Ch. 421You Must Become a Pillar of China
Plot points and events
- Mo Xie overhears Hua Zhanhong and Zu Xingyi discussing serious dangers China may face in the coming years. Zu’s wedding to Hongying has been postponed, and he is being asked to reclaim authority in both the Zu Clan and the Military.
- Hua Zhanhong tells Mo Xie to grow stronger and become “a pillar of China.” His words leave Mo Xie wondering whether a major crisis is approaching; he suspects the rising sea level expected in two years may be involved.
- Mo Xie goes to the Martial Arts Arena to meet Hua Yuezhu and teach her swordsmanship. After a brief, prickly exchange, he asks whether she truly likes swords. Yuezhu reflects on her reasons for taking up the sword and realizes that she has come to love practicing it.
Character developments
- Mo Xie begins to grasp the broader responsibilities and dangers facing China, though he sets aside his worries to focus on Yuezhu’s training.
- Hua Zhanhong reveals his concern about the country’s future and sees Mo Xie as someone who may become a key defender.
- Zu Xingyi appears resigned to delaying his wedding and resuming significant duties for the clan and military.
- Hua Yuezhu shows a momentary warmth before reverting to her usual sharp manner. Her reflection confirms that swordsmanship has become a genuine passion, not merely something she took up because of Mo Xie.
Themes
- Duty and sacrifice: Personal plans, including marriage, may have to yield to national security.
- Preparation for danger: Mo Xie is urged to become strong before future threats arrive.
- Passion and self-discovery: Yuezhu recognizes that her dedication to the sword has grown into love of the discipline itself.
Character interactions
- Mo Xie awkwardly admits he overheard Hua Zhanhong and Zu Xingyi; they treat him casually, but Hua’s instruction to become a national pillar gives the encounter weight.
- At the arena, Mo Xie and Yuezhu trade familiar, teasing remarks. He shifts their meeting toward a more serious question about her motivation, prompting her to recognize her own commitment to swordsmanship.