The Sword and The Brocade Episode 37 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
With the "One Hundred Longevity Picture" nearly finished, Shiyi’s teacher advises her to rest. Upon Xu Lingyi's return home, he expresses concern over her heavy workload, but she explains that the intricate household affairs require her personal oversight. She assures him she can manage, driven by the hope that if the embroidery is chosen, Xianling Pavilion's skills will become widely known and empower more women. Xu Lingyi affirms that his support is her greatest source of strength.
Once the embroidery is complete, Shiyi shows it to Lin Shixian, who helped with the calligraphy. He praises the exquisite work, confident it will be selected, but reminds her to be wary of potential sabotage. Shiyi confirms she has a counterplan and takes the embroidery home for safekeeping. At the Xu mansion, the other concubines gather and eagerly request to see the "One Hundred Longevity Picture," which Shiyi allows Dongqing to display.
Meanwhile, Concubine Wen, feigning sadness over her son Yu's upcoming departure to Leshan for his studies, suggests he play hide-and-seek with Zhun one last time. Yu finds Zhun, explains his academic journey, and gives him a farewell gift. The boys agree to play, with Yu counting while Zhun hides. Shortly after, a frantic Yu informs Shiyi that he cannot find Zhun. Shiyi immediately orders Amber to seal the mansion and mobilizes all servants for a search.
Xu Lingyi arrives amidst the commotion and, learning of Zhun’s disappearance, assures everyone that Zhun must still be within the estate. Following Yu’s directions, Xu Lingyi notices a trail of small toys and realizes Zhun was deliberately lured away. Xu Lingyi and Shiyi rush to the Western Courtyard, only to find Concubine Wen burning the "One Hundred Longevity Picture." Dongqing sustains a burn on her hand while attempting to retrieve it.
Xu Lingyi confronts Concubine Wen, highlighting the severe repercussions her actions could have on the Xu family and Yu. Just then, Zhun is found, having been locked in an abandoned storeroom. A distraught Nanny Tao immediately accuses Yu and Concubine Wen of conspiring to harm Zhun. Yu vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Concubine Wen embraces her son and takes full responsibility, insisting Yu had no part in it.
After Shiyi orders the children to be taken away, Concubine Wen drops all pretense, denying any Ou family involvement and bitterly accusing the Xu family of never treating her well, claiming her marriage was solely a transaction for military provisions. Nanny Tao counters, reminding her of the Wen family's profits from the Xu name. Concubine Wen continues, lamenting Xu Lingyi’s neglect since Shiyi's arrival and his favoritism towards Zhun, asserting that Yu is her life.
Xu Lingyi's attempts to reason with her are futile, and he orders her confined to her rooms. As she is led away, Concubine Wen warns Nanny Tao that Shiyi will eventually have her own child, and then they will see if the late Yuanniang can still protect Zhun from the heavens. An imperial edict, delivered by a eunuch and Ou Lixing, the Vice-Minister of Rites, mandates Xu Lingyi and Shiyi to immediately present the ceremonial embroidery at the Palace.
The eunuch explains that Ou Lixing had informed His Majesty about Xianling Pavilion, sparking the Emperor’s sudden interest. At the Palace, Shiyi presents a magnificent "Four Divinities" embroidery, a piece symbolizing protection and good fortune. Eunuch Huang praises its exquisite craftsmanship. However, Ou Lixing objects, asserting that Shiyi initially registered the "One Hundred Longevity Picture" and accuses her of deceiving the Emperor.
Shiyi calmly explains that due to the celebration's importance and the embroidery's fragile nature, she had prudently registered the "Four Divinities" as a backup with the Ministry of Rites. A flashback reveals Shiyi and Xu Lingyi had anticipated the Ou family's malicious intent and strategically prepared for it. Back in the present, an official confirms the backup registration, which bears Ou Lixing's own signature. Flustered, Ou Lixing admits his signature but claims he forgot.
He then insists on seeing the "One Hundred Longevity Picture," at which point Shiyi reveals it was accidentally burned, expressing relief that the backup prevented her from being charged with deception. Eunuch Huang assures them he will report the full account to the Emperor. Following the report, the Emperor expresses satisfaction with the "Four Divinities" embroidery.
He issues a verbal edict for Ou Lixing to be flogged twenty times for dereliction of duty and abuse of power, having seen through his attempt to frame the Xu family. Ou Lixing protests vehemently but is removed for punishment. Eunuch Huang advises Xu Lingyi not to betray the Emperor's trust and confirms Xianling Pavilion’s selection. He later explains that the Emperor, aware of the Ou family's recent troubles, seized this opportunity to issue a stern warning.
Meanwhile, Lin Shixian arrives at the Palace, having rushed there after learning of the incident. He expresses relief at Xu Lingyi and Shiyi's safety and thanks them for their early warning which allowed for preparations. He then confronts a battered Ou Lixing, who accuses him of conspiring with the Xu family. Lin rebuffs the accusation, stating Ou Lixing brought this upon himself.
Ou Lixing, referring to him dismissively as the "son of a concubine," questions his right to preach, but Lin clarifies that he was already an owner of Xianling Pavilion before Shiyi joined. At the Ou mansion, Ou Lixing complains to his father, Ou Master, accusing Lin Shixian (known as Yanxing within the family) of colluding with the Xu family. Ou Master summons Yanxing to his study, acknowledging Lixing’s foolishness but stressing that Yanxing must help bear the family's burdens.
He presents Yanxing with a portrait of Minister Fang’s daughter, deeming her a suitable match to further the Ou family’s interests. Yanxing asserts his right to choose his own spouse, prompting Ou Master to ask if his refusal is due to Shiyi. Yanxing voices his admiration for her but insists his argument is practical: the conflict with the Xu family is detrimental to all, and the Emperor’s punishment of Lixing is a clear warning.
He suggests a strategic retreat, cautioning that continuing the feud will lead to the Ou family being "crushed to pieces." Infuriated, Ou Master orders Yanxing punished according to family rules, declaring that the generational grudge is too profound to abandon, as retreat would mean utter destruction. Later, Nanny Tao informs Shiyi that Zhun, though startled, is recovering well. Great Madam tells Shiyi she now believes Concubine Wen was an informant and confirms her permanent banishment to a farmstead.
While praising Shiyi's contribution, Great Madam expresses her wish for Shiyi to withdraw from Xianling Pavilion, citing the recent dangers. Shiyi acknowledges her worries, but Great Madam insists that their future safety is paramount, leaving the final decision to Shiyi and Xu Lingyi. Meanwhile, Dongqing, whose hand was burned, goes to the lake to retrieve a fallen handkerchief. Lin Bo misunderstands her actions, assuming she is distraught that the injury will affect her marriage prospects. He embraces her tightly, offering to marry her. Dongqing pushes him away and tells him to stop his foolish talk, but a subtle, pleased expression reveals her true feelings.
