Young Blood Episode 26 Recap
> Young Blood Recap
Yuan Zhongxin was deeply preoccupied with Princess Yun Ni’s situation, which stirred a pang of jealousy in Zhao Jian. Zhao Jian confronted him, remarking on his recent injury. Yuan Zhongxin then meticulously analyzed the suspicious circumstances surrounding the princess. He found it odd that Liao’s Dark Soldiers would attempt to assassinate Princess Yun Ni in Kaifeng rather than in Liao. Furthermore, Princess Yun Ni, despite being gravely wounded, insisted on performing a dance.
Yuan Zhongxin concluded that everyone involved seemed to be withholding the truth. He specifically mentioned Princess Yun Ni, Xiaohua, Han Duanzhang, and even Dean Lu Guannian, feeling that Lu Guannian and Han Duanzhang shared a peculiar understanding. He wondered if Lu Guannian would truly let go of their previous entanglements, given his typically cautious nature. Meanwhile, Wang Kuan brought Xiaojing before Lu Guannian, confronting him about Xiaojing's past mission.
Wang Kuan revealed that Lu Guannian had sent Xiaojing to Liao to establish contact with Bohai survivors, effectively putting her life at grave risk without disclosing the full danger. Xiaojing confirmed she had told Wang Kuan the truth because he was always honest with them, and she would feel guilty lying to him.
Wang Kuan emphasized that the Secret Repository hadn't even been established at the time, arguing that Lu Guannian had failed to warn her of the perils and should apologize. Lu Guannian defended his actions, stating that Xiaojing returned safely and that her potential success in contacting Bohai survivors would have benefited their nation. Wang Kuan countered that the nation is made up of individuals, and a life should not be sacrificed unscrupulously, even for the nation.
He firmly stated that Xiaojing, whether a Bohai survivor or not, was a Song resident and a trusted partner in Section 7. When Lu Guannian sarcastically asked if he should apologize, Wang Kuan dismissed it, knowing that true remorse wouldn't lead to such a question. He then promised Xiaojing that with him, she would never have to risk her life again. After Wang Kuan and Xiaojing departed, Han Duanzhang emerged from the shadows.
He admitted that he had previously underestimated Wang Kuan, believing only Zhao Jian and Yuan Zhongxin were noteworthy. Lu Guannian explained his smile, saying that such passionate young men like Wang Kuan and Yuan Zhongxin offered hope for their nation. Han Duanzhang agreed, but added that he and Lu Guannian were from a bygone era, destined to be forgotten. They lingered on, only finding peace in death once their grand plan succeeded.
Later, Xiaojing, deeply moved by Wang Kuan's unwavering support, thanked him, confessing that no one had ever shown such anger on her behalf. Wang Kuan reiterated his vow to protect her. Overwhelmed, Xiaojing embraced him tightly, a gesture that surprised Wang Kuan, though he didn't push her away. Embarrassed, Xiaojing quickly ran off, leaving a bag of candies in Wang Kuan's hand.
Although Wang Kuan didn't usually eat sweets, he carefully hid them when Wei Yanei tried to snatch them at the hostel. As Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian left the hostel, Yuan Zhongxin spun a tale to Tian Hu, a guard at the hostel, about rival troupes trying to injure him before the Empress's birthday banquet. He subtly suggested that security should be increased to prevent further incidents. Elder Huo, having received news of their departure, had his men observe them.
Seeing them leave seemingly unguarded, he concluded it wasn't a trap and decided to capture them, with orders not to kill them, as he intended to use them to infiltrate the now heavily guarded hostel. Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian, feigning distress, allowed themselves to be "captured." In the carriage, they pretended to be a married couple to gain Elder Huo's trust; during a jolt, they were thrown against each other and accidentally kissed.
Elder Huo demanded they take him into the hostel. Yuan Zhongxin cleverly suggested that Elder Huo could pose as his "remote, brain-damaged nephew." Despite Elder Huo's initial skepticism about playing such a role due to his age, he ultimately agreed. Upon returning to the hostel, Yuan Zhongxin introduced Elder Huo to Tian Hu as his "silly nephew," and Tian Hu, believing the story, allowed them entry.
Inside the hostel, Elder Huo insisted that Yuan Zhongxin take him to the Liao mission. However, Yuan Zhongxin explained that Princess Yun Ni refused to see anyone, including him. With his captives seemingly useless, Elder Huo threatened to kill them. Zhao Jian intervened, warning Elder Huo that killing them within the hostel would only heighten security.
She proposed a plan: since Princess Yun Ni was also injured, she would need a doctor, and Elder Huo could impersonate one to gain access to her quarters. They then led Elder Huo to their own room to await an opportunity. Meanwhile, Wang Kuan, Xue Ying, and Wei Yanei, who were waiting in their courtyard, were abruptly ordered to leave the hostel by men carrying a transfer order from the Ministry of War.
Xue Ying noted the guards weren't wearing armor, but Wang Kuan concluded that the order couldn't be fake and that the person requesting their presence must be influential. Just as Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian brought Elder Huo back to their courtyard, they found it empty except for Xiaohua, who frantically informed them that Princess Yun Ni had disappeared again and begged for their help.
To deal with Elder Huo, Yuan Zhongxin asked Tian Hu to take his "silly nephew" back to the room and watch him. He and Zhao Jian then left with Xiaohua to search for the princess. Elsewhere, Princess Yun Ni met secretly with Han Duanzhang. She asked about her brother, Yun An, and Han Duanzhang assured her he was fine.
Han Duanzhang then laid out his true plan: he intended for Yun Ni to assassinate the Song Empress during the birthday banquet, thereby framing her clan for the crime. This would force Song to demand the "murderer" from Liao. He explained he wouldn't kill Yun An because a dead body wouldn't serve his purpose. His ultimate goal was to ignite a war between Liao and Song, allowing Liao to expand its territory south.
To solidify his manipulation, he presented Yun Ni with a letter from Yun An. The letter, however, explicitly warned Yun Ni not to obey Han Duanzhang and to protect herself. Han Duanzhang knew this would only make her more resolute to sacrifice herself for her brother. He assured her that all arrangements for the dance were complete, and she would not be inspected.
When Yun Ni asked if her dance troupe members would be spared, Han Duanzhang vaguely promised to "try." After getting rid of Xiaohua, Yuan Zhongxin confided in Zhao Jian that the disappearance of Wang Kuan's group was highly suspicious, and they needed to find them. First, however, they had to find Princess Yun Ni. Yuan Zhongxin enlisted the help of local beggars, who directed them to a specific yard.
However, upon entering, Yuan Zhongxin realized they had been deliberately misled into a deserted place. He found it perplexing to be outwitted in a city he knew intimately. Soon after, they spotted Princess Yun Ni in a different location. She dismissively claimed she was merely taking a stroll and, citing their differing social statuses, advised them not to meet again.
As they walked away, Yuan Zhongxin expressed his unease, wondering if someone had helped Princess Yun Ni throw them off her trail. Zhao Jian, noticing his thoughtful frown, teased him about being hurt by Princess Yun Ni's comments on social status. Yuan Zhongxin quickly denied it, playfully affirming his commitment to Zhao Jian. Later, Lu Guannian confirmed to Han Duanzhang that he was the one who had arranged for Yuan Zhongxin to be led astray with false information.
Han Duanzhang acknowledged Yuan Zhongxin’s astuteness and provocatively asked Lu Guannian how his students would react if they ever learned the truth about him. Lu Guannian curtly dismissed the question, to which Han Duanzhang responded with a cynical laugh, stating he would be pleased if Lu Guannian ever faced danger. Meanwhile, Tian Hu returned to the room where Elder Huo was supposed to be kept, only to discover that the "silly nephew" had escaped.
