The Romance of Tiger and Rose Episode 16 Recap
> The Romance of Tiger and Rose Recap
As the fuse was lit, soldiers who had been ambushed throughout Huayuan City prepared for the expected explosion. However, instead of the anticipated destruction, the sky erupted with colorful and beautiful fireworks. Han Shuo had secretly drugged the Xuanhu City envoy and replaced all the explosives with fireworks prior to the plan's execution.
His aide, Bai Ji, worried about defying the Xuanhu City Owner, but Han Shuo knew that harming Huayuan City or its owner would permanently sever his relationship with Chen Qianqian, leaving no room for reconciliation. When Chen Qianqian asked if he regretted his past actions, he then asked if her recent confession of liking him was sincere. Before she could answer, she kissed him, confirming her feelings.
The Huayuan City Owner was deeply moved by Han Shuo’s unexpected change of heart, which led him to abandon the city siege plan and the conflict between the two cities for Chen Qianqian's sake. She bowed towards Xuanhu City, expressing gratitude for such a capable son-in-law. Chen Qianqian then declared she no longer wished for a divorce. Meanwhile, Chen Yuanyuan was despondent after Lu Peng caught the embroidered ball, meaning he was to become her husband.
Chen Qianqian rushed to apologize and promised to resolve the issue. However, Lu Peng arrived uninvited at Yuanyuan's mansion, bearing chestnut cakes from Maixiangcun and bringing his luggage, ready to move in. He brazenly stated that all his future possessions, including himself, would belong to her after their marriage, implying he intended to live off her. Left with no choice, Chen Yuanyuan instructed Zi Nian to find Lu Peng a separate property.
Soon after, Su Mu arrived, returning the jade pendant Chen Yuanyuan had given him earlier as a love token. He expressed his unworthiness to wear it and warned Chen Yuanyuan about Lu Peng's ill nature, predicting she would regret marrying him. When Chen Yuanyuan offered to marry him instead of Lu Peng, Su Mu humbly refused, stating his identity as a musician made him an unsuitable match and arguing that she should look beyond immediate desires.
Chen Yuanyuan felt that everyone was making decisions for her and not truly caring about what she wanted. Back at her mansion, Chen Qianqian expressed her disdain for men like Lu Peng, calling them "gigolos" who live off women and covet their assets. Han Shuo, overhearing her, initially thought she was criticizing him, causing him a moment of panic before realizing she was referring to Lu Peng. Relieved, their conversation dissolved into tender confessions, strengthening their bond.
They reluctantly said goodnight, exchanging affectionate nicknames, much to the exasperation of Zi Rui and Bai Ji. Later that night, Chen Qianqian was lost in thoughts of Han Shuo when he secretly entered her room through the window. Zi Rui, alerted by the noise, came to check, but Chen Qianqian quickly sent him away with a series of fabricated excuses.
Han Shuo presented her with some pastries he had brought from the kitchen, concerned she might be hungry, which she happily ate despite them being crumbled. Since Zi Rui was still guarding her door, Han Shuo had no choice but to stay the night. He assured Chen Qianqian he understood her reserved nature and would not force anything, promising to wait until she was ready to consummate their marriage.
He covered her with a blanket and extinguished the candle, holding her close. When he leaned in for a kiss, Chen Qianqian, flustered, gently pushed him away and turned over, closing her eyes happily. Han Shuo then offered to help her deal with the troublesome Lu Peng, reminding her that he could solve any problem she caused. The next morning, gossip about Han Shuo and Chen Qianqian spending the night together spread quickly through the Clan School.
Han Shuo accompanied Chen Qianqian to class, holding her hand, their affection enraging Chen Chuchu, especially after a student suggested Chen Qianqian was merely "playing hard-to-get" to make Han Shuo fall for her. Pei Heng then announced his resignation as Minister of Education, lamenting that despite becoming the most respected man in Huayuan City, he could not possess Chen Qianqian.
He regretted not realizing his love for her sooner, feeling unwilling to accept losing her after growing up together and being engaged for so long. Han Shuo felt a pang of jealousy. After Pei Heng's departure, Su Mu returned to the Music and Dance Academy, hanging his shingle once again. Many women flocked to see him, but he found their attention tiresome.
Meanwhile, Lu Peng, determined to win the City Owner's favor, had a bracelet with a family crest custom-made and wore it, visiting the City Owner's mansion daily. He believed his proactive approach and the City Owner's parental authority over marriages would secure his union with Chen Yuanyuan. During one such visit, he overheard Chen Chuchu vehemently arguing with the City Owner.
Chen Chuchu accused Han Shuo of initially planning to use explosives on the night of the Double Seventh Festival and demanded to search Yueli Mansion for evidence, feeling that her mother was protecting Han Shuo and Chen Qianqian. The City Owner revealed she had been aware of Han Shuo's original plan but he had given it up for Chen Qianqian, contrasting this with Chen Chuchu's ambition for the Crown Princess's position, which she felt put the entire city at risk.
Chen Chuchu retorted with a long-held grievance, accusing her mother of favoritism towards Chen Qianqian and never acknowledging her. Overwhelmed with anger and stress, the City Owner collapsed, suffering a stroke. Chen Qianqian, learning of her mother's illness and Chen Chuchu's role in it, was deeply disappointed.
As the Crown Princess, she immediately declared martial law throughout the city, suppressed news of the City Owner's condition, and ordered Sang Qi to confine Chen Chuchu to Xingzi Mansion, punishing her with copying the Classic of Filial Piety 100 times. Chen Chuchu complained about the unfair treatment compared to Chen Qianqian's past actions. Su Ziying, seizing the opportunity, advised Chen Chuchu on how to navigate the situation and regain control. Chen Chuchu declared she would have both power and Han Shuo, recalling that Lu Peng had witnessed her argument with the City Owner.
