This Thriving Land Episode 13 Recap
> This Thriving Land Recap
After finally consummating their marriage, Feng Dajiao was surprised to discover that Ning Xiuxiu was still a virgin. Ning Xiuxiu then confessed that she had deliberately spread rumors of being defiled by bandits. She revealed she did this as an act of defiance against her father, Ning Xuexiang, who had abandoned her to the bandits, hoping to make him feel remorse.
She added that a kind man named Guo had risked his life to help her escape, and she had kept his involvement a secret to protect him from the bandits' wrath. Feng Dajiao was deeply moved by her suffering and promised to shield her from all harm and to find a way to thank Guo for his brave act. The next morning, on the second day of the second lunar month, the traditional "circling the granary" ritual began.
Feng Dajiao's mother woke the couple, insisting that Feng Dajiao, now a married man, should lead the household's ritual. Feng Dajiao, seeing an opportunity, tried to bargain with Feng Er, stating he would only stay home and farm if Tietou's land was returned. Feng Er, without outright refusing, deflected the demand, insisting they focus on the ritual for now. Ning Xiuxiu led the incantation for a bountiful harvest, joined by Feng Dajiao and his mother.
Around Ox Temple Village, other families also performed the ritual. Fei Zuoshi and Ning Susu completed theirs, while at Glutton Fei's house, his wife suffered a severe coughing fit, spitting blood. At Ning Xuexiang's home, his servant, Kuangzi, made light of the massive granary Ning Xuexiang had drawn, earning a sharp rebuke and threats from his master. Shortly after, Ning Kejin arrived, bringing a roasted duck from town to share with his father.
Over their meal, Ning Kejin attempted to persuade Ning Xuexiang to support the farmers' association's initiatives, such as rent and interest reductions. Ning Xuexiang, however, was vehemently opposed, warning his son to be cautious in the volatile political climate. Ning Kejin then broached the subject of acquiring 20 modern pistols for his men, asking his father for 200 silver dollars. Ning Xuexiang flatly refused, unwilling to part with valuable land for such a cause.
Frustrated, Ning Kejin abruptly left with the duck. Meanwhile, Fei Zuoshi continued her strict regimen for Ning Susu, aiming to ensure she would conceive a male heir. Ning Susu, constantly hungry, was caught by Fei Zuoshi trying to secretly eat white steamed buns with pork belly. Fei Zuoshi scolded her about her growing appetite and forced her to drink a bitter herbal concoction. Soon after, Ning Susu began to feel dizzy and nauseous.
Feng Dajiao, recovering from his injuries, felt his bond with Ning Xiuxiu growing stronger. He confronted Feng Er again about Tietou's land. Despite Feng Er's stubborn refusal, citing the hard work he'd put into the land, Feng Dajiao declared he would leave for the county with Ning Xiuxiu to join the revolutionary movement if the land was not returned. Faced with the ultimatum, Feng Er reluctantly handed over the land deed (for his lease).
Tietou's mother, upon Fei Zuoshi returning her family's land, was overcome with emotion and apologized profusely to Feng Dajiao's family and Ning Xiuxiu for her past harsh words. Feng Dajiao, in turn, promised to help her family with their spring planting and urged her to send for Tietou immediately. Later, Fei Wendian unexpectedly arrived home, prompted by Ning Xiuxiu's letter. Fei Zuoshi hosted a lavish dinner for him, though Ning Susu was still restricted to a bland diet.
Fei Wendian questioned Ning Susu about her sister's letter, but Susu redirected him to Fei Zuoshi. When Fei Wendian expressed a desire to visit Ning Xiuxiu, Fei Zuoshi forbade him, prioritizing his union with Ning Susu for the purpose of procreation. As the conversation continued, Ning Susu suddenly vomited. She then revealed she had missed her period for two months, confirming Fei Zuoshi's overjoyed suspicion that she was pregnant. Fei Zuoshi immediately sent for Doctor Huo.
Simultaneously, Hu San and his men raided Pan Xiaogui's home, with the help of Feng Si who betrayed Pan Xiaogui. Pan Xiaogui was captured, but Tietou managed to escape. Doctor Huo examined Ning Susu and confirmed she was indeed pregnant. Overjoyed, Fei Zuoshi sent Qing to deliver the good news to the Ning household and Ning Xiuxiu. Upon hearing the news, Feng Dajiao's mother eagerly pressed Ning Xiuxiu about having her own child, making Ning Xiuxiu blush.
Ning Xiuxiu then visited Ning Susu, bringing her eggs and advising her to rest and take care of herself, emphasizing her new role. Fei Zuoshi expressed immense gratitude to Ning Xiuxiu for her letter, which had brought Fei Wendian home. However, Fei Wendian himself was far from happy, as he had returned with the intention of ending his engagement with Ning Susu.
As Ning Xiuxiu prepared to leave the Fei residence, Fei Zuoshi instructed Fei Wendian to escort her out, quickly retreating to attend to Ning Susu. Outside, Ning Xiuxiu congratulated Fei Wendian on his impending fatherhood and urged him to treat Ning Susu kindly, suggesting he remain in the village for a while. She confided that Ning Susu had been quite miserable during his absence and had even considered leaving the Fei family.
Fei Wendian stood speechless as Ning Xiuxiu departed, promising to visit Susu again soon. Meanwhile, a crisis unfolded at Ning Xuewu's home. His son, Kebi, had gotten into a violent fight after his pet quail lost a match, severely breaking his opponent's leg. The injured party demanded 500 silver dollars in compensation and threatened legal action, demanding Kebi's imprisonment. Desperate, Ning Xuewu sought help from Ning Kejin, who advised him to prepare the large sum of money.
With no other choice, Ning Xuewu prepared to sell his family land to save his son from jail. Feng Er, hearing of Ning Xuewu's predicament, saw an opportunity to expand his landholdings. He arrived at Ning Xuewu's home, ostensibly to offer help, carrying 40 silver dollars. Ning Xuexiang also arrived, providing monetary support to his brother. Ning Xiuxiu and Feng Dajiao came to offer their assistance.
Ning Xiuxiu expressed deep admiration for Ning Xuewu's willingness to sacrifice his land for his son, starkly contrasting it with her own father's past abandonment. Ning Xuewu, still burdened by his past failure to protect Ning Xiuxiu, appreciated their support. Ning Kejin, exhausted from running errands to gather potential land buyers, instructed Feng Dajiao to stay and oversee the situation while he went home for a meal.
Feng Dajiao, understanding that Feng Er was primarily interested in acquiring good land, suggested to Ning Xiuxiu that they visit Ning Susu. Ning Xiuxiu agreed, stating she had something to discuss with him on the way.
