My Heroic Husband Episode 34 Recap
> My Heroic Husband Recap
Ning Yi and Su Tan'er returned to the Su Manor in Jiangning, where their family, including Su Tan'er's mother, her grandfather, and others, greeted them with immense joy and relief. Her mother expressed how much she missed them and had prepared a welcoming feast with all their favorite dishes. Ning Yi assured everyone he and Su Tan'er were fine. Meanwhile, Li Pin and his three scholar friends also arrived back home.
Li Pin’s wife, who had been anxiously waiting for him in a small courtyard he had secretly purchased, initially greeted him with a mix of scolding and playful punches. She accused him of being tired of her and wanting to divorce her, but he retorted that he had returned alive and she was stuck with him. Their bickering quickly turned into a heartfelt embrace, as she expressed profound relief for his safe return.
This life-and-death experience had significantly deepened the bonds between these men and their wives. At the Su Manor, the Second Master’s family, Su Zhongkan and his son, exaggerated their harrowing experiences in Lin’an to the Elder Master, boasting of their suffering as captives and their ultimate role in assisting General Dong’s victory. Su Tan'er's mother even praised their bravery.
Recognizing their underlying motive, Ning Yi and Su Tan'er generously offered them control of Su’s Dyehouse and the largest cloth stores in the East Market. Though initially feigning humility, Su Zhongkan and his son quickly accepted, overjoyed, and promised to make the businesses prosper. Su Tan’er, however, noticed her own father’s absence. Her mother explained that he had fallen ill from excessive worry over her safety in Lin’an, and though now much better, still needed quiet rest.
Su Tan’er went to his room, carefully prepared and served him tea. Her father, who had previously been reserved, openly expressed his concern for her suffering. He confessed that his past reluctance for her to pursue business stemmed from a desire to shield her from hardship. Seeing her happy and well, he was finally at ease. Su Tan’er became emotional, stating how wonderful it felt to have a father, and he reassured her he would always be by her side.
Upon returning to her room, Su Tan’er found it decorated as a wedding chamber. Ning Yi, dressed in a traditional wedding robe, was waiting for her. He announced his intention to make amends for past shortcomings and, kneeling, proposed to her with jade thumb rings, using modern wedding vows. Su Tan’er, smiling, readily accepted and then reciprocated the vows. They exchanged rings and completed the ceremony with a traditional cross-cupped wine.
Ning Yi declared that marrying her was his life’s greatest fortune and expressed his heartfelt wish for her to always remain by his side, no matter what challenges lay ahead. Meanwhile, Li Pin and his three scholar friends transformed the Academy of Male Virtuousness into the Decai Academy.
At its grand opening, Li Pin explained that "Decai" meant "to make money through honesty," and it was an exclusive institution for affluent merchants, offering lessons in profitable business strategies and a platform for networking. When asked about their role in stabilizing Lin’an’s soaring grain prices, Li Pin stated that these economic principles would be covered in their courses. Many people, eager to learn from their renowned exploits, rushed to enroll in the limited spots available.
Later, while walking through the city, Su Tan’er asked Ning Yi if he had intended to step away from the family business by handing it over to the Second Master’s family. He admitted that since the events in Lin’an, he had developed a strong desire to go to the capital and follow Qin Siyuan, hoping to contribute to making the world a better place. He had only been hesitant due to concerns for her.
Su Tan’er then revealed that relinquishing the family business had always been her plan, precisely so she could accompany him to Wudu. She firmly believed that a husband and wife should share all fortunes, good or ill, and that facing any future challenges together was always preferable to him battling alone. Their walk inadvertently led them to the Xinmen Brothel. Ning Yi entered alone and presented Procuress Yang with a portrait that Guard Geng had drawn of her.
Procuress Yang admired the artwork, realizing it was her own image, and wondered if the artist harbored feelings for her. Ning Yi sadly informed her that Guard Geng had drawn it, explaining he was his family’s guard, Geng Zhi, whom he had often brought to the brothel.
Procuress Yang struggled to recall him, initially mistaking him for someone else, before finally remembering a “dark-skinned, bearded, tall guy” who was a constant “annoyance” by always visiting during her busiest hours and asking for her most popular girls, then sitting and talking while she was preoccupied. Ning Yi’s heart sank at her dismissive words. He then told her that Guard Geng would no longer trouble her, implying his death. As he left, Procuress Yang seemed perplexed.
Ning Yi later sat alone by a bridge, tears streaming down his face, as if speaking to Guard Geng, asking why he had left without his permission. That evening, Chen Fan arrived in Jiangning to meet Ning Yi. Over a meal, Chen Fan explained his visit, hoping Ning Yi could "casually" help him rescue a "court criminal." Ning Yi immediately understood he meant Fang Tianlei and flatly stated it would "not be easy."
Chen Fan, growing desperate, confessed he would do "whatever it takes" to save his Master, even explicitly threatening Ning Yi’s family. Ning Yi calmly responded that he trusted Chen Fan wouldn’t resort to such actions, just as Chen Fan trusted Ning Yi wouldn't destroy his camp. Chen Fan then pleaded for a mere idea, assuring Ning Yi that he wouldn't need to be involved.
Ning Yi explained that Fang Tianlei’s crimes—the murder of Qian Xiwen and the devastation inflicted on Lin’an’s innocent citizens by his lieutenant Bao Wenhan—were unforgivable under imperial law, meriting a harsh death. He revealed he had already used his influence with the Secret Investigation Department to petition the Emperor for leniency, resulting in Fang Tianlei’s punishment being reduced to a public beheading.
Ning Yi concluded that he could not provide any further assistance, as the countless victims of Fang Tianlei’s actions would never forgive him, even if the authorities did. Chen Fan acknowledged the truth in Ning Yi's words but emphasized that Fang Tianlei was not only his mentor but also Liu Xigua’s adoptive father, making it impossible for them to abandon him. Ning Yi then promised to protect both Chen Fan and Liu Xigua.
Knowing Ning Yi would not directly intervene, Chen Fan remarked that Liu Xigua already understood Ning Yi's difficult position and did not harbor hatred, though she did not wish to see him. He explained that rescuing their Master was paramount to Liu Xigua, and she might even attempt it alone, so her safety was his primary concern.
Chen Fan then requested Ning Yi to write a letter to Liu Xigua, hoping it might persuade her, even if he doubted its full effect. Ning Yi had anticipated this request and handed Chen Fan a letter he had already prepared for her. As Chen Fan departed, he asserted that Ning Yi’s commitment to the nation meant his debt to Liu Xigua and their group was far greater than a single life.
Simultaneously, Liu Xigua was strategizing a prison break with her aunt, Fang Qiong, who vehemently opposed their involvement, urging them to retreat to the mountains. Liu Xigua, however, remained resolute. Upon Chen Fan’s return, he relayed Ning Yi’s refusal to directly help, along with his wish for her safe departure, and handed her the letter. Liu Xigua initially scoffed at what she perceived as Ning Yi’s "insincerity," but then opened and read the letter.
In his letter, Ning Yi apologized to Liu Xigua for using and deceiving her, acknowledging that their differing loyalties meant they were destined to stand on opposing sides. While he felt his actions were justified for the greater good, he admitted guilt for betraying their friendship. He emphasized the importance of upholding morality, faith, and determination, urging her not to abandon these principles.
Ning Yi advised her to carefully distinguish between taking a meaningful risk and acting impulsively, encouraging her to save her life and that of her comrades for future, more impactful endeavors. He expressed a hope that one day, their respective paths might converge, allowing them to fight side-by-side for the well-being of the country and its people.
Shortly after, Ning Yi received a confidential message from the Secret Investigation Department: Badao Camp was indeed planning an attempt to rescue Fang Tianlei. He sighed, realizing his letter had failed to dissuade Liu Xigua.
