Episode Summary
Hanyan awakens after saving her family, only to face her resentful mother, Ruan Xiwen. A servant reveals Ruan Xiwen’s tragic past: she faked demonic possession to protect infant Hanyan from being killed as a 'Barefoot Ghost,' leaving her crippled. The mother-daughter bond mends as they vow revenge. Hanyan gains control of the household, outmaneuvers rivals, and uncovers dark secrets about her birth with Fu Yunxi’s help. A suspicious banquet invitation sets the stage for a showdown.
Spoiler Alert
Let’s just say Episode 14 of The Glory serves more drama than a Thanksgiving dinner with estranged relatives. Buckle up, folks—this one’s a tearjerker and a plot-twist grenade.
Hanyan Wakes Up to a Mess
After heroically saving the Zhuang family by dragging Wu Youzhi’s corpse to the execution grounds (casual flex), Hanyan finally wakes from her days-long coma. But her victory lap is cut short: her mother, Ruan Xiwen, has been refusing food and avoiding her. Why? Turns out Hanyan’s big rescue ruined Ruan Xiwen’s years-long revenge plan against the Zhuangs. Oops.
The Barefoot Ghost Curse (& Why Mom’s Legs Are Wrecked)
In a wild flashback dump via gossipy servant Auntie Chen, we learn Ruan Xiwen’s tragic backstory. After marrying into the Zhuang family, she was living her best life—until Hanyan’s birth. A shady Taoist priest blamed baby Hanyan for the patriarch’s death, calling her the “Barefoot Ghost” reincarnated. To save her daughter, Ruan Xiwen faked a demonic possession (Oscar-worthy acting), but the family beat her so badly, she lost the use of her legs. Hanyan was then exiled to the countryside. Cue the violins.
Family Therapy, Zhuang-Style
Hanyan confronts her mom, sobbing over Ruan Xiwen’s scarred legs. The truth spills: Ruan Xiwen’s family was ruined by her marriage to Zhuang Shiyang, who orchestrated their downfall. The two finally hug it out (finally), with Hanyan vowing to help her mom get revenge. Team Mother-Daughter is officially back in business.
Meanwhile, at the Dali Temple…
Hanyan gets grilled about how she “accidentally” found Wu Youzhi’s body (she lies to protect her maybe-boyfriend Fu Yunxi). Fu, now unemployed after the Pei Dafu case, warns her the Dali Temple won’t buy her flimsy story. He also drops a bombshell: incense in the Zhuang ancestral hall is used to suppress ghosts. Hanyan connects the dots—that Taoist priest probably used it to frame her as a ghost at birth. Mind. Blown.
Coming-of-Age Party of Petty
Zhuang Shiyang refuses to host Hanyan’s Ji Ji Li (fancy coming-of-age ceremony), so Ruan Xiwen steps up. The party gets spicy when:
- Imperial Consort Miao, Ruan’s childhood BFF, sends gifts (secret royal connections, anyone?).
- Heartbroken Yuwen Chang’an shows up to say goodbye, still pining for Ruan Xiwen.
- Fu Yunxi crashes the party to flirt-investigate with Hanyan. Goals.
Zhuang Family Power Play
Now in charge of the household, Hanyan immediately demotes Zhou Ruyin’s lackey, Auntie Tao. Zhou, the family’s bitter second wife, tries to suck up by sending her kids with fancy ginseng. But her daughter Zhuang Yushan is not here for it—side-eye alert!
Sneak Peek: Trap or Triumph?
The episode ends with Hanyan receiving a shady invitation to a “mother-daughter banquet.” She knows it’s a trap… but also a golden chance to expose her enemies. Fu Yunxi smirks in the shadows, ready to scheme.
Next Episode Predictions:
- That incense ghost theory? Definitely coming back to haunt someone.
- Zhuang Yushan’s gonna pull a knife. Just a hunch.
- Fu Yunxi’s unemployment era = more time for slow-burn romance.
The Glory continues to deliver soapy twists with a side of historical intrigue. Will our cunning heroine turn this trap into her greatest victory? Grab your popcorn, folks.
