Ni Chang Episode 32 Recap
> Ni Chang Recap
Xie Xiaoni remained upset with Ouyang Ziyu and refused to see him. Xiao Qin urged her to reconsider, reminding her that Ouyang Ziyu had specifically purchased a courtyard to be near her and she shouldn't be ungrateful. However, Xie Xiaoni dismissed her, suggesting Ouyang Ziyu focus on Princess Lanzhao instead of worrying about her. In a fit of frustration, Ouyang Ziyu impulsively ordered Xiao Qin to sell the house.
When Xiao Qin agreed, he immediately changed his mind, demanding a fresh pot of tea and scolding her for not attempting to dissuade him. He also warned her against associating too much with Xiaolu, whose "slick" ways he found distasteful. Meanwhile, Su Wenyu met with Mr. Gao to discuss the annual membership fees for the merchants. Mr. Gao promptly instructed him to collect the money within the month.
Su Wenyu expressed concern, explaining that the substantial sum caused widespread complaints among the merchants and asked for leniency. Mr. Gao reminded him that as a newcomer, he lacked understanding of the rules, emphasizing that the decision came from above and was not open for discussion. He bluntly questioned what the merchants' livelihoods had to do with Su Wenyu.
Su Wenyu, realizing his position as president was precarious, reluctantly agreed to comply, thanking Mr. Gao and promising to handle the matter effectively, while privately pondering how to address the merchants' concerns amidst the complexities of the Royal Market Bureau. Xie Xiaoni presented a new dress she had made for Princess Lanzhao. The princess recognized Xie Xiaoni, recalling her unique use of pear stamens in a previous competition.
She adored the new garment, finding it beautiful, comfortable, and a refreshing change from the conventional styles. She praised Xie Xiaoni's ingenuity, especially the petal-shaped collar, and offered a reward, which Xie Xiaoni politely declined. As Xie Xiaoni prepared to leave, Xiao Ju tried to warn her, but Yu Qing, acting on Deacon Zhao's orders, arrived and accused Xie Xiaoni of malpractice and violating competition rules by secretly associating with Princess Lanzhao.
Yu Qing then ordered Xie Xiaoni to kneel on broken tiles as punishment. Xie Xiaoni accepted the penalty, but Xiao Ju insisted on kneeling alongside her. Yu Qing then maliciously added that after their punishment, they would also have to process two baskets of herbs in the spice room and would be denied dinner, claiming it was for their reflection. Xiao Ju defiantly challenged Yu Qing to withhold their breakfast as well, to which Yu Qing readily agreed.
Just then, Princess Lanzhao appeared, expressing outrage at Yu Qing's harsh treatment over a minor issue. She declared Xie Xiaoni was under her protection and helped both women to their feet. Xiao Ju confronted Yu Qing, accusing her of exacerbating the situation, while Yu Qing blamed Xiao Ju for alerting the princess. Xiao Ju, refusing to be complicit in Yu Qing's manipulative schemes, declared she would rather be expelled than harm others.
Princess Lanzhao then took Xie Xiaoni to meet Liu Zixuan. Xie Xiaoni was surprised to find that Liu Zixuan and the princess had become friends, with Princess Lanzhao explaining Liu Zixuan's charming nature and revealing that he had asked her to rescue Xie Xiaoni. Princess Lanzhao suggested they go out for some fun, arranging for Xie Xiaoni's leave from Deacon Zhao through her servant, Chun'er.
While enjoying their outing, Xie Xiaoni grew uneasy, fearing they were breaking rules by not returning to Ruiyuan or even going home. She expressed her desire to adhere to regulations, and Princess Lanzhao, acknowledging the importance of rules, agreed to return. The princess then asked Liu Zixuan to help her arrange a meeting with Ouyang Ziyu, and he agreed.
Meanwhile, Ouyang Ziyu was playing chess with his servant, Xiaolu, who noted his master's distraction and forgetfulness in settling debts, attributing it to his ongoing quarrel with Xie Xiaoni. Xiaolu also mentioned that Princess Lanzhao continued to send messengers daily and predicted she would visit in person that very night. Ouyang Ziyu dismissed the idea, stating he had already rejected her.
However, a servant from Liu Zixuan’s household soon arrived, conveying Liu Zixuan's admiration for Ouyang Ziyu and inviting him for a hunting trip the following day, implying Ouyang Ziyu would be seen as fearful if he declined. Ouyang Ziyu accepted the invitation, sensing an ulterior motive. The next day, Ouyang Ziyu rode to meet Liu Zixuan, only to find Princess Lanzhao waiting for him alone by a river pavilion.
She confessed her feelings, suggesting they talk privately amidst the beautiful scenery. Ouyang Ziyu, however, politely but firmly reiterated his refusal, explaining he already had a sweetheart and could not reciprocate her feelings. When Princess Lanzhao pressed him for the identity of his beloved and questioned her beauty, Ouyang Ziyu stated that love was not about appearance, and he would only marry his chosen one.
He then tried to leave, offering to escort her back to Qingliu Pavilion, but she refused. Concurrently, Xie Feng discreetly infiltrated the Royal Market Bureau, seeking the old account books pertaining to the pearl powder incident. Later, back at Qingliu Pavilion, Princess Lanzhao was drowning her sorrows in wine. Xie Feng returned and offered his support. Princess Lanzhao lamented Ouyang Ziyu's indifference, questioning her own shortcomings, especially given her long-standing affection for him since childhood.
Xie Feng gently advised her that fate was beyond human control and that excessive sadness was fruitless, suggesting her true destiny might lie elsewhere. Princess Lanzhao questioned if Xie Feng had ever experienced unrequited desire. Back at the Su family residence, Yan Wenxiu requested to borrow the family heirloom, a Phoenix embroidered cloak, from her second uncle, Su Gongming. She intended to replicate its exquisite design for the competition.
Su Gongming, impressed by her plan to leverage a centuries-old masterpiece, readily provided the cloak, confident it would win over the Lanzhao delegation. As Yan Wenxiu departed with the cloak, she encountered Su Wenyu outside. Having learned that the Su family had withdrawn from the spice competition, Su Wenyu proposed closing the struggling Yu Zizhai perfume shop and converting it back to a clothing store, their traditional family business, to cut losses.
Yan Wenxiu angrily retorted that the shops were under her purview and that the family’s affairs were not his to command. She declared that upon winning the bidding conference, she would be entitled to a share of all Su family enterprises. Su Wenyu scoffed, doubting her ability to even compete with Herb Hall and dismissing her second uncle as a senile fool for trusting her. Yan Wenxiu then explicitly stated her intent to undermine Xie Xiaoni.
Su Wenyu immediately threatened her, warning that if she harmed Xie Xiaoni, he would expose her role in Yunniang's death, causing Yan Wenxiu to panic and vehemently deny any involvement, claiming her master's death had nothing to do with her. Su Wenyu implied her guilty conscience had betrayed her. During the first round of the bidding conference, Princess Lanzhao unexpectedly requested a change of escort officer, causing an awkward silence among the officials.
Mr. Gao suggested Ouyang Ziyu might have offended her and should apologize to mend relations. Ouyang Ziyu denied any offense, urging them to respect the princess's wishes and proposing Liu Zixuan as a suitable replacement, citing their recent hunting outing as proof of their amicable relationship. Liu Zixuan accepted with feigned humility, but Princess Lanzhao was visibly displeased, stating the matter required further consideration before Yuan Daocheng announced the start of the bidding.
Yuan Daocheng then explained the judging criteria: red and yellow tokens advanced to the second round, while blue tokens meant immediate elimination. Princess Lanzhao began the evaluations with a stern demeanor, awarding blue tokens liberally. Ouyang Ziyu commented on her unusual strictness, to which she responded that she was merely demonstrating her discerning eye and was supported by Xie Feng. At the Su family stall, Yan Wenxiu presented the Phoenix embroidered cloak.
While Yuan Daocheng praised its intricate embroidery, Xie Feng critically observed that despite its opulent design and vibrant colors, the phoenix lacked genuine vitality, suggesting it was merely a skilled imitation of a renowned artist's work and thus only of "medium grade." Princess Lanzhao concurred, and Ouyang Ziyu and Yuan Daocheng deferred to her judgment. Yan Wenxiu received a yellow token.
Next, Princess Lanzhao detected a captivating aroma emanating from Xie Xiaoni's stall, where she showcased a unique belt and several sachets. The Princess expressed surprise that Xie Xiaoni had only presented a belt for the spice competition. Ouyang Ziyu hinted that Xie Xiaoni likely had a specific intention. It was then clarified that Xie Xiaoni was competing in both weaving and spices.
Xie Xiaoni explained that her belt, crafted from various herbs steeped in eucalyptus oil, functioned as a mosquito repellent, a practical solution for Lanzhao's humid and insect-ridden climate, and invited the princess to test its efficacy. She also presented her sachets, detailing their herbal contents for aiding sleep, calming nerves, and providing warmth in winter, making them suitable for year-round use. Ouyang Ziyu lauded Xie Xiaoni's inventive approach, and Xiao Ju enthusiastically championed her, much to Princess Lanzhao's annoyance.
Yuan Daocheng voiced no objections. Princess Lanzhao then awarded Xie Xiaoni a red token. Ouyang Ziyu gazed at Xie Xiaoni with undisguised affection, though Xie Xiaoni deliberately avoided his gaze. After the first round concluded, Mr. Gao invited Princess Lanzhao to a celebratory banquet, but she declined, citing fatigue. As Ouyang Ziyu attempted to leave, Princess Lanzhao stopped him, inquiring about his relationship with Xie Xiaoni, noting his clear favoritism during the judging.
She admitted that she had come to consider Xie Xiaoni a friend after witnessing her talent. Ouyang Ziyu, without hesitation, confessed that Xie Xiaoni was the woman he intended to marry. He apologized to the princess, clarifying that Xie Xiaoni was unaware of the princess's feelings towards him. Deeply hurt, Princess Lanzhao left abruptly. Later, drinking alone, Princess Lanzhao was joined by Liu Zixuan. She confided her unhappiness, mentioning Ouyang Ziyu's declaration of having a sweetheart.
Liu Zixuan admitted he was aware of this and had a selfish motive for helping her arrange a meeting with Ouyang Ziyu: he hoped Ouyang Ziyu would fall for the princess, leaving Xie Xiaoni available for him. Princess Lanzhao realized Liu Zixuan harbored feelings for Xie Xiaoni. Liu Zixuan, despite his unrequited love, expressed his wish for Xie Xiaoni's happiness, even if it meant a lifetime of solitude for himself.
Princess Lanzhao, feigning anger, ultimately conceded that Ouyang Ziyu and Xie Xiaoni's mutual affection had no bearing on her or Liu Zixuan. They shared a drink, and Liu Zixuan advised her to rest and let go of her troubles. Xie Xiaoni eventually returned to Herb Hall, where her family joyously celebrated her advancement to the second round of the competition.
They encouraged her to stay longer, but Xie Xiaoni explained she needed to prepare for the next round and would return to Ruiyuan the following morning. Ouyang Ziyu arrived, claiming he came to visit. Xie Xiaoni, still harboring resentment, walked away from him. Her family members, noticing the tension, discreetly left the two alone. Ouyang Ziyu tried to reconcile, but Xie Xiaoni remained angry about his perceived entanglement with Princess Lanzhao.
