Word of Honor Episode 28 Recap
> Word of Honor Recap
Han Ying, severely wounded, returned to Prince Jin's palace. He reported that his team, while searching for the Glazed Armor, was tracked and ambushed by Scorpion assassins, resulting in the death of all his men except himself. Han Ying presented a scorpion tail thorn recovered from his wound as evidence, suggesting that there might be spies within the Window of Heaven who leaked their whereabouts.
Prince Jin, seemingly understanding, thanked Han Ying for retrieving a piece of the Glazed Armor and informed him that Duan Pengju had already been dispatched to Jiangnan to continue the search due to Han Ying's prolonged absence. Prince Jin then dismissed Han Ying for rest, promising him an award. Unbeknownst to Han Ying, Prince Jin already suspected his disloyalty and had him followed.
Later, a subordinate confirmed Han Ying's betrayal, reporting that Han Ying had sneaked into Prince Jin's study room for a long time and then proceeded to Zhou Zishu's residence. Prince Jin viewed Han Ying as a "good fish bait" to catch bigger targets and wondered about the "alternative plans" Zhou Zishu might still have. Duan Pengju met with Zhao Jing. Duan Pengju expressed gratitude to Zhao Jing for suggesting that the Glazed Armor might be hidden within the Ghost Valley.
Zhao Jing, while not entirely certain, believed that if Gao Chong had indeed colluded with Ghost Valley, then Gao Chong's pieces of the Glazed Armor, along with the one Zhao Jing had lost, were likely there. He promised to repay Prince Jin once he conquered the Ghost Valley.
Duan Pengju acknowledged Zhao Jing's value and urged him to prove himself to Prince Jin, hinting at rewards beyond merely becoming the Chief of the martial arts world, possibly even the title of Marquis or Grand Master. Zhao Jing modestly dismissed such grand ambitions. Zhao Jing also requested that Prince Jin spare the Five Lakes Alliance from consequences due to Gao Chong's actions, which Duan Pengju agreed to. Later, a visibly intoxicated Zhao Jing summoned Scorpion King.
He excitedly informed Scorpion King that the Glazed Armor belonging to the Long-tongued Ghost was now with the Window of Heaven, viewing this as a significant advantage for his plans against Ghost Valley, especially with the impending collaboration with Prince Jin. Scorpion King inquired if Zhao Jing was still upset with him. Zhao Jing apologized, reaffirming their unbreakable father-son bond, promising to face any future challenges together.
Scorpion King then encouraged Zhao Jing to seize this opportunity to "change your fate." Zhao Jing, however, saw it as a "high-stakes gamble" with uncertain odds, prioritizing "stability." He explained his fear of the severe repercussions of treason, which could lead to his entire family's extermination, unlike mere disputes in the martial world.
Scorpion King, declaring he had "nothing to lose," proposed a plan: since their connection was a secret, he would publicly pledge loyalty to Prince Jin and gather all the Glazed Armor. If successful, all rewards would go to Zhao Jing; if he failed, he would bear the full penalty alone, ensuring Zhao Jing remained untainted. Zhao Jing was swayed by this offer. Meanwhile, Evil Bodhisattva, discovering Duan Pengju was in Yueyang, sought him out.
She playfully chided him for not visiting her first upon arriving in Jiangnan, accusing him of prioritizing a meeting with the Chief of the Five Lakes Alliance. Duan Pengju claimed ignorance of her presence in Yueyang, stating he had planned to visit her and Scorpion King in Huzhou after his duties.
He also mentioned Prince Jin's keen interest in Scorpion King's progress with the Drug Men, for which Evil Bodhisattva scornfully remarked that Prince Jin only cared about the Drug Men's utility in battle. Duan Pengju insisted his true concern was for his "beautiful and charming Bodhisattva." Their flirtatious exchange was abruptly interrupted by Scorpion King, who questioned why Prince Jin sought the Glazed Armor from others when he was available. At the Four Seasons Manor, it was New Year's Eve.
Wen Kexing had purchased an abundance of paper-cuts. Zhang Chengling enthusiastically began pasting them under Wen Kexing's playful direction, who teased Zhou Zishu about his "poor sight." After finishing one, Zhang Chengling remarked that the manor felt "more like a home now." Zhou Zishu, amused, playfully chided Wen Kexing for his extravagance, suggesting he bought so many paper-cuts solely because the seller was "a beauty."
Wen Kexing retorted, calling Zhou Zishu "lazy and gluttonous" and warned Zhang Chengling not to follow his example, emphasizing the importance of a clean house for the new year. Zhou Zishu, in turn, quipped about Wen Kexing's "carefree life." For the New Year's Eve dinner, Wen Kexing tasked Zhang Chengling with killing a chicken, much to the boy's terror.
When Zhang Chengling hesitated, Wen Kexing playfully accused both him and Zhou Zishu of being "slackers, gluttonous, and lazy," jokingly saying they had "cheated me here to be your servant" and insisted they participate in preparing dinner. Zhang Chengling, holding a knife, chased the chicken around, screaming for help from Zhou Zishu as the kitchen descended into chaos.
Zhou Zishu mused on Zhang Chengling's sheltered upbringing, while Wen Kexing commented that Zhang Chengling's innocence was a kind of "luck," contrasting it with Zhou Zishu who "takes all advantages in this world, but only without luck, which is complementary." Alone on New Year's Eve, Gu Xiang felt a profound loneliness, pondering the human need for festivals which seemed to only highlight her own isolation.
Her solitude was broken when Cao Weining, along with his martial uncle Mo Weixu and senior fellow disciple Fan Huaigu, arrived at her courtyard to celebrate with her. His companions revealed that Cao Weining had been "restless for you all day long," and they explained they couldn't leave her alone on such an occasion, having rushed there without dinner after ancestor worship.
He presented a variety of New Year's treats, including jujube cake, pumpkin pie, fried lotus root with stuffing, and even raw dumplings prepared by his martial uncle, which he promised to cook for her. Overwhelmed by their kindness, Gu Xiang apologized, calling herself a "hoyden" and tearfully confessed that "there's no one who has treated me so well."
Mo Weixu, comforting her, assured her that the Gentle Wind Sword Sect was now her home and that they would protect her if Cao Weining ever bullied her. The quiet courtyard instantly filled with warmth and laughter. Separately, a drunken Zhao Jing entered his ancestral hall. He first toasted his deceased sworn brothers and then Rong Xuan, mockingly telling Rong Xuan to drink "over there" as it was his rightful place.
He then addressed his former Master's memorial tablet, questioning if he was his most proud disciple, sneering that all those his Master admired were now dead. Turning his wrath to his deceased wife, Li Yao, he spat insults, calling her a "bitch" and gloating that her prophecy of his downfall was false, as he now had "liquor, meat, and women."
He arrogantly declared that by next year, he would be "the supreme leader of the martial arts world," not just the Five Lakes Alliance Chief, promising to show them "how I reach the peak of the world step by step." He then dismissively stated that they wouldn't see it because "You are all dead." In a fit of rage, he kicked over the incense burner, then defiantly urinated on Rong Xuan's tablet.
Scorpion King, arriving with sobering soup, witnessed this horrifying scene. He noticed the various "trophies" Zhao Jing kept by the memorial tablets—his Master's thumb ring and the poisoned sword that killed Rong Xuan—confirming Luo Fumeng's accusations. Enraged by this revelation of Zhao Jing's true nature, Scorpion King’s presence further infuriated Zhao Jing, who violently drove him out, yelling at him to "Get out."
Back at Four Seasons Manor, Wen Kexing presented a lavish New Year's Eve dinner, complete with freshly picked edible fungus and simmering chicken soup. Zhou Zishu, Wen Kexing, and Zhang Chengling enjoyed the feast, with the two adults doting on Zhang Chengling, ensuring he ate well as he was "in the growth period." Zhang Chengling was overcome with emotion, nearly shedding tears, but Wen Kexing lightheartedly warned him against crying on New Year's Day to avoid "bad luck."
Zhang Chengling confessed his happiness, having believed he "wouldn't have a home in my life" but now able to "celebrate the Chinese New Year like this." Zhou Zishu echoed the sentiment, admitting this was the "warmest Chinese New Year I've ever had," reflecting on his past as a "stodgy person" consumed by power struggles, and recognizing the true value of companionship.
Wen Kexing cheerfully affirmed Zhou Zishu had already "mastered top martial arts" and now had "someone to drink with at night." As fireworks lit up the night, Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu engaged in a lively drinking game. Zhang Chengling, distracted by the fireworks, accidentally broke a plate but was quickly pardoned by Zhou Zishu and sent out to enjoy the spectacle. Moments later, a frantic Zhang Chengling returned, reporting that a man had "jumped in across the wall."
They rushed out to find Han Ying, gravely injured and covered in blood. Han Ying, addressing Zhou Zishu as "My Lord," struggled to produce a piece of the Glazed Armor, explaining he had "stolen it back" for Zhou Zishu. He revealed that he had learned about the "Yin Yang Book of the Healer Valley," which he believed could cure all intractable diseases, including Zhou Zishu's, by "changing life with life and converting Yin and Yang."
Zhou Zishu, concerned, chastised him for taking such a risk. Han Ying then recounted the full story: someone in the Window of Heaven had recognized Zhou Zishu at the Heroes Conference in Yueyang. Han Ying intercepted this information and, as exposure became imminent, he "killed them all and framed it to the Scorpion" to protect Zhou Zishu. Knowing this deception could only last temporarily, he resolved to find something useful for Zhou Zishu before his inevitable escape.
He sneaked into Prince Jin's study, where he "found the secret of the Glazed Armor." However, he only managed to retrieve one piece before being discovered by the Window of Heaven. Fortunately, Xing Ming covered for him, allowing Han Ying to escape from Jin. Han Ying, declaring himself Zhou Zishu's "loyalist," reiterated his willingness to "serve you when alive and die for you when you die," stating, "If you're gone one day, my Lord, how could I live alone?"
He then shared a shocking discovery: a "secret letter" found on Prince Jin's desk revealed that Zhou Zishu's "father was killed secretly for the charge of treason by the former Prince Jin." Zhou Zishu was stunned, vehemently denying it, insisting his father had "died of illness" and was the "best friend" and "trusted subordinate" of the former Prince Jin. Wen Kexing urged them to discuss the matter later, focusing on Han Ying's worsening condition.
Han Ying, fading, repeated his plea to gather all five Glazed Armor pieces to open the armory and retrieve the Yin Yang Book. Reminded by Wen Kexing that "the Grand Wizard of South Xinjiang is coming" with Wu Xi and Bei Yuan already on their way, Zhou Zishu immediately decided to "go down the mountain and find Ping An, and try to bring the Grand Wizard back at the earliest."
He entrusted Wen Kexing with sustaining Han Ying's life, to which Wen Kexing vowed to "try my best to keep Brother Han alive," declaring that "even if the Guardians of the Netherworld come," they wouldn't take Han Ying's soul.
