My Heroic Husband Episode 12 Recap
> My Heroic Husband Recap
Wu Qihao, confident that he had cornered Ning Yi, secured the silk order from Da Chuan Cloth Store at a reported price of 3500 wen per bolt, which he boasted to his father was twentyfold higher than the usual price. However, his existing silk suppliers, who had long felt exploited by the Wu family's use of Commandant Song to force them into selling silk at cost price, were enraged by the preferential high price paid to Boss Xue.
Their simmering discontent erupted, leading them to protest at Wu’s Cloth Store. To save face, Wu Qihao, despite his initial threats, grudgingly agreed to pay them the full increased price for their silk, but warned them against any association with Ning Yi.
After the suppliers left, the steward informed Wu Qihao that the Wu family’s coffers were nearly empty, drained by Commandant Song’s extravagant expenses, a large transfer of cash to Boss Xue, and now the payments to the other silk merchants. Fearing his father's wrath, Wu Qihao desperately sought a loan. He approached an illegal private bank and borrowed 20,000 taels of silver, promising to repay it with interest by the end of the next month.
Su Wenxing, having caught wind of Wu Qihao’s desperate move, saw a lucrative opportunity in the royal silk business. He eagerly convinced his father to lend all of their branch's savings to Wu Qihao, anticipating a profitable return. Wu Qihao readily accepted the partnership upon learning of their shared animosity towards Ning Yi. Su Wenxing declared his unwavering loyalty, promising that Wu Qihao would be his boss in the future. Meanwhile, a major shift in the political landscape occurred.
Jing had definitively conquered Liang, leaving the Wu Dynasty in a precarious position. The Emperor, in dire need of strong leadership, was informed that Left Prime Minister Li Gang had immediately rushed to Jiangning. Indeed, Li Gang burst into Right Prime Minister Qin's residence, vehemently urging him to return to court. Right Prime Minister Qin, however, remained calm, having seemingly anticipated Li Gang’s arrival, and offered him preserved egg porridge.
Right Prime Minister Qin stated he was waiting for one more person, having already sent his mysterious men to Zhu Restaurant to summon Ning Yi. Ning Yi, engaged in a discussion with fellow matrilocal husbands about launching a home delivery service and "big data analysis" for Zhu Restaurant, observed the unusual attire and non-ordinary demeanor of Qin’s messengers. He calmly agreed to accompany them, instructing his friends to inform Su Tan'er to wait for his return.
Su Tan'er, arriving at Zhu Restaurant, was distraught to hear that Ning Yi had been taken by armed men. Grabbing a knife, she frantically pursued them to Right Prime Minister Qin's mansion. Mistaking the situation, she rushed forward to protect Ning Yi, who was in fact conversing peacefully with Right Prime Minister Qin. Ning Yi quickly introduced her to Right Prime Minister Qin, his friend.
Realizing her impulsive error, an embarrassed Su Tan'er mumbled an excuse about needing to finish cutting fruit at home and awkwardly retreated. Right Prime Minister Qin, unperturbed, settled down with Ning Yi to discuss the past. He recounted the devastating war four years prior between the Wu and Liang dynasties, where Wu's forces suffered a crushing defeat due to a lack of provisions, forcing them into the humiliating Heshui Alliance.
This treaty demanded immense annual tributes of coins, cloth, salt, and iron. Ning Yi, astute as ever, quickly grasped Right Prime Minister Qin's underlying intention: to seek his assistance in a grander scheme to reclaim the lost northern territories. Right Prime Minister Qin proposed that Ning Yi join the court as an official, inviting him to strategize together to reshape the Wu Dynasty’s destiny. After a moment of contemplation, Ning Yi politely declined.
He explained that he now had a person dear to his heart, viewing the Su Mansion as his entire world, and was content to remain a humble matrilocal husband in Jiangning. Understanding Ning Yi's firm resolve, Right Prime Minister Qin did not press the matter further.
After sharing a final cup of tea, Right Prime Minister Qin departed for Wudu, but not before leaving Ning Yi with a significant token, believing it might prove useful in a time of great need. Later, Ning Yi visited Lu Hongti in the secluded courtyard, bringing her food. Though still wary, Lu Hongti grew increasingly impatient with Ning Yi's incessant questions about her background, training, and personal life.
Finally, exasperated, she revealed her true motive for attempting to assassinate Song Xian: he was a corrupt official who shamelessly kidnapped women, and as a martial artist, she was committed to upholding justice. She conceded that her tolerance for his presence was solely due to his having saved her life. Noticing her uncharacteristic chattiness, Ning Yi, ever opportunistic, eagerly requested to become her disciple.
However, Lu Hongti flatly rejected him, curtly stating that true masters were not as talkative as he was. In Wudu, the court ministers were unanimously urging the Emperor to concede to Jing's demands and pay tribute. Just as the Emperor was preparing to visit Grand Tutor He, who was reportedly ill and refusing all visitors, Right Prime Minister Qin and Left Prime Minister Li Gang arrived.
Right Prime Minister Qin, ready for this moment, presented a posthumous edict from the previous Emperor. The edict clearly stipulated that Right Prime Minister Qin was to assist the current Emperor in reclaiming the lost northern territories and unifying the realm. Right Prime Minister Qin explained that his four years of seclusion in Jiangning had not been idleness but a period of strategic accumulation, preparing an overwhelming force for this very opportunity.
He revealed the establishment of a massive military depot in Linan, equipped with 500,000 catties of black powder and 300 cannons, all ready for immediate deployment. Faced with such overwhelming preparation and a clear mandate, the Emperor found no reason to refuse Right Prime Minister Qin's proposal for an immediate northern campaign, recognizing it as the defining moment for the Wu Dynasty’s future glory.
