Love in Flames of War Episode 41 Recap
> Love in Flames of War Recap
That night, Xiao Beichen visited Lin Hangjing. She awoke to find him in tears. She knew he was distressed and could not hide the truth from her, even if he managed to conceal it from Madam Qi and everyone else. Overcome with grief, Xiao Beichen confessed that his father, Xiao Haishan, and his younger brothers, Beiyi and Beiwang, had all died. Lin Hangjing's heart ached for him.
Xiao Beichen lamented his lifelong opposition to his father, a result of his resentment over his mother's death. He regretted wasting their relationship in constant conflict, wishing he could apologize now that his father was gone. He recalled swearing never to become like his father, disdaining Xiao Haishan's blind loyalty, pedantry, and adherence to tradition. However, after joining the army and leading troops, he realized on the battlefield that order and discipline were essential.
He felt he owed his father too much for all the sacrifices he made for their family. Lin Hangjing comforted him, assuring him that Xiao Haishan had always been proud of him and trusted him deeply by entrusting him with the Ying Army. She encouraged Xiao Beichen to recover and not disappoint his father, vowing that they would make the Japanese pay for their atrocities one day.
Meanwhile, in a Japanese office, Yoshida reported to Sato that intelligence from Peking indicated Xiao Haishan had flown back to China the day before and then traveled to Beixin by car the next morning. However, his convoy had stopped for a long time outside Peking, and some vehicles returned.
Yoshida also informed Sato that Xiao Beichen’s activities showed no irregularities; he had hosted German and American legation officials multiple times, and the entire Xiao family was busily preparing for Xiao Haishan's 60th birthday celebration, inviting famous Peking opera troupes. As no flaws were found in Xiao Beichen’s elaborate cover, Sato, despite his suspicions, concluded that Xiao Haishan must still be alive, remarking on his resilience. Lin Hangjing visited Jin Rouke, who remained in a coma.
Mu Zizheng covertly followed her. Lin Hangjing pleaded with Rouke to awaken and expose Kang Jingxiong’s crimes, believing only her testimony could help Xiao Beichen out of his predicament. She reminded Rouke of her past plea for Mu Zizheng, hoping she would understand her desperate feelings. Miraculously, Jin Rouke regained consciousness and agreed to travel to Nanjing to testify.
Lin Hangjing quickly informed Xiao Beichen, who then instructed Mo Weiyi to make arrangements with Commissioner Cheng for Rouke's swift and secure transport to Nanjing. A month later, the news of Xiao Haishan's death due to illness at the age of sixty was officially announced. Simultaneously, Xiao Beichen was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Zhibei First Army of the National Revolutionary Army of the Republic of China. This turn of events caught Sato completely off guard.
He angrily acknowledged Xiao Beichen’s profound and concealed strategy, likening it to a feigned attack while secretly outmaneuvering them. He ordered his forces to relocate to the consulate at the Beixin border, deeming it the safest option, and requested the cabinet for an immediate evacuation from Beixin. Sato assured Zheng Fengqi that their retreat was temporary, as the military had cast a wide net over China, and they would eventually return to seize control of Beixin.
Xiao Beichen returned to the Xiao family mansion, carrying the ashes of Xiao Haishan, Beiyi, and Beiwang. Madam Qi, though heartbroken by the loss of her husband and twin sons, bravely endured the pain. The entire household, dressed in mourning, knelt to welcome them home, while the citizens of Beixin lined the streets in silent farewell. Xiao Beichen knelt before Madam Qi, begging her forgiveness.
However, she raised him up, stating she understood his actions were for the greater good—to protect the Ying Army and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. She acknowledged his immense burden and suffering. Madam Qi then gathered all the servants, announcing that the Xiao family's former prosperity was gone. She intended to dismiss them, but they all knelt, refusing to leave.
Madam Qi urged Xiao Beichen, as the eldest son, to embody his father's indomitable spirit, reminding him that "a nation in peril leaves no home." She declared that the Xiao family's tragedy served as a bitter lesson, and she resolved to sell all their family assets to fund the army, vowing to drive the Japanese invaders out of their country.
Taking Lin Hangjing and Xiao Beichen's hands, she acknowledged their long and winding journey that had brought them back together, urging them to cherish their bond. She also spoke to Xiao Shuyi, who had adopted Shen Ke, asking her to raise him well, as his father was a hero.
Madam Qi then announced her own intention to travel to America to see where Beiyi and Beiwang had studied and lived, and advised the servants to return to their hometowns before the war escalated in Beixin. As she reminisced about her twenty years in the Xiao family, she recalled how people believed she married Xiao Haishan for his power and wealth.
In truth, she explained, it was love at first sight on the street, when she saw him on horseback, that sealed her lifelong devotion. Recalling Xiao Haishan's unwavering protection of her and their family through turbulent times, and how he was the only one who truly understood her, Madam Qi felt her life's greatest happiness was marrying him.
Looking at the moon and at a bottle of Shaoxing rice wine, his favorite, she drank poisoned wine, expressing her longing to reunite with him and their sons, Beiyi and Beiwang. Later that night, Lin Hangjing awoke from a nightmare to Yunyi crying and knocking at her door, delivering the devastating news of Madam Qi’s death. The household was engulfed in sorrow.
Xiao Beichen understood that Madam Qi's sacrifice was intended to free him from any worries, and he silently vowed to fulfill her expectations. Meanwhile, at the Zhibei Delta Army Headquarters, Mo Weiyi informed Mr. Ye that their investigation into Ding Ruoyong's death confirmed Shen Yanqing had been framed, and Mu Zizheng was now a prime suspect. Mo Weiyi's men had tracked Mu Zizheng to Jishi Pharmacy, where he regularly picked up medicine for his mother.
However, when questioned by the doctor, Mu Zizheng's answers about his mother's condition were evasive. Further investigation revealed no medicine dregs or an elderly woman at Mu Zizheng's supposed residence, intensifying their suspicion. Mo Weiyi decided not to burden Xiao Beichen with this information yet. As the Japanese prepared to evacuate, Sato instructed Yoshida to return Mu Zizheng’s mother to him.
Sato reasoned that Mu Zizheng, burdened by the "blood debt" to both the CCP and the YMCA, had no turning back and was already under their control. He simply wanted Mu Zizheng to "hide in peace." Mu Zizheng, in a rush to leave, urged his mother to pack, ensuring she had enough medicine.
His mother, sensing his urgency and secretive behavior, questioned him about what had truly happened, mentioning that he had placed her in the city outskirts instead of their home. She also inquired about Mr. Ding, a good man who had always cared for her, suggesting Mu Zizheng seek his help. Mu Zizheng, visibly uneasy, brushed off her concerns, claiming minor business troubles. Noticing his mother’s pale complexion, he found her secretly taking unknown pills.
She claimed they were painkillers she bought herself, but Mu Zizheng was suspicious, knowing she hadn't left the house alone. He pressed her for the truth about the medicine and her health, but she remained evasive. Xiao Beichen received intelligence that Mu Zizheng was hiding at the Qianshun Flourmill. He immediately led his troops there to apprehend him. Unbeknownst to them, the Japanese had set a trap.
Lin Hangjing arrived at the East Camp looking for Xiao Beichen and was informed by Mr. Jiang that he had personally gone with Mr. Ye to arrest Mu Zizheng, the traitor from the YMCA, causing her great concern. At the flourmill, Xiao Beichen detected a strange smell just before a series of explosions rocked the area. The Japanese, including Yoshida, watched as their meticulously placed bombs failed to detonate due to an unknown issue with the fuses. Yoshida quickly urged Sato to retreat, offering to hold off Xiao Beichen's approaching forces. Realizing the bombs had failed, Xiao Beichen and his men immediately launched a pursuit.
