Marvelous Women Episode 33 Recap
> Marvelous Women Recap
Shen Cuixi, disguised as an ordinary person, measured clothes for a courtesan named Cao Yaoniang. Cao Yaoniang was initially distrustful but softened her tone upon the mention of Madam Cao. Having learned seductive techniques in the brothel, Cao Yaoniang asked Shen Cuixi to convey to Madam Cao that she was doing well. Shen Cuixi later inquired about Zeng Baoqin's time in the brothel. Zeng Baoqin recounted the tragic story of her personal maid, Wuer.
Wuer, who had studied and learned to read with Zeng Baoqin since childhood and was a well-behaved girl, was beaten to death by the brothel madam for refusing to conform after Zeng Baoqin was sold into the establishment. Realizing that it was not the fault of these women to fall into such a life, Shen Cuixi resolved to rescue Cao Yaoniang.
Zeng Baoqin expressed concern, noting that the Cao family had previously harmed Shen Cuixi, and that saving an imperial courtesan was not easy. The endeavor would face not only legal strictures but also deep-seated societal prejudices. However, Shen Cuixi's nature dictated that she would not abandon her goal due to difficulties, declaring that even mountains of swords and seas of fire would not deter her.
Madam Cao, now fully awakened, sought out Shen Cuixi, expressing her hatred for restrictive rules and rites. She vowed to protect Yaoniang, stating that she would never allow anyone to harm her daughter, fearing Yaoniang might suffer under a cruel mother-in-law if married. Madam Cao felt that a mother's purpose was to protect her child. Shen Cuixi considered consulting experienced lawyers to find a way to save Yaoniang.
Shu Fang informed Shen Cuixi of two methods: either persuade the Emperor to personally issue a decree releasing Yaoniang, or wait for the matter to fade from imperial memory before finding a way to rescue her, otherwise Yaoniang could never leave.
Although Shu Fang initially tried to dissuade Shen Cuixi from this dangerous path, she ultimately expressed full support for Shen Cuixi's decision, offering to help with inquiries, though Shen Cuixi believed it was inappropriate for Shu Fang, as Ren Xuetang's second wife, to act publicly. Ren Rufeng later tried to cheer up an unhappy Shu Fang. Meanwhile, Ong Jin proactively visited the Ren family, seeking to meet Zeng Baoqin.
Shu Yan urgently reported that a scholar named Ong wished to see Ren Xuetang. Ong Jin then requested to see Zeng Baoqin, asking her to bring Ru Yi to the front hall, a request that secretly delighted Ru Yi. This was Ong Jin's third meeting with Ru Yi, and he asked her if she remembered her promise to him. Ru Yi was very shy. Ong Jin directly proposed marriage to Zeng Baoqin, detailing his family's situation.
Zeng Baoqin questioned why his parents had not come to propose, but Ong Jin believed his personal decision was paramount and his parents would be convinced. Just then, Madam Ong arrived, scolding Ong Jin for his "wild talk" and "willful behavior," declaring that a woman of Ru Yi's background would disgrace the Ong family. Zeng Baoqin, displeased by their casual disparagement of Ru Yi, intervened to defend her, before Madam Ong pulled Ong Jin away from the Ren family.
Shu Yan, stunned by Ong Jin's proposal, stood by, unable to accept the situation. He watched Ru Yi from afar but did not approach her, feeling that Ong Jin came from a prominent family while he was merely a servant of the Ren household, and he did not want to put Ru Yi in a difficult position, wishing only for her happiness.
Ren Xuetang encouraged Shu Yan to speak with Ru Yi, suggesting there might still be a chance, but Shu Yan did not go. Upon returning home, Ong Jin was severely beaten by his father with ten planks for his actions, but his determination to marry Ru Yi remained unchanged. Despite his injuries, he vowed to propose again once he recovered. Three days passed, and Ong Jin had not returned, leading Ren Xuetang to believe he would not.
Zeng Baoqin, however, thought that Ru Yi would not marry Shu Yan regardless, emphasizing that marriage required mutual affection, implicitly suggesting she would consent if Ong Jin returned. Still not fully recovered from his injuries, Ong Jin secretly snuck out at night, a move his mother had anticipated. He once again climbed the Ren family wall, calling Ru Yi's name. Moved by his unwavering persistence, Ru Yi agreed to marry him, and Ong Jin promised he would convince his parents.
When he returned home, he found his mother in his room. Ong Jin pleaded with her, acting spoiled, and to his surprise, Madam Ong relented and agreed to his proposal. The following day, Madam Ong, accompanied by Ong Jin, personally arrived at the Ren family with betrothal gifts to formally propose marriage to Ru Yi.
Zeng Baoqin, recalling her first meeting with Ru Yi where she had promised to treat her like a younger sister and protect her throughout her life, was deeply moved, preparing a generous dowry for Ru Yi, who felt as though she were dreaming. Zeng Baoqin asked Ru Yi to confirm her feelings and explain her choice of Ong Jin over Shu Yan.
Ru Yi admitted that her initial impression of both Shu Yan and Ong Jin was one of joy and liking. However, she realized they were different: Shu Yan always remained in place, expecting her to approach him and seemed focused solely on rules, whereas Ong Jin reciprocated her feelings, actively approaching her, with only her in his eyes. This mutual closeness and the secure feeling of being loved were something Shu Yan could never provide.
