Episode 21 recap: Yuan Mo's Promotion as the Inspector of the Four Directions Pavilion, Wang Kun Wu Remains
The alliance between the five factions is successfully formed, and the Four Directions Pavilion begins to celebrate. The Eastern Courtyard is the first to sign the alliance agreement, awarding fifty taels of silver. An Xiu Yi stands out and is promoted to the Inspector of the Four Directions Pavilion, a goal he has worked towards for many years, finally achieving it through his own efforts. Yu De Shui specially invites An Yuan Dao to present the certificate. In addition, a special position is created for Yuan Mo. Yuan Mo feels undeserving and hesitates to accept, prompting a stern expression from Yu De Shui, leading Yuan Mo to reluctantly accept the promotion.
Wang Kun Wu receives an order from Ming Wei Mansion to take up his new post the next day. When An Xiu Yi returns home, he confronts An Yuan Dao about not recognizing his hard work. Despite the position of Inspector being limited to one, An Yuan Dao insists on bringing up Yuan Mo to undermine him. An Yuan Dao grows angry, chastising An Xiu Yi for being narrow-minded and unworthy of the Inspector's honor, regretting awarding it to him.
Wang Kun Wu hosts a banquet for his colleagues from the Western Courtyard, which everyone assumes is a celebration. Yu Chi Hua dresses up for the occasion but is informed by E Guo Gong that Wang Kun Wu will soon be transferred from the Four Directions Pavilion. As Wang Kun Wu begins to distribute gifts, Yu Chi Hua interrupts in anger, revealing the transfer news.
Wang Kun Wu, upset, wanders the streets, with Yu Chi Hua following, asking if he truly wishes to leave the Four Directions Pavilion. Wang Kun Wu expresses his reluctance, feeling he can't leave until he avenges a previous wrong. Suddenly, Yuan Mo's assistant, A Shu, appears and throws some powder at Wang Kun Wu, causing him to collapse weak and unable to move. It turns out Yu De Shui had previously shown the transfer order to Yuan Mo, anticipating Wang Kun Wu's resistance and instructing A Shu to create a paralysis powder.
Feigning illness is merely a delay tactic; for Wang Kun Wu to remain legitimately, military approval is required. Yuan Mo and A Shu approach E Guo Gong for help. E Guo Gong likes Wang Kun Wu but does not express this to Yu Chi Hua, which displeases him.
A Shu explains that Wang Kun Wu does care about Yu Chi Hua. Recently, when Hong Ye kidnapped Yu Chi Hua and Bai Suqin, it was Wang Kun Wu's timely military intervention that saved them from harm.
At home, A Shu prepares fine Lingxi wine to celebrate Yuan Mo's promotion. Yuan Mo explains that he does not desire advancement; his parents worked diligently only to meet tragic fates in the desert. Since A Shu's arrival, he has experienced the warmth of family and wishes to stay in Da Yong forever. That night, they remove the curtain between their beds, sharing a bed for the first time, with A Shu resting his head on Yuan Mo's arm. The next morning, Yuan Mo's arm feels numb, and he needs A Shu to feed him porridge.
The Four Directions Pavilion receives another order for Wang Kun Wu's transfer. Yuan Mo, along with his colleagues, stands somberly by Wang Kun Wu's bed. Wang Kun Wu realizes he cannot stay and begins to say his goodbyes. Yuan Mo urges him to read the transfer order, which reveals that he will not be leaving after all—his colleagues are playing a prank on him.
Once he has recovered, Wang Kun Wu finds E Guo Gong to express his gratitude. E Guo Gong tests Wang Kun Wu’s skills and character, finding both satisfactory. He then suggests that Wang Kun Wu consider marrying Yu Chi Hua.
Another farewell banquet is held for Wang Kun Wu. Yu Chi Hua wants to speak privately with him, signaling for the others to leave early. Once alone, she asks if his decision to stay has anything to do with her.
Comments(Episode 21)