The Dauntless Youths Episode 10 Recap
> The Dauntless Youths Recap
Kunwu found A Si and Jiang Wenhuan in a drunken stupor. Reluctantly, he helped A Si back to her residence. Concerned that Jiang Wenhuan remained at the tavern drinking alone, Kunwu returned to find him sitting disconsolately on the ground, refusing to go home. Jiang Wenhuan lamented that E Shun had shown warmth to A Si but was cold towards him, despite their past friendship and promises.
An elderly man at the tavern offered Jiang Wenhuan wine and advised him that friends should cherish their bond and resolve misunderstandings by talking them through. He emphasized the preciousness of childhood friendships. Jiang Wenhuan expressed his earnest desire to remain friends with E Shun. The following day, Jiang Wenhuan visited the armory, unsure how to approach E Shun.
When Xin Jia informed him that E Shun had been the one to bring him home last night, a wave of gratitude washed over Jiang Wenhuan. He sincerely thanked E Shun for his help. E Shun, however, maintained his aloof demeanor, stating that he acted for the common good, not wanting anyone to be punished due to Jiang Wenhuan's actions.
Later, as everyone was practicing archery, news spread that Chong Yiwu, the Prince of Libei, and his wife would attend the Gaomei Ceremony the next day. This announcement drew everyone's attention to Chong Yibiao. Gongsun Wuyu and Jiang Wenfeng, noting that the ceremony was a minor affair usually attended by envoys, grew suspicious of Chong Yiwu's personal attendance, especially given Donglu's current precarious position. They decided to greet him at the city gates.
Upon their arrival, Chong Yiwu claimed he was there to congratulate them on the ceremony and, more importantly, to visit his brother, Chong Yibiao, subtly questioning if he was unwelcome. Jiang Wenfeng reassured him of a warm welcome and invited him to a welcoming banquet. That evening, A Si, elegantly dressed, arrived at the Prince's camp for the banquet.
Kunwu complimented her radiant appearance, leading to a playful exchange with Jiang Wenhuan, who was teased by A Si about E Shun's indifference towards him. The Princess of the Northern Bohou State captivated the attendees with a performance of the Andai Dance, Libei's most revered dance. Everyone praised her beauty and the mesmerizing dance, with Gongsun Wuyu declaring it an honor for their residence. Only Chong Yibiao sat quietly, clearly troubled.
Chong Yiwu deliberately provoked his brother, asking if he missed his sister-in-law’s dance. Xin Jia attempted to divert the tension by toasting Chong Yiwu, praising his good fortune. Jiang Wenfeng then intervened, suggesting the Princess take her seat as the banquet was underway. E Shun and Jiang Wenfeng, observing Chong Yiwu's behavior, discussed their strategy, with E Shun confident that Chong Yiwu’s deep-seated hatred for his brother would make him predictable.
Chong Yiwu then initiated a toast to E Shun, whom he called "the man who saved my life," recounting how E Shun had saved him when Chong Yibiao had attacked him on his wedding day. E Shun, following prior instructions to be unapologetic, reminded Chong Yiwu of a past warning: if Chong Yiwu were to oppose Chong Yibiao, the South Boh Marquisate would be his enemy forever. E Shun then pointedly asked if Libei's trade route was still open.
Chong Yiwu realized that E Shun had been behind the obstruction of their trade route for years. He taunted E Shun, suggesting his efforts to protect Chong Yibiao were unappreciated and that his kindness was seen as malice. E Shun calmly stated that he only acted according to his own will and promises, regardless of others' opinions, and asserted that as long as the trade route remained closed, Chong Yiwu would struggle to command respect in Libei.
Jiang Wenhuan quickly intervened, urging Chong Yiwu to return to his seat. Unrelenting, Chong Yiwu invoked Libei's highest guest etiquette, demanding E Shun drink three cups from the massive Dragon and Tiger Wine Jue. Guests murmured about the clear attempt to challenge E Shun, knowing his weak constitution. Chong Yiwu taunted E Shun, suggesting his injury had left him unable to drink. E Shun endured two cups, much to Jiang Wenhuan’s worry.
As Chong Yiwu pressured him for the third, Chong Yibiao stepped forward, declaring that Libei's rules allowed for a substitute, and drank the wine himself. He then told Chong Yiwu that his gratitude had been sufficiently expressed. However, Chong Yiwu was not done. He commanded his wife, Xin'er, to toast Chong Yibiao, making insinuations about her affections.
After Xin'er reluctantly offered the cup, Chong Yiwu poured wine on Chong Yibiao, then snatched a handkerchief from Xin'er with Chong Yibiao’s name embroidered on it. He flaunted it to the crowd, accusing his wife and brother of scandalous behavior, calling Xin'er a "bitch" and physically assaulting her. Jiang Wenfeng intervened, reminding Chong Yiwu that such public violence against his wife at a Donglu banquet was inappropriate and disrespectful.
Chong Yiwu dismissed Jiang Wenfeng's concerns, claiming it was a family matter, and continued to verbally abuse Xin'er, disparaging her origins as a mere dancer from the Libei Grassland and calling her and Chong Yibiao "despicable and foul." He then directly insulted Chong Yibiao's mother, calling her a "shameful horse keeper" who used "dirty tricks" to seduce his father, making Chong Yibiao a "bastard" and a "stain" on the Northern Bohou Mansion.
Enraged by the insults to his mother, Chong Yibiao drew his sword. Chong Yiwu further provoked him, asserting that Chong Yibiao had always wanted to kill him for power. Recalling E Shun's selfless act years ago, when he took a blow meant for Chong Yiwu to prevent Chong Yibiao from becoming a fratricide, Chong Yibiao stifled his rage. He cast his sword aside, his gaze firm, stating that Chong Yiwu was not worthy of being killed by him.
Afterwards, Chong Yibiao reflected on E Shun’s letter, which conveyed that E Shun understood Chong Yibiao's youthful frustrations and aspirations. The letter urged Chong Yibiao to break free from the north's constraints, embrace the vast world, and fully realize his ambitions. Chong Yibiao finally understood E Shun's profound intentions, realizing he needed to become powerful to establish his rightful place.
