The Romance of Hua Rong 2 Episode 5 Recap
> The Romance of Hua Rong 2 Recap
Duanmu Bai reprimanded his subordinate, Lan Tian, for being overly deliberate and potentially raising Qin Shangcheng's suspicion about their true objective: the Rapier. He emphasized the importance of following orders and not acting on his own initiative, as their plan to obtain the Rapier was at risk. Lan Tian, however, claimed to be secretly vowing to quickly help find the Rapier so Duanmu Bai could complete his mission and search for "Little White Dove."
Duanmu Bai then asked for any new leads on Little White Dove, whom he described as 19 years old, from Jingcheng, Tianchu, pure, lovely, kind, and possessing a chivalrous heart for the people. Lan Tian reported no new information, requesting more specific details, but Duanmu Bai dismissed him as stupid. Meanwhile, Hua Rong, confident in her mastery of the "36 Stratagems of Mastering Husband," decided to employ a "Honey-trap" with some "Flirting."
To her embarrassment, she accidentally directed these gestures towards Duanmu Bai, who was unimpressed and immediately dismissed her as unsuitable for his "Little White Dove." Hua Rong then spotted Qin Shangcheng. When he ignored her, she attempted a "Ruse of self-injury" by deliberately falling in front of him, hoping he would assist her. Noticing Duanmu Bai approaching, Qin Shangcheng deliberately referred to Hua Rong as his "aunt" and urged her to rest to avoid delaying the royal intermarriage.
Undeterred, Hua Rong vowed to try her remaining 34 stratagems. Hui entrusted Zhang Xian with the safety of Hua Rong and Qin Shangcheng, advising him to share his marriage experience with the newlyweds. Zhang Xian, in turn, asked Hui if she had any personal words for him and presented her with a pair of handmade shoes to comfort her swollen feet.
Touched, Hui instructed him to send a daily letter updating her, to always remember her and their child, and most importantly, to ensure his own safety. Their emotional farewell was cut short by Qian Dayou, who rushed Zhang Xian away as the ship was preparing to depart. Qin Shangcheng then gave the order to weigh anchor and set sail.
Qian Dayou proudly described Qin Shangcheng's magnificent wooden ship, especially the luxurious "deluxe room" which Qin Shangcheng had graciously given to Duanmu Bai out of consideration for his journey. Hua Rong, employing a tactic of "carried on a secret affair," surprised everyone by smashing a hole in the wall between her room and Duanmu Bai's.
Qin Shangcheng, to ease the situation, assured Duanmu Bai that Hua Rong, as his "aunt," would be placed in the stern, next to his room, and ordered Qian Dayou and Zhang Xian to repair the damage. Hua Rong questioned why she was placed in the stern while others occupied the bow. Qian Dayou explained that Qin Shangcheng believed she and Duanmu Bai needed to maintain distance before their marriage, as "absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Skeptical, Hua Rong pulled Qian Dayou aside, demanding to know Qin Shangcheng's true intentions. Qian Dayou initially gave vague answers about Qin Shangcheng's genuine love for her, but Hua Rong, frustrated by his evasiveness, threatened to use a "Honey-trap" on Duanmu Bai and blame Qian Dayou for it. Fearing the repercussions, Qian Dayou confessed that Qin Shangcheng was investigating Duanmu Bai's background and motives.
Hua Rong declared this a "battle of honor" for her marriage and resolved to uncover the truth herself. Hua Rong observed Qin Shangcheng and Duanmu Bai sharing tea. Qin Shangcheng, testing Duanmu Bai, asked for his impression of Hua Rong. Duanmu Bai praised Hua Rong as exceptionally talented, refined, and unique among noble ladies, finding her lively, natural, sincere, and pure, an ideal wife.
Noticing Hua Rong listening nearby, Qin Shangcheng deliberately contradicted Duanmu Bai's assessment, claiming Duanmu Bai's "discernment in people" was still lacking. He described Hua Rong as short-tempered and impulsive despite her gentle appearance, likening her to a "little spirited horse" that was difficult to tame. He further compared her to green tea that smells good but tastes bad, advising Duanmu Bai not to pursue her. Enraged, Hua Rong, pretending composure, approached them with a cup of tea.
She accused Qin Shangcheng of "pulling a stunt" and demonstrated the proper way to brew Cuiyun Green Tea, explaining that without the correct method, allowing the tea leaves to "rise and fall three times," the tea would taste bitter and astringent. She subtly rebuked Qin Shangcheng for blaming the tea instead of his own brewing skills. Qin Shangcheng, feigning a need to monitor the course, left Hua Rong to serve Duanmu Bai.
Duanmu Bai tasted the tea Hua Rong prepared and found it exceedingly bitter. Hua Rong, surprised, tasted it herself and realized it was Hui's anti-abortion soup, realizing Qin Shangcheng had tricked her once again. Later that night, Qin Shangcheng discussed the treasure with Zhang Xian and Qian Dayou, explaining that he was counting the items to determine if Duanmu Bai sought all the treasure or a specific piece.
Qian Dayou mentioned Lan Tian’s earlier comment about the Rapier needing to remain whole. Qin Shangcheng deduced that Duanmu Bai likely wanted a particular item and that identifying it would prevent him from stealing it and escaping. Zhang Xian briefly suggested letting Duanmu Bai flee to avert the marriage, but Qian Dayou clarified that the marriage was for peace. Qin Shangcheng affirmed his goal was to prevent the marriage while still securing peace, which required understanding South Desolation's true demands.
Hua Rong interrupted, demanding the treasure list, ostensibly for her dowries. Qin Shangcheng, suspecting her intention to lure Duanmu Bai, dismissed her, stating that such "arduous tasks" for Tianchu and its people were his responsibility. When she accused him of "indecent" behavior and breaking his promise to set aside personal feelings, he playfully invited her to join him in bed, prompting her to leave in frustration, but not before snatching the treasure list.
Qin Shangcheng then ordered Qian Dayou and Zhang Xian to change course to Hai City, landing the next morning. Qian Dayou speculated this was a "double-edged plan" to manage both Duanmu Bai and Hua Rong. Duanmu Bai and Lan Tian discussed the sudden itinerary change and Hua Rong's earlier "test." Duanmu Bai believed Hua Rong had fallen for him, citing her "Flirting," her act of breaking the wall to "contact me privately," and the tea she prepared.
Lan Tian expressed confusion, noting the tea's bitterness. Duanmu Bai explained the tea contained "red bean," a symbol of lovesickness, implying Hua Rong's seemingly "clumsy tactic" was a declaration of deep affection. He concluded that Qin Shangcheng's sudden warmth was merely an attempt to please him on Hua Rong's behalf. Duanmu Bai asserted his plan to "succeed" by winning Hua Rong over. The group docked in Hai City.
Qin Shangcheng apologized to Duanmu Bai for the route change, claiming he foresaw a storm and took "precautions." Qian Dayou added that Qin Shangcheng "spent a lot of money" to purchase Yunhua Yard for Duanmu Bai’s comfort. Hua Rong confronted Qian Dayou again, questioning Qin Shangcheng’s motives for the sudden changes and the Yunhua Yard, whose plaque Qin Shangcheng had personally inscribed to represent "Yunhe and Huahua, the sword-wielding couple."
Qian Dayou swore he knew nothing, leading Hua Rong to resolve to counter Qin Shangcheng's schemes as they unfolded. Lan Tian informed Hua Rong that Duanmu Bai needed her assistance. Hua Rong found Duanmu Bai keenly interested in weapons and antiques. She expressed her own expertise, inherited from her father's military background, which Duanmu Bai acknowledged as ideal.
Hua Rong secretly believed Duanmu Bai had taken her bait, while Duanmu Bai was convinced Hua Rong was blinded by lovesickness for him. While Duanmu Bai was distracted, Qin Shangcheng instructed Qian Dayou to search Duanmu Bai's room for clues. Qian Dayou questioned why Duanmu Bai would leave his room unguarded. Qin Shangcheng explained that some things are so subtle they escape notice, and they must find clues from the "traces and clues."
Qian Dayou discovered "Sea Fluorescent Powder," recognizing it as the same substance Hua Rong had used before, which glows blue when wet in the dark. Later, while inspecting the treasure boxes, Hua Rong observed Duanmu Bai's reaction to a specific box. She offered to grant him any desired item in advance.
Duanmu Bai, attempting a "feint to the east and attack in the west," feigned interest in a "century-old sandalwood board" adorned with "regular script" by the renowned calligrapher Liao Yingzhi, diverting attention from the box. Hua Rong recognized his ploy and planned to use "Truth Incense" on him. Hua Rong offered Duanmu Bai the sandalwood board to smell, but he, aware of her intention, refused and pushed it back to her, claiming its sweet scent matched her.
Hua Rong, who was allergic, then fainted as the incense was turned back on her. Duanmu Bai attempted to open the targeted box, but Qin Shangcheng suddenly appeared. Thwarted, Duanmu Bai secretly marked the box before leaving with Lan Tian, while Qin Shangcheng attended to the unconscious Hua Rong. Qin Shangcheng then instructed his men to locate the marked box using "alcohol spray," which would react with the "Sea Fluorescent Powder" to reveal it.
That night, the room storing the treasures caught fire. Duanmu Bai actively participated in putting out the blaze. Once the fire was extinguished, Duanmu Bai realized his marked box was missing and questioned its whereabouts. Hua Rong, now awake, suspected Duanmu Bai of arson and demanded his cooperation in an investigation, citing the discovery of "flint powder." Duanmu Bai and Lan Tian were furious at the accusation. Qin Shangcheng intervened, asserting that the fire was not Duanmu Bai's doing.
He claimed a group of black-clad men from the "Qing Hong Gang" had stolen four boxes, presenting a Qing Hong Gang token as evidence. He apologized to Duanmu Bai and promised to recover all the treasures within three days. Duanmu Bai accepted the explanation and departed. Hua Rong, still upset, told Qin Shangcheng she didn't want to hear his explanations, as nothing mattered to her.
Qin Shangcheng, recalling Hua Rong's earlier statement about women's words being contradictory, interpreted her words as meaning the opposite. He approached her, declaring that "zero distance is more beautiful" than "distance creating beauty." He playfully called her a "kitten" and offered to comfort her. Hua Rong then described herself as a "stray cat" that no one loves. Qin Shangcheng proposed to "adopt" her.
When she dismissed his answer, he rephrased, saying that with them together, any place is home, and they are a "loving couple." Hua Rong finally softened. Qin Shangcheng apologized for intentionally neglecting her and promised they would resolve any future problems immediately, vowing no "overnight feuds." Hua Rong accepted his apology. He then offered her a massage to relieve her fatigue, specifically on her Hegu point and head, as he had caused her headache. Hua Rong happily accepted.
Hua Rong realized that while the fire was set by Duanmu Bai, the subsequent theft of the boxes was a staged act by Qin Shangcheng and his men, a "stole money in his trust" tactic designed to lure Duanmu Bai. Qin Shangcheng admitted his "small trick," explaining that he couldn't pinpoint Duanmu Bai's desired item among the many treasures, so he had Qian Dayou steal the marked box as bait.
He then revealed his next step: Zhang Xian and Qian Dayou would handle the follow-up, while he and Hua Rong had "more important things to do." He reminded her of their postponed "honeymoon" and revealed that his detour to Hai City was specifically to arrange a "honeymoon" for them. Meanwhile, Duanmu Bai, back in his room, was still trying to locate the Rapier.
Lan Tian complained about their humiliation, but Duanmu Bai asserted that "A great man knows when to yield and when not" and not to worry about temporary setbacks. Lan Tian found Hua Rong's behavior contradictory, arguing for him one moment and trying to arrest him the next. Duanmu Bai dismissed it as her attempt to attract his attention and "stir his emotions," which he found ridiculous as only "Little White Dove" could move him.
He again inquired about Little White Dove, and Lan Tian assured him that top spies had been sent to Jingcheng and news would arrive soon. Lan Tian then voiced concerns about "letter-based romance" potentially leading to "Disappointment in Reality" if the physical person didn't match the imagined ideal. Duanmu Bai refuted this, confident that Little White Dove, as revealed in her letters with her mother, was pure, lovely, and dedicated to peace.
As they spoke, Hua Rong brought them a "health-preserving tea." Duanmu Bai and Lan Tian found it unpalatable, making disgusted faces, while Hua Rong questioned if it was truly that bad.
