Stand By Me Episode 40 Recap
> Stand By Me Recap
Cheng Ruoyu, now aware that Qi Yan was responsible for her family's demise, found herself torn. She reflected on their shared moments of life and death, unable to bring herself to harm him, yet tormented by the memory of her slain relatives. Overwhelmed with grief, she wept uncontrollably as Qi Yan, in despair, pulled out a dagger and plunged it into his own chest.
Just as this happened, Yan Zhi rushed into the rain pavilion, witnessing the scene, and quickly moved to save Qi Yan. Cheng Ruoyu silently departed. Outside, Yan Xiu intercepted Cheng Ruoyu, reminding her that he still owed her a life and offered to take her back to Xiangqi Camp to train and seek revenge.
Cheng Ruoyu, however, paid him no mind, stating that she already had too many enemies to confront, including Qi Yan, Chou Ziliang, Yan Zhi, and even Yan Xiu himself. She declared that she no longer desired revenge, a name, or her past identity. Then, Ashi from the Ziyi Bureau stopped Cheng Ruoyu, urgently asking for her help to rescue Cheng Xi, who had been captured by Qi Chen.
Ashi explained that Qi Chen and Cheng Xi had turned against each other because of Cheng Ruoyu, and Cheng Xi was in great danger and had important things to tell her. Noticing the distinctive shoes Ashi wore, Cheng Ruoyu silently agreed to follow her, having her own questions for Cheng Xi. Yan Xiu followed closely behind them. Meanwhile, Qi Yan was consumed by despair, refusing all medical treatment and wishing for death.
Cheng Huaizhi was at a loss, only to be joined by Tian Shan, a divine doctor. However, Qi Yan still refused to see anyone, so Cheng Huaizhi reluctantly sent Tian Shan away, explaining that Qi Yan had locked himself in his chambers and threatened to kill anyone who tried to enter. Cheng Ruoyu quickly caught up with Cheng Xi's carriage.
Cheng Xi led her away for a private conversation, openly admitting that she had orchestrated Cheng Ruoyu's placement beside Qi Yan as a "honey trap," intending for her to kill him. She reasoned that a direct confrontation with the Emperor was futile, and Cheng Ruoyu's innocent, brave, and straightforward nature would naturally win Qi Yan's affection, which it did.
Cheng Xi explained that her true goal was to reclaim her family's honor and her father's reputation by taking the throne, urging Cheng Ruoyu to avenge her grandfather and restore her true identity as Wang Ruoling. Cheng Ruoyu then exposed Cheng Xi's intricate scheme. She revealed that Cheng Xi had intentionally had Ashi wear special shoes that left visible tracks when leading Cheng Ruoyu to Cai Tavern and again when chasing the carriage, allowing Yan Zhi to easily follow them.
This was to orchestrate Li Rong's death at Yan Zhi's hands, making Cheng Ruoyu believe Yan Zhi was her enemy and compelling her to join Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi, admitting to this manipulation despite Li Rong having served her for years, challenged Cheng Ruoyu to kill her, pointing out her own lack of martial arts. Infuriated, Cheng Ruoyu stormed off, but collapsed shortly after, realizing she had been poisoned by Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi then coldly stated that with Cheng Ruoyu by her side, many of her plans would become easier. Concerned for Cheng Ruoyu's safety and Qi Yan's deteriorating condition, Qi Chen sought Yan Zhi's counsel. They discussed the stolen Xiangqi Camp blueprints, which Cheng Xi had used to kidnap Ruoling. Yan Zhi emphasized that Qi Yan could not die now, suggesting that even hatred could serve as a powerful motivator for him to survive.
To buy time and locate Cheng Xi, they devised a plan: spread false rumors of Qi Yan's demise to make Cheng Xi drop her guard on Cheng Ruoyu. They decided to enlist Cheng Huaizhi's unwitting help in their plot. Yan Zhi also reassured Qi Chen that Ruoling, being kind-hearted, would eventually forgive Qi Yan. Qi Chen affirmed that while he might not forgive Qi Yan, he would not harm him.
Meanwhile, Li Deyun and other civil and military officials arrived to inquire about Qi Yan, but Cheng Huaizhi quickly dismissed them, reiterating that the Emperor refused to see anyone. Ashi returned to Cheng Xi, reporting that Qi Yan had indeed passed away, based on rumors from palace maids, and that Cheng Huaizhi had sealed off the chambers.
Though initially skeptical, Cheng Xi, pleased by the news and reaffirming her trust in Ashi's loyalty after Cheng Ruoyu's perceived betrayal, sent Ashi to fetch Cheng Huaizhi. Cheng Ruoyu, still unconscious on the bed, heard everything. Ashi drugged Cheng Huaizhi and brought him to Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi promised Cheng Huaizhi a high position, comparable to Chou Ziliang's, once her plans succeeded. She pressed him about Qi Yan's death, which Cheng Huaizhi vehemently denied.
However, a secret letter from Qi Yan to Li Deyun, arranging a midnight meeting, accidentally fell from his sleeve, revealing Qi Yan was alive. Cheng Xi then used Cheng Ruoyu’s life as leverage, reminding Cheng Huaizhi that Cheng Ruoyu was Qi Yan's most beloved woman. She threatened to kill Cheng Ruoyu if Cheng Huaizhi didn't immediately return to the palace and, by dawn, prepare a false imperial will in Qi Yan's name, passing the throne to Qi Chen.
Ashi, disguised as a eunuch, escorted Cheng Huaizhi back to the palace. She then attempted to assassinate Qi Yan but was swiftly disarmed and apprehended by Han Ding. Qi Chen arrived, revealing he had anticipated Cheng Xi's move and had been waiting. The next morning, Ashi reported Qi Yan's death and the issuance of the fake imperial will to Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi was about to go see Qi Chen but was surprised when he arrived first.
Qi Chen revealed that he had seen through her scheme, stating that Qi Yan was not dead. Cheng Xi, undeterred, continued her facade, advising Qi Chen on how to secure the throne: marry Li Zening to gain Li Deyun's support and dismantle Chou Ziliang's power while he was in seclusion. When Qi Chen questioned her true desires, she claimed to want only his success. However, Qi Chen suddenly felt dizzy and weak.
He then noticed the "immobilizing incense" hanging on the door, immediately realizing Cheng Xi's betrayal. Cheng Xi dropped her pretense, revealing her true ambition to make Qi Chen a puppet Emperor under her complete control. She expressed her disdain for his noble ideals and stated her intention to use him to reclaim the empire and fulfill their father's long-held wish.
Believing Qi Chen to be incapacitated by the incense, Cheng Xi further elaborated on her plan: Qi Chen would first consolidate power with Li Deyun and Li Zening's help. Then, he would marry Cheng Xi. Subsequently, Li Zening would be deposed, and Cheng Xi would become Empress, ruling as regent, effectively becoming a female Emperor.
Qi Chen reminded her that they were siblings, but Cheng Xi, blinded by ambition, dismissed this, stating she would simply eliminate anyone who knew the truth. She then decided that Cheng Ruoyu was no longer useful and ordered her killed to prevent any future complications. At that moment, Yuan Du and his men burst in and subdued Cheng Xi.
Qi Chen, revealing he was never poisoned, explained that he had taught Cheng Xi the art of alchemy himself, so her "immobilizing incense" could not affect him. He had intended to give her one last chance to repent, but her willingness to kill Cheng Ruoyu proved her to be utterly inhumane. Accepting her defeat, Cheng Xi requested to be killed or sent far away.
However, Qi Chen, knowing she had stolen the Xiangqi Camp map, reminded her of the repaired dungeon beneath it. He then ordered her imprisoned there, stating that since she never wished to leave Heng'an, she would now remain by his side forever, despite her desperate pleas to be sent anywhere else.
