Forward Forever Episode 17 Recap, Plot

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Lord Zhe Yu hosted a banquet to congratulate Chong Liming on the re-establishment of the Brilliant Situation. Zhe Yu stated his appreciation for Chong Liming's talent, declaring him the rightful new Fan Zhu. He referenced Mr. Wei Yuan's "map of Haiguo" and the principle of "learning from others to subdue them," noting that the court, facing internal and external troubles, needs the Brilliant Situation, under Chong Liming's leadership, more than ever.

Zhe Yu admitted his past mistakes in judging people and placed the court's future hopes on Chong Liming and the Brilliant Situation. He then subtly steered the conversation towards the Regent's intention to form a cabinet and his concern about the new army's military power, implicitly suggesting Chong Liming align with the Regent. Chong Liming firmly rejected this, stating that the Brilliant Situation under his command would operate by its own rules, different from the past.

He asked Zhe Yu to tell the Regent that he and the current Brilliant Situation were overestimated, effectively refusing the Regent's overtures. Meanwhile, Wen Gou, Si San, Ke Yan Xin, and Wagner went for a picnic in a park. Wagner had specially invited Qinger from the lamb soup restaurant. The group was in high spirits, with Wen Gou playfully demonstrating a spyglass, emphasizing its military purpose for observing enemy situations, while others joked about using it to "look at girls."

At the picnic, Wagner showed particular attentiveness to Qinger, offering her bread with jam, which did not go unnoticed by Si San, who wondered when Wagner developed feelings for Qinger and suggested they interrogate him later. Wen Gou, observing their blossoming romance, remarked that the three of them were quite bored secretly watching others fall in love. Yu Chu remained visibly saddened, prompting A Yi to bring her freshly baked bread.

He confronted her about her animosity towards him, acknowledging that she likely hated him because of his connection to his mother, Ruowan. A Yi expressed a desire to shed his identity and be treated as an orphan, hoping it would alleviate Yu Chu's wariness. He explained that his memories only included his caregiver, with no recollection of his mother until recently, making it difficult for him to accept Ruowan as his parent.

He believed true affection stemmed from shared experiences, like the bond he shared with Yu Chu. Yu Chu, feeling guilty, apologized for her initial inability to accept him as Ruowan's child, calling herself selfish. She agreed to maintain their sibling relationship, acknowledging that the grievances of their parents' generation, including Ruowan and Yang Ming, might not be as important. A Yi then tentatively confessed that he had a new recollection suggesting he might be responsible for Yang Ming's death.

Yu Chu, surprised, asked if he was certain. A Yi clarified that while he couldn't clearly see the man's face when he stabbed him, he heard someone refer to the fallen man as "Fan Zhu," linking it to Yang Ming's role. Heartbroken and angry, Yu Chu abruptly left. Later, feeling disturbed, A Yi went to play billiards by himself. Wen Gou approached him, having heard about A Yi's conversation with Yu Chu.

He criticized A Yi for revealing to Yu Chu that he was the one who stabbed Yang Ming. Wen Gou explained that while Yu Chu might claim to hate her father, Yang Ming, and even wish to kill him herself, it was entirely different for A Yi to confess to being the killer. He questioned if Yu Chu would ever truly accept the person who killed her father.

A Yi argued that he couldn't hide the truth forever and that facts couldn't be changed, to which Wen Gou simply called him stubborn. After a court session, Lord Zhe Yu attempted to broach the subject of marriage with Lord Deqi, inquiring about his grandson's overseas study plans.

Lord Deqi, however, diverted the conversation by complaining about his grandson's indecisiveness regarding his studies abroad—first wanting to study military in England, then naval administration in Germany, and then mathematics in America, ultimately not wanting to go even after a school was chosen. Zhe Yu tried to redirect, mentioning his niece Yu Chu's involvement in the Brilliant Situation and suggesting she might follow Lord Deqi's grandson abroad since Chong Liming was now the Fan Zhu.

Lord Deqi pointed out that Yu Chu's entry into the Brilliant Situation was Zhe Yu's initial idea and reiterated that the person who created a problem should solve it, skillfully avoiding Zhe Yu's hints about a possible union. Chong Liming was teaching Yu Chu English, focusing on the words "freedom," "equality," and "fraternity." He patiently instructed her on pronunciation, explaining that "freedom" meant acting independently, "equality" meant treating everyone the same regardless of status.

However, when he deliberately defined "fraternity" as "not being dedicated to one person, seeing one and loving one, loving a good one," Yu Chu immediately understood his playful flirtation and called him a "rascal." Just then, Si San urgently called Chong Liming away to deal with an issue concerning Xian Er. Upon hearing it was about Xian Er's redemption, Yu Chu became angry. Chong Liming hurried to Shanglin Xianguan, where Xian Er was holding a public auction for her freedom.

Her friend warned Xian Er against being redeemed by undesirable men, citing a tragic story of another courtesan, Zhao Yuer, who was reportedly disfigured and died shortly after being redeemed. Xian Er, though, dismissed it as merely a cold. Chong Liming confronted Xian Er, scolding her for holding an auction when he could have simply helped her.

He offered to pay any amount, but Xian Er informed him he was too late, as all the "spots" for bidding were taken, and a formal "brand" was required to participate. Frustrated, Chong Liming declared that no rules would stop him and demanded to know why she insisted on redeeming herself in this manner. Xian Er explained that she was simply "tired" and wished for a "change of life," denying it was due to a man named Lin.

She expressed that some things, whether said or unsaid, would remain the same. Lord Zhe Yu summoned Yu Chu home and pressured her into an arranged marriage with Lord Deqi's grandson. He began by reminiscing about her childhood, her dedication to sword practice to "beat her father," and noted that with Yang Ming and Ruowan gone, she could finally "rest."

He stated his decision for her to leave the Brilliant Situation and live a peaceful life, claiming he had "prepared a better path" for her. Yu Chu asserted that she did not find her service in the Brilliant Situation difficult. Zhe Yu then explained the political necessity of the marriage, highlighting his alliance with the Regent and Lord Deqi's loyalty to the Empress Dowager.

He emphasized that a marriage alliance was crucial to consolidate their power and gain the support of the respected Yehenala family, especially with the young emperor on the throne. He reminded Yu Chu of her Aisin Gioro surname and its significance, stressing that her marriage was not just for herself, but "for this family, for the future of Qing Dynasty." He ended by pleading that this was his "only request," for her own good.

Despite his fervent pleas, Yu Chu remained resolute, stating she could agree to anything else but this. To facilitate Xian Er's redemption, Si San discreetly questioned one of Xian Er's close friends about the highest bids from the previous day's auction, mentioning names like Xie Daren, Shopkeeper Zhao, and Longbeizi. He appealed to her concern for Xian Er's future, promising that Chong Liming would come with enough money. The friend reluctantly divulged the information.

Si San then reported back to Chong Liming, confirming that Xie Daren had offered the highest bid at 4,000 taels. Chong Liming was determined to surpass this and redeem Xian Er. Yu Chu approached Chong Liming, intending to discuss her impending marriage, asking to speak in a quiet place. However, Chong Liming was preoccupied, first speaking with Si San and then with Ke Yan Xin, explaining he would return shortly.

Unbeknownst to her, a soldier excitedly mentioned Chong Liming's plan to redeem Xian Er that night. Yu Chu, overhearing this, became deeply disheartened and quietly left the Shenji camp mansion. A Yi, observing her departure, expressed concern, but other soldiers excitedly discussed Chong Liming's plan to redeem Xian Er, playfully warning Yu Chu that Xian Er could become her rival.

Meanwhile, Chong Liming was frantically trying to borrow money from his men, including Si San and Ke Yan Xin, but found them all to be "short of money," leaving him visibly anxious and frustrated with their reluctance. Two days passed, and Yu Chu remained at Lord Zhe Yu's mansion without any word from Chong Liming. Zhe Yu seized this chance to further pressure her, remarking that Chong Liming hadn't even noticed her absence from the Shenji camp.

He highlighted Chong Liming's well-known romantic entanglements, including his efforts to redeem Xian Er, portraying it as a mere attempt to maintain influence for his declining Zhengbai Banner after his father's demise. Zhe Yu emphasized that Chong Liming, despite his outward prestige, held a relatively low rank and title compared to Lord Deqi's grandson, who possessed a genuine hereditary title. He painted a picture of Yu Chu becoming a rightful "Di Fujin" and traveling abroad with Lord Deqi's grandson.

Acknowledging her reluctance, Zhe Yu urged her to accept her destiny, reminding her that few in the Aisin Gioro family could truly follow their hearts, and granted her one more day to consider. Torn, Yu Chu made a profound decision. She summoned Si San and requested him to take her photograph. She then reappeared in traditional women's attire, which Si San found beautiful, a stark contrast to her usual martial wear.

She instructed him to deliver the developed photos to Chong Liming, hinting that she was expressing something important. Chong Liming arrived at Shanglin Xianguan, where a crowd had gathered, announcing his presence. He immediately declared that only he would redeem Xian Er and demanded that all other bidders leave. When Xie Daren protested, Chong Liming defiantly drew his pistol, placing it on the table and stating it was "his brand."

He warned everyone that he had no time for idle chatter and vowed that no one would take Xian Er from him that day. He publicly announced that he would add an additional 100 taels to Xie Daren's highest bid. With this bold move, Chong Liming successfully outbid his rival and redeemed Xian Er. That evening, Chong Liming had a candid conversation with Xian Er.

He asked if she was truly happy, not just within Shanglin Xianguan but in the capital itself. He observed that her life as a celebrated courtesan, constantly entertaining and smiling, could not bring genuine happiness. Chong Liming lamented that in their current era, the most authentic life was that of an ordinary person. He admitted that he couldn't offer her such a life, nor could he choose it for himself, but he encouraged her to seize that opportunity.

He advised her to return to the south, become an ordinary woman, find someone she loved, and live a simple life, urging her to "forget everything in the capital." As Si San developed Yu Chu's photos, he discussed them with Wagner, wondering if they were a form of confession. Wagner, however, astutely deduced that Yu Chu likely had an "unspoken difficulty." Realizing she hadn't returned home the previous night, Wagner felt an urgency to find her and inform Chong Liming.

Simultaneously, Chong Liming was at the city gate to bid farewell to Xian Er. Xian Er expressed that she no longer blamed him and had finally accepted that "Childe Lin" never truly loved her, choosing to "wake up from the dream" and seek a new life. She thanked Chong Liming, affectionately calling him a "good man," and said her goodbyes before departing for the south, ready to forget the capital and start anew as an ordinary person.

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