Episode Summary
The episode focuses on Ming Tan and Jiang Xu navigating complex social and political landscapes. Ming Tan investigates potential smuggling involving Wen Zong and the Fulu Gold House, leading to a confrontation where Jiang Xu publicly supports her against Ming Chu's arrogance. Su Erong, suspicious of Jiang Xu and intrigued by Ming Tan, invites them to a banquet, hoping to use Ming Tan. At the banquet, tensions rise as Su Erong reveals Jiang Xu is married, and Wen Zong shows interest in Ming Tan, much to Jiang Xu's displeasure. Meanwhile, Shu Jingran continues to protect Yun Yi, and Ming Chu faces repercussions for her behavior. The episode blends romance, intrigue, and power plays.
Spoiler Alert
"Youthful Glory" Episode 22 Recap & Spoilers:
The episode opens with a tender moment between Ming Tan and Jiang Xu. As Ming Tan smilingly reached for the jade in Jiang Xu's hand, he pulled her into a warm embrace. After a heartfelt kiss, Jiang Xu gazed deeply at his beloved. Elsewhere, Yun Yi awoke, profoundly moved to discover Shu Jingran had stayed up the entire night watching over her. However, her gratitude was tinged with anger. Shu Jingran clearly had no martial arts skills, so why hadn't he hidden when the assassins attacked the previous day? If he had been injured, she wondered how she could ever explain it to Jiang Xu, or to Shu Jingran's family. But for Shu Jingran, the only thing that mattered was ensuring Yun Yi's safety.
Meanwhile, Su Erong was privately furious about Jiang Xu's intention to settle back taxes, though he dared not show his displeasure openly to Jiang Xu. Ming Tan, witnessing Boss Wu deceiving other customers, couldn't resist speaking out for justice. She then surprised everyone by purchasing Boss Wu's entire batch of materials, on the condition that he answer some of her questions. When Ming Tan inquired about the origin of the materials, she learned they were also the work of Shopkeeper Luo from the Fulu Gold House. Mr. Wu added that Wen Zong would undoubtedly have recognized these materials as well. This sparked Ming Tan's suspicion that Wen Zong might be involved in smuggling. She tasked Zhui Yu with investigating, and Zhui Yu, who had already looked into the matter, confirmed Wen Zong's significant connections to the Su family. Determined to uncover the truth, Ming Tan decided to pay a visit to the Fulu Gold House herself.
Upon arriving at Fulu Gold House, Ming Tan announced she was looking for unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry. True to form, the shop assistant presented her with pieces of the finest quality. A particular hairpin caught Ming Tan's eye. Just then, a maidservant rushed out, loudly proclaiming that her young mistress had seen the hairpin first and, more importantly, that her mistress was the elder sister of the Dingbei Princess Consort. Ming Tan's interest was instantly piqued; it seemed Ming Chu, despite marrying far away in Lingzhou, hadn't learned any restraint and was still arrogantly using the Prince's mansion's name to bully and deceive. Ming Tan proceeded to buy the hairpin. When the maidservant, Lingzhi, tried to intervene physically, Zhui Yu swiftly subdued her. Undeterred, Lingzhi fetched Shopkeeper Luo. Not daring to offend the Xuanwei General's Mansion, Shopkeeper Luo quickly sent word of the incident.
Jiang Xu and Su Erong were out on an inspection when Jiang Xu, observing Su Erong's ostentatiously large entourage, couldn't help but make a few sarcastic remarks. In a separate mission, Shu Jingran went to meet with the Jinyun Guards. Yun Yi had provided him with the secret password beforehand, and the guards, having all seen his portrait, would easily recognize him. Upon hearing of the commotion at Fulu Gold House, Su Erong rushed over. There, he encountered Ming Tan, who was concealing her true identity. Lingzhi was still making a scene. To everyone's surprise, Jiang Xu stepped in and bought the hairpin himself. He then instructed Lingzhi to return and deliver a stern warning to Ming Chu: if she didn't mend her ways, she would face serious consequences. Ming Tan was thrilled to see Jiang Xu publicly humiliate Ming Chu in this way. Jiang Xu then gifted the hairpin to Ming Tan. The two pretended they were new acquaintances and struck up an animated conversation. Su Erong, witnessing their apparent chemistry, saw Ming Tan as a potential leverage point and invited her to a banquet. He also secretly informed Wen Zong that if this Ming Tan was indeed the "money-scattering fairy" (a lavish spender) she appeared to be, Wen Zong should observe her carefully.
Later, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan shared a carriage. Ming Tan asked Jiang Xu to issue an official order for her. Jiang Xu, whose every military honor was earned through fierce combat on the battlefield, internally questioned how he could allow his hard-won authority to be used so frivolously. He affectionately reached to playfully tap Ming Tan's nose, but at that precise moment, Su Erong abruptly pulled back the carriage curtain. Startled, Ming Tan quickly created distance between herself and Jiang Xu, muttering complaints about Su Erong sticking to them like glue. Once at the banquet, Su Erong deliberately left Ming Tan and Jiang Xu alone. Overhearing their flirtatious banter, he felt reassured and departed. Jiang Xu, aware of Su Erong's cunning nature, gravely reminded Ming Tan to be extremely cautious.
At the banquet, Su Erong had gathered numerous young women, including Qing Yu, to entertain the guests. Observing the palpable affection between Jiang Xu and Ming Tan, Su Erong pointedly remarked how well-suited they looked as a couple, only to then slyly drop the bombshell that Jiang Xu was already married. When Wen Zong saw Ming Tan, he expressed feeling a strong sense of destiny or connection with her. Beside her, Jiang Xu visibly seethed, his fists clenching tightly. Su Erong then produced a collection of exquisite ornaments, requesting Ming Tan's expertise in appraising them. As Wen Zong's gaze remained intensely fixed on Ming Tan, Jiang Xu downed several more cups of wine. Ming Tan's lip twitched; she wryly mused to herself that he seemed to be consuming more jealousy than actual wine. Meanwhile, Jiang Xu had dispatched men to the Xuanwei General's Mansion to formally reprimand Ming Chu. The Old General was reportedly furious, leaving Ming Chu in a state of deep anxiety.
