Fall in Love with a Fox Episode 18 Recap
> Fall in Love with a Fox Recap
Yu Linfeng stood determinedly, waiting for Jin Muqiu, despite his attendant Jueming's suggestion that it was useless and they should return to town to rest. Yu Linfeng insisted he would wait right there until she emerged from Tingqin Garden. Meanwhile, Jin Muqiu, Baiwan, and Su Zhuozhuo were traveling. Baiwan expressed her disillusionment with Qu Zheng, now focused solely on obtaining the Lingyao Herb. Su Zhuozhuo and Jin Muqiu assured her they would support her.
Baiwan felt retrieving the herb to regain her memory was her burden alone and didn't want to trouble them. Su Zhuozhuo, a skilled doctor, insisted it was her responsibility to cure Baiwan's amnesia and would be ashamed if she failed. Jin Muqiu added that Baiwan's affairs were their affairs and they would help. They playfully warned Baiwan not to say such disheartening things again.
Su Zhuozhuo suggested Baiwan might be a Nonuple Palace disciple and could seek their help, but Baiwan refused, stating she could no longer easily trust anyone and must rely on their combined effort to get the herb. Yu Linfeng finally encountered the three women. Jueming chided Jin Muqiu for her lack of compassion after Yu Linfeng had waited three days and nights without sleep. Yu Linfeng disregarded Jueming, focused only on Jin Muqiu's presence.
He told her he finally understood the real reason she left Taoyuan Valley, acknowledging her kind and simple nature had led to conflict with his mother, and promised to mediate going forward. Jin Muqiu reiterated that he still didn't understand. Yu Linfeng grew frustrated that she refused to communicate. Su Zhuozhuo and Baiwan stepped forward, telling Yu Linfeng not to raise his voice and that the matter was a family affair.
Yu Linfeng stated he would take responsibility for everything if she returned with him. Su Zhuozhuo countered that Yu Linfeng was in the wrong first and shouldn't speak to Jin Muqiu like that. Jueming defended Yu Linfeng, but Baiwan interjected sharply, recounting how Jin Muqiu had traveled far to marry into the Yu family only to be mistreated by Yu Linfeng and his mother.
She detailed Jin Muqiu's efforts to learn rules, poetry, and scriptures to please them, asking if they wanted to turn her into a mere puppet. Baiwan also mentioned them burning Jin Muqiu's beloved novels, calling it abuse, not just bullying. They urged Jin Muqiu to ignore him and walked away. Yu Linfeng then asked Jueming if everything they said was true and if he was truly at fault.
Jueming insisted Yu Linfeng was right, stating that rules must be followed and Jin Muqiu was in the wrong according to those rules. But Yu Linfeng reflected that as her husband, not knowing she was unhappy every day "was" his mistake. Jueming pointed out Jin Muqiu was determined to seek a divorce and suggested returning, but Yu Linfeng resolved to pursue her further precisely because he felt responsible for his errors.
The trio decided to stop for a rest, with Yu Linfeng and Jueming following closely. Yu Linfeng approached their table at a teahouse, stating he had sincerely reflected on their words and acknowledged his past mistakes. He apologized and offered to escort them, citing the danger of the road. They rejected his offer of protection and escort. As they ordered, a waiter presented an array of delicate cakes.
The women were surprised to find not only general fine pastries but specifically their favorites, along with specific teas and snacks they requested, in such a remote location. They suspected someone had made preparations for them beforehand. Despite recognizing Yu Linfeng's apparent sincerity, they decided to continue ignoring him. Meanwhile, at the Nonuple Palace, Qingyun was visited by Zi Jing, who conveyed Jing Yuan's order for him to represent the palace at the Battle of Martial Arts by the Lake.
Qingyun expressed surprise, feeling unsuitable as a punished individual, suggesting the task belonged to the favored Envoy Xueyue. Zi Jing explained that Jing Yuan placed great hope in Qingyun to win the champion prize, while she had separate duties. When Qingyun inquired about the prize, Zi Jing revealed it was the Lingyao Herb. Qingyun immediately realized the herb could cure Chu and restore her memory.
After delivering the message, Zi Jing turned to leave, but Qingyun stopped her, asking if she knew about the Wangyou Poison afflicting Chu. Zi Jing confirmed she knew and revealed that Jing Yuan had also poisoned Qingyun to ensure his obedience, threatening memory loss if he disobeyed.
Qingyun questioned her loyalty given this, but Zi Jing stated her life was saved by Jing Yuan, and she must obey his commands, adding that this was the fundamental difference between her and Chu. Zi Jing reported back to Jing Yuan, confirming Qingyun had accepted the mission, motivated by the prospect of helping Chu. Jing Yuan perceived Zi Jing's curiosity regarding his decision to potentially restore Chu's memory.
He explained that Chu knew too much, and her memory returning could be problematic, hinting that the Lingyao Herb was not truly intended for her. Jing Yuan then revealed his true plan: he would arrange for Zi Jing to serve as a judge in the competition, instructing her to closely monitor Qu Zheng and, crucially, ensure he advanced to the final round.
Zi Jing noted this would inevitably lead to a confrontation between Qu Zheng and Qingyun, which Jing Yuan confirmed was precisely the outcome he desired. Later, as the trio continued their journey after leaving the teahouse, they encountered thieves. Yu Linfeng intervened and helped them recover Baiwan's stolen bag. Baiwan anxiously checked for a hair clasp within the bag. After being rescued, Baiwan agreed to let Yu Linfeng escort them.
Walking on, Su Zhuozhuo observed Baiwan's injured wrist from the scuffle, mentioning her recent argument with Qu Zheng seemingly tied to a hair clasp. Baiwan denied the connection. Su Zhuozhuo expressed concern about Baiwan's ability to compete in the Battle of Martial Arts by the Lake with her injury and limited combat skills, especially as Su Zhuozhuo herself would serve as the event's physician and couldn't compete.
Su Zhuozhuo admitted that she had agreed to let Yu Linfeng accompany them precisely because she hoped he would participate and help them win the Lingyao Herb. She suggested Jin Muqiu try to persuade him, but Jin Muqiu refused. Separately, Jueming reported back to Yu Linfeng, admitting to eavesdropping on the women's conversation. Yu Linfeng initially questioned this, but relented when Jueming revealed the information concerned Jin Muqiu.
Jueming reported that the women were heading to the Battle of Martial Arts by the Lake to help Baiwan win the Lingyao Herb and planned to ask Yu Linfeng to compete on their behalf, as they felt unable to win alone. Jueming suggested Yu Linfeng use this opportunity to lure Jin Muqiu back to Taoyuan Valley. Yu Linfeng called this ungentlemanly, but Jueming pressed him to choose between upholding his principles and reclaiming his wife.
Jin Muqiu approached Yu Linfeng while he was waiting. She thanked him for helping Baiwan, to which he replied it was his duty as Baiwan was her friend. He mentioned arranging a carriage for their journey, making it safer. Jin Muqiu seemed hesitant to speak. Yu Linfeng encouraged her and stated he would grant her any wish. Jin Muqiu thanked him for the preparations at the teahouse, which Yu Linfeng seemed unaware of.
Regardless, she told him she would do her best to fulfill his desires. Yu Linfeng advised her to get an early rest because of the cool night air. They said goodnight and parted ways. Jueming immediately asked Jin Muqiu if she had made her request. She admitted she hadn't, fearing Baiwan would object and feeling embarrassed about the possibility of failing even the knockout stage. Back at the inn, Baiwan noticed a small notch missing from her hairpin.
A waiter then arrived at her room, bringing medicine specifically for her sprained wrist, claiming it was from the shopkeeper's desire for guests to feel at home. Baiwan found it peculiar that such personalized service and specific items (referencing the earlier teahouse incident) were available in such a remote location and wondered who was behind it. Elsewhere, a subordinate reported to Qu Zheng that the thieves who attacked Jin Muqiu's group had been apprehended and sent back to Tingqin Garden.
They also reported finding no trace of Nonuple Palace personnel following the group. Qu Zheng stressed the critical need to keep Jin Muqiu hidden from the Nonuple Palace, believing her participation in the Battle of Martial Arts by the Lake was the only way to ensure her temporary safety. When someone tried to reassure him that she would be safe with her companions, Qu Zheng countered that he himself was not safe, implying she couldn't be either.
Asked why he didn't simply meet her, Qu Zheng stated they would meet soon. The group arrived in Lake Town, buzzing with activity surrounding the Battle of Martial Arts by the Lake. Su Zhuozhuo explained it was the largest martial arts event, organized by the Martial Arts Alliance for skill exchange and resolving conflicts through Martial Arts Bets, where competitors wagered specific deeds or items.
She also clarified the need to pass a knockout stage to qualify for the main competition. They noted the town was filled with merchants alongside martial artists. Yu Linfeng stated he had duties at the Lake Manor and left to register. Jin Muqiu decided to accompany Yu Linfeng and Su Zhuozhuo. Baiwan opted to explore the town alone. Wandering alone, Baiwan came across a stall selling blessing amulets, recognizing the owner who had previously given her a marriage lot.
The owner also recognized her and asked about her husband. Baiwan denied having a husband. As she considered buying an amulet, Qu Zheng appeared. Baiwan was startled. The owner asked if Qu Zheng was her husband, which Baiwan vehemently denied, stating they were competitors aiming for the Lingyao Herb. Yu Chen arrived with his followers, confronting Qu Zheng for deceiving him. Yu Chen ordered his men to attack.
Nonuple Palace members intervened, announcing their co-organization of the event and prohibiting conflict within the competition grounds. Yu Chen accused Qu Zheng of abducting Baiwan, whom he claimed was Chu, a Nonuple Palace disciple. Baiwan denied being Chu. Qu Zheng defended her, arguing that regardless of her identity, the Battle's rules protected all competitors within its territory based solely on martial skill. He called Baiwan his wife, which she immediately refuted.
Jing Yuan then appeared and asked Baiwan if she remembered him. Baiwan stated she did not recognize him but noted his earlier statement about protecting competitors and added that she was also there to compete, using this as an excuse to leave. Yu Chen was angered by her departure. Qu Zheng thanked Jing Yuan for his intervention and prepared to leave. Yu Chen also departed. Baiwan reflected that Qu Zheng would not give up on her easily.
Baiwan checked into the Lake Inn, where all competitors were housed. She seemed to be anticipating meeting someone. Coincidentally, Qu Zheng's room was next door. He told her this meant she could seek his guidance on martial arts anytime she needed. Baiwan accused him of participating specifically to prevent her from obtaining the Lingyao Herb.
Qu Zheng denied this, asserting he was there "to help" her win it, and his only "conspiracy" was hoping she would return to Tingqin Garden to fulfill their marriage. Baiwan flatly rejected this. Qu Zheng reminded her he was the previous champion and likely to win again, implying her lack of experience meant she couldn't win the herb without his help. Baiwan declared they were destined opponents.
Elsewhere, Jin Muqiu explained to Yu Linfeng that she wanted him to participate in the Battle of Martial Arts by the Lake to help Baiwan secure the Lingyao Herb, as the competition was perilous. Yu Linfeng agreed but imposed a condition: if he won the herb for Baiwan, Jin Muqiu must return with him to Taoyuan Valley to provide an explanation to his parents.
Jin Muqiu questioned whether his desire for her return was for his own sake or merely to appease his parents. He initially claimed it was for himself but then mentioned his parents. Disappointed, Jin Muqiu told him her affairs were not his concern and left, concluding he would not easily abandon his pursuit. Someone knocked on Baiwan's door at the inn. She initially thought it was Qu Zheng, but Qingyun stood outside.
He informed her that Jing Yuan wished to see her. Baiwan followed him to the Lake Manor. News reached Qu Zheng that Baiwan had been summoned to Lake Manor, causing him significant worry.
