Cry Me A River of Stars Episode 11 Recap
> Cry Me A River of Stars Recap
Cherry was at the Tao Mansion, trying on a wedding dress picked out for her, while A Fan playfully teased her about Cao Qing. However, the lighthearted mood was short-lived as the plague in Cloud County worsened rapidly. Cherry soon fell ill and was quarantined. Feeling despair, she confided that she had been taking medicine for over ten days but her condition only deteriorated, making her feel as if she was dying.
Those around her, including Cao Qing, tried to reassure her, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust to overcome the epidemic. Cao Qing remained steadfast by Cherry's side, refusing to leave despite her worries about infecting him. He confessed his deep feelings for her, explaining he had wanted to tell her for a long time but lacked the courage.
When Cherry lamented that it was too late due to her worsening illness, Cao Qing firmly declared that as long as he loved her, it was never too late. He promised never to give up on her and urged her not to give up on herself, vowing that they would be together forever once she recovered. Overwhelmed by his sincerity, Cherry agreed.
Meanwhile, a guilt-ridden A Fan vowed to sacrifice ten years of her life for Cherry’s well-being as she prepared medicine. While stirring the concoction, she accidentally pricked her finger, and a drop of her blood fell into the mixture. Unbeknownst to her, this small accident would lead to a miraculous recovery. Tao Junran, observing A Fan's tireless efforts in the quarantine ward, worriedly urged her to rest. She declined, insisting that with so many patients, she couldn't afford to stop.
She inquired about her father, and Tao Junran reassured her that he was safe and well under his care. Later, Cherry, now fully recovered, approached A Fan and credited her medicine for the miraculous healing, wondering if A Fan had changed the formula. A Fan denied it but then had a sudden realization about the drop of blood. She later conducted experiments, confirming that her blood indeed possessed curative properties.
When Tao Junran asked what she was thinking, A Fan simply expressed her happiness for Cherry's recovery, though Tao Junran sensed she was hiding something. The news that A Fan's blood could cure the plague quickly spread, causing patients and their families to line up outside the county yamen, eagerly seeking her blood. A Fan understood that only her blood, when added to the medicine, had curative properties.
She continuously drew blood, resulting in her fingers being covered in cuts, and eventually, she cut a vein to collect more, which led to excessive blood loss and her falling into a coma. Grateful citizens, knowing A Fan was sacrificing her own health, brought her gifts of nourishing food like eggs and pork liver to help replenish her strength.
While in a coma, A Fan dreamt of her wedding to Tao Junran, where they drank cross-cupped wine and he playfully teased her about her desire to marry him. Waking her, Tao Junran gently tended to her injured fingers, scolding her softly for her recklessness. He asked her to promise to always discuss her decisions with him, as he couldn't bear the thought of losing her. A Fan, feeling remorseful, apologized and promised not to make impulsive decisions again.
Tao Junran then reaffirmed his commitment, promising that they would marry once the plague was over. Later, while A Fan was still resting, Tao Junran reflected on how fragile life was, recalling how close A Fan had been to bleeding to death that night. He promised her that with him by her side, she would never need to fear. Cherry and Cao Qing's relationship blossomed.
Cherry commented on Cao Qing's newfound tenderness, noting that he used to only protect Tao Junran and rarely showed such emotions. Cao Qing admitted he had learned to express his feelings by observing Tao Junran. He presented Cherry with sweet plums, a symbol of their enduring affection, and reminded her of their promise to be together forever. Although Cherry hesitated due to their circumstances, Cao Qing, a man of his word, reaffirmed his commitment and proposed marriage to her.
Cherry happily accepted. As Tao Junran considered A Fan's theory that Azurelanders' blood might also cure the plague, Lian Qi from South Island requested an audience with him. Lian Qi angrily confronted Tao Junran about A Fan's near-death experience, reminding him of his promise to protect her. Tao Junran accepted responsibility and warned Lian Qi not to interfere in A Fan's affairs. Lian Qi then declared that if A Fan's blood could save lives, then all Azurelanders' blood could too.
He offered to donate his own blood to save the people of Cloud County, suggesting a test first to prevent Midlanders from "swallowing A Fan alive." His only condition was that A Fan live a good life, to which Tao Junran agreed. Lian Qi returned to South Island and gathered his people, who expressed reluctance to help the Midlanders who had mistreated them.
Lian Qi explained that by donating blood, they would be protecting someone very important to the Azurelanders, whose identity he could not yet reveal. He promised that this person would one day lead them to freedom. Inspired by the hope of leaving South Island, the Azurelanders collectively agreed to donate their blood. The Midland people drank the "mysterious medicine" brewed with the Azurelanders' donated blood and finally recovered, bringing the crisis to an end.
Acknowledging the Azurelanders' significant contribution to combating the plague, Tao Junran issued an order to improve their living conditions on South Island and prohibited any further bullying against them. As the crisis subsided, cured patients were discharged, expressing joy and relief. Citizens gathered at the Tao Mansion, hailing Tao Junran as a benevolent and honest official, and tried to offer him gifts as a token of their gratitude.
Tao Junran, however, refused most of the offerings, reiterating that the rapid control of the epidemic was largely due to the Azurelanders' help. He promised to submit a report to the Royal Court, advocating for reduced sentences for the Azurelanders imprisoned on South Island. He accepted one small token of appreciation, while assuring the crowd that their gratitude was deeply felt.
Later, A Fan pondered how her blood could possess healing properties when she believed she had no connection to the Azurelanders, whose blood had proven to be equally potent against the plague. Unbeknownst to her, Tao Junran had already confirmed her true identity: she was the daughter of Nanzheng of Azure Kingdom and the King of Xirong, revealing her inherent connection to the Azurelanders.
