Romance on the Farm Episode 21 Recap
> Romance on the Farm Recap
Xiu'er's mother expressed regret that the tight wedding schedule prevented her from preparing more expensive dowry and clothes. However, Xiu'er, eager to marry into a prominent family, asserted that the Liu Mansion lacked nothing and urged her mother to keep the fabrics for herself. Lian Man'er approached her grandparents, Mr. Lian and Grandma, to voice her concerns about Xiu'er's impending marriage, revealing that Liu Fugui, the head of the Liu family, had no son.
Xiu'er became angry, accusing Man'er of meddling and being jealous of her happiness, stating that her Eldest Brother, Uncle Shouren, had personally arranged the match. Despite Man'er and Mr. Lian suggesting they investigate further due to the haste, Xiu'er was resolute, threatening anyone who dared to ruin her marriage to the prestigious Liu family. Uncle Shouren found himself in a difficult position.
Lord Liu, a powerful figure whom even the government respected, had insisted on the marriage, making it clear that refusal could cost Shouren his job, or even his life, as they could not afford to offend the Jinyang Guild. Shouren agonized over the fact that their parents would never agree if they knew Xiu'er was to become a concubine.
He decided to deceive his parents and Xiu'er, hoping that once she was married into the Liu Mansion, she would adapt to the luxurious life and accept her fate. He took some money from his wife, believing it might temper Xiu'er's resentment if the truth were revealed. Meanwhile, Shen Nuo and Thirteen continued their investigation. They followed Boss Cao, a transport handler, and observed Liu Fugui handing over sealed boxes.
Liu Fugui strictly instructed Boss Cao to follow a specific map route and warned him not to open the boxes, implying severe consequences like Song Haikun's fate if he failed. Shen Nuo and Thirteen stealthily inspected the cargo and discovered it was not private salt, as they initially suspected, but Hematite, a mineral strictly prohibited for private mining and transportation by the government.
They deduced that Wu Zhonglian was secretly working for Marquis Ningyuan, who was likely plotting rebellion by illicitly expanding his military. The salt smuggling operation was merely a smokescreen. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Shen Nuo realized they could not risk being caught trespassing on a military garrison, as it would alert their targets. He concluded that finding the mine was paramount, as it would provide the solid evidence needed to expose Marquis Ningyuan's extensive power and ambition.
On Xiu'er's wedding day, her mother, Grandma Zhou Shi, offered final words of caution, advising her to be gentle and virtuous in her new home, though Xiu'er confidently stated she would be Young Master Liu's wife and even bring her parents to live with her. However, only the Wedding attendant arrived for the bridal procession, with no groom in sight. Man'er and Mr. Lian insisted that the groom must be present.
The Wedding attendant explained that Young Master Liu was "unlucky" this year, and his presence might clash with Xiu'er's auspicious fate. To compensate, she presented several boxes of gold, silver, and satin. Man'er vehemently argued that their daughter was not for sale and the groom must come in person. Uncle Shouren, however, reprimanded Man'er for disrespecting her elders and risking the auspicious time, while Mr. Lian and Grandma Zhou Shi were swayed by the valuable gifts.
Xiu'er, after serving tea to her parents, departed with the attendant. Upon arriving at the Liu Mansion, Xiu'er was confused when she was led directly into a bedroom before any wedding rites. Liu Fugui then appeared, revealing that he was her groom and she was to be his concubine. Xiu'er was horrified, violently resisting and threatening to take her own life.
Liu Fugui, dismissively calling her an "ungrateful country girl" for her defiance, ordered her locked in the woodshed to "reflect" until she came to her senses. Later that night, Wu Zhonglian summoned Liu Fugui, who arrived with an injured hand, claiming it was from disciplining his "new concubine" who had a strong temper. Wu Zhonglian informed him that higher-ups demanded an acceleration of shipments. Liu Fugui explained their current route was long because it avoided populated areas.
Wu Zhonglian, however, ordered them to switch to the faster, more populated "east route," unconcerned about being noticed. He intended to buy all the land within twenty li east of Jinyang County, encompassing over a dozen villages, including Shisanli Camp, Zhaihu, and Taoxingsheng. He convened the Jinyang Guild members, seeking someone to undertake the land acquisition. Many hesitated, pointing out the difficulty of displacing villagers who had lived there for generations. Shen Nuo seized the opportunity, volunteering for the task.
He explained that becoming the new dispatcher was his only chance to locate the mine. He acknowledged that the land acquisition would directly impact Miss Lian's home and cause her distress, but expressed his determination to proceed, resolving to handle the consequences as they arose. Three days later, Grandma Zhou Shi anxiously awaited Xiu'er's return visit. Uncle Shouren arrived with expensive medicinal herbs as gifts, claiming Xiu'er was busy with Liu Mansion etiquette and would visit in a few days.
Man'er remained deeply concerned. She accompanied a servant from "One Fresh Move Diner" to deliver vegetables to Jinyang Guild bosses, including Liu Fugui. At the Liu Mansion, Man'er feigned interest, asking a staff member about a "wedding" and some "wedding candy." The staff member casually revealed that it wasn't a formal wedding, but simply Lord Liu taking another "new concubine."
He described her as an "ungrateful country girl" who had caused a ruckus on her first night and was subsequently locked in the woodshed to "reflect," refusing all food and drink. Man'er immediately realized the "new concubine" was Xiu'er. Back home, Man'er confided in Lian Ye'er, revealing that Uncle Shouren had tricked Xiu'er into becoming Liu Fugui's concubine, and she was now imprisoned.
Man'er stressed that they absolutely could not tell Grandma Zhou Shi, fearing she would confront the Liu Mansion, escalating the situation and potentially endangering Xiu'er further. Meanwhile, in the woodshed, Xiu'er tearfully longed to go home, but Liu Fugui mocked her, informing her that her home would soon be gone due to land acquisition. A "Land Acquisition Announcement" was then posted, causing an uproar in Shisanli Camp.
Villagers were divided; some wanted to sell their land for money to move to town, while others, like Mr. Lian, adamantly refused, seeing it as losing their ancestral "roots" and becoming "homeless." Mr. Lian steadfastly opposed selling their land, asserting that their family had lived off it for generations, finding peace and stability. Lian Shouyi and his wife, however, eagerly supported selling, envisioning buying a house in town and reuniting their family. Lian Shouxin backed his father's decision, also sharing information he had gathered: the Jinyang Guild was employing forceful tactics to compel people in other nearby villages to sell their land.
