The Romance of Hua Rong 2 Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
> The Romance of Hua Rong 2 Recap
Qin Shangcheng outlined the day's critical mission, dividing his team into two groups. Hua Rong, Chi Hong, Sixth Princess, Money Dayou, and Zhang Xian were assigned to act as Tianchu's peace talk delegation at Prince Mu's Residence. Their primary objective was to keep a close watch on Kong Lin until Qin Shangcheng and Duanmu Bai successfully rescued the real Duanmu Qingcang, who would then take charge.
Should this primary plan fail, their backup strategy involved secretly adding Truth Incense to the diplomatic wine during the trilateral peace talks, forcing Kong Lin to expose himself. Before parting ways, Qin Shangcheng and Hua Rong exchanged earnest words of caution, as did Chi Hong and Duanmu Bai, with Duanmu Bai suggesting they meet at a ruined temple south of the city if unforeseen circumstances arose.
Money Dayou and Sixth Princess shared a tender moment, reaffirming their commitment to each other. As they prepared to depart, Fuqin arrived, informing Qin Shangcheng that Duanmu Qingcang was being held at the Secluded House and offering to lead the rescue. After quick consideration, they decided to follow her. Upon reaching the Secluded House, they noted the unusual absence of guards. Fuqin explained that she had used the Emperor's token to clear the area. Inside, they found Duanmu Qingcang.
Qin Shangcheng forcefully entered his chamber, and Duanmu Bai quickly diagnosed him with a potent poison. Recognizing the urgency, they decided to extract Duanmu Qingcang first and address the antidote later. Meanwhile, Hua Rong's delegation encountered Jin Tong. He candidly admitted his past dictatorial actions were driven by a desire to secure Wanjiang's greatest interests. However, having been outmaneuvered and lost the cannon map, he now believed that signing the trilateral peace agreement was the most beneficial course for Wanjiang.
Hua Rong expressed that if Jin Tong truly held these sentiments and demonstrated them through action, she would gladly accept him as her younger brother. Jin Tong assured her she would witness his sincerity firsthand. Shortly after, Wu Ren approached Jin Tong, conveying an invitation from "Duanmu Qingcang" for a private meeting. The Sixth Princess questioned Hua Rong's trust in Jin Tong.
Chi Hong remarked that Jin Tong's actions would reveal his intelligence, asserting that no one could hope to win against Qin Shangcheng and Hua Rong. Hua Rong, echoing this sentiment, decided to wait for news from Qin Shangcheng, convinced that Jin Tong would not cause trouble today. Jin Tong proceeded to meet with Kong Lin, who was impersonating Duanmu Qingcang.
In a shocking turn, Kong Lin revealed his true, murderous intent and Wu Ren's treachery before Wu Ren struck Jin Tong from behind, killing him. Back at the Prince Mu's Residence, Hua Rong's group grew anxious. Hua Rong received a letter, seemingly from Jin Tong, stating that the situation was critical, peace talks might be jeopardized, and urgently requesting her presence in the side hall.
Despite Chi Hong's suspicion of a trap, Hua Rong, recognizing the handwriting as Jin Tong’s, decided to go alone, instructing the others to wait. Simultaneously, Zhang Xian arrived to provide Duanmu Bai with his medical kit, guided by Hua Rong's foresight. Duanmu Bai informed Qin Shangcheng that Duanmu Qingcang's poison was peculiar and would require several days to identify, though he could attempt acupuncture to temporarily awaken him.
Qin Shangcheng urged him to expedite the process, leaving two men to assist Duanmu Bai while he went to monitor the situation. Hua Rong entered the side hall to find Jin Tong already dead. She immediately realized she had walked into a trap. Wu Ren appeared, swiftly accusing Hua Rong of Jin Tong's murder, fabricating an emotional plea for revenge. Hua Rong, however, quickly pieced together the truth.
She pointed out that Jin Tong had been fatally struck from behind, implying only someone he trusted deeply, like Wu Ren, could have caught him off guard. She also inferred that Wu Ren's known skill in forging cannon maps extended to handwriting, revealing the letter as a forgery. Just then, Kong Lin, still disguised as Duanmu Qingcang, entered with guards to apprehend Hua Rong. He threatened to harm Chi Hong and the Sixth Princess if Hua Rong resisted.
To protect her friends, Hua Rong agreed to be captured in exchange for their freedom. Upon learning of Hua Rong’s capture, Qin Shangcheng was furious and moved to rescue her instantly. However, Chi Hong and the others intercepted him, explaining that Hua Rong had deliberately sacrificed herself to avoid a direct confrontation, knowing Kong Lin would have laid a trap. They urged Qin Shangcheng to devise a foolproof strategy rather than walking into a snare.
Meanwhile, Kong Lin gloated to Hua Rong, revealing his master plan: he had administered "Dead Sleep," a unique poison only he could cure, to the real Duanmu Qingcang, rendering Qin Shangcheng's rescue futile. He openly declared his intention to execute Hua Rong publicly, creating a trap to lure Qin Shangcheng into surrendering the cannon map.
Elsewhere, Duanmu Bai discovered that Duanmu Qingcang's "Dead Sleep" poison would lead to permanent unconsciousness within a day without an antidote, which only Kong Lin possessed. Faced with this grim prognosis, Duanmu Bai resolved to use the "poison transfer method," a forbidden and extremely perilous technique with only a 30% chance of success, to draw the poison into his own body and decipher a cure before Hua Rong's execution.
Chi Hong vehemently tried to dissuade him, highlighting the method's far greater danger than even blood exchange, describing it as a "nine deaths, one life" gamble. However, Duanmu Bai remained steadfast, emphasizing his unbreakable loyalty to his adoptive father and the critical importance of his actions for the fate of the three nations. Seeing his unwavering determination, Chi Hong made him promise to survive, declaring she would not live without him.
Qin Shangcheng, reflecting on Hua Rong and their unborn child, held unwavering trust in her resolve. In her prison cell, Hua Rong likewise placed her complete faith in Qin Shangcheng's ability to protect her and their child at the impending execution. The next day, at Wuyang Gate, Kong Lin presided over Hua Rong's execution. Before delivering the final blow, he offered her a cup of poisoned wine, cruelly intending to abort her unborn child before her death.
Just as he forced the cup towards her lips, Qin Shangcheng dramatically intervened, stopping the execution. Kong Lin, surprised by his solo arrival, questioned Qin Shangcheng’s apparent recklessness. Qin Shangcheng defiantly declared his absolute commitment to saving his wife and child. Kong Lin then demanded the cannon map, presenting Qin Shangcheng with a choice: the map or the death of Hua Rong and her unborn child.
Qin Shangcheng offered a fake cannon map, using the exchange as an opportunity to close the distance and rescue Hua Rong. Kong Lin, quickly realizing the deception, furiously denounced him as an impostor and ordered his guards to attack. A fierce battle ensued. Despite being injured, Qin Shangcheng clung desperately to the execution rope, refusing to let any harm come to Hua Rong and their unborn child, even as Kong Lin relentlessly pressed his advantage.
Just as Qin Shangcheng seemed on the verge of being overwhelmed, Money Dayou and the rest of their forces arrived, turning the tide of the battle. Qin Shangcheng, now reinforced, successfully rescued Hua Rong, tore off Kong Lin’s mask to expose his true identity, and decisively struck him down, ending the conflict. Hua Rong then publicly revealed Kong Lin's elaborate impersonation and his plot to instigate war between the nations.
At that opportune moment, the real Duanmu Qingcang, having been successfully revived by Duanmu Bai, appeared, validating Hua Rong's claims and acknowledging the crucial role played by Qin Shangcheng, Duanmu Bai, and their allies in saving South Desolation. Later, the group visited the Queen Mother, who was recovering and would soon awaken, thanks to Duanmu Bai’s medical expertise. Duanmu Qingcang expressed immense gratitude for their collective efforts in saving the nation, particularly crediting his two sons.
The Queen Mother, for her part, acknowledged her own discernment in seeing through Kong Lin's deception, despite his meticulous impersonation. Hua Rong playfully reminded Duanmu Qingcang not to overlook the contributions of herself and Chi Hong, to which he jovially promised to repay Tianchu generously. He then urged Duanmu Bai to formalize his relationship with Chi Hong, who confirmed that Duanmu Bai had already pledged to be both a minister in the Holy Alliance and her husband.
Duanmu Bai also reassured everyone that the Queen Mother would soon awaken. Duanmu Qingcang then stated his intention to personally oversee his mother's recovery, allowing the others to depart. As their time in South Desolation drew to a close, Qin Shangcheng and Duanmu Bai announced their departure. Duanmu Qingcang met with them to discuss state affairs, reflecting on sending Wu Ren back to Wanjiang for justice and arranging for Jin Tong’s orphans to receive an education.
He also confirmed that new peace talks would resume in Tianchu, fulfilling the wishes of the people. While saddened by his sons leaving, he jokingly threatened to issue warrants if they didn't visit. The Queen Mother, expressing her regret at not having spent more time with her granddaughters-in-law, had a private farewell with Hua Rong and Chi Hong.
She declared her authority in the Duanmu family and, upon Chi Hong's agreement, welcomed her as a granddaughter-in-law, presenting her with a beautiful jade bracelet. During a final celebratory meal, the friends reminisced about their adventurous journey together, including Hua Rong and Duanmu Bai's initial pretense of marriage, Chi Hong's past admiration for Qin Shangcheng, and the Sixth Princess's former crush on him.
Money Dayou passionately declared his ambition to study for the Imperial Examination, a condition set by the Emperor for him to marry the Sixth Princess, vowing not to give up until he succeeded. Duanmu Bai reaffirmed his promise to Chi Hong to explore the world with her, but would first visit his adoptive father's tomb. Zhang Xian expressed his eagerness to return to the island to be a father to his expectant partner, Hui's baby.
Qin Shangcheng and Hua Rong expressed their desire for a peaceful life, raising their child, Daodao, on Hua Rong Island. Hua Rong envisioned their family as "Swordsman Yunhe, Swordswoman Huahua, and Little Swordsman Daodao," a family of three heroes, ready to fight for justice. Some time later, Chi Hong visited Qin Shangcheng and Hua Rong on their island, where she was introduced to their grown-up son, Daodao.
She happily shared that Duanmu Bai had proposed to her during the lively Torch Festival in Nanyang and presented Hua Rong with a beautiful "mother-daughter concentric bracelet" she had personally designed for Hua Rong and her future daughter. Money Dayou, now an Imperial Examination champion, also arrived, having fulfilled the Emperor's condition to marry the Sixth Princess.
Money Dayou then joyfully revealed that Hua Rong was expecting twins, playfully calling them "dragon-phoenix twins," who would join their older brother Daodao in fighting for justice. The friends playfully celebrated their respective happy endings and future plans, joking about starting families and life as parents.
