Episode 16 recap: Pei Yan Indulges He Yonglin, Inciting Public Anger
In Episode 16, Rong Yu Die has placed trusted followers in Changfeng Dock, her family’s old home in Nanling, to keep a close eye on Pei Yan and Jiang Ci. She learns that Pei Yan has allowed Ah Yan to stay at Changfeng Dock while secretly hiding weapons at Bihe Villa, dreaming of one day helping the Pei family make a comeback.
For years, He Zhenwen has been maneuvering around the Pei family, trying to shift blame for the weaponry scandal onto their corruption issues. However, Ah Yan’s unexpected appearance disrupts his plans. Fearing that Pei Yan might uncover the secret at Bihe Villa, he anxiously seeks help from Granny Du, who warns him that the consequences of exposure would be dire.
Meanwhile, He Yonglin has been injured by Wei Zhao, causing He Zhenwen deep distress and fueling his desire for revenge. He sets his sights on Ah Yan, planning to spread false information about discovering the remains of burned craftsmen in the casting workshop to lure her into a trap.
To uncover the truth, Pei Yan dispatches An Cheng and Tong Min to investigate, but they find nothing. Seeing this, Jiang Ci prepares victory cakes to encourage Pei Yan. Wei Zhao, on the other hand, approaches Ah Yan for clues, but she remains tight-lipped. When she learns about the workshop’s remains, she rushes away from the Hou residence without a second thought.
Jiang Ci notices Ah Yan's disappearance and urgently asks Wei Zhao for information, but he is equally in the dark. In reality, He Yonglin has set a trap, luring Ah Yan to the casting workshop where he forcibly assaults her. When Wei Zhao and Jiang Ci arrive, they find Ah Yan in tears, utterly devastated. With their support, she resolves to stand up and seek justice for Zheng Sheng and herself.
Wei Zhao parades He Yonglin and his accomplices through the streets to the magistrate's office, creating a sensation. Pei Yan and He Zhenwen rush to the scene as Ah Yan publicly accuses He Yonglin of his crimes. He Zhenwen attempts to defend his son, even producing Rong Yu Die’s jade pendant as leverage. Witnessing this, Pei Yan feels a mix of emotions.
After much deliberation, Pei Yan decides to postpone the verdict to allow for some breathing space for both parties. He privately meets He Zhenwen at Bihe Villa, where not only treasures and weapons are hidden, but also the culmination of his mother’s years of effort. He Zhenwen finally confesses everything, including how he framed Zheng Sheng and his collaboration with Rong Yu Die. He pleads with Pei Yan to spare He Yonglin, as he is his only son.
As the trial day arrives, Ah Yan bravely exposes the various wrongdoings of the casting workshop and the He family’s crimes. However, He Zhenwen presents Ah Yan’s contract of sale as evidence, claiming it is a family matter. Faced with a complex situation and pressure from all sides, Pei Yan has no choice but to announce a postponement of the ruling.
Jiang Ci and Wei Zhao feel disappointed by Pei Yan's decision and accompany Ah Yan as they leave the magistrate’s office. In this struggle between power and justice, everyone is fighting for their beliefs and interests. Ah Yan's courage and determination add a bright spot to this ongoing battle.
Comments(Episode 16)