Treasure at Dawn Episode 26 Recap
> Treasure at Dawn Recap
Fu Sheng managed to save Gu Tian's life, but his forearm had been severed. Although Fu Sheng temporarily reattached it, a bone was missing, which would permanently affect Gu Tian's ability to practice martial arts. Suddenly, Sun Siming arrived at the medical hall with his men, claiming it was all a misunderstanding.
He pretended to apologize sincerely to Fu Sheng and Wen Yu, immediately shifting all blame onto his steward, whom he then ruthlessly executed with a sword right in front of them. He asserted that he was forced into everything, seeking to manipulate the situation and gain the valuable jade plate. Knowing Sun Siming's treacherous nature, Fu Sheng and Wen Yu did not believe him.
Sun Siming then proposed cooperation, highlighting that he possessed the Painting of Luan while they had the jade plate and jade, and all were necessary to unlock the Treasure of the Sealed Book. Wen Yu flatly refused, and when pressed, Fu Sheng silently concurred. Sun Siming then suggested a competition instead: the winner would claim the Treasure of the Sealed Book, consisting of the Painting of Luan, the jade, and the jade plate.
He stipulated that Lord Wen would be the judge, but they could not seek help from the Lord's Mansion. Sun Siming gave them two days to consider. After Sun Siming left, Wen Yu asked Fu Sheng for his thoughts. Fu Sheng acknowledged Sun Siming's malicious intent but conceded they had no choice but to accept the competition if they wanted the Painting of Luan.
Wen Yu expressed concern, pointing out that Fu Sheng didn't know martial arts and Gu Tian was injured, and they couldn't rely on Lord Wen's people like Jiu. Fu Sheng, however, hinted at a plan to "muddy the waters," suggesting involving the Ma Gang. Meanwhile, Gu Tian, who had just regained consciousness, was undergoing acupuncture treatment from Fu Sheng. He weakly asked about the recovery time, growing impatient at the prospect of a month-long healing process.
Fu Sheng reassured him, promising to heal his arm and urging him not to despair, though he did not fully disclose the difficulties. Gu Tian, however, directly questioned if his arm was now useless, but Fu Sheng insisted he would heal it. Elsewhere, Ying Ying lay unconscious. Overcome with grief from seeing the corpses of the fallen secret agents, Ying Ying had vomited blood and fallen into a coma.
Hulu was distraught and blamed himself for not having noticed his sister's underlying condition sooner, feeling responsible for her current state. Fu Sheng, upon seeing Hulu's distress, explained that Ying Ying suffered from Hyperthymesia, making her naturally more sensitive. The recent devastating events and her profound grief had caused her illness to flare up. While Fu Sheng couldn't guarantee when she would wake up, or even if she would, he assured Hulu he had a plan.
Hulu, determined, vowed to study medicine diligently to help his sister. Wen Yu again inquired about Gu Tian's condition, and Fu Sheng admitted that the missing bone in his reattached arm made his recovery uncertain, stating that fate would decide his future. Wen Yu stressed that Gu Tian participating in the upcoming competition would be a death sentence, but Fu Sheng knew Gu Tian's stubborn character meant he would inevitably compete.
They discussed finding replacements, but Fu Sheng prioritized Gu Tian's healing, agreeing to find alternatives only if absolutely necessary, emphasizing that they must save Gu Tian while also acquiring the treasure. Later, Lord Wen convened a meeting with representatives from the Ma Gang, Sun Siming, Fu Sheng, and Wen Yu to finalize the competition rules.
Lord Wen declared that a street would be sealed off, and the Painting of Luan and the Wenque Jade Plate would be placed in two separate boxes at opposite ends. Each of the three factions could send two participants, and after the time limit of two incense sticks (approximately one hour), whoever possessed the items would win.
Sun Siming, deeming these rules "boring," proposed a "deathmatch"—a no-rules, no-time-limit brawl to the death, where the last person standing would claim both treasures, further suggesting no weapons be allowed. Wen Yu immediately protested, arguing the rules were unfair since Fu Sheng lacked martial arts skills and Gu Tian was injured. Sun Siming dismissed her concerns. Fu Sheng eventually agreed to Lord Wen's ultimate arrangement, which included the no-weapons aspect.
Sun Siming then attempted to question Lord Wen about recent citizen deaths, but Lord Wen swiftly rebuffed him, citing the recent execution of the "culprit" (his steward) in front of the Princess as the resolution. After the Ma Gang representative also departed, Lord Wen invited Fu Sheng and Wen Yu to dinner, but Wen Yu declined, stating they had other important matters.
Meanwhile, Gu Tian, despondent over his arm injury that prevented him from practicing martial arts, sought solace in heavy drinking at a pleasure house. Fu Sheng and Wen Yu found him there. Gu Tian lashed out at them, sarcastically calling himself a "disabled person" and mocking Fu Sheng's life-preserving nature. Wen Yu tried to encourage him, reminding him of Fu Sheng's words about hope.
Gu Tian retorted that they were from different social strata and his self-destruction was none of their concern. However, he then revealed he knew Fu Sheng never lied, hinting that he secretly clung to the hope of recovery. He told them to leave, claiming their presence only harmed him further.
At the Ma Gang, the Leader instructed Tuoba Ruo to select two highly skilled martial artists for the competition, emphasizing that winning was paramount as he desired both the jade and the map. Tuoba Ruo voiced concerns about the Treasure of the Sealed Book bringing disaster, but the Leader, determined to elevate his Xiangshui tribe, dismissed her worries. Tuoba Ruo reported that Guo Sishui's border army had moved, and also confirmed that Gu Tian was reportedly disabled.
The Ma Gang Leader, despite Tuoba Ruo's warning, secretly dispatched men, including Dao, to attack Gu Tian, intending to completely cripple him and prevent him from participating in the competition. They found a drunken Gu Tian in an alley and brutally assaulted him, explaining that his participation in the upcoming competition necessitated his incapacitation since he was the only one who could fight for Fu Sheng.
Fu Sheng and Wen Yu arrived just in time to intervene and save Gu Tian from further harm. Gu Tian, feeling humiliated and betrayed, questioned their presence and accused them of looking down on him, having overheard their earlier discussion about finding replacements for the competition. Wen Yu quickly clarified that their priority was always his recovery, and the discussion was about putting the competition aside to focus on healing him.
Fu Sheng reaffirmed his unwavering support, promising to share everything with Gu Tian, including food, and to be his steadfast friend, the most important thing in the martial arts world he desired. Wen Yu also pledged to cover all his future wine and meat expenses for life. Reinvigorated by their sincere words, Gu Tian declared he would overcome his injury, adapt to fighting with one arm and his two legs, and still defeat them.
Fu Sheng, anticipating further attacks from Sun Siming, then asked Wen Yu to move Ying Ying to the safer environment of the Lord's Mansion for her recuperation, which Wen Yu readily agreed to do. Gu Tian, filled with renewed determination, vowed to intensify his training. Later, Dao reported to the Ma Gang Leader that Gu Tian was indeed disabled, confirming his inability to compete effectively.
The Leader was pleased, believing victory was assured, as a "disabled person" would be no match, and the Treasure of the Sealed Book would inevitably be his. However, he punished Dao and the other attacker with fifty lashes for their failure to completely disable Gu Tian and fleeing in fear, reiterating that a partially disabled opponent would still be a challenge. Meanwhile, at the Lord's Mansion, Wen Yu ensured Ying Ying was settled and well-cared for. Back at the medical hall, Fu Sheng, having finally conceived a definitive treatment plan for Gu Tian's injury, eagerly requested Hulu to fetch his writing brush and ink.
