Episode Summary
Fu Yunxi reluctantly marries Zhuang Yuqin under family pressure, but she dies from poisoned wine meant for him. He partners with cunning Zhuang Hanyan to protect his family, sparking romantic tension. Hanyan’s mother, Ruan Xiwen, regains her ability to walk and vows to divorce her husband Zhuang Shiyang. A confrontation exposes Fu as the secret foster son of corrupt leader Pei Dafu, shocking Hanyan.
Spoiler Alert
The Glory Episode 17: Tea, Betrayals, and a Man Who Can’t Catch a Break
Okay, let’s dive into the messiest episode yet of this political-romance-thriller cocktail. Fu Yunxi – our overworked, emotionally constipated hero – is getting the full-court press from his family to marry Zhuang Yuqin, the kind-hearted eldest daughter of the powerful Zhuang clan. Mama Fu’s logic? “Hurry up and give me grandbabies before you die of overwork!” (Relatable.) After relentless nagging from her and his second aunt, Fu caves. Cue the wedding bells!
Wedding Night Blues
The marriage starts as cold as leftover congee – they’re polite but distant. Fast-forward a year: Yuqin shares poisoned wine with Fu (romantic, right?), and despite his last-minute realization, she dies in his arms. Fu, a top investigator at the Dali Temple, spirals into guilt, realizing his dangerous job made him a target… and got his wife killed.
Enter Zhuang Hanyan – The Scheming Ice Queen
Fu seeks out sharp-witted Zhuang Hanyan (Yuqin’s half-sister? Cousin? The drama’s keeping it vague), proposing a strictly business alliance. He admits he clocked her “delicate flower” act from day one and wants her to protect his family while he helps her climb the social ladder. His terms? “No feelings, no sex, no strings.” Hanyan’s response? A frosty hard pass. Girl’s caught in a spiral of “Does he like me or just my Excel skills?!”
Meanwhile, in the Mom Subplot…
Hanyan’s mother, Ruan Xiwen, is recovering from years of leg paralysis with the help of Dr. Tan. After overdoing her rehab (classic tiger mom move), she finally walks again in a tear-jerking snow scene. Cue the waterworks as she vows to divorce her trash husband Zhuang Shiyang – properly, with receipts.
Fu’s Secret Simp Era
Plot twist! Fu’s loyal subordinate pulls a rom-com sabotage by “accidentally” letting Hanyan see Fu’s brutally scarred back (thanks to punishment for protecting her during a corpse-exhumation scandal). The subordinate spills the tea: “He’s been low-key obsessed with you! All that ‘it’s just business’ talk? Lies!” Hanyan, eavesdropping, softens… but bolts when a flowerpot betrays her. Fu pretends not to notice. Classic.
The Final Betrayal
The episode ends with a bomb: When Hanyan and Fu confront Zhuang Shiyang about his ties to the corrupt Pei faction, Shiyang fires back that Fu himself is Pei Dafu’s secret foster son. Fu drops the mic: “Yep. It’s me.”
Why You Should Care
- Hanyan’s Mom: Walking queen Ruan Xiwen deserves her own spin-off.
- Fu’s Backstory: Those scars? Probably from carrying this show’s emotional weight.
- The Pei Plot: Just when you thought the political drama couldn’t get twistier…
Final Grade: 10/10 for angst. Bring tissues and a conspiracy board.
Next time: Will Hanyan forgive Fu’s double-agent reveal? Can Ruan Xiwen sue her husband for being the worst? And why does every meal in this family involve poisoned wine? Stay tuned!
