Episode Summary
In this episode, Jiang Xu suspects Cheng'en Hou is merely a pawn and, influenced by Ming Tan, asks the Emperor to spare the innocent Gu family. Ming Tan deftly handles Feng Zhao's provocations at court, with Jiang Xu stepping in to defend her. Cheng'en Hou is poisoned while revealing a secret to his daughter, Jiu Rou, who then becomes a suspect. Jiang Xu shows unexpected care for Ming Tan when she feels unwell. During their visit to Ming Tan's family, Ming Tan jokingly tells Bai Minmin that Jiang Xu has "performance issues," which he overhears. Jiu Rou disappears after being released from the Dali Temple, having been manipulated by the true villain. Ming Tan and Bai Minmin try to find her, leading them to a confrontation where Jiang Xu saves Jiu Rou from assassins, one of whom Ming Tan recognizes as her previous kidnapper.
Spoiler Alert
"Youthful Glory" Episode 10: Schemes, Suspicions, and a Surprise Savior
The episode kicks off with Jiang Xu making it clear that Cheng'en Hou is just a pawn in a much larger game. He's betting that even the craftiest schemer will eventually slip up. In a surprisingly soft moment, prompted by his wife Ming Tan, Jiang Xu actually speaks up for the Gu family, hoping the innocent won't get dragged down with Cheng'en Hou. The Emperor, ever the observer, cheekily suggests Jiang Xu and Ming Tan's marriage seems less like a royal command and more like a genuine love match. Jiang Xu, probably remembering Ming Tan trying to feed him (the horror!), quickly ducks out of an imperial dinner invitation.
Meanwhile, Ming Tan is holding her own at a royal gathering with the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Feng Zhao, clearly not a fan, tries to trip Ming Tan up (literally and figuratively). But Ming Tan, quick-witted as ever, verbally shuts her down. Feng Zhao snipes that Ming Tan married a pariah, Dingbei Wang (that's our Jiang Xu), who supposedly cares more for his army than for her. Right on cue, Jiang Xu strolls in. Feng Zhao then actually trips Ming Tan, but Jiang Xu swoops in for a classic hero catch, carries Ming Tan off, and throws a "you better watch yourself" glare at Feng Zhao. Smooth.
Later, Ming Tan accompanies Jiu Rou to the military camp to see Cheng'en Hou. Being the Dingbei Wangfei and an outsider, Ming Tan can only go as far as the entrance. Jiu Rou brings her father some food, and he whispers some urgent, top-secret info to her, stressing its importance. Jiu Rou is pretty miffed, realizing he only summoned her for this secret mission and hasn't given a thought to her and her mother's future. Before she can really let him have it, Cheng'en Hou dramatically keels over – poisoned!
With Jiu Rou as the only one present, things look dicey. Jiang Xu, ever the detective, needs to question her. Jiu Rou is understandably a wreck. Ming Tan, keeping a cooler head, suggests the investigation should start at the Gu family residence. Jiu Rou has to be taken to the Dali Temple (think ancient China's version of a high court/police station). Ming Tan pulls Jiang Xu aside, asking him to make sure Jiu Rou is treated okay. As they leave, Ming Tan can't help but grumble that Jiang Xu is all business, no charm, and definitely doesn't know how to treat a lady.
That evening, Jiang Xu tries to make amends by having Fu Shu whip up Ming Tan's favorite dishes. But her maid, Lu E, reports that Ming Tan isn't feeling well. Jiang Xu, probably a little suspicious, checks in on her and finds her fast asleep. He insists she needs to eat, but Ming Tan, clearly not up for it, mentions her period is coming and she's drained. In a surprisingly tender move, Jiang Xu arranges for a bath for her. Ming Tan starts to wonder if maybe she's got him all wrong. She half-expects him to join her for a romantic soak, but nope, he just turns and leaves. Lu E later mentions that Ming Tan has always been a bit frail.
The next day is the "Huimen," the traditional visit to the bride's family. Bai Minmin is eagerly waiting for Ming Tan. Jiang Xu has a chat with Ming Tan's father, Ming Tingyuan, and Bai Jingyuan. Turns out, Bai Jingyuan only just found out about Ming Tan's dramatic disappearance on her wedding day and is, understandably, still freaking out a bit. Ming Tingyuan reveals he was planning to hand over control of Yangxi Road to the court even before Ming Tan's wedding, all to keep her out of danger. Jiang Xu advises that such big moves need careful planning and reassures them he'll protect Ming Tan.
Then comes the girl talk. Bai Minmin, being the bestie, immediately starts grilling Ming Tan about her and Jiang Xu – specifically, if they've, you know, sealed the deal. Ming Tan, flustered, blurts out that Jiang Xu isn't into her and then, hilariously, implies he might have some... ahem... "performance issues." Little does she know, Jiang Xu is right outside the door and hears the whole thing. His face? Pure thunder.
At the family dinner, Ming Tingyuan, clearly eager for grandkids, piles Jiang Xu and Ming Tan's plates high with "fortifying" foods. Just as things are getting (awkwardly) domestic, Jiang Xu gets an urgent summons from the Emperor. He has to leave, telling Ming Tan to enjoy her family time. But the drama isn't over! Jiu Rou's maid rushes in, frantic. Jiu Rou vanished shortly after leaving the Dali Temple. It's clear the real mastermind behind Cheng'en Hou's death has effortlessly covered their tracks. As Jiang Xu leaves the palace, he gets word that Jiu Rou has already skipped town.
Ming Tan also hears Jiu Rou left the capital alone, which strikes her as super suspicious. She and Bai Minmin decide to go find her. It turns out Jiu Rou bolted to try and save her brother. Before he died, Cheng'en Hou had told her about a secret compartment under a bonsai in his study containing a booklet that could be their salvation. Unfortunately, the bad guys get to Jiu Rou's brother first and kill him. Just when things look hopeless for Jiu Rou, Jiang Xu arrives like a knight in shining armor to save her. And who should show up right then? Ming Tan and Bai Minmin, of course. A group of black-clad assassins gives chase, and Ming Tan instantly recognizes one of them – it's the guy who kidnapped her that fateful night!
