In the Name of Blossom Episode 22 Recap
> In the Name of Blossom Recap
While shopping in the market, Xiao Hua directs her guard, Chuan Yu, to purchase dates for Fu. Immediately after Chuan Yu departs, three rough men surround Xiao Hua. Realizing they are not common thieves as they ignored her purse to steal her "token of love" from her waist, Xiao Hua deduces they were sent specifically for her and had purposely sent her guard away.
She correctly identifies their employer as Magistrate Du and attempts to bribe them, offering to double whatever he is paying them. When they refuse, citing their profession's rules, Xiao Hua feigns cooperation, suggesting she can lead them to the "stolen goods" herself. This provides an opportunity for her to escape. She skillfully evades her captors, climbing walls, traversing rooftops, blocking their path with a bamboo pole, using a slingshot for diversion, and leveraging her surroundings to her advantage.
Just as she is about to escape, someone unexpectedly embraces her, causing her to instinctively prepare to strike, only to hear a familiar voice. It is Jiang Chang Yang. Xiao Hua, wide-eyed with disbelief, confirms he is truly alive and not a figment of her imagination.
Jiang Chang Yang explains that Prince Ning deliberately missed his heart by half an inch when stabbing him, intending to spare his life so he could extract information about the Emperor's hidden agents and secrets. After regaining consciousness, Jiang Chang Yang, despite enduring torture, pretended to cooperate with Prince Ning. He fabricated a story about hidden guards who could travel vast distances daily and whose hideouts were only known to him.
He then subtly used carrier pigeons, disguised as "red-footed carrier pigeons," to send a signal to his hidden guards in the city and to "Mr. Third" that he was alive and to hide. Yun Niang's team subsequently rescued him from Prince Ning's mansion under the cover of night. After regrouping his forces, he immediately set out for Hedong upon learning Xiao Hua was there.
Xiao Hua is deeply concerned about his injuries, insisting on checking them despite his protests that they are minor. She notes that if his injuries truly weren't severe, he would have arrived much sooner, as a fast horse to Hedong takes over ten days. Upon seeing the numerous scars on his torso, she is overwhelmed with emotion and sheds tears. Jiang Chang Yang comforts her, expressing that the thought of reuniting with her helped him endure his ordeal.
They both affirm their commitment to never being apart again. Jiang Chang Yang admits he is now penniless but still leads a group of hidden guards, relying on her support. Xiao Hua reassures him that she will protect him. Jiang Chang Yang reveals his strategy to counter Prince Ning: he has divided his men into multiple groups, each with a decoy impersonating him, sending them to territories governed by Prince Ning's allied military governors.
This aims to divert Prince Ning's attention and sow distrust among his allies by using evidence of various military governors' dark secrets to trigger internal conflicts. Xiao Hua understands his cunning plan and reassures him that her own family fears no investigations. Xiao Hua has been inventorying and storing goods to supply the Hedong Army, ensuring they are well-equipped for the approaching winter and offering additional shipments before the river freezes.
She also compiles a list of Prince Ning's weaponry, cross-referenced with his military forces, which includes rare items, and assures General Yu she will find every item for him. Later, Jiang Chang Yang comforts Mu Dan, who expresses guilt over She Yan's sacrifice and feels he failed to protect Xiao Hua. Jiang Chang Yang insists that all lives hold equal value and that he never wanted any of them to trade their lives.
He then urges Mu Dan to return to Chang'an and propose marriage to Fu once the current situation settles. Xiao Hua then teases Jiang Chang Yang about the terrible name he chose for himself on a spirit tablet, remarking that he was just as shameless in her dreams.
She describes how, in her dreams, he would tell her to forget him, and she would reply that she couldn't unless he cut out her heart, as he had taken root within it. Xiao Hua then excitedly reveals to Fu, Chun, and Chuan Yu that Jiang Chang Yang is alive, much to their joy. They immediately try to examine his injuries, to his playful annoyance.
As the Dongqing Festival approaches, General Yu initially suggests postponing it due to ongoing military drills and threats. However, Xiao Hua argues that canceling the festival, which commemorates the Hedong Army's bravery, would raise suspicions among Prince Ning's spies planted in the city. They decide to proceed with the festival as usual. During the festival, Jiang Chang Yang and Xiao Hua walk through the market, admiring the lanterns, which commemorate the Hedong soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
They reflect on the fleeting peace and the impending war, hoping the people remain unaffected. Jiang Chang Yang assures her that the Hedong Army, with her support, is strong and united with the people, capable of thwarting Prince Ning's ambitions. They savor the moment, enjoying a rare leisurely walk together late into the night, even past curfew, before Jiang Chang Yang must return to Jizhou.
Prince Ning, receiving urgent military reports about Jiang Chang Yang's activities and the Hedong Army's rebellion in Shuo Fang and Fan Yang, realizes Jiang Chang Yang and General Yu are determined to fight him. Despite the strength of Hedong, Prince Ning decides to make his final move. He proposes to the Emperor that he personally lead the central, Hexi, and Jiannan armies to suppress the Hedong rebels.
The Emperor, recognizing Ning's ambition but powerless as military command is in Ning's hands, grants permission. Before the battle, Xiao Hua ensures the Hedong Army has ample fire-resistant shields and resilient mulberry wood bows, capable of withstanding Prince Ning's black fire oil. She instructs General Yu on proper storage to prevent mold. Jiang Chang Yang, wearing his armor, prepares for combat.
He instructs Xiao Hua that if he does not return victorious, she must take Auntie by boat to Xinluo immediately. Xiao Hua, dismayed by his ominous words, sternly tells him not to dare die again, reminding him that now that he has her, he must cling to life. He promises to return. The battle begins as General Yu Zheng, representing the Hedong Army, confronts Prince Ning, who leads the central, Hexi, and Jiannan armies.
Prince Ning declares the Hedong Army's rebellion unforgivable. General Yu Zheng counters, asserting that the Hedong Army has always served the country with loyalty and would rather die for their nation than bow to treacherous officials. With a defiant "Fine!" , Prince Ning orders his troops to attack, and arrows fly, prompting the Hedong Army to form a defensive formation.
