Cry Me A River of Stars Episode 10 Recap
> Cry Me A River of Stars Recap
After a night of recuperation, Tao Junran had recovered his strength. He looked at A Fan with tenderness, making her blush, and seized the moment to propose marriage. He told her that while she was currently caring for him, once they were wed, it would be his turn to look after her. A Fan, blushing, asked if he was truly proposing, to which he playfully responded, "What do you think?" He then embraced and kissed her.
Sometime later, A Fan's father, Li Yu, excitedly greeted A Fan upon her return, but also mentioned that the Springtime Pleasure Boat was lost. Zhuo Jiqing confirmed that San Yuemei had rescued A Fan from the incident. Li Yu suggested moving to Tao Junran's mansion, but A Fan preferred to stay, and Tao Junran agreed, telling her to let him know if they needed anything. Meanwhile, Yun Jiayu, who had chartered the Springtime Pleasure Boat, passed through Devil May Cry.
Tao Junran, suspecting a deep connection between Lian Qi and the water bandits, discovered that Azurelanders were salvaging weapons at Devil May Cry using transport boats typically reserved for grain. That night, Tao Junran and his men intercepted a convoy leaving Yun Jiayu's residence, which was secretly transporting these weapons. Tao Junran sarcastically commended Yun Jiayu for "finding" and "returning" the weapons, before ordering his men to confiscate them on behalf of the state.
Yun Jiayu, with no other option, acknowledged Tao Junran's "great methods." Before Yun Jiayu departed, Tao Junran issued a final warning: "Don't take what's not yours. It may fall on your own feet." Later, Li Yu informed A Fan that their neighbor, Yun Jiayu, had moved out without a farewell. A Fan remained unfazed, simply stating, "If we are destined to meet again, we will." Following this, Eunuch Wang arrived at Tao Junran’s mansion, delivering an imperial decree.
The Emperor commanded Tao Junran to immediately store the confiscated weapons in the nearest arsenal, emphasizing the severity of illegal weapon manufacturing and its threat to national stability. Tao Junran humbly accepted the order. Eunuch Wang then promptly left, declining an offer to rest, citing his concern for the Emperor. Without delay, Tao Junran traveled to South Island to confront Lian Qi. He informed Lian Qi that the weapons from Devil May Cry were now in state custody.
He then demanded to know A Fan's true identity, revealing that he was the one who had unlocked and subsequently resealed her pressure point for tears. Lian Qi disclosed that A Fan was an Azurelander, the sole daughter of the former Nanzheng Xiahou Yuyuan, and the current Nanzheng of Azureland.
He further clarified that the long-standing rumor of Xiahou Yuyuan having a son with the Westland King was a fabrication designed to mislead, as she had only ever given birth to a daughter. Lian Qi then implored Tao Junran to ensure A Fan's safety. Tao Junran, however, firmly declared that he did not need anyone to instruct him on how to protect his own woman.
Later, A Fan sat by the river, saddened by the irreversible damage to the Springtime Pleasure Boat. Tao Junran joined her, offering comfort and suggesting they enjoy the river breeze together. He returned the flute he had given her, which A Fan recognized as originally hers. A Fan expressed her continued surprise at Yun Jiayu's abrupt departure, and Tao Junran explained that Yun Jiayu had left due to official duties.
Tao Junran then gently reminded A Fan of his earlier proposal by the river. When she playfully pretended not to recall, he asked her again, "Will you marry me, so that I can be with you, take care of you, and protect you?" Deeply moved, A Fan worried about her father, Li Yu. Tao Junran reassured her, promising to bring Li Yu to live with them and to care for both of them.
A Fan accepted his proposal, and they returned home to share the joyous news with Li Yu. Li Yu was delighted at the prospect of moving into Tao Junran's spacious home, especially hearing about a large pond suitable for his collection of conches. A Fan clarified that their move would happen after the wedding, to which Li Yu eagerly agreed.
A Fan then wished her late mother could witness her marriage, and Li Yu comforted her, assuring her that her mother would protect her. During their conversation, Tao Junran noticed a distinctive scar behind Li Yu's ear. He asked to see it closely and, upon examination, was overcome with emotion, realizing that Li Yu, not an Azurelander, was the person who had saved his life years ago. He respectfully bowed to Li Yu as his savior.
A Fan explained that her father had suffered a head injury from a fall off a roof at the age of ten, which resulted in his memory loss, leaving him to remember only her. Tao Junran then vowed to care for both Li Yu and A Fan, a promise that thrilled Li Yu, who was excited to have both of them to play with, along with his beloved conches.
A Fan thanked Tao Junran, who affectionately reminded her that as they were soon to be family, caring for Li Yu was now their shared responsibility. As Tao Junran and A Fan excitedly began planning the design of their wedding bed, Tao Junran envisioned it with sturdy oak bedposts, camphor wood boards for insect and mildew protection, and delicate carved patterns.
A Fan humorously suggested incorporating a hidden mechanism that could deploy a curtain from the center of the bed, allowing them to separate and cool down during future disagreements. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by the urgent arrival of Dr. Zhao from Jishi Tang. Dr. Zhao reported a severe plague outbreak in Cloud County. For the past half-month, he had treated numerous patients with coughs, who, despite treatment, progressively worsened.
Within seven days, their coughs became violent, accompanied by bloody sputum, and within half a month, they suffocated to death. Dr. Zhao had been unable to identify the source of the plague and feared its spread to the capital, which was only two days away. Tao Junran immediately issued comprehensive orders: all infected patients and their families were to be isolated in designated quarantined wards established in abandoned houses outside the city.
The city gates of Cloud County were to be sealed, guards were to assist doctors in conducting daily health screenings for all citizens, and hundreds of personnel were to be mobilized to ensure the continuous supply of daily necessities. He then mandated Dr. Zhao to identify the source of the plague within seven days. A Fan offered her assistance, but Tao Junran urged her to prioritize her own safety, acknowledging that he would be entirely consumed by the crisis.
A Fan observed the disheartening sight of numerous citizens evacuating Cloud County with their families, driven by fear of the rapidly spreading plague. An elderly woman confirmed the severity of the situation, vividly recalling past plagues that had devastated entire villages, and advised A Fan to flee for her safety. Later, A Fan met with San Yuemei and other friends, expressing her sorrow that the plague was casting a shadow over her impending marriage.
She pondered the mysterious onset of the plague, as there had been no apparent natural disasters or wars, and even the skilled Dr. Zhao could not determine its cause. San Yuemei comforted her, explaining that in such trying times, staying home and adhering to precautions was the most effective way to support Tao Junran. San Yuemei then presented A Fan with a letter and the musical arrangement for her wedding, sent by Zhuo Jiqing.
Zhuo Jiqing's mother had fallen gravely ill, necessitating his immediate return home to care for her, meaning he would unfortunately miss A Fan's wedding. Li Yu, saddened by Zhuo Jiqing's departure, gifted him one of his cherished conches as a farewell present. San Yuemei also informed A Fan that she had given Zhuo Jiqing thirty taels on A Fan's behalf. Finally, San Yuemei offered A Fan a wedding dress she had personally selected for her to try on.
