Song of Youth Episode 14 Recap
> Song of Youth Recap
Sun Yulou arrives in a disaster-stricken area, discovering severe flooding and shoddy dikes built two years prior with insufficient materials. He confronts Official Chen, who blames his subordinate, Qiu Chan, stating Qiu Chan committed fraud, embezzled public funds, and either fled or committed suicide. Sun Yulou realizes he must reinforce the dikes quickly, but the imperial relief funds are inadequate, primarily allocated to victims. Local merchants refuse to donate more than 5,000 taels, feigning poverty.
Sun Yulou suspects Liang Jingguan recommended him to oversee the project, hoping he would fail or be executed in case of riots. Sun Xun learns of Sun Yulou's dangerous situation and appeals to his family for financial aid, emphasizing that money is the best solution. Sun Shijie offers his entire salary. Su Yingxue and Aunt Mei contribute their savings.
Xu Fengqiao offers to sell her jewelry, though she initially hides her true financial standing and privately considers wanting to split the family. Shen Qingyao expresses gratitude and urges Sun Shijie to reconcile with Wu Yuehong due to her influence. Meanwhile, Xu Fengqiao learns of a vacant official position under Sun Xun. She encourages her husband, Sun Jingge, to pursue it, hoping to gain independence for their household.
Sun Xun, burdened by Liang Jingguan's opposition and the need to supervise Jia Fengyuan, seeks a loyal and capable assistant. Overhearing a conversation between Sun Xun and Shen Qingyao, Xu Fengqiao recommends Sun Jingge. Despite Sun Xun's skepticism, Shen Qingyao supports the idea, and Sun Xun reluctantly agrees to test him. Sun Jingge pretends to study but secretly reads "Romance of the Western Chamber."
When Sun Xun tests him on "Liyun Datong Pian," Sun Jingge recites from "Romance of the Western Chamber," infuriating Sun Xun, who beats and expels him. Xu Fengqiao, enraged, beats Sun Jingge herself, who retaliates, causing her nose to bleed. Sun Jingge flees the residence and is enticed into gambling, losing 3,700 taels. The gambling house manager sends men to collect the debt from Xu Fengqiao, who, furious but cornered, promises to pay in three days.
Suspecting fraud, she reports the gambling house to Official Du. Official Du's search yields no evidence of foul play. Facing threats from the manager to report to the Emperor, Official Du explains that Xu Fengqiao, as Sun Jingge's wife, filed the complaint, and advises the manager to settle with her. Shen Qingyao scolds Xu Fengqiao for her reckless actions, fearing damage to Sun Xun's reputation, and resolves to borrow money from her friends to cover the debt.
At a temple, Shen Qingyao encounters Lin Shaochun, who has become a wealthy and respected figure in the capital through her own efforts and charity. Learning Lin Shaochun is praying for Sun Yulou, Shen Qingyao informs her of Sun Yulou's predicament and Xu Fengqiao's gambling debt. Lin Shaochun agrees to help. The next day, a group arranged by Lin Shaochun disrupts the gambling house, causing significant losses.
The manager, desperate, returns Sun Jingge's IOU to Shen Qingyao, rescinding the debt, much to Xu Fengqiao's delight. Shen Qingyao thanks Lin Shaochun, who offers all her wealth to help Sun Yulou without seeking any personal gain, refusing to leverage the situation for her marriage. Moved by Lin Shaochun's integrity, Shen Qingyao promises to persuade Sun Xun to accept Lin Shaochun as Sun Yulou's wife. However, Sun Xun refuses both Lin Shaochun's financial aid and her entry into the family.
Meanwhile, news arrives that disaster victims are besieging Sun Yulou. He promises them food within a day to disperse the crowd. He then summons local merchants, who all feign poverty and sign statements confirming their lack of resources. Sun Yulou subsequently stages a "robber invasion" and sends Huan Lang and constables to search the merchants' homes, seizing their hidden food and money. When merchants protest, Huan Lang presents their signed statements, claiming the seized goods are stolen property.
Sun Yulou distributes the food and uses the funds to resettle the victims, successfully resolving the crisis. The Emperor praises Sun Yulou's competence and orders his return to the capital. During court, Sun Xun publicly thanks Liang Jingguan for recommending Sun Yulou. However, Jia Fengyuan impeaches Liang Jingguan, exposing his false disaster reporting, which nearly led to catastrophe for Sun Yulou. Liang Jingguan attempts to deflect blame onto his subordinates.
After court, Jia Fengyuan apologizes to Liang Jingguan, explaining his impeachment was a tactic to avoid Sun Xun's suspicion. Jia Fengyuan reveals his deep-seated hatred for Sun Xun, whose schemes led to his father's suicide. Liang Jingguan and Jia Fengyuan agree to conspire to bring down Sun Xun, planning to use escaped prisoners or desperadoes to destroy the Sun family.
