Love in Flames of War Episode 21 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
Xu Zijun frantically tried to stop Mo Weiyi, reminding him of their shared history since childhood—attending military school together, enlisting together, and how Xu Zijun had always regarded Mo Weiyi as his older brother. However, Mo Weiyi forcefully pushed Xu Zijun away, steadfastly departing and declaring that from that moment on, they were strangers. Xiao Beichen, picking up a photograph of the three of them that had been on the table, felt his heart sink.
Xiao Haishan visited the city walls of Beixin City, placing Mo Xibai’s glasses there as he reflected on their past. He recounted the grueling five-day and four-night battle they endured to capture the city, and the solemn vow they made there to remain inseparable, united in purpose forever. He lamented how unimaginable it was that they would end up in such a fragmented state. Meanwhile, back home, Mo Weiyi was overcome with sorrow.
He clutched his father’s hair clippers, a tool his father had once used to cut his hair, and wept uncontrollably. Xiao Haishan continued to suffer from a severe lung infection, coughing incessantly since being shot. Madam Qi diligently peeled ginkgo nuts all day, hoping the remedy would help him recover swiftly. Doctors recommended Xiao Haishan travel to the USA for comprehensive rehabilitation, a treatment expected to last at least six months.
Xiao Beichen expressed concern for his father's safety, but Xiao Haishan reassured him that his eldest daughter had already made all necessary arrangements in the USA. He also planned to take his younger children, Xiao Beiyi and Xiao Beiwang, along to visit their elder sister and broaden their horizons. Xiao Beichen, however, was required to stay in Beixin to manage the East Camp and the family estate.
Xiao Haishan officially appointed him as the Ying Army Deputy Commander, asserting that it was time for Xiao Beichen to shoulder this responsibility. With all the recent events, Xiao Haishan had grown confident in Xiao Beichen's ability to lead independently, and he felt at ease leaving Madam Qi to manage the household. They made a solemn pact that upon his return from the USA, they would live as an ordinary couple, enjoying a simple life together.
Jin Cheng viewed Xiao Haishan's departure for the USA as a favorable outcome. He acknowledged Xiao Beichen’s potential, considering him a formidable general if he remained loyal. However, Jin Cheng warned that if Xiao Beichen harbored any ulterior motives, he would be stripped of his power, becoming nothing more than a caged tiger. Mu Zizheng secretly contacted Yong, feeling relieved upon learning that his mother and Lin Hangjing were safe.
He immediately handed over a valuable mineral map and a confidential Japanese military deployment map. Yong, perplexed, questioned how Mu Zizheng obtained such highly classified information and why he had become involved with Jin Cheng. Mu Zizheng explained the circumstances that led to his current situation.
Yong then suggested that this entanglement presented a unique opportunity for Mu Zizheng to remain undercover near Jin Cheng and investigate the disappearance of Yakov, a Soviet military expert who had gone missing while traveling through Dongping, an area under Jin Cheng's control. Yakov was known to carry two million rubles in aid and possessed significant allocation authority, making his whereabouts critical. Du Heng later reported to Xiao Beichen about the discovery of a long-abandoned car.
He noted that the car was rented from Dahongfa Vehicle Shop, and inside, casino chips were found in the glove compartment. Two distinct footprints under the driver's seat suggested the individual had a slight limp. Du Heng concluded that the person involved was likely an experienced professional, not an ordinary assassin, and confirmed that men were searching casinos near Dahongfa.
Xiao Beichen emphasized the importance of finding Mo Xibai's killer, reiterating his commitment to his brother, Mo Weiyi, and promising to deliver justice. Mu Zizheng, having considered his future, met with Jin Cheng to express his desire to stay and serve the Jin family. Rouke swiftly supported him, suggesting that Jin Cheng adopt Mu Zizheng as his godson.
She argued that this would not only repay Mu Zizheng for saving their lives but also provide a legitimate reason for him to remain within the family. After some hesitation, Jin Cheng agreed, and Mu Zizheng immediately pledged his unwavering loyalty, declaring himself a member of the Jin family from that day forward. Later, Xiao Beichen received a call informing him that something had happened at the prison, prompting him to leave immediately.
Meanwhile, Mo Weiyi had confined himself to his room for several days, refusing to eat or drink, causing worry among the servants. Xu Zijun, undeterred, arrived at Mo Weiyi's door with a bottle of aged wine and his own bedding, preparing to sleep outside. He still bore the hand injury from Mo Weiyi's previous push. Xu Zijun vowed to stay there until Mo Weiyi finally emerged.
Mu Zizheng met with Yong again, reporting his lack of progress in finding any information about the Soviet expert, Yakov, despite his extensive investigations. He revealed that Jin Cheng would soon travel to Beixin City, and he would accompany him, eager to finally see his mother and Lin Hangjing. Yong and a subordinate were distressed, discussing their dilemma of how to tell Mu Zizheng about Lin Hangjing's marriage, deciding to delay the inevitable revelation as long as possible.
However, Mu Zizheng overheard their hushed conversation and pressed them for answers. Yong, with a heavy heart, confirmed that Lin Hangjing had married Xiao Beichen. Mu Zizheng was distraught, refusing to believe it, arguing that Lin Hangjing despised Xiao Beichen. He angrily demanded to know if Yong had delivered his letter to Lin Hangjing.
Yong confessed that he had not, explaining that Xiao Beichen had confronted him shortly after Mu Zizheng left Beixin, demanding that Mu Zizheng disappear from the city. Yong clarified that he had sent Mu Zizheng away to protect him from being caught in an emotional and political conflict he could not win against Xiao Beichen. Mu Zizheng, feeling utterly betrayed by Yong, whom he considered his most trusted elder brother, accused Yong and Xiao Beichen of conspiring against him.
Yong apologized, taking full responsibility, but maintained he acted out of concern for Mu Zizheng's safety. Rouke found Mu Zizheng heavily intoxicated. Upon learning the reason for his despair—that his beloved had married Xiao Beichen—she tried to persuade him to let go. However, Mu Zizheng remained resolute, convinced that Lin Hangjing still loved him and had been forced into the marriage. He declared that now that he was alive and back, he would not allow anyone to separate them again.
Rouke, her face etched with disappointment, ceased her attempts to console him. At Mo Weiyi's residence, Xu Zijun continued his persistent vigil outside Mo Weiyi's room. He offered his own duck leg to Mo Weiyi, who immediately threw it away. Unfazed, Xu Zijun calmly retrieved the duck leg and continued eating it, reminiscing about their childhood memories and the unbreakable oath they once swore as sworn brothers.
He tried to reason with Mo Weiyi, suggesting that Xiao Beichen must have tacitly allowed Mo Xibai's escape, and therefore was not truly responsible for his father's death. Mo Weiyi, however, remained consumed by grief and suspicion, asserting that he and Xiao Beichen were completely estranged. Xu Zijun eventually fell asleep at the door, determined to remain there until Mo Weiyi finally came around.
