The Sword and The Brocade Episode 34 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
In Xianling Pavilion, Shiyi explained to Lin Shixian that as a member of the Xu family, she was duty-bound to consider Xu Lingyi's and the family's feelings. Lin Shixian led her to one of her embroideries, remarking on her exquisite skill and lamenting that such masterpieces should be confined to her boudoir instead of being shared with the world. Just then, Xu Lingyi appeared, having overheard their conversation.
Overjoyed, Shiyi prepared to return home with him, but Xu Lingyi asked her to wait in the carriage while he spoke privately with Lin Shixian. Xu Lingyi stated that since his wife trusted Lin Shixian as a gentleman, he would not doubt him, but hoped Lin Shixian would live up to that trust. Lin Shixian, in turn, admitted his past admiration for Shiyi, which he held before knowing she was Madam Xu.
He assured Xu Lingyi that he would neither tarnish her reputation nor pursue her now that he knew the truth. He also announced his decision to withdraw from Xianling Pavilion, severing all ties within a few days. Xu Lingyi accepted his promise, stating a gentleman never goes back on his word. Meanwhile, Lin Bo brought a very drunk Dongqing home. After a moment of confusion, Dongqing apologized for misunderstanding his intentions.
Though she was more lucid, Lin Bo insisted on ensuring she arrived home safely, admonishing her about her low alcohol tolerance. Back at the Xu mansion, a slightly tipsy Shiyi returned to her room with Xu Lingyi. He gently chided her for drinking with outsiders, prompting Shiyi to suggest she would happily drink at home if he joined her. Xu Lingyi agreed and poured them wine.
Shiyi reflected on her unhappy childhood in the Luo Residence, where she felt constantly on thin ice, finding her only solace in Xianling Pavilion under her master's tutelage. She expressed her commitment to the Xu family as its matron, even offering to withdraw from Xianling Pavilion if they disapproved. Xu Lingyi reassured her, stating he never considered her work a distraction and encouraged her to pursue her passion, promising his support.
Overcome with emotion, Shiyi embraced him, tearfully apologizing for having stabbed him. Xu Lingyi held her, inwardly questioning if her meticulous care and willingness to give up Xianling Pavilion stemmed from genuine affection or merely guilt. The next morning, Xu Lingyi and Shiyi were informed of Grand Madam Luo's critical condition. Shiyi rushed to the Luo Residence, where she encountered Erniang and Wuniang.
The Luo Young Madam suggested Erniang should be grateful to Shiyi for her help, but Erniang retorted that Shiyi had merely used her to deal with the Ou family. An argument erupted until Old Master Luo intervened. The Luo Young Madam then directed Erniang to visit Concubine Yang. Erniang found her mother gravely ill. Concubine Yang recounted how Grand Madam Luo had unjustly accused her of theft and forced her to kneel all night, which led to her severe illness.
She revealed that Grand Madam Luo had forbidden physicians and medicine and had guards preventing anyone from visiting. Giving Erniang her last savings, Concubine Yang passed away, expressing her wish to never be a concubine in another life. Simultaneously, Grand Madam Luo entrusted Zhun to Shiyi's care. When Erniang brought news of Concubine Yang's death, Grand Madam Luo mused that Concubine Yang had gone first, and then, thinking of Yuanniang, she too succumbed to her illness.
Old Master Luo was consumed by remorse for his neglect of Concubine Yang. With two deaths in the family, Old Master Luo was too distraught to oversee the funerals. Zhenxing worried that the funeral would be a quiet affair due to his father's lack of influence, which would be a disgrace. Hearing this, Xu Lingyi offered the Xu family's full assistance to ensure a dignified event.
Zhenxing gratefully accepted and then suggested that Concubine Lv's memorial tablet be moved into the Luo family's ancestral hall, a privilege for a legal wife. Before Shiyi could respond, Erniang demanded the same for Concubine Yang, which Zhenxing knew Old Master Luo would not permit. Erniang then revealed to Xu Lingyi that Shiyi had attempted to flee her marriage, during which Concubine Lv died.
Xu Lingyi calmly stated he already knew and defended Shiyi, affirming that no one could sow discord between them. Shiyi then declined Zhenxing's offer, explaining that her mother, a concubine in life, would not wish to remain one in death, and she would personally enshrine her tablet. In despair, Erniang declared she would take her mother's tablet with her, believing she would never find peace otherwise.
Back at the Xu mansion, Shiyi thanked Xu Lingyi for handling the funerals and preserving the Luo family's reputation. Xu Lingyi replied that as husband and wife, it was their duty to support each other. Shiyi then tried to explain her attempted escape, but Xu Lingyi interrupted, saying it was in the past. Shiyi pursued him, admitting Erniang was right about her initial reluctance to marry him.
She confessed that she had decided to marry him against her will only after suspecting the Xu family's involvement in her mother's death. Xu Lingyi then asked if her thoughtfulness and apologies were merely to compensate for her guilt, questioning what she truly felt for him beyond gratitude. Just then, Yu arrived to ask Xu Lingyi to visit Concubine Wen for her birthday. Xu Lingyi agreed and left. Alone, Shiyi decided to walk in the garden, despite the impending rain.
