The Lady in Butcher's House Episode 31 Recap
> The Lady in Butcher's House Recap
Xu Qingjia understood Hu Jiao’s worries and longed to convey his true feelings. Under the moonlight, he confessed his deep affection, telling her that her genuine character and actions had made him realize her understanding and love for him, which surpassed countless joys in the world, making him willing to devote himself to her. He acknowledged that she hadn't studied the Four Books and Five Classics and often made mistakes when quoting classics, but he didn't mind.
He knew she understood right from wrong, and her actions for the people were far more valuable than those who merely spoke of moral principles. Her unique value as Hu Jiao was enough for him. Overwhelmed by his words, Hu Jiao shed tears, finally resolving her inner conflict, though she admitted she had previously thought he already knew her feelings. Feeling idle at home, Hu Jiao decided to pursue business again.
She presented Yu Niang with a handcrafted Jade Leaf Gold Pendant, proposing to use it as a selling point for Jade House. She explained that those who purchased the ten liang of silver pendant would become distinguished guests, enjoying free tea and wine, half-price food, and access to windward stream parties for thirty days. Hu Jiao considered this a trial run, intending to launch a more expensive, year-long upgraded version if it proved successful.
Meanwhile, in Prince Ning's Manor, Princess Consort Ning was convinced that Ning Wang harbored feelings for Hu Jiao, suspecting an illicit affair between them. She urged her sister, Jia Jifang, to intervene. Jia Jifang, however, had previously observed Hu Jiao and Yu Niang at Jade House and believed them to be respectable businesswomen, not the unscrupulous characters her sister imagined.
The Princess Consort dismissed Jia Jifang's observations, pointing to Ning Wang's frequent mention of Hu Jiao and his suggestions to take young Xiaobei to "Sister Jiao" as proof of their involvement. Xiaobei, overhearing the entire conversation, was startled and tried to run to warn Hu Jiao but was intercepted by the Princess Consort's guards. Following her sister’s instructions, Jia Jifang brought her followers to Jade House.
They purchased all the Jade Leaf Gold Pendants to monopolize the benefits, yet her subordinates found themselves praising the unique regional snacks like Yunlai plum juice, Shangyong braised stir-fried meat, and Xiangzhou yam cake. In the days that followed, Jia Jifang's men consistently caused disturbances at Jade House, taking up seats, drinking loudly, and disturbing other patrons. Jia Jifang then approached Hu Jiao and Yu Niang, demanding they sell Jade House and leave the capital permanently, swearing never to return.
Just as Jia Jifang issued her demands, Cui Wulang arrived with imperial guards. Noticing Jia Jifang, he commented on her notorious reputation as a domineering figure in the capital who associated with idlers, but upon seeing her in person, he found her to be merely a "little, round girl." Cui Wulang led the officers and soldiers upstairs to expel them. Faced with Cui Wulang's authority, Jia Jifang's men quickly apologized and left.
After the situation was resolved, Cui Wulang revealed to Hu Jiao that Xiaobei had informed him about the trouble. Observing Jia Jifang staring longingly as Cui Wulang departed, Yu Niang deduced that Jia Jifang had developed a crush on him. Jia Jifang's demeanor indeed shifted dramatically; she ingratiatingly approached Hu Jiao, eager to inquire about Cui Wulang’s name, residence, official position, and marital status.
From then on, Jia Jifang frequently visited Jade House, pleading with Hu Jiao to help her connect with Cui Wulang. Hu Jiao found it puzzling that a prime minister's daughter would be attracted to a "rough man" like Cui Wulang, questioning her taste. However, Jia Jifang explained that she disdained the delicate noblemen in the capital, finding them weak and powerless. She preferred strong, unrestrained men like Cui Wulang.
Hu Jiao also seized the opportunity to address the misunderstandings between Jia Jifang and Princess Consort Ning, offering to mediate. Jia Jifang, admitting her own flaw of being too straightforward and trusting, confessed that her older sister had called Hu Jiao a "vixen" who seduced her brother-in-law and Xiaobei. Jia Jifang now believed it was a misunderstanding and hoped to clear things up, suggesting that her prior impression of Hu Jiao might have been influenced by past events.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jia, worried about his daughter's unruly behavior and her lack of decorum for a young lady from a prestigious family, reprimanded Jia Jifang. He tried to make her understand the current situation in the capital. Recognizing Jia Jifang's misjudgment and reckless actions, he confined her to her room for a month to reflect on her mistakes. At the same time, Grand Preceptor Fu continued to monitor Xu Qingjia.
His subordinate reported that Xu Qingjia, after leaving Shangyong, had taken up a post in Xiangzhou, and during this time, Gao Zheng had accompanied him all the way. Grand Preceptor Fu suspected that Gao Zheng was protecting Xu Qingjia, allowing him to survive and advance in officialdom. Upon learning of Xu Qingjia's connection to Jade House, Grand Preceptor Fu ordered an immediate investigation into the establishment.
