Jun Jiu Ling Episode 38 Recap
> Jun Jiu Ling Recap
Jun Jiuling was deeply concerned for Zhu Zan's safety, with Prince Xian having received no news of him. Despite her apprehension, Jun Jiuling redirected her focus to the pressing duty of defending the capital. During a meeting, Minister Ning proposed strategies for defending the capital, emphasizing the need to mobilize everyone, fortify all city gates, especially the vulnerable North Gate, and ensure proper resource allocation.
He tasked Chen Qi with acquiring weapons from Deshengchang with strong men, while Fang Jinxiu and Liu'er were assigned to organize civilian support and supplies. Minister Ning then raised concerns about the people's panic, noting that the combined prestige of Jun Jiuling and Prince Xian was insufficient to quell rumors accusing them of using citizens as shields.
To counter this, he suggested that Prince Huai, Jiurong, should stand with them, leveraging the late emperor's enduring popularity and Prince Huai's former status as a crown prince candidate. Although Prince Xian initially hesitated due to the inherent dangers, Jiurong bravely stepped forward, declaring his readiness to defend the city alongside them, considering it his duty.
Following this, Jun Jiuling subtly reminded Jiang Baihu of Lu Yunqi's expectations, prompting Jiang Baihu to pledge his absolute loyalty in protecting both her and the two princes. Meanwhile, Fang Chengyu successfully located a skilled physician for Zhu Zan, who was diagnosed with severe internal injuries, excessive blood loss, and a high fever from infection due to lack of rest. After receiving treatment and medication, Zhu Zan gradually regained consciousness.
His first words were to inquire about the date and the capital's situation. Upon learning it was the ninth day, he immediately expressed his urgent need to return to the capital, concerned for Jun Jiuling and aware that the city's inexperienced defenders would struggle against the Beiqi army. Despite Fang Chengyu's pleas for him to rest and warnings about the perilous journey, Zhu Zan insisted he was capable.
Fang Chengyu then volunteered to accompany him, but Zhu Zan declined, explaining that his perceived death by their enemies meant his return posed no threat to the Fang family, and that he could go alone. News of the approaching Beiqi army caused widespread panic, leading citizens to clamor for the city gates to be opened so they could flee.
Prince Xian tried to calm them, explaining the greater danger of facing Beiqi in the open and assuring them of his protection within the city's strong walls. However, their fears were exacerbated by the current emperor's departure, prompting them to demand answers. Prince Xian firmly reiterated that opening the gates would invite spies and lead to utter disaster. Stepping forward, Jiurong, identifying himself as Prince Huai, acknowledged the court's failings but vowed to remain and defend their home.
Though some initially dismissed him due to his youth, Prince Huai declared he would guard the city gate and, if it fell, he would be the first to die, never retreating. Jun Jiuling then addressed the clamoring crowd, introducing herself as Dr. Jun. She reminded them of her past successes in combating the smallpox epidemic and fighting Beiqi alongside Lord Cheng to save thousands.
She asserted that with unity, their more than 100,000 citizens, alongside the city's defenders, could successfully repel the 60,000 Beiqi invaders. Her words resonated, culminating in the people echoing a defiant chant, "Everyone can kill enemies." Elsewhere, a report reached Lord Cheng confirming that the Beiqi army besieging them had retreated, their morale shattered due to internal issues. Lord Cheng immediately inferred that Zhu Zan's mission to assassinate the Beiqi emperor must have succeeded.
Without hesitation, he commanded his army to swiftly march southward towards the capital. Despite his personal concern for Zhu Zan, Lord Cheng prioritized the state, declaring that if his son died for the country, it would be a worthy death. As the Beiqi army reached the capital's walls, their general boasted of breaking not only the city gate but also the will of its defenders. He ordered reinforcements for both sides of the city walls.
Prince Xian comforted Jiurong, who felt uncertain about his role, assuring him that his contributions were already significant. Jun Jiuling, however, admitted her own uncertainty regarding their chances of victory. Soon, the Beiqi forces began their assault, brazenly torturing and killing innocent civilians at the base of the city walls, demanding the gates be opened. Witnessing these atrocities, Prince Xian and Jun Jiuling were deeply pained, but they knew opening the gates would condemn everyone inside.
Jun Jiuling urged Jiurong to close his eyes and forever remember the horrific scenes unfolding before them, steeling their resolve to hold the line. In a suburban courtyard, Chu Rang expressed his astonishment that the capital had not yet fallen, but his surprise quickly turned to anger upon learning that Jun Jiuling had released Prince Huai. Lu Yunqi reassured Chu Rang, highlighting that the capital's prolonged resistance was drawing Beiqi's attention, making Chu Rang safer.
He also updated Chu Rang on Lord Cheng's forces, who were engaged in battle with Beiqi's rear guard outside the city. Chu Rang then pressed Lu Yunqi about the whereabouts of the lost imperial jade seal. Sensing Ning Yunzhao's discomfort, Lu Yunqi quickly intervened, falsely suggesting the jade seal was likely still in the Imperial Study, thereby shielding Ning Yunzhao from Chu Rang's displeasure. Later, Ning Yunzhao offered his thanks to Lu Yunqi.
Lu Yunqi, however, dismissed the gratitude, making it clear his actions were not for Ning Yunzhao but for Jun Jiuling. Meanwhile, Chen Qi, overseeing the distribution of weapons, observed the dwindling number of people available for food duty, as more and more went to defend the city walls. He regretfully informed Fang Jinxiu that he too would join the fight on the ramparts once the weapons were delivered.
Fang Jinxiu expressed her deep worry for his safety, reiterating her commitment to die alongside him and Jun Jiuling if necessary. Elsewhere, Mr. Gu approached Jun Jiuling, revealing that Lu Yunqi had entrusted him with the task of escorting her and Prince Huai, Jiurong, to safety. Mr. Gu argued that Prince Huai had already gained sufficient prestige and that staying in the capital, which he believed was doomed, was too dangerous.
Jun Jiuling firmly rejected the offer, stating that she and Jiurong would fight until the very last moment. She declared that Jiurong's defense of the city was not for personal glory or a claim to the throne, but an inescapable duty of the Chu family to protect the city that had safeguarded them for decades. She then urged Mr. Gu to leave if he did not intend to stay and fight.
As Beiqi's relentless assault intensified and the city gate began to falter, Jun Jiuling and Jiurong ascended the city wall, beating the war drums to rally the entire city. Inside, Chen Qi and the soldiers valiantly struggled to hold the gate against repeated onslaughts. Witnessing their exhaustion, Fang Jinxiu, along with other women and children, bravely rushed forward, forming a desperate human wall to reinforce the faltering gate, embodying the city's collective will to resist.
