Gone with the Rain Episode 16 Recap
> Gone with the Rain Recap
Chen Wende harbored strong suspicions about the Marquis's true intentions at Qingzhou School for Women, believing his visit was for an ulterior motive rather than simply seeking the Empress Dowager's calligraphy. He explained that Empress Dowager Zhong, renowned for her knowledge of poetry, was also skilled in geography, and her writings indicated the presence of a vast underground iron ore mine in Qingzhou. However, its exact location was only detailed on her personal map.
Meanwhile, Feng Yan instructed Xue Jia'er to prepare the students of Ding 1 Class for a dance performance for the Marquis, emphasizing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Separately, Wu Yin, a secret agent under Prime Minister Wu, reported to the Marquis. The Marquis expressed his disappointment at Wu Yin for not yet finding the Empress Dowager's calligraphy. Wu Yin then detailed an encounter with a mysterious, skilled martial artist in the school’s Pavilion of Books, who had injured him.
He deduced that the true objective of this individual, and the Marquis’s visit, was a hidden agenda beyond the calligraphy. The Marquis acknowledged Wu Yin’s insight and revealed that his sister, Empress Dowager Zhong, had spoken of an iron ore mine in Qingzhou capable of supplying weapons for a large army, but its precise location remained a mystery due to Qingzhou's vast, mountainous terrain.
He confirmed his purpose was to find this iron ore mine map, and Wu Yin pledged his full support to acquire it, while also being instructed to remain vigilant for the mysterious man he encountered. Chen Wende intervened to rescue Fengyao from her impending punishment. Mo Xi rushed to Fengyao, and the two sisters embraced, profoundly relieved to find each other safe.
Chen Wende then reiterated his urgent need to locate the iron ore mine map, which he considered crucial as ironware was fundamental to all weaponry, and he intended to prevent the Marquis, Zhong Yuqi, from obtaining it. He confirmed that the search for the Empress Dowager's calligraphy was merely a diversion. Chen Wende further revealed his dual objective in Qingzhou: to acquire the map and assassinate the Marquis.
He strongly advised Mo Xi and Fengyao to leave the School for Women without delay. While the Marquis observed the dance performance by Ding 1 Class, Fengyao, who was initially leaving the school with Mo Xi, decided they must return.
She had learned of Chen Wende's plan to assassinate the Marquis and argued vehemently against it, warning that the Marquis's death, as an imperial envoy, would plunge the nation into chaos and lead to the execution of over a hundred people at the school. Mo Xi, though initially dismissive of the political implications, was convinced by the dire consequences for their schoolmates and teachers.
Fengyao also expressed her obligation as a "widow of the Longxiang Army" to prevent such a calamity. Shortly after, Mo Xi and Fengyao encountered Shen Shumo, who was preparing to leave the school. Shen Shumo lamented the chaos brought by the Marquis's visit, the involvement of Prime Minister Wu's agents who had kidnapped and bribed teachers, and especially Feng Yan's pardon for her numerous crimes simply because she recommended dancers. Disgusted by the school's corruption, Shen Shumo declared her resignation.
Realizing Fengyao's determination to intervene, Mo Xi, seeing an opportunity while Shen Shumo and Fengyao were distracted, locked them both in a room and ventured alone to find the Marquis. During the performance, Xiangnan, a student from Ding 2 Class, challenged Xue Jia'er of Ding 1 Class, asserting that the Marquis should evaluate all students. Mo Xi, meanwhile, located Chen Wende and tried to dissuade him from his assassination attempt, conveying Fengyao's concerns about the catastrophic impact on the school.
Chen Wende, however, remained resolute. As Xiangnan and Xue Jia'er began their competitive performance, Xiangnan suddenly launched an attack on the Marquis amidst the music. The Marquis's guards quickly intervened, and Chen Wende, despite Mo Xi's pleas, joined the assault. Wu Yin then appeared, protecting the Marquis and engaging Chen Wende in a fierce struggle. As the Marquis sought to withdraw, Chen Wende was caught off guard and injured. Wu Yin subsequently killed Xiangnan.
Injured, Chen Wende seized the Marquis as a hostage, demanding the Empress Dowager's iron ore mine map from his guards. Wu Yin intervened, claiming that he had uncovered a clue to the map's location during his investigation into Feng Yan's brother's death. However, Chen Wende deemed this clue insufficient for releasing the Marquis.
Chen Wende then launched into an accusation against the Marquis, alleging collusion, framing good officials, forcing the Emperor's departure from the capital, and an ambitious pursuit of the iron ore map, proclaiming his intent to kill the Marquis for the good of the nation. Mo Xi appeared, attempting to prevent Chen Wende from taking the Marquis's life, reasoning about the severe consequences for the School for Women.
However, seeing Chen Wende surrounded by officers, she decided to aid his escape, throwing blinding powder to create a diversion and allow them both to flee. After their escape, Chen Wende collapsed from his wound. Realizing they would both be captured, Mo Xi intentionally twisted her ankle to create a diversion.
She was subsequently brought before Wu Yin, to whom she fabricated a story: Chen Wende, after questioning her about the iron ore map and finding her ignorant, had simply bandaged his injury and left. Wu Yin, though suspicious, ordered his subordinates to take Mo Xi back to her room and keep her captive within the school.
Upon returning to her room, Fengyao, seeing Mo Xi's injured foot and neck, was distraught and blamed herself, believing Mo Xi was hurt because she had insisted on warning the Marquis. Mo Xi downplayed her injuries, claiming they were accidental and that she had secured her release by claiming Shen Shumo had reported Fengyao's loyalty to the Marquis.
When Fengyao tried to question Mo Xi about her connection to Chen Wende, Mo Xi feigned a headache, attributing it to shock from the recent violence and Xiangnan's death, to avoid discussing the matter. Mo Xi discreetly sent Fengyao to Shen Shumo's room for the night, feigning a need for solitude to recover from shock. Returning to her own room, Mo Xi was startled to find Chen Wende already inside.
He casually stated his intention to recuperate from his injuries there, commenting on her room's suitability. Observing Mo Xi's lack of fear despite being alone with a wanted criminal, Chen Wende began to tease her. He jokingly questioned why she closed the door, then suggested they become a "thief couple" on the run, claiming he had already sent betrothal gifts and secured her parents' consent. Mo Xi, calling him a "traitor," vehemently rejected the idea, to which Chen Wende playfully threatened to announce their "marriage" to any approaching constables.
