In the Name of Blossom Episode 17 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
Jiang Chang Yang visited the desolate mountain gully where his ally, Minister Lu, along with Minister Lu's innocent wife and children, had been tragically massacred. Pouring wine as a secret tribute, Jiang expressed profound sorrow, lamenting that while rebuilding the country was their shared ambition, Minister Lu's family should not have paid such a heavy price. His subordinate reported on the progress of their grand plan, including the secret letter sent to Hedong and the relocation of Huanyun Tower personnel.
Jiang, burdened by the immense risk of their endeavor, ordered that all secret guard members with families be sent away and settled before the upcoming Spring Exam, fearing they might suffer a similar fate. His subordinate attempted to reassure him that their plan was meticulously prepared and would not fail like Minister Lu's, yet Jiang's deep-seated concern for his loved ones, particularly He Wei Fang, led him to maintain a protective distance.
He Wei Fang learned of Jiang Chang Yang's decision to sever their ties through a "Concubine Release Document" delivered by Mu Dan. Jiang had indicated he would not return to the mansion until she moved out, wishing her prosperity and joy. He Wei Fang understood that Jiang’s "great endeavor" was imminent and that he was forcing her away to shield her from the danger.
Upon leaving, she noticed unique damp red clay on a boot, a type found only in the western outskirts of the city. Disguised as a beggar, she journeyed to the western outskirts to find him. At Jiang Chang Yang's camp in the mountains, his men apprehended the suspicious beggar, mistaking her for a spy sent by Prince Ning.
Jiang was astonished to discover it was He Wei Fang and chastised her for taking such a perilous risk, pointing out the hidden sentries and the danger of being shot on sight. He Wei Fang, however, declared her visit fortunate, as it revealed the true nature of his courtyard's occupants: not mere guards, but "death warriors" who disregarded life and death, evidenced by the farewell letters of soldiers she saw.
She explained that she had sought an answer, which she now had, acknowledging the heavy responsibilities Jiang bore. Despite not fully agreeing with his decision, she affirmed her deep affection for him and promised to respect his choice. She assured him she would sign the Concubine Release Document and offered her assistance if his mission with His Majesty ever required her, clarifying that her offer stemmed from her role as the owner of Wuyong Hall, not romantic attachment.
Jiang expressed his gratitude before she departed. As He Wei Fang left, she noticed the hairpin she had given Jiang Chang Yang, which he had previously claimed to have discarded but had secretly repaired with gold. Realizing his true feelings, she took the hairpin and broke it again, contemplating that perhaps its initial broken state, when he first received it, foreshadowed their destined ending.
He Wei Fang, as owner of Wuyong Hall and Huamanzhu, meticulously prepared for an ambitious Flower Boat Tour. She stressed the importance of the event for her businesses, which would then embark on a journey south to open new branches in Jiangnan, a long-held dream of hers. Her plan was to stop at various locations along the water route, returning once the court affairs concluded.
However, Jiang Chang Yang's staff reported that He Wei Fang had taken all her belongings, suggesting an indefinite stay in the south or a leisurely journey after establishing the new branch. Concerned, a subordinate warned Jiang that this farewell might be permanent, implying he might never find her again should he regret letting her go. Jiang, acknowledging his reluctance but stating he could not gamble with her safety, expressed hope that she could roam freely.
He then resolved to personally retrieve the Concubine Release Document and bid her farewell after the tour. During the lively Flower Boat Tour, Huamanzhu and Wuyong Hall promoted their goods and services. He Wei Fang diligently handled sales and wondered why Jiang Chang Yang hadn't sent anyone to pick up the Concubine Release Document.
She also spoke with Liu Lang about a firework signal, questioning if it meant he would come to her aid in times of danger, to which he reassuringly replied he would be there to help her start over. Later that evening, as He Wei Fang drank alone on the deck, feeling contemplative, Jiang Chang Yang appeared. He commented on her excessive drinking and suggested they return to the cabin.
He Wei Fang confirmed she had signed the Concubine Release Document and wished him future success, stating her departure from Chang'an the next day. Jiang acknowledged her dream of traveling the world and expanding her business, admitting she was once his dream as well, and that he had come to see her off. She then offered him wine, revealing it was the wine her mother had prepared for her wedding.
Jiang initially questioned why they should "waste it" given their fake marriage, but He Wei Fang proposed they drink it as a peaceful farewell, symbolizing his future great feats and her global travels. Jiang Chang Yang confessed his awareness of Minister Lu's tragedy, explaining that he had distanced himself from He Wei Fang to prevent a similar fate from befalling her.
He Wei Fang challenged his perspective, arguing that he had no right to make such choices for her without consulting her, just as he couldn't know if Madam Lu would have chosen differently. She pressed him, asking if he would have regretted not confessing his true feelings if she had died earlier, emphasizing that a life lived without hearing heartfelt words from one's beloved was truly in vain.
Jiang finally admitted that she was in his heart and that he loved her more than his own life, which was why he felt compelled to let her go, fearing "what ifs" such as her suffering if he died first, or dying with him if he couldn't protect her. He Wei Fang rebuked his assumptions about her fragility, asserting that since she dared to choose him, she could bear the possibility of losing him.
She declared her ambition for Wuyong Hall and Qingshuzhai to open branches everywhere, stating that her devotion to serving the country was no less than his and that she could be his "confidence," not a burden. She questioned why he would forsake their potential happiness for unknown fears when they could clearly achieve both. Hearing her heartfelt words, Jiang conceded that he had "heard her true words."
After their conversation, consumed by their longing for each other, they embraced and kissed, spending a passionate night together. The next morning, Jiang Chang Yang presented He Wei Fang with a significant amount of money, symbolizing his concession in a previous bet that "the first to marry is a dog," indicating their newly consummated relationship. He playfully teased her about her past aggressive actions storming his mansion.
He Wei Fang then explained that she had broken the hairpin earlier to help him release his fears and avoid the nightly pain of holding it while being too afraid to be with her. Jiang responded by taking a token and breaking it into two halves, explaining that if she ever angrily destroyed her half, the other half would remain, ensuring she wouldn't regret it later.
He praised her decisiveness, and He Wei Fang affirmed that he could no longer escape or push her away. Jiang vowed to cherish his life more for her, and both made solemn vows to the heavens: Jiang pledged to be He Wei Fang's husband for life and never fail her, while He Wei Fang declared she would have no regrets for her choice, in hardship or happiness.
She then presented dragon and phoenix candles she had acquired from Mr. Third, declaring that neither of them would leave the room at Yangu Inn until the candles burned out, finally completing their bond with a true wedding night. Meanwhile, the Spring Exam was approaching, bringing county sages and common scholars like Zhang Qian, Ma Di, and Luo Ning to Yangu Inn, hoping for a fair opportunity to enter officialdom.
However, high-ranking officials aligned with Prince Ning, including Mr. Liu and Minister of Agriculture Mr. Zhu, conspired to undermine this opportunity for commoners. They discussed how to prevent "young men from noble families" from facing competition, hinting at sabotaging the common scholars' preparations. Mr. Liu suggested cutting off lamp oil and edible oil supplies from the markets, making it impossible for scholars to study at night.
Minister Zhu confirmed this nefarious plan, stating that "inspections" of warehouses and even poultry farms would be extended until after the civil service exam results, effectively preventing commoners from accessing essential resources and preparing for the exam.
