Episode 20 recap: The White-Clad Stranger Appears to Challenge; The Alliance of the Five Kingdoms is Established
In Episode 20, Yuan MoA Shu visits Xiangyun Pavilion to check the inventory orders. Since Old Duan took over, there’s been an excessive purchase of cabbages, but the money hasn’t been used properly. He also notices an astonishing amount of loofah fibers—far more than needed for washing dishes. Suspicious, A Shu disguises himself as a wealthy merchant from Yanle, claiming that Old Duan referred him, and expresses interest in buying a large quantity of loofah fibers.
The shopkeeper, sensing something off, realizes that Old Duan wouldn’t introduce strangers and tricks them into a backdoor, taking them to a cellar outside of town. A Shu, wary of a trap, discreetly marks the way. Wang Kun Wu and Yu Chi Hua follow the marks but lose track at a fork in the road. The shopkeeper, thinking they are officials, surrounds them.
In a moment of desperation, A Shu claims a close relationship with the Yanle Pavilion and insists that he dares to buy goods even under scrutiny because he has backing. Yuan Mo supports this claim, stating that with the Yanle Pavilion’s protection, things would be easier. The shopkeeper’s attitude shifts instantly; he smiles and brings out the goods for inspection.
A Shu notices that the hibiscus powder is dry and clearly farmed, not wild. Seeing that A Shu knows his stuff, the shopkeeper presents the best hibiscus powder. Yuan Mo urges them to load it quickly, and they go along as hostages to collect the payment. Just then, a man named Ma Zhi Wen, claiming to be from Yanle Pavilion, arrives to pick up goods as well. Yuan Mo tries to be friendly, but Ma Zhi Wen sees right through him.
A confrontation ensues, and A Shu and his companions are outmatched. Fortunately, the guard Nariqi appears unexpectedly and kills several assailants. However, the White-Clad Stranger shows up, shooting Nariqi dead. Duo Mi, who had been hiding nearby, is asked by A Shu how he was mistakenly reported dead. Yuan Mo reveals he never believed the news and was actively searching for Duo Mi.
Duo Mi recounts that Old Duan had attempted to harm him, leading to both of them falling into a river, where Old Duan died, but he was rescued. Yu Chi Hua bursts in to save them, teaming up with Wang Kun Wu against the White-Clad Stranger. The stranger uses poisonous smoke, incapacitating Wang Kun Wu, who takes some time to recover, during which the White-Clad Stranger escapes.
Duo Mi and the others bury Nariqi, and he reflects on wanting a peaceful life but still being schemed against. He mentions Old Duan's betrayal and that someone had secretly helped him. Wang Kun Wu feels it’s essential to inform the Sifang Pavilion about the alliance, but Yuan Mo cautions against rushing to pressure Lord Ao into an alliance.
The White-Clad Stranger constantly disrupts Da Yong, suggesting he has support from Yanle. To fully resolve the issue of the refugees, they must uproot the source of the problem. Lord Ao sets up a memorial for Duo Mi in the Northern Desert Pavilion, feigning grief while secretly hoping Duo Mi will give way to his nephew. However, when Duo Mi "returns to life," Lord Ao is terrified and spills everything, claiming it was Kang Yun Hai's orders.
Duo Mi has him write a confession and press his handprint. An Yuan Dao takes the confession to confront Kang Yun Hai, who denies everything, but An Yuan Dao presents solid evidence, making Kang Yun Hai wary of obstructing the alliance of the Five Kingdoms any further.
The next day, Da Yong and the Five Kingdoms successfully form an alliance. Duo Mi invites Yuan Mo and A Shu to a farewell dinner, expressing that with Da Yong's assistance, his brother will ensure his safe return home. He also mentions his intention to marry the missing princess of Yanle, bringing this chapter to a close.
Comments(Episode 20)