I've Fallen For You Episode 21 Recap
> I've Fallen For You Recap
Zhao Quandui visited the Young Lord late at night to resign from his post as Taifu Magistrate of Southern City. He felt he had failed to protect the Young Lord after the attack in Shifang Village. The Young Lord tried to dissuade him, pointing out Zhao Cuo's bravery in capturing a rebel bandit and offering Zhao Cuo a military position in the capital.
Zhao Quandui refused, believing his son was too unruly for such a role, and requested permission for both of them to retire to a secluded life. The Young Lord reluctantly granted his request. Afterwards, the Young Lord suspected Zhao Quandui’s hasty departure indicated knowledge of the recent events and a possible plan to flee with Zhao Cuo. He ordered his subordinate to remain vigilant and await their return to the capital before taking action.
News of Zhao Quandui's resignation reached Mr. Bai, who visited the Zhao residence. Zhao Quandui's wife, Ling, was suspicious of Mr. Bai. Mr. Bai expressed his sadness at Zhao Quandui's departure, claiming Southern City would feel empty without his old rival. The two engaged in their usual playful banter before deciding to drink together.
Zhao Quandui, in a moment of sincerity, advised Mr. Bai to be cautious in officialdom, praising him as a good person despite his “lack of business ability,” and regretting their late friendship. They toasted to their past. Later, Zhao Cuo and Bai Yifei, Mr. Bai's son, also drank together. Anticipating his departure, Zhao Cuo thanked Bai Yifei for his past help, mentioning the Leimo case, saving his life, and fighting alongside him against men in black.
He declared that after this drink, he would no longer be indebted to Bai Yifei. Bai Yifei, sensing Zhao Cuo’s sadness, gently inquired if it was due to Sanqi’s departure, which Zhao Cuo denied. They acknowledged their paths may not cross again, given Zhao Cuo's return home and Bai Yifei's journey to the capital with the Young Lord and Sanqi. Zhao Cuo entrusted Sanqi's well-being to Bai Yifei.
Bai Yifei apologized for their childhood fight, sparked by his and others' insults towards Zhao Quandui. They playfully argued over the fight's victor, maintaining their rivalry. Mr. Bai joined them, producing a notebook detailing Zhao Quandui's official misdeeds. Zhao Quandui tried to get him to burn it, proposing a drinking game. Mr. Bai refused, leading to a comical fight that involved Ling. As departure neared, everyone felt the pangs of separation.
He Zhen reassured Sanqi that he would keep her close in the capital to prevent other girls from becoming infatuated with her, to which Sanqi reaffirmed her devotion. Sanqi’s adopted parents gave her money and advice, urging her to be a good wife and to defend herself, affectionately calling her "Young Madam." An emotional Sanqi called them "Dad" and "Mom" one last time, promising to miss them. She looked back at Southern City with reluctance.
On the road, Zhao Cuo surprised Sanqi with a farewell gift of her favorite snacks. He explained his earlier absence, expressing regret over a fallen flower petal cake. He also gave her a jade pendant, a cherished heirloom from his mother, as a keepsake. Sanqi, deeply moved, vowed they would meet again. Zhao Cuo reassured her, promising to be the first to help her should she ever face trouble, emphasizing their loyalty as friends.
Arriving in the capital, Sanqi, uncomfortable in her formal attire, accompanied He Zhen to meet the Old Lord. She expressed her discomfort, but He Zhen reminded her of the need for decorum. The Old Lord questioned Sanqi about her attempted escape and fear of punishment. Sanqi boldly admitted her prior engagement, subtly suggesting the Old Lord's awareness.
Amused, the Old Lord revealed he had deliberately chosen a bride from Shifang Village—Sanqi—connected to He Zhen's past, calling the village He Zhen's "lucky place." Noticing the Old Lord's pale complexion and lack of sunlight, Sanqi suggested a physical exercise her mother had taught her. Despite He Zhen's attempts to intervene, the Old Lord agreed, even as Sanqi complained about her dress.
He Zhen then introduced Sanqi to Wet Nurse Lan, who would teach Sanqi proper etiquette, emphasizing a dignified image as the Young Madam. While ostensibly touring the mansion, Sanqi discovered a secluded courtyard with a new lock and food hamper, indicating an inhabitant. She investigated and found an ailing woman, the City Lord’s wife, suffering from memory loss. The woman mistook Sanqi for someone who had taken her child.
Sanqi inquired if she meant He Zhen, but the Lady denied it, calling He Zhen a fake and repeatedly stating, "He's not my son!" Sanqi noticed the Lady's jade pendant. Upon seeing Sanqi's pendant, the Lady recognized it, associating it with Shifang Village and "Zhen," exclaiming that her real son was alive. This suggested He Zhen was not the Lady's true son, and the pendant held a vital clue.
Meanwhile, on their journey home, Zhao Cuo and Zhao Quandui passed through a silent valley—no birdsong—indicating an ambush. Men in black attacked. Zhao Cuo warned his father and instructed Li Jia to protect Ling before fighting. Zhao Cuo was struck on the head and felt immense pain. Separately, the Lady continued denying He Zhen's identity. A mysterious figure appeared to the injured Zhao Cuo, stating that his friends were dead, their family killed in a fire.
This figure then appeared to hypnotize Zhao Cuo, commanding him to imagine a red forest with a red coffin, lie down, close his eyes, forget his past, and accept the name Zhao Cuo. This suggested a manipulation of Zhao Cuo's identity and memory.
