The Autumn Ballad Episode 29 Recap
> The Autumn Ballad Recap
Liang Yi's servants observe his unusual anger, prompting one to note he "needs to vent" and won't feel better for months. Song Jin understands the reason: Qiu Yan is leaving the next day. He urges Liang Yi not to avoid her, pointing out that spending more time with her, despite the pain of parting, is better than regretting not seeing her. Song Jin even states he would "cuff her to my side" if his loved one were leaving.
Despite Song Jin's encouragement, Liang Yi rushed back to his residence, only to be informed that Qiu Yan had already left early in the morning without any companions, contrary to their agreement to leave tomorrow. Dejected, he searched for her, but finding no trace, he returned to his residence, only to discover Qiu Yan still there. Overjoyed, he embraces her, and Song Jin discreetly closes the door.
They spend a tender night together, during which Qiu Yan expresses her profound admiration for Liang Yi, stating she loves how he always knows what he wants and perseveres for his goals, even "despite being lambasted by everyone." She shares that growing up, no one taught her a woman's value beyond being a wife or mother, until Liang Yi took her to meet Mr. Lu, who said she had a gift for writing crime fiction.
This moment made her realize her life's true purpose was not to be defined by a man, but to be "Qiu Yan," her authentic self. She explains how her mother and maternal aunt had their names forgotten, only remembered as "Qiu's wife" on tombstones, and she doesn't want such a life. Liang Yi, she says, showed her a future where she isn't "someone else's accessory" but remembered by her chosen name through her stories.
Liang Yi reciprocates, recalling their first meeting six years prior when she was a "little girl" with bold ambitions to travel. He remembers telling her then about the need for independence, skills like reading, and managing money. Now, seeing she has achieved all that, he admits, "I can never keep you." He fully supports her decision, making her promise that if she ever feels "tired" or "misses home," she should let him know.
He promises to wait for her, anticipating the day he opens his door to find his "mischievous, sharp-witted, and cheeky Qiu Yan." Though Qiu Yan worries about him waiting "several years" for her uncertain return, Liang Yi asserts, "You don't get to decide." He vows to see her off the next day, insisting, "Before the sunset tomorrow, you're still my Su Yiwan."
Yuan Lang, having recently been outmaneuvered by Liang Yi, returns home to face his subordinate's remark that they are now "the laughing stocks in the Imperial Court." Yuan Lang remains defiant, recalling how he previously failed to "outwit Liang Yi" and had to "lay low for three years," asserting that this temporary loss means nothing as "no one knows who will get the last laugh."
Soon after, an assassin ambushes Yuan Lang, not to kill him, but to deliver a missive. The note states, "I can eliminate Liang Yi but I require your assistance, Official Yuan. If you are intent to help me, wait for my order." His subordinate expresses surprise that someone else in the Imperial Court is capable of making such a bold claim against Liang Yi.
Despite the mystery surrounding the sender's identity, the subordinate advises Yuan Lang that "whoever this person is, our enemy's enemy is our friend." The next morning, Qiu Yan wakes before Liang Yi. As he prepares to attend court, she notices a seam undone on his clothing. Teasingly, Liang Yi assumes her immersion in "novel reading" means she knows nothing of "needlework," but Qiu Yan confidently replies, "Don't you underestimate me, Lord Liang. It's just to sew it shut.
Nothing too challenging," asserting her ability to do "what women can do" despite her ambition to do "what men can do." Liang Yi then offers to "take a day off today" to spend more time with her. Qiu Yan playfully chides him, asking if she is a "seductress who leads her spouse to the wrong path" by making him forgo duty. Liang Yi promises to "hurry back here" after the morning meeting.
As he leaves, he gives her a key, stating, "I'll give you the key," and when she asks "What if I lose it?" , he replies, "Then you'll wear it forever," implying it's a symbolic token of their bond. While Liang Yi is at court, Qiu Yan prepares a meal in the kitchen.
Madam Jin joins her, offering to help, and then reveals she knows Qiu Yan's true identity, having recognized her from a play at the Heming Building, where she was with Qin Xuan. She recalls Qiu Yan's "daredevil" act of impersonating a maid in front of Noble Consort. Qiu Yan apologizes for her deception, but Madam Jin reassures her, acknowledging that Liang Yi's intention was to protect her, a "daughter of an incriminated minister."
Madam Jin states that despite the deception, the "feelings you two have for each other are not fake," recognizing Qiu Yan's genuine affection for her and Liang Yi. She gently reminds Qiu Yan of her previous promise not to leave Liang Yi, but then quotes, "The coo of a caged bird does not compare to the chirp of a forest fowl. You belong to the sky.
You shouldn't be chained to a house till your inexorable end," signaling her full support for Qiu Yan's aspirations. She firmly tells Qiu Yan, "Wherever you go, as long as I still live, the Liang Residence will always welcome you." Madam Jin then teaches Qiu Yan how to cook Liang Yi's favorite dish, bamboo shoot soup with cured pork. Liang Yi returns home with unusual haste, eager to spend more time with Qiu Yan and taste the meal she prepared.
Qiu Yan proudly presents a bowl of bamboo shoot soup, noting Madam Jin taught her. Liang Yi praises it as "delicious" and "very umami," even after Qiu Yan admits she "must have used salt instead of sugar for the final seasoning," making it "so salty." He insists on drinking it, claiming, "I like it salty.
That way, I won't forget about your cooking," despite Qiu Yan's attempts to stop him, calling him "dumb" for continuing to drink the "too briny" soup. He then adds, "If I don't, I won't be able to have it anymore." Later, in the garden, Qiu Yan points out a unique bougainvillea, a tribute from a foreign nation, that thrives in the sun unlike other plants.
Liang Yi teases her, saying he thought she "only know the torture tools in the Firewood Office by heart." He then explains that his father used to tend these flowers, but he hasn't had the time since taking over the Firewood Office. Liang Yi reassures her that the garden will be maintained just as she first saw it.
As he prunes a branch, he explains that "pruning new branches encourages the plant to grow" and "is trading a short term pain for a long term gain," a metaphor for their parting. Liang Yi, masking his sorrow to ease Qiu Yan's departure, takes her to the bustling Sifang Street market, where they appear to be a loving couple. As evening descends, they head towards the city gate. Liang Yi returns her folding fan.
Qiu Yan reflects on the fan's inscription: "Alas, the norm binds us so. I long to spread my wing and travel far," noting it expresses Qu Yuan's lamentation for restricted freedom and longing to "fly away like a bird." She admits she was once envious of Liang Yi, believing he lived such a life. Liang Yi responds, "And now, it's my turn to be envious," before telling her, "Go.
The wagon will bring you wherever you want to go," and affirming, "I will give you anything you want," acknowledging her desire for freedom. Qingdai then appears, revealing she "asked Lord Liang to persuade First Madam to release me" so she could accompany Qiu Yan, citing the dangers of the world and the "strength in numbers." As Qiu Yan and Qingdai depart in the carriage, Liang Yi watches them go.
That night, alone in his room, Liang Yi is consumed by memories of Qiu Yan. Her voice echoes in his mind, recalling her past assertions about the unequal treatment of men and women, her belief that "just because I used tricks doesn't mean the feeling isn't real," and her desire to choose her own path rather than being defined by marriage.
She envisions a future where "all women can study, work as government officials, own a business, or open a shop like men can," and expresses her fervent wish to be remembered by her chosen name, "not as someone else's wife, but as my true authentic self." Overwhelmed, Liang Yi collapses, weeping, as these memories flood him. Qin Xuan reports for duty as the Ministry of War Imperial Guard.
Other officials are gossiping about a tricky robbery case involving Northern Liang merchants, noting that no one wants to handle it. They remark that if handled well, he'd be accused of siding with Northern Liang, but if mishandled, Northern Liang would cause trouble. An official greets Qin Xuan, inquiring about his father, Duke Ying's health, and the delay of his marriage to the Empyrean Fairy due to her mourning period.
Qin Xuan then asks about the unclaimed Northern Liang robbery case. The official advises him against taking it, explaining that although no lives were lost when Northern Liang merchants were robbed by bandits near the suburb, the incident is sensitive because Dashuo and Northern Liang are currently in peace negotiations. Any mishandling could offend Northern Liang and jeopardize the hard-won "trade deals." Despite the warning, Qin Xuan volunteers to take on the case.
Qiu Min visits Qin Xuan at the Ministry of War, bringing him fruits and snacks, concerned he might be too busy to eat. Qin Xuan, however, coldly rejects her offerings, stating he is "not hungry" and has "work to do." He also declines a handmade perfume pouch containing a "safety talisman," asserting, "If no one is plotting something against me, I will be safe."
Qiu Min then informs him that Qiu Yan sent word two days prior that she was leaving the capital to travel, and that Liang Yi even sent Song Jin to the Qiu Residence to arrange for Qingdai to accompany her. Qin Xuan expresses surprise that "Liang Yi didn't ask her to stay?"
Qiu Min replies that "no one can stop Qiu Yan when she decides to do something," concluding that Qiu Yan chose "neither me nor Liang Yi" because she "loves herself the most." Qin Xuan, accepting the news, states, "I will make a name for myself and she'll hear it wherever she goes," indicating his determination to prove himself.
A subordinate then advises Qiu Min not to visit the government office regularly, as it might make Qin Xuan appear "pampering" to others. Later, while Liang Yi is flying a long-string kite that Qiu Yan made for Madam Jin, a messenger from Mr. Zhan arrives. The messenger reports that Mr. Zhan, critically ill, had a sudden rally that morning and urgently requested to see Liang Yi, claiming he had vital information regarding the truth of Liang Yi's father's death.
Liang Yi immediately suspects foul play, noting his father's death, attributed to Duke Lu accidentally shooting his horse, always felt suspicious, especially since the Vice Minister of Justice is Duke Lu's nephew. Rushing to Mr. Zhan's residence, Liang Yi discovers both Mr. Zhan and the messenger dead from stabbings. His subordinate reports that a neighboring farmer found the bodies an hour prior and alerted the Fengjing Prefecture.
The Fengjing Prefecture concluded it was a "violent break-in" due to the ransacked home and stolen valuables. However, Liang Yi dismisses this as a ruse, pointing out Mr. Zhan's old age and infirmity would prevent resistance. He believes the killer deliberately staged the robbery to prevent him from hearing Mr. Zhan's revelation, and with the entire Zhan family now deceased, the Fengjing Prefecture will likely close the case hastily.
Liang Yi's subordinate agrees the timing is "too coincidental," reinforcing Liang Yi's conviction that there is "more to my father's death." Liang Yi decides they must investigate the case themselves and orders his subordinate to find out who had contact with Mr. Zhan or his servant that day, deducing the killer must have learned of Mr. Zhan's impromptu decision to reveal the truth. Qin Xuan, having accepted the Northern Liang robbery case, studies a map marking the bandits' recent activities.
A servant informs him that Qiu Min has brought him warm clothes due to yesterday's rain. Qin Xuan dismisses her. Beixue then explains that the bandits frequently operate near the feet of Huilong Mountain, a remote shortcut to Northern Liang, suggesting they must have a secret hideout for rest and stashing goods. Qin Xuan wonders where this could be. Qiu Min, who had remained nearby, interjects, claiming she knows the location.
She recounts that during Song Jin's search for the Empyrean Fairy, he investigated Huilong Mountain, where she observed many interconnected caves that would make a "perfect hideout." She even offers to show Qin Xuan the place. Beixue initially doubts the bandits' ability to establish a mountain base, but then considers Qiu Min's suggestion plausible.
However, Qin Xuan refutes Qiu Min, stating that the caves are connected to a subterranean stream and would be flooded during the current rainy season, making them unsuitable as a hideout. He sharply tells Qiu Min, "If you don't know anything, don't offer your opinion."
