Fight For Love Episode 20 Recap
> Fight For Love Recap
The Duke of Hu’s Mansion found itself in a mix of discipline and familial affection after Song Wenchang and Song Shilan impulsively ventured to Dingfeng Valley. After their safe return, the Duke, concerned but also proud, initially ordered them to hold a horse stance for four hours. Wenchang, always spirited, complained, wondering if his father was even listening, while Shilan reminded him that their father's ears were always keen.
When finally permitted to rise, Wenchang proudly recounted their heroic deeds against Yao Yong’s forces, expecting praise, but his father chastised him for his recklessness and for "fooling around" with Wei Yun. For his punishment, Wenchang was ordered to write 15 pages of calligraphy daily, with strict penalties for any missed work. Shilan, however, received a different regimen: 1,000 sword swings, 300 arrows, and two hours of horse stance each day.
Wenchang protested the unfairness, arguing he was the instigator, but Shilan humbly accepted his distinct punishment, explaining that Wenchang, as the heir, could not afford risks, and it was his own failing not to have stopped his elder brother. The Duke then revealed his deepest thoughts, acknowledging Shilan's ambition and prudence, much like his younger self.
He confessed a fleeting thought that if Shilan were Wenchang, the family's destiny might be different, but Shilan responded by highlighting Wenchang’s pure heart and suitability for the Duke’s title, which led Shilan to pursue a civil career. The Duke agreed, yet lamented that Shilan’s military talents were being "wasted" outside the army. Shilan, understanding the family's shared fate, promised to reconsider. Despite Wenchang’s attempts to renegotiate their punishments, the Duke remained firm, stating it was merely a minor lesson.
Watching his sons depart, the Duke sighed, knowing he could protect them for a while, but not forever. Meanwhile, Chu Yu, reflecting on the recent chaos in Huajing, which led to her dog Xiaoqi’s disappearance, concluded that her constantly moving life might not be suited for raising a pet. The idyllic dream of the small mountain village now seemed a distant memory, replaced by the stark reality of Huajing.
Knowing the Wei Mansion was not her true home, she decided it was time to leave. Wei Yun pleaded with her to stay, arguing that with the lingering turmoil in Huajing, she had even less reason to depart. He was willing to accept her past rejections and forgo answers, asking only that she not avoid him. Chu Yu assured him they would always be family and the Chu family’s door would always be open to him.
As Wanyue confirmed all her belongings were packed, Wei Yun, unable to voice a goodbye, simply said there was no need, as she was merely returning home. Chu Yu remembered a poignant moment in the small village, seeing Wei Yun, a battle-hardened Marquis, gently weaving a flower wreath for her, a gesture that spoke volumes of his affection. Elsewhere, Lady Wang Lan, pregnant and stifled by the constant watch at home, ventured into the bustling market.
Her attendant advised against it due to her delicate condition and the recent unrest, but she insisted she needed fresh air. She spotted an injured man, Shen You, hiding in an alley. Despite her attendant's caution, Wang Lan's kind heart compelled her to help. Unbeknownst to her, Wei Qiu, who had been covertly following Shen You, witnessed her act of mercy. Wang Lan brought Shen You to an inn and called a physician.
The physician informed her that the wound was severe but would not cause permanent disability, much to her relief. Her attendant suggested reporting it to the authorities, but Wang Lan felt a responsibility to help, believing it would bring blessings to her unborn child, though she assured her attendant she knew her limits. She paid for Shen You's medical treatment twice and rented the room for five days. Shen You, feigning sleep, then revealed himself.
He asked why she saved him. Identifying herself as the sixth madam of the Marquis of Zhenguo's Mansion, she explained that it was not in the Wei family's nature to turn a blind eye to suffering. Shen You then spun a tale of woe, claiming to be a refugee from Qingzhou whose family perished in North Qi raids, and whose leg was slashed by bandits on his way to Huajing.
Wang Lan, sympathizing with his plight and seeing he had no family or possessions, told him to recuperate there, promising to return for his dressing changes and to discuss repayment when he was better. Wei Yun, now aware that Wang Lan had saved Shen You, secretly dispatched protection for her. He decided not to reveal Shen You's true identity to Wang Lan, fearing it would cause her unnecessary stress given her advanced pregnancy.
He instructed his men to closely monitor Shen You, prepared to flush out his contacts if necessary. The day of Yao Yong’s execution arrived, drawing a large crowd to the execution ground in Huajing. Many recognized the condemned General Yao, murmuring about the severity of his crimes. Marquis Wei Yun made a dramatic appearance, with Gu Chusheng by his side.
Gu Chusheng acknowledged Wei Yun’s influence in securing his presence, expressing gratitude but also stating his primary motivation was for Chu Yu and his own family. Yao Yong, surprisingly calm, felt honored that Wei Yun would personally see him off, declaring his life well-lived. Wei Yun, however, minced no words, enumerating Yao Yong’s betrayals: stealing blueprints for North Qi, the slaughter of 30,000 Chu troops, fabricating military intelligence, and conspiring to kill 70,000 Wei soldiers.
He asserted that Yao Yong’s continued existence had been a gift. Yao Yong defiantly admitted his actions, claiming his single life was a worthy exchange for so many. Wei Yun cut through Yao Yong's self-justification, revealing the bitter truth: the Lord of Qin, whom Yao Yong believed was wrongfully executed, was in fact a victim of his own gullibility, manipulated by North Qi, leading to the loss of three Great Sui cities.
Yao Yong, Wei Yun declared, had unknowingly served his true enemies, making it hard to discern whether he was more detestable or pitiable. Yao Yong, clinging to his belief that Emperor Chunde had framed the Lord of Qin, vehemently denied this revelation. Wei Yun's words resonated through the crowd: no matter the reason, betrayal of one's country was unforgivable.
He proclaimed that Great Sui was not just a land of traitors but also of loyal protectors like the Wei and Chu families, whose sacrifices ensured the people's peace and their own place in history. The crowd erupted in cheers, echoing Wei Yun's sentiments and demanding Yao Yong’s death. Yao Yong, defiant to the end, refused to repent, claiming it would render his life a joke.
Gu Chusheng then formally pronounced the Emperor's decree: Yao Yong, stripped of his generalship, was sentenced to beheading, and his entire family exiled, with Marquis Wei Yun ordered to carry out the execution. The sentence was then fulfilled, drawing roaring cheers from the overjoyed populace.
Wei Yun, in a moment of quiet grief, silently addressed his fallen family—father, mother, brothers, and Xiaoqi—affirming that their vengeance was finally achieved, and his father could rest in peace now that winter had passed in Huajing. After the execution, Chu Linyang joined Chu Yu. Chu Yu, still resolute, declared that Yao Yong’s death did not mean the end of their struggle; more North Qi collaborators remained in Huajing, and they would be relentlessly hunted down.
Later, Chu Linyang confronted Chu Yu about her feelings for Wei Yun. He revealed that Wei Yun had discussed improvements to the octagonal crossbow with him, sharing his vision for stronger materials to resolve recoil issues. He also recalled their close bond during the "fake" wedding in the small village. Chu Linyang acknowledged that he had never interfered with Chu Yu’s past independent decisions, whether it was following Gu Chusheng or entering the Wei Mansion to investigate.
However, this third time, he urged her to look into her heart and honestly confront her true feelings for Wei Yun, suggesting that a brief separation might provide the clarity needed to understand such a complex emotion. Chu Yu confessed that she had already refused Wei Yun, but conceded that Chu Linyang was right, and she did need more time to sort out her emotions, reminding him that she was no longer a child.
At the Duke of Hu's Mansion, the Crown Prince Li Huan arrived with an elaborate display of betrothal gifts for Song Qingping, including a unique birdcage he personally designed. His attendant enthusiastically highlighted the prince’s sincerity and the rarity of the gifts. Li Huan, eager to find Qingping, then inquired about her whereabouts. However, Song Wenchang, clearly disapproving, immediately injected sarcasm, suggesting the birdcage was only valuable if truly unique, implying Li Huan’s past dalliances.
Li Huan brushed off the mention of his former mistress, assuring them he had turned over a new leaf, diligently serving his father and even apologizing to Wei Yun, and that these gifts were a testament to his renewed commitment. The Duke of Hu, noting Li Huan's recent good conduct, perused the gift list.
Song Wenchang, however, continued his jabs, marveling at the expensive coral and goldfinch, but then declared the mansion too small for such "noble gifts" and suggested the Prince return later. The Duke of Hu chided Wenchang for interfering, while Li Huan, angered, questioned Wenchang’s defiance of the imperial decree, asserting that only Qingping could voice objections. He then ordered Wenchang to move the gifts himself if the mansion was too small, before storming out.
Wenchang complained to Shilan about Li Huan's oppressive power and Shilan's silence, asking if he didn't care about Qingping's feelings. Shilan wisely stated that only Qingping herself could resolve the matter. The Duke of Hu agreed, instructing his sons to speak with Qingping, promising that if she still refused, he would break off the engagement even if it cost him his life.
Tuantuan, or Song Qingping, later confided in Wenchang, expressing her unhappiness with the betrothal gifts, particularly the caged goldfinch. She jokingly suggested Wenchang marry the Prince instead. Wenchang reminded her of their father’s parrot, which used to kick open its cage, and how Qingping used to admire Chu Yu for taking control of her own life. Qingping felt she was not like Chu Yu, but Wenchang insisted she was wrong and could also pursue her desires.
He advised her that life was too short to not live with someone you loved and do what you enjoyed, promising that he and their father would support her no matter what. Inspired by his words, Song Qingping bravely returned the birdcage to Li Huan. She explained that her love for birds was for their freedom in the sky, not for their captivity. She implored him to ask the Emperor to revoke the betrothal.
Li Huan, surprised, asked if her refusal stemmed from his past mistress, vowing to change. Qingping clarified that her aversion was not to a monarch having multiple consorts, but to her own aspirations. Li Huan then directly asked if it was because of Chu Linyang, noting their recent closeness. Qingping admitted her affection for Chu Linyang, but emphatically stated that even if he became a "high wall" blocking her path, she would not stop pursuing her passions.
She yearned to explore more medicinal herbs, cure diseases like smallpox, and discover new uses for remedies like Mafeisan, refusing to be confined by any societal or personal barriers. She declared that she would choose to be a free sparrow over a caged phoenix, and respectfully asked Li Huan to grant her request. Enraged by her outright refusal and her feelings for Chu Linyang, Li Huan immediately ordered his carriage to the Chu Mansion.
Xie Yun, Chu Linyang's mother, was terrified by the Crown Prince's angry arrival, fearing he was there to reprimand them. Chu Linyang, however, reassured her, confident that he understood the reason for the visit and could handle the situation. Chu Jin, who had just returned, confirmed that the Crown Prince had had an unpleasant encounter with Miss Song at the Duke of Hu's Mansion. Xie Yun's worry deepened, fearing they would become the scapegoat, but Chu Linyang reiterated his confidence that he would navigate the crisis.
