The Romance of Tiger and Rose Episode 17 Recap
> The Romance of Tiger and Rose Recap
Lu Peng, relying on his status as the Princess Royal's future husband, became increasingly arrogant. He frequently visited the Music and Dance Academy to provoke Su Mu and even insulted Princess Chen Yuanyuan. Enraged by Lu Peng's disrespect towards Chen Yuanyuan, Su Mu fiercely beat him. That night, Su Ziying, acting on orders from Chen Chuchu, ambushed an injured Lu Peng in an alley and killed him with a knife, stating that anyone who obstructs the Second Princess must die.
Chen Qianqian was buried in official documents as she took over the City Lord's duties. She expressed her weariness and concern about Xuanhu City's intentions to Han Shuo. Han Shuo reassured her, promising that Xuanhu City would not attack as long as he was there. Just then, Bai Ji reported that Lu Peng had been found dead in an alley. This news disturbed Chen Qianqian.
She realized that despite her interventions, the plot seemed to be reverting to its original tragic course, where Han Shuo (whom she internally referred to as "Banana") would face Chen Chuchu (her "Apple") in battle, leading to Bai Ji's sacrifice and Han Shuo's eventual death at Chen Chuchu's hands. She worried that character destinies, once set, might be unchangeable. Meanwhile, Lin Qi was secretly planning to frame Han Shuo for Lu Peng's murder.
She believed Han Shuo was unworthy of Chen Chuchu's affection, especially after he chose Chen Qianqian and caused Pei Heng to leave the clan school. She intended to use Lu Peng's death to avenge Chen Chuchu and teach Chen Qianqian a lesson. Although her subordinate questioned the wisdom of framing the Young Master of Xuanhu City, Lin Qi was resolute.
She believed Han Shuo would face severe punishment for killing the Princess Royal's fiancé, perhaps even being sent to the Music and Dance Academy under her care, which would humble Chen Qianqian. Lin Qi confirmed that the fabricated murder weapon and evidence were ready to be planted in Han Shuo's residence that night. Aware of Lin Qi's scheme, Chen Qianqian immediately led her guards to Lin Qi's residence, brushing aside Lin Qi's protests.
She accused Lin Qi of killing Lu Peng and attempting to frame Han Shuo. A search revealed an account book containing a drawing of a weapon matching the murder weapon's dimensions, which Lin Qi unconvincingly claimed was for "customization." Crucially, a shingle bearing Han Shuo's name, intended for use at the Music and Dance Academy, was also found. Chen Qianqian confronted Lin Qi, suggesting she was planning for Han Shuo to be disgraced.
Furious, Chen Qianqian declared, "How dare you touch my man?" and ordered Lin Qi's arrest, asserting her authority in Huayuan City. Lin Qi accused Chen Qianqian of being a "rascal" and conducting a baseless investigation. Chen Qianqian internally confirmed her suspicion that Lin Qi was indeed the culprit, feeling a sense of relief that the plot wasn't simply unfolding on its own, but rather through Lin Qi's actions.
Su Ziying reported Lin Qi's predicament to Chen Chuchu, who was annoyed by Lin Qi's recklessness and feared being implicated due to their close association. Su Ziying suggested solidifying Lin Qi's guilt to put the matter to rest. At a public hearing, Chen Chuchu disregarded pleas for leniency and, in front of the assembled officials, demanded a death sentence for Lin Qi.
Chen Qianqian, recalling that Lin Qi was supposed to die in her original story, fiercely opposed the death penalty. She worried that if Lin Qi's fate remained unchanged, Han Shuo's would too, concluding that Lin Qi "must not die." She mitigated the sentence to banishment, citing the Lin family's long service to Huayuan City and admitting her own hasty investigation.
Chen Chuchu, still under house arrest but present to "uphold the law," publicly challenged Chen Qianqian's leniency, accusing her of emotional judgment and favoritism. Chen Qianqian visited Lin Qi in her prison cell. Lin Qi, defiant, accused Chen Qianqian of gloating and threw past accusations at her, calling her the most willful. Chen Qianqian countered by claiming that Chen Chuchu had pleaded tirelessly for Lin Qi's life, which led to the mitigated sentence.
Lin Qi, though still hostile, believed this lie. Chen Qianqian then announced Lin Qi's banishment to Xuanhu City, a place "where men take charge," much to Lin Qi's dismay, who preferred death. Chen Qianqian offered Lin Qi a Huayuan City golden token for protection, but Lin Qi scornfully refused it. Lin Qi then questioned why Chen Chuchu hadn't visited her; Chen Qianqian lied, saying she had confined Chen Chuchu for constantly pestering her.
Lin Qi became enraged, shouting at Chen Qianqian to release Chen Chuchu. Chen Qianqian left, privately relieved to have saved Lin Qi's life, hoping this would in turn safeguard Han Shuo's. A guard later reported to Chen Qianqian that Lin Qi had set off on her journey, and her instructions to the accompanying guards to care for Lin Qi had been passed on. Chen Qianqian feigned indifference. On the road, Lin Qi complained about the slow pace.
The guards, mentioning that a "superior" had ordered them to care for her, clarified it was the Crown Princess Chen Qianqian, not the Second Princess Chen Chuchu, much to Lin Qi's astonishment. Suddenly, black-clad assassins attacked, killing the guards. Lin Qi fought back, managed to unmask one assailant, revealing a subordinate of Chen Chuchu, and was then struck by an arrow, falling into a river, her fate unknown. The news of Lin Qi's death deeply unsettled Chen Qianqian.
She confided in her internal "Masters" (her inner writer self) that despite her efforts to alter the plot, Lin Qi still died as originally intended. She understood that she was now an active participant in the story she created, losing control over its narrative. To protect Han Shuo (her "Banana") from his tragic end, she decided to send him "outside the story," believing that only then could he truly be safe.
This, she acknowledged, would mean an early exit for Han Shuo, transforming his ending into a "tragedy" for herself (her "Orange"). Her inner voice mused that happiness often follows suffering, and this was the trial she must endure. Chen Qianqian, visibly distraught, discussed her fears about Chen Yuanyuan and Su Mu with Han Shuo.
Han Shuo, understanding Su Mu's concerns about public opinion if he were to marry Chen Yuanyuan, offered to go in Chen Qianqian's stead to persuade Su Mu at a tea house meeting. Chen Qianqian agreed, claiming she would visit her mother, the City Lord. She then secretly instructed Zi Rui to accompany her to find Pei Heng.
Zi Rui expressed concern about her meeting Pei Heng after her earlier intimacy with Han Shuo, reminding her of past instances where she had knelt before Han Shuo in apology. Chen Qianqian admitted she feared Han Shuo's anger. She met Pei Heng, who readily agreed to help her. At the tea house, Han Shuo met Su Mu, explaining Chen Qianqian's absence.
Meanwhile, Chen Yuanyuan arrived at the Music and Dance Academy, only to learn that Su Mu had not returned since meeting Han Shuo the previous night. Fearing he had met the same grim fate as Lu Peng, Chen Yuanyuan began posting notices for his disappearance. Back at the mansion, Han Shuo expressed regret for not escorting Su Mu back. Chen Qianqian changed the subject, inquiring about the "shadow guards" Han Shuo brought from Xuanhu City for intelligence.
Bai Ji tried to stop her, but Chen Qianqian complained about her lack of martial arts, lamenting that the poisoned wine had stripped her of her skills. Han Shuo, ignoring Bai Ji's protests, handed Chen Qianqian his command token, the sole means to control his loyal guards, who would protect its bearer with their lives. Surprised by his trust, Chen Qianqian questioned if she was worthy.
Han Shuo assured her she was, then playfully chided her for not yet calling him "husband" despite giving her his "possessions and life." Chen Qianqian, looking at him, finally called him "husband." She then urged them to hurry and find Su Mu, admitting her worry. Internally, Chen Qianqian revealed her true intention: "Only by pushing Han Shuo out of the story completely, can I save his life."
