The Romance of Hua Rong Episode 15 Recap
> The Romance of Hua Rong Recap
On their journey to Wanjiang, Qin Shang Cheng arranged for the best painter from Tianchu to create engagement paintings, aiming to make up for his and Hua Rong's previous wedding, which she had not entered willingly. He told Hua Rong that engagement painting was a popular trend. Qian Dayou and Zhang Xian initially posed intimately for the painter, but Hua Rong found their poses "vulgar."
Qin Shang Cheng, however, allowed Hua Rong to pose as she wished, and the painter skillfully captured their moments. Zhang Xian complimented Qin Shang Cheng and Hua Rong, calling them a "perfect couple" due to Hua Rong's natural beauty. Qin Shang Cheng had a special proposal planned for Hua Rong that night. The ship was beautifully lit for a candlelight dinner on deck.
He presented five dishes, each with an elaborate name symbolizing love and union, such as "perfect conjugal bliss" and "faithful love." Hua Rong, somewhat confused by the gaudy names, pressed him to reveal his true intention. Qin Shang Cheng explained that since their first wedding wasn't of her free will, he wanted to give her an unforgettable proposal, ensuring she willingly became his bride this time. He then presented her with a unique soft sword, which he named "Everlasting Love."
Hua Rong initially questioned why it was just a hilt, but after pressing a sapphire on it as Qin Shang Cheng instructed, a sharp blade emerged. She admired its delicate yet sharp design and ease of carry, understanding it was meant for her self-protection. Next, Qin Shang Cheng presented a gold lock, which he had made himself. He stated it would "firmly lock" her and ensure she could "only marry me this life."
Fireworks then erupted over a nearby island, which Qin Shang Cheng announced he had named "Hua Rong Island" after her, declaring it would belong only to the two of them, and their future children. Their sweet moment was interrupted by news of a nearby official ship on fire. Initially, Qin Shang Cheng was hesitant to leave the proposal, but Hua Rong urged him to help, quickly ordering Qian Dayou to get their ship alongside.
On board the burning ship, Hua Rong noticed the suspicious lack of crew on deck and a strange smell. Qin Shang Cheng realized the ship, despite being from Wanjiang, was empty except for a pile of wood ashes, indicating they had been lured into a trap. He quickly deduced that the seemingly fallen men were faking death. Suddenly, the Xiu Luo pirate gang, whose leader Qin Shang Cheng had killed a year prior, emerged, demanding "blood will have blood."
As Qin Shang Cheng fought them, Hua Rong, Qian Dayou, and their men arrived, quickly dispatching the pirates. However, the pirate leader, feigning surrender, launched a hidden weapon at Qin Shang Cheng. Hua Rong immediately shielded him, taking the blow. Qin Shang Cheng was distraught, calling out her name, believing she was gravely injured. To his immense relief, Hua Rong opened her eyes, playfully teasing him for crying.
She then revealed the little gold lock he had given her had blocked the weapon, saving her life. Qin Shang Cheng, shaken by the near-death experience, made Hua Rong promise not to take such risks again, expressing his unbearable fear of losing her. Hua Rong, in turn, promised to live a long life if he did too, so they could "grow old together" and "be together forever." Later, back in their room, Qin Shang Cheng embraced Hua Rong.
He then spoke to his adoptive father, explaining his plan to go to Wanjiang alone to avenge him. He acknowledged the extreme danger of the journey, emphasizing he couldn't bear to let Hua Rong face such risks, and sought his adoptive father's blessing to keep Hua Rong safe. The next morning, Hua Rong awoke to find a letter from Qin Shang Cheng, detailing his departure for Wanjiang without her.
He explained that the trip was too dangerous and he couldn't risk losing her. Enraged, Hua Rong confronted Qian Dayou, demanding he turn the ship around. Despite Qian Dayou's initial reluctance, fearing Qin Shang Cheng's wrath, Hua Rong threatened to swim to Wanjiang herself, forcing him to comply. She reiterated that she would not be left behind. Upon arriving in Wanjiang, Hua Rong and Qian Dayou noticed many shops named "Hero Yunhe."
While walking, a young woman in yellow, Lu Wanwan, frantically ran into Hua Rong. When soldiers appeared chasing Lu Wanwan, Hua Rong intervened, declaring she couldn't stand by while men bullied a girl. They quickly escaped. Back at the inn, Lu Wanwan introduced herself as the daughter of the Wanshang Chamber of Commerce chairman. She explained she had fled her home five days earlier to avoid her father's plan to choose a husband for her through the upcoming Wanshang meeting.
Hua Rong expressed admiration for Lu Wanwan's spirit and decision to control her own destiny. Hua Rong then pressed Qian Dayou about Qin Shang Cheng's whereabouts and plans, but he claimed ignorance, stating Qin Shang Cheng's mission was highly secretive. Learning about the Wanshang meeting, Hua Rong decided to attend, suggesting to Lu Wanwan that she could discreetly observe the potential suitors her father might choose.
To ensure Lu Wanwan wouldn't be recognized, Qian Dayou applied intricate "Haina Hand Drawing" to her face, a popular style from the Western Region. The next day, disguised as men, Hua Rong and Lu Wanwan arrived at the Wanshang Meeting. Qian Dayou spotted Qin Shang Cheng immediately and tried to obstruct Hua Rong's view, but she still saw him.
Qin Shang Cheng, under the guise of Situ Cheng, a handsome spice merchant from Yexiang Country, was engaged in a business discussion with President Lu's second concubine, Madam Lan. Madam Lan was clearly charmed by "Situ Cheng." Hua Rong, witnessing their interaction from a distance, grew intensely jealous. Madam Lan suggested they move to a private room to sample "Fuyuxian" spice. Fuming, Hua Rong followed them, determined to expose Qin Shang Cheng's perceived flirtation.
Hua Rong scaled the building and peeked through the window into the private room. Unable to clearly hear their conversation, she mistakenly believed Qin Shang Cheng was administering "knockout drops" to Madam Lan. In reality, Qin Shang Cheng was using a "truth incense" on Madam Lan, who, once under its influence, confirmed she knew nothing about the "Black Dragon gang" or the whereabouts of any "white jade."
As Madam Lan drifted off to sleep, Qin Shang Cheng carried her to the bed. A furious Hua Rong leapt into the room. Qin Shang Cheng was surprised to see her. Their playful, bickering exchange drew the attention of servants outside. Thinking quickly, Hua Rong mimicked Madam Lan's voice, assuring the servants everything was fine and praising the "amazing" Fuyuxian scent. Returning to the main hall, Qian Dayou discreetly informed Qin Shang Cheng of Lu Wanwan's true identity.
President Lu then addressed the assembly, announcing that this year's meeting would also include a husband recruitment segment for his daughter, Lu Wanwan. The victor would not only marry her but also receive half of an invaluable white jade, which he confirmed contained a treasure map from a previous dynasty, offering a fifty percent chance of finding the hidden treasure. Qin Shang Cheng later discussed his plan with Zhang Xian and Qian Dayou.
Zhang Xian revealed that President Lu was being blackmailed by a mysterious individual who had kidnapped Lu Wanwan and forced him to use the white jade as bait to draw out "Hero Yunhe." Qin Shang Cheng confirmed he possessed the other half of the white jade and decided to maintain his "Situ Cheng" identity to "draw a snake out of its hole." He reaffirmed his intention to send Hua Rong back to Tianchu, prioritizing her safety over all other concerns.
Zhang Xian agreed, suggesting that Qin Shang Cheng winning the contest and obtaining the white jade would naturally reveal the Black Dragon sect leader. That night, Qin Shang Cheng attempted to tranquilize Hua Rong in her room, intending to send her back to Tianchu. He spoke his goodbyes aloud, believing her to be asleep. However, Hua Rong suddenly sat up, revealing she had anticipated his move and taken an antidote beforehand.
She insisted on staying by his side, arguing that the dangers in Wanjiang were even greater than those in Tianchu, and she could help him face the Black Dragon leader, who was more formidable than Zhao Yuanming. Qin Shang Cheng, while initially wanting her to return to Tianchu, proposed a "gentleman's agreement": they would both compete in the husband recruitment contest. If he won and obtained the white jade, she would promise to accompany him everywhere.
If she won, she would return to Tianchu. Hua Rong, confident in her abilities, agreed, stating she could not be underestimated and would win with her own strength. She even jokingly said that if she won, she would send the white jade to him as a dowry. Qin Shang Cheng, amused by her stubborn yet charming nature, sealed their pact with a handshake after she refused a kiss, emphasizing her seriousness.
The next day, Hua Rong and Lu Wanwan, still disguised as men, successfully entered the contest hall. Lu Wanwan proudly revealed she had obtained their entry tickets from the Jin Palace by purchasing and forging copies. Hua Rong spotted Qin Shang Cheng, feeling a surge of determination. However, their forged tickets were quickly exposed by the guards, who knew genuine tickets were made of special paper that couldn't be burned. As the guards prepared to arrest them for impersonating people from the Jin Palace, Jin Yiwen, passing by, intervened, declaring, "She's mine. Who dares to touch her?"
