Flourished Peony Episode 25 Recap, Plot

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Jiang Zhangyang reminded Mudan that if Liu Shen discovered she, a mere merchant, was investigating him, he wouldn’t hesitate to take drastic action. Mudan didn’t understand how Jiang Zhangyang knew this, and he explained that Chuan Yu had seen her hire someone to follow Liu Shen in the black market. Jiang Zhangyang wasn’t advising Mudan to protect herself but to act wisely.

The entire West Market rice shop had mixed in old, spoiled rice, something that a mere Taifuqing like Liu Shen could not have done alone. There were far more complex forces behind him, and Mudan was dealing with more than just a greedy official. After hearing Jiang Zhangyang’s words, Mudan understood that he also wanted to bring down the people behind Liu Shen. This made her even more determined not to stand idly by.

She decided to cooperate with Jiang Zhangyang—he would handle the officials, and she would take care of the common people. Jiang Zhangyang hosted a banquet and invited a number of officials, including those from the Jingzhao Prefecture, to his residence. They were served rice made from moldy millet from the West Market rice shop, and before long, everyone began suffering from severe diarrhea.

Jiang Zhangyang used this as a reason to demand that the Jingzhao Prefecture investigate the matter thoroughly and give their colleagues an explanation. Mudan, meanwhile, was not idle. She staged a performance in front of the common people, encouraging them to report the officials to the Jingzhao Prefecture. She made it clear that only by making this matter public would the guilty party be exposed.

Furthermore, Mudan began recalling the incense powders made from inferior millet that had been sold, offering anyone who had purchased or even just used the incense the opportunity to visit Hua Man Zhu for free consultations and buy stomach remedies at cost. The people were extremely grateful. When the common people came to the Jingzhao Prefecture to report the officials, they were ignored and locked out. Mudan wasn’t worried, as this was exactly what she wanted.

She needed the anger of the people to continue growing, waiting for the right moment to ignite a wildfire that would burn through the criminals. Mudan kept encouraging the public to demand justice from the government. Lv Gengchun brought out the moldy rice she had bought, publicly declaring that the flower shop was on her side. As more and more people joined the protest, the pile of moldy millet grew larger, and the momentum increased.

When Jingzhao’s men arrived to intimidate the people, they were met with resistance, and the authorities even resorted to seizing the millet in broad daylight. Mudan struck the drum and argued the case, calling for a decision from the sage. Soon, the matter reached the emperor’s ears. He inquired about it, and Liu Shen and the other officials tried to cover up the issue.

To avoid arousing suspicion from King Ning and his faction, Jiang Zhangyang briefly downplayed the incident, only mentioning that officials in the residence had suffered from diarrhea. The Grand Inspector, however, insisted that the public grievance was no small matter and should be thoroughly investigated. Jiang Zhangyang suggested that Princess Liu take the lead in the investigation, with the Grand Inspector assisting her. The emperor agreed with Jiang Zhangyang’s proposal.

Jiang Zhangyang specifically gave Liu Shen some time to handle the evidence, hoping that he would try to secretly move the spoiled millet so that Chuan Yu and Mudan could catch him in the act. Sure enough, Liu Shen hastily replaced the spoiled rice with good rice, but when he tried to move the spoiled rice, Chuan Yu overturned the rice barrel in the street, exposing the moldy millet to everyone.

Liu Shen and his household became like rats crossing the street, everyone shouting for their punishment. Liu Shen tried to flee in panic, but Mudan struck him in the leg with a slingshot, causing him to fall into the water, crying out for help. What awaited him was the Grand Inspector’s arrest. Liu Shen confessed, and the Chen family was immediately implicated.

When King Ning stood by and watched, he could do nothing to help, and Liu Shen began accusing others. The corrupt officials accepting bribes were all exposed to the public. The noble families saw that King Ning was not stepping in to protect the Chen family, and there would surely be complaints. From now on, it would be difficult for King Ning to win their favor.

Liu Chang was informed that Liu Shen could only be spared if he re-engaged to the princess, and his mother also begged him to comply. Liu Chang was reluctantly forced to propose to Li Youzhen, who then threatened King Ning with her life, stating she would only marry Liu Chang. King Ning had no choice but to agree.

Liu Shen was publicly flogged, but as long as Liu Chang was still King Ning’s son-in-law, there was a chance that Liu Shen could avoid exile. However, Zhu Fu pointed out that it was always best to look on the bright side. Just in time, Fang Yuan was about to change owners, and Gao Xing was happily discussing the selling price of Fang Yuan with Zhu Fu.

Episode 24 Recap

Episode 26 Recap

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