Young Blood Episode 33 Recap
> Young Blood Recap
Yun Ni bid farewell to Xiao Jing and her companions. She went alone to the guesthouse to receive the imperial decree, voluntarily agreeing to marry into the Song dynasty. However, she was determined that her marriage should not become the catalyst for a war between Song and Liao. For the sake of her people and her brother, Yun Ni took her own life within Song territory. Yuan Zhongxin and Xiao Jing arrived too late, witnessing her death.
By accepting the decree before her death, Yun Ni ensured her demise was not an act against Song. Her sacrifice brought an end to a potential devastating war, thwarted the schemes of Lu Guannian and Han Duanzhang, and benefited the people of both nations. Although Yun Ni’s death temporarily averted war, the seeds of conflict remained. Yuan Zhongxin recalled that Han Duanzhang had apprehended Wei Yanei outside Grand Commandant Lv's residence, indicating an accomplice within Lv's household.
He informed Grand Commandant Lv of this, who, despite his age, understood the implications. Lv promised Yuan Zhongxin he would swiftly deal with the spy and confirmed his intent to report to the Emperor to disband the Secret Repository, believing that once disbanded, they could pursue their true desires, free from a life of intrigue and darkness.
Han Duanzhang, upon hearing of Yun Ni's death, remarked that while her death offered temporary relief, it wouldn't change the larger picture; her brother, Prince Yun An, would still rise in rebellion once he returned to Liao. Suddenly, Di Jiang attacked Han Duanzhang from behind, confronting him about Liu Sheng's murder. Han Duanzhang admitted to killing Liu Sheng, stating that he and Section 7 had caused too much trouble. A fierce battle ensued between Han Duanzhang and Di Jiang.
Both were skilled, but Han Duanzhang's cunning prevailed. He killed Di Jiang, though he was gravely wounded in the process. Lu Guannian arrived with his troops and was deeply pained to see Di Jiang's lifeless body. Han Duanzhang, still seeking to escape, urged Lu Guannian to consider the overall situation and allow him to return to Liao, arguing that killing him would not help. However, having lost multiple students to Han Duanzhang's schemes, Lu Guannian refused to tolerate it further.
He personally apprehended Han Duanzhang and executed him. In his dying moments, Han Duanzhang questioned why Lu Guannian would kill him for the sake of a few students, lamenting that he had died in Song territory without avenging his family. Lu Guannian showed no sympathy for Han Duanzhang, instead approaching Di Jiang's body to apologize for his death.
Back at the Secret Repository, Lu Guannian agreed with Grand Commandant Lv's proposal to disband the Secret Repository, reasoning that the deaths of Liu Sheng and Di Jiang suggested that without the institution or his involvement, they might have lived longer. He expressed that young men should live in the sunlight, not be entangled in darkness. He informed the Section 7 members that they were now free to pursue their true desires, unburdened by intrigue.
Lu Guannian personally brought Wang Kuan to Section 7 and delivered news to Xue Ying: his parents were no longer soldiers and could safely run their noodle shop in Kaifeng without worry. As the Section 7 members bid farewell to Lu Guannian, Yuan Zhongxin mused about their impending separation. Zhao Jian, however, affirmed that while the Secret Repository might be disbanded, Section 7 would remain.
She reminded them that their shared belief in protecting Song and preventing wars would bind them together, no matter how long or far apart they were. Yuan Zhongxin agreed, and the group concluded that Section 7’s mission would continue. Three months later, Wang Kuan returned to his family with Xiao Jing. Meanwhile, Xue Ying, Wei Yanei, and Yuan Zhongxin remained in Kaifeng.
Wei Yanei had attempted to run a noodle shop featuring dancing girls, but it proved to be a financial disaster. Wei Yanei shared the contents of a letter from Wang Kuan: his father disapproved of Wang Kuan marrying Xiao Jing, a Bohai survivor. In defiance, Wang Kuan had taken Xiao Jing to Binzhou to stay with Zhao Jian and cancel his previous engagement, intending to marry Xiao Jing. However, upon arrival, they discovered Binzhou city in an uproar.
Prince Zhao, Zhao Jian's father, was gravely ill, and Zhao Jian was holding a public selection for a husband to ease his mind. Yuan Zhongxin was visibly stunned by the news but stubbornly denied any personal feelings for Zhao Jian, insisting he didn't miss her. Wei Yanei, acting as a friend, urged Yuan Zhongxin to join him and Xue Ying on a trip to Binzhou to see Zhao Jian.
Initially hesitant, Yuan Zhongxin was eventually persuaded by Wei Yanei to accompany them, ostensibly out of courtesy for a friend. Upon their arrival in Binzhou, the Section 7 members found a long line of men at Prince Zhao's mansion, all hoping to participate in the husband selection. After being told to wait in line like everyone else, Wei Yanei, through some inquiries, learned that Zhao Jian had already chosen a suitor.
Xiao Jing later revealed to them that Zhao Jian had chosen Wang Kuan. Inside Zhao's residence, Zhao Jian explained the situation: her selection of Wang Kuan was merely a temporary expedient to comfort her ailing father, who did not trust her and would not cease the selection process until she was married. Wang Kuan had secretly given her a written marriage proposal to aid in this charade.
She planned to explain everything to her father and apologize to Wang Kuan once the situation was resolved. Zhao Jian confirmed her father's illness was genuine, as three independent doctors had given the same diagnosis. She mentioned that she had sent letters to famous doctors for help. Zhao Jian then revealed another pressing matter: Yuan Boqi had come to Binzhou, promoted by a Mr. Fan to train new recruits.
Liang Zhu had also arrived in Binzhou about half a month prior, constantly monitoring Yuan Boqi's home, believing Yuan Boqi had killed his younger brother and seeking revenge. However, a few days ago, Liang Zhu had suddenly disappeared, causing Zhao Jian great unease and prompting her to send the letter. Yuan Zhongxin dismissed Liang Zhu as a threat, considering his brother stronger and now a general. Zhao Jian, however, feared that Liang Zhu might be manipulated or have secret allies.
Though Yuan Zhongxin tried to brush it off as a "family matter" and told his friends not to get involved, the others insisted on helping their former instructor. Wang Kuan was already observing Liang Zhu's last known whereabouts. The group decided to split up to search the Old Market for Liang Zhu. Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian were paired together. As they searched, Yuan Zhongxin asked Zhao Jian about her impending marriage, feigning indifference and offering to prepare a gift.
Zhao Jian thanked him and then pointedly asked if he had anything else to say. Yuan Zhongxin, still unable to express his true feelings, made a flippant remark about her gaining weight, leaving Zhao Jian disappointed. They then spotted a suspicious man and pursued him. Yuan Zhongxin engaged in a fight with the man, getting his hand cut while protecting a child. Zhao Jian immediately bandaged his wound. The suspicious man, who appeared to be a former soldier, escaped.
Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian decided to take the rescued child to find his parents. Meanwhile, Wang Kuan reported that he had observed some vendors in the Old Market who were former soldiers, acting furtively and consorting with suspicious individuals, suggesting something was amiss. Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian then witnessed a large brawl erupting between Song and Xia vendors. Zhao Jian worried about the severe repercussions for her father if the conflict escalated.
Yuan Zhongxin intervened, attempting to mediate and suggesting that the incidents might be orchestrated rather than accidental. Captain Qin Wuya, a respected figure in the Wuwei Army responsible for defending business in Binzhou, arrived and managed to defuse the situation, offering to compensate for the damages. Both Song and Xia vendors agreed to stand down. Qin Wuya hinted that someone might be stirring up trouble.
Afterward, Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian discussed the suspicious soldier and the conflict, noting the connection to rumors that the government favored Xia people, leading to local unrest. They understood that the father of the child they saved was Qin Wuya, who managed all businessmen in Binzhou. They decided to investigate both Liang Zhu's disappearance and this potential conspiracy. Yuan Boqi later met with Yuan Zhongxin, dismissing Liang Zhu's perceived threat.
He believed Liang Zhu's open surveillance was a form of challenge, and if he intended harm, he would have acted already, suggesting Yuan Zhongxin was overthinking due to his time in the Secret Repository. Yuan Zhongxin handed him a recommendation letter from the Minister of Revenue. Despite Yuan Boqi’s reassurances, Yuan Zhongxin and Zhao Jian were committed to investigating both Liang Zhu and the troublemakers in the Old Market, upholding the core mission of Section 7.
