Shining Just For You Episode 17 Recap
> Shining Just For You Recap
Fan Ruhui approached Yu Xiuming, advising him to consider making Ye Lingshuang a part of his harem. He claimed that courtiers were already murmuring that Yu Xiuming's fondness for Ye Lingshuang surpassed proper monarch-subject relations, potentially harming his reputation. Yu Xiuming immediately questioned if Fan Ruhui himself was the source of these rumors, to which Fan Ruhui admitted his concern.
He explained that his apprehension stemmed from his son, Fan Zheng, being on bad terms with Ye Lingshuang, fearing she might seek revenge if she gained more imperial favor. Drawing Fan Ruhui closer for a private conversation, Yu Xiuming firmly stated that Ye Lingshuang would not be entering the harem; he simply wished to treat her with kindness.
He reassured Fan Ruhui that his position was secure, emphasizing that if he ever wished to remove Fan Ruhui from power, he would not need Ye Lingshuang to do so. Yu Xiuming urged Fan Ruhui to focus on state affairs, not to overthink, and warned him against speculating on imperial intentions, as all his decisions and appointments were made for specific reasons. He promised Fan Ruhui would receive all that was rightfully his.
Before embarking on the inspection tour, Ye Lingshuang needed to entrust Yun Wen to a reliable caretaker. She summoned Gu Wangran, who, expecting to meet a person, was startled when Ye Lingshuang presented a large mirror. To his astonishment, Yun Wen materialized in the mirror and respectfully addressed him. Gu Wangran, perplexed by the unusual situation, wondered how to care for a mirror-bound companion.
Ye Lingshuang clarified that Yun Wen could appear in any mirror and handed Gu Wangran a small amber stone. She explained that Yun Wen didn't require food but could be quite talkative, suggesting Gu Wangran simply converse with him. Ye Lingshuang found Yun Wen's docility towards Gu Wangran amusingly uncharacteristic, as he was usually arrogant and dismissive towards her. Yun Wen playfully retorted, accusing Ye Lingshuang of trying to take his food when she reached for the amber stone.
Meanwhile, in Yuezhou, the relocated Yebei people were struggling with severe food shortages. Despite the fertile soil, the area was too remote, yielding only kugu grass that even animals refused to eat. The community leaders discussed trading kugu for food with the Heluo Clan in Wanzhou and planned to cultivate crops, but worried that their meager supplies wouldn't last through the winter until the autumn harvest. Yu Xiuming commenced his inspection tour.
As he rode in the same carriage as Ye Lingshuang, courtiers openly murmured about the impropriety, claiming it was against protocol for anyone but a truly capable minister to share the emperor's conveyance. Though initially reserved, Ye Lingshuang soon relaxed and even fell asleep in the carriage. Upon waking as they entered Liaoyang, Zhongzhou, she questioned why they were taking a circuitous mountain route instead of a more direct path.
Yu Xiuming simply replied that there were no "shortest paths" in the world. In Liaoyang, Zhongzhou, Protectorate General Cai Can received a letter from Grand Preceptor Fan Ruhui, warning him that Yu Xiuming was aware of his illicit practices, including forced labor, and was preparing to confront him. Incited by his subordinates, who cited Fan Ruhui's claim that Yu Xiuming had only 2,000 imperial guards against their 60,000 troops, Cai Can considered an immediate revolt.
However, his nephew, Cai Chen, advised caution, highlighting Fan Ruhui's growing influence and Yu Xiuming's notoriously unpredictable military tactics. Conceding to Cai Chen's strategic insight, Cai Can decided to delay his full attack until Yu Xiuming was cornered in Zhenxia Mountain, where all escape routes could be severed. Upon learning that Cai Can's forces were mobilizing, Fan Ruhui immediately ordered his staff to destroy all evidence of his correspondence with Cai Can, severing any ties to the impending rebellion.
Yu Xiuming arrived at Cai Can's estate, where he was greeted by Cai Chen, who explained that Cai Can was absent, quelling bandits. Yu Xiuming, suspicious of the excuse given the widespread banditry, which he linked to Cai Can's misrule, accepted Cai Chen's invitation to a banquet. However, he warned Cai Chen to convey a message to his uncle: Zhongzhou's overdue annual tribute to the court must be paid, and no excuses from Fan Ruhui would be tolerated this time.
At the banquet, Cai Can appeared and offered an elaborate collection of gifts made from Cangjin Jade, a specialty of Jiuyu Mountain. Yu Xiuming, however, angrily rejected the "delicate but impractical things," declaring himself a warrior with no use for such "spoiled noblemen's trinkets." He then fiercely denounced Cai Can for violating imperial law by imposing harsh taxes and forced labor to mine the jade, which had driven the people of Zhongzhou to destitution and banditry.
When Cai Can feigned ignorance, Yu Xiuming ordered Ling Yun to reveal the truth: that a former Zhongzhou official, Wo Wu, had reported that over 100,000 gold zhu from the jade sales had gone directly to Cai Can's residence, used to forge weapons and recruit private soldiers. Yu Xiuming concluded by stating that he was fully aware of Cai Can's corruption and that this confrontation served as a final warning; any further transgressions would result in immediate and merciless punishment.
Following the tense banquet, Yu Xiuming, having already confirmed with Ling Yun that the divine hall on Zhenxia Mountain was sturdy, immediately headed there with Ye Lingshuang. He shared tales of the hall's construction and his extensive familiarity with Zhongzhou's geography from past campaigns. Despite the treacherous mountain path, he instructed the imperial guards to encamp directly on the winding road.
Ye Lingshuang, unsettled by Yu Xiuming's unusual demeanor and the strange circumstances, noticed ants carrying glutinous rice powder, a military ration, reinforcing her growing suspicions. Her unease deepened when she couldn't find General Xie Yu'an and realized Yu Xiuming had worn armor to the banquet before rushing to this easily defensible location. Shortly after, a scout reported a massive enemy force bearing Cai Can's banner attacking the mountain.
Yu Xiuming, already in armor, was informed by Ling Yun that the Yangwei Division was suffering heavy casualties and low morale due to being outnumbered. He expressed concern over Xie Yu'an's inexplicable absence, as he had expected him to intercept Cai Can's forces. Recognizing their severe disadvantage in numbers, the lack of defensive preparations at the mountain base, and the unlikelihood of timely aid from distant garrisons—which might have already been compromised—Yu Xiuming dismissed everyone but Ye Lingshuang.
Facing imminent danger, Ye Lingshuang urged Yu Xiuming to devise a plan. He inquired if she feared death, to which she truthfully admitted yes. Yu Xiuming then questioned her knowledge of Cai Can. Ye Lingshuang recounted Cai Can's historical rise and his defeat by Yu Xiuming, noting that many had once believed Cai Can would overthrow the previous dynasty.
Yu Xiuming elaborated, revealing that seven years prior, after his forced surrender, Cai Can had attempted to assassinate him with a poisoned arrow, using a guard commander as a scapegoat. He confirmed Ye Lingshuang's deduction that their long-standing "peace" had been a facade of mutual suspicion. Yu Xiuming admitted he had been steadily undermining Cai Can's alliances and had intended to use this tour to test him, but had been careless and provided Cai Can with an opportunity.
Declaring this to be his "end," Yu Xiuming presented the Zhuoyun dagger, the only weapon capable of killing him. He suggested she cut off his head and present it to Cai Can to save herself, as none of his companions would survive otherwise. Ye Lingshuang, however, defiantly stated that if Cai Can breached their defenses, she would use the dagger to take her own life, asserting that if it could kill him, it could certainly kill her.
Yu Xiuming then revealed his true plan: he had to descend the mountain alone to rally loyal forces, as without his military token, no one would dare act. Ye Lingshuang, understanding his intent, volunteered to stay and delay Cai Can, believing that some of Cai Can's troops might secretly remain loyal to the emperor. Yu Xiuming had already prepared armor for her, which he personally helped her put on, jesting that she looked like a female general.
He reaffirmed his promise to return, assuring her he would never break his word. Meanwhile, General Li, part of the reinforcements Yu Xiuming intended to summon, reported that their path was blocked by boulders and would take four to five days to clear, despite Yu Xiuming's urgent three-day deadline. Back on Zhenxia Mountain, Ye Lingshuang discussed strategy with General Cao. She ordered the Yangwei Division's engineers to set up traps on the mountain to hinder the rebels.
She then instructed the soldiers to loudly announce to the rebel army that any defector would be pardoned, and those who killed enemies would be promoted two ranks, hoping to sow disunity among Cai Can's lower-ranking troops. Despite her efforts, morale remained low, and casualties mounted, making her worry they wouldn't last another day. Fengyin arrived, sent by Yu Xiuming to escort Ye Lingshuang to safety, as Yu Xiuming's path down the mountain was blocked.
Ye Lingshuang refused to leave, feeling a bond with the fighting soldiers and insisting on staying to boost morale and buy more time. She asked Fengyin for his help, and he reluctantly agreed, on the condition that she follow his orders if the rebels managed to breach their defenses. As the battle intensified, exhausted and demoralized soldiers, who hadn't seen Yu Xiuming in a day, demanded to know if he had abandoned them.
Ye Lingshuang confirmed that Yu Xiuming had indeed left the mountain that morning. However, she passionately declared that they could not retreat; if they did, Cai Can's rebel forces would immediately advance on Tianqi, endangering their families and the city's populace. She rallied them, asserting that they were no longer fighting for the Emperor, but for their own lives and the safety of their loved ones.
