Episode Summary
Jiang Xu's jealousy over Ming Tan's interactions with Wen Zong escalates, culminating in public outbursts and a drunken confession of his true feelings for Ming Tan. Concurrently, Jiang Xu and Su Er'rong successfully eliminate the Haiyou Sect, although its leader, Yu Bozhong—whose hidden identity comes to light—manages to escape. Ming Tan, accompanied by Wen Zong, continues her business dealings and investigations in Lingzhou City, all while an increasingly suspicious Jiang Xu secretly follows them. The episode concludes with Su Er'rong, now aware of Jiang Xu's surveillance of Ming Tan, summoning her for a meeting.
Spoiler Alert
"Youthful Glory" Episode 23 recap & Spoilers
The episode kicks off with General Feng furious over Ming Chu's arrogant behavior. Ming Chu, unrepentant, claims that Jiang Xu and Ming Tan are conspiring against him. His defiance earns him house arrest. Meanwhile, Su Er'rong summons Qing Yu, instructing her to attend to Jiang Xu, subtly suggesting that Jiang Xu isn't entirely immune to female charms—it all depends on her skills. At a gathering, Wen Zong can't take his eyes off Ming Tan, much to Jiang Xu's visible displeasure. When Su Er'rong has to leave temporarily, he puts Qing Yu in charge of looking after Jiang Xu. Ming Tan's expression sours instantly when she sees Jiang Xu eat a dish Qing Yu offered him, inwardly fuming at his lack of awareness as a married man. As Ming Tan discusses business with Wen Zong, Jiang Xu's jealousy intensifies to the point where he unknowingly snaps his chopsticks in half, startling the nearby musicians.
Wen Zong dismisses the musicians and begins to play the qin himself, trying to guess Ming Tan's favorite piece. This pushes Jiang Xu further to the brink. Su Er'rong receives urgent news: Yu Bozhong has been seen moving numerous boxes out, with an old female attendant providing cover. He immediately rushes off to handle the situation. Later, Jiang Xu and Wen Zong engage in a drinking contest. Jiang Xu, having had a bit too much, appears drunk. Qing Yu sees this as her chance and moves to help him to rest. Witnessing this, Ming Tan storms off in anger. Jiang Xu, possibly feigning the extent of his intoxication, quickly follows her.
Shu Jingran meets with Su Er'rong, revealing a crucial piece of information: Yu Bozhong is not merely a live-in son-in-law as he appears. He has been maintaining a facade and possesses another, hidden identity. Yu Bozhong had arranged to meet Jiang Xu outside the city, but Jiang Xu double-crosses him, arriving with Su Er'rong's men. It's then that Yu Bozhong realizes Jiang Xu never had any intention of forming an alliance.
As Ming Tan departs, she thoughtfully orders two bowls of hangover soup to be sent up, specifically requesting extra vinegar, noting that "both gentlemen" would appreciate it. Jiang Xu catches up to her, genuinely somewhat drunk by now. He pours out his heart, saying that if time could be turned back, he would dedicate himself entirely to her; no prior betrothal would matter, only Ming Tan's own consent to marry him. Inside the carriage, an annoyed Ming Tan confronts him about eating the food Qing Yu offered, accusing him of having a weak will and wandering eyes. Jiang Xu simply stares at her, his gaze intense.
The Haiyou Sect is successfully dismantled through the combined efforts of Jiang Xu and Su Er'rong, though Yu Bozhong manages to escape during the chaos. The Su family's money, previously of dubious origin, has now been legitimized, and Su Er'rong is set to present it formally today. Shu Jingran informs Jiang Xu that Ming Tan had specially arranged hangover soup for him. He also mentions that Ming Tan, feeling it was improper for Wen Zong to be left drunk alone at the tavern the previous day, had arranged for him to be sent home. This news instantly ignites Jiang Xu's temper, which even Shu Jingran doesn't escape, leading him to remark on Jiang Xu's increasingly erratic moods. Later, Ming Tan visits Shopkeeper Luo at the Fulu Gold House with a hairpin, asking if it was sold from his shop. Shopkeeper Luo denies it, and Wen Zong conveniently appears to help smooth things over. After leaving the Fulu Gold House, Ming Tan deliberately brings up some of her experiences in Lingzhou City, prompting Wen Zong to offer himself as her guide. He explains that the truly valuable items in Lingzhou are often hidden away. They visit a secluded tea stall, and Ming Tan is pleasantly surprised by the excellent quality despite its humble appearance.
Elsewhere, Shu Jingran and Yun Yi are making roasted chicken together. Yun Yi confides that she has wanted to learn how to make it for a long time, but no one was willing to teach her. She remarks that Shu Jingran is different from Jiang Xu, which brings an even wider smile to Shu Jingran's face. Zhui Yu, who has been observing, finds it peculiar that Jiang Xu, deeply dissatisfied with Ming Tan and Wen Zong spending time together, has been secretly tailing them all day. In matters of official duty, Jiang Xu only collects the exact amount due for back taxes, surprising Su Er'rong, who didn't expect to find someone so unmotivated by wealth. Upon hearing that Jiang Xu has been following Ming Tan, Su Er'rong decides to summon Ming Tan to his residence that very night for a "discussion."
