Romance of a Twin Flower Episode 30 Recap
> Romance of a Twin Flower Recap
Ning Yuxuan found Ji Man in the rain, questioning how long she intended to hide and demanding an explanation for her sudden departure. Ji Man stated there was nothing to explain and urged him to forget her. Ning Yuxuan, however, declared that his heart only held her. Ji Man then revealed that her father (Guihai Yidao) would not approve of them being together, especially with someone living in hatred, implying their best outcome was to start new lives.
When Ning Yuxuan pressed for the real reason, Ji Man confessed that her biological father was Cai Wenzheng, the leader of the Tea Gang, and further revealed that both she and Nie Sangyu were Cai Wenzheng's biological daughters, having been fostered in different families from birth. Ning Yuxuan was shocked by this revelation, but Ji Man insisted there was no future for them and left. Devastated, Ning Yuxuan sat under a tree and fell unconscious.
He woke up two days later and discussed the matter with Gui Bai, who found it hard to believe. Ning Yuxuan ordered all items related to Ji Man, including the cook, removed from the house, both men expressing deep sadness. Qian Lianxue visited Ji Man, asking why she wasn't returning to the county office and whether she had argued with Ning Yuxuan. Ji Man admitted she planned to leave soon after doing some more work for Haoxue Cosmetics.
She confessed her true identity: she was not Nie Sangyu but Ji Man, the biological daughter of Guihai Yidao. She explained that she had accidentally entered the Marquis's Mansion after losing her memory from falling into the water. Due to her status as a second-rank lady with imperial mandate, she could not immediately reveal the truth, but she intended to find an opportunity to leave and live openly as Ji Man, completely unconnected to Ning Yuxuan.
Qian Lianxue, expressing strong belief in Ning Yuxuan's genuine love, highlighted how much he had changed and done for Ji Man, citing examples like his newfound happiness, the improved atmosphere in the mansion, his constant vigil when she was in danger, and his efforts to learn cooking for her. Ji Man thanked Qian Lianxue, expressing her wish for them to remain good partners, and politely asked her to leave, stating she was very busy.
Afterwards, Ji Man became visibly emotional, reflecting on her cherished memories with Ning Yuxuan and concluding that perhaps "not meeting each other was the best choice" for them both. Meanwhile, General Nie received an imperial decree stating that the Emperor would attend the Imperial Supplier Contest in Haifang and ordered him to depart immediately to prepare defenses and escort the Emperor. Ling Jianxing was also nearing Haifang.
He confirmed that most merchants, many of whom were old acquaintances of Lord Tan and himself, had been contacted and were cooperative. However, Haoxue Cosmetics, which dominated the rouge industry, was an exception, and Ling Jianxing considered it a crucial strategic piece. Aware of the recent discord between Ning Yuxuan and Nie Sangyu, Ling Jianxing planned to arrange a meeting with his "old acquaintance" upon arrival. Ji Man sought out Gui Bai to inquire about Ning Yuxuan's well-being.
She confessed that after leaving him that day, she had returned to check on him, found him unconscious, and brought him back, but instructed Gui Bai not to tell Ning Yuxuan it was her. Gui Bai reported that Ning Yuxuan's old illness had relapsed, severely exacerbated by soaking in ice water for an hour the night before last.
He added that the medicine was proving ineffective and Ning Yuxuan had stopped taking it, implying Ning Yuxuan's issue was an emotional "heart ailment" that medication alone couldn't cure. Gui Bai, despite his humble status as a guard, directly urged Ji Man to reconsider, emphasizing that he had witnessed Ning Yuxuan's deep feelings for her. Ji Man acknowledged his words but maintained that perhaps not meeting each other was currently the best choice for both of them.
Qian Yiming approached Shui Niangzi, calling her "Qingqing," and admitted he had been following her. He expressed his happiness at seeing her doing so well and running her own business. He confessed that he had been in pain for three years since their parting in the capital, regretting his past obedience to his mother which led to him hurting her. He pleaded for another chance to prove his love.
Shui Niangzi refused to speak privately, telling him to say whatever he had to say there. She then told him to stop acting, criticizing his performance for lacking tears and noting his acting skills had regressed. She firmly told him to leave, as she had work to do. Qian Yiming pleaded with her not to leave, repeatedly professing his love. Shui Niangzi then told him not to call her "Qingqing" anymore, saying the name made her sick.
As she walked away, he speculated if she liked someone else, continuing to declare his love. Later, Ling Jianxing arrived in Haifang and met Ning Yuxuan, inviting him for a drink. After Ning Yuxuan declined due to official duties, Ling Jianxing revealed his true purpose: His Majesty's specific instruction to visit the "lady with imperial mandate," for whom he had brought gifts. When Ning Yuxuan tried to deflect, Ling Jianxing insisted on personally going to the residence to pay respects.
Upon arriving at the magistrate's residence, Ling Jianxing questioned Ning Yuxuan about why he wasn't immediately invited in, speculating if his wife wasn't home. Just then, Ji Man appeared, putting on a convincing performance of affection with Ning Yuxuan. Ling Jianxing remarked on Ning Yuxuan's apparent infatuation despite seeing her daily. Ji Man apologized for missing Ling Jianxing's banquet, citing her busy schedule with business.
Ling Jianxing, seemingly satisfied after meeting "Mrs. Ning," mentioned the gifts, but when Ji Man stated they wouldn't accept them, he agreed not to force them. He then declined to enter the residence, stating he wouldn't press if they preferred not to invite him in. Ning Yuxuan led Ji Man away. Ling Jianxing then instructed his subordinate to closely watch Nie Sangyu and Ning Yuxuan, suspecting their display of affection was merely an act.
It was revealed that earlier, Gui Bai had warned Ji Man that Ning Yuxuan was in trouble and Ling Jianxing was heading to the magistrate's residence to see her. Ji Man had rushed over because she feared Ling Jianxing would discover their discord, exploit it, and implicate Haoxue Cosmetics.
After their successful deception, Ji Man indicated she was leaving, but Ning Yuxuan stopped her, explaining that Ling Jianxing's men were likely still watching and it was not safe for her to leave immediately. Ji Man declined Ning Yuxuan's offer to send her back later, stating she would leave by herself then. As she remained in the familiar residence, memories flooded back, making her visibly emotional, and she eventually ran out.
Ling Jianxing's subordinate later reported that Nie Sangyu went to Ship Guihai after leaving the residence and did not return that night. Ling Jianxing, recalling Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man's earlier affectionate performance, concluded that their estrangement was a serious crime of deceiving the Emperor. He ordered continued surveillance to determine the full extent of their discord.
The Imperial Supplier Contest commenced with the arrival of a special guest, Princess Ruyue, who announced her participation as a merchant bringing her own facial cream, aiming to win. When she unveiled herself, Ji Man was shocked to see it was Wen Wan. Ji Man confronted her, initially addressing her as "Wen Wan" and pointing out her past wrongdoings and her supposed imprisonment at Dali Temple.
She then addressed her as "Princess Ruyue," warning that while past mistakes might have been covered up, as a princess, any further wrongdoing would reach the Emperor's ears. Wen Wan arrogantly dismissed Ji Man's warning, boasting about her uncle Lord Tan and her close ties to the Emperor, questioning Ji Man's right to lecture her. She then ordered her guards to seize Ji Man and her companions. Ning Yuxuan and Ling Jianxing intervened.
Wen Wan then introduced herself to Ning Yuxuan as Princess Ruyue, niece of Lord Tan, and introduced Ning Yuxuan's wife as the lady with imperial mandate, suggesting there had been a misunderstanding between them just now. She politely asked Ning Yuxuan and his wife for their care, being new to Haifang. Ning Yuxuan warily noted Haifang's mixed environment but suggested Ling Jianxing's presence would prevent any issues.
Wen Wan, feigning fatigue from her journey, excused herself and left, bidding farewell to Ning Yuxuan and his wife. Privately, Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man acknowledged to each other that Wen Wan's return was ominous and they needed to be cautious. Back at Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man's group expressed their shock and anger at Wen Wan's return and elevated status, speculating on her "dirty tricks" to become Princess Ruyue and the complex story behind it.
They resolved to compete against her, defeat her, and expose her true nature. Ji Man, realizing she could not abandon them now, decided to postpone her plans to leave Haifang and fight alongside her team against Wen Wan. Meanwhile, Wen Wan conversed with Ling Jianxing, expressing her satisfaction at Ji Man's frustration and her unwavering intention to make Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man pay back in full for the pain they had inflicted upon her. Ling Jianxing, observing her, implicitly supported her continued actions.
