The Sword and The Brocade Episode 35 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
Concubine Wen diligently served Xu Lingyi wine and his favorite dishes, hoping he would stay. She reminded him it was her birthday and that their son, Yu, was busy with homework but would join them later. Noticing the darkening sky, Concubine Wen suggested that Xu Lingyi, being busy with daily duties, should relax and stay there overnight as rain was imminent. Meanwhile, a heavy downpour began. In the rain, Shiyi recalled Xu Lingyi's earlier harsh words and shed tears.
She considered bringing him an umbrella but then reasoned that Concubine Wen would surely take good care of him. As she stumbled through the rain, she fell and scraped her skin. When Amber approached with an umbrella, Shiyi initially mistook her for Xu Lingyi, her disappointment visible. However, moments later, Xu Lingyi appeared, embraced Shiyi, and carried her back to her room.
Upon learning that Xu Lingyi had left her quarters for Shiyi's, an infuriated Concubine Wen overturned the table of dishes, vowing to make Shiyi pay. Back in their room, as Xu Lingyi prepared to leave, Shiyi pleaded with him to stay. She confessed her deep affection, admitting her regret for having hurt him and expressing her fear of losing him. Understanding Shiyi’s true feelings, Xu Lingyi's heart softened, and he embraced and kissed her.
Their long-standing issues finally resolved, they found peace together. The following morning, Shiyi, feeling as if she were in a dream, joyfully looked forward to a new routine: having breakfast with Xu Lingyi every day and seeing him off to the morning court. Later, Shiyi witnessed a heated argument between Concubine Lan, a concubine of Xu Lingkuan, and Xiaodie, a maid sent by Danyang to serve her.
Upset that Xu Lingkuan had not stayed with her the previous night, Concubine Lan unleashed her frustration on Xiaodie, who retorted that Lan was blaming her for her own inability to retain Xu Lingkuan. Shiyi intervened, reminding them of the Xu family's strict rules. She suspected that Danyang might be deliberately instigating conflict between them. Later, Shiyi visited Danyang, who was heavily pregnant and diligently working on embroidery.
Shiyi gently advised Danyang to speak openly with Xu Lingkuan about any grievances rather than allowing resentment to fester, which could lead to actions that might damage their relationship. Danyang, however, insisted she harbored no ill will. Shiyi then learned that Wuniang’s dried fruit shop had closed due to poor management, resulting in significant financial losses. Shiyi was concerned that offering money directly might wound Wuniang’s pride. Overhearing her concerns, Xu Lingyi offered his assistance.
He recalled that Wuniang’s dowry included sandy land and promised to have Steward Bai inspect it, believing it could be made profitable. True to his word, Xu Lingyi had the land assessed. Shiyi informed Wuniang that the land was perfectly suited for growing sweet melons, which could yield a substantial annual income. She added that farmers had already been found to manage the work.
Wuniang, overwhelmed with gratitude, expressed immense relief, as she had been worried about their finances, especially with her mother-in-law's impending visit. The serenity of the Xu mansion was soon shattered when Xiaodie pushed Concubine Lan into a pond. Thanks to Shiyi, who had previously instructed people to keep an eye on them, Concubine Lan was quickly rescued, though she was initially feared dead. The shock of the incident caused Danyang to go into premature and difficult labor.
Xu Lingkuan, frantic with worry, disregarded custom and rushed into the delivery room to be by Danyang's side. In her pain, Danyang initially pushed him away. Meanwhile, Concubine Lan was revived. To everyone's relief, Danyang safely delivered a healthy baby boy. Xu Lingyi acknowledged Shiyi's crucial role in ensuring the safety of both mother and child. Later, Shiyi discreetly informed Concubine Lan that Danyang had orchestrated her rescue.
Filled with gratitude, Concubine Lan confessed to Danyang that Xu Lingkuan had never touched her; she had merely taken advantage of his drunken state to create a misunderstanding. Danyang was stunned to realize the depth of her misjudgment. Shortly after, Xu Lingkuan arrived, expressing profound self-blame. Danyang tearfully apologized for her own mistakes, which had nearly cost them their child. They reconciled, promising to live happily together.
Danyang suggested giving Xiaolan (Concubine Lan), who had lied, and Xiaodie, who had committed the assault, their indentures and some money, allowing them to leave the mansion rather than face harsher punishment. Xu Lingkuan agreed. Seeing Shiyi as her closest friend, Danyang asked her to call her by her given name from then on. Separately, Erniang's maid, Jinlian, returned to the Luo Residence with grim news: Erniang was severely ill and in despair at the Wang mansion.
All household affairs there were under the cruel control of Lady Wang-Liu, the mother of the late heir. Since the passing of his son, Duke Mao had become withdrawn, dedicating himself to spiritual cultivation and neglecting family matters. The old Madam Wang was also gravely ill, surrounded by Lady Wang-Liu's servants and thus unreachable. Jinlian explained that Erniang had sent her away to prevent Lady Wang-Liu from marrying her off to an old widower.
Luo Zhenxing, infuriated, wanted to confront the Wang family, but Shiyi took charge, proposing that she and Wuniang visit Erniang with a physician. Upon their arrival at Duke Mao's Mansion, Lady Wang-Liu's servants tried to block them, but Shiyi asserted her authority as Erniang's sister and ordered any uncooperative individuals removed. Inside, they found Erniang frail and weak. When Erniang stubbornly rejected their help, Shiyi used reverse psychology.
She scoffed at Erniang's helplessness, criticizing her for being arrogant with her own family but timid and undignified when facing outsiders, calling her a disgrace to the Luo family. Enraged, Erniang declared she would rather die than accept their "charity." Unperturbed, Shiyi turned to leave with Wuniang, telling Erniang to take responsibility for her own maid.
