Love & Crown Episode 17 Recap
> Love & Crown Recap
Kumor stood at the front of his military camp, observing the sky with a solemn expression as heavy clouds obscured the sun. His general expressed concern about the prolonged defense without offense, fearing it would lead to low morale among the soldiers. Kumor, however, believed battle was imminent.
Another general reported that their search of the hunting ground revealed nothing unusual, and dismissed Kumor's suspicions about "Bai Chifan" (Xiao Huan), claiming the man only had eyes for Miss Lin (Ling Cangcang) and no other motives. Yet, Kumor trusted his instincts, feeling that "Bai Chifan" was far from simple. Kuminjia, finding Xiao Huan looking distraught, acknowledged that being a matchmaker was a difficult task.
She suggested a plan for Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang to walk on a frozen lake outside the camp. The ice would be slick, creating opportunities for them to lean on each other. Kuminjia elaborated that if Ling Cangcang were to slip, Xiao Huan could heroically save her, which would surely move her and help them reconcile.
Xiao Huan overheard a conversation between Kuminjia and Kumor and realized that the heavy snowfall they had all been waiting for was part of Kumor's strategy to launch an attack across the frozen river. Kumor, seeing the heavy snow, ordered his Deputy General Zhang to place Xiao Huan and Ling Cangcang under surveillance, forbidding them from moving freely within the camp for security reasons as a major battle was approaching.
Kuminjia confronted her brother, arguing that her guests were not his prisoners, but Kumor insisted on caution. Later, Xiao Huan asked Kuminjia about the frozen lake plan, but she told him it was impossible due to the heavy snow. Despite this setback, she assured him she still had other methods to help. Meanwhile, Kumor was discussing his battle plans, detailing a surprise attack on the East Gate once the moat froze.
Kuminjia interrupted, stating she was fetching a jar of good wine for Miss Lin and "Bai Daxia" because she had lost a game of chess to him. Kumor became suspicious upon learning Xiao Huan had won against Kuminjia in Tiger-Taming Chess, a game that tested military strategy. He questioned how a mere wanderer could possess such skill and recalled seeing Xiao Huan intently observing their reactions to the snowfall.
Deciding to test them, Kumor instructed his deputy to bring his "Parting Wine." Kumor told Ling Cangcang and Xiao Huan a Xijiang legend about the Parting Wine, claiming it could make one forget past love. He then presented the wine to Ling Cangcang, suggesting she give it to Xiao Huan if she wished to sever ties with him. Kumor probed Ling Cangcang, asking if she was hesitant and still harbored feelings for Xiao Huan.
Realizing Kumor was testing her, Ling Cangcang boldly declared that if one cup of wine could end all love, there would be no sorrowful lovers in the world. She then offered the cup to Xiao Huan, proposing they drink it to go their separate ways. Xiao Huan drank it without hesitation. Soon after, he began to feel unwell, suddenly coughing blood before collapsing.
The accompanying physician examined Xiao Huan, noting a strange pulse and severe cold poison in his body that was partially suppressed by medicine, and admitted he was unsure how to treat it. Ling Cangcang held Xiao Huan’s hand, attempting to warm him with her body heat. Xiao Huan eventually stirred, teasing Ling Cangcang that she was not as heartless as she claimed.
He then confessed that his initial collapse was a pretense to trick Kumor, asserting that his chronic cold poison rendered him immune to ordinary toxins. However, he then clarified that the poison had triggered his underlying condition and he did, in fact, need her help. He gave her a handwritten decree to deliver to General Ling Jueding in Jiangzhou City, which contained urgent military intelligence about Kumor's plans.
He also pleaded with her to find Imperial Physician Li there to get life-saving medicine for him, as well as tonic pills from Imperial Preceptor Du Tingxin. Ling Cangcang, upset by his repeated deceptions but fearing for his life, made him promise to wait safely for her return. Kuminjia, demanding an antidote from Kumor, asserted that Xiao Huan had saved her life.
Kumor remained unyielding, pointing out Xiao Huan's suspicious knowledge of military strategy shown in the chess game and his acute observation of their reactions to the snow. Kumor firmly believed Xiao Huan was a threat who "could not be kept alive." To convince Kuminjia of the urgency, Xiao Huan feigned a severe relapse, coughing more blood.
Distraught and believing he was truly dying, Kuminjia stole Kumor’s token, helping Ling Cangcang disguise herself in Kuminjia's armor and face veil to escape the camp. Kumor gave chase, but Ling Cangcang successfully reached Ling Jueding's camp. Upon arriving, Ling Cangcang frantically sought Imperial Physician Li and Imperial Preceptor Du Tingxin. Du Tingxin, however, revealed that Imperial Physician Li was not in Jiangzhou City.
He explained that Xiao Huan had already given his only life-saving "Frost Reed" to Ling Cangcang for her own past poisoning, meaning there was no cure left for his own severe condition and he was nearing his end. Furthermore, the decree Xiao Huan had given her was merely a military warning about Kumor's attack plans, with no mention of his own need for help.
Ling Cangcang realized Xiao Huan had sent her away for her own safety, sacrificing his only chance of survival. Despite Ling Jueding's orders to keep her in the city, Ling Cangcang, filled with renewed determination, vowed to return and save Xiao Huan. Back at Kumor's camp, Kuminjia desperately tried to stop her brother from harming Xiao Huan. Xiao Huan, seeing Kumor approaching, finally revealed his true identity as Emperor Xiao Huan of Great Qi.
He challenged Kumor to a duel, and his elite personal guards, the Xiaoxing Battalion, revealed they were already in position. This revelation stunned Kuminjia, who realized the depth of Xiao Huan's deception. Kumor, though initially enraged by Xiao Huan's cunning, observed a genuine integrity in him. Just then, Ling Cangcang arrived, having returned to save Xiao Huan. Though concerned for her, Xiao Huan pressed forward with his plan to negotiate peace.
Kumor initially viewed them as a cunning and deceitful pair. Xiao Huan revealed his deep understanding of Kumor's military: the true number of Kumor's troops was far less than claimed, and his strategy of waiting for the frozen moat to attack was now compromised, as Xiao Huan had already ordered General Ling to scatter salt to delay the freezing. Kumor was taken aback by Xiao Huan's detailed knowledge.
Despite Kumor's initial defiance, Xiao Huan presented a compelling case for peace, highlighting Kumor's care for his soldiers and the devastation war would bring. He spoke of Xijiang's recent severe snow calamity, widespread hunger, and the hardships caused by the status verification system. Xiao Huan offered three solemn promises: Great Qi would provide immediate relief for the snow disaster, send agricultural experts to improve farming and soil, and abolish the oppressive status verification system within three years.
Kumor was deeply moved by Xiao Huan's sincere concern for Xijiang's people and his magnanimity, especially given Kumor had just tried to poison him. He knelt and declared his willingness to serve Xiao Huan with his life, presenting his father's Black Feather Token as a symbol of unwavering loyalty. Xiao Huan, recognizing Kumor as a true hero, accepted his allegiance, promising to protect him and cherish the soldiers and citizens of Xijiang. Kumor, the King of Xijiang, officially led his Black Tiger Army to pledge allegiance to Great Qi, and his soldiers echoed their cheers of "Long live the Emperor."
