Love in Flames of War Episode 16 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
Mo Weiyi was deeply engrossed in trying to decipher an encrypted document he had copied from the bookstore. His father arrived, bringing him a bowl of ginseng chicken soup and urging him to drink it. Mo Weiyi quickly tossed the paper behind him. When his father noticed he had dropped something, Mo Weiyi brushed it off as "just a piece of waste paper."
His father advised him to return home earlier in the future to avoid worrying him, and Mo Weiyi bid his father goodnight. Later, Xiao Shuyi confronted Lin Hangjing about her late return, making sarcastic remarks about her newfound freedom. She then revealed that Lin Hangjing owed her teaching position at the girls' school to Xiao Beichen, who had interceded with their father on her behalf.
Lin Hangjing thanked Xiao Beichen, who, seizing the opportunity, asked how she intended to show her gratitude. He declared his desire to sleep in the bed. That night, Xiao Beichen complained that the red string Lin Hangjing had stretched across the bed made their sleeping arrangement feel like a game of chess. Lin Hangjing firmly stated the line was to prevent him from crossing over.
Xiao Beichen, unaccustomed to such restrictions, exclaimed that no one had ever dared to treat him that way, to which Lin Hangjing retorted that the rule was "against a gentleman, not a villain," leaving Xiao Beichen to ponder if she was calling him a gentleman. Chengjing Girls' School officially opened, but the five-dollar tuition fee per semester was a barrier for many. Meanwhile, Xiao Beichen, Mo Weiyi, and Xu Zijun went to Beixin Station to meet Du Heng.
Du Heng, a highly skilled individual, had arrived to help decipher the encrypted document. He admitted it would be a lengthy process but promised to do his best. Recognizing Du Heng's talent, Xiao Beichen hinted at a more permanent role for him within their ranks. Back at the school, Lin Hangjing and the other teachers were disheartened by the complete lack of applicants, despite offering three months of free tuition.
Finally, a couple arrived with their daughter, but their intentions were not academic. They expressed a desire for their daughter to learn domestic skills, hoping she could become a maid for a wealthy family, as they believed girls only needed to marry and not pursue scholarly paths. Lin Hangjing tried to explain that the school aimed to empower girls with education for independence and dignity, but the parents found her words alien.
When their daughter bravely spoke of her wish to study, her parents quickly pulled her away, reaffirming their belief that education was not for poor girls and marrying well was their sole ambition. Undeterred by the initial setback, Lin Hangjing began devising a plan to offer more practical courses to pique the girls' interest and meet their immediate needs.
Xiao Beichen, hearing about the school's struggles, was unsurprised, reiterating his belief that poor girls prioritized sustenance, and even wealthy girls only sought marriage to suitable men. Lin Hangjing passionately countered, asserting that such traditional thinking had subjugated women for centuries. She argued that girls' education was crucial for breaking these chains, leading to both economic freedom to spend their own money without fearing abandonment, and mental independence to recognize their inherent worth beyond being mere appendages to men.
She cited inspiring figures like Tang Qunying, Qiu Jin, Wang Mingzhen, Marie Curie, and Florence Nightingale as shining examples of women who achieved greatness. Though Xiao Beichen questioned if her efforts could produce such luminaries, Lin Hangjing humbly expressed her hope to inspire more radiant women in China, emphasizing that the school's mission was meaningful even for a single student. One day, while shopping, Xiao Shuyi suggested to her maid that they watch a film being made.
There, she excitedly recognized one of the actresses as Zheng Fengqi, whom she knew as Miss Jiaman. Zheng Fengqi was equally surprised to see Shuyi. Lin Hangjing spent an entire night revamping the admissions brochure, replacing verbose language with practical benefits that resonated with ordinary families. The revised brochure highlighted how reading and arithmetic could help girls avoid scams and manage household finances independently.
The new approach proved successful, as a long queue of applicants, including the previously reluctant family, formed outside the school. However, Lin Hangjing grew suspicious of the sudden overwhelming interest.
She discreetly followed some of the new applicants to Luminous Jade, where she discovered Zhao Banzhu and others announcing a new policy: all students of Chengjing Girls' School would receive free tuition, a monthly silver dollar for consistent attendance, and guaranteed job placement through the Beixin Chamber of Commerce upon graduation.
Xiao Beichen himself appeared, publicly declaring his commitment to the policy as long as he remained in Beixin, and passionately articulated his vision for women to achieve independent careers, just like men. Lin Hangjing, watching from a distance, was deeply moved by his support and silently thanked him. Her elation, however, was brief. The immense effort and sleepless nights took their toll, and she collapsed with a fever.
Xiao Beichen personally tended to her, carefully feeding her medicine spoonful by spoonful and staying by her bedside all night, foregoing sleep himself. Jin Xiang later observed how Xiao Beichen had even arranged a flower room the previous night, a clear sign of his growing affection for Lin Hangjing. With Mo Weiyi's detailed observations, Du Heng successfully deciphered the encrypted file.
The code utilized a "New Revised and Enlarged Seal Script Dictionary" of twelve volumes, with English letters and numbers corresponding to specific page and line references for Chinese characters. Although they now knew the mole's code name and confirmed the bookstore as the contact point with Kang Jingxiong, the intelligence stream had dried up.
Du Heng expressed uncertainty on how to proceed, prompting Xiao Beichen to propose a plan to "draw him out," rather than rushing, allowing the mole to reveal himself. Guests arrived at the Xiao Residence, announcing that Mr. Zheng's daughter had returned from France. Lin Hangjing was called to the front hall, where she discovered that the esteemed guest, Zheng Fengqi, was the same Miss Jiaman she had recently encountered.
Madam Qi proudly introduced Lin Hangjing as Xiao Beichen's wife, surprising Zheng Fengqi. Zheng Fengqi recounted how Lin Hangjing had helped her thwart a thief at the emporium, earning praise from Madam Qi for Lin Hangjing's warm heart. Xiao Shuyi eagerly greeted Zheng Fengqi, expressing how much she had missed her.
Upon Xiao Beichen's arrival, he and Zheng Fengqi shared a joyful reunion, affectionately calling each other by their childhood nicknames, "Little Rice Dumpling" and "Little Curly Hair," and reminiscing about their shared past, as Lin Hangjing watched the exchange with a hint of sadness. Later, Zheng Fengqi informed her father of her decision to move into the Xiao Residence.
Her father expressed concern that seeing Xiao Beichen with his wife might upset her, but Zheng Fengqi reassured him that her return was for her career, not for a rekindling of old affections. She explained that her time in France had taught her the importance of freedom and a casual outlook, allowing her to bless those she loved even if they couldn't be together.
Xiao Haishan, discussing the matter with Madam Qi, noted Zheng Fengqi's newfound maturity, observing that she now treated Xiao Beichen more like a brother. He believed her presence would help ease Father Zheng's anger and prevent external forces from creating discord between their families. One night, a fierce thunderstorm kept Lin Hangjing restless. Noticing her fear, Xiao Beichen softly offered his hand.
Despite her initial reluctance and claims of not being scared, Xiao Beichen playfully chided her for her nervous fidgeting. He then gently hooked his pinky finger with hers, providing comfort that allowed her to finally fall asleep. Xiao Haishan summoned Xiao Beichen to discuss a telegram from Wu Zhiping of the Third Brigade of East China, who wished to defect to the Ying Army with his 3,000-strong reinforced regiment.
Xiao Haishan was wary, as Kang Jingxiong was also vying for Wu Zhiping's allegiance, and accepting him now could provoke a premature conflict between them. He sought Xiao Beichen's opinion on the matter. Xiao Beichen then revealed a secret he had kept: his suspicion of a mole within the Ying Army's high command, actively colluding with Kang Jingxiong.
He explained that his suspicions began during his garrison duties at Huyang Pass, and subsequent secret investigations by Mo Weiyi and Xu Zijun confirmed the complexity of the situation. Presenting the evidence he had secretly gathered, Xiao Beichen asserted he would not speak without concrete proof, acknowledging the deep loyalty his father's veteran officers held. Xiao Haishan, however, cautioned against hasty actions, reminding Xiao Beichen that these officers were critical pillars of their army and his future support.
He emphasized that rash accusations could sow distrust and demoralize the troops. Xiao Beichen, unwavering, urged his father to delay incorporating Wu Zhiping and proposed that they put on a deceptive act together to expose the mole. Xiao Shuyi happily received a beautiful head ornament from Zheng Fengqi, who also taught her the French phrase "I love you" as a blessing for her own romantic aspirations.
Xiao Shuyi then confided in Zheng Fengqi, lamenting that Lin Hangjing was inferior to her and expressing her wish for Zheng Fengqi to be her sister-in-law. Zheng Fengqi, however, praised Lin Hangjing's beauty, gentleness, education, wisdom, and compassion. Unconvinced, Xiao Shuyi secretly divulged that Lin Hangjing had a first love in Beixin named Mu Zizheng, a kite seller, and speculated that Lin Hangjing only married Xiao Beichen after being abandoned.
Xiao Shuyi expressed her frustration that Xiao Beichen seemed unbothered by this, finding Lin Hangjing utterly unlikable. Later, Xiao Shuyi returned home wearing the new head ornament and speaking French, startling Xiao Haishan and Madam Qi. Xiao Haishan scolded her for her "wild" appearance and strange talk, urging her to emulate Lin Hangjing, whose successful school was now a source of public praise. Xiao Shuyi retorted that he, too, had initially opposed the school, accusing him of hypocrisy.
Incensed by her disrespect, Xiao Haishan threatened to send her to Lin Hangjing's school, a suggestion Xiao Shuyi vehemently rejected. Du Heng and his team maintained a vigil outside the bookstore, which was believed to be the mole's rendezvous point. They spotted a suspicious man in a hat who had already passed by the bookstore earlier.
As the man approached to meet the owner, the bookstore owner noticed Du Heng's men through a mirror and discreetly signaled danger to the approaching individual. The suspect immediately fled, prompting Du Heng and his team to give chase, attempting to cut off his escape routes. Despite their efforts, the man managed to evade capture.
