Episode Summary
Qingyi saves Liu Ziyan from an assassination attempt and hides him in a safe zone. Ye Zheng reconnects with the woman who hired him, revealing Liu's past cruelty. Qingyi uses Bai Wan as bait, tricking Shen Xiaoqing into revealing Xie Huaian's location. Xie escapes a siege and teams up with Bai Wan to stab Qingyi, but Liu Ziyan launches a surprise attack and stabs Xie in the neck.
Spoiler Alert
The Vendetta of An: Episode 5 Recap
The Failed Hit
Ye Zheng had Liu Ziyan dead to rights. Then Qingyi ruined it. He swooped in and dragged Liu away before the final blow. Ye Zheng had to retreat and report the failure to Xie Huaian. Xie took the news well. He knows the terrain. There is a spot nearby called Hidden Soldier Alley. It is stocked with food and supplies. The locals there protect the Tiger Guard. Xie calls off the immediate chase. Liu is bleeding out. He won't run far. It is better to wait than walk into a trap.
Brains Over Brawn
Qingyi gets Liu to the alley. Liu is terrified. He knows exactly who is hunting him now. It is Liu Ziwen’s son. He warns Qingyi to be careful. Qingyi just scoffs. He knows he can’t beat Liu in a duel. He doesn't need to. He plans to use his mind to kill. He thinks he is untouchable.
The Price of a Life
We get a look at why Ye Zheng fights. He visits a limping seamstress he cares about. She hired him years ago. She gave him her life savings to kill Liu Ziyan. Her story is a nightmare. Her mother made clothes for the Liu family. One night, she delivered a cloak in a snowstorm. Liu thought she was a spy. He had his men hang her and cut out her kneecaps. The girl wants justice. Ye Zheng took the job for free. He just wanted to see her smile. Now, she sees his wounds. She begs him to stop. She says they have enough money to just live. Ye Zheng wonders if she just pities him now.
The Trap is Sprung
Qingyi goes after the weak link. He surrounds Bai Wan’s house to lure Xie out. Bai Wan comes home and spots the strange men immediately. She knows the drill. She needs to signal her friend Shen Xiaoqing.
A Fatal Mistake
Shen Xiaoqing sees the danger. She tries to help. She runs to find Xie Huaian for backup. She doesn't realize she is the bait. Qingyi’s men follow her. She leads the enemy straight to Xie’s hideout.
Fire and Blood
Xie’s hideout is surrounded. Ye Zheng is the only real fighter there. Xie gets creative. He orders them to douse the walls in alcohol and light it. The fire buys them time. Ye Zheng stays behind to hold the line. Xie jumps on a horse and rides for Bai Wan.
The Ambush
Xie crashes into the scene at Bai Wan's. He launches his horse right at Qingyi. It gives him an opening. He and Bai Wan strike together. They both plunge daggers into Qingyi. It looks like a victory. They smile at each other. Then the world ends. Liu Ziyan appears from the shadows. He jams a knife into Xie’s neck. Bai Wan screams. Xie chokes back the pain. He tells her to run.
