Who Rules The World Episode 31 Recap
> Who Rules The World Recap
During the palace examination, the Lord of Youzhou questioned the princes on their views of the current world. Mr. Shan promptly forfeited, openly prioritizing his business interests. Prince Huang Chao of Jizhou asserted that the Six States should focus on a grand vision, believing that prioritizing the world would benefit its people and command universal respect. The Lord of Youzhou praised his insight.
Prince Feng Lanxi (also known as Hei Fengxi) then offered his perspective, stating that the world ultimately revolves around "fate." He clarified that a nation's fate encompasses the people's livelihood, public opinion, and the ruler's governing prowess. Feng Lanxi emphasized that current leadership should be rooted in the people and guided by imperial principles, all towards achieving "peace for all ages."
His words earned widespread admiration, and the Lord of Youzhou, deeply impressed, invited the remaining princes to an inner chamber. There, he revealed the Cangmang Endgame, a complex Go game left by the revered Old Taiyin and Old Tianji, said to contain their predictions for the world. He declared that the winner would become Youzhou's son-in-law. Most princes, intimidated by the challenge, quickly withdrew, leaving only Prince Huang Chao and Feng Lanxi.
Feng Lanxi deferred the first move, stating that Prince Huang, with his superior status in the world, should begin. Princess Hua Chunran observed that the two wise princes were likely playing out countless scenarios in their minds before making a single move. Meanwhile, back in Yongzhou, Prince Feng Ju had orchestrated a treacherous plan. He instructed members of the Soultaker Sect to "rescue" the imprisoned Tianshuang Sect disciples from the dungeon.
His intention was for his men, impersonating Marquis Yongping's (Feng Lanxi's) forces, to then ambush and kill all the disciples at a designated rendezvous point. This was designed to provide irrefutable evidence for the Royal Army that Feng Lanxi was behind a violent jailbreak. Feng Ju believed this would irrevocably damage Feng Lanxi's relationship with Yongwang, rendering him powerless and potentially preventing his safe return from Youzhou.
Inside the dungeon, Master Bai Jiande of Tianshuang Sect, unaware of the full deception, was about to leave with the supposed rescuers. However, a jade carver also held there wisely refused to join them, reasoning that his current offense was not fatal, but an escape would surely lead to a death sentence. At that critical moment, Prince Feng Chang intervened, exposing Feng Ju's plot to frame Feng Lanxi.
He persuaded Bai Jiande and the others to return to their cells and await Feng Lanxi's return. Feng Chang then sent a message to Feng Lanxi via Zhong Li, indicating his support and eagerness to "play Go" with him upon his return to Yongjing. Feng Ju later learned his operatives had been captured by Prince Chang's men, realizing Feng Lanxi's foresight. Accepting his failure, Feng Ju decided to prepare for his departure from Yongjing.
Back in Youzhou, the intense Go match between Prince Huang Chao and Feng Lanxi continued. Prince Huang pressed his advantage, stating that conquering the world demanded bold offense, not mere defense. Feng Lanxi countered, explaining that his defensive maneuvers were strategically designed for better offense and to stabilize the larger game. He pointed out that Prince Huang's previous "dragon-slaying" attempt had failed, costing him his initiative.
Feng Lanxi elaborated on their contrasting approaches to leadership: Prince Huang sought to conquer through unyielding ambition, while Feng Lanxi aimed to rule by effectively utilizing every individual, even seemingly insignificant "discarded pieces." Feng Lanxi ultimately declared that the world belongs to its people, reflecting the wisdom of Old Taiyin and Old Tianji. He believed that if both he and Prince Huang understood this, the common people would not suffer, regardless of who ascended to power.
After making one final move, Feng Lanxi unexpectedly conceded the game. Though puzzled, the Lord of Youzhou declared Prince Huang Chao the victor. Afterward, outside the palace, Feng Lanxi comforted Bai Fengxi, assuring her that Yongwang would release the Tianshuang Sect disciples upon hearing the news, and Zhong Li would escort them home. Seizing the moment, Feng Lanxi confessed his long-held feelings for Bai Fengxi, declaring that he wouldn't miss this opportunity again.
He spoke of wanting her heart and holding her hand until the end of his life. Bai Fengxi playfully teased him about the lack of a romantic token, and they shared a sweet kiss. News of the Youzhou examination reached Yongwang. Zhang Zhongge reported that the Tianshuang Sect members remained in their cells without any escape attempts. Yongwang noted that Feng Lanxi understood the gravity of the situation.
Upon learning that Princess Hua Chunran had chosen Prince Huang Chao, Yongwang found Feng Lanxi's earlier claims of establishing Fountain Abode for self-preservation more credible. Eunuch Yuan Lu further suggested that Feng Lanxi valued his filial relationship, which reinforced Yongwang's belief. Consequently, Yongwang ordered Zhang Zhongge to release all Tianshuang Sect members. Meanwhile, Yu Wuyuan received word of Feng Ju's failed plan, expressing his disappointment and shifting his focus to the impending marriage between Prince Huang Chao and Hua Chunran.
This union would consolidate the military might of Jizhou and Youzhou, paving the way for his own ambition. He outlined plans to expand the Ju Xu army to 20,000 within five years to prepare for an assault on the Imperial City. His subordinate also reported the accidental discovery of the jade carver (whom Yu Wuyuan had been searching for) imprisoned in Yongjing. Recognizing the potential for useful information, Yu Wuyuan decided to visit Tianshuang Sect in the coming days.
Feng Lanxi sent two crucial messages via messenger to Feng Qiwu. One was for Commander Ren Rusong, respectfully requesting him to disarm and retire to Liangcheng. Ren Rusong expressed concern over Feng Lanxi's reduced influence without Youzhou's backing, noting that while Prince Feng Chang had withdrawn from the succession, the struggle between Feng Lanxi and Feng Ju was far from over. The second message, accompanied by a roster of Fountain Abode's forces, was for Feng Qiwu.
Through Zhong Li, Feng Lanxi conveyed a strategy: the deeply rooted Feng family could secure its position by pledging allegiance to Yongwang, offering a portion of Fountain Abode's power as a token of loyalty. This would appease Yongwang while securing the Feng family's future. Feng Qiwu, understanding the wisdom behind the move, agreed to the plan.
Yu Wuyuan took his leave of Prince Huang Chao, advising him to await the opportune moment before using Youzhou to launch an attack on Qingzhou. Later, Feng Lanxi accompanied Bai Fengxi back to Tianshuang Sect. He explained to her that by relinquishing the marriage and surrendering Fountain Abode, he had removed all leverage Yongwang held over him, thereby securing his own safety and that of Tianshuang Sect. Master Bai Jiande, grateful for Feng Lanxi's assistance, inquired about his future plans.
Acknowledging the imminent world conquest following the marriage of Prince Huang Chao and Hua Chunran, he urged Feng Lanxi to prioritize the protection of the common people. Bai Fengxi wholeheartedly endorsed this, vowing to confront Feng Lanxi herself if he ever prioritized power over the populace. Master Bai expressed his joy at seeing them together. Meanwhile, Feng Qiwu personally bid farewell to Ren Rusong.
In the palace, Baili probed Yongwang, suggesting that with Prince Feng Chang having abandoned the succession and Feng Lanxi having departed, the Heir position should go to Feng Ju. Yongwang revealed he was fully aware of Feng Ju's machinations, including the false accusations and the attempted jailbreak. Nevertheless, he acknowledged Feng Ju's actions were ultimately for Yongzhou's benefit.
He challenged Feng Ju to prove his worth by successfully quelling a southern rebellion within a month, promising that success would qualify him for the Heir title. As he left, Yongwang noted that Baili had gotten the outcome she wanted. Finally, Yu Wuyuan arrived at Tianshuang Sect, where Bai Jiande presented him with a jade piece, seeking his knowledge of its origin.
