Episode 35 recap: The Guan Shan Squad battles the Beipan people.
Qian Zhao wants to kill the Emperor Wu Di to avenge his brothers. Yu Shi San and the others rush to stop Qian Zhao, but Qian Zhao feels saddened that his brothers are not standing by his side at this moment. Yu Shi San realizes that he cannot stop Qian Zhao, who has made up his mind to kill the emperor. He puts a knife to his own throat and asks Qian Zhao if he will stop him. Qian Zhao believes that this matter has nothing to do with Yu Shi San.
Yu Shi San tells Qian Zhao that if they kill the emperor, they will not be spared by the officials and generals nearby. Qian Zhao then admits that he owes his brothers and promises to atone for them beneath the Naihe Bridge in the future. Yu Shi San questions Qian Zhao about how he regarded them as brothers but secretly carried out this act without their knowledge, putting them in a difficult situation.
Yuan Lu asks Qian Zhao how he considered him as a true older brother while treating them like what. Emperor Wu Di can no longer bear it and apologizes to them, expressing remorse for his greed and disregard for the lives of those around him. Qian Zhao does not believe Emperor Wu Di's words. Emperor Wu Di tells Qian Zhao that he used to believe that as long as he endured suffering and hardships, the day would come when he could rise again with the support of his three thousand elite soldiers. However, now he understands that he is unworthy and asks Qian Zhao to take action.
Just as Qian Zhao is about to act, the sound of a horn is heard from a distance. Yuan Lu senses that something is wrong, and it turns out that the Beipan people are launching an attack. Emperor Wu Di tells them that the county may not receive the news and is in a crisis. Qian Zhao orders the Liu Dao Tang to help repel the Beipan people. Qian Zhao mistakenly believes that Emperor Wu Di intends to escape, but Emperor Wu Di assures him that he will not run away. Qian Zhao tells Emperor Wu Di that they can deal with him later when the situation with the enemy is critical.
Emperor Wu Di is stunned but joins the Liu Dao Tang's team. They believe that the most urgent task is to light the signal fire. Yu Shi San runs to the watchtower to prepare to light the signal fire, and Emperor Wu Di takes the opportunity to go and light the fire. However, the enemy kicks away the firewood, frustrating Emperor Wu Di's attempt. Qian Zhao believes that the priority is to find more firewood to light the signal fire. When the enemy tries to kill Emperor Wu Di while he is vulnerable, Qian Zhao sees it and gets injured while saving Emperor Wu Di.
The others rush to Qian Zhao when they see him injured. Qian Zhao knows that he cannot be saved and advises Emperor Wu Di to be a good emperor, protect the people, complete the mission, and then make amends. Emperor Wu Di leads them to He County but encounters resistance at the city gate. Emperor Wu Di believes that they still have a chance of victory if they use the mechanisms available.
Ning Yuan Zhou still hasn't recovered his internal strength, but Ruyi insists on continuing the journey and tells Ning Yuan Zhou that they are fellow travelers. Ruyi notices that the Beipan people are exchanging for medicine and feels something is amiss. It's possible that the Beipan people have already invaded, so they desperately rush to He County. The brothers from Liu Dao Tang bravely fight the enemies alongside Emperor Wu Di, persisting for three days. The people are displaced everywhere, and their lives are in turmoil. Emperor Wu Di feels deeply saddened by the sight. Ruyi and Ning Yuan Zhou push themselves to catch up, hoping to reunite with their companions.
Emperor Wu Di watches as countless brothers suffer injuries and losses, and his heart aches even more. When the reinforcements from the Beipan people arrive, arrows fill the air. Yu Shi San takes the opportunity to kill the Beipan leader, but Sun Lang perishes from an arrow wound to the back. Yu Shi San clings onto Sun Lang, crying inconsolably, unable to accept Sun Lang's departure.
Yuan Lu and Yu Shi San feel as if they've lost their souls, reminiscing about the past, their hearts shattered. Ning Yuan Zhou gazes at a shooting star in the sky, momentarily stunned. Emperor Wu Di sends someone to request reinforcements, but the other side refuses, believing that the Beipan people are not capable of launching such an attack. They even claim that the messengers are just sowing discord among the troops. In this critical situation, Emperor Wu Di starts to panic, realizing that they won't be able to bring in reinforcements. Everyone can only wait for their impending doom.
Emperor Wu Di senses that the Second Prince of Anguo refuses to send aid, suspecting that something suspicious is going on. The situation is urgent, and they need someone to go to Anguo and deliver the message for help. Yu Shi San suggests that Yuan Lu go, and Emperor Wu Di reluctantly agrees, understanding that it's their only option. Yuan Lu also senses that something is amiss, realizing that Yu Shi San actually wants to keep him away from danger. The two bid each other farewell with reluctance.
Yu Shi San continues to console those around him, reminding them to stay positive and cherish each day they live. After all, the brothers have no regrets, and in life, one should live freely and without restraint. He is also curious about where his head will end up when he finally falls asleep.
One Thought of the Great Mountains" has come to its final conclusion. From the captivating plot twists that deviated from the norms at the beginning to the heart-wrenching finale, it still feels like a good drama. The entire cast being beaten down does tug at the heartstrings.
Emotionally speaking, it's indeed difficult to accept the downfall of the team. However, from a rational standpoint, who can claim to be virtuous in troubled times? There aren't as many protagonist halos, but rather a more realistic battlefield.
Where are the immortal heroes in reality? It's more about heroes with a righteous and heroic sacrifice. It's at this point that we remember them even more! They were destined to be extraordinary individuals, people with ideals and aspirations.
Because of their sacrifices, they brought peace and stability to the country. From their perspective, isn't this another form of heroism? The ending is only their final destination, and what truly shocks us is that each of them is imperfect, but their journey, individual growth, shining moments, collective battles, team fractures and repairs, and the various hardships they experienced together made them understand what they cherished and the process of striving for a common goal.
After each of them went through their own experiences, they grew and became better, capable of standing alone. And their sacrifice for the nation brought about the peace and prosperous era they desired. Although they are no longer here, I believe there will be more heroes following in their footsteps.
Their spirit will continue, and each character has undergone sublimation. Compared to their endings, the remarkable performances and growth trajectories of each character are even more admirable!