The Sword and The Brocade Episode 25 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
Following up on Xu Lingkuan's observation, Xu Lingyi discussed with Shiyi the close association between Wang Yu and Ou Lixing, noting Wang Yu's addiction to pleasure as a potential avenue for investigation. Shiyi took the opportunity to highlight Xu Lingkuan's growing maturity and concern for the family's interests, suggesting that Xu Lingyi should be more understanding of his brother's only hobby, opera, rather than forbidding it. Encouraged by Shiyi's words, Xu Lingyi gave Xu Lingkuan a rare opera script.
Overjoyed, Xu Lingkuan accidentally knocked over one of Xu Lingyi's arrows. Shiyi observed the unique arrow, which Xu Lingyi explained was a three-edged arrow with a barb and fuller, exclusive to the Xu family. Afterwards, Shiyi invited Xu Lingyi to join her for lunch with Great Madam. Meanwhile, Great Madam sent two nannies to care for Shiyi, urging her to limit outings due to her supposed pregnancy.
After confirming her anti-miscarriage medication was harmless, Shiyi, growing suspicious about the plot against her, sent Dongqing to investigate the whereabouts of a key witness, Mingjing. Before any news arrived, Dongqing returned to report that a new embroiderer at Xianling Pavilion was stirring discontent among other workers regarding their pay and seemed to be connected to the Qiao family. Shiyi suspected Qiao Lianfang had learned about her fake pregnancy and decided to go to Xianling Pavilion to protect Master Jian.
To leave the mansion, Shiyi seized an opportunity when Concubine Qin planned to buy flower seeds, asking Great Madam if she could accompany her. Great Madam permitted it. Seeing Shiyi leave, Qiao Lianfang persuaded Great Madam to go out for a meal at Chunxi Restaurant, intending to observe Shiyi's actions. At Xianling Pavilion, Shiyi stepped out of Concubine Qin's carriage and entered the establishment. Qiao Lianfang, having spotted the carriage, brought Great Madam into the pavilion to witness a scene.
Inside, a woman was inciting the embroiderers, claiming Xianling Pavilion defrauded them by paying only 200 copper coins per piece when they could be sold for two taels of silver. Shiyi confronted the woman, exposing her lies about being a disaster victim by pointing out her delicate hands and the actual situation in the disaster area. Despite being exposed, the woman continued to agitate the crowd.
Shiyi offered to take the matter to the authorities, but the woman dismissed this, revealing Shiyi's identity as the Marquis Yongping's wife and claiming she would abuse her power. Amidst the chaos, the woman pushed Shiyi, an incident witnessed by Great Madam and Qiao Lianfang as they arrived. Shiyi was brought back to the Xu mansion, where Great Madam sternly reprimanded her. The physician confirmed that Shiyi was not pregnant and her menstruation had begun three days prior.
Furious at the deception, Great Madam demanded an explanation. Though Shiyi tried to de-escalate, Qiao Lianfang’s constant instigation prompted Dongqing to reveal the truth: Shiyi faked her pregnancy to expose Qiao Lianfang's role in Yuanniang's death. Great Madam dismissed this as outrageous slander, especially after Qiao Lianfang theatrically threatened suicide to prove her innocence. Great Madam declared her belief in Qiao Lianfang's innocence and accused Shiyi of disrespect, jealousy, and inciting her maids to defame others.
Shiyi admitted to deceiving Great Madam about her pregnancy but maintained that her actions at Xianling Pavilion and her accusation against Qiao Lianfang were not wrong. Infuriated by her defiance and learning Xu Lingyi was out of the capital, Great Madam took matters into her own hands. Citing Shiyi had committed the "seven faults" that warrant expulsion, she ordered Shiyi to be sent back to the Luo family that night, to be formally repudiated upon Xu Lingyi's return.
As a heavy rain poured down, Amber and Dongqing accompanied Shiyi as she left the Xu mansion. Qiao Lianfang watched with satisfaction. Shiyi confirmed to her maids that the witness Mingjing had indeed disappeared, but then explained that being driven out was part of her strategy, as she couldn't investigate freely while confined in the mansion. Meanwhile, Xu Lingyi rushed to intercept Wang Yu, who was attempting to kidnap Liansong, the adopted daughter of Duke Wei.
Xu Lingyi arrived just as Duke Wei was about to kill Wang Yu. He intervened, explaining that Ou Lixing had incited Wang Yu to create animosity between Duke Wei and the Xu family over the sea ban policy. Xu Lingyi sternly warned Wang Yu to stay away from Ou Lixing and to treat his wife, Erniang, with respect.
Xu Lingyi rushed back to the Xu mansion, only to be informed that Great Madam had sent Shiyi back to the Luo family. He immediately went to see Shiyi, who confronted him with disappointment, accusing him of not trusting her. She insisted that Yuanniang's death was connected to Qiao Lianfang and that she had to act alone because neither he nor Great Madam would have believed her without concrete evidence.
Xu Lingyi questioned why she had created such a mess instead of discussing her suspicions with him. After their heated exchange, Xu Lingyi returned to the Xu mansion, where Great Madam awaited him. She reiterated Shiyi's "seven faults" and demanded he prepare a divorce agreement. Xu Lingyi tried to plead for Shiyi, acknowledging his own oversight. At that moment, Concubine Qiao arrived, kneeling and feigning regret for the discord.
Great Madam praised her conduct and urged Xu Lingyi to rely on her to manage the household and proceed with the divorce. Xu Lingyi, however, requested more time to consider the matter and departed, with Great Madam advising him to reflect on the family's traditions in the ancestral hall.
