The Sword and The Brocade Episode 14 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
Zhun safely recovered from his illness, prompting Xu Lingyi to reflect on matters within the household. He noted that shortly after Mrs. Liu was dismissed, a sick dog appeared in the mansion. Believing Mrs. Liu to be a crucial witness to how the dog arrived, Xu Lingyi dispatched Lin Bo to find her. Lin Bo readily accepted, taking the opportunity to praise Shiyi's meticulous efforts in finding the source of Zhun's illness and suggesting that Xu Lingyi should thank her.
Lin Bo even lightheartedly remarked that being Xu Lingyi's son was the second most difficult job in the world, after being his Deputy General. Having long endured Qiao Lianfang's schemes, Shiyi realized the extent of her cunning could jeopardize both her and Zhun's safety. She resolved that she could no longer tolerate Qiao Lianfang's actions and would not allow her to care for Zhun anymore.
Xu Lingyi, agreeing with this sentiment, proposed to the Great Madam that Shiyi should formally take over Zhun's care, emphasizing that Shiyi had proven she could make Zhun listen. Although the Great Madam was biased towards Qiao Lianfang, she had to concede, especially after Qiao Lianfang strategically agreed, acknowledging that since Zhun was formally registered as Shiyi's son, it was natural for her to raise him.
Privately, however, Qiao Lianfang felt a sense of crisis, frustrated that Shiyi had so effortlessly achieved the trust and position she had long struggled for. As a token of gratitude, Xu Lingyi had Zhaoying deliver a precious brocade-feather fan to Shiyi, a piece he had made himself. Zhaoying hinted that such a valuable gift warranted a personal thank you, but Shiyi misunderstood and simply had Dongqing reward him with some silver.
When Zhaoying reported back, Xu Lingyi, who had expected Shiyi to come and thank him in person, was dismayed by her response. He playfully punished Lin Bo by ordering him to patrol the city, a subtle expression of his own frustration. Wuniang approached Shiyi about investing in a dried fruit shop. Understanding that Wuniang needed funds and also wanted to leverage the Xu family's reputation, Shiyi cautiously asked for a few days to consider.
Later, she consulted with her sister-in-law, Dazao, and they agreed that getting involved in a business with family could lead to disputes. Instead, they decided to each contribute fifty taels of silver, either as a loan or a gift, to help Wuniang. Meanwhile, Erniang once again suffered domestic abuse from a drunken Wang Yu.
Her mother-in-law offered little comfort, simply giving her some jewelry and stressing the importance of bearing a son for the Wang family, an expectation Erniang deeply resented. Shiyi was playing shuttlecock with Zhun in the courtyard to encourage him to exercise. Yu watched from a distance but ran away when Shiyi invited him to join. Xu Lingyi arrived and initially disapproved, considering shuttlecock a game for girls.
Shiyi respectfully disagreed, arguing that since Zhun was frail and disliked tedious exercises, it was an excellent way to strengthen his body. Xu Lingyi was impressed when he learned that she had personally made the beautiful and unique shuttlecock for Zhun. Seeing his son thriving under her care, he felt relieved. He then informed Shiyi he would be leaving the capital for official business and gently reminded her that she had been impolite by not thanking him for the fan.
With the city grappling with a severe flood and an influx of refugees, the Great Madam decided to establish soup kitchens. She entrusted Qiao Lianfang with overseeing the disaster relief, telling her it was a prime opportunity to win Xu Lingyi's favor. As Xu Lingyi's departure neared, Shiyi presented him with a pair of boots she had embroidered. He playfully critiqued the stitching but was clearly delighted, eagerly trying them on with her help.
He was so pleased with the gift that he refused to change out of them, choosing to wear his new footwear. The Xu family, which had long sourced its silk from the Wen family, recently switched to the Zhang family, who were close to the Qiaos. Young Madam Wen visited Concubine Wen, urging her to find a solution, as the Wen family's financial struggles directly impacted Concubine Wen's own income.
Desperate, Concubine Wen humbled herself and presented Qiao Lianfang with a valuable jade ruyi. Qiao Lianfang accepted the gift but then scornfully gifted Concubine Wen silk from the Zhang family's shop, implying the Wen family's products were inferior. Humiliated, Concubine Wen resolved to persevere for her son, Yu. Later, she found Yu studying the "Hengqu Sayings." While he explained its profound philosophical principles, she simplified its meaning to him: study hard to secure their future.
His words, however, sparked an idea for how to deal with Qiao Lianfang's pretentious nature. Meanwhile, Qiao Lianfang assured the Great Madam she would manage the soup kitchens meticulously to uphold the Xu family's reputation.
