The Wolf Episode 40 Recap
> The Wolf Recap
Ma Jing discovered Ke Lang holding a "Collection of 100 Flowers" and mistakenly believed it was for Ji Chong, thinking he intended to seek pleasure before his wedding. She promptly informed Ma Zhaixing, who, however, remained unfazed. Ma Zhaixing calmly stated that it was common for men to frequent pleasure houses and, as Ji Chong had shown her kindness, she had no reason to object even if he were to take a concubine.
She instructed Ma Jing to return the item and apologize to Ji Chong and Ke Lang without mentioning she had seen it. Ma Jing was perplexed by Ma Zhaixing's composed demeanor, recalling how differently she had reacted when the Prince of Bo had visited a brothel. She confided that she sensed Ma Zhaixing did not truly love Ji Chong and had never prioritized her own desires. Ji Chong, standing just outside the door, overheard their conversation.
Feeling hurt, he realized that Ma Zhaixing’s lack of jealousy stemmed from her genuine absence of affection for him. Later, Ji Chong, referring to himself as Li Juyao, sat alone drinking, lamenting the messy state of his life, particularly his love for the principled Ma Zhaixing. He acknowledged that Ma Zhaixing hadn't truly moved on from the Prince of Bo, despite her claims, and that he felt he was "stealing" her love.
He considered telling her the truth, which he had wanted to do since finding her in Jishan, but couldn't bear to see her shattered. He described Ma Zhaixing as a "bird in a painting," unable and unwilling to fly, resigned to her fate. The Chief Eunuch tried to console him, but then Ke Lang burst in with alarming news: Chu Kui had imprisoned the Prince of Bo and ordered his execution for tomorrow.
The Chief Eunuch immediately urged them to keep this devastating news from Ma Zhaixing, especially with the wedding approaching. Meanwhile, Yao Ji learned of Ma Zhaixing's impending marriage to Ji Chong. The Prince of Bo sat quietly in his cell, facing certain death with an unnerving calm amidst the fear and despair of the prison. He removed his wolf tooth necklace, his thoughts consumed by Ma Zhaixing.
He believed his demise would finally free her from her past burdens and hatred, allowing her life to return to normal. Yao Ji’s subordinate reported Chu Kui's execution order, and Yao Ji mused that only Heaven could possibly save the Prince of Bo now. On the day of the wedding, Ma Zhaixing donned her vibrant red wedding gown and prepared to enter the ceremony hall.
Simultaneously, the Prince of Bo, dressed in dark, tattered clothes, was being led from his cell to the execution ground. Chu Yougui, the Prince of Chuan, gloated at the sight of the Prince of Bo bound to a stone pillar. He maliciously informed him that Ma Zhaixing was marrying Ji Chong that very day, expecting to see him break down in despair. To Chu Yougui’s surprise, the Prince of Bo merely offered a faint smile.
At the wedding ceremony, Ji Chong abruptly halted the proceedings. He dramatically revealed to Ma Zhaixing that the Prince of Bo was scheduled for execution that very noon. After a moment of calm reflection, Ma Zhaixing declared that the Prince of Bo had "gotten what he deserved" and firmly stated her intention to proceed with the wedding, emphasizing her desire to move forward from the past.
Overwhelmed with relief, Ji Chong joyfully took her hand, and they completed the marriage ceremony, formally becoming husband and wife. At the execution site, as soldiers lit the pyre, and flames were about to engulf the Prince of Bo, a sudden downpour extinguished the fire. Moments later, countless lightning bolts streaked across the sky, striking the Imperial Mausoleum, filling observers with an ominous premonition. Yao Ji rushed to Chu Kui, presenting the Red Cloud Sword broken into two.
She claimed that during her all-night prayer at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, a bolt of lightning had struck the temple, directly hitting and shattering the sword. While Chu Kui typically scoffed at such supernatural occurrences, he grew deeply unsettled upon hearing that all nine ancient Nine-Dragon Cypress Trees had been struck down by lightning, coupled with the recent flooding of the Huai River and the inexplicable destruction of the Red Cloud Sword.
These signs, she implied, indicated Heaven’s disapproval of him killing the Prince of Bo. Chu Kui was visibly shaken, collapsing to the ground, questioning how he could maintain his imperial authority if he spared the Prince of Bo. Yao Ji then proposed a solution that would appease both Heaven and the emperor.
Subsequently, Chu Kui arrived at the execution ground, announcing that while the Prince of Bo’s defeat at Boxiang was undeniable, his "betrayal" was not intentional but rather due to negligence. Therefore, his death sentence was commuted, but he would be banished to the Qiannu Camp, condemned to eternal servitude. That same night, Yao Ji stealthily entered the Prince of Bo’s cell.
She then revealed to her subordinate that she had manipulated Chu Kui by using a dagger made of dark iron, which the Prince of Bo had previously given her, to break the Red Cloud Sword. She confessed to withholding news of the Huai River flood until that very day and deliberately feigning fear and using astrological predictions to prey on Chu Kui's anxieties, knowing he was vulnerable after his defeat at Boxiang.
She acknowledged that the Prince of Bo’s past kindness to her had inadvertently saved his life, but expressed shock that he was sent to the Qiannu Camp. She explained that the camp housed powerful former military officers captured by the Prince of Bo himself, who harbored deep hatred for him and would seek revenge. Furthermore, all slaves there would be branded on their faces.
Ji Chong informed Ma Zhaixing that the Prince of Bo had not died but was instead exiled to the Qiannu Camp. He encouraged her not to suppress her emotions. He grimly explained that the Qiannu Camp was filled with formidable military leaders whom the Prince of Bo had personally captured, and who now harbored intense resentment towards him. Though the Prince of Bo had escaped death, he would face immense suffering there.
Ji Chong then invited Ma Zhaixing to share a drink, suggesting it as a way to put an end to her entangled past with the Prince of Bo, hoping it would ease the hatred in her heart. Ma Zhaixing accepted the strong liquor. Ji Chong promised to care for her and ensure she no longer grieved for the Prince of Bo, expressing his happiness that the Prince of Bo had survived.
