Forward Forever Episode 26 Recap
> Forward Forever Recap
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Mary received an urgent telegram from Mr. Kane, her superior at the British Railway Corporation headquarters. He demanded that she finalize the contract within three days, threatening to remove her from her position as the China agent if she failed. Mr. Kane emphasized that the company's primary interest lay in the trade and tax revenue generated once the railway was built.
He authorized Mary to pay a portion of the people's equity if necessary, assuring her that the Qing government would later compensate the company. Early the next morning, Qian Daren visited Chongliming, sharing critical news that the new army had entered Sichuan and that repression had already begun, with troops expected in Nanan soon. He expressed regret that he could no longer help the common people retrieve their equity before the new army's arrival, leaving the responsibility solely to Chongliming.
Chongliming acknowledged the gravity of the situation. Later, Zhou Jue gathered members of the Rights Protection Association for a celebration, announcing a "phased victory" in their struggle. He asserted that violence was not the only way to solve problems and that the initiative in negotiations had returned to them. Representing the Tongmenghui (Revolutionary Alliance), Zhou Jue promised to recover the people's equity swiftly. However, Xiao Ke, visibly displeased by Zhou Jue's approach, left the celebration early.
Wang Jiankui reported to Xiao Ke that his informants within the yamen had confirmed the true identity of "Yi Xintian" (A Yi), satisfying Xiao Ke. Chongliming then visited Mary. She accused him of coming to mock her and insisted she had been trying to help him. Mary passionately explained the benefits of the railway, highlighting new jobs, business opportunities, and the prosperity it would bring to Sichuan.
She questioned why they (Chongliming and the Chinese people) were opposing the signing despite the railway's positive impact and her company's profits. Chongliming challenged her perception of the common people, explaining that the 4. 5 million in equity represented an insurmountable hurdle for them, and anyone in their desperate situation would appear short-sighted.
Mary then expressed frustration that her company was being made a public enemy when she hadn't seen any of the money, and she accused Chongliming of aiding the oppressor. Chongliming, speaking as a friend, admitted the Qing court's responsibility but pointed out that the railway rights were acquired at one-tenth of the market value—an unfair business practice common in other colonized regions that often led to bloodshed.
He appealed to her Chinese heritage, urging her not to harm her own people. Mary then conceded but claimed her company wouldn't cover 2. 5 million. Chongliming proposed that if her company raised the signing price to 2. 5 million, he would personally cover the remaining amount required. Mary, surprised, asked for confirmation, which Chongliming gave. Later, Mary invited Chongliming to dance, reminiscing about a song.
During the dance, she expressed jealousy of Yang Yuchu, but Chongliming redirected her attention to their dance. At the celebration, Liu Yanjun, one of the gentry, proposed to Zhou Jue that the association support signing the contract with the British Railway Corporation. However, his condition was that the British formally acknowledge the people's equity in writing, asserting the railway's Chinese ownership.
Zhou Jue noted that this approach would primarily benefit wealthy shareholders like Liu Yanjun and expressed concern for the immediate needs of Nanan's starving population. Liu Yanjun argued his plan was for the nation's long-term benefit, but Zhou Jue prioritized the urgent livelihood issues. Under the cover of darkness, Wen Gou secretly met A Yi, informing him that Chongliming had successfully negotiated with Mary, who agreed to return two million in equity.
A Yi was thrilled, and Wen Gou urged him to quickly relay the news to Zhou Jue before returning. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Ke was secretly listening to their entire conversation. That night, A Yi, overjoyed by the news, met Zhou Jue for a drink. A Yi confessed that he had never been happier and admitted his past belief that only "fists" could solve problems, doubting Zhou Jue's non-violent methods.
Zhou Jue acknowledged that revolution sometimes required confrontation but warned that "resorting to force is actually a double-edged sword," harming both sides. A Yi agreed, explaining that people feared losing their current lives while desiring new ones, and previously associated revolution solely with violence. He now understood that peaceful negotiation and reason, which protected the people, were truly desired.
Zhou Jue affirmed A Yi's insight, stressing that while grand ideals weren't always understood, consistently demonstrating the Revolutionary Party's beliefs through concrete actions could build support and win the people's hearts. The following morning, Zhou Jue convened the Rights Protection Association, announcing that the British Railway Corporation had conceded and would pay two million to repurchase the people's equity, as Mary had been pressured by headquarters.
While some members were relieved, Xiao Ke immediately challenged the sum, stating the total equity was five million. Zhou Jue explained that with the original 500,000 already held, they now had 2. 5 million, which he proposed distributing first to the poorest workers and farmers. This sparked heated debate. Xiao Ke insisted on demanding the full five million, arguing for fairness in revolution.
The members argued whether to accept the partial payment for immediate relief or hold out for the full amount. Xiao Ke proposed a vote, and the majority, eight to three, rejected Zhou Jue's plan, opting to demand the full sum. Zhou Jue was left with no option but to accept their decision. Zhou Jue then consulted Can Yan Xin, realizing he had underestimated Xiao Ke's influence within the association.
He expressed frustration that no resolution could pass without Xiao Ke's approval. Zhou Jue planned to privately approach representatives to move the association's base away from the Green Dragon Society to reduce Xiao Ke's control, believing he could garner support from workers and farmers. Can Yan Xin suggested pressuring Xiao Ke through his sister, Fang Er, whom he respected deeply. Zhou Jue then met with Fang Er, explaining the two million offer and Xiao Ke's rejection.
Fang Er, however, argued that the wealthy gentry, who invested heavily, wouldn't accept partial compensation. She anticipated Zhou Jue wanted her to persuade Xiao Ke, which she found difficult. Zhou Jue clarified that he had another plan and invited her to meet Chongliming. A Yi meticulously drew a portrait of Ruowan from memory. Big SIlly observed, recognizing a distinctive peach blossom hairpin in the drawing, which A Yi's mother, who loved beauty, always wore.
He recalled finding it in the mountains one winter. Fang Er arrived, recognized the portrait of A Yi's mother, and after A Yi dismissed Big SIlly, directly questioned him about his mission. She noted Mary's agreement to the two million and warned A Yi that his continued presence in the Green Dragon Society was increasingly dangerous, advising him to leave soon. A Yi acknowledged her warning, and Fang Er remarked on his strong resemblance to his mother.
Fang Er proceeded to the Nanan County government office to meet Chongliming, but the guards initially denied her entry, citing her association with the Green Dragon Society. Wagner and Yuchu arrived, with Wagner recognizing Fang Er. Yuchu made a sarcastic remark, implying Chongliming's responsibility for Fang Er's presence due to his past decisions. Wagner quickly intervened, allowing Fang Er to enter. Chongliming confided in Fang Er, trusting her.
He explained the urgency and warned her to tell Xiao Ke not to obstruct the equity return, threatening severe consequences if Mary withdrew her offer due to his interference. Fang Er questioned their relationship, to which Chongliming replied that she was a lifelong friend, and he only wished not to be enemies with her brother, provided Xiao Ke didn't go too far. Outside, Yuchu complained to Can Yan Xin about Chongliming's many female connections.
After Fang Er left, Chongliming explained to Yuchu that Xiao Ke's rejection of the two million was causing problems within the association, and he sought Fang Er's help due to her close bond with her brother and their shared past. Fang Er then confronted Xiao Ke, questioning why he rejected the two million.
Xiao Ke argued it was insufficient, especially for the gentry, revealing that their true desire was not the equity but the substantial future profits and shares from the completed railway. He confessed that Liu Yanjun and other gentry had orchestrated the public opposition, using him as a "villain" to avoid directly antagonizing Zhou Jue or inciting the public. Pressed by Fang Er, Xiao Ke admitted to taking a 50,000 tael bribe. Fang Er was heartbroken, condemning his opportunism.
Xiao Ke defended his actions, explaining he felt forced to align with the gentry after they supported him in taking over the Green Dragon Society. He promised that once he helped them secure an additional 200,000, they could leave Nanan and live a good life. He desperately pleaded with Fang Er not to reveal his secret to Zhou Jue, fearing repercussions from Liu Yanjun.
Meanwhile, Alan Walker confronted Mary, accusing her of bypassing him to agree to the compensation and then reporting to headquarters beyond her authority. Mary retaliated, furious that "Alan" had bypassed "her" to report to headquarters, and accused him of becoming manipulative. She then presented him with a formal order from Mr. Kane: Alan was dismissed as general manager of the Sichuan Nanan Branch for "ineffective handling of affairs" and ordered to return to Britain immediately.
Mary, implying Mr. Kane's authority (her father's), warned Alan that some people were beyond his ability to offend, and this dismissal was a warning. After Alan left, Mary instructed Wagner and Si San to inform Chongliming that she had cleared her end of the obstacles and expected him to finalize the signing. Fang Er later visited Chongliming, admitting the situation was complex and that the core issue was not with Xiao Ke, despite Chongliming's frustration and threats.
She warned him that the Hubei New Army was on its way to Sichuan, siding with the foreigners, commending Chongliming for standing with the people, but she could not reveal the true orchestrator of the obstruction. Learning of Alan's dismissal, Chongliming asked Yuchu to look after Mary. Feeling helpless, Chongliming visited Qian Daren late that night, lamenting that despite securing Mary's agreement for two million in equity, the Rights Protection Association remained unyielding, leaving him unsure of his next steps.
