Song of Youth Episode 4 Recap
> Song of Youth Recap
Magistrates confiscate the magic performance props, leaving Lin Shaochun frantically searching for Sun Yulou, unaware that Huanlang orchestrated his "disappearance" to fulfill her wish. Seeing her distress, Sun Yulou emerges, prompting Lin Shaochun to feign fainting, which he sees through. She declares that they are now even, but Sun Yulou, deeply in love, refuses to give up. Lin Shaochun, unwilling to implicate him, tries to push him away, but he remains steadfast.
Yao Dizhu informs Xu Fengqiao that Sun Yulou is deeply in love with Lin Shaochun. Xu Fengqiao, disapproving of Lin Shaochun being an actress, vows to break them up. Yao Dizhu advises against this, urging Xu Fengqiao not to meddle or tell Shen Shi. Sun Yulou continues to openly visit Lin Shaochun at the troupe. Xu Fengqiao enlists Sun Jingge to investigate, who then comes to the troupe and makes inappropriate remarks about Lin Shaochun, much to Sun Yulou's irritation.
Sun Jingge is impressed by Lin Shaochun's beauty and talent himself. Backstage, a man, orchestrated by Sun Jingge, appears, claiming to be Lin Shaochun's lover and accusing her of planning to scam Sun Yulou. Lin Shaochun recognizes this as a malicious setup and insists on taking the man to the authorities. The man tries to physically assault her, but Sun Yulou intervenes, ordering Huanlang to seize him.
Sun Yulou publicly discredits the man by pointing out he's wearing rose powder, to which Lin Shaochun is allergic, something Sun Jingge immediately tries to cover up by dismissing the man. Lin Shaochun thanks Sun Yulou for his help and promises to prove her innocence, hinting at having a "chastity mark" to prove her purity. Sun Jingge later recognizes Lin Shaochun as the performer who previously played pipa at their mansion, claiming to be Yu Niangzi's apprentice.
Sun Jingge pays off the man. Xu Fengqiao chastises Sun Jingge for his incompetence, but he assures her he has another scheme. Sun Jingge then deliberately informs Yu Niangzi about Lin Shaochun's whereabouts and identity as the performer who impersonated her apprentice at the Sun mansion. Initially, Yu Niangzi had claimed her apprentice was dead, but learning of Lin Shaochun's deception, she becomes enraged and vows revenge. Xu Fengqiao is keen to see the ensuing conflict.
Yu Niangzi confronts Lin Shaochun at the troupe, demanding 100 taels and for her to leave the capital, threatening to expose her. Lin Shaochun apologizes for the impersonation but refuses to comply, choosing to go on stage to perform, infuriating Yu Niangzi. Unexpectedly, the authorities announce they have accepted a case against Lin Shaochun, much to Yu Niangzi's surprise, as she had not filed a complaint herself. Magistrates arrive to arrest Lin Shaochun.
Sun Yulou assures her he will save her. He then instructs Huanlang to spread rumors about Yu Niangzi's declining skills, pressuring Yu Niangzi to cooperate. At the trial, presided over by Sun Yulou's friend, Magistrate Du, Yu Niangzi, influenced by Sun Yulou's efforts, unexpectedly claims Lin Shaochun as her apprentice, despite having previously denied it and denying filing the complaint herself. Magistrate Du, recognizing the complexity, orders a public musical competition between them. Yu Niangzi performs beautifully.
Lin Shaochun, out of respect and to mend their relationship, intentionally plays a simpler piece, allowing Yu Niangzi to appear superior. Impressed by their performances and Lin Shaochun's gesture, Magistrate Du declares Yu Niangzi the winner. Realizing Lin Shaochun's intentions, Yu Niangzi invites her home. Lin Shaochun seizes the opportunity to formally apprentice under Yu Niangzi, who accepts. Yu Niangzi warns Lin Shaochun that powerful figures, specifically "noble young masters," are behind the troubles, including the false complaint.
Sun Yulou proposes to Lin Shaochun, asking her to become the fourth mistress of his household. Lin Shaochun doesn't formally accept due to other commitments but is deeply touched and inwardly accepts his feelings, while Sun Yulou pledges to wait for her. Xu Fengqiao, despite Yao Dizhu's repeated advice against interfering, continues to devise schemes to separate Lin Shaochun and Sun Yulou, but Sun Yulou consistently thwarts her efforts. Sun Yulou demonstrates his devotion by sending Lin Shaochun chicken soup and gifts to her troupe members, who express envy. Lin Shaochun accepts an invitation for a private performance.
