I Will Never Let You Go Episode 23 Recap
> I Will Never Let You Go Recap
Xiaoxia reassured Hua Buqi that the maid was merely knocked unconscious, not killed, and that the blood was a clever trick to deceive Ninth Aunt. A relieved Hua Buqi immediately instructed Zhu Shou to find a doctor for the maid, stressing that the matter should be kept secret from Ninth Aunt.
Xiaoxia observed that Hua Buqi remained too kind-hearted for her new role, a sentiment echoed by Zhu Shou, who, despite believing in Hua Buqi's underlying resilience, worried that her soft nature might hinder her ability to effectively lead the Zhu Manor. Internally, Hua Buqi acknowledged her new responsibilities, which left her little time to think of Uncle Jiu or Ah Huang, but she resolved to earn enough money to repay their debts.
Since Ninth Aunt had failed to persuade Hua Buqi to leave the manor, Yuan Chong decided to climb the wall into Zhu Manor under the cover of night, declaring his intention to meet the woman he loved. He found Xiaoxia in the courtyard and, after introducing himself as the son of the Capital City Garrison Commander, immediately professed his love, stating his intention to send his family to propose upon his return home.
Xiaoxia, initially angry and calling him a "jerk," attempted to dismiss him, inadvertently revealing that she was not the true Lady of Zhu Manor. Yuan Chong, however, asserted that he liked "her" for who she was, not for any identity, recalling her bravery at Zuiyitai. Xiaoxia warned him to keep her true identity a secret, which he readily agreed to do. He then carelessly let slip that he knew the Lotus Robe Knight.
Seizing this, Xiaoxia asked him to deliver a message to the Lotus Robe Knight, inviting him to Suzhou because "someone" wished to see him. Yuan Chong, appearing jealous, initially claimed the Lotus Robe Knight already had someone he liked and was reluctant to deliver the message, but after Xiaoxia insisted, he agreed, vowing to make her like him instead. Hua Buqi, having overheard part of their conversation, later discussed it with Xiaoxia.
She expressed approval of Yuan Chong, noting his good family and forthright declaration of love, and subtly tried to encourage a match between him and Xiaoxia. Xiaoxia, however, dismissed the idea, stating her commitment to protecting Hua Buqi as a lifelong duty, believing women were too weak for marriage. Hua Buqi gently reminded her that being loved is a blissful thing for a woman. Xiaoxia then probed Hua Buqi, asking if she liked the Lotus Robe Knight.
Hua Buqi found herself deeply conflicted; she desired to see Chen Yu, but feared that revealing her survival and new identity as Lady of Zhu Manor could bring disaster to the house, especially since Chen Yu was the Seventh Prince's son, and Uncle Jiu had warned her to be wary of the Seventh Prince. She ultimately decided it was better not to meet him, claiming she was too preoccupied with Zhu Manor's financial matters to pursue romance.
Hua Buqi soon began to apply her business acumen, proposing an innovative plan to lend money to the poor for starting businesses. Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou initially expressed reservations, concerned that such a venture would not generate profit, might incur losses, and carried the risk of unpaid loans. Hua Buqi deftly countered their concerns by drawing on her own experience as a former beggar and entrepreneur.
She explained that the greatest hurdle for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially the impoverished, is often the initial capital for stock or expansion, for which they would gladly pay high interest. She highlighted that the wealthy do not need small loans, nor are commoners truly destitute; it is the heavily taxed poor who desperately need assistance.
Hua Buqi elaborated on the strategic benefits: this philanthropic initiative would dramatically elevate Zhu Manor's reputation across Jiangnan and potentially the entire nation, possibly earning imperial commendation. This enhanced prestige, she argued, would attract more business partners and significantly boost all of Zhu Manor's existing enterprises. Convinced by her insightful analysis, Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou commended Hua Buqi's wisdom and agreed to implement the plan, marveling at its unprecedented nature and potential for historical impact.
Hua Buqi instructed them to proceed with caution and thorough checks. News of Zhu Manor's "three taels of silver" loans, with flexible installment payments and no interest for early repayment, quickly spread, causing a rush of commoners to the Zhu Manor's bank. Individuals like Chen Da applied for loans to start small businesses, and were informed that a three-day background and credibility check was required before approval.
While Zhu Shou was instructing her on using an abacus, Hua Buqi was interrupted by the arrival of the aunts, who had come to confront her regarding the new financial arrangements. Annoyed that Zhu Old Master had delegated all responsibilities to her while he enjoyed leisure, Hua Buqi retreated to his courtyard to voice her frustrations. Zhu Old Master, however, asserted that as the current head of the household, she must embody the demeanor of a true leader.
Taking his words to heart, Hua Buqi began a meticulous inspection of his lavish room, inquiring about the value of prized possessions such as his white jade sculpture, jiao silk window coverings, yellow rosewood furniture, and sandalwood pieces. She even calculated the daily cost of his tea, including the rare snow water used to brew it. Zhu Old Master, initially alarmed that she might sell his cherished items, attempted to justify their value as lifelong investments.
Hua Buqi clarified that her intent was merely to illustrate the high expenditures. Zhu Shou then presented a detailed report of the manor’s annual costs, including the Grand Master’s significant spending on antiques, the substantial expense for jiao silk, the aunts’ considerable budgets for jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics, and even the kitchen’s outlay for luxurious ingredients like bird’s nest and ginseng.
Hua Buqi then proposed a new system: each courtyard would receive a fixed additional monthly allowance of one thousand taels, allowing the aunts freedom to spend without seeking reimbursements. Zhu Old Master initially worried this would make the family appear impoverished, but Zhu Fu supported Hua Buqi, pointing out that the aunts secretly preferred direct cash and resented the previous, restrictive reimbursement process.
Hua Buqi further suggested that the aunts invest their surplus funds into Zhu Manor’s businesses, promising year-end dividends. Zhu Old Master was thoroughly impressed by this shrewd strategy, realizing it effectively re-channeled the money back into the family’s enterprises. The aunts, swayed by the prospect of direct income and investment returns, collectively invested a staggering one million taels, much to Hua Buqi's secret delight.
That night, Yuan Chong, attempting to impersonate the Lotus Robe Knight, appeared at Zhu Manor to see Xiaoxia. Xiaoxia, however, quickly discerned his true identity, making light of his inferior martial arts compared to the real Lotus Robe Knight. Yuan Chong tried to maintain the charade, claiming he was the one who shot the arrow to save them, but Xiaoxia corrected him, stating the Lotus Robe Knight had actually saved Hua Buqi.
Xiaoxia bluntly told Yuan Chong to either return with the "real" Lotus Robe Knight or not bother coming back. After learning Xiaoxia's name, Yuan Chong promised to convey her message to the Lotus Robe Knight but, fueled by jealousy and misinterpreting her interest, also declared his intention to win her affection, arguing that his good personality and sincerity were superior to the Lotus Robe Knight's perpetually cold expression. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi, hidden nearby, overheard their exchange.
She found herself deeply conflicted, wrestling with the decision of whether she truly wanted Chen Yu, the Lotus Robe Knight, to come. Meanwhile, at a tavern, Dongfang Shi overheard the widespread discussion about Zhu Manor's charitable loan initiative. Acknowledging Hua Buqi's surprising business acumen, he realized that if Zhu Manor successfully repaid its debts, he would incur his father's wrath.
Deciding to intervene, he arrived at a Zhu Manor fireworks store, bringing with him a commoner whose eyes were allegedly injured by fireworks purchased from that very shop. At the Zhu Manor firework store, Dongfang Shi demanded to see the Zhu granddaughter, reminding the shopkeeper of his past abduction by Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou to treat Hua Buqi.
The shopkeeper relayed this to Zhu Old Master, who, upon hearing of Dongfang Shi's presence and their past offense, angrily reprimanded Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou for their reckless actions. Zhu Shou proposed that Hua Buqi, masked, should meet Dongfang Shi, while Xiaoxia investigated the firework factory. Hua Buqi, donning a mask, met Dongfang Shi in an inner room.
Dongfang Shi introduced Xiao Huzi, the injured commoner, who recounted how fireworks from Zhu Manor's store exploded, severely damaging his eyes and setting his neighbors' homes ablaze. Dongfang Shi also presented a list of five other individuals who suffered similar but less severe injuries from the same batch of fireworks. A public test of the fireworks in the courtyard confirmed their dangerous instability, injuring the store manager.
Hua Buqi promptly took full responsibility for the incident, assuring comprehensive compensation for all medical expenses and losses for Xiao Huzi and the others. She pressed Dongfang Shi for a definitive prognosis on Xiao Huzi's eyesight and the recovery of the other five, to which he promised his best efforts. Meanwhile, Xiaoxia apprehended a man attempting to flee the firework factory. The man confessed to tampering with the ingredients and revealed he was acting under the orders of Fourth Aunt.
Hua Buqi, deeming such a malicious act—endangering innocent lives—unacceptable, ordered the culprit to be handed over to the authorities, emphasizing the need to protect Zhu Manor's business reputation. She then instructed Zhu Shou to publicly destroy all problematic fireworks by dousing them with water and announced a ten-tael reward for anyone who uncovers future quality issues in any Zhu Manor product, effectively winning the trust and approval of the gathered townsfolk.
Dongfang Shi, thoroughly impressed by Hua Buqi's sharp and decisive handling of the crisis, acknowledged her remarkable business acumen, predicting that her actions would not only restore Zhu Manor's reputation but also significantly boost customer loyalty and worker diligence. He then extended an invitation for her to dine with him at a restaurant. Hua Buqi politely declined, explaining her immediate need to inspect the workshops to reassure employees following the recent management changes and to minimize any potential losses.
Unfazed, Dongfang Shi insisted on accompanying her to the workshop. He reminded her that he was the one who cured her illness, and playfully assured her that with him, she would be safe, stating that while he is skilled at clearing poison, he is even better at poisoning people. Hua Buqi, after a brief hesitation, acknowledging her guards' increased caution due to a recent assassination attempt, eventually agreed to join him at Zuiyitai.
