The Sword and The Brocade Episode 4 Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
At the Luo Residence, Yuanniang and Madam Luo discuss an unexpected change: the Wang family, who previously sought to marry Erniang, now insist on having Shiyi as Wang Yu's bride. Seizing the opportunity, Yuanniang decides that sacrificing Shiyi to the Wang family is necessary to secure her son Zhun’s crucial marriage alliance with the Jiang family. Having settled Shiyi's fate, Yuanniang also finalizes her own succession plan, choosing her sister Erniang to become Xu Lingyi's next wife.
She remarks that Erniang has been thoughtfully sending small gifts to Zhun, taking it as a sign of destiny. Concubine Lv desperately pleads with Lord Luo to cancel Shiyi's engagement to Wang Yu, reminding him of Wang Yu’s notorious reputation throughout the capital as a ruthless and cruel bully, fearing Shiyi would suffer immensely. Although Lord Luo is sympathetic, he feels powerless, stating the matter is too significant as it affects the entire Luo family and Marquis Yongping's Mansion.
He defers the final decision to Madam Luo, who remains resolute, believing it is a great blessing for a concubine's daughter like Shiyi to marry into the Wang family and become the future wife of Duke Mao. She assures Lord Luo that she will ensure Shiyi willingly enters the bridal sedan. Madam Luo then confronts Shiyi about embroideries retrieved from Xianling Pavilion, accusing her of secretly selling them.
Shiyi explains she had only intended to seek guidance from her teacher, Master Jian. However, both Concubine Lv and Shiyi’s maid, Dongqing, quickly confess, claiming responsibility to protect Shiyi from punishment. As they are being flogged, Shiyi cries out, admitting it was her fault and begging to be punished instead.
After a few strikes, Madam Luo halts the punishment, sternly warning Shiyi that in the Luo family, she is the one who sets the rules, and any future transgressions will not be easily forgiven. Later, Concubine Lv, still unwilling for Shiyi to marry Wang Yu, plans to visit the Wang family and claim Shiyi suffers from a chronic cough to break off the engagement.
Shiyi, concerned about her mother facing Madam Luo’s wrath, reveals her own daring plan: to escape the marriage altogether. Concubine Lv is initially shocked by the risky idea but ultimately supports Shiyi, agreeing to leave with her for Yuhang on the first day of the next month. Shiyi assures her mother they can rely on her embroidery skills to make a living and plans to take passage on Mr. Lin's boat.
Meanwhile, Qiao Lianfang prepares to marry Xu Lingyi as his concubine. Madam Qiao expresses sorrow that her legitimate daughter must enter the Xu family in such a manner, but Qiao Lianfang remains firm. Madam Qiao reminds her that Yuanniang is gravely ill and won’t live much longer. She emphasizes Lianfang’s noble status as a legitimate daughter, far superior to the concubine’s daughter Yuanniang intends to promote.
Madam Qiao believes that with Xu Lingyi’s favor and the Great Madam's support, especially if Lianfang bears a son, the Qiao family can ensure she eventually becomes the legal wife. Qiao Lianfang arrives at the Xu mansion in heavy rain, with no grand bridal sedan or celebratory music. She is brought through a side door in a small sedan, accompanied only by her maids.
Nanny Tao, a servant of the Great Madam, deliberately humiliates her, forcing her to exit the sedan outside and walk through the muddy ground. Nanny Tao even makes her put away her umbrella, deeming it an inauspicious omen. Despite the humiliation, Qiao Lianfang complies, walking through the rain into the Xu mansion. That evening, Xu Lingyi, feeling no desire to marry Qiao Lianfang, is reluctant to enter her room. Pressured by the Great Madam, he eventually visits.
Qiao Lianfang has meticulously prepared, playing his favorite music and using his preferred incense. Yet, Xu Lingyi remains distant. He tells her he is not a good match for her and can only offer a life of peace and comfort, but nothing more. Despite Qiao Lianfang's pleas for him to stay, Xu Lingyi leaves for the Half-moon Chamber. The next morning, news that Qiao Lianfang was left alone on her wedding night spreads through the mansion.
The Great Madam furiously orders the gossiping maids to be sold. She then publicly shows great favor to Qiao Lianfang, having her sit and eat breakfast with her, declaring that she treats Lianfang like her own daughter, while sending the other two concubines to eat in their own courtyards. This show of support reaches Yuanniang’s ears. Her maid expresses concern that if Qiao Lianfang becomes the legal wife, it would harm Yuanniang's son, Zhun.
Yuanniang, however, dismisses Lianfang as merely a concubine who will not amount to much. When Qiao Lianfang comes to offer her tea and pay her respects, Yuanniang gives her a harsh reception, forcing her to kneel and refusing to accept the tea.
