The Sword and The Brocade Episode 45 (Ending) Recap
> The Sword and The Brocade Recap
Marquis Jingyuan, frustrated by his inability to locate Xu Lingyi as he secretly returned to the capital, focused his efforts on the Xu mansion. His subordinates reported that despite extensive searches and the mistaken killing of many innocent people, Xu Lingyi's whereabouts remained unknown. Meanwhile, Great Madam Xu, fiercely protective of her family, attempted to leave the Xu mansion, declaring she would rather die than allow her family to suffer injustice while awaiting the unjust execution.
Marquis Jingyuan, however, was already setting up ambushes, instructing his men to guard all paths leading to the Imperial Palace, confident that Xu Lingyi would be intercepted there. As Xu Lingyi made his way, disguised among others, he was nearly apprehended by Marquis Jingyuan's forces. Fortunately, Duke Wei intervened, boldly asserting that Xu Lingyi was merely a runaway from his own military camp and demanding to take him back, even challenging an Imperial Censor's authority.
Duke Wei then guided Xu Lingyi to safety, explaining that Luo Zhenxing had sought his help after Shiyi shrewdly predicted Xu Lingyi would try to infiltrate the capital disguised as one of Marquis Jingyuan's killers. This foresight allowed Duke Wei to deploy his own men to watch Marquis Jingyuan's territory, thus learning of the plot and arriving in time. Duke Wei urged Xu Lingyi to hurry to the palace, reminding him that Shiyi's execution was imminent.
Xu Lingyi's path was still fraught with danger, with Marquis Jingyuan's men swarming the area around the Imperial Palace. It was Ou Yanxing who provided crucial assistance, helping Xu Lingyi evade his pursuers. Despite his aid, Ou Yanxing initially hesitated, confessing that letting Xu Lingyi go would mean the downfall of his father and the entire Ou family. However, faced with the difficult choice, Ou Yanxing ultimately chose to allow Xu Lingyi to escape, bravely drawing away the pursuers himself.
At the execution ground, a large crowd had gathered, many expressing sympathy for Shiyi, recalling her past kindnesses in providing disaster relief. Great Madam Xu, accompanied by the Xu family, arrived and fearlessly confronted the official in charge. She vehemently declared Shiyi's innocence and insisted that no one could execute her without stepping over her dead body, even if it meant risking the entire Xu family.
Danyang, too, expressed her unwavering belief that Xu Lingyi would arrive in time to save Shiyi. Great Madam Xu passionately appealed to the bystanders, questioning the justice of persecuting the faithful and upright, and warning the officials of eternal infamy should they proceed. Despite the official's repeated orders to clear the area and execute Shiyi, the public's protest grew louder, and Great Madam Xu continued to stand firm, assuring Shiyi that Xu Lingyi would come.
When Shiyi finally regained consciousness, she found herself in her bed at the Xu mansion, bewildered. Xu Lingyi, holding her hand, gently reassured her that she was safe, having been saved at the last moment. He revealed that he had delivered the crucial evidence to the Emperor, who had immediately remitted Shiyi's death sentence. The truth had prevailed, and everything was now settled. As he embraced her tightly, Xu Lingyi shared the joyous news: Shiyi was pregnant.
Overwhelmed with relief and happiness, Shiyi could only express gratitude to Heaven. Following Xu Lingyi's presentation of evidence, the Ou family faced severe consequences. Marquis Jingyuan, upon seeing the imperial troops, conceded his defeat. Later, Shiyi visited Ou Yanxing in prison. She expressed her profound gratitude for his assistance, acknowledging that without his help, she and the Xu family might not have escaped their dire situation.
Ou Yanxing confessed that he had possessed evidence of his father's collusion with Wang Jiubao long before, and had initially chosen to sacrifice Shiyi to protect his family, even admitting to pushing her towards the execution ground. However, when he learned that his father had indiscriminately killed innocent people while pursuing Xu Lingyi, he realized that familial loyalty could not supersede moral integrity.
He asserted that without a sense of right and wrong, one could not truly be human, and he could not stand by and watch his father continue down such a path. Shiyi reassured him of his innocence in his father's crimes, informing him that Xu Lingyi would report his meritorious exposure to the Emperor, which would lead to his eventual release.
Ou Yanxing, however, accepted his punishment, reflecting that despite his earlier belief that he was more suitable for Shiyi than Xu Lingyi due to their similar backgrounds, he now recognized Xu Lingyi's unwavering love and determination, which made him incomparable. He sincerely wished them happiness. An imperial edict swiftly decreed Marquis Jingyuan's fate: for colluding with coastal pirates and conspiring against the government, he was stripped of his title and sentenced to beheading, with his descendants forbidden from holding office.
His second son, Ou Yanxing, was pardoned from death due to his meritorious exposure of the crimes, but was exiled to the borderlands with the Ou family's women and children. As Marquis Jingyuan was led to his execution, he had a final, brief exchange with Ou Yanxing, regretting that his downfall stemmed from the expectations he had placed on his son. He simply told Ou Yanxing to take care on the arduous journey.
As the Ou family prepared for exile, Amber tearfully pleaded with Ou Yanxing to allow her to accompany him, declaring she cared for nothing else but being by his side. However, Ou Yanxing, now stripped of everything, gently but firmly refused, asserting that he had nothing to offer her and did not wish for her to suffer alongside him. Xu Lingyi brought Yu to visit Concubine Wen, acknowledging his past neglect.
He offered her a choice: she could remain in the Xu mansion, where she would be well provided for, or she could leave with ample financial support, even receiving assistance from him and Shiyi if she wished to pursue a business venture. Concubine Wen was deeply moved by Xu Lingyi's uncharacteristically gentle demeanor, admitting she was unsure of her future but grateful for the choices.
When she learned that Yu was to leave for Leshan to study, she expressed her desire to accompany him, a request Xu Lingyi graciously granted. Before departing, Concubine Wen came to bid farewell to Shiyi. Shiyi, showing no resentment for past grievances, wished her well and encouraged her and Yu to return to the mansion during holidays, emphasizing their family bond.
Concubine Wen, touched by Shiyi's generosity and understanding, acknowledged Shiyi's broad-mindedness and wished her and Xu Lingyi a lifetime of happiness together. Shiyi later visited Erniang, expressing gratitude for Erniang's visit during her imprisonment, believing it had saved both her and Xu Lingyi. She found Erniang upset with her stepson, Chengzu, who had been gambling and drinking with servants. Shiyi gently suggested that Chengzu, being young, might benefit from studying with Zhun at the academy, away from negative influences.
Erniang, ever proud, initially dismissed Shiyi's concern as meddling and sarcastically invoked "Jinlian," seeming to mock Shiyi. As Shiyi prepared to leave, Erniang, softening, called her back and offered her a special cup of Queshe green tea, a favorite of Shiyi's, which her maid had specifically sought out. Erniang playfully insisted it wasn't free, calling it Chengzu's tuition fee. Shiyi, recognizing Erniang's tough exterior masking a kind heart, subtly smiled as she savored the tea.
Back in the mansion, Shiyi practiced playing the zither, feigning clumsiness. Xu Lingyi, aware of her clever ploy, recognized her underlying skill and offered guidance. Shiyi revealed she knew that he had been a master zither player in his youth, but had stopped after his father's death. Xu Lingyi explained his decision to abandon leisure for the responsibility of protecting the Xu family as its patriarch.
Shiyi, however, gently persuaded him, arguing that suppressing his own desires was a form of self-punishment and that his late father and brother would surely wish for his happiness. Touched by her words and encouraged by her presence, Xu Lingyi played the zither for the first time in many years, his melodious strains filling the mansion and surprising everyone within.
In the first year of the Longqing Emperor's reign, a monumental policy shift occurred as the Emperor formally lifted the sea ban, adjusting overseas trade policies to allow private individuals to engage in foreign commerce. This pivotal moment, historically known as "Opening up in Reign of Longqing," heralded a new era of unprecedented trade and openness along China's southeast coast. Several years later, the Xu mansion brimmed with joy and festivity during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Concubine Wen's son, Yu, had achieved great success in the provincial examinations. Xu Lingyi, seeking Shiyi, learned she was diligently preparing betrothal gifts for Zhun's future wife. Their young daughter, Nuan, eagerly ran to greet her father. As the family gathered for their celebratory feast, Great Madam Xu, instead of receiving the customary first toast, insisted it be given to Shiyi.
She proudly declared Xianling Pavilion's global renown, its expanded apprenticeships, and its successful overseas trade, noting the Emperor had even bestowed a plaque reading "Best Embroidery in the World." She proclaimed Shiyi and Master Jian the pride of all women. The second toast was raised to the prosperity of a harmonious family. Over the years, Shiyi's unwavering efforts had culminated in profound recognition.
An imperial edict was issued, formally bestowing upon Xu-Luo Shiyi, wife of Marquis Yongping, the esteemed title of First Standard Rank Madam. The edict praised her virtuous and kind-hearted nature, her honesty and faithfulness, her establishment of Xianling Pavilion, her efforts in recruiting disciples and advancing craftsmanship, and her diligent and independent character. Though Shiyi felt as if it were a dream, Xu Lingyi assured her that all her achievements were the result of her own talent and hard work.
Shiyi humbly disagreed, her eyes reflecting deep affection, as she asserted that without Xu Lingyi's selfless trust and unwavering support, all her tireless efforts would have been in vain. It was his boundless love, she realized, that had truly completed her life, leaving her with no regrets.
