The Vendetta of An Episode 17 Recap
> The Vendetta of An Recaps
Many years ago, a young Xie Huaian frequented Yang Chuhao’s shop. Despite the close bond between Yang and Xie’s father, the boy insisted on paying for every meal, declaring that he would not inherit another man's debts. Impressed by such integrity at a young age, Yang Chuhao predicted the boy would grow up to be a formidable figure. In the present, Xie Huaian meets with Ye Zheng to finalize their plans.
Ye Zheng reports that the "book boy," Xiao Wenjing, has been hiding in the Cangshui River. While Wenjing was initially desperate to stop Xie from leaving for the capital, he is now prepared for his own role in the mission. Nearby, they observe Su, one of Yang Chuhao's servants, pining after Ye Zheng’s junior sister, Xiaoqing.
Xie Huaian humorously suggests that the way to the girl's heart is through her appetite for sweets, while Ye Zheng remains skeptical of the servant's chances. Meanwhile, Yan Fengshan pays a visit to Yang Chuhao. Both "old foxes" understand the stakes; Yan subtly warns Yang to choose his side carefully, revealing he knows Xie Huaian has already reached out to him. For Yang Chuhao, the pressure is immense.
He knows that serving Yan Fengshan is as dangerous as accompanying a tiger. He thinks of his friend "Lao Sha" from the Liu faction whom he has sheltered, realizing his own sentimentality might be his undoing. Haunted by his choices, Yang Chuhao tosses a coin to decide his future: heads to enjoy a life of wealth, or tails to repay his old debts. When the coin lands on tails, his decision is made.
In the seclusion of the Cangshui River, Xiao Wenjing prepares to depart for the Capital. He diligently cares for the unconscious Xiao Wuyang, feeding him medicine and tucking him in. Xiao Wenjing is torn between calling the man his brother or his Emperor, but with a mission that offers no guarantee of return, he speaks his heart.
He promises that if he survives, he will continue to care for Wuyang; if he falls, his death will be a valiant sacrifice for the realm that brings no shame to the Xiao name. Shortly after Xiao Wenjing leaves, Xiao Wuyang slowly opens his eyes, finally regaining consciousness. Before heading to the Capital, Xiao Wenjing visits a salt shop to bid farewell to the owner.
He recently discovered the man is the father of Zhang Mo, a friend whom Xiao Wenjing murdered years ago out of a fit of jealous rage. Kneeling in repentance, Wenjing offers a new robe to replace the old man's patched clothes, only to realize the owner has known his identity all along.
The father explains that he had tracked Xiao Wenjing for a long time seeking revenge, but after seeing Wenjing’s genuine care for the sick and the heavy burden of his mission, he found himself unable to strike—especially since Wenjing bears a striking resemblance to his late son. Urging him to live an honest life and keep a "light of hope" in his heart, the old man sends him off with provisions for the journey.
Xie Huaian meets Yang Chuhao again to discuss the Tiemo secret envoy, Wuyin. Xie has deduced Yan Fengshan’s plan: the General intends to trade Xiao Wuyang’s northern fief to the Tiemo people in exchange for military support against the Baiwenhu Army. Xie intends to intercept Wuyin before the official negotiation begins. Despite having no martial arts skills, Xie insists on entering the fray personally, claiming his life is "hard" enough to survive until his vengeance is complete.
As Wuyin’s carriage enters the city, a chaotic ambush orchestrated by Ye Zheng allows the envoy to flee into a secluded alleyway. Wuyin encounters Xie Huaian, who is disguised as a street vendor. Xie identifies him as a Tiemo noble by the meteor iron pendant from the altar of Mount Shiluoman around his neck. Warning him that Tiemo people are currently unwelcome in the Capital, Xie offers him shelter.
Suddenly, Yang Chuhao appears and knocks Xie Huaian unconscious with a brick. Yang deceives Wuyin, claiming Xie is a wanted criminal working with the group that attacked the carriage. To ensure they stay together, Xie has shackled his own arm to Wuyin’s leg. When Wuyin attempts to kill him, Yang Chuhao intervenes, stating that Yan Fengshan wants the prisoner alive. Xie Huaian is bound and delivered to the General.
Later, Ye Zheng finds a letter left by Xie, explaining that this was a calculated sacrifice to clear Yang Chuhao’s debts and distract Yan Fengshan. While the General is occupied with his high-profile prisoner, the real negotiator—Xiao Wenjing—is already on his way to meet the envoy. Xie Huaian, finally facing his enemy, looks forward to the confrontation he has anticipated his entire life.
