The Flame's Daughter Episode 51 Recap
> The Flame's Daughter Recap
After Yin Xue's sacrifice, Lie Ruge retreated to the Pear Garden at Flaming Manor, consumed by memories of him. Zhan Feng found her there to deliver the news that Yu Zihan had awakened. Following the great battle with An Ye Luo, Lie Ruge had brought Yu Zihan to Flaming Manor for recovery. Upon waking and learning of Dark River Palace's annihilation, he had peacefully fallen back asleep.
Lie Ruge asked Zhan Feng if Yin Xue had shared any clues with him while they were imprisoned together in the underground palace. She lamented that Yin Xue had returned quickly after his previous disappearance, but nearly two years had passed this time with no news. Zhan Feng recalled Yin Xue's words that Heaven does not easily forgive evil people, and that his own life would not last long after the battle.
Yin Xue had hoped Lie Ruge might forget him easily, as she didn't even remember what happened a hundred years ago, a punishment he believed was from Heaven. Later, in the Azure Dragon Hall, Lie Ruge tirelessly searched through countless books, desperate to find any information about Ethereality Clique. Frustrated and in tears, she questioned Xunyi, wondering why, despite the Azure Dragon Hall's reputation for having limitless records, there was no mention of the Ethereality Clique.
Xunyi shook her head, explaining that even in Dark River Palace, she had never heard of Ethereality Clique, as An Ye Luo considered the name a taboo and forbade anyone from speaking it. Xunyi then suggested asking Mr. Youqin, but immediately added that he was unable to provide any details. A gentle breeze stirred the wind chimes as Yu Zihan sat in his wheelchair, enjoying the sun. Suddenly, he became aware of the chimes, his hearing miraculously returning.
Overjoyed, Lie Ruge rushed to Huang Cong, excitedly announcing Yu Zihan's recovery and dispatching Xunyi to share the good news with Ji Jinghong. At the Pine Garden, under a large pine tree, Bi'er carefully served hot tea to Ji Jinghong, reminding him to be cautious as it was hot.
Ji Jinghong, aware that Bi'er was soon to become the leader of Azure Dragon Hall, asked if she would still visit him as frequently as before, urging her not to adhere to formalities with him. Xunyi, observing the tender exchange from a distance, composed herself and approached them, feigning calm as she delivered the news of Yu Zihan's restored hearing.
As she turned to leave, out of sight, tears welled up in her eyes, a reflection of her own unspoken sorrow and complicated past. Lie Ruge returned to the Pear Garden, watching the pear blossoms fall. In a moment of reverie, she imagined Yin Xue by her side. She spoke to him, revealing her intention to pass the leadership of Flaming Manor to Zhan Feng, who had diligently managed its affairs since Yin Xue's departure.
She longed for his response, only to turn and find it was merely her imagination. Soon after, Zhongli Wulei arrived to bid farewell. With Dark River Palace eradicated, he felt he could finally depart, having successfully transferred all Azure Dragon Hall matters to Bi'er. Lie Ruge understood his resolve and did not try to dissuade him.
Zhongli Wulei carried Die Yi's memorial tablet with him, speaking to her spirit, musing that he hadn't decided where they would settle but they would wander until she sent snow to signify a place she liked. Watching his retreating figure from the manor gates, Lie Ruge ordered her subordinates to ensure Zhongli Wulei would never be disturbed wherever he traveled. Two years later, Flaming Manor was bustling with New Year festivities.
The lotus pond, once desolate, was now vibrant with green lotus leaves. Zhan Feng sat by the pond, lost in thought. Hall Leader Murong approached, suggesting Zhan Feng visit Lie Ruge, whose birthday was approaching. Zhan Feng declined, stating that since Lie Ruge and Yu Zihan had retired to the mountains, he did not wish to disturb them and add to any potential sadness.
Meanwhile, in a secluded mountain retreat, Lie Ruge prepared sesame seed cakes for Yu Zihan, whose health had greatly improved, allowing him to speak again. Xuan Huang and Huang Cong returned from a task assigned by Yu Zihan. Yu Zihan proudly told Lie Ruge that he had finally found the world's best delicacy for her. Opening a package presented by Huang Cong, Lie Ruge discovered it also contained sesame seed cakes.
As she tasted one, she inquired if Yu Zihan would return to Luoyang for Prince Jingyang's upcoming ascension to the throne. Yu Zihan replied that the world was at peace, and he would only return if needed. Suddenly, Lie Ruge found the sesame seed cake she was eating remarkably familiar. Upon closer inspection, she discovered a distinctive red-clothed beauty mark on it.
Learning from Huang Cong that this particular type of sesame seed cake was found in Ping'an Town, Lie Ruge immediately packed her bags and set off alone. Uneasy about her journey, Yu Zihan secretly dispatched Huang Cong to protect her. In Dongbin Restaurant, Lei Jinghong occupied the same spot he used to share with Dao Liexiang. Since taking over Thunderbolt Clique, he faithfully visited Dao Liexiang in Swordless City every year. This year was no exception.
Kneeling before Swordless City's gates, clutching two jars of a renowned skincare formula, Lei Jinghong pleaded with Dao Liexiang to return with him. Dao Liexiang questioned if he wasn't ashamed for a powerful Thunderbolt Clique leader to kneel before Swordless City. Lei Jinghong shamelessly declared that he would kneel however he pleased for the woman he loved.
Though Dao Liexiang expressed that Swordless City could not compare to his power now that Jianghu was divided between Thunderbolt Clique in the south and Flaming Manor in the north, Lei Jinghong reiterated his love and commitment, reminding her of their wedding ceremonies. Dao Liexiang eventually accepted the gifts, and Lei Jinghong, full of joy, promised to procure anything she desired.
As Lie Ruge journeyed towards Ping'an Town, she was surprised to find a town emerge in a forest, seemingly out of nowhere, despite knowing Ping'an Town was still miles away. As she entered, Huang Cong, who was secretly following her, suddenly lost sight of her.
Inside, a young man in white robes recognized her as an outsider and asked how she found her way there, explaining it was an illusory town created by Ethereality Clique, accessible only to those with a destined connection. Lie Ruge inquired about their clique leader, and the young man regretfully informed her that the Ethereality Clique leader had passed away. Saddened, Lie Ruge sought a place to stay.
The young man led her to a dwelling that felt uncannily familiar, reminiscent of the Xue Ji Sesame Cake Shop they once ran in Ping'an Town, where she and Yin Xue had shared so many joyful moments. As night fell, the town plunged into complete darkness, confirming Lie Ruge's suspicion that it was an illusion. Later, in a semi-conscious state, she heard the joyful sounds of laughter and music.
Following the sounds, she discovered a gathering of elegant men and women in white, drinking and laughing, their pure, untainted smiles suggesting the serene life Yin Xue might have lived. The next morning, as Lie Ruge prepared to leave, a torrential rain began. The young man in white urged her to stay another night until the weather cleared, an offer Lie Ruge, seeing the accumulating rainwater, graciously accepted.
