The Blooms At Ruyi Pavilion Episode 19 Recap
> The Blooms At Ruyi Pavilion Recap
Fu Rong returned home, much to the relief of her family. Her father, Fu Pin Yan, was so grateful for her safety that he considered his three-month salary fine a small price to pay. Fu Rong, however, felt guilty, knowing Duke Su, Xu Jin, was confined and being punished by the Emperor for helping her. Her keen-eyed sister, Fu Xuan, had already discerned Xu Jin's deep affection for Fu Rong.
When pressed, Fu Rong admitted she and Xu Jin shared mutual feelings. However, with her master Liu Ru Yi's murder still unsolved, both of them facing imperial punishment, and Liu Ru Yi's funeral arrangements looming, Fu Rong decided that any thoughts of their relationship would have to wait. Later, Fu Xuan was startled in the courtyard by a figure vaulting over the wall: Wu Baiqi on another unannounced visit.
He insisted on the clandestine entry, finding it more exciting and less awkward than interrupting her family's reunion. He persuaded Fu Xuan to accompany him to Feng Lai Yi to examine ledgers, as he was too busy during the day. Despite her worries about the late hour, Wu Baiqi reassured her, offering to carry her over the wall.
Fu Xuan initially found the idea ridiculous, but once Wu Baiqi was carrying her across the rooftops, she embraced the thrill of their adventure. At Feng Lai Yi, while Wu Baiqi watched, Fu Xuan meticulously reviewed the ledgers and quickly identified discrepancies. Records showed a single transaction with Yongzou Music for 2,000 taels, but the final account indicated 4,000 taels, suggesting unrecorded dealings. Fu Xuan questioned how transactions could occur without his official seal, hinting at deeper hidden problems.
Wu Baiqi conceded that the accessible ledgers were likely copies made by Ji Qing Ting, making it difficult to uncover the full truth. As Liu Ru Yi’s body was prepared for burial, Duke An arrived, expressing his regret to Fu Rong for always arriving "one step behind" when she needed help. While examining Liu Ru Yi's clothing, Fu Rong noticed a silk thread identical to one she had seen on Xu Jin's sleeve in Hu Village.
She questioned Gu Yuan, who reluctantly revealed that on the day of the murder, Liu Ru Yi had instructed her to leave because Duke Su was visiting, and to keep his visit a secret from everyone, including Fu Rong. Heartbroken, Fu Rong recalled her last, harsh words disowning her master, and her guilt intensified. Consumed by grief and suspicion, she vowed to uncover the truth and seek vengeance if Xu Jin was the killer.
On the rainy day of Liu Ru Yi’s burial, Fu Rong swore to avenge her master. Realizing a witness might exist, she found a farmer she had previously encountered near Ruyi Pavilion. The man recalled seeing a handsome, noble-looking man in white leaving the pavilion that day, appearing hurried and with bloodstains on his clothes. He also noted the man possessed martial arts skills.
This testimony, combined with the silk thread and her memory of Xu Jin's injured arm, solidified Fu Rong's conviction that Xu Jin was responsible for Liu Ru Yi's death. She resolved to ask Duke An for help with her plan for revenge. The Emperor intended for Xu Jin to marry the Princess of Xihe, but Xu Jin adamantly refused, requesting instead to marry Fu Rong.
He knelt before the palace gates for a full night, enduring the harsh sun despite his injuries. Observing his son's resolve, and subtly persuaded by Duke An that granting the wish was the best course of action, the Emperor relented. However, citing Fu Rong's common status and troublesome reputation, he decreed she could only be appointed as Duke Su’s concubine, not his principal wife. The imperial decree was delivered to the Fu Residence.
While her mother was distressed, Fu Rong accepted, insisting that marrying the man she loved was what mattered and that she would never allow herself to be mistreated. Determined to honor her, Xu Jin sent lavish betrothal gifts, far surpassing what was typical for a concubine. Wu Baiqi explained to the Fu family that despite the decree, in Xu Jin's heart, Fu Rong was his only wife. Afterward, Wu Baiqi snuck back over the wall to meet Fu Xuan.
He reassured her of Xu Jin’s sincerity and his intention to eventually elevate Fu Rong's status. They then discussed the Feng Lai Yi ledgers. Learning from Wu Baiqi that the true books were hidden, Fu Xuan whispered a cunning plan to him, confident it would force Ji Qing Ting to reveal them.
Fu Rong visited the now-closed Ruyi Pavilion, where she met Gu Yuan, who informed her that Duke Su had arranged for her to move into his residence to continue serving Fu Rong. Gu Yuan then presented Fu Rong with a magnificent phoenix crown, meticulously handcrafted by Liu Ru Yi as a wedding surprise. Overwhelmed with guilt, Fu Rong recalled her last cruel words to her master, who had treated her like family for over a decade.
The memory strengthened her resolve for vengeance. The wedding procession moved from the Fu Residence to Duke Su’s Residence. In the main hall, guests gathered; the Princess of Xihe fumed over the grand banquet for a mere concubine, Duke Cheng drank heartily, and Duke An thoughtfully adjusted his thumb ring, a quiet signal that a plan was in motion. Inside the bridal chamber, Xu Jin entered and gently lifted Fu Rong's veil.
When she noted a concubine was forbidden to wear a phoenix crown, Xu Jin disregarded the custom, tenderly placing it on her head. In that moment, Fu Rong declared, "A life for a life!" and plunged a dagger into his chest. He gripped her hand, his expression etched with pain as he asked her why.
Pushing her hand to drive the dagger deeper, Xu Jin asked if she truly believed he had killed Liu Ru Yi and had married him solely for revenge. Fu Rong accused him of hiding his visit to her master on the day of the murder and cited the farmer's testimony and the silk thread as proof. Xu Jin admitted to fighting Liu Ru Yi but insisted she was alive when he left to rescue Fu Rong.
He looked at her intently, asking one last time if she believed him, stating his acceptance of the blade was "not to repay a life, but to repay a love." He argued that if he were a murderer, he would have silenced Gu Yuan, not brought her into his home. After wiping the blood from his chest and changing his clothes, Xu Jin appeared in the main hall.
The Princess of Xihe glared at his pale face, while Duke An congratulated him on his new appointment as Chief Commander of the Imperial Guards. When Duke Cheng tried to force a full jug of wine on him, Wu Baiqi intervened. Citing the effects of the wine, Xu Jin excused himself from the banquet, leaving his aide to entertain the guests and a palpable tension hanging in the air.
