Cry Me A River of Stars Episode 15 Recap
> Cry Me A River of Stars Recap
On the day of Tao Junran and Yun He'an’s wedding, the celebrations were underway, with guests offering their congratulations. Yun He'an, dressed as a bride, was radiant, eagerly anticipating their life together, while Tao Junran appeared somber, reflecting on his sweet memories with Li Afan. During the ceremony, Tao Junran did not perform the traditional bowing ritual with Yun He'an.
Later, as the time came for the couple to drink the nuptial wine, Yun He'an eagerly suggested they would become true husband and wife. Tao Junran refused, reminding her that their marriage was merely a pretense and that he only regarded her as a sister, recalling her promise to help save Cao Qing. Undeterred, Yun He'an drank both cups, stating that as long as he was her husband, even a fake marriage would suffice.
Later that night, San Yuemei, disguised as a maid, entered Tao Junran’s chamber. Tao Junran revealed that Yun Jiayu had failed to suppress his internal power, confirming that he had been in control all along. San Yuemei confirmed she had obtained the keys to the dungeon from Zhuo Jiqing. Together, they knocked out Yun He'an and signed a divorce agreement. They then rescued Cao Qing. As they made their escape, they were pursued by guards.
San Yuemei was gravely wounded while protecting Cao Qing. Despite Cao Qing’s desperate pleas for help, Tao Junran realized it was too late. He urged San Yuemei to hold on, promising they would live together in the future. San Yuemei, regretting not marrying him sooner, passed away in his arms, asking Cao Qing to live well and protect Tao Junran.
Meanwhile, Yun He'an awoke to find a written agreement from Tao Junran, stating their marriage was temporary, for Cao Qing's rescue, and would be terminated afterward. Enraged, she burned the paper, fiercely declaring that she would forever remain Tao Junran’s wife. At San Yuemei and Li Yu's tomb, Tao Junran and Cao Qing mourned their losses.
Tao Junran explained that with San Yuemei and Li Yu gone, and Cao Qing still recovering, it would be safer for Tao Junran to travel alone to Azureland to find Afan. He revealed that Cloud County was now under the control of the Imperial City Division, and he suspected Yun Jiayu of harboring larger, sinister ambitions.
Tao Junran tasked Cao Qing with returning to Cloud County as a secret informant to monitor the Imperial City Division and the Yun family's movements, emphasizing that Li Yu and San Yuemei's sacrifices must not be in vain. Cao Qing readily accepted, promising to report any developments immediately. Tao Junran then made a solemn vow at Li Yu's tomb to bring Afan back safely.
In Azureland, Afan was confined, expressing her frustration at being unable to leave or even step outside. She defiantly stated she would see who could outlast the other. A maid, Bai Lian, from Ruby’s mansion, attempted to deliver some items to Afan’s residence, claiming she had gotten lost after leaving the kitchen. Later, Lian Qi brought Afan a snack called Herbal Jelly, explaining its intricate preparation. Afan, delighted by the treat, praised its rich milky flavor.
Lian Qi then took Afan to meet the head officials. He subtly reminded her about maintaining proper boundaries, especially regarding men in her quarters. During the meeting, Lian Qi introduced Afan as the sole daughter of the former High Priest. One official, Ms. Liu, expressed skepticism, questioning Afan's sudden appearance after the High Priest's long disappearance and suggesting that Lian Qi might have been deceived or was conspiring to claim the High Priest's position.
Lian Qi firmly retorted, asking if she accused him of being a poor judge of character or of colluding with outsiders. He then presented the irrefutable evidence: Afan bore the birthmark of the three-legged crow on her shoulder, a symbol of the High Priest. The other officials acknowledged this proof. Afan, however, seemed more interested in the food laid out, even suggesting that the officials, being more capable, should continue managing the preparations for the succession ceremony.
Suddenly, she felt an upset stomach and excused herself to find the toilet. The officials murmured amongst themselves, noting Afan’s perceived lack of etiquette compared to her mother. Lian Qi later confronted Ruby, demanding to know why her maid, Bai Lian, had been in Afan's mansion and why "specialties" were delivered to the kitchen. He accused Ruby of poisoning Afan's food, stating that her illness was not a mere accident.
Lian Qi warned Ruby that while he acknowledged her past efforts, he was giving her a final chance to "know her place" and not covet what was not hers. Ruby bitterly resented the warning, reflecting on her years of dedication. Meanwhile, Zhuo Jiqing pursued Tao Junran, ordering his men to shoot arrows. Despite the fierce attack, Tao Junran managed to escape. Zhuo Jiqing reported his failure to Yun Jiayu, offering to die in atonement.
Yun Jiayu, furious, dismissed death as too easy and gave Zhuo Jiqing one last chance: return only after killing Tao Junran. Yun He'an, overhearing this, tearfully pleaded with Yun Jiayu not to harm Tao Junran. Yun Jiayu tried to reassure her, claiming he only wanted to retrieve Tao Junran for her, not kill him. Yun He'an, still uneasy, begged him not to kill Tao Junran, to help her find him, and not to escalate the matter to the Emperor.
Yun Jiayu reluctantly agreed, while internally lamenting Tao Junran’s indifference toward his sister. Tao Junran, now going by the name Deng Ran, arrived at the "Heavens Realm," the mystical entrance to Azureland. Realizing that the path to Azureland lay "upward," he searched for a hidden mechanism, deducing that Azurelanders must have a way to enter and exit. He then changed into local attire to blend in.
Despite his efforts, his handsome appearance immediately drew the attention of two local women, who began to argue over who would take him home. Tao Junran tried to disengage, stating he was married, but the women only offered to "rent him" from his family head at any price. Just then, Ruby, the acting High Priest, appeared with her guards. She ordered her men to take Tao Junran.
The women challenged Ruby’s authority, reminding her she was merely an acting High Priest and that the true successor had reportedly been found. Ruby asserted her power, ordered her guards to punish the insolent women, who quickly apologized and fled. Ruby then politely asked Tao Junran his name. After he introduced himself as Deng Ran, she commented on his good looks and name, suggesting they move to a quieter place to talk, which he accepted.
