The Wolf Episode 47 Recap
> The Wolf Recap
Following their reconciliation, Chu Youwen continued to instruct Liu'er in martial arts. He explained that he intended to go to the front lines and might be away for an extended period, so he wished Liu'er would learn to protect himself and Ma Zhaixing. Liu'er questioned why he should protect Chu Youwen's woman, but Chu Youwen insisted that while he wished to protect her himself, the world was unpredictable.
Ma Zhaixing then reassured Liu'er that Chu Youwen would not leave, reminding Liu'er of Chu Youwen's long-standing promise to her father to care for her. She playfully chided Chu Youwen for worrying too much, but affirmed that his concern was genuine and that he would not abandon anyone. Later, as dusk fell, Chu Youwen and Ma Zhaixing walked hand-in-hand through the forest.
Chu Youwen reminisced about their time at the Bo Royal Manor, particularly how he cherished coming home at dusk to hear her call him "Your Highness," which relieved all his day's weariness. He then confessed that after she left for Jin, he would busy himself until late at night to avoid thinking of her, yet he would still "hear" her voice upon returning, only to find no one there.
Ma Zhaixing promised such loneliness would not happen again, marveling at how deeply one person could affect another's heart. Ma Zhaixing then playfully teased Chu Youwen about his past interactions with Yao Ji and Miss Lufu, a courtesan from Kuizhou. Chu Youwen firmly denied any romantic involvement with Yao Ji, stressing the harshness of Night Fiends training.
When she pressed him about Miss Lufu, reminding him of his past flirtatious words, he tried to turn the tables by mentioning Ji Chong and a "Prince of Tongzhou," bringing up her own past suitors. Ma Zhaixing’s jealousy was evident, much to Chu Youwen’s delight. He found her adorable even when she was sulking and lovingly kissed her, expressing his wish that they could spend the rest of their lives walking together just as they were.
As the Qixi Festival approached, Ma Zhaixing prepared Qiaoguo, a traditional festival food. She deliberately chose not to include a red thread, explaining that their journey through misunderstandings, love, hatred, regret, and finally coming together had taught them to cherish their present moment. Chu Youwen revealed he had anticipated her thoughts and prepared his own red threads. He showed her a dead knot he had tied on his end, symbolizing that she was the only woman he would ever want.
For her, he had tied a slip knot, hoping she would pursue happiness if he were no longer by his side. However, Ma Zhaixing immediately pulled her thread into a dead knot, firmly declaring her unwavering commitment for the foreseeable future. Chu Youwen then tried to tell her something important, but she adamantly refused to listen. She then felt something hard in his hand, which turned out to be an amber.
He confessed that losing her had been too painful, and he couldn't bear to lose their shared memories. He urged her to rest, as he still needed to practice sword fighting to prepare for Chu Yougui. Ma Zhaixing, concerned for his health, told him not to practice too long as he was unwell and would be departing in two days, urging him to return safely whether practicing or rescuing someone.
That same night, Chu Youwen had a vivid dream of his elder brother, Chu Youyu, teaching him mind training through blindfolded night sword fighting, promising invincibility. Awakening with a start, Chu Youwen concluded his dream was a warning that his fourth brother, Chu Youzhen, was in grave danger. He attempted to leave immediately but was stopped by an imperial guard, who cited His Majesty's orders that Chu Youwen could not leave at will.
Chu Youwen discreetly instructed his loyal imperial guards, numbering around five hundred, to spread word of an assassin in the palace, but to remain still without his specific command. Meanwhile, Chu Yougui had set his plot in motion. First, he had the palace guards killed. Then, he sent an imposter who bore a striking resemblance to Eunuch Zhang Jin to the Grand Diviner Palace to seek out Zi Shen.
The imposter claimed a matter of life and death, stating that Lord Yun (Chu Yougui) was revolting. Zi Shen, surprised by the news and the late hour, pondered if their plan to capture Chu Yougui had been exposed. He inadvertently revealed details about Chu Youwen's and Yao Ji's counter-plan, realizing only too late that he had walked into a trap. Chu Yougui then personally appeared, revealing the imposter Zhang Jin's true identity, and ordered the imposter's immediate execution.
He then had Zi Shen captured. Chu Yougui proceeded to the Imperial Palace and found Chu Kui calling for Zhang Jin. Chu Yougui revealed himself, declaring he was Yougui, the son who resembled Chu Kui the most. With a swift movement, he shot Chu Kui with an arrow, killing him. Following the assassination, Chu Yougui gathered loyal officials, including Chu Youzhen, under false pretenses. He then dramatically announced that Chu Youzhen's "supporters" had committed treason by murdering the late emperor.
He cunningly claimed that Chu Kui, in his wisdom, had passed the throne to him before his death. Chu Youzhen vehemently protested, accusing Chu Yougui of patricide and usurpation. A loyal official urged Chu Youzhen to endure for revenge. Chu Yougui then declared that all rebels, save Chu Youzhen, would be executed to avenge the former emperor.
He stated that he would keep Chu Youzhen alive, knowing that Chu Youwen would be defeated even before fighting if Chu Youzhen remained in his grasp. Concurrently, Yao Ji, sensing the ominous shift in the Imperial City, realized their plan against Chu Yougui had failed. She found herself surrounded by soldiers who confirmed her fears, revealing they were under orders from Lord Yun.
Though she recognized the potent poison on their swords, a substance from her own Grand Diviner Palace, she fought desperately, intending to reach Chu Youwen. However, severely wounded, she eventually collapsed and lost consciousness. The King of Jin received news that Chu Youzhen had killed Chu Kui. However, Chu Youwen immediately corrected him, asserting that Chu Yougui was the true murderer.
Chu Youwen revealed that he had an agreement with Chu Kui to capture Chu Yougui within days and install Chu Youzhen on the throne, but Chu Yougui had anticipated their move and acted preemptively. Chu Youwen apologized for his prior secrecy, which the King of Jin understood. The King of Jin expressed concern that attacking Mingzhou would be difficult, potentially costing them a crucial opportunity.
Chu Youwen then disclosed Chu Kui's final will: if he met an unfortunate end, Mingzhou could be attacked within three days. This revelation heartened the Jin forces. Ji Chong suggested their army ambush Mingzhou. Chu Youwen, using his exceptional hearing, deduced that the Mingzhou guards had already retreated. Ma Zhaixing, reading his expression, confirmed his assessment, leaving others astonished by their unspoken understanding. Ji Chong observed their deep connection, suppressing his own disappointment.
Princess Bao Na, defying her brother's wishes for her to marry locally, wanted to marry someone from a distant land. She escaped her confinement, disguised herself as a man, and journeyed to Jin. Meanwhile, Ji Chong, now known as Lord Chuan, was actively recruiting new troops to "kill the Chu and destroy Yang." Bao Na, eager to be near Ji Chong, enthusiastically enlisted. Later, Ji Chong observed the new recruits at the drill ground.
He noticed Bao Na, in her male disguise, struggling with basic military tasks like serving food, though she proved adept at caring for warhorses. Unaware of her true identity, Ji Chong remarked on the declining quality of Jin soldiers upon observing the new recruits and sent his clothes to the drill ground.
