The Sword and The Brocade Episode 18 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
Shiyi visited Xianling Pavilion, where Master Jian informed her that with the influx of women from families displaced by the flood, the pavilion was short on instructors. Moved by their plight, Shiyi volunteered to stay and teach them embroidery, helping them secure a livelihood. Despite her elevated status, Shiyi, dressed as a maiden, regularly left the Xu mansion to instruct the women at Xianling Pavilion. During one such visit, Lin Shixian appeared.
It was through Master Jian that Shiyi learned Lin Shixian was not only an investor in Xianling Pavilion but also the generous benefactor who had helped purchase relief rice, donating substantial amounts of fabric and threads. Lin Shixian, still unaware of Shiyi's true identity, expressed his admiration for her kindness and skill. He inquired why she hadn't appeared at their planned meeting a year ago at Ci'an Temple.
Shiyi explained a sudden family emergency had prevented her from leaving the capital. Lin Shixian was relieved to see her safe, while Shiyi affirmed she was now settled in the capital with no plans to depart. Unbeknownst to Shiyi, Lin Shixian continued to harbor affection for her, even pondering gifts that might please her. Back at the Xu mansion, Xu Lingyi brought home a young boy named Fengqing, arranging for him to be cared for discreetly at Banyuepan.
Shiyi assigned her maids, Amber and Dongqing, to the task, cautioning them to keep his arrival a secret from the rest of the household. Despite these efforts, news of an illegitimate child quickly spread throughout the Xu family quarters. Concubine Qin, upon hearing the rumors, worried about the impact on her own son, Yu. Soon after, Shiyi's elder brother, Zhenxing, visited her, confirming that news of the child had already reached the capital's nobles.
Zhenxing advised Shiyi against adopting Fengqing, explaining it would grant the child the status of a legitimate son, potentially jeopardizing the future position of any children Shiyi might bear. He suggested that Concubine Qin would be a more suitable guardian, recalling that Yuanniang had once described Concubine Qin as amiable and easy-going. Shiyi thanked him for his consideration. That evening, Shiyi spoke with Xu Lingyi about Fengqing.
She astutely observed the child's frail appearance and concluded that he could not be Xu Lingyi’s son, but rather Xu Lingkuan’s child from an affair before his marriage to Danyang. Xu Lingyi confirmed her deduction, revealing that Fengqing's mother was a woman named Yuemei, an actor's sister. He explained the complexities of the situation and the necessity of keeping the truth from the pregnant Danyang to ensure her well-being. Xu Lingyi was deeply moved by Shiyi’s understanding and trust.
He then candidly addressed the past misunderstanding involving Qiao Lianfang at Jing'an Pavilion during the Spring Banquet, clarifying that he had never touched her. Xu Lingyi lamented his failure to properly guide Xu Lingkuan, whose fear of him led to a pattern of concealment. Shiyi gently encouraged Xu Lingyi to change his approach, assuring him that Xu Lingkuan would eventually feel his earnest efforts. The next day, Xu Lingyi, Xu Lingkuan, and Great Madam convened to discuss Fengqing’s future.
Xu Lingyi proposed registering Fengqing under his own name to protect Danyang and ensure the child's well-being. Great Madam agreed and offered her trusted nanny, Nanny Huang, to assist in the child’s care. Upon learning of Fengqing, Xu Lingkuan immediately wished to see his son. However, the matter of who would raise Fengqing was not yet settled. Concubine Qin tearfully pleaded with Shiyi, asking to adopt Fengqing.
She revealed her past miscarriage and the physician’s prognosis that she could never have children of her own, hoping that raising Fengqing would bring purpose to her lonely life. Shiyi acknowledged her feelings but stated that Xu Lingyi and Great Madam would make the final decision. Qiao Lianfang also sought to adopt Fengqing, believing it might encourage Xu Lingyi to visit her courtyard more frequently.
Great Madam advised Qiao Lianfang, who was still young, to focus her energy on winning Xu Lingyi's affections. Ultimately, Great Madam proposed a trial: both Concubine Qin and Qiao Lianfang would spend time with Fengqing, and the one he showed the most affinity for would adopt him. Xu Lingyi concurred with this plan. The competition for Fengqing’s affection began. Concubine Qin patiently played with Fengqing, introducing him to a Lu Ban Ball.
Qiao Lianfang, in her eagerness to impress, gave Fengqing a red-tasselled spear, which delighted the boy. However, in his playful exuberance, Fengqing nearly injured himself with the spear. Concubine Qin quickly intervened, shielding him from harm. Xu Lingyi arrived at that moment and, witnessing the dangerous situation, sternly rebuked Qiao Lianfang for providing such an inappropriate toy. A flustered Qiao Lianfang blamed a street peddler for recommending the item and, in her frustration, suspected Shiyi of deliberately setting her up.
Later that night, Xu Lingyi found Shiyi asleep beside Fengqing's bed. He gently lifted her into his arms and carried her back to their own bed. Shiyi, roused by the movement, pretended to still be asleep. Xu Lingyi, discerning her feigned slumber, merely smiled. Outside the room, Dongqing offered Lin Bo some snacks she had prepared for Shiyi. Lin Bo, captivated by Dongqing's beauty, was momentarily speechless.
