while rushing to the memorial tent. She arrived just in time to pay her respects to Wei Lianggong.
After she burned incense, Zeng Baoqin signaled for the coffin, which had been placed on a boat, to be carried away. Separately, Shu Mo observed Ren Rufeng's deep affection for Shu Fang. He suggested stopping Shu Fang from entering Wei Lianggong's courtyard. However, Ren Rufeng knew that Shu Fang was determined and Wei Lianggong was unwell, and that preventing her would only earn him her hatred.
