The Flame's Daughter Episode 12 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
After Yu Zihan’s meeting with the emperor, Lie Ruge observed that his condition had worsened significantly. Concerned, she inquired with Eunuch Liu about who else Yu Zihan had met besides His Majesty. Eunuch Liu, initially hesitant, revealed that the banquet was a mere pretense to conceal Yu Zihan’s grave illness, and that Yu Zihan had met His Majesty and Yin Xue in the Imperial Bookroom.
He also mentioned that Yin Xue had become quite devitalized after examining Yu Zihan and had returned to his chambers to rest. Despite warnings about Yin Xue’s noble status, Lie Ruge insisted that Eunuch Liu lead her to him. Upon her arrival, Yin Xue greeted Lie Ruge playfully, asking if she missed him. Lie Ruge, however, was in no mood for jokes and sternly questioned him about Yu Zihan’s examination and any other actions he might have taken.
Seeing Lie Ruge's concern for Yu Zihan, Yin Xue, consumed by jealousy, pulled her into a forceful kiss. Lie Ruge struggled to push him away, tears streaming down her face. Yin Xue, feeling accused, noted her deep affection for Yu Zihan, referencing the banquet where Yu Zihan had prevented her from toasting Yin Xue and claimed they were to marry. Lie Ruge denied suspecting him, explaining Yu Zihan's sudden and severe symptoms, including vomiting blood and weak breathing.
She tearfully emphasized her lifelong bond with Yu Zihan, who she considered like an older brother, and expressed her profound fear that he might never wake up. She stated that her trust in Yin Xue was the very reason she had come to him. Yin Xue then revealed that Yu Zihan was afflicted with the Chill Spell.
He admitted that he had stimulated the spell with his internal energy, causing Yu Zihan’s severe symptoms, and while Yu Zihan would wake up, he would soon die. Yin Xue asserted that the spell was incurable, unlike a poison. Lie Ruge challenged this, believing that all things in the world have their countermeasures and no spell is truly unbreakable. Yin Xue, acknowledging her intelligence, conceded that only he could cure Yu Zihan, though he initially implied it would harm him.
Lie Ruge immediately stated she would find another way, valuing his life. Seeing her distress, Yin Xue admitted he had been teasing her and, given his sect's abilities, he could indeed save anyone. Lie Ruge, with tears still in her eyes, tearfully begged him. Yin Xue agreed, but on one condition: Lie Ruge must accompany him to a special place.
Yin Xue investigated the Mystical Icy Cup, discovering it was the source of Yu Zihan's Chill Spell, an offering from Prince Jingxian to the emperor. Lie Ruge suggested using it as evidence to expose Prince Jingxian’s plot to the emperor once Yu Zihan recovered. Yin Xue explained that the cup, having cast the spell, was now just an ordinary item and could not serve as proof.
He further revealed that Yu Zihan's delicate constitution was due to his mother being repeatedly poisoned during pregnancy by envious individuals, resulting in a disabled child. His leg paralysis, Yin Xue added, stemmed from being pushed off a horse by a maidservant when he was young. To protect him from further palace persecution, the emperor had sent young Yu Zihan to Flaming Manor.
Yin Xue commented on the schemes inherent in royal power and suggested that the only way to avoid such perils was to abandon everything and distance oneself from the imperial court and the martial world. Yin Xue then instructed Lie Ruge and Xuanhuang to leave, as he needed to personally treat Yu Zihan. Lie Ruge, trusting him, complied. Meanwhile, in Dark River Palace, Dao Wuxia discussed Yin Xue's decision regarding Yu Zihan with An Ye Luo.
An Ye Luo stated that either outcome would benefit them: if Yin Xue failed to save Yu Zihan, the ensuing chaos in the government would be an opportune moment for them to act. If Yin Xue succeeded, his internal energy would be severely depleted, making him vulnerable for assassination. Dao Liexiang, having followed her brother, was discovered by the Dark River Palace members.
Dao Wuxia desperately pleaded with An Ye Luo to spare his sister, emphasizing his responsibility for raising her after their parents' early death. An Ye Luo proposed that Zhan Feng marry Dao Liexiang. He argued that such a marriage would enhance Zhan Feng's reputation in the martial world and strengthen his claim to inherit Flaming Manor, while also binding Dao Liexiang's loyalty through family ties. Yin Xue used his internal energy to stabilize Yu Zihan's life.
When Yu Zihan awoke, Yin Xue explained that the Chill Spell was a trap set by An Ye Luo, the leader of Dark River Palace, to exhaust Yin Xue's power and then eliminate him. Yu Zihan, realizing he was a pawn in their scheme, questioned why Yin Xue would take such a risk for him, given their limited acquaintance. Yin Xue candidly stated that it was all for Lie Ruge’s sake, knowing she would beg him for help.
He further explained that even if he chose not to save Yu Zihan, Yu Zihan's death would still plunge the court and martial world into chaos, benefiting Dark River Palace. Thus, Dark River Palace would profit either way. However, for Lie Ruge's sake, Yin Xue declared he would not let Yu Zihan die without a fight, and they would have to work together.
As they prepared to leave the prince's manor, Yin Xue gave instructions: he told Xuanhuang to loudly gather rare medicinal ingredients according to a prescription, and ordered Huang Cong to extensively publicize the strengthened defenses of the prince's manor throughout Luoyang. Lie Ruge then said her goodbyes to Yu Zihan, explaining she was leaving to find the special medicinal ingredients and would return in three days.
She tried to return a jade thumb ring to him, but Yu Zihan revealed it was his late mother's keepsake and insisted Lie Ruge keep it for added protection. He then tied the ring to her waist with a red thread. Yu Zihan expressed his reluctance to cause trouble for her or for her to beg others for his sake, but Lie Ruge insisted that saving him was paramount.
She reassured him about Yin Xue's character, despite his sharp tongue, affirming his good heart and his friendship with her father. Back at Flaming Manor, Zhan Feng sparred with Lie Mingjing before requesting his permission to marry Dao Liexiang. Lie Mingjing questioned his motives. Zhan Feng initially claimed he had fallen for her after encounters at Flaming Manor and in Ping'an Town.
When Lie Mingjing expressed disbelief, Zhan Feng admitted the marriage would form an alliance with Swordless City, benefiting Flaming Manor. Lie Mingjing asked if he would regret sacrificing his happiness for such a union, to which Zhan Feng replied he would not. Lie Mingjing then asked one final time if he had fully considered that marrying Dao Liexiang would mean he could never be with Lie Ruge again; Zhan Feng confirmed his decision.
As Flaming Manor buzzed with preparations, Lie Mingjing instructed his subordinate to prepare grand wedding gifts and choose an auspicious date for Zhan Feng's marriage to Dao Liexiang. Xunyi, noticing the hurried preparations, questioned Ji Jinglei about the sudden engagement, as she had thought Zhan Feng would marry Yingyi. Ji Jinglei explained that as the eldest disciple, Zhan Feng had to consider the sect's interests, and a marriage alliance was beneficial.
Xunyi reacted angrily, criticizing men for basing marriage on benefits, and stormed off, with Ji Jinglei rushing to appease her. Meanwhile, Lie Ruge and Yin Xue were traveling through a heavy snowfall and sought refuge in a cave. Men from Flaming Manor arrived, carrying numerous chests adorned with red sashes. Lie Ruge invited them into the cave.
The manor men informed her that the chests contained Zhan Feng's betrothal gifts for Dao Liexiang, and that the wedding was set for the second day of the second lunar month. Lie Ruge was stunned by the news. Later, when no one was around, she quietly touched the red sash on one of the chests, a myriad of emotions swirling within her.
