Romance of a Twin Flower Episode 33 Recap
> Romance of a Twin Flower Recap
Subordinates reported to Ling Jianxing that they no longer needed to monitor Ning Yuxuan and Ji Man's relationship. They also noted that Yuan Lang, despite attempting ship robberies, appeared to be acting half-heartedly and had failed every time, which was uncharacteristic of the skilled Dragon Gang members. Frustrated, Ling Jianxing ordered Yuan Lang to be brought before him, calling him out for his lack of serious effort.
When Yuan Lang arrived, he returned the money, explaining that the Dragon Gang did not accept payment for unsuccessful ventures. Ling Jianxing challenged his capability, mentioning his father, Yuan Dingshan, a key figure in the old Tea Gang. Yuan Lang replied that his father and the Tea Gang's past were history, and he only wished for a peaceful life for the elders.
Ling Jianxing warned that others would not allow him peace and that Ning Yuxuan would surely seek to kill him upon learning the truth. Yuan Lang acknowledged that his identity as a Tea Gang descendant would inevitably be discovered by Ning Yuxuan and stated he was prepared for a confrontation. Ling Jianxing then revealed a deeper, more damaging secret: Yuan Lang's father was not just Ning Yuxuan's enemy, but a traitor to the entire Tea Gang.
He accused Yuan Lang's father of opposing Cai Wenzheng and Ning Zhongtian's plan to submit to the court, instead impersonating Cai Wenzheng to assassinate Ning Zhongtian, thus betraying all their brothers. Yuan Lang vehemently denied this, threatening Ling Jianxing for slandering his father. Ling Jianxing insisted it was fact and urged Yuan Lang to investigate.
He concluded by stating that because Yuan Lang's father killed Ning Yuxuan's father, Yuan Lang's only path was unconditional obedience to him, threatening to expose the truth to the Tea Gang elders if he refused, thereby revealing his father as the one who caused their ruin. He told Yuan Lang to consider his father's reputation carefully.
After his conversation with Ling Jianxing, Yuan Lang recalled a childhood memory where his father, Yuan Dingshan, taught him that his sword should only be aimed at enemies, not comrades. Doubting the accusation, Yuan Lang went to visit his father, despite Uncle Wu's surprise and concern about revealing their location. Yuan Lang pressed his demented father about the betrayal of the Tea Gang and the killing of many brothers, but his father was unable to respond coherently.
Uncle Wu insisted Yuan Lang's father could not have done such a thing, but Yuan Lang's father suddenly mumbled apologies to "elder brother" and "third brother," admitting his past mistakes. This fragmented confession deeply disturbed Yuan Lang. Ji Ming, addressing Ji Man, inquired why she seemed sad since returning. Ji Man dismissed his concern, claiming she was fine.
Ji Ming insisted on offering his full support for her participation in the Imperial Supplier Contest, promising to provide whatever she needed, whether it was money or people. Ji Man explained they were in the second round and required 1000 bottles of Feiwan Face Cream, but her shop was severely understaffed. She asked if the trustworthy boatmen from Guihai Ship could potentially assist.
Ji Ming confirmed their reliability but doubted their suitability for the intricate work of making face cream, as they were seasoned sailors. Ji Man acknowledged his point but noted they still had time before the deadline and hoped that with sufficient training and practice, the boatmen might be able to learn. Ji Ming agreed to let her try.
A subordinate reported to Ning Yuxuan that informants had not been seen for several days, suggesting that Ling Jianxing no longer suspected him and Ji Man. Ning Yuxuan commented that their pretense was no longer necessary and that Ji Man had no reason to continue staying at the Magistrate's Residence. Ji Man, having overheard this, entered and declared they would begin packing and leave within two days. Ning Yuxuan quickly clarified that he hadn't meant to imply she should leave.
Ji Man expressed her desire to return to Guihai Ship. Ning Yuxuan then asked her to accompany him to see something urgent before she went. Ning Yuxuan led Ji Man to a courtyard where many women were diligently making face cream. He explained that these were residents of Haifang, many of whom Ji Man had previously helped.
He noted specific examples, such as a flower vendor whose business thrived after the wharf was managed by the Dragon Gang, and a woman whose husband stopped gambling after being inspired by Ji Man's actions at the casino. He stated that these women were eager to volunteer their help when they heard she needed assistance.
Ning Yuxuan suggested these individuals were better suited for making face cream than the boatmen and assured Ji Man that Wen Wan would not discover this arrangement. Ji Man thanked him for his help. Wen Wan's maid expressed surprise that Ji Man seemed to have found many helpers, despite Wen Wan having already hired nearly all the skilled female formulators in Haifang with high pay. The maid wondered how Ji Man found them without their knowledge.
Wen Wan immediately suspected Ning Yuxuan was secretly assisting her, referring to them as a "crafty and sly couple." She instructed her maid to continue the investigation and, rather than passively waiting, to actively devise new problems to challenge Ji Man. Yuan Lang gathered the remaining members of the old Tea Gang. He informed them that he had called them together to atone for his father's crime.
He repeated the accusation that his father had betrayed the entire Tea Gang by impersonating Cai Wenzheng and killing Ning Zhongtian, stating his father was responsible for their suffering. Some members initially reacted with disbelief. Yuan Lang insisted it was true and that he had confirmed it with his father. Declaring that a son should bear his father's debts, he offered himself to anyone seeking vengeance for their families, vowing not to resist.
The elders, however, stepped forward to protect him. While acknowledging that his father's mistake had led to the Tea Gang's fragmentation and their homelessness, they emphasized that Yuan Lang had since brought them back together, giving them a new Tea Gang. They highlighted his role in saving them from wandering, providing stability, and continuing the practice of helping the needy. They affirmed their acceptance of him as their brother and chief, lifting him up, deeply moving Yuan Lang.
The women volunteers were making good progress on the face cream for the Imperial Supplier Contest. However, when Ji Man's staff went to collect the necessary containers, they discovered that Wen Wan had reserved all the ceramic kilns in Haifang. She had also purchased all the available retail stock, leaving Ji Man's shop without the required bottles, which posed a significant challenge for the contest where packaging was important. Ji Man acknowledged her carelessness in overlooking this possibility.
She called for her father, Ji Ming, known as Guihai Warrior. Ji Man explained the urgent need for 1000 bottles and how all local supply was blocked. She asked if he could arrange to have bottles shipped from overseas. Ji Ming initially expressed concern about the time frame for sea travel but, prompted by Ji Man referencing his reputation as Guihai Warrior, he immediately agreed.
He promised to dispatch someone by sea to acquire the bottles using the fastest possible vessel and guarantee their delivery before the conclusion of the second round of the contest. Ji Man and her staff were elated. Ji Ming joked that while he knew nothing about cosmetics, he had never failed in shipping cargo. Prioritizing the task, he declined an offer of lunch and left for the wharf to contact suppliers.
Miss Shui and Muxu were out, planning to buy a thank-you gift for Ji Ming. Gui Bai was secretly keeping watch over them. When Miss Shui was nearly caught in an altercation between two men, Gui Bai intervened to ensure her safety. Later, Gui Bai observed Miss Shui being followed by her former fiancé, Qian Yiming. Gui Bai followed Qian Yiming but was ambushed in an alley and struck in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt.
Miss Shui found the injured Gui Bai and brought him back for treatment. Standard medicine proved ineffective. Miss Shui retrieved an ancestral medicinal formula and sent Muxu to get the herbs. While injured, Gui Bai urged Miss Shui to flee, but she refused to leave him, reminding him of his vow to protect her for a lifetime. Ning Yuxuan arrived and was informed of Gui Bai's severe condition.
Miss Shui explained that her former fiancé, Qian Yiming, had been bothering her and Gui Bai had been protecting her, leading her to believe Qian Yiming was behind the ambush. Ning Yuxuan stated he would investigate the matter personally. Meanwhile, as Muxu went to the herbalist to fill the prescription from Miss Shui's formula, Qian Yiming was present and overheard her order the specific herbs.
Later conversation revealed that this was a planned scheme orchestrated by Wen Wan, referred to by Qian Yiming as County Princess, both to injure Gui Bai and obtain Miss Shui's unique medicinal formula. Qian Yiming thanked Wen Wan for a plan that facilitated both his revenge on Gui Bai and the acquisition of the formula. Ji Man was assisting her father, Ji Ming, with carrying baskets of goods.
Ji Ming told her to focus on preparing for the Imperial Supplier Contest rather than helping with his work. He asked if she had finished packing her belongings and when she intended to move back. He expressed his concern about her relationship with Ning Yuxuan, fearing that she might act impulsively and that continuing her involvement with him would only result in suffering. Ji Man indicated that she understood his concern.
Ji Ming then mentioned that a new shipment of provisions had arrived and left to inspect it. While speaking with a visitor named Nie Xiangyuan, who was in Haifang on official imperial duties, Ji Ming called Ji Man over and introduced her. Ji Ming informed Ji Man that Mr. Nie was aware of her true identity.
Ji Man apologized to Mr. Nie for having concealed her identity, explaining that her amnesia after falling into the water led her to the Marquis's Mansion by mistake. Nie Xiangyuan was visibly moved by Ji Man's appearance, remarking how much she resembled Sangyu, noting that only their closest relatives would be able to tell them apart and even he found it difficult. He commented on her likeness to Sangyu and lamented Sangyu's unfortunate fate.
