Heroes Episode 16 Recap
> Heroes Recap
Zhu Xiaoyao orchestrated an escape plan for Guan Qi and his son, Shuang. She instructed Shuang to leave via the southern gate while she served as a decoy, accompanying Guan Qi through another exit. Bai Choufei, anticipating their move, led his men to the southern gate, only to find Shuang alone. Realizing he had been tricked by a decoy, Bai Choufei immediately ordered his forces to search every road exiting the city.
In a carriage outside the city, Guan Qi confronted Zhu Xiaoyao, questioning her loyalty to the House of Sunset Drizzle for helping him. Zhu Xiaoyao asserted her allegiance was to him, the Holy Master, due to a life debt, but explained she had to keep him confined for his own safety from both the House of Sunset Drizzle and the Six Half Hall. When Guan Qi threatened her, Zhu Xiaoyao desperately revealed that his son, Shuang, was alive.
She explained that Shuang's mother, Xiaobai, had secretly sent the child away at birth, fearing Guan Qi, in his unstable state, was unfit to be a father. Enraged by the deception, Guan Qi recalled his son's fair skin "like a lotus root" and a bell he had bought for him. Consumed by fury, he bound Zhu Xiaoyao with chains just as Wang Xiaoshi arrived and saved her.
Driven by personal vengeance for his friend, Mr. Wo, whom Guan Qi had killed, Wang Xiaoshi engaged him in a fierce battle. Guan Qi goaded Wang Xiaoshi, praising those who kill for personal revenge over those who act for abstract justice. Fueled by his grief, Wang Xiaoshi fought with ferocious power, eventually severing Guan Qi's arm. As he prepared to deliver the killing blow, Zhu Xiaoyao intervened, begging him to spare Guan Qi, calling him a pitiable man.
Wang Xiaoshi initially dismissed her plea, citing Guan Qi's countless victims. However, remembering Su Mengzhen's instruction to capture Guan Qi alive for the secrets he held, he relented. Declaring Guan Qi a crippled, insignificant man who could no longer harm anyone, Wang Xiaoshi decided to let him live like an "insect." Wang Xiaoshi then pressed Guan Qi to confess the illicit activities he conducted for Fu Zongshu and the Youqiao Group.
Guan Qi revealed that the Youqiao Group had ordered Lei Sun to secretly manufacture explosives and firearms. These weapons were then transported north and sold to the Liao people at inflated prices, who in turn used them to attack the Song. This perpetual warfare generated endless wealth for the Youqiao Group by profiting from national calamities. Guan Qi further disclosed that an even more powerful figure lurked behind Fu Zongshu.
Convinced that the crippled Guan Qi posed no further threat, Wang Xiaoshi was about to let him go when Bai Choufei suddenly appeared. Declaring he was avenging Mr. Wo, Bai Choufei swiftly wounded Zhu Xiaoyao as she tried to shield Guan Qi, and then killed Guan Qi. Wang Xiaoshi, his eyes filled with resentment, confronted Bai Choufei for harming Zhu Xiaoyao before carrying her away.
After Guan Qi's death, Lei Sun, who had imprisoned him for eight years, brought his severed head to Fu Zongshu. Addressing the head, he expressed remorse, stating he had no choice but to follow orders. Fu Zongshu was pleased but cautioned Lei Sun that their brotherhood would not excuse any future mistakes. Meanwhile, Peng Jian reported Guan Qi's death to Fang Yingkan, specifying that Bai Choufei was the killer.
Fang Yingkan acknowledged Bai Choufei's talent but was frustrated that Guan Qi had failed to eliminate either Fu Zongshu or Lei Sun, deeming his release a waste. Back at the House of Sunset Drizzle, Wang Xiaoshi and Bai Choufei argued heatedly. Wang Xiaoshi agreed that Guan Qi deserved death but demanded to know why Bai Choufei had harmed Zhu Xiaoyao.
Bai Choufei retorted that Zhu Xiaoyao had shielded Guan Qi, forcing his hand, and he was determined to avenge Mr. Wo, even if it meant confronting an army. Wang Xiaoshi accused Bai Choufei of being no different from Guan Qi, while Bai Choufei called Wang Xiaoshi a coward, too soft-hearted to claim vengeance. Their argument ended unresolved, leaving Wen Rou distressed. Su Mengzhen's health had worsened after his battle with Guan Qi.
Yang Wuxie, noticing his condition, secretly added panax notoginseng to his medicine to nourish his body, dismissing Su Mengzhen's fears that his illness was growing more severe. Later, Su Mengzhen spoke with Bai Choufei, revealing he understood his true motive: an unwavering determination to avenge Mr. Wo. He affirmed that this resolve was the Bai Choufei he respected but reminded him to always direct his blade at the true enemy.
Su Mengzhen then discussed Guan Qi's confession, deducing that Lei Sun, having betrayed the Pili Sect and taken its elites, was manufacturing the weapons for the Youqiao Group. He dispatched Yang Wuxie to locate the Six Half Hall's armory. At his late wife Zhaodi's tomb, Lei Sun grieved, apologizing for failing to protect her brother, Guan Qi. His daughter, Lei Chun, arrived and remarked to Di Feijing that she had never seen her father so heartbroken.
Di Feijing recounted how Lei Sun had stood vigil all night in heavy snow at Zhaodi's funeral, appearing to age drastically overnight. Touched, Lei Chun decided not to disturb her father, content with the knowledge of his enduring love for her mother. After recovering, Zhu Xiaoyao returned to the House of Sunset Drizzle to face punishment for aiding an enemy.
The elders formally banished her, but as the final blow of punishment was about to be administered, Su Mengzhen stepped forward and took it himself. As the House Master, he declared, he bore a share of her responsibility. He proclaimed that while she would no longer be a member of the House, she would forever remain his friend. At Yang Wuxie's signal, the brethren bid her a respectful farewell.
Wang Xiaoshi and Wen Rou later accompanied Madam Wo to a high balcony overlooking the courtyard where she had lived with her husband. Madam Wo felt his lingering presence, finding comfort in the thought that he was still there in spirit. That night, Wang Xiaoshi watched Zhu Xiaoyao depart from the city. He reflected on his own departure from his master, which he had not found sad, believing they would reunite.
But his time in the Capital taught him that some goodbyes are final. He concluded that if one cannot take partings lightly, it becomes even more crucial to cherish every moment with those who are present.
