Listening Snow Tower Episode 15 Recap, Plot

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Shu Jingrong, still disguised as Xiao Qing, expressed her gratitude to Lei Chu Yun and his family before announcing her departure from the Lei Residence. Lei Chu Yun, concerned, asked where she would go. Xiao Yiqing, introducing himself as Mister Xiao, intervened, stating that he had been asked by Mister Gao to look after Lady Xiao Qing and assist her in finding accommodation. Shu Jingrong accepted his offer, and Lei Chu Yun once again questioned her decision to leave.

Outside the residence, Xiao Yiqing thanked Shu Jingrong for rescuing him, noting Lei Zhen Tian's suspicious nature. He advised her that it was too risky to remain and that leaving made a clean break. He then inquired about her findings in the study. Shu Jingrong revealed that while she hadn't uncovered the secret to gunpowder making, she had discovered the Lei family's "Burning Heaven Dragon Yang Heart Sutra," which contained an incredibly powerful martial art.

Xiao Yiqing nodded, stating her discovery confirmed his suspicions. He explained that the Lei family, also known as the Thunderbolt Hall, was famous for firecrackers, but in earlier generations, they had established their standing in the pugilistic world through a unique martial art. Shu Jingrong concurred, elaborating that mastering this art required severing all meridians, a perilous endeavor with a very low success rate, resulting in permanent disability for those who failed.

This, she explained, was why the martial prowess of later Lei family generations had diminished. Xiao Yiqing continued, pointing out that even the most formidable martial art was no match for the destructive power of gunpowder. Once the Lei family possessed the secret of gunpowder manufacturing, there was no need to pursue risky martial training.

By Lei Zhen Tian's generation, they had formed an alliance with the Moon Sect, significantly increasing the potency of their gunpowder, and turning the gunpowder trade into Lei Zhen Tian's primary source of illicit wealth. He further revealed that he had learned from Lei Chu Yun that Lei Zhen Tian had once traveled extensively in Nanjiang under the guise of sightseeing.

During this time, he discovered the nearby production of niter, leading him to collaborate with the Moon Sect, exchanging gunpowder for this crucial ingredient. Shu Jingrong confirmed that the Lei family and Moon Sect were solely bound by mutual gain, maintaining a cautious control over each other due to the illicit nature of their gunpowder trade. Xiao Yiqing then detailed Lei Zhen Tian's insatiable ambition, which extended beyond his dealings with the Moon Sect.

Following the Battle of Sand Valley three years prior, Lei Zhen Tian, through Xie Li Zhou, forged connections with the Imperial Court, solidifying his position a year later during the Battle of Yongzhou. Xiao Yiqing expressed his indignation, noting that Lei Zhen Tian not only engaged in business with the Imperial Court but also secretly provided gunpowder to enemy nations for immense profit.

He added that the Imperial Court's discreet handling of gunpowder transactions and Lei Zhen Tian's own cunning made him confident he would evade detection. Xiao Yiqing declared that Snow Tower would not tolerate such disloyalty. He clarified Snow Tower's reasons for intervening in the Lei family's affairs: initially to investigate the Moon Sect, but primarily to uphold peace in the pugilistic world and safeguard the stability of the Imperial Court and society.

Xiao Yiqing gently took Shu Jingrong's hand, noticing that she had meticulously removed the callouses from over a decade of sword training—a sacrifice made to fool the Lei family. Xiao Yiqing tenderly wanted to blow on her palm, but Shu Jingrong shyly avoided it. He asked if she was in pain. Shu Jingrong dismissed it, stating that this discomfort was trivial compared to the agony of the Sand Valley battle.

Xiao Yiqing then commented on Lei Chu Yun's sincere affection for her, despite his father's corruption, and asked if she felt any remorse. Shu Jingrong firmly stated she did not, believing Lei Chu Yun would soon learn that trust was elusive in the world. Xiao Yiqing probed further, asking if this was her belief for the past three years and if she trusted no one beyond her master and seniors.

Shu Jingrong, after a moment of reflection, quietly affirmed that there was indeed someone she trusted. This interaction then triggered Shu Jingrong's memories of the kind, unnamed doctor who treated her and helped her regain her sight, whose gentle and refined demeanor and the lingering scent of medicine filled her mind. She recalled his words about the final medicine and the three-day acupuncture treatment that would completely remove the poison from her body.

She also remembered her own wish to watch shadow puppetry once her sight was restored, and she silently pondered his identity and whereabouts, still unaware that he was far away yet close at hand. In a silent vow, Xiao Yiqing resolved that one day, he would ensure Shu Jingrong believed that the person she placed her trust in would never betray her. Meanwhile, Xue Wen suffered from a persistent high fever due to an overwhelming coldness in her body.

A servant reported to Hua Lian that the witch doctor's remedies had failed, and Xue Wen's condition had only worsened, with the doctor suggesting a period of recuperation at Vermilion Palace. The servant sought Hua Lian's decision, but Hua Lian's attention was drawn to Xue Wen, who in her delirium, repeatedly murmured the name "Xiao Shishui," stirring deep resentment within Hua Lian. Gu Guang and Ming He were escorting the niter.

Gu Guang, cautious, decided to have the receiver collect the shipment from their current location, an ideal defensive spot, challenging anyone daring to attempt a theft. He instructed his guards to remain vigilant and protect Ming He. Separately, Chi Xiaotai, leading a group from Snow Tower, was also en route. She announced that the niter was five miles away and that the contact person should be notified.

She emphasized the critical nature of their mission, while a fellow Snow Tower member confidently stated they had nothing to fear, especially with Xiao Yiqing dispatching the seven killers of Chuihua House. Chi Xiaotai, her face covered, eventually met with Gu Guang and Ming He. However, her mask unexpectedly fell, revealing her identity. Gu Guang immediately ordered her to halt. Gao Mengfei, who had been lying in ambush, sprang out, engaging Gu Guang in a fierce struggle.

During the scuffle, Gao Mengfei's mask also fell, revealing his identity to Gu Guang and Ming He. Gao Mengfei then aggressively questioned Gu Guang about the Moon Sect's recent activities. Ming He, witnessing Gu Guang in peril, swiftly launched a hidden weapon at Gao Mengfei, leading to a direct confrontation between them. The skirmish intensified, with Ming He vowing to avenge her master and Qing Lan before engaging Gao Mengfei in a brutal fight.

During the chaotic struggle, Ming He was struck down and fell off a cliff. Gu Guang immediately dispatched his men to search for her. Gao Mengfei, despite his injuries, regrouped with Chi Xiaotai. Chi Xiaotai inquired about the Moon Sect followers, to which Gao Mengfei replied that he had only injured their Young Mistress, Ming He, but the other disciples were dead.

He confirmed that their plan had been flawlessly executed, and the niter was secure because they had divided their forces. He added that Xiao Yiqing's intention was to make an example of the Moon Sect, so casualties were anticipated. Noticing Gao Mengfei's wounds, Chi Xiaotai expressed concern, but he brushed them aside, emphasizing the urgency of delivering the niter on time. With their mission secured, they quickly departed.

Back at the Lei Residence, Lei Zhen Tian summoned Lei Chu Yun and Lei Chu Yu, entrusting each of them with a copy of the Lei family's secret gunpowder manufacturing method, which they were strictly instructed to safeguard. He then issued a grave warning: if the niter delivery failed again, they were both to immediately evacuate Jiangnan with the entire Lei family.

Lei Zhen Tian revealed his growing unease, feeling as though they were being watched, and explained that he had already made all necessary arrangements for their escape, including discreetly transferring their fortune, which could be accessed with a special seal. Lei Chu Yun and Lei Chu Yu, perplexed, questioned his apprehension, reminding him that Snow Tower was managing the niter delivery and thus, there should be no cause for concern.

Lei Zhen Tian, however, confessed his persistent anxiety and foreboding, hoping he was merely overthinking. Lei Chu Yun, as the eldest son, declared his intent to stand by his father and defend the family. Lei Zhen Tian, however, clarified the unique gravity of the situation, emphasizing its national importance and the Imperial Court's deep concern.

He warned that any failure would inevitably lead to disaster, with the Lei family facing the brunt of the consequences, and vowed to protect their home at all costs. Elsewhere, Xiao Yiqing had prepared a batch of gunpowder, meticulously following the secret method provided by Lei Zhen Tian. He then invited Lei Zhen Tian and Lei Chu Yun to observe a demonstration. Lei Zhen Tian, initially confident, boasted about Snow Tower's reputation.

Xiao Yiqing stated that his men had strictly adhered to Lei Zhen Tian's instructions, ensuring the gunpowder was identical to their own, and invited the Lei father and son to test its potency. Lei Zhen Tian scoffed at the idea that he would provide a false method, then expressed reservations about the late hour and potential noise. Xiao Yiqing, however, dismissed his concerns, assuring him they were in a secluded location, and ordered the gunpowder ignited.

The resulting explosion was weak, no more powerful than a firecracker. Xiao Yiqing watched impassively as Shu Jingrong stepped forward, noting that the gunpowder's meager strength was less than half that of the explosives used at Sand Valley. Lei Chu Yun, stunned, uttered "Xiao Qing?" at her appearance. Xiao Yiqing then revealed Shu Jingrong's true identity: the daughter of the Blood Demon, Shu Jingrong, much to Lei Zhen Tian's shock.

Xiao Yiqing then stated that given the fraudulent nature of the secret method, he would not transfer the niter to the Lei family. Enraged, Lei Zhen Tian prepared to attack Xiao Yiqing, but at that moment, Xie Li Zhou arrived with a contingent of soldiers. Xie Li Zhou declared Lei Zhen Tian a traitor who had colluded with the enemy, announcing that he was acting under orders to apprehend him and bring him to justice.

He commanded his soldiers to escort Lei Zhen Tian and his eldest son back to the Lei Residence for custody. Lei Zhen Tian and Lei Chu Yun vehemently protested, demanding proof of such a grave accusation. As Lei Chu Yun tried to defend his father, Xiao Yiqing produced a foreign banknote, reminding Lei Chu Yun that he had stolen it from Lei Zhen Tian's secret stash to purchase a jade ball for "Xiao Qing."

He presented it as "the best evidence." Lei Zhen Tian, however, argued that a foreign banknote alone didn't prove its origin from the Lei Residence and accused them of fabricating stories. Xiao Yiqing then invited Xie Li Zhou to the Lei Residence, assuring him that undeniable evidence awaited them there. At the Lei Residence, Xie Li Zhou entered the secret room, where he began examining the account books.

Jiang Qian Mei, also known as Bing Yu, appeared and confronted him, questioning whether he was attempting to destroy evidence for the Lei family or to conceal his own illicit dealings concerning their gunpowder. When Xie Li Zhou feigned ignorance, Jiang Qian Mei revealed that ten accounts in the ledgers implicated the Xie family, confirming that he had accepted numerous bribes from the Lei family.

Xie Li Zhou attempted to dismiss these as legitimate government-Lei family transactions, but Jiang Qian Mei countered by stating that the books also contained extensive evidence of the Lei family's treasonous collaboration with enemy forces, pointing to the foreign banknotes as irrefutable proof. Xie Li Zhou was visibly shaken, grasping the gravity of the situation and the Emperor's impending investigation, which could lead to the demise of his entire family due to his negligence.

He tried to disclaim knowledge of Lei Zhen Tian's treasonous acts, insisting he had only accepted a "small amount" of bribes. Desperate, Xie Li Zhou implored Jiang Qian Mei to seek mercy from Young Master Xiao, hoping he would feign ignorance of the situation to spare the Xie family.

Jiang Qian Mei, however, met his plea with a cold stare, recalling his indifference to her own life in the past and questioning his continued prioritization of reputation over family, even in their current dire predicament. Xie Li Zhou, in turn, spoke of her mother's three months of illness and implored Jiang Qian Mei not to let her suffer further. He promised to comply with whatever she advised.

Jiang Qian Mei then instructed him to confess his crimes to the Emperor and offer the Lei family's secret gunpowder method as atonement. She insisted this was his only recourse to avoid implication, given Lei Zhen Tian's proven treason, rebuffing his attempts at hypothetical scenarios by reminding him that he should have foreseen such a day when he accepted the bribes. Xie Li Zhou, filled with regret, reluctantly agreed, asking if she would hate him forever.

Shortly after, Xie Li Zhou emerged from the secret room and publicly announced the government's confiscation of all Lei family properties, forbidding any unauthorized movement of assets. Lei Zhen Tian, enraged and unyielding, cursed Shu Jingrong, branding her as the "daughter of Blood Demon" and prophesying that her "Blood Rose" sword would eventually bring her retribution.

Xiao Yiqing swiftly countered, stating that Lei Zhen Tian's treasonous acts and the endangerment of the nation meant he alone was responsible for the consequences, which had nothing to do with Lady Jing.

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