The Flame's Daughter Episode 25 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
Lie Ruge pressed Dao Liexiang for the truth about the Snap Thunder Village incident, seeking to clear the names of those tragically annihilated, like Xiaofeng. Dao Liexiang, however, refused to divulge the truth, explaining that some individuals are destined to be less than purely clean and are forced to conceal truths to protect their loved ones, even if they weren't directly involved in the killings. She firmly stated, "Blood is thicker than water.
I must defend the people around me," even when Lie Ruge questioned if that extended to those who "have done all kinds of evil." Before leaving, Dao Liexiang assured Lie Ruge she would keep the secret of her feigned illness. Later, in the Pear Courtyard, Lie Ruge found solace and hope in a new bud sprouting from an old tree, believing that like the pear tree, Flaming Manor would also see a turning point.
Meanwhile, Yin Xue and Youqin Hong had been discreetly living in a village bordering Uyghur. Youqin Hong tirelessly tended to Yin Xue, often going without food himself and relying on the kindness of neighbors. A compassionate woman named Madam Wei, noticing his white hair and struggles, offered him a pastry for the upcoming Double Ninth Festival and told him to seek her husband, the village chief, if ever in need.
Upon returning to their humble abode, Youqin Hong was alarmed to find Yin Xue missing from his bed, and in a moment of despair, believed his master had abandoned him. However, Yin Xue soon reappeared, observing Youqin Hong's prematurely whitened hair. Youqin Hong dismissed his suffering, declaring, "As long as Teacher can wake up, I can endure any suffering." Yin Xue noted the proximity of the Double Ninth Festival and, instead of Youqin Hong's offer to get food, requested wine.
Lie Ruge, finding hope after her visit to Pear Courtyard, soon received Hall Leader Murong at Plum Courtyard. Murong informed her of the increasing activity of Dark River Palace, which he believed was connected to Yu Zihan's Chill Spell, the destruction of Snap Thunder Village, and Yu Zihan's predicament in the East China Sea.
He explained that Jianghu's "public enemy" status was fluid, dependent on power, and with the current chaos and internal strife within the three great sects, Dark River Palace was now openly seeking to capitalize on the situation. Lie Ruge expressed sorrow that her father's efforts to bring peace to Jianghu seemed to be unraveling.
She then inquired about Anye Luo's true nature, to which Murong replied he was "unrestrained," with "unstable mood," who "would kill people like cutting off hemp" and wore "blood-like colored clothes." Murong admitted he, too, suspected Anye Luo might be linked to Lie Mingjing's death, which was why he had come to Lie Ruge.
He revealed that Lie Mingjing had been fully aware of Zhan Feng's clandestine actions and his involvement in the Snap Thunder Village incident, yet continuously offered him opportunities for redemption, loving "Young Master Feng" just as much as he loved Lie Ruge. Murong also said he could no longer trust Zhan Feng after the old sect leader's death. Lie Ruge, still holding onto hope, affirmed her intention to prove Lei Jinghong's innocence.
Later, while Yin Xue and Youqin Hong shared a meal, Youqin Hong cautioned Yin Xue against excessive drinking, reminding him of his recent recovery. Yin Xue took Youqin Hong's pulse, realizing his disciple had "used up all [his] energy to help me," sacrificing his martial arts. Youqin Hong humbly responded that it was "what a student should do."
Yin Xue, now with only "three tenths of [his] power left" and Youqin Hong having lost all of his, expressed concern that "If we encounter Anye Luo again, we will both surely die." Youqin Hong urged him to prioritize recovery, stating, "It's better to recuperate first. Let's just give the matter about Dark River Palace some thoughts later." At Flaming Manor's Maple Courtyard, Zhan Feng diligently continued to prepare medicine for Lie Ruge twice a day.
He took solace in the ritual, fanning the stove and recalling past joyful moments with Lie Ruge. When Die Yi, Lie Ruge's attendant, came to collect the medicine, Zhan Feng inquired about Lie Ruge's condition. Die Yi reported that while the medicine helped her physical recovery, her spirits remained low, and she had quickly dismissed Hall Leader Murong during his visit.
Die Yi also commented on Zhan Feng's effective management of the sect and Ji Jinglie's handling of the Thunderbolt Clique, which eased Lie Ruge's burdens. Zhan Feng simply stated that Lie Ruge should focus on her recovery. Die Yi, however, expressed her impatience with Zhan Feng's constant presence, muttering, "He had to come twice a day and I have to cope with him."
Another servant, Xun Yi, was sent to take the medicine dregs, which Zhan Feng used to water his medicinal herbs. Die Yi critically remarked that Zhan Feng was "faking to be benevolent, a real evil person," reminding Xun Yi of how he had "drove you out of Azure Dragon Hall." Later, Xun Yi also informed Lie Ruge about Zhan Feng's continued deliveries and the manor-wide rumors of their impending marriage, which Lie Ruge had already heard and dismissed.
The rumors suggested that this was supposedly per Lie Mingjing’s last will, with Lie Ruge marrying Zhan Feng as a "ping" wife, a notion Lie Ruge found ridiculous, given he already had a wife. Die Yi also worried about Yu Zihan, especially his secret return to pay respects to Lie Mingjing, which could cause further disputes. Lie Ruge, however, only wished for Yu Zihan's safety.
In the East China Sea, Yu Zihan achieved continuous victories against the Wo pirates, earning the Emperor's praise. The Emperor, pleased with his "son's" genius in commanding troops, considered a grand reward. King Jingyang proposed a marriage banquet for Yu Zihan, suggesting his deep affection for Lie Ruge was evident.
However, King Jingxian interjected, revealing that Yu Zihan had secretly disguised himself and traveled from the East China Sea to Flaming Manor to console Lie Ruge after her father's death, returning to the military camp on the same day. This news initially displeased the Emperor, seeing it as Yu Zihan leaving his post without permission.
King Jingyang quickly intervened, explaining that Yu Zihan's profound bond with his teacher, Lie Mingjing, who raised him, made it "just proper" for him to attend the funeral after such a tragic death. The Emperor accepted this explanation, chastising King Jingxian for being "too sentimental" and making everything about "romantic affections."
King Jingxian, still subtly critical, noted how King Jingyang had easily diffused the "crime of a commander-in-chief leaving the military camp without permission," to which King Jingyang retorted by highlighting Yu Zihan's crucial role in defending the empire. Despite the Wo pirates' repeated defeats, they remained hidden on an island, frustrating Xuan Huang.
Yu Zihan advised patience, explaining that war was not a quick Jianghu duel; the pirates, initially overconfident, were now scared after their losses and would not emerge to fight. News then reached Yu Zihan that Lie Ruge had fully recovered from her illness. However, the accompanying message also detailed widespread and malicious rumors slandering Lie Mingjing throughout Jianghu. Xuan Huang expressed concern that someone was "deliberately spreading these rumors" to tarnish his name post-mortem.
Yu Zihan, recognizing this was no coincidence, instructed his men, "Let's not think about other matters first. Only by hurrying to find the island where the Japanese pirates are hiding and catch them all, can I leave this place to go back and help Junior Sister." Zhan Feng reported to Anye Luo on the current allegiance of Jianghu sects, noting their faction had garnered thirty-three supporters.
Anye Luo, pleased with Zhan Feng's "outstanding" efforts, then focused on the blue gem in Zhan Feng's left ear. He revealed that he had "personally sealed this blue gem" on Zhan Feng at birth, explaining it belonged to Zhan Feng's mother, whom he described as "the most wonderful woman in this world" and the Second Sect Leader of Dark River Palace.
Anye Luo recounted how he had loved her from childhood, wished to marry her, and even used her silver hairpin as a betrothal token, despite her being considered his "older sister" by title, not blood. His tone then turned bitter as he lamented her marriage into Flaming Manor to Zhan Feitian, which led to her tragic death, hinting at Lie Mingjing's culpability. Anye Luo declared Zhan Feng "the only family left that I worry about in this world."
He accused Zhan Feng of still harboring feelings for Lie Ruge, which Zhan Feng vehemently denied. Anye Luo then commanded Zhan Feng, "Kill Lie Ruge. Take Flaming Manor from her hands," so he could "openly enter to pay my respect to your mother." Zhan Feng knelt, pleading, "Let her go," and when challenged by Anye Luo, clarified, "I will take the sect from her, but may Uncle let her go." Anye Luo responded with a sneer before departing.
Ji Jinglie and his subordinates continued their pursuit of Lei Jinghong, who commanded the water routes. Rejecting a subordinate's suggestion to set a trap, Ji Jinglie explained his strategy was to deplete Lei Jinghong's supplies, forcing him ashore. Later, Ji Jinglie finally arranged a meeting with Lei Jinghong. Lei Jinghong's subordinate expressed concern about Ji Jinglie going alone, but Ji Jinglie insisted on showing sincerity to convince Lei Jinghong to cooperate.
During the meeting, Lei Jinghong first raised a toast, acknowledging the past kindness he received from Lie Mingjing and Lie Ruge, but firmly declared, "from now, there won't be any affection between us," vowing to make Flaming Manor "pay the debts for slandering me." Ji Jinglie noted Lei Jinghong's clear distinction between kindness and grudges. A subordinate then presented a drawing from Die Yi, which Lei Jinghong recognized as a signal of danger.
Lei Jinghong accused Ji Jinglie of using "a weak lady to threaten me!" Ji Jinglie clarified that Die Yi had "personally drawn and given" the item to him to facilitate trust and cooperation, asserting his true purpose was to uncover the real reason behind Lie Mingjing's death. Lei Jinghong, surprised, questioned this, but Ji Jinglie stated, "But I don't believe it. Junior Sister doesn't believe it, either."
He pointed out that Lei Jinghong, in his current "wretched state," would be foolish to kill Lie Mingjing and seek his own death. Ji Jinglie proposed that Lei Jinghong meet Lie Ruge in Miaohe Town with two trusted aides while Ji Jinglie continued a simulated conflict to "confuse everyone."
There, Lie Ruge would give him a chance to prove his innocence, as his knowledge of bombs would surely provide a way, and as the Sect Leader, she had the authority, though she lacked concrete evidence to convince everyone without his help. Lei Jinghong confirmed he was risking a dangerous task for a chance at vindication. He then picked up a pufferfish, explaining its deadly poison if not handled properly.
Ji Jinglie, undeterred, tasted it and found it "fresh and delicious." Phoenix was greatly alarmed to learn of Lei Jinghong's intention to travel to Miaohe Town to meet with members of Flaming Manor, vehemently refusing to let him go. She argued that he was willingly walking into a trap, as they considered him an enemy, and proving his innocence would be futile against fabricated evidence.
Phoenix also pointed out that Lie Ruge was merely "a puppet without any real power," with Zhan Feng truly leading Flaming Manor. Lei Jinghong, while acknowledging Lie Ruge's limited power, insisted this was his crucial "chance to prove my innocence," a chance he wouldn't have otherwise.
Phoenix remained steadfast in her refusal, but Lei Jinghong reminded her that she wasn't scared when he was a lone fugitive, and now, with his three branches of subordinates, he had even more reason to be confident. He then declared, "A gentleman is ready to die for his bosom friends. What Lie Ruge lost is her own father. Despite knowing the evidences, she still chose to believe me. That's why, I must go. I must not disappoint her trust."
Phoenix then speculated he merely wished to see Dao Liexiang, but Lei Jinghong denied it, explaining that his current circumstances made it impossible to admit their relationship without causing her immense trouble. He reassured Phoenix of his resilience, claiming to have "nine lives," and stressed that his solo mission was to "risk danger by myself to prove my innocence to ensure their safety" of his subordinates. Lei Jinghong, accompanied by a few of his men, set off for Miaohe Town.
They paused at a noodle shop, where Youqin Hong was also dining, though Lei Jinghong failed to notice him. The proprietor of the noodle shop, a talkative man, engaged Lei Jinghong in conversation, providing his assessment of the current Jianghu climate.
He noted the growing number of people joining Dark River Palace, portraying Anye Luo as a powerful figure who had performed "a lot of good things for the citizens," such as eliminating private tax collectors, thereby "really won the hearts of everyone." The owner even claimed Dark River Palace "were an upright sect to begin with" and, with Lie Mingjing's death, Anye Luo was now the strongest, making Dark River Palace the most advantageous faction to join.
He also recounted rumors slandering Lie Mingjing as "a hypocrite and a very bad person." Disgusted by these favorable rumors and propaganda about Anye Luo, Lei Jinghong abruptly departed with his men, leaving their noodles unfinished.
