The Glory Episode 2 Recap, Plot

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Zhuang Hanyan was once again expelled from the family by her mother through the enforcement of family discipline for no apparent reason. Since childhood, she had believed that as long as she studied hard and conducted herself with propriety, her mother would eventually cherish her. Just as she was being dragged out by the servants, Master Zhuang, who had returned home drunk, stumbled upon the scene. Seeing his beloved daughter beaten so severely, he was heartbroken.

He wanted to take her back to his room for treatment, but was scolded by Mistress Ruan, who reminded him that all the misfortunes that had befallen the Zhuang family were brought by Zhuang Hanyan. Master Zhuang pleaded with Lady Ruan to show some mercy to her own daughter, but Zhuang Hanyan had never blamed her mother for being so harsh on her. Instead, she had longed for her noble mother since childhood.

However, when Lady Ruan's status was mentioned, she suddenly flew into a rage, screaming like a resentful woman trapped in the inner chambers. She cried that if it weren’t for giving birth to Zhuang Hanyan, she would not have become crippled, nor would her maiden family have been ruined. At this moment, Zhuang Hanyan finally realized that her mother’s personality was far from what she had imagined. Zhuang Hanyan was taken in by her father.

Meanwhile, Fu Yunxi was investigating the case of the deaths of Zhuang Hanyan’s uncle and aunt in Danzhou. Coincidentally, he witnessed her being punished. Ignoring her injuries, he immediately interrogated her about the day's events, seeing through her scheme—she was using family discipline as a way to test who would truly accept her. He even suspected that the person involved in today's events had been lured by her.

Fu Yunxi couldn’t understand why she insisted on stepping into the abyss of the Zhuang family. Zhuang Hanyan explained that she simply wanted a home. Seeing her tears, Fu Yunxi remained indifferent and handed her a box of medicine, warning her that the capital was not as simple as she imagined. This small gesture brought her a sliver of warmth.

That night, Master Zhuang visited his daughter, telling her that her uncle had been his closest friend and a great benefactor of the Zhuang family. Once she recovered, she should return to the countryside to handle her uncle and aunt’s funeral affairs. He comforted her, promising that the family’s hidden wealth would be passed down to her in the future, ensuring she would not be mistreated.

Zhuang Hanyan stared blankly at the medicine given by Fu Yunxi when suddenly, Chai Jing appeared. As an assassin from Danzhou, Chai Jing staged an assassination attempt with Zhuang Hanyan. Had it not been for Zhuang Hanyan saving her in the past, Chai Jing would have already died.

Through this staged assassination, Zhuang Hanyan was able to grasp the true nature of each member of the Zhuang family—Aunt Zhou was gentle, the mistress was stern, but reality was not as it seemed on the surface. What truly worried her was not the Zhuang family but rather the Court of Judicial Review. She repeatedly instructed Chai Jing to protect herself, saying that as long as Chai Jing was safe, she herself would be safe.

The next morning, Zhuang Hanyan woke up to find that the maids were suddenly courteous to her, waiting early to dress her. Zhuang Yuchi, outraged on his sister’s behalf, resented Zhuang Yushan for protecting Zhuang Hanyan, only to be scolded by their mother. Zhuang Yushan, seeing her foolish younger brother, revealed the truth—if not for this commotion, how could she have escaped confinement? During a family meal with his wife and Zhou Ruyin’s family, Master Zhuang discussed Zhuang Hanyan’s future.

He truly felt sorry for her and hoped the family would accept her. However, Zhuang Yuchi, still bitter over his ruined marriage arrangement, did not want Zhuang Hanyan to stay. Although Master Zhuang was an official, he held no real power and was even blackmailed by his superiors—if Zhuang Hanyan did not leave the Zhuang family, his son's marriage prospects would be ruined.

Just as everyone was at a loss for what to do, a close maid suggested that since Zhuang Hanyan had already passed the age of maturity, they might as well consider her marriage prospects. The family found this idea feasible, but matchmakers refused to take up the task upon learning that it was for Zhuang Hanyan. Meanwhile, Zhuang Hanyan heard from Chai Jing that Fu Yunxi had gone to Danzhou.

She too was preparing to rid herself of the infamous "Barefoot Ghost" reputation; otherwise, she might truly never be able to marry. While Master Zhuang and Aunt Zhou were discussing Zhuang Hanyan’s marriage in the greenhouse, word suddenly came that the Old Madam had been possessed. She was lying in bed in a daze, shouting incoherently, just like Grandfather had back in the day.

With a family banquet scheduled for the next day, Master Zhuang instructed everyone to keep quiet about the incident and prevent rumors from spreading. That night, Zhuang Yushan suddenly barged into Zhuang Hanyan’s room, pretending to care for her by changing her charcoal and adding warm blankets. However, she took away the brazier and blankets and never returned them. Zhuang Hanyan, fully aware of Zhuang Yushan’s tricks, remained unbothered, while Zhuang Yuchi thanked his sister for standing up for him.

As the cold night set in, Zhuang Hanyan initially wanted to seek help from her father, but the maids refused to let her see him. Left with no choice, she wrapped herself in a cotton cloak to endure the cold. Chai Jing discovered that the rumors of the "Barefoot Ghost" had originated from the Daoist priest Duan. He had now reappeared in the capital, and the Old Madam’s illness was undoubtedly connected to him.

In a candle, Chai Jing found a hidden note, signaling that it was time to turn the tables. Having been branded as the "Barefoot Ghost" since childhood, it was finally time for her to cast off this name once and for all.

Episode 1 Recap

Episode 3 Recap

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