Song of Youth Episode 11 Recap
> Song of Youth Recap
Sun Yulou, eager for Lin Shaochun to win his mother's approval, asked his Godmother to prepare Lin Shaochun for the Qianhong Banquet. Lin Shaochun, initially wanting to be her authentic self, reluctantly agreed to adopt Shen Qingyao's preferred style to avoid disappointing Sun Yulou. She also sought information about the other attendees from her master, Liu Sanjue, and his disciple, Liu Wushuang, who was later revealed to have faked his blindness. Meanwhile, a frustrated Jia Fengyuan played the flute.
Su Yingxue, drawn by the music, sought him out. Jia Fengyuan, upon learning she was Sun Junhao's wife, kissed her unexpectedly. Su Yingxue slapped him, and when the butler arrived, she quickly covered up the incident. On the day of the Qianhong Banquet at Sun Manor, Sun Yulou excitedly awaited Lin Shaochun's arrival with his Godmother. Shen Qingyao, however, directly escorted Godmother into the garden, though she later showed some interest in Lin Shaochun's appearance.
Xu Fengqiao caught Sun Jingge peeking at the ladies with binoculars and promptly disciplined him. Xu Fengqiao then seized the opportunity to reveal Lin Shaochun's background as a performer to Shen Qingyao, who subsequently advised Godmother against bringing "cats and dogs" to Sun Yulou. During a performance by the storyteller, Liu Wushuang, Xu Fengqiao publicly mocked Lin Shaochun's origins, prompting laughter from the other guests until Sun Yulou intervened in her defense.
Later, in the garden, Sun Yulou enthusiastically praised Lin Shaochun to Shen Qingyao. Lin Shaochun approached to greet Shen Qingyao, who, while appearing pleased with Lin Shaochun's attire (which she favored), initially ignored her. Shen Qingyao and Xu Fengqiao observed Lin Shaochun closely. While Shen Qingyao struggled to find fault with Lin Shaochun, who seemed to excel in everything, Xu Fengqiao insisted Lin Shaochun was merely putting on an act and proposed an embroidery competition to test her.
Lin Shaochun, using skills taught by Liu Sanjue, quickly completed an exquisite piece, astounding the other women and even impressing Shen Qingyao, much to Xu Fengqiao's chagrin. Lin Shaochun then directly confronted Shen Qingyao, openly admitting her feelings for Sun Yulou. She criticized the banquet for valuing social status over genuine merit, and shocked Shen Qingyao by exposing the various misdeeds and questionable characters of the other female attendees. After her bold speech, Lin Shaochun left Sun Manor.
Sun Yulou chased after her, promising to convince his mother. Lin Shaochun, however, remained skeptical and urged him to return. Liu Wushuang warned Sun Yulou that their marriage would face significant challenges. Following the banquet, Xu Fengqiao continued to disparage Lin Shaochun to Shen Qingyao. However, Shen Qingyao, recognizing Lin Shaochun's straightforwardness and formidable nature, instead reprimanded Xu Fengqiao for inviting morally corrupt ladies who could destabilize Sun Manor. Shen Qingyao admitted she wanted another chance to test Lin Shaochun.
Sun Yulou, with his Godmother as matchmaker, brought lavish betrothal gifts to Lin Manor, but Lin Shaochun rejected his proposal. She feared that Shen Qingyao's continued disapproval would jeopardize Sun Yulou's official career, though she reaffirmed her commitment to marry only him. Seeking counsel from Liu Sanjue, Lin Shaochun was advised by Liu Wushuang that wealth was the key to gaining entry into a prestigious family like the Suns. He recalled witnessing Xu Fengqiao engaged in moneylending activities.
Inspired, Lin Shaochun saw a group of homeless girls on the street who wished to avoid becoming courtesans and were lining up for porridge. She devised a plan to earn money, bringing them back to her manor. Sun Yulou visited, and Lin Shaochun excitedly shared her plan, promising him both fame and fortune within days. Lin Shaochun then, with Godmother's help, approached Madam Zhang.
Noticing Madam Zhang's neglected garden and messy pond, Lin Shaochun offered her girls' assistance in cleaning and restoring it. Madam Zhang gladly accepted. After the garden was thoroughly cleaned to Madam Zhang's satisfaction, the girls were allowed to stay.
