Ni Chang Episode 22 Recap
> Ni Chang Recap
Ni Chang began her apprenticeship with Jiang Pingchuan at the Herb Hall, where Ouyang Ziyu took on the task of tutoring Jiang Pingchuan's two children. Meanwhile, Chengtian and Xiao Lu assisted with chores like watering and fertilizing the garden's plants and trees. Jiang Pingchuan introduced Ni Chang to their special verbena ointment, demonstrating how to emulsify and apply it to the skin to achieve a delicate finish, which greatly impressed her.
He also provided her with a wealth of medical texts, including "Qianjin Yaofang," "Qianjinfang," "Collection of Herbs," "Huangdi Neijing," and "Ancient Medical Records," stressing the importance of mastering these foundational texts and urging her to consult him for any difficulties. As days turned into nights, Ni Chang devoted herself to her studies. One evening, Asunah brought her rose soup, advising her to rest and avoid overworking.
Ni Chang explained her determination to quickly grasp the complex medical knowledge, emphasizing the need for perseverance. Asunah then revealed that Ouyang Ziyu, seeing Ni Chang's tireless efforts, had been silently preparing all her soups, concerned but unwilling to disturb her. Asunah playfully teased Ni Chang about Ouyang Ziyu's obvious affection, suggesting their bond was deeper than mere friendship, a notion Ni Chang tried to dismiss, though Asunah remained unconvinced.
During this period, Ouyang Ziyu was frequently by Ni Chang's side, assisting with tasks like grinding herbs and recording observations. One day, Asunah encouraged Ni Chang to draw a pattern on Ouyang Ziyu's forehead. As Ni Chang meticulously applied the design, Ouyang Ziyu fixed his gaze upon her, a silent exchange that Asunah observed with a knowing smile. Later, while picking flowers, they rested, and Ouyang Ziyu gently wiped sweat from Ni Chang's temples with a silk handkerchief.
Ni Chang recognized it as one she had embroidered for him, surprised he still carried it. He affirmed he would never part with something she had made. Ni Chang expressed how wonderful her trip to Western Zhou had been, sometimes making her forget her original purpose. Ouyang Ziyu then cautiously asked if she would consider staying forever. Ni Chang, while acknowledging the beauty of Western Zhou, stated that it was not her true home.
Ouyang Ziyu respected her choice, promising to accompany her wherever she went. Yuan Xiang's uncle received a letter from Chengtian. Yuan Xiang excitedly announced that Chengtian and Ni Chang were well, had learned much in Western Zhou, and would return by month's end. She added that Ni Chang’s injuries had healed, allowing their shop to reopen.
Her uncle and aunt rejoiced, but when pressed, Yuan Xiang feigned that the letter contained no personal message for her, retreating to her room to weep over it in secret. Her aunt later chided Chengtian for his apparent disregard, despite Yuan Xiang's constant thoughts of him, calling Yuan Xiang foolish for her loyalty. Yuan Xiang, however, staunchly defended Chengtian and Ni Chang, reminding her aunt of their childhood vow to rely on each other.
At the Su residence, Su Wenyu had secluded himself for three days, indulging in drink. After a maid was harshly dismissed, Yan Wenxiu entered, informing Su Wenyu that Su Gongming had entrusted her with several shops in the city's south, which she planned to convert into powder shops to expand the Su family business. Su Wenyu vehemently objected, arguing against venturing into an unfamiliar trade with family assets.
Yan Wenxiu retorted that Su Gongming trusted her, having lost faith in Su Wenyu due to his self-pity and drunkenness. She chastised him for his ignorance of the capital's weaving industry and the threats the Su family faced, warning that he risked being "swept out." Su Wenyu, however, dismissed her attempts to provoke him as naive. Meanwhile, Chengtian and Xiao Lu were shopping.
Chengtian spotted a beautiful hairpin, and despite its steep price of five "qian" of silver, purchased it for Yuan Xiang, anticipating her delight. Back in the capital, Su Wenyu confronted Su Gongming, protesting against entrusting Su family business to an "outsider" like Yan Wenxiu and the risks of the powder trade. Su Gongming defended his decision, determined to expand the family enterprise, and called Su Wenyu a "waste" for his constant drinking, blaming him for the family's troubles.
He suggested that if Su Wenyu had married Yan Wenxiu earlier, they could have jointly brought glory to the family. Su Wenyu adamantly refused, denouncing Yan Wenxiu as "bad-minded" and claiming she would ruin the Su family. Su Gongming, frustrated, declared he would rely on an "outsider" if Su Wenyu remained useless, and ordered him out due to his drunken state.
As their departure from Western Zhou drew near, Ni Chang prepared, leaving Fanjing-style fabrics and clothes for Asunah, who admired their lightness. She promised to send more after returning to the capital. Chengtian, eager to go home, was playfully teased by Ni Chang about his constant thoughts of Yuan Xiang despite his feigned indifference.
Ni Chang encouraged him to confess his feelings, warning of future regret, and revealed that Asunah had informed her of the gift Chengtian bought, noting how news traveled quickly among the few outsiders in Western Zhou. Chengtian, in turn, warned Ni Chang to be cautious of Ouyang Ziyu, as Xiao Lu had mentioned his frequent visits to a singer's house, seemingly captivated by the pleasure. Later, Ouyang Ziyu and Xiao Lu returned.
Xiao Lu complained about a singer named Etta, who he found conceited and overly demanding about money. Ouyang Ziyu dismissed his complaints, explaining that such performers often came from impoverished backgrounds, and instructed Xiao Lu to pay whatever Etta asked to finalize their business, chiding him for being stingy. Ni Chang was deeply troubled by the news.
Chengtian rushed to her, confirming the singer's name was Etta, describing her as exceptionally beautiful and reclusive, implying Ouyang Ziyu had spent a fortune. Agitated, Ni Chang dismissed Chengtian. The next morning, Ouyang Ziyu waited outside Ni Chang's door, attempting to start a conversation about staying up late reading and a new herbal cream idea. Ni Chang, still angry, sarcastically told him to go drink with "beauties" at the singer's house, referencing his supposed lavish spending.
Ouyang Ziyu admitted to spending a large sum, but clarified that Etta's true desire was to meet Ni Chang. Ouyang Ziyu and Ni Chang then visited Etta together. Ni Chang revealed she heard Etta could embroider with both hands simultaneously, which Etta confirmed, boasting she could even create different patterns with each hand – a feat Ni Chang initially found impossible. Ouyang Ziyu explained his intention for Ni Chang to witness Etta's rare skill and for them to "compete."
Etta initially asked Ouyang Ziyu to leave, but he jokingly refused, and she eventually allowed him to stay, remarking that talent was a matter of fate. Inspired by Etta's extraordinary skill, Ni Chang became obsessed with practicing dual-hand embroidery, neglecting food and sleep for several days. Chengtian worried about her health, urging Ouyang Ziyu to intervene before their return to the capital.
Ouyang Ziyu, however, understood Ni Chang's determined nature, knowing she wouldn't rest until she mastered a new skill and reminding Chengtian that she valued acquiring "many skills." Ni Chang struggled with the challenge of simultaneously performing two different tasks. To help her, Ouyang Ziyu instructed her to hold her right hand in the air and write anything she wished, while placing her left hand on his chest and writing a different character.
He guided her to write "heart" with her left hand, referencing a poem about deep affection. She eventually succeeded. When Ouyang Ziyu asked what she wrote with her right hand, she playfully refused to tell him. He confidently guessed "Bun," explaining that by writing "heart" on his chest, they were "of one mind," allowing him to know her thoughts were of him, "Bun."
As their departure approached, Asunah pulled Ni Chang aside, eagerly inquiring about her wedding plans with Ouyang Ziyu, having observed their mutual affection. She advised Ni Chang to "grasp" this good man and expressed anticipation for their "good news." As a farewell gift, Jiang Pingchuan presented Ni Chang with a precious item, entrusting her with his life's ambition: to re-establish the Herb Hall in the Central Plains.
He urged her not to disappoint them, and Ni Chang tearfully promised to uphold his dream and keep in touch. After a heartfelt farewell from Jiang Pingchuan and Asunah, the group embarked on their journey back to the capital. Meanwhile, back at the Su residence, Su Wenyu confronted Yan Wenxiu again, reiterating his plea for her to return to Huai Zhou and stop "making trouble" for the Su family.
He criticized her for overstepping by privately seizing control of family affairs and recklessly venturing into the unfamiliar and risky powder business. Yan Wenxiu remained defiant, asserting that Su Gongming trusted her, not him. Driven to desperation, Su Wenyu knocked her unconscious, intending to send her back to the Yan family by morning, vowing never to marry her or allow her to manage Su family businesses as one of them.
The next morning, a maid discovered Yan Wenxiu missing and immediately informed Su Gongming. Suspecting Su Wenyu, Su Gongming rushed to his room and found Yan Wenxiu locked inside a cabinet. Enraged, Su Gongming violently beat Su Wenyu. Yan Wenxiu, seizing the opportunity, feigned extreme distress, claiming she was defiled by Su Wenyu after spending the night in his room, and tearfully demanded Su Gongming's intervention, threatening suicide. Su Wenyu vehemently denied her accusations, insisting he merely locked her in.
Dismissing his protests, Su Gongming declared Su Wenyu had ruined Yan Wenxiu's reputation and, regardless of Su Wenyu's objections, announced that Yan Wenxiu was now the Su family's young madam and Su Wenyu's wife. He instructed Steward Xiao to prepare extravagant betrothal gifts for the Yan family in Huai Zhou. Su Wenyu fiercely resisted, threatening to expose "ugly things" Su Gongming had done, implying that revealing his secrets would lead to mutual ruin. Overwhelmed by the escalating conflict and his nephew's defiance, Su Gongming suffered an acute attack of anger and collapsed, losing consciousness.
