Episode Summary
Tensions rise as Jiang Xu and Ming Tan journey to Ling Zhou, with Hai You Men plotting Jiang Xu's demise. Ming Tan confronts Jiang Xu about past grievances, especially regarding her father. Jiang Xu then reveals a shocking truth: Ming Tan's father, Ming Tingyuan, is alive, his death faked by Jiang Xu to protect him. This leads to a tearful reunion and Ming Tan's realization of Jiang Xu's sacrifices. Subplots involve Shu Jingran's interactions with Yun Yi, hinting at a budding romance, and Zhang Huaiyu's determined pursuit of justice against the Su family in Ling Zhou. The episode ends with Bai Minmin being mysteriously led to a storyteller.
Spoiler Alert
"Youthful Glory" Episode 19: Revelations and Reconciliations
The episode kicks off with Jiang Xu, ever considerate of Ming Tan's wishes, downsizing their convoy but strategically keeping one empty carriage. As Ming Tan bid farewell to Bai Minmin and the others, Shu Jingran couldn't help but quiz her about Yun Yi's connection to Jiang Xu, noting he'd never heard Jiang Xu mention this "Yiniang" (a term he seemed to use, perhaps out of unfamiliarity with her actual role as a guard). Ming Tan, still clearly upset with Jiang Xu, boarded the carriage without acknowledging his offered hand. Meanwhile, the sinister Hai You Men organization, through Liu Mo, is actively plotting Jiang Xu's demise during his Ling Zhou trip, under orders from Su Wenqun. They are determined he won't return.
On the road, Yun Yi and Shu Jingran rode ahead. Shu Jingran, ever inquisitive, peppered Yun Yi with questions and was relieved to learn she was part of the Jin Yun Wei (Jin Yun Guard) and her primary mission was to ensure Ming Tan's safety. Inside the main carriage, the atmosphere was frosty. Jiang Xu had thoughtfully prepared Ming Tan's favorite snacks, but she wouldn't even look at him. The silence was finally broken when Ming Tan confronted Jiang Xu, demanding answers to the questions that had been tormenting her. Her most painful query: why did he prevent her from seeing her father, Ming Tingyuan, one last time in prison? She believed that if not for Jiang Xu's interference, she would have had a final moment with him. After confirming they weren't being tailed, Jiang Xu, with a knowing look, told Ming Tan he was taking her to find the "medicine" that would cure her doubts. He then led her away on horseback, leaving the carriage behind.
Jiang Xu and Ming Tan arrived at a secluded countryside courtyard. There, to Ming Tan's utter shock and immense relief, was her father, Ming Tingyuan, alive and engaged in manual labor. The father-daughter reunion was tearful and emotional. Jiang Xu then revealed the truth: the entire prison incident was a carefully orchestrated plan. Even Zhang Huaiyu's departure from the capital was a ruse to safely escort Ming Tingyuan away. Ming Tan was overwhelmed, finally understanding the depth of Jiang Xu's elaborate efforts to protect her family and realizing how deeply she had misunderstood him. Later, Ming Tingyuan prepared a meal, and for the first time in a long while, Ming Tan ate with a genuine appetite, her heart easing.
While the main drama unfolded, Shu Jingran and Yun Yi had their own adventures. They set up camp in a forest, attempting to roast fish. Shu Jingran's enthusiastic attempts to help mostly resulted in comical mishaps. Yun Yi, straightforward and dedicated to her duty to Ming Tan, grew suspicious of Shu Jingran's constant questions about the Princess Consort (Wangfei). Misinterpreting his interest, she even comically denied him any of the roasted fish, thinking he had improper designs on Ming Tan.
Back with Ming Tan and Jiang Xu, the emotional reunion led to reconciliation. That night, Ming Tan found it difficult to sleep on the hard bed, especially without her usual bath. Jiang Xu tenderly held her, telling her to pretend he was her familiar soft cushion from home. The next morning, their bond deepened as Jiang Xu lovingly washed Ming Tan's hair, a scene filled with sweetness.
Elsewhere, the pursuit of justice continued. Zhang Huaiyu, accompanied by Yun Yi, diligently followed markers left by the Jin Yun Wei. Shu Jingran, also part of this group heading towards Ling Zhou, deduced Zhang Huaiyu's unwavering resolve: he was prepared to go to any lengths in Ling Zhou to ensure the Su family faced the consequences of their actions. The entire group pressed on towards Ling Zhou.
Before Ming Tan and Jiang Xu set off again, Ming Tingyuan, resourceful even in his remote hideaway, managed to find them a carriage. He entrusted Ming Tan to Jiang Xu's care. With her spirits lifted, Ming Tan was cheerful and chatty on their journey. Jiang Xu, seeing their renewed closeness, playfully suggested drawing up a new "contract" between them. Ming Tan, however, coquettishly dismissed the idea, arguing that with their mutual affection, such formalities were no longer needed.
Meanwhile, Yun Yi and Shu Jingran found themselves waiting for two days for someone or something called "Zhui Ying" (possibly 'Shadow Chaser' or a codename). During this interlude, Yun Yi became quite taken with feeding chickens. Amused, Shu Jingran bought one. His clumsy attempt to catch the chicken left him covered in dust and feathers but sent Yun Yi into fits of laughter. Despite his poultry-wrangling failures, Shu Jingran impressed Yun Yi by expertly roasting the chicken, a skill he’d learned from his family's head chef. As Yun Yi happily ate, Shu Jingran caught a firefly and placed it in her palm, bringing an exceptionally sweet smile to her face, hinting at a budding romance.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger for another character. Bai Minmin was led away by a child, insisting she meet someone. She had no idea who this person was until they reached a place where an individual on a stage began to perform a story from a script. Who is this mysterious performer and what do they want with Bai Minmin?
