The Sword and The Brocade Episode 36 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
Following their visit to the Wang mansion, a worried Wuniang questioned Shiyi's harsh methods towards Erniang. Shiyi calmly explained that a potent remedy is often necessary for a serious illness, revealing her true intention was to shock Erniang into fighting for her life. Meanwhile, Lady Wang-Liu, convinced Erniang was on her deathbed, gloated about her plans to seize the family property and instructed her people to watch Erniang closely.
Later, Shiyi's maid, Amber, correctly deduced that Shiyi's plan was to provoke Erniang, an insight that Shiyi affirmed, calling Amber her true confidante. On her way home, Shiyi encountered Ou Yanxing, who apologized for any trouble his withdrawal from Xianling Pavilion may have caused, explaining it was due to his own business commitments. Noticing her distress, he asked what was wrong. Shiyi confided her concern for Erniang’s deteriorating health and refusal to accept help.
Ou Yanxing suggested that the key was simply getting Erniang to willingly take her medicine. Finding this advice sensible, Shiyi discussed it with Xu Lingyi, who agreed it was a sound approach. Shiyi confessed to Xu Lingyi that while she sometimes resented Erniang, they were still sisters, and she couldn't stand to see her bullied. Xu Lingyi acknowledged her compassionate nature. Shiyi summoned Jinlian, Erniang's loyal maid, and gave her medicine with specific instructions.
Jinlian found Erniang in despair, ready to give up. Following Shiyi's plan, Jinlian goaded her mistress, reminding her how Shiyi had mocked her cowardice and helplessness. She argued that giving up would only prove Shiyi right and signify a complete defeat. Enraged and determined not to be looked down upon by Shiyi or anyone else, Erniang finally took the medicine.
Her condition soon improved, but she continued to feign severe illness to deceive Lady Wang-Liu, who dismissed Jinlian's pleas for a better physician, confident that Erniang's end was near. Xu Lingyi was furious to learn that his son, Zhun, had skipped most of his lessons. When confronted, Zhun cheekily argued that "food and beauty are human nature," twisting a classic saying to justify his behavior. To address his academic neglect, Shiyi proposed that Zhun and Yu study together.
She reasoned that the diligent Yu could be a good role model for his younger brother, and it would also prevent Yu's own studies from being delayed, as his tutor was on leave. Great Madam initially objected, citing the traditional separation of legitimate and illegitimate children in education. Shiyi countered with historical examples, arguing that brotherhood is forged through connection, not separation. Xu Lingyi supported Shiyi, stating it was his decision. Seeing their united front, Great Madam relented.
Later, Xu Lingyi confided in Shiyi that having the boys study together was not a long-term solution. He revealed his plan to send Yu to the prestigious Jinxi Academy in Sichuan the following spring, both for Yu's own development under a renowned scholar and to distance him from the Wen family's troubling business ties with the Ou family.
Meanwhile, Concubine Wen, encouraged by her maid, was planning to capitalize on Xu Lingyi's attention to Yu by arranging a high-status marriage for him. Unaware of this, Yu was thrilled when Xu Lingyi proposed sending him to Jinxi Academy, an institution he had long admired. Upon learning of the plan, Concubine Wen frantically rushed to Shiyi, begging her not to send Yu away. Shiyi urged her to consider what was best for Yu's future and to consult him first.
Xu Lingyi arrived and firmly stated the decision was his, warning Concubine Wen not to bother Shiyi. Though she dared not object, Concubine Wen secretly blamed Shiyi, believing she was trying to get rid of Yu. In the courtyard, Dongqing playfully insisted on giving Lin Bo a massage for his strained neck, which, to his surprise, actually helped. Back at the Wang mansion, a fully recovered Erniang secretly replaced Lady Wang-Liu's servants with her own loyal staff.
When Lady Wang-Liu attempted to sell Jinlian to a man, Erniang dramatically appeared, healthy and resolute. She confronted Lady Wang-Liu, accusing her of illegally selling a dowry maid, and ordered her sent to the authorities. When Lady Wang-Liu’s hired servants refused her orders, revealing their new allegiance, she desperately appealed to her biological son, who was also Erniang's adopted heir.
Erniang gave him an ultimatum: publicly banish Lady Wang-Liu and her cohorts within three days, or face charges of being unfilial. Cornered and terrified, Lady Wang-Liu knelt and begged for mercy, agreeing to leave immediately. Erniang instructed that she and her people be searched for stolen goods on their way out. Shiyi was relieved that Erniang had regained control, but worried that as a widow, she remained vulnerable.
Xu Lingyi, understanding her concern, discreetly asked the Shuntian Prefecture Office to keep an eye on the Wang family. Meanwhile, Master Jian brought exciting news: Xianling Pavilion was invited to submit an entry for the Emperor's birthday celebration. Shiyi proposed an innovative "One Hundred Longevity Picture," with each character written in a different historical calligraphy style. They needed an expert calligrapher, and just then, Ou Yanxing arrived.
He warned Shiyi that his brother, Ou Lixing, was overseeing the event, so she should be cautious. When asked, he readily agreed to write the complex calligraphy draft for their project. When Shiyi brought the draft home, Xu Lingyi lavishly praised its flawless style, believing she had written it. Upon learning it was Ou Yanxing’s work, he grew visibly jealous and dismissed the calligraphy as "dull and rushed."
Shiyi later found him secretly practicing his own calligraphy, a move that amused her. To lift his spirits, she asked him to teach her archery. In the courtyard, as he guided her, they shared a moment of mutual appreciation for each other’s roles in protecting the country and managing the home. After hitting the target, Shiyi mentioned she had another matter concerning the "One Hundred Longevity Picture" to discuss with him.
