Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty Recap
When Ming Hui presented her work for the Palace project to Mr. Bei, he was still unsatisfied. He found that using modern materials like reinforced concrete would destroy the ancient simplicity of the design, which went against the project's original intent. Despite Ming Hui’s protests about the time and effort invested, Mr. Bei decided to cancel the project, stating that if the design problem couldn't be resolved, the project would have to stop.
Just as Mr. Bei was about to notify the departments, Wei stepped in, asking if the project could still be saved. She explained that the initial design concept was to blend ancient Chinese architectural style with modern technology, meaning it was never intended to use purely modern materials. When Mr. Bei asked what materials she would propose, Wei confidently suggested mortise and tenon.
Ming Hui quickly interjected, pointing out the traditional weakness of mortise and tenon in force distribution and that modern cities don't build wooden houses. Wei acknowledged that while traditional crafts can be replaced by modern ones, ancient Chinese wooden structures were not only earthquake-resistant but also beautiful. She then proposed combining traditional mortise and tenon with stronger metal nodes to reinforce the weak points, while maintaining the traditional appearance.
She also suggested using dragon spruce wood for its stability, beauty, and water resistance. Wei reminded Mr. Bei that his own chair was a mortise and tenon structure, emphasizing that the charm of traditional architecture shouldn't be rigidly confined but should evolve. Mr. Bei was impressed by Wei's ideas and approved her proposal. Afterward, Ming Hui asked Wei why she had helped her, and Wei simply replied that she was helping herself.
Later, Wei met up with Xiaoqiu, who jokingly called her "Holy Girl Wei" for helping Ming Hui. Xiaoqiu had stayed up late for a lab report and was unconcerned about her appearance for a movie date with her boyfriend, claiming he wouldn't mind in the dark cinema. As they waited, Xiaoqiu's boyfriend arrived, leading a flash mob dance.
After the performance, he knelt and proposed to Xiaoqiu, expressing his disbelief in love at first sight until he met her, and his conviction that they shared a past life connection. He declared her his only one and vowed to be with her forever. Xiaoqiu tearfully accepted his proposal, and they exchanged rings. Watching them, Wei reflected on the reunion of Xiaochun and the Crown Prince, and wondered if she and Yinxiang would ever meet again in this lifetime.
With Yinxiang on her mind, Wei returned to the old woman's house, the place where her journey to the past had begun. She repeatedly called out for "Granny," but found only a broken trotting horse lantern. This sight brought a wave of realization: everything truly was over. She could no longer return to the past, and Yinxiang could no longer come to her.
Wei returned to her company, where her colleagues enthusiastically welcomed her back, bringing her cakes and joking about her being their "errand runner" once more. Ming Hui, however, interceded, telling a colleague named Bo to deliver his own documents as Wei had other tasks. Her colleagues were surprised by Ming Hui's changed attitude towards Wei. Ming Hui then received a call, confirming "he" had arrived, and promptly postponed her meeting to go out.
Wei's colleagues gossiped about Ming Hui's mysterious visitor, mentioning he was involved in a past construction dispute with the company. Wei watched as Ming Hui confronted the man, asserting that their personal "issue" wasn't over. They then went downstairs to talk further. Wei recognized the man's striking resemblance to Yin Ti, marveling at the strange coincidences of fate. Wei reflected on the preciousness of true love and longed for Yinxiang, wondering if he was well.
A year passed, and Wei's innovative architectural design, which merged classical Chinese aesthetics with modern urban concepts, earned her the Golden Award for Architectural Design. Since Wei was away on personal matters, Ming Hui accepted the award on her behalf. On stage, Ming Hui, once Wei’s rival, openly confessed her past jealousy, admitting she disliked Wei for being too excellent and had made many mistakes.
She quoted Wei's words about being the designer of one's own life, stating that her own experiences had finally brought her understanding. Ming Hui then apologized to those she had wronged and, with genuine sincerity, thanked Wei. She shared that Wei's inspiration for the award-winning building came from the Forbidden City's cultural heritage and the concept of parallel time-space, believing that courage allows one to find happiness on life's countless paths.
Meanwhile, Wei sat on a rooftop, dedicating her now acclaimed work to Yinxiang, remembering his support and inspiration. Despite the success, a sense of loneliness lingered. Later, as apricot blossoms bloomed, Wei was caught in a sudden rain shower. Under an apricot tree, the rain washed away the soil, revealing a hidden letter from Yinxiang. In it, Yinxiang acknowledged Wei's return to her own world.
He lamented their inability to be together but reminded her of their promise to explore every corner of the world and admire its beauty. He presented this promise as his gift to her, asking her to embark on their journey and that he would be waiting for her at their next destination. In the Qing Dynasty, Ming Hui, having found repentance, lived a peaceful life in a remote house, dedicated to prayer and charity.
Her child with Yin Ti, Chun'er, had grown. One day, Chun'er caught a small bird that had bitten him. Ming Hui gently explained that the bird, like Chun'er, had a mother waiting for its return. She taught him the importance of kindness to all beings and letting go of evil thoughts, regardless of provocation. Chun'er understood and released the bird.
Yin Ti, deeply in love with Ming Hui, returned home, bringing her a beautiful flower, symbolizing their quiet, happy family life. Meanwhile, Yinxiang, having helped Yinzhen stabilize the court and arranged all state affairs, requested permission to resign from his duties and travel the world. Yinzhen, though deeply reluctant to part with his brother who had stood by him in his most difficult times, eventually agreed, understanding Yinxiang's choice to forge his own path.
Yinzhen promised to always await Yinxiang's return. Wei embarked on a journey, retracing the paths Yinxiang had described in his letters. She found numerous pottery jars containing his messages, each describing beautiful landscapes they "saw" together. She came across a shop specializing in trotting horse lanterns. The owner explained that their 300-year-old craft was taught by a Qing Dynasty noble who wished for the lanterns to record happy moments and preserve beautiful memories.
Wei realized it was Yinxiang who had left this legacy. Finally, Wei found Yinxiang's last letter. It was dated the fourth day of the fifth month in the eighth year of Yongzheng's reign—the historical date of Yinxiang's passing. In the letter, Yinxiang lovingly comforted Wei, urging her not to cry. He expressed profound gratitude for their meeting across time, calling it fate's greatest gift.
He promised to be with her forever, in countless time-spaces, and asked her to live on with love and hope. Deeply saddened, Wei drove away. Feeling cold, she pulled over and offered a ride to a hitchhiker. As the man got into her car and removed his sunglasses, Wei saw his face was identical to Yinxiang's. Though he had no memories of their past life, their journey had finally led them to each other.
