Luoyang Episode 32 Recap
> Luoyang Recap
Wu Youjue dispatched Sui Xin, Li Chun, Mo Wubing, and Xu Shiqin to assist Baili Hongyi in locating the Thunder. The group resented taking orders from Baili Hongyi, whom they dismissed as an ignorant blue blood, and plotted to teach him a lesson. When Baili Hongyi assigned them to various defense posts, they deliberately challenged him, questioning the necessity of thorough checks.
Baili Hongyi calmly explained the devastating power of the Thunder, clarifying that merely ten stone (shi) of it could obliterate half of the south market. He criticized their complacency and lack of effort, emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming Ceremony of Light. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the group finally took their duties seriously, agreeing to meticulous rechecks of all designated areas.
Meanwhile, a young woman brought Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang to her home, promising to lead them to the Four Season Clan’s lair the following morning. Gao Bingzhu observed numerous herbs drying in her house. He inquired about her family, learning she lived with her father who was currently away picking herbs and that her mother had died during childbirth.
When Gao Bingzhu asked for water, the woman hesitated, revealing she didn’t know the water tank's location, which immediately raised his suspicions. Furthermore, he noted that the herbs she was drying by the window were Atractylodes (Baizhu), a shade-loving plant, a detail a seasoned herb gatherer should not overlook. That night, she insisted on sleeping in the woodshed, despite Gao Bingzhu’s concern for her in the cold.
Late in the night, she stealthily entered Gao Bingzhu's room, attempting to assassinate him, but he quickly subdued her. Gao Bingzhu confronted her, revealing his suspicions about her unfamiliarity with the house and her incorrect handling of the herbs. He then identified her as Qingye, a disciple of the Four Season Clan, linking her to a senior disciple known as the 16th Night, who had also died at his hands.
Qingye confessed, confirming she was indeed a Four Season Clan disciple sent by the Lady of Autumn. Upon learning of Qingye’s capture, the Lady of Autumn commanded her archers to stand by, ready to shoot Gao Bingzhu, dismissing Gong Yan's concerns for Qingye’s life as a worthy sacrifice for the Clan. Meanwhile, Gao Bingzhu pressed Qingye for the location of the Four Season Palace, but she refused to answer. Arrows suddenly rained down through the window into Qingye’s house.
Gao Bingzhu, despite his earlier confrontation, bravely shielded Qingye and pushed her out the window to safety, sustaining an arrow wound to his arm in the process. He, Bai Lang, and Qingye then fled, relentlessly pursued by Four Season Clan assassins. Back in the capital city, Wu Siyue worked tirelessly overnight to redraw the deployment map after Li Beiqi had taken the original.
Her brother, Wu Youjue, acknowledged her efforts, remarking on the improved precision of her new security plan, but he still expressed lingering concerns, urging her to rest. An Baitan from the Intelligence Services arrived, conveying information regarding Li Beiqi's connection to the Four Season Clan, which posed a threat to the Ceremony of Light. He specifically cautioned Wu Siyue against disclosing this sensitive information to anyone, a warning she acknowledged.
As Gao Bingzhu, Bai Lang, and Qingye continued to evade their pursuers, Qingye declared her readiness to die for the Clan, stating that her life belonged to them since they raised her. Gao Bingzhu challenged her resolve, arguing that the Four Season Clan would abandon and eliminate her once she was no longer useful.
He spoke about the preciousness of human life, contrasting it with the Clan's philosophy, and explained that he saved her simply because she was a living human being. He also recounted a story about his own missing sister, Ah Tan, who shared a physical resemblance with Qingye but possessed a vastly different, more spirited personality, emphasizing that every life is precious. Moved by his words, Qingye had a change of heart and decided to guide them.
Meanwhile, Liu Feng frequented Hong Xiao Fang, awaiting Yuwen Peipei. He had grown possessive, even getting into an altercation with another patron to prevent him from seeing Peipei. When Peipei finally agreed to meet him, she assumed his visit was driven by desire for her beauty and offered to fulfill his wishes, even attempting to seduce him. However, Liu Feng’s intentions were purely to protect her, leaving him heartbroken by her transformation.
Peipei, now a prominent figure connected with many nobles, bluntly told him that the Liu family had long declined and advised him to retreat. She warned him against competing with the capital city's powerful elite and disrupting her business, threatening to have him thrown out if he persisted. Liu Feng was devastated by her harsh words and the dissolution of their past connection.
Qingye led Gao Bingzhu and Bai Lang to the mountain where the Four Season Palace was located, pointing out a perilous vine ladder as a shortcut that could only support one person. Gao Bingzhu decided to descend alone, urging Qingye and Bai Lang to leave. Qingye, however, expressed that she had nowhere else to go, having been raised by the Four Season Clan, and thus her life belonged to them.
Gao Bingzhu tried to persuade her to seize the opportunity to escape the Clan while they were preoccupied with other plans. Qingye insisted on accompanying him, stating she could guide him, but Gao Bingzhu declined, asserting he had his own methods. Liu Feng, distraught, returned home and drowned his sorrows in alcohol, loudly lamenting his encounter with Peipei. His sister, Liu Ran, tried in vain to console him before finally slapping him in frustration.
She then instructed Uncle Wu to take Liu Feng to bathe and look after him. Separately, Wu Siyue continued her investigation. She visited a freight company, where she questioned the shop owner about Li Beiqi. The owner recalled a handsome young man in his twenties who had rented "all" of their carts three days prior. Wu Siyue, noticing traces of the Thunder powder on the carts, pressed the owner for Li Beiqi's destination.
Though initially reluctant to disclose customer information, the owner eventually revealed Li Beiqi had gone to Hanjia Granary. Wu Siyue immediately rushed to the granary, where she spotted Li Beiqi and gave chase. Gao Bingzhu successfully infiltrated the Four Season Palace. To his surprise, Qingye followed him, explaining she had nowhere else to go. She then guided him directly to the Lady of Autumn’s room.
There, Gao Bingzhu discovered that the Lady of Autumn had already taken Clan members to the capital city. His gaze fell upon a detailed map of the capital city hanging on the wall, marked with numerous points of interest. He also noticed a portrait of Xiaoyaozi (Lord Freedom), whom Qingye referred to as "the Patriarch." When Qingye reached out to touch the portrait, an arrow shot out.
Gao Bingzhu quickly pushed her aside, discovering a hidden compartment behind the portrait containing the Lianshan Rhyme. Qingye explained she had overheard that it contained all of the Four Season Clan’s plans. She swiftly seized the document, threatening to destroy it if Gao Bingzhu refused to take her to the capital city. Gao Bingzhu, left with no choice, agreed.
