Episode Summary
Episode 20 focuses on the aftermath of Zhang Huaiyu's reported death, which devastates Bai Minmin. While en route, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan are ambushed; Jiang Xu is injured, and Yun Yi is captured by the Haiyou Sect, causing Shu Jingran great distress. The group travels to Lingzhou, a city dominated by the corrupt Su family. Jiang Xu and Shu Jingran begin their inquiries and are formally received by Su Erong and Yu Bozhong of the Su family. Meanwhile, Bai Minmin finds new resolve to manage the Wentao Pavilion in Zhang Huaiyu's memory, and Ming Tan explores Lingzhou under an alias.
Spoiler Alert
"Youthful Glory" Episode 20 recap & Spoilers:
The episode opens with Bai Minmin deeply moved as she realizes the opera performed on stage depicts her own story with Zhang Huaiyu – a heartfelt birthday present from him. Her joy, however, is cruelly cut short by devastating news from the capital: Zhang Huaiyu has reportedly been killed in Lingzhou. After an agonizing day of waiting, Lu Ting confirms the terrible truth, leaving Bai Minmin utterly heartbroken. Meanwhile, Shu Jingran and Yun Yi, on their way to rendezvous with Jiang Xu, also learn that the news of Zhang Huaiyu's demise has reached the capital.
Later, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan's carriage is ambushed. Jiang Xu bravely engages the assassins single-handedly, urging Ming Tan to remain safely inside the carriage. As the number of attackers swells, Yun Yi and her companions arrive just in time to provide backup. In the chaos, Jiang Xu sustains an injury while protecting Ming Tan. Witnessing Yun Yi in mortal danger, Shu Jingran impulsively throws himself into the fray, suffering a stab wound to his back. A mysterious figure, Ming Tingyuan, provides covert assistance, enabling most of them to escape. Unfortunately, Yun Yi is captured by the Haiyou Sect. Jiang Xu immediately dispatches men to rescue her, believing her life isn't in immediate peril, though she will undoubtedly endure hardship. Shu Jingran is beside himself with worry and self-reproach, lamenting his lack of martial skills which prevented him from protecting Yun Yi. Overcome by emotion, he declares his intention to rescue her alone, a rash decision that Jiang Xu firmly stops, nearly fracturing their close bond. Ming Tan steps in to mediate, wisely advising that composure is paramount in a crisis.
Determined, Jiang Xu decides they must head to Lingzhou that very night. In the chilling darkness of her captivity, a lone firefly lands on the bound Yun Yi's nose, evoking a memory that brings a faint smile to her lips. Jiang Xu, meanwhile, is still upset with Shu Jingran; his closest friend's doubt in him stings deeply. Ming Tan continues her efforts to smooth things over between the two. Aboard the carriage, Jiang Xu continues to voice his frustrations, while a contrite Shu Jingran acknowledges his earlier impulsive behavior.
After a night of travel, their carriage arrives outside Lingzhou city, only to be halted by soldiers demanding a bribe for entry. Once inside Lingzhou, Jiang Xu, Ming Tan, and Shu Jingran quickly observe that the Su family wields absolute power, and corruption is rampant, with unsavory individuals seemingly everywhere. Ming Tan urges Jiang Xu and Shu Jingran to proceed to the Su family's residence to investigate Yun Yi's whereabouts, suggesting she would only slow them down and that they should focus on their respective tasks. Though worried, Jiang Xu agrees for Ming Tan's safety. Trouble soon finds them again when the same men Jiang Xu had disciplined earlier attempt to stir up issues at a local teahouse, abetted by an Official Zhang (Zhang Daren) known for his unjust rulings. Jiang Xu makes short work of them, delivering a silent but firm beating. Shu Jingran, with his knowledge of official chronicles, reveals Jiang Xu's and his own status, which promptly deflates Official Zhang's arrogance.
Su Wenqun’s daughter, Su Erong, and her husband, Yu Bozhong, extend a warm welcome to Jiang Xu and Shu Jingran at the Su estate. Before settling in, Jiang Xu and Shu Jingran address the misconduct of the city gate soldiers and the teahouse troublemakers. Upon hearing of their arrival and actions, Su Wenqun instructs his daughter and son-in-law to ensure their important guests are well-entertained. Elsewhere, Bai Minmin, still grieving Zhang Huaiyu, has closed the Wentao Pavilion and is lost in sorrowful memories. However, recalling that Zhang Huaiyu entrusted the Wentao Pavilion to her, she finds new resolve, determined to make it even more renowned and to protect the legacy he left her.
Adopting the guise of a "Miss He," Ming Tan confidently explores Lingzhou, aware that the city is known for its many treasures and intending to see them for herself. In an attempt to entertain Jiang Xu, Su Erong presents him with various lavish gifts, operating under the assumption that he, like many men, can be swayed by offers of wealth or women.
