The Rise of Ning Episode 34 Recap
> The Rise of Ning Recap
During the Flower Festival, many ladies gathered to enjoy the flowers. Suddenly, a group from the palace arrived at the Duke’s mansion, and Luo Yining noticed that Lu Jiaxue was among them. She wondered how he had come since no invitation had been sent to him. Lu Jiaxue paid his respects to Madam Han and presented the lotus flower gifted by the Empress to Luo Yining.
Madam Han, pleased, placed the lotus token in a high spot, encouraging the gentlemen to compete for it. Whoever won would receive the token as a prize. Luo Yining wanted the token for Yanrong Pavilion to attract future customers, so she signaled for Luo Shenyuan to help her obtain it. However, Lu Jiaxue was also determined to win. The two competed intensely, each matching the other in skill and wit, and ultimately, they both retrieved the token.
Together, they offered it to Luo Yining, stirring jealousy among the other ladies. Zhao Mingzhu, unwilling to let Luo Yining be the center of attention, deliberately dirtied Luo Yining’s skirt, prompting her to change clothes. Soon after she left, the ladies began feeling uncomfortable, complaining of itchiness and developing red bumps on their necks and wrists. Zhao Mingzhu secretly reveled in her success.
One lady speculated that Luo Yining’s flower lotion might be to blame, as everyone except her seemed affected. Luo Yixiu quickly silenced them, cautioning against spreading rumors. She vouched that she had used all Yanrong Pavilion’s cosmetics without any issues. Luo Yining also explained that the flower lotion was made from pure plant extracts, without any allergenic ingredients. Yet, some were skeptical, especially when a doctor mentioned that excessively concentrated extracts could cause allergic reactions.
When Luo Shenyuan heard from a servant that doctors had quietly entered Han Mansion, indicating some trouble, he felt it was improper to enter the women’s area himself, so he sent for Qingqu. Qingqu reported what had happened in the front hall and discreetly investigated the allergen source. He eventually discovered that the towels the ladies had used were tampered with, as they contained yam extract.
Luo Yining realized Zhao Mingzhu’s involvement but, given the situation at Han Mansion, decided to avoid escalating the issue while also clearing the flower lotion of suspicion. She publicly explained that the towels had been accidentally contaminated with yam extract but refrained from naming the culprit. This way, she preserved both Yanrong Pavilion’s reputation and protected Zhao Mingzhu from public disgrace.
Late that night, Zhao Mingzhu heard that Ting Ge had also developed a rash and, mistakenly thinking she had caused him harm, felt extremely guilty. She prepared to visit him, but Luo Yining intercepted her, assuring her that Ting Ge was fine. Luo Yining advised Zhao Mingzhu not to worry about being neglected, reminding her that, beyond blood relations, other forms of affection were equally valuable.
She pointed out that Madam Han had raised her as if she were her own granddaughter. Moved by Luo Yining’s words, Zhao Mingzhu decided to stop competing for attention and accepted Luo Yining as a friend. Now of marriageable age, Luo Yining received numerous proposals from noble families, including from the Shen Marquis household. However, the Duke disapproved of the Shen son, having learned he was a libertine. Hearing her father and grandmother’s conversation, Luo Yining spoke up, declaring that she already had someone in her heart.
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