Resumo do episódio 25 de Faithful (final)
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In an alternate reality, the tragedy of the plum blossom embroidery never occurred, and the pure white fabric remained unstained by names or sins. In this envisioned past, Wu Lian’s family sat happily around the dinner table, no longer filled with accusations or arguments. His father, rather than chastising him, encouraged him to pursue an official career through imperial examinations, promising a smooth path with his support.
His mother, however, believed that learning business from her would be more practical, given their many shops. His little mother gently insisted that Wu Lian should follow his own desires and not be forced into anything. Wu Lian, observing the poorly made plum blossom pastries, declared he would rather become a pastry cook. He dedicated himself to his craft, spending half a month perfecting new recipes, proudly claiming his creations surpassed the best in the city.
His mother even offered to open a pastry shop for him. Years later, Wu Lian successfully managed four Wu's Pastry Shops. When his parents suggested expanding to Huaizhou Prefecture, Wu Lian, with greater ambition, expressed his desire to open a pastry shop in the capital instead. On his journey to the capital, he encountered a collapsed Wu An by the roadside and offered him water, earning Wu An's heartfelt gratitude.
In this same altered timeline, the "Nine Righteous People" did not need to form. Meng Wan, now of age, lived a life of greater autonomy. Her mother had long since divorced Meng Wan's troublesome father, who still occasionally returned to beg for money. Her mother, no longer meek, would brandish a broom to drive him away, grateful for the decision to divorce him years ago.
Meng Wan, her mind set on a different path, shared her aspirations with her mother: she wanted to travel overseas to Nanyang with Mr. Xu to learn about business, fascinated by his tales of distant lands and the lucrative opportunities there. Her mother, seeing her daughter's determination and knowing her character, eventually agreed, believing it would be good for Meng Wan to see more of the world.
They planned to depart on the night of the Lantern Festival, just seven days away. Liu Xin, though still somewhat disheveled, was a happy father of two, with his beloved douhua-selling wife. He lovingly purchased a beautiful hairpin for her, telling her a hairpin suited a beauty, and called her gorgeous as he fastened it into her hair. Having resigned from his public office, he preferred to be called simply Liu Xin.
While delivering douhua to the Hu family, he passed a courtyard where he heard the melancholic strains of a zither, played by Yuan Mei, with Liu Sanniang sitting nearby, listening intently. Liu Sanniang was deeply impressed by Yuan Mei's extraordinary music. She learned he was a musician from a theatre troupe, mistreated by his troupe leader, and frequently caught when attempting to escape. She found it a pity such a handsome and talented young man was in such a situation.
After his performance, Liu Sanniang stopped Yuan Mei, remarking on his exceptional skill but questioning his perpetually cold demeanor. Yuan Mei, believing she was merely mocking him, retorted that he was a performer, not there for entertainment, and found no joy in playing songs and hearing applause a million times, dismissing it all as cliché. Liu Sanniang clarified her appreciation for his talent, asserting it should not be wasted in such a place.
She offered to pay his ransom from the troupe, expressing her belief that he could achieve great things in the vast world. She explained it was out of appreciation for his talent, not a transaction, and gave him her name and address, inviting him to seek her out if he decided to leave the troupe. Later, as Liu Sanniang was preparing to leave in her carriage, her maid went back to retrieve a forgotten handkerchief.
In that moment, Shen Mu, a masked man pursued by the Imperial Guard, stealthily hid inside her carriage. When the guards questioned Liu Sanniang, she feigned ignorance, and they, after a brief search, rode off. Shen Mu thanked her for saving him, revealing he was a righteous bandit who robbed from the rich to help the poor and corrected injustice, though his actions were often deemed unacceptable by conventional society.
He explained he was headed to Mofeng Embroidery House to "borrow" smuggled embroideries to distribute to the disaster-stricken people in the west suburbs, so they could exchange them for money. Liu Sanniang wished him good luck, acknowledging his heroic deed. At Mofeng Embroidery House, Feng Da was personally instructing the embroideresses when a servant reported a thief in the back. Feng Da confronted Shen Mu, who accused him of smuggling royal tribute.
Feng Da, known for his upright character, was perplexed until he realized the "smuggled goods" were merely practice pieces made by the embroideresses. He confronted Ms. Chen, who, with embarrassment, confessed. She explained that Feng Da's singular passion for embroidery led him to neglect the workshop's finances, even refusing tuition from poor students. To prevent the embroidery house from going bankrupt, she had secretly sold these practice pieces overseas.
Shen Mu, realizing his mistake, apologized to both of them and advised them to find other, legitimate ways to sustain their business. Feng Da, seeing their dire financial situation, resolutely refused Ms. Chen's suggestion of one last smuggling venture. Instead, he made the difficult decision to sell his unique and self-developed "Leigong Stitch Method" to Huangji Embroidery House, hoping it would allow the technique to flourish and bring 100 guan to keep their workshop afloat.
Ms. Chen negotiated fiercely with Huang Jiaojiao, eventually securing the 100 guan. Soon after, Mrs. Ning arrived at Huangji Embroidery House to bid farewell, as she was returning to the capital the next day. She expressed her gratitude to Huang Jiaojiao, crediting the exquisite Huai Embroidery for pleasing the Empress Dowager and making her life in Huaizhou much smoother.
Mrs. Ning, admiring Huang Jiaojiao's talent, invited her to move Huangji Embroidery House to the capital, offering her assistance to ensure even greater success. However, Huang Jiaojiao politely declined. She explained that while the fame of Huai Embroidery was unexpected, her original intention in opening the workshop was to create beautiful and affordable clothing for ordinary people. She felt that if Huangji became exclusive to the wealthy and powerful, it would stray from her initial vision.
Therefore, she announced her plan to establish a new clothing store, run by a separate team of experienced tailors, dedicated to making affordable garments for common folk, while continuing to serve the gentry with Huai Embroidery. Meanwhile, Tian Xiaoling had been steadfastly waiting for Li Chunfeng, who had left for the capital three years prior to take the imperial examination, and from whom she had received no news.
Her parents, growing impatient, urged her to marry someone else, but Tian Xiaoling vehemently refused, threatening to become a nun if they continued to pressure her. As she stormed out of the house, she was stunned to find Li Chunfeng waiting outside. He, apologetic and feeling incompetent, confessed that he had failed the spring imperial examination three years ago and was too ashamed to return, resorting to petty theft to survive in the capital.
He then failed the autumn exam due to a stomach illness on the day of the test. Tian Xiaoling, touched by his story, expressed her unwavering love and suggested they could build an honest life together. As they ran through the streets, Tian Xiaoling stopped and slapped him, not out of anger, but for making her wait so long without a word and for his lack of trust. She then turned and asked if he would dare to marry her.
Overjoyed, Li Chunfeng readily agreed, declaring he had always dreamed of being her husband and that his pursuit of official titles was only out of fear of not being worthy of her. They then impromptu declared their vows in front of a wedding procession, promising to spend their lives together, never to part. When the wedding couple from the house invited them to have a drink, they cheerfully replied they had already shared their own.
In another part of the city, Rulan joyfully prepared for her own wedding. Her mother lovingly combed her hair, and Rulan beamed as she looked at her reflection, admiring the red wedding dress she had personally embroidered. She reassured her mother that she and her childhood sweetheart, Mr. Lin, were from well-acquainted families and lived only two streets apart. Her brother teasingly carried her to the sedan chair, noting her unexpected weight.
As her sedan chair moved through the busy streets, Rulan caught a glimpse of Meng Wan, and both young women felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if they had met before. Seven days later, Huaizhou City glowed under the enchanting light of the Lantern Festival. Couples, families, and friends strolled through the streets, admiring the vibrant lanterns and the brilliant fireworks display. Meng Wan and Mr. Xu walked hand-in-hand, he buying her a beautiful lantern.
Liu Xin and his wife happily sold douhua to the festive crowds. Liu Sanniang and Yuan Mei stood together, captivated by the dazzling fireworks. Shen Mu, ever the fugitive, continued to cleverly evade his pursuers amidst the throng. Feng Da and Ms. Chen enjoyed the lively street performances, while Huang Jiaojiao watched a magnificent dragon dance. Li Chunfeng and Tian Xiaoling, now happily united, won a charming rabbit lantern at a riddle game, which Tian Xiaoling adored. In this harmonious world, the characters found peace and happiness, a beautiful dream illuminating the endless night.
