Siege in Fog Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Siege in Fog Synopsis
When Qin Sang was 7 years old, she saved 14-year-old Yi Lian Kai, the third son of Jiangzuo officer, Yi Jipei.
Since then, Yi Liankai had been secretly attracted to her, but unfortunately, Qin Sang did not know about it.
Ten years later, the Qin family was framed and the family was in decline. Qin Sang had to marry Yi Lian Kai, who was full of joy but found that Qin Sang was so “cold” to him.
At that time, the separatist regime made people unable to live well, so Yi Jipei wanted to revive the country and gave the important task to Yi Liankai, asking him to sacrifice himself for the great work.
In order to protect his father’s will and realize his heroic ambition, Yi Liankai buried his love for Qin Sang in his heart and had several duels with the Murong family.
At the same time, Qin Sang’s first love, Li Wangping, returned home from his study tour and learned that Qin Sang was forced to marry into the Yi family. He secretly lurked in the Yi family and prepared to join hands with the Murong family to defeat the Yi family and take back Qin Sang.
In the battle of Fu Yuan, Yi Liankai sent Qin Sang out of the city and died in the gunfire of the Murong family in order to guard the last position of the Yi family.
Siege in Fog Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the early days of the Republic of China, warlords clashed incessantly, leaving the populace in despair. The Yi family, led by Yi Jipei, held significant power as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Jiangzuo Province. His eldest son, Yi Lianyi, was intelligent but confined to a wheelchair after an old injury, serving as his father's trusted advisor. The second son, Yi Lianshen, was a courageous and strategic military leader.
The youngest, Yi Liankai, born to Yi Jipei's third wife and a student of the esteemed Fan Zhiheng, maintained a reputation for being a frivolous playboy, even after marrying Qin Sang. Despite their marriage, their relationship was strained, and Yi Liankai’s indifference was apparent, especially when he failed to appear during Qin Sang's recent serious illness.
Meanwhile, the Yi family faced a formidable adversary in Li Chongnian, a warlord who had once served under Yi Jipei and now coveted his territory. Their constant warfare allowed Murong Chen, a northern warlord, to intervene. Murong Chen sent his son, Murong Feng, under the guise of mediation, to blockade Zhishan Villa, Yi Jipei’s hinterland, effectively trapping Yi Liankai there.
In Fuyuan, Fan Zhiheng, the Political Advisor of Jiangzuo Province, urgently arrived at the train station to meet with Yi family officers. He was on his way to negotiate with Murong Feng's envoy, but he considered it merely a delaying tactic. He instructed his subordinates that if negotiations failed, signaled by him dropping a cup, they were to immediately assassinate Murong Feng's envoy.
This would buy time to mobilize Jiang Jinyi's troops and force the Murong family to change their military direction, thus preventing direct conflict. Unbeknownst to Fan Zhiheng, a man disguised as a newspaper reader was intently listening to his plans. As Fan Zhiheng prepared for his mission, Qin Sang arrived at the station with her maid. She adamantly demanded to go to Zhishan to find Yi Liankai, asserting her intention to live or die with him as his wife.
Initially, Fan Zhiheng refused, emphasizing the extreme danger of the war-torn route and the besieged mountain. However, Qin Sang's persistent pleas, reminding him of her father-in-law's respect for his counsel on military affairs, eventually swayed him. He reluctantly arranged for her and her maid to be placed in the last railcar of the train, instructing his men to ensure her safety. On the train, a man claiming to be Murong Feng's envoy entered Fan Zhiheng’s compartment.
Later, at Fangjiadian station, Fan Zhiheng was discovered dead, seemingly assassinated. Shocked by the news, Qin Sang remained resolute in her decision to reach Zhishan. Unable to proceed with the train, she decided to seek help from her close friend, Deng Yulin, who she contacted by phone. Qin Sang explained her desperate situation to Deng Yulin, who, despite her worries, agreed to drive her to Zhishan. As they approached the mountain, they were stopped at a Murong family checkpoint.
Qin Sang, asserting her identity as the Yi family's Third Young Mistress, demanded passage. A Murong family officer, recalling her wedding two years prior, shared his observations of her sadness on that day and Yi Liankai's "forced" hand in marriage, before allowing her to proceed, noting how Yi Liankai had sent a lamb to their camp the previous day, which he interpreted as a gesture of care.
As they continued up the mountain, Qin Sang spotted a flirtatious woman descending, who smiled provocatively at her, further fueling her anger. Upon reaching Zhishan Villa, Qin Sang found Yi Liankai casually playing golf, seemingly unfazed by the siege. Suppressing her fury, she informed him of Fan Zhiheng's assassination. Yi Liankai, however, scoffed at her, claiming Fan Zhiheng had "died" many times before and dismissed her news as a lie.
Yao Jingren, the Yizhou District's Chief Military Advisor, then pointedly questioned how Qin Sang managed to get up the mountain when others couldn't descend. Yi Liankai sarcastically remarked that after a previous "Miss Min" left, he expected another beautiful companion, not his "official's wife." When Qin Sang tried to speak to him privately, he insisted she speak in front of everyone. Exasperated, Qin Sang loudly declared that Fan Zhiheng was killed while trying to save Yi Liankai.
Yi Liankai’s only reaction was to tightly grip his golf club before walking away without a word. At the Yi Manor, Yi Jipei mourned Fan Zhiheng, lamenting that he might not face him in the afterlife if he failed to realize Fan Zhiheng's aspirations for governing the country. Yi Lianyi tried to console his father, acknowledging that Fan Zhiheng died for a worthy cause.
Yi Jipei then expressed his frustration with Yi Liankai’s idleness, but resignedly stated that if his youngest son’s life could secure half the kingdom, it would be a worthwhile exchange for the Yi family. Meanwhile, on the Yizhou front, Yi Lianshen was engaged in a fierce battle against Li Chongnian. Despite heavy casualties and his generals advising retreat from a fortified High Ground No. 5, Yi Lianshen adamantly refused, demanding they continue fighting until the last man standing.
It was amidst this battle that he received news of Fan Zhiheng's assassination. He immediately ordered his troops to Zhishan. With Fan Zhiheng's death, the situation around Zhishan grew increasingly tense, and various factions became restless. Yi Lianyi urged calm, believing that meticulous planning was essential to prevent others from taking advantage. He later reported to Yi Jipei that Jiang Shuangxi in the Northwest remained inactive, while Li Chongnian's movements were uncertain, with rumors placing him near Murong Feng’s army.
He also mentioned that Fan Yanyun was aware of Fan Zhiheng's death, but Qin Housheng remained at home. Back at Zhishan, Qin Sang noticed military movements below and deduced that Yi Lianshen was leading the Fuyuan army to their rescue. However, she realized the grave danger: if Murong Feng engaged Yi Lianshen, the first thing he would do is attack Zhishan, take them all hostage, and then negotiate with Yi Lianshen.
Their lives, she concluded, depended entirely on the outcome of this potential battle. Deng Yulin, although worried, comforted Qin Sang. She then asked Qin Sang for a favor if they survived the siege: to help rescue her distant cousin, Pan Jianchi, who had just returned from studying abroad. He had been mistakenly arrested as a member of the Tian Meng Association during a student movement and was currently imprisoned in Provincial Military Governor Gao Peide’s jail.
Despite his outward facade of nonchalance, Yi Liankai had already confirmed the news of Fan Zhiheng's death and was privately distraught. He explained to Qin Sang that he had to feign ignorance due to the many watchful eyes around him. He admonished Qin Sang for making such a spectacle of her arrival, potentially revealing their political advisor's death to their enemies.
Yi Liankai then acknowledged that even with more bodyguards, Fan Zhiheng might not have been saved, given the nature of the assassin. He expressed gratitude that Fan Zhiheng had assigned bodyguards to Qin Sang, ensuring her safety. Yi Liankai revealed that Fan Zhiheng had left him a scroll at the Chief Marshal's residence, to be opened in case of his demise. Upon unrolling it, Yi Liankai found only three characters: "Chief Marshal's Place."
He immediately understood it as Fan Zhiheng’s chosen path for him to seize power. He then offered Qin Sang a bottle of perfume, telling her that its scent brought him peace, reminiscent of his mother’s perfume, which he had initially disliked but found comforting. He asserted his control over her fate, stating that her life was in his hands and she must obey him. To prevent Murong Feng’s Cheng Army from advancing on Zhishan, Yi Liankai implemented a daring strategy.
He ordered his men to burn the only road leading up the mountain after ensuring a two-meter clearance of surrounding vegetation, saving only a hundred and twenty-eight osmanthus trees. Despite the residents' outrage and fear of being burned alive, Yi Liankai remained firm, pointing out that the wind was blowing down the mountain, directing the fire towards Murong Feng. Simultaneously, he had reporters alerted, ensuring they would capture the unfolding events.
True to his prediction, Murong Feng, facing the public outcry from reporters about the safety of Zhishan’s civilians and unwilling to be branded a war criminal for "burning the people of Zhishan," was forced to retreat to the other side of Yong River. The Zhishan siege was thus unexpectedly resolved by the supposed "playboy" Third Young Master of the Yi family. Following the retreat, Yi Lianshen dispatched his subordinate, Old Song, to oversee Yi Liankai's security.
He recognized that while Murong Feng had withdrawn, Li Chongnian had suffered a significant setback and would not easily concede. Yi Lianshen remained fearless, determined to achieve thirty years of peace for Jiangbei in the next battle. Witnessing Yi Liankai’s ingenious tactics, Qin Sang finally understood that his frivolous demeanor was merely a facade for his true capabilities.
Yi Liankai, however, continued to insist he was simply cowardly and feared death, stating his desire to remain a carefree playboy while his eldest brother handled scholarly matters and his second brother excelled in martial arts. Qin Sang then seized the opportunity to ask Yi Liankai to help rescue Deng Yulin's cousin, Pan Jianchi. Yi Liankai did not immediately agree.
Episode 2 Recap
Yi Liankai initially believed Qin Sang's visit to Zhishan was out of self-interest and quickly rejected her request, leading to an acrimonious parting. Later, when Qin Sang relayed this outcome to Deng Yulin, Deng Yulin expressed anger at Yi Liankai's refusal. To Deng Yulin's surprise, Qin Sang defended Yi Liankai, suggesting he had his own complex reasons.
Qin Sang explained that Yi Liankai’s clever strategy to lift the Zhishan siege made her realize he was more capable than she had previously thought. Deng Yulin remained skeptical, attributing Yi Liankai's success to luck, noting that if the wind had shifted, they all could have perished. Despite her doubts, Deng Yulin still needed Yi Liankai's help to rescue her cousin and resolved to beg him herself if Qin Sang couldn't secure his assistance.
Qin Sang, however, insisted she would try again to avoid Deng Yulin resenting her. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai's successful defense of Zhishan raised suspicions with Commander Yao Jingren, a close subordinate of Commander Li Chongnian, who was stationed on the border. Yao Jingren, feigning cordiality, praised Yi Liankai for his "clever tactics" in repelling the enemy.
Yi Liankai modestly dismissed the praise, attributing his success to Murong Feng's cowardice and lack of strategic thinking, stating he only started a fire, and Murong Feng was too afraid to advance further. Yao Jingren continued to flatter Yi Liankai, declaring him a "late achiever" who would soon be renowned across Jiangzuo. He then revealed that Commander Li had sent his personal guards to congratulate Yi Liankai and invite him to Yizhou for a visit.
Just as Yi Liankai was processing this, Qin Sang arrived accompanied by Gao Shaoxuan, the Governor-General's son. Yao Jingren then involved Qin Sang by asking her about the incident, but Yi Liankai quickly interjected, asserting Qin Sang knew nothing of military matters. Qin Sang, however, bravely spoke up, defending Yi Liankai's actions and subtly threatening Yao Jingren by highlighting the severe consequences if anything were to happen to a high-ranking officer on Zhishan.
Yao Jingren grew angry, dismissing her words as a woman's interference. Yao Jingren then proposed a challenge: a shooting contest where one person hits a ball and the other shoots, with the first to hit winning. Yi Liankai, realizing he couldn't refuse, accepted. However, before the competition could begin, Aide-de-Camp Song, sent by Yi Lianshen, arrived. Song declared he was under Yi Lianshen's orders to escort Yi Liankai safely back to Fuyuan.
Seeing the intervention, Yao Jingren reluctantly backed down, bidding Yi Liankai farewell. After Yao Jingren departed, Yi Liankai instructed Aide-de-Camp Song to familiarize himself with the area and organize his hunting rifles, subtly acknowledging Song's marksmanship. Yi Liankai then turned to Gao Shaoxuan, requesting his help to release an old friend, Pan Jianchi, who had been mistakenly imprisoned as a member of the Tian Meng Association.
He explained that his father, Yi Jipei, was strict about such matters, and asked Gao Shaoxuan to intervene with his father, the Governor-General, to avoid suspicion. Gao Shaoxuan readily agreed to the seemingly minor request. Later that evening, Qin Sang found Yi Liankai in his study, staring at a scroll with his teacher Fan Zhiheng’s calligraphy.
She challenged him, asking why he kept the painting if he lacked the courage to fulfill his teacher's dying wish, suggesting he might as well burn it for light. Yi Liankai curtly told her to mind her own business, claiming that avenging his teacher was a matter for his father and second brother, not him. Qin Sang scoffed, pointing out that he even outsourced the task of rescuing Pan Jianchi to Gao Shaoxuan.
She questioned what he was truly afraid of and accused him of being unambitious, suggesting Fan Zhiheng would regret giving him the scroll. Yi Liankai countered that he wasn't afraid, but merely respected his second brother, Yi Lianshen, who aimed to eliminate the Tian Meng Association, and he could not risk offending him by directly assisting Qin Sang in such a matter. Qin Sang cynically asked if he was afraid of upsetting others.
As they spoke, Yi Liankai noticed Qin Sang was wearing the perfume he had given her. He playfully asked if she was trying to charm him. Qin Sang, slightly embarrassed, stated that as his wife, she simply didn't want him to suppress his talents. She reminded him that Fan Zhiheng had inscribed the words "Great Marshal's Mansion" on the scroll as a dying wish for him, and asked if his reluctance to achieve it stemmed from fear or inability.
Meanwhile, Yi Jipei was informed that Yi Lianshen had diverted troops to Zhishan while engaged in a fierce battle with Li Chongnian's forces. He pondered whether Yi Lianshen was genuinely driven by a thirst for revenge or merely seeking to display the Yi family's fraternal bond, finding either reason foolish. Yi Jipei confided in Yi Lianyi, expressing frustration that two of his three sons caused him such worry.
He also had his car repeatedly circle Fuyuan, hoping to draw out anyone planning to assassinate him, but the city remained quiet. He worried if this silence was a blessing or a harbinger of something worse, noting that if they weren't directly targeting him, it implied a much larger scheme at play.
Yi Lianyi suggested he, as a "useless" man injured years ago, could serve as a shield, but Yi Jipei lamented that if Yi Lianyi hadn't been hurt, he wouldn't have to bear such burdens in his old age. Later, Yi Jipei staged an assassination attempt on himself by shooting his own driver, fabricating a scenario of danger. At Changye Prison, Gao Shaoxuan visited his father, Governor-General Gao, and secured Pan Jianchi's release.
Pan Jianchi, upon learning Yi Liankai was his rescuer, asked Gao Shaoxuan to take him to Yi Liankai. When they met, Yi Liankai made a jest about Pan Jianchi's good looks. Yi Liankai then pressed Pan Jianchi on why he chose to see him before his cousin, Deng Yulin. Pan Jianchi revealed his strategic insight, stating that Zhishan was a place of hidden talents, not merely amusement.
He analyzed the geopolitical landscape: the powerful Murong family in the north, Jiang Shuangxi's ambition in the northwest, and the encroaching Japanese in the northeast. He declared that while Yi Jipei possessed the tiger's heart and Yi Lianshen the tiger's guts, the true "eye of the tiger" for the Yi family, which had long dominated Jiangzuo, was Yi Liankai. Pan Jianchi's bold assessment angered Yi Liankai, who immediately pulled out a pistol and aimed it at him.
Just then, Qin Sang and Deng Yulin arrived. Qin Sang froze, recognizing Pan Jianchi; memories of him, then known as Li Wangping, saving her during a student protest flooded her mind. Their eyes met, filled with unspoken history. Yi Liankai, noticing their intense connection, deliberately put his arm around Qin Sang and introduced her to Pan Jianchi as his wife, making a possessive declaration.
Deng Yulin, sensing the tension, interjected, subtly berating Pan Jianchi and urging him to leave Zhishan, but Yi Liankai, with a significant glance, invited Pan Jianchi to join him hunting the next day, to which Pan Jianchi replied with caution about stray bullets. Concurrently, Deng Yulin angrily confronted Pan Jianchi in his room, addressing him by his old name, Li Wangping, and accusing him of manipulating the situation.
She insisted he leave Jiangzuo immediately and not appear before Qin Sang again, warning him against using this opportunity to get close to Yi Liankai. She reminded him that it was Yi Liankai who married Qin Sang despite her family's downfall and public mockery, unlike Pan Jianchi who, as soon as he heard rumors, "escaped like a rat."
Pan Jianchi, in turn, swore that he would not harm Qin Sang or Yi Liankai, provided Qin Sang chose to be with Yi Liankai. Lost in these painful memories, Qin Sang forgot the running water in the bathtub, which soon overflowed. Yi Liankai, returning to the villa, saw the water seeping from under the bathroom door. Alarmed, he loudly knocked and called her name. When she didn't respond, he grew frantic, ready to break the door down.
Just as he was about to, Qin Sang opened it, her face devoid of emotion. Seeing her detached state, Yi Liankai, consumed by worry and anger, harshly scolded her. Qin Sang simply asked, "Are you finished?" before turning away. Late that night, Yi Liankai stood in his study, gazing at his teacher Fan Zhiheng's scroll. He spoke aloud of his guilt that the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, yet his teacher's remains were still in enemy territory.
He acknowledged that while outsiders might see him as a frivolous spendthrift, his actions were part of Fan Zhiheng's strategic plan to conceal his true abilities, serving as a protective shield. He confessed his lack of desire to follow in his father's footsteps but admitted he had to accept his destiny. Yi Liankai vowed that since this path was his teacher's dying wish, he would follow it, even if it meant facing bloody struggles. Unknown to Yi Liankai, Qin Sang was listening from just outside the study door, having overheard his entire confession.
Episode 3 Recap
Eldest Young Mistress Murong Qin amiably instructed Lady Huai Xiu to make a set of clothes for the deceased. This action was observed by a hidden scout outside the mansion. Soon after, Yi Lianshen's uncle urgently contacted Yi Lianshen by phone, informing him that Chief Marshal Yi had been assassinated and was gravely injured, with death attire already being prepared.
The uncle emphasized that Chief Marshal Yi could die at any moment and ordered Yi Lianshen to immediately return to Fuyuan with his troops, ensuring by all means necessary that Yi Liankai was prevented from returning first and kept trapped in Zhishan. The uncle warned Yi Lianshen not to underestimate his third brother, recalling how Yi Liankai had cleverly outmaneuvered Murong Feng during the Zhishan battle by feigning weakness before burning the mountain, proving he was no ordinary person.
Yi Lianshen, however, dismissed his uncle's concerns, stating he would stabilize Jiangzuo before returning, and that any conflict with his third brother was a family affair, secondary to Jiangzuo's larger concerns. He believed his father would support his decision.
Meanwhile, Chief Marshal Yi, speaking with Lady Huai Xiu, clarified that although Lady Huai Xiu was preparing his own funeral attire, the immediate death attire she was summoned for was for Mr. Fan, who had been assassinated after dedicating his life to the Yi family. He expressed his sorrow and predicted a looming change of power within the Yi family, lamenting how his grown sons now had their own ambitions that the "Yi family nest" could no longer contain.
He found solace in Huai Xiu's presence and the sound of her sewing. Despite the grave situation unfolding, a sense of merriment prevailed on Zhishan. Qin Sang, Deng Yulin, Yi Liankai, Pan Jianchi, and Gao Shaoxuan were hunting in the mountains. Qin Sang confronted Deng Yulin, expressing her anger that Deng Yulin had not informed her beforehand that the person they were rescuing was Li Wangping (Pan Jianchi).
Deng Yulin explained that her silence was not out of fear that Qin Sang wouldn't save him, but rather that Qin Sang would risk her life, jeopardizing her position within the Yi family if Yi Liankai found out. Qin Sang then pressed Deng Yulin to truthfully reveal if Li Wangping was part of the Tian Meng Association.
Before Deng Yulin could answer, the conversation was abruptly cut short by the sound of horse hooves and a gunshot from the hunting party. Later, as they enjoyed roasted meat, everyone praised Pan Jianchi's exceptional marksmanship, which he revealed he honed at a prestigious Japanese military school, where he graduated top of his class.
When asked about his plans, Pan Jianchi expressed disillusionment with various warlords, including Provincial Military Governor Gao, Li Chongnian, and the Murong family, but admitted he was drawn to the Tian Meng Association in the south. However, he also voiced his frustration, recounting how he was imprisoned during a student protest in Changye and had lost hope after the Fangjiadian student incident. Later that night, Qin Sang stood alone, gazing at the scenery.
Pan Jianchi approached, reminding her of the cold and advising her to return indoors. Qin Sang directly asked his purpose for being there. Pan Jianchi claimed he came for her, asking if she would believe him if he said he wanted to "learn literature and martial and sell to the royal family." He insisted that whatever she wished to hear, he would make it the truth.
However, Qin Sang, having grown disillusioned, dismissed his words as only suitable for "young girls" and walked away. Unbeknownst to them, Yi Liankai had been observing their conversation from behind a tree. Shortly after, Song Aide-de-Camp arrived and urgently informed Yi Liankai of Chief Marshal Yi's assassination. The following morning, Qin Sang entrusted Gao Shaoxuan with the task of escorting Deng Yulin down the mountain to the train station, acknowledging the journey would be dangerous.
Yi Liankai and his group then decided to set off on horseback via a small path back to Fuyuan. While they were chatting, Pan Jianchi subtly noticed Song Aide-de-Camp tampering with Yi Liankai's horse's ear but chose not to speak up. During their ride, Yi Liankai’s horse suddenly went wild, throwing him violently to the ground.
As the frantic horse was about to stomp on Yi Liankai, Pan Jianchi swiftly rode forward, shooting and killing the frenzied animal, thereby saving Yi Liankai. Grateful, Yi Liankai thanked Pan Jianchi but was puzzled by the normally gentle horse's sudden madness on their return journey to Fuyuan. Pan Jianchi, recalling Song Aide-de-Camp's suspicious behavior earlier, examined the dead horse and found an insect lodged deep within its ear, which he explained was the cause of its rampage.
He openly accused Song Aide-de-Camp of the sabotage, stating he had seen him acting strangely near the horse when they set off from Zhishan Villa. Song Aide-de-Camp vehemently denied the accusation, but in his agitation, a small wooden box containing similar insects fell from his pocket, exposing his guilt. Seeing his scheme revealed, Song Aide-de-Camp quickly reached for his pistol, but Pan Jianchi, faster and more agile, disarmed him and removed the bullets.
As they stood in a tense standoff, an unseen assassin in the bushes took aim at Yi Liankai. With keen eyesight, Pan Jianchi reacted instantly, firing his weapon and killing the assailant. Upon inspecting the assassin, they discovered he carried a gun typically used by the Fu Army stationed in Changye, which was known to be under Yi Lianshen's command.
Yi Liankai, believing the situation was more complex than a simple assassination attempt, suspected that someone was trying to frame Yi Lianshen and sow discord within the Yi family. He confronted Song Aide-de-Camp, demanding to know who had sent him. Pan Jianchi offered to interrogate Song Aide-de-Camp using methods he learned at the military academy, confident he could make him talk.
Qin Sang, however, suggested they escort Song Aide-de-Camp back to Fuyuan to be interrogated by Chief Marshal Yi himself, arguing that if he indeed worked for Yi Lianshen, it would ensure justice for Yi Liankai. Yi Liankai considered their advice but ultimately decided to speak with Song Aide-de-Camp alone. While waiting for Yi Liankai, Qin Sang thanked Pan Jianchi for saving Yi Liankai.
Pan Jianchi claimed he saved Yi Liankai for her, insisting he never uses emotions to lie to those he loves. Qin Sang, however, found his words hollow, asserting that she no longer believed him and suspected his true motives for coming to the mountain. Pan Jianchi admitted his intentions were to win her back, saying, "I want a person. I want love. I will make up for what I lost." He hoped he was not too late.
Qin Sang, now the Third Mistress of the Yi family, rejected his plea, reminding him that some things, once missed, are lost forever. She condemned his manipulative words, recalling how she had been publicly humiliated when he abandoned her years ago, leaving her heart torn to pieces and trampled upon. She firmly told him she wanted nothing more to do with him and wished for him to leave once they descended the mountain.
Meanwhile, Yi Liankai calmly confronted Song Aide-de-Camp, reminding him of Yi Lianshen's past loyalty, particularly how Yi Lianshen had once saved Song Aide-de-Camp's life by forcing an army doctor to perform surgery at gunpoint and then executing the doctor in front of the troops to consolidate his power and earn the Fuyuan Army's unwavering allegiance. Yi Liankai asked who was trying to turn the brothers against each other.
Song Aide-de-Camp insisted it was his own initiative to eliminate Yi Liankai, believing that only then could Yi Lianshen truly control Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai acknowledged Song Aide-de-Camp's loyalty but expressed his disinterest in the Yi family's power struggles and his desire to avoid a rift with his second brother. Nevertheless, since Song Aide-de-Camp had made his move, Yi Liankai declared that his life could not be spared, as the blame would inevitably fall on Yi Lianshen.
He handed Song Aide-de-Camp a pistol, instructing him to take his own life. Song Aide-de-Camp took the gun, then abruptly raised it, aiming it at Yi Liankai. Just as he was about to fire, Pan Jianchi and Qin Sang arrived. Realizing his attempt to kill Yi Liankai was foiled, Song Aide-de-Camp, with a final cry proclaiming his loyalty to "Second Young Master" and blaming himself for causing trouble, turned the gun on his own head and committed suicide.
The sudden, violent act startled Qin Sang, who instinctively recoiled and hid behind Pan Jianchi. Witnessing this, Yi Liankai's expression hardened, and he firmly pulled her back to his side. Afterward, Pan Jianchi questioned Yi Liankai's decision to let Song Aide-de-Camp die there instead of bringing him to Fuyuan for a proper interrogation, fearing the lack of evidence.
Yi Liankai explained that bringing Song Aide-de-Camp back would have led to one of two outcomes: either he was ordered by Yi Lianshen to kill Yi Liankai, or he acted independently for Yi Lianshen’s benefit. In either scenario, Yi Lianshen would have been implicated. Yi Liankai stated he did not believe his second brother would order his assassination.
He further elaborated that Song Aide-de-Camp's dying words, shouting Yi Lianshen's name, were a deliberate act to use his brother as a shield and protect the true mastermind. By handling the matter discreetly on the mountain, Yi Liankai aimed to prevent deeper wounds within the family once they returned to Fuyuan. Given Pan Jianchi’s capabilities and his twice saving Yi Liankai’s life, Yi Liankai offered him Song Aide-de-Camp’s vacant position, which Pan Jianchi accepted.
The group then boarded a train, heading for Fangjiadian, a location chosen by the deceased Song Aide-de-Camp. Pan Jianchi voiced his concerns about potential dangers there, urging Yi Liankai to reconsider their plans. Yi Liankai remained unconcerned, confident that a certain individual would assist him—his confidante, Min Hongyu. Qin Sang, recalling her previous encounter with the alluring woman on Zhishan, felt a surge of jealousy.
Upon their arrival in Fangjiadian, Yi Liankai arranged for a private conversation with Min Hongyu inside the train car, excusing Qin Sang. Min Hongyu playfully chided Yi Liankai for finally revealing his true talents, like a "tiger descending the mountain." Yi Liankai lamented that he could have remained hidden for a few more years had it not been for Murong Feng and the Zhishan siege, which had exposed his true capabilities and now drew the attention of many watchful eyes.
He explained that Fangjiadian was particularly perilous for him due to Mr. Fan’s recent assassination there, and he needed to "borrow her face," implying her influence and connections, to navigate the complex situation. From a distance, Pan Jianchi observed their exchange and questioned Qin Sang about her apparent indifference to Yi Liankai’s flirting. Qin Sang responded with resignation, stating that if it weren’t Min Hongyu, it would simply be someone else, and she had grown accustomed to Yi Liankai’s philandering.
She confided that her greatest regret in life was marrying Yi Liankai, but it had been her mother's dying wish, explaining her mother's own difficult marriage and ambition that led her to prioritize status and force her family into paths they resented. Qin Sang concluded that when people become consumed by an obsession, they tend to disregard everything else.
Episode 4 Recap
Qin Sang confided in Pan Jianchi, explaining that her mother wanted her to marry Yi Liankai to fulfill a wish she couldn't achieve, which would help Qin Sang's father regain his political standing and prevent the Qin family from being controlled by others. She expressed her hope that Yi Liankai would succeed in the Yi family's power struggles, and once her mother's wish was fulfilled, she would finally choose her own life.
Hearing this, Pan Jianchi declared his intention to help Yi Liankai become the successor of the Fu Army, thereby helping Qin Sang achieve the freedom to choose her own path. He vowed never to leave her again, regardless of her choice. Qin Sang, however, remained skeptical, reminding him that she no longer trusted someone who had broken a promise, just as the handkerchief he once gave her had been discarded, and so had her heart.
Pan Jianchi insisted that he would explain the full truth of that day if he ever had the chance, revealing a ring he kept close to his heart as a symbol of his enduring feelings. Min Hongyu agreed to help Yi Liankai bypass Li Chongnian's army inspection, but not without a price. When Yi Liankai, impressed by her reputation, asked what she desired, she requested his old mansion in Fuyuan.
At the Yi residence, Yi Jipei inquired with Yi Lianyi about the reactions of various forces since the news of his assassination attempt spread. Yi Lianyi reported that while the Fuyuan Army remained quiet, Li Chongnian had been unusually active, spreading numerous false rumors about his movements. Yi Jipei understood that Li Chongnian was merely creating a diversion to conceal his true intentions.
Meanwhile, in a car with Qin Sang, Min Hongyu provocatively commented on Qin Sang's youthful beauty and fresh scent, noting it was like that of an unmarried girl. She remarked on the saying that a woman's scent changes after having a man, and expressed surprise that Qin Sang, after so many years of marriage into the Yi family, might still be a wife in name only.
Qin Sang, though angered, calmly deflected the probing comments, stating she rarely left the house unlike the worldly Min Hongyu. Fan Yanyun, Fan Zhiheng's daughter and Yi Lianshen's wife, arrived by train, distraught over her father's death.
She immediately rushed to Yi Lianshen, who comforted her as she wept, expressing the Yi family's debt to her and swearing to avenge her father's death, emphasizing that the Yi family would not let his killer go unpunished and that his return would bring heavy responsibilities given the precarious state of Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai and his group, including Pan Jianchi and Min Hongyu, arrived at the tense battleground between Li Chongnian and the Fu Army.
Pan Jianchi cautioned Yi Liankai against appearing so openly, warning that Li Chongnian was the one to be most wary of. Yi Liankai, however, dismissed his concern, claiming he was simply hungry and needed a break from the journey. Min Hongyu interjected, praising Yi Liankai's adaptable nature—bold when necessary, yet cautious enough to seek a woman's help when prudence was required.
At the checkpoint, soldiers demanded to search their car, but Min Hongyu confidently made a phone call, insisting that the inspection be waived. Despite initial resistance, she threatened to have the soldier stripped of his uniform, and the search was ultimately called off, allowing their passage. Back at the Yi residence, Yi Jipei, feeling restless, asked Yi Lianyi which of his younger sons, Yi Lianshen or Yi Liankai, would return first.
Yi Lianyi wondered why he didn't hope for their joint return, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Yi Jipei explained that while he desired a family reunion, he also wanted to see a clear distinction in their abilities during this critical period. He believed that once one son proved superior, it would lessen his guilt and grief when he eventually had to make a choice between them. Yi Liankai returned home first, immediately asking Yi Lianyi about their father's condition.
Yi Lianyi reassured him that Yi Jipei was fine. Shortly after, Yi Lianshen arrived, also inquiring about his father, then turned to angrily accuse Yi Liankai. He blamed Yi Liankai's carousing on Zhishan for the siege and, consequently, for Fan Zhiheng's death while attempting to mediate. Yi Lianyi quickly intervened, reminding them of their lifelong squabbles but urging peace, highlighting their recent successful military campaigns as a cause for celebration rather than conflict.
Later, a welcome banquet was held, but Yi Jipei was conspicuously absent, leaving his sons concerned. Yi Lianyi finally explained that their father had faked his own assassination after the real culprit failed to make a move. The elaborate ruse was designed to uncover those with disloyal intentions within Jiangzuo. Relieved, everyone began to eat. At the dinner table, Yi Lianyi offered condolences to Fan Yanyun, recognizing Fan Zhiheng's crucial role as chief strategist.
Qin Sang, in turn, blamed herself, expressing regret for insisting on going to Zhishan to find Yi Liankai, which she believed led to Fan Zhiheng sending his bodyguards to her and subsequently being killed. Fan Yanyun, still seething with grief and anger, retorted that if her father hadn't dispatched guards to protect Qin Sang, it would be Yi Liankai who was grieving today. She then stormed away from the table.
Yi Liankai silently comforted Qin Sang by serving her food and gently patting her back. Later, Fan Yanyun confronted Yi Lianshen, questioning why he was seemingly exploiting her father's death instead of actively seeking the killer. She expressed her unbearable sorrow, lamenting that she didn't even get to see her father for the last time. Yi Lianshen apologized, acknowledging the family's debt to her and urging her not to torture herself.
He explained that Fan Zhiheng had been instrumental in building the Yi family's power, and with his death, various factions were becoming restless. At such a critical juncture, he could not afford to let Jiangzuo descend into chaos and destabilize the people's morale, so revenge, for now, had to be postponed.
In their room, Qin Sang wept, continuing to blame herself for Fan Zhiheng's death, believing her insistence on going to Zhishan with him led to him reassigning his guards and ultimately his demise. Yi Liankai comforted her, explaining that many things are beyond their control and urging her not to over-blame herself.
He also assured her that Fan Yanyun, whom he understood well from having grown up with her, was simply overwhelmed by grief after losing her father, with whom she had been especially close. He believed that with time, Fan Yanyun's animosity towards Qin Sang would subside. Qin Sang then questioned Yi Liankai why he hadn't informed their eldest brother about Yi Lianshen's alleged attempt on his life by Song, the adjutant.
Yi Liankai warned her not to meddle in the matter, dismissing the incident as potentially unconnected to his second brother. He emphasized that he and his brothers competed but never truly turned against each other, and his sole focus was fulfilling their master's last wishes. He explicitly told Qin Sang to stop instigating him to challenge Yi Lianshen, forcefully asserting that the assassin had acted independently and Yi Lianshen was not involved.
Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen convened a meeting with several division commanders. Commander Li openly challenged Yi Lianshen's leadership, suggesting that with Yi Jipei's uncertain condition and Yi Lianshen's youth, they should elect a new, more experienced leader for Jiangzuo. Unfazed, Yi Lianshen first challenged Commander Li's authority by mentioning his unauthorized promotion of Brigadier General Lu Mingxuan, then ordered his aide, Zhang Linzhi, to read out incriminating documents detailing Commander Li's betrayal through secret communication with external forces.
Enraged, Commander Li drew his pistol, but guards immediately entered the room, and he realized he was cornered. Just then, Yi Jipei, who had been listening from an adjacent room, dramatically entered. He shot the soldier who was reading the incriminating letters, claiming his voice was too soft for anyone to hear. Yi Jipei then declared that Commander Li, after years of loyal service, was due for retirement and would be appointed a city representative.
Yi Lianshen immediately accepted his father's decision, and Yi Jipei, having firmly reasserted his authority, allowed the meeting to continue. That evening, the Yi family gathered for a rare Mid-Autumn Festival dinner. Yi Jipei remarked on the infrequent family reunions, especially now that his sons were busy with their respective duties. He mused on how he once dreaded festivals but now cherished them in his old age.
As conversation flowed, someone inadvertently mentioned Fan Zhiheng, which shattered Fan Yanyun's forced cheerfulness. She abruptly left the table, sobbing, and went to the ancestral hall. Qin Sang followed her, intending to kneel and pay her respects to Fan Zhiheng, whom she also considered her teacher. Fan Yanyun fiercely told her she had no right.
Qin Sang expressed deep regret for insisting on boarding the train with Fan Zhiheng, feeling responsible for his death, and offered to repay with her life. She shared her own experience of losing her mother tragically, acknowledging Fan Yanyun's profound pain. However, Qin Sang urged her to pick herself up, believing that only the living could truly comfort the dead.
Fan Yanyun angrily retorted, questioning if this was Qin Sang's true reason for marrying Yi Liankai and what she truly wanted from the Yi family. She accused Qin Sang of seeking a reputation as a loyal wife, reminding her that if she hadn't been an Yi family daughter-in-law, her own father would have died in prison.
Fan Yanyun further asserted that if Qin Sang hadn't stopped her father's train, leading him to reallocate his bodyguards for her protection, he would not have been assassinated. Overwhelmed with hatred, Fan Yanyun furiously demanded Qin Sang leave the ancestral hall.
Episode 5 Recap
In the study, Yi Liankai knelt before his father, Yi Jipei, confessing that his excessive revelry on Zhishan had provided the Cheng Army an opportunity, leading to Mr. Fan's death while saving him. Yi Jipei stated that Mr. Fan had taken a bullet meant for him and warned that Jiangzuo faced even greater perils. He cautioned that while the Zhishan siege had a lucky outcome, they might not be so fortunate again.
Yi Jipei observed that Li Chongnian's rebellion, the Murong family's watchful opportunism, Mr. Fan's assassination, and the Tian Meng Association's growing unrest, though seemingly disparate, were all directed at the Yi family. He believed that overanalyzing the complex external situation was a trap, and that confronting immediate enemies would naturally resolve hidden threats. Yi Jipei challenged his sons to identify who in Fuyuan City sought to harm him.
Yi Liankai, despite his lack of military experience, pledged to diligently investigate this threat to his father. Yi Jipei then instructed both Yi Liankai and Yi Lianshen to uncover the true culprit behind Mr. Fan's murder. Later, Murong Qian visited Qin Sang, bringing snacks to comfort her. Qin Sang expressed remorse, believing her words had offended Fan Yanyun, and accepted her anger.
Murong Qian advised Qin Sang not to dwell on such thoughts, explaining that the entire family was grieving Mr. Fan’s death, as he had been a lifelong friend of Yi Jipei. She emphasized that obsessing over the sorrow would only torment Qin Sang further. As the brothers exited their father's study, Yi Lianshen questioned Yi Liankai about the whereabouts of Aide-de-Camp Song, noting his absence.
Yi Liankai, momentarily startled but composed, explained that upon hearing of the assassination, he had rushed back, instructing Aide-de-Camp Song to lead the army via a different route for logistical ease, while he took a shortcut. He surmised that Aide-de-Camp Song was likely still en route, possibly trying to avoid Li Chongnian's forces.
Yi Lianshen praised his foresight, calling it a strategy worthy of Mr. Fan's student, but Yi Liankai humbly deferred, stating his continued reliance on Yi Lianshen for the investigation. Yi Lianshen met with his uncle, sharing Yi Jipei's instructions. He interpreted his father's command to find the assassin as a pretext to task him with suppressing the Tian Meng Association.
His uncle, however, believed the true implication was Yi Jipei’s sudden inclusion of Yi Liankai in the investigation, signaling a veiled assessment to choose between the two brothers for succession. The uncle revealed that Yi Liankai had returned with Min Hongyu, a woman renowned in Jiangzuo not for her acting but for her extensive connections and ability to discern people's characters. He pointed out that Yi Liankai’s ability to navigate Li Chongnian’s territory was due to Min Hongyu's influence.
Viewing her as a valuable source of intelligence and insight, the uncle suggested they meet this extraordinary woman. Yi Lianshen initially dismissed her as merely an actress, but his uncle underscored her importance. Yi Lianshen and his uncle subsequently met Min Hongyu. Min Hongyu playfully chastised Chairman Zhang for his tardiness, prompting Yi Lianshen to respond curtly, reminding his uncle of his position and expressing disdain for Min Hongyu. Min Hongyu, observing Yi Lianshen, remarked on his cold demeanor.
Yi Lianshen explained his inexperience in social settings, being more accustomed to military life. Min Hongyu then offered a toast, acknowledging his contributions to their peace. Yi Lianshen declined, citing his mourning for his father-in-law. The uncle then asked Min Hongyu to offer her insights on both Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai. Min Hongyu stated her reluctance to engage in men's power struggles, which she believed were fundamentally about women and authority.
Yi Lianshen immediately refuted this, proclaiming that his aspirations were solely for power over the world, not women, before abruptly departing. Min Hongyu, unfazed, calmly commented that his statement alone indicated he was "destined to lose." Qin Sang harbored suspicions about Pan Jianchi's underlying motives for aligning with Yi Liankai.
Unbeknownst to her, Pan Jianchi, also known by his code name Tian Shu within the Tian Meng Association, remained steadfast in his oath to sacrifice himself for the common people, to spare them the horrors of war. The Tian Meng Association, driven by new ideologies, was dedicated to overthrowing warlords. After years of accumulating strength, their primary objective was to confront the formidable Yi family in Jiangzuo. The association's leader, Bei Ji, emphasized Tian Shu's critical role in their mission.
Despite acknowledging the dangers within the Yi family and a subordinate's concern about Tian Shu's perceived inflexibility, Bei Ji asserted that only someone of Tian Shu's caliber could succeed against the cunning Yi family, particularly against Yi Liankai, who, despite appearing to be a dilettante, had quietly built a formidable base at Zhishan. Bei Ji instructed his subordinates to prioritize Tian Shu’s safety and provide unwavering support for his mission. Late that night, Yi Liankai visited Mr. Fan's mourning hall.
He poured a drink, addressing his deceased teacher, expressing deep regret for his past frivolousness and acknowledging how he had disappointed him. He solemnly pledged to work diligently, now that Mr. Fan was gone, vowing not only to honor his teacher's legacy but also to safeguard the entire Fan family, especially ensuring Fan Yanyun's safety, regardless of future circumstances. Fan Yanyun, having overheard his heartfelt words, rushed into the hall, weeping uncontrollably, and embraced Yi Liankai.
Feeling awkward about their embrace, Yi Liankai gently tried to disengage, reminding her that such displays were inappropriate. Overcome with grief and rage, Fan Yanyun demanded his hand, and when he questioned her, she insisted, then fiercely bit his palm before fleeing in tears. The next day, Qin Sang sat pensively on a swing in the courtyard. Murong Qian approached, observing Qin Sang's focused demeanor.
Qin Sang shared that she was imagining the Yi brothers playing mischievously in the yard as children. Murong Qian confirmed their boisterous past, noting that while the eldest brother was well-behaved, Yi Lianshen, though straightforward, had a fiery temper. However, Murong Qian clarified that the two younger brothers were very close, and Yi Liankai deeply respected Yi Lianshen, always yielding his most valuable possessions to him.
When Qin Sang inquired about the nature of these valuable things, Murong Qian admitted she didn't know, speculating they might have been antiques or toy guns, things women wouldn't typically understand. Qin Sang sensed an untold complexity in their relationship but couldn't quite discern the truth. Later, upon returning to her room, Qin Sang noticed servants arranging fresh starfruit. A servant explained that Fan Yanyun, knowing Yi Liankai’s fondness for them, had specifically sent the rare fruits over.
Qin Sang felt a pang of discomfort upon hearing this. At the family dinner, all the Yi family members gathered, except for Yi Liankai. Yi Jipei inquired about his absence, and Qin Sang tried to explain he was occupied with work, though Yi Jipei questioned the necessity of working during dinner. Just then, Yi Liankai appeared, dressed in a crisp military uniform, announcing his immediate departure for Cheng Province to find the assassin.
Yi Jipei chastised him, asserting that assassins must be "forced out," not merely "investigated," and that a family meal was far more valuable than any pursuit of fame or power. He ordered Yi Liankai to sit and eat. Yi Liankai, wearing white gloves, took his seat. Yi Jipei then commanded him to remove the gloves, deeming them uncouth. Reluctantly, Yi Liankai complied, revealing prominent bite marks on his hand. Yi Jipei demanded an explanation.
Yi Liankai subtly nudged Qin Sang, who quickly interjected, claiming they had a minor spat. Though Yi Jipei dismissed her explanation as "nonsense," he dropped the inquiry. Back in their room, Yi Liankai thanked Qin Sang for deflecting his father's questions. Qin Sang, however, stated unequivocally that she knew Fan Yanyun was the one who bit him.
She expressed her long-held confusion, recalling how Yi Liankai had sought her hand in marriage after only a single meeting, despite her being merely the daughter of a fallen official. Now, after two years of a marriage that had existed in name only, she realized he had married her simply to use her as a shield.
Qin Sang asserted that if he truly loved Fan Yanyun, he should have fought for her instead of yielding her to his second brother, and, most importantly, he should not have exploited Qin Sang herself. Yi Liankai took her hand, attempting to explain that her perception was incomplete and that he did not love Fan Yanyun. Qin Sang, with a trace of bitterness, retorted, asking if he meant to imply he loved her instead.
Yi Liankai offered no verbal response, merely gazing at her intently before leaving. Yi Jipei, reflecting on the situation, noted that young couples frequently bickered, with disagreements rarely lasting beyond a day. He mused that if his other son, Jixue, had not died young, Yi Liankai might not have developed his peculiar temper, though a servant advised him not to dwell on the past.
Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen spoke with Fan Yanyun, who questioned if he blamed her for not volunteering to investigate the killer in Cheng Province. Yi Lianshen acknowledged his father's view that assassins were "forced out," not merely found through investigation. Fan Yanyun then observed that Yi Liankai, though kind, still behaved childishly, and astutely noted that the bite marks on his hand couldn't have been from Qin Sang due to the absence of lipstick.
Yi Lianshen dismissed it as their private affair. Later, Yi Lianshen informed his uncle that Mr. Fan's body had been taken by the Cheng Army, suggesting a likely connection to the assassin. His uncle added that rumors indicated Li Chongnian had sent the assassin, causing widespread panic and leading various factions to hope Yi Jipei would intervene. Yi Lianshen admitted his uncertainty about whom his father intended to blame.
The uncle emphasized that the killer's identity was less important than who Yi Jipei assigned to the task. He strongly advised Yi Lianshen to quickly have a son with Fan Yanyun to secure his position as heir. Yi Lianshen expressed hesitation, citing Fan Yanyun's grief over her father's recent death.
His uncle chastised his stubbornness, warning against Yi Liankai potentially having an heir first, though he also dismissed this fear, noting Yi Liankai's reputation as a womanizer, his reluctance to have a son due to his mother's status as a concubine, and his poor relationship with Qin Sang. The uncle concluded by stressing the need to understand Yi Jipei's true intentions, given his past behavior and current focus on Mr. Fan's death.
After careful consideration, Yi Lianshen formally reported to his father that he believed the assassin was from the Tian Meng Association. He argued that ideological shifts, such as the "new culture" advocating for the elimination of patriarchy, posed a far greater threat than conflicts between regional warlords. He explained that if the military's power, which upheld the patriarchy, were dissolved, the patriarchal system itself would fall.
He asserted that, in the eyes of this new generation, Yi Jipei, despite his years of fighting and sacrifices for Jiangzuo, was seen as a tyrant. Therefore, Yi Lianshen concluded, the Tian Meng Association represented a more formidable enemy than figures like Li Chongnian or Jiang Shuangxi. On the streets, Pan Jianchi met with a Tian Meng Association contact, using coded language about tea.
His contact informed him that the situation was tense, with widespread arrests for Mr. Fan's killer, and conveyed Bei Ji's instruction for Pan Jianchi to "make a mark" on Mr. Fan. Later, Yi Liankai took Qin Sang jewelry shopping, holding her hand despite her initial discomfort and attempts to pull away.
Yi Liankai insisted on purchasing the most expensive items for his wife, and as he carefully placed an elaborate necklace around her neck, Qin Sang was visibly moved by his attentiveness. After leaving the jewelry store, Yi Liankai led Qin Sang to a private meeting with Pan Jianchi. Qin Sang expressed her confusion, jokingly noting the difference in his behavior when meeting men versus women.
Yi Liankai explained that this location offered a safer environment for their discussion than at home. Yi Liankai revealed his indecision regarding whom to identify as the assassin, given his father's unclear stance. Pan Jianchi advised simply aligning with Yi Lianshen's choice. When Yi Liankai mentioned that Yi Lianshen had pinpointed the Tian Meng Association, Pan Jianchi agreed that they should also follow that lead.
However, Pan Jianchi stressed that while identifying the assassin was important, the most pressing matter in Jiangzuo was organizing Mr. Fan's funeral. He stated that a crucial element was missing for the funeral to proceed, and this task fell to Qin Sang: she must ask Murong Qian for help in retrieving Mr. Fan's body.
Immediately after this, Yi Liankai approached his father, attempting to present the Tian Meng Association as the assassin, but Yi Jipei dismissed him, criticizing him for merely following his brother's lead. Qin Sang then approached Murong Qian, asking her to return to her family home to appeal to her father, Murong Chen, for the return of Mr. Fan's body. Murong Qian expressed her reluctance, as her husband, Yi Lianyi, had specifically instructed her not to involve herself in the matter.
Qin Sang earnestly pleaded for her help, explaining that Yi Jipei was making things difficult for Yi Liankai over Mr. Fan's death, and Yi Lianshen was also giving Yi Liankai the cold shoulder. Consequently, Yi Liankai was taking his frustration out on Qin Sang. She believed that if she could resolve this issue, Yi Jipei would be pleased, and Yi Liankai would no longer trouble her. She hoped Murong Qian would assist her in this endeavor.
Episode 6 Recap
Yi Liankai fulfilled his promise to Min Hongyu by gifting her his old house in Fuyuan. On their way to the property, Min Hongyu questioned why she had bet on him to win against his second brother, Yi Lianshen. Yi Liankai mused that his only advantage might be his charm with women, but Min Hongyu corrected him, stating it was his superior patience.
She revealed that during a recent conversation with Qin Sang in the car, she realized that Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, despite years of marriage, had never shared a bed. Yi Liankai, dismissing Qin Sang as "dull," claimed he had no desire to touch her. Once at the old house, Yi Liankai wanted to take a valuable tapestry, a portrait of his mother commissioned by his father from a famous Yongnan artist.
However, Min Hongyu insisted that since the house was now hers, everything within it was too. She declared that if she couldn't have the tapestry, she would leave the house immediately. Yi Liankai, after a moment of consideration, conceded. Min Hongyu then pressed him further about his lack of intimacy with Qin Sang.
She revealed her awareness that Yi Liankai was politically cautious, waiting for Yi Lianshen to have a child first before consummating his marriage to Qin Sang, citing a historical precedent about rulers without heirs. She even offered to marry him and bear his children, but he rejected the idea, citing family rules against divorcing an official wife.
Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen's uncle expressed confusion about Yi Liankai's involvement in the Tian Meng Association investigation alongside Yi Lianshen, noting Yi Liankai's usual aloofness. Yi Lianshen believed it was a reluctant obedience to their father's wishes. His uncle, however, suspected Yi Liankai would use the opportunity to his advantage, warning that Yi Liankai was a subtle player. Yi Lianshen reassured his uncle, affirming that despite his brother's difficult nature, Yi Liankai would never deliberately harm him.
Later, Murong Xian approached Yi Lianyi, expressing a desire to visit her family. Yi Lianyi immediately understood her true intention: to retrieve Mr. Fan's body from her father, Murong Chen. He astutely deduced that Qin Sang had persuaded his wife to undertake this task, as Murong Xian was not typically one to involve herself in such contentious matters. Murong Xian, attempting to shield Qin Sang, claimed it was her own idea.
Yi Lianyi, deeply moved by his wife's unwavering dedication and hard work for the Yi family over the years, promised that as long as he lived, he would never let her be forced into doing anything she disliked. Yi Lianyi then confronted Qin Sang, chiding her for drawing his innocent wife into such a complicated affair. He urged Qin Sang not to involve Murong Xian again, wishing for her to live a peaceful life.
Qin Sang, admitting she had felt she had no other options, apologized and promised to respect Murong Xian's tranquility. The next morning, as Qin Sang and Murong Xian prepared to depart for Cheng Province, Qin Sang briefly considered inviting Fan Yanyun but decided against it, fearing Fan Yanyun's grief might cause complications. Unexpectedly, Yi Liankai appeared, offering to drive and serve as their bodyguard.
As they neared the Cheng Province military camp, Murong Xian grew emotional, recalling how it had been ten years since she last saw her younger brother, Murong Feng, after her marriage. She spoke fondly of his childhood love for her osmanthus cakes, which she had brought for him. When Qin Sang asked about Yi Lianyi's preferences, Murong Xian paused, then replied that he simply enjoyed her company and conversation.
Inside the military camp, a guard announced the arrival of Murong Xian and another woman to Murong Chen and Murong Feng. Murong Chen, already aware of their purpose to retrieve Mr. Fan's body, expressed annoyance at the Yi family's apparent tactic of sending women. He declared he would only meet them if his blue-shirted fighter won a wrestling match. When the blue fighter triumphed, Murong Feng, excited to see his sister after a decade, eagerly requested they be brought in.
Murong Xian and Qin Sang were ushered into Murong Chen's presence. Murong Xian was visibly thrilled to see her now-grown brother, Murong Feng, handing him the osmanthus cakes. She then knelt to pay respects to her father. Murong Chen, knowing their mission, challenged them to another bet on who would win between two fighters, one red and one blue. Qin Sang confidently chose blue, but the red fighter emerged victorious.
Without hesitation, Murong Chen executed the defeated blue fighter with a gunshot. Murong Chen then demanded they choose again. Qin Sang, appalled by the senseless killing, bravely interjected, stating that the stakes were more important than who won. She wagered her own life: if she lost, Murong Chen could take her life; if she won, he must return Mr. Fan's body. Murong Xian was terrified, knowing her father's word was absolute. Murong Chen agreed to the terms.
Just then, Yi Liankai burst in, confidently offering to take Qin Sang's place in the challenge, asserting his own fighting capabilities. Murong Chen arranged a fight between Yi Liankai and a burly subordinate, stipulating that Yi Liankai would win if he could remain standing for the duration it took for "half a bag of rice" to empty. Despite a brutal struggle, Yi Liankai endured the fight and remained on his feet for the specified time.
Conceding, Murong Chen publicly announced that the Yi family could take Mr. Fan's body. Qin Sang, who had watched anxiously, was visibly relieved, tears streaming down her face. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang stepped aside to allow Murong Xian and Murong Feng a private moment. Murong Feng gave his sister a box containing Mr. Fan's personal belongings, which had been found in the carriage.
He instructed her to deliver them to Yi Lianshen and Fan Yanyun, specifically asking her to keep this a secret from Yi Liankai and Qin Sang. Upon their return to the Yi manor with Mr. Fan's body, the entire Yi family awaited them at the entrance. Fan Yanyun, overcome with grief, collapsed onto her father's coffin, weeping uncontrollably. From the shadows, Pan Jianchi observed the scene, his mind drifting back to his encounter with Mr. Fan on the train.
Mr. Fan had immediately seen through Pan Jianchi's guise as a Murong envoy, understanding that whoever sent him intended to take his life. Mr. Fan, accepting his fate, had requested to be shot in the head, hoping to preserve his body as a final gesture of gratitude to Yi Jipei. Yi Liankai examined Mr. Fan's body, confirming only a gunshot wound to the head. Yi Lianyi, recognizing the profound implication, declared that the family must now pursue provincial autonomy.
He explained that before his departure, Mr. Fan, fearing his own death, had provided a coded strategy: a head wound meant the Yi family should push for provincial autonomy, while a chest wound would have signaled a move to form a new government in the capital. This was Mr. Fan's final strategic counsel. Yi Liankai questioned the daunting path of provincial autonomy, and Yi Lianyi acknowledged it would be a difficult journey.
Murong Xian then presented Mr. Fan's belongings to Yi Lianshen and his wife, Fan Yanyun. Yi Lianshen opened the box to find a letter and a uniform, from which he subtly removed a pen from the pocket and hid it. When Fan Yanyun returned and read the letter, she erupted in a furious realization that the murderer had worn that very uniform.
Yi Lianshen held her tightly, vowing to search all of Jiangzuo to find the killer and deliver him to her for her chosen retribution. Yi Jipei visited Mr. Fan's mourning hall, speaking to his departed friend about their fifty years of companionship. He recounted how, together with "the Sixth" (his military strategist), they had built the Yi family's power in Jiangzuo, with one as his warrior and the other as his tactical genius.
Now, with both gone, he felt like a "coward" left alone, filled with sorrow and loneliness. He lamented why his fifty thousand strong army couldn't forge a new country amidst the chaos, expressing his deep fear that he could no longer bear the burden alone.
Episode 7 Recap
After keeping vigil all night in Mr. Fan's mourning hall, Yi Jipei spoke with Fan Yanyun the following morning. He had arranged water and land rituals for her father's final journey, with the funeral scheduled for the seventh day. Yi Jipei emphasized that Mr. Fan, his senior and a benefactor to the Yi family in Jiangzuo, deserved a grand burial. Fan Yanyun, however, stated her father disliked elaborate, traditional ceremonies.
She wished for him to rest peacefully, without a long funeral procession or the exchange of conventional greetings and gifts, but requested musicians to perform funeral music. As her father was a palace graduate, she also asked that a nobleman be invited to hold his memorial tablet, according to custom. Fan Yanyun then solemnly vowed that she and the Fan family's younger generation would make the murderer pay the blood debt with their own blood.
Yi Jipei discussed the matter of finding a memorial tablet holder with his three sons. Given Mr. Fan's status as a palace graduate, the selected person had to be at least a "tanhua" (third-highest rank in imperial examination). They searched Fuyuan but found no suitable candidates, with even the highest-ranked person they found only scoring fourth, and others lacking sufficient experience.
Yi Liankai then recalled Mr. Fan mentioning an Old Mr. Cheng from Yongnan, who had scored top marks in the examination twenty-five years prior. Yi Liankai suggested Old Mr. Cheng as a fitting choice to his father. Yi Jipei agreed, stating that Old Mr. Cheng's status was beyond question and his past connection with Mr. Fan made him perfectly appropriate. He instructed his eldest son to immediately send a telegram inviting Old Mr. Cheng to perform the ritual.
Yi Lianshen, seeking to demonstrate sincerity, interrupted, announcing his intention to personally travel to Yongnan to invite Old Mr. Cheng, promising to arrive in two days. Yi Liankai expressed his gratitude to Yi Lianshen for his efforts. Later, Yi Liankai remarked to his eldest brother that Yi Lianshen's impulsiveness contrasted with Fan Yanyun's calm, yet his eldest brother suggested that Fan Yanyun's calm demeanor hid bizarre and extreme views, making her unpredictable.
Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen was seen instructing his staff to prepare gifts and a car for his departure to Yongnan the next morning. The following morning, as Yi Lianshen prepared to leave for Yongnan, his uncle intervened. The uncle warned Yi Lianshen that his absence would allow Yi Liankai an opportunity to gain favor with Yi Jipei. Yi Lianshen dismissed this concern, stating Yi Liankai was an adult and two days wouldn't cause chaos.
His uncle pressed, asking whose idea it was to invite Old Mr. Cheng, implying it was Yi Liankai's strategy. Yi Lianshen clarified that going to Yongnan in person was his own decision, unrelated to Yi Liankai. He revealed that he had stopped Yi Jipei from sending a telegram, intending to go himself to demonstrate sincerity. The uncle criticized Yi Lianshen's rashness. He urged Yi Lianshen to prioritize the bigger picture, cancel his trip, and send a telegram first.
If Old Mr. Cheng agreed, then Yi Lianshen could depart, a delay of only half a day. After careful consideration, Yi Lianshen agreed to his uncle's advice. Meanwhile, Qin Sang and Yi Liankai knelt before Mr. Fan's memorial tablet. Qin Sang was consumed by guilt, believing that if she hadn't insisted on sharing Mr. Fan's car, he wouldn't have been distracted, preventing the murderer from striking. She felt her heart would only find peace if she continued to kneel.
Yi Liankai comforted her, explaining that the assassination was meticulously planned, with the timing of the gunshot predetermined. He believed Mr. Fan would have died regardless of her presence. Qin Sang lamented that Fan Yanyun did not share this view, expressing how her second sister-in-law had been targeting her and holding a grudge, making her feel like a thorn in Fan Yanyun's side. Yi Liankai assured her that Fan Yanyun, being a smart person, would eventually come around.
Noticing Qin Sang's fatigue, Yi Liankai urged her to return and rest. As Qin Sang attempted to rise, her legs were numb from kneeling, causing her to stumble. Yi Liankai offered to carry her back, but Qin Sang declined, stating they were in Mr. Fan's solemn mourning hall. As she prepared to leave, she noticed Fan Yanyun nearby and greeted her. After Qin Sang's departure, Fan Yanyun entered the mourning hall and knelt beside Yi Liankai.
She revealed a past fantasy of them kneeling together before her father, but in a joyous wedding ceremony, surrounded by blessings. She expressed bitter irony that her dream had come true, yet in such a starkly different, tragic reality. Yi Liankai reminded her that she was his second sister-in-law and should not speak to him in such a manner. Fan Yanyun retorted that her heart was already dead, and it no longer mattered what she said.
She lamented her father's life, spent as the Yi family's strategist, even using her marriage and love in his schemes, knowing her true affections. Yi Liankai interjected, mentioning Yi Lianshen's volunteerism to personally travel to Yongnan to invite Old Mr. Cheng, suggesting that his sincerity was sufficient. With that, Yi Liankai left the hall. Upon returning to his room, Yi Liankai found Qin Sang waiting. She noted that people perform funeral rites for the living.
She explained her own kneeling was out of guilt and her father-in-law Yi Jipei's from remembrance, then asked Yi Liankai why he knelt for Mr. Fan. Yi Liankai stated Mr. Fan was his teacher and had shown him kindness in his teachings, thus he ought to kneel. Qin Sang cynically questioned if it was truly gratitude, pointing out his reputation for gambling and dissolute behavior, which had earned Mr. Fan's deep disappointment.
She implied that his current display was merely an act for others to witness, given their lack of closeness when Mr. Fan was alive. Yi Liankai then directly asked if she believed he was merely acting. Yi Liankai then revealed a deeper connection with Mr. Fan, explaining he was not only his teacher but also his savior.
He recounted how, at age twelve, Yi Lianshen had been severely beaten by their father for visiting an opium den, unable to rise from bed for half a month. In contrast, Yi Liankai was always indulged, permitted to do as he pleased. This preferential treatment stemmed from a scandal involving his mother, the Third Concubine. The First Madam had accused his mother of adultery, fabricating evidence.
His mother, a woman of principle, refused to kneel or admit to such a dishonorable charge, stating she would rather die. Yi Jipei, hearing the accusations, nearly shot the Third Concubine himself but was stopped by Mr. Fan. Qin Sang then recalled the scene where the Third Concubine, holding young Yi Liankai, declared they were innocent of any crime and urged her son not to show fear.
Despite Mr. Fan's intervention, his mother, unable to bear the insult, tragically took her own life. Yi Liankai continued, revealing that his father returned to the army camp even before the customary seventh day after his mother's death. He described how his imposing father, on that day, appeared broken, like an army deserter.
He concluded that his father's current extraordinary kindness towards him was not out of genuine affection but out of guilt, viewing Yi Liankai as a living memorial hall for his mother. Yi Jipei, he asserted, owed him his mother's life. After this emotional confession, Yi Liankai fainted. Hearing the commotion, Fan Yanyun rushed to check on Yi Liankai.
Qin Sang intercepted her, stating that as Yi Liankai's wife, she would personally care for him and Fan Yanyun need not trouble herself. Knowing that Fan Yanyun planned to keep vigil in the cold mourning hall that night, Qin Sang thoughtfully provided her with a blanket and instructed Auntie Zhu to see Fan Yanyun out, explaining she needed to attend to Yi Liankai. Later, Yi Liankai awoke to find Qin Sang asleep beside him.
Touched by her presence and care, a warmth spread through him, and he gently clasped her hand before drifting back to sleep. Soon after, a telegram arrived from Yongnan, stating that Old Mr. Cheng had been ill and bedridden for a week, rendering him unable to come and perform the memorial tablet ritual for Mr. Fan. With the seventh day rapidly approaching, Fan Yanyun despaired, fearing her father would be left a "nameless and solitary wandering ghost."
Yi Jipei, displeased by the situation, instructed his eldest son to retrieve the complete list of former Qing dynasty palace graduates and meticulously check each name, refusing to believe they couldn't find a suitable person. At this juncture, Qin Sang suggested her own father, Qin Housheng. She mentioned that her father was a "tanhua" from the third year of Guangxu, and while he might not possess the seniority or distinction of Mr. Fan, she believed his credentials would suffice.
She added that the final decision should rest with Yi Jipei and Fan Yanyun. Yi Jipei considered Qin Housheng, noting his current position as Minister of Culture and his esteemed background, deeming him appropriate. However, he reiterated that Fan Yanyun's consent was paramount, even offering to bring Old Mr. Cheng and his bed to Fuyuan if she insisted.
Fan Yanyun, despite her underlying reluctance, agreed, advising against offending Old Mr. Cheng and acknowledging the convenience of Qin Housheng being a family member and residing nearby. After the decision was made, Qin Sang made a phone call to her father, urging him to come to Fuyuan immediately for an important matter. Following the call, she spoke with Yi Liankai, remarking that her father had simply offered platitudes about harmonious marriage and wifely duties, which made her sad.
She felt she was increasingly resembling her mother, becoming the person she had always tried to avoid. Yi Liankai playfully teased her, suggesting he thought he was the person she wanted to avoid. He then thanked Qin Sang for her intervention at the dinner table, which helped diffuse a tense situation.
He explained that his recent feigned illness was a necessary tactic, as his recent display of capability during the Zhishan siege had raised doubts in his father and second brother. A capable son should be a good thing, he mused, but a vigorous father with ambitious sons could lead to conflict.
Qin Sang clarified that her actions were not to help him but to restore order when things became chaotic, and her father's involvement would also help him regain favor with Yi Jipei. Yi Liankai then embraced Qin Sang, asking if she harbored any genuine feelings for him beyond using him. Qin Sang responded that it was a truth they both acknowledged, and there was no need to repeat it, causing Yi Liankai to release her.
The next day, Fan Yanyun inquired about Yi Liankai's health, and Qin Sang assured her he had fully recovered. As Qin Sang prepared to leave, Fan Yanyun stopped her and sincerely apologized for her previous harsh attitude. She explained that she had now come to terms with things and was determined to personally find her father's killer. She thanked Qin Sang for arranging for her father to perform the memorial tablet ritual, promising to repay the favor.
Qin Sang felt a sense of relief, explaining that she and Yi Liankai shared the same mind on this, and seeing his distress, she felt it was her duty to alleviate his worries. She shared how Yi Liankai had recently taken her shopping and picked out a necklace she liked, reassuring her of his affection. Fan Yanyun then reminisced about her childhood with Yi Liankai and Yi Lianshen.
She recalled playing mischievous games with Yi Liankai, and how he had once saved her from a dangerous fall, injuring his forehead in the process. She noted Yi Liankai's change in temperament after his mother's death, describing how he would distance himself from those he cared about. Fan Yanyun concluded by advising Qin Sang to cherish the present and avoid future regrets. Later, in her room, Qin Sang saw Yi Liankai lying in bed, seemingly asleep.
She felt an inexplicable urge to examine the wound on his forehead and gently reached out to touch it. Suddenly, Yi Liankai opened his eyes and pulled her down onto the bed.
Episode 8 Recap
Yi Liankai pulled Qin Sang down onto the bed, and she felt a blush creep over her face as she looked into his eyes, turning her head away slightly. Yi Liankai playfully asked why she had come to find him, wondering if she was trying to attack him. Qin Sang, with a hint of bitterness, mentioned that Second Sister-in-Law had claimed Yi Liankai saved her when they were children, resulting in an injury near his hairline.
Yi Liankai clarified that while the hairline injury was true, it was actually Second Brother who had saved Fan Yanyun, adding that he thought she must have hurt her head and forgot. Qin Sang pressed on, asking if his marriage to her had anything to do with Fan Yanyun. Yi Liankai intertwined his fingers with hers, stating unequivocally that their marriage was solely between them and had nothing to do with Fan Yanyun.
With the mood set, Yi Liankai then softly inquired if Qin Sang remembered their first meeting. She retorted that she certainly did, recalling how her mother had taken her to his party, an event meticulously planned by her mother in advance. This response visibly disappointed Yi Liankai, and he turned over, getting off the bed.
Later, Qin Sang walked through the streets, her mind still replaying the scene with Yi Liankai, so preoccupied that she nearly stepped in front of a passing car. Fortunately, Pan Jianchi, who had been following her, quickly pulled her to safety and anxiously asked if she was alright. Qin Sang asked him to call her "Third Young Mistress," to which Pan Jianchi apologized.
Qin Sang replied that she was fine, adding dismissively that even if something were wrong, no one would care or pity her. Pan Jianchi urged her to give up the title of Third Young Mistress if it made her unhappy, as he hated to see her distressed. Qin Sang explained that "Third Young Mistress Yi" was just a name, and everything was merely a transaction.
Her father’s visit to Fuyuan was simply an attempt to gain Chief Marshal Yi Jipei’s favor, hoping that a rapid rise in social status would allow her to avoid many hardships and risks, making her finally understand her mother's deep determination. Noticing the many watchful eyes around them, Qin Sang discreetly advised Pan Jianchi to avoid arousing suspicion.
He still said he never thought she would speak such cold words, and seeing her face was the only way he could believe she was still the pure and innocent girl he knew. Qin Sang countered that no one in this world was truly pure or innocent; if a man perceived a woman that way, it simply meant he thought her easily tricked, while she was merely feigning ignorance for his sake.
When Pan Jianchi then asked if Yi Liankai had made her sad, Qin Sang simply replied, "No." As Qin Sang turned to leave Pan Jianchi, she encountered Min Hongyu. The two women walked to a scenic riverside. Min Hongyu commented on the exquisite scenery of Fuyuan, noting that being confined to grand mansions, while offering stability, limited one's choices, much like relationships between men and women.
Qin Sang, seemingly not entirely focused on Min Hongyu’s casual remarks, praised her sharp intellect, and remarked that Yi Liankai himself had spoken of Min Hongyu's extensive influence in Jiangzuo’s political and business circles. She then asked Min Hongyu what Yi Liankai’s chances of success would be if he were to contend for power within the Yi family. Min Hongyu hesitated, saying she found such questions difficult to answer.
She offered an analogy, using a fish on the table to illustrate: if everyone tried to grab the whole fish by force, it would break into pieces, and no one would get anything. However, if it were distributed, some would get the head, others the belly, and some only the tail, which wouldn't please everyone.
When Qin Sang asked how she would divide it, Min Hongyu suggested that, like pirates dividing gold, the one who is quickest to act and seize the opportunity usually gets the most and the best. Whether Yi Liankai and Qin Sang were willing and able to be that first person, she concluded, was entirely up to them. Min Hongyu then turned to a more personal topic, questioning Qin Sang’s seriousness and how Yi Liankai allowed her to act that way.
When Qin Sang asked if she was at fault, Min Hongyu observed that men, when pampered by women, would do anything for them. She pressed Qin Sang, implying that since they shared a bed, Yi Liankai must be deeply in love with her, and Qin Sang surely felt something. Qin Sang, however, refuted her, saying Min Hongyu was mistaken; Yi Liankai hated her and found it difficult enough to merely sleep in the same bed with her.
Min Hongyu, surprised by Qin Sang's perception of Yi Liankai as a womanizer, lamented that someone as intelligent as Qin Sang couldn't comprehend love. Inside the Yi family study, Yi Jipei convened with his sons to discuss crucial matters. He recounted that before his death, Mr. Fan had stated Jiangzuo's future lay in "provincial autonomy." However, Yi Jipei believed that in the current tumultuous era, provincial autonomy would only lead to further division.
Therefore, he decided to ally with the Murong family in the north to establish a joint cabinet, envisioning a future where the fate of the country would be decided by a contest between himself and Murong Chen. Yi Lianshen endorsed his father's decision, arguing that prompt action was necessary. He proposed deploying the elite Fu Army troops to the north for training after the Mid-Autumn Festival, to prepare for future territorial expansion.
Yi Lianyi vehemently objected, stating that the Fu Army was originally established by Mr. Fan for the purpose of provincial autonomy. To use them as pawns in a power struggle, betraying their founding purpose, was something he would never agree to. He warned that if the Yi family controlled the cabinet through military force, it would only ignite widespread conflict. Yi Lianshen countered that their father had single-handedly pacified the entire Jiangzuo years ago, sparing its people from war.
Now, he merely wished to bring stability to the entire nation by similar means. He could not agree with provincial autonomy and challenged Yi Lianyi, daring him to see who in the Fu Army would support him if he chose to oppose their father and him. Listening to their heated exchange, Yi Jipei concluded that the matter required further deliberation. Following the meeting, Yi Liankai sought out Yi Lianyi to console him.
Yi Liankai suggested that Yi Lianshen’s words during the meeting might not have been entirely sincere and that he might already regret them, perhaps influenced by gossiping individuals around him. Yi Lianyi, however, knew his second brother better and worried about Yi Lianshen’s hot temper leading to actions that could bring disgrace upon the Yi family.
Yi Liankai reiterated that he lacked military power and wished to avoid conflict with his second brother, having spent years trying to escape the Yi family’s power struggles. Yi Lianyi understood Yi Liankai's tendency to yield to Yi Lianshen but reminded him that a true man has things he must do and things he must not, and his shoulders should bear the responsibility for the world, not just their family.
He affirmed that his own concerns were for global peace and an end to war, not personal gain. Yi Liankai reassured him, stating that brothers should only contend, never harm each other. Yi Lianyi echoed the sentiment, confirming their oath as blood brothers. Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen learned that Yi Lianyi and Yi Liankai had been talking privately. He grew suspicious, wondering if they were conspiring against him. Fan Yanyun dismissed his worries, urging him to talk to Yi Liankai.
Yi Lianshen angrily pointed out that ever since they were children, Fan Yanyun always sided with Yi Liankai whenever they argued. Fan Yanyun calmly advised him not to overthink things and proposed that she would speak to Yi Liankai the next day. Afterward, Yi Lianshen should meet Yi Liankai at a place they used to play as children, hoping the familiar surroundings would rekindle old affections and encourage open communication.
The two brothers, Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai, later met at the fake mountain in the family compound, a place Yi Lianshen recalled climbing as a child, feeling as though he conquered the world from its summit. He mused that everything, including himself, now seemed smaller. Yi Lianshen admitted that his earlier words were spoken in anger, intended for Yi Lianyi to hear.
He explained that after years of fighting against the Tian Meng Association, their family had acquired their current power through immense struggle and risk, and he was unwilling to simply surrender it, as Yi Lianyi desired. He acknowledged that Yi Lianyi had spoken with Yi Liankai and likely sought his help, asking Yi Liankai for his decision. Yi Liankai confirmed his intention to help Yi Lianyi.
Yi Lianshen then reflected on their shared childhood, filled with countless battles over toys and sweets, simple contests where the winner kept the prize. He conceded that Yi Liankai had often won those childhood skirmishes but declared his intention to win this time. He then reminded Yi Liankai of their bond, stating that as blood brothers, they should only compete, never inflict harm upon each other. Yi Liankai affirmed their understanding, reiterating the vow.
Later, Fu Rongcai arrived at the Yi family estate and was met with a cold reception from Yi Liankai. Fu Rongcai explained his presence: first, to mourn their late teacher, Mr. Fan, and second, to assume Mr. Fan’s role as the Yi family's political advisor.
Yi Liankai mockingly noted Fu Rongcai’s lack of a white mourning flower, to which Fu Rongcai replied that such formalities held no importance for him, as he was the eldest disciple and the Yi family had long promised him this position. Yi Liankai curtly warned Fu Rongcai to leave Fuyuan immediately and never appear before him again.
Taken aback that both his teacher and now Yi Liankai seemingly rejected him, Fu Rongcai provocatively questioned if Yi Liankai had been too long indulged in feminine tenderness and had truly fallen in love with Qin Sang. Enraged, Yi Liankai warned him that if he did not heed his polite advice, he would resort to physical force. Fu Rongcai defiantly accepted the challenge before departing. Qin Sang went to the Fuyuan train station to greet her father, Qin Housheng.
Seeing her, Qin Housheng expressed concern over her thin appearance, while Qin Sang tenderly noted his newly graying hair. Qin Housheng lamented his past mistakes, specifically being deceived by Fu Rongcai, which led to their family’s misfortune, his wife’s early death, and Qin Sang’s marriage into the Yi family. Qin Sang comforted him, saying what was done was done and they should cherish the present. That evening, the Yi family hosted a banquet to welcome Qin Housheng.
During the meal, Yi Liankai considerately served Qin Sang her favorite osmanthus chestnut soup. Qin Housheng was visibly pleased by Yi Liankai's thoughtfulness. Yi Liankai then publicly praised Qin Sang, recounting how she had risked her life to rescue him when he was besieged at Zhishan, and declared that marrying her was a blessing earned over many lifetimes.
At this emotional moment, Fan Yanyun, perhaps unintentionally, brought up the unfortunate death of her own father, Mr. Fan, on his trip to Zhishan, casting a pall over the celebratory atmosphere. Yi Liankai discreetly squeezed Qin Sang's hand in reassurance. After the dinner, Fan Yanyun visited Mr. Fan's memorial hall, overcome with grief, wishing to be his daughter again in a next life. Yi Lianshen found her there, comforting her and vowing that he would avenge Mr. Fan's death.
Later, Yi Jipei asked Qin Housheng for his analysis of the current political situation. Qin Housheng asserted that military affairs, governance, and people's livelihoods all centered on gaining the populace's support, citing the ancient wisdom that those who win the people win the world. Yi Jipei, however, countered that public sentiment was the most unreliable thing, recalling how people had both supported and rebelled against governments, even asking for an emperor’s return after his ousting.
He concluded that Western political models, no matter how good, could not be replicated in China. Yi Lianyi, who had previously read Qin Housheng's essays, acknowledged Qin Housheng’s insightful views on foreign political systems but felt his idealistic scholarly perspective was ill-suited to the current national circumstances, calling him a good scholar but nothing more. Yi Jipei complained to Yi Lianyi that Qin Housheng’s constant talk of human rights gave him a headache, deeming Qin Housheng’s ideas outdated.
Yi Lianyi disagreed, suggesting it was not obsolescence but merely a difference in political views, and that Qin Housheng might have achieved great things in a different era. Yi Jipei grew angry, sternly asking Yi Lianyi if he also intended to advocate for the American system like Qin Housheng, reminding him that they were not Westerners. Yi Lianyi was stunned into silence by his father's reprimand.
Separately, Fu Rongcai encountered Chen Pei and boldly declared that his dark complexion indicated he would not live long. Enraged, Chen Pei drew his pistol, but was interrupted by a fit of coughing. Fu Rongcai calmly informed him that firing the gun would only hasten his demise due to his condition, then offered to cure his cough, claiming some medical knowledge. After guiding Chen Pei through a breathing exercise that seemingly alleviated his cough, Fu Rongcai gained Chen Pei's trust.
He then revealed his true purpose: Commander Li Zhongnian was in grave danger, being targeted by the Murong family, a fact Chen Pei was oblivious to. Fu Rongcai warned Chen Pei that his ambition to achieve great things under Li Zhongnian would instead lead to the downfall of Li Zhongnian’s empire and render Chen Pei a historical villain.
To break this impasse, Fu Rongcai proposed a simple solution: Chen Pei should take him into the Li residence and introduce him to Commander Li, promising that in return, Chen Pei would achieve promotion and boundless prosperity. Fu Rongcai then asked Chen Pei if he was willing to accept his proposal.
Later, Qin Housheng prepared a special congee with nougat for Qin Sang, her favorite dish since childhood, explaining that her mother used to add nougat to encourage her to eat. He expressed his hope that this familiar taste would bring some sweetness to her life, subtly acknowledging the bitterness he knew she harbored in her heart due to her unhappy marriage. Qin Sang, touched by his gesture, remarked that the nougat tasted exactly as it did when she was a child.
Episode 9 Recap
Qin Sang sat with her father, Qin Housheng, in the courtyard. Qin Housheng observed that Qin Sang seemed unhappy and lamented that if it weren't for the lawsuit years ago, Qin Sang's mother wouldn't have forced her to marry into the Yi family on her deathbed. Qin Sang, however, insisted that Yi Liankai treated her well. Qin Housheng then brought up Li Wangping, expressing his hope that Qin Sang could move past her old feelings and treat Yi Liankai better.
Qin Sang coldly recalled that her heart had died when Li Wangping left, and she believed she and Yi Liankai were fated to be together yet without destiny. In her eyes, Yi Liankai was merely a familiar stranger. Unbeknownst to Qin Sang, Yi Liankai was listening from behind the rock garden. Later, perhaps out of guilt, Qin Sang personally prepared a lavish breakfast. However, Yi Liankai was still upset from their previous argument.
He not only refused to appreciate her effort but also sarcastically remarked on her rare enthusiasm, questioning if she needed another favor from him. Qin Sang asserted that in her two years of marriage to the Yi family, she had maintained her decorum, and her only request, regarding Pan Jianchi, wasn't even for herself. She couldn't understand why Yi Liankai remained dissatisfied.
Yi Liankai, however, accused her of seeing him merely as a ladder for her own ambitions, which only escalated their argument. Qin Sang felt wronged; it was her first time cooking, and he showed no appreciation. Yi Liankai retorted that precisely because it was her first time cooking, he wouldn't dare eat it. Qin Sang angrily brought up Min Hongyu and Second Young Mistress Fan Yanyun, which only infuriated Yi Liankai further.
He blurted out that when he dined with them, they would at least try to please him, but Qin Sang's icy face made him lose his appetite. The two parted ways in anger, with Qin Sang vowing never to cook for him again after throwing the porridge to the floor. Yi Liankai, feeling dispirited, went to the old residence to stare at his mother's embroidered portrait.
Min Hongyu, observing his mood, remarked that he and Qin Sang seemed destined to torture each other, comparing them to rocks hitting each other, causing mutual pain. Yi Liankai, wanting to be left alone, asked her to let him speak to his mother in peace. He confided in his deceased mother, knowing that Qin Sang was using him but feeling helpless.
He had hoped that after marriage, Qin Sang would slowly come to love him, but he realized her heart belonged to someone else. He questioned how he could possibly stop loving her. Meanwhile, Yi Jipei was practicing fencing and, noticing Qin Sang's interest, invited her to join him. After a match, Yi Jipei was impressed, praising Qin Sang's aggressive and decisive style, noting her masculine temperament.
Qin Sang took the opportunity to discuss her views on current politics, much to Yi Jipei's surprise. She expressed her admiration for leaders like Louis XIV and Bismarck, who demonstrated strategic thinking and clear objectives, stating her preference for fencing over dancing for its intellectual and physical challenge. Later, over tea and snacks, Yi Jipei discussed Yi Liankai and Qin Sang's morning argument with Yi Lianyi.
He mused on his own ability to manage his six wives peacefully, contrasting it with his third son's inability to control his own household, despite Yi Liankai's reputation for being surrounded by women. Yi Lianyi agreed that Yi Liankai was the primary issue, as he failed to appreciate Qin Sang's rare attempt at reconciliation. Yi Jipei was also surprised by the quality of the desserts Qin Sang had made, noting that she usually seemed averse to household chores.
He reflected that he had initially considered Qin Sang an ignorant woman, but after her trip to Zhishan and her timely recommendation of Qin Housheng, he realized she was not simple. He further expressed his admiration for her strategic mind and foresight, evident in their fencing match and conversation, finding her traits more fitting of a military strategist if she were a man, given her lineage from the Wu clan of Yangtze River naval commanders.
Yi Jipei concluded that while Yi Liankai might appear uneducated, he had a discerning eye for women, and Qin Sang's strong character could complement his impulsive nature. After being rebuffed at the Yi residence, Fu Rongcai arrived at Li Chongnian's manor, audaciously proclaiming himself a "military sage" who could help Li Chongnian conquer the country. Chen Pei, an aide, observed Fu Rongcai's demeanor and advised Li Chongnian that this man was not ordinary. Li Chongnian invited him in.
Inside, Fu Rongcai, who had appeared arrogant outside, became subservient, explaining he merely wanted an opportunity to prove his worth and gain Li Chongnian's respect. He proposed a strategy against Yi Jipei, suggesting they sow internal discord within the Yi family, allowing Li Chongnian to reap the benefits.
To illustrate his point, Fu Rongcai demonstrated how two walnuts could be easily broken by pressing them against each other, suggesting a similar tactic for the Yi family: instigating internal strife to break their unity. Yi Jipei received news of Fu Rongcai defecting to Li Chongnian in Yizhou. He found it perplexing that Fu Rongcai, who had long coveted the Yi family's chief strategist position, would now willingly abandon it after Mr. Fan's passing.
Yi Jipei immediately ordered Yi Lianyi to investigate the reasons behind Fu Rongcai's betrayal, fearing severe future consequences if they remained ignorant. Yi Lianyi suggested calling Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai for a joint discussion. Yi Liankai, drinking heavily outside due to his distress, was summoned back home. In the study, Yi Jipei asked his three sons to discuss Fu Rongcai's defection. A drunken Yi Liankai bluntly stated they should ask Fu Rongcai himself.
Yi Jipei was enraged by his attitude. Yi Lianshen then reminded everyone that Yi Liankai was the only one who saw Fu Rongcai when he visited the house. Yi Liankai, losing his temper, admitted he had disliked Fu Rongcai and had simply driven him away. Yi Jipei exploded, accusing Yi Liankai of wanting to ruin the family. Yi Liankai retorted that Fu Rongcai was an incompetent theorist, a two-faced individual whom even their teacher had distrusted.
He asserted that the Yi family could continue to dominate Jiangzuo without such a person. Yi Jipei, furious, declared that the decision to keep or kill Fu Rongcai was his alone, not Yi Liankai's, and accused him of withholding critical information. Yi Lianshen interceded, arguing that it was a good outcome as it revealed Fu Rongcai's true nature, essentially making Yi Liankai a "touchstone" for their father.
Yi Lianyi agreed, viewing it as an unintentional mistake but advised Yi Liankai to inform them of such matters in the future to prevent exploitation and familial strife. Later, a fuming Yi Liankai returned to his room, where he saw Qin Sang embroidering. He tried to make conversation, asking what she was sewing. Qin Sang dismissively replied he wouldn't understand. Yi Liankai, fueled by alcohol, pressed her, demanding to know the identity of the person in her heart.
When she remained silent, he lashed out, proclaiming himself blind for marrying a woman who didn't love him and accusing her of feigning virtue while harboring someone else in her heart. Qin Sang responded by slapping him hard across the face. Enraged, Yi Liankai tackled her onto the bed and tried to kiss her forcefully. Qin Sang cried out that she didn't love him, which made Yi Liankai freeze and stop his advances.
He then stated that her lack of love didn't matter; she was his wife, and he would never let her go, vowing to take her with him even to his grave. With Mr. Fan's funeral approaching, Wu Ji instructed Pan Jianchi to create a disturbance during the procession to weaken Yi Lianshen's influence.
Pan Jianchi expressed concerns about the potential sacrifices involved, but Wu Ji declared their mission was a "lord offering his head" strategy, where they would all act as Fan Yuqi to deliver Jing Ke to Emperor Qin. Meanwhile, Fan Yanyun confronted Yi Liankai, who had been avoiding her. She questioned if he intended to sever their past connection, to which Yi Liankai coldly replied they had no affection or fate between them.
Fan Yanyun then requested his help with a task, stating it was her father's dying wish that Yi Liankai personally organize his belongings. While Yi Liankai was sorting through his mentor's possessions, Fan Yanyun asked if he drove Fu Rongcai away because of Qin Sang. She revealed that Qin Housheng, before becoming the head of the cultural affairs department, had been the head of the finance department.
Years prior, Fu Rongcai had used political influence to impeach the president and had then employed a divisive scheme to frame Qin Housheng, leading to his downfall, imprisonment, and complete ruin of his reputation, affecting many officials involved.
Episode 10 Recap
Fan Yanyun confronted Yi Liankai, accusing him of being infatuated with Qin Sang, whom she believed was merely using him. Yi Liankai calmly retorted that it was natural for a husband to love his wife, and as family, the concept of "using" did not apply. Distressed, Fan Yanyun demanded to know her place in his life. Yi Liankai responded clearly that she was and would always be his second sister-in-law.
Later, Fan Yanyun wept before her father's memorial tablet, lamenting his mistaken belief that Yi Liankai, whom she referred to as Lan Po, would emerge victorious. She was convinced that as long as Qin Sang was alive, Lan Po was destined for utter ruin. Overwhelmed by sorrow, she yearned to return to her childhood, remembering how Lan Po would accompany her, risking himself to protect her, watching sunsets with her, and teaching her calligraphy.
She wished she had never married as her father ordered and that their innocent past had never changed. She questioned when Lan Po would finally understand her enduring affection, and what her years of devotion amounted to. She also expressed deep regret over not having spent more time with her father, massaging him or eating his cooking. Yi Lianyi informed Yi Jipei that his sources confirmed Fu Rongcai had joined forces with Li Chongnian.
Yi Jipei acknowledged that Li Chongnian was an extraordinary, ambitious man who knew how to endure, appearing as a gentle scholar but being vicious and ruthless. Yi Lianyi expressed concern that the Yi family was not fully prepared for what was to come. Yi Jipei lamented the absence of his second uncle, who Yi Lianyi confirmed was still guarding the family graves despite receiving greetings and gifts.
Realizing they couldn't force his return, Yi Jipei decided they must confront the danger head-on, viewing Fu Rongcai's defection as a potential opportunity rather than just a crisis for the Yi family. The day of Mr. Fan's funeral was marked by a heavy downpour, as if nature itself mourned. The procession, led by Qin Housheng, moved solemnly to the sound of a mournful band until it was abruptly halted by a crowd shouting "Eliminate the warlords!
Give us back our freedom!" A subordinate informed Yi Lianshen that the road was blocked. Yi Lianshen, immediately recognizing them as members of the Tian Meng Association, ordered them to be eliminated. Fan Yanyun rushed forward, pleading with Yi Lianshen not to resort to violence on her father's funeral day. Yi Lianshen reluctantly agreed not to use his gun and had her escorted back to the car.
However, when the protestors began pelting the hearse with rotten vegetables and eggs, his rage boiled over. He flung his umbrella aside and charged into the crowd, violently engaging in a brawl while journalists captured the brutal scenes. During the chaos, Pan Jianchi picked up a pen that had fallen to the ground. Yi Lianshen noticed it, recognizing its similarity to a pen he had seen among his late father-in-law's possessions, and grew suspicious.
Meanwhile, Yi Liankai remained close to the car, ensuring Qin Sang's safety amidst the disturbance. Back home, Qin Sang confessed to Yi Liankai that she was shaken by seeing Yi Lianshen kill. She noted his usual mature and stable demeanor, and his gentle treatment of Fan Yanyun, contrasting sharply with his decisive and extreme ruthlessness in battle. Yi Liankai reassured her not to be afraid, promising to protect her.
Qin Sang then recalled seeing a different side of Yi Liankai during the Zhishan siege, to which he responded that it was a risky but necessary move he was forced to make. She pressed further, bringing up Aide-de-Camp Song's assassination attempt during the Zhishan incident, suggesting that a knowledgeable mastermind must have orchestrated it. Yi Liankai quickly cut her off, asserting that affairs concerning men were beyond women's comprehension.
Qin Sang expressed her fear of Fuyuan's dangers, especially after the funeral incident, and asked Yi Liankai about his own safety. Yi Liankai, sensing her concern, told her that he could not leave Fuyuan, but advised her to take Qin Housheng and leave if she was worried.
Yi Jipei severely reprimanded Yi Lianshen for his violent outburst at Mr. Fan's funeral, calling his actions a disservice to his father-in-law's teachings and a stain on the Yi family's reputation, making them appear as tyrannical warlords. Yi Lianshen argued that he was merely upholding the rules, as the Tian Meng Association's calls for democracy and freedom were hypocritical, dividing democracy into military, supervised, and constitutional stages, with the military retaining control. He believed he was teaching them a lesson.
Yi Jipei countered that killing was always wrong and that such public actions would only invite scrutiny and trouble for the Yi family, who were constantly under observation. Yi Lianshen then revealed he had already prepared a resignation letter, offering to step down and reflect at home to provide accountability to society and appease his father. At a chaotic press conference, reporters pressed Yi Liankai about the alleged massacre of civilians at Mr. Fan's funeral by Yi Lianshen's forces.
Yi Liankai, in a carefully crafted response, asserted that the "civilians" were in fact bandits, and the incident was a premeditated attack. He explained that their duty was to protect the people and Mr. Fan's body from these vile acts, making Yi Lianshen's intervention justifiable. Yi Jipei then formally announced Yi Lianshen's suspension and initiated a thorough investigation into the matter to address its societal impact.
When asked if Yi Liankai would assume command, Yi Jipei evaded the question, stating the conference was only to clarify the funeral events, not to announce military appointments. However, when posing for a photo, Yi Jipei subtly instructed Yi Liankai to move from his left side to his right, a symbolic gesture recognized by many.
As the funeral rituals concluded, Qin Housheng prepared to depart, but Qin Sang implored him to stay longer, hoping he could connect more with Yi Jipei. Qin Housheng, understanding the perilous intricacies of the Yi family, cautioned Qin Sang to be exceedingly careful in her every move. He reminded her of her mother's dying wish, but also stressed that her own well-being was his primary concern.
Qin Sang, however, defended Yi Liankai, asserting that he was not the mere playboy he appeared to be. She credited him with resolving the Zhishan crisis, showcasing his intellect and potential to succeed his father. She also noted the hidden sorrows that had shaped his reclusive temperament. Moved by her words, Qin Housheng reluctantly agreed to extend his stay for a few more days.
Qin Sang then congratulated Yi Liankai on his masterful performance at the press conference, noting that public opinion now widely suggested that Yi Jipei had sidelined Yi Lianshen in favor of Yi Liankai as his successor. Yi Liankai, however, dismissed this as a misreading of the situation, stating that his father had no intention of promoting him. He showed Qin Sang family photographs, explaining a symbolic custom: the person standing on Yi Jipei's left was considered the chosen heir.
He pointed out that their Eldest Brother had initially stood on the left, then Yi Lianshen after Eldest Brother’s injury. Yi Liankai lamented that he, himself, had never been given that position and understood his father's true intention was to use him as a "training horse" for Yi Lianshen. Qin Sang then noticed the absence of Yi Liankai’s mother in the family photos and inquired about her.
Yi Liankai explained that his father, in a fit of rage over a misunderstanding during his childhood, had burned all of his mother's photographs, leaving only a woven tapestry portrait. When Qin Sang expressed a desire to see it, Yi Liankai lied, claiming he didn't know its whereabouts. Meanwhile, Huaixiu presented Yi Jipei with a new formal outfit, urging him to take some rest.
Yi Jipei sighed, revealing his sleepless nights and constant worry over the multitude of family and Jiangzuo affairs. He acknowledged Yi Lianshen's loyalty, courage, and military prowess, stating his second son was as capable as he had been in his youth. However, he feared Yi Lianshen's emotional nature made him vulnerable to great losses.
He then described Yi Liankai as clever and daring, capable of enduring hardship and taking risks, as evidenced by the Zhishan incident, but ultimately too compassionate to command an army. Yi Jipei confided that Yi Liankai was merely a "training horse" for Yi Lianshen; his apparent promotion was a ruse to keep Yi Lianshen vigilant and hone him into a true leader. He hoped his sons would one day comprehend his complex intentions.
Yi Lianshen, holding a pen from his father-in-law's effects, recalled seeing Pan Jianchi with a strikingly similar one. After checking with a subordinate who had found little in his investigation but noted Pan Jianchi's suspicious nature, Yi Lianshen decided to personally confront Pan Jianchi about the pen, instructing his subordinate to keep their suspicions secret to avoid alerting Pan Jianchi. In the courtyard, Qin Sang and Eldest Sister-in-Law were leisurely embroidering when Fan Yanyun approached.
Fan Yanyun deliberately brought up the topic of Yi Liankai's mother's woven tapestry, renowned for its artistry. Qin Sang expressed surprise, recalling Yi Liankai’s earlier claim that it was long gone. With a hint of satisfaction, Fan Yanyun suggested that Yi Liankai likely didn't want Qin Sang to see it, revealing that the tapestry was, in fact, still preserved in a small side house.
Episode 11 Recap
Fan Yanyun, accompanied by Qin Sang and the Eldest Sister-in-Law, arrived at Yi Liankai’s private villa. Upon entering, Qin Sang immediately noticed a large tapestry hanging on the wall and learned it depicted Yi Liankai’s late mother. Qin Sang observed the striking resemblance between Yi Liankai and his mother. Min Hongyu, the villa’s current occupant, confronted the trio, demanding to know their purpose for barging into her home.
The Eldest Sister-in-Law insisted it was an Yi family residence, but Min Hongyu retorted that Yi Liankai had gifted the house to her, along with the tapestry and every item within. Fan Yanyun, furious, criticized Yi Liankai's behavior, calling it inappropriate to give his mother’s belongings to an "indecent woman." Min Hongyu then sarcastically remarked that had she not known Qin Sang, she might have mistaken Fan Yanyun for the Third Young Mistress.
Qin Sang interjected, explaining that Min Hongyu had aided her and Yi Liankai on Zhishan, suggesting the villa was a token of gratitude. Fan Yanyun, however, demanded to take the tapestry, calling it her third aunt’s relic. Min Hongyu defiantly pulled out a lighter, threatening to burn it. Fan Yanyun pleaded with her not to, but Min Hongyu refused to yield.
It was only when Qin Sang calmly asked her not to burn the tapestry that Min Hongyu extinguished the flame, declaring she would only listen to Qin Sang. A visibly angered Fan Yanyun then stormed out. Min Hongyu commented to Qin Sang that she didn't want to hear Fan Yanyun's inappropriate remarks, and mused that Qin Sang's calm, understanding demeanor, especially regarding the house gift, likely explained why Yi Liankai admired her.
She advised Qin Sang not to interfere with Yi Liankai's actions, stating that the Third Young Master always had his reasons. Qin Sang responded indifferently that she would not concern herself with Yi Liankai’s affairs and that since he had given the house to Min Hongyu, it was now hers. Min Hongyu then bid Qin Sang farewell, implying their brief "sisterly" interaction was over.
Fan Yanyun, still seething from the encounter, returned home and shattered a photo of herself with Yi Lianshen. Her mind replayed Min Hongyu's taunts and her own father's past counsel. She recalled her father predicting turmoil in the Yi family, stating that two tigers could not coexist on one mountain. He foresaw an inevitable conflict between the second and third sons once the chief marshal aged and needed an heir.
Her father emphasized that Yi Liankai was kind-hearted, while Yi Lianshen was brave and decisive, and feared Yi Lianshen might try to kill Yi Liankai. He had insisted that Fan Yanyun, as the future Second Mistress of the Yi family, and having grown up with Yi Liankai, was uniquely positioned to act as a buffer to mitigate their potential hatred and, at a critical moment, save Yi Liankai's life, thereby preventing a disaster for the Yi family.
Fan Yanyun, in her memory, had vehemently resisted the idea of marrying Yi Lianshen, declaring her love only for Yi Liankai. Later, the Eldest Sister-in-Law confronted Yi Liankai, reprimanding him for his reckless behavior. She expressed her sympathy for Qin Sang, who she believed was deeply hurt by Yi Liankai gifting the family house and his mother’s tapestry to an outsider. Yi Liankai assured her he would handle the matter, promising to treat Qin Sang better.
Meanwhile, Yi Lianyi, concerned about Qin Housheng, asked his wife, Mourong Xian, to visit Qin Housheng since he had traveled to attend Mr. Fan's funeral and was staying longer to spend time with Qin Sang. Mourong Xian, however, voiced her unease, mentioning Fan Yanyun’s recent loss, the strained relationship between Fan Yanyun and the now-suspended Yi Lianshen, and Yi Liankai’s seemingly absurd actions. She admitted to feeling frustrated by all the recent events.
Yi Lianyi tried to comfort her, suggesting that some things were beyond their control and that everyone had their own fate. Qin Sang later approached Yi Liankai to discuss seeing his mother’s tapestry. She complimented his mother’s beauty and noted the striking resemblance to Yi Liankai. He, in turn, questioned her indifference towards Min Hongyu, but Qin Sang maintained that their relationship, though cold, was honest, and she saw no reason to be jealous.
She praised his mother’s content, peaceful beauty and expressed how the tapestry, a masterpiece by a famous southern artist, reflected his father's deep affection. She lamented that she might never experience such love in her own life. Yi Liankai offered to commission a tapestry for her as well, suggesting they compare it with his mother's to see who was happier, his mother or his wife.
Qin Sang dismissed the importance of the tapestry, but reiterated that Min Hongyu herself had stated it was a gift from Yi Liankai. She pointedly asked if he would be so absurd as to send the tapestries of his mother and wife to Min Hongyu's house. Yi Liankai pressed her, asking if she harbored unspoken jealousy towards Min Hongyu, which Qin Sang denied.
He then provoked her, saying if she truly didn’t care, he would hang her tapestry in the villa as well. Qin Sang calmly stated that far from being jealous, Min Hongyu's existence was a relief to her, as it helped share the burden of being Yi Liankai’s wife, a role she admitted to not fulfilling adequately. Yi Liankai, enraged by her perceived indifference, reminded her of her identity as the Yi family’s Third Mistress and his wife.
He accused her of never acting like a wife and declared his frustration that she felt only "pain, responsibility, and helplessness" since their marriage. He proudly asserted that he had never been rejected by any woman and could have married any woman from a prominent family if he wished, feeling deeply insulted by Qin Sang’s demeanor. Qin Sang, tearfully stating that she understood her own insignificance, expressed her sole desire for a quiet and peaceful life.
Seeing her tears, Yi Liankai silently embraced her in apology. However, Qin Sang defiantly declared that she would never bear him children. In a fit of anger, Yi Liankai then burned their wedding photograph. Meanwhile, Fu Rongcai met with Li Chongnian, discussing the shifting power dynamics within the Yi family following Yi Lianshen’s suspension and Yi Liankai’s seemingly frivolous behavior.
Li Chongnian expressed his ambition to replace Yi Jipei and his keen interest in the internal struggles of the Yi brothers. Fu Rongcai then revealed a secret about his late teacher, Mr. Fan, explaining that Mr. Fan had long harbored a strategic plan to prevent conflict between the Yi brothers, and Fan Yanyun’s marriage to Yi Lianshen was a crucial part of this scheme. Li Chongnian agreed on the unexpected utility of women in pivotal moments.
Fu Rongcai, noting Li Chongnian’s detailed knowledge of the Yi family, deduced that Li Chongnian possessed a "trump card" in Fuyuan, suggesting that his reliance on Chenpei was merely a diversion. Li Chongnian acknowledged having a trump card but chose not to disclose its identity. Yi Liankai later met with Min Hongyu, who requested the house deed to formalize the transfer. Yi Liankai promised to have the name changed to hers the following day.
Unknown to him, Fan Yanyun had already secretly entered his room and taken the deed from its envelope. As she was leaving, she encountered Yi Liankai. She confronted him about gifting the house to Min Hongyu, accusing him of disrespecting his father’s memory, especially since his father had lost his life for Yi Liankai. She declared he owed apologies not just to his father, but also to her.
She then suddenly embraced Yi Liankai from behind, confessing her love for him. Yi Liankai tried to gently disentangle himself, clarifying that he had always regarded her as a sister. Fan Yanyun refused to believe him, recalling various childhood acts of kindness and protection, convinced he was the one she was meant to marry. She specifically reminded him of a time when she fell from a rockery and he caught her.
Yi Liankai corrected her, stating it was actually his Second Brother who had saved her. Fan Yanyun vehemently denied this, insisting there was a scar on his forehead from that incident and reaching out to touch it. Yi Liankai recoiled, prompting Fan Yanyun to question why Qin Sang and Min Hongyu could touch him but she could not. Yi Liankai firmly reiterated that Qin Sang was his wife, before leaving.
Yi Liankai then handed Min Hongyu an envelope, presumably containing the house deed. When Min Hongyu opened it, she found it empty. Yi Liankai, recalling Fan Yanyun’s presence in his room earlier, immediately understood what had transpired. He apologized, acknowledging that the situation was a misunderstanding and promising to retrieve the deed and give it to her.
To further compensate for the inconvenience, he offered to do anything for her, at any time or place, as long as it was within his capabilities. During a family dinner, attended also by Qin Housheng, the Yi family discussed the precarious political climate. Yi Jipei expressed his gratitude to Qin Housheng for attending Mr. Fan’s memorial. Qin Housheng offered condolences to Fan Yanyun, advising her not to grieve too much.
Yi Lianyi voiced his concern that with Jiangzuo having lost both its political advisor and a key general, opportunistic figures like Li Chongnian and Jiang Shuangxi might be emboldened to act. Yi Lianshen reassured his elder brother that he had intensified military training to deter any careless moves. Yi Jipei, however, reprimanded Yi Lianshen for dividing his army to surround Zhishan during a battle against Li Chongnian, sacrificing a tactical advantage to protect Yi Liankai.
Yi Lianshen defended his decision, stating Yi Liankai’s safety was paramount. Yi Jipei then turned his anger towards Yi Liankai, blaming him for the incident concerning Mr. Fan. Yi Lianyi quickly intervened, reminding their father that Yi Liankai’s quick thinking had resolved the Zhishan crisis and preserved the Yi family’s reputation, albeit drawing unwanted attention.
Yi Jipei then announced that effective immediately, Yi Liankai would take charge of all Yi family businesses, instructing him to cease his usual entertainments, seek guidance from Yi Lianyi when needed, and prove himself worthy of Mr. Fan’s cultivation. Yi Liankai accepted the new responsibility, asking his Eldest Brother for guidance.
Min Hongyu summoned Xu Adjutant, Yi Liankai's subordinate, and explained that after Yi Liankai invited her to perform at the Yi Manor, her luggage, containing a valuable "stone gourd" ceramic teapot crafted by Wang Dongshi (the only one of its kind), was stolen en route while being shipped by a friend. She requested Xu Adjutant to convey this to Yi Liankai and seek his help in retrieving the unique item. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai began reviewing the family's business ledgers.
Pan Jianchi, observing him, commented that this new role was an opportunity for Yi Liankai to covertly accumulate military influence and resources through commerce. Yi Liankai, however, dismissed the idea of accumulating military power, stating that with his father and Second Brother already in command of the army, his focus was merely to understand the accounts to avoid his father's reprimands.
Pan Jianchi countered that despite Yi Lianshen's military authority, the ledgers contained all details of daily military provisions and expenses. He further remarked that, based on these records, the Yi family’s trade routes were not yet fully developed.
Episode 12 Recap
Pan Jianchi, while studying the Yi family's ledgers with Yi Liankai, observed that the family's trade routes were not fully developed, with only the casino and trading company showing stable income. He emphasized that while ports and train stations are crucial, the true key to transport capacity in their natural environment lies in the advancement of transportation tools.
Yi Liankai acknowledged Fuyuan's weak waterway transport, but noted that major shipbuilders were all within the Yin Army's jurisdiction, hoping Pan Jianchi, with his background studying in Japan, could leverage his connections or expertise in shipbuilding technology. Soon after, Xu reported to Yi Liankai about an item Min Hongyu requested. Yi Liankai expressed his frustration, recognizing it as a prized possession of Elder Yong Nancheng, which many high-ranking individuals had failed to acquire despite significant offers.
He felt Min Hongyu was making an exorbitant demand. However, Xu whispered a suggestion to Yi Liankai that perhaps obtaining the item might not be as difficult as he thought. This made Yi Liankai determined, silently vowing that Min Hongyu would eventually repay him for everything he was spending on her. Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen informed his uncle that Yi Jipei had appointed Yi Liankai to oversee the family's business affairs.
His uncle, aware of the Yi family's extensive business power, found Yi Jipei's move "enigmatic and hard to predict." Yi Lianshen, however, believed his father was merely annoyed by Yi Liankai's idle ways and acknowledged that Yi Liankai, though indifferent to military matters, had successfully managed his personal businesses. His uncle worried about Yi Liankai's potential expansion of power, especially since the key to the Fuzhou treasury, which supplied the Fu Army, was now in Yi Liankai's hands.
Yi Lianshen dismissed these concerns, assuring his uncle that despite their squabbles, he and Yi Liankai were "biological brothers" and he had his own ways to manage any future conflicts. Yi Liankai had already procured the item Min Hongyu desired. Min Hongyu then asked for the house title, which Yi Liankai promised to deliver once he found it. As Yi Liankai left, Fan Yanyun, who had been following him, intercepted his motorcycle.
Yi Liankai abandoned his motorcycle and drove her in his car. They headed to the outskirts, where Yi Liankai directly confronted Fan Yanyun about having taken the house deed. She admitted to it, questioning why he would give the house to Min Hongyu. Yi Liankai grew angry and then asked her about a handkerchief that disappeared ten years prior.
Fan Yanyun, in turn, accused Yi Liankai of expelling Mother Zhang because of that handkerchief, inadvertently confirming that she was the one who took it. As they spoke, their car windows were shattered, and several handguns were pointed at them. They were subsequently abducted. During their captivity, the kidnappers mistakenly referred to Fan Yanyun as "Third Young Mistress," a title she surprisingly found amusing, calling it a "dream come true" despite their predicament.
When the kidnappers showed Yi Liankai their ransom note demanding thirty thousand, he scoffed at the paltry sum, insisting they demand three hundred thousand, stating the Yi family wouldn't believe he was kidnapped for anything less. He even added the character "拾" (ten) himself to the ransom note. To provide proof of the abduction, Yi Liankai provocatively suggested cutting off a tongue or finger. Fan Yanyun, in a protective gesture, offered her own finger.
The kidnappers ultimately decided to take Fan Yanyun's ring instead, deeming a bloody hostage less valuable. Back at the Yi residence, Deng Yulin visited Qin Sang. She mentioned a sudden increase in cases at her law firm involving disputes between workers and businesses, all linked to the Yi family's enterprises. She had come to gather information.
Qin Sang observed that while these businesses were nominally under Yi Lianyi, Yi Lianshen's influence and personnel permeated any area where the Fuyuan Army was present. With Yi Jipei entrusting business affairs to Yi Liankai, a significant reshuffle was inevitable. Deng Yulin urged Qin Sang to leave the turbulent Yi family, reminding her not to complicate her life due to past generations' problems.
After Qin Sang saw Deng Yulin off, Yi Lianyi's wife, the Eldest Sister-in-Law, rushed to her, surprised to see Qin Sang at home, asking if she hadn't been kidnapped. Qin Sang, confused, was then told that a message had arrived claiming she and Yi Liankai were held captive, with a demand for three hundred thousand dollars by noon the next day, threatening their lives otherwise. Qin Sang was alarmed and asked who the other hostage was.
Yi Lianyi, after seeing the ransom note and a ring that accompanied it, immediately knew Yi Liankai and Fan Yanyun had been kidnapped. He internally recognized the gravity of the situation. Simultaneously, Yi Jipei, Yi Lianshen, and Qin Housheng were playing mahjong. The Eldest Sister-in-Law served tea to Yi Jipei, the lid of the cup subtly inscribed with the message: "Kai and Yun were both kidnapped."
Yi Jipei, upon reading the message, remained impassive and insisted that everyone continue playing, preventing Yi Lianshen from leaving the table. He challenged them to keep playing until they had shown him all their "hidden savings." During the game, Deputy Chief Qin mentioned Yi Liankai's involvement in a shipbuilding factory, to which Yi Jipei responded that since he had handed over the business to him, he was too lazy to inquire further.
Qin Sang anxiously questioned Yi Lianyi about the truth of Yi Liankai's kidnapping. Yi Lianyi handed her the ransom note and the ring. He sighed, confirming that the ring appeared to be Fan Yanyun's, thus revealing that she was the other person kidnapped with Yi Liankai. He stressed the critical need to resolve the situation before Yi Lianshen learned the truth, as Yi Lianshen's impetuous nature could lead to unforeseen troubles.
Since they couldn't use the Fu Army to investigate without alerting Yi Lianshen, and Yi Lianyi himself was physically impaired, he stated that only Qin Sang could handle the matter. Qin Sang, feeling helpless as "only a woman" and disturbed by the involvement of another woman with Yi Liankai, expressed her reservations.
Yi Lianyi explained that Yi Liankai had confided that many of Yi Lianshen's men were involved in the Yi family's businesses, suggesting Fan Yanyun's presence might be linked to aiding Yi Lianshen. Seeing Qin Sang's hesitation, Yi Lianyi dramatically knelt before her. He acknowledged Yi Liankai had caused her much distress, making her reluctance understandable. Yet, he implored her to deeply consider if Yi Liankai was truly "evil enough to be unforgivable" and if "his death really not regrettable."
Qin Sang left without a word, but Yi Lianyi knew she had agreed. He confided to the Eldest Sister-in-Law that his true purpose in kneeling was not merely to ensure their rescue, but to compel Qin Sang to keep the secret of Fan Yanyun's involvement forever after their safe return. He feared that if this secret came out, it would ignite a fierce conflict between the brothers, leading to disaster for the Yi family.
He also revealed that Yi Liankai himself had deliberately increased the ransom amount to guarantee his and Fan Yanyun's safety, knowing that the higher the ransom, the less likely the kidnappers would harm them. Qin Sang, alone in the courtyard, was deeply troubled, Deng Yulin's cautionary words echoing in her mind. Her heart was heavy with conflicting emotions as she envisioned Yi Liankai and Fan Yanyun together, yet her mind involuntarily replayed cherished moments she had shared with Yi Liankai.
Meanwhile, in captivity, Yi Liankai asked Fan Yanyun if she was scared. She laughed, declaring it "the best day of my life" and expressing no fear. She even embraced their shared captivity as a sign from the heavens, pitying her devotion and allowing them to die together, as they couldn't be united in life. Yi Liankai dismissed her sentiments, telling her he wouldn't let her die and felt he owed it to "Teacher."
Fan Yanyun then revealed that the kidnappers had used her ring as proof, explaining her desire for Yi Jipei and Yi Lianshen to know she was kidnapped with him, hoping their "affection" would no longer be concealed. Yi Liankai called her "evil," to which she retorted that she had become evil after he and her father had "sacrificed" her. Yi Liankai, surprised, asked if she truly believed he didn't know.
Fan Yanyun realized with dismay, "So my father lied to me! I am really an idiot." She finally understood that Yi Liankai was unaware of her "sacrifice." Later, Yi Jipei continued his mahjong game, and the Eldest Sister-in-Law brought him more tea, this time without any messages inscribed on the cup. Yi Lianshen also attempted to leave the mahjong table but was prevented by Yi Jipei. Driven by her turmoil and concern, Qin Sang sought out Pan Jianchi, asking for his help.
Episode 13 Recap
Qin Sang, despite knowing the immense danger, made the difficult decision to ask Pan Jianchi for help in rescuing Yi Liankai, as she truly had no one else to turn to. Pan Jianchi readily agreed, assuring her he would save Yi Liankai and promising to stay by her side at all times, no matter what, to ensure her safety. He also noted his duty as Yi Liankai's adjutant to save his superior.
Reviewing the initial ransom letter, Pan Jianchi observed that a character meaning "ten" had been nominally added to the ransom amount, but otherwise, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Qin Sang (who sometimes referred to Yi Liankai as "Lan Po") emphasized the need to identify the kidnapper discreetly, before anyone else, particularly Yi Lianshen, found out, to ensure Yi Liankai's safe return. Meanwhile, Yi Jipei continued a protracted mahjong game with Yi Lianshen and others, keeping them tired and distracted.
Though everyone was weary, Yi Jipei insisted on playing, a tactic to stall them. Separately, Pan Jianchi sought assistance from Wuji at the Tianmeng Hui organization to uncover the identities of Yi Liankai's kidnappers. Wuji informed him that they had already dispatched people to investigate who was orchestrating the kidnapping, advising Pan Jianchi to be extra cautious until the true identities of these individuals were revealed. Pan Jianchi then drove Qin Sang to search for clues regarding the kidnappers' location.
Noticing Qin Sang's visible tension, he asked if she still harbored resentment towards him. As they spoke, Qin Sang spotted Fan Yanyun's car by the roadside. They stopped to investigate. Pan Jianchi instinctively reached out to pull Qin Sang away from scattered broken glass, but she quickly pulled her hand away. Upon inspecting the scene, Pan Jianchi found clear signs of a struggle, suggesting that Fan Yanyun would not have surrendered without a fight.
Yi Liankai and Fan Yanyun were found bound together in a secluded room. Fan Yanyun then fabricated the claim that Yi Lianshen was behind the kidnapping. Yi Liankai immediately dismissed this, reasoning that even if his Second Brother wanted to scheme against him, he would never harm Fan Yanyun. He concluded that the kidnappers were attempting to sow discord among the Yi brothers.
Fan Yanyun, however, expressed a weary wish for the accusation to be true, hoping it would provide an escape from her current hypocritical existence. Yi Liankai tried to convince her that Yi Lianshen truly loved her and would even sacrifice his life for her, unlike Yi Liankai himself, who had always viewed her only as a sister.
Fan Yanyun vehemently disagreed, recalling Yi Liankai's constant presence in her childhood compared to Yi Lianshen's cold indifference, and that she only married Yi Lianshen because of her father. She still wanted to be with Yi Liankai. Yi Liankai countered that Yi Lianshen had, in fact, often taken the blame for their youthful transgressions to protect her, and had privately warned Yi Liankai not to lead Fan Yanyun into trouble.
Yi Liankai then opened up about his own childhood, confessing his resentment and envy towards his elder brothers, who, as sons of the first wife, seemed to have everything from birth. As the son of a concubine, he felt destined for nothing, even receiving different treatment from the servants. This early realization taught him that to acquire anything, one must fight for it.
He further explained that he married Qin Sang because she was "unimportant," a strategic choice that would allow him not to care if she were ever used as leverage against him. Fan Yanyun questioned this, asking why he still kept Qin Sang's handkerchief, and why he would marry Qin Sang and "mess with Min Hongyu."
Yi Liankai explained that the handkerchief reminded him of the lonely and helpless days after his mother’s death, a period during which he learned to endure and understood that "as long as I live and breathe, there will be a million possibilities." He implored Fan Yanyun to stop pressuring him, stating she would gain nothing from him, and advised her that "staying alive is the best choice."
A new letter from the kidnappers arrived, demanding the ransom be delivered by 6:00 p. m. that day, or they would kill the hostages. Pan Jianchi analyzed the situation, concluding that this was a well-orchestrated kidnapping, not primarily for money, but to destabilize the Yi family, as the kidnappers' employers' true condition was to lock them up for a few days and then kill them. Qin Sang and Deng Yulin began preparing the ransom.
Pan Jianchi, having obtained information about the kidnappers' hiding spot, decided to go there directly to rescue Yi Liankai and Fan Yanyun before the ransom delivery. Qin Sang insisted on accompanying him. Deng Yulin reluctantly agreed, instructing Pan Jianchi to ensure Qin Sang's safety above all else. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai, refusing to passively await rescue, observed the three kidnappers guarding them and formulated a plan. He alerted Fan Yanyun to cooperate.
He analyzed the kidnappers' personalities, deducing that one was a rude and bold thief, another a compassionate vendor, and the third a calm second-in-command. He then offered the kidnappers a proposition: he claimed to have recently discovered a gold mine, whose location he would reveal in exchange for their freedom. After some deliberation, "Brother Hu," the lead kidnapper, was swayed by the temptation and agreed to the trade.
Yi Liankai then proposed a card game with the three kidnappers, a game at which he excelled. He easily won the first round. As Qin Sang and Pan Jianchi continued their search for the hideout, Pan Jianchi pressed Qin Sang about his standing in her life, asking if she would say she had never loved him.
Qin Sang responded with a wistful reflection: if her father had not retired, her mother had not passed away, and she had not married Yi Liankai, she would still be the carefree Qin Sang, and countless possibilities might have existed between them. However, she now preferred to live in her memories. She recounted the solemn vow she made to her dying mother to marry Yi Liankai and help her father regain his political standing.
Pan Jianchi persisted, asking what she would choose if given another chance. Qin Sang firmly stated that they could not go back, urging him to cease his "irresponsible talk." She explained that Yi Liankai's survival was crucial not only for herself but also for her father and her late mother. She confessed that she wished she had been the one kidnapped, to lessen her burden, and declared, "Even if he dies, he has to die next to me."
Back at the Yi mansion, Yi Jipei's mahjong game continued. Yi Lianshen's restless uncle wandered out but was intercepted by Murong Qian. Following Yi Lianyi's prior instructions, Murong Qian subtly discouraged the uncle, who soon became impatient and left. Yi Lianyi then ordered additional guards to secure the compound, ensuring no one could leave those specific yards.
Yi Liankai continued to win repeatedly in the card game, which infuriated Brother Hu, who accused him of cheating and pointed a gun at him. Seizing the chaotic moment, Yi Liankai swiftly snatched the gun, shot and killed a henchman, and then aimed the gun at Brother Hu. However, amidst the commotion, Fan Yanyun, distracted by her concern for Yi Liankai, was taken hostage by the remaining kidnapper.
Yi Liankai, undeterred, shot Brother Hu in the foot, forcing the other kidnapper to agree to an exchange. As Fan Yanyun walked towards Yi Liankai, she suddenly lunged at Brother Hu, creating another opening for Yi Liankai to shoot and kill the second kidnapper. Yet, in the struggle, Brother Hu managed to seize Fan Yanyun again.
Brother Hu, holding Fan Yanyun, opened the door to escape, only to be shot dead by Pan Jianchi, who had just arrived at the scene. Qin Sang, witnessing the dramatic rescue, froze. Yi Liankai spotted Qin Sang, a subtle smile playing on his lips. He walked towards the doorway, bypassing Fan Yanyun, who had expected him to come to her. Instead, he rushed past her and embraced Qin Sang tightly.
Both Fan Yanyun and Pan Jianchi watched, their hearts heavy with pain, with Fan Yanyun questioning, "Why me?" Yi Liankai held Qin Sang close, telling her to "hold me tightly." Qin Sang, still shaken, reminded him, "Yanyun is watching us." With Yi Liankai and Fan Yanyun safely returned, Murong Qian brought tea to Yi Jipei, who was still engaged in the mahjong game, suggesting he rest if he was tired.
Realizing the crisis had been averted, Yi Jipei declared the game over and dismissed everyone to rest. After the game dispersed, Yi Lianshen's uncle immediately questioned him about any unusual occurrences within the family, suspecting Yi Jipei had deliberately orchestrated the mahjong game to keep them from discovering something.
Yi Lianshen, however, dismissed his uncle's paranoia, assuring him that nothing significant had happened and advising him to shed his suspicious nature, also noting that Yi Jipei would not have let them leave if he hadn't won enough. Later, in their room, Yi Lianshen apologized to Fan Yanyun for being away playing mahjong all day. Fan Yanyun remained silent, leading Yi Lianshen to assume she was upset about his failure to find her father's killer.
He explained that Yi Jipei currently controlled all matters within the Yi family, and his own suspension prevented him from investigating. He promised that once he assumed control of the Yi family, he would immediately find the killer to avenge her father and ensure she would never be harmed again. Overwhelmed by her unspoken grievances, Fan Yanyun could only lean into his embrace for comfort.
Yi Liankai thanked Pan Jianchi for his timely intervention and asked if he had come on his own initiative or at Qin Sang's request. Pan Jianchi, with a practiced reply, stated that as Yi Liankai's subordinate, he was bound to save him, but also acknowledged his duty to listen to "your wife," Qin Sang. Yi Liankai seemed pleased with the answer, praising Pan Jianchi's exceptional marksmanship, particularly his ability to calculate the timing of his shots during such a crisis. As Yi Liankai walked away, Pan Jianchi privately thought that he was "one more step closer to my plan."
Episode 14 Recap
Yi Liankai reported to Yi Jipei about his kidnapping. He stated there were five kidnappers in total; three responsible for watching and transporting them were dead, and the two tasked with collecting ransom were now imprisoned. When Yi Jipei inquired how he devised the card game solution, Yi Liankai explained that he learned the trick from observing Yi Jipei himself as a child, recalling how Yi Jipei had used card games to divide warlords.
He added that regardless of the scale, the principle of "killing three men with two peaches" remained the same. Yi Jipei, however, pointed out that while Yi Liankai thought he was playing a game, others were also playing him. Yi Jipei also questioned why Fan Yanyun was with him, to which Yi Liankai replied that the kidnappers had identified the wrong woman.
Yi Jipei made it clear that the kidnappers' true objective was not just to eliminate Yi Liankai, but all three Yi brothers. He then sternly advised Yi Liankai to abandon his playboy habits now that he was home and always prioritize the family. Yi Liankai acknowledged this, also noting that he hadn't anticipated such a "low-level" but effective attempt at kidnapping.
Yi Jipei speculated that only two and a half men could be behind such a vicious plot: his old friend Murong Chen, Fu Rongcai (who had sided with Li Chongnian), and a third, who had long since vanished. He concluded that it must be Fu Rongcai. Meanwhile, Fu Rongcai and Chief Marshal Li Chongnian were engaged in a game of chess.
Li Chongnian expressed his frustration, noting that despite their efforts, they had failed to make any impact on the Yi family. Fu Rongcai remained unfazed, explaining that the Yi family's resilience stemmed from their numerous heirs. He acknowledged the challenge of dealing with both the second and third Yi sons, as well as the elusive patriarch, Yi Jipei, who preferred to operate from the shadows like "a dragon in the clouds."
Fu Rongcai expressed his intent to continue pressuring Yi Jipei, believing that Yi Jipei would eventually fall for their schemes, even if he pretended to delegate power to his sons while performing "dirty tricks behind the scenes." He stated that he had planted many "seeds" and would ensure they grew, promising to nurture them until they bore fruit. Leaving the study, Yi Liankai met his eldest brother, Yi Lianyi, and recounted the kidnapping.
Yi Lianyi remarked on the evilness of the bandits and expressed gratitude to Pan Jianchi for saving Yi Liankai, vowing to thank him the next day. Yi Liankai then asked about the "half person" their father had mentioned, curious about the identity of someone Yi Jipei would regard so cautiously. Yi Lianyi sighed, revealing it was their sixth uncle, Yi Shoucheng, who was no longer alive.
He explained that back when Yi Liankai was young and staying outside with his third mother, he wouldn't have known about Yi Shoucheng. Sixth Uncle and Mr. Fan were once known as "Jiangzuo's Twin Pillars," with one devising strategies and the other leading wars to conquer land. However, Yi Shoucheng, feeling he had killed too many, had retreated to practice Buddhism in the backyard.
He later perished in a house fire, an incident that also left Yi Lianyi crippled after he fell off his horse. Yi Lianyi also commented on the notion of karma, given his own injury. Yi Liankai tried to console his brother, urging him not to dwell on the past and asserting that with Yi Lianyi as the strategist and their second brother as the general, the family remained strong.
Yi Lianyi complimented Yi Liankai's quick learning and fighting skills from childhood, lamenting how much he had changed since his mother's death, though he believed it wasn't his true self. Yi Lianyi then suggested Yi Liankai had been blaming his (Yi Liankai's) mother. Yi Liankai quickly dismissed the idea, stating that his mother had been dead for so long.
He stressed that as a member of the Yi family, he was committed to protecting and serving his brothers, urging them to unite against their common enemy. Before Yi Liankai left, Yi Lianyi asked if his encounter with Fan Yanyun was truly accidental.
Yi Liankai swore he harbored no personal feelings for his second sister-in-law, emphasizing her deep love for his second brother and the fact that their marriage was arranged by their teacher, so there was no reason for suspicion. Yi Lianyi dismissed his query as paranoia. Qin Housheng was on his way to fetch water when he unexpectedly encountered Pan Jianchi.
Immediately recognizing him as Li Wangping, Qin Housheng angrily accused him of deceiving Qin Sang once more, recalling how he had abandoned her and almost caused her death. Pan Jianchi retorted, claiming he never tricked Qin Sang and that her current unhappiness stemmed from Qin Housheng's interference. He asserted that Qin Sang was merely putting on an act for her father, suffering in silence.
Qin Housheng was surprised by this, asking if Qin Sang was truly lying to him about her happiness. Pan Jianchi then revealed that Qin Sang had vowed to her dying mother to marry Yi Liankai to help her father regain his political standing, implying her sacrifice and underlying misery. Back in her room, Qin Sang had packed her suitcase, intending to leave. Auntie Zhu, noticing Qin Sang's packed winter clothes, questioned her sudden departure.
Just then, Yi Liankai entered, instructing Auntie Zhu to leave before confronting Qin Sang about her destination. Qin Sang stoically stated she was going to take her father home for a while. Yi Liankai snatched her suitcase, urging her not to go.
Qin Sang sarcastically asked if he intended to use her as a shield again, to which Yi Liankai retorted that she had been his shield for a long time, suggesting her sudden reluctance meant she had developed feelings for him. Qin Sang denied this, but Yi Liankai insisted that her desperate cries of his name and the look in her eyes when she saw him after his kidnapping proved her feelings.
Qin Sang, frustrated, tried to grab the suitcase back, but Yi Liankai threw it to the ground. He then covered her ears and confessed that during the kidnapping, his greatest fear wasn't death, but losing her. Qin Sang retorted that he should save such words for his second sister-in-law and Min Hongyu, as she would not listen to them.
Qin Sang, uninterested in his words, broke free and rushed out, only to find her father, Qin Housheng, standing at the door. Enraged, Qin Housheng slapped Qin Sang, accusing her of bringing "that wild man" home and humiliating him. Yi Liankai quickly intervened, claiming it was merely "them fooling around" and asked the father and daughter to talk, before excusing himself.
Inside the room, Qin Housheng confronted Qin Sang, questioning if her current unhappy "modern marriage" with infidelity and dishonesty was what she truly desired, lamenting the disgrace she brought upon their family by bringing Pan Jianchi into their home. Qin Sang tried to explain that the man was Pan Jianchi, not Li Wangping, and that "the Li Wangping in my heart has died."
She clarified that Pan Jianchi was only staying because Yi Liankai had made him his adjutant after Pan Jianchi saved Yi Liankai's life during an ambush on Zhishan Mountain, where Deng Yulin had asked her to save her cousin, Pan Jianchi. Qin Housheng, however, refused to accept any excuses, emphasizing their family's decency and the importance of a wife's loyalty. He insisted that with their shared past, people would inevitably suspect impropriety.
Qin Sang declared she didn't care what others thought and only wanted to live her life. Her father countered that her life should be about living happily with Yi Liankai, believing that despite their initial circumstances, they could develop a connection over time. He worried that Pan Jianchi's continued presence would prevent Qin Sang from ever truly focusing on Yi Liankai.
When Qin Housheng threatened to reveal Pan Jianchi's true identity to the Yi family to sever their ties once and for all, Qin Sang knelt, pleading with her father to reconsider. She promised to make Pan Jianchi leave soon and dedicate herself to Yi Liankai, making their marriage work. Qin Housheng accepted her promise, warning her to uphold it. Back in her room, Qin Sang picked up her luggage, which Yi Liankai had tossed, and saw her mother's photograph inside.
Her mind drifted back to the past when her father had been removed from office. Her mother, accompanied by her aunt, often took Qin Sang to various high-society balls. Her aunt fondly reminisced about Qin Sang's mother's youthful beauty and her choice to marry Qin Housheng over many wealthy suitors, praising his straightforward nature. Qin Sang's mother, however, worried about the family's disgrace with Qin Housheng imprisoned, despite believing his crime was fabricated by Fu Rongcai.
At one particular ball, Qin Sang’s mother criticized her for dancing with "empty-headed handsome men," stressing the need to find someone with genuine power, not just wealth, to save Qin Housheng. She warned that families without power, no matter how grand, were like "paper shelves" that couldn't withstand the rain. Qin Sang responded sarcastically, promising to find a "nice buyer" and "sell herself for a good price."
Soon after, Yi Liankai made a grand entrance, and Qin Sang's mother pointed him out to Qin Sang as the kind of powerful, wealthy family they sought. Moments later, Qin Sang's mother suddenly collapsed. Yi Liankai immediately stepped forward, took charge, and arranged for her to be taken to the hospital in his car, reassuring a distraught Qin Sang that everything would be alright.
Qin Sang's mother then insisted she go thank Yi Liankai in person, despite Qin Sang's reluctance and sarcastic remarks about "sending herself over there without any shame." Forced to comply, Qin Sang arrived at the Yi residence. Yi Liankai greeted her, introduced himself, and asked if she remembered their first meeting. Qin Sang, assuming he meant the previous day's ball, politely thanked him for saving her mother and excused herself, stating her mother was still hospitalized.
As she limped away, Yi Liankai noticed her injured feet, which she attributed to blisters from dancing. Observing her plight, Yi Liankai thoughtfully decided to cancel the upcoming ball at his mansion that evening. After her visit, Qin Sang's mother was disheartened to learn that Yi Liankai hadn't even asked for Qin Sang's name. She worried about their slim chances, especially after the Yi mansion's ball, which Qin Sang was preparing for, was abruptly called off.
Qin Sang expressed her distaste for constantly changing outfits like a "commercial actress," but her mother stressed the desperate situation: with Qin Housheng imprisoned and disgraced by Fu Rongcai, their family was vulnerable, and only Qin Sang could secure their revenge and salvation. Qin Sang agreed to seek revenge but stipulated that once her "debt" to her mother was paid, her mother should no longer interfere in her life.
Her mother, deeply hurt, insisted her actions were always for Qin Sang's good, wishing her a happy marriage. Qin Sang, however, retorted that her heart had "died" the day her mother drove Li Wangping away, and declared she would marry anyone her mother chose for her. She then speculated that the cancellation of the ball was likely due to Yi Liankai noticing her injured feet, hinting at a connection. Soon after, Yi Liankai's teacher, Mr. Fan, visited Qin Sang's mother.
Mr. Fan noted the connection between Qin Sang's maternal Wu clan and Yi Liankai's mother's Yun family, both prominent in the previous dynasty. He formally proposed marriage on behalf of Yi Liankai, also subtly hinting at his willingness to help Qin Housheng. However, Qin Sang's mother, while acknowledging Mr. Fan's efforts, initially refused the proposal. Determined, Yi Liankai personally arrived at the Qin residence with numerous lavish gifts, effectively blocking the entrance.
When a servant conveyed Qin Sang's mother's rejection, Yi Liankai, like a shrewd businessman, insisted that no deal was impossible and that he would provide a satisfactory outcome if she was willing to negotiate. Qin Sang, overhearing Auntie Zhu's account of the blocked gate and her mother's steadfast refusal, believed her mother simply didn't want to let her go. Eventually, Qin Sang's mother agreed to meet Yi Liankai.
She stated her concern about marrying off her daughter through a "business deal." Yi Liankai acknowledged her initial rejection, asking what aspects of him she found unsatisfactory. Qin Sang's mother, wary of his reputation as a "womanizer" and the Yi family's recent rise to power, expressed her fear that his affection for Qin Sang might be fleeting, leading her innocent daughter to mistake infatuation for true love and suffer for the rest of her life.
Yi Liankai, admitting his past youthful follies, vowed to change. He promised to love only Qin Sang for the rest of his life and never marry anyone else. To prove his sincerity, he offered Qin Sang the key to his gold vault in France, containing fifty-thousand tael and antiques, as compensation should he ever cause her harm.
He assured her that if she agreed to the marriage, he would ensure Qin Sang would attain "the sort of pride that makes everyone look up to her." Qin Sang's mother acknowledged the weight of his promise. Moved by Yi Liankai's sincere promises and gestures, Qin Sang's mother finally agreed to the marriage, believing that despite his reputation, he came from a respectable family and possessed exceptional grace.
She told Qin Sang that she feared Qin Sang might cry in the future if she chose to give her what she wanted, but she wouldn't allow her to suffer. Qin Sang, however, responded with a mix of resentment and pragmatism.
She coldly stated that marrying into the powerful Yi family, whose status in Jiangzuo was unmatched, would not only help her father regain his position and bring pride to her maternal family, but it would also be a profitable "trade deal," even if Yi Liankai were "a devil from hell." Her mother, acknowledging Qin Sang's long-held grudge and belief that she prioritized the Qin family over her daughter's happiness, tried to dissuade her from repeating her own difficult life.
She revealed the struggles and conflicts she faced with Qin Housheng in maintaining their family, hoping Qin Sang would have a happier life. Qin Sang promised to marry Yi Liankai but then heartlessly questioned if her mother's illness was genuine. Shocked and deeply hurt by her daughter's cruel suspicion, Qin Sang's mother coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed, dying shortly after, leaving Qin Sang in profound regret.
At Qin Sang's mother's funeral, Yi Liankai arrived to pay his respects. Qin Housheng thanked Yi Liankai, implying his release from prison was due to Yi Liankai's help. Later, on their wedding night, Yi Liankai approached Qin Sang, apologizing for having made her wait so long. Qin Sang, however, remained cold, telling him they didn't need such pleasantries.
She then revealed her true motive, stating that her father had been scammed by Fu Rongcai, and she had promised her dying mother that she would find him. Yi Liankai's heart shattered at this confirmation of his suspicions. He clenched his clothes in anger and departed from the room.
Episode 15 Recap
Qin Sang wept as she gazed at her mother's photograph, reflecting on her promise to marry Yi Liankai. She admitted that at the time, she felt numb to both happiness and sadness, thinking she was already "dead." She never anticipated Yi Liankai would be the man he turned out to be, nor did she expect Li Wangping's return. Now, having drawn both men into peril, she found herself in an impossible situation.
She questioned if her mother would blame her should she choose to give up. Later, Yi Lianshen visited Pan Jianchi and, after exchanging pleasantries, remarked on Pan Jianchi's academic excellence and his distinctive pen. Pan Jianchi humbly deflected the compliments before explaining that the pen was a special award from his East Asian military academy, given to top students, and held immense sentimental value, which is why he always carried it.
He offered to have a friend procure a few more for Yi Lianshen if he liked it, but Yi Lianshen politely declined, stating he was merely curious. Fan Yanyun sought out Miss Deng to inquire about studying abroad. Miss Deng, a modern woman with Western education, shared insights into the current global situation, contrasting war-torn Europe with the vibrant progress in America. She then asked if Fan Yanyun intended to settle or merely travel.
Fan Yanyun confessed she was simply "uncomfortable at home" and yearned to escape. Miss Deng empathized, likening a beautiful home to a cage that stifles women, especially those who have tasted freedom, and offered her assistance. Upon returning to the Yi residence, Fan Yanyun approached Yi Jipei with her desire to study abroad or resume teaching at a university. Yi Jipei, who had watched her grow up and considered her his daughter, expressed his understanding.
He spoke of Mr. Fan's life as a grand "chess match" that, despite its apparent success, demanded sacrifices. Yi Jipei believed the Yi family's fragile peace was maintained by Fan Yanyun's sacrifice, and her departure would cause the family to "fall apart." He acknowledged her dislike for Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai's mistreatment of her love.
Yet, given their current circumstances, he pleaded with her to stay for one more year, urging her to carefully observe if Yi Lianshen could be a trustworthy husband. He promised that if she still wished to leave after that year, he would personally arrange her relocation to France to start anew. Tearfully, Fan Yanyun agreed. Yi Jipei later confided in Yi Lianyi that while he had many women in his life, he understood their minds.
He compared love to winemaking, emphasizing the need for patience and how outside influences could sour it. He noted that Yi Liankai's previous absence had allowed certain emotions to settle, but now that he was back, those feelings were resurfacing. Deciding Yi Liankai needed to be away for a while, Yi Jipei then summoned his three sons. He informed them that despite Mr. Fan's funeral being over, the issues it exposed remained unresolved.
While many saw the Yi family as honorable in their grief, others perceived them as weakened. He pointed out that Old Champ Cheng, a powerful leader in the financial and business world, had failed to attend the funeral, even though Fan Yanyun had suggested him to hold the funerary tablet. This absence signaled a potential rift, threatening the Yi family's crucial financial backing.
Yi Lianshen volunteered to visit Old Champ Cheng in Yongnan, but Yi Jipei redirected him to spend more time with Fan Yanyun, stating they hadn't been together much in recent years. Instead, he assigned Yi Liankai to the task, recognizing his connections in the business world. Before Yi Liankai's departure, he washed his father's feet.
Yi Jipei reminisced about Yi Liankai's childhood naughtiness, recalling how he would disappear to catch and roast fish by the river, a memory Yi Jipei cherished. He shared his concern that although the world viewed the Yi family as impenetrable, internal "cracks" existed that could eventually lead to disaster.
He stressed the importance of Old Champ Cheng's upcoming birthday celebration in Yongnan, asserting that only the old man's intentions mattered, and Yi Liankai "knew what to do" if he harbored any "other ideas." Qin Sang later spoke with Yi Liankai, mentioning Fan Yanyun's desire to go abroad. Feeling responsible for involving him in their complicated lives, she offered to step aside if he still harbored feelings for Fan Yanyun, promising him her blessing.
Yi Liankai, visibly hurt and exasperated, questioned Qin Sang's true feelings, remarking, "Qin Sang, oh Qin Sang. I really want to know what your heart is made of." Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen, while packing, expressed his newfound desire to spend time with Fan Yanyun, explaining that his years in the army prevented him from accompanying her, and his current suspension provided a much-needed opportunity.
Fan Yanyun, surprised by his change of heart from his usual pursuit of military power, listened as he passionately declared his lifelong desire to be with her. He recalled guarding her as a child, letting her cause trouble knowing he would always protect her, and now yearned for a simple life where they could explore the world, settle where she found happiness, and raise children "as mischievous and cute as you were when you were little."
Deeply moved by his words, Fan Yanyun assured him that she would not leave. Min Hongyu, learning of Yi Liankai's trip to Yongnan, implored him to take her along. She worried that her humble background would lead to her being scorned by her hometownspeople if she returned alone, but traveling with the Third Young Master of the Yi family would grant her respect. Yi Liankai playfully asked if she had any "unfinished love story" in her hometown.
Min Hongyu responded with a wistful smile, "Is there anything in the world that's completely separate from the word 'love'?" Returning to his room, Yi Liankai found Qin Sang asleep with a book. He gently tried to retrieve it, waking her. He teasingly asked if the "dull" man in her life was reading love stories. He then took her hand and lay beside her, asking her to accompany him to Yongnan.
He spoke of a beautiful flower field he visited there with his mother as a child, where a renowned artist from the Cheng family had woven a tapestry for his mother while she sat amidst the blossoms. He wondered if that flower field still existed. Qin Sang listened, her expression pensive. Qin Sang later sought out Pan Jianchi and directly asked him if he would still be willing to wait for her if their childhood flower field in Yongnan remained.
He unequivocally affirmed that he would wait "until you come." Qin Sang then presented him with an immediate opportunity, asking if he dared to go with her. Pan Jianchi hesitated, acknowledging Yi Liankai's shrewdness and stressing the need for careful planning. Qin Sang instructed him that if he was truly brave, he should go to Yongnan and fly a kite in the flower field in front of Old Champ Cheng's house; if she saw the kite, she would find him.
Yi Liankai recommended Pan Jianchi to Yi Jipei, praising his bravery, his top academic achievements from a Japanese military academy, and his skills in strategy and gunnery, noting Pan Jianchi had saved him from kidnappers. Yi Jipei, confirming Pan Jianchi was the Tian Meng Association member Yi Liankai had asked Gao Peide to rescue, agreed he needed capable people but wished to assess Pan Jianchi himself.
When asked how to resolve Li Chongnian's encirclement of Changye, Pan Jianchi coolly replied there was no need, as the map used was five years old and the threat no longer existed. Impressed, Yi Jipei pressed him further, asking how to eliminate Li Chongnian. Pan Jianchi boldly asserted that Yi Jipei could easily eliminate Li Chongnian at any time but deliberately kept him alive as an "excuse" to appear preoccupied with Jiangzuo, thereby remaining detached from larger national affairs.
Yi Jipei, recognizing Pan Jianchi's intelligence and daring, seemed thoroughly pleased with his answers. As Yi Liankai and Pan Jianchi exited Yi Jipei's study, they encountered Qin Sang. Yi Liankai excitedly informed Qin Sang that his father would soon favor Pan Jianchi greatly. Qin Sang offered congratulations, but her words carried a double meaning, subtly reminding Pan Jianchi of their secret agreement.
After Qin Sang and Yi Liankai left, Pan Jianchi was left in a state of deep reflection, caught between two difficult choices. Yi Liankai escorted Qin Sang back to her room, where she complained of a headache and wished to rest. He left, but then swiftly returned, pulling her into an embrace and kissing her forehead, asking if that would make her headache disappear.
Qin Sang dismissed his romantic gestures, telling him to offer such words to someone who wanted to hear them. He insisted they were meant only for her, adding, "If I kiss your eyes, will you stop crying?" He then advised her to get to bed early, as they would depart for Yongnan in a few days.
Later, Zhu Ma plucked a white hair from Qin Sang's head and urged her to consider having a child, believing it would help stabilize Yi Liankai. She suggested Qin Sang be "kinder to herself" to improve her relationship with Yi Liankai. Zhu Ma viewed the trip to Yongnan as a prime opportunity for the couple to rekindle their romance and have a baby.
She even invoked Qin Sang's deceased mother, saying she had promised to care for Qin Sang and that people would talk if she didn't conceive soon. Zhu Ma earnestly pleaded with Qin Sang, "as if I am speaking for your dead mother," to have a child, believing it would compel Yi Liankai to "spend more time at home." Qin Sang, however, remained distracted and unresponsive.
Episode 16 Recap
While exploring the streets, Qin Sang inquired with a kite vendor about conditions in Yongnan, specifically the pier and boat rental services. Her conversation was overheard by Min Hongyu, who was inside a nearby shop. Qin Housheng, having learned that Qin Sang would be traveling to Yongnan in a couple of days, brought her favorite osmanthus cakes for the journey. Qin Sang instructed her father to return to Qianping immediately after she departed.
That evening, Yi Jipei hosted a family dinner to see off Yi Liankai and Qin Sang. Qin Housheng took this opportunity to announce his own departure. Yi Jipei tried to persuade him to stay longer, but Qin Housheng politely declined, so Yi Jipei arranged for local Fuyuan specialties to be prepared for his journey back to Qianping. Shortly after dinner, Fan Yanyun knelt before her father's portrait, making two vows.
First, she promised to live well with Yi Lianshen, ensuring her father could rest in peace, knowing they would act as one. Second, and most importantly, she revealed she had found clues regarding her father's murderer. She lamented that the Yi family, still consumed by power struggles, cared little for her pain. While others might forget, she could not, and vowed to avenge her father.
Though she wished not to live in hatred, she stated she would find no peace until the killer was found, asserting this was the Fan family’s matter, not the Yi family’s. Yi Jipei confided in Huaixiu that laughter had been rare since Mr. Fan's passing. He expressed relief that Yi Lianshen had been accompanying Fan Yanyun, alleviating his guilt towards Mr. Fan.
He then instructed Huaixiu to prepare two identical sets of clothing for Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai, adding cryptically that only one of them would be able to wear it, depending on their capabilities. Yi Jipei revealed his personal desire to keep Yi Liankai out of politics, feeling a deep debt to Yi Liankai’s birth mother.
He confessed his favoritism, preferring Yi Liankai to remain an ordinary man, staying peacefully at home to fulfill his filial duties, rather than achieving greatness. Late that night, Min Hongyu arrived at the Yi residence to meet Yi Liankai, bringing with her a "Jiu Ren" kite. She explained that in her hometown of Yongnan, kites served as witnesses for both business and marriage, with the "Jiu Ren" being the finest.
Presenting such a kite to an elder, she suggested, would surely win his favor and make Yi Liankai's mission much easier. Yi Liankai questioned her motive for helping him. Min Hongyu candidly stated that she had debts to collect in Yongnan and needed him as her protector, especially as she was just a woman. She flirted, suggesting this would fulfill rumors of their affection.
When Yi Liankai pressed for his benefit, she leaned in and whispered a secret: "That Third Young Mistress of yours is about to spread her wings and fly away, I'm afraid." Meanwhile, Pan Jianchi reported to Tianshu via telephone that his integration into the Yi family was proceeding smoothly. Yi Liankai had formally recommended him to Yi Jipei, who had tested him with a five-year-old map of Jiangzuo's territories, queries about defeating Li Chongnian, and the future development of Jiangzuo.
Pan Jianchi assured Tianshu that he had successfully passed these tests, having memorized ten years of Jiangzuo's battles as instructed, leaving no room for doubt. Tianshu cautioned Pan Jianchi to remain vigilant, emphasizing the next critical step was to earn Yi Jipei's trust. He warned that while Yi Jipei valued talent, he was also deeply suspicious, comparing him to Cao Cao.
Tianshu stressed that Pan Jianchi must overcome this barrier with flawless execution to gain leverage over Yi Jipei, reiterating that Yi Jipei was a cunning and ruthless individual who should never be underestimated. Before their departure, Yi Liankai tended to his father, washing his feet. The two reminisced about childhood memories of fishing in the river.
Yi Jipei then spoke gravely of the family's situation, noting that while outsiders saw the Yi family as a formidable fortress, unseen internal cracks posed a grave threat. He emphasized the importance of Old Master Cheng's true intentions for his upcoming birthday, instructing Yi Liankai to handle the situation appropriately if Old Master Cheng harbored any ulterior motives. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang departed from the Yi family home after receiving final instructions from their fathers.
At the Fuyuan train station, Yi Liankai handed Qin Sang a train ticket along with two ferry tickets from Yongnan. He explicitly told her that once in Yongnan, she should meet whomever she intended to see and then leave immediately on the ferry. He added that he had brought her on this trip solely to let her go, claiming she was an "eyesore" by his side. On the train, a silent tension hung between Yi Liankai and Qin Sang.
Yi Liankai then invited Min Hongyu to sit next to him, which provoked Qin Sang to accuse him of doing it on purpose before she left in a huff. Min Hongyu confronted Yi Liankai, deducing that in such chaotic times, allowing Qin Sang to travel alone could only mean he had found a safer place for her. Yi Liankai complimented Min Hongyu on her perception but criticized her for speaking too quickly.
He explained that after Qin Sang's previous kidnapping, he realized she was in danger by his side, leading him to let her go. Min Hongyu gazed at Yi Liankai, likening him to a child flying a kite—holding it when he should let it go, and letting go when he should hold onto it, only to be left with broken strings. Upon arriving in Yongnan, Yi Liankai bade Qin Sang a cold farewell and drove off with Min Hongyu.
While he stopped to buy some snacks, he spotted Qin Sang leaving in a car with a man. Yi Liankai immediately gave chase, eventually cutting them off and pulling the man from the car, punching him. Qin Sang quickly intervened, explaining that the man was Mr. Li, a friend of Deng Yulin, and apologized profusely to Mr. Li. After this altercation, Yi Liankai changed his mind and tried to prevent Qin Sang from leaving, pulling her into a tight embrace.
However, Qin Sang tearfully told him that being by his side brought her nothing but "pain and suffering," and Yi Liankai, in anguish, reluctantly released her. Yi Liankai soon arrived at the Cheng residence with his gift, only to be followed by Fu Rongcai, leading to an immediate argument between the two. Cheng Yunzhi, Old Master Cheng's son, diplomatically led them to separate guest rooms, stating his father would decide which gift to accept after resting.
Meanwhile, Pan Jianchi went to a street stall to buy a kite, intending to meet Qin Sang as they had planned. The kite vendor, a contact from his organization, made a subtle remark about the rapidly changing weather, which caused Pan Jianchi's expression to harden. Despite Qin Sang's hopeful arrival at the designated flower field, it remained empty. Min Hongyu intercepted Qin Sang, asking her about her next steps.
Qin Sang, filled with self-pity, declared she wanted to die, expressing profound disappointment with everything. Min Hongyu questioned why Qin Sang would choose death for someone who abandoned her, especially when she had a man who "deeply loves" her. Qin Sang found Min Hongyu's words mocking. Min Hongyu then threatened that if Qin Sang left, she would inform Yi Jipei that Qin Sang had eloped, which would bring serious trouble upon Qin Housheng.
She urged Qin Sang to return to Yi Liankai, forget her futile endeavors, and rely on her own strength to live. Qin Sang eventually returned to Yi Liankai. Just then, a Cheng family servant announced that Old Master Cheng was available to see both Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai. Hearing Fu Rongcai's name, Qin Sang became visibly agitated, accusing him of deceiving her father and causing her mother's death. Overwhelmed by a desire for revenge, she lunged towards him.
Yi Liankai held her back, trying to calm her, but Qin Sang seized the opportunity to snatch his gun from his waist and held it to her own head, threatening him to stay back.
Episode 17 Recap
Qin Sang stood in the courtyard, holding a gun and shouting for Fu Rongcai to come out. Yi Liankai rushed after her, attempting to persuade her to calm down, but in her agitated state, Qin Sang accidentally fired a shot into the air. The sound drew Cheng Yunzhi, who admonished them, stating that this was Yongnan, and even the influential Yi family could not wield weapons indiscriminately.
At that moment, Fu Rongcai emerged leisurely from the room, boldly proclaiming himself the matchmaker responsible for Qin Sang's union with his fellow disciple. Yi Liankai tried to lead Qin Sang away, but she stubbornly insisted that Fu Rongcai explain everything. Fu Rongcai chuckled triumphantly, revealing he had been anticipating this moment of truth since the very day Yi Liankai got married.
Yi Liankai attempted to silence him, but Qin Sang, enraged, pointed the gun at Yi Liankai and ordered him to stop talking. Yi Liankai criticized her for daring to point a gun at her own husband. Qin Sang scoffed, declaring her sole desire for the truth, and directly asked Fu Rongcai about his actual relationship with Yi Liankai. Fu Rongcai then disclosed that he was Mr. Fan’s eldest disciple, and Yi Liankai was Mr. Fan’s closed-door disciple.
Qin Sang confronted Yi Liankai, demanding to know if Fu Rongcai’s words were true. Instead of answering directly, Yi Liankai countered by asking if she truly intended to shoot him, given she couldn't even hold the gun steady. Qin Sang retorted, surprised that he, Yi Liankai, could also be afraid. Yi Liankai clarified that his fear was not of her shooting him, but of her injuring herself due to her inexperience with the gun.
Qin Sang's anger was tinged with sorrow as she recalled asking Yi Liankai countless times about Fu Rongcai’s whereabouts, only for him to always deflect and claim ignorance. Yi Liankai admitted that he had indeed lied to her, but insisted he had his reasons. Fu Rongcai, still present, continued to stir the pot, offering to reveal the entire story to Qin Sang. Yi Liankai warned Fu Rongcai that if he uttered another word, he would face severe consequences.
Cheng Yunzhi intervened, instructing his housekeeper to escort Qin Sang back to her room and arrange for a calming soup to be sent to her. Yi Liankai urged Qin Sang to return to her room, promising to explain everything later. Alone in her room, Qin Sang remembered her mother's warning about Fu Rongcai's cunning nature and his involvement in the bribery incident that implicated her father, Qin Housheng, and led to his imprisonment.
She also recalled asking Yi Liankai about Fu Rongcai, only for him to feign ignorance and claim not to know such a person. Yi Liankai had vowed to find Fu Rongcai and deal with him. Outside Old Master Cheng's quarters, Fu Rongcai mocked Yi Liankai’s composure, remarking on his progress in remaining calm even at such a critical juncture. Yi Liankai threatened to kill Fu Rongcai before Qin Sang could discover the full truth, should he reveal anything more.
Fu Rongcai taunted back, saying Yi Liankai was indeed scared that his beautiful wife would learn the truth from the past. Yi Liankai dismissed Fu Rongcai's comment, accusing him of involving a woman in their business and calling it a sign of incompetence. Fu Rongcai retorted that people would judge his competence, not Yi Liankai.
He lamented about the unfairness of the world, where those born into power could reach great heights regardless of their abilities, while he, despite his talent, had to suppress himself. Yi Liankai called his bragging, but Fu Rongcai insisted their teacher valued Yi Liankai's family identity over his own wisdom.
He further explained that since Yi Lianshen and their teacher had disagreements and Yi Lianyi was useless, their teacher chose Yi Liankai, who was closer to the core of power, to use his reputation, coupled with Fu Rongcai's intellect, to achieve his goals. Yi Liankai questioned why Fu Rongcai was now aiding Li Chongnian, betraying their teacher's wishes. Fu Rongcai replied that if Yi Liankai could break their pact for a woman, he was free to find another path.
He sadly concluded that their teacher's life goal was ruined by both of them. Fu Rongcai then challenged Yi Liankai, hoping that when they met Old Master Cheng, their teacher's soul could witness which of them was truly superior. In a flashback, Mr. Fan, Yi Liankai, and Fu Rongcai discussed how to counter Li Chongnian. Mr. Fan acknowledged the new government's symbolic significance but also noted Li Chongnian's growing power through parliamentary seats.
Yi Liankai proposed not directly fighting but instead sabotaging Li Chongnian's plans by making his bribery scheme explode. Fu Rongcai suggested finding the bribed officials and publishing scandals. Yi Liankai argued that mere scandals would not cause significant damage in Qianping's corrupt government. Instead, he proposed actively assisting Li Chongnian in his bribery to amplify the scandal. Mr. Fan agreed, noting that Li Chongnian had already bribed four key figures, but they were too powerful to be easily removed.
He suggested they create a less influential, bribed official as a target. Yi Liankai selected Qin Housheng and volunteered to persuade him in Qianping. However, Mr. Fan decided to send Fu Rongcai, deeming it a good test for him, promising him the position of top political advisor in Jiangzuo if he succeeded. Yi Liankai questioned this decision, citing Fu Rongcai's inefficiency.
Mr. Fan explained that as a non-Yi family member, Fu Rongcai had fewer vulnerabilities if exposed, whereas Yi Liankai, as the third son and the hope for Jiangzuo's future, needed to remain impeccably clean and discreet, hiding his talents and staying out of the limelight to fulfill Mr. Fan’s grand blueprint for Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai understood.
Later, Old Master Cheng received Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai, acknowledging Fu Rongcai as a renowned Jiangzuo talent and Yi Liankai as an emerging figure. He expressed difficulty in choosing between them without offending the other. To ensure fairness, he proposed asking them a question: "How many people are there in the world, and how many in Jiangzuo?" Yi Liankai answered that the world had 400 million people, with Jiangzuo accounting for 60 million.
Fu Rongcai, however, dramatically claimed there were only seven or eight people who truly mattered in the world, and five or six in Jiangzuo. He elaborated on these influential figures, naming regional warlords, the president of Qianping, and the financial power represented by Old Master Cheng himself, as well as the Yi family and its military.
He then explained that Yi Jipei's advanced age and the power struggle between his sons had diversified the decision-makers in Jiangzuo to five or six, which Marshal Li was exploiting. As Fu Rongcai spoke, Old Master Cheng appeared to doze off. Cheng Yunzhi apologized, explaining his father’s advanced age and daily nap routine at that hour. Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen accompanied Fan Yanyun, showing her a photo album and recounting the stories behind each picture.
When Fan Yanyun reached the end, she found several blank pages. Yi Lianshen explained he intentionally left them empty, envisioning filling them with many future photos of them and their children, happy family moments. Fan Yanyun was deeply touched by his heartfelt sentiment. After Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai had left, Old Master Cheng "awoke." He mused on Mr. Fan’s lifelong shrewdness, wondering how he could have trained such seemingly ineffective disciples, whose words lacked substance.
He recalled playing chess with Mr. Fan, where Mr. Fan consistently lost by a single move, only for Old Master Cheng to realize in the third game that Mr. Fan's skill far surpassed his own, allowing him complete control over the game. Such individuals, he noted, were truly formidable. He pondered whether Mr. Fan’s two disciples were genuinely incompetent or deliberately concealing their abilities. Cheng Yunzhi admitted his difficulty in choosing between them, seeing both pros and cons.
Old Master Cheng then revealed that he had already decided to ally with Li Chongnian, and his meeting with Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai was merely a formality to gauge their intentions. He advised his son to always conduct business with strangers rather than acquaintances, as his familiarity with Yi Jipei made dealings complicated. Yi Liankai returned to his room to find Qin Sang still seething, refusing to even look at him.
He approached her, taking her hand and expressing concern for her injured wrist. Qin Sang angrily pulled her hand away. Unperturbed, Yi Liankai commented on her incorrect gun-holding posture, noting that one shot had hurt her wrist, rendering her incapable of killing anyone. He emphasized that her gun should never be aimed at him. Qin Sang coldly asked if he was still feigning affection to elicit sympathy.
Yi Liankai reminded her that they were guests in the Cheng family's manor, and in public, they must maintain the appearance of a married couple. Qin Sang sighed, lamenting that their entire situation had been a tragedy from the start, with Fu Rongcai as its source, as his actions had led to her family's downfall and her forced marriage to Yi Liankai.
Hurt by her words, Yi Liankai remarked that their two-year marriage had apparently always been a tragedy in her eyes. He then instructed her to pack her belongings and leave Yongnan immediately. He explained his intention to kill Fu Rongcai, reasoning that Old Master Cheng, despite his status, would not retaliate against him, the third son of the Yi family.
Furthermore, Li Chongnian would not mourn Fu Rongcai, and Old Master Cheng, a shrewd businessman, would simply choose the next best buyer. Qin Sang cautioned Yi Liankai, reminding him that Old Master Cheng valued the combined influence of their families, not just one individual.
She argued that while her actions as a woman with a gun might be overlooked, Yi Liankai killing Fu Rongcai would be a direct affront to Old Master Cheng and turn him against the Yi family, ruining Yi Liankai's chances of gaining his father's trust. She proposed that the best course of action was for the Yi family and Li Chongnian to remain unaligned with Cheng.
Yi Liankai retorted that she had just feigned weakness and was now acting tender and reasonable, adding that he wished someone would stop constantly nagging him to avenge her father. Qin Sang pressed on, asking what if he let Fu Rongcai escape again. Yi Liankai responded by telling her to focus on leaving Yongnan. Meanwhile, Pan Jianchi arrived at a flower field with a kite, his mind replaying a past conversation with Qin Sang in that very field.
He remembered expressing his patriotic ambitions despite feeling powerless, and his fear of eventually becoming the very kind of person he despised. Qin Sang had then promised to stay by his side, no matter what. The vows still echoed in his mind, but circumstances had irrevocably changed.
Episode 18 Recap
In a field of vibrant flowers, Pan Jianchi was flying a kite, joyfully anticipating Qin Sang’s arrival. His smile, however, faltered when Tian Shu unexpectedly appeared. Pan Jianchi, without defending himself, stated that since he had chosen to become a deserter, he would accept any punishment from the organization. His only request before dying was to see his beloved.
Tian Shu sternly replied that a betrayer had no right to make demands and handed Pan Jianchi a pistol, instructing him to take his own life. Pan Jianchi, with a heavy heart, slowly raised the gun to his head and pulled the trigger, only to find it was empty. Tian Shu then revealed that sparing Pan Jianchi was a warning. He explained that Pan Jianchi had joined the revolution out of hatred but was now disobeying orders out of love.
Tian Shu refused to kill someone with deep emotions, as such feelings are a driving force for dreams, whether it be love for people, the world, or freedom. He expressed hope that Pan Jianchi would transform his personal affection into a greater love, extending the same spirit to all people. Tian Shu confessed that he had already informed their comrades that Pan Jianchi was in Yongnan on an important mission, not as a deserter.
He then presented Pan Jianchi with a choice: to flee with the woman he loved or to join him in saving the world. Pan Jianchi decisively chose to save the world. Shortly after, Qin Sang arrived at the flower field with her luggage. Spotting the kite hanging from a tree, she sat dejectedly on her suitcase, tears welling in her eyes. Footsteps approached, and she turned hopefully, only to be disappointed when she saw Yi Liankai.
He claimed to have followed her out of concern that she might get lost. Struggling, he climbed the tree, intending to retrieve the kite and reattach its string to ease her sadness. During his attempt, Yi Liankai accidentally fell. Qin Sang then tore the kite apart, explaining that if something could never be truly free, it was better to destroy it and sever all ties to the past.
Yi Liankai, observing her, mused about the beauty of a field of fire replacing flowers, mirroring her current expression. On the street, Tian Shu and Pan Jianchi found themselves encircled by a group of individuals in black, carrying black umbrellas. Tian Shu unfurled his own umbrella and recited a verse, to which the men responded in unison, much to Pan Jianchi's surprise.
Tian Shu then introduced Pan Jianchi as the lead commander for an important mission in Yongnan, these men being his subordinates. He explained that Yi Jipei had sent Yi Liankai to meet Old Mr. Cheng, a former imperial scholar and prominent businessman. Tian Shu warned that if warlords and capitalists combined forces, creating a "heaven for violence and money" in Jiangzuo, it would plunge the common people into hell.
The Tian Meng Association would never permit such an outcome, and thus, they were embarking on a full-scale revolution in Yongnan. Back in the flower field, Qin Sang confronted Yi Liankai, questioning why he had followed her when he claimed to be letting her go. Yi Liankai admitted he knew she had come to meet another man and still held feelings for him. He asserted that this man, who had abandoned her, was not worthy of her love.
Yi Liankai revealed that he had originally intended to help them escape if the man had shown up, even personally assisting them in going abroad. However, seeing Qin Sang alone, he urged her to forget the man. Qin Sang asked if he wished to know the man’s name, but Yi Liankai refused, fearing he would go mad upon hearing it. He confessed his intense jealousy, angered that Qin Sang still deeply loved someone who had hurt her.
His suppressed fury erupted as he grabbed her hands, demanding if she had ever considered his feelings while consumed by thoughts of another. He lamented his constant anguish, seeing her hesitation, reluctance, and longing, none of which were for him. When he leaned in to kiss her, Qin Sang fiercely pushed him away and slapped him, then turned to leave. Yi Liankai pursued her, pulling her back and pinning her down in the flower field.
He accused her of using him and demanded to know if she had ever loved him over the years. He questioned why he should be gentle and thoughtful if she held no affection for him. Qin Sang retorted by asking if he had ever loved her. Yi Liankai, in a raw, desperate cry, affirmed that he had, he always had. Qin Sang expressed her astonishment, having believed he married her merely to conceal his feelings for Fan Yanyun.
Yi Liankai explained that her coldness over the past three years had prevented her from perceiving his love, as he had loved only her from the very beginning. He revealed that his mother had warned him that the first person to confess love becomes a slave, the lowest kind of servitude, willingly sacrificing their soul and being used. Qin Sang, deeply moved but still hurt, called herself foolish and questioned why he hadn't told her sooner.
She declared that if she had known, she would have held his heart securely, forcing him to avenge her instead of humbly begging him. Yi Liankai listened, visibly heartbroken. Meanwhile, Min Hongyu purchased oil tofu and visited her mother's grave. She apologized for her long absence, attributing it to her lack of achievements, but declared that she had returned to make "that person" repay everything owed to her and her mother, asking for her mother’s blessings from above.
Elsewhere, Yi Lianshen informed Fan Yanyun that his leave was ending soon, and he would return to the military. He reassured her not to worry despite the ongoing conflict. Fan Yanyun, noticing the scars on his back, lovingly questioned their origins. Yi Lianshen recounted tales of various wounds, including one from his early days in the army during a battle between Jiang Shuangxi and the Murong family, where a subordinate saved his life from a cannon attack.
He speculated that Murong Chen might have intentionally misdirected the attack to his tent to use his death as leverage against Yi Jipei. Fan Yanyun, disturbed by his scars, confessed her fear. Yi Lianshen dismissed it, stating that fear was not in the Yi family's lexicon, and he now viewed battle as a chess match, focused only on winning.
Fan Yanyun pledged to record every future scar in a notebook and nag him until he learned to value his own life as much as he loved her. Yi Lianshen promised to try his best. Separately, Murong Qian helped Yi Lianyi, who had fallen asleep in his wheelchair amidst paperwork, tidying his desk. Yi Lianyi, jealous of Yi Lianshen's vacation, felt he was the only one in the family constantly working.
Fan Yanyun then approached Huaixiu with a box containing her father’s Cheng army uniform, requesting that Huaixiu use its measurements to tailor a Fu army uniform. In another conversation, Yi Jipei told Yi Lianshen that he had extended his leave specifically for him to conceive a child with Fan Yanyun, emphasizing that there would be no more breaks for the next three years. After Yi Liankai's emotional confession, his interactions with Qin Sang remained strained.
The situation at Old Mr. Cheng's manor was also complex; Old Mr. Cheng intended to collaborate with Fu Rongcai, who, being a coward, planned to remain within the manor's protection until Yi Liankai departed. Old Mr. Cheng had even increased his guards, making any direct action against Fu Rongcai difficult. Since Fu Rongcai refused to leave, Qin Sang resolved to force his hand. She successfully bribed a servant in the Cheng manor to add ink to Fu Rongcai's tea.
Meanwhile, Old Mr. Cheng engaged Yi Liankai in conversation, reminiscing about Mr. Fan’s "bird"—a metaphor for a protégé whose wings were clipped and mouth tied, not to harm but to protect, allowing it to mature before taking flight. He lamented not having witnessed this "extraordinary thing" before Mr. Fan's death.
Yi Liankai corrected him, stating that his teacher had nurtured a "dragon" rather than a bird—a dragon hiding in a deep pool, awaiting its moment to awaken and bring forth change. Old Mr. Cheng, preferring directness over poetic allusions, dismissed Yi Liankai’s words and told him to leave. Yi Liankai understood that Old Mr. Cheng intended to abandon the Yi family alliance.
Accepting the decision, he nonetheless requested a favor: that Old Mr. Cheng instruct his son, Cheng Yunzhi, to assign guards to watch Qin Sang. Yi Liankai claimed to fear that Qin Sang, having previously discharged a gun in the manor, might cause further trouble, especially since he himself "dared not" keep her contained. Old Mr. Cheng agreed and ordered Cheng Yunzhi to send two guards. Later, Qin Sang saw Yi Liankai and Cheng Yunzhi approaching her room with two guards.
She deliberately smashed a cup. Upon entering, Yi Liankai loudly chastised her for her unruly behavior in their host’s home. However, upon seeing Cheng Yunzhi, Qin Sang quickly apologized, and Cheng Yunzhi, feeling awkward, promptly excused himself. Once alone, Qin Sang informed Yi Liankai that their plan was in motion, and it was now up to Fu Rongcai to take the bait.
Yi Liankai expressed skepticism, but Qin Sang predicted that Fu Rongcai would interpret their actions and Old Mr. Cheng's increased security as a concerted trap, a "catching the turtle in the jar" maneuver, forcing him to act rashly rather than wait patiently.
Episode 19 Recap
After Cheng Yunzhi's departure, a subordinate reported to Fu Rongcai that Yi Liankai had again met with Old Master Cheng, returning with Cheng Yunzhi and noticeably more guards than their own. Fu Rongcai felt a mix of surprise and suspicion. He picked up his tea, only to find the liquid cloudy, and remarked that he hadn't expected Yi Liankai to resort to such a "low method" against him, thinking he wouldn't notice.
The subordinate suggested informing Old Master Cheng, but Fu Rongcai poured out the tea and then countered, expressing fear that Old Master Cheng had already tacitly allowed Yi Liankai to kill him. He reasoned that Yi Liankai, having presented a seemingly "dumb" facade during their earlier conversation, must have offered Old Master Cheng a compelling condition to secure an alliance, as evidenced by Cheng Yunzhi's private meeting with Yi Liankai.
Concluding that the Cheng and Yi families had likely united, Fu Rongcai decided they must leave the mansion unexpectedly. His subordinate expressed concern, warning that leaving the Cheng mansion would expose him and make finding protection difficult. Fu Rongcai acknowledged the risk but stated he had to evade the danger to save his life.
Although he admitted to only being thirty percent sure of his plan, he believed they had to leave before their opponents were fully prepared, asserting that if they lost, his life would be forfeited, a risk he was unwilling to take. Fu Rongcai swiftly departed the Cheng residence by car. Yi Liankai pursued him, seizing an opportunity to shoot and kill Fu Rongcai's driver. Yi Liankai then confronted Fu Rongcai, questioning his hurried exit without saying goodbye.
He sarcastically thanked Fu Rongcai for giving up his chance to cooperate with Old Master Cheng, then mockingly acknowledged Fu Rongcai's "great plan" to distract him, before revealing that the trick was actually his wife Qin Sang's, who had merely intended to teach Fu Rongcai a lesson for his arrogance by putting ink in his tea.
Fu Rongcai tried to appeal to their shared history as disciples under the same teacher, offering to help Yi Liankai gain power over Jiangzuo, but Yi Liankai firmly rejected the offer, stating he would fight for what he wanted on his own and had long seen through Fu Rongcai's tricks. Fu Rongcai then desperately pleaded for his life, promising to withdraw from the underworld and never cross Yi Liankai again.
Yi Liankai remained resolute, noting the trouble Fu Rongcai had caused him over the years. As Yi Liankai prepared to shoot, Fu Rongcai suddenly lunged at him, causing the shot to miss, and then jumped into the river. Yi Liankai fired several more shots into the water. Seeing blood, he concluded Fu Rongcai was dead and departed. Back at the Cheng mansion, Cheng Yunzhi informed his father that Fu Rongcai had left.
Old Master Cheng was highly agitated, demanding Cheng Yunzhi immediately send people to find him, fearing Yi Liankai would kill him first. Just then, Yi Liankai arrived and calmly announced that he had already killed Fu Rongcai. Old Master Cheng was visibly shaken, nearly fainting. He then dismissed Cheng Yunzhi, instructing him to close the door as he wished to speak with Yi Liankai in private.
Alone, Old Master Cheng angrily accused Yi Liankai of disrespectfully killing his guest within the Cheng family's domain, all for the sake of his wife. Yi Liankai promptly corrected him, arguing that he had killed Fu Rongcai outside the Cheng mansion, implying that unless the entire region of Yongnan belonged to the Cheng family, he had not offended them. Old Master Cheng, taken aback by Yi Liankai's sharp retort, realized Yi Liankai had merely been feigning dullness earlier.
He then warned Yi Liankai that his act of murder could be exploited by various factions, causing significant trouble for the Yi family, especially with the Tian Meng Association closely watching them. Unfazed, Yi Liankai explained that this was precisely why he had immediately informed Old Master Cheng, making him and his son the only ones who knew the truth.
He then leveraged the situation, pointing out that with Fu Rongcai dead, the Cheng family had lost a buyer, leaving only the Yi family. Yi Liankai offered to wait to be "caught" if Old Master Cheng chose to investigate further, implying that the Cheng family would only lose business. He further warned against working with the paranoid Li Chongnian, whose two men had already "died quietly" in Yongnan.
Old Master Cheng conceded, remarking on Yi Liankai's exceptional negotiating skills, acknowledging that Yi Jipei and Mr. Fan had not chosen the wrong person. Yi Lianyi reported to Yi Jipei the information sent by Yi Liankai from Yongnan: the Cheng family remained noncommittal and arrogant, while Li Chongnian had also dispatched agents to the Cheng residence. Yi Lianyi concluded that they could only rely on Yi Liankai's adaptability.
Yi Jipei then noticed Yi Lianyi reading Western books and questioned his interest. Yi Lianyi clarified that the books belonged to Yi Lianshen, who had recently been discussing army reform. Yi Jipei expressed his frustration, explaining that he had intended for Yi Lianshen to cultivate self-restraint, hoping he would understand that in chaotic times, warfare is merely a means, and it is more important to be adaptable than to stubbornly adhere to one's own way.
Meanwhile, Fan Yanyun brought sweet soup to Yi Lianshen, who was cleaning his gun. He accidentally knocked over the soup as he stood up, profusely apologizing and insisting he clean up the broken pieces himself. As he reached for a shard, he cut his hand, becoming disheartened. He lamented that his hands seemed only capable of holding a gun. Fan Yanyun suggested they leave the family and start a school, teaching children.
Yi Lianshen gently rebuffed her, stating his responsibilities as a son of the Yi family. He explained that with their father aging, their eldest brother disabled, and their third brother having no interest in the military, if he were to lay down his arms, Jiangzuo would descend into chaos. He then asked her not to clean up the mess, saying he would call the servants, and excused himself to see their father.
Yi Liankai and Qin Sang arrived to celebrate Old Master Cheng's birthday, with Yi Liankai presenting a kite prepared by Min Hongyu as a gift from the Yi family. He expressed his wish that Old Master Cheng would soar high like the kite. Upon seeing the "nine-edged kite," Old Master Cheng became agitated, then coughed up blood and collapsed. The physician later informed Cheng Yunzhi that Old Master Cheng had expelled stagnant blood and, though unconscious, his pulse was stable.
Cheng Yunzhi confronted Yi Liankai, angrily demanding an explanation for the kite gift, interpreting it as a threat that the Cheng family, no matter how high they flew, would always be tethered by the Yi family. Yi Liankai asserted his sincerity in wanting to cooperate with the Cheng family, explaining that he had been told it was a local custom in Yongnan to give kites, especially nine-edged ones, as birthday gifts.
Cheng Yunzhi dismissed this as an absurd excuse, highlighting the practical impossibility of flying a kite with only nine short edges, and accused Yi Liankai of trickery. Yi Liankai then revealed that the suggestion came from Min Hongyu, Jiangzuo's famous socialite, offering to arrange a confrontation if Cheng Yunzhi disbelieved him. Cheng Yunzhi was suspicious, questioning Min Hongyu's connection to the Cheng family.
Qin Sang intervened, suggesting they wait for Old Master Cheng to awaken before clarifying the matter, which Cheng Yunzhi reluctantly accepted. Unbeknownst to most, Fu Rongcai, severely injured, managed to find Min Hongyu. He confessed that he had not been shot in the river; the blood was from biting his own finger, a deception to mislead Yi Liankai. After having his wounds bandaged, Fu Rongcai laughed, admitting his initial underestimation of Qin Sang, who he believed had outmaneuvered him.
He also mocked Yi Liankai's carelessness, noting that if Yi Liankai had waited just a few more minutes, he would have had to surface for air and could have been easily finished off. Most surprisingly, he revealed that Min Hongyu was Li Chongnian's spy within the Yi family. Old Master Cheng, now awake, was advised by Cheng Yunzhi not to let Yi Liankai upset him.
Old Master Cheng clarified his concern was not anger, but identifying who was lurking behind Yi Liankai, awaiting an opportunity to benefit. He acknowledged that Yi Liankai had successfully ousted Li Chongnian's men, meaning the Cheng family could not afford to offend both major powers. Cheng Yunzhi, however, continued to disparage Yi Liankai as an arrogant blusterer, interpreting the Yi family's choice to send him instead of Yi Lianshen as a sign of contempt.
He urged his father not to worry about the Yi family and instead proposed going to Yizhou to meet Li Chongnian. Old Master Cheng reminded his son that the Cheng family's survival in these tumultuous times stemmed not from his own reputation, but from their control over Yongnan's economic lifelines. He then instructed Cheng Yunzhi to bring Yi Liankai to him for a private discussion. In Yongnan, Fu Rongcai and Min Hongyu were eating street food.
He asked her if she noticed anything unusual about the city. Min Hongyu pointed out the numerous strong young men carrying umbrellas despite the sunny weather. Fu Rongcai understood this to mean a major storm was brewing, and the Cheng family's fate was uncertain. He decided to avoid the impending chaos and leave Yi Liankai to navigate it.
As a parting gesture, Min Hongyu bought Yongnan's specialty fried tofu, Marshal Li Chongnian's favorite, and asked Fu Rongcai to deliver it to him in Yizhou. Min Hongyu cryptically stated that she rarely returned to Yongnan but had old friends to see. Old Master Cheng then directly asked Yi Liankai who had advised him to send the nine-edged kite.
Yi Liankai responded that an old acquaintance, a native of Yongnan, had informed him that it was a local custom to present such a kite at birthday celebrations. Old Master Cheng pressed further, inquiring about the nature of his relationship with this acquaintance and whether the friend or the Yi family was more important. Yi Liankai maintained that friendship could not be compared to the destiny of a family, adding that he didn't understand how this related to the kite.
Old Master Cheng then presented Yi Liankai with a task: to kill the person who had suggested sending the kite. In return, the Cheng family would become the Yi family's financial stronghold. Cheng Yunzhi protested, but Old Master Cheng silenced him.
Episode 20 Recap
Qin Sang, confined to the Cheng Manor, attempted to leave her room but was blocked by two guards. Feigning hunger, she requested a bowl of noodles. As one guard went to the kitchen, Qin Sang seized the opportunity, knocking out the remaining guard and escaping the manor. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai confronted Min Hongyu, demanding to know the truth behind the "Jiu Ren" kite incident.
Min Hongyu, however, smirked, stating it was clear Yi Liankai had delivered the kite and then provocatively asked if Master Cheng had sent him to capture or kill her. Yi Liankai raised his gun, threatening to kill her if she did not reveal the truth. At this critical moment, Qin Sang arrived, urging Yi Liankai to clarify the facts before acting. Yi Liankai, however, ordered her to move aside.
Min Hongyu then coldly detailed the political advantages Yi Liankai would gain from her death, explaining that killing her would secure the Cheng family's support for the Yi family, significantly expanding their influence in Jiangzuo and allowing Yi Liankai to surpass Yi Lianshen within the family. Qin Sang interjected, believing Yi Liankai's actions were for her, just as she thought he killed Fu Rongcai for her.
Yi Liankai scoffed at her presumption, clarifying that he killed Fu Rongcai to sever ties with Li Chongnian and enable cooperation between the Yi and Cheng families, and that killing Min Hongyu was to solidify his own standing in the Yi family. Min Hongyu further highlighted that Yi Liankai already had a political stain from assassinating a celebrity, making her death essential for him to regain his reputation and compete for power.
Qin Sang vehemently pleaded with Yi Liankai not to kill Min Hongyu, promising to leave Yongnan with him if he spared her, but threatening to disappear from his life forever if he proceeded. After a tense silence, Yi Liankai lowered his gun, announcing he would choose a third path: to systematically untangle the complicated relationship between Min Hongyu and the Cheng family.
He questioned why Min Hongyu would knowingly put herself in mortal danger by sending the kite, to which she simply replied, "To pay a debt of gratitude." Before heading to the Cheng Manor, Qin Sang offered her clothes to Min Hongyu, playfully warning her not to get killed and accrue a debt. Min Hongyu jested back, implying Qin Sang was destined to bring disaster to Yi Liankai. Qin Sang retorted that Min Hongyu should return alive so they could negotiate.
Yi Liankai led Min Hongyu to the Cheng Manor, where he explained to Master Cheng that he had initially planned to kill her, but she insisted on personally repaying his kindness. Min Hongyu then knelt before Master Cheng, elaborating on three great kindnesses she owed him. First, he had saved her adoptive father, Min Xiaozhi, from wrongful imprisonment, provided him with a safe haven, and a flower garden to tend until his death.
Second, he recognized her mother's talent for weaving, taking her tapestries to foreign exhibitions, transforming her from an unknown woman into a renowned artist. Third, and most controversially, she stated that Master Cheng and her mother were the ones who gave her life, an act of creation for which she must express gratitude. Master Cheng became enraged, accusing her of coming to kill him, not to repay kindness.
He revealed that the "Jiu Ren" kite was a love token between him and Min Hongyu’s mother. He confessed to imprisoning her mother to protect his reputation, which led to her dying with resentment. Her mother's dying words, "If life was to be like the first time we met, at the end, I would not regret all the tears I cried," were echoed by Min Hongyu.
Master Cheng admitted he was blinded by reputation and couldn't acknowledge Min Hongyu or her mother. Yi Liankai intervened, urging Master Cheng not to harm Min Hongyu, emphasizing that siblings should not hurt each other. Min Hongyu then asserted that she deliberately had Yi Liankai deliver the kite because Master Cheng, though he could imprison or kill her, would not dare to kill Yi Liankai.
She concluded that it was his reputation, not Master Cheng himself, that killed her mother, and she was there to destroy his reputation. Master Cheng, overcome with emotion, ordered his son Cheng Yunzhi to let her leave. After Min Hongyu departed, Cheng Yunzhi urged his father to retire and allow him to take over, arguing that the current crisis could only be resolved by this move.
Master Cheng, finally understanding his son's true intentions, realized that Cheng Yunzhi had orchestrated the grand birthday celebration, inviting merchants from all over the country to Yongnan, with the sole purpose of tarnishing his father's reputation and forcing his retirement. Master Cheng bitterly accused his son of being ruthless. As Yi Liankai and Min Hongyu walked through the streets after leaving the Cheng Manor, they chatted.
Yi Liankai realized that his own mother's tapestry portrait was crafted by Min Hongyu's mother. Min Hongyu recalled seeing Yi Liankai when his mother was pregnant, mentioning her mother's favorite saying, "Life was like how we first met." Min Hongyu, grateful for Yi Liankai's help, offered him advice on winning Qin Sang's heart, likening a woman's heart to a fortress with a secret door.
She explained that if Qin Sang truly harbored feelings for him, a soft knock would open the door, and even if it remained shut, he should "barge in," and her heart would eventually be his. Yi Liankai, though, seemed dismissive. Suddenly, Yi Liankai noticed men in black clothing carrying black umbrellas watching them from the street. He quickly pulled Min Hongyu into an alley, using it as an opportunity to escape.
Upon reaching Min Hongyu’s courtyard, Yi Liankai asked her to release his arm, fearing Qin Sang might misunderstand their closeness. Min Hongyu refused, and provocatively dabbed her lipstick onto his cheek. Qin Sang, waiting anxiously in the courtyard, immediately questioned them about what transpired. Yi Liankai explained the situation was now complicated, and they had to leave Yongnan immediately, noting the presence of well-trained military personnel with black umbrellas, indicating a looming threat.
Qin Sang, seeing the lipstick on Yi Liankai’s face, insisted he wash it off before they departed. Min Hongyu, amused, laughed and then smeared some lipstick on Qin Sang's face, explaining it was a test to see if Qin Sang cared, which she clearly did. Min Hongyu then encouraged them to leave quickly, stating her unique identity as a woman would allow her to survive, while Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, with their distinctive statuses, needed to escape.
Concurrently, Tian Shu and Pan Jianchi’s forces successfully took control of the Cheng Manor, detaining Master Cheng, Cheng Yunzhi, and their family. Their report confirmed that Fu Rongcai had managed to escape Yongnan, and while most of the visiting representatives had been captured, Yi Liankai and Qin Sang remained at large. Tian Shu immediately ordered a pursuit, emphasizing that Yi Liankai and his wife must not be allowed to leave Yongnan.
Pan Jianchi specifically instructed his men to capture Yi Liankai alive but to ensure Qin Sang was not harmed in the slightest. Pan Jianchi then visited the imprisoned Master Cheng at the manor. Master Cheng, remarkably composed, reflected on the nature of power, asserting that while military force could seize control, true stability and long-term governance required not just might but also thought and culture.
He added that the political regime might change, but the cultural lineage of a place could not be severed. Master Cheng expressed his admiration for the Tian Meng Association's covert operation, wondering how they had managed to mobilize thousands of people into Yongnan undetected, bypassing the established powers of the Yi and Li families. Pan Jianchi revealed that they had united numerous smaller, often overlooked, military factions, who were usually ignored by major powers like the Yi and Li families.
These factions had been persuaded by the influential Mr. Liang Xingbei, who then made a surprise appearance before Master Cheng. News of Yongnan’s declaration of independence reached the Yi family via telegram, causing shock and outrage in Yi Jipei and anxious discussions among his generals about the potential for instability, especially with Yi Lianshen on leave and Yi Liankai's whereabouts unknown. Yi Jipei summoned Yi Lianshen to the council hall, demanding his assessment of the situation.
Yi Lianshen emphasized the gravity of Yongnan's independence, explaining it would severely disrupt economic trade, transportation across several provinces, and critically, impact the supply lines for the Yi army's ongoing conflict with Li Chongnian. He confessed that upon learning of Yongnan's independence and the unknown fate of Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, he had preemptively acted without seeking Yi Jipei’s permission.
Knowing that the Tian Meng Association couldn’t directly overpower the existing military arrangements, he correctly deduced they must have allied with scattered smaller factions. He had personally contacted various provincial factions from the twenty-one southern provinces and sixteen northern provinces for military assistance, receiving swift responses from most, but noting four specific groups that did not reply, indicating their likely allegiance with the Tian Meng Association. Impressed by Yi Lianshen's foresight and initiative, Yi Jipei immediately reinstated him to his former position.
Episode 21 Recap
Yi Jipei formally reinstated Yi Lianshen to his former position before leaving the assembly. Yi Lianshen then addressed his officers, stating that the situation in Yongnan was urgent and they had no time for pleasantries. He described Yongnan as a lake for the Tian Meng Association, with water coming from all directions, but stressed that a lake can never become an ocean. He believed the Tian Meng Association was currently incapable of launching attacks.
Yi Lianshen outlined two immediate tasks: first, proactive defense against Li Chongnian, whom he called an "old fox" who wouldn't miss this opportunity. He assigned Commander He three additional troops to restrain Li Chongnian and instructed Commander He's army in Jianzhou not to transfer or cut down any soldiers without his command. Second, a proactive offense, ordering Commander Sun to lock down all docks and train stations leading to Yongnan, preventing any Tian Meng Association members from entering or leaving.
He authorized lethal force if necessary and instructed Commander Sun's nineteenth brigade to be stationed in Jianzhou, ready to take over. Additionally, Yi Lianshen instructed Commander Yu to prepare his ninth brigade to search Yongnan for Yi Liankai and his wife, expecting news in two days at the north camp in Wangzhou. An uncle figure questioned if this was "hitting the grass to scare the snake," but Yi Lianshen retorted, "How can I catch the snake without scaring it?"
Yi Jipei, listening from behind the door, was pleased with Yi Lianshen's tactical deployment. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai and Qin Sang were evading Tian Meng Association forces in Yongnan. With the city gates sealed, they found refuge in a dilapidated temple. Yi Liankai tried to lighten the mood, telling Qin Sang that with her by his side, he would have no regrets even if they were caught. He confided that Yongnan was under total lockdown, making escape difficult.
He had bribed a businessman who agreed to take one person out with his delivery. Yi Liankai planned for Qin Sang to go, insisting he had his own ways to follow. Fan Yanyun was deeply worried upon learning Yi Lianshen intended to go to Yongnan himself, despite having already sent Commander Yu ahead. She urged him to be careful and ensure the rescue of Yi Liankai and Qin Sang.
Yi Lianshen assured her his main purpose was indeed to rescue them both, acknowledging that they had lost all intelligence in Yongnan and had no idea about the Tian Meng Association's setup. As Yi Lianshen prepared to depart with his troops, his uncle advised him to seize the opportunity presented by the chaos in Yongnan, which had been taken over by the Tian Meng Association.
He hinted that Yi Jipei would soon decide on his heir, and this was a crucial moment for a "royal family" power struggle. The uncle suggested that if Yi Liankai were to die on the battlefield, it would benefit Yi Lianshen. However, Yi Lianshen sternly rejected the notion, stating that brothers can compete and contend, but never harm each other. He told his uncle to pretend he never said those words and never to speak of such things again.
From a temple window, Qin Sang saw a kite, a signal from Li Wangping. Tears welling, she whispered to the sleeping Yi Liankai that Li Wangping was there to save her, and this chance to escape should be for Yi Liankai. Qin Sang then left the temple alone, attempting to find Li Wangping, but the streets were swarming with armed Tian Meng Association members.
When she was spotted and tried to flee, Yi Liankai, who had woken to find her gone, rushed out and pulled her into a corner, narrowly escaping their pursuers. During their escape, Yi Liankai was shot in the arm while protecting Qin Sang. Back at the temple, Qin Sang was distraught, blaming herself for leading Yi Liankai into a trap and causing his injury.
Yi Liankai, his face pale from the wound, asked if she had been trying to find the man who flew the kite. He then said he had hoped she would get what she wanted. He poured out his heart, revealing the profound loneliness he felt despite his playful exterior. He longed to cry loudly, hoping someone would save him and bring his deceased mother back, but he knew such a cry would be futile.
He confessed his deep love for Qin Sang, explaining that his past coldness was merely a clumsy way to express affection. He suggested that perhaps it was because they might not live through the night that he finally dared to speak his true feelings. Moved by his confession, Qin Sang, weeping, kissed him for the first time, admitting she had always seen their marriage as a transaction, which prevented her from loving him fully, fearing it would betray her soul.
Yet, she confessed, seeing him with Min Hongyu drove her nearly mad with jealousy. Yi Liankai pulled her into a tight embrace, assuring her there was nothing between him and Min Hongyu, and that he only loved Qin Sang. Qin Sang admitted her jealousy of Min Hongyu's freedom, envying her ability to openly pursue who she liked without lying to herself.
Yi Liankai lamented his inability to express his love properly, regretting how he had forced his will upon her and how his love had become a "kind suffering" and a humiliation. Qin Sang, still crying, suggested that since they might not survive the night and might never have another chance, she would express her love. She then lovingly touched his face and began to unbutton her dress, asking if he truly accepted her. Yi Liankai, overwhelmed, passionately kissed her.
Later, sitting together in the temple courtyard under the full moon, they savored a moment of peace. Qin Sang shared her romantic dream of sharing the moonlit moment with a handsome man she loved, a dream she now realized with him. Yi Liankai asked if she remembered their first meeting. Qin Sang, embarrassed, said she didn't want to recall it, thinking she was ugly then. Yi Liankai disagreed, saying she was "unrealistically beautiful, like an angel."
Their tender moment was interrupted by the sound of Tian Meng Association members searching outside. A subordinate asked Pan Jianchi if they should search the temple, but Pan Jianchi paused, then decided against it, ordering them to leave. Yi Liankai, resolved not to wait for death, prepared to escape with Qin Sang. Realizing they couldn't leave together due to the many Tian Meng Association soldiers, he decided to create a diversion.
He told Qin Sang that if she was in danger, she should find Min Hongyu for help. Despite Qin Sang's pleas to stay together, he insisted he would distract them and return. He quickly took a jeep from a group of relaxed soldiers and sped away, drawing the attention of the pursuers. Pan Jianchi was informed that only Yi Liankai was in the stolen jeep and realized he was driving alone to distract them and protect Qin Sang.
He surmised that Yi Liankai wouldn't have abandoned Qin Sang unless forced to risk his life. Yi Liankai was chased relentlessly and eventually drove the jeep into a river. Back at his residence, Yi Jipei believed Yi Liankai was likely lost. He lamented that with the "old champion" (likely referring to the retired finance minister whose support the Yi family relied on) gone, Jiangzuo had lost its financial backbone, and the Tian Meng Association had completely disrupted Jiangzuo's established order.
He expressed a tragic sentiment: as a father, his primary concern was not his son's safety, but the stability of his own domain. Meanwhile, Fu Rongcai reported to Li Chongnian that Yongnan was under the control of the Tian Meng Association, led by someone named Liang Xingbei, whose background was unknown. Fu Rongcai suggested that Min Hongyu could be tasked with uncovering Liang Xingbei's true identity.
Pan Jianchi confronted "Beiji" (Northern Pole), accusing him of forcing Yi Liankai to his death. He questioned why he was initially instructed to help Yi Liankai become the Yi family's heir if this was the intended outcome. " Beiji" furiously challenged Pan Jianchi, asking if his questions stemmed from concern for Yi Liankai or for Qin Sang, and reminded him to remember his mission as his most prized student. "
Beiji" then informed Pan Jianchi that the car was found in the river, but Yi Liankai's body was not. He asserted that as long as no bodies were found, neither Yi Liankai nor Qin Sang could be considered dead. Qin Sang, disoriented and exhausted, stumbled to Min Hongyu's residence and fainted upon entering. She woke from a dream of Yi Liankai driving into the river, hearing music. Opening the door, she found Min Hongyu dancing.
Qin Sang, anxious about Yi Liankai's fate, pleaded for Min Hongyu's help. Min Hongyu advised Qin Sang to get close to Liang Xingbei, the leader of the Tian Meng Association, the one who had driven the "old champion" away. She hinted that Qin Sang likely didn't know the origin of her own nickname, "Wise Eyes Hongyu."
Episode 22 Recap
The Tian Meng Association tightens its grip on Yongnan, with Commander Liang Xingbei announcing widespread panic since Old Champ's retirement and confirming orders to search for Third Young Master Yi Liankai and Third Young Mistress Qin Sang. During a meeting with business partners, Liang Xingbei has all chairs removed to signify equality. He recounts how the nation's military weakening after the Battle at the Yalu River led to the Tian Meng Association's formation.
He then issues a strict order: Yongnan will be under martial law, requiring special traffic permits and prohibiting merchants from price gouging or hoarding goods. When a subordinate suggests entertainment to celebrate their victory, Liang Xingbei dismisses the idea, warning against distractions that could undermine their resolve in such a critical period. Meanwhile, Min Hongyu and Qin Sang delve into the significance of names.
Min Hongyu reveals her painful past, how Old Champ destroyed her family for his reputation, forcing her into prostitution where she adopted the name "Huiyan." She observes that Qin Sang's name in the Yongnan dialect, "Qing Shang," portends a life "hurt by love."
Min Hongyu shares that Qin Sang is the second person to truly understand her, admitting that her original name, with a character for "rainbow," brought her misfortune, leading to family separation and her life as a courtesan, but her current name, with the character for "red," has helped break that cycle.
She clarifies that the first person to see through her was not Yi Liankai, but a man who rescued her from the brothel, enjoyed fried tofu, and taught her to dance. Min Hongyu explains her unique method of discerning character through dance, noting how a man's demeanor and physical control during a dance reveal his inner self.
When Qin Sang asks for her assessment, Min Hongyu describes her as outwardly calm but deeply valuing relationships, drawn to risk and danger, to which Qin Sang agrees, stating that life itself is a constant risk. Concurrently, Yi Lianshen dispatches three regiments to Captain Liu to launch a night assault on Yongnan, aiming to deliver a significant blow to the Tian Meng Association.
He receives intelligence about executed spies among their troops and, after promoting a quick-thinking lieutenant, issues a stern warning that anyone captured and accused of spying will face execution. Yi Lianshen suspects Li Chongnian of treacherous interference. Later, news of Captain Yu securing three Tian Meng Association regiments arrives, prompting Yi Lianshen to order a full-scale push on Yongnan by morning.
However, the situation turns dire as Fuzhou attacks aggressively, trapping three of their regiments northwest of Yongnan and resulting in the death of Chief Military Advisor Guo Yue. Liang Xingbei, receiving these reports, stresses the critical need to hold Yongnan. He recognizes Yi Lianshen's military prowess despite the challenges posed by Li Chongnian's diversions and appoints Pan Jianchi to lead the army, instructing him to issue commands by telephone and avoid exposure.
Pan Jianchi directs his forces, but a fresh report reveals contact loss with a regiment and the deployment of Fu Cunming, Li Chongnian's top lieutenant, signifying an all-out offensive. Pan Jianchi immediately orders reinforcements to the western front. At the Yi family study, Fan Yanyun astutely observes that the Tian Meng Association's defense of Yongnan, initially dismissed by Yi Jipei, suggests a sophisticated, intelligent command structure.
Yi Lianyi commends her insight but highlights their precarious position, being attacked on two fronts with their forces divided, making Yi Lianshen's strategy unsustainable long-term. Yi Lianyi suggests bringing in Gao Peide, but Yi Jipei rejects the idea, citing the Tian Meng Association's unpredictable nature and the inability to trust anyone.
Yi Jipei then declares his intention to personally lead the troops, emphasizing that the battle concerns the lives of his two sons and regretting that Yi Lianyi's injuries prevent him from taking command. Yi Lianyi, feeling the sting of his father's words, quietly touches his injured legs. Unable to find any information about Yi Liankai, Qin Sang resolves to meet Liang Xingbei herself. She approaches patrolling soldiers on the street, demanding to be taken to him.
Liang Xingbei, after reviewing an urgent message, grants her an audience. Inside his study, Qin Sang sits unbidden, prompting Liang Xingbei to question her presumption. She stands, maintaining that a guest should be offered a seat. Liang Xingbei clarifies she is not an invited guest but came voluntarily. He attempts to discuss ideology, accusing the Yi family of exploiting citizens.
Qin Sang counters by citing historical examples, arguing that ideals should build, not destroy, civilization, and asserts that her birth into the Yi family was fate, not a crime. An urgent telegram from the northern front interrupts their conversation. Liang Xingbei then directs his men to escort Qin Sang to a room for rest, offering her books for distraction.
She is led to a room already occupied by three other girls, one of whom is Cheng Jinzhi, Old Champ's twelve-year-old eldest daughter. Qin Sang, initially mistaken about Jinzhi's relation to Old Champ, quickly apologizes for her insensitive comment. When Jinzhi, whose mother is also held captive, asks Qin Sang why she isn't afraid, Qin Sang explains that when one deeply cares for another, their focus shifts entirely to that person's safety, overshadowing personal fear.
Meanwhile, Yi Liankai, having survived his plunge into the river, emerges ashore in Yongnan. He skillfully evades the Tian Meng Association's search parties, who are meticulously combing the area for his body. The following day, Qin Sang seeks out Liang Xingbei again. Noticing the pleasant weather, he invites her for a walk through a vast rapeseed flower field.
During their stroll, Liang Xingbei philosophizes on the chaotic state of the country, where warlords and bandits cause widespread suffering, and everyone, driven by selfish motives for power and resources, disregards the nation's true welfare. He acknowledges Qin Sang's reformist inclinations and admits to strategically marking three poems—"Poison," "White Flag," and "Infant"—in the books he gave her.
He explains "Poison" as a desire to dismantle the old, oppressive world, "White Flag" as a pursuit of noble ideals, and "Infant" as a longing for a new beginning. Liang Xingbei confesses this was a "psychological attack," having observed her meticulous nature and predicted her desire to understand him through his readings. Qin Sang, realizing she was manipulated, admits the poems resonated deeply within her.
Liang Xingbei then offers to introduce Qin Sang to a man who deeply cares for her, one who defied his superiors for her love and has already been punished for it. To Qin Sang's dismay, Pan Jianchi appears, confirming her suspicion of his affiliation with the Tian Meng Association. Pan Jianchi apologizes for his deception, telling her he had waited for her in that very flower field for a long time, but she never came.
Qin Sang, conflicted, quietly replies that he has truly come too late this time. Elsewhere, Yi Liankai, hungry, stops for noodles in Yongnan. Recognizing him, Tian Meng Association members quickly move in. Yi Liankai, reacting swiftly, splashes the noodles on them and attempts to escape, but the overwhelming numbers of Tian Meng Association personnel on the streets lead to his capture.
Pan Jianchi, still with Qin Sang, declares that he doesn't care if Yi Liankai is dead and is willing to accept her regardless. An agitated Qin Sang insists that Yi Liankai is alive. Pan Jianchi reiterates his unwavering love for her, irrespective of Yi Liankai's fate or her feelings for him, and tries to kiss her. Qin Sang recoils, asking if he truly became a deserter for her. Pan Jianchi admits it was his first time.
Later, at the Cheng residence, Liang Xingbei informs Qin Sang and Pan Jianchi that he will arrange Qin Sang's return to Fuyuan the next day. Qin Sang questions why they would release her, given her potential value as a hostage. Liang Xingbei smiles, asserting that true revolutionaries do not employ such despicable tactics. Qin Sang then inquires about Yi Liankai's whereabouts.
Liang Xingbei states there's no current news, but intelligence indicates he is not in Fuyuan and is in extreme danger. He explains that someone is determined to prevent Yi Liankai from reappearing in Fuyuan and has repeatedly attempted to kill him. Qin Sang, recalling a past incident involving Song adjutant at Zhishan, suspects her second brother, Yi Lianshen.
Episode 23 Recap
In Yongnan, Liang Xingbei informed Pan Jianchi that Qin Sang's continued presence served no purpose. He intended to send her to the enemy's side and instructed Pan Jianchi to accompany her back to continue their plan against the Yi family. Liang Xingbei reminded Pan Jianchi that while Qin Sang was concerned about Yi Liankai, her feelings for Pan Jianchi remained, and he must complete this mission flawlessly.
Pan Jianchi guaranteed he would fulfill the mission perfectly, provided Qin Sang remained unharmed. Subsequently, Liang Xingbei ordered a telegram to be sent to Fuyuan, informing Yi Jipei of their willingness to release Third Young Mistress Qin Sang. At the Yi family manor, Yi Jipei mused on his second son having been gone for days, holding his ground against Li Chongnian and stabilizing Yongnan's surroundings, yet there was still no news of his third son, which worried him.
Yi Lianyi, however, believed his third brother would be fine, noting his adaptability and the support of Yi Lianshen's men nearby. A guard then delivered a telegram from the Tian Meng Association. Yi Jipei immediately ordered a return telegram, instructing Second Young Master Yi Lianshen to personally pick up Qin Sang at the station. Yi Jipei noted that the telegram only mentioned Qin Sang's release, with no mention of Yi Liankai.
He suspected that Yi Liankai was either not in the Tian Meng Association's hands or they intended to use him as leverage. Yi Lianyi suggested they wait for Qin Sang's return for news about Yi Liankai. Qin Sang came to bid farewell to Liang Xingbei, but also had a favor to ask. She understood that her release was meant to broadcast the Tian Meng Association's righteousness to the world, having freed the Yi family's third young mistress.
However, she pointed out that rumors claimed Liang Xingbei had murdered Old Champ Cheng's entire family. She proposed that her return to Fuyuan was a perfect opportunity to show everyone that the Cheng family was still alive. All that was needed was a photograph of her with the Cheng family women. Liang Xingbei agreed to her request. Before leaving, Qin Sang returned to her room and told Cheng Jinzhi she was going back to Fuyuan.
Cheng Jinzhi was reluctant to see her leave, so Qin Sang gave her a jade pendant from the Cheng family, reassuring her not to be afraid and promising to try to protect her. Late at night, Yi Lianshen met Qin Sang outside the city. He greeted her, saying, "Third Young Mistress! You're finally back. If you'd stayed there for a few more days, Cousin would probably wage war against them."
Qin Sang immediately asked about Yi Liankai, to which Yi Lianshen explained, "We went separate ways when we were being chased by the enemy. I don't know where he is now." He then instructed his aide, Linzhi, to "put more men on the search for Third Brother. Keep me posted whenever there's an update." He then told Qin Sang, "Qin Sang, let's head home now. Father is waiting for us in his study."
Upon returning to the Yi manor, Auntie Zhu warmly welcomed Qin Sang, who then went straight to the study where Yi Jipei awaited. Yi Jipei expressed his relief, "You're back, child. How is it? Is everything all right?" Qin Sang assured him she was fine. Yi Lianyi then inquired how she was captured by the Tian Meng Association and how she convinced them to release her.
Qin Sang recounted that she and "Lan Po" (Yi Liankai) had escaped the Cheng manor when the Tian Meng Association took it over. She detailed how Lan Po had to leave her to create a distraction, luring away their pursuers. Believing Yi Liankai had been captured, she turned herself in on the streets, expecting to be with him, as "we're still husband and wife. We should live and die together."
To her surprise, "I never expected them to not have Lan Po in their custody." She concluded, "Now, I have no idea where he is. When he left me, he had a gunshot wound on the shoulder." Yi Jipei sighed, recalling a fortune-teller who predicted his third son would face a serious life test, wondering if this was it. Qin Sang then turned to Yi Lianshen, asking if he had any news of Yi Liankai.
Yi Lianshen shook his head, stating he had sent out more men but had no news yet. Yi Lianyi interjected that "no news might not be good news." Qin Sang firmly declared, "Lan Po will never die in Yongnan," and handed Yi Jipei the photograph of her with the Cheng family women. After Qin Sang left, Yi Lianyi advised his father not to be overly grieved.
He believed that to rescue Yi Liankai from Yongnan, they needed to focus on the larger picture, with the immediate priority being to resolve the Jiangzuo crisis, after which Yongnan would become manageable. Yi Jipei, who had been struggling to find a solution, admitted that Qin Sang's return had unexpectedly spurred him to devise a new plan.
He also mused on Qin Sang, acknowledging that though his third son had always been unusual, the woman he chose as his wife was truly remarkable. Yi Jipei then spoke of a stratagem: "Borrow a corpse to resurrect the soul," implying using an unexpected means to achieve his goal. Meanwhile, Qin Sang's father, Qin Houchun, who had been waiting anxiously for her return, was relieved to see her.
Auntie Zhu had prepared all of Qin Sang's favorite dishes since the previous night. However, Qin Sang, worried about Yi Liankai, had no appetite. Qin Houchun comforted her, saying, "Your safety is everything. It is good. He will definitely find out that you came back safely and then he will make it back to Fuzhou without worrying about your safety.
Child, all that you can do to help him now is to eat well and sleep well so that he'll see a healthy, happy wife when he comes back." Later, Yi Jipei called Murong Chen. Getting straight to the point, Yi Jipei sought Murong Chen's help with Jiangzuo's situation. Murong Chen initially declined, citing his remote location and his policy of not meddling in Jiangzuo's affairs, adding that he lacked a "righteous cause" to intervene.
Yi Jipei countered that he could provide one. He mentioned that Murong Feng was still unmarried and that Old Champ Cheng in Yongnan had an eldest daughter named Cheng Jinzhi, who was also unmarried. Yi Jipei proposed that if the Murong family publicly announced an engagement between Murong Feng and Cheng Jinzhi, then any intervention in Jiangzuo could be framed as "revenge for your daughter-in-law's family," making it a righteous cause.
Murong Chen was intrigued but stated he needed Murong Feng's consent. Yi Jipei then informed him that he had already arranged for a photo of Cheng Jinzhi with Qin Sang to be printed in the newspaper that morning, suggesting Murong Chen check it to see what she looked like. Murong Chen agreed to review the newspaper. After recalling Murong Feng, Murong Chen showed him the newspaper, pointing to the girl next to Qin Sang. Murong Feng commented, "Not bad.
She has a pretty smile." Murong Chen then called Yi Jipei to agree to the proposal. However, he expressed a concern that Cheng Jinzhi's younger brother, Cheng Yunzhi, might deny the marriage once he took over the Cheng family. Yi Jipei dismissed this, assuring Murong Chen that no one would abandon an alliance with the Murong family.
Yi Lianyi expressed his delight to Yi Jipei, believing this alliance would unite the north and south, and with the Murong army's power, they could easily suppress Li Chongnian and Liang Xingbei. Yi Jipei cautioned against celebrating too soon. He instructed Yi Lianyi to secretly contact Gao Peide and prepare for potential conflict, as they could not let their guard down against Murong Chen. Soon after, Qin Sang arrived at the study, requesting to speak with Yi Jipei.
Yi Jipei praised her for her clever handling of the situation, stating, "You've done a great job on this. You deserve to be the third young mistress of the Yi Family in Fuzhou. Perhaps this will be a turning point for our Yi Family in Jiangzuo." Qin Sang thanked him but expressed her sole desire: "All I want right now is to have Lan Po back as soon as possible."
Yi Jipei assured her that the entire Yi family awaited Yi Liankai's return, and Yi Lianshen had already expanded the search. Hearing this, Qin Sang suddenly knelt, desperately pleading with Yi Jipei to assign someone else to find Yi Liankai, insisting, "You can't have Second Brother searching for him like this. If he keeps looking for him like this, Lan Po might die. Father, you can send anyone you want except for Second Brother."
Yi Lianyi tried to dissuade her, calling it "not the time to get emotional over Second Brother" and emphasizing the urgency of finding Yi Liankai, alive or dead, given Yi Lianshen's extensive manpower. Qin Sang countered, "Eldest Brother, if we don't send Second Brother to search, Lan Po has a ten percent chance of surviving. But if we keep having him search, then there's no chance that Lan Po will survive."
She clarified that she wasn't worried about Yi Lianshen being negligent, but rather that "I'm scared of Second Brother trying to kill Lan Po when he finds him." Qin Sang then recounted past incidents, specifically when Aide-de-Camp Song, sent by Yi Lianshen, attempted to assassinate Yi Liankai at Zhishan.
She detailed how Yi Liankai's horse went mad, he fell, and Aide-de-Camp Song, after being exposed, killed himself, but not before uttering, "Second Young Master, my savior, I'm too incompetent to kill this bastard." She further accused Yi Lianshen of orchestrating Yi Liankai's previous kidnapping. Yi Jipei had repeatedly told Qin Sang to stop speaking, but she persisted. Enraged, Yi Jipei pulled a gun from his drawer and shot the soldier guarding the study door.
He then fiercely admonished Qin Sang, "You have no idea what the consequences are! You will destroy the Yi Family!" He warned that once the "fire of brotherly contention" ignited, it would be unstoppable, destroying his Jiangzuo foundation and plunging the southern provinces into chaos. He spoke of the military men who would exploit the situation, leading to widespread bloodshed, war, and millions losing their homes.
Qin Sang, defiant, retorted, "If my husband dies, it doesn't matter if they sing for him or insult him, they will all move on and get back to their happy lives, but what about me! ? I'll lose Yi Liankai forever. If he dies, why would I care if the Yi family's doing well or not? Why would I care if Jiangzuo is peaceful or not? Why would anything matter to me at all?
If I lose my husband, don't say that I would be willing to sacrifice millions of lives. I would exchange ten million or more lives!" Yi Jipei, though acknowledging Qin Sang's profound loyalty, concluded that while "he indeed has a good eye," and she was "truly a good daughter-in-law," she was also dangerous to the Yi family.
He stated, "Now, there's no place for a good wife like you in the Yi family," adding that "the better you are, the more of a threat you post to this family. To Yi Liankai, to the Yi family, you are like poison." Qin Sang begged for mercy, asking how Yi Jipei would explain it to Yi Liankai if he returned alive, warning that "If he loses her, Third Brother would lose his mind."
Yi Jipei, after a moment of heavy thought, ordered Yi Lianyi to confine Qin Sang. As soldiers escorted Qin Sang to her room, Fan Yanyun saw her and remarked with a sneer, "Third Sister-in-Law, you're so fortunate. You still managed to turn things around in a hopeless situation like that and made it back safely. Wouldn't it be great if Third Brother shared your luck as well?"
Qin Sang, weary, replied, "Second Sister-in-Law, everyone has a million things that they want, but in the end, everyone only gets a few of them. Those things we can't get we either give them up or take them away from others. But why is it that you must destroy him?" Fan Yanyun appeared confused by Qin Sang's words. Meanwhile, Murong Qian'er heard the gunshot within the house and fretted in her room.
Yi Lianyi came and falsely claimed, "Just some assassin. We've already taken care of it." When Murong Qian'er asked about Qin Sang, Yi Lianyi stated, "Third Sister-in-Law was a bit scared. I've already sent her back. It's enough to have the servants pay some extra attention to her." Murong Qian'er offered to visit Qin Sang, but Yi Lianyi refused, saying, "It's complicated. I can't say much." Murong Qian'er immediately understood the implications of his words: "You two didn't imprison her. . . did you?"
Episode 24 Recap
In his bedroom, Yi Lianyi found Murong Qian deeply troubled, questioning the turmoil within the family since Mr. Fan's death and feeling deliberately excluded, like a fool. Yi Lianyi explained that keeping her in the dark was for her own protection, as the news Qin Sang brought back was incredibly shocking and could change the entire Jiangzhou region. He urged Murong Qian to continue feigning ignorance.
Then, he asked her to deliver a letter from Yi Lianshen to Fan Yanyun and observe her reaction regarding both Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai. Murong Qian later expressed her discomfort with such tasks, and Yi Lianyi apologized for causing her distress. Yi Lianshen was surprised to learn of Murong Chen's alliance with his father, Yi Jipei.
While an officer suggested that a telegram revealing this alliance would put both Li Chongnian and the Tian Meng Association in a passive position, and advised Yi Lianshen to seize the opportunity to eliminate Li Chongnian, Yi Lianshen decided against it. Instead, he proposed letting go of Li Chongnian and focusing entirely on Yongnan, confident that the Tian Meng Association's hold on the city would be short-lived.
He cited Sun Tzu's "Art of War" on deception, believing that Li Chongnian had already seen the telegram and would be concerned about Murong Chen crossing the river. Yi Lianshen, knowing Li Chongnian was paranoid, concluded that the more the Fu Army retreated, the more Li Chongnian would believe Murong Chen was preparing to attack Yizhou. He immediately ordered Zhang Linzhi to command the main force to retreat overnight and launch a full assault on Yongnan by morning.
Murong Qian delivered Yi Lianshen's letter to Fan Yanyun, who was visibly pleased. Fan Yanyun remarked on the cologne smell on the letter, indicating Yi Lianshen was not enduring too grueling a war. Murong Qian then inquired if Yi Lianshen had mentioned Yi Liankai in his letter. Fan Yanyun said he hadn't, asking if Yi Liankai was in trouble and if Yi Lianshen had gone to rescue him.
Murong Qian clarified she was merely curious, suggesting Yi Liankai must be fine since he wasn't mentioned. Fan Yanyun, sensing an ulterior motive, asked if Murong Qian was inquiring for herself or on behalf of Yi Lianyi, suggesting Yi Lianyi suspected Yi Lianshen might hide things from him. Fan Yanyun then revealed that Qin Sang had recently made cryptic remarks about destroying what she couldn't have, and she intended to confront Qin Sang directly about it.
In a somber exchange, Yi Jipei asked Huai Xiu, who had previously made uniforms for Yi Liankai, if she remembered his sizes. Huai Xiu confirmed she did, but Yi Jipei then chillingly instructed her to prepare grave clothes for his youngest son. Huai Xiu was shocked, asking if Yi Liankai was already dead, to which Yi Jipei replied it was likely.
He reminisced about Yi Liankai as a child, doted upon and imitating his father, before lamenting that as a father, he could not grieve but instead had to consider how to exploit his son's death against his enemies, questioning if he was inhumane. Huai Xiu, however, believed that despite his harsh words, Yi Jipei cared deeply for Yi Liankai, attributing Yi Liankai's fate to the misfortune of being Yi Jipei's son.
Yi Jipei then gave an even more startling order: to prepare grave clothes for Qin Sang as well, stating that after seeing Yi Liankai's body, Qin Sang would, within days, take her own life out of grief. Grief-stricken, Qin Sang filled a bathtub and lay in it fully clothed, attempting to experience the cold that Yi Liankai might have endured when he fell into the river.
Fan Yanyun discovered her in this state and, with Zhu Ma's help, pulled the feverish Qin Sang from the water. Qin Sang, delirious, called out Yi Liankai's name. Fan Yanyun, perplexed, questioned Qin Sang's self-destructive behavior, her earlier cryptic remarks, and why Yi Jipei had confined her, feeling like she was the only one kept in the dark.
Qin Sang, still evasive, ominously wished Fan Yanyun and Yi Lianshen well as they navigated the "grand boat that is the Yi family," warning them of the "big waves in Jiangzhou" and advising caution to prevent the boat from tipping over. Fan Yanyun demanded she stop speaking in riddles.
Later, Qin Sang confessed to Zhu Ma that she was trying to understand if Yi Liankai could survive, believing that if she could endure his suffering, he too would survive and return for her. At Yongnan Fourth Prison, Pan Jianchi attempted to gain entry, but the guards refused, demanding a written order from Beiji, citing Beiji's strict instructions.
Pan Jianchi asserted his authority as the commander of Yongnan, stating his right to inspect any building in the city, but before he could force his way in, a soldier arrived with an urgent front-line telegram that required Pan Jianchi to personally translate it, compelling him to leave. Qin Sang awoke from a nightmare where she saw Yi Liankai bloodied and groaning.
Soon after, Yi Lianyi reported to Yi Jipei that Qin Sang had suffered a high fever the previous night. Yi Jipei reprimanded him for allowing her contact with an outsider (the doctor) at such a critical time, concerned about what she might have revealed. Yi Lianyi assured him that Qin Sang was delirious and barely able to swallow medicine, incapable of speaking coherently.
Yi Jipei then expressed a dark sense of relief, remarking that while he had intended for Qin Sang to fall ill and be bedridden as part of his plans, her taking the initiative to get sick on her own spared him any personal guilt. At lunch the next day, Yi Jipei complained about the repetitive menu. Murong Qian explained that the dishes were Yi Liankai's favorites, admitting she had hoped he might return unexpectedly to surprise them all.
She then expressed concern that Qin Sang had not eaten all day and announced her intention to check on her, leaving the table. Yi Jipei grumbled to Yi Lianyi that even his "most obedient daughter-in-law" was now giving him attitude, and he too departed. Murong Qian found Qin Sang's fever had returned, and her condition was worse than when she first arrived from Yongnan. Qin Sang insisted her suffering could not compare to Yi Liankai's.
Murong Qian, recalling Yi Liankai's mischievous childhood pranks where he would disappear and then resurface to scare the family, reassured Qin Sang that Yi Liankai, despite his outwardly harsh demeanor, cared for her deeply and would surely return. Qin Sang thanked Murong Qian, admitting that in the family, only Murong Qian offered her comfort, and she feared Yi Lianyi, Yi Lianshen, and Fan Yanyun. Murong Qian promised to protect her.
Meanwhile, in Yongnan Fourth Prison, a young man brought Yi Liankai a steak and red wine, attempting to persuade him to abandon his "darkness" and join the Tian Meng Association to end the war. Yi Liankai scoffed, questioning the definitions of "light" and "darkness" and whether the Tian Meng Association would even accept a "playboy" like him, calling their negotiation tactics insincere.
The young man then probed Yi Liankai about Qin Sang, noting they hadn't seen each other in a while. Yi Liankai's demeanor immediately hardened, and he demanded to see Qin Sang, refusing any further negotiation otherwise. The young man then revealed Qin Sang had already left Yongnan and presented a recent Fuyuan newspaper as proof of her safety. Relieved by the news, Yi Liankai resumed his relaxed attitude, casually discussing the quality of the steak.
He pointed out that Yongnan, once a prosperous city, could no longer procure good ingredients since the Tian Meng Association took control, questioning why he should abandon his comfortable life as a young master to join their "mess of an association." In a different prison cell, Cheng Yunzhi, complaining about his meager meal of dry, hard pancakes compared to the steak he had a few days prior, blamed the Tian Meng Association for Yongnan's failing state.
Liang Xingbei visited him, acknowledging Cheng Yunzhi's frustration but stating that with Yongnan's critical war situation and cut supply lines, even ordinary meat was scarce, and he expected Cheng Yunzhi to endure hardship alongside the soldiers. Sensing an opportunity, Cheng Yunzhi probed Liang Xingbei, asking if he was there to make a bargain. Liang Xingbei reminded him of his family's precarious situation, but Cheng Yunzhi countered that his own life was paramount.
Cheng Yunzhi then boldly proposed that he would help the Tian Meng Association conquer the country. He argued that the current warlord conflicts were detrimental to businessmen, and if the Tian Meng Association established stable rule and encouraged industrial development, the Cheng family could prosper. Liang Xingbei, acknowledging Cheng Yunzhi's foresight, agreed to the proposal. Liang Xingbei then presented a newspaper and inquired about a rumored marriage between the Cheng family and Murong Feng, Murong Chen's son.
Cheng Yunzhi vehemently denied the rumor as "nonsense," suspecting Murong Chen's motives. Liang Xingbei, however, advised against clarifying the matter, suggesting that attempting to debunk the rumor now would only lead to misunderstandings, painting the Cheng family as having abandoned the Murong family for the Tian Meng Association. He advocated for a strategy of "coping with change by not changing."
On the battlefield, Yi Lianshen's forces had broken through the Tian Meng Association's second line of defense outside Yongnan, continuing their advance. Beiji analyzed the southern army's weakness, noting their inability to attack effectively and their reliance on defense. He asked Pan Jianchi to estimate when Yi Lianshen would breach their third defensive line, revealing his plan to withdraw the army from Yongnan in three days and emphasizing the need to delay Yi Lianshen's forces until then.
Pan Jianchi, having confirmed Yi Liankai's imprisonment, suggested that Yi Liankai was Yi Lianshen's weakness and proposed using him as a hostage to force Yi Lianshen's retreat. Pan Jianchi questioned why Beiji hesitated to use such leverage when thousands of lives were at stake.
Episode 25 Recap
Liang Xingbei angrily confronted Pan Jianchi, accusing him of losing his focus as a soldier due to Qin Sang and Yi Liankai, becoming distracted by insignificant childhood love. Liang Xingbei emphasized that Yi Liankai, currently in prison, was a crucial piece in their control over Jiangzuo, serving as their last strategic advantage. Pan Jianchi questioned if they were simply holding Yi Liankai, prompting Liang Xingbei to decide he should pay Yi Liankai a visit.
Inside the prison, Yi Liankai, who had been writing on the wall, subtly prepared for a confrontation. Upon hearing footsteps, he did not turn around, but instead launched a surprise attack on Liang Xingbei, whom he deduced was a leader. A fierce struggle ensued, but Yi Liankai, weakened from his recent ordeal, was eventually subdued by Liang Xingbei. Liang Xingbei questioned why Yi Liankai chose to attack him instead of the regular food server.
Yi Liankai explained his reasoning: "To catch brigands, first catch their king." He stated that escaping with the food server would only get him out of prison, but by targeting Liang Xingbei, he aimed to escape Yongnan entirely. Yi Liankai further elaborated that he deduced Liang Xingbei's importance from his utterly silent footsteps, contrasting them with the hurried steps of the food server or the heavy steps of an interrogator.
Liang Xingbei identified himself as Liang Xingbei, the Tian Meng Association's commander-in-chief of the Yongnan Operation. As they continued to converse, discussing Yi Liankai's teacher, Fan Zhiheng, and his strategic insights, Yi Liankai realized that Liang Xingbei possessed an unnerving depth of knowledge about the Yi family, even more so than himself. This realization left Yi Liankai deeply suspicious about Liang Xingbei's true identity.
Meanwhile, Zhang Linzhi reported to Yi Lianshen that the Tian Meng Association had launched a three-pronged attack, creating chaos among their infantry and cavalry units by disabling horses and causing landslides. Yi Lianshen immediately recognized that their opponent had changed and was now significantly more formidable, intimately familiar with Jiangzuo's military weaknesses. His Uncle, however, suspected that Yi Liankai had betrayed them and sided with the enemy.
Yi Lianshen vehemently denied this, asserting that his third brother had always stayed out of military and political affairs and could not possibly possess such strategic insight. His Uncle countered, reminding Yi Lianshen that Yi Liankai's teacher was Mr. Fan, who knew their military plans inside and out, implying that Yi Liankai might have gained this knowledge from him. Growing increasingly enraged by his Uncle's constant insinuations about Yi Liankai, Yi Lianshen challenged him.
He drew his military sword and asked his Uncle if he dared to cut off his own arm; if he did, Yi Lianshen promised to kill Yi Liankai if he ever saw him again. But if he refused, Yi Lianshen vowed to save his brother, driven by fraternal loyalty. His Uncle recoiled, muttering that Yi Lianshen was "soft-hearted."
At the opera house, Min Hongyu calmly watched the performance despite a servant's urgent reports that the Fu Army was nearing Yongnan and refugees were gathering at the city gates, threatening revolt. The servant urged her to pack and leave during the potential riot. Min Hongyu steadfastly refused, declaring that she needed to watch the play until the end for Li Chongnian.
She mused that only at curtain call could one see the true faces of the actors, implying a desire to observe the unfolding events until the very conclusion, regardless of the danger. Back in the prison, Liang Xingbei revealed his humble origins, having been born into a poor farming family before joining the military and then the Tian Meng Association.
Yi Liankai, testing him, claimed to know Liang Xingbei through his father, asserting that Liang Xingbei was familiar with his teacher and even more so with his father. While Liang Xingbei processed this, Yi Liankai suddenly grabbed a fork from the table, holding it to Liang Xingbei's throat and demanding his release from Yongnan. During the struggle, Liang Xingbei uttered three words: "Yun Jixue," Yi Liankai's mother's name.
Stunned, Yi Liankai momentarily faltered, allowing Liang Xingbei to reverse their positions and restrain him. Yi Liankai then realized that Liang Xingbei’s profound knowledge of his family, including his mother's name, meant he could be an old friend, an enemy, or a relative, but certainly not just an ordinary member of the Tian Meng Association. At that moment, a messenger rushed in and whispered something to Liang Xingbei.
Liang Xingbei immediately released Yi Liankai and told him he was free to go, ordering all prison doors opened. As Liang Xingbei departed, Yi Liankai urgently called out, demanding to know how he knew his mother's name, but received no answer. Fan Yanyun brought a meal of Yi Liankai’s favorite foods to Qin Sang, who was still confined. Qin Sang expressed her despair over the lack of news about Yi Liankai, remarking that "no news might actually be good news."
Fan Yanyun admitted to envying Qin Sang's ability to openly grieve for Yi Liankai. Qin Sang then pleaded with Fan Yanyun to send a telegram to Yi Lianshen, urging him to return. She shockingly asserted that the Tian Meng Association was unlikely to kill Yi Liankai, but Yi Lianshen was the most probable threat, questioning whether he viewed Yi Liankai as a brother or a rival, especially considering Mr. Fan's high hopes for Yi Liankai.
Qin Sang recounted that Yi Lianshen's aide-de-camp had previously attempted to assassinate Yi Liankai, and hinted that Yi Lianshen's involvement in the earlier kidnapping incident was very likely. She revealed that she had reported these suspicions to their father, which resulted in her current confinement. Fan Yanyun grew indignant, dismissing Qin Sang’s claims as baseless and accusing her of trying to sow discord in her marriage, vowing not to believe a word she said.
The Fu Army successfully breached Yongnan City. Zhang Linzhi reported that the Tian Meng Association's command center at the Cheng manor was found empty, their people having withdrawn. Yi Lianshen ordered a city-wide search for the Tian Meng Association leader and, crucially, for Yi Liankai, reiterating to Zhang Linzhi his primary intention to save his brother, contrary to his Uncle’s wishes.
At the Cheng manor, Yi Lianshen questioned Mr. Cheng about the Tian Meng Association's leader, but Mr. Cheng claimed ignorance, stating they had been held captive by the criminals. Searching the manor, Yi Lianshen discovered a partially burnt document with the character for "prison". This led him to the prison where he found Yi Liankai's handwriting on the wall, appearing calm and undisturbed.
Observing that there were no signs of struggle or forced entry, and that the handcuffs had not been tampered with, Yi Lianshen concluded that Yi Liankai had been released. Believing Yi Liankai would seek him out, he decided to return to the Cheng manor. On his way, a gunshot drew him and Zhang Linzhi to the Min residence, where they rescued Min Hongyu. After his release, Yi Liankai waited at a teahouse.
Two soldiers in Fu Army uniforms approached him, claiming Yi Lianshen was waiting for him at the Cheng manor and offering protection. However, they soon attempted to assassinate Yi Liankai, only to be thwarted by the timely arrival of Pan Jianchi. Yi Liankai expressed surprise at Pan Jianchi's presence.
Pan Jianchi explained that he had recently joined the military department, but due to his past association with Yi Liankai, Yi Lianshen's men did not give him any significant position and he was not taken along for the Yongnan attack. He rushed to Yi Liankai’s aid after hearing he was in trouble. Pan Jianchi then urged Yi Liankai to return to Fuyuan, explicitly stating that he had clearly heard that the would-be assassins were Yi Lianshen's men.
Yi Liankai, refusing to believe his second brother would do such a thing, decided to confront Yi Lianshen personally. At the Cheng manor, Yi Lianshen was overcome with emotion upon seeing Yi Liankai safe and sound. However, Yi Liankai immediately confronted him, asking directly if Yi Lianshen had sent men to kill him, recounting the assassination attempt by the Fu Army soldiers. Yi Lianshen vehemently denied this, swearing he had no part in it.
He confessed that many people had indeed urged him to eliminate Yi Liankai over the years, but he had never acted on those suggestions. He also rejected his father's intention to make Yi Liankai a "training horse" for him, asserting that he earned his position as the Fu Army's young marshal through his own capabilities. Yi Liankai, realizing his error, apologized for doubting his brother.
Yi Lianshen, acknowledging Yi Liankai's recent hardships, stressed that while Yi Liankai could suspect anyone else, he must never suspect him, because Yi Liankai was his younger brother. Back at the Yi family manor, Murong Qin joyfully informed Qin Sang that Yi Lianshen had found Yi Liankai, and they were returning immediately. Qin Sang was deeply moved and relieved by the news that Yi Liankai was alive. In Yongnan, businesses quickly resumed operations.
Mr. Cheng announced to Yi Lianshen that from then on, Yongnan’s business would also fall under the Yi family’s purview. Yi Lianshen, though not well-versed in business, affirmed that the Yi family would naturally protect the businesses in Yongnan now that an agreement had been made with his third brother.
Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen's Uncle was furious upon hearing the news of Yi Liankai's imminent return, berating Yi Lianshen for being "stupid" and warning him that Yi Liankai's return would undermine his position. He continued to suggest that Yi Lianshen should have taken advantage of Yi Liankai's disappearance and the chaos caused by the Tian Meng Association to eliminate him.
Episode 26 Recap
After hearing that Yi Lianshen had sent a telegram announcing he had found Yi Liankai and would soon return, Yi Lianshen's uncle expressed extreme displeasure. He argued that they had a perfect opportunity to eliminate Yi Liankai while he was missing and the Tian Meng Association was causing trouble. Yi Lianshen, however, firmly told his uncle not to speak of killing his third brother in his presence.
He declared he would never kill Yi Liankai, but he did have a score to settle with him. Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen and Min Hongyu were traveling back to Fuyuan together. Noticing Yi Lianshen's somber mood, Min Hongyu inquired if he was troubled by the political situation in Jiangzuo. Yi Lianshen denied it, stating his worries were about family matters. Min Hongyu, having left home young, confessed she sometimes envied those who could still concern themselves with such things.
Yi Lianshen lamented the nature of their family, where fathers and sons spoke in riddles, and brothers were consumed by mutual suspicion. He felt that even if one bared their heart, there was no safe place for it. Min Hongyu, in turn, observed that while ordinary people longed for wealth, the Yi family suffered from having too much. Upon their arrival at the Yi family residence, Yi Liankai immediately disembarked and inquired about Qin Sang's condition from his eldest sister-in-law.
Learning that Qin Sang was still unwell, he rushed into her bedroom. Qin Sang, surprised and overjoyed to see Yi Liankai, embraced him tightly. She poured out her heart, recounting how she had thought and yearned for him daily in Yongnan, believing she might never see him again. She confessed to having nightmares of him being murdered and how she held onto his clothes, their scent assuring her he was still alive and would return.
Yi Liankai, in turn, reassured her, asking when he had ever broken a promise to her. Their reunion was abruptly interrupted by Yi Lianshen, who, despite Yi Liankai's eldest sister-in-law's remark about their long-awaited reunion, dryly stated that reunion must be followed by separation. He announced he had official business and needed to question Yi Liankai, specifically concerning the shooting of Aide-de-Camp Song. Qin Sang clung to Yi Liankai, pleading with him not to go.
Yi Liankai gently tried to reassure her, saying he would return shortly and did not believe his second brother would harm him. However, he eventually disentangled himself from Qin Sang's grasp and followed Yi Lianshen. In Yi Jipei's study, Yi Jipei and his three sons were gathered, but without any sense of joy. Yi Jipei pressed Yi Liankai for an explanation regarding Aide-de-Camp Song's death. Yi Liankai, however, remained evasive, simply stating there was no reason; Song deserved to die.
Yi Jipei then asked that appropriate actions be taken. Suddenly, Qin Sang burst into the room, accusing Yi Liankai of still defending Yi Lianshen, despite Yi Lianshen's treacherous actions. She passionately asserted that Yi Liankai considered Yi Lianshen a brother, but Yi Lianshen clearly did not reciprocate, having deviously implicated Yi Liankai in Song's death. Yi Lianshen retorted, asking why Qin Sang hadn't brought Song back for interrogation if she had captured him, instead of killing him.
Qin Sang, agitated, insisted that Song had committed suicide and that Pan Jianchi could serve as a witness, reminding Yi Lianshen that he knew Pan Jianchi. Yi Lianshen dismissed Pan Jianchi's potential testimony, claiming that as Yi Liankai's subordinate, Pan Jianchi would naturally speak in his favor. Yi Lianshen, now realizing the source of Yi Liankai's distrust since their return from Yongnan, declared that Qin Sang had been "implementing these ideas" in Yi Liankai's mind.
Enraged, he raised his gun and pointed it at Qin Sang. Seeing this, Yi Liankai immediately aimed his own gun at himself, grasping Qin Sang's hand. He asserted that matters between men should not involve women and stated that he had been patient and held back repeatedly, imploring his second brother not to push him further. Yi Jipei, witnessing the escalating conflict, became furious.
He questioned if his sons still saw him as their father and ordered his guards to seize both brothers and imprison them. In the prison, Yi Liankai and Yi Lianshen were held in adjacent cells. Yi Liankai suggested that someone was exploiting their human frailties to sow discord, and expressed his hope that Yi Lianshen would understand his predicament and that they would not end up killing each other.
He explained that the person who tried to kill him was an adjutant sent by Yi Lianshen, and before Aide-de-Camp Song died, he had called out Yi Lianshen's name, which is why Yi Liankai had forced him to commit suicide. Yi Lianshen, equally incensed, accused Yi Liankai of speaking eloquently while betraying him.
He asked if Yi Liankai truly believed he didn't consider him a brother, recalling how he fought Li Chongnian to save Yi Liankai when he was trapped in Zhishan, and how he searched for him in Yongnan when his whereabouts were unknown. Yi Lianshen concluded that they were pure brothers, but Yi Liankai's trust was swayed by Qin Sang.
Hidden nearby, Yi Jipei overheard the heated argument, contemplating with a heavy heart if brotherly feuding was indeed an unavoidable fate for the Yi household. Following this, Yi Jipei questioned Pan Jianchi about the circumstances of Aide-de-Camp Song's suicide. Pan Jianchi recounted the events truthfully. After Pan Jianchi left, Yi Lianyi remarked that with Aide-de-Camp Song dead and no witnesses, neither Yi Liankai's refusal to explain nor Pan Jianchi's testimony held any weight.
He suggested the resolution depended solely on Yi Jipei's decision. Yi Jipei, however, stated that family matters defied simple logic; what truly needed to be addressed was the origin of the intent for brothers to harm each other. Later, Qin Sang and Fan Yanyun visited the imprisoned brothers. Qin Sang embraced Yi Liankai tightly. Fan Yanyun, however, approached Yi Lianshen, inquiring about Yi Liankai's well-being.
Seeing her concern for his brother, Yi Lianshen angrily released Fan Yanyun's hand and told her to go visit Yi Liankai instead. Separately, Fan Yanyun had knelt before her deceased father's portrait, lamenting that his greatest fear of sibling rivalry had come true. She recalled her father's words that only she could avert this disaster but regretted that he never told her how to face both brothers if Yi Lianshen truly went against Yi Liankai.
Qin Sang then confronted Fan Yanyun, expressing her long-standing curiosity as to why Mr. Fan, Fan Yanyun's father, had betrothed her to Yi Lianshen yet seemed to favor Yi Liankai. Fan Yanyun merely stated it was her father's secret, now gone with him. Qin Sang then pleaded with Fan Yanyun for help for Yi Liankai, affirming that he harbored no desire to compete with anyone, yet was constantly targeted.
Fan Yanyun dismissed Qin Sang's pleas, stating that Yi Liankai and Yi Lianshen had promised her father they would only argue and never harm each other, implying Qin Sang was making assumptions. Fan Yanyun firmly refused to help, declaring she was now Yi Lianshen's wife and her loyalty was to him, and that she now cared for someone else more important than Yi Liankai. Yi Jipei sought counsel from his second brother at the Yi family ancestral tomb.
His brother, having retired to guard the tombs years ago due to his unwillingness to witness the power struggle between Yi Jipei and their sixth brother, sighed at the recurrence of family feuds. Yi Jipei, admitting his cluelessness as a father, asked for advice. His brother suggested that while they might be grown, they were still like children fighting, not merely for squabbles but for the Yi family's heir.
He then suggested that Yi Jipei, who loved to use scales to weigh things, should place Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai on a scale. Back in his study, Yi Jipei was indeed fiddling with a set of scales when Yi Lianyi entered, bringing soup specially prepared by Murong Qian, who was concerned about Yi Jipei's exhaustion. Yi Lianyi asked if visiting the ancestral tomb had provided a solution.
Yi Jipei then instructed Yi Lianyi to immediately telegraph Gao Peide, Zhang Xikun, and Jiang Jinyi to return to Fuyuan and conduct a private trial for Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai. Yi Lianyi questioned the involvement of outsiders in their family affair. Yi Jipei, echoing his second uncle's wisdom, stated that the truth was less important than deciding who would receive the most "weights" on the scale of being the family heir.
On a train to Fuyuan, Gao Yuxuan discussed the Yi family case with his father, Gao Peide. Gao Yuxuan pressed his father for details, but Gao Peide rebuffed him, explaining the case was too complex and cautioning him against meeting Yi Liankai in Fuyuan. Gao Peide elaborated that Yi Jipei had summoned them not merely to judge a case, but to ascertain their true loyalties.
He stressed the profound difficulty of the trial, noting that it wasn't just about fairness, but about ensuring the Chief Marshal's continued support for their own families. Gao Peide starkly warned that in this case, the loser must suffer a complete defeat, even death, otherwise the judges themselves would face dire consequences. Upon arriving at the Yi family residence, Yi Jipei handed Gao Peide the case files, emphasizing the need for a secret trial.
Gao Peide then directly asked Yi Jipei about the consequences for the losing party. Yi Jipei initially stated the loser would simply "never be used." Gao Peide, however, countered that if that were the case, he couldn't take on the trial, even at the cost of his own wealth and position. He bluntly stated that the loser must be killed, for if not, the three judges themselves would surely die.
Prior to the trial, Gao Yuxuan met with Qin Sang and informed her that his father, along with Zhang Xikun and Jiang Jinyi, would preside over the case. Qin Sang grew anxious upon hearing Zhang Xikun's name, knowing him to be biased towards Yi Lianshen. Gao Yuxuan acknowledged Zhang Xikun's bias towards Yi Lianshen, but also noted Jiang Jinyi's favor towards Yi Liankai, and assured her that his father, Gao Peide, would remain neutral.
He promised that his father would ensure Yi Liankai's innocence, but then grimly warned that if Yi Liankai were cleared, Yi Lianshen might face a "shameful death," leaving Qin Sang stunned. The trial commenced, with Pan Jianchi called to narrate the events of that day. Pan Jianchi explained that upon his arrival, Yi Liankai's horse had already gone mad. He discovered that Aide-de-Camp Song had tampered with the horse. When Song resisted, Pan Jianchi subdued him.
When asked how Song was killed, Pan Jianchi insisted Song had shot himself. Yi Lianshen, disbelieving Pan Jianchi's claim of single-handedly subduing Song, his top general, challenged Pan Jianchi to a duel to prove his prowess. Pan Jianchi accepted. During their duel, Yi Lianshen managed to take Pan Jianchi's gun, but Pan Jianchi in turn retrieved the bullets, after which Yi Lianshen conceded and accepted his testimony.
Pan Jianchi then revealed that as they were leaving the mountain, he saw Aide-de-Camp Song suspiciously pat Yi Liankai's horse's ear twice. While Song usually cared for the horse and patting could calm it, patting the ear struck Pan Jianchi as unusual. After the horse fell, Pan Jianchi specifically checked its ears and discovered a blister beetle, a bug whose poison can cause extreme excitement, leading the horse to lose control.
Hearing this, Yi Lianyi suddenly recalled the day ten years ago when he himself had fallen from a crazed horse, breaking his leg, and fainted from the shock. Upon regaining consciousness, Yi Lianyi, dismissing his worried wife Murong Qian, requested to speak with Yi Jipei alone. He explained that his forthcoming words were too "vicious" for Murong Qian to hear. He recalled how the old incident of his broken leg had always been a source of inner turmoil.
He pressed Yi Jipei, stating that ever since Yi Liankai displayed his talents at Zhishan, troubles had been relentless. Yi Lianyi acknowledged that either Yi Lianshen or Yi Liankai could be responsible for the horse-tampering incidents, with one using the tactic to harm the other, or one framing the other. He concluded that until the case was resolved, no definitive conclusion could be reached.
Yi Lianyi saw this power struggle and fraternal hostility as a "weird circle," the inevitable fate of a family holding immense power. He admitted that while he had initially found Gao Peide's method of "killing the loser" too harsh, he now viewed anyone who had resurrected this old case as his enemy. Distressed, Yi Jipei then visited the Yi family villa, which Yi Liankai had given to Min Hongyu.
Min Hongyu, surprised by his visit, explained the manor was now hers. Yi Jipei expressed his dismay that Yi Liankai would even give away his own mother's home. He then asked Min Hongyu if he could borrow a place to view Yun Jixue's (Yi Liankai's mother's) tapestries. As he gazed at the intricate weaving, Yi Jipei's emotions ran complex.
He wished Yun Jixue were still by his side to offer solutions and comfort him, lamenting his increasing loneliness despite decades of building an empire and guarding his three sons and vast family.
Episode 27 Recap
Chief Marshal Yi Jipei reflected on the complex conflict among his sons, lamenting that a man as wise as he couldn't resolve it. He acknowledged that power struggles often plague prominent families, and while clashes between two brothers were already troublesome, now all three of his sons were entangled. He felt a sense of retribution, as his own past conflict with his sixth brother seemed to manifest in his sons' generation.
Gao Mingxuan visited Qin Sang, attempting to reassure her that Yi Liankai was fortunate and she needn't worry. However, Qin Sang confessed her helplessness, stating, "Every time Lan Po is in trouble, I can only standby and watch." She expressed fear that Yi Liankai might not be as lucky this time as he had been in the past, distinguishing this crisis as being about manipulative people rather than mere events.
Gao Mingxuan promised his father, Gao Peide, would be fair, but Qin Sang worried about the other judges. She inquired about the case, learning from Gao Mingxuan that Pan Jianchi had revealed everything, including Yi Lianshen's initial skepticism of Pan Jianchi's ability to subdue Adjutant Song, leading to a test of his capabilities. Gao Mingxuan believed Pan Jianchi’s testimony would clear Yi Liankai, but also mentioned that Yi Lianyi had fainted upon hearing the full story.
Determined, Qin Sang sought help. She approached Deng Yulin, who, despite her legal expertise, felt powerless as only veteran officials were involved in the trial. Qin Sang pressed her, asking only if she was willing to help, promising to find a way if she agreed. Deng Yulin, recalling her past willingness to assist Qin Sang, consented despite the potential dangers. Qin Sang then approached Fan Yanyun, explaining the dire situation where the losing brother could face death.
Fan Yanyun, however, refused to intervene, remarking that the outcome wasn't dependent on the truth, and she was more concerned about her own husband's fate if Yi Liankai were to win. Lastly, Qin Sang appealed to Yi Lianyi. He bluntly refused, stating he wanted to observe the conflict between his two brothers to see the result, and that the judges would determine the truth. Yi Lianyi then instructed his servant to show Qin Sang out.
Late that night, Gao Mingxuan visited Qin Sang again, having heard of her efforts with Deng Yulin. He advised against Deng Yulin's involvement, arguing it would appear biased and unfair to Yi Lianshen, and offered to have his father recommend other impartial individuals. Qin Sang declined, asserting her close bond with Deng Yulin.
Later, Gao Mingxuan recounted this to his father, Gao Peide, who expressed relief at Qin Sang's refusal, realizing she had inadvertently saved Gao Mingxuan from potential repercussions from Chief Marshal Yi Jipei. Qin Sang, reflecting on the incident, understood that involving Deng Yulin would have offended not just Yi Lianshen but also Chief Marshal Yi Jipei, Yi Lianyi, and Fan Yanyun. She recognized the need to protect Gao Peide's position if she wanted his continued assistance.
The trial proceeded with Gao Peide, Zhang Xikun, and Jiang Jinyi. It was confirmed that Adjutant Song had placed a bug in the horse's ear, causing it to bolt. Gao Peide questioned Yi Liankai why he allowed Adjutant Song to commit suicide instead of keeping him as a witness. Yi Liankai revealed that Adjutant Song was not the only assassin; another attacker had made a second attempt on his life and silenced Adjutant Song.
Yi Liankai further explained that the entire military knew Adjutant Song was Yi Lianshen’s trusted aide, and only Yi Lianshen could command him. He feared that bringing Adjutant Song's body back would be perceived as framing Yi Lianshen, so he sought to downplay the incident. Gao Peide then questioned Yi Lianshen about his relationship with Adjutant Song.
Yi Lianshen recounted how he had once forced an army doctor at gunpoint to save a severely wounded Adjutant Song, and how Adjutant Song later saved his life on the battlefield. He confirmed that only he could command Adjutant Song, not even his father. Yet, he questioned Gao Peide's assumption that he would kill Yi Liankai for authority, stating, "All the troops in Jiangzuo are under my command. What about him?" Gao Peide adjourned the trial for the day.
Afterward, Gao Peide confessed to Zhang Xikun that the case was difficult, with both brothers presenting compelling arguments. Zhang Xikun suggested that the truth wasn't the real goal; rather, it was about the distribution of power, and the "truth" would be whatever served the interests of whoever Gao Peide chose to support.
Later, Deng Yulin enlightened Qin Sang, explaining that Chief Marshal Yi Jipei was not merely judging a case but observing his sons, and the case's true meaning lay in the distribution of power. Qin Sang, accompanied by Gao Mingxuan, sought out Gao Peide. She courageously declared that she had come not to beg for Yi Liankai to win, but for him to lose. Gao Peide was stunned, reminding her that the loser in this case would face death.
Qin Sang acknowledged this, explaining that she knew Yi Jipei would ultimately decide Yi Liankai's fate. She urged Gao Peide to persuade Chief Marshal Yi Jipei to spare Yi Liankai's life, swearing on behalf of herself and Yi Liankai that they would forever be grateful to the Gao family and would face a lifetime curse if they ever harbored thoughts of revenge.
Gao Peide warned that if Yi Liankai was found guilty, his career in Jiangzuo would be ruined, and Yi Jipei would banish him. He suggested that such a life would be a living death for an ambitious man like Yi Liankai. Qin Sang defiantly declared that as Yi Liankai's wife, she had the right to decide their future, and therefore, only she could be the one to determine his future and life.
Following Qin Sang's departure, Gao Peide visited Yi Lianshen in his cell. Yi Lianshen, cynical about the chief judge visiting a prisoner, asked the purpose of his visit. Gao Peide stated he had decided the outcome of the case and sought Yi Lianshen's future consideration. Yi Lianshen questioned if Gao Peide feared Yi Liankai's potential comeback, to which Gao Peide confidently replied that once a decision was made, he would ensure Yi Liankai had no chance of returning to power.
That night, Qin Sang confided in Deng Yulin, expressing her uncertainty about the gamble she had taken with Yi Liankai’s life. Deng Yulin reassured her that Qin Sang had always prioritized Yi Liankai's life over victory or defeat. She observed how deeply Qin Sang had fallen in love with Yi Liankai, noting her acceptance of his entire personality, from his arrogance to his childishness.
Qin Sang admitted her profound love for him, fearing she might never see him again, and her desperate desire for him to depend on her, even if it meant his hatred. Later, Qin Sang went to the prison to see Yi Liankai. Embracing him, she tearfully apologized for her decision, explaining she could no longer bear the agonizing wait. She admitted to taking another gamble, this time with his life.
Yi Liankai, embracing her back, acknowledged the risks of gambling but expressed gratitude that his life and death lay in her hands. Qin Sang, however, wept, fearing that her impulsiveness might lead to his death. Yi Liankai urged her to return and rest, instructing her to leave Jiangzuo at the first sign of opportunity. He explained that only with her departure could he act decisively in Jiangzuo.
He further instructed her that if their father decided to kill him to appease public opinion, she was to go to Min Hongyu's residence, retrieve his mother's tapestry, and burn it before their father. If their father chose to merely confine him, she should still take the tapestry from Min Hongyu's.
Qin Sang, distressed, questioned his intentions, but Yi Liankai firmly stated he intended to settle his mother's past grievances and fulfill the high hopes his teacher had for him, wanting to make this final stand without regrets. Meanwhile, Yi Lianyi informed Chief Marshal Yi Jipei that Gao Peide had sided with Yi Lianshen, proving this by revealing that Gao Peide's men had prioritized fixing Yi Lianshen's broken room light first.
Yi Jipei sighed, acknowledging that Gao Peide had chosen Yi Lianshen as his heir. Yi Lianyi also mentioned Yi Liankai's refusal to defend himself. Yi Jipei then ordered Yi Lianyi to prepare for a departure to Zhishan that very night. Yi Lianyi expressed concern that leaving before a verdict would finalize a potentially fatal judgment for Yi Liankai.
Yi Jipei, however, dismissed his earlier "loser must die" pronouncement as a mere declaration, stating he wanted to see who dared to sentence his third son to death. He then revealed his plans to meet with Murong Chen and Li Chongnian in Zhishan to finalize a grand political strategy. Murong Qian, Yi Lianyi’s wife, wept at the news of his departure, but he comforted her, explaining the necessity of his journey and her presence in the Yi household.
The trial resumed, and Jiang Jinyi announced the verdict: Yi Liankai was found guilty of Adjutant Song's murder and framing Yi Lianshen, while Yi Lianshen was declared innocent. Yi Lianshen immediately protested, refusing to accept the outcome. When Yi Liankai, without any defense, accepted the verdict, Yi Lianshen became enraged, demanding to know why Yi Liankai killed Adjutant Song and if he knew the full consequences of his admission.
Yi Lianshen, infuriated by what he perceived as Yi Liankai's poor judgment, angrily stormed out, declaring his intent to continue investigating. Yi Liankai calmly stated that he had only admitted fault to prevent their elders from witnessing their sibling rivalry. At the Yi family's other residence, Pan Jianchi eloquently praised a tapestry he was observing. Min Hongyu, impressed by his detailed description of what most would consider an ordinary tapestry, wondered if Yi Liankai possessed such eloquence during his trial.
Pan Jianchi expressed surprise that Min Hongyu had already learned of the verdict announced that afternoon. Min Hongyu responded that her heart was connected to Yi Liankai's, allowing her to sense his pain no matter where he was. When Pan Jianchi humbly asked for her guidance, Min Hongyu shrewdly questioned if he intended to switch allegiances. Later, Gao Peide, Zhang Xikun, and Jiang Jinyi discussed the trial's outcome.
They acknowledged the Chief Marshal's true intention in entrusting them with the case: to prevent his sons from tearing each other apart. Despite the verdict, they realized they were unable to determine the final resolution. When Gao Peide went to report the findings to Chief Marshal Yi Jipei, he was informed that Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi had departed for Zhishan the previous night, leaving the final decision on Yi Liankai's fate entirely to Gao Peide.
Episode 28 Recap
Upon learning that Yi Jipei had departed for Zhishan with Yi Lianyi overnight, Gao Pedec realized that what seemed to be a trial for Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai was, in fact, a test for himself and his associates. He understood that the Yi family's matters were to be decided by the family itself, and now their only course was to follow Yi Lianshen's directives.
Earlier, Min Hongyu explained to Pan Jianchi that a figure in a tapestry was Yi Liankai's deceased mother, and her own mother had woven it. She dismissed the notion of her having "wise eyes," stating that she was merely used by political men to disseminate information. She then questioned Pan Jianchi whether Yi Liankai would have the same luck he experienced in Zhishan this time, to which Pan Jianchi offered only a nod.
Meanwhile, Qin Sang, discovering Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi's overnight departure, frantically sought out Murong Xuan, asking if Yi Lianyi had spoken of Yi Liankai before leaving, or if Yi Lianshen had gone to Zhishan with them. Murong Xuan, knowing nothing, simply shook her head. Qin Sang, realizing she had lost her gamble, was filled with despair. When Gao Pedec returned, Gao Mingxuan immediately pressed him about the Chief Marshal's decision regarding Yi Liankai.
Gao Pedec dismissed him, stating it was not his concern. Gao Mingxuan accused his father and others of framing Yi Liankai, but Gao Pedec angrily asserted that Yi Liankai had confessed willingly, not been framed, and warned Gao Mingxuan to cease contact with Qin Sang, deeming her name a "buzzkill." Gao Mingxuan, unwilling to endure his father's scolding, turned to leave.
Gao Pedec stopped him, chastising him for disrespect and for only learning Yi Liankai's "fooling around" instead of his virtues despite being sent overseas to study. Gao Mingxuan defiantly praised Yi Liankai's intelligence and military prowess, claiming he far surpassed Yi Lianshen. Fearing for his son's life, Gao Pedec quickly silenced him. Gao Mingxuan declared his intention to find Qin Sang, but Gao Pedec retorted that she was not as fragile as he believed.
Back in her room, Qin Sang, weeping, declined to see Gao Mingxuan, instead instructing Mama Zhu to inquire about Yi Lianshen's attitude towards Yi Liankai. Gao Mingxuan soon approached Yi Lianshen, directly stating that Yi Liankai's confession was Qin Sang's idea, proposed to bring the prolonged situation to an end. This revelation infuriated Yi Lianshen. Qin Sang visited Yi Liankai in his prison cell, asking about the outside situation.
With a heavy heart, she confessed that she had lost her gamble. She explained that Yi Jipei had fled to Zhishan overnight with Yi Lianyi to avoid presiding over the trial, and with his absence, Gao Pedec and the others could not decide Yi Liankai's fate, leaving his life entirely dependent on a single word from Yi Lianshen. Yi Liankai offered a bitter smile, admitting he had anticipated this outcome.
He recounted the injustice his mother suffered, falsely accused and sick in bed, patiently waiting for their father's return from the army to clear her name. Yet, when their father came back, he hid, just as he was doing now, and later fled from his mother as if she carried a plague. Yi Liankai vividly recalled his father's cold, callous, anxious, and humiliated demeanor. To prove her innocence, his mother tragically drowned herself in a lake.
He added that his father then pampered him, seeing him as his mother's memorial, which is why he was determined to live, believing that life offered infinite possibilities. He also reflected on his mother's strength, making the ultimate sacrifice for love, unlike his father, whom he saw as a coward afraid of exposure. Qin Sang questioned why he had not shared these details with her the previous day.
Yi Liankai responded that he had seen her joyful and hopeful expression with her plan and did not wish to upset her. With Yi Lianshen now holding all authority in Jiangzuo, Qin Sang feared he would demand Yi Liankai's life and suggested seeking help from the Tian Meng Association or Min Hongyu. Yi Liankai cautioned against Min Hongyu, describing her as an enigma whose perceived power stemmed from a mysterious patron.
He stated his knowledge of her was limited to her past with the Cheng family in Yongnan, and he respected her because he did not wish to antagonize the influential figure behind her. He warned that seeking her assistance would come at an exorbitant price, likening her help to a loan that would ultimately lead to financial ruin. Qin Sang, disheartened, insisted she only wanted to save him, even if it meant being exploited.
Yi Liankai gently took her hand and placed it on his face, asserting that no one dared to exploit her; only he could. Blocking Yi Lianshen's path, Qin Sang pleaded with him to spare Yi Liankai and not to treat her, a mere woman, so harshly. Yi Lianshen retorted that he had never met such a formidable woman as Qin Sang, noting that Yi Liankai, who never listened to anyone else, had confessed at her behest.
He angrily suggested that if she truly wanted to save Yi Liankai, she should not sow discord between the brothers. Yi Lianshen recalled initially being happy when Yi Liankai insisted on marrying Qin Sang, believing his brother's lonely heart would finally find peace and stability. However, over the years, Yi Liankai's debauchery had only escalated, and Qin Sang had remained indifferent. He accused Qin Sang of personally forcing Yi Liankai into his current dire situation by making him confess.
He reminded her that Yi Liankai had sacrificed the entire Yi family and Jiangzuo for her, then challenged her to consider what she had done for Yi Liankai in return. Overwhelmed by fear and guilt, Qin Sang cried out Yi Lianshen's name and collapsed, kneeling and weeping uncontrollably outside the family entrance. As heavy rain began to fall, Qin Sang remained stubbornly kneeling. Mama Zhu, worried for Qin Sang's health, urged her to come inside, reminding her of Yi Liankai.
Qin Sang defiantly proclaimed, "If you treat others in a certain way, others will treat you the same," asserting her clear conscience and ordering Mama Zhu to retreat. Meanwhile, Fan Yanyun knelt before her father's portrait, praying for Yi Lianshen's safety and Yi Liankai's successful resolution of the crisis. She acknowledged that the brothers' struggle for power had begun, as her father had foreseen.
She beseeched her father's spirit to bless Yi Liankai to unite Jiangzuo, as he had entrusted his political ideals to him. Alternatively, if she and Yi Lianshen were merely pawns in his grand scheme, she expressed her willingness to leave Jiangzuo with Yi Lianshen, escaping the painful political strife, and to live as if she had never known or loved Yi Liankai.
Unbeknownst to her, Yi Lianshen had overheard her entire monologue, his face darkening with rage at the revelation that his beloved wife harbored feelings for his younger brother. Hearing of Qin Sang's plight, Murong Xuan rushed out to persuade her. Qin Sang, growing weaker, pleaded with her sister-in-law to intercede with Yi Lianshen, but she fainted before completing her sentence. Murong Xuan then confronted Yi Lianshen, begging him to release Yi Liankai.
Enraged, Yi Lianshen violently pushed her away, shouting in frustration why everyone was lying to him and portraying him as the villain. He declared that if they all believed he held the power of life and death over Yi Liankai, he would deliver a definitive outcome. Murong Xuan later cared for Qin Sang, who, hoarse from crying and a cold, could barely speak. Qin Sang desperately gestured, imploring Murong Xuan to take her to Fan Yanyun.
Murong Xuan, unable to refuse, agreed to bring her there, assuring her that Yi Liankai would be safe and that as family, they could resolve matters peacefully. Qin Sang then weakly pleaded with Fan Yanyun to convince Yi Lianshen to release Yi Liankai. Yi Lianshen arrived at Yi Liankai's prison cell with a bottle of foreign liquor and two glasses, surprising Yi Liankai. Yi Lianshen asked for Yi Liankai's opinion on his military uniform.
Yi Liankai conceded that only Yi Lianshen was worthy of wearing the young marshal's uniform, but Yi Lianshen accused Yi Liankai of killing his adjutant, Song, for that uniform, stating that Yi Liankai's confession was a gamble, not an admission of guilt.
Yi Lianshen reflected on their teacher, Mr. Fan, and his teaching of "Fool the Emperor to Cross the Sea," and how Yi Liankai's actions now made him understand its connection to their father's philosophy of "retreat is sometimes marching forward"—a tactic used to advance discreetly by deceiving others. He admired Yi Liankai for expertly combining these two strategies.
Yi Liankai responded that while the uniform was indeed magnificent and desired by many soldiers, to him, it was merely clothing and not his dream. He reminded Yi Lianshen of their childhood vow to "fight, but not hurt each other" when vying for candy and attention, asserting that his commitment to that vow remained unchanged. Yi Lianshen acknowledged his own unchanging stance, but stated that Fan Yanyun was not a "candy."
Yi Liankai firmly clarified that Fan Yanyun was their teacher's daughter, Yi Lianshen's wife, and his sister-in-law, emphasizing their fixed positions and identities. Yi Lianshen then spoke of the small, forbidden courtyard behind their garden. He revealed that their sixth uncle, Yi Shoucheng, a military genius comparable to Mr. Fan, had been imprisoned there because his achievements overshadowed their father.
Yi Lianshen recounted how their father, still fearful, had eventually burned Yi Shoucheng alive, finding peace only when the entire courtyard was engulfed in flames. He concluded that the Yi family had a recurring history of fratricide, a bloodline that now flowed through them.
Yi Lianshen, consumed by anger, accused his father-in-law, Fan Yanyun, and Yi Liankai of manipulating him, viewing him as a mere pawn, especially since his father-in-law had invested all his hopes and dreams in Yi Liankai, granting him Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai countered that their father had always treated him as Yi Lianshen's "training horse," preventing him from experiencing battle, while Yi Lianshen was the favored champion and heir, son of the main wife, unlike himself, the concubine's son.
He admitted to appearing as a dissolute playboy, but Yi Lianshen retorted that Yi Liankai merely feigned recklessness while secretly plotting to "stir up the world." Yi Liankai challenged this, asking if he was truly so dangerous. He questioned why Yi Lianshen would want to kill his own unarmed brother, implying Yi Lianshen's fear.
Yi Lianshen denied fearing Yi Liankai himself, but rather the disasters Yi Liankai might unleash, believing that as long as Yi Liankai lived, others would conspire in his name to destabilize Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai asserted that Yi Lianshen was not truly seeking power, but rather affection. Yi Lianshen conceded that only Yi Liankai truly understood him, but lamented that Yi Liankai had taken what he cherished most: their father's love, Yi Lianyi's love, and Fan Yanyun's love.
While he could hand over Jiangzuo, he could not relinquish these profound affections. He then raised his gun to Yi Liankai's head, but hesitated, unable to fire. Just then, Qin Sang and Fan Yanyun burst in. Fan Yanyun implored Yi Lianshen, if he still wished to see their child born safely, not to bring further "murder debt" upon their baby.
Yi Lianyi suddenly recalled that Adjutant Song had been Yi Shoucheng's subordinate before working for Yi Lianshen, and Yi Shoucheng had treated him as a personal messenger. Yi Liankai, hearing this, remarked that Yi Shoucheng's ghost continued to haunt them.
Episode 29 Recap
The political turmoil surrounding Yi Liankai's alleged crimes seemingly reached a resolution in the Yi family's study. Zhang Xikun and Jiang Jinyi were fiercely arguing over the fate of Third Young Master.
Jiang Jinyi accused Zhang Xikun of pushing Chief Marshal Yi Jipei to a fiery pit and intending for Second Young Marshal Yi Lianshen to kill Yi Liankai, adding that Chief Marshal himself wanted to save Yi Liankai but was forced to step back due to people like Zhang Xikun.
Zhang Xikun retorted, questioning if Chief Marshal would forgive Jiang Jinyi, whose hands were "tainted with Third Young Master's blood," and stated that Chief Marshal would prefer "one hundred loyal dogs" over an "able subject with a rebellious desire." Gao Peide was initially silent during their heated exchange, then Jiang Jinyi addressed him, remarking on his role in the verdict. Suddenly, Yi Lianshen entered, leading Yi Liankai and Qin Sang.
Yi Lianshen announced to everyone that his younger brother had decided to go to Europe for studies and would never return to Jiangzuo. He declared that this matter was now concluded, and Gao Peide expressed relief, offering to have his son help plan an itinerary for Yi Liankai. Yi Lianshen asked Gao Peide to relay to Chief Marshal Yi Jipei that the matter was closed. Later, Yi Lianshen knelt before his father-in-law's spirit tablet.
He acknowledged the heavy karma he had accumulated from killing over the years, but believed his father-in-law would surely understand him. He vowed that from then on, he would retract his drive and stop unnecessary killing, praying for the safety of Fan Yanyun and their unborn child. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, having narrowly escaped death, embraced in their bedroom.
Qin Sang lamented their constantly perilous fate, admitting she had been living worse than dying, afraid someone would assassinate Yi Liankai or that they would be separated by death. Yi Liankai confessed that his time in prison, initially fearing her interference, then fearing her absence, had been agonizing as he worried he would never see her again. He reassured her, explaining that Yi Lianshen's public declaration meant he would no longer pursue them.
He then encouraged Qin Sang to choose a country for them to start anew. Qin Sang expressed a desire to visit Germany, specifically the Neuschwanstein Castle, recounting the tale of Ludwig II, its architect, who sacrificed everything for his beloved castle. She asked Yi Liankai if he had any regrets. Yi Liankai replied that regrets are for those who fail to achieve their desires; since he had already won her heart, he had nothing to regret.
He admitted he had lost the struggle for power but won something more valuable, though the price was leaving Fuyuan forever. Qin Sang assured him that as long as he was by his side, anywhere would be home. Yi Liankai then jokingly suggested they explore Fuyuan, enjoying its cuisine and landscapes, and even admiring its beautiful women, to which Qin Sang warned him not to look too closely, or she’d get jealous.
He wanted to convert all their Fuyuan memories, both good and bad, into treasures to take to Europe. Elsewhere, Yi Lianshen confronted Fan Yanyun about her pregnancy. He questioned why she hadn't told him, and whether the child was merely a bargaining chip to save Yi Liankai. Fan Yanyun was hurt and bewildered by his distrust, explaining she had only recently found out and was hesitant to tell him due to his busy schedule, fearing it might affect him.
Yi Lianshen, though, insisted he would be very willing to be "affected" as the child's father. He expressed his wish for time to move faster on the battlefield so he could return to her sooner, and slower at home to stay longer, yet acknowledged her past resistance to his attempts to get close. Fan Yanyun, deeply moved, admitted that since her pregnancy, she felt like a changed person.
She realized that fate was something that couldn't be sought, and since they were destined to be husband and wife, she wished to live a peaceful and happy life with their child. Overjoyed, Yi Lianshen promised to stay with her and grow old together. On Zhishan, Yi Lianyi reported to his father, Yi Jipei, that Yi Liankai had confessed, and Gao Peide had swiftly closed the case.
He noted that Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai appeared to have reached an agreement, with Yi Liankai leaving for Europe permanently. Yi Jipei accepted their decision, also inquiring about any strange movements after the trial. Yi Lianyi clarified that Gao Peide had remained secluded after the trial, and while Zhang Xikun would boast due to Yi Lianshen's victory, Jiang Jinyi, known for his temper, would likely find faults in the coming days.
Yi Lianyi also mentioned the joyful news of Fan Yanyun's pregnancy. Yi Jipei was delighted, viewing it as a tremendous blessing. He looked to the sky and spoke to "Old Fan," expressing joy that his daughter finally bore a child for the Yi family. Pan Jianchi received a phone call from Manager Li of Fuyuan Bank, informing him that someone wanted to open his safety deposit box number 185 and he needed to come in person.
Upon meeting Northern Pole, Pan Jianchi questioned his audacity in calling the military, fearing exposure. Northern Pole calmly replied that he wouldn't be discovered if he dared to call. Pan Jianchi stated their plan had failed, as Yi Liankai intended to leave Fuyuan. Northern Pole instructed Pan Jianchi to stay and observe the situation, to which Pan Jianchi pleaded with Northern Pole not to harm Qin Sang.
Northern Pole revealed that the trial was merely a setup by Yi Jipei, not just to try a case but to 'decide on the human heart,' gauging the prevailing sentiments. He noted that while the outcome appeared to make Yi Lianshen the public choice, Yi Jipei surely had other plans, using the trial to confine all Fuyuan's power holders while he ascended Zhishan to devise a grander scheme.
Yi Jipei and Murong Chen met on Zhishan, enjoying a game of golf. They reminisced about their past as enemies and how Zhishan had transformed. Murong Chen inquired if Yi Jipei had invited Li Chongnian to the mountain. Yi Jipei admitted that Li Chongnian was a constant threat in Yizhou, and after years of conflict, he was tired and considered joint governance.
Before, he felt compelled to seize territory, but now in his old age, he realized the futility of trying to control everything and preferred joint governance. Murong Chen, however, believed Li Chongnian, still driven by ambition like Yi Jipei once was, would never come. Yi Jipei countered that if they could "devour" Li Chongnian in one swift move, they would gain another place for recreation. Murong Chen was intrigued but doubted how they could conquer Yizhou, a formidable challenge.
Yi Jipei smiled, revealing their plan involved another relative: Cheng Yunzhi, whom he introduced to Murong Chen as his in-law. At Li Manor, a subordinate urgently reported a merchant riot, with the merchants threatening to storm the mansion. Chen Pei ordered his men to open fire and suppress them, but Fu Rongcai disagreed, attributing the unrest to the Cheng family.
He explained that although Old Master Cheng was gone, the family's influence and connections remained strong, and Cheng Yunzhi's words would still be believed, which would be detrimental to them. Li Chongnian had assumed that even if the Cheng family refused cooperation, they wouldn't openly break ties, realizing Cheng Yunzhi's intentions differed from his father's.
Fu Rongcai cautioned that if they engaged the merchants, Yi Jipei and Cheng Yunzhi could use it as an excuse to attack Yizhou, cutting off their supply lines from Jiangzuo and Yongnan. Realizing Yi Jipei was using this to force a negotiation, Li Chongnian decided to go to Zhishan. On the street, Pan Jianchi was blindfolded by Fu Army soldiers and taken to the Yi family study.
Upon seeing Yi Lianshen, Pan Jianchi immediately realized that Third Young Master was beyond saving. Yi Lianshen openly invited Pan Jianchi to serve him, citing his talent. Pan Jianchi refused, explaining he was merely an overseas student whom Yi Liankai had rescued from prison, thus he owed Yi Liankai a debt of gratitude and would not betray him.
Yi Lianshen, respecting his stance, allowed him to leave but then subtly inquired about a steel pen Pan Jianchi had previously mentioned, claiming he had never seen anyone use it. Pan Jianchi offered to gift the pen to Yi Lianshen, attributing Yi Lianshen's unfamiliarity to his constant campaigns. Yi Lianshen politely declined, quoting a poem about black geese seeking a place to settle, urging Pan Jianchi to reconsider his loyalties.
Afterward, Pan Jianchi met with Northern Pole and questioned how their plan could proceed now that Yi Liankai had withdrawn from the succession. Northern Pole commended his rejection of Yi Lianshen as a display of loyalty and advised him to approach Yi Lianshen again, reiterating his loyalty.
Pan Jianchi expressed confusion, asking why Northern Pole hadn't instructed him to approach Yi Lianshen from the start, speculating that Yi Lianshen could have saved him from prison instead of Yi Liankai if he had waited. Pan Jianchi then confronted Northern Pole, stating that only someone with intimate knowledge of the Yi family could have orchestrated such an elaborate scheme.
He explained that Northern Pole's intricate planning, seemingly perilous yet executed with ease, suggested deep knowledge of the Yi family, acquired potentially from years in war, family power struggles, and even imprisonment. Pan Jianchi then deduced that Northern Pole was none other than Yi Shoucheng, the Yi family's Sixth Uncle, formerly known as Jiangzuo's military adviser, a fact Northern Pole did not deny. Qin Sang and Yi Liankai went for a stroll in Fuyuan.
Qin Sang blamed herself for holding Yi Liankai back, believing he could have become a powerful figure in Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai dismissed the notion, explaining that power came with a lifetime of cunning and plotting, and he preferred to leave with the woman he loved. Qin Sang then suggested he visit Min Hongyu.
Yi Liankai quickly clarified there was nothing between them, to which Qin Sang smiled and explained she meant he should visit his mother's old villa to make peace with his past. Yi Liankai kissed her forehead and asked her to go home and wait for him, with Qin Sang jokingly telling him to return quickly, or she would be jealous. Yi Liankai visited his mother's old villa.
Standing before a tapestry, he confided that he had let go of his mother's desire for revenge and his years of hatred for the Yi family. His resentment towards his father also vanished the moment he decided to leave Jiangzuo with Qin Sang for Europe. He suddenly felt exhausted from years of carrying burdens, admitting that perhaps his only regret was failing his master, Mr. Fan, by not having the courage to become the next Great Marshal.
He concluded that the living shouldn't be bound by the deceased. He was there to bid his mother a final farewell, acknowledging it might be their last. Min Hongyu appeared and expressed her disappointment, believing she had misjudged Yi Liankai. She had seen him as an ambitious man, but his decade of hidden aspirations had been undone by love. She also stated her conviction that if he were to return, he could claim all of Jiangzuo within three years.
Yi Liankai countered that perhaps in ten or twenty years, when the country had changed and was no longer fractured by warlords, he might return to live as a peaceful citizen. Min Hongyu then asked if she could continue living in the old house. Yi Liankai confirmed she could, but noted that the house deed was lost, meaning she might eventually be forced to leave.
Min Hongyu mused that the tapestry, which represented their mothers, was her most cherished possession and easily transportable, but she would regret leaving the blue hydrangeas in the backyard. Yi Liankai chuckled, correcting her that the hydrangeas were red, not blue. Min Hongyu refused to believe him, claiming she might be wrong about people but never about a flower's color, and challenged him to a bet to go see for themselves.
Earlier, Fan Yanyun picked up a custom-made military uniform from Huaixiu, asking her to sew on shoulder patches, noting she had found the person to wear it. Now, looking at the uniform, she murmured about its striking resemblance and expressed her suspicion that if Pan Jianchi was her father's murderer, she had already laid numerous traps to ensure he would not escape. She also discussed with Yi Lianshen that Pan Jianchi had rejected his offer of service.
Yi Lianshen admitted he could tell Pan Jianchi was unwilling to give up and wouldn't remain a mere adjutant for long. He believed Pan Jianchi would have two choices once Yi Liankai left: serve him or leave Jiangzuo to serve someone else, in which case Yi Lianshen would have to eliminate him before he could depart.
Fan Yanyun argued that since Yi Lianshen recognized Pan Jianchi's talent, he should offer him a suitable, high-ranking position, suggesting a Chief of Staff role. She urged him to act immediately to show sincerity and prevent complications. As Yi Liankai and Min Hongyu went to the backyard, they indeed found blue hydrangeas, just as Min Hongyu had said.
Yi Liankai, surprised, recalled his mother once saying that hydrangeas planted over metal items would turn from red to blue, and immediately decided to dig. Later, as Pan Jianchi was writing, Yi Lianshen entered his room. Pan Jianchi correctly assumed Yi Lianshen had returned with a new offer. Yi Lianshen handed him a notebook, asking if he recognized it. He then stated that he valued Pan Jianchi's strategic intelligence, not just his combat skills, and offered him any position he desired within his command.
Episode 30 Recap
Fan Yanyun learned that Yi Lianshen had initially approached Pan Jianchi but was rejected. Yi Lianshen perceived Pan Jianchi's underlying discontent, believing that with his capabilities, Pan Jianchi would not remain an adjutant for long. He anticipated Pan Jianchi would either pledge loyalty to him or find an excuse to leave Jiangzuo and join another faction. If Pan Jianchi chose the latter, Yi Lianshen intended to eliminate him before his departure.
Fan Yanyun suggested that if Yi Lianshen truly recognized Pan Jianchi's talent, he should offer him a significant position, such as chief of staff, to demonstrate sincerity and avoid future complications. When Pan Jianchi later met with Yi Lianshen, he stated his ambition was not to command armies, be a provincial governor, or a military adviser, nor to possess vast territories, but simply to achieve peace.
He believed that with Yi Lianshen's trust, peace was attainable, and his goal was to devise strategies for Yi Lianshen to accomplish remarkable achievements. Yi Lianshen understood that Pan Jianchi aspired to be the political adviser of Jiangzuo, a role Pan Jianchi confirmed, expressing a desire for everlasting remembrance rather than mere lifelong achievement. Yi Lianshen agreed to grant him this position.
Pan Jianchi then accepted the offer but set a condition: Yi Lianshen must guarantee the safety of Third Young Master Yi Liankai and his wife, Qin Sang, until they had successfully departed Fuyuan, as Yi Liankai had saved his life, and he felt compelled to repay the debt. Yi Lianshen remarked on the irony of an outsider requesting mercy for his own brother, with whom his blood ran thicker than water, but nevertheless agreed to the condition.
He then addressed Pan Jianchi as "Chief-of-Staff Pan." That night, Yi Liankai went to his mother's old manor. Following a clue about hydrangeas, he began digging under them, first unearthing his mother's earring, then her clothes. Despite Min Hongyu's pleas for him to stop, he persisted, eventually uncovering a skeleton, which, to his horror, Yi Liankai realized was his mother.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Yi Liankai furiously questioned why his mother's corpse was buried there when he was always told she rested in the Yi family's ancestral tomb. Min Hongyu attempted to calm him, suggesting that being buried in her own manor was akin to her coming home, and further disturbance would trouble her soul. Yi Liankai, distraught, kicked at the hydrangeas, accusing them of feeding on his mother's blood and flesh, blooming annually while he had lost her forever.
He recounted how he was sick when his mother was supposedly buried, and his father's wife informed him of the burial, while his father returned to the army even before the seven days of mourning had passed. He wrestled with why his stepmother, who had the opportunity to kill him when he was sick, instead saved and cherished him.
Min Hongyu advised him to stop thinking about these painful memories, but Yi Liankai vowed to uncover the truth, convinced his father held the answers. He impulsively declared his intention to go to Zhishan, but Min Hongyu restrained him, warning that such a move would turn the entire Fu army's guns on him, making his return impossible.
Yi Liankai retorted that if the person who gave him life died unknown, his own life held no purpose, and he had never received divine protection anyway. Qin Sang, preparing for her departure to Europe, chose not to inform her father, Qin Housheng, fearing he would immediately travel to Fuyuan, creating complications. Instead, she asked Mother Zhu to send him a letter assuring him of her well-being and her decision not to return.
She also expressed a wish that if her father ever tired of his official duties, Yi Lianshen could arrange for his retirement in Europe. Mother Zhu then brought up Pan Jianchi's previous disappearance during Qin Sang and Yi Liankai's visit to Yongnan. Qin Sang dismissed it with a smile, stating that Pan Jianchi had found his own path, and their destinies were no longer connected. Later, Pan Jianchi engaged in a strategic discussion with Yi Lianshen over a sand table.
Their simulated battle involved complex maneuvers, with Pan Jianchi ultimately outmaneuvering Yi Lianshen using canon soldiers and hostage tactics. Impressed, Yi Lianshen admitted his defeat. Fan Yanyun then arrived, specifically to meet Pan Jianchi. She lauded his military and tactical prowess, comparing him to her esteemed father and expressing her hope that he would assist Yi Lianshen in achieving great accomplishments.
Pan Jianchi conveyed his honor at receiving such respect from both Yi Lianshen and his wife, recalling how his talents were first recognized through Yi Liankai's help after his return from Japan. Fan Yanyun then presented Pan Jianchi with a military uniform, tailored by Miss Huaixiu, as a special gift, indicating that it represented their hopes for his service. Pan Jianchi accepted it gratefully, noting its perfect fit.
Fan Yanyun stressed that by wearing the uniform, he should not disappoint Yi Lianshen's expectations. At Zhishan, Yi Lianyi reported to his father, Yi Jipei, on Li Chongnian's recent setback. He attributed this to Cheng Yunzhi's successful efforts in convincing Yizhou merchants to halt trade, leveraging their existing dissatisfaction with Li Chongnian's heavy taxation and demands for resources.
Yi Jipei acknowledged that without the Cheng family's influential push, their attempts to incite the Yizhou merchants would not have been as effective, highlighting the Cheng family's "illustrious reputation" and global connections. He lamented that their initial plan to collaborate with Old Master Cheng through Yi Liankai had failed, leaving them with Cheng Yunzhi. Despite Cheng Yunzhi agreeing to work with them, Yi Jipei was skeptical of his capabilities compared to his predecessor.
He instructed Yi Lianyi to closely monitor Cheng Yunzhi, cautioning that individuals who frequently emphasize morality often possess the most calculating minds. Meanwhile, Li Chongnian, en route to Zhishan, questioned Fu Rongcai about Yi Jipei's intentions for their meeting. Fu Rongcai predicted that the Yi family would assert control over Yizhou but would leave Li Chongnian a "bottom line" to avoid forcing him into rebellion.
Li Chongnian admitted that his main concern wasn't Yi Jipei or Murong Chen individually, but rather their potential alliance to annex his territory, which would necessitate their military intervention. He revealed that his expansion in Yizhou had relied on their reluctance to deploy troops. He expressed surprise that the Cheng family, specifically "a single girl," had managed to unite Murong Chen and Yi Jipei.
Despite recognizing the inherent danger, Li Chongnian resolved to proceed to Zhishan, describing his decision as knowingly walking into a tiger's den to watch the "tigers fighting." Yi Jipei and Murong Chen played golf and then engaged in conversation. Murong Chen praised Yi Jipei's sons, initially praising his son-in-law, Yi Lianyi, despite his injury, and Yi Lianshen's strategic prowess.
He then shifted his focus to Yi Liankai, first joking about his love for enjoyment, then highlighting Zhishan as a testament to his unique blend of Chinese and Western aesthetics and one of Asia's finest golf courses. Yi Jipei dismissed these achievements as mere "fun and games," but Murong Chen argued they represented "knowledge and wisdom," asserting that without Yi Liankai's "weird tricks and talents," their current tripartite meeting at Zhishan would not have been possible.
Murong Chen further declared Yi Liankai the most remarkable of Yi Jipei's sons, attributing this to his "brand new" thought process, distinct from their own "former generations" thinking. He emphasized that Yi Liankai, having been taught by Mr. Fan, was never indoctrinated with outdated "emperor-subject" principles. He credited Yi Liankai's intelligence and ability to leverage human relationships for transforming Zhishan into a "fengshui haven" that facilitated their gathering.
Yi Jipei, after thanking Murong Chen on behalf of his third son, expressed sorrow that he would not see Yi Liankai upon his return to Fuyuan, as Yi Liankai was scheduled to depart for Europe and "won't be returning." He lamented not being able to bid his son farewell.
Murong Chen accurately inferred that Yi Liankai's departure was a consequence of the succession struggle, then remarked on Yi Liankai's striking resemblance to his late mother, Lady Yun, particularly his eyes, a sentiment Yi Jipei confirmed. Just then, a subordinate announced Li Chongnian's arrival. Li Chongnian exchanged pleasantries and attempted to flatter Yi Jipei by stating he only recognized him as "Yi Young Marshal" and found Yi Lianshen's methods inferior.
Yi Jipei quickly pointed out that Li Chongnian had lost to Yi Lianshen. Li Chongnian, however, distinguished between losing and being "justly defeated," suggesting Yi Lianshen's victory lacked a certain decisiveness. Murong Chen interjected, advising that in battle, victory is unpredictable, and losers should accept their fate. The conversation then shifted to past military campaigns, with Yi Jipei recounting Yi Lianyi's early achievements, including capturing Changye.
Li Chongnian acknowledged Yi Lianyi's talent but recalled a specific battle where Yi Lianyi, despite having an advantage, was forced to withdraw by his superior to preserve strength. Li Chongnian then contrasted his own rise to power as a warlord over seven years with Yi Lianyi's current "pitiful state" as a "disabled person," implying his own "results" made him wiser.
Yi Lianyi, however, countered that Li Chongnian's magnanimity in gracefully accepting his physical limitations was more admirable than mere talent or intelligence. With their departure imminent, Qin Sang grew anxious as Yi Liankai had not returned home all night. Mother Zhu speculated that Min Hongyu might be keeping him, expressing regret that Qin Sang hadn't "dragged" him back the previous evening.
Qin Sang, however, stated she would be more at ease if he were with Min Hongyu, but feared "another kind of mishap" or that Yi Lianshen might go back on his promise. Mother Zhu dismissed these concerns, asserting that Yi Lianshen and Fan Yanyun were too preoccupied with courting Pan Jianchi to bother with them. Qin Sang, nevertheless, worried that even if Yi Lianshen didn't act directly, his subordinates might, and blamed herself for letting Yi Liankai leave alone.
Soon after, Fan Yanyun appeared and offered Qin Sang a photograph of her and Yi Liankai, suggesting she take it as a "remembrance" for their impending departure to Europe. Mother Zhu questioned what Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi would think upon discovering Qin Sang and the photograph gone. Fan Yanyun coolly replied that they would simply pretend the "matter has never happened," deeming it "better for everyone."
Qin Sang calmly accepted this, stating that the Zhishan case was closed, and despite the injustices she and Yi Liankai felt, they had willingly withdrawn. She acknowledged Yi Lianshen as the Yi family heir and Fan Yanyun as the mistress of the house, accepting their loss and its consequences. However, Qin Sang then directly accused Fan Yanyun and Yi Lianshen of being responsible for Yi Liankai's overnight absence.
Fan Yanyun reacted vehemently, reminding Qin Sang of Yi Lianshen's repeated tolerance during the Zhishan case, where he endured her "false accusations" and chose not to pursue her after the truth was revealed. She challenged Qin Sang to find Yi Liankai herself instead of making Yi Lianshen a "scapegoat," scoffing at Qin Sang's promise to apologize if she found Yi Liankai and found no involvement from Fan Yanyun and Yi Lianshen.
Pan Jianchi donned the military uniform gifted by Fan Yanyun. In his mind, he reaffirmed his mission, reminding himself that with Qin Sang's departure, no one else should become an obstacle. When he met Yi Lianshen, he complimented how well the uniform suited him. Pan Jianchi then went to thank Fan Yanyun, confirming that the uniform fit him perfectly, as if custom-made. Fan Yanyun, pleased it fit, advised him not to disappoint her husband's expectations.
As she observed him, a chilling realization crossed her mind: the uniform had been made according to the measurements of the one worn by her father's killer, reinforcing her suspicion that Pan Jianchi was indeed the murderer. A subordinate rushed to inform Yi Lianshen and Fan Yanyun that Yi Liankai was missing and Qin Sang had driven off on her own to find him. Yi Lianshen was alarmed.
Pan Jianchi, assuring him not to be anxious, asked if Yi Lianshen's earlier promise to ensure Yi Liankai and Qin Sang's safety still held. Upon receiving Yi Lianshen's affirmation, Pan Jianchi immediately advised sealing all train stations and crucial transportation routes, guarding Fuyuan's four city gates, strictly limiting entry and exit, imposing a city-wide curfew, and launching a comprehensive search for Yi Liankai.
Simultaneously, in the dining room, Mother Zhu frantically reported to the Eldest Young Mistress and others that Qin Sang had gone to "catch her husband's mistress," explaining that Yi Liankai had gone to Min Hongyu's mansion the previous night and not returned. Mother Zhu accused Min Hongyu of ensnaring him. The Eldest Young Mistress, however, suggested Yi Liankai might have gone to his birth mother's former residence, now occupied by Min Hongyu, to pay respects.
Dismissing this, Mother Zhu insisted Min Hongyu was conspiring against Qin Sang. Determined not to let Qin Sang suffer, the Eldest Young Mistress decided to go to the old manor. Separately, a high-ranking military official, referred to as Father, informed his son, Young Master Gao, that Yi Liankai had escaped.
He ordered his son to immediately lead men to search the entire city, including all of Yi Liankai's known haunts, to "eliminate the grass by its roots" and prevent future trouble. When Young Master Gao reminded him of Yi Lianshen's order not to harm Yi Liankai, his father instructed him to fabricate a story of Yi Liankai "stubbornly resisting" and being "misfired at."
Pan Jianchi accompanied Yi Lianshen to Fuyuan train station, where the Fu army had established a heavy perimeter. A commander reported no sign of Yi Liankai among the passengers. Yi Lianshen, learning the last train to Changye was departing in 30 minutes, ordered that no passengers or suspicious individuals be allowed to board. He and Pan Jianchi decided to wait. Soon after, Min Hongyu arrived at the station, her driver apprehended by Yi Lianshen's men.
Yi Lianshen questioned her about Yi Liankai's whereabouts, to which she retorted why he was asking her about his own brother. Min Hongyu then informed him she was traveling to Changye and then to Zhishan. She recounted her conversation with Yi Liankai the previous night, revealing that if he was determined to uncover the truth, she would go to Zhishan on his behalf, trusting Yi Lianshen to show her leniency. She spoke of her profound connection to Yi Liankai, having known him even before his birth, and expressed her shared desire to uncover the truth he sought.
Episode 31 Recap
Yi Lianshen directly confronted Min Hongyu, asking her purpose for traveling to Zhishan. Min Hongyu retorted sharply that since they were not related, he had no reason to concern himself with her movements. Yi Lianshen then reminded her that she once believed he would never amount to anything, yet he now commanded the entire military power of Jiangzuo Province, questioning if her opinion remained unchanged.
Min Hongyu recounted a story about a man who pursued her but she dismissed him; he later became a head chef. When this chef presented a dish to her, he said something similar to Yi Lianshen. Yi Lianshen scoffed, remarking that he, the distinguished Marshal of the Fuyuan Army, was no different from a chef in her eyes.
Min Hongyu then explained that "ruling a large nation is like cooking a small delicacy," asserting there was no fundamental difference between a local official and a chef. Yi Lianshen, pondering her words, then asked what quality he lacked compared to his third brother, Yi Liankai. Min Hongyu explained that he lacked a certain "unrestrained spirit" – not in romance, but in being free from materialistic constraints and desires, advising him not to be too persistent in life.
Meanwhile, Zhang Linzhe led Fuyuan troops in a city-wide search for Yi Liankai. He encountered Jiang Jinyi and Gao Shaoxuan, who questioned the disruption. Zhang Linzhe claimed he was apprehending an escaped prisoner under Yi Lianshen's orders. Jiang Jinyi challenged him, pointing out that all suspects were under Governor Gao's custody and demanding an arrest warrant, which Zhang Linzhe could not produce.
Jiang Jinyi criticized Yi Lianshen's military command style, then subtly warned Zhang Linzhe that he had intelligence about someone planning to harm Yi Liankai and intended to bring that person to Yi Lianshen for punishment. Zhang Linzhe, losing the argument, reluctantly withdrew his troops. At Yi Liankai's old residence, Mama Zhu led several Yi family concubines, including Eldest Sister-in-law, in what they claimed was a mission to catch Yi Liankai with a mistress for Qin Sang.
The Sixth Concubine found empty wine glasses and small dishes, convinced that Yi Liankai had been intimately involved with Min Hongyu after drinking heavily the previous night. However, Mama Zhu located Yi Liankai sleeping upstairs. Qin Sang, informed of his presence, immediately instructed Eldest Sister-in-law to take the concubines home, dismissing their disruptive behavior as trespassing. Later, Yi Liankai, having recovered from his ordeal, was found by Qin Sang.
He told her he had dreamed of his mother and felt at peace leaving her buried in that spot. Expressing her worries, Qin Sang feared Yi Lianshen might retract his promise of their safety. Yi Liankai stated his intention to visit his Second Brother. At Zhishan, Yi Jipei convened a meeting with Murong Chen and Li Chongnian. Murong Chen deferred the lead position to Yi Jipei, acknowledging Yi Liankai's role in making the tri-party meeting possible.
Yi Lianyi highlighted Jiangzuo as a critical strategic point, noting the Tian Meng Association's growing ambition, and hinted at a plan to counter them. Murong Chen then mentioned feeling unwell due to the volatile weather, prompting Yi Jipei to reflect on the irreversible "change in power." He suggested they continue their discussions outdoors that afternoon to enjoy the mountain scenery.
Fan Yanyun escorted Pan Jianchi to her deceased father's memorial hall, indicating it would be his new quarters, as he was to become the "Political Adviser of Jiangzuo." Pan Jianchi, seeing Mr. Fan's portrait, expressed discomfort, a silent acknowledgment of his role in Mr. Fan's death. Fan Yanyun, however, insisted the residence was suitable, equating Pan Jianchi's future role with her father's past influence.
Pan Jianchi humbly demurred, stating he dared not compare himself to Mr. Fan or reside in his room. Fan Yanyun then provocatively asked if he feared her father's restless spirit. Yi Lianshen interjected, cautioning her against such talk. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, Fan Yanyun lashed out, accusing both Yi Lianshen and Pan Jianchi of forgetting her father's lifelong devotion to the Yi family and the identity of his killer.
She pointed directly at Pan Jianchi, declaring him her father's murderer, and decried Yi Lianshen for treating him as a brother. When Pan Jianchi demanded evidence, Fan Yanyun ordered his arrest. Yi Lianshen intervened, instructing Pan Jianchi to remain within Yi Manor for a few days while he investigated the matter, simultaneously urging Fan Yanyun to control her impulses. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang arrived to apologize to Fan Yanyun for any past transgressions.
Qin Sang, mentioning their impending departure for Europe, hoped Fan Yanyun would let go of her grievances. Fan Yanyun responded cynically about Qin Sang's ability to manipulate. Yi Liankai tried to soothe the situation. Fan Yanyun then starkly declared her disengagement from all Yi family, Fuyuan, and Jiangzuo affairs, but Yi Liankai pressed her about their teacher's murder. Fan Yanyun revealed that Pan Jianchi was the killer. Qin Sang was visibly shaken, and Fan Yanyun asked her to leave.
After Qin Sang departed, Yi Liankai questioned Fan Yanyun about the evidence against Pan Jianchi. Fan Yanyun pointed out Pan Jianchi's suspicious rapid rise after Mr. Fan's death, his immediate posting to Zhishan, becoming aide-de-camp to Yi Liankai, and his deep knowledge of the Yi family despite his foreign education. Yi Lianshen agreed that Pan Jianchi was indeed suspicious but stressed the lack of conclusive evidence.
He suspected Pan Jianchi's origins were intertwined with powerful interests that could destabilize the Yi family and Jiangzuo, necessitating a thorough investigation to uncover the true mastermind before avenging Mr. Fan. Before leaving, Yi Liankai asked Fan Yanyun why she still believed he possessed a conscience, given his actions. Qin Sang sought out Pan Jianchi.
She confided that she had glimpsed a figure resembling him at the train station on the day Mr. Fan was killed, a sighting she now knew was accurate. Pan Jianchi dismissed the past as irrelevant, stating his identity was compromised and their association would soon be discovered, expressing his desire to protect her. Qin Sang then pressed him for the truth: had he come to Fuyuan for the Tian Meng Association or for her?
Pan Jianchi admitted his initial motive was his mission, but while waiting for her in Yongnan, he realized his true purpose was her. He confessed that seeing her with Yi Liankai had made him want to shatter the world. Qin Sang concluded that she was the one who had abandoned him first. Pan Jianchi acknowledged that he could not compare to Yi Liankai in her heart and urged her to leave safely with Yi Liankai.
To aid Pan Jianchi, Qin Sang arranged for Huaixiu to make her a dress. During the fitting, Qin Sang subtly questioned Huaixiu, learning that Fan Yanyun had recently commissioned clothes based on a Cheng Army uniform. Qin Sang then instructed Mama Zhu to invite Gao Shaoxuan and Yi Liankai's usual companions to a farewell party for Yi Liankai, hoping to "hide the wood within the forest" to protect Pan Jianchi.
Yi Lianshen's investigation revealed that Pan Jianchi's real name was Li Wangping, and he was Qin Sang's first love. Fan Yanyun, hearing this, became convinced that Qin Sang and Pan Jianchi had conspired in her father's murder and angrily demanded revenge. Yi Lianshen calmed her, promising to avenge her father, reminding her that he had always kept his promises to her since childhood and expressing concern for her health and their unborn child.
At a stone pavilion outside Zhishan, Yi Jipei, Li Chongnian, and Murong Chen engaged in a metaphorical discussion about the political landscape using "rivers" and "fish." Murong Feng, observing from a distance, was bewildered by their conversation and asked Fu Rongcai to clarify.
Fu Rongcai explained that their discussion was indeed about politics: Yi Jipei aimed to control all of Jiangzuo; Li Chongnian sought to retain one province, with Yi Jipei offering him a share of Jiangzuo's taxes as a compromise. Murong Chen desired to dominate and remain in the North, requesting that Yi Jipei and Li Chongnian not cross the river, to which Yi Jipei agreed, establishing a territorial division by the river.
Li Chongnian also requested a place in the northern political sphere. Fu Rongcai concluded that Jiangzuo's future would unfold according to Yi Lianyi's strategic "chess game." Yi Lianyi lamented the transformation of the once vibrant "green mountains and springs" into "mountain remnants and leftover rivers," stressing the need for recuperation to prevent them from becoming barren.
Fu Rongcai then reflected on Yi Liankai's past decision to expel him from Jiangzuo, suggesting it was to prevent him from colluding with Yi Lianshen to establish a military-centric government. Yi Lianyi expressed gratitude for Yi Liankai's foresight. Qin Sang extended an invitation to Yi Lianshen for a farewell party for her and Yi Liankai, which he accepted. Fan Yanyun was furious, questioning his decision.
Yi Lianshen explained that Qin Sang's actions were intended to support Yi Liankai, and as brothers, they could not allow themselves to be mocked. He saw the party as an opportune moment to project an harmonious image of brotherhood to the public. Fan Yanyun, however, asserted that Qin Sang's true motive was not for Yi Liankai, but to create an opportunity to rescue Pan Jianchi.
Yi Lianshen countered, assuring her that Pan Jianchi, being under his custody, could not be easily saved. Yi Lianyi, overhearing the conversation, mused that the old adage "governing a large nation is like cooking a small delicacy" had proven true, and the Yongjiang river had served its purpose in their negotiations regarding federalism and Jiangzuo. He cautioned, however, that it was still too early to celebrate.
Episode 32 Recap
Yi Lianyi expressed satisfaction after a recent discussion, reflecting that the situation was like "ruling a country is like cooking a dish," and was pleased that Yongjiang had proven useful in achieving provincial autonomy. He believed Jiangzuo was now under their control. However, Yi Jipei remained cautious, stating it was too early to celebrate.
He explained that the discussions had only covered broad strokes, with many intricate details still needing careful consideration, such as the specifics of provincial trade, tax regulations, and the handling of the war zone with Yizhou. Yi Lianyi acknowledged his father's wisdom. Yi Lianshen noted that while Murong Feng seemed too young to grasp everything during the conference, Fu Rongcai was clearly well-prepared, indicating Murong Chen's significant investment in his son.
Yi Lianshen then lamented that Yi Jipei, after working hard for half his life, now found his sons caught in a difficult situation. Yi Jipei affirmed his strength, asking only that his sons not cause trouble for him. Yi Lianshen responded that fighting together as father and sons was natural, emphasizing the importance of family unity despite current challenges, and apologized for forcing Yi Jipei to manage the current predicament.
Later, at a farewell party hosted by Qin Sang, Yi Lianshen arrived with his wife, Fan Yanyun, whom Gao Shaoxuan congratulated on her pregnancy. Yi Liankai also arrived, expressing his gratitude to Qin Sang for organizing the gathering and encouraging everyone to have fun before his departure. During the party, a lady asked Yi Liankai to dance. He sought Qin Sang's permission, which she granted, though she quickly retreated to a corner, visibly upset.
Yi Liankai, noticing her mood, excused himself from the lady and approached Qin Sang. He apologized for upsetting her, acknowledging that he should have known better than to believe her "okay" when she was truly bothered. To make amends, he offered to drink, but Qin Sang insisted he drink alone, which he did, quickly consuming a glass and collapsing.
Qin Sang then revealed in an aside that she had drugged his drink, not wanting him to see her "ugly" during her plan. She then announced to the guests that since Yi Liankai couldn't dance the first dance with her, she would choose a partner from the gentlemen present. She explained she had prepared a special outfit for Yi Liankai, and whoever fit it best would be her dance partner for the night.
A flashback showed Qin Sang previously consulting Huaixiu, a seamstress, about making clothes. Qin Sang had shown Huaixiu several photographs of men, and Huaixiu had noted that Gao Shaoxuan's measurements were almost identical to those of a military uniform she had made for Fan Yanyun, prompting Qin Sang to ask her to make a military uniform based on Gao Shaoxuan's size.
During the party, Gao Shaoxuan appeared in the specially prepared military uniform and danced with Qin Sang, both wearing masks. Fan Yanyun, observing them, mistakenly believed the masked dancer was Pan Jianchi and impulsively approached to unmask him. Upon realizing it was Gao Shaoxuan, she apologized. Fan Yanyun then accused Qin Sang of manipulating Yi Liankai. Qin Sang insisted that Pan Jianchi was innocent and that her actions were merely an attempt to save him.
Fan Yanyun, however, vehemently disagreed, asserting that her father was not innocent and that Yi Lianshen already suspected Qin Sang's intentions. She vowed to continue her investigation and prove that Pan Jianchi was the murderer, refusing to let the matter rest. Qin Sang warned Fan Yanyun that if she persisted, Qin Sang would accuse her of attempting to silence Pan Jianchi.
She threatened to reveal to Yi Lianshen that on the night Fan Yanyun and Yi Liankai were kidnapped, it was Pan Jianchi who first found them. Qin Sang suggested that Fan Yanyun was using someone else to eliminate Pan Jianchi to prevent him from revealing this secret to Yi Lianshen. Enraged, Fan Yanyun condemned Qin Sang for using such a tactic to protect her "old lover" and declared Qin Sang unworthy of Yi Liankai.
Qin Sang calmly retorted that she hadn't chosen Yi Liankai; rather, he had chosen her. Fan Yanyun further questioned Qin Sang's apparent disregard for the consequences, reminding her that if she exposed the details of the kidnapping and Fan Yanyun's presence with Yi Liankai, Yi Lianshen's temper would prevent Yi Liankai from leaving.
Qin Sang admitted she was making a gamble, wanting to see if Fan Yanyun valued her love for Yi Liankai more than her desire for revenge for her father's death. Unbeknownst to them, Yi Liankai overheard their entire conversation from outside the room, leaving him deeply pained. Min Hongyu visited Yi Jipei on Zhishan, dressed in a distinctive outfit and earrings. She directly stated that Yi Liankai had sent her, and asked if Yi Jipei remembered the attire.
Yi Jipei had a flashback to his time in the military, recalling reports from his first wife and Master Fan, both suggesting his third mistress, Jixue, was acting inappropriately. Upon returning home, he learned Jixue had committed suicide by drowning. Min Hongyu then cryptically stated that the outfit and earrings came "from the dirt."
Back in his room, Yi Liankai handled a pistol, his mind drifting back to his childhood, the first time he met Master Fan, and the moment he became his student. Later, armed with the pistol, Yi Liankai forced a guard to open Pan Jianchi's prison cell. Inside, he confronted Pan Jianchi, demanding an explanation. Pan Jianchi admitted he had envisioned this moment since the day they first met.
Yi Liankai questioned if Pan Jianchi's actions stemmed from killing his revered teacher or his love for Qin Sang. Pan Jianchi, expressing relief that Yi Liankai loved Qin Sang, asked him to treat her well, asserting that Qin Sang was genuinely trying to save him, even if it meant revealing his past. Yi Liankai, dismissing the concern for Qin Sang as irrelevant to Pan Jianchi, reiterated his intent to kill him for both Master Fan and Qin Sang.
He pressed Pan Jianchi for his true identity and the objectives of the Tian Meng Association, challenging him to explain how he managed to kill Master Fan, a formidable martial artist whom Yi Liankai had never bested in practice. Pan Jianchi, however, merely chuckled, stating he could not answer these questions. Pan Jianchi then launched into a sharp critique of the corrupt warlords, fractured nation, and puppet government, accusing them of destroying the country while fighting among themselves.
He pointed out the millions of lives lost on both sides of Yongjiang, questioning who would avenge them, and stated that fighting for personal or family gain would leave no ultimate winner. Yi Liankai, acknowledging the current situation in Jiangzuo was a carefully woven web against the Yi family, recognized Pan Jianchi's willingness to die to protect the person behind him. He offered to spare Pan Jianchi if he revealed that individual.
Pan Jianchi refused, believing Yi Liankai would never let him go, explaining that Yi Liankai's eyes were filled with jealousy that would only be quenched by Pan Jianchi's death. Enraged, Yi Liankai pushed Pan Jianchi and fired his gun. The sound of a gunshot startled Qin Sang. Yi Lianshen, upon learning that Yi Liankai had stormed the prison with a gun to kill Pan Jianchi, rushed to the scene.
Inside the cell, Yi Liankai had shot Pan Jianchi in the foot and was torturing him by stepping on the wound, demanding the name of the mastermind. Yi Lianshen arrived and intervened, stopping Yi Liankai. He emphasized that while avenging Master Fan was necessary, they lacked sufficient evidence for such private torture. Qin Sang then arrived, her face etched with concern for Pan Jianchi, whom she called "Wangping," his real name.
Witnessing her distress, Yi Liankai, consumed by jealousy and rage, forcibly pulled Qin Sang towards him, attempting to kiss her. Qin Sang struggled free, delivering a harsh slap across his face before storming out. Alone again, Yi Liankai muttered to himself that he couldn't kill Pan Jianchi just yet, as he still served a purpose, hinting that his gun only contained a single bullet. Yi Lianshen then ordered his guards to take Pan Jianchi to the hospital.
He later explained to an aide that even though Pan Jianchi was a member of the Tian Meng Association, keeping him alive was crucial. He likened it to "Master Jiang fishing," believing that Pan Jianchi was merely a bait to catch the "bigger fish" behind him—a powerful individual who dared to infiltrate the Yi family. Back in his room, Yi Jipei pondered Murong Chen's recent commendation of Yi Liankai.
His gaze then fell upon a scroll left by Master Fan, hidden beneath a table. Unrolling it, he saw the words "Chief Marshal's Mansion" and reflected on Master Fan's lifelong foresight, wondering if he had ever anticipated the current tumultuous state of Jiangzuo. Meanwhile, Min Hongyu met with Li Chongnian, who was displeased that she was helping Yi Liankai.
Min Hongyu expressed her empathy for Yi Liankai, whom she considered a "spiritual orphan" like herself, and wondered why Li Chongnian was so hostile towards him. Li Chongnian questioned what secrets from the past she could uncover, suggesting that only Yi Jipei held the key to such knowledge. Separately, Qin Sang sought out Fan Yanyun to apologize for her earlier threats, vowing never to betray her.
Fan Yanyun cautioned Qin Sang about karma, but Qin Sang, seemingly fearless, dismissed the warning. At the hospital, Yi Lianshen instructed Zhang Linzhi to increase security around Pan Jianchi and to thoroughly investigate anyone, including doctors and nurses, who had close contact with him. Fan Yanyun later spoke with Yi Lianshen, noting that Pan Jianchi was still alive and under tight watch. She recounted Yi Liankai's "crazed" behavior in the prison, explaining why Qin Sang had been so distraught.
Later, Yi Liankai took his sister, Xiao Rong, on an outing, expertly evading the individuals who were tracking them. He then paid a visit to Gao Peide, directly asking about the identity of Master Fan's murderer, the mastermind behind them, and who stood to benefit the most. Gao Peide initially suggested Murong Chen and Li Chongnian as the ultimate beneficiaries. However, Yi Liankai disagreed, asserting that Gao Peide hadn't grasped the full picture.
He explained that while the Yi family had suffered direct losses from Master Fan's death and the ensuing chaos, which allowed the Tian Meng Association to thrive in Yongnan, they were not the ultimate winners. Yi Liankai declared that the Yi family would still be the ultimate winner, and startlingly revealed his belief that the true mastermind behind the entire plot was none other than Yi Lianshen.
A subordinate reported to Liang Xingbei that gunshots had been heard from the Yi family residence, and shortly after, Pan Jianchi had been sent to the hospital, though the exact circumstances remained unknown. Liang Xingbei analyzed the situation, concluding that it was either a sign of internal turmoil within the Yi family that Pan Jianchi got caught in, or that Pan Jianchi's true identity had been exposed.
Observing that Yi Liankai was seen leaving the Yi mansion openly with his sister Xiao Rong, while Yi Lianshen himself had taken Pan Jianchi to the hospital, Liang Xingbei deduced that both Yi brothers were safe, implying that Pan Jianchi was the one in grave trouble. He then dispatched his men to find Pan Jianchi. Continuing his conversation with Gao Peide, Yi Liankai elaborated on his theory regarding Master Fan's murder. He stated that there were only two true beneficiaries.
The first was Pan Jianchi, who had meticulously climbed the ranks, first as Yi Liankai's subordinate, then aligning with Yi Lianshen, steadily approaching Master Fan's former influential position. The second beneficiary, Yi Liankai asserted, was naturally Yi Lianshen, who now held the entire future of Jiangzuo in his grasp. Yi Liankai, noting Gao Peide's evident allegiance to Yi Lianshen, questioned whether Gao Peide had considered the full implications of his choice.
Agitated, Gao Peide pointed a gun at Yi Liankai, demanding to know why he had visited when he already knew Gao Peide's stance. Gao Shaoxuan intervened, urging his father to calm down and recognizing that Yi Liankai's presence suggested he had carefully weighed the risks. Unfazed, Yi Liankai calmly warned Gao Peide that the sound of a gunshot would be too loud and might frighten his sister, Xiao Rong.
Meanwhile, Zhu Ma intercepted Qin Sang, who was preparing to visit Pan Jianchi at the hospital. Zhu Ma expressed concern about Yi Liankai's reaction, but Qin Sang insisted she had her reasons for going and conveyed a sense of finality, believing this would likely be her last visit.
Episode 33 Recap
Defying the guards who state Yi Lianshen’s orders to keep everyone out, Qin Sang insists on entering Pan Jianchi’s hospital room, claiming Yi Liankai instructed her to question him directly. Inside, she demands to know who instructed Pan Jianchi to kill Mr. Fan, subtly gesturing towards a scalpel. Understanding her signal, Pan Jianchi seizes the scalpel and holds it to Qin Sang’s throat, threatening to slash her if the guard, Zhang Linzhi, doesn’t leave.
Qin Sang, gripping the blade with her hand until it bleeds, orders Zhang Linzhi out. Seeing her bleeding hand, Zhang Linzhi relents, exits the room, instructs his men to maintain their guard, and leaves to inform the Young Marshal. Gao Peide cautions Yi Liankai against accusing Yi Lianshen of ordering Mr. Fan’s murder, especially since Gao Peide is loyal to Yi Lianshen.
He elaborates that such an accusation is ill-conceived, given that Chief Marshal Yi Jipei once ordered the burning of his own biological brother, implying Mr. Fan’s importance pales in comparison to that of a son. Yi Liankai clarifies he isn’t asking Gao Peide to betray his second brother.
He explains that Yi Lianshen intends for him to leave Fuyuan, but he has an unfinished task and needs Gao Peide’s assistance to remain in Fuyuan for another month, convinced only Gao Peide can arrange it. Gao Shaoxuan, present during the discussion, suggests it might be beneficial for Yi Liankai and Qin Sang to leave Fuyuan and its troubles. Yi Liankai acknowledges Gao Shaoxuan’s concern for their well-being but reiterates his resolve to find a crucial individual.
To facilitate Yi Liankai’s stay, Gao Peide offers to dispatch men to bomb a mountain slope between Fangjiadian and Fuyuan, causing a landslide that would obstruct the train tracks. He estimates clearing the rocks and repairing the tracks would take six days, deeming it sufficient time for Yi Liankai to achieve his objectives in Fuyuan. However, Yi Liankai states that six days is insufficient.
He reveals his target is Liang Xingbei, a person his second brother has sought for years without success, and he is determined to locate him before Yi Lianshen does. Inside Pan Jianchi’s hospital room, Pan Jianchi tends to Qin Sang’s bleeding hand, questioning her risky visit. Qin Sang, dismissive of her injury and the danger, explains her original plan to rescue him during the party was thwarted by Fan Yanyun’s desperate attempt to kill him.
Pan Jianchi expresses concern about how her actions will jeopardize her standing within the Yi family, reminding her of their past as Li Wangping and his current identity as Pan Jianchi, and how she shouldn’t sacrifice her position for a "heartless person." Qin Sang staunchly declares her unwavering belief that neither Li Wangping nor Pan Jianchi would ever harm her, and she is determined to save him.
Pan Jianchi counters, explaining that Yi Liankai deliberately shot his leg to immobilize him and draw out "Mr. Liang." He points out the heavy military guard, asserting that his continued existence places Mr. Liang and the Tian Meng Association in grave danger, making his escape impossible. He urges her to leave, but Qin Sang insists she doesn’t want him to die.
Pan Jianchi then wistfully recalls their first meeting, when she was a student in uniform, and he led the crowd in singing "La Marseillaise," which she joined ""off"" the stage. Yi Lianshen rushes to the hospital, where he hears the strains of "La Marseillaise" from the street below. The melody triggers a memory of his childhood: his Sixth Uncle, Yi Shoucheng, confined in their garden, teaching him the song and explaining it was a "war song" that instilled courage.
Snapping back to the present, Yi Lianshen commands Zhang Linzhi to arrest all the singers outside, specifically looking for a man in his forties or fifties. Zhang Linzhi leads the Fu Army into the street, confronting the protestors and issuing a thirty-second ultimatum to disperse or face force. When the crowd refuses to budge, he orders the arrests, and in the ensuing commotion, Liang Xingbei calmly makes his escape. Yi Lianshen enters Pan Jianchi’s room, dismissing the guards.
He offers to take Qin Sang home, expressing concern that Yi Liankai would be heartbroken to see her in her current state. Qin Sang acknowledges her actions are unfair to Yi Liankai but insists she cannot abandon Pan Jianchi. Yi Lianshen then directly asks her to choose who is more important to her: Pan Jianchi or Yi Liankai.
When Qin Sang remains silent, Yi Lianshen concludes that despite her life-risking efforts to protect Pan Jianchi, her refusal to declare him more important in his presence reveals her actions are driven by a sense of righteousness, and Yi Liankai still holds a more significant place in her heart. Pan Jianchi interjects, attempting to reassure Qin Sang that Yi Lianshen won’t harm him, as he is being used as bait to draw out a mastermind.
He suggests she leave before Yi Liankai arrives. Yi Lianshen assures Qin Sang he will keep her actions from Yi Liankai and promises to send them both to Europe the following day, urging them to leave Jiangzuo permanently and live by relying on each other, away from war and chaos. As Liang Xingbei attempts to flee the chaotic streets, Yi Liankai intercepts him.
Yi Liankai, unsure whether to address him as "Beiji" or "Mr. Liang," expresses surprise that he would reveal himself for Pan Jianchi, an idealist who shouldn’t die. Yi Liankai then questions Liang Xingbei’s knowledge of "La Marseillaise" and, more importantly, how he knew his mother’s name, Yun Ji Xue, when he was captured in Yongnan, emphasizing this query as paramount.
Liang Xingbei, surprised by Yi Liankai’s elaborate scheme involving Pan Jianchi’s injury and using Yi Lianshen as a diversion, refuses to provide answers, asserting that the true person to ask is Yi Jipei. Yi Liankai insists he will ask his father but believes Liang Xingbei holds the key due to his distrust of Yi Jipei.
Liang Xingbei further challenges Yi Liankai, stating he knows Yi Liankai won’t shoot him, as the gunshot would draw Yi Lianshen’s army, thus preventing Yi Liankai from ever getting his desired answers. Just then, two Fu Army soldiers arrive, having received orders from Yi Lianshen to apprehend Liang Xingbei, whom they identify as Mr. Fan’s murderer, and promise to credit Yi Liankai with the capture.
Yi Liankai desperately presses Liang Xingbei for the "why," to which Liang Xingbei cryptically replies that Yi Liankai will "know it sooner or later" if he stays in Jiangzuo. The soldiers then take Liang Xingbei away. Yi Lianshen confronts Pan Jianchi, demanding to know Liang Xingbei’s identity, but Pan Jianchi remains silent. Yi Lianshen then begins to sing "La Marseillaise," and Pan Jianchi, to Yi Lianshen’s observation, hums the identical tune.
Yi Lianshen reveals that his version of the song was taught to him by his Sixth Uncle, implying a shared connection that confirms Liang Xingbei’s identity to both of them. He then departs, leaving Pan Jianchi to ponder whether his sacrifice for Liang Xingbei is truly worthwhile. Yi Lianshen is consumed by memories of his childhood, specifically his father’s furious reaction to him singing "La Marseillaise," followed by a strict prohibition against any soldier in Jiangzuo ever singing the song.
A heavy sigh escapes him as he pieces together the puzzle: his Sixth Uncle is alive, and given his influence, it now seems clear that Song Fu Guan’s death was a sacrifice for him, leading Yi Lianshen to the painful realization that he and others had misjudged Yi Liankai. His uncle, Zhang Xikun, then firmly asserts that, regardless of the implications, Yi Liankai must be exiled.
Zhang Xikun reminds Yi Lianshen that simply letting his brother live and leave fulfills his familial duty and warns him against any further softness. Zhang Linzhi echoes his father’s sentiment, acknowledging Yi Lianshen’s rise to power without harming his third brother, but emphasizing that Yi Liankai’s continued presence in Jiangzuo could still pose a threat.
Zhang Xikun expresses a faint hope that Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, relying solely on each other in Europe, might finally open their hearts, thus validating Yi Liankai’s profound love for Qin Sang. He concludes by remarking on Yi Lianshen’s inherent good-heartedness. Yi Liankai, walking through the chaotic streets, encounters a disoriented Qin Sang, immediately noticing her injured hand with concern.
Before he can press for details, a car approaches, and Fu Army soldiers emerge, informing them that Yi Lianshen has ordered them to escort Yi Liankai and Qin Sang home immediately, citing the unsafe conditions outside. Yi Liankai questions this change of plans, having been told he would be sent abroad, but Qin Sang states that Yi Lianshen’s word is final, and they must follow his arrangements.
The two Fu Army soldiers who apprehended Liang Xingbei are revealed to be his former loyal subordinates. Liang Xingbei, confirming his identity as Yi Shoucheng, declares that "Yi Shoucheng is dead" and he is no longer the Yi family’s Sixth Master, though his subordinates fiercely insist he remains their Sixth Master forever. He expresses his astonishment at their unwavering loyalty after a decade and clarifies his reasons for revealing himself after years in hiding.
Firstly, he aimed to save Pan Jianchi. Secondly, by having "La Marseillaise" sung, he intended to alert his old acquaintances in Jiangzuo to his return, thereby reigniting their revolutionary fervor. His ultimate objective is to ensure that either Yi Liankai or Yi Lianshen informs Yi Jipei of his survival, compelling Yi Jipei to descend from Zhishan and return to Fuyuan, where Liang Xingbei plans to confront him about the errors of his past.
A subordinate reports to Yi Lianshen that their plans to send Yi Liankai out of Fuyuan are on hold, as a landslide in the Fangjiadian region has rendered the train tracks impassable for several days. Concurrently, in Zhishan, Yi Jipei receives a telegram from Yi Lianshen, confirming that Liang Xingbei is none other than Yi Shoucheng and is currently in Fuyuan. Yi Jipei, however, exhibits no discernible reaction to this news.
Qin Sang’s father, Qin Housheng, arrives at the Yi residence, having learned of her impending departure for Europe. He confronts her for not informing him and expresses alarm at her injured hand, which she dismisses as a careless accident. Qin Housheng, having been informed by Mama Zhu that Pan Jianchi (whom he refers to as Li Wangping) is Mr. Fan’s killer, scolds Qin Sang for visiting him in the hospital, disregarding Yi Liankai’s feelings, and forgetting her status.
Qin Sang explains her humanitarian desire to save Pan Jianchi from death, hoping he would live a good life outside Jiangzuo, but laments that he chose to sacrifice himself for justice. She sorrowfully admits that she finally understood that while she viewed him as someone who had returned, he saw her merely as "a passerby."
Qin Housheng advises her to accept this and focus on living well with Yi Liankai in Europe, informing her that he will return to Qianping and expects her to send updates there. Zhang Linzhi reports to Yi Lianshen that an investigation into suspicious individuals both within and outside the city has yielded no dangerous persons.
Yi Lianshen, anticipating the conclusion of the Zhishan negotiations that day and the drastic political shifts it will bring to Jiangzuo, foresees continued resistance from the Tian Meng Association. He instructs Zhang Linzhi to deploy an additional two ""companies"", establishing strict guard along all major routes and city gates leading to Fuyuan, to ensure Chief Marshal Yi Jipei’s safe return. In Zhishan, Yi Jipei, Murong Chen, and Li Chongnian engage in a game of billiards while discussing political matters.
Yi Jipei initially dismisses his third son, Yi Liankai, for indulging in such leisurely pursuits, but Li Chongnian praises Yi Liankai’s unexpected skill, suggesting he is more outstanding than previously thought. Li Chongnian then proposes that a relaxed approach to politics, inspired by the serene surroundings, could lead to easier negotiations and avoid conflict.
Murong Chen initiates the formal negotiations by proposing that, in support of provincial autonomy, all three parties should disarm ten percent of their armies, to which Yi Jipei and Li Chongnian agree and sign. An observer comments on Murong Chen’s strategic move, noting that as the Murong family possesses the largest military, this disarmament allows them to efficiently discharge redundant officers, potentially weakening the Yi family and Li Chongnian.
Subsequently, Li Chongnian, advocating for federalism, suggests that county autonomy should form the foundational basis for the provincial federation. Murong Chen and Yi Jipei also sign this proposal. A knowledgeable individual clarifies that county autonomy, by further subdividing power, aims to prevent any single faction from consolidating significant military strength, thereby disrupting the established power dynamics among Jiangzuo’s "big fish." Fan Yanyun confronts Yi Liankai, accusing him of forgetting his father’s murder and failing to exact revenge.
Yi Liankai explains he couldn’t kill Pan Jianchi immediately because he intended to use him as bait to lure out Liang Xingbei. Fan Yanyun scoffs, suggesting his reluctance stems from his desire to keep Qin Sang’s former lover alive to avoid upsetting her before they leave for Europe. She further contends that Yi Liankai’s current exiled status means Yi Lianshen will handle Liang Xingbei’s capture, but questions what if Yi Lianshen fails.
Directly, she asks if his inaction is "because of Qin Sang," which Yi Liankai vehemently denies. Fan Yanyun, accusing him of blindly defending Qin Sang and being so deeply in love that he tolerates her "infidelity" to keep her old lover alive, asserts that she is not as foolish as him and has long observed Qin Sang’s manipulative ways. She boldly declares that she would rather believe Qin Sang is the true mastermind behind everything than Liang Xingbei.
Yi Liankai dismisses her as irrational and blinded by her grudge, urging her to stop her wild accusations. Fan Yanyun retorts that Qin Sang’s persistent attempts to save Pan Jianchi are undeniable, and without a grand scheme, her motives are inexplicable.
Episode 34 Recap
Qin Sang meticulously packed her belongings in her bedroom, expressing a sense of melancholy as she contemplated when she might return from Europe. She methodically sorted through everything, deciding what to take and what to leave. Yi Liankai, observing her, cautioned her to disinfect her hand wound, which she assured him she had already done. He then comforted her, saying that a new life awaited them once they reached Europe.
Meanwhile, in Zhishan, the tense negotiations between Yi Jipei, Murong Chen's representatives, and Li Chongnian's envoy continued. Mr. Fu, representing Li Chongnian, criticized Yi Jipei's demanding conditions, stating that while Commander Li had shown sincerity, Yi Jipei was acting like a "lion," demanding excessively. A Murong envoy countered, asserting that negotiations were not about character, but about securing the future of all China, requiring caution.
At three quarters past sishi, a report came: Yi Jipei had proposed a provincial autonomy plan, under which Li Chongnian's army would officially become the Fu Army, subordinate to the future Jiangzuo Allied Government. A Jiangzuo Political Council would soon be established to elect the government members. Earlier, Qin Housheng had met with Yi Liankai, offering him gongfu tea.
He explained that just as one slowly savors tea, the skills of being a husband and wife involve acceptance, admiration, and accommodation, understanding each other's good traits while accommodating their shortcomings. He shared how he and Qin Sang's mother had resolved their own marital conflicts over tea. Qin Housheng urged Yi Liankai to treat Qin Sang well, emphasizing that they were fated to be together.
Yi Liankai acknowledged that the tea tasted different after this explanation, and Qin Housheng advised him, as a father, to always treat Qin Sang kindly. Murong Feng, perplexed by the sudden alliance, asked his father, Murong Chen, why he had changed his mind when their original plan was to create discord between Yi Jipei and Li Chongnian. He suspected Yi Jipei had threatened his father. Murong Chen dismissed the idea, claiming nothing could threaten him except Murong Feng's life.
He then alluded to "La Marseillaise," explaining it was not just a song but represented a person. Fu Rongcai also questioned Li Chongnian, wondering why he agreed to change their military banner when he had devised a clever plan to thwart provincial autonomy. Li Chongnian simply stated that Yi Jipei had him listen to a song, which was played by Min Hongyu.
Yi Jipei then asked Min Hongyu if she was affiliated with Li Chongnian or Murong Chen, to which she gracefully responded that she simply admired heroes and was not necessarily working for anyone. Yi Jipei played "La Marseillaise," prompting Li Chongnian and Murong Chen to recall their fearful encounters with the song's team ten years prior.
Yi Jipei revealed the person behind the song was Liang Xingbei, a man with immense ambition that even the fire at the Yi Manor years ago failed to extinguish. He warned that Liang Xingbei's ambition now threatened to engulf Jiangzuo, and while physical war could be put out, the fire he ignited in people's hearts could not. He called Liang Xingbei their common enemy.
Yi Lianyi recognized his father's clever strategy of uniting their rivals against a common foe but doubted Li Chongnian and Murong Chen's sincerity in eradicating the Tian Meng Association. Yi Jipei confirmed his words had resonated with them, but insisted their cooperation alone was insufficient. He stressed the urgency of returning to Fuyuan, fearing chaos due to Yi Shoucheng's deep roots within the army if he couldn't return.
Min Hongyu requested to accompany them back, citing the long and dangerous journey. Yi Jipei agreed. Yi Lianyi expressed concern about taking such a dangerous woman along, but Yi Jipei explained he kept her close precisely because she was dangerous. Meanwhile, Liang Xingbei addressed his Tian Meng Association followers, declaring his plan to ignite "three fires" in Jiangzuo, not to burn buildings, but to ignite human hearts and public sentiment.
A subordinate reported a landslide at Fanjiadian had disrupted train service, forcing Yi Jipei to travel by car after reaching Fanjiadian. Liang Xingbei ordered his men to do everything possible to prevent Yi Jipei's return to Fuyuan. He also instructed Tianxuan to sneak back into the hospital, inform Pan Jianchi of the situation, and tell him to escape if successful.
Qin Housheng, preparing to return to Qianping, gave Qin Sang his watch, urging her to remember her homeland and not to waste time on trivial arguments with Yi Liankai in Europe. Yi Liankai presented Qin Housheng with a tea set and leaves as a farewell gift. Qin Housheng told Qin Sang that Yi Liankai was trustworthy and she should treat him well.
After her father's departure, Qin Sang, feeling a sense of loneliness, asked Yi Liankai in their bedroom if they could have a child once settled in Europe. He readily agreed. She then wondered if they could truly forget everything in Europe, to which Yi Liankai replied that if they wished to forget, they would. At Hong'en Hospital, Tianxuan, disguised as a doctor, visited Pan Jianchi's ward.
While pretending to examine him, he discreetly slipped a note under Pan Jianchi's body, unnoticed by Zhang Linzhi. Across town, Fan Yanyun saw Yi Lianshen preparing to leave and asked him where he was going. He explained he was going to fetch his father and eldest brother, citing the landslide at Fanjiadian and the cunning nature of Liang Xingbei's group as reasons for his concern.
Tragically, Tian Meng Association members, ambushing the road at Fanjiadian to assassinate Yi Jipei, mistakenly attacked the wrong vehicle, killing Qin Housheng, who was returning from visiting Qin Sang. Yi Lianshen arrived to meet Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi, only to be informed of Qin Housheng's assassination. They rushed to the scene and hastily buried him. Yi Jipei lamented that he had always looked down on Qin Housheng but now unexpectedly owed him his life.
He promised that once Jiangzuo stabilized, he would personally re-inter Qin Housheng properly. Later, a Tian Meng Association subordinate reported their failure, admitting they had identified the wrong car and killed the wrong person due to their eagerness to gain merit. Upon Yi Jipei's return to Fuyuan, the Yi family greeted him. Yi Jipei announced the success of the Zhishan negotiations, proclaiming peace for Jiangzuo.
He then spoke to Qin Sang, falsely claiming to have seen her father, who supposedly advised her to bring more warm clothes and medicine for their European trip. When Yi Liankai attempted to escort his father inside, Yi Jipei dismissed him, stating he had political matters to discuss with Yi Lianyi and Yi Lianshen. Yi Jipei then led Yi Lianshen to the old backyard where Yi Shoucheng had been confined.
He recounted how Yi Shoucheng's corpse was found after the fire, and how Mr. Fan had thwarted Yi Shoucheng's attempted mutiny, making escape seem impossible. Yi Lianshen expressed his 90% certainty that Liang Xingbei was Yi Shoucheng and wished to investigate further, but Yi Jipei stopped him, affirming it must be him.
He recalled a childhood incident where he had two weapons made for Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai; Yi Lianshen took both while Yi Liankai was away, preferring the sword. Yi Jipei concluded that "no one can know a brother more than his brother." Yi Lianshen then argued that since Yi Shoucheng was confirmed to be the mastermind, the truth behind Aide-de-Camp Song's assassination attempt on Yi Liankai was clear.
He urged his father to let Yi Liankai stay so the three brothers could stabilize Jiangzuo. Yi Jipei reluctantly admitted this was initially possible, but Qin Housheng's death had changed everything. While Huai Xiu took his measurements for new clothes, Yi Jipei reflected on his growing sense of loneliness, especially after the deaths of Fan Zhiheng, Old Champ, and now Qin Housheng. He confided that Qin Housheng's death, despite their shallow relationship, affected him deeply, making him truly feel old.
Huai Xiu reassured him it was not old age but a heavier burden. She questioned why he insisted on Yi Liankai leaving instead of letting his sons share his responsibilities. Yi Jipei revealed that Yi Liankai had found his mother's corpse in her old manor, a truth he was too afraid to confront. He asserted that Yi Liankai "must leave" for his own good, though Huai Xiu countered that the past would haunt him regardless.
Yi Lianyi, in his wheelchair, had Murong Qian push him to the old backyard, believing it held Yi family secrets. He voiced his suspicions about the close timing of Third Mother's death, Yi Shoucheng's supposed burning, and his own fall from the horse. He wondered how Yi Shoucheng could have orchestrated his fall while confined and what his motives were.
Murong Qian advised him to let the past go, but Yi Lianyi insisted he must uncover the truth that had ruined half his life. Yi Liankai met with Min Hongyu, asking if Yi Jipei had reacted when he saw her disguised as his mother. She replied that he had thrown the earring into the river and stated he didn't want to discuss it.
Yi Liankai declared his unwavering resolve to uncover the truth as a son, affirming he would "not easily leave" Jiangzuo despite his promise to Qin Sang. Yi Lianyi then confronted Yi Jipei, suggesting a connection between Third Mother's death and Yi Shoucheng's incident. Yi Jipei angrily refuted any link, accusing Yi Lianyi of idle speculation.
He expressed his trust in Yi Lianyi for always prioritizing the greater good, warning that if even he pursued these past truths, the Yi family would never know peace. Yi Lianyi responded that his composure was born of helplessness, as he was unable to stand. Yi Jipei challenged him, asking what he could do with the truth, as he would still be helpless. Yi Lianyi silently left. In another part of Jiangzuo, Li Chongnian and Fu Rongcai were playing chess.
A subordinate reported that Yi Jipei had completed his provincial autonomy mobilization in Fuyuan and was pressuring Yizhou to change banners immediately. Li Chongnian recognized Yi Jipei's urgency, prompting him to act. Fu Rongcai advised that while past wars were about military tactics, the current provincial autonomy was a "promotional battle," emphasizing the need to identify and confront their opponent directly, just as one catches the ruler to catch the thief.
He proposed going to Fuyuan to present their conditions to Yi Jipei. Yi Liankai visited Yi Jipei, noticing his father's trembling hand and offering to call Dr. Song. Yi Jipei declined, citing pressing political matters and dismissing Yi Liankai, despite his son's desire for a final conversation before leaving with Qin Sang. After Yi Liankai left, Yi Jipei's hand continued to tremble. In the courtyard, Qin Sang was embroidering.
Zhu Ma informed her that there were still no letters from Qianping, making Qin Sang wonder if her father had gone to her cousin's in the countryside. Fan Yanyun approached, sarcastically remarking on Qin Sang's leisure in embroidering. Qin Sang explained she was depicting the Zhishan landscape, reminiscing about her "first life and death experience" with Yi Liankai there. Fan Yanyun coldly reminded her that she had "to step over my father's corpse to go up Zhishan."
Later, Yi Jipei visited Pan Jianchi in the hospital, dismissing the guard. Pan Jianchi immediately stated he would not discuss Liang Xingbei. Yi Jipei clarified he was not asking about Yi Shoucheng but about himself, then challenged Pan Jianchi to an arm-wrestling match. Pan Jianchi declined, acknowledging Yi Jipei's formidable strength without needing to compete. Yi Jipei then asked, "What about compared to Old Six?"
Episode 35 Recap
In the Yi family study, Yi Jipei recalled how his brother, Yi Shoucheng (referred to as Old Six), used to enjoy arm wrestling and asked Pan Jianchi who was stronger between him and Old Six. Pan Jianchi admitted that even uninjured, he couldn't last long against Yi Shoucheng, acknowledging his loss. Yi Jipei noted Yi Shoucheng's enduring strength despite his age and reminisced about his inability to eat spicy food as a child.
He then asked if Yi Shoucheng could tolerate spicy food now. Pan Jianchi questioned Yi Jipei's motives for these nostalgic remarks, given that they were currently engaged in a deadly struggle. Yi Jipei explained that among his six brothers, only he, Second Brother, and Old Six shared the same mother. He wanted to know if Yi Shoucheng's feelings towards his brothers could change if his core habits hadn't.
Pan Jianchi stated that Mr. Liang (Yi Shoucheng) was driven by ideals, not personal feelings. Yi Jipei found this incomprehensible, arguing that if one’s important people were hurt and feelings lost, then ideals were meaningless. Pan Jianchi accused Yi Jipei of using psychological tactics, but Yi Jipei clarified he wasn't attacking Pan Jianchi's heart but rather trying to communicate with his brother through him. Pan Jianchi, however, dismissed Yi Jipei's efforts as futile.
In the courtyard by the rockery, Yi Lianyi gathered his younger brothers, Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai, reminiscing about their childhood, when they had no barriers between them. He specifically recalled when Yi Liankai fell from the fake mountain and how their subsequent estrangement began when Yi Lianyi felt ignored after an argument. Yi Lianyi then expressed his anxiety over the years, witnessing their open and hidden conflicts.
He reminded them of the story of the fox dividing a cake, warning that they were no longer competing for a small piece but for the entire Jiangzuo. He urged them to reveal any lingering grudges, even if it led to arguments or fights, rather than keeping them hidden. Yi Liankai, feeling resigned due to his impending departure, stated there was nothing to say, a sentiment echoed by Yi Lianshen who felt too much time had passed.
Yi Lianyi became furious, calling them "assholes." He declared that while warlords fighting caused only physical pain, brothers warring and parents hiding secrets were the true heart of the family's troubles. He warned that if they didn't awaken to the danger, the Yi family would be utterly destroyed. Provoked, Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai began to fight, channeling years of suppressed grievances into their punches and words.
They accused each other of past wrongdoings, from breaking things to taking prized possessions, and even favoritism from their parents. As they fought, the tension broke, and the atmosphere lightened with playful accusations. Yi Lianyi, watching his brothers finally reconcile, clapped his hands with joy. The three brothers continued to playfully wrestle, as if transported back to their carefree childhood.
Later, during dinner, the brothers were still teasing each other about their fight, with Yi Liankai jokingly accusing Yi Lianshen of bullying him. Yi Jipei, observing their lighthearted interaction, joined them in a toast, celebrating the newfound harmony. Fu Rongcai, representing Commander Li Chongnian, met with Yi Jipei. Fu Rongcai stated that while Yizhou provided for its citizens, it lacked an economic talent, and Commander Li was feeling melancholic.
He boldly requested that Yi Jipei send his eldest son, Yi Lianyi, to Yizhou. Yi Jipei initially refused, citing Yi Lianyi's poor health, which Fu Rongcai acknowledged. However, Fu Rongcai pressed on, explaining that the peace treaty, while a grand gesture for the greater good, faced objections from Commander Yao and others. To appease the public and provide Commander Li with an acceptable explanation, Yi Lianyi, being intelligent and tactful, was needed in Yizhou.
Yi Lianyi astutely deduced that Li Chongnian wanted a hostage, not merely a talent. Fu Rongcai then candidly explained that with the Murong and Cheng families allied with the Yi family through marriage, Yizhou felt like an outsider and needed a guarantee of trust. Yi Jipei firmly told Fu Rongcai to inform Li Chongnian that he would not agree.
However, Yi Lianyi surprised everyone by announcing that he would go to Yizhou, much to the shock of both Fu Rongcai and Yi Jipei. Later, in the study, Yi Lianshen tried to dissuade his eldest brother, emphasizing that neither he nor their father would agree to Yi Lianyi becoming a hostage. Yi Lianyi, however, declared that provincial autonomy was his lifelong political dream, one he had researched for over a decade.
He couldn't bear to abandon this ideal for his personal safety. Yi Lianshen angrily asked if he could bear to part with his wife, Murong Qian, suggesting she would surely follow him to Yizhou and become a hostage.
Yi Lianyi adamantly stated that Murong Qian must not go, explaining that as a daughter of the Murong clan, her capture by Li Chongnian would allow him to exploit her identity for new political maneuvers, falling into Fu Rongcai's "three birds with one stone" trap. Yi Jipei, who had been listening silently, asked Yi Lianyi if he was truly resolved.
Yi Lianyi responded that since his injury, he hadn't felt such excitement for battle and requested his father's permission to fight this "smokeless war." Yi Lianshen questioned if Yi Lianyi's political ideals were more important than Murong Qian, to which Yi Lianyi replied that while their relationship was good, compared to the stability of Jiangzuo and the public's peace, their romantic affair was insignificant.
When Yi Lianshen asked if there was a way to have both, Yi Lianyi solemnly stated that in many worldly matters, one couldn't have both fish and bear paw. The day arrived for Yi Lianyi to depart for Yizhou. Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai saw him off, with Yi Lianshen promising to send troops to Yizhou if any problems arose. Yi Lianyi entrusted the household matters and their father's care to Yi Lianshen and Murong Qian.
Just as his car was leaving, Murong Qian rushed out with a box of Fuyuan delicacies and a knitted sweater, instructing him to take care of himself and write letters. She tearfully made him promise to return, which he did. She also urged him to be a role model for his siblings and care for the home in his absence. Watching their emotional farewell, Yi Liankai looked at Qin Sang, who immediately understood what Yi Liankai was thinking.
Suddenly, Yi Liankai intervened, lifting Yi Lianyi out of the car and declaring he would go to Yizhou instead. Yi Lianyi protested, calling it his own lifelong dream and insisting Yi Liankai's dream lay with Qin Sang and in Europe. Holding Qin Sang's hand, Yi Liankai countered that his life's dream was already in his grasp, and he begged Yi Lianyi, who he considered a father figure, to let him go.
Yi Lianyi, unwilling to see his brother sacrifice himself, reluctantly decided to postpone his departure, stating they needed to discuss the matter thoroughly. In the study, Yi Lianyi asked Yi Liankai to reveal his true intentions for going to Yizhou. Yi Liankai admitted that he anticipated Li Chongnian would rebel sooner or later, and he wanted to keep a close watch on him in Yizhou.
However, he confessed there was another, more personal reason: he wanted to investigate the true cause of his mother's death. Yi Lianyi was baffled, stating that Third Mother had supposedly drowned herself and was buried in the Yi family ancestral grave in Yizhou seven days later, leaving no room for other truths. Yi Liankai countered that the situation was far more complex.
He revealed he had discovered his mother's skeletal remains under her favorite hydrangeas in the old residence's back garden. A shocked Yi Lianyi asked how he could be sure it was his mother. Yi Liankai explained that the remains wore her clothes and earrings, leaving no doubt. He questioned who would replace his mother's body and for what purpose. Yi Lianyi then asked if Yi Liankai suspected his own mother, who had personally handled Third Mother's funeral.
Yi Liankai acknowledged Eldest Mother's kindness and the care he received from both her and Yi Lianyi when he was a motherless child. He stressed that he never forgot their generosity, but the truth about his mother's death was paramount, and he would live in regret if he didn't uncover it. He then knelt, pleading for Yi Lianyi's help to find the truth. Yi Lianyi helped him up, reluctantly agreeing to assist him.
Yi Liankai then suggested that Zhang Xikun might hold crucial information about the past. In the courtyard, Qin Sang sat alone, silently weeping. Murong Qian approached her, acknowledging Qin Sang's distress. Qin Sang confessed she knew Murong Qian had been the kindest to her when Yi Liankai was away, but now she found it difficult to face her. Murong Qian asked Qin Sang to close her eyes and listen to her sincere words.
She spoke of being the only traditional woman in the Yi family with bound feet, envying Qin Sang and Fan Yanyun for their education, worldly experience, and wonderful lives outside the high walls. Murong Qian admitted her world revolved entirely around Yi Lianyi, and without him, it would be shattered. She expressed her desire to be a good person, to make everyone comfortable, but confessed that in this situation, her deepest longing was for a complete family.
Understanding Qin Sang's reluctance to face her, Murong Qian apologized for her perceived selfishness. Yi Lianshen vehemently opposed Yi Liankai's plan to replace Yi Lianyi in going to Yizhou. In a fit of anger, he suggested that Yi Jipei should order him to kill Fu Rongcai and lead the Fuyuan Army to attack Yizhou directly.
Yi Jipei furiously rebuked him, calling his words reckless and reminding him of the long, difficult negotiations on Zhishan that had just secured a fragile peace. Yi Jipei stressed the importance of considering the "big picture," which often demanded sacrifices. Yi Lianshen countered, asking if Yi Jipei's pursuit of a good reputation in history was worth sacrificing his own sons.
He pointed out that it was not easy for the three brothers to reconcile after years of discord, emphasizing that a harmonious family would lead to prosperity, allowing them to overcome any obstacles with all three sons by Yi Jipei's side. Yi Liankai, however, intervened, advocating for choosing the lesser of two evils. He argued that his sacrifice would yield the greatest benefit with the smallest loss.
He also confessed that while his father and elder brothers had done so much for the family, he, Yi Liankai, had never truly contributed. He declared that his decision was firm; this time, the sacrifice must be his. Yi Lianshen sadly questioned if gaining power over the world necessarily meant losing loved ones.
Yi Jipei explained that this was merely the beginning, and if Yi Lianshen were to inherit his empire, he might have to sacrifice even more to protect it. Yi Lianshen adamantly stated he would rather not have an empire if it came at the cost of his brother's life. Yi Liankai presented Qin Sang with a German dictionary, telling her it would be useful in Europe, implying his intention for her to go there alone.
Qin Sang questioned why she would need it if they were only going to Yizhou, realizing he was lying. Yi Liankai, with great difficulty, confessed his unwavering need to go to Yizhou to solve a mystery. He urged her to live well in his absence, take care of herself, and find another man who would love her. Heartbroken, Qin Sang embraced him from behind, desperately asking how she could possibly love anyone else.
She tearfully accused him of fulfilling his duties as a brother and a son to the Yi family, but betraying her as a husband. Yi Liankai, visibly tormented, admitted his internal struggle before uttering such parting words, emphasizing his reluctance to yield the woman he loved to another, but explaining their current predicament left them with many helpless choices. As he tried to gently pull away from her embrace, Yi Jipei appeared at their door.
Yi Liankai invited his father in and prepared some kung fu tea. Yi Jipei observed that the art of tea ceremony mirrored the principles of a good marriage: not mutual torment, but mutual cooperation between tea and water. He expressed his deep affection for his three daughters-in-law, treating them as his own daughters, and stated that he would feel unwell if any of them left. Qin Sang then boldly declared that she would not go to Europe.
She asserted that she would follow Yi Liankai wherever he went, even if it meant facing certain death in Yizhou, proclaiming that she was entirely devoted to him and he would never be able to leave her. Yi Liankai took her hand, but she pulled it away, resolute. Yi Jipei, hearing this, questioned if she understood the danger of Yizhou, comparing it to a "wolf entering the lair of a tiger," a trip with no return. Qin Sang maintained her stance. Yi Jipei then advised Yi Liankai to learn more about achieving a harmonious marriage.
Episode 36 Recap
Yi Liankai confessed to his father, Yi Jipei, that he was afraid. Yi Jipei perceived that his son was not afraid of going to Yizhou, but rather worried about Qin Sang's safety, calling him a devoted lover. Yi Jipei then decided to have his second son, Yi Lianshen, stall Li Chongnian. Yi Liankai seemed to react to this decision. Yi Lianshen visited Fu Rongcai, who jokingly asked if Yi Liankai had gone back on his word.
Fu Rongcai then expressed concern that if the hostage situation dragged on, Li Chongnian's subordinates, such as Commander Yao and Provincial Military Governor Chen, who already felt humiliated by the truce, would become restless, making it difficult for Li Chongnian to maintain control in Yizhou. Yi Lianshen retorted that Li Chongnian's internal affairs were his own problem.
He then informed Fu Rongcai that Yi Liankai, not his elder brother, would be the one going to Yizhou, and the departure date would be announced later. Fu Rongcai expressed his dissatisfaction with Yi Liankai being the hostage, fearing he might exploit Yizhou's economy under the guise of assistance. Yi Lianshen countered by placing a gun on the table, asserting that if Fu Rongcai had any complaints, he could use it.
Seeing this, Fu Rongcai relented, agreeing to the new arrangement but demanded Yi Liankai's immediate departure. Yi Lianshen, however, asserted that the departure time was not for Fu Rongcai to decide, and left. Before his departure, Yi Liankai visited Mr. Fan's memorial. Fan Yanyun confronted him furiously, questioning how he dared to face her father when the true mastermind behind his death remained free and the Yi family shielded the killer. She accused Yi Liankai of claiming innocence despite this.
Yi Liankai acknowledged her anger but stated his imminent departure for Yizhou, adding that he had already punished Pan Jianchi and exposed Liang Xinbei, having done what he could before leaving the Yi family. Fan Yanyun, however, was incensed that he, as a disciple, would rather risk his life in Yizhou than avenge his teacher. Yi Liankai expressed his belief that her father, if he could hear them, would want her to live a happy life free of hatred.
He then solemnly offered that if he did not return from Yizhou, his life would serve as an apology to her on Qin Sang's behalf. Qin Sang was painting in the courtyard when Yi Liankai came to critique her work, finding fault with the lines, focus, and colors.
Qin Sang dismissed his criticism, explaining that her painting was merely an expression of her inner world, a dreamlike place where someone held her hand, reassuring her and promising to lead her to safety. Yi Liankai, possessively, declared that he must be the one in her dream, threatening to "tear down her dream" if it were anyone else, and demanded to know who it was.
Qin Sang described the person as the only one who made her feel truly protected, like the sun, making her want to embrace him and sleep in his warm hug forever. Yi Liankai then vowed to protect her, promising to keep her hidden in the safest place forever.
Qin Sang sighed, commenting that Yi Liankai's idea of protection seemed to be confining her to a room within the Yi family, locking her away in a safe box, which she equated to imprisonment, not protection. Yi Liankai responded that if such confinement ensured her survival, he would do it without hesitation. However, he admitted he knew she valued a free and happy life over merely existing like a "dead person."
Yi Liankai promised to take Qin Sang with him, but insisted she must obey his instructions, especially in times of danger, because only her safety would allow him to be free of worries. In turn, Qin Sang made him swear never to trifle with his own life, declaring that if he died, she would not live either, as their lives were interconnected.
Yi Liankai playfully teased her about being a "silly girl," to which Qin Sang affectionately responded that his many "tricks" left her no choice but to hold onto him in her own simple way. Yi Liankai went to a shop to have Qin Sang's painting mounted. The shopkeeper explained the process would take at least two days, by which time Yi Liankai would be in Yizhou. Min Hongyu then appeared, offering to collect the finished painting for him.
Yi Liankai jokingly accused her of having spies follow him. Min Hongyu retorted that his fame made him easy to find. She then commented on the painting's unskilled appearance, saying it would disturb everyone but Qin Sang and him. Min Hongyu expressed concern that his "good life" with Qin Sang might end prematurely if he went to Yizhou as a hostage, acknowledging that Yi Lianyi's failure to depart likely meant he was being sent instead.
She suggested Yi Liankai was being used as an "abandoned pawn" by the Yi family. She questioned why he found enjoyment in risking his life, stating she would rather see him and Qin Sang go to Europe than for him to die in Yizhou. Yi Liankai, recalling their past brushes with death, expressed confidence in their ability to survive.
Min Hongyu warned that luck could not last forever, while Yi Liankai asserted that one could create their own luck by changing their circumstances. He then confirmed with the shopkeeper that the painting would be ready by the day after tomorrow, his departure day. In an earlier conversation with Huai Xiu, Yi Jipei reflected on his first marriage to Zhang Xikun's sister, a union arranged by Zhang Xikun.
He admitted he only saw her hands during their wedding ceremony and could no longer recall her face, but remembered her soft, delicate hands. He recognized her shrewdness in managing family affairs, noting how she quickly brought stewards to heel. He recounted an incident where she secretly and decisively dealt with disloyal servants who tried to flee during an enemy invasion, killing them to maintain order, while other wives like the Second and Third Mistress merely cried.
This revelation of her ruthlessness, despite her gentle appearance, unsettled him, causing him to distance himself from her and spend more time with the Third Mistress. He mused on the First Mistress's lack of complaint, finding her generosity puzzling. Huai Xiu advised against speculating on the dead's feelings, suggesting some truths are better left undisturbed. Yi Jipei agreed that dwelling on such matters could only lead to fear.
He also spoke about Yi Liankai's decision to go to Yizhou as a hostage, acknowledging Yi Liankai's strong desire to do so, despite his own worries. He ordered his men in Yizhou to closely monitor Li Chongnian and ensure Yi Liankai's safety. Yi Liankai then covertly participated in a fencing match, pretending to be Yi Jipei.
Yi Lianyi, unaware it was Yi Liankai, encouraged his uncle, Zhang Xikun, to spar with his "father" and used the opportunity to discreetly ask about Third Mistress's death. Zhang Xikun, still believing he was fencing with Yi Jipei, boasted about once defeating Yi Jipei in their youth and then, when pressed by Yi Lianyi about the Third Mistress's death, revealed that she wasn't framed.
He attributed everything to Yi Lianyi's mother, the First Mistress, calling her a muddle-headed woman who only cared about the Sixth Young Master and never him, wasting his efforts. At this revelation, Yi Liankai removed his helmet, causing Zhang Xikun to realize he had been fencing with Yi Liankai all along, and promptly fled. Yi Lianyi was saddened to discover his mother was involved.
Yi Liankai reported to his father, Yi Jipei, about his fencing match with Zhang Xikun, where he had defeated him. During the match, Zhang Xikun inadvertently divulged information concerning the First Mistress and Yi Liankai's biological mother. Yi Liankai pressed his father, asking if his mother truly drowned herself, implying the truth was more complex.
Yi Jipei, visibly pained, warned him to stop investigating, acknowledging the difficulty of facing truths he had long suppressed, fearing what would happen if he "poked the last screen." Yi Liankai pleaded for permission to question Zhang Xikun, believing he could uncover the full truth. Yi Jipei, with a heavy heart, explained that all his six marriages, including that to Yi Liankai's mother, were politically motivated.
He revealed that Yi Liankai's mother's father was a former dynasty general who had trained the Jiangzuo navy. Marrying the First Mistress was to clear his political path in Jiangzuo. He warned Yi Liankai that Zhang Xikun was backed by the entire Zhang family, and if Yi Liankai questioned him, the Zhang family would immediately side with Li Chongnian.
He further explained that the Zhang family's loyalty to the Yi family stemmed from the fact that Yi Lianshen, the presumptive heir, had half Zhang family blood. Yi Liankai retorted that his father, despite being Jiangzuo's strongman, couldn't even protect those he loved, and expressed sadness for him. He declared he would rather forgo Jiangzuo and the world to become a strong person capable of protecting his loved ones.
Yi Jipei remarked that Yi Liankai was the son most like him, yet questioned why Yi Liankai, who claimed to want to give Qin Sang happiness, would instead pursue a decade-old investigation, letting the present opportunity slip away. Yi Jipei surmised that Yi Liankai's willingness to become a hostage was motivated by this investigation. Yi Liankai confirmed his father's insight, stating that if he didn't investigate, no one else would.
Yi Jipei argued that the dead couldn't be brought back to life, and questioned the value of sacrificing everything for a past event. Yi Liankai, however, swore to bring his mother's killer to justice, vowing to seek revenge himself if his father wouldn't help. Yi Liankai accused his father of long forgetting his mother, even discarding her belongings.
Yi Jipei then revealed, to Yi Liankai's surprise, that he had never forgotten Yi Liankai's mother; his deep affection for her was his greatest weakness, a vulnerability he could never let others discover. Zhang Xikun urgently called Yi Lianshen back to the Yi family, urging him to silence Yi Liankai, warning of impending disaster.
He revealed that Yi Lianyi and Yi Liankai were collaborating to investigate the Third Mistress's death, a truth that must remain hidden to protect the First Mistress's reputation. Zhang Xikun expressed fear that Yi Liankai would falsely accuse the First Mistress of killing the Third Mistress out of jealousy, potentially swaying Yi Jipei and jeopardizing Yi Lianshen's future as heir.
Yi Lianshen dismissed his uncle's concerns as paranoia, arguing that Yi Liankai's imminent departure meant he wouldn't have time to uncover anything. He also pointed out that his parents' cold relationship made it unlikely his mother would kill for favor. He asserted that any conflict between the brothers was internal Yi family business, and even if Yi Liankai tried to frame their mother, Yi Jipei would judge fairly.
Yi Liankai showed his father earrings he had dug out from his mother's remains, revealing she was not properly buried but "sloppily" in the back garden, and he had unknowingly walked over her grave countless times. He asked if this did not pain his father, to which Yi Jipei responded that she could not be brought back.
Yi Jipei then urged Yi Liankai to cease his investigation, warning that it would plunge him into a lifetime of helpless pain, erode his ability to love, and turn him into a "machine operated by revenge." Yi Liankai, angered, asserted he sought only the truth, not revenge. He criticized his father for being constrained by too many "buts," claiming his own status as a hostage freed him from such limitations.
Yi Liankai stated that if his father refused to help him uncover the truth, he would never ask for anything again. Yi Jipei cautioned that despite the current stability, anyone making a move would be scrutinized. He warned that even if Li Chongnian spared Yi Liankai, Fu Rongcai would seize an opportunity to kill him. Yi Jipei offered to give Yi Liankai something that would not only protect him from Li Chongnian but also ensure Li Chongnian's protection.
He stressed that survival was paramount to finding the truth, reminding Yi Liankai to consider Qin Sang, who had risked her life for him, if not himself. Yi Liankai's internal conflict was evident. Zhang Xikun, frustrated by Yi Lianshen's refusal to act, secretly instructed Zhang Linzhi to gather a troop, without informing Yi Lianshen. He ordered Zhang Linzhi to kidnap Yi Liankai as soon as he left the Yi family estate.
Zhang Linzhi, however, refused to betray Yi Lianshen, citing his loyalty and his father's teaching that he was destined to follow the Second Young Master. Zhang Xikun grew enraged, warning that if Yi Liankai uncovered the full truth about the past, not only the Zhang family and Yi Lianshen but all of Jiangzuo would be ruined.
He lamented Yi Lianshen's repeated prioritization of brotherly affection over the potential for future trouble, declaring that he would "cut the root of trouble once and for all" for the future of the Zhang family. Zhang Xikun unexpectedly called on Fu Rongcai, who, surmising Zhang Xikun was in a bind, mockingly referenced his earlier troubles regarding Yi Liankai becoming a hostage instead of Yi Lianyi. Zhang Xikun then directly asked Fu Rongcai to kill Yi Liankai.
Fu Rongcai balked at the request, pointing out that Yi Liankai was their hostage, and killing him would give the Yi and Murong families a legitimate reason to attack Yizhou. Zhang Xikun, however, assured him that the Yi family would be powerless.
He pledged that if Fu Rongcai killed Yi Liankai, and Yi Jipei attempted to retaliate, the Zhang family would use its deep political influence in Jiangzuo to rally the entire region against Yi Jipei, ruining his reputation if he dared to initiate a war against public sentiment. Fu Rongcai expressed skepticism, concerned about the impact on Yizhou's reputation and Yi Jipei's ability to manipulate public opinion.
Zhang Xikun clarified his motives, stating that although the Zhang family had supported Yi Lianshen to secure their standing in Jiangzuo, he feared they would be discarded once Yi Lianshen achieved power. Therefore, he needed a backup plan: if Yi Liankai died, he would secretly provide strong support to Li Chongnian, challenging Yi Jipei's authority. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang prepared to depart for Yizhou. Yi Lianshen and others saw them off at the Fuyuan train station.
Yi Liankai had a brief exchange with Min Hongyu, asking her to take care of his mother's tapestry, which she promised to cherish as both their lives depended on it. Yi Lianshen bade Yi Liankai farewell, urging him to stay alive, a sentiment Yi Liankai reciprocated. Just as they were about to board, Fan Yanyun called Qin Sang aside for a private conversation.
She recalled her father's departure from that very station and his failure to return, warning Qin Sang to be careful. Qin Sang confidently stated that Yi Liankai would protect her, but Fan Yanyun retorted that Qin Sang might need to protect him, subtly implying Qin Sang's connections to the Tian Meng Association. Qin Sang directly asked if she was being accused of being an ally, which Fan Yanyun affirmed.
Fan Yanyun then referenced Qin Sang's "old lover," Pan Jianchi, still imprisoned, questioning how Qin Sang could leave him. Qin Sang responded that choosing to love someone often meant hurting others, and she no longer cared about Fan Yanyun's opinion of her. Qin Sang then expressed uncertainty about returning alive from Yizhou and asked Fan Yanyun to consider her life a repayment for Mr. Fan's if she didn't.
Episode 37 Recap
The train made its way towards Yizhou. Inside their private compartment, Qin Sang rested on Yi Liankai's lap. She awoke, and they shared a quiet moment, acknowledging the dangerous nature of their trip. Their peace was interrupted when Fu Rongcai abruptly entered, resuming his attempts to sow discord between them. He provocatively declared that Yi Liankai was Qin Sang's mother's true killer.
Yi Liankai tensed, but Qin Sang firmly grasped his hand, stating that she no longer wished to dwell on past matters. She told Fu Rongcai that everyone had their reasons and encouraged him to let go of his hatred and appreciate the present beauty. Fu Rongcai expressed his disbelief that such a deep-seated grudge could be so easily dismissed, admitting his own inability to be as forgiving. Soon after, an announcement indicated their imminent arrival in Yizhou.
In Yizhou, Yi Liankai met with Li Chongnian. Li Chongnian acknowledged Yi Liankai's handsome and energetic demeanor but hinted that he would not live long, as the conditions offered by the other party were too tempting for him to resist. Yi Liankai, unfazed, calmly stated that his father had rightly predicted Li Chongnian's susceptibility to vile people and his tendency to go back on his word.
Before his departure for Yizhou, his father had given him a talisman, the "Fantianyin," meant to ward off evil. He then rolled up his sleeve to reveal a distinct mark on his arm. Li Chongnian scoffed, finding it presumptuous of Yi Jipei to believe a mere stamp could save Yi Liankai's life. Fu Rongcai, however, recognized the mark and expressed surprise that Yi Jipei would entrust such a vital item to Yi Liankai.
Yi Liankai explained that three years prior, his father had transferred all of the Yi family's assets to Swiss banks, and anyone holding this stamp could claim them. He laid out the stakes: Li Chongnian could kill him now, or invade Jiangzuo and eliminate the entire Yi family, but then anyone with the stamp could still go to Switzerland, recruit an army, and establish their own territory.
Fu Rongcai urged Li Chongnian to kill Yi Liankai immediately, arguing for a swift and clean resolution. Yi Liankai accused Fu Rongcai of lying to Li Chongnian, exposing his Senior Brother as an "expert in fleeing." He reminded Li Chongnian that Fu Rongcai had almost brought down the entire Qianping government but escaped just as the situation turned dire, and that even in Yongnan, Yi Liankai himself had failed to kill him despite firing a full magazine.
Fu Rongcai vehemently denied the slander. Li Chongnian, intrigued, demanded to see the stamp and ordered his soldiers to search Yi Liankai. Yi Liankai halted the soldiers, explaining he would never carry such an important item on his person, and directly challenged Li Chongnian, asking if he truly desired the money. After a moment of contemplation, Li Chongnian relented, instructing Commander Yao to escort Yi Liankai to his lodging and fulfill all his requests.
As Yi Liankai departed, Fu Rongcai grew agitated, loudly warning Li Chongnian that he would surely regret not killing Yi Liankai. As Commander Yao drove Yi Liankai and Qin Sang to their new residence, he praised Yi Liankai's exceptional intelligence and courage during the confrontation. Yi Liankai sighed, admitting that arriving in Yizhou felt like having "one foot in the grave."
He noted that while Li Chongnian was currently treating him well, there was no telling when he might decide to kill him. He then highlighted his unique relationship with Commander Yao, as they had faced life-and-death situations together, and asked for Yao's assistance should the need arise. Commander Yao, however, remained cautious, stating that no matter their bond, he ultimately served Li Chongnian and had to follow his orders.
Yi Liankai then suggested that perhaps the price wasn't right, implying he could offer something to change Yao's allegiance, and expressed a desire to understand Yao's personal ambitions. Upon arriving at their new, spacious lodging, Qin Sang confronted Yi Liankai, sensing his strange behavior since their arrival in Yizhou. She expressed her frustration, not blaming him, but feeling upset by his constant deception. She desperately wanted to know if everything Fu Rongcai had said on the train was true.
Qin Sang recalled hearing similar accusations in Yongnan but had dismissed them due to the chaos of the time, believing Fu Rongcai had died. She confessed that her words on the train were merely to prevent Fu Rongcai from mocking them. She yearned for Yi Liankai to be honest with her, even wishing he would scold her for believing Fu Rongcai's lies, as long as he told her the truth.
Yi Liankai was then caught in a memory: he had discovered that Qin Housheng, the man Fu Rongcai was setting a trap for, was Qin Sang's father. He had pleaded with his Teacher to abandon the plan, but his Teacher sternly warned him that protecting Qin Housheng would jeopardize Yi Jipei's lifelong ambition and the entire foundation of the Yi family. Soon after, Commander Yao introduced his daughter, Yao Yuping, the Fourth Mistress Yao.
Yao Yuping was visibly excited, having heard from her father that Yi Liankai and Qin Sang were a "match made in heaven." She especially admired Qin Sang's bravery during the siege of Zhishan, where she had bravely ventured to rescue Yi Liankai.
Yi Liankai looked pleased by the compliment, while Qin Sang, feeling a bit embarrassed, downplayed her actions, explaining that General Murong, who had besieged Zhishan, was a family friend of the Yi family, and there was no reason for him to trouble a woman like her. Qin Sang noticed several romance novels on a table and playfully asked Yao Yuping if she longed for a romantic love.
Yao Yuping, with eyes full of longing, confessed that she indeed wished for a passionate, fiery love, just like what she imagined Yi Liankai and Qin Sang shared. Qin Sang, however, remarked thoughtfully that while fire is hot, it can also burn. When Yao Yuping struggled to understand, Yi Liankai elaborated, explaining that loving someone requires immense physical and mental effort, a truth she would only grasp through personal experience.
Yao Yuping questioned why love should be effortful, arguing it should connect hearts. Qin Sang clarified that true connection comes from honesty; someone who claims love while deceiving is not earnest. Yao Yuping mused that she might forgive lies if the person's heart was genuinely devoted to her. Yi Liankai then quoted a poem by Pu Xijing, "I lie to the world, but I can't lie to you. You are my only sacred altar.
I do not dare to have a hypocritical show of affection in front of you," adding another line: "You could gaze toward someone else, but please trust this heart of mine." Later, as they walked outside, Qin Sang told Yi Liankai she wanted to return to Qianping. She admitted that she had resolutely followed him to Yizhou because she trusted him to protect her, but now she was scared.
After all they had been through, she was dismayed to find he still kept secrets from her. Yi Liankai assured her that everything he did was for her, to protect her and spare her pain, lamenting that things often went awry. He asked for her trust, promising to give her an explanation when the time was right and urging her to listen to him, especially during dangerous periods, as her safety was his primary concern.
Qin Sang, however, countered that as his wife, she deserved to share both the good and the bad, emphasizing that it was he who was causing her pain. Yi Liankai reiterated his unwavering desire to protect her. Meanwhile, back in Fuyuan, Yi Jipei stressed that the provincial autonomy plan could no longer be delayed. He intended to force Murong Chen and Li Chongnian to react by demonstrating their own decisive actions.
Yi Lianyi highlighted two major challenges: reforming the financial and tax systems after provincial autonomy, and reducing the power of military officials by separating command and jurisdiction, using the autonomy as justification. Yi Lianshen vehemently opposed this, arguing that while they could lose Jiangzuo or even the entire world, they could not abandon their loyal Fu Army brothers who had fought alongside them through thick and thin.
He believed that as long as the Fu Army's strength remained, they could always reclaim whatever they lost. He cited the historical example of the Song dynasty, where separated military command led to battlefield failures despite brave soldiers and strategic commanders. Yi Lianyi countered that his proposal was precisely to decrease military force.
Yi Lianshen, however, expressed deep concern, reminding them of Murong Chen in the north and the Japanese behind him, questioning how Jiangzuo would defend itself if its military was weakened. Yi Jipei dismissed Yi Lianshen's sensitivity regarding military power, reassuring him that he remained the Fu Army's Young Marshal and Jiangzuo's most vital military safeguard. Yi Lianshen, while admitting his limited understanding of politics, reiterated his conviction: he valued the Fu Army above all else.
Elsewhere, Yi Lianshen sought out Min Hongyu, inquiring about Yi Liankai's well-being since his departure. Min Hongyu informed him that Yi Liankai was in Yizhou, assisting Li Chongnian with the provincial autonomy, and was doing well. She observed that despite his reputation for being iron-willed, Yi Lianshen possessed a soft heart. In Yizhou, Chen Pei suggested that Yi Liankai was inferior to Yi Lianyi, lacking a comprehensive vision and being too inexperienced.
He advised Li Chongnian against trusting him too much. Li Chongnian recalled Min Hongyu's earlier warning that Yi Liankai should not be underestimated, noting that a frivolous exterior often concealed a deep and scheming mind. He acknowledged Yi Liankai as a "fierce tiger," a true disciple of Fan Zhiheng, whom his teacher had greatly favored. Fu Rongcai, present during this conversation, expressed his own resentment that his teacher had taught Yi Liankai everything.
Chen Pei remained confident that Yi Liankai was trapped in Yizhou. However, Li Chongnian worried that he would eventually have to release Yi Liankai, understanding that Yi Liankai's control over the Yi family's wealth and stamp gave him significant leverage, making him untouchable and free to "stay or leave as he wants." Fu Rongcai vehemently warned against releasing him.
Li Chongnian revealed he had tasked Min Hongyu with monitoring Yi Liankai but was surprised to find Yi Liankai completely detached from the ongoing reforms and not opposing them at all. He mused that while Fuyuan was ostensibly Yi Jipei's, all the political reforms were the result of discussions between Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi.
He lamented that Yi Lianshen, unaware, was slowly losing his power to his elder brother, partly due to Yi Lianyi's physical disability making Yi Lianshen complacent about his rival. Fu Rongcai then outlined his intention to make Yi Lianshen, who had enjoyed a smooth rise to power, acquiring the woman he wanted and becoming the Yi family heir, now "tread on thin ice." Back in Fuyuan, Yi Lianshen furiously tore apart newspapers.
Zhang Linzhi reported that they had apprehended three individuals spreading rumors publicly and confiscated two hundred tabloids, which they had burned. He noted that the rumors, which had swept through Fuyuan overnight, were suspiciously widespread and deeply tarnished Fan Yanyun's reputation, suggesting a hidden mastermind. Yi Lianshen, enraged, demanded that the mastermind be found and executed, and inquired about the fate of the three apprehended individuals.
Zhang Linzhi hesitated, explaining that legally, rumormongers could only be detained for a maximum of three days, and that killing them would not silence public gossip but instead invite more criticism. Yi Lianshen, undeterred by the legal constraints, ordered their tongues to be pulled out. Later, Yi Lianshen attempted to engage Fan Yanyun in discussions about the provincial autonomy, but she demurred, stating it wasn't her area of expertise.
He warned her that she would eventually inherit the family and needed to learn such matters. He then falsely informed her that Li Chongnian, instigated by Fu Rongcai, had imprisoned Yi Liankai. Fan Yanyun reacted with visible alarm, immediately urging Yi Lianshen to find a way to rescue Yi Liankai and dismissing his concerns about his own safety should he confront Li Chongnian.
Disappointed by her response, Yi Lianshen brought up a past incident where their father had forced them to play mahjong for a day and a night, not allowing anyone to leave, and asked if she knew the reason. Fan Yanyun nervously claimed ignorance. Yi Lianshen then took her by the arm and marched her towards Yi Jipei's study. They burst into the study, interrupting Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi, who were engrossed in a discussion about education reforms.
Yi Jipei angrily ordered Yi Lianshen to leave. Yi Lianshen refused, instead confronting them directly about the pervasive rumors concerning Fan Yanyun, hinting at his father and elder brother's supposed avoidance of the issue. Fan Yanyun, confused, asked what the rumors were. Yi Lianshen then pressed Yi Jipei about the day he had forced them to play mahjong.
Yi Jipei, growing impatient, dismissed it as an obvious plot from the beginning, questioning why Yi Lianshen couldn't see through such a transparent trick. Yi Lianshen, his voice filled with fury, declared that he needed a clear answer today: was the child Fan Yanyun was carrying his, or Yi Liankai's?
Yi Jipei, in a fit of rage, slapped Yi Lianshen, then immediately turned to Fan Yanyun, reassuring her not to be upset and to focus on her pregnancy, promising to be her unwavering support within the Yi family and vowing not to let Yi Lianshen bully her.
Episode 38 Recap
Yi Lianshen found solace drinking with Min Hongyu, reflecting on her earlier remark that he was slightly less capable than his third brother. He now understood his shortcomings were far greater, realizing his own excessive confidence and arrogance had blinded him to the people around him. He mused over his given name, "Shen," meaning cautious, a name his father had chosen with the hope that he would inherit the Yi family.
This, he felt, meant his entire life was destined to be one of caution. Min Hongyu found it peculiar, noting that his eldest brother, Yi Lianyi, was healthy at the time of Yi Lianshen's birth, making him the natural heir. She also pointed out that both Yi Lianyi and Yi Liankai's names carried meanings of happiness, while only his signified caution, making her wonder what exactly his father wanted him to be so cautious about. Yi Lianshen pondered her words.
Later, Yi Lianshen visited Pan Jianchi in prison. He remarked on Pan Jianchi's recovery, then expressed his disbelief at Yi Liankai's cruelty and admiration for his manliness. Yi Lianshen recalled how he once considered Pan Jianchi his confidant, sharing everything and believing every word, only to now wonder what he truly was in Pan Jianchi's eyes. He bitterly concluded that Pan Jianchi must have seen him as "a fish already on the hook."
Yi Lianshen lamented the deceit rampant within the Yi family, where brothers suspected brothers, father and sons suspected each other, and even wives couldn't be fully trusted. Pan Jianchi confirmed Yi Lianshen's suspicions, stating that while Yi Lianshen treated him with sincerity, he merely intended to use him and thus was unworthy of being a confidant.
Yi Lianshen expressed profound pain, feeling that everyone—Pan Jianchi, Fan Yanyun, his third brother, and even his father and elder brother—had met his genuine trust with deception, leaving him utterly alone and trusting no one in the Yi family. Yi Lianshen instructed his subordinate to tell the warden that he and Pan Jianchi would be going out for a drink that night.
Meanwhile, a subordinate reported to Liang Xingbei that Yi Lianshen had gotten drunk, not returned home, and then visited the prison. Liang Xingbei decided it was time to meet with Yi Lianshen, despite his subordinate's caution that it might raise suspicion due to the ongoing internal conflicts within the Yi family. Liang Xingbei countered that Yi Jipei was relinquishing power much faster than anticipated, leaving no time to wait.
Yi Lianshen deliberately brought Pan Jianchi to the streets, knowing that someone would attempt to rescue Pan Jianchi. When a rescuer appeared, Yi Lianshen swiftly stabbed him, then ordered his men to give chase, following the injured individual directly to Yi Shoucheng. Yi Lianshen confronted Yi Shoucheng, noting it had been many years since their last meeting and this time there was no need for Yi Shoucheng to run.
Yi Shoucheng retorted that since he had been found, there was no point in fleeing. Yi Lianshen declared his intent to kill Yi Shoucheng, not just find him, believing it would bring peace to his father and avenge his father-in-law, Mr. Fan. He added that it was fate Yi Shoucheng hadn't died in the earlier fire, only to now die by his hands.
Yi Shoucheng calmly accepted his capture and impending death, stating that while others lacked the right to kill him, Yi Lianshen did. He dramatically revealed that Yi Lianshen's mother had once saved his life, and now, it was only fitting for her son to take it away. Yi Shoucheng then questioned if Yi Lianshen had ever wondered why he had been elusive for a decade yet so easily found today.
He confessed that he had sent someone to lead Yi Lianshen to him, though he hadn't anticipated Yi Lianshen's cruelty, which led to the guide's pointless death. Murong Qian returned from visiting Fan Yanyun, assuring Yi Lianyi that Yanyun was resting and would be fine, and that she had shielded her from external news. Yi Lianyi wondered aloud about his second brother's true intentions.
He found it perplexing why Mr. Fan, knowing his daughter Fan Yanyun loved Yi Liankai, still insisted she marry Yi Lianshen to secure Yi Liankai's position. He questioned why Mr. Fan didn't favor the intelligent Yi Lianshen, especially when Yi Liankai's mother had passed away early and he had been raised by Mr. Fan. Murong Qian suggested it might simply be fate, a natural bond formed over time between teacher and student.
Yi Lianyi dismissed her simplistic explanation, insisting there were no simple matters in their family. He then asked Murong Qian, who was managing the family's accounts, to retrieve Yi Shoucheng's old account books from storage. Upon reviewing a military diary and account books, Yi Lianyi discovered a significant secret. He immediately tore and burned the documents, declaring his intention to let the past be gone and return to dust.
Yi Jipei visited Huaixiu, who was admiring a phoenix dress she had spent many years embroidering and had just finished. Yi Jipei, noting her deep reverence for the garment, asked her to make wedding clothes for him. Huaixiu was surprised, asking if he was taking a new wife. Yi Jipei affirmed this, confessing his long-standing affection for her, saying that only with her by his side could his world be truly peaceful, free from any third party's interference.
He admitted that despite a lifetime of struggle and six wives, he had never found a true home. Now that Jiangzuo was under his control, he no longer needed official attire and requested two wedding outfits, revealing that they were for her. He then proposed that she cease being a dressmaker and promised his unwavering devotion. Huaixiu was both surprised and moved, but requested a night to carefully consider his heartfelt proposal.
Yi Jipei, eager not to miss this chance, decided to wait in her living room that night. The next morning, Yi Jipei awoke to find Huaixiu gone, but a letter lay on the coffee table. In it, Huaixiu expressed her sorrow that they had reached such a juncture, having always wished for a proper farewell. However, she could not accept his latest condition.
She acknowledged that refusing him might mean she could never leave, but she had an important mission to fulfill. As a former servant of the previous imperial dynasty, her duty was to personally deliver the phoenix robe to the only queen worthy of wearing it, her former imperial master's wife. Her old master was now gathering court servants in the south, and she had to fulfill her duty.
Therefore, with a heavy heart, she had to reject his sincere request, believing they were not meant to be together in this lifetime, but hoping to find him earlier in the next. Yi Jipei was practicing shooting when Yi Lianshen came to apologize. Yi Jipei chastised him, stating that his primary apology should be to Fan Yanyun. He questioned how he could possibly entrust the Yi family to Yi Lianshen in his current state, given his position as heir.
Yi Lianshen, suggesting they train together, tried to calm his father. Yi Jipei then spoke about the gravity of firing a gun, comparing it to taking a life, and asked if Yi Lianshen's hand had ever trembled when doing so, or why it might tremble now that someone intended to kill him. Yi Lianshen accurately hit the target, then asked his father why his name meant caution, while his elder and third brothers' names signified happiness.
He reasoned that there were only two possibilities for this choice: either it was a warning to him, or a warning to his mother. Yi Jipei, enraged, cut him off and ordered him to leave immediately. Qin Sang and Yi Liankai accompanied Yao Yuping to watch a play, "Romeo and Juliet." Afterward, Qin Sang asked Yi Liankai if, as Romeo, he would have drunk the poison.
Yi Liankai replied that as long as Qin Sang loved him, he wouldn't mind if their enemies knew he was there. He believed that ending his life amidst their hatred would be far better than enduring an ignoble existence without her love. Qin Sang suggested they return to Qianping together if given the chance, to which Yi Liankai promised he would personally apologize to her father.
Qin Sang stated that if her father forgave him after learning the truth, she would forgive him too. Overjoyed by her words, Yi Liankai immediately picked her up and carried her home, despite her playful protests. Yi Lianshen informed his father that he had captured Yi Shoucheng and believed Yi Jipei would want to see him. Yi Jipei and Yi Shoucheng exchanged cold pleasantries, then engaged in an arm wrestle.
Yi Jipei angrily demanded to know why Yi Shoucheng had relentlessly plotted to destroy his family and seize Jiangzuo, questioning his arrogance as a prisoner. Yi Shoucheng proudly declared that while he might be a prisoner of men, Yi Jipei was a prisoner of fate, because his chosen heir, Yi Lianshen, was in fact Yi Shoucheng's own son. Both Yi Jipei, and Yi Lianshen who was listening outside the cell, were stunned into silence.
Yi Shoucheng asserted that if Yi Jipei knew he was alive, he should have realized it was Zhang Xiru who had saved him. He recounted the past: he had returned victorious from battle, only to find his home celebrating his beloved Zhang Xiru's marriage to his elder brother, Yi Jipei. Drunk and heartbroken, Yi Shoucheng had begged Xiru to leave with him, but she had refused, citing family reputation and her son.
In a fit of despair, Yi Shoucheng had declared his intention to leave the Yi family with his subordinates, establishing his own path. Mr. Fan, while publicly supporting Yi Shoucheng's ambition for brothers to take different paths, secretly drugged Yi Shoucheng's wine under Yi Jipei's orders. This led to Yi Shoucheng's imprisonment in the family's backyard by Yi Jipei. Later, Xiru visited him, feigning a search for Yi Lianshen.
She revealed her suspicion that Yi Jipei had long known about her affair with Yi Shoucheng, which was why he had warned her to "be mindful of her position" or face divorce. She then disclosed a shocking secret: Yi Jipei had named their second son "Shen," but the child was actually Yi Shoucheng's, conceived after a night they spent together. Fearing Yi Jipei's deep suspicion would lead him to harm the child, Xiru pleaded with Yi Shoucheng to escape.
One night, Xiru set the backyard on fire, creating a diversion that allowed Yi Shoucheng to escape. Back in the prison, the truth enraged Yi Jipei, who violently grabbed Yi Shoucheng's clothes and pressed a gun against his neck. Yi Shoucheng, still defiant, mocked Yi Jipei's predicament. He pointed out that after the Zhishan conference, Yi Lianyi was incapacitated, and Yi Liankai had been sent away as a hostage.
This left Yi Jipei with no choice but to name an heir, yet that very heir, Yi Lianshen, was Yi Shoucheng's son. Every word of this shocking revelation was overheard by Yi Lianshen, who stood frozen outside the cell door.
Episode 39 Recap
Yi Jipei, distraught and clutching a gun, emerged from the prison cell and commanded his men to set Yi Shoucheng's cell ablaze. Meanwhile, Yi Lianyi noticed Yi Lianshen's troubled state and advised him to ignore the widespread rumors. Yi Lianshen dismissed his brother's concerns, explaining that Fan Yanyun had been restless in her sleep recently, requiring him to constantly adjust her blanket, which had caused his lack of rest. Later, Yi Lianshen visited the old Yi family residence.
Observing the tapestry of Third Madam, he reflected that people had mistakenly believed Third Young Master kept Min Hongyu there as a mistress, when in fact, there was another purpose. Min Hongyu confirmed that the place held something Third Young Master wished to protect, as well as a secret of her own. She believed Third Young Master would surely return for that secret.
As they shared a drink in the living room, Yi Lianshen confided that he had always aspired to be like the Chief Marshal since childhood, but he now realized his father did not wish him to follow that path. Min Hongyu reassured him, stating that his outstanding talents meant achieving great things was inevitable. She suggested Chief Marshal Yi merely wanted him to gain more experience and urged him not to overthink.
When Yi Lianshen asked if she believed in destiny, Min Hongyu replied that if she were him, she would not. Meanwhile, Yi Jipei practiced sword fighting, but his mind was plagued by Yi Shoucheng's shocking revelation in prison: that Yi Lianshen was his son. When a subordinate approached, Yi Jipei, mistaking him for Yi Shoucheng, violently attacked him. Yi Lianshen, watching from a distance, left without intervening. After his outburst, Yi Jipei sat trembling in a chair.
Deng Yulin visited Qin Sang in Yizhou. Qin Sang inquired about the situation in Fuyuan and Pan Jianchi. Deng Yulin reported that Fuyuan was undergoing provincial autonomy, causing tension among officials. She added that while Fan Yanyun was diligently resting at home due to her pregnancy, Yi Lianshen had grown distant from her and was now frequently seen with Min Hongyu. When Qin Sang asked about Pan Jianchi, Deng Yulin advised her to let go of their past connection.
The Yi family sent numerous letters to Yizhou, using various excuses to urge Yi Liankai to return home. Fu Rongcai intercepted and opened them to ascertain the family's true intentions. Finding only expressions of Yi Jipei and Yi Lianyi's longing for Yi Liankai, with no special content or hidden messages, Fu Rongcai proposed sealing them back and delivering them to Yi Liankai as a test of his attitude.
Later, some young gentlemen in Yizhou invited Yi Liankai to the Wanguo Club. Chen Pei remarked on Yi Liankai's prowess for leisure, having explored all of Yizhou in just a few days. Li Chongnian, however, cautioned against underestimating Yi Liankai and also went to the club, where he presented the unopened letters to him. Yi Liankai took the letters but immediately burned them without a glance.
When Li Chongnian asked if he wasn't concerned about his family, Yi Liankai lightheartedly replied that this place made him too happy to think of home. Yi Liankai returned drunk, calling out Qin Sang's name. When Qin Sang came to him, he pulled her close and softly told her he was fine, but that letters from home had arrived, which he had burned unread.
Qin Sang chided him for not reading them, but Yi Liankai explained that despite the envelopes appearing untouched, Li Chongnian had surely read their contents. Qin Sang grew increasingly worried by the frequent letters, especially since her father, Qin Housand, had not sent any news since his return, fearing something had happened to him. Yi Liankai reassured her, saying he had finally put his skills for leisure to good use in Yizhou.
Once he had lowered Li Chongnian's guard, they could both return to Qianping. He then produced an invitation to the Yao residence, inviting Qin Sang to accompany him if she was apprehensive. Seeing her name already on the invitation, Qin Sang readily agreed to go with him. At the Yao family banquet, Yi Liankai engaged in conversation with Commander Yao and Chen Pei, subtly proposing the idea of building a golf course in Qianping.
He highlighted the city's potential as a political and financial hub following provincial autonomy, suggesting that such a novelty would attract nobility and yield significant profit. Meanwhile, Yao's fourth daughter noticed Qin Sang sitting alone and, understanding her dislike for such social gatherings, brought her several books from their library.
After the banquet, Yi Liankai told Qin Sang that their return to Qianping was imminent, explaining that Li Chongnian, being a shrewd leader, would not suppress the desires of his subordinates, implying the golf course proposal was gaining traction. On the drive home, Qin Sang fell asleep, and Yi Liankai, not wanting to disturb her, stayed by her side in the car until morning.
The next day, Commander Yao and Chen Pei arrived at Yi Liankai's residence, excitedly announcing that Li Chongnian had approved the construction of the golf course in Qianping and requested Yi Liankai and Qin Sang to supervise the project. Feigning reluctance, Yi Liankai expressed concern that Fu Rongcai would not permit them to leave Yizhou.
Commander Yao dismissed this, asserting his own seniority in Yizhou and his close relationship as Li Chongnian's sworn brother, threatening to eliminate Fu Rongcai if he dared to obstruct their path to prosperity. Yi Liankai then told Qin Sang they could finally return to Qianping. Qin Sang was overjoyed and immediately made plans to pack their belongings for departure the following day.
Yi Liankai presented her with his mother's earrings, explaining that they were a treasured heirloom he had recently found and felt more at ease knowing she would wear them. Qin Sang recognized the earrings as identical to those worn by her mother-in-law in a tapestry. At the Yi family manor, Murong Xin advised a pregnant Fan Yanyun not to dwell on anxieties, assuring her that Second Young Master had dealt with any gossipers, demonstrating his deep care.
However, Fan Yanyun expressed her bitterness, noting Yi Lianshen's recent absence, his excuse of being busy with official duties, and her suspicion that he no longer wished to see her. Murong Xin tried to console her, suggesting that old customs dictated separate sleeping arrangements for pregnant wives and that Yi Lianshen might visit her secretly at night. Fan Yanyun, however, sadly stated that she would know if he had returned.
Murong Xin's expression then turned somber as she revealed that Yi Lianyi's recent state was also concerning, leading Fan Yanyun to suspect that something significant had happened within the family. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang arrived at Murong Chen's manor in Qianping, where Murong Chen welcomed them, urging them to stay for a while and promising to fend off Li Chongnian. Yi Liankai inquired about Murong Feng, and Murong Chen explained that he was on temporary military duty.
He then spoke of a fortune teller who had predicted that both Yi Liankai and Murong Feng possessed the destiny of rulers, excelling in both civil and military arts, despite their differing personalities and circumstances. The renowned fortune teller, Shibusuan, had once declared that "in the future Jiangzuo, there will be two children that will be born: Kai of the south, Feng of the north."
Yi Liankai laughed, attributing the prediction to Murong Chen and his own father, asserting that they, with their commanding presence and influence, were the ones destined to ultimately conquer the world. Murong Chen then presented a special dish. When the chef began to ignite the flame beneath the serving plate, Qin Sang flinched in alarm. Yi Liankai promptly shielded her, glaring fiercely at the chef, who, undeterred, met his gaze. The chef was, in fact, Shibusuan.
Murong Chen asked if he had observed Yi Liankai clearly. Shibusuan affirmed that he had previously seen Yi Liankai's birth chart, predicting an exceedingly noble destiny, and stated that Yi Liankai's commanding presence now surpassed even Murong Feng's. Upon hearing this, Murong Chen declared his intention to eliminate Yi Liankai, but Shibusuan interjected, saying it was unnecessary.
He explained that as he lit the flame, he witnessed Yi Liankai protect the person beside him and noticed a scar on Yi Liankai's hairline. Shibusuan had once predicted that Yi Liankai must never mar his appearance in this lifetime, or he would face a lifetime of calamity that would destroy him, concluding that Yi Liankai's very calamity was now sitting right beside him. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, hand in hand, walked to Qin Sang's father's house.
As they passed a church hospital, Yi Liankai remembered his first encounter with Qin Sang there as a child, an event she had completely forgotten. He shared that he had lived in Qianping for two years as a child and was treated at that very hospital after falling from a fake mountain while playing with his Second Brother. Qin Sang playfully wondered if they had met back then. Upon reaching the Qin family residence, they knocked repeatedly without a response.
Pushing the door open, they found Qin Sang's previously written letters scattered on the floor. Qin Sang grew anxious as they searched the entire house but found no one. Yi Liankai noticed a layer of dust covering everything, which seemed to give him an answer, but he reassured Qin Sang not to worry and promised to accompany her to search the countryside.
As Yi Liankai and Qin Sang prepared to leave, they discovered that the men Murong Chen had assigned to follow them had been killed. Zhang Lingzhi and Min Hongyu then appeared. Min Hongyu informed them that the Chief Marshal wished for Yi Liankai to return home, explaining that Zhang Lingzhi could only have entered the Cheng Army's territory by posing as her escort.
Zhang Lingzhi clarified that the Chief Marshal had changed his strategy, now intending to launch a military offensive against Li Chongnian. Out of concern for Yi Liankai and Qin Sang's safety, he had been specifically dispatched to retrieve them. Qin Sang wanted to remain and wait for her father, but Min Hongyu firmly refused, insisting they depart immediately. On the train, Min Hongyu and Zhang Lingzhi entered Yi Liankai's compartment.
Min Hongyu sent Zhang Lingzhi to fetch a bottle of red wine for Yi Liankai. Shortly after, Qin Sang entered and saw Min Hongyu embracing Yi Liankai and crying. Qin Sang witnessed this scene. When a soldier offered fruits to Qin Sang, addressing her as "Young Mistress," Zhu Ma angrily scolded him, emphasizing that Qin Sang was the 'real' Young Mistress, clearly upset by Yi Liankai's open affection for Min Hongyu.
In a dramatic display, Yi Liankai slapped Qin Sang, reprimanded her harshly in front of Zhang Lingzhi, and then deliberately walked off, with Min Hongyu joining him and intimately linking arms.
Episode 40 Recap
On a train, Min Hongyu and Zhang Linzhi approached Yi Liankai's compartment. Min Hongyu confidently told Yi Liankai that she had secured a private room for thirteen days in Qianping as soon as she arrived, ensuring their immediate departure once they were found. She sent Zhang Linzhi out to fetch a bottle of red wine for Yi Liankai. Just then, Qin Sang arrived at the compartment and saw Min Hongyu collapsing into Yi Liankai's arms, crying.
Qin Sang's anger flared, but she held her composure. A soldier's address to Min Hongyu as "Third Mistress" finally provoked Zhu Ma, who angrily reprimanded him. Suddenly, Yi Liankai stood up and, in front of Zhang Linzhi, slapped Qin Sang fiercely. After berating her, he deliberately embraced Min Hongyu and left with her. Only then did Zhang Linzhi realize Yi Liankai had vanished. Qin Sang was later returned to the Yi family mansion, where Yi Lianshen greeted her.
He noted her return, but inquired why Yi Liankai was not with her. Qin Sang, instead of answering, stated her intention to greet her father first. Yi Lianshen calmly told her not to rush, then instructed Zhang Linzhi to escort Qin Sang to her room to rest.
Shortly after Qin Sang departed, Zhang Xikun confronted Zhang Linzhi, slapping him across the face and reprimanding him as "useless" for allowing Yi Liankai to escape, adding that he shouldn't have trusted Min Hongyu in the first place. Zhang Linzhi defensively explained that Min Hongyu had been constantly with Yi Liankai since their arrival in Qianping, and given her known association with Yi Lianshen, he hadn't suspected any deceit.
Yi Lianshen then declared that it was not just Min Hongyu, but all women in the world who could not be trusted. Qin Sang was led by soldiers into a room, which was then locked. Inside, she discovered First Mistress Murong Qin and the other women of the family confined. Confused, Qin Sang asked what had happened. Murong Qin explained that a significant event had unfolded.
She recounted a recent family dinner where Yi Lianshen had provoked Yi Jipei over Min Hongyu, culminating in him angrily throwing his bowl and leaving the table. Yi Jipei furiously called his son back, delivered a harsh slap, and disowned him, declaring he had no such unfilial son. Fan Yanyun attempted to console Yi Lianshen, but he pushed her hand away. Later, Yi Jipei invited high-ranking military officers to the mansion for dinner.
He publicly announced that, in his capacity as Jiangzuo Inspector, he was stripping Yi Lianshen of all his military duties. As he spoke, Yi Lianshen dramatically burst in with his troops, coldly declaring to his father that he was there to revolt. Yi Jipei laughed incredulously, asking what he was revolting against. Yi Lianshen retorted that he was revolting against Yi Jipei himself. At that moment, soldiers aimed their rifles at Yi Jipei, who, enraged, collapsed from a stroke.
Following this, Yi Lianshen placed all members of the Yi family under house arrest. Murong Qin lamented the situation, worried for Yi Liankai and distressed that Yi Lianshen had also separately confined Yi Lianyi, who had a leg condition. Yi Lianshen then summoned Min Hongyu. In front of the incapacitated Yi Jipei, he informed her that Yi Liankai and Qin Sang had arrived in Qianping and requested her assistance in bringing them home with her men.
Min Hongyu agreed to help, but expressed curiosity about Yi Lianshen's insistence on Yi Liankai's return. Yi Lianshen glanced at his father and said that Yi Jipei would worry if Yi Liankai did not come back. In another part of the mansion, Fan Yanyun, also confined, taunted Yi Lianshen through the door, ridiculing him for his domestic tyranny.
She questioned his motives for imprisoning his own family, including the elderly and the vulnerable, urging him to take up arms and fight on the battlefield against true enemies instead of displaying his authority at home. Overcome with tears, she confessed her regret at misjudging him and acknowledged her despair, even admitting uncertainty about the father of her unborn child. She defiantly told him to lock her up as well.
Yi Lianshen remained silent, only quietly stating that he would grant her wish if it was what she desired. Meanwhile, on a street, Min Hongyu noted Yi Liankai's worried expression and reassured him that Qin Sang was likely home safely. She then reflected on her own life, admitting she knew no truly good people, suggesting Yi Liankai was merely "a good one among all the bad people."
Min Hongyu expressed her greatest fear was not death, but a life worse than death, and asked Yi Liankai to give her a swift end should she ever find herself in such a predicament. He agreed. Back at the Yi mansion, the confined women complained about the meager and inedible food.
When Xiao Rong suddenly developed a high fever, the Sixth Mistress frantically called out to the guards to summon a doctor, reminding them that Xiao Rong was Yi Lianshen's sister. Doctor Sun eventually arrived and diagnosed Xiao Rong with a simple cold, prescribing medicine. Desperate, Qin Sang and Murong Qin pleaded with Doctor Sun to help them escape. Qin Sang donned a soldier's uniform while Murong Qin dressed in Doctor Sun's clothes.
Their attempt was swiftly thwarted by Yi Lianshen and his advisor, Pan Jianchi. Qin Sang confronted Yi Lianshen, pointing a gun at him and demanding to see Yi Jipei. Yi Lianshen calmly mocked her gunmanship, stating he would not flinch. He dismissed her threats, reminding her that Yi Jipei was ill and would see no one. Yi Lianshen ordered them returned to their room, then harshly punished the guard responsible for their attempted escape.
He warned Qin Sang to wait for Yi Liankai's return without further schemes. Zhang Linzhi later reported to Yi Lianshen that despite extensive defenses and wanted posters, Min Hongyu and Yi Liankai remained at large. Pan Jianchi suggested that Yi Liankai was unlikely to seek refuge with Li Chongnian due to his existing animosity with Fu Rongcai.
Yi Lianshen, gazing at Yi Liankai's picture on a wanted poster, mused on how his once familiar brother now seemed like a stranger, lamenting their fractured relationship. Elsewhere, Yi Liankai and Min Hongyu were at a street food stall, enjoying oily tofu. Min Hongyu reminisced about her childhood dream of owning a tofu stall and living a simple, happy life. Yi Liankai inquired why she dedicated herself to Li Chongnian.
Min Hongyu explained that Li Chongnian had taught her all her skills, and without him, she would have nothing. Yi Liankai promised her an oily tofu stall if he ever regained control of Jiangzuo, cautioning her that holding onto the past would prevent her from finding happiness. In his study, Yi Lianshen pondered over an old photograph of Yi Jipei and Yi Shoucheng. He began to burn it but hesitated, unable to destroy the image completely.
He then summoned Qin Sang to the dining room. Qin Sang questioned his urgency, pointing out that Yi Jipei highly favored him, and the Yi family would eventually be his. Yi Lianshen countered that if he did not act, Yi Liankai would utterly consume him. He then accused Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai of being responsible for Qin Sang's mother's death. Qin Sang calmly stated she was aware.
Yi Lianshen, puzzled, questioned why she still trusted Yi Liankai, who was effectively half her mother's killer. Qin Sang saw through his attempt to create division, reminding him that as an expectant father, he should be wary of others condemning his child's father as unfaithful and unfilial. His expression darkened, and he ordered her to be sent back to her room. Yi Liankai and Min Hongyu subsequently returned to Yizhou. Li Chongnian expressed surprise at Yi Liankai's unexpected reappearance.
Yi Liankai confessed that he had been held hostage in Qianping and had to exert considerable effort to escape back to Yizhou. Fu Rongcai immediately proposed forming an alliance with Yi Lianshen and handing over Yi Liankai as a gesture of goodwill. Yi Liankai merely laughed, declaring his intention to borrow Li Chongnian's army to fight Yi Lianshen. He argued that Yi Lianshen, being ambitious, would undoubtedly turn against Li Chongnian after consolidating power.
He further suggested that their internal struggle would weaken the Yi family, allowing Li Chongnian to reap the benefits. Fu Rongcai challenged Yi Liankai's confidence in defeating Yi Lianshen, warning that if Li Chongnian lent his troops and Yi Liankai lost, it would provide Yi Lianshen with a pretext to attack Yizhou. Even if Yi Liankai won, Fu Rongcai feared intervention from Murong Chen and Gao Peide, who might help Yi Lianshen secure Jiangzuo.
Yi Liankai confidently asserted that Gao Peide would not intervene, as he had sent Gao Peide's son, Gao Shaoxuan, to Yizhou under the guise of Qin Sang's illness, effectively holding him hostage. Li Chongnian acknowledged Min Hongyu's accurate assessment of Yi Liankai as a "dragon among men." Yi Liankai then revealed that he controlled the Yi family's economic lifeline, assuring Li Chongnian that with financial power, he could overcome any obstacle.
Later, Li Chongnian brought oily tofu to Min Hongyu and questioned why she had brought Yi Liankai back, asking if she wasn't afraid he would kill him or hand him over to Yi Lianshen. Min Hongyu replied that the decision to kill or spare Yi Liankai was Li Chongnian's, but Li Chongnian deferred the choice to her.
Min Hongyu reflected on the two brothers: one seemingly a fierce warrior yet a "trapped beast," the other appearing a dissolute playboy but in truth a "dragon among men," admitting her uncertainty on whom to support. Back at the Yi mansion, Yi Lianshen was seen flipping through a photo album, his gaze fixed on old pictures of himself, his brothers, and his father, lost in a maelstrom of complex emotions.
Separately, Min Hongyu questioned Yi Liankai's harsh decision to leave Qin Sang alone in Fuyuan instead of bringing her to Yizhou. Yi Liankai explained his belief that Qin Sang was safer as Yi Lianshen's hostage than she would be under Li Chongnian's control. Min Hongyu expressed her hope that Qin Sang would eventually understand Yi Liankai's true intentions.
Episode 41 Recap
Murong Qin, not wanting to be alone, joined Qin Sang in her room, hoping they could look out for each other. As they lay awake, Murong Qin inadvertently revealed a servant's gossip: Yi Lianshen had imprisoned the pregnant Fan Yanyun, suspecting her baby belonged to Yi Liankai. Murong Qin quickly clarified that she personally didn't believe such a thing was possible. Qin Sang, however, expressed her dismay at how much Yi Lianshen had changed.
Later, Qin Sang found Yi Lianshen playing the piano and sarcastically commented on his refined mood despite the grim situation. She then requested a doctor for Xiao Rong, which Yi Lianshen promptly ordered. Qin Sang pressed him about Fan Yanyun, challenging his belief in rumors. She declared her unwavering faith in Yi Liankai, regardless of evidence, and pointedly asked Yi Lianshen if he believed Fan Yanyun. Yi Lianshen dismissed her concerns, stating it was their private matter.
The conversation was interrupted when Zhang Linzhi whispered urgent news to Yi Lianshen, who immediately looked serious and instructed Zhang Linzhi to summon his father to his office. Pan Jianchi then informed Zhang Linzhi that Yi Liankai had allied with Li Chongnian, not Murong Chen. When Zhang Linzhi later confronted Pan Jianchi, calling him an opportunist, Pan Jianchi coolly replied that he was merely an assistant who chose to serve Yi Lianshen, the ruler with the best chance of winning.
In the Yi family study, Zhang Xikun proposed an alliance with the Murong family against Li Chongnian, highlighting Murong Qin's presence and their familial ties. Yi Lianshen, however, was skeptical, noting the Murong family's reluctance and reiterating that capturing Yi Liankai was their immediate priority. Zhang Xikun urged him to be decisive and eliminate the threat completely.
Meanwhile, Gao Shaoxuan complained to Yi Liankai about their captive situation, with Qin Sang held by Yi Lianshen, yet Yi Liankai calmly read newspapers. Yi Liankai dismissed the notion of being a prisoner. At the Li Manor, Fu Rongcai advised Li Chongnian against trusting Yi Liankai, suggesting he should first make Yi Liankai retrieve all the Yi family's money. Yao Shizhang and another general, however, argued for an immediate military strike.
They theorized that with Qin Sang as Yi Lianshen's hostage, Yi Lianshen would likely kill her if Yi Liankai attacked, leaving Yi Liankai single. Chen Pei then suggested a marriage alliance between Yi Liankai and Yao Fourth Lady, Yao Yuping, who was unmarried, to make Yi Liankai easier to control. Yao Shizhang, despite initial feigned annoyance, eventually agreed, finding the match compatible.
After a doctor treated Xiao Rong, Qin Sang tried to leave to get the medicine, but Pan Jianchi stopped her, urging her to return to her room. Qin Sang defiantly told him that it was the Yi Manor, and he, an outsider, had no right to command her, walking past him. Yi Liankai later visited Yao Shizhang. After pleasantries, Yao Shizhang brought up his daughter, Yuping, praising her obedience and thoughtfulness.
Yi Liankai complimented Yao Yuping, calling her a model modern lady. Yao Shizhang then directly asked Yuping her opinion of Yi Liankai. She shyly replied that he was the best man she had seen, a perfect match for Qin Sang, and that she would wish to marry a man like him.
When asked for his opinion of Yuping, Yi Liankai, unaware of the underlying plot, praised her as gentle, adorable, and sensible, stating that any man who married her would be blessed. Enthusiastic, Yao Shizhang then announced that Li Chongnian also believed Yi Liankai and Yuping should marry before troops were dispatched, declaring them a match made in heaven. Both Yi Liankai and Yao Yuping were stunned. Yi Liankai sat alone, troubled by the proposed marriage.
Min Hongyu found him and explained that agreeing would secure military aid and Yao Shizhang's support. She openly questioned his refusal to take a concubine, a common practice in his family. Yi Liankai firmly stated his opposition, revealing that his mother was a concubine, and he had suffered the indignity of being a child of a concubine, vowing never to inflict that on his children.
Min Hongyu then urged him to make Yao Yuping his main wife if he wouldn't take a concubine, warning that otherwise, he faced exile or death, as he had already given Li Chongnian a pretext to attack the Yi family. Yi Liankai confided his dilemma: what about Qin Sang if he agreed to the marriage?
Min Hongyu stated she could offer a solution if he treated Qin Sang as a pawn, but not if Qin Sang was his life's greatest love. When Yi Liankai pressed for the truth, Min Hongyu asserted that Qin Sang was independent, detached from worldly cares, and had never truly relied on him. Yao Yuping then sought out Yi Liankai, refusing her father's proposal as she still desired to find true love.
However, she declared she couldn't stand by and watch Qin Sang die, so she would help him. Together, Yao Yuping and Yi Liankai met Li Chongnian. There, she publicly agreed to marry Yi Liankai, but with the condition that the marriage would only occur after Yi Liankai had conquered Fuyuan and Qin Sang was no longer in the picture. Soon after, Yi Liankai, wearing the Fu Army's Young Marshal uniform, addressed Li Chongnian's conference room.
He explained the uniform legitimized their actions and declared he was representing his father, Yi Jipei, to lead an army to Fuyuan and eliminate the rebel, Yi Lianshen. Li Chongnian applauded and immediately announced the launch of operations against the Yi family. Qin Sang visited the confined Fan Yanyun, bringing her pregnancy supplements and urging her to take care.
Fan Yanyun, with a bitter laugh, revealed that Qin Housheng had been ambushed and killed as a scapegoat while riding in the Marshal's special car. With tears in her eyes, she asked Qin Sang if she now understood the profound pain of having one's father murdered. The shocking news left Qin Sang devastated. A soldier then brought the distraught Qin Sang to Yi Lianshen in his study. Qin Sang accused him of calling her to taunt her.
Yi Lianshen denied it, coldly informing her that Yi Liankai had revolted in Yizhou and agreed to marry Commander Yao's daughter. He reminded Qin Sang of her previous unwavering faith in Yi Liankai and her challenge to his distrust of Fan Yanyun, then provocatively asked if she still believed in Yi Liankai now. Outside the city, Yi Liankai had positioned his artillery.
When his subordinate asked for the order to fire, Yi Liankai instructed them to wait until the enemy launched their offensive, deeming immediate firing wasteful. His strategy proved effective, inflicting heavy casualties on the Fu Army and greatly impressing Yao Shizhang, who praised Yi Liankai's tactical prowess. Yi Liankai humbly attributed his knowledge to Mr. Fan's teachings. Yao Shizhang, now admiring, declared they would fight side-by-side to capture Fuyuan.
Pan Jianchi secretly arranged for soldiers to bring Qin Sang to the garden. He urgently pleaded with her to leave with him, explaining that with the escalating war, Yi Lianshen was likely to use her as a hostage. Qin Sang refused, accusing Pan Jianchi of betraying her love and abandoning his ideals. Pan Jianchi denied abandoning his ideals. Qin Sang, surprised, asked about Beiji. Pan Jianchi then revealed the shocking truth: Beiji was actually Yi Shoucheng, Yi Lianshen's biological father.
Despite this revelation, Qin Sang still refused to leave, asserting that her mission in life was to remain the Third Mistress of the Yi family. Min Hongyu visited Yi Liankai on the front lines, telling him that his impressive victories had begun to frighten Li Chongnian, who worried that Yao Yuping couldn't control him, hence her visit. Min Hongyu advised that a truly astute commander wouldn't rush for a quick victory but would engage in a prolonged war of attrition.
Yi Liankai acknowledged this wisdom but confessed his anxiety, knowing his father, wife, and brothers were trapped in Fuyuan, admitting he couldn't be a cold-blooded hero. He then questioned why Min Hongyu, as Li Chongnian's agent, was helping him. Min Hongyu shared a poignant realization: after she brought Yi Liankai back to Yizhou, Li Chongnian had offered her fried tofu, making her understand that if he ever conquered Jiangzuo, he would abandon such simple pleasures.
She also provided strategic insights on other generals, sealing their alliance with a symbolic mark on Yi Liankai's hand, telling him he now owed her. Qin Sang and Murong Qin listened to a radio broadcast detailing the political turmoil. Suddenly, cannon fire erupted nearby. Qin Sang identified it as cannon fire, confirming they were under siege just outside the city walls.
Murong Qin panicked, but Qin Sang remained composed, analyzing that while Yi Liankai was nominally the Young Marshal, he was merely a figurehead for Li Chongnian. In this fratricidal conflict, if Yi Liankai won, he would become an obstacle for Li Chongnian, who would then discard him. If he lost, Li Chongnian would kill him and then negotiate with Yi Lianshen. Thus, Yi Liankai faced grave danger regardless of the outcome.
Qin Sang then instructed Murong Qin to set the woodshed on fire to create a diversion, asking her to observe who ran out of which rooms to locate Yi Lianyi and Yi Jipei. After successfully causing a commotion, Qin Sang stealthily searched until she found Yi Jipei's room. Seeing her father-in-law in a dazed state, apparently suffering from a stroke, she was utterly confounded by the turn of events.
On the battlefield, as the two armies confronted each other, Yi Lianshen recognized the opposing commander as his third brother, Yi Liankai. He mused on the irony, noting that Yi Liankai, who had shown no interest in military affairs since childhood, was now fighting with surprising skill and resolve. On the other side, Yi Liankai issued two clear commands to his troops: first, they must win the battle, and second, they were strictly forbidden from harming his Second Brother.
Later, a subordinate brought Li Chongnian a message from the front lines, reporting victory, but Li Chongnian, looking deep in thought, simply waved him away, choosing not to open the telegram.
Episode 42 Recap
Qin Sang asked Yi Jipei if the rumor was true, wondering if Yi Lianshen was Yi Shoucheng's son. Yi Jipei, who had suffered a stroke, could not speak but his eyes were fixed on Qin Sang's earrings. Qin Sang removed them and placed them in his hand, reassuring him that Yi Liankai was safe and would return to save them, judging by the cannon sounds outside. A noise outside prompted Qin Sang to hide in a corner.
Zhang Xikun entered, confronting Yi Jipei. He taunted Yi Jipei, saying that if he had just yielded his position to Yi Lianshen earlier, things wouldn't have come to this. Zhang Xikun acknowledged Yi Jipei's lifelong ambition, remarking on his current helpless state. He also mentioned that Yi Lianshen, despite his "womanly heart," still considered their father-son relationship and didn't wish to kill him, but Zhang Xikun felt he had to, to prevent future problems if Yi Jipei recovered.
Zhang Xikun then told Yi Jipei that since they had known each other for 30 years, killing him made him uneasy as well, but he had no choice. He added that he knew Yi Jipei loved his Third Wife the most, so he would ensure Yi Jipei died the same way, sending him to the same level of hell to meet her again. He then choked Yi Jipei.
Alarmed, Qin Sang grabbed a nearby vase and struck Zhang Xikun, yelling that he shouldn't treat Yi Jipei this way, fearing Yi Lianshen's retaliation. Zhang Xikun scoffed, stating that Yi Jipei wouldn't live to see Yi Lianshen again, and challenged Qin Sang to scream for help, knowing his men were outside. As Zhang Xikun, now enraged, seized the vase to retaliate against Qin Sang, Pan Jianchi burst in, throwing the vase back at Zhang Xikun.
Injured and outnumbered, Zhang Xikun retreated. Pan Jianchi urged Qin Sang to leave immediately, warning that Zhang Xikun would soon return. Qin Sang refused, explaining that she couldn't abandon Yi Jipei as Zhang Xikun would surely return to kill him. Pan Jianchi insisted he had to take her, asserting that he would not leave her alone again, regardless of the danger.
Yi Liankai analyzed Yi Lianshen's recent cannon attacks, explaining that while they appeared to be a heavy offensive, they were actually a distraction to make them neglect the enemy's infantry. He ordered Commander Yao to immediately mobilize two battalions to move back 50 "li" and envelop Yi Lianshen's foot soldiers. Chen Pei expressed doubts, citing his past experience fighting Yi Lianshen, who often used forceful attacks.
Another officer added that their forces were already limited, and moving two battalions would make the frontline situation worse. Yi Liankai acknowledged that everyone had fought Yi Lianshen and knew his strong offensive style, recalling battles like Zhishan and Yongnan where Yi Lianshen had used cannons as a decoy for infantry charges.
Despite the officers' continued skepticism about his inexperience and the unpredictable nature of war, Yi Liankai remained confident, stating that his strategy was unique and unknown to Yi Lianshen. He revealed that he had already planted a "doubtful cloud" in a specific area, knowing Yi Lianshen's suspicious nature would lead him to investigate it, ensuring their victory once the "flag joins." Convinced, Commander Yao agreed and gave the order.
Meanwhile, Zhang Linzhi reported to Yi Lianshen that Jiang Jinyi's advance troops had reached their designated location before nightfall and would be fully assembled soon. Yi Lianshen, anticipating a difficult night for Yi Liankai, ordered Zhang Linzhi to instruct Jiang Jinyi to move his cannon squad behind the enemy lines. He then specifically emphasized, as an order, that Jiang Jinyi must not harm Yi Liankai.
Pan Jianchi pulled Qin Sang from the Yi family mansion, but they were quickly pursued by Zhang Xikun's men, who were ordered to open fire to kill them on sight. They soon encountered Tian Xuan, who angrily confronted Pan Jianchi, calling him a traitor. Tian Xuan accused Pan Jianchi of abandoning the ideals instilled by Mr. Liang—to help Yi Lianshen for a greater cause—all for the sake of Qin Sang.
He lamented the widespread gunfire and suffering of refugees, contrasting it with their original dream, and asked if Pan Jianchi had forgotten his promise. Pan Jianchi retorted that his initial dream was to ensure Qin Sang's happiness and admitted he had betrayed his promise, challenging Tian Xuan to kill him. Tian Xuan drew a short knife, asking Pan Jianchi to prove he was still his brother.
Pan Jianchi, after a reassuring look to Qin Sang, took the knife and, without hesitation, plunged it into his own chest, thereby regaining Tian Xuan's trust. They fled to a hidden spot, where Qin Sang expressed regret, telling Pan Jianchi he didn't need to do such a thing for her and urged him to escape on his own, as she felt she couldn't escape.
Pan Jianchi steadfastly replied that he wanted his actions to demonstrate to both her and himself that he was no longer a coward, acknowledging that in such tumultuous times, no one could truly control their direction and could only go with the flow. Zhang Linzhi informed Yi Lianshen that their reconnaissance company had located Li Chongnian's infantry.
Yi Lianshen smugly remarked that Yi Liankai had underestimated the battlefield, thinking that destroying his artillery positions would expose his command base and lead to an easy victory, a strategy too simplistic for real warfare. However, a soldier then reported via telegram that Jiang Jinyi's troops had reached their designated location but had failed to act despite receiving the attack order, requesting further instructions from Yi Lianshen. This news caused Yi Lianshen's heart to sink.
As Yi Liankai studied a map of Jiangzhou, Min Hongyu entered. He mused that the letters they had sent to people close to Jiang Jinyi had been effective, preventing his forces from attacking. Min Hongyu observed that Jiang Jinyi was an "old sly fox," strategically waiting for a clear victor between the two brothers, unwilling to aid the losing side but eager to align with the winner.
Yi Liankai elaborated that Jiang Jinyi, despite disliking Yi Lianshen, wouldn't act prematurely; he sought to benefit from their conflict, either by having a plan if both brothers were weakened, or by becoming a "meritorious soldier" if Yi Liankai won. Min Hongyu agreed that Jiang Jinyi had calculated well, but pointed out that the current situation was disadvantageous for them, with Yi Lianshen still holding an advantage. Yi Liankai concluded that he could only pressure Jiang Jinyi further.
As Yi Lianshen's artillery continued their assault and Jiang Jinyi remained stubbornly inactive, Commander Yao and Chen Pei urged Yi Liankai to devise a solution, fearing they would all perish. Min Hongyu expressed concern that Jiang Jinyi would perceive their imminent defeat and side with Yi Lianshen. After careful consideration, Yi Liankai issued a startling command: bombard Jiang Jinyi's forces.
Chen Pei and Min Hongyu were shocked, deeming it an act of madness that would lead to mutual destruction, and suggested withdrawing instead. Yi Liankai, however, declared he was betting on a miracle, a rare occurrence in life, and asked Commander Yao if he was willing to take that gamble with him again.
Recalling their previous life-or-death bet in Zhishan and being intrigued by Yi Liankai's tactical intelligence, Commander Yao, also referring to Yi Liankai as his "future son-in-law," agreed to stake his life. He immediately relayed the order to fire cannons south, targeting Jiang Jinyi. On the receiving end, Jiang Jinyi's troops were suddenly attacked by Yi Liankai's forces. Initially confused, Jiang Jinyi soon realized Yi Liankai was forcing his hand.
He then ordered all his cannons to target Yi Lianshen's Fuyuan City and his infantry to advance towards Yi Lianshen's camp. Jiang Jinyi's sudden betrayal caught Yi Lianshen completely unprepared. His soldiers quickly reported that the unit sent for a sneak attack had been entirely annihilated by Jiang Jinyi's troops, and the front line had been breached. Yi Lianshen, visibly stunned, remained silent. As dawn broke and the cannon fire subsided, Qin Sang noticed Pan Jianchi was burning with fever.
Tian Xuan then appeared, informing them that Yi Lianshen had lost the battle outside the city and was retreating his large army back to the Yi Manor, where Qin Sang and other family members would inevitably become hostages. He offered to take both of them to escape immediately. Qin Sang insisted that Tian Xuan take the ailing Pan Jianchi first, as she had other crucial matters to attend to.
As Tian Xuan began to lead him away, Pan Jianchi resisted, protesting that Qin Sang returning alone was too dangerous and suicidal, stating that if anything happened to her, there would be no point in his own survival. Defeated, Yi Lianshen ordered Zhang Linzhi to initiate a full retreat.
As Yi Lianshen's forces withdrew, Yi Liankai's soldiers reported his retreat, prompting Yi Liankai to order an immediate advance into the city, fearing that any delay would put the Yi family members in greater danger as potential hostages. In her room, Fan Yanyun was startled awake. Noticing the silence of the cannons, she realized that one side had definitively lost the battle. Concurrently, Yi Lianyuan also recognized that Yi Liankai was entering the city.
Soldiers led Yi Lianyuan into the courtyard, where he reunited with Murong Qian, and they expressed their relief and concern for each other's well-being. Back at the Yi family mansion, Qin Sang was brought before Yi Lianshen. He was voraciously eating, explaining that he hadn't had time to eat during the prolonged battle and quoted a soldier's saying: "Dying with a full stomach is way better than dying hungry."
Qin Sang inferred that Yi Lianshen was preparing for a desperate, self-destructive final stand. She questioned his unwillingness to reconcile, arguing that paternal strictness often signified deep importance rather than a lack of love, and that Yi Jipei was still his father. Yi Lianshen, visibly pained, then confessed that he was not Yi Jipei's biological son but an illegitimate child of his mother and Yi Shoucheng. Qin Sang, however, was not surprised.
She calmly asserted that the bond between a father and son transcended mere blood relations, and firmly believed that Yi Jipei harbored a strong desire to protect him. Yi Lianshen, skeptical, claimed his father must hate him now and, given his inability to speak, questioned how Qin Sang could possibly prove her assertion. Qin Sang then proposed a bet: a bet on fate.
Qin Sang and Yi Lianshen proceeded to Yi Jipei's room, where Qin Sang instructed Yi Lianshen to wait by the door. Inside, she addressed Yi Jipei, explaining she would ask him a few important questions. He was to blink once for "yes" and twice for "no." She began by asking if the rumor was true that Yi Lianshen was Yi Shoucheng's son and not his own. Yi Jipei blinked twice, confirming Yi Lianshen was not his biological son.
Qin Sang then asked if Yi Jipei was simply stricter with Yi Lianshen because he cared more, to which Yi Jipei blinked once, indicating yes. Finally, she asked if Yi Lianshen, as an unfilial son who caused his stroke, should be killed. Yi Jipei blinked twice, signifying no. Qin Sang concluded that, despite everything, Yi Jipei still regarded Yi Lianshen as his son in his heart, a fact confirmed by Yi Jipei's single blink.
Yi Lianshen, heartbroken yet moved by this revelation, silently departed, making his way to Fan Yanyun's room. Yi Lianshen stood outside Fan Yanyun's door, speaking aloud to himself rather than knocking. He declared he was leaving to become a fugitive, unable to take her with him. He explained this was because he believed her heart belonged to Yi Liankai, and she was carrying Yi Liankai's child. He assured her that the Yi family would not trouble her in his absence.
He vowed to return for her if he could ever make a comeback, but if he died along the way, he would marry her in the next lifetime, and the one after. Inside, Fan Yanyun, sensing his presence, repeatedly called out "Yunxi" and tried to open the locked door. She tearfully conveyed that she knew he was there and was leaving, pleading with him to take her, as he was her only reliance.
She insisted she didn't desire a life of glory and splendor, only to live with him. After his silent farewell, Yi Lianshen commanded his remaining men to put down their weapons and release the family members they were holding. He then departed silently. Qin Sang entered Fan Yanyun's room. Fan Yanyun initially mistook her for Yi Lianshen but was then visibly heartbroken to see Qin Sang and realize Yi Lianshen had indeed left.
Despite her sorrow, Fan Yanyun, aware that Yi Liankai's army had entered the city, attempted to provoke Qin Sang. She claimed that Yi Lianshen had left her without hesitation because he knew the child in her womb was Yi Liankai's, and that Yi Liankai would naturally care for her and the baby upon his return. Qin Sang calmly advised Fan Yanyun not to resort to such words to "overpower" her, stating that she understood the pain in Fan Yanyun's heart.
Fan Yanyun gave a bitter laugh, surprised that Qin Sang believed her claim when Yi Lianshen himself hadn't. Qin Sang clarified that her belief was not in Fan Yanyun, but in Yi Liankai, trusting that he would never commit such an act or intentionally harm either Yi Lianshen or Fan Yanyun.
Episode 43 Recap
Fan Yanyun confronted Qin Sang, accusing her of always using Yi Liankai and having no idea what he truly felt. Qin Sang admitted that she had initially intended to use him, but after various events, she realized she couldn't help but trust him, sometimes even feeling as if they had known each other for a long time.
Fan Yanyun scoffed, asking if Qin Sang had known Yi Liankai longer than she had, but then dismissed the point, questioning what difference knowing someone earlier made anyway. Suddenly, Advisor Yao and two of his subordinates burst into the room, with the subordinates pointing their guns directly at Qin Sang. Surprised, Qin Sang questioned why Advisor Yao was acting this way given his past alliance with Yi Liankai.
Advisor Yao immediately ordered his men to put down their guns, asking if Chief-of-staff Chen or he was the Chief Military Advisor, thus asserting his authority. Murong Qian and Sixth Aunt rushed in upon hearing the commotion, anxiously asking Qin Sang what was wrong. Qin Sang suddenly clutched her chest, feeling nauseous. Sixth Aunt angrily berated Advisor Yao and his men, warning them that if Third Young Mistress had a miscarriage, they would bear the responsibility.
At that moment, Yi Liankai stormed in, aiming his gun at Advisor Yao's head. Advisor Yao quickly adopted a fawning demeanor, explaining that it was all a misunderstanding and he had only come to congratulate them on Qin Sang's pregnancy. He also reminded Yi Liankai of his marriage agreement with Advisor Yao's daughter, stating that he would never do anything that would offend the heavens or reason. Both Qin Sang and Yi Liankai seemed visibly uncomfortable with this revelation.
After Advisor Yao left, Sixth Aunt urged Yi Liankai to acknowledge the news, congratulating him on becoming a father. Later, back in their bedroom, Yi Liankai sincerely apologized to Qin Sang for hitting her on the train, unaware that she was pregnant. He reached out to touch her belly, but she recoiled. He promised that he would never leave her alone again, nor would he allow her to face such dangers by herself.
He tried to explain that his actions on the train were meant to protect her. Qin Sang, however, spoke coldly, telling him that he couldn't protect her, nor could he protect anyone. With tears in her eyes, she listed those he had failed to protect: her father, his father Yi Jipei, Mr. Fan, and even everyone in their household. Heartbroken, Yi Liankai embraced Qin Sang tightly, repeatedly apologizing and swearing to do everything in his power to protect her.
Qin Sang then suggested they visit Father. Qin Sang led Yi Liankai to Yi Jipei's room. Yi Liankai felt a pang of sorrow seeing his father asleep and gently touched his hand. Yi Jipei awoke and looked at Yi Liankai. Qin Sang explained that Yi Jipei had suffered a stroke and could no longer speak.
Yi Liankai immediately ordered that none of the doctors who had previously treated the Chief Marshal were allowed into the room, and instead sent someone to the Church Hospital to fetch Dr. Zhou. Soon, Dr. Zhou arrived and, after examining Yi Jipei, stated that while the stroke was severe, he could gradually recover if he maintained a relaxed mood. The priority now was to find a close and reliable person to care for him, which would aid his recovery.
Yi Liankai realized that only Miss Huaixiu could provide such care, and she was currently in Yizhou. He reassured Murong Qian and Qin Sang not to worry, promising to handle the matter. Meanwhile, a soldier reported that a man wearing a Young Marshal's uniform had been found and killed in the woods outside the city. Yi Liankai asked if it was Yi Lianshen, and the soldier replied no. Yi Liankai sighed with relief.
To gauge his father's true feelings, Yi Liankai subtly informed Yi Jipei that a man in a Young Marshal's uniform had been killed. Yi Jipei became agitated. Yi Liankai then reassured his father that the man killed was merely Yi Lianshen's trusted aide, not his brother. Yi Lianyi was found burning books that had been with him for many years. Yi Liankai questioned his actions, noting his surprise.
Yi Lianyi understood that Yi Liankai was concerned about Li Chongnian's growing power in Jiangzuo and the possibility of him taking over the empire their father had built. Yi Liankai worried that if Li Chongnian's ambitions were realized, his military and political influence would rival Murong Chen, leaving the Yi family in a precarious position. Yi Lianyi, however, self-deprecatingly remarked that his past aspirations were laughable, merely "talking tactics on paper" while relying on his father's strength.
He declared that he would no longer discuss politics and was ashamed to accept any support from Yi Liankai, believing himself unworthy. Qin Sang interjected, emphasizing that with so few family members left, they should have no more secrets, as past ones had already caused deep rifts. Yi Lianyi then revealed a long-held secret: Yi Lianshen was the illegitimate son of their mother and Sixth Uncle.
He had discovered clues in Sixth Uncle's military diary and Mr. Fan's notes, further confirmed by his research into Sixth Uncle's movements in old Jiangzuo newspapers. This explained why Mr. Fan had favored Yi Liankai, the son of a concubine, over Yi Lianshen, the main wife's son. Yi Liankai questioned why Mr. Fan, knowing so much, never told their father.
Yi Lianyi explained that the Zhang family, his mother's clan, held significant power, and Mr. Fan wouldn't want Yi Jipei to fall out with them. Furthermore, for a man, having an unfaithful wife was considered extremely bad luck. Given Mr. Fan's pragmatic nature, he would never reveal such a secret, even if he knew it to be true.
Yi Liankai reflected that he had always thought Mr. Fan favored him out of pity for his status as a concubine's son, never imagining the deeper secrets involved. Yi Lianyi then recounted a fortune-telling by Shi Busuan that took place after his own equestrian accident.
Shi Busuan had predicted that Yi Lianyi possessed the qualities of a True Officer, having the talent to lead and a benevolent nature, but that he would experience both victories and defeats and be better at defense than offense. For Yi Lianshen, he foresaw a "natural-born fighting talent" who could easily gain and lose support, achieving both civil and military accomplishments if he maintained popular backing.
For Yi Liankai, if he were a boy, his future would be "extremely noble," but he must guard against facial disfigurement before the age of eighteen. Shi Busuan also spoke of another "extremely noble" fate he had encountered in the north, belonging to Murong Feng, son of Marshal Murong. Murong Feng, like Yi Liankai, carried "noble fortune within peril" and a "king's appearance," but was destined for a lack of descendants and potential financial misfortune, though it could be dispelled.
Qin Sang dismissed fortune-telling as mere superstition, but Yi Lianyi insisted that everything changed after Shi Busuan's arrival. Yi Lianyi believed that the "extremely valuable fates" predicted for Yi Liankai and Murong Feng were merely a façade. He argued that the true "extremely noble" fate in the Yi family should have been his, or at least Yi Lianshen's, even after his accident.
He deduced that Shi Busuan's sudden appearance and emphasis on Yi Liankai, who was neither the eldest nor the son of the main wife, was a deliberate "setup" orchestrated by Murong Chen to sow discord and incite a succession struggle within the Yi family. He explained that before Shi Busuan's visit, Murong Chen had decided to marry his daughter, Murong Qian, to Yi Lianyi.
Under the pretext of marriage arrangements, Murong Chen obtained the birth dates of Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai. Yi Lianyi claimed that Murong Chen frequently sent people to inquire about Murong Qian's well-being, but in reality, he was using this as a cover to monitor the Yi family. Overhearing this, Murong Qian left the room in distress.
Qin Sang followed her to offer comfort, emphasizing that Yi Lianyi had already lost his political ideals, and if he were to lose her as well, he would truly have nothing left. Yi Lianyi continued to explain to Yi Liankai that their mother, initially unconcerned by Third Mother's favored status, became jealous when the matter of succession arose. Their father was often away fighting battles, and their mother feared that Third Mother would discover Yi Lianshen's true parentage.
Consequently, she conspired with her brother, Zhang Xikun, to murder Third Mother. This dark secret was why Yi Lianyi felt unworthy of Yi Liankai's support. Meanwhile, Murong Chen and Shi Busuan discussed their strategic plans. Murong Chen reflected that while Yi Jipei was a lifelong hero, he was ultimately undone by his two "useless" sons. Shi Busuan advised that with Yi Jipei incapacitated, they must now prepare for Li Chongnian's rise to power.
He explained that Li Chongnian, who had been in Jiangzuo for over a decade, had only lent his army to Yi Liankai with the intention of making him a puppet. Shi Busuan noted that Gao Peide of Changye currently defended Jiangzuo, and attacking him would mean fighting on two fronts. However, given Yi Liankai's independent spirit, he would never willingly be controlled by Li Chongnian.
Therefore, if they could persuade Yi Liankai to join their side, they could bypass Gao Peide and easily penetrate Jiangzuo, securing victory. Murong Chen praised Shi Busuan, reflecting that Fan Zhiheng and Fu Rongcai wrongly claimed to be Jiangzuo strategists, as the world didn't know Shi Busuan was the true top strategist, whose long years of anonymity were for the benefit of the Cheng Army.
He promised to bestow upon Shi Busuan the official title of the world's greatest strategist in the future. Shi Busuan, grateful for Murong Chen's words, proposed a new strategy called "divide the water to get the fish," an evolution of their previous "fishing in troubled waters" tactic. He urged Murong Chen to immediately send Young Marshal Murong Feng to Jiangzuo, striking before Li Chongnian could firmly establish his power in Fuyuan.
This, Shi Busuan proclaimed, would reveal to the world who was the "Heaven-sent extraordinary talent" destined to end the chaotic times. Back at the Yi family residence, Qin Sang sat at her vanity, reading a telegram from Deng Yulin that assured her of her safety after returning from Yizhou. Yi Liankai approached and embraced her, telling her not to worry.
Qin Sang explained she had never replied to Yulin's many telegrams while she was in Yizhou and felt it was time to inform her of her safety. Yi Liankai reiterated his promise to protect her and their child. Playfully, he asked if she cared more for him or their unborn child.
Qin Sang responded that he held an irreplaceable position in her heart, but confessed her worry that once their child was born, she might care for the child more than herself. She declared that with the child, she was different; she couldn't die and must live, and live well, for the child's sake. She couldn't disregard everything as she might have before. Yi Liankai understood, promising to give her the best of everything and to love and protect her wholeheartedly.
Qin Sang, however, voiced her concern about their safety, given that the soldiers currently under Yi Liankai's command were all from Li Chongnian's army. Later, Gao Shaoxuan arrived at the Yi family residence, accompanying Yao Sijie. Qin Sang inquired about Gao Shaoxuan's plans, who stated his intention to remain in Jiangzuo, though he hadn't finalized the details. Qin Sang, concerned about the volatile situation in Jiangzuo, suggested that living abroad might be more suitable for him, recalling his studies overseas.
Yao Sijie also expressed a desire to travel extensively but noted that her father forbade it. Gao Shaoxuan revealed that his father, Gao Peide, had once been an extremely ruthless and violent man, responsible for many killings and conflicts. However, Gao Shaoxuan was the seventh son, with the first six having died shortly after birth, leading his father to treasure him greatly and become noticeably gentler.
His mother, he explained, believed he was "an object sent by heaven to placate" his father, and he feared that if he left, his father might revert to his unscrupulous ways. Qin Sang praised Gao Shaoxuan for being "low-profile and modest" and a "profound person." After Gao Shaoxuan's departure, Qin Sang asked Yao Sijie about her impression of him after their journey together.
Yao Sijie shyly admitted that she didn't prefer "well-mannered and elegant rich men" like him; what she truly desired was "a great hero with an indomitable spirit." On a train to Jiangzuo, Shi Busuan instructed Murong Feng on his mission: first, to win over Yi Liankai, and second, to achieve fame through a decisive battle, showcasing the Murong family's future to the world. Murong Feng acknowledged the gravity of his task and vowed to act cautiously.
He recounted his respect for Yi Liankai's tactical abilities demonstrated during the Zhishan crisis and expressed a desire to allow Yi Liankai and his wife to live after taking over Jiangzuo. Shi Busuan, however, stated firmly that Yi Liankai could not be allowed to live. When Murong Feng questioned this, Shi Busuan explained that while Murong Feng surpassed Yi Liankai in capabilities and talents, he "lacked 'spring and autumn'." He elaborated that "spring is life, and autumn is death."
Murong Feng had been pampered and only experienced favorable circumstances, whereas Yi Liankai, despite his privileged background, had endured and survived against adversity. Murong Feng, Shi Busuan concluded, possessed only "spring," but Yi Liankai had both "spring and autumn," which was why Yi Liankai could not be allowed to live. Separately, Fu Rongcai advised Yi Liankai that if he was unwilling to govern Fuyuan, he could offer his resignation.
He urged Yi Liankai to always think thrice before acting, reminding him that Yi Lianshen's recklessness had led to his downfall. As brothers, Fu Rongcai did not wish for Yi Liankai to follow in his footsteps.
Episode 44 Recap
After the coup, Fu Rongcai announced three arrest warrants in Yizhou: the "biggest evil" Yi Lianshen, Zhang Xikun and his son, and Pan Jianchi, labeled as a traitor. Fu Rongcai then questioned how to handle Fan Yanyun, Yi Lianshen's wife. Yi Liankai angrily retorted, "Fu Rongcai, don't go too far!" He reminded Fu Rongcai that Yanyun was essentially their sister, their teacher's daughter, and demanded if he truly intended to eliminate everyone.
Fu Rongcai confirmed he would spare Yanyun for their teacher's sake, but added that her unborn child had to die. Enraged, Yi Liankai grabbed Fu Rongcai, asserting, "You can't kill the kid! That is my child. The child of me and Fan Yanyun." Later, Yi Liankai brought out a scroll bearing the words "Chief Marshal's Mansion" and instructed a guard to display it in the lobby.
The guard, however, accidentally bumped into Fu Rongcai, causing the scroll to unroll and reveal its message. Elsewhere, a man warned Yi Lianshen, who was in hiding, that not only Li Chongnian’s men but also the Tian Meng Association were actively searching for him.
Subsequently, Yi Lianshen heard people in the street gossiping about him, alleging that Fan Yanyun, his wife, had been having an affair with Yi Liankai for a long time and that her unborn child was Yi Liankai's. Qin Sang confronted Yi Liankai, asking if his actions were truly worthwhile. He explained that Fan Yanyun was both his sister-in-law and his teacher's daughter, and with Yi Lianshen's whereabouts unknown, he had no choice but to protect her.
Qin Sang voiced her concern that Yi Lianshen might be swayed by the rumors and potentially act impulsively against him. Yi Liankai responded, "Even if he wants to kill me, I have no complaints or regrets. As long as you believe me, I don't care if the whole world doesn't. I believe time will prove everything. One day the truth will come out."
He then informed Qin Sang that Murong Feng would arrive the following day and asked her to "test him out." Yi Liankai hoped to ally with the Murong family to defeat Li Chongnian, thereby paving the way for Yi Lianshen's return. Qin Sang affirmed her unwavering support. Tian Xuan located Yi Lianshen on the street and escorted him to the Tian Meng Association, where Pan Jianchi was waiting. Yi Lianshen, acknowledging his defeat, stated, "There's no Young Marshal here.
There's only a general who failed in the war. Since I ended up in your hands today, you can do whatever you want with me." Pan Jianchi responded, "I won't kill you. We are here to rescue you." He explained that they sought to save Yi Lianshen because he carried Yi Shoucheng's blood and they, too, upheld Yi Shoucheng’s spirit. Yi Lianshen vehemently rejected this, declaring, "The man you just mentioned doesn't deserve to be my father.
In my eyes, he is just a petty man." He accused Yi Shoucheng of backstabbing and hiding his identity for years solely to disrupt Jiangzuo. Pan Jianchi insisted Yi Lianshen failed to grasp Yi Shoucheng's greatness, but Yi Lianshen scoffed, asserting that Pan Jianchi and his followers were lost in an "endless mist."
Pan Jianchi reiterated that "Mr. Liang" (Yi Shoucheng) had specifically instructed them to keep Yi Lianshen safe, and the Tian Meng Association would do their best to help him. However, Yi Lianshen refused, stating, "I have to walk down my own path. I have to control my own fate." Yi Lianshen later met with Min Hongyu, expressing his confusion as to why she continued to assist him.
Min Hongyu reminded him that he had once saved her life, stating, "I don't like to owe people debts." Moments later, they heard a car approaching, and Min Hongyu, seeing it was Yi Liankai, quickly urged Yi Lianshen to conceal himself. Yi Liankai questioned Min Hongyu about why he should see her instead of Murong Feng. He explained that Murong Chen had sent his son to provoke him against Li Chongnian and persuade him to rebel.
Yi Liankai felt he couldn't openly challenge Li Chongnian without an army but also couldn't entirely snub Murong Feng. Therefore, he had arranged for Qin Sang to meet with Murong Feng in his stead. He remarked on Murong Feng's reputation, noting that at just sixteen, Murong Feng had already surrounded Zhishan with his troops, demonstrating remarkable courage and intelligence. After Yi Liankai departed, Yi Lianshen emerged, revealing he had overheard their conversation.
Min Hongyu then lamented to Yi Lianshen, "You are brothers. Why aren't you like each other?" Yi Lianshen replied, "There are many things between us that outsiders just can't understand. Have you seen a snake player? They are either more poisonous than the snake, or they get poisoned by the snake." Qin Sang greeted Murong Feng, apologizing for Yi Liankai's absence by claiming he had caught a cold and wished to avoid spreading it.
Qin Sang, Murong Feng, Fu Rongcai, and Commander Yao then had dinner, for which Yi Liankai had specially arranged Russian cuisine. Murong Feng, who had previously studied military tactics and weaponry in Russia, explained that the experience in the extreme cold had taught him "how to become a man." He engaged Qin Sang in conversation about Russian culture, its food, and the works of Pushkin, notably mentioning "The Captain's Daughter."
Growing impatient, Fu Rongcai interrupted, expressing his expectation that Murong Feng was there to discuss "current affairs and the big picture." Murong Feng retorted that serious discussions required someone truly "in charge" at the table. He then challenged Fu Rongcai, asking if he was authorized to trade "half a province of Jiangzuo with one province in the north." Fu Rongcai, clearly embarrassed, admitted he lacked such authority.
Murong Feng further pressed him, questioning his claim of being "half in charge" in front of Commander Li, especially with Commander Yao and Advisor Chen present, implying Fu Rongcai's position was not as stable as he asserted. Separately, Tian Xuan reported to Pan Jianchi that security for the banquet was extremely tight, with strict surveillance both at the venue and along the streets. Pan Jianchi, however, saw this as a "perfect opportunity."
He reasoned that assassinating Murong Feng would provoke a war between Murong Chen and Li Chongnian, leading to internal struggles among the warlords. Regardless of the victor, both sides would be weakened, allowing the Tian Meng Association to seize control of Jiangzuo. Tian Xuan acknowledged that such a conflict would inevitably plunge Jiangzuo into war, with its citizens bearing the brunt of the suffering. Yi Liankai awaited Qin Sang's return home.
Qin Sang voiced her worry that Yi Liankai's continued evasion of Murong Feng, despite the friendly relations between their families, was not a viable long-term strategy. Yi Liankai maintained that he had methods to avoid him. Qin Sang then revealed Murong Feng's plans for the next day: a visit to Yi Lianyi and Murong Qian, followed by a tour of the academy.
Yi Liankai scoffed at Murong Chen's apparent disregard for his only son's safety, sending him into Jiangzuo, which was currently under intense scrutiny. He speculated that Murong Chen was treating Jiangzuo as a stage for Murong Feng to rise to fame and declared his intention to "kill his confidence." Murong Feng subsequently visited Yi Lianyi and Murong Qian. Murong Qian, delighted, had prepared many dishes, recalling the meals she made for him when he was six.
She then asked Murong Feng if their father was involved in Yi Lianyi's past leg injury, a suggestion Murong Feng flatly denied, stating he had no knowledge of such an event. Yi Lianyi interjected, telling Murong Qian not to press the issue, as Murong Feng had been too young at the time to know anything. Yi Lianyi then proposed they share some drinks.
Murong Feng, curious about a peculiar bottle of wine, poured a small cup to sample, but Yi Lianyi stopped him, explaining it was a special medicinal wine prepared for his father-in-law's old leg injury, meant for external application. Later, in their bedroom, Yi Lianyi confided in Murong Qian that if her family had conspired against him, Murong Feng would surely have been aware of the "Spanish fly" wine he had just offered him.
Since Murong Feng showed complete ignorance, Yi Lianyi concluded that the Murong family was not responsible for his injury. Qin Sang accompanied Murong Feng on a tour of the academy, recounting its tumultuous history of being repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Murong Feng, reflecting on this, lamented that even an academy couldn't escape ruin in a chaotic world where people neglected reading. He expressed his vision for a future of peace, where he would promote education and diverse thoughts across Jiangzuo.
During their tour, Chen Pei interrupted to inform them that city guards were actively searching for Tian Meng Association members. Later, Murong Feng spoke with Shi Busuan, mentioning Qin Sang's agreement to facilitate a meeting with Yi Liankai. Shi Busuan analyzed that Yi Liankai was desperate to change his fortunes and would eventually accept their assistance to control Jiangzuo.
He believed that a general's son like Yi Liankai would never tolerate being a puppet under Li Chongnian, viewing his current predicament as a temporary measure. Yi Liankai undoubtedly harbored his own ambitions and would require Murong Feng's military backing to break free from Li Chongnian's influence. Qin Sang facilitated a meeting between Murong Feng and Yi Liankai. Murong Feng was surprised to find Yi Jipei seated in a chair, recovering from a stroke.
Yi Liankai clarified that despite his father's condition, he remained the ultimate authority in Jiangzuo. Murong Feng later reported this encounter to Shi Busuan, expressing that he was "scared by that old man who had a stroke" and felt he had "disappointed his father" by letting Yi Liankai gain an advantage.
Shi Busuan, however, reassured him, interpreting Yi Liankai's emphasis on Yi Jipei's continued authority as a clear signal that he wished to avoid submitting to Li Chongnian and was ready to negotiate with Murong Feng. Shi Busuan then arranged for Murong Feng and Yi Liankai to meet the following morning. Murong Feng sent a letter to Yi Liankai, inviting him to meet the following morning at a location of Murong Feng's choosing.
Yi Liankai, acknowledging Murong Feng's potential as a "fierce tiger" despite his youth, decided to attend. Qin Sang, remarking that Murong Feng seemed "alright," elicited a hint of jealousy from Yi Liankai. She quickly reminded him of the meeting's gravity, stating, "Tomorrow's meeting is just as important as the one on Zhishan. You can decide the tens of thousands of people's fate in Jiangzuo."
Separately, Yi Lianshen, in disguise, received intelligence on the street about Murong Feng and Yi Liankai's planned meeting at Yuan's Wonton shop the next morning. Qin Sang and Yi Liankai arrived early at Yuan's Wonton shop, soon joined by Murong Feng and Shi Busuan. Yi Liankai immediately engaged Murong Feng in a verbal sparring match.
Yi Liankai expressed surprise that Murong Feng had chosen such a good place, to which Murong Feng replied he remembered the wonton shop fondly, as he missed "every piece of land, and every delicious restaurant in Jiangzuo." Yi Liankai then commented on Murong Feng's appetite, noting it was even better than his father's. Murong Feng retorted that the older generation clung to old places, while "we're new. We like new territories of course."
Yi Liankai challenged him, asking, "I wonder how new your so-called new territories are?" Taking the hint, Qin Sang excused herself to order wontons, and Murong Feng sent Shi Busuan downstairs as well, leaving the two of them alone. Murong Feng then articulated his vision for a "new world": "democracy and unity," with Qianping designated as the political center and Fuyuan as the economic hub. He dismissed provincial autonomy as merely "a temporary strategy by the old generation."
He explained that the current political contradictions stemmed from industrial issues, where "workers don't have labor laws to protect them" and "businessmen deprive them all they want." He believed that once the northern government completed industrial legislation, the country would be stabilized. Yi Liankai, citing his father's incomplete recovery, stated he could not make such a hasty decision. Murong Feng retorted, "Uncle Yi is old. Jiangzuo's affairs should be in our hands."
He added that, with all due respect, "our fathers' generation only thought about their own wins and losses. We should pay more attention to the future." Qin Sang brought them wontons to warm up. Although Murong Feng's guard initially insisted on examining the food, Murong Feng dismissed him, saying, "Third Sister-in-law ordered it. No need to examine it."
As they ate, Yi Liankai commented on the wontons' deliciousness and offered to show Qin Sang around Jiangzuo, claiming to have "the whole Jiangzuo in his heart." Murong Feng playfully suggested that Yi Liankai should stay in Fuyuan for leisure, but Yi Liankai humorously declined, telling him not to be "a bad influence" on his youth.
Episode 45 Recap
After their conversation, Yi Liankai, Qin Sang, and Murong Feng exchanged a few more pleasantries. As Yi Liankai and Qin Sang walked Murong Feng to the door, Qin Sang realized she had forgotten her bag, prompting Yi Liankai to go upstairs to retrieve it for her. While waiting, Murong Feng confided in Qin Sang, recalling her courage in insisting on climbing Zhishan in the past and how he admired her for it.
Now, seeing how deeply in love Qin Sang and Yi Liankai were, he envied Yi Liankai's good fortune. Qin Sang returned the compliment, praising Murong Feng as a young hero with a casual and elegant bearing, asserting that he and his future wife would surely be as harmonious as a zither and se. Murong Feng admitted he had never met his fiancée, Cheng Jinzhi, but he trusted Qin Sang and hoped Jinzhi would be a girl like her.
Qin Sang reassured him, saying that even if it wasn't Jinzhi, he would surely meet someone he would love for a lifetime. Murong Feng thanked Qin Sang for being his matchmaker and took his leave. Qin Sang bid him farewell, stating she would wait for Lan Po (Yi Liankai's nickname) and not see him off further. Murong Feng and Shi Busuan had only just departed when a rickshaw stopped in front of them.
As Murong Feng prepared to refuse the ride, the rickshaw puller suddenly restrained him, firing two shots. Murong Feng collapsed into a pool of blood. The assailant, who was Yi Lianshen disguised as a rickshaw puller, looked up and softly apologized. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang, hearing the gunshots, rushed to the scene.
In his dying moments, Murong Feng clutched Qin Sang's hand, speaking of his desire to ride a train back to Qianping, where he believed he would meet the person he would love for a lifetime. Yi Liankai, distraught, demanded to know who was responsible, but Murong Feng closed his eyes before he could speak. It was then that Shi Busuan revealed the shooter to be Yi Lianshen.
Posters with Yi Lianshen’s likeness and a bounty were immediately put up across Fuyuan. Murong Feng’s body was brought to the Yi family mansion. Murong Qian, heartbroken by the death of her only brother, collapsed onto his coffin, weeping inconsolably. Yi Liankai promised his eldest sister-in-law that he would ensure justice for the Murong family. Fu Rongcai was astonished by Yi Lianshen's brazenness.
He had assumed the situation in Jiangzuo was settled, but Yi Lianshen’s murder of Murong Feng meant that Murong Chen from the North would not rest until he had his revenge. Yao Shizhang suggested that they first handle Murong Feng’s corpse properly, then use it as leverage to negotiate with Murong Chen, threatening to withhold the body if he dared to attack.
Fu Rongcai found it perplexing that Yi Lianshen, now a man without a master, could evade such a thorough search, suspecting someone must be aiding him. Fu Rongcai, undeterred, ordered a widespread arrest of suspects, including members of the Tian Meng Association, to capture the criminal. With Murong Feng’s death orchestrated by Yi Lianshen, the political landscape of Jiangzuo was poised for another drastic shift.
Pan Jianchi instructed Tian Xuan to send a telegram to the Tian Meng Association headquarters, alerting them to Murong Chen's impending attack on Jiangzuo and the need for early preparations. Tian Xuan suggested that the most urgent matter was to appoint a temporary leader for the Tian Meng Association, proposing Pan Jianchi for the role. Pan Jianchi initially resisted, acknowledging his sentimental nature and his fear that emotional blindness could bring disaster to thousands of people.
However, Tian Xuan reminded him of Mr. Liang’s belief that Pan Jianchi possessed the capability to lead, but hesitated because he hadn't yet carried a heavy enough burden. Now, with the lives of thousands of Tian Meng Association members resting on his shoulders, Tian Xuan argued, he would no longer waver, likening their situation to having a single wooden bridge over deep abysses.
He concluded by quoting, "Cutting off both heads, just relying on one's sword to pass through the cold," emphasizing the dire responsibility. After deep consideration, Pan Jianchi accepted the weighty leadership role. Suddenly, brothers reported that Li Chongnian's soldiers had surrounded them. Tian Xuan grew worried, but Pan Jianchi calmly instructed him not to panic, stating that they must transition from being prey to predators. Shi Busuan sought out Yi Liankai.
Yi Liankai expressed surprise, questioning how a Murong family servant could now be a representative. Shi Busuan clarified that "representative" or "ambassador" were merely titles for a messenger. He explained that since Murong Feng's death, he felt obligated to convey Murong Feng's final wishes to Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai. Fu Rongcai scoffed, questioning Shi Busuan’s qualifications. In response, Shi Busuan revealed his nickname, “Shi Busuan,” which stunned Yi Liankai.
Yi Liankai recognized him as the fortune-teller who had once read his fate. Fu Rongcai, now understanding, lamented that the renowned Shi Busuan had been a Murong family member all along, acknowledging Marshal Murong's superior foresight. Shi Busuan, with pride, stated that as a tactician, he sought the bigger picture and eternal fame, vowing never to reveal himself until his grand scheme was accomplished.
He asserted that if someone of Fan Zhiheng’s caliber knew he worked for the Murong family, their elaborate plans would never have deceived him. Fu Rongcai, finally convinced, admitted that their constant struggles against the Murong family made sense now. Shi Busuan candidly told Fu Rongcai that his intelligence was on par, but his significant weakness lay in his lack of courage for self-sacrifice.
A valiant general leads the charge, but a tactician must be even further ahead, willing to lay down his life for his strategy. Fu Rongcai possessed the wisdom to devise grand schemes but lacked the great courage to sacrifice for them. Shi Busuan then bluntly warned Yi Liankai and Fu Rongcai that they could not stop Murong Chen.
With his only son murdered, Murong Chen would abandon his fight against Jiang Shuangxi in the Northwest and launch an all-out assault on Jiangzuo. He stressed that their only hope to avert Murong Chen's wrath was to quickly hand over the killer, Yi Lianshen, otherwise, Murong Chen's fury would engulf Jiangzuo, and the Yi family would be annihilated.
Shi Busuan added that his true family name hailed from the Changbai Mountains beyond Shanhai Pass, but Yi Liankai cut him off, stating he had no desire to know his true identity. Yi Liankai angrily accused Shi Busuan of being responsible for the Yi family's current predicament. He declared that denying Shi Busuan the fame he craved, letting him disappear nameless from history, would be his cruelest revenge.
Shi Busuan, impressed by Yi Liankai’s ability to "kill and expose hidden motives," mused that he had indeed not misjudged Yi Liankai's unique destiny. He accepted his fate, acknowledging he had "worshipped the wrong god," and wished them good luck. Cheng Yunzhi expressed disbelief upon hearing of Murong Feng’s death, but Fu Rongcai directly confronted him, suggesting his sorrow stemmed more from the inability to leverage the Murong family’s power anymore.
Cheng Yunzhi coolly retorted that the Yongnan Cheng family, having built their wealth on trade and credibility, had no need to rely on others. Yi Liankai reminded them of the Cheng family’s engagement to the Murong family. Fu Rongcai then proposed that Cheng Yunzhi arrange for Cheng Jinzhi to "marry" Murong Feng posthumously, sending her to the Murong family to preserve the Cheng family's reputation. Yi Liankai urged Fu Rongcai to be more respectful.
Fu Rongcai responded that he was merely reminding everyone to be adaptable. Ultimately, Cheng Yunzhi agreed to Fu Rongcai’s suggestion and immediately decided to go to Yizhou. Yi Liankai sighed, realizing the Cheng family had also become a mere pawn in the unfolding chaos. Meanwhile, Pan Jianchi evaded street searches and met with Miss Yao Si. Back at the Yi mansion, Yi Lianyi was asleep in his wheelchair.
Murong Qian, preparing to leave the Yi family after Murong Feng’s death, instructed the servants to care for Yi Lianyi, mentioning his morning routine, dietary needs, and the importance of massaging his legs due to his immobility. As she prepared to depart, she gently spoke to the sleeping Yi Lianyi, expressing that every day she had spent with him in their long marriage had been filled with happiness and love, wishing they could have more time together.
Yi Liankai pleaded with his eldest sister-in-law to stay, assuring her that he was actively searching for Yi Lianshen and would bring him to her for atonement once caught. Murong Qian, however, insisted on leaving, stating that she and the Yi family would always be kin, and she wished for no more mutual harm. Yi Liankai countered that Yi Lianshen had disregarded her feelings when he killed Murong Feng.
Murong Qian, understanding the root of the conflict, remarked that if Yi Lianshen hadn't been an Yi family son, and Murong Feng hadn't been the Murong family's only son, none of this would have happened, attributing the tragedy to the destructive nature of power. Yi Liankai asked how Murong Qian planned to face Murong Chen’s wrath upon returning home. Murong Qian expressed confidence that her father, no matter how angry, would not harm his own child.
Moreover, as a sister, she felt it was her duty to bring her brother home. She asked Yi Liankai to promise to thwart any future schemes of Yi Lianshen, not only for the Yi family but for all of Jiangzuo and its people, emphasizing that a regime built on sins would lack justice. Later, Yi Liankai found Yi Lianyi gazing sadly at Murong Qian's photograph. He offered his brother comfort, telling him it was alright to cry.
Yi Lianyi replied that it was no time for personal sorrow, as every moment he indulged in sadness would mean greater suffering for the people of Jiangzuo. Yi Lianyi revealed he had long known Murong Qian would return to her family but admitted he had no right to ask her to stay, given that his own brother had killed hers.
He also stated that Murong Qian had to return for her own survival, to avoid watching him die or dying with him if Murong Chen attacked. Yi Liankai recounted Murong Qian's words to him, and Yi Lianyi, touched, was moved that she remembered his chance remarks from years ago, including a quote from Tacitus. Qin Sang, heavy-hearted, saw Murong Qian and Murong Feng's memorial tablet off.
She struggled to comprehend why Yi Lianshen had to kill Murong Feng, believing it had driven them all to a desperate situation. Yi Liankai mused that perhaps that was Yi Lianshen's intention: since he couldn't escape his fate, he decided to drag everyone else down with him. Yi Liankai was convinced that Yi Lianshen was still lurking in Fuyuan, waiting for an opportunity.
He felt compelled to continue searching for his brother, even if he couldn't catch him, because it was the only way to stall Fu Rongcai, otherwise, they would be forced to surrender him to the Murong family for atonement. Yi Liankai then asked Qin Sang if she could bear to part with him if such a day came.
Qin Sang, avoiding the emotional aspect, responded pragmatically that trading one life for the welfare of all Jiangzuo would be a worthwhile bargain. They also discussed Fan Yanyun, with Yi Liankai admitting he dared not tell her about Yi Lianshen, and that locking her up was the last thing they could do for her, as both Li Chongnian and the Murong family sought to gain something from her.
Back at the Murong family manor, Murong Qian offered her father a bowl of ginseng soup. Murong Chen, however, presented her with divorce papers, demanding she sign them. He declared that he could not allow her to continue living with the Yi family, enemies of the Murong family, and insisted she divorce and remarry.
Tearfully, Murong Qian knelt, pleading with her father to spare her, reminding him she had already left the Yi family and begging him not to force her further. Murong Chen, his heart hardened, replied that it was not he who was forcing her, but the Yi family who were pushing him to his death.
Episode 46 Recap
Murong Chen was consumed by grief and rage after his only son, Murong Feng, was killed by Yi Lianshen. He declared that Yi Lianshen sought to destroy the Murong family's grand ambitions and vowed to flatten Jiangzuo for revenge. Murong Qian pleaded with her father, insisting that her brother's death had nothing to do with Yi Lianyi. However, Murong Chen slapped her, reminding her of their duty to avenge Murong Feng.
He then demanded that she sign divorce papers with Yi Lianyi and remarry, asserting that her life belonged to the Murong family. Despite Murong Qian's resistance, Murong Chen forced her hand to sign the divorce agreement. Yi Liankai met with Min Hongyu, acknowledging that striking Murong Chen's weakness would be difficult. He told her that she was the only person who could save Yi Lianshen, emphasizing his desire for his Second Brother's safety.
Min Hongyu later found Yi Lianshen hiding in her home. Yi Lianshen explained his rationale, stating that the most dangerous place was often the safest, which is why he remained in Fuyuan despite everyone expecting him to flee. Min Hongyu confronted him, asking if he understood that killing Murong Feng would drag everyone down with him. Yi Lianshen admitted he knew the consequences, but claimed he had no choice but to disrupt Jiangzuo's balance.
He declared his intention to restart the game and make new rules, planning his resurgence when Murong Chen attacked. He spoke of the deep, irreconcilable hatred between Jiang Shuangxi and Murong Chen, citing Murong Chen's public execution of Jiang Shuangxi's family. Yi Lianshen intended to "borrow an army" from Jiang Shuangxi, using Murong Chen's impending attack on Jiangzuo as an opportunity for Jiang Shuangxi to expand eastward.
He revealed that he had killed Murong Feng openly as a "pledge of allegiance" to Jiang Shuangxi, making it easier to negotiate their long-standing agreement. When Min Hongyu questioned how he would reach the northwest, Yi Lianshen implied she would assist him, threatening to implicate Li Chongnian if she turned him in, knowing Murong Chen's rage would make him believe any accusation.
Min Hongyu commented on his ruthless, cunning transformation, to which Yi Lianshen replied that he had shed all past worries to achieve his goals. Meanwhile, Fu Rongcai reported that Yi Lianshen's and Zhang Xikun's remnant forces had been absorbed by Jiang Jiyi. He found it curious that the influential Zhang family had not reacted to the arrests of Zhang Xikun and Zhang Lingzhi.
Yi Liankai dismissed their political power, stating that in wartime, military control dictates authority, and his Eldest Brother Yi Lianyi was now handling the government. A report arrived that the Cheng Army had halted its advance in the north, along with a document and a photograph of Shi Busuan. Yi Liankai realized Shi Busuan had been killed.
The document demanded the handover of Yi Lianshen within three days, threatening all-out war if they refused, and also contained Murong Qian's divorce agreement. Yi Lianyi, still recovering and learning to walk with a cane, lamented his previous reliance on Murong Qian and the pressure he had unknowingly placed on her. He acknowledged that even if Yi Lianshen were handed over, Murong Chen would still attack, merely delaying the inevitable.
When Yi Liankai presented the divorce papers, Yi Lianyi observed the messy handwriting, concluding that Murong Qian was forced to sign it, as she was proficient in poetry and possessed beautiful penmanship. He believed she still cared for him, but for her safety, he resolved to sign it, calling it their last moment of being "side by side."
Fu Rongcai discussed the escalating crisis, noting that Murong Chen, now driven by revenge, would likely initiate a political attack before military action. He revealed his efforts to bribe several legislators. Commander Yao, however, cautioned that Murong Chen's southern campaign might not stop at Jiangzuo, potentially endangering Li Chongnian and Tian Meng Association.
While some considered handing Yi Liankai over to Murong Chen as a temporary measure, Commander Yao vehemently disagreed, revealing that Yi Lianshen and Yi Liankai were not blood brothers, as Yi Lianshen's true father was Yi Shouchang, the Sixth Master Yi. Commander Yao argued that Yi Liankai was the Yi family's last pillar and the only one capable of reorganizing the Fu Army.
Fu Rongcai concurred with Commander Yao's strategic assessment, suggesting they take advantage of Murong Chen's pause in military operations, which he viewed as a deception. He proposed capturing Yi Lianshen by using Fan Yanyun as bait. Yi Liankai initially resisted, condemning such a "despicable and lowly method," but Fu Rongcai argued that a wrong decision could harm thousands.
Yi Liankai finally agreed but demanded a promise that Fan Yanyun would not be harmed, which Fu Rongcai assured, recognizing her as their teacher's last descendant. Qin Sang visited a pregnant Fan Yanyun, offering soup. Fan Yanyun, hostile, accused Qin Sang of intending harm.
Qin Sang calmly stated that she had moved past hatred, now embracing forgiveness and love, and assured Fan Yanyun that she had no desire to harm her or her child, as their fates were no longer intertwined with hers. Fan Yanyun, however, swore she would never forgive Qin Sang and ordered her out. Qin Sang advised her, as a mother-to-be, to let go of her hatred and take care of herself for Yi Lianshen and the child.
Fan Yanyun dismissed her as a hypocrite. Soon after, Fan Yanyun suffered stomach pains and was rushed to the hospital. There, she realized she had been deliberately poisoned with something cold, and, seeing someone watching her room, understood that Yi Liankai had used her. She worried about Yi Lianshen's safety, lamenting that her child might be born without a father.
Outside the hospital, Fu Rongcai and Commander Yao expressed frustration that their plan failed, assuming Yi Lianshen had abandoned Fan Yanyun, thus becoming Yi Jipei's ideal, ruthless heir. However, Yi Lianshen appeared in disguise, attempting to see Fan Yanyun. Yi Liankai intercepted him, warning him that it was an ambush set by Fu Rongcai to capture him. Yi Liankai pulled Yi Lianshen away, who quickly left.
When Fu Rongcai approached and asked who Yi Liankai had been speaking to, Yi Liankai lied, claiming it was an old classmate. Separately, Fourth Lady Yao sought Qin Sang's help. She confessed to being secretly in love with a man and dating him behind her family's back. She asked Qin Sang to persuade Yi Liankai to mediate with her father, fearing her family would kill the man if they found out.
Qin Sang teased her about finding love and agreed to help, but insisted on personally vetting the man to ensure he was not a liar. Fourth Lady Yao mentioned he couldn't leave his house at the moment, but she could take Qin Sang to see him. Later, Yi Liankai and Yi Lianyi sat before their ailing father, Yi Jipei, to discuss a difficult matter.
Yi Liankai admitted he had encountered Yi Lianshen that day but chose to let him go, expecting his father to view him as indecisive. Yi Lianyi chastised him, warning of the dire consequences for Jiangzuo. Yi Liankai explained that he recognized Yi Lianshen, despite his disguise, trying to secretly see Fan Yanyun. He stated that after twenty years as brothers, he could not sacrifice Yi Lianshen's life for others.
Yi Lianyi countered that sparing one life might cost all of Jiangzuo, and expressed concern that Fu Rongcai might offer Yi Liankai to Murong Chen if Yi Lianshen remained at large. Yi Liankai, however, held firm to their father's teaching that brothers should not harm each other, reminding Yi Lianyi of their childhood oath to only compete but never hurt each other.
He challenged Yi Lianyi, asking if he would personally hand over Yi Lianshen if he were in the same situation, concluding that he could not forget their twenty years of brotherhood in just a few days.
Episode 47 Recap
Yi Lianyi expressed his despair, describing their current situation as facing "an army of tigers and wolves." He stated that apart from Yi Liankai, only he and their father were left, two "useless people" who couldn't protect the Yi family. He lamented that their father had built the entire Jiangzuo enterprise with his own blood and effort, and it would be lost.
Yi Liankai angrily retorted that they could no longer rely on treacherous figures like Gao Peide and Jiang Jinyi, and they couldn't even deploy military force. He concluded that the Yi family had "lost their final bet." Yao Yuping, the Fourth Miss, confided in Qin Sang about a man she liked, expressing her father's disapproval of her modern views on love. She asked Qin Sang to assess him.
Qin Sang inquired how they met, and Yuping secretly revealed that the man had "escaped here," making Qin Sang tense. Yuping clarified that he merely held "different opinions from my father's." Using Morse code, a secret signal taught by her "new lover," Yuping tapped on the door. To Qin Sang's surprise, the door was opened by Pan Jianchi. Yuping explained that Pan Jianchi was a member of the Tian Meng Association.
Her father had been searching for Second Master Yi Lianshen and the Tian Meng Association members. Pan Jianchi, being chased, had hidden in her room while she was reading "Le Chevatier de Maison-Rogue," and they bonded over their shared interest in the book. Yuping constantly spoke in Pan Jianchi's defense, causing Qin Sang to label her as "reckless" and request to speak with Pan Jianchi privately.
After Yuping reluctantly left the room, Qin Sang sternly confronted Pan Jianchi, accusing him of using the name Li Wangping to deceive a young girl's heart in the past, and now using his current identity to trick Yuping. She stated it was the "same old trick" he liked to employ. Pan Jianchi countered that he had never lied to Yuping, asserting he told her "nothing but the truth" and had not hidden his identity from the start.
Qin Sang sarcastically acknowledged that both she in the past and Yuping now had "volunteered" to be manipulated. Pan Jianchi clarified that he had only asked Yuping for help to escape, insisting there was "nothing between them" and that he "only love one person in my life." Qin Sang pressed him on why he hadn't told Yuping the truth while she was present, given her obvious affection.
Pan Jianchi explained that with the conflict between Jiangzuo and the Tian Meng Association, and many "brothers' lives in my hands," he had "no other choice." Qin Sang fiercely criticized him, questioning what he could do "other than taking advantage of a true heart." Pan Jianchi promised to tell Yuping "everything," hoping "this time it won't be too late."
Qin Sang then declared that she would "never let Yuping get hurt the same way I was" after being "destroyed by you back then," with Yi Liankai being the one who helped her. Commander Yao noted that their attempt to bait Yi Lianshen with Fan Yanyun had failed, leading him to suspect that Yi Lianshen had "already leave Fuzhou." He suggested that Fu Rongcai consider returning to Yizhou where they had military support, as he felt uneasy in Fuyuan.
However, Fu Rongcai sensed "something must be wrong." He recalled Yi Liankai mentioning he met a "schoolmate," but knowing Yi Liankai never attended a private academy or school, Fu Rongcai grew suspicious. He deduced that this "schoolmate" was actually Yi Lianshen and that Yi Liankai had deliberately let him go. Fu Rongcai was convinced that Yi Lianshen was still in Fuyuan and "still cares about Fan Yanyun," so they needed to "force him one more time" using all available means.
Yi Liankai met with Min Hongyu, discreetly handing her two train tickets. Min Hongyu noted that while the train station was locked for others, Yi Liankai seemed to have a way. She questioned why there were two tickets, and he jokingly replied that a "super star like you needs a bodyguard."
Confirming he wanted her to help Yi Lianshen escape Fuyuan, Yi Liankai explained his concern that since Fu Rongcai had already attempted to bait Yi Lianshen using Fan Yanyun, he likely had "other plans," making a swift departure crucial. Min Hongyu warned him that by letting Yi Lianshen go, "you'll be the one to die."
Yi Liankai, undeterred, acknowledged that it "could be the last time we see each other," but added that if she truly wished to see him, she would. Fan Yanyun confronted Yi Liankai, accusing him of poisoning her food to force Yi Lianshen out, and lamenting his supposed degradation. Yi Liankai dismissed her accusation, suggesting she had been "staying inside for too long to be able to say something crazy like this."
Instead, he advised her to "go back to your hometown and rest for a few days," citing the changing weather as unfavorable for her pregnancy. Sensing something was amiss, Fan Yanyun immediately asked if "something happened to Yunxi." Yi Liankai revealed that Yi Lianshen had killed Murong Feng, Elder Sister-in-law's Sixth Brother, and was now being "searched for all over town."
He urged her to return home if she truly cared for Yi Lianshen's safety, promising to bring her back "when things are calm." Distraught, Fan Yanyun realized Yi Lianshen was "forcing himself towards the point of no return" with his repeated mistakes and decided to follow Yi Liankai's advice. As Yi Liankai prepared to send Fan Yanyun away, Fu Rongcai intercepted them with his soldiers just outside the house.
Fu Rongcai warned Yi Liankai that by sending Fan Yanyun away, he would be "pushing all of us into fire pits." Yi Liankai reminded Fu Rongcai that their "baiting the snake" plan had been tried that morning, but since Yi Lianshen hadn't appeared, it meant he was no longer in town. Fu Rongcai, however, challenged Yi Liankai, accusing him of lying and knowing that the "so-called schoolmate" he'd encountered was Yi Lianshen, whom he had deliberately let go.
Fu Rongcai asserted that since Yi Liankai refused to save Jiangzuo or himself, he had to "save myself." He then ordered his men to seize Fan Yanyun, explaining that "if a plan is being carried out, there's no turning back," and he "really can't let you go this time," as doing so would mean he would "never catch Yi Lianshen." Yi Liankai angrily rebuked Fu Rongcai for involving a woman in affairs between men, but he was also tied up.
Fu Rongcai assured Fan Yanyun that he would not force her to abort her child, declaring that the child would serve as a "flag" for his ambitions to seize power in Jiangzuo, something he was "good at." Fan Yanyun sarcastically acknowledged him as her father's "favorite student" but accused him of only learning the "surface" of her father's strategies, not their "essence," as he sought to use her as a "chess piece."
She revealed that what appeared to be her father's scheme had, in fact, given her love, leading her to find her "love of my life" without "regrets." She then directly addressed her father, saying his "plan" had led to this. Then she told Fu Rongcai that he was "way off" compared to her father in his attempts to use her and her child to seize power.
As soldiers moved to take her, Yi Liankai, restrained, vehemently shouted that he had killed Murong Feng and demanded to be taken to Murong Chen instead, offering his life for hers. Fan Yanyun then expressed her newfound understanding of why her father had chosen Yi Liankai, noting that while Yi Lianshen had strayed further, having a younger brother like Yi Liankai "was worth it."
She reflected on her past, filled with "hatred" and unable to embrace love, realizing now, upon letting go, how "too brief" her good times with Yi Lianshen had been. She declared that her "lifetime of innocence will be witnessed by the sky and the ground," and their "destiny of being husband and wife" would continue "in our next life."
Snatching a gun from a nearby soldier, Fan Yanyun defiantly told Fu Rongcai that her "destiny" was her own, and her "child will never become the tool used by others," before shooting herself. Yi Liankai, in immense grief, struggled free from the soldiers, rushing to her side. Meanwhile, Min Hongyu successfully escorted Yi Lianshen away on a train from Fuyuan.
Fu Rongcai ensured that the news of Fan Yanyun's death was spread, fabricating a story that Yi Liankai had an affair with his sister-in-law, impregnated her, and then murdered her to silence her. This made "people all. . . think Yi Liankai deserves to die." He then instructed his subordinate Chen Pei to "keep an eye on Yi Liankai's car" but "don't act on it first" if anything suspicious occurred.
When Chen Pei questioned what to do if Yi Lianshen actually killed Yi Liankai, Fu Rongcai confidently stated that "Yi Lianshen will never kill Yi Liankai," but believed they "will meet" again. His plan was to "catch them both" when they met, securing Jiangzuo's "big fat piece of meat" for themselves. At the Yi family ancestral graves, Yi Shoucheng shared a drink and conversation with his "Second Brother."
Yi Shoucheng reflected that he was no longer the spirited general who once "fought in the war," but rather a man "made of broken pieces." His "Second Brother" affirmed that no matter his identity, he remained his brother. Yi Shoucheng, however, pointed out that his "Second Brother" had always been subservient to Yi Jipei, ignoring it when Yi Jipei stripped him of his military power and imprisoned him.
He questioned why his "Second Brother" would call him a brother now, feeling he was merely a "prisoner" in his eyes. His "Second Brother" expressed happiness that Yi Shoucheng was alive, despite his hatred. Yi Shoucheng dismissed these words as empty, claiming his "Second Brother" was merely "the assassin Yi Jipei sent." He recounted the despair of his imprisonment, feeling like he was in an "endless desert" with "nothing but high walls," where "loneliness" constantly threatened to "swallow his soul."
He revealed that only his "faith" kept him alive, giving him "strength" and "hope." His "Second Brother" responded with a bitter smile, saying that Yi Shoucheng had "misunderstood Big Brother" from the start. As Yi Liankai drove, he sensed danger and was immediately shot in the left chest, losing consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.
Fu Rongcai's men quickly located and killed the assassin on a nearby rooftop, concluding that the individual was part of Yi Lianshen's faction. Fu Rongcai expressed frustration that they couldn't catch Yi Lianshen, admitting he had underestimated him, but observed that "this game is getting more and more interesting" and "about to end soon." Meanwhile, Yi Lianshen, after escaping with Min Hongyu, arrived by train at Zhen Han Guan. Qin Sang, upon hearing the news, rushed to the hospital.
Seeing Yi Liankai gravely wounded in his left chest, she wept, lamenting how quickly such a healthy person had become so frail. Yi Liankai, though weak, murmured her name and, seeing her distress, pulled her into his arms, trying to reassure her. Qin Sang, tearfully, promised to stay by his side and that they would leave together once he recovered. Yi Liankai confirmed he was "okay," to which Qin Sang playfully accused him of lying, while he retorted, "I am a patient."
Episode 48 Recap
Yi Liankai reassured Qin Sang that he was unharmed, explaining that his apparent injury was part of a trap he and his elder brother, Yi Lianyi, had orchestrated. Soon after, the rebel army guarding the corridor was also captured by Fu Rongcai's forces. Qin Sang, however, remained concerned, fearing that Fu Rongcai would capture him and hand him over to Murong Chen. Yi Liankai dismissed her worries, confidently stating that they would be returning home soon.
Simultaneously, a subordinate reported to Yao Shizhang that Yi Lianshen had defected to Jiang Shuangxi, Murong Chen's nemesis, and was now playing a significant role at Zhenhan Pass. Fu Rongcai realized that Yi Lianshen had never truly valued their alliance, but had shrewdly used Murong Feng's life as a means to gain entry into Jiang Shuangxi's Northwest Army.
Yao Shizhang suggested they return to Yizhou to gather their forces, but Fu Rongcai insisted that securing Yi Liankai, alive or dead, and delivering him to Murong Chen, was their immediate priority. Yi Lianyi then summoned Fu Rongcai, Yao Shizhang, and others for a meeting. Fu Rongcai cynically speculated that Yi Lianyi, as Murong Chen's son-in-law, might be maneuvering to become a puppet leader in Jiangzuo.
Upon arriving, Fu Rongcai paid his respects at Fan Yanyun's funeral hall, where Yi Lianyi confronted him, accusing him of her murder. Fu Rongcai denied the charge, claiming his helplessness in the face of fate and dismissing any guilt for the deceased, given their own precarious situation. When Fu Rongcai, Yao Shizhang, and Chen Pei attempted to leave, they were blocked by Yi Lianyi's guards.
Fu Rongcai stressed the urgency of saving Yi Liankai, but Yi Lianyi revealed that Yi Liankai's injury was a ruse designed to divert their attention and create the illusion that he was the Yi family's sole focus. At that moment, Yi Liankai appeared, pushing an ailing Yi Jipei, followed by Yi Shoucheng. A stunned Fu Rongcai, who believed Yi Shoucheng was dead, heard him declare, "Liang Xingbei is dead, but Yi Shoucheng is still alive."
A flashback revealed Yi Jipei in a prison cell, holding a gun to Yi Shoucheng. Yi Jipei, unwilling to set a bad example for his sons by killing his own brother, fired warning shots into the air instead. Yi Jipei then informed Yi Shoucheng that he would be placed under Yi Lianyi's care, asserting Yi Lianyi's strict capabilities as a former "prison bully" and later the builder of Jiangzuo's first model prison.
Now aware of the truth, Yi Shoucheng bitterly regretted that Yi Jipei had not revealed earlier that his imprisonment and removal from power for promoting ideals and singing "La Marseillaise" were actually acts of protection from the President's death orders. Yi Shoucheng lamented that such prolonged suffering for the Yi family could have been avoided if the truth had been spoken sooner.
Later, members of the Tian Meng Association informed Yi Shoucheng that Yi Lianshen had proudly refused their offer of assistance. However, someone else had secretly sought their help, whom they suspected to be Zhang Xikun, indicating he knew important truths. Yi Lianyi confronted Zhang Xikun, questioning his betrayal of Yi Jipei, who had elevated him to provincial president.
Zhang Xikun retorted that he earned his position, reminding Yi Lianyi of the Zhang family's crucial support for the Yi family and criticizing Yi Lianshen's perceived failings. Yi Liankai then fiercely demanded to know why Zhang Xikun had killed his mother, Yun Jixu. Zhang Xikun, defiantly, insisted that "Yun Jixu deserved to die." Enraged, Yi Liankai violently kicked and stomped on his leg. When Zhang Xikun still refused to confess, Yi Liankai had Fu Rongcai and Zhang Lingzhi brought in.
He then forced Fu Rongcai to swallow a key, rendering the once-eloquent man unable to speak, a fate Yi Liankai then threatened for Zhang Lingzhi. To spare his son, Zhang Xikun finally agreed to reveal everything. Under duress, Zhang Xikun confessed to the machinations of his sister, Zhang Xiru.
After a fortune teller, Shi Busuan, predicted that Yi Lianyi (the eldest son) had no hope of inheriting the family business, Zhang Xiru was furious, especially seeing Yi Jipei's apparent shift in favor towards Yi Liankai. Zhang Xikun tried to assure her that Yi Lianshen, backed by the Zhang family, would prevail over Yi Liankai. However, Zhang Xiru worried that Yi Jipei's burgeoning power meant he no longer valued the Zhang family and was fixated only on Yun Jixu.
Zhang Xikun dismissed her concerns as female jealousy, deeming the declining Yun family insignificant. Zhang Xiru suspected Yun Jixu was behind Yi Lianyi's accidental fall from his horse and swore she would never allow Yun Jixu to harm Yi Lianshen or usurp his inheritance. Knowing that Yi Jipei feared Yi Shoucheng the most, Zhang Xiru deliberately set fire to the side yard to force Yi Shoucheng out of the Yi family.
She then revealed to Zhang Xikun that Yi Lianshen was, in fact, not Yi Shoucheng's son. Zhang Xiru believed that if Yi Shoucheng thought Yi Lianshen was his son, he would dedicate himself to nurturing a powerful force outside the Yi family. At that time, even if Yi Jipei passed leadership to Yi Liankai, Yi Shoucheng would help his son reclaim everything.
Yi Shoucheng, utterly heartbroken by this profound betrayal from the woman he loved, realized he had been completely fooled and expressed his profound solitude. Zhang Xikun further disclosed that the Third Mistress, Yi Liankai's mother, had died because she had overheard their conspiring conversation and had urged Zhang Xiru to abandon her scheme to exploit Yi Shoucheng. Overwhelmed with despair, Yi Shoucheng left the room, leaving Yi Liankai and Yi Lianyi to decide Zhang Xikun's fate.
Yi Lianyi hesitated, unable to kill his own uncle. Zhang Xikun, willing to accept his punishment, pleaded for his son, Zhang Lingzhi. Yi Liankai, however, ordered Zhang Lingzhi to be taken away, then shot Zhang Xikun dead, avenging his mother. Reflecting on his decade-long handicap from falling off a horse, Yi Lianyi commended Yi Liankai for cleverly concealing his true capabilities, suggesting it was a necessary act for survival.
When Yi Liankai asked if he believed the Eldest Mistress's suspicion that his mother had caused his fall, Yi Lianyi dismissed the idea of a conspiracy. He explained that his fall was a mere accident, caused by a cantharides flying into the horse's ear—a simple coincidence that no one wanted to believe could initiate such a grand tragedy. Yi Liankai admired his elder brother's generous perspective.
Yi Lianyi then mused on human nature, categorizing people into "herbivores" (thinkers) and "carnivores" (doers), identifying himself and Yi Lianshen as natural "herbivores," but acknowledging that fate often forces individuals to choose or struggle between these roles. Yi Shoucheng went to Yi Jipei's room, tearfully apologizing to his incapacitated elder brother, who responded with a blink.
Holding Yi Jipei's gun, Yi Shoucheng confessed his profound regret for being deceived by Zhang Xiru's lies and for the severe consequences that followed, acknowledging that Yi Lianshen was Yi Jipei's biological son. Overcome with shame and guilt, he attempted to end his own life. Yi Liankai rushed in and prevented him, declaring that whether as Liang Xingbei or Yi Shoucheng, he was a hero and a true man.
Yi Liankai chastised him for being selfish to seek such a dishonorable end, especially with Li Chongnian and Murong Chen's armies threatening them. Moved by Yi Liankai's words, Yi Shoucheng declared he would go to Zhenhan Pass. Yi Lianyi objected, arguing that the weakened Yi family's only path was to unite the Tian Meng Association with Yi Shoucheng's former troops and other sympathetic forces to protect the people of Jiangzuo, even if they couldn't defeat Murong Chen.
Yi Shoucheng worried that without his presence, Yi Lianshen, still unaware of the full truth, would not help. Yi Liankai then volunteered to go to Zhenhan Pass himself, trusting that Yi Lianshen, his biological brother, would not harm him, and promising to bring him back. Yi Shoucheng assembled the Tian Meng Association and his former military subordinates, delivering an impassioned speech to bolster their spirits.
He reminded them that their fight was to protect Jiangzuo and their families, out of their deep-seated desire to remain in their homeland, and to end the ceaseless wars. He acknowledged Jiangzuo's lack of superior weapons but asserted they possessed the "strongest warriors." He offered any soldier a chance to leave if they wished to return home, but urged those who stayed to be prepared to "make Jiangzuo your burial ground," committing to "live and die with Jiangzuo."
The soldiers responded with a thunderous oath. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai conversed with Pan Jianchi, remarking that from the very beginning, they had stood on the same ground: protecting Jiangzuo and Qin Sang. Pan Jianchi expressed regret for not having killed Yi Liankai earlier but noted that, despite their past conflicts, they now found themselves aligned. Qin Sang helped Yi Liankai pack his belongings. He frantically searched for his candy box, a cherished item he always kept.
Qin Sang retrieved it from a drawer and asked about its significance, remarking that he had never parted with it since their marriage. Yi Liankai promised to tell her its story upon his return from Zhenhan Pass. With a hint of jealousy, Qin Sang retorted that she had no interest in his "womanizing stories," prompting Yi Liankai to affectionately embrace her, amused by her pique.
At the train station, as they prepared to part ways, Yi Liankai entrusted the candy box to Qin Sang, asking her to keep it safe for him, and they shared a reluctant farewell. Meanwhile, Yi Lianyi arranged for a doctor to examine Fu Rongcai, who confirmed that his larynx was severely damaged, likely leaving him permanently unable to speak.
Yi Lianyi decided to release Fu Rongcai, stating that for such an eloquent man, the inability to speak was a form of suffering greater than death itself. Elsewhere, Yao Si visited Qin Sang to express her profound gratitude. She thanked Qin Sang for her intervention, which had led to her father, Yao Shizhang, being released from prison. Yao Si informed Qin Sang that she and her father would be departing for Yizhou the following day. In turn, Qin Sang asked Yao Si for a favor: to help her find a skilled dressmaker in Yizhou.
Episode 49 Recap
Yi Shoucheng and Pan Jianchi, along with other generals, meticulously deployed their battle plans around a sand table, showing seamless coordination. They discussed how Murong Chen's army had arrived to siege Changye, a major military battalion for Yi Lianshen, and how they planned to cut off enemy supply lines to force an all-out attack or withdrawal. While the war raged, Qin Sang remained deeply worried about Yi Liankai.
Pan Jianchi found Qin Sang in a dangerous area and assured her that Yi Shoucheng had dispatched Tian Meng Association members and Xibei contacts to find news of Lan Po, which Qin Sang appreciated, leading Pan Jianchi to remark that this was the first time she had thanked him because of Yi Liankai. Soon after, Huaixiu arrived at the Yi family home.
Qin Sang was at Yi Jipei's bedside, telling him she and Eldest Brother had decided to have new clothes made for him and were waiting for the dressmaker, who claimed to not need measurements. Huaixiu, upon seeing the incapacitated Yi Jipei, felt a complex mix of emotions. She confessed that she had left years ago because his sudden proposal of marriage had frightened her, as he had never spoken such words in their decades of acquaintance.
Huaixiu recalled making countless clothes for Yi Jipei, including the bridal gowns for all his wives: a red peony for the First Madam, thin silk for the Second, dark fringes of auspicious clouds for the Third (whose maiden surname was Yun), a pair of gold 'xi' (happy) characters on a slanted skirt flap for the Fourth, waves symbolizing Yongjiang for the Fifth (who came from Jiangbei), and white satin for the Sixth (as Western cultures were trending).
She expressed her inability to imagine making or wearing her own bridal gown, wondering about their future together. Huaixiu explained that while others feared Yi Jipei for his power and uniform, she remembered him from their first meeting in coarse clothing, which she considered his true self. She then presented him with a similar coarse garment, proposing to take him away from the war-torn Fuyuan if he would wear it.
Yi Jipei responded by moving his finger, indicating his acceptance, and Huaixiu promised to take him. Meanwhile, Yi Liankai arrived at Zhenhan Pass and was immediately ordered inside by Yi Lianshen's soldiers. At home, during a meal, Yi Lianyi noted the declining luxury of their dishes due to the intense war, apologizing to the pregnant Qin Sang.
He mentioned that Yi Shoucheng's forces had secured beef from an enemy supply troop and would send some to her room, urging her to prioritize her child. Qin Sang reminded him of his own impending fatherhood. Yi Lianyi then requested Qin Sang to organize Fan Yanyun's belongings for Yi Lianshen's return, prompting Qin Sang to ask if Yi Lianshen would indeed come back.
Yi Lianyi, after being asked about Lan Po, advised Qin Sang to trust Yi Liankai and believe that no news was good news. Qin Sang began tidying Fan Yanyun's belongings. As she looked at Fan Yanyun's photograph, she murmured that Yanyun had, in the end, spread her wings and flown away. Inside a drawer, she discovered a stack of letters, one of which was addressed to Yi Liankai.
The letter, penned by Fan Yanyun, spoke of Qin Sang's fury when her handkerchief went missing, resulting in her nanny being sent away, and Yanyun’s decision to never return the handkerchief. Fan Yanyun admitted to being a "thief" but lamented her inability to steal Yi Liankai's heart. Reading this, Qin Sang finally recalled a childhood memory: a boy asking her name and introducing himself as Yi Liankai, offering her candies. She realized he was the "little brother" from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Huaixiu was seen feeding Yi Jipei before being called away by a servant. She told Yi Jipei she would return shortly, leaving him to struggle weakly with a spoon. Yi Shoucheng instructed his troops to establish camp by the riverside before nightfall, expressing concern that cannon fire during their confrontation with Murong Chen might harm Jiangzuo's civilians. He lamented that in war, the common people always suffer the most.
Suddenly, Qin Sang pushed past soldiers and stormed onto the train platform, demanding to board the train with Yi Shoucheng. He chided her for her boldness, noting her transformation from a cultured lady to a "wild horse," and ordered his men to take her back. Qin Sang, however, resisted, tearfully explaining her desperate need to see Lan Po.
Yi Shoucheng warned her that he was leading men to war, and her presence would only cause trouble and disturb the battle, threatening military punishment if she refused to comply. Qin Sang, in turn, expressed frustration, recalling how she was previously stopped by Jiangzuo's Political Adviser when going to Zhishan, and now by its Great General when heading to Zhenhan Pass, questioning her own "honor."
She declared that her heart, once like dead ashes, was now burning with anxiety, and as Lan Po's wife, she must share his humiliation, fate, life, and death. Yi Shoucheng warned her that boarding the train carried an 80-90% chance of death for her and her unborn child, reminding her that warriors don't expect to return from battle.
Qin Sang defiantly stated she would bear her own fate, and if denied passage, she would take her child to the afterlife to wait for Yi Liankai. Faced with her unwavering resolve, Yi Shoucheng reluctantly ordered his men to take meticulous care of the pregnant Qin Sang during the journey. Inside a train cabin, Yi Shoucheng was discussing military matters when Qin Sang entered, thanking him for allowing her to board and wishing him safety amidst the dangers of war.
She then prepared to leave, but Yi Shoucheng stopped her, sending Pan Jianchi to get water so he could speak privately. Yi Shoucheng admitted he had wronged Qin Sang and asked if she knew why Pan Jianchi (referred to as Li Wangping in the past) had broken his promise to her. Qin Sang believed it was for the sake of the country, but Yi Shoucheng confessed it was his fault.
He explained that while evading pursuers, he was ambushed by the Fu Army in Changye. Pan Jianchi risked his life to warn and save him, forcing Yi Shoucheng to take Pan Jianchi with him and leave. He wanted Qin Sang to know that Pan Jianchi was not a disloyal lover. Meanwhile, at Zhenhan Pass, Yi Lianshen subjected Yi Liankai to severe whipping and interrogation.
He furiously questioned how Yi Liankai, with his extraordinary abilities—resolving the Zhishan crisis, escaping Tian Meng Association's prison, and coming to Zhenhan Pass alone—could fail to protect Fan Yanyun and her child. Yi Liankai admitted it was his fault for not protecting Yanyun, saying he never expected her to commit suicide and that she had simply refused to be a pawn in the Jiangzuo game any longer.
He vehemently insisted that he and Yanyun were innocent and had no improper relationship. Unconvinced, Yi Lianshen continued to whip him, raging about how all of Jiangzuo believed the child in Yanyun's womb was Yi Liankai's. Yi Shoucheng visited Qin Sang in her cabin, noting she had brought no servants and worrying about her delicate health during the journey. Qin Sang explained she had left in a hurry and didn't want to bring anyone to die with her.
Yi Shoucheng, reflecting on his own life, lamented the many mistakes he made due to obstinacy, acknowledging that life's choices are one-way tickets with no turning back, a path he, too, found himself on. As an aide reported their approach to the front line, Yi Shoucheng ordered the train to stop and advised Qin Sang to disembark. Qin Sang, carrying her luggage, stepped out of the cabin and met Pan Jianchi.
Pan Jianchi quietly told her that meeting her in this life was his greatest regret-free decision, and no matter what the future held, it was "worth it." Qin Sang offered a faint smile and bid him farewell. Yi Shoucheng, concerned for Qin Sang's safety, assigned Pan Jianchi to escort her. Pan Jianchi initially resisted, wishing to stay with Yi Shoucheng until the very end, citing his inability to repay his mentor.
However, Yi Shoucheng declared him his "inheritor" who must fight for the future, and ordered him to protect Qin Sang. Pan Jianchi and Qin Sang bade farewell to Yi Shoucheng and set off on their journey. Qin Sang, weakened by her pregnancy and the long walk, struggled, but Pan Jianchi continuously assisted her, encouraging her to hold on until they reached their destination.
Once settled, Pan Jianchi advised her to rest and conveyed a message from Min Hongyu that they would depart early the next morning. He then asked Qin Sang if she had considered the worst possible outcome. She affirmed that she had, declaring that no matter if Yi Liankai was alive or dead, she was determined to bring him home. The next morning, Qin Sang met Min Hongyu and anxiously inquired about Yi Liankai’s condition.
Min Hongyu revealed he had "suffered some torture," which immediately worried Qin Sang, making her question if Yi Lianshen had inflicted it. Min Hongyu speculated it was likely due to Fan Yanyun’s matter. Qin Sang stated her intention to tell Yi Lianshen the truth, but Min Hongyu countered that truth isn't always important and can be weaker than imagined, urging Qin Sang to return before facing Yi Lianshen.
Qin Sang refused, insisting she must see Yi Liankai and declared they would either return together or stay together. Min Hongyu remarked that Qin Sang and Yi Liankai were truly a match made in heaven, even sharing similar personalities. She informed Qin Sang that she could arrange a meeting with Yi Lianshen in six hours but couldn't guarantee she would see Yi Liankai. While Qin Sang waited, Pan Jianchi stood outside.
Min Hongyu observed him, remarking on his commitment to escort Qin Sang, his former love, to meet his romantic rival and seemingly walk a "path of no return." Pan Jianchi sought clarification, and Min Hongyu explained that Yi Shoucheng likely intended for him to shed romantic attachments and focus on "great righteousness," as he was Yi Shoucheng's chosen successor.
Pan Jianchi acknowledged that Yi Shoucheng had enabled his return to the past, and that Qin Sang was more mature, having chosen her path without hesitation. Min Hongyu then urged Pan Jianchi to focus on his strategic duties, revealing that Yi Shoucheng had already launched his army for a decisive battle with Murong Chen.
She warned that if Yi Shoucheng lost, Li Chongnian had Fuyuan surrounded, and Murong Chen was advancing northwest, making it a critical time where "the sky will be changing soon." Qin Sang, carrying Fan Yanyun's ashes, finally met Yi Lianshen. He sarcastically greeted the "distinguished Third Young Mistress," mocking her visit to Zhenhan Pass and the "gifts" she brought.
Qin Sang firmly stated she came as Lan Po's wife to prove that Fan Yanyun's death was unrelated to Lan Po, and that they had maintained an entirely innocent relationship. Yi Lianshen furiously slammed the table, demanding if they all considered him stupid. He raged about everyone, including Fan Yanyun, their father, and even Old Fan, favoring Third (Yi Liankai).
He bitterly described himself, the Second Young Master, as a "lonely, deserted soul" who had desperately fled Fuyuan for Zhenhan Pass, only to have them continuously remind him that he was "the world's most stupid person." Yi Lianshen, filled with anger and sorrow, insisted that the affair between Third (Yi Liankai) and Fan Yanyun was irrefutable, known by all Jiangzuo citizens, leaving him helpless.
Qin Sang apologized on Lan Po's behalf for any wrongdoing and stressed that with their father sick and Fuyuan's war situation dire, fighting among brothers would harm no one. Qin Sang then countered by asking why he hadn't taken Fan Yanyun with him when he left, asserting that she wouldn't have died then. Yi Lianshen expressed his helplessness, stating that Fan Yanyun's heart and the child in her womb belonged to Third, making any forced departure futile.
Qin Sang, now furious, challenged him to utter those words not to her or to the world, but directly to "Second Sister-in-law." She then produced Fan Yanyun's ashes, explaining she had traveled far to bring them, and declared that Fan Yanyun had "died for you." Qin Sang dared Yi Lianshen, if he felt no guilt, to repeat his "disgraceful words" directly to Fan Yanyun's remains.
Yi Lianshen then unveiled Fan Yanyun's urn, cynically asking Qin Sang if her true purpose in coming to Zhenhan Pass was to see Lan Po. He then coldly declared that he had already killed Third (Yi Liankai). Qin Sang stumbled, clutching her stomach in shock and pain. Yi Lianshen, observing her distress, chillingly asked if she now felt the pain of losing a loved one.
Just then, a soldier reported to Yi Lianshen that Yi Liankai had escaped, rescued by Min Hongyu. Qin Sang, hearing this, smiled in relief. In a flashback, Min Hongyu had presented Yi Lianshen's written order to a guard to release Yi Liankai. When the guard hesitated, she pressed him, hinting at Yi Lianshen's personal involvement, which prompted the guard to open the cell and untie Yi Liankai. She then ordered them to pass the Zhenhan Pass.
Yi Liankai, now free, asked Min Hongyu why she saved him. She replied that she was leaving and couldn't bear to see him die, urging him to return to Jiangzuo, his rightful world. When Yi Liankai inquired about her destination, she revealed she was going to find Jiang Shuangxi.
Yi Liankai then understood her earlier actions: Min Hongyu had brought Yi Lianshen to Xibei because Li Chongnian intended to use Yi Lianshen as a means to approach Jiang Shuangxi, who had heard that Yi Lianshen brought with him the most beautiful woman in Jiangzuo and wanted to meet her. Yi Liankai warned Min Hongyu that Jiang Shuangxi was known for his depravity and viciousness, making her pursuit a "fiery pit."
He told her she didn't have to go for Li Chongnian, and she, in turn, asked him to take her away, promising she wouldn't go anywhere else. After Yi Liankai's silence, Min Hongyu understood he wouldn't take her, because he had Qin Sang. She then sadly concluded that for her, the world itself was a fiery pit from birth.
Min Hongyu then shared a saying about baby birds considering the first creature they see as their mother, applying it to humans, suggesting that the first person they meet determines their inescapable fate, much like her own with Li Chongnian, and Yi Liankai's with Qin Sang.
Episode 50 (Ending) Recap
Yi Liankai stepped out of the car to get some food, but his attention was caught by a notice posted by Yi Lianshen on the street, announcing that Qin Sang had been captured. Enraged, Yi Liankai returned to the car and confronted Min Hongyu, demanding to know if she had known all along that Qin Sang was in Zhenhan Pass. Min Hongyu quickly dismissed it as false information, a ploy by Yi Lianshen to trap him.
She urged Yi Liankai to return to Jiangzuo, his territory, and offered him her gun, saying, "You can have mine. You can use it on the way. This time we will really have to say farewell. You go back to Jiangzuo and I'll go to the north west. We will be far apart. Take care." As Min Hongyu prepared to leave the car, Yi Liankai suddenly aimed the gun at her.
After confirming her intent to find Jiang Shuangxi, he shot her in the leg. As Min Hongyu fell, Yi Liankai approached her, explaining that Yi Lianshen questioned him daily, except for the time Min Hongyu came to rescue him. He now understood that she had used Qin Sang to distract Yi Lianshen to facilitate his escape. Min Hongyu, in pain, dared him to kill her if he sought revenge for Qin Sang. Yi Liankai replied, "I don't want revenge.
I don't want to kill you either. I am saving you. Your leg is broken. Now you're only half a beauty. You don't have any value in Jiang Shuangxi or Li Chongnian's eyes. I am cutting your chains and giving you your freedom back. Stay away from politics and men who love politics. Go back to Jiangzuo and open up an oily tofu shop. Be a shop owner."
Min Hongyu cursed him, but Yi Liankai continued, "You can yell at me. You can hate me. But with your personality, I can't think of any other way to stop you. I'm sorry. I'm taking off. Take care." He then left her behind. Meanwhile, Li Chongnian commanded his forces to declare independence the next morning, publicly affirming their support for Murong Chen. His subordinate reported a successful ambush, as the Fu Army was completely unprepared.
Pleased, Li Chongnian ordered a full-scale offensive that very night. Commander Yao questioned why they weren't waiting to benefit from the conflict, since Murong Chen was the Yi family's enemy. Li Chongnian explained that he had an agreement with Murong Chen, and Murong Chen's revenge was his own affair, but he would "never let radicals like Yi Shoucheng win the battle." On the battlefield, Yi Shoucheng was fighting bravely.
Though outnumbered, with his less than 10,000 soldiers having defeated Murong Chen's 30,000, the casualties mounted. To inspire his troops, Yi Shoucheng sang the Marseillaise and then addressed them: "Brothers. Your hometown is over there. Your parents, your wives and kids are over there. I have no parents and no children. But I still have this country in my heart. I have my dream in my heart. But now I can't fulfill my dream. I can't see the new world.
But I hope you will be able to see it. Today, some young brothers said they never saw Yi Shoucheng fight in the war. Some old soldiers said they wanted to attack once again with me! Great. Brothers, get your guns, and we have a good fight together!" He then led his troops forward. Despite their valiant efforts, the Fu Army was overwhelmed, and Yi Shoucheng was tragically shot, sacrificing himself heroically.
To rescue Qin Sang, Yi Liankai voluntarily sought out Yi Lianshen. Upon seeing Yi Liankai, Qin Sang rushed into his arms, telling him, "When you were living a glamourous life, I was always mad at you. Now that you're down, I don't want to let you go." Yi Lianshen, observing them, remarked, "Third Brother. I knew that if Qin Sang was here, you will come back." Yi Liankai pleaded with his second brother, "Please kill me. Let her go."
Qin Sang, in turn, begged, "Kill me. Let Lan Po go. If you die, then the pain of living all by myself. . . I can't bear it." Yi Lianshen found their words ironic, stating, "Such nice words. But do you know since Yanyun died, I've been tasting that pain every day? I think, you two will have to suffer much more than I do. Third Brother.
This Zhenhan Pass is destined to be the burial place for the two of you. Do you have anything to say?" With Fan Yanyun's ashes placed on the table, Yi Lianshen declared, "You two both like taking risks. So today, I'm telling you what a real risk is." He continued, "Third Brother is back. As a brother, I prepared you some wine to welcome you. But among these 10 glasses of wine, one is poisoned."
Qin Sang noted their identical appearance and asked if he knew which one was poisoned. Yi Lianshen replied, "I don't know either. You two pick one in turns. You have to finish these 10 glasses. Whoever wins or dies, let us let the Heaven decide." Qin Sang challenged him, "This is not a game. This is luck." Yi Lianshen corrected her, "This is not luck. This is gambling." She further questioned, "Second Brother.
Can you face Second Sister-in-law's soul in heaven if you do this?" Yi Lianshen merely instructed, "Take your pick." When Yi Liankai asked what would happen if they refused, Yi Lianshen motioned to his soldiers, who aimed their guns at the couple, asserting, "If you don't pick, who do you think can walk out of here alive?" Yi Liankai suddenly knelt before Yi Lianshen, pleading, "Second Brother, let Qin Sang go. I will drink them all. Okay?"
Qin Sang, however, insisted, "Second Brother. You let Lan Po go. I will drink them all!" Yi Lianshen coldly stated, "I made up the rules. It's not up to you. There's a best part to this game. This is: Whoever lives amongst the two of you, for all your life, you will be living in the pain of killing your lover. This is what I want." Hearing this, Yi Liankai quickly stood and drank a glass of wine.
Qin Sang tried to stop him, asking what she would do if he died. Yi Liankai countered, "If I die, it's just one life. If you die, it's two lives. Can't you do math?" Qin Sang tearfully replied, "You can't calculate love this way," and then confessed, "Lan Po. I remembered it a long time ago. You were the little boy in the hospital who gave me candy." Yi Liankai was overjoyed, asking, "You remembered it? Is that right?
It's good that you remembered." Qin Sang apologized, "I'm sorry. It was too late." Yi Lianshen then prompted them for the "Second glass." Qin Sang immediately picked up a glass and drank it, saying, "It's possible that I would never have a chance to talk to you after I drink this. But before I die I want to ask, when you left Second Sister-in-law, did you regret it?"
Yi Lianshen, lost in memories of Fan Yanyun and reciting a poem about life being an illusion, simply told them to continue. Yi Liankai and Qin Sang each drank another glass, recalling all their past memories together. As only two glasses remained, Qin Sang suggested they drink together. Snow suddenly began to fall, and Qin Sang proposed a ceremonial "crossed-arms" toast with Yi Liankai. " It's finally the time to say goodbye in this life. Let's drink together.
It represents contentment, and happiness. And the sequel to our story. But I didn't expect. . . this glass of wine. . . will make us forever apart." Qin Sang then made Yi Liankai promise, "Whoever lives, will have to try to live in happiness. I hope you forget." Yi Lianshen, meanwhile, seemed to see Fan Yanyun, who said, "I am just a snowflake. I disappear into the air." He asked, "Yanyun. Is this your will?"
and then declared, "I understand now. I finally understand." As he spoke, Yi Liankai and Qin Sang embraced, holding their wine glasses. Suddenly, gunshots erupted outside the door. Yi Lianshen realized it was Murong Chen's forces attacking. He urged Yi Liankai, "Third Brother, pack your things. Go back to Fuyuan with Qin Sang. I stay here and stall him. So I can fight some time for you. Third Brother, in the end, let me. . .
do something for the family." Yi Liankai refused, "No. We are brothers. We need to live and die together." Yi Lianshen, patting Fan Yanyun's ashes, insisted, "I'm not leaving. I'm staying here. Do you know. . . you're not handsome at all when you don't smile, Third Brother. So when you go back to Fuyuan, you should smile more." He then mentioned, "Right. There's someone else who needs to go with you."
He revealed that Pan Jianchi had not left, having heard Yi Liankai escaped and, worried about Qin Sang, came alone to rescue her, only to be caught by Yi Lianshen. Qin Sang told Pan Jianchi, "I am not worth it for you to do something like this." Yi Lianshen cut them off, saying, "Okay. Save what you want to say till you're on the road. I will send a car."
As they prepared to leave, Yi Liankai suddenly turned to Pan Jianchi and instructed him, "Take her with you. With you by her side, she would be safe." He explained to Qin Sang that Yi Lianshen had lied about meeting Sixth Uncle, as Murong Chen's army reaching them meant Sixth Uncle was dead. Yi Liankai reassured Qin Sang, "Relax. I will bring Second Brother home. As long as you go back to Fuyuan safe and sound."
Qin Sang hesitated, trying to go back, but Yi Liankai, with a heavy heart, raised his gun and forced her to leave. On the battlefield, Yi Liankai reappeared, prompting Yi Lianshen to ask, "The Third! What are you doing back here?" Yi Liankai responded, "I said, we are brothers. We need to live or die together!" Yi Lianshen insisted, "If you die here Third Brother, our family will be doomed! Go away! Bring Qin Sang back to Fuyuan!"
But Yi Liankai refused, "I can't leave. I can't let Qin Sang live in pain for the rest of her life." When Yi Lianshen questioned what he meant, Yi Liankai revealed, "There's no such thing as destiny. But I thank heaven that the last two glasses were frozen so she will never find out the truth." He pleaded with his brother, "Second Brother. Come with me. Our Yi family can't be without you." Yi Lianshen replied, "Lan Po.
Since you said so, we should pay back what we owed." The two brothers fought fiercely side by side. However, the battle was too intense, and Yi Lianshen was tragically shot and killed. Yi Liankai watched him fall, his grief transforming into desperate rage as he continued to fight. Ultimately, Yi Liankai also succumbed to the overwhelming assault, dying alongside his brother.
In his final moments, he saw a flashback of his childhood, specifically the first time he met Qin Sang, offering her candy. A single tear rolled down his cheek, a silent acknowledgment that they would never meet again in this life. Simultaneously, Qin Sang, far away, seemed to sense Yi Liankai's demise. She suddenly turned back, looking towards Zhenhan Pass before stumbling away.
Seven years later, Yi Lianyi was teaching in a private school, discussing how the feudal system led to tragic conflicts between brothers, and how a new society would offer more freedom and prevent such tragedies. Suddenly, Pan Jianchi appeared in the classroom, and Yi Lianyi greeted him, "You're back." Later, Pan Jianchi reunited with Qin Sang, telling her, "Xiao Sang. I finally was able to wait for you." Qin Sang asked when he returned, and he replied, "Just came back.
I came to find you as soon as I came back. You're still beautiful. It's so great." Qin Sang noted that he had achieved his ideal, becoming a renowned hero. Pan Jianchi, however, admitted, "There are still many things I was not satisfied with. For example, 10 years ago, my wildest dream was to be with you. But now. . ."
Qin Sang then recounted a story about a fourteen-year-old boy who heard a flute in the woods, followed it, but got scared and ran away. By the time he was forty, he regretted not pursuing the sound. She then revealed, "Wangping. I was just the sound of the flute you heard when you were young."
Pan Jianchi smiled, acknowledging, "Seven years ago, when we saw each other again, I already knew that I was the extra person in the relationship between you and Yi Liankai." Qin Sang mused, "The name Yi Liankai. . . I still remember. But some things. . . I forgot a long time ago. To forget him is like forgetting a flower. Like a string of footsteps in the snow from a long time ago."
Pan Jianchi asked about their shared experiences, and Qin Sang explained, "If I didn't forget him, there was no way I could live." Pan Jianchi then wondered, "Xiao Sang. If I made a different choice back then, and followed the flute sound?" Qin Sang smiled, saying, "If there is an 'if', I would choose to never meet you. I would choose to live in my flute sound alone."
That night, Qin Sang dreamed she was back in her student days, meeting Yi Liankai, who was holding a candy box. What felt ordinary then, had etched itself deeply into her heart.
