The Flame's Daughter Episode 29 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
With the war against the Japanese pirates in Nanhai nearing its end and victory well within grasp, Yu Zihan receives news that the main pirate forces have been arrested, with only a few leaders and soldiers remaining to be captured within fifteen days. Pleased with the news, Yu Zihan, recalling his promise to Lie Ruge that he would marry her upon his victorious return, writes a letter to the Emperor, formally requesting permission for their marriage.
Xuan Huang and other attendants express their joy for the Prince, reminding him that the Emperor had already granted this union and that the palace would handle all wedding preparations. Meanwhile, Lie Ruge, who had anticipated Zhan Feng's move and arranged for Huang Cong to impersonate her and escort Lei Jinghong to safety, is now traveling with Yin Xue, whom she addresses as "Elder," towards Mt. Mang for her rendezvous with Yu Zihan.
During their journey, Lie Ruge expresses relief that Lei Jinghong has safely reached his headquarters and wonders if Yu Zihan has received her letter about their impending meeting. Concurrently, You Qin Hong arrives in Nanhai only to discover that Yu Zihan is on a military ship and will not return for another three days.
At Thunderbolt Clique, Lei Jinghong, despite being urged by his chief helmsmen, refuses to officially assume the position of sect leader until his father's murder is avenged. He acknowledges that his survival and safe return were due to Lie Ruge risking her life. He declares that while his father had animosity with Lie Mingjing, he now considers Lie Ruge his savior and urges the Thunderbolt Clique to cease hostilities with Flaming Manor.
Instead, they must unite to confront Dark River Palace, which is responsible for his father's death, as Anye Jue's escape has freed the clique from its control. Despite concerns from members about Zhan Feng's ongoing attacks on their branches, Lei Jinghong proposes a strategic retreat, suggesting they hide on the water until Lie Ruge can firmly establish herself as the Manor Lord, at which point they can form a strong alliance to destroy Dark River Palace.
Impressed by his newfound maturity and decisive plan, the members agree. They then inform him that Ji Jinglei, a former disciple, was left behind after Anye Jue's attack. Lei Jinghong immediately seeks out Ji Jinglei in a secluded, dilapidated boat cabin. Ji Jinglei, now blind from Anye Jue's cruel actions, initially resists, but is relieved to hear Lei Jinghong's voice.
He anxiously asks about Lie Ruge, and Lei Jinghong explains that while they escaped together, she then departed to meet with Yu Zihan. Ji Jinglei agrees that Yu Zihan is the most capable person to help Lie Ruge. Witnessing Ji Jinglei's blindness, Lei Jinghong vows to make Anye Jue pay for her brutality. He also expresses concern for Xun Yi, believing she is in great danger alone at Flaming Manor.
At Flaming Manor, Xun Yi receives a mysterious message to meet by the riverside from a person with a strange outfit. Suspecting it might be her long-lost mother, she cautiously leaves the manor, despite her apprehension that it could be a trap. At the riverside, she confronts Anye Jue, who confirms she is indeed her mother.
Anye Jue coldly reveals that Xun Yi was merely a pawn, strategically placed in Flaming Manor years ago to be used against them when the time was right. Xun Yi, heartbroken, asks if Anye Jue ever felt any maternal reluctance in abandoning her. Anye Jue ignores her plea and orders her to lure Lie Ruge out.
When Xun Yi vehemently refuses, Anye Jue reveals that Ji Jinglei is her captive and threatens his life, promising their reunion only if Xun Yi cooperates. Before leaving, Anye Jue states she will contact Xun Yi again. Devastated, Xun Yi later visits Die Yi's memorial tablet to bid farewell. Zhongli, noticing her distress, assures her that Lie Ruge, as the true Sect Leader, would never abandon them, despite Xun Yi's grave doubts about her return.
Meanwhile, as Lie Ruge and Yin Xue travel, they find posters plastered in villages, instructing someone to "Meet at Mt. Yi on the 15th of this month," accompanied by a broken jade amulet. Lie Ruge immediately recognizes the amulet as Xun Yi's, a cherished gift from her deceased mother that she always kept close and that had been broken when Lie Ruge was a child.
Realizing that Xun Yi has been abducted and is being used as bait in a trap by Anye Jue, Lie Ruge is determined to save her. Yin Xue tries to dissuade her, reminding her of the dangerous nature of the Dark River Palace's traps and the importance of her scheduled meeting with Yu Zihan at Mt. Mang.
He points out that Yin Xue sacrificed his life for her, and he himself almost died, while You Qin Hong's martial arts were ruined, all for her safety. He presses her, asking if one maidservant's life is worth risking so much. Lie Ruge, however, insists that Xun Yi is not just a maidservant but her sister and family, just like Die Yi whom she failed to protect. She argues that Mt. Yi is only half a day from Mt.
Mang and she can save Xun Yi and still meet Yu Zihan in time. Yin Xue warns her that even a half-day delay could put Yu Zihan in greater danger, asking if her concern for Xun Yi outweighs all these sacrifices. Despite his pleas, Lie Ruge, after confirming her marriage agreement with Yu Zihan to Yin Xue, silently leaves after Yin Xue falls asleep, resolute in her decision to rescue Xun Yi.
Unaware of Lie Ruge's change of plans, the Emperor joyfully receives Yu Zihan's marriage request, seeing it as a double blessing alongside the naval victory. However, Jing Xian Wang is enraged by Yu Zihan's success, lamenting that the Nanhai campaign, which he hoped would be Yu Zihan's undoing, has instead enhanced his reputation.
He questions Liu Shangshu about Yu Zihan's activities, learning that while Yu Zihan has been feigning illness and keeping a low profile at the military camp, he discreetly dispatched over ten of his personal guards to Mt. Mang. Realizing that Mt. Mang has no military significance or threats, Jing Xian Wang shrewdly deduces that Yu Zihan must have secretly left his post to meet Lie Ruge.
Seizing this golden opportunity, with Yu Zihan's main imperial bodyguards absent, he immediately dispatches his own assassins to Mt. Mang to eliminate him. Meanwhile, on his journey to Mt. Mang, Yu Zihan overhears his personal guards discussing the widespread search for Lie Ruge, the rumors of Xun Yi's abduction by Dark River Palace, and the posters advertising a meeting at Mt. Yi. They also gossip about his perceived "amorous relationship" with Lie Ruge.
Yu Zihan silences their chatter and confirms that the "Meet at Mt. Yi on the 15th" posters are indeed present in nearby villages. He instantly realizes this is a trap set for Lie Ruge. Without hesitation, he changes his route, ordering his guards to travel day and night to reach Mt. Yi within two days, even though it's still a three-day journey.
He leaves five guards behind, taking the rest with him, determined to intercept and protect Lie Ruge, whom he believes will be lured to Mt. Yi on her way to meet him.
