The Dauntless Youths Episode 14 Recap
> The Dauntless Youths Recap
Jiang Wenhuan and the other princes prepared for their journey to Zhongli in search of the immortal elixir. Jiang Wenhuan found the notion of the elixir being in Zhongli suspicious and discussed it with E Shun. E Shun, concealing his past visit to Zhongli, echoed Jiang Wenhuan's doubt, questioning why an ancient holy relic from the Sheng'an era would be hidden in Zhongli, a region that had only recently become part of the Shangshan Sect.
Jiang Wenhuan observed E Shun's habit of staring intently when feeling guilty but assured him of his trust and unwavering support, warning him against hiding anything from his brother. E Shun agreed, and Jiang Wenhuan affirmed his protection. Before departing, Jiang Wenhuan reminded E Shun to return A Si's whip, which E Shun promised to do the next day, intending to apologize to her. A Si thanked Jiang Wenhuan for repairing her father's whip, expressing her fondness for his work.
She then apologized for her family's past misdeeds and their connections to Ningzhou through Quanqin Alley, stating that old grievances should not fall upon her. A Si revealed her decision to return to Ningzhou to uncover the truth of her origins, as detailed in a letter left by her father before his death. Jiang Wenhuan inquired if she was from Tushan Village in Ningzhou, the very place the King had searched for the Holy Relic sixteen years prior.
A Si confirmed that Ningzhou was believed to have the immortal elixir, but Jiang Wenhuan countered that they had received an imperial order to search for it in Zhongli, leaving him perplexed about the elixir's true location. A Si, fearing the bloodshed and chaos that always followed the elixir's appearance, expressed her determination to confront the past that had shadowed her since she barely survived a disaster sixteen years ago, hoping to repay East Lu for its care.
Jiang Wenhuan was impressed by her newfound resolve as she declared her intent to accomplish something significant. As numerous beautiful lanterns floated into the sky, A Si marveled at them. Noticing her delight, Jiang Wenhuan quickly ran to the market to buy a lantern for her. However, by the time he returned, A Si had already left, leaving him with a quiet "Take care." The following day, the princes embarked on their quest.
At the ruined ancestral temple, Jiang Wenhuan reflected on his guilt over the events caused by Ziyu, apologizing to his family and his brother, Jiang Wenfeng. Jiang Wenfeng reminded him of their father's teachings: the Jiang family's duty to protect the world, not for power or wealth, but with unwavering loyalty and courage, even unto death. Jiang Wenfeng recalled his father’s words, emphasizing that the ancestral spirits would continue to guard East Lu.
Jiang Wenfeng referred to Jiang Wenhuan as the sole heir of the Jiang family, a sentiment Jiang Wenhuan humbly corrected, stating that Jiang Wenfeng was the true successor. Jiang Wenhuan playfully suggested postponing a promised "beating" until their reunion, then vowed to find the immortal elixir, earn merits for Shangshan, and restore their ancestral temple.
Jiang Wenfeng then shared more of their father's wisdom about the family's halberd, emphasizing that true strength lay not just in its technique but in the ancestors' courage and loyalty. He presented Jiang Wenhuan with a scarred halberd, symbolizing his acceptance as a true warrior of the Jiang family, and instructed him to discern right from wrong, uphold his principles, and above all, to return safely.
Gongsun Wuyu addressed the elite soldiers of the Prince Camp, stressing that they represented East Lu and must remain united to overcome any obstacles. Jiang Wenhuan, as their leader, pledged to bring every single man back safely. Gongsun Wuyu then pulled Jiang Wenhuan aside for a private warning.
He spoke of the perilous journey ahead and advised him to know when to stop and not become too entangled, reminding him of the Marquis of Ning's downfall and the formidable wrath of the imperial court. He underscored that the entire East Lu stood behind Jiang Wenhuan. Shortly after, the princes passed through the East Lu Pass.
Jiang Wenhuan saw a solitary lantern floating high in the sky and, believing it to be A Si's, called out a promise to meet again, as their paths diverged. The next day, Gongsun Wuyu also prepared to depart, sharing herbal tea with A Si. He promised to ask the King to deploy the Taotie Army to protect the children and offered A Si a coat for the damp capital.
He noted how A Na Shi had grown, reminiscing about their first meeting. A Si stated her departure, and when Gongsun Wuyu inquired about her return to East Lu, clarifying he was concerned about A Na Shi’s medicine supply, A Si simply replied, "When the hibiscus blooms, we'll meet again." Separately, Jiang Wenfeng, observing the early budding hibiscus, chased after A Si as she was leaving and professed his love.
He recounted a near-fatal battle two years prior, during which his only concern was whether she would grieve, forget him, or marry another, which fueled his will to survive. He solemnly reintroduced himself, now thirty-two, an adopted son of the Duke of Dongwu, still unmarried as he awaited her. He passionately declared his desire to marry her grandly, love her, protect her, and care for her child with her, sharing a lifetime together.
He told her she didn't need to answer immediately, but vowed never to give up on her, no matter what she chose to do or where she went. Despite his heartfelt declaration, A Si continued on her journey. E Shun received urgent news that the princes were headed to Zhongli, which he suspected would not be a simple mission.
He instructed Uncle Bing to have Kunwu's sister notified of his return, intending to arrange a meeting as a token of gratitude for Kunwu's past assistance. Uncle Bing voiced concern that a reunion could expose E Shun's identity and his need for a substitute, potentially leaving the Southern Capital vulnerable to opportunistic surrounding states. E Shun acknowledged the risk but felt he owed Kunwu, and since fate had brought Kunwu back to Zhongli, he would not intervene.
Instead, he preferred to facilitate the reunion with his only family, thereby fulfilling a promise. E Shun then inquired about the Kui Fang forces mentioned in Uncle Bing's previous report, but Uncle Bing had found no further clues, noting the individual's secretive movements and their agents' disappearances. The person seemed to be operating between Kui Fang, Ningzhou, and East Lu, indicating a dangerous scheme. E Shun ordered a deeper investigation into Kui Fang, anticipating a difficult journey to Zhongli.
Meanwhile, Gu Xi observed peculiar celestial phenomena, interpreting them as divine warnings. She learned that the Shangshan Prince Camp was coming to Zhongli to seek the immortal elixir. She commented that what was meant to come would indeed come. However, Xian Xuan Ji gravely completed the divination, adding a dire prediction that it was uncertain whether the princes would even reach Zhongli alive. After days of travel, the princes finally encamped by a lake, preparing for rest.
Jiang Wenhuan, E Shun, and others gathered to discuss their next moves. Xin Jia explained Zhongli's prosperity was due to a powerful State Preceptor with immense magical abilities. E Shun, appearing uneasy, then shared what he knew, describing the Shili Lanshan river and recalling a poignant memory of fishing with his father before abruptly stopping. Xin Jia interjected, pointing out that E Shun had missed the main attraction: Zhongli's countless beauties. This sparked excitement and playful banter among the princes.
However, their lighthearted mood was shattered when a thick miasma suddenly filled the forest, causing everyone to collapse, unconscious. Jiang Wenhuan urgently instructed them to cover their mouths and noses, warning of the miasma's toxicity, but it was too late.
