Episode Summary
In "Feud" Episode 13, Li Qingyue saves the mortally wounded Meng Chi, an act that costs her dearly and raises suspicion among her household. Twenty years later, to protect her secret of immortality, she parts ways with the loyal Meng Chi. After Meng Chi's death, Li Qingyue is moved to save his grandson, Meng Changqin, from execution. This second defiance of fate leaves her gravely injured, and she begins a new journey on the run with Meng Changqin, who vows to follow her.
Spoiler Alert
Feud: Lin Jiang Xian Episode 13 Recap — The Price of Mortal Attachment
In an episode defined by sacrifice and consequence, Li Qingyue's deep-seated compassion once again clashes with the celestial laws that govern her immortal existence. Her attempts to shield the mortal Meng Chi and his family from fate's cruelties trigger a cascade of events, forcing her down a perilous path and binding her to a new, unexpected companion.
A Debt of Life, A Heavy Cost
The episode opens with the shocking aftermath of Li Qingyue’s intervention to save Meng Chi, who was on the brink of death with grievous injuries. After she single-handedly nurses him back to life, whispers and rumors ripple through the manor.The servants, having witnessed Meng Chi’s near-death state, now look at Li Qingyue with suspicion, murmuring about dark arts and questioning if she is even human.
This act of defying destiny comes at a great personal cost. Li Qingyue suffers a severe backlash from her powers, leaving her gravely wounded.Her partner, Bai Jiusi, tends to her with a mixture of concern and frustration, chiding her for meddling in the affairs of mortals. As he administers medicine, he warns her of the dangers and simultaneously uses his own power to conceal her actions from heavenly detection. Despite the tension, their bond remains strong. Meng Chi, overwhelmed with gratitude, devotes himself to serving them. For a time, life settles into a peaceful rhythm, marked by the quiet affection between Li Qingyue and Bai Jiusi.
Twenty Years of Service Ends in a Painful Farewell
Two decades pass in a flash. Meng Chi, now a grown man, has served the couple with unwavering loyalty. However, their unchanging, immortal appearances become a secret too dangerous to keep. Bai Jiusi, ever the pragmatist, decides that Meng Chi must leave to protect them from exposure, a necessary step to ensure their future celestial trials are not jeopardized.
The decision tears at Li Qingyue’s heart; she has grown deeply fond of the man she saved as a boy. Initially, she hardens her resolve, offering Meng Chi a large sum of money and telling him to start a new life. Devastated, Meng Chi kneels and begs to stay. His loyalty and desperation cause Li Qingyue to waver. Seeing her resolve crumble, Bai Jiusi steps in, reminding her of the catastrophic consequences should their secret be revealed. In a final compromise, the couple decides that they will be the ones to leave. They entrust their entire estate to Meng Chi, appointing him as the head steward. Moved to tears, Meng Chi accepts the responsibility and vows to watch over the home for the rest of his days, a promise he faithfully keeps until he is an old man.
A Grandson's Fate and a Final Plea
Years later, an elderly Meng Chi, though frail, continues to manage the household, instructing new servants with meticulous care. His own children and grandchildren have gone on to lead their own lives, with his grandson, Meng Changqin, even becoming a respected official. But disaster strikes when Meng Changqin is framed for a crime he didn't commit and sentenced to execution.
That night, the old steward walks silently into the courtyard where Li Qingyue and Bai Jiusi once lived. Knowing she was no ordinary woman, he makes a silent, desperate plea for her to intervene one last time. Li Qingyue, aware of his plea, feels powerless; she has already broken the laws of heaven for him once and cannot risk it again. Understanding her silence, Meng Chi returns to his quarters without a word. The next morning, as a heavy rain falls, word spreads through the manor: Meng Chi has passed away in his sleep.
Defying Heaven a Second Time
Lost in sorrowful memories after learning of Meng Chi’s death, Li Qingyue discovers letters written by his grandson, Meng Changqin. The letters reveal his character as a righteous official beloved by the people. At the same moment, Meng Changqin is on the execution ground. As the crowd cries out against the injustice, the executioner's blade begins to fall.
Suddenly, time freezes. Everyone on the execution ground is suspended in motion, and a bewildered Meng Changqin finds himself inexplicably saved. Li Qingyue appears before him—her compassion won out. She could not let her faithful servant's grandson die so unjustly.
This second defiance of fate, however, exacts a much heavier toll. The backlash is immediate and overwhelming, and Li Qingyue collapses, severely injured. Without hesitation, Meng Changqin lifts her onto his back and flees. Later, as she recovers by a river, he tells her of the corruption that led to his downfall and renounces his former life, asking to follow and learn from her. Their new journey begins immediately, as they encounter a group of refugees being bullied by wealthy landowners, and Meng Changqin, true to his nature, steps in to defend them.
Episode 13 Highlights & Spoilers:
- A Miraculous Revival: Li Qingyue saves Meng Chi from death, leading servants to believe she is a demon or a practitioner of forbidden magic.
- The Price of Meddling: Altering fate causes a severe backlash, injuring Li Qingyue and forcing Bai Jiusi to shield her from celestial punishment.
- A Twenty-Year Bond: Meng Chi serves them faithfully for two decades, but the need to protect their immortality forces a difficult separation.
- A Steward's Vow: Meng Chi becomes the lifelong guardian of their estate, never leaving the home they entrusted to him.
- A Desperate Hope: Faced with his grandson's execution, an elderly Meng Chi makes one last, silent plea to Li Qingyue.
- Second Intervention: Unable to bear the injustice, Li Qingyue saves Meng Changqin from the executioner's blade, suffering an even greater injury as a result.
- A New Path: Rescued by Meng Changqin, a weakened Li Qingyue gains a new follower who has abandoned his old life and is determined to walk her path.
