My Sassy Princess Episode 17 Recap
> My Sassy Princess Recap
Though Liu Ling had returned to Jiangzhou, her heart remained with Shen Yan. She constantly thought of him, envisioning his presence whether she was listening to stories or simply walking. Meanwhile, in Yejing, Shen Yan was haunted by memories of Liu Ling, and despite his dedication to his duties, he yearned for her deeply in the quiet of the night. Shen Yan appeared withdrawn, even refusing a freshly roasted lamb leg by stating he was a vegetarian.
For seven days, letters from Xu Shijin piled up unopened. Finally, his brother, Shen Yu, arrived with two jars of wine to get him to open up. Observing Shen Yan's sorrow, Shen Yu urged him to take a step forward rather than retreat or do nothing. He reminded Shen Yan that while a lute string may break, love is not so easily severed, and it was not too late to act on his feelings.
That night, a tipsy Shen Yan entered Liu Ling's former room, which remained unchanged, deepening his longing. He imagined holding her, wishing they could remain in that dream forever. Later, Shen Yan secretly entered the Eastern Palace to meet Xu Shijin, agreeing to her previously proposed conditions.
The next morning, Crown Prince Liu Wang issued a decree appointing Shen Yan as the Commander of the Jin Lin Guard and, more significantly, as the wedding envoy for Princess Anhe, who was to marry into Yigu. Liu Wang stressed that Shen Yan would be his "eyes" on the journey, instructing him to meticulously report everything he saw and heard. Back in Prince Guangping's Mansion, Liu Ling was treated harshly by the staff.
However, a kind kitchen servant named Nanny Wang had her son, Little Run, secretly bring Liu Ling fresh pastries. Little Run explained that his mother considered Liu Ling a good person who was being mistreated and wanted her to enjoy a taste of home before marrying so far away. Touched, Liu Ling took the boy, who had never properly seen a market, to the bustling city streets.
To keep him safe, she asked Ling Bi to watch him closely while she browsed. At a jewelry stall, Liu Ling picked up a jade bracelet and, in a daydream, told an imagined Shen Yan that if he bought it for her, she would elope with him. Just then, the real Shen Yan’s voice came from behind her, startling her.
After cautiously poking his face to confirm he was real, Liu Ling playfully snatched the bracelet and ran, assuming he would pay. However, Shen Yan had no money on him and was promptly arrested. Soon after, Liu Ling was also apprehended and brought to the same jail cell. In the jail, Shen Yan confessed he had come for her. He clarified that he wasn't there for a simple elopement but to marry her, assuring her he had a plan.
Touched, Liu Ling asked if he loved her. Shen Yan admitted he didn't understand love but knew she was the only person who constantly preoccupied his thoughts and rendered him helpless. He declared his wish to marry her, willing to give up everything for a life with her. Liu Ling playfully noted that the "Stern-faced Yama" was surprisingly good with words of love. Soon after, Ling Bi arrived with guards and secured their release.
Once free, Liu Ling told Shen Yan her heart was already his and she would follow him anywhere, but next time, he must explicitly say he loves her. Ignoring the onlookers, they embraced passionately. Shen Yan accompanied Liu Ling back to Prince Guangping's Mansion and immediately took control. He informed Prince Guangping that he was now responsible for all of Princess Anhe's affairs.
When the Prince scoffed, Shen Yan subtly threatened him by alluding to the secrets of the Jiangzhou treasury case and the death of the former Princess, Zhang Yun. He questioned how a five-year-old Liu Ling could have driven her mother to death or a seven-year-old could have stabbed her father, implying the Prince had made Liu Ling a scapegoat to hide his own culpability.
Admitting he lacked "concrete evidence," Shen Yan warned he would unearth every secret if the Prince did not comply. Defeated, Prince Guangping conceded. Though Liu Ling was eager to leave immediately, Shen Yan insisted that for the sake of ritual, she must depart from the mansion on the official wedding day. On the day of the wedding procession, Princess Wuyou, Qin Ning, intercepted the party.
She explained she came as a friend and at the request of Changming to see Liu Ling off. Qin Ning then relayed a message from Shen Yan: Liu Ling was to intentionally delay the journey as much as possible. When she refused to reveal the full plan, Liu Ling grew jealous. Following the instruction, Liu Ling soon feigned fatigue from the "bumpy" ride and demanded they stop to rest.
Tuoba Lie, the Yigu prince, though eager to proceed, reluctantly agreed to his future wife's "small requests." He later picked wildflowers for her, which she accepted with a smile, secretly trying to make Shen Yan jealous. Her playful interactions with Tuoba Lie did not go unnoticed, and Shen Yan looked visibly displeased. Meanwhile, one of Tuoba Lie's subordinates, General Mu, openly voiced his contempt for the Wei people and, incited by others, set fire to the princess's silk dowry.
Tuoba Lie was furious and rushed to handle the situation. Seizing the moment, Shen Yan confronted Liu Ling, reminding her of her promise to trust him completely. He then asked if her prying questions were born of simple curiosity or "unwarranted jealousy."
