My Heroic Husband Episode 33 Recap
> My Heroic Husband Recap
The city gates were rammed open, and Dong Daofu's army stormed into Lin'an from three sides. The bandits, having been on alert all night, were exhausted. By the time they reacted, all city gates had been breached. Reports quickly reached Fang Tianlei that Xuanwei Camp fortress couldn't hold, and the East, West, and North gates had all fallen to Dong Daofu and his lieutenants, who had already entered the city.
Fang Tianlei, realizing their dire situation, declared his intent for a final, desperate stand and ordered all his remaining forces to assemble at the powder magazine. He specifically instructed Chen Fan to escort Liu Xigua out of the city at all costs. Upon hearing the news of the attack, Liu Xigua immediately rushed to rally the Badao Camp to reinforce Fang Tianlei at the powder magazine.
Ning Yi tried to stop her, explaining that Fang Tianlei intended a suicidal last stand and that Lin'an was lost. Liu Xigua, however, insisted on saving her "Holy Master," ordering her own men to protect Ning Yi and ensure his safe exit instead. Just then, Chen Fan arrived, reiterating Fang Tianlei's command for the Badao Camp to escort Liu Xigua out.
When she remained adamant about going to the powder magazine, Chen Fan, with a nod from Ning Yi, knocked her unconscious and carried her away, accompanied by Badao Camp brothers. Fang Tianlei, during the chaos of battle, also instructed his sister Fang Qiong to find Liu Xigua and ensure her safety, expressing his concern that Chen Fan might not be able to protect her alone.
Meanwhile, Fang Tianlei reached the powder magazine, only to discover that all the gunpowder had been soaked and rendered useless by the heavy rain the previous night. He exclaimed, "Why are there so many holes on the roof? The drains are all blocked!" As Dong Daofu's army stormed the powder magazine, Fang Tianlei's two most capable subordinates were killed, and he was forced into a desperate, losing battle. Ultimately, his forces were overwhelmed, and he was captured by Dong Daofu.
Later, General Dong's men inspected the powder magazine and surprisingly found a large amount of black powder still intact in hidden spots, untouched by the water – a significant advantage for the Wu Dynasty army. Ning Yi and Chen Fan escorted the unconscious Liu Xigua out of the city. As they traveled in the carriage, Chen Fan, though unsure how Ning Yi achieved such an easy exit, expressed his bewilderment at the smooth escape.
Later, after they had established a camp in the outskirts, Liu Xigua regained consciousness and realized that Ning Yi must have been the orchestrator behind Fang Tianlei's defeat. She confronted him, asking if he was a member of the Secret Investigation Department. Ning Yi admitted it, absorbing her slaps without resistance. He urged her not to attempt to rescue Fang Tianlei, as their remaining forces were too few, and advised her on how to evade the authorities and survive.
He confessed that while his actions and words since entering Badao Camp were strategic and had their own purpose, his friendship with her and the Badao Camp brothers was genuine. He stated his commitment to preventing the Wu Dynasty from losing the war and its people from suffering, and to sparing his comrades from meaningless deaths, not wanting them to become mere "cold figures in the history books."
Liu Xigua, heartbroken and devastated, refused to forgive Ning Yi, as her own father had been killed by the Secret Investigation Department. Weeping, she ordered him to leave, declaring she would never forgive him. Chen Fan and the other Badao Camp brothers watched Ning Yi depart. Ning Yi, in turn, felt heartbroken and remorseful, reminiscing about his time in Badao Camp, smiling stiffly then crying.
Meanwhile, Lou Shuwan, having gathered her finances and rescued several victimized women, recalled a hidden compartment in her room. Searching, she discovered a large sum of silver. She buried her father, brother, and Bao Wenhan together, then left Lin'an with her men and the rescued women, believing they now had a path forward. She also found a map among Bao Wenhan's documents detailing the hiding places of various outlaws across the Wu Dynasty, which made her smile triumphantly.
Lin'an was pacified, and the captured bandits were imprisoned, allowing the lives of the common people to return to normal. The Su family's Second Master's fleeting dream of becoming a rich merchant ended. General Dong commended Ning Yi and inquired about the entire strategy behind the city's capture. Ning Yi revealed the full extent of his plan.
He had anticipated Fang Tianlei's distrust since the arranged marriage and realized Fang Tianlei intended to use the wedding to lure him into sending false information about vulnerable city defenses to external forces. Therefore, Ning Yi decided to turn the tables and use this opportunity instead. After their initial failed attempt to attack the powder magazine, they deduced that Fang Tianlei had moved all the gunpowder and weapons.
Lady Lu, Ning Yi's martial arts teacher, tracked Fang Tianlei's subordinate in charge of the powder magazine, Zheng Biao, and discovered the gunpowder was hidden in the granary. Realizing the sheer volume of gunpowder made direct removal impossible, Ning Yi collaborated with Su Tan'er to create waterproof linings for the grain hoppers.
Ning Yi used this opportunity for the 'Four Male Virtues Friends' and the Su family's Second Master's father and son to covertly enter the granary, line the grain hoppers with the waterproof material, and then punch holes in the roof. Fang Tianlei, only checking the surface, concluded the gunpowder was wet and unusable, forcing him into a desperate, head-on confrontation with General Dong.
This maneuver allowed Ning Yi to preserve the gunpowder and execute the coordinated attack with General Dong's forces. Su Zhongkan and Su Wenxing, the Second Master and his son, proudly claimed credit for the idea of punching holes in the roof, though Chan playfully reminded them of a past incident where they caused the loss of a warehouse of Cloud Gauze. Su Tan'er, however, acknowledged their contribution, considering it amends for past mistakes, and suggested rewarding them.
General Dong also asked about the bandit's god-daughter, Liu Xigua. Lady Lu explained that Liu Xigua and her Badao Camp had always been righteous and cared for the people, and that the Secret Investigation Department was considering recruiting them. While General Dong expressed concern about her potentially becoming a threat, Lady Lu assured him that she would investigate the matter thoroughly. Dong Daofu brought Ning Yi to interrogate Fang Tianlei in prison.
Upon seeing Ning Yi, Fang Tianlei was furious, threatening to tear him apart and demanding to know Liu Xigua's whereabouts. Ning Yi assured him that Liu Xigua and the Badao Camp were safe, having retreated deep into the mountains, which put Fang Tianlei at ease. Ning Yi then pressed Fang Tianlei about whether he was instructed by someone to delay the northern army's advance. Fang Tianlei admitted there was a mastermind but refused to reveal their identity.
He then curiously asked Ning Yi how he knew it would rain that morning. Ning Yi replied that he didn't "know" but rather "waited for the rain" to use it as the signal to attack Lin'an. Fang Tianlei, recognizing the brilliance of this strategy, conceded defeat, musing, "How clever!" News of Lin'an's victory quickly reached the Emperor. Minister He, however, remained unperturbed, viewing Fang Tianlei as a mere pawn, now discarded.
He dismissed concerns about Fang Tianlei causing trouble in the capital, stating he had more important matters to attend to. Meanwhile, the people of Wu Dynasty celebrated Lin'an's recovery. In Jiangning, the Su family rejoiced, with Su Tan'er's mother immediately planning a feast to welcome Ning Yi and Su Tan'er home. Ning Yi and his companions finally set off for Jiangning, their only regret being the absence of Guard Geng, who had perished.
In Jiangning, Zhu Restaurant had expanded significantly, opening many branch stores. The four male virtues friends, marveling at the numerous new branches, felt immense relief and appreciation for their current lives, reflecting on their long and unexpected stay in Lin'an as if it were a dream. At the Su Mansion, Elder Master and Su Tan'er's mother eagerly awaited their return. Upon seeing their family, Su Wenxing hugged Elder Master, expressing their joy at being reunited.
