Romance of a Twin Flower Episode 31 Recap
> Romance of a Twin Flower Recap
Ling Jianxing sat drinking, recalling his conversation with Lord Tan. Lord Tan had inquired if he had chosen candidates for the Imperial Supplier Contest. Ling Jianxing replied that he had, but these individuals were primarily driven by profit. Lord Tan suggested cultivating someone loyal to them, mentioning his sister who married far away and had a daughter, Princess Ruyue, who was reportedly lost in a sandstorm and presumed dead, though he had never met her.
Ling Jianxing understood Lord Tan’s intention was to find someone to impersonate the princess, participate in the contest, and become their loyal agent. Lord Tan stated there were no suitable candidates currently, and Ling Jianxing suggested he had someone perfect in mind. Ling Jianxing brought Wen Wan out of prison, offering her two choices: return to jail or go to Haifang to deal with Ning Yuxuan and his associates.
Wen Wan declared that her current predicament was entirely Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man's doing, stating Ning Yuxuan had no affection for her, and she was determined to make both of them suffer. She insisted she would make them repay the pain they inflicted upon her. Ling Jianxing clarified that by saving her and giving her a new identity, he intended for her to make them pay back double. He urged her not to disappoint him and Lord Tan.
Wen Wan then met with Lord Tan. When asked why she should be chosen for this task, she explained that her background in a merchant family provided her with insights into business strategies, which she believed would help them win the Imperial Supplier Contest. She also emphasized her profound understanding of both Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man, stating that knowing her adversaries well would ensure victory. Furthermore, she declared her deep-seated hatred for the Ning family, vowing to seek revenge.
Lord Tan presented her with a conferment document, instructing her to claim him as her uncle only after she successfully accomplished the task and was crowned the Sea Trade Guild chairman. Ling Jianxing emphasized the significance of her new identity in securing victory in the contest and controlling Haifang's trade for Lord Tan, reminding her to understand her mission and not fail them.
Ji Man, hearing about Wen Wan's return and connection to Lord Tan, felt it was a challenge but remained resolute, believing they could handle whatever came their way. Ling Jianxing explained the Imperial Supplier Contest's structure: three rounds. The first round evaluated existing product quality, the second tested production capacity within a set time, and the third judged new product creativity. The ultimate winner would be appointed the chairwoman of Haifang's Sea Trade Guild by the Emperor.
Ling Jianxing then revealed his broader plan to consolidate various businesses, including cosmetics, tea, and medicine, under their control. Wen Wan expressed confidence in winning the balsam selection and outperforming Haoxue Cosmetics, but Ling Jianxing cautioned her not to underestimate other competitors. Wen Wan asked if Ning Yuxuan would notice their acquisition efforts. Ling Jianxing dismissed her concern, revealing that Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man were reportedly at odds, with Ji Man having moved out of their residence.
Ling Jianxing believed this marital discord would significantly harm Ning Yuxuan's reputation. Ling Jianxing then noted that Wen Wan was now addressing Ning Yuxuan by his given name. Wen Wan, embracing her new identity as a princess, asserted it was her prerogative to address a mere minor official like Ning Yuxuan directly. At Haoxue Cosmetics, Ji Man directed her staff, including Qingqing, during a busy period.
She announced a wage increase for everyone working hard due to the increased business driven by the approaching Imperial Supplier Contest, promising a bonus at the end of the year. She reiterated the need to work together to face any enemy tactics and stressed the importance of protecting goods and raw materials, confirming reliable workers were watching the warehouse. One staff member suggested hiring an additional security guard for the lobby, which Ji Man approved, agreeing that caution was necessary.
Meanwhile, outside, Gui Bai observed Qian Yiming bothering Qingqing, a staff member at Haoxue Cosmetics. Gui Bai intervened, physically confronting Qian Yiming and warning him not to trouble Qingqing again. Gui Bai then noticed spies outside Haoxue Cosmetics. Gui Bai reported the presence of spies to Ning Yuxuan. Ning Yuxuan revealed he had also been followed that morning, speculating that Ling Jianxing or Wen Wan had likely detected the discord between him and Ji Man and sent the spies.
Ning Yuxuan discussed the situation with Yuan Dingshan, Ji Man's father. Ning Yuxuan explained that Ji Man holding the title of a second-rank lady with imperial mandate meant that public knowledge of their marital disharmony would be a serious offense for both of them. He proposed staging a show of marital harmony by having Ji Man temporarily move back to the magistrate's residence.
Yuan Dingshan agreed for Ji Man's safety but stipulated that Ning Yuxuan could not use her title to control her permanently and must announce Nie Sangyu's death after the Imperial Supplier Contest. Ji Man accepted the arrangement but insisted Ning Yuxuan must not interfere with her affairs while they were putting on the act. Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man went out, publicly displaying affection as part of their act.
They bought sugar-coated haws, appearing as an affectionate couple, and were encountered by Ling Jianxing. Ling Jianxing commented on their apparent leisure before excusing himself to attend to market order. After Ling Jianxing left, Ji Man immediately dropped the act, gave Ning Yuxuan the sugar-coated haws, and stated she was returning to Haoxue Cosmetics alone, declining his offer to accompany her. Ning Yuxuan watched her leave with a look of disappointment.
Later that evening, Ning Yuxuan was looking at the stars when Ji Man approached him. Ning Yuxuan remarked on how different their interactions felt now and that he was not used to it. He brought up the stars they had watched before, remembering the brightest one was called Shenxiu.
Ji Man responded by mentioning Shangxiu, another star, explaining how Shenxiu and Shangxiu never appear together, a metaphor for their destiny to remain apart, suggesting it was better for them to stay in their own orbits and not interfere with each other. Ning Yuxuan conceded that some distances seemed fated and insurmountable. News spread that Wen Wan had purchased and reopened Joy Cosmetics, now operating under the identity of Princess Ruyue and attracting the attention of Haifang's elite.
Gui Bai confirmed that the real Wen Wan had died while in custody in the capital. The current individual in Haifang was indeed presenting as Princess Ruyue with valid conferment documents, indicating someone was protecting her identity. Ji Man and her staff, including Qingqing and Qin Gongzi, discussed the success of Haoxue Cosmetics, particularly the increased sales of their Feiwan Face Cream.
Qin Gongzi informed Ji Man about Wen Wan buying Joy Cosmetics and the extensive publicity surrounding its reopening, noting her clear intention to compete with Haoxue Cosmetics. Gui Bai's findings confirmed that the current Princess Ruyue was not the Wen Wan they knew, but someone whose identity was being supported, making her a significant challenge.
Ji Man remained resolute, stating they needed to be more careful and expressing eagerness to see what products Princess Ruyue/Wen Wan would introduce to rival theirs. Ji Man spoke with Tao Siwei, encouraging him to consider his feelings for Qingyun, highlighting Qingyun's sincerity and their time spent together. As Qingyun's sister, Ji Man advised him to cherish the people close to him and not miss a potentially good relationship, suggesting they could start as friends. Tao Siwei seemed hesitant.
Qingyun then arrived, eagerly joining them and attempting to get some private time with Tao Siwei, who, feeling awkward, quickly excused himself, mentioning another commitment. Ling Jianxing met with Yuan Lang, the chief of the Dragon Gang. Ling Jianxing brought up the past connection of Shen Liancheng, a former associate, to the Tea Gang and noted that many former Tea Gang members were now under Yuan Lang's command.
Using this knowledge, Ling Jianxing pressured Yuan Lang, suggesting he could inform Ning Yuxuan. Yuan Lang dismissed the implied threat, stating it didn't concern him. Ling Jianxing then offered Yuan Lang a business proposition: intercepting incoming foreign merchant ships to undermine Ning Yuxuan's authority in Haifang, offering a substantial payment for the service.
