Who Rules The World Episode 25 Recap
> Who Rules The World Recap
Hua Chunran insisted on being titled the Divine Fairy of Dadong, believing it was the only way to stand on equal footing and gain leverage, making even Huang Chao's power seem insignificant to her. As children, Hua Chunran, Feng Lanxi, Feng Xiyun, and Huang Chao had known each other. Young Hua Chunran, eager to wear an imperial crown, once inquired about Lord Feng's prestigious Huang Crown, which was more distinguished than a standard Feng Crown.
Feng Lanxi gently explained that the Huang Crown had been sealed away centuries ago and could not be worn, even by the reigning Qing King. He suggested the Empress's Feng Crown, a symbol of beauty and status, would be more fitting for her. Young Feng Xiyun, meanwhile, was primarily focused on winning their games and collecting silver leaves for chicken drumsticks. Hua Chunran ultimately declared her ambition to become the most beautiful woman and wear the most splendid Feng Crown.
Years later, she wondered who would place that crown upon her head. Bai Fengxi, hearing of Hua Chunran's new title and marriage selection, marveled at her intelligence. She noted that as the Divine Fairy, Hua Chunran would not be outmatched by anyone, even if she were to marry Feng Lanxi or Huang Chao. Feng Lanxi, surprised by Bai Fengxi's knowledge of news typically reserved for royal courts, asked how she knew.
Bai Fengxi smoothly deflected, claiming it was common gossip in the martial arts world. She then teased Feng Lanxi, asserting that when he eventually met Princess Xiyun, his jaw would drop in surprise, as Princess Xiyun was far from his expectations and superior to Hua Chunran. Feng Lanxi, puzzled, questioned if Bai Fengxi truly thought Princess Xiyun was inferior to Hua Chunran, which Bai Fengxi vehemently denied before abruptly leaving.
Zhong Li, serving tea, observed Bai Fengxi's agitated state and astutely deduced that she was jealous. Feng Lanxi was delighted by this, seeing it as proof of Bai Fengxi's feelings for him. However, Zhong Li cautioned him, reminding him that jealousy, if left unaddressed, could escalate from minor spats to devastating conflicts. He stressed that Feng Lanxi must find a way to appease Bai Fengxi.
Zhong Li then shifted to urgent matters, reporting that Qingzhou's army was preparing for war and expected to advance on Liangcheng within days. Feng Lanxi lamented the seeming inevitability of conflict but expressed a strong desire for a peaceful resolution to prevent widespread suffering. He decided that the well-being of the people was paramount, overriding his King's command to wage war by invoking the principle that a general on the field may disregard the sovereign's orders.
He intended to write to Feng Xieyue, the Heir of Qingzhou, hoping their intentions aligned for a peaceful settlement. Nevertheless, he ordered the Moyu Cavalry to remain vigilant and ready for battle, and also inquired about the water canal blueprints for Liangcheng. Meanwhile, in the Qingzhou army camp, Feng Xieyue was preparing to attack Liangcheng, driven by concerns that the city's corrupt water management under the late Yu Ming would lead to flooding that could harm Qingzhou.
Suddenly, Bai Fengxi appeared, greeting him as "Brother," revealing her true identity as Princess Feng Xiyun. She explained her visit was to seek a truce, informing him that Yu Ming was dead and Feng Lanxi was now in charge of Liangcheng. She vouched for Feng Lanxi's competence in addressing the water issues and urged her brother to meet with him directly, emphasizing that war would bring no good to either Yongzhou or Qingzhou.
Convinced, Feng Xieyue agreed to send an envoy the following day and, offering a special Qingzhou liquor, persuaded Bai Fengxi to stay the night in the camp. Back in Liangcheng, Feng Lanxi was deeply regretful over Bai Fengxi's sudden departure, believing she was profoundly upset by his words about Princess Xiyun. He expressed his self-reproach to Zhong Li, who continued to advise him on how to reconcile according to romantic tales.
Unknown to Feng Lanxi, Bai Fengxi was happily sharing drinks and stories with her brother, Feng Xieyue. Feng Xieyue revealed that he always carried a flask of her favorite Qingzhou liquor, hoping to encounter her on his travels. Bai Fengxi inquired about their father, and Feng Xieyue shared that the King missed her greatly, feeling both pride and worry over her martial arts exploits.
He added that their father had refrained from publicly acknowledging her identity as Princess Feng Xiyun, to ensure her freedom to roam the martial arts world. Bai Fengxi expressed heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering love and support. Feng Xieyue, expressing surprise that Feng Lanxi was also the renowned Hei Fengxi, deemed them a suitable match. Bai Fengxi, however, cautioned him not to reveal her true identity to Feng Lanxi, as he remained unaware.
Feng Xieyue playfully teased her, noting her undeniable smile when speaking of Feng Lanxi, and declared his intention to assess Feng Lanxi as a potential brother-in-law. He jokingly threatened to "knock him into shape" and "warn" Feng Lanxi that she had strong backing, but Bai Fengxi quickly intervened, urging her brother not to make things difficult for Feng Lanxi, citing the greater importance of the truce between their states.
Feng Xieyue chuckled, teasing her about her obvious favoritism and vowing to give Feng Lanxi "tips" on how to handle her. They continued to enjoy their liquor. The next morning, Bai Fengxi returned to Liangcheng, ready to explain her overnight absence, expecting a reprimand from Feng Lanxi. Instead, Feng Lanxi greeted her with an outpouring of concern, offering her breakfast and assuring her that her whereabouts no longer mattered, only her safe return.
He declared that he understood her deep concern for "Feng Xiyun of Qingzhou" and promised never to mention that name again, as in his heart, there was only the free-spirited Bai Fengxi of the martial arts world, with no trace of Feng Xiyun left. Bai Fengxi realized that Feng Lanxi still did not know her true identity and misinterpreted his words as a pledge to protect her secret.
As Feng Lanxi leaned in, seemingly to kiss her, Chuanyu abruptly entered, interrupting the moment. Chuanyu announced that Feng Xieyue had sent an envoy and would arrive personally the next day to discuss a truce. Feng Lanxi immediately convened a meeting with his officials to discuss a two-pronged strategy: prepare for peace but also for war. He ordered the Liangcheng guards to be integrated into the Moyu Cavalry to reinforce the city gates against any potential Qingzhou assault.
Simultaneously, he commanded an ambush to be prepared around the Protectorate, ready to detain Feng Xieyue if he showed any treacherous intent. Feng Lanxi used the occasion to assert his authority, reminding the local officials that despite his troop deployment, they remained subjects of the Yong King and part of the Yongzhou court, subtly ensuring their loyalty.
Later, Feng Lanxi approached Bai Fengxi, reiterating his belief that her coldness stemmed from jealousy over his mention of Hua Chunran and Princess Xiyun. Realizing he was still oblivious to her true identity, Bai Fengxi confessed to being jealous over the past two days but asked him not to dwell on it, then quickly left. In Jizhou, the King was playing chess with Huang Chao when a subordinate reported unsettling news.
The King, infuriated, accused Huang Chao of being responsible for Grand Tutor Ran's death, accusing him of cruelty and a lack of kingly compassion, even calling him a "wolf" he had raised. Huang Chao defended himself, explaining that Grand Tutor Ran had colluded with other ministers and repeatedly slandered him, leaving him no choice but to act for the good of Jizhou. Their heated argument took a dark turn when the King suddenly collapsed, poisoned.
Thanks to Yu Wuyuan's swift administration of an antidote, the King's life was saved. Huang Chao, enraged, vowed vengeance against those who dared poison his father and attempt to frame him for patricide, aiming to install a new ruler. He ordered the Skyrider Cavalry to gather immediately, declaring a day of prayer for the King and Jizhou, to be followed by a "cleansing of the court" by executing the treacherous ministers.
Meanwhile, in Yongzhou, Feng Ju reported to the Yong King about the House of Jade, accusing it of tax evasion, illegal salt trade, and "plotting treason." He revealed its affiliation with the Fountain Abode, a notorious intelligence organization whose leader, Hei Fengxi, was one of the esteemed Four Gentry. Feng Ju expressed deep concern, highlighting that a network of shops across the land was secretly gathering intelligence, making its leader a formidable and terrifying force capable of instigating rebellion.
The Yong King acknowledged Hei Fengxi's capabilities, musing about the potential threat. Shifting the conversation, the King inquired about Feng Ju's marriage prospects. Feng Ju humbly deferred to his parents' wishes, prompting the King to officially betroth him to Duke Liang's daughter. After Feng Ju's departure, the Yong King secretly ordered Zhang Zhongge to thoroughly investigate the House of Jade for evidence of treason, with instructions to arrest its owner if sufficient proof was found.
However, he also expressed a desire to bring the Fountain Abode under his control rather than destroying such a valuable intelligence network. The day for the peace talks arrived. Bai Fengxi insisted on attending, claiming she wanted to witness Feng Xieyue's wise governance, much to Feng Lanxi's obvious jealousy. Feng Xieyue arrived alone at the Protectorate, a move that surprised Feng Lanxi but also showed confidence.
Feng Lanxi had Chuanyu confirm that his contingency plans were in place, with Moyu Cavalry at the gates and scouts monitoring Qingzhou's camp. Feng Lanxi and Feng Xieyue exchanged formal greetings, each praising the other's reputation. Feng Lanxi then unveiled his water conservancy plan for Liangcheng: a massive dam that would not only prevent floods and irrigate farmlands, benefiting countless people for generations, but also serve as a strategic defense, akin to tens of thousands of soldiers.
He explained his motivation was both for the public good, for the strength of Yongzhou, and for "someone he must protect." Feng Xieyue was deeply impressed, hailing Feng Lanxi as a wise and great leader. He readily agreed to withdraw his Qingzhou army the following day, stating that he too had "someone in this world worth protecting," casting a pointed glance at Bai Fengxi. Feng Lanxi, observing this, felt another pang of jealousy.
With the truce successfully negotiated, Feng Lanxi arranged for Zhong Li to settle Feng Xieyue into his accommodations. Later, he invited Bai Fengxi for a walk, but she politely declined, stating she would return to her room.
