Practice Daughter Episode 7 Recap
> Practice Daughter Recap
Mei Yushan was walking alone when she saw a shaky shadow, causing her to stop in fear. Nangong Yao appeared, reassuring her that he was never afraid of anything, especially not in his own home, the palace. He asked her what she was afraid of, and she listed ghosts, snakes, caterpillars, and not having good food. As they cautiously approached, they discovered the shadow was just a cat.
Nangong Yao immediately became terrified, exclaiming how horrible cats were due to their terrible claws, recalling being scratched as a child. Mei Yushan found this amusing, pointing out that the cat had been scared away by him. She teased him for claiming not to be afraid just moments before, and he jokingly threatened her with copying more books. They said goodbye.
Upon returning to Chongwen Academy, Mei Yushan found Bai Ye conversing with several young ladies, including Miss Ruomei, Miss Yuanyuan, and Miss Yangyang. The ladies were effusive in their praise of Bai Ye's handsomeness, even comparing him favorably to the Crown Prince, and his extraordinary talents, suggesting he could predict the future. Bai Ye responded with polite humility. When Mei Yushan arrived, Bai Ye approached her, stating he had been waiting for her.
He commented on her distant relationship with the other young ladies, which she acknowledged, saying their earlier conversation was merely polite formality and that having him as a friend was enough. Bai Ye revealed he had prepared a special gift for her since he hadn't seen her in a while, sometimes addressing her as "Douzi" or "Little Diviner."
He presented her with a painting that, when manipulated in a specific way, would glow and project a starry sky, transforming the immediate area into a miniature galaxy. Mei Yushan was enchanted, exclaiming how amazing it was. Bai Ye explained he created it because he knew how much she admired the starry sky. She was overjoyed, stating it was the most thoughtful gift she had ever received, and expressed her intention to display it prominently.
When asked who gave it to her, she playfully refused to tell. Nangong Yao reported to the Empress, who noted his initial reluctance to attend Chongwen Academy but now his desire to stay longer. Nangong Yao explained that while he had attended the Grand Tutor's lectures for years, new and interesting courses had been introduced that he did not wish to miss.
Pleased by his focus on studies, the Empress permitted him to stay a bit longer but stressed the importance of not neglecting state affairs, particularly the unsettled situation of the Lantian refugees. She urged him to share the Emperor's burdens. Nangong Yao assured her that memorials were delivered daily and he did not neglect his duties.
After he left, the Empress instructed her eunuch, Eunuch Song, to prepare for a visit to Chongwen Academy, expressing skepticism that only new courses were keeping her son there and stating her intention to discover who was the real reason. Later, Nangong Yao discussed the troubled recruitment efforts for the refugees. Someone was inciting them to refuse the offers and demand compensation related to the earthquake damage, directing the unrest towards him.
He was accustomed to such problems being linked to him and knew the instigators were waiting for him to appear to escalate the situation. Bai Ye, present during the discussion, offered to handle the recruitment, stating it was his duty to assist the Crown Prince. Nangong Yao accepted his help. Mei Yushan attempted to leave the grounds, but Xing Shi, who was now the martial arts instructor at Chongwen Academy after winning the physical competition the previous year, stopped her.
She initially feigned a stomach ache to get out of class, but Xing Shi pointed out the location of the restroom, leading her to admit she just wanted to explore the garden. Finding a leaf, she demonstrated blowing it to make a whistling sound, a skill she learned from her father. Nangong Yao happened upon them, intrigued by the sound. Mei Yushan teased him for not knowing such a simple thing.
He expressed interest in learning, so she showed him how to select the right leaf and blow into it. His first attempt produced an unappealing sound, causing Mei Yushan to laugh and joke that he sounded like he was farting or had indigestion. He prepared to try again. Meanwhile, the Empress arrived with Eunuch Song, having decided to investigate the real reason for her son's reluctance to leave.
She mentioned having heard that Miss Mei from the Mei family was gentle and talented, with a particularly talented maid known for vivid paintings, and had even sent supplements when she heard Mei Yushan was punished upon arrival. However, her attention was drawn to Nangong Yao and Mei Yushan. She observed Mei Yushan teaching him the leaf whistle and heard her blunt, informal remarks.
Observing the playful interaction, the Empress felt she had misjudged Mei Yushan and concluded that she was responsible for her son's uncharacteristically frivolous behavior. Following this, Nangong Yao playfully tricked Mei Yushan by pretending to spot a cat, knowing her fear from the previous night. When she reacted with fright, he revealed it was a joke. She called him out, and he ran off, displaying some martial arts skill.
She pursued him, demanding he return a pearl he seemed to have taken from her. He asked about her other skills and said he would tell her if she gave the pearl back, threatening to leave if he doesn't. He questioned her actions, calling her behavior unrefined like a rural woman. Bai Ye posted the recruitment notice, which immediately drew a large crowd of refugees.
Among them were three men hoping to secure work to see Douzi, who they referred to among themselves as brothers. They were initially wary, questioning if the work involved becoming eunuchs or if they would lose their food aid without getting paid. Bai Ye addressed their concerns, explaining that the court would sign contracts ensuring their rights and promised to pay one month's wage in advance upon signing, showing actual silver to build trust.
Originally intended only for Lantian residents, the recruitment scope was broadened by Bai Ye upon hearing that neighboring areas were also affected by the disaster. He announced that any refugee could register, requiring details about their family, losses, and origin, specifically asking if they were from Huanglu Town near Lantian. Xing Shi was present to maintain order and noticed the three men, recognizing them from a previous encounter at the Museum where they had seemed suspicious.
The refugees, reassured by the contract and advance payment, began signing up eagerly. Xing Shi then excused himself, stating he needed to return to Chongwen Academy to teach the afternoon martial arts class, leaving Bai Ye to oversee the registration. Back at Chongwen Academy, Xing Shi led the physical training session in preparation for the annual Challenge Match. Mei Yushan expressed confidence, stating this was an area where she excelled.
As she walked the balance beam, her maid, Douzi, watched anxiously. Mei Yushan asked if Douzi was worried about her, but Douzi playfully replied that she was worried about her own body, fearing Mei Yushan might fall on her. Mei Yushan then deliberately stumbled twice, causing Douzi to react with concern and grab her. Observing this, Zhang Yangyang commented on Douzi's apparent loyalty and instructed her own maid, Que, to emulate her.
However, when it was Zhang Yangyang's turn, Que was inattentive, resulting in Zhang Yangyang taking a hard fall. Nearby, other young ladies gossiped about Mei Yushan, suggesting her loyal maid was evidence of her trying to marry up to the Eighth Prince, calling her actions ridiculous and telling each other to be respectful in case she succeeded. Mei Yushan overheard them and directly confronted them, asking if they were talking about her.
They responded rudely, accusing her of seducing the Eighth Prince and calling the Eighth Prince a "boy." Douzi defended her mistress, but Mei Yushan diffused the situation by telling Douzi and another maid, Miss Qing, to go clean up the training area, which another young lady, Miss Qiwen, felt was beneath them. Later, Mei Yushan sought out the Eighth Prince to address the rumors. He seemed to anticipate a declaration of affection but warned he might not accept it.
Mei Yushan clarified that while she held great respect for him, she harbored no romantic feelings and apologized if her previous actions had caused any misunderstanding. He realized his misinterpretation. Back at the training area, Nangong Pin, the Third Prince, noticed Douzi watching Mei Yushan and mistakenly believed she was captivated by him. He boasted to his Second Brother about attracting the attention of the talented palace maid.
After the initial training, Nangong Yao proposed a competition to snatch a flower ball from the top of a tall pole, noting it was part of the upcoming Challenge Match and a good practice. Mei Yushan readily accepted the challenge. For the flower ball challenge, both Mei Yushan and Nangong Yao began climbing the tall pole. Their fellow students cheered them on. As they raced upwards, Mei Yushan quickly pulled ahead. Nangong Yao accused her of fouling, which she denied.
She confidently declared she would win, while he countered that she wouldn't even reach the ball. Just as she was nearing the top, Mei Yushan accidentally slipped. Nangong Yao reacted instantly, grabbing hold of her. They both fell from the pole, landing on the ground with Nangong Yao still holding her. Students and staff rushed over to check on them. Mei Yushan confirmed she was fine, pointing out that since they both fell, neither of them had won the competition.
She asked Nangong Yao why he seemed so pleased despite the outcome. The physical training continued with an event called the 'Mala Race'. Xing Shi announced that to motivate everyone, he had added a special prize for the first-place winner: a 'spicy great meal,' a hot dish made with unique spices and chili peppers, whose distinct flavor only the winner would get to taste. While some participants complained about having to run, citing delicate feet, Mei Yushan appeared ready. Xing Shi offered advice on endurance running, emphasizing regulating breathing and relaxing muscles. As the race was about to start, one person made a false start.
