Treasures Around Episode 14 Recap
> Treasures Around Recap
Shan Shuangshuang examined numerous diagrams within the library, finding their techniques strikingly similar in precision to those used on the Phoenix Crown from years past. She found it puzzling that Precious Pei Pavilion, possessing such excellent aesthetics, had been suppressed by Su Jade Pavilion for so long. As she contemplated, Pei Pei and A'Liu arrived. Shan Shuangshuang greeted Pei Pei respectfully. A'Liu quickly interjected, taking full responsibility for bringing Shan Shuangshuang there, urging Pei Pei to blame him alone.
Shan Dandan also arrived and apologized upon seeing Pei Pei's apparent displeasure. Pei Pei, however, was stern, asking A'Liu why he had taken the key to the library and allowed an outsider into the area, implying he had spoiled them both. Shan Dandan was taken aback by his strong reaction to her sister being there. Later, Shan Dandan confided in Shan Shuangshuang, sharing that she and Pei Pei were now together privately.
Although Shan Shuangshuang was focused on investigating the Phoenix Crown matter, she expressed her happiness for her sister while also cautioning her to be careful and not get too deeply involved, asking if she truly knew Pei Pei. Shan Dandan reassured her sister to trust her judgment, believing Pei Pei, despite his carefree exterior, was responsible.
Meanwhile, Pei Pei, having overheard their conversation with A'Liu, admitted he might have been a little harsh earlier and decided he should apologize to Shan Dandan. Pei Pei received an anonymous letter inviting him to Full Bloom House. The letter claimed knowledge of the forgery accusation against him in the Jade Competition and offered to help him clear his name, stating a meeting was necessary if he wanted to overturn the situation.
Pei Pei went to Full Bloom House as directed and was met by Cui Liu. She expressed remorse for her past foolish actions, attributing them to jealousy of Shan Dandan always being by his side, and begged for his forgiveness before claiming she would leave for her hometown the next day. As a final gesture, she served him a drink.
Pei Pei accepted the drink, intending to leave afterward, but he collapsed, realizing too late that Cui Liu had poisoned him. Cui Liu then revealed a sinister smile. The next morning, Shan Dandan brought breakfast to Pei Pei's room only to find him missing. A'Liu informed her that Pei Pei had received a letter the previous night and rushed out, not having returned since.
Upon learning he had gone to Full Bloom House, Shan Dandan suspected something was wrong and hurried there. She found Cui Liu in a room loudly accusing an unconscious Pei Pei of ruining her reputation. Shan Dandan tried to wake Pei Pei. Just then, officers arrived and took the still-unconscious Pei Pei into custody. Shan Dandan was furious with Pei Pei for being so foolish and easily tricked by Cui Liu's scheme.
It was revealed that Su Jue had orchestrated the entire setup, approaching Cui Liu after her previous dismissal and exploiting her resentment towards Pei Pei and Shan Dandan. Su Jue offered her wealth, prosperity, and help if she cooperated, implying he had facilitated her earlier release from a difficult situation. He framed the proposition as an opportunity for her to get revenge and avoid ending up on the streets, and Cui Liu agreed to his plan.
Back at Pei Residence, A'Liu was distraught and wanted to break Pei Pei out of prison, but Shan Shuangshuang wisely stopped him, explaining that such an action would be a serious crime and only further jeopardize Pei Pei, even if he was innocent. She urged them to find a different solution. Shan Dandan comforted Old Madam, assuring her that she believed in Pei Pei's innocence.
She argued that if he had harbored ill intentions towards Cui Liu, he would not have waited, thus confirming he was framed. Shan Dandan vowed to find a way to rescue him. Old Madam was touched by Shan Dandan's belief and promised to use all of Precious Pei Pavilion's resources and funds to secure Pei Pei's release, while also cautioning Shan Dandan to be careful.
Shan Dandan visited Pei Pei in the city prison and was heartbroken to see him severely injured and weak. He told her the guards had beaten him to force a confession and signature. Shan Dandan cried, telling him she knew he had fallen into Cui Liu's trap and promising to find a way to prove his innocence. She reported Pei Pei's condition to Shan Shuangshuang and A'Liu, emphasizing the urgent need to find evidence.
Shan Dandan had already investigated the wine Cui Liu offered, but tests showed nothing wrong. Madam Yang, who worked at Full Bloom House, confirmed only Pei Pei and Cui Liu were in the room. Shan Dandan was left with many questions, confused why Cui Liu would act this way if Pei Pei had harmed her, who had instructed her, and who had reported the incident to the authorities.
Shan Shuangshuang, thinking about the critical Phoenix Crown investigation, stressed that Pei Pei could not remain imprisoned as it would sever the clues they needed. The City Lord was aware of Pei Pei's case and Cui Liu's accusations, finding the situation suspicious given Pei Pei's usual character. He believed Pei Pei must have been led into a trap.
Seeing Su Family's increasing aggression, the City Lord decided to use Pei Pei's case to confront Su Jue and set an example against those who make false accusations, especially considering Precious Pei Pavilion's previous contributions. Shan Shuangshuang conducted her own investigation, visiting Cui Liu's former room and speaking with Hong Yu, a maid.
She learned that Cui Liu had no close relationships and, despite admiring Pei Pei for a long time, was a traditional person at heart who would not engage in inappropriate interactions.
Based on this information and likely other evidence suggesting a setup orchestrated by Su Jue, Shan Shuangshuang instructed A'Liu to find the City Lord, report the case developments, and request a re-examination, also urging him to keep a close watch on Cui Liu to ensure she was not harmed before being summoned. At the Hall of Proclamation, the City Lord convened a re-examination of Pei Pei's case.
Pei Pei testified, recounting receiving the anonymous letter, going to Full Bloom House, meeting Cui Liu, her apology, drinking the spiked tea, and losing consciousness afterward. Cui Liu interrupted his testimony, vehemently accusing him of vile acts. Shan Dandan challenged Cui Liu to describe exactly what Pei Pei had done.
When Cui Liu hesitated, Shan Dandan requested permission to bring in Jade Cloud City's renowned midwife, stating she could verify if a woman was still a virgin and suggesting a physical examination to determine the extent of Cui Liu's supposed harm. Cui Liu panicked and quickly admitted that Pei Pei had only kissed and touched her.
Shan Dandan then directly accused Cui Liu of her and Su Jue's deceitful plan, warning her that Su Jue was already in trouble and she would not be safe relying on the Su Family. Worried about implicating Su Jue further, Cui Liu confessed that she had fabricated the accusations against Pei Pei, claiming she did it out of spite.
The City Lord was outraged by her lack of repentance, given his prior leniency in the fragrance case, and ordered the guards to take her away immediately. Pei Pei was subsequently acquitted and released. He expressed his deepest gratitude to Shan Dandan for saving him. He also apologized for his harsh words during their previous encounter in the library.
Shan Dandan admitted she was initially furious at his foolishness for falling into Cui Liu's trap again, but her anger quickly subsided as her only focus became getting him out because she realized she couldn't lose him. Pei Pei confessed that while in prison, he was most terrified not of punishment or death, but of the possibility of never seeing her again.
They shared a tender moment, promising to see each other every day going forward, and confessed their love for one another. Shortly after Pei Pei's return, Su Jue arrived at the residence, claiming to check on Pei Pei's injuries. Pei Pei saw through his facade, accusing him of meddling in the case and even arranging for Cui Liu. Su Jue denied responsibility, dismissing it as merely giving her a ride.
Pei Pei, angered by Su Jue's hypocrisy and past actions, told him to leave, stating that asking about Shan Shuangshuang was none of his business. Undeterred, Su Jue escalated his efforts against Precious Pei Pavilion, aiming to force Shan Shuangshuang's return to Su Jade Pavilion. He systematically purchased all available raw jade stones from suppliers in the surrounding area, effectively cutting off Precious Pei Pavilion's supply source.
He then drastically lowered the prices of finished goods at Su Jade Pavilion, a strategy he discussed with his mother as a 'fight to the death' to cripple Precious Pei Pavilion financially and leave them no footing, ensuring Shan Shuangshuang would have no choice but to return to them. Shopkeeper Hao reported Su Jade Pavilion's aggressive tactics to Old Madam and Pei Pei, including the price war and the raw stone monopoly.
They realized that Pei Pei's imprisonment had been a calculated diversion tactic. Shopkeeper Hao explained the dire situation: while they had sold some goods at reduced prices, they couldn't sustain a price war against Su Jade Pavilion's wealth, and without raw materials, their supply would soon run out. The lack of materials made further operation impossible, and many artisans were already leaving Precious Pei Pavilion to find work elsewhere.
Shan Dandan searched tirelessly for alternative raw stone suppliers but found none available, as Su Jade Pavilion had cornered the market. Facing the imminent collapse of the business, they were forced to consider their next steps.
