The Dauntless Youths Episode 11 Recap
> The Dauntless Youths Recap
The mastermind expressed fury that Chong Yibiao did not carry out the planned murder of Chong Yiwu, deeming Chong Yiwu utterly useless. The next day, the Princess went to Chong Yiwu’s room, bringing calming soup that a general had specially prepared. She found Chong Yiwu dead, screaming that he had been killed, and saw Chong Yibiao holding a bloody knife. The incident caused a stir, with many believing Chong Yibiao was the culprit.
However, Jiang Wenhuan appeared in court, firmly asserting Chong Yibiao's innocence. He logically presented several inconsistencies, asking who had actually witnessed Chong Yibiao wielding the sword. He pointed out that while the "Blade of Valor" was unique, its mark could be imitated. He challenged the officials, stating that everyone present in the residence was a potential suspect, and even highlighted their own reasons for disliking Chong Yiwu.
Jiang Wenfeng, acknowledging that insufficient evidence could not lead to a conclusion, and recognizing the incident as a provocation to Donglu, appointed Jiang Wenhuan with full authority to investigate the case and uncover the true killer before the High Sacrifice. He also requested the officials to remain in the Marquis’s residence for a few more days to assist with the investigation, while Chong Yibiao was taken to the dungeon.
Later, Gongsun Wuyu discussed the matter with Jiang Wenfeng, agreeing that the incident was not only linked to Donglu but also targeted the Princes Guard. Meanwhile, a black-clad man reported to the mastermind that he had killed Chong Yiwu and successfully framed Chong Yibiao. He then reminded the mastermind to honor the agreement made with the old Marquis, asking for his freedom as he was too weak for the upcoming High Sacrifice.
The mastermind assured him that the promise would be kept. In the dungeon, Jiang Wenhuan, Xin Jia, and E Shun visited Chong Yibiao, all convinced of his innocence. Xin Jia expressed concern, asking if he was harmed or tortured, and affirmed Chong Yibiao’s honorable nature, stating he would never resort to fratricide.
Chong Yibiao, initially dismissive of their help, eventually shared his account: he had received a message about his father's serious illness and Chong Yiwu’s intention to kill him to prevent his return to Libei. Anxious, he rushed to confront Chong Yiwu, still carrying his sword. He found his brother already dead and was then discovered by the Princess. He believed the message was a trap set by the real killer to frame him.
When asked about the unique features of the "Blade of Valor," Chong Yibiao explained that it was made of cold Xuantong from the North Pole, causing blood to freeze and burst upon impact, resulting in minimal immediate bleeding but severe tissue damage hours later. Jiang Wenhuan deduced from Chong Yiwu’s clean wounds that the real weapon was a forged replica. This suggested the killer was someone familiar with Donglu.
Following this lead, Jiang Wenhuan, Xin Jia, and E Shun headed to Kunquan Alley. A Si, who had previously offered help, was waiting there and led them to Uncle Guishou, the most renowned smith in the alley. Jiang Wenhuan showed Uncle Guishou a drawing of the sword. Despite A Si’s insistence and a threat about implicating Kunquan Alley, Uncle Guishou swore on his reputation that he had never seen such a weapon.
However, after they left, Uncle Guishou secretly instructed a worker to deliver a message to someone. Jiang Wenhuan, suspecting a trick after seeing the worker’s nervous reaction to the drawing, observed them. As the worker sneaked into a back alley, Jiang Wenhuan, Xin Jia, and E Shun intercepted him.
The worker confessed that a few days prior, a person wearing a hooded cloak with an injured left foot (a cripple) had commissioned a strange knife and that he was now going to deliver a message to that same lame person as per his master's instruction. Jiang Wenhuan discovered the note was blank, realizing it was a diversion. When they returned to the smithy, Uncle Guishou was gone.
Jiang Wenhuan deduced that the killer must still be within Kunquan Alley and tasked A Si with finding any suspicious lame individuals. Returning home, A Si asked her father if there had been any limping people in their household recently. Her father mentioned the backyard steward had sprained his right foot, making him limp. A Si, however, had specifically been told the culprit had a left foot injury, confirming her father's lie.
The mastermind, speaking with A Si’s father, revealed his plan to have Chong Yibiao commit suicide, thereby eliminating evidence and leaving the Duke of Beibo without heirs. Later, the Princess came to the dungeon with horse milk wine and mutton, asking Jiang Wenhuan to deliver them to Chong Yibiao, as it was his birthday. She passionately declared her belief in Chong Yibiao's innocence. Inside, Chong Yibiao remembered seeing a glowing night pearl under Chong Yiwu’s bed.
He knew Chong Yiwu hated such items, considering them evil, and wondered why it would be there. The group quickly deduced the significance: a night pearl was a valuable item in Donglu, meaning the killer must be rich or noble. Jiang Wenhuan reassured Chong Yibiao to rest, promising to handle the investigation. Meanwhile, E Shun, taking daily medicine for his ailing health, made a decision.
Believing the Duke of Beibo would never let Chong Yibiao inherit, even after Chong Yiwu’s death, E Shun instructed his subordinate to send a message to Libei, proposing to open trade routes at Xichuan and Beshan to the Duke of Beibo if he would delay any action against Chong Yibiao until the truth was found.
His servant questioned the gravity of opening trade routes for Chong Yibiao, but E Shun explained that despite his own physical state, he and Chong Yibiao shared a profound pact. He admitted to once hating Chong Yibiao but also remembered a past conversation where he encouraged Chong Yibiao to explore the world beyond their small tent, asserting that Chong Yibiao's strength as the bravest warrior on the grasslands could not be diminished by his father or brother.
On Chong Yibiao’s birthday, E Shun, drinking mare’s milk wine, privately toasted Chong Yibiao, wishing him well and expressing that after this drink, their complex relationship would be settled. In his drunken state, he stuttered, revealing his desire to be friends with Chong Yibiao.
