Sword Snow Stride Episode 19 Recap
> Sword Snow Stride Recap
Xu Fengnian arrived to meet the Lord of Jing'an, adopting a rare polite demeanor as he greeted him as "Uncle." The Lord praised him, noting he was superior to his own son, Zhao Xun, who was then reluctantly made to apologize for their conflict at Chunshen Lake. Xu Fengnian, however, ignored the apology, fixing his gaze on Pei Nanwei, openly complimenting her beauty and asking if she shared a belief in Buddhism.
He promised to send her a bracelet, which she accepted only after the Lord of Jing'an prompted her. Meanwhile, outside, Li Chungang remarked that both the Lord and Xu Fengnian were shrewd, while Lu Qiantang assured Shu Xiu he would prioritize protecting Xu Fengnian over seeking revenge. Inside, the Lord of Jing'an brought up Wang Linquan, whom Xu Fengnian had stayed with on Mushan Island. Xu Fengnian explained that Wang was a senior who had served under his father.
Although the Lord suggested Wang stay longer, Xu Fengnian insisted that as a former North Liang subordinate, Wang must return to North Liang, claiming the decision was his own. He continued to flatter Pei Nanwei, to the Lord's visible annoyance. As the meeting concluded and the Lord of Jing'an's party departed, Xu Fengnian intercepted Pei Nanwei, taking her hand and reiterating his intention to send the bracelet. She pulled away and quickly followed the others.
Once they were gone, Xu Fengnian’s smile vanished, replaced by a grim expression as he mentally replayed the entire encounter, analyzing every word and reaction. Later, Li Chungang and Jiang Ni saw Wang Linquan heading to the Mansion of Lord of Jing'an. They rushed back to inform Xu Fengnian, whose suspicions were aroused. He questioned Wang Chudong about her father's true motives for bringing them to the island so openly.
In a parallel conversation, the Lord of Jing'an explained Xu Xiao's ruthless strategy to Zhao Xun: Wang Linquan's public appearance as a spy was designed to force Qingzhou's hand. To prove to the imperial court that Qingzhou was not allied with North Liang, the Lord of Jing'an would have to annihilate the entire Wang family. Wang Chudong tearfully confirmed Xu Fengnian's fears, admitting her family was always intended to be a sacrifice to ensure his safety.
Refusing to accept his father's cold calculations, Xu Fengnian declared he would forge his own path and returned to Mushan Island to save the Wang family, instructing his companions to remain at the inn. At the Lord of Jing'an's mansion, Wang Linquan arrived, stating he only sought safe passage for Xu Fengnian to travel east. The Lord cryptically responded that if someone leaves, someone must stay.
Wang Linquan offered himself and his entire family, but the Lord insisted that "the whole family" meant no one could be spared, not even his young daughter. Wang Linquan reluctantly agreed. After he left, the Lord of Jing'an harshly berated and physically assaulted Pei Nanwei, accusing her of being charmed by Xu Fengnian. She endured his abuse silently before stating she married him simply because she feared death, then left the room, ignoring Zhao Xun’s concern.
Upon reaching the docks, Xu Fengnian and Wang Chudong discovered Wang Linquan had taken all the boats. Wang Chudong whistled, summoning a giant Yuan from the water. Xu Fengnian, astonished, warned her to keep the creature a secret. As they traveled, Xu Fengnian explained his actions by recounting the story of his poor swordsman friend, Wen Hua, who believed a swordsman's heart must be clean, even if his appearance is not.
Inspired by this, Xu Fengnian refused to sacrifice the Wang family, believing it was the right thing to do, even if it seemed foolish and complicated his own escape. Wang Chudong expressed her admiration, hoping for a future North Liang King who, like him, would not compromise. Arriving at Mushan Island, they found the Wang family preparing to leave for North Liang.
When Wang Linquan appeared, he was shocked to see Xu Fengnian and protested the departure, explaining that Xu Xiao's plan required them to stay and be sacrificed. Xu Fengnian asserted his authority as the future Lord of North Liang, falsely claiming the plan had changed and producing a warrant from his father as proof. He then knocked Wang Linquan unconscious to ensure he was put on the ship.
Xu Fengnian instructed Wang Chudong to lead her family and any survivors of the Lin family to North Liang while he returned to Xiangfan. Back in Xiangfan, Xu Fengnian learned from Wei Shuyang that Pei Nanwei was renowned as the Lord of Jing'an's "most loved person." Seizing the opportunity, Xu Fengnian gave Wei Shuyang the promised bracelet and a note for Pei Nanwei, asking her to meet him in the reed marsh the next afternoon.
At the mansion, the Lord of Jing'an ordered Pei Nanwei to open Xu Fengnian's gift. Just then, Zhao Xun burst in, reporting that the entire Wang family had escaped. The Lord dismissed any pursuit, citing military orders. Noticing Xu Fengnian's note, he instructed Pei Nanwei to go to the reed marsh on his behalf to "see off" the heir of North Liang. He then summoned Zhao Kai from the dungeon, stating that Xu Fengnian had cornered them both.
Zhao Kai confidently assured the Lord he had already gathered men to kill Xu Fengnian, framing it as a personal grudge unrelated to Qingzhou. The Lord of Jing'an approved, revealing the time and location for the ambush: "Tomorrow afternoon. In the reed marsh outside the city."
