Who Rules The World Episode 9 Recap
> Who Rules The World Recap
Feng Lanxi, speaking with Feng Qiwu, revealed his shrewd analysis of Feng Ju's character. He noted Feng Ju's treachery, observing that the mastermind of the plot was Wang Yuan, whom Feng Ju kept by his side due to his reckless and opportunistic nature. Feng Lanxi believed that Feng Ju's cunning allowed him to easily absolve himself, even if their father uncovered the truth.
He recognized that Feng Ju was cleverly playing a role, just as he himself does, and "must not be underestimated." Feng Lanxi sincerely thanked Feng Qiwu for her assistance during his dire circumstances. Feng Qiwu affirmed that her family traditionally supports only future rulers, expressing her honor in his trust and unwavering confidence in his strategic and military prowess, stating that none other than he could ascend the throne.
She acknowledged her initial failure to recognize his true talent and offered the Feng family’s complete loyalty and support, to which Feng Lanxi confirmed they were already his trusted allies. Feng Lanxi then decided that after surviving such a great catastrophe, it was time to finally meet his father. Believing Feng Lanxi to be dead, the King performed solemn rites, lamenting his son, a sophisticated and intelligent prince born to his first queen, who was lost to a tragic accident.
He prayed earnestly for his safe return. Feng Ju, feigning deep sorrow, offered a substantial donation of rice for prayers, earning praise from onlookers who noted his apparent devotion compared to Prince Chang's absence. Just as a disfigured body was presented, believed to be Feng Lanxi's, Ren Rusong burst in with news that Feng Lanxi was alive, saved by fishermen, and had returned to his residence.
The King, visibly enraged by the conflicting information, immediately ordered Feng Ju to thoroughly investigate the identity of the mysterious body. Later, the King visited Feng Lanxi, feigning concern for his health and assigning a physician to his residence. He promised generous rewards for Feng Lanxi’s public service. Feng Lanxi, however, thanked his father but requested that justice be served, not just rewards, and that those who harmed him be severely punished.
He subtly hinted that his leads pointed to Feng Ju but expressed reluctance to directly accuse a sibling. The King grew furious, accusing Feng Lanxi of being more concerned with plotting against his brother immediately after returning than informing his father of his survival, labeling it "deceiving your lord." Feng Lanxi asserted that his investigation was not slander and would uncover definitive proof, reminding his father that "the laws of the family and the nation" stood above familial ties.
The King, enraged, dismissed Feng Lanxi, ordering him to rest in his residence and promising "an explanation." The King, reflecting privately, knew that someone close to Feng Ju had orchestrated the attack on Feng Lanxi, even if Feng Ju himself might not have been fully aware. He acknowledged Feng Lanxi's defiant words were justified, admitting his own past mistreatment of the prince. To prevent deeper family divisions, he ordered Yuan Lu to draft two imperial decrees.
Meanwhile, Feng Lanxi, having returned to his residence, thanked his master for managing affairs in Yongzhou during his absence, and his master credited Feng Lanxi's strategy with cornering Feng Ju. Feng Lanxi then inquired if the Tianshuang Sect members were settled, to which Ren Rusong expressed surprise that Bai Fengxi was in the capital. Feng Lanxi credited her with saving his life, stating that without her, he wouldn't have survived.
Despite Ren Rusong's personal reservations about Bai Fengxi, he conceded her vital role. The King subsequently issued a decree, enfeoffing Feng Lanxi as Prince Yongping, allowing him to establish his own office, and granting him remote governance over Jincheng and Dangcheng with 5,000 households. The decree also appointed Ren Chuanyun as General of Agile Cavalry, commanding the Qinglin Army, and Ren Chuanyu as Commandant Guoyong.
Yuan Lu then conveyed a personal message from the King to Feng Lanxi: "Between a subject and his lord, the law of the nation is paramount. Between a father, son, and brother, family comes first. May Prince Yongping remember those words always." Feng Lanxi understood. Feng Ju sought refuge at Mount Ning Temple.
His mother, Baili, confronted him, slapping him and scolding him for hiding in a temple after Feng Lanxi's safe return, interpreting his actions as a blatant display of guilt. She reminded him of her strenuous efforts at Mount Ning to secure the support of Uncle Ning, Marquis Xun'an, for his claim to the heirship. Yet, Feng Ju's blunder led to Feng Lanxi being granted the title of Prince Yongping.
She advised him to accept defeat, deeming it "easier than facing death," and stressed her ultimate ambition for him: not just to surpass Feng Lanxi, but to eventually "sit on the throne your father sits on someday." With Wang Yuan now dead, Baili, questioning Feng Ju's judgment in selecting aides, assigned Li Jiaxian, whom she described as more cautious than Wang Yuan, to assist Feng Ju. She then prepared to return to the palace.
Unbeknownst to Baili, Li Jiaxian was actually Feng Ju’s trusted operative, strategically placed in his mother’s retinue. Feng Ju considered Wang Yuan, Baili's former confidant, an obstacle, and Feng Lanxi's plot had inadvertently facilitated Wang Yuan's demise, allowing Li Jiaxian to return to his side. Feng Ju acknowledged his mother's ambition for him to become the heir but dismissed it, viewing himself as a mere "puppet" while his father remained in power.
He revealed his understanding that his father perceived him as a "good-for-nothing who only obeys my mother," a perception he actively cultivated and intended to escalate by behaving even more "peevishly." His ultimate goal was to provoke Feng Lanxi into revealing his true capabilities, thereby shifting their father's "animosity" towards Feng Lanxi, allowing Feng Ju to "sit back and watch the tigers fight" and ultimately usurp the throne.
The Dadong Emperor and Crown Prince Jing Yan discussed their strategy regarding the Empyrean Token, which was never truly lost but strategically reported missing to incite conflict among the Six States, aiming to weaken them. Jing Yan confirmed that the plan was progressing as anticipated, noting how one of the "fake" tokens had fallen into Jizhou’s hands, and expressing satisfaction at Jizhou’s weakening. The Emperor lauded "that man's" (their strategist's) cunning.
However, an urgent report arrived from Jizhou, stating their intention to return the Empyrean Token. The Emperor's expression darkened, and when Jing Yan questioned their next move, the Emperor declared he would issue a decree summoning the Six States to a "Six States banquet" in the palace to express gratitude to Jizhou for returning the token, and he would personally welcome them.
Feng Ju approached Feng Chang, subtly trying to sow discord by highlighting Feng Lanxi’s new title as Prince Yongping, implying Feng Chang would now have to bow to his younger brother. He provocatively recounted how Feng Lanxi had been safe all along but "refused to show up, leaving you there trying to find him in the rain and sun, without a single message," questioning if Feng Lanxi reciprocated Feng Chang's fraternal loyalty. Feng Chang was clearly bothered by these words.
Later, Feng Chang visited Feng Lanxi at his residence, playfully chiding him for the formal greeting, saying it would "shorten my life." Feng Lanxi countered, suggesting Feng Ju was behind Feng Chang's discontent, to which Feng Chang acknowledged Feng Lanxi’s insight into Feng Ju but pointed out Feng Lanxi’s seeming lack of understanding of their own bond.
Feng Chang then reminded Feng Lanxi not to dwell on Wang Yuan’s death, especially after receiving his new title, to avoid further displeasing their father. He also cautioned Feng Lanxi about the complete breakdown in his relationship with Feng Ju and the impending return of Baili, advising extreme caution. Feng Chang also expressed concern that Feng Lanxi "keeps too much to himself" and urged him to prioritize his health.
Feng Lanxi thanked him for his concern, informed him that a gift had been sent to his residence as a token of his appreciation, and reassured him that "no matter what happens, I will always be the younger brother that grew up with you." Hei Fengxi arrived at Bai Fengxi's temporary residence, noting his "mean-spiritedness is back," signifying that his family matters were resolved. He invited her for an outing, which she initially hesitated about due to her cooking duties.
However, Zhong Li confirmed he had already arranged for food delivery and would assist in her absence. They embarked on their first outing in the capital of Yongzhou, a moment that filled Hei Fengxi with joy. As they strolled, they encountered Feng Qiwu, prompting Hei Fengxi to quickly pull Bai Fengxi into hiding to avoid being recognized.
Feng Qiwu's maid briefly mistook Hei Fengxi’s back for that of the Second Prince, but Feng Qiwu swiftly dismissed the notion, stating the Second Prince would never "hold hands with a girl in the street." Bai Fengxi, still unaware of Hei Fengxi’s true identity, playfully teased him about his aristocratic aloofness. They then came across a stunning flower sea, which an elderly vendor proudly announced was personally designed by "the Second Prince, Lanxi," describing him as the "Gentry of Elegance."
Bai Fengxi praised Lanxi’s elegance and taste, prompting Hei Fengxi to jealously ask if he wasn't elegant. Bai Fengxi elaborated on the profound difference between them, remarking, "A character makes a world of difference," and quoting poetry about the steadfast nature of orchids. Hei Fengxi then sat down and personally sketched Bai Fengxi's portrait, drawing praise from a local artist.
Later, seeing a child about to fall into the river while chasing a ball, Bai Fengxi swiftly rescued him but twisted her ankle in the process. Hei Fengxi, chiding her for her recklessness, carried her back to her residence. Upon their arrival, Zhong Li reminded Hei Fengxi it was time to leave. Hei Fengxi reluctantly bid farewell, forgetting his finished portrait, which Bai Fengxi then retrieved.
Feng Lanxi anticipated Baili's return to the palace, seeing it as an opportunity to observe her forthcoming strategies. Feng Qiwu, however, expressed concern about Baili’s "guileful and resourceful" methods, fearing she might attempt to harm Feng Lanxi during the official welcome. Indeed, Baili made a grand, calculated entrance. She arrived at the palace gates dressed plainly, eschewing her royal carriage, and walking alongside a group of flood victims she claimed to be aiding.
She informed the King that she had vowed to make the arduous journey on foot if Feng Lanxi returned safely, presenting this act of humility and compassion as a means to curry public favor and subtly pressure the King. Feng Lanxi, however, subtly questioned her claim, recalling her previous leg injury. The King, apparently placated, hurried her into the palace.
Once inside, Baili seized another opportunity, reporting to the King that during a recent encounter with "the wife of our clan leader" at Yutan Stream, she learned that the King's late mother was a descendant of the Xiao family from the previous dynasty. She further added that an updated genealogy register would soon arrive in the capital. The King, seemingly pleased by this revelation, then urged Feng Lanxi to publicly honor Baili for her "filial piety."
