Ms. Cupid in Love Episode 4 Recap
> Ms. Cupid in Love Recap
Yueyang City buzzed with anticipation, adorned for the arrival of Imperial Censor Xu Yunchuan, a direct appointee of the Emperor. The County Magistrate, Lu Zhiyong, effusively offered greetings and flattering words. However, Xu Yunchuan's mind was preoccupied, replaying Lian Li’s earlier mention of a "son-in-law," and he worried that he might have missed his chance with Shangguan Ya once again. Noticing Xu Yunchuan's troubled expression, Lu Zhiyong subtly prompted Marshal Ouyang Jing.
Xu Yunchuan, recognizing Ouyang Jing and remembering her close friend Shangguan Ya, the proprietor of Top Matchmaker, instructed her to summon all matchmakers in the city to the county magistrate the following morning at 9 AM for a "reunion." He specifically emphasized that Shangguan Ya's fiancé should also attend. Ouyang Jing, misunderstanding Xu Yunchuan's true intent, suspected he aimed to intimidate Top Matchmaker.
She hurried to Shangguan Ya’s residence, warning her to prepare for a difficult encounter, especially since the Imperial Censor already knew about “Chu Ye.” Shangguan Ya, taking the news seriously, immediately sought out Bo Yan. She explained the situation and asked him to rehearse their story to present a convincing facade as an engaged couple. Bo Yan admitted that his returning memories seemed linked to her, but he expressed impatience with continually pretending.
Shangguan Ya insisted he needed to convey affection through his gaze, reminding him of the importance of their arrangement, particularly for his identity search. They practiced basic details like her favorite foods and when he "fell in love" with her, to which he coldly responded, "never." After Shangguan Ya underscored the grave consequences of deceiving the imperial censor, Bo Yan, though still seemingly detached, grudgingly agreed to cooperate.
The next morning, Shangguan Ya tried to get Bo Yan to wear a matching outfit to appear more like a couple. He initially refused, dismissing it as "troublesome" and protesting the "women's clothing" (despite it being men's wear). She eventually coerced him by threatening to repeat their all-night staring session. As they made their way to the county magistrate, Bo Yan continued to complain about the necessity of using affectionate nicknames, still finding it "troublesome."
At the county magistrate, Xu Yunchuan, seated formally, opened the proceedings with a stern rebuke. He addressed the Emperor's year-long concern over Yueyang City’s marriage crisis, condemning the prevailing cultural trend that glorified singlehood and shamed marriage. He admonished the assembled matchmakers for their "inaction" and for contributing to "the wrong trend." A spirited Shangguan Ya stepped forward, identifying herself as the proprietor of Top Matchmaker.
She defended her organization's efforts, explaining that they had recently hosted a marriage conference to actively address the marriage issues. Xu Yunchuan, changing his tone, praised her initiative and dedication, then subtly inquired about her marital status. Shangguan Ya, quickly pulling Bo Yan forward, declared him to be her fiancé. Xu Yunchuan, looking intently at Bo Yan, asked Shangguan Ya, "Would you mind replacing him?"
Seeing her confusion, he clarified, asking if she would consider "taking another approach to solve the marriage issues," and then asked for the results of her conference. Shangguan Ya admitted that the matchmaking had not been particularly successful, but Xu Yunchuan commended her resolve, stating, "Man proposes, God disposes. You don't have to feel ashamed."
However, the proceedings were interrupted by Wan Yuanming, who burst into the court, accusing Top Matchmaker of secretly holding a fraudulent marriage conference to "cheat people out of money." Shangguan Ya attempted to defend her sincerity, pointing to Bo Yan as a witness. Unfortunately, Bo Yan, in his effort to support her, inadvertently blurted out that Shangguan Ya had "hid under the statue" during the event, calling the action "very stupid."
Despite this slip-up, Xu Yunchuan dismissed Wan Yuanming’s accusations, skillfully turning his words around to imply that Wan Yuanming was questioning the Emperor’s wisdom. He then ordered Wan Yuanming to leave, threatening severe punishment for any future disturbances. Xu Yunchuan then announced new regulations: all teahouses and restaurants were to cease special discounts for single customers and instead offer "buy one get one half price" promotions for couples.
Furthermore, he instituted a system of fines for quarreling couples, starting at ten taels of silver and doubling for repeat offenses. Shangguan Ya voiced her objection to this harsh measure. Xu Yunchuan suggested she discuss her "better ideas" with him privately and mandated that she report to the county magistrate every three days.
Bo Yan observed Xu Yunchuan's "ulterior motives," but Shangguan Ya, oblivious to any deeper meaning, was merely pleased that the Imperial Censor was supporting Top Matchmaker and seemed to be an ally. Later, Xu Yunchuan reflected with sadness on Shangguan Ya's apparent failure to recognize him, reminiscing about a childhood memory where she had comforted his younger, chubbier self with a candy after he was disciplined by his grandfather.
Meanwhile, his subordinate reported on Wan Yuanming's activities, including his "Bachelor Club," and expressed suspicion about Shangguan Ya's fiancé, Bo Yan, whose sudden appearance in Yueyang City, despite a supposed engagement arranged before birth, was "too coincidental." Xu Yunchuan concluded that "there must be something wrong with them." Concurrently, Wan Yuanming, having learned of Xu Yunchuan's bachelor status, misinterpreted him as an advocate for singlehood.
Still determined to expose Shangguan Ya, he dispatched men to spy on Top Matchmaker that night. That evening, as Shangguan Ya diligently sorted through lists of marriageable individuals, Bo Yan, seated nearby, subtly noticed an intruder scaling the wall. He quickly feigned a moment of intimacy with Shangguan Ya, then discreetly used dates as projectiles to dislodge the spy from the wall.
Realizing what had happened, Shangguan Ya later told Bo Yan that she would go alone to report to Official Xu, fearing that his sharp insight could expose their fake engagement. Bo Yan simply responded with a cold, "Okay," and left, prompting Shangguan Ya to grumble about his temperament. The next day, Shangguan Ya arrived at the county magistrate to report.
Instead of discussing official matters, Xu Yunchuan presented her with candies he had specially brought from the capital, revealing his memory of her childhood fondness for them. He spoke cryptically about the pivotal moments of his life, linking them to her presence, but Shangguan Ya still failed to recognize him. He then produced an old candy wrapper, reminding her that she had given it to him ten years ago when he was disciplined by his grandfather in Qingliu Lane.
Despite her vague recollection of the area, Shangguan Ya remained unable to place him, even mistakenly guessing he might be various local merchants' sons. Seeing her complete lack of memory of his "chubby" past self, a visibly disappointed Xu Yunchuan simply stated, "Forget it then." Elsewhere, Li Fu descended to the human realm, inadvertently causing a minor disruption in a market.
When he attempted to return a dropped item, Ouyang Jing, disguised as a man, mistook him for a "scoundrel" harassing a woman and promptly apprehended him. Li Fu, in turn, insulted her appearance, commenting that she was "rough" for a woman. As Ouyang Jing prepared to deal with him, he was suddenly struck down by Bo Yan. Recognizing him despite his amnesia, Li Fu cried out, "Don't beat me. I am your brother, Li Fu. You don't remember me because you have lost your memory."
