Listening Snow Tower Episode 23 Recap, Plot

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Upon examining a kill order and recognizing the twin marks on his and Hong Chen's arms, Qing Ya realized the full truth about his birth and how the Long family had kept him in the dark. He confronted Zhu Niang, admitting he had always believed she betrayed them by leaving the island.

Hong Chen then tearfully explained that Zhu Niang had been forced to escape secretly with Hong Er to protect her from being killed by the Long family, an act that meant abandoning Qing Ya. Long Old Madam vehemently interjected, branding Zhu Niang an iniquitous runaway who unscrupulously took another's son, unfit to be the Madam of the Long family.

She reiterated the strict belief that there could only be one heir to the Dragon God of South Sea, viewing twins as a curse. Hong Chen quickly refuted this as prejudice. When Long Old Madam pressed Qing Ya for his opinion, he confessed he didn't know his true background. Zhu Niang, her health failing, expressed deep regret for never fulfilling her duties as his mother and only wished to see him one last time to ask for his forgiveness.

As Qing Ya and Hong Chen embraced their birth mother, Long Old Madam forcefully pushed Zhu Niang away, accusing her of betraying the Long family and its traditions. Qing Ya finally turned on Long Old Madam, questioning why he had a mother like her who hurt his birth mother and repeatedly tested his wives. He found it ridiculous and asked if she ever truly considered him her son, despite his obedience over the years.

He reminded her that he had carried out her tests because he once saw her as the kindest person in the world. Yet, she had ordered him to kill his birth mother and sister and now dared to prevent their reunion. Long Old Madam challenged him, asking if he would kill her for "that traitor," disregarding her nurturing grace.

Hong Chen, enraged, urged Qing Ya to kill Long Old Madam, proclaiming she didn't deserve to live and offering to do it herself if he hesitated. When Hong Chen drew a dagger, Qing Ya seized her wrist, stopping her. He declared there was no point in further bloodshed.

As the Master of the Long family, he then announced the abolition of all unreasonable island rules, including those concerning twins or burying wives alive, asserting that he did not care if it cost him his reputation as the Lord of the sea, and that the title of Dragon God of South Sea would cease to exist. Xiao Yiqing pursued Jia Ruo into a forest, questioning him about protecting Ming He's safe departure from Yingge Island.

Jia Ruo admitted he had someone he wished to protect, just as Xiao Yiqing did. Xiao Yiqing expressed surprise at such affection within the Moon Sect and regretted that their enmity prevented them from conversing, leaving them only as enemies for the day. Their ensuing battle was fierce, severely wounding both. Xiao Yiqing managed to tear off Jia Ruo's mask, revealing Qing Lan beneath it, to Xiao Yiqing's shock.

Ming He and Gu Guang arrived, quickly rescuing the injured Jia Ruo and urging him to leave. Left behind, Xiao Yiqing secured the Azure Azalea but was deeply troubled. He questioned why Qing Lan, seemingly having forgotten his past, had joined the Moon Sect and practiced the insidious Xuan Yin Heart Sutra, contemplating whether to tell Shu Jingrong about this revelation. Meanwhile, Jiao Lu escorted Su Wu to a boat for her departure.

Su Wu, upon learning that the other eleven brides were being housed in a scenic location instead of being sent home, expressed her indignation. She criticized Long family's perceived "false compassion," arguing that if they were truly reasonable, they would allow the women to return to their families and offer a sincere apology. Jiao Lu promised to relay her sentiments to Qing Ya. Suddenly, Gu Guang and his group arrived to hijack the boat.

Despite Jiao Lu's attempts to stop them, Ming He, supporting a heavily injured Jia Ruo, boarded the boat and departed. Ming He expressed concern that Xiao Yiqing might inform Shu Jingrong about Jia Ruo's true identity as Qing Lan, which worried her greatly. Shu Jingrong soon found a heavily injured Xiao Yiqing, who was bleeding profusely. She urgently asked about his assailant.

He identified him as a skilled Moon follower who had mastered the Xuan Yin Heart Sutra, warning that this individual would become Snow Tower's greatest adversary. He admitted he couldn't stop both Jia Ruo and Ming He alone. Shu Jingrong reassured him he was not alone and vowed to grow stronger to fight alongside him, promising to attack Lingjiu Mountain together for their shared cause.

Xiao Yiqing then entrusted the Azure Azalea to her, instructing her to safeguard it and deliver it to Gao Meng Fei immediately upon their return to Snow Tower, fearing his severe injuries might prevent him from completing the journey. As he spoke, he began coughing up blood. Shu Jingrong desperately tried to transfer essential energy to him to restrain his Jue Yin Disease, urging him to hold on for their return.

However, Xiao Yiqing weakly told her it was futile, as the cold virus within him was too potent for her efforts. Shu Jingrong, distraught, pleaded with him to stay awake, reminding him she only followed the strongest and would have no reason to stay if he fell.

He closed his eyes but, still conscious, instructed her not to reveal his condition to anyone, emphasizing she must listen to him henceforth as she was the only one in Snow Tower who could work with him. Shu Jingrong frantically tried to revive him as he lost consciousness, continuing to transfer essential energy by mouth. As Zhu Niang's life ebbed away, she gently told Qing Ya not to dwell on past misunderstandings, expressing her gratitude.

Qing Ya, however, was filled with remorse, apologizing for misjudging her his entire life, blindly following his adoptive mother, and causing both Zhu Niang and Hong Chen years of suffering, almost leading to their deaths. Zhu Niang, in turn, apologized to her children. Hong Chen tearfully told her mother that despite their hardships, having her by their side created sweet and happy memories, and that her happiest moments were on Yingge Island, never imagining their family would reunite there.

Zhu Niang passed away, cradled by her children. Later, Jiao Lu informed Qing Ya that Zhu Niang's funeral arrangements were complete. Elsewhere, Jia Ruo, gravely wounded, urged Ming He to leave, reminding her of an upcoming visit from the Master of Flower Palace requiring her attention. Ming He refused, revealing that Gu Guang was already making arrangements and she intended to heal Jia Ruo with the dangerous Blood Venom.

Jia Ruo vehemently protested, warning that a single mistake could lead to instant death, and even if successful, she would endure a lifetime of intolerable pain. He begged her to stop, but Ming He, overwhelmed, cried out, "Without you, how will I live?" Later, a recuperating Xiao Yiqing, supported by Shu Jingrong, confronted Long Old Madam and Qing Ya.

Long Old Madam had been lamenting Ming He's departure and the uncertainty of who possessed the Azure Azalea, fearing the Long family's alliance with Moon Sect was now broken. Xiao Yiqing then revealed he had seized the Azure Azalea from Moon Sect.

He pointedly questioned why Long Old Madam had allowed the flower to fall into Moon Sect's hands despite Snow Tower's marriage alliance with the Long family, stating that any future alliance between the Long family and Moon Sect was impossible. Qing Ya apologized for the circumstances surrounding Qian Mei's arrival.

Xiao Yiqing declared Qian Mei a member of Snow Tower and, as the wedding had not taken place, he would respect her wishes and take her away if she desired to leave. Long Old Madam attempted to pacify Xiao Yiqing, promising the Long family's full support to Snow Tower. Shu Jingrong added that for the Long family to retain its status as Lord of South Sea, it must align with Snow Tower.

Long Old Madam conceded, admitting she had underestimated Xiao Yiqing, who had obtained the Azure Azalea without loss of life and even defeated Moon Sect. She acknowledged the Long family's surrender, reflecting that her own sacrifices for Qing Ya paled in comparison to Zhu Niang's determined return. She concluded that the matter was resolved and they would await Qian Mei's decision. Xiao Yiqing then requested arrangements for their departure from the island at first light the following day.

Shu Jingrong helped a weakening Xiao Yiqing towards his room, urging him to persevere. He expressed the necessity of leaving by morning, but she insisted he rest first. Unseen, Xiaoyin watched, noting Xiao Yiqing's vulnerability and seeing an opportunity. Meanwhile, Qing Ya and Long Old Madam had a final conversation. She accepted that, having learned the truth, she was effectively dead by Long family custom.

She confessed to deceiving herself that the Long family needed her, when Qing Ya was long capable of leading. She felt she had no reason to stay. Qing Ya acknowledged her grace in raising him and allowed her to remain on the island if she wished, but firmly stated he could not forgive her lies and mistakes, declaring they should never see each other again.

Long Old Madam called out his name, but Qing Ya, resolute, asserted his plan to eliminate all corrupted Long family practices, including the killing of twins and burying wives alive, and abolish the "Dragon God of South Sea" title. Long Old Madam warned that this would cause the pugilistic world to lose fear of the Long family, shaking its maritime power and leading to war.

Qing Ya, unyielding, declared he would not change his mind even if it cost him everything, and bid her farewell. Long Old Madam then wept, admitting her error and how her selfishness had led her to control him, distort his mind, erode his faith, and hurt his loved ones, ultimately causing his suffering. Later, Qing Ya found Qian Mei in her room. She asked why he was still there, reminding him of his rejection before their wedding.

She reflected on his desire for a lifelong commitment and his refusal to harm innocents, acknowledging his moral integrity. Qing Ya apologized for his incompetence and doubt, which had hurt her and their relationship. Qian Mei explained that she married into the Long family for Snow Tower's sake, and saved herself for Qing Ya out of duty as a wife, not wanting to harm an innocent man despite her love for Hao Tian.

Yet, she now felt all her actions were foolish, merely part of a deceptive scheme. Qing Ya pleaded for forgiveness, promising to rectify the Long family's corrupt practices and dedicate his life to making amends. Qian Mei countered that he still didn't understand, explaining that to her, love could not be traded, tested, or redeemed without remorse; such a test was a betrayal. She concluded that their love, no longer pure, should end.

Qing Ya maintained his feelings were true and that he had tried to atone for his adoptive mother's actions, asking if their love wasn't deep enough to forgive his single mistake or grant him another chance. Qian Mei responded that if she had known the turmoil her heart would endure, she would rather have never known him.

When Qing Ya questioned her place outside the Long family, Qian Mei stated that only Snow Tower would never wrong her, and she would dedicate her life to its service. Qing Ya asked what he could do to earn her forgiveness. Qian Mei replied that she would never marry again, implying they could be together in spirit, but if he held any affection for her, he should let her go. Back in his room, Xiao Yiqing's condition worsened.

He instructed Shu Jingrong regarding Hong Chen, saying she was a Snow Tower member but should be free to choose whether to stay with the Long family. He then expressed fears of not surviving the return to Snow Tower. Shu Jingrong fiercely forbade him from speaking negatively, reminding him that Nan Chu and all of Snow Tower awaited him, and without him, she would have no reason to return. Xiao Yiqing insisted she must return.

He then declared her the only one in Snow Tower capable of standing by his side and, in a critical moment, appointed her as the Lord of Snow Tower, positioning her above Nan Chu. Shu Jingrong initially refused, but Xiao Yiqing urgently pressed her to promise and accept the heavy responsibility. She reluctantly agreed.

Xiao Yiqing then weakly stated that this was all he could do for her, but the journey was not wasted as they had secured the Azure Azalea, before losing consciousness. Shu Jingrong frantically called his name and urged him to hold on, then rushed out of the room to find Qing Ya and a doctor, promising to return swiftly. After Shu Jingrong departed, Xiaoyin entered Xiao Yiqing's room, surprised to find the feared Tower Master on the brink of death.

She searched for the Azure Azalea, realizing he must have given it to Shu Jingrong. Shortly after, Long Old Madam arrived. Xiaoyin quickly hid, overhearing Long Old Madam blame Xiao Yiqing for the Long family's broken alliance with Moon Sect and her own estranged relationship with Qing Ya. She declared that without him, the Long family would still be under her control, and thus, she could not let him live. Long Old Madam then moved to kill the unconscious Xiao Yiqing. Later, Qing Ya entered the room and was horrified to discover Long Old Madam's lifeless body within.

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