Episode Summary
In Episode 26, Qiu Yue reveals the "Ming Lu" register is tattooed on her back to protect it from the Su family, who ambushed her and Zhang Huaiyu. Su Er'rong's crimes are exposed with Lord Yin's testimony and Shu Jingran's evidence of bribery and embezzlement, leading to his arrest after he attacks Qing Yu. Qing Yu explains she sided with Jiang Xu for a better life. Ming Tan, finding investigation exciting, is targeted by assassins along with Jiang Xu; he prioritizes her safety and repels the attack. It's revealed Wen Zong, allied with Nan Lü, allowed the Su family's fall to benefit Nan Lü. Ming Chu remains unrepentant and is confined. Zhang Huaiyu and Qing Yu plan their departures from Lingzhou, with Ming Tan thanking Qing Yu. Jiang Xu and Ming Tan share a romantic moment with dough figurines. In Shangjing, Lord Tan presents evidence against the Su family, troubling Su Wenchun, but officials argue Su Er'rong acted alone and both he and Su Wenchun were previously distanced from the family records, complicating full conviction.
Spoiler Alert
"Youthful Glory" Episode 26 Recap & Spoilers: Revelations, Betrayals, and a Daring Escape
Episode 26 of "Youthful Glory" throws viewers right back into the thick of intrigue and danger, with long-held secrets coming to light and alliances shifting dramatically.
The episode kicks off with a stunning revelation from Qiu Yue. She recounts how the ruthless Su family would stop at nothing, even resorting to killing innocents, in their quest for a clandestine register known as the "Ming Lu." Qiu Yue had managed to arrange a meeting with Zhang Huaiyu to seek justice, but their rendezvous turned into a deadly ambush by the Su family. Zhang Huaiyu ensured Qiu Yue’s escape with an escort, but he himself was injured and fell into the water. When pressed about the register's whereabouts, a hesitant Qiu Yue retreats behind a screen and disrobes, revealing the entire Ming Lu tattooed onto her back. She explains this drastic measure was the only way she could safeguard the register, entrusted to her by Lord Zhou, fearing she would fall prey to the Su family's nefarious schemes.
Meanwhile, Su Er'rong, still refusing to admit defeat, finds his plans thwarted by Jiang Xu’s foresight. At a glance from Jiang Xu, Qing Yu administers a vial of medicine to Lord Yin. The previously incapacitated Lord Yin quickly revives and, to Su Er'rong's horror, directly accuses the Su family of their crimes. Shu Jingran then arrives with damning evidence: records detailing bribes received by the Maritime Trade Office and ledgers exposing the Su family's embezzlement of military funds and provisions—enough to seal their conviction.
The net tightens further as Fulu Jinlou's jewel smuggling operation is uncovered. The confiscated contraband is sufficient to prove Shopkeeper Luo's guilt. However, Shopkeeper Luo insists that Wen Zong has no connection to the smuggling ring, leading Ming Tan to believe she might have misjudged Wen Zong.
Cornered and enraged, Su Er'rong impulsively draws his sword and lunges at Qing Yu. He is swiftly apprehended by the Imperial Guard. Qing Yu, when questioned about her loyalties, states that her previous life was one of low status and hardship. Jiang Xu offered her a chance for a better future, an opportunity she couldn't refuse.
Ming Tan, reflecting on the recent events, finds the thrill of investigation rather engaging. Her attendant, Zhui Yu, ever the flatterer, praises Ming Tan while also highlighting Jiang Xu's unwavering belief in her abilities and his strict instructions to prioritize her safety above all else. As Ming Tan is about to depart in her carriage, a wave of assassins suddenly appears on the city walls, unleashing a deadly volley of arrows. Learning that Jiang Xu is in trouble at a nearby inn and facing enemies on multiple fronts, Ming Tan resolves that she cannot stand by idly. Zhui Yu expertly navigates the carriage to Jiang Xu's location, but they too come under arrow fire. Jiang Xu, deeply concerned for Ming Tan’s safety amidst the chaos, decides his immediate priority is to repel the attackers and ensure she is out of harm's way.
After fighting off the assassins, Jiang Xu chooses not to pursue their highly skilled leader. He has a strong suspicion about the mastermind's identity, believing Su Er'rong would never dare to orchestrate such a rebellion alone and must be entangled with a far more powerful entity. It's revealed that Wen Zong is affiliated with Nan Lü. He deliberately refrained from aiding the Su family, as their downfall creates an opening for Nan Lü to seize power. Elsewhere, Ming Chu, though not directly involved in the smuggling, shows no remorse for her past actions and instead blames Ming Tan for her predicament. Consequently, General Feng orders her to be confined.
A sense of closure arrives for some. Zhang Huaiyu is finally able to leave Lingzhou, filled with emotion. He plans to accompany Lord Tan to the capital, Shangjing, to seek rewards for his efforts and is also eager to reunite with someone he holds dear in the city. Qing Yu, now officially liberated from her "lowly status" (a form of indentured servitude), intends to leave Lingzhou and explore the world. Ming Tan expresses her sincere gratitude to Qing Yu for her assistance to Jiang Xu. Qing Yu, in turn, credits Jiang Xu’s "wise counsel" for helping her see the error of her ways and embrace a future of freedom.
In a lighter moment, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan are out for a stroll. Ming Tan, however, seems a bit downcast, secretly nursing a touch of jealousy. Noticing this, Jiang Xu approaches a street vendor and has him craft two dough figurines in their likeness. He playfully declares that they will carry these figurines wherever they go, as a charm to "ward off other romantic interests."
The episode concludes with significant developments in the capital. Lord Tan presents the damning evidence of the Su family's smuggling, bribery, and other crimes to the court in Shangjing, causing Su Wenchun's composure to visibly crumble. However, despite the mountain of proof detailing the Su family's extensive villainy, a full conviction remains elusive. Officials argue that all the documented crimes were solely the actions of Su Er'rong. Crucially, it is pointed out that both Su Wenchun and Su Er'rong had previously been officially removed from the Su family's formal records, a move that seemingly distances Su Wenchun from Su Er'rong's transgressions and complicates the path to justice.
