I Will Never Let You Go Episode 31 Recap
> I Will Never Let You Go Recap
Zhu Fu presented an indictment, suing Dongfang Shi for unfair business competition. Dongfang Shi made light remarks about Hua Buqi in court, which enraged Yun Lang, who was standing at the back of the crowd. Yun Lang immediately stepped forward, demanding Dongfang Shi stop verbally harassing her. Although Yun Lang was nearly caned for disturbing the court, he claimed to be Zhu Manor's lawyer and justified his outburst as defending his Lady.
Hua Buqi, having anticipated Dongfang Shi's cunning, had already arranged for Yuan Chong and Bai Jianfei to provide false testimony, insisting that Dongfang Shi was unfairly suppressing prices. Yuan Chong testified that Dongfang Shi's actions had prevented him from selling his northern goods. Realizing Hua Buqi had found witnesses he couldn't easily sway, Dongfang Shi was forced to back down and decided to close Dong Ji to resolve the matter. The court was then adjourned.
After court, Yun Lang approached Hua Buqi, eager to speak with her. However, recognizing it wasn't a suitable place for a private conversation, Hua Buqi feigned a sudden faint. Xiao Xia quickly interceded, explaining that her Lady had caught a cold and was unwell, and told Yun Lang to visit Zhu Manor later. Witnessing Yun Lang's profound devotion to Hua Buqi, Lin Dansha realized her hopes were lost.
She bid farewell to Yun Lang, tearfully walking out alone into the pouring rain. Yun Lang, concerned, followed her and offered his umbrella. Lin Dansha, heartbroken, told him he didn't need to be so kind to her if he didn't return her feelings, then decided to pack her belongings and return to the capital. Yun Lang pursued her from the inn, but ultimately hesitated, watching her carriage depart.
Back at Zhu Manor, Hua Buqi was troubled, knowing her identity as the true Lady of the manor could not be concealed much longer. Xiao Xia, Zhu Fu, and Zhu Shou warned her about the dangers posed by Dongfang Shi's continued schemes, and more critically, Madam Mo. They also cautioned her about Yun Lang.
They explained that if Madam Mo discovered Hua Buqi was not only alive but also in control of Zhu Manor's power, she would certainly make a move against them, as it was her usual ruthless style. Furthermore, given that Feiyun Fortress and Mo Manor were connected by marriage, and Fortress Master Yun was Madam Mo's brother, Feiyun Fortress would not stand idly by if Zhu Manor moved against Mo Manor.
Despite their warnings, Hua Buqi firmly stated her trust in Yun Lang, asserting that since he had kept her secret of faking her death, he would not harm her, and she would not put her guard up against him. To demonstrate her trust and to share her true identity, she decided to personally cook a meal for Yun Lang. Yun Lang arrived at Zhu Manor, and Hua Buqi cooked two fresh fish dishes for him.
She expressed her gratitude to him for keeping her secret and revealed that she was not the Seventh Prince's daughter, but the true granddaughter of the Zhu Manor, her grandfather's only bloodline. She mentioned that while other family matters were complex and private, she was thankful for his support. Yun Lang was genuinely happy to see her thriving and settled in her own home, telling her that as long as she was living a good life, it was enough.
He then brought up her past 10,000 taels reward for the Lotus Robe Knight, still believing it implied he was her poisoner. Hua Buqi clarified that the Lotus Robe Knight had not poisoned her; she had offered the reward to protect him from someone else who was trying to harm him. When Yun Lang pressed her about the actual poisoner, Hua Buqi was reluctant but eventually revealed it was Madam Mo.
Yun Lang was shocked and disbelieving, refusing to accept that his aunt would commit such an act. Hua Buqi recounted Madam Mo's hatred for her mother, leading to the massacre of Xue Manor, and later, Madam Mo's attempts to kill Hua Buqi herself when she entered Mo Manor. Hua Buqi explained she had kept it a secret to spare Yun Lang from being caught in the middle. Still unconvinced, Yun Lang decided he would confront Madam Mo directly.
Hua Buqi tried to stop him, fearing that if Madam Mo learned she was alive and in control of Zhu Manor, it would invite catastrophe for the Zhu family, but Yun Lang was resolute, vowing not to let his aunt harm her again. After leaving Zhu Manor in a visibly agitated state, Yun Lang was easily captured by Dongfang Shi, who used a golden needle to subdue him.
Lin Dansha, who was preparing to leave for the capital, was also captured and found herself imprisoned with Yun Lang. Dongfang Shi revealed his plan to his subordinate, Hei Feng: he intended to "matchmake" Yun Lang and Lin Dansha for Hua Buqi to witness, thereby retaliating against Hua Buqi and publicly humiliating her. Meanwhile, Dong Ji continued to undercut Zhu Manor's business with massive sales.
Zhu Shou explained that Dongfang Shi's plan to sell all his stock could last for a year, crippling Zhu Manor's finances. Hua Buqi proposed fighting fire with fire, suggesting Zhu Manor also lower prices to attract customers. However, Zhu Shou reminded her that Zhu Manor couldn't sustain such a prolonged price war.
When Hua Buqi asked for other quick money-making ideas, Zhu Shou suggested opening a gambling house, but Zhu Grand Master immediately dismissed it, unwilling to provoke Zhao Laosan, who controlled all gambling in Jiangnan. Just as they deliberated, Dongfang Shi arrived, claiming to have a method to help Zhu Manor earn money.
Hua Buqi suspected his motives, and indeed, Dongfang Shi offered 5,000 taels for a meal and 20,000 taels for a full day of his company, insisting he simply missed her and desired her presence. Zhu Shou, ignoring Hua Buqi's disdain, calculated the immense sums they could earn, remarking on her high "worth." Hua Buqi, though initially disgusted, found herself tempted by the money.
A letter then arrived from Dongping Commandery, announcing that the High Mountain Great Leaf Tea would reach Jiangnan before spring. Simultaneously, Chief Steward Fu received news that Liu Mingyue was dealing with desert bandits. Hua Buqi decided to personally go to Dongping Commandery to investigate Mingyue Villa and research local goods. Zhu Grand Master strongly objected, fearing the dangers of the region and that Dongfang Shi would inevitably follow her, where Zhu Manor's influence was weak.
Hua Buqi acknowledged the risks but came up with a plan: she would accept Dongfang Shi's offer to distract him, leading him to believe she was preoccupied with him and thus throwing him off her true intentions. She planned to make him spend money and feel humiliated in the process. Hua Buqi decided to invite her grandfather and several of her spirited "aunties" – known for their drinking prowess – to accompany them to dinner.
At the dinner, Hua Buqi feigned casualness, remarking that Dongfang Shi had only asked her to eat with him, not alone. Throughout the meal, her aunties repeatedly toasted Dongfang Shi, praising his handsomeness and elegant bearing, until he appeared utterly drunk. In his seemingly inebriated state, Dongfang Shi presented Hua Buqi with a jade pendant, claiming it was worth 50,000 taels, as payment for her immediate company on an outing.
Hua Buqi's grandfather worried, but Hua Buqi, convinced Dongfang Shi was genuinely drunk and no threat with Xiao Xia's protection, accepted. She saw it as an opportunity to perhaps extract information from him about the House of Dongfang's intentions. As they exited Zhu Manor, Dongfang Shi abruptly revealed he had been feigning drunkenness all along to trick her into leaving. He then insisted they share a horse.
Ever the shrewd businesswoman, Hua Buqi demanded an additional 10,000 taels for this arrangement, bringing the total to 60,000 taels, which Dongfang Shi readily agreed to. Hua Buqi made him promise to be respectful, extracting a vow from him: "If I break my word, I am a loathsome dog." She then instructed Xiao Xia to inform her grandfather that if she wasn't back by 'you' time (5:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m.
), he should seek her out at Dongfang Manor and ask "a loathsome dog." Dongfang Shi then conspicuously rode through the streets on one horse with Hua Buqi, drawing significant public attention and gossip. Onlookers speculated that Hua Buqi had been moved by Dongfang Shi's public declaration of love in court. Hua Buqi questioned why they were merely strolling the streets instead of sightseeing.
Dongfang Shi candidly revealed his true intention: to ensure Zhu Manor could never repay its debt, thereby forcing her into marriage, adding that the debt could not be repaid in her lifetime.
