Episode Summary
Episode 14 saw Ming Tan get wildly jealous over the mysterious Yun Yi, leading to some comical misunderstandings with Jiang Xu, including a cabbage-only dinner protest. After a tense encounter with an old acquaintance, Liu Mo, reminded Ming Tan of a past kidnapping, Jiang Xu finally revealed Yun Yi is actually her undercover bodyguard. This cleared the air, leading to a sweet reconciliation between Ming Tan and Jiang Xu. The episode ended with a new crisis as refugees flooded the city, accusing Ming Tingyuan of mishandling aid, and Ming Tan found herself in a volatile situation while trying to help.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Shu Jingran trying to figure out Jiang Xu's game plan for some unnamed crisis, but things get complicated fast when Ming Tan storms in. She's clearly ticked off about something and starts throwing verbal jabs that leave Jiang Xu completely bewildered. In a fit of pique, Ming Tan declares she'll help Jiang Xu find a concubine, saying he'll have to take one eventually, so he might as well pick someone he likes instead of waiting for the Empress Dowager to meddle. This finally clues Jiang Xu into the fact that Ming Tan is seriously upset. Shu Jingran, sensing the tension, tries to make a graceful exit, but Ming Tan beats him to it, storming out herself. Though equally confused, Shu Jingran wisely advises Jiang Xu that when it comes to relationship drama, it's always best to assume the guy is in the wrong and just be more understanding. Sage advice, Shu Jingran, sage advice.
Later, Shu Jingran stumbles upon a rather amusing sight – Yun Yi, chilling on the roof, munching on a chicken leg. He can't help but wonder when this interesting character joined the household. Meanwhile, poor Jiang Xu is in for a culinary shock. Fu Shu tries to bring him a decent meal, but Ming Tan has swapped it out for a plate of plain white cabbage! Fu Shu, bless his heart, wants to argue for some protein for Jiang Xu but decides to keep his mouth shut for now. Jiang Xu, seeing the meager offering, just assumes the household is going through some tough financial times. Oh, the misunderstandings!
But Ming Tan, despite her "tough love" approach with the cabbage, isn't all harsh. She still has a soft spot for Jiang Xu, especially since he got injured because of her, and sends him some incense. Her maid, Lu E, suggests a little outing to clear her head. Yun Yi, however, insists on tagging along, claiming Jiang Xu ordered her to stick to Ming Tan like glue whenever she leaves the residence. Ming Tan finds this super weird and gets Su Xin to cook up an excuse to send Yun Yi back, wanting some alone time. As she wanders by herself, lost in thought, all she can think about are her moments with Jiang Xu. It's clear she's deeply affected.
Back at the residence, Jiang Xu can't stomach any more plain food (can you blame him?) and sends someone out to buy a roast chicken. Just then, he gets word that Liu Mo is at Nanyu River Street – the very same place Ming Tan decided to visit that day. Talk about timing! Liu Mo spots Ming Tan and greets her, but she doesn't recognize him at first. He has to jog her memory, reminding her of their encounter at a qin shop years ago. Back then, Liu Mo was a penniless scholar, and Ming Tan, seeing his passion for the instrument, gifted him her old qin. He'd tried to refuse, but she insisted. That act of kindness left a deep impression on him. Ming Tan gently explains that gifting the qin was just a spontaneous gesture, that she's married now, and he really needs to let go of any lingering romantic notions. As she tries to make a quick getaway, she smells a familiar fragrance – the same one used by her kidnappers! Right on cue, Jiang Xu rushes in, throws a warning look at Liu Mo, and pulls Ming Tan straight back home.
Trying to wind Jiang Xu up, Ming Tan cheekily mentions that she and Liu Mo are old acquaintances. This is the lightbulb moment for Jiang Xu! He finally realizes Ming Tan's earlier meltdown was all about Yun Yi – she was jealous! He quickly explains that Yun Yi isn't a concubine but an undercover guard, brought into the household disguised as one purely to protect Ming Tan. And just like that, Ming Tan’s anger evaporates, replaced by a huge grin. She playfully demands Jiang Xu make it up to her for all the emotional turmoil. He obliges with a tender kiss on her forehead, then her nose, then her lips, and things heat up as they move to the bed. However, because Jiang Xu is still nursing his injuries, they don't take things any further. Close, but no cigar!
The next morning, a much happier Ming Tan arranges for the kitchen to make special pastries for Jiang Xu. In return, Jiang Xu, ever concerned for her well-being, suggests she start an early morning exercise routine to build up her strength. Ming Tan, who’s always been on the more delicate side, practically begs him to let her off the hook. Later, Ming Tan plans an outing with Bai Minmin to distribute supplies to refugees, and Jiang Xu makes sure to tell her to bring Yun Yi along. In the carriage, Ming Tan spills the beans to Bai Minmin about Yun Yi's true identity as a bodyguard and then, girl talk ensuing, asks Bai Minmin about her recent matchmaking meeting. Shu Jingran also shows up to help with the refugee aid and spots Yun Yi, the girl he saw on the roof. He tries to strike up a conversation, but Yun Yi completely blanks him. We learn that Yun Yi had a tough childhood and owes her life to Jiang Xu, who rescued her. So, when Jiang Xu tasks her with protecting Ming Tan, her loyalty is absolute.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger: a massive wave of refugees suddenly floods the capital's gates, accusing Ming Tingyuan (Ming Tan's father, perhaps?) of bungling the disaster relief efforts. During her own efforts to distribute aid, Ming Tan finds herself surrounded and questioned by the desperate refugees, and the situation nearly escalates into a full-blown riot.
