Episode Summary
Chai Jing survives a pirate attack and is rescued by Hanyan ("Barefoot Ghost"), forging a lifelong bond. Years later, Chai sacrifices herself to protect Hanyan from false charges, enduring torture at the Dali Temple. Hanyan confronts investigator Fu Yunxi, who secretly rescues Chai Jing. Tensions rise as Hanyan faces scheming relatives and unresolved feelings for Fu.
Spoiler Alert
Hold onto your ancient Chinese drama fans, because Episode 10 of The Glory is a wild ride of trauma-bonded friendships, courtroom suspense, and a man who’s either a love interest or a human red flag — we can’t decide yet. Let’s dive in!
Flashback to That Stormy Night (AKA: How to Survive Pirates 101)
Our girl Chai Jing — raised as an emotionless assassin on a ship — gets a brutal reality check when pirates slaughter everyone onboard. She barely survives by jumping into the freezing sea. Washed ashore, she’s rescued by Hanyan (aka the legendary "Barefoot Ghost"), a shackled girl who shares her last sip of water and half a shoe (yes, you read that right). Hanyan could’ve ditched her, but instead, she drags Chai Jing back to life. Thus begins a friendship forged in trauma, seaweed, and questionable footwear choices.
Four years later, these two are ride-or-die. Chai Jing even melts Hanyan’s shackles into a goose-shaped hairpin (romantic? creepy? we’re conflicted). But when Hanyan insists on returning to the Zhuang Family — the place she was born but never knew — Chai Jing reluctantly lets her go, vowing: “If you want the stars, I’ll be your ladder. If someone hurts you, I’ll be their nightmare.”
Present Day: Torture, Tea, and Toxic Relatives
Cut to the Dali Temple, where Chai Jing is literally getting branded to protect Hanyan. She doesn’t crack, but Hanyan, now back at the Zhuang estate, senses trouble. Enter Zhou Ruyin, the stepmom who serves fake concern with a side of venom, and Fu Yunxi, the brooding investigator who’s hiding a past (and maybe a crush?).
Fu drops a bombshell: Someone’s confessed to the crimes Hanyan’s accused of. But when Hanyan tries to rush to court, stone-cold Fu blocks her with vague excuses. Suspicious? Oh yeah. Desperate, Hanyan uses their secret signal — a red lantern — to summon Chai Jing. But dawn comes, the lantern burns out, and… crickets.
Knives Out (Literally)
Hanyan storms into the Dali Temple, cornering Fu Yunxi: “Where. Is. She.” When he dodges, she stabs a knife into her own arm (!!!) to force the truth: Chai Jing turned herself in and might be dead. Cue Hanyan’s tearful confession about her tragic past — orphaned, abused, accidentally killing her aunt/uncle — and how Chai Jing’s her only family.
Fu, suddenly soft, promises to save Chai Jing… but only if Hanyan spills all the case details. Just as we brace for a “I’ll do anything” trope, Fu surprises everyone by covering her with his coat instead of exploiting her. Progress?
The Aftermath: Healing and Hidden Agendas
Chai Jing’s alive (!), hidden in a countryside cottage thanks to Fu. The reunion is heart-wrenching — Hanyan sobbing over her friend’s scars, swearing to keep her safe forever. Meanwhile, Fu’s lingering looks suggest he’s down bad for our Barefoot Ghost, but pride (or secrets?) keeps him from admitting it.
Bonus Drama:
- Hanyan finally understands why her mom, Ruan Xiwen, was so distant — it was all to protect her.
- The Zhuang estate’s about to blow up now that stepsister Zhuang Yushan and her crew are back. Get ready for scheming, screaming, and probably poison tea.
Why You Should Care:
This episode’s all about found family vs. blood family. Chai Jing and Hanyan’s bond — born from survival and half a pair of shoes — hits harder than any romance. And Fu Yunxi? He’s either the antihero we’ll love or the guy we’ll hate by Episode 15. Either way, pass the popcorn.
Spoiler Alert for Next Time:
Zhou Ruyin’s plotting something nasty, and Hanyan’s ready to fight. But with Chai Jing healing and Fu playing knight-in-shining-armor, our girl’s got backup. Let the games begin!
