Episode Summary
Xie Tiancheng confronts and humiliates the thug Tong San, who attacked his son. A love triangle develops between Xie Wanghe, Xia Fenghua, and Ma Siyi. Liang Haihong is assaulted by a co-worker, leading to a confrontation with Xie Tiancheng and Xie Wanghe. Xie Tiancheng vows to change and support his family, while Xie Wanghe symbolically burns his past. Ma Siyi's emotional distance creates uncertainty in her relationships.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 16 of "Northward" dives deeper into the struggles and relationships of the families living in the Flower Street courtyard, with a particular focus on Xie Tiancheng, his son Xie Wanghe, and the women in their lives.
Xie Tiancheng, known in his younger days as the fearless "Water Dragon," takes matters into his own hands. He tracks down Tong San, the thug who assaulted Xie Wanghe, with the help of Zhou Haikuo. Tong San is arrogant at first, but quickly changes his tune when Xie Tiancheng brings in Tong San's father, Lao Tong. It turns out that Xie Tiancheng had once saved Lao Tong and other boatmen from bullies, breaking three ribs in the process. This revelation establishes Xie Tiancheng's respected status in the community and explains Lao Tong's fear. Tong San ends up kneeling and apologizing.
Meanwhile, the love triangle between Xie Wanghe, Xia Fenghua, and Ma Siyi intensifies. Xia Fenghua is caring for the injured Xie Wanghe, feeding him soup and generally fussing over him. Ma Siyi witnesses this intimate scene, and her reaction makes it clear that she has feelings for Xie Wanghe. Xia Fenghua, sensing the shift in Ma Siyi's demeanor, suggests they take turns caring for Xie Wanghe, but Ma Siyi declines. Later, Ma Siyi is shown crying alone, highlighting her internal conflict. She tells that she is only focused on her college entrance exams.
Lao Tong and Tong San visit Xie Wanghe to apologize, bearing gifts. The neighbors gather, gossiping about the situation. Xia Fenghua, still angry about the attack, scolds Tong San, who submissively accepts the reprimand before leaving with his father.
The episode also reveals the reason for Lao Tong's fear of Xie Tiancheng. In their youth, Xie Tiancheng defended Lao Tong and other boatmen from bullies, suffering severe injuries. This act of bravery earned Xie Tiancheng the respect of many on Flower Street. However, the once-revered "Water Dragon" is now adrift, struggling to find purpose.
The burden of supporting the family falls on Liang Haihong, Xie Tiancheng's wife. When her usual driving partner takes time off, a replacement driver, Sun, attempts to sexually assault her. Liang Haihong fights him off, kicks him out of the truck, and drives through the night, tears streaming down her face.
Back home, Xie Tiancheng proudly displays a banner celebrating his recent act of heroism (saving an elderly man). Liang Haihong confronts him, angry that he risked his life. The argument escalates when Liang Haihong reveals her assault. Xie Wanghe overhears and lashes out at his father, accusing him of being a drunken, useless burden.
Deeply affected by his son's words and his wife's ordeal, Xie Tiancheng resolves to change. He starts helping around the house and decides to accompany Liang Haihong on her trucking runs, vowing to earn enough money for Xie Wanghe's education. Liang Haihong is visibly relieved and happy.
In a symbolic act, Xie Wanghe burns the flag that represents his past, signifying his commitment to prioritizing his family. During a truck journey, Xie Tiancheng listens to a cassette tape made by Xie Wanghe, featuring a song dedicated to him on the radio.
The episode concludes with Xia Fenghua and others noticing Ma Siyi's low spirits. Xia Fenghua talks to Ma Siyi, asking if she likes Xie Wanghe. Ma Siyi avoids a direct answer, stating that she's not "worthy" and emphasizing the importance of self-respect and not looking up to others with a sense of inferiority. The next morning, both Xia Fenghua and Ma Siyi pointedly ignore Xie Wanghe, leaving his feelings and the future of their relationships uncertain.
