Episode Summary
Yang Chuhao decides to betray Yan Fengshan and side with Xie Huaian. Xiao Wenjing says a heartfelt goodbye to his comatose brother, who wakes up the moment Wenjing leaves. Wenjing also receives forgiveness from the father of the man he murdered years ago. Finally, Yang Chuhao and Xie Huaian stage a brutal capture involving a brick to the head to get Xie infiltrated into the enemy camp alongside the Iron Mo envoy.
Spoiler Alert
The Vendetta of An Episode 17 Recap
Picking Sides is Dangerous Business
Yan Fengshan wastes no time. He corners Yang Chuhao shortly after Xie Huaian leaves. Yan is an old fox. He knows Xie was there. He warns Yang to watch his step. He demands loyalty.
But Yang Chuhao isn't stupid. He has known Xie Huaian since they were kids. He knows Xie has guts and brains. Working for Yan Fengshan is like sleeping next to a tiger. You could lose your head at any moment. Yang weighs his options. He makes his choice. He decides to bet on Xie.
A Goodbye and a Wake-Up Call
The plan is in motion. Xiao Wenjing prepares to leave Cangshui Abyss for the capital. He visits his brother, Xiao Wuyang, one last time. Wuyang is still in a coma. Or so we think.
Wenjing feeds him medicine. He tucks him in. These two usually stay out of each other's way. The coma actually brought them closer. Wenjing sits by the bed. He admits he is going on a suicide mission. He promises to care for Wuyang if he survives. He says he will honor their family name if he dies. Wenjing walks out the door. Wuyang opens his eyes immediately. He heard every word.
Atonement at the Rice Shop
Wenjing has one loose end to tie up. He goes to the rice shop where he works. We learn a dark secret here. The owner is the father of Zhang Mo. Years ago, Wenjing killed Zhang Mo out of jealousy. He wanted his life. The guilt eats at him. He kneels before the old man and confesses.
The shop owner already knew. He recognized Wenjing before he even arrived at the Abyss. He hated him at first. He wanted revenge. But he watched Wenjing work. He saw the resemblance to his dead son. He realized Wenjing carries a heavy burden for the country. Killing him now solves nothing. The father chooses mercy. He pulls Wenjing up. He tells him to serve the people. That is his penance. He even escorts Wenjing part of the way to the capital. He tells him to keep hope alive.
The Brick to the Head
Wuyin, the secret envoy from Iron Mo, runs for his life. Assassins chase him toward the capital. He bumps into Xie Huaian. Xie plays the hero. He offers Wuyin a place to hide.
They get close to the destination. Suddenly, Yang Chuhao appears behind them. He smashes a brick into the back of Xie's head. Xie drops like a stone. Yang spins a lie instantly. He tells the envoy that Xie is a wanted criminal. He claims Xie works with the assassins. Wuyin looks at a wanted poster and believes him.
Wuyin tries to flee. He can't. Xie managed to handcuff their wrists together before he passed out. Reinforcements arrive. Wuyin grabs an axe. He wants to kill Xie right there. Yang steps in. He stops the blade. He claims Xie is too valuable to kill. He says Yan Fengshan needs him alive. The envoy agrees. The trap is set. Xie is now inside, exactly where he wants to be.
