The Flame's Daughter Episode 2 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
Feng Xixi sat disheartened, lamenting her failure to be chosen by Dao Wuxia and her inability to raise her ranking to earn enough money to leave the brothel. Lie Ruge attempted to comfort her, and asked if she would share her father's story, but Feng Xixi declined, stating the matter was too complicated for Lie Ruge to help with. Before they could continue, Madam Hua burst in with exciting news.
Yu Zihan of Flaming Manor had paid a substantial sum to book Feng Xixi for the entire month. Madam Hua immediately ordered the staff to update the "Stunning Beauty Roll" ranking. Meanwhile, in another part of the brothel, a figure expressed disdain, questioning why a "cripple" like Yu Zihan would book a brothel lady. Feng Xixi, overwhelmed, led Yu Zihan to her room and offered to prepare a bath.
However, Yu Zihan's attendant swiftly interceded, politely dismissing Feng Xixi by stating that the Prince preferred his privacy and did not wish to be disturbed. The attendant then discreetly explained to Feng Xixi that Yu Zihan's true purpose in booking her was to ensure Lie Ruge's presence in the room, assuring her that payment for her time would still be honored. Feng Xixi, recognizing the situation, quickly understood.
Later, in the privacy of the room, Lie Ruge playfully chided Yu Zihan, asking how he had managed to find her. Yu Zihan explained that her earlier inquiries about Dao Wuxia had led him to deduce her location. Lie Ruge admitted that nothing escaped his keen observation. Yu Zihan then expressed his concern, noting her three-month absence and asking when she planned to return.
Lie Ruge, instead of answering directly, questioned if Zhan Feng, their senior martial brother, had inquired about her whereabouts. She had come to the Flower Tasting Brothel because she couldn't bear Zhan Feng's sudden coldness after he brought a brothel lady named Ying Yi to Flaming Manor two years prior, and she wanted to learn how to win a man's heart back.
She then joked that if Yu Zihan were to reveal her presence at the brothel, she would spread word of him, who typically lived a reclusive life, having booked a brothel lady. They then discussed Dao Wuxia's mysterious intentions, agreeing to observe and react accordingly. Lie Ruge then requested to borrow the music score for "A Homesick Traveler's Dream" from Yu Zihan. He readily agreed, instructing his subordinate, Huang Cong, to retrieve it for her.
Feng Xixi, overhearing this, was astonished, recognizing the score as an imperial palace item. This led her to correctly deduce Yu Zihan's identity as a member of the royal family, specifically the Prince of Jingyuan. Once Lie Ruge departed, Feng Xixi knelt before Yu Zihan, pleading for justice for her father. She explained that her father, once a trusted subordinate of the Prince, had been wrongfully framed by Prince of Jingxian during the Crown Prince succession struggle and subsequently exiled.
She implored Yu Zihan, known for his justice and purity, to clear her father's name. Moved by her plea, Yu Zihan immediately ordered his men to thoroughly investigate Feng Xixi's father's case, and also instructed Xuan Huang to look into Yin Xue’s background. Meanwhile, Yin Xue, having just returned to Flower Tasting Brothel after being pursued by Lei Jinghong's Second Mother, announced his intention to choose a companion for life that very night, causing a huge stir.
The brothel became a bustling hub, with many eager to see the famed "Zither Sage." Lei Jinghong, the young master of Thunderbolt Clique, was desperate to gain entry but found all the passes sold out. He spotted Lie Ruge, whom he recognized as not a normal maid from a previous encounter, and brazenly snatched "A Homesick Traveler's Dream" music score from her. He then threatened to expose her identity if she didn't help him secure an entrance pass.
As they argued, Lei Jinghong’s Second Mother appeared, admonishing him for being in Luoyang and interfering with her pursuit of Yin Xue. Lei Jinghong refused to leave until he had seen Yin Xue. Later, Lie Ruge confided in Feng Xixi, mentioning the "rascal" who demanded a pass. Feng Xixi clarified that Yin Xue was not only the top-ranked beauty in the brothel and widely considered the world's most beautiful, but also a revered zither sage and Youqin Hong's teacher.
She explained that due to his brief visits and the brothel’s limited space, special passes were required, making Lie Ruge realize the gravity of Lei Jinghong’s demand. As the appointed time arrived, the Flower Tasting Brothel buzzed with anticipation. Madam Hua confirmed that Yin Xue was indeed choosing a life partner that evening. Among the eager crowd, Lie Ruge, still referring to Yin Xue as "Lady Xue," was gently corrected by Feng Xixi.
Feng Xixi explained that Yin Xue was, in fact, a man, but one of such extraordinary beauty that he was rightly considered the "world's number one sir" and deserving of his top ranking. A hush fell over the room as Yin Xue, radiant in white, appeared and began to play his zither. His music captivated the audience, moving from clear and pure to deep and profound. After his performance, the bidding began.
Dao Liexiang of Swordless City, disregarding her brother's warning to remain inconspicuous, boldly offered one million taels of gold for Yin Xue's lifelong companionship. Lei Jinghong immediately interjected, criticizing her for openly attempting to "buy" a man. Their argument escalated, with both boasting of their respective powerful clans. Yin Xue then gracefully declined Dao Liexiang's offer, stating that money was not what he sought. Lei Jinghong then offered his entire Thunderbolt Clique to Yin Xue.
However, Yin Xue also refused, stating that "Jiangnan is too far" and he "already has someone I like." He added that his only concern was whether "she will dislike me" or if "people around her will hinder us" from being together. With all eyes on him, Yin Xue dramatically pointed to Lie Ruge and declared, "Tonight, the person that I'm choosing is. . . She."
Lie Ruge stood stunned, while Yu Zihan, watching from a distance, wondered if her cover had been compromised. Overwhelmed, Lie Ruge discussed the shocking declaration with Yu Zihan. Yu Zihan reassured her that his men, Xuan Huang and Huang Cong, were already investigating the situation. Lie Ruge voiced her concern about her father's reaction, but Yu Zihan reassured her that her teacher would also investigate the matter thoroughly.
Madam Hua then informed Lie Ruge that Yin Xue was resting but would meet her the following noon in the backyard. Meanwhile, Yin Xue instructed his own attendants to prepare his belongings, stating they would "set out anytime," and remarked that he had enjoyed "making fun of her" to "vent." The next day, Lie Ruge confronted Yin Xue in the backyard. She questioned if he found her beautiful, to which he dismissively replied, "You are still too young."
She asked if she had done anything special to attract his attention or if it was simply love at first sight, both of which he denied. When she asked if he even knew her name, he stated, "Your surname is meaningless to me." Growing frustrated, Lie Ruge told him she had nothing to offer and, as a lady, could not possibly take a man home, fearing her father's disapproval.
Yin Xue, unfazed, confidently asserted that he was the only one who could truly help her. He then proceeded to reveal a deeply personal secret: a young man, orphaned and adopted by her father, raised alongside her by the same nanny, once wielded a sword called Destiny. This man, he recounted, secretly brought water lilies from Jiangnan during a harsh winter, built a pond in the manor, and confessed his love to her with the fourteen surviving plants.
Yin Xue continued, revealing that Lie Ruge had been engaged three years prior, but two years ago, this man brought a brothel lady named Ying Yi back to the manor, after which he grew cold and distant, causing her immense pain. Stunned, Lie Ruge demanded to know his true identity.
Yin Xue pressed on, revealing that her reason for coming to Flower Tasting Brothel was to understand why this man, Zhan Feng, had fallen for a brothel lady and betrayed her. He then asked if she was now moved by his offer and willing to take him with her. Lie Ruge insisted she was not foolish. Yin Xue, with a knowing smile, retorted that being betrayed by a man for two years yet remaining deeply infatuated was indeed foolish.
He further challenged her, asking if she truly didn't want to know why an outsider like him knew the "ugly news" her father had painstakingly hidden, and why Zhan Feng had "ceased to be faithful." Lie Ruge's silence spoke volumes, indicating her unspoken agreement.
