The Wolf Episode 4 Recap
> The Wolf Recap
After three young masters failed a challenge to win Ma Zhaixing's hand, she received an unexpected visit from Gu Qingping, the Young Lord of Tongzhou. Her attendant, Xiao Feng, initially tried to turn him away by claiming Ma Zhaixing was gravely ill, but Gu Qingping had already spotted her in a nearby pavilion. When presented with the same riddle as the previous suitors—to identify which of three wooden boxes contained a butterfly—he correctly stated that all the boxes were empty.
He reasoned that the boxes were made of camphor wood, which is harmful to butterflies, and a true butterfly lover like Ma Zhaixing would never place one inside. Impressed by his insight, Ma Zhaixing came forward to apologize for the ruse. Gu Qingping clarified he was not there for a marriage proposal but to deliver a letter from his father regarding granary relief.
Before leaving, he noticed Usnea growing in the garden, remarking that it cannot sustain itself and must cling to others, drawing a parallel to a life lived in dependency. After his departure, Xiao Feng praised Gu Qingping's character, urging Ma Zhaixing to move on from her past with Wolf Boy. Ma Zhaixing confessed her profound remorse, admitting that she wished she had been the one to fall into the valley.
Believing she had betrayed him, she could only hope that he was still alive, had forgotten her, retained his kind nature, still loved meat buns and candied hawthorns, and had found a good woman to care for him. Meanwhile, Chu Youwen and his subordinates rested at a tea stand in Kuizhou, where he noticed meat buns and candied hawthorns. His attention was drawn to a riddle promising a free meal if solved.
While his men struggled, Chu Youwen effortlessly provided the answer: "Wolf." He explained the components of the Chinese character for wolf—composed of radicals for "beast" and "kindness"—but criticized the riddle's creator for her incomplete knowledge, pointing out that only a wolf's hind paws have four toes. He dismissed the creator as a show-off before leaving for the Wan An Restaurant.
Shortly after, Ma Zhaixing arrived at the tea stand, thrilled to learn that someone had not only solved her riddle but also identified its flaw. Disappointed that the solver had already left, she followed Xiao Feng's suggestion to see the shadow puppet show at the Wan An Restaurant. Upon arrival, they discovered Chu Youwen had reserved the entire establishment. However, the shopkeeper, who knew Ma Zhaixing, allowed her inside to see the puppet stage.
Alone, Ma Zhaixing reflected on the eight years since Wolf Boy's disappearance and began performing their story with the puppets. Chu Youwen, passing by, was drawn to the familiar scene and approached, but just as they were about to meet, his subordinate Wen Yan reported that Ma Ying had returned to the city. Chu Youwen left to investigate. When he returned, Ma Zhaixing was gone. He instead met the shopkeeper's daughter, Hong'er, whose face was disfigured from a fire.
Hong'er found comfort in the puppet story of Wolf Boy and Xing'er, hoping to find a true friend one day. Cynically, Chu Youwen told her that human hearts are treacherous and that she should seek power to avoid being scorned. Later, Ma Ying returned to the manor. Xiao Feng excitedly informed Ma Zhaixing that she had found the man who solved the riddle and arranged a meeting.
Ma Zhaixing decided this would be her final search for a connection to Wolf Boy; if it led nowhere, she would let go of the past. To her annoyance, the man was Gu Qingping. Believing it was a setup by Xiao Feng, she tried to leave, but Gu Qingping stopped her. He shared his own story of losing a beloved woman to illness and the regret of causing his mother distress with his prolonged grief.
His words, combined with the desire to ease her aging father's worries, finally gave Ma Zhaixing the resolve to move on from Wolf Boy. That evening, Ma Ying revealed more about Ma Zhaixing's mother, explaining that her favorite plant, Usnea, was also known as "Wang Nü" (The Queen), symbolizing her noble origins. His story was cut short by screams from outside.
Unbeknownst to Chu Youwen, Emperor Chu Kui had secretly ordered the Night Fiends, led by Mo Xiao and Hai Die, to slaughter the Ma family, spare only Ma Zhaixing, and frame the Jin Kingdom for the massacre. Ma Ying was killed protecting his daughter. Ma Zhaixing, though she fought back, was unarmed and severely wounded. Wen Yan arrived just in time to rescue her and brought her to Chu Youwen.
Seeing her, Chu Youwen fell silent, finally understanding why, years ago, she had seemingly betrayed him. The next morning, General Ma Xiehan of the Ma Family Army arrived at the blood-soaked manor. He discovered Ma Ying's body and a "Jin" (溍) character written in blood by his finger, making him believe the Jin Kingdom was responsible. He vowed revenge. Mo Xiao and Hai Die reported their success to Chu Youwen, confirming that the Ma Family Army had taken the bait.
He ordered them to monitor the army while he took Ma Zhaixing. Wen Yan reported she was in a critical coma from her injuries and trauma. As Chu Youwen watched over her, he finally acknowledged her as Xing'er, reflecting on their changed identities: he, now the Prince of Bo, and she, a daughter of the Ma family who had once abandoned him.
