Cry Me A River of Stars Episode 18 Recap
> Cry Me A River of Stars Recap
Following Ruby's ill-conceived plan, a mudslide struck during the construction of a new reservoir, tragically burying both the workers and the structure itself. Upon learning of the disaster, A Fan and Tao Junran immediately sought out Lian Qi to strategize a solution. A Fan explained that the relentless heavy rainfall had caused an incessant flow of sand and rocks into the river below, leading to a dangerous rise in water levels.
This, in turn, eroded the hills further, creating a dangerous cycle. She proposed mobilizing hundreds of skilled swimmers to clear the river's silt and then digging new tributary channels to divert the water into a basin. Lian Qi, however, expressed concern, noting the ongoing heavy rain, dim light, and rapid, unpredictable currents, deeming it too hazardous for people to enter the water.
A Fan countered by suggesting the use of large ships to tether the swimmers with strong ropes, allowing them to work in pairs and be pulled back to safety every half-hour. When pressed by Lian Qi about the likelihood of success, A Fan admitted she couldn't be certain without further study. She requested time to research and draft a detailed diversion diagram.
She then consulted Manager Bai about the largest ships available, learning there were two "Nine masts, 12 sails" vessels. Lian Qi agreed to deploy people for silt removal while urging A Fan to complete the most viable diagram as quickly as possible. A Fan, aided by Tao Junran, worked through the night on the plans. Tao Junran cared for A Fan, offering her food and encouraging her to rest, while playfully shooing away a child who offered to help.
A Fan later instructed Manager Bai to make copies of the completed diagrams for the workers to follow. Following general praise for A Fan's success, Tao Junran playfully remarked on her constant mask-wearing. A Fan explained her face was "too ugly" and she didn't want to scare people, though Tao Junran reassured her that external beauty was superficial.
Her attendants, overhearing, rushed in to warn her not to remove the mask, explaining that a severe allergy from a previous competition meant she must avoid wind and water or her condition would worsen. Soon after, Manager Bai reported to A Fan that over 1,700 buckets of silt had been removed, and the water level had indeed dropped, exciting A Fan. Elsewhere, Ruby’s attendant informed her of the declining water levels.
Lian Qi, pleased with the progress, praised A Fan to another manager, acknowledging her unexpected capabilities and her lineage as the former High Priest's daughter. Ruby, however, was consumed by jealousy. Expressing her resentment that everyone favored A Fan, her attendant tried to reassure her, dismissing A Fan's success as mere luck and questioning how someone without flood management experience could succeed so smoothly. Ruby, contemplating this, agreed that such a significant undertaking couldn't be without obstacles.
Later, Lian Qi discovered Ruby's attempt to sabotage the newly dug channels, stopping her men. He confronted Ruby, expressing his deep disappointment and questioning how she could endanger the lives of all citizens out of envy. Ruby stammered, unable to offer a coherent explanation. Lian Qi declared that after the flood, he would report her actions to all the managers for their deliberation, advising her to reflect on her conduct.
With the rain finally ceasing and the diversion efforts proving successful, the people of Azureland rejoiced, chanting A Fan’s name and hailing her as their High Priestess, thanking her for ending the flood. Lian Qi then addressed the jubilant crowd, promising that the national treasury would cover all housing repairs and that further reconstruction plans would be discussed the following day. Afterward, Tao Junran approached A Fan, noting that with the rain stopped, the flooded exit would soon be cleared.
He then proposed that A Fan abandon everything in Azureland to elope with him, a man wanted by the Midland. A Fan, deeply moved, readily agreed, asking when they would leave. Tao Junran replied, "As soon as the roads are clear," confirming it would be a secret departure. As they prepared to leave, Lian Qi appeared, revealing he had been waiting for them. He confronted Tao Junran, confirming his true identity as a Midland traitor.
A fight ensued, with A Fan desperately trying to stop them. Lian Qi, despite being wounded, urged A Fan to come to his side, warning her that Tao Junran was a traitor and following him would put her in grave danger. A Fan, undeterred, declared her unwavering love and readiness to face any hardship with Tao Junran, stating she didn't care about the Midland's laws.
Lian Qi questioned her commitment to Azureland, to which A Fan defiantly stated she had never voluntarily returned and held no ambition to lead its people; her sole desire was to be with Tao Junran. She asserted that even if forced to stay, she would never faithfully serve as the High Priestess. Suddenly, cries of "Murder!" erupted, as black-clad men began attacking the market, indiscriminately killing people. A dying man implored Lian Qi to avenge him and the victims.
Lian Qi received word that the attackers were from Midland and ordered his men to the market. He warned Tao Junran to protect A Fan. As the men in black swarmed the area, their leader declared, "No one lives. Kill all of them." Lian Qi confronted them, demanding to know their identity and purpose. The leader, without revealing his name, simply ordered his men to capture everyone.
Amidst the chaos, A Fan became separated from Tao Junran, who promised to return for her. A young boy, Nanshan, caught in the chaos, prayed for protection. An elder rallied the traumatized Azureland citizens, fueling their collective rage and calling for the capture of the invaders, even at the cost of their own lives. During the fierce battle, Lian Qi’s men were captured, and A Fan went missing.
One of the captured men in black, when questioned about his mastermind, subtly indicated Tao Junran. This led Lian Qi to confront Tao Junran again, accusing him of orchestrating the attack. Tao Junran vehemently denied it, arguing that a mere glance was not enough to incriminate him. He pledged to find the true culprit and clear his name. One of Tao Junran's subordinates, captured or wounded, apologized to Tao Junran for their incompetence, acknowledging that it had implicated him.
When Tao Junran reiterated his innocence and emphasized the urgency of finding A Fan, Lian Qi remained skeptical, demanding revenge for his people. He gave Tao Junran an ultimatum: find A Fan, uncover the real mastermind, and prove his innocence, for this was his final chance. Meanwhile, A Fan regained consciousness to find Yun Jiayu beside her. She inquired about Tao Junran and Lian Qi.
Yun Jiayu claimed he had rescued her from the men in black while she was unconscious, but could not help the others. A Fan, worried, tried to leave to find Tao Junran, but Yun Jiayu stopped her, assuring her of Tao Junran's safety. He feigned reluctance to reveal more, citing concerns for her safety, but A Fan pressed him for answers. Yun Jiayu then began his manipulative narrative, asking A Fan if she remembered the plague at Cloud County.
He suggested it was a deliberate act, not a natural disaster, designed to expose her identity as the High Priest's daughter. He implied that someone stood to gain immensely from the chaos and subsequent fame. A Fan cautiously asked if he was referring to Tao Junran. She initially refused to believe it, questioning why Tao Junran would have saved her then.
Yun Jiayu persisted, falsely claiming that Tao Junran had entered Azureland solely to capture her and gain favor with the court, making him responsible for the deaths of the Azureland people. A Fan was distraught, accusing him of framing Tao Junran. As "proof," Yun Jiayu presented a marriage certificate between Tao Junran and Yun He'an.
Yun Jiayu continued his deception, claiming that despite Tao Junran being his brother-in-law, he was compelled to reveal the truth to A Fan, whom he considered a dear friend, so she wouldn't be further used. He painted Tao Junran's actions as purely self-serving, for his career. A Fan, overwhelmed and in denial, repeatedly cried, "I don't believe you. It's impossible."
Heartbroken and enraged by Yun Jiayu's insidious lies, A Fan rushed back to the mansion, passing through the devastated market filled with grieving families. She confronted Tao Junran, who was distressed by her appearance and injuries. Holding up the marriage certificate, she demanded to know if he was married. Tao Junran, shocked by the document, stammered, unable to respond clearly.
A Fan, confronting him with the certificate and the captive's accusation, furiously demanded to know if he expected her to believe him. Tao Junran desperately tried to explain that he had been coerced by threats against Cao Qing's life, forced to marry Yun He'an. But A Fan, beyond reason, pulled out a dagger and stabbed him, collapsing in tears as she declared that she never wanted to see him again. Tao Junran fell, wounded, as Lian Qi's men arrived and took him into custody.
