Side Story of Fox Volant Episode 24 Recap
> Side Story of Fox Volant Recap
Fu Kangan was deeply troubled by his inability to have an heir. His sister-in-law, Princess Hejia, discussed the matter with him, relaying that their mother insisted he take a side consort of noble standing. However, Fu Kangan lamented that he was destined to be sonless. Princess Hejia advised him not to blame their mother, explaining that his distinctive status meant ordinary women were not worthy of him, yet even the Emperor had inquired about his succession.
She proposed a clandestine strategy: he should find any woman, regardless of her background, who could bear his child. Once a child was born, his mother and Madam Hailan would be powerless to object. Fu Kangan concurred with this plan. When a servant reported that Official Shang Baozhen was waiting, Fu Kangan, preoccupied, refused to grant an audience. As Princess Hejia departed, she reiterated her concern about Fu Kangan's lack of a son, a remark Shang Baozhen overheard.
Shang Baozhen was then unceremoniously dismissed by the butler, who stated Fu Kangan had no time for him. Overhearing Princess Hejia, Shang Baozhen muttered to himself that Fu Kangan deserved his childless fate. Since the passing of Old Madam Shang, Shang Baozhen's life had deteriorated significantly; he had squandered his wealth and accumulated considerable debts. On his way back, he was accosted by debt collectors from a restaurant, who aggressively demanded immediate repayment.
After a brief display of his martial prowess to intimidate them, he reluctantly handed over an authentic suet white jade, claiming it was more than sufficient to cover his interest and even buy them tea. The collectors, acknowledging his "strong" demeanor and their inability to overpower him, accepted the jade and reported back to their boss. Later, Shang Baozhen observed his former colleagues gambling. They openly mocked his poverty and unpaid debts.
Zhou Tiejiao, feigning magnanimity, invited Shang Baozhen to join. However, after being dealt a dismal hand, Shang Baozhen abruptly declared he would not play. His colleagues jeered, suggesting he sell his fine clothes to cover his bet. Official Li, in particular, pressed him, reminding him of his creditors and sarcastically implying his lineage might end. Enraged, Shang Baozhen tore off his mask and stormed out, vowing that his tormentors would "wait and see."
His former colleagues continued to mock him, even deriding his modest residence. As Shang Baozhen walked, he saw two young boys run past, followed by a familiar voice. He turned to see Ma Chunhua, whom he had not encountered in many years. She was now married with children, but Shang Baozhen was struck by the resemblance of her sons to Fu Kangan.
He discreetly followed Ma Chunhua and her sons, Pingping and An'an, as they went to buy medicine for their father, Xu Zheng, before heading home. Shang Baozhen engaged the children, learning their names and their father's. Ma Chunhua, discovering Shang Baozhen conversing with her children, grew wary and promptly took them inside. Shang Baozhen's suspicions were confirmed. Seizing this critical information, Shang Baozhen returned to Fu Kangan’s residence.
Despite being initially turned away, he insisted he had vital intelligence pertaining to Fu Kangan's future. He then brought Fu Kangan to a vantage point from which they could observe Ma Chunhua and her children. Shang Baozhen pointed out the boys, declaring them Fu Kangan's own flesh and blood. Fu Kangan, observing the children, noted their striking resemblance, particularly their brows, and was visibly delighted.
He acknowledged the hardship Ma Chunhua ("Hua") must have endured raising the two children over the years. Shang Baozhen, ever the sycophant, lauded Fu Kangan's benevolent heart and predicted a grand future for his sons under his personal guidance. Fu Kangan then presented Shang Baozhen with a firearm for contingencies, cautioning him to proceed with extreme care. Meanwhile, Xu Zheng had diligently cared for Ma Chunhua and their two sons.
Facing increasingly difficult business, he had decided to move his family back to their hometown for a simpler life. As Ma Chunhua packed, envisioning a future of weaving and farming while Xu Zheng hunted, he returned beaming. He announced he had secured an escort job to transport nine thousand taels. Although the payment was modest, he believed it would be enough to renovate their old house, ensuring greater comfort for his wife and children.
Despite her initial reservations about the small pay and associated risks, Ma Chunhua consented, touched by his enthusiasm. Xu Zheng reflected on the once-renowned Feima Escort Agency, founded by his master, the "Hundred Victories Divine Fist," whose glory had faded to the point where they no longer dared to display their escort flag. Ma Chunhua, however, found solace in the anonymity of "secret trips," believing them safer and prioritizing peace over superficial fame.
She held Old Madam Shang responsible for her own father's demise and comforted Xu Zheng, assuring him he had provided well for their family. That evening, Fu Kangan summoned his trusted men, informing them of a highly important mission that only they could accomplish. He explained that despite their individual prowess in martial arts, the task required a single leader.
When some suggested prominent figures like Zhou Tiejiao, Official He, or Official Cui, Fu Kangan interrupted, announcing he had already made his choice. Shang Baozhen then stepped forward, revealing his hidden presence. Fu Kangan declared Shang Baozhen's significant contributions and promoted him from Battalion Commander to Vice Commander-General, entrusting him with the leadership of this mission and urging him to continue his meritorious service. Shang Baozhen, feeling utterly vindicated and triumphant, pledged his utmost loyalty.
Fu Kangan then instructed the other men to follow Vice Commander-General Shang's command, before stating he would await their good news in the capital. Shang Baozhen, now elevated and empowered, departed ostentatiously with his team. As the group traveled, some men grumbled about Vice Commander-General Shang's newfound arrogance, recalling his recent poverty. At a pavilion, Shang Baozhen, now fully asserting his authority, demanded absolute obedience.
When Zhou Tiejiao inquired about the mission, Shang Baozhen sharply rebuked him, accusing him of contemplating defiance against Fu Kangan's orders. Zhou Tiejiao clarified his intention was merely to understand the command for proper execution, but Shang Baozhen haughtily dismissed him, promising orders in due time. Official Li then boldly stepped forward, accusing Shang Baozhen of being pompous and abusing his authority.
He demanded Shang Baozhen repay his debts and openly challenged his leadership, mocking the burn scar on Shang Baozhen’s face. Shang Baozhen denounced Li for disrupting military morale. When others attempted to mediate, Shang Baozhen unveiled their mission: they were to disguise themselves as bandits. The idea was met with immediate scorn by Official Li and others, who felt it beneath their stature as renowned martial artists to imitate "chicken-and-dog thieves."
Shang Baozhen retaliated by revealing Official Li's disreputable past as a "killer and robber" before he became an official, implying his inherent sinfulness prevented him from higher appointment. Li, infuriated, further insulted Shang Baozhen's scar, and the two began to fight. Shang Baozhen, without hesitation, drew his firearm and shot Official Li dead. With Li's body before them, Shang Baozhen calmly declared that Li had been arrogant and attempted to assassinate him, thus justifying his execution according to law.
However, out of "fellowship," he would report Li as having "died in the line of duty" and ensure he received credit, soliciting the others' agreement. Witnessing this brutal display, the remaining men, including Zhou Tiejiao, immediately assented, pledging their loyalty and dismissing the "playing bandits" task as trivial. They then obediently followed Shang Baozhen.
Because Manager Zhang of Lvliu Villa was posting wanted posters for Hu Fei, Cheng Lingsu skillfully disguised Hu Fei as a middle-aged man, making him appear two decades older. She too adopted a new look, jokingly suggesting she could turn him into an old woman, to which Hu Fei proposed they both pose as an elderly couple to avoid detection, lamenting that he might not have the fortune to grow old with her. They then checked into an inn.
Cheng Lingsu, feeling unwell from their continuous travel, took some of her special medicinal pills. Hu Fei, seeing her illness, blamed himself for her weak constitution and offered to find a doctor or herbs. Cheng Lingsu, a physician herself, reassured him that her master's strengthening pills would quickly alleviate her cold, and she would be ready to travel again by morning. Despite her readiness, Hu Fei insisted she rest and recover fully.
He prepared a simple meal for her, which she praised, recalling his cooking from Medicine King Valley and appreciating his effort since he rarely cooked. She also reassured him that he was far from a burden, proving to be more thoughtful in handling their travel arrangements. As Hu Fei and Cheng Lingsu continued their journey, Cheng Lingsu realized she had left her medicine bottle at the previous inn. Hu Fei promptly turned back with her.
Unbeknownst to them, they briefly passed Ma Chunhua's carriage on the road. Upon their return to the inn, Ma Chunhua's family had already checked into the very room Hu Fei and Cheng Lingsu had just vacated. After much persuasion, the innkeeper agreed to ask the new occupants for permission to retrieve the medicine bottle. At the room, Xu Zheng opened the door.
Hu Fei recognized him as a disciple of Ma Xingkong, but due to his disguise, Xu Zheng did not recognize him. After understanding their request, Xu Zheng allowed only Cheng Lingsu to enter and search. Simultaneously, in the inn's courtyard, Ma Chunhua's sons, Pingping and An'an, were playing with a small bottle they had found – Cheng Lingsu's lost medicine.
