The Sword and The Brocade Episode 20 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
When Great Madam inquired about Fengqing's future, Second Madam Yizhen arrived and volunteered to raise the child herself. Assuring the family of her sincerity, Yizhen promised to treat Fengqing as her own and named him Sijie. She later told Shiyi that Lingyi's words had convinced her to let go of past grievances for the child's happiness. Elsewhere, Qiao Lianfang goaded Concubine Qin about how Yizhen had effortlessly gained favor by adopting Fengqing, a role they had both coveted.
Concubine Qin felt betrayed, lamenting that she had been promised the child. Later, Xu Lingkuan came to thank Shiyi for her role in his reconciliation with Lingyi, securing a home for Fengqing, and supporting Danyang. Using embroidery as a pretext, Shiyi asked to see a sachet Danyang had made for Lingkuan. After praising the needlework, she subtly inquired about the homicide at Ci'an Temple a year prior.
Lingkuan admitted he hadn't seen anything unusual as he was with Danyang and his mother, but he offered to secretly question the servants who were present that day. Shiyi stressed the importance of keeping the investigation from Lingyi to avoid worrying him, and Lingkuan agreed. During Xu Sijie's ancestor worship ceremony, he was formally adopted by Xu Ling'an and accepted into Yizhen's care, calling her "Mother." Shortly after, Shiyi received news that her mother, Madam Luo, was gravely ill.
During the visit, Madam Luo praised Shiyi for handling Sijie's adoption, which neutralized any threat to Zhun's status. However, she then urged Shiyi to secure Lingyi's favor and consummate their marriage, even suggesting Shiyi use her maids to learn Lingyi's preferences. Back at the Xu mansion, Dongqing accused Amber of being the informant. Amber tearfully confessed she was acting under Madam Luo's orders, as Madam Luo held the only clue to finding her long-lost sister—a handkerchief.
Shiyi, understanding Amber's difficult position and knowing Amber had kept her personal investigation secret, offered to help. Amber declined, believing Shiyi could not assist her in this matter. One day, Lingyi found Shiyi engrossed in painting in her courtyard. He admired her work, praising its refined, antique style. Later, he presented her with a white jade hairpin, a replica of one she had lost, whose style he had carefully ascertained from Dongqing.
As he helped place it in her hair, their moment was interrupted by Zhun's crying. Zhun was upset because his wooden sword had broken. Shiyi encouraged Lingyi to make a new one, telling Zhun that men shouldn't cry so easily. She then suggested to Lingyi that Zhun, spoiled by maids, needed a strong male role model and that Lingyi's guidance would help him become a responsible man. Qiao Lianfang later brought Great Madam homemade soup.
Danyang, also present, subtly praised Shiyi's competence in managing the household and her care for Zhun, pointedly noting it was no wonder Lingyi frequented Shiyi's courtyard. Danyang then questioned Lianfang about her failure to conceive. The conversation was interrupted by Zhun, who excitedly brandished his new sword, proudly announcing that his "Mother" (Shiyi) had asked his "Father" (Lingyi) to make it, and that Lingyi "listens to her."
When Lingkuan began teaching Zhun an opera verse, Lingyi entered but, to everyone's surprise, did not object as he usually would. He explained that such stories teach a boy how to be a good man, a view Shiyi also supported. Danyang remarked on Lingyi's significant transformation since Shiyi's arrival. That evening, Lingyi did not visit Shiyi's courtyard. She enjoyed the quiet, insisting her maids, Amber and Dongqing, dine with her as family.
In his own chamber, Lingyi felt uneasy and confessed to his attendants that he felt he was "not like myself anymore." His attendant Lin Bo observed that these emotional shifts coincided with Shiyi's arrival. Lingyi, burdened by his duties as the head of the clan, insisted he "must be as firm as a stone." But Lin Bo countered that he was not a stone but a man with feelings, asking if he was afraid of these unfamiliar emotions.
Lingyi's suspicion was piqued when General Fu mentioned he hadn't seen Shiyi in a long time, contradicting her frequent claims of visiting her family. He followed her to Xianling Pavilion and saw her teaching a class of women. Initially disapproving of her public appearance, he was about to intervene when he overheard a staff member explain that Shiyi was teaching embroidery to female refugees, providing them with a skill to support themselves.
Touched by her compassion, Lingyi's irritation turned to admiration. He secretly ordered Lin Bo to post guards nearby to protect her, insisting Shiyi not be told of his actions. Later, Qiao Lianfang again complained to Great Madam about Shiyi's frequent absences. While feigning a defense of Shiyi, Lianfang highlighted how often she left the mansion. Great Madam expressed her displeasure, stating that Shiyi's priority should be her own household.
When Lingyi entered, he immediately defended his wife, asserting that filial piety is a primary virtue. He pointedly asked his mother how she could expect care in her own time of need if she faulted Shiyi for attending to her sick mother. Before the tense discussion could continue, Lin Bo interjected with news of a lead in the moldy rice investigation.
