A Dream Within A Dream Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> A Dream Within A Dream

A Dream Within A Dream Synopsis

Eighteenth-tier “nobody” actress Song Xiaoyu unexpectedly finds herself transported into the very historical drama script she is auditioning for, transformed into the ill-fated heroine Song Yimeng. Before she can make sense of the situation, she literally runs into the script’s male lead, Nan Heng. Forced to live as a “character in the book,” Song Xiaoyu launches into a frantic, survival-driven escape plan to change her tragic fate. Yet no matter how hard she schemes or how far she tries to run, she and Nan Heng inevitably meet as if drawn together by destiny.

In this scripted world, everyone follows their pre-ordained fate. Armed with modern wit and foreknowledge of the plot, Song Xiaoyu hopes to rewrite the ending—but every attempt to deviate from the script only pushes her into greater danger. Beneath Nan Heng’s seemingly cold and omnipotent exterior lies his own helplessness and inner struggle. As the story unfolds, Song Yimeng, Nan Heng, and other “pre-set” characters gradually awaken, unwilling to be bound by the plot, each rising in their own way to rebel against their destined path.

A Dream Within A Dream Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Song Yimeng, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of War, was about to be married when Chu Guihong, the Junior General of the Qianyu Army, intercepted her procession. He declared he would kill Nan Heng, the Seventh Prince, to avenge his father and reclaim his woman. Nan Heng dared him, questioning his capability. Song Yimeng emerged, pleading with Chu Guihong not to interfere with her wedding to Nan Heng, stating she was marrying him willingly.

Chu Guihong argued he couldn't watch her marry a murderous fiend and ruin her life. Song Yimeng insisted she would marry Nan Heng, even if it was a mistake. Nan Heng, seeing their interaction, called Chu Guihong a traitor and Song Yimeng his woman, accusing them of flirting on his wedding day. Song Yimeng denied it, claiming deep love for Nan Heng and offering to prove it.

She then turned and stabbed Chu Guihong, apologizing to him and promising to repay him in the next life. Nan Heng then stabbed Song Yimeng, referencing her promise to do anything for him. Finally, Chu Guihong stabbed Nan Heng, declaring that if they hurt her or him, they would all die. A strong wind began to spin around the three of them as a phone suddenly rang.

The scene cut to a production meeting for the drama "A Dream of Qingning." An agent criticized the previous scene and the script for making the male lead, Nan Heng, appear foolish and easily defeated. The screenwriter defended it as a classic dramatic moment popular with audiences. The agent insisted that the male lead, played by actor Nan Feng, needed more prominent scenes and heroic moments, especially given his status and limited dialogue in the key scene.

She presented a list of demands for Nan Feng, including ensuring he was central to all major plots and solved all problems, and outlined the extensive staff required for him. The agent also expressed concerns about the drama's title not focusing on Nan Heng and the potential bad luck associated with fake death scenes. Song Xiaoyu, the actress cast as the female lead Song Yimeng, admitted she was new and found the lines challenging.

Jokingly, she offered to simply faint upon exiting the palanquin to avoid lines. When the director and agent stressed the importance of the love triangle, Song Xiaoyu proposed fainting at Nan Feng's feet and having him kick her towards the second male lead, Chu Guihong, to form the triangle. The director agreed to revise the script based on her suggestion. Outside the meeting, Nan Feng was surrounded by his enthusiastic fans, the Pumpkins, cheering for him.

Song Xiaoyu watched, envying his popularity. Her manager criticized her for not making more effort to gain attention, pointing out her simple attire instead of something more eye-catching as suggested by the company. Song Xiaoyu insisted she wanted to rely on her acting, but the manager argued she was only cast as the female lead because the director had searched for actresses willing to play a supporting role to Nan Feng, and she was chosen from that limited pool.

The manager complained about Song Xiaoyu's lack of public relations efforts and stated her career performance impacted the manager's own metrics. Song Xiaoyu reiterated her belief in letting her work speak for itself. Later, at home, Song Xiaoyu studied the script for "A Dream of Qingning." She found the portrayal of Song Yimeng unrealistic, particularly her sudden deep love for Nan Heng after only one significant encounter where he saved her from a fire at a banquet.

She described the character as "love-addled" for being willing to abandon her family and her betrothal to Chu Guihong for Nan Heng. Reading further, she found a scene where Song Yimeng confronted Nan Heng and her sister, Song Yiting. Song Yiting claimed Nan Heng would be her husband, and when Song Yimeng objected, Nan Heng told her to leave and slapped her. Song Xiaoyu reacted with outrage, questioning the appeal of such violent scenes.

She continued reading to a later point in the story where Song Yimeng, dressed in red, was on a snowy night. Qianyu rebels had tied up Song Yimeng and Song Yiting, who were pregnant, and threatened Nan Heng to avenge General Chu. Nan Heng ordered arrows fired. Song Yimeng was hit by an arrow, but she saw that Nan Heng prioritized saving Song Yiting.

Heartbroken by his betrayal, Song Yimeng jumped from the city wall, survived the fall, but was turned into a living corpse. Song Xiaoyu was appalled by the plot, finding it illogical and deeming Nan Heng terrible and Song Yimeng foolish. Frustrated by the script, Song Xiaoyu opened a window for fresh air. A strong wind blew, causing her body to move uncontrollably. She woke up in a room filled with gold and treasure, wearing ancient clothes.

She initially thought she was dreaming or had arrived on set. Maids, including one named Yingqiu, entered to help her dress. Recognizing the name Yingqiu from the script, Song Xiaoyu asked where she was and who she was. The maids confirmed she was in the Song Residence, home of Song Yude, Duke of Guangping and Minister of War, and that she was Song Yimeng, the legitimate eldest daughter.

Song Xiaoyu realized she had transmigrated into the script as the character Song Yimeng. Terrified, Song Xiaoyu, now as Song Yimeng, tried to escape, not wanting to marry Nan Heng and be stabbed as in the script she had read. Her maids stopped her and informed her that General Chu Guihong's wedding procession was arriving. Song Xiaoyu was relieved, remembering that in the original script, Song Yimeng's first wedding attempt was to Chu Guihong.

She decided not to run, believing she could avoid her tragic fate by simply going through with the marriage. Her father, Song Yude, told her to live well with Chu Guihong, describing him as honest and caring. Her stepmother, Zhou Xueyi, made cutting remarks, telling Song Yimeng not to forget her sister, Song Yiting, after marrying into the prominent Chu family. Song Xiaoyu observed that her family was exactly as described in the script.

Chu Guihong's procession arrived, and Song Xiaoyu happily entered the bridal palanquin, feeling that her life was now on the right track. However, as the procession began, it was attacked by bandits. Chu Guihong ordered the Qianyu Army to protect the palanquin, but it was struck, and Song Yimeng was injured. Believing she was about to die on her first day in the new world, she suddenly found herself back in her room, before the wedding.

Determined to succeed, she ordered the palanquin reinforced. When the procession set off again, it was interrupted by a child hitting the palanquin, and Song Yimeng was injured once more, causing her to reset again. Song Xiaoyu, as Song Yimeng, refused to give up and prepared for the wedding repeatedly, adding more precautions to the palanquin each time.

Despite her efforts, trying so many times, each attempt to reach the wedding ceremony resulted in a different fatal mishap – including further bandit attacks and unforeseen incidents during the journey – causing her to die and reset back to the start of the day. In one attempt, she successfully reached the Chu Mansion and stepped out of the palanquin, only to trip and fall. Finally, after many failed attempts, she managed to reach the ceremony hall.

However, just before the wedding vows were exchanged, she drank a cup of poisoned wine offered as a welcome drink and collapsed. Servant questioned who had poisoned her, Song Yimeng stated that it didn't matter anymore, asking if she could simply die and be free from the script's loop.

Episode 2 Recap

Song Yimeng woke up with a headache, feeling the effects of something like "poisonous wine" and wanting to quickly "crack the process" ahead. Her maids, Zhixia and Yingqiu, were confused by her words and actions. Song Yimeng expressed confusion about her situation, questioning if she was still Song Yimeng and noting the lack of a wedding procession despite wearing a red inner robe.

Upon learning she was half a year away from her wedding day, she decided to enjoy life and called herself "Diva Meng," stating her purpose was to cherish life and stay away from Nan Heng. When Zhixia mentioned getting a doctor for her supposed hysteria, Song Yimeng insisted doctors couldn't cure her, only "changing fate" could.

Zhixia described the Song Residence, located near the palace in a bustling area, detailing the family's immense wealth and the large number of servants dedicated to their comfort. Song Yimeng was impressed by the lavish lifestyle, comparing it to an ancient version of Tiny Times. She even gave an order that no grapes were allowed to have seeds in the Great Jing Dynasty.

She then asked Zhixia about Chu Guihong, specifically the progress of their marriage, but Zhixia began recounting Nan Heng's military exploits at Youcheng instead. Zhixia recounted how Nan Heng challenged Heyuan's General Fang Shiming, a renowned chess player, to a game of life and death. Nan Heng proposed that if he won within half an hour, Fang Shiming would release Chu Guihong, but if he lost, Fang Shiming could take Youcheng.

Despite having ample troops and having recently killed Lord Qianyu, Chu Guihong's father, Fang Shiming was intrigued and accepted, especially after Nan Heng claimed he wanted to kill Chu Guihong himself due to being restrained by Lord Qianyu for three years. Nan Heng won the game and gifted Fang Shiming valuable chess pieces. As Chu Guihong was released, Nan Heng's attendant, Fugui, nervously rushed the prisoner cart away, fearing Fang Shiming might change his mind.

Song Yimeng interrupted, frustrated that Zhixia was focusing on Nan Heng, whom she called a "great demon," instead of Chu Guihong and her marriage, which she knew was a crucial, seemingly mandatory plot point.

Despite Song Yimeng's interruption, Zhixia continued, detailing Nan Heng's victory at Youcheng, describing how he attacked the Heyuan granary, ordered his Xuanjia Army to infiltrate and kill Heyuan generals, and ultimately defeated Fang Shiming in battle, winning the city after a three-day and night struggle against 30,000 soldiers. Song Yimeng commented on Nan Heng's overbearing arrogance and the power of his "plot armor," noting that no one in this world seemed able to escape his influence.

Next, Nan Heng was shown presiding over Chu Guihong's execution, who was accused of misjudging enemy positions and causing the loss of three border cities and the massacre of their populations. Just as the execution was about to happen, the Eighteenth Prince Nan Rui arrived, attempting to stop it by claiming the Emperor had issued a pardon for his cousin, Chu Guihong.

While Nan Rui fumbled for the imperial edict which was still en route, Song Yude, disguised as an old beggar, also arrived. Song Yude claimed he was on a secret inspection and was there to deliver an imperial edict ordering Chu Guihong to be taken to the capital for further judgment. Nan Rui accused Song Yude of hiding and waiting for him to make a scene and wanting to see a conflict between the princes.

Nan Heng refused to accept the imperial edict, stating that a general on campaign could sometimes act independently of the emperor's direct orders, citing this very issue as something the Emperor worried about. However, he offered to escort Chu Guihong to the capital himself, bringing only his personal guard, if the Emperor would permit his return. Song Yimeng was dismayed to learn her father, Song Yude, was involved, worrying he was getting drawn into the struggle for the throne.

She resolved to distance herself from anyone associated with the Nan family, believing survival depended on avoiding Nan Heng. Nan Heng returned to the capital with the Xuanjia Army, causing shock and fear. As Chu Guihong was being escorted towards the imperial prison, disciples of the Chu family gathered outside, protesting his innocence and accusing Nan Heng of causing his misfortune. Nan Heng then had an audience with the Emperor.

The Emperor raised rumors circulating in the capital that Nan Heng was ambitious, had colluded with the enemy, was responsible for Lord Qianyu's death, and had seized the border cities for himself. Nan Heng defended himself, pointing out that he only brought a small number of personal soldiers back to the capital and that his main Xuanjia forces remained at the border to defend against Heyuan. Nan Rui attempted to defend Nan Heng in a clumsy manner.

The Emperor seemed unimpressed by Nan Rui, calling him foolish, and instructed Song Yude to teach him governance. He then ordered Nan Heng to live outside the city and prohibited him from entering the palace without a summons. Nan Heng knelt before the Emperor. Nan Heng spoke with Fugui about his position and future plans.

Fugui expressed confidence in Nan Heng's achievements compared to other princes like Nan Rui, despite Nan Rui having the support of Song Yude and Chu Guihong. Nan Heng inquired about Song Yude, learning that he was the head of the six ministries and influential with the Emperor. Nan Heng decided to strengthen his position by marrying Song Yude's daughter. He rejected the idea of marrying the younger daughter, who was born to the second wife.

Instead, he wanted the eldest daughter, Song Yimeng. Nan Heng reasoned that Song Yimeng's survival and pampered nature, despite her difficult upbringing as a motherless child living under a stepmother, indicated that Song Yude deeply favored her due to his lingering feelings for his deceased wife. He believed this strong emotional connection meant Song Yude would be loyal to protect his daughter.

Nan Heng ordered Fugui to ensure Song Yimeng attended his mother's banquet the following day so he could meet her. Song Yimeng tried desperately to avoid attending the banquet, recognizing it as a crucial, dangerous plot point, and even creating "scripts" as part of her "Slacker Escape Plan." She pretended to be deathly ill, but her maids, including Zhixia and Yingqiu, insisted on taking her, believing her marrying well was paramount.

Despite her protests and feeling like a mere tool of the plot, she was forcibly taken. At the banquet, Nan Rui approached Song Yude's second daughter, Song Yiting, introducing himself with elaborate details about his name and lineage. He offered her chrysanthemums, hoping to charm her and invite her for a chat, but Song Yiting publicly rejected him, stating she preferred heroic men over born nobles and did not like chrysanthemums regardless of color.

Meanwhile, Nan Heng, attended by Jixiang, prepared to meet the Song daughters, and his men arrived to escort Song Yimeng to him. Song Yimeng desperately tried to avoid being taken, citing illness, but was forcibly escorted, protesting that she would surely die if she met Nan Heng and that her good days had just begun. She felt she was simply being dragged along by the plot.

As she was being brought into the palace, Song Yimeng saw Jia Ruru, the daughter of the Imperial College's Dean, who typically disliked her. Believing she could use this antagonist to disrupt the "forced plot," Song Yimeng approached Jia Ruru and provocatively told her that Nan Heng had invited her to the banquet, hinting that he was now interested in marrying her.

However, Jia Ruru reacted unexpectedly, showing confusion and caution rather than the anticipated anger or desire for conflict, warning Song Yimeng to be careful as they were in the palace. Song Yimeng was puzzled by Jia Ruru's deviation from the expected "trope" and exclaimed that the "script was killing" her, feeling increasingly like a helpless character driven by an unyielding plot.

Episode 3 Recap

Remembering a famous scene from a past banquet, Song Yimeng, who dislikes Nan Heng, spots Jia Ruru, her nemesis. Deciding to intentionally cause trouble and disrupt the script rule, she stops Jia Ruru and provokes her by claiming Nan Heng intends to marry her. Song Yimeng expected Jia Ruru to become jealous and confine her, but instead, Jia Ruru simply wanted to leave and warned her not to cause a scene in the palace.

During their struggle, Song Yimeng accidentally falls into the lake. Instantly, time stops, and she fears she is about to drown. After she falls, Nan Heng rushes out and jumps into the lake to save her. Song Yimeng, determined to avoid any connection with Nan Heng, desperately swims in the opposite direction but is still rescued and brought ashore by him. The incident attracts a crowd.

Nan Rui, mistaking Song Yimeng for her sister Song Yiting, rushes over to express concern, only to find both Song Yimeng and Nan Heng are the ones who fell in. Nan Rui reacts with surprise that Nan Heng also fell into the water. Knowing the plot is advancing, Song Yimeng refuses Nan Heng's offer of his cloak and instead directly confronts him, stating he should not have saved her.

She turns to leave, but the script rule triggers, taking control of her body and forcing her back to hold Nan Heng's hand and reconcile. Nan Heng finds her behavior irrational and also turns to leave, but his body is also controlled, forcing him to turn back and kiss Song Yimeng in front of everyone. As they kiss publicly, Fugui initially thinks he is mistaken. After a brief, immersive moment, Nan Heng pushes Song Yimeng away, appearing flustered and disheveled.

Song Yimeng teases him, suggesting it was his first kiss, which causes the crowd to laugh. The news spreads quickly from within the palace to the outside, and everyone hears that Nan Heng has "lost his innocence." Simultaneously, Song Yimeng's unique hairpin design becomes a bestseller throughout the city. Song Yimeng tries to comfort herself, believing it was just acting.

After much thought, she realizes the script's progression is intricately designed, and the existence of other characters is merely to facilitate her and Nan Heng's relationship development. Fugui, misunderstanding the situation, thinks Nan Heng employed a tactic to win Song Yimeng's heart, praising their close connection. Nan Heng denies this, believing Song Yimeng used some sort of enchantment on him.

Learning that Chu Guihong has remained unmarried because of Song Yimeng, Nan Heng decides he will no longer hide his intentions. Chancellor Gao Changyin returns from flood relief efforts and immediately meets with Nan Heng to discuss important matters. Nan Heng desires the method of weapon forging. Chancellor Gao suspects it is in Song Yimeng's possession because Chu Guihong frequently corresponded with her. Nan Heng sends gold and treasures to Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng is initially happy but refuses the gifts outright upon learning they are from Nan Heng. Nan Heng believes she is playing hard to get and declares he will not give up. Wherever Song Yimeng shops, Fugui follows instructions, buying everything she likes, creating highly visible displays of affection. Song Yimeng becomes scared and hides in her residence, but even the servants and birds are talking about Nan Heng, making it impossible for her to escape his presence.

Song Yiting's mother advises her to spend more time with Nan Rui to create opportunities for them, but Song Yiting states she does not want to marry. Nan Heng visits the Song residence again. Zhixia stops him, claiming Song Yimeng is ill. Unexpectedly, Nan Heng opens his medicine box, presenting a large collection of fine medicines, and insists on seeing Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng is puzzled, as the script does not include a plotline for such passionate pursuit and wonders if the script mechanism is forcing their emotional connection again. Minister Song requests Song Yimeng meet a guest. Song Yimeng discovers the guest is Nan Heng. Minister Song prepares fine snow-water tea for Nan Heng, praising his extraordinary qualities and deliberately belittling Song Yimeng as unrefined and unsuitable for him.

He also mentions his impending retirement, indicating his inability to assist Nan Heng. Nan Heng understands Minister Song's subtle message but declares that he and Song Yimeng are mutually in love. Song Yimeng arrives, feigning politeness and rationality, appearing to reject Nan Heng. Minister Song notices a change in Song Yimeng's demeanor and tone, feeling as though she is a different person.

Song Yimeng expresses her wish to have no further contact with Nan Heng, hoping this will sever their romantic connection. Nan Heng, seeing through her act, deliberately asks Song Yimeng to see him out. Outside the house, Fugui remarks that Song Yimeng genuinely dislikes Nan Heng and is not just playing hard to get. Outside, Nan Heng takes Song Yimeng's hand, wanting to test their connection again, believing he was controlled that day by the lake.

Song Yimeng does not explain, saying it was all a misunderstanding. She knows it was the script mechanism, but telling him the truth would be unbelievable. Nan Heng pulls out a knife, threatening her to reveal her intentions. Song Yimeng explains there is an external force, referring to the "scriptwriter," and proves her knowledge by accurately recounting Nan Heng's past experiences, including his difficult childhood in the cold palace and an injury sustained during training.

Nan Heng remains skeptical until Song Yimeng mentions Chu Guihong, recalling how they were childhood friends who became enemies after the death of the late Empress. She reveals she knows Nan Heng wants the method of weapon forging and offers to help him obtain it. Nan Heng accepts her offer, acknowledging her detailed knowledge of his past and his ambition to overthrow Nan Rui and the Emperor.

He puts away his knife, declaring them allies and asks her to find all the letters between her and Chu Guihong within three days, which he believes contain the method. Song Yimeng agrees, promising to help. Song Yimeng searches her extensive collection of letters from Chu Guihong, noting his prolific writing style. After a long search, she finds the method of weapon forging hidden within one of the letters.

Overwhelmed by the danger this knowledge brings, she tells her maids to arrange for her grave plot, preferring suicide to torture if caught. Meanwhile, Nan Heng's subordinate reports on Song Yimeng's background, confirming her reclusive nature and lack of interest in Nan Heng prior to the incident. The subordinate believes Song Yimeng might be telling the truth about her strange knowledge, but Nan Heng remains suspicious, wondering if she is working for Nan Rui or the Emperor. Regardless of her allegiance, Nan Heng decides her knowledge is too dangerous, and her mouth must be silenced.

Episode 4 Recap

Fugui reports to Nan Heng that Song Yimeng seems genuine and doesn't appear to be spying on him. Nan Heng, however, suspects she works for either Nan Rui or the Emperor because she knows so much about him. He decides her knowledge is dangerous and plans to kill her when her father, Song Yude, is away on business, admitting his offer of an alliance was just a delay tactic.

In the imperial prison, Chu Guihong is visited by Nan Rui, who expresses concern about the harsh conditions and assures him the Emperor is arranging his release. Nan Rui talks incessantly and takes the wine he brought. Chu Guihong finally gets a word in, expressing his belief that the defeat at Pingrong was planned.

He recounts the situation where Heyuan used civilians as hostages, his argument against opening the city gate due to lack of supplies and the risk to his troops and the city's people. He notes how Heyuan seemed prepared when he snuck into their camp. He directly points out that Nan Heng benefited most from the defeat, and Nan Heng was eager to convict him. Nan Rui confirms the Emperor also suspects Nan Heng of treason but there's no evidence.

Chu Guihong states that upon his release, he will find proof of Nan Heng's treason. Nan Rui advises caution and waiting for the official release decree. Nan Heng arranges for prison guards to spread gossip that he has taken a liking to Song Yimeng and is showering her with gifts. Chu Guihong is shown overhearing this. Song Yimeng, an actress navigating a story world, and her maid discuss the plot.

They describe Nan Heng as the villain, Chu Guihong as the hero, and Song Yimeng as the heroine whose life is in danger because the villain wants her treasure, the Method of Weapon Forging, which is now missing. They ponder what Song Yimeng should do. The maid suggests replacing the treasure since no one has seen the Method of Weapon Forging anyway, which Song Yimeng thinks is a good idea.

Song Yimeng is then shown struggling to write the method all night, frustrated by the difficulty. Song Yimeng decides to escape before Nan Heng can act, but as she leaves through the back door, she is intercepted. Meanwhile, Nan Heng is informed that Chu Guihong has escaped prison by force, and Nan Heng's men, pretending to resist, let him go. Nan Heng orders troops to assemble. Song Yimeng finds herself pulled into the wilderness by Chu Guihong, who just escaped.

She asks him how he got out and immediately questions him about the Method of Weapon Forging. Surprised, Chu Guihong draws his sword and points it at her, telling her she is not the Song Yimeng he knows, arguing the real Song Yimeng would not ask about Qianyu Army secrets or associate with someone like Nan Heng. He accuses her of being a spy sent by Nan Heng.

Fearing for her life, Song Yimeng desperately tries to recall details from the script to prove she is Song Yimeng. She asks Chu Guihong about a specific token she gave him before he left for battle, describing a wooden pouch with red and one purple kapok leaf. Chu Guihong produces the described pouch, confirming it is hers and acknowledging her identity as Yimeng. He tells her where and when she gave it to him.

Still feigning doubt, Song Yimeng insists that to prove "he" is the real Chu Guihong, he must reveal the contents of the Method of Weapon Forging. Chu Guihong refuses, stating he cannot reveal that secret. At that moment, Nan Heng and his Xuanjia Army appear. Nan Heng accuses Chu Guihong of illegally escaping prison, and Chu Guihong realizes he has been set up. Song Yimeng warns him that Nan Heng tricked him into escaping to justify his execution.

Nan Heng confirms the charge and orders his soldiers to kill Chu Guihong. Chu Guihong pushes Song Yimeng away, urging her to flee. Nan Heng raises his bow to shoot an arrow at Song Yimeng, but his body acts against his will, causing him to rush forward and shield her, taking the arrow himself. Nan Heng is shocked by his own action, believing Song Yimeng used sorcery on him.

He attempts to strangle her, but his own hand forces his attacking hand away, preventing him from harming her. Nan Rui arrives with his men, immediately tending to Chu Guihong's injuries. Nan Rui confronts Nan Heng, accusing him of misusing his position and the Xuanjia Army for a private conflict. Nan Heng claims he was invited by Song Yimeng and brings up the agreement between them to try and explain the situation.

Song Yimeng realizes the events are deviating from her script. She attempts to mediate, insisting it was all a misunderstanding and no one was trying to kill anyone. She urges Chu Guihong to leave quickly as his official release decree is imminent, and Nan Rui supports this. Chu Guihong expresses concern for her, but she assures him she will be safe, mentioning her father knows her whereabouts and Nan Heng is too smart to harm her.

Nan Rui insists the injured Nan Heng return to recuperate. Song Yimeng leaves with Nan Heng. Inside the carriage, Nan Heng removes the arrow from his body. Song Yimeng is visibly nervous. Nan Heng warns her, leveraging the fact that Chu Guihong's illegal escape is now a secret he holds, and tells her to be obedient. His man asks if he should take her home, but Nan Heng says she is coming to his mansion instead.

Arriving at Nan Heng's mansion, Song Yimeng notices the plaque reads "Seven Prince's Mansion" and jokes about the writer labeling it the "Male Lead's Mansion." She is informed the plaque was there when the Emperor granted the mansion to Nan Heng. Meanwhile, back at the imperial prison, an imperial decree is read, officially releasing Chu Guihong and pardoning him for the recent military defeat, citing his years of service.

Chu Guihong is released and met by Nan Rui, who gives him a protective talisman to ward off bad luck, explaining the Emperor pushed for his release to bring him back to court. At Nan Heng's mansion, Song Yimeng is shown tied up in the courtyard. Nan Heng is seen contemplating how to handle her, asking his subordinate, Fugui, how she manages to affect him. Fugui brings Nan Heng a crossbow, explaining it is lethal.

Nan Heng decides it is too extreme and asks for other weapons. Fugui presents alternatives, including darts. Nan Heng chooses a dart, but as he prepares to use it, his body again moves on its own, shielding Song Yimeng from the projectile. Fugui suggests giving up, but Nan Heng refuses. He instructs Fugui to get poison from the physician, specifically ordering that it must not be deadly. Later, at a meal, Song Yimeng is given suspiciously colored food.

Recognizing it is poisoned, she refuses to eat. Fugui tries to make her eat. Nan Heng insists she eat or she cannot leave. He attempts to force-feed her the poisoned food, but his hand uncontrollably puts it into "his" own mouth instead. He is immediately poisoned, causing his mouth to swell. Furious and still determined, Nan Heng, despite his injuries, locks himself in a room and chains himself up, ordering Fugui to finish off Song Yimeng.

Fugui leads Song Yimeng to a pool and pushes her in. As Song Yimeng struggles in the water, Nan Heng, against his will, breaks free from his chains, rushes out of the room, and dives into the pool. He pulls Song Yimeng out of the water and gives her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Song Yimeng wakes up, sees Nan Heng, pushes him back into the water, and swims to the edge of the pool.

From the side, she laughs, seemingly taunting him and implying he cannot harm her. Fugui then tells Song Yimeng she can leave and instructs his men to escort her out, ensuring her safety but warning her to keep silent about the day's events or Nan Heng will still pursue her, even if she finds what he wants. Song Yimeng is shown being taken away, complaining about being left in the wilderness without transport.

Episode 5 Recap

Emerging from the water disheveled, Nan Heng seemed lost in thought, unable to understand what had just happened. He instructed Fugui to keep the day's events a secret. Fugui was confused, realizing Nan Heng had actively chosen not to kill Song Yimeng. Nan Heng, equally bewildered, explained that whenever Song Yimeng is in danger, his body acts on its own to save her, and he needed to find a way to break this strange connection quickly.

Fugui worried Song Yimeng might tell Chu Guihong. Nan Heng decided to summon Censor Yao Qian. Song Yimeng returned from the outskirts, lamenting her misfortune since transmigrating. Gate guards, seeing her return with one of Nan Heng's men, concluded she was involved with him. She then encountered Chu Guihong in the capital. He expressed concern, asking if Nan Heng had bullied her. Song Yimeng reflected that Chu Guihong, as a kind second male lead, was naturally popular with the audience.

He gave her a jade piece, saying it would protect her even from Nan Heng. Showing her a scented pouch she had made for him, he asked her to make several more. Nan Rui approached them, inquiring about their engagement given the rumors circulating about Song Yimeng and Nan Heng. Song Yimeng clarified that Nan Heng was the last person she would ever be involved with, calling him a "monster in disguise."

She assured Nan Rui that she would remain faithful as long as Chu Guihong did not abandon her. Chu Guihong was pleased and escorted her home. Back at her residence, Zhixia noticed a wound on Song Yimeng's wrist and was distressed. Song Yimeng considered the story's plot, knowing Nan Heng's ambition for the throne meant he would target Chu Guihong.

She realized that a rule seemed to govern their interactions: no matter the situation, Nan Heng was compelled to save her when she was in danger. This realization made her feel safe from his attempts on her life. Song Yimeng mused on the script's future events, particularly how Chu Guihong's Qianyu Army would be ambushed and decimated after Nan Heng ascended the throne. Zhixia interrupted her thoughts, reminding her about a wellness routine and that the Lantern Festival was approaching.

The mention of the Lantern Festival triggered a memory of an iconic scene involving a hero saving a damsel. Meanwhile, late at night, Nan Heng was sleepless while Fugui slept soundly. Yao Qian arrived, and Nan Heng sternly reminded him to be prepared for the morning court session, emphasizing the need to gather proof of Chu Guihong's wrongdoings and warning him about the consequences of being useless.

At the morning court, Nan Rui proposed restoring Chu Guihong to command the Qianyu Army, citing his past merits. This proposal sparked murmurs and debate among the officials. Nan Heng opposed the idea, arguing it was a matter of personal interest overriding the public good and questioning if the court only listened to the Gao family.

He further asserted that Chu Guihong's reputation was poor after the recent border conflict and requested the Emperor summon Censor Yao Qian to present impeachment memorials against Chu Guihong. Remembering a crucial plot point, Song Yimeng instructed Zhixia to deliver a message to Rong Hua, Chu Guihong's attendant, intending to ensure Yao Qian was intercepted. At court, the Emperor waited impatiently for Yao Qian, who did not arrive. Nan Rui suggested they proceed without further delay.

Seeing no effective opposition, the Emperor reinstated Chu Guihong, appointing him Prefect of the Capital and Commander of the Army, granting him significant authority. Later, Nan Heng received word that Yao Qian had been waylaid, beaten, and abandoned on his way to court. Nan Heng suspected Chu Guihong was responsible but was puzzled as to how he knew Yao Qian's movements. Fugui suggested Song Yimeng might be connected, mentioning her recent contact with Chu Guihong.

Nan Heng went to the Song residence, where he found Chu Guihong speaking with Song Yude. Song Yude discussed investigating Waning River Crescent with Chu Guihong, describing it as a secret organization linked to the Nightwalkers and cautioning about navigating the complexities of court power. Song Yimeng, having anticipated Nan Heng's visit, greeted him with sarcasm. Nan Heng dismissed Fugui and confronted Song Yimeng about her meeting with Chu Guihong.

Taking out a dagger, Song Yimeng revealed the secret she had uncovered: he was fundamentally unable to harm her because his body would protect her, leaving Nan Heng momentarily speechless. Nan Heng attempted to threaten Song Yimeng by claiming he could easily harm her maids. Song Yimeng retorted that he was cold-blooded and pulled aside her outer garment, revealing her "secret weapon": she was strapped with explosives connected to poisoned arrows aimed at herself.

She audaciously demanded he undress and call her "Boss." Faced with the danger, Nan Heng, though resistant, began to undress as a distraction. As he did so, he swiftly pulled her away just as the arrows fired and struck the wall behind them. Still wearing the vest of explosives, Song Yimeng demanded Nan Heng agree to her condition: that she be allowed to marry Chu Guihong. Just then, Chu Guihong arrived outside, recognizing Fugui and realizing Nan Heng was inside.

Nan Heng tried to grab the fire source Song Yimeng held. She tackled him, covering his mouth to prevent him from making a sound that Chu Guihong might hear, even kissing him to keep him quiet. Nan Heng was flustered by the unexpected contact. Getting up, he left through the back, ordering Song Yimeng to provide him with "the method of satin blade" within two days, threatening to harm Chu Guihong if she failed to comply.

Fugui saw Nan Heng exit through the back, noticing lipstick on his face. Frustrated by the encounter, Nan Heng told Fugui that Song Yimeng had become too problematic and decided it was time to involve Waning River Crescent.

Episode 6 Recap

Nan Heng wished to eliminate Song Yimeng, seeing her as a potential threat, and tasked the Waning River Crescent with dealing with her. Song Yimeng diligently searched through books for the method of weapon forging but found no clues. Her maid, Yingqiu, came to check on her, worried about her state. Song Yimeng instructed Yingqiu to gather her savings, intending to seek out blacksmiths on the streets to learn the forging technique.

However, after visiting numerous blacksmiths across the Great Jing Dynasty, none dared to attempt it, fearful of the powerful Qianyu Army and Xuanjia Army. Nan Heng deliberately set a trap, arranging for people to perform a scene for Song Yimeng. These individuals were discussing selling stolen goods and mentioned heading to the Waning River Crescent. Upon overhearing this, Song Yimeng deduced that the Waning River Crescent was a black market and decided to try her luck there.

Accompanied by Yingqiu, Song Yimeng arrived at the Waning River Crescent. They encountered Po Yunlong, the Third Master of Waning River Crescent, who directed them. Meanwhile, Li Shiliu, the Chief Master of Waning River Crescent, received intelligence that Chu Guihong had secretly infiltrated the hall with the Qianyu Army. Shangguan He, the Second Master, had been instructed to deal with Song Yimeng. Song Yimeng took a boat to reach the hall, finding the place unique and wanting to explore.

As she passed by a gambling area, someone bumped into her, causing her money pouch to fall onto a gambling table. Duan Shanhu, the Fourth Master, declared she had placed a bet. Song Yimeng protested, knowing she couldn't possibly roll a Leopard, but to her surprise, the dice landed on a Leopard. Duan Shanhu was astonished, wondering if someone was cheating, but seeing Shangguan He in the distance, he understood.

Song Yimeng quickly gathered the winnings into her full money pouch and prepared to leave with Yingqiu. Chu Guihong entered the hall and was intercepted by Li Shiliu. A fight ensued. Chu Guihong recognized Li Shiliu and noted his formidable martial arts skills, observing that Li Shiliu seemed to be testing weapons. Song Yimeng continued her search for the forging method. Passing through a main hall, she saw people engaged in the auction of a dancer.

A wealthy merchant, Weichi Yan, spent a large sum to purchase the mute dancer and proceeded to harass her publicly. Unable to stand by, Song Yimeng confronted the merchant, grabbed the dancer, and fled, with the merchant and his men in hot pursuit. Li Shiliu and Chu Guihong's fight reached a stalemate. Chu Guihong realized Li Shiliu's purpose and quickly withdrew his men.

Song Yimeng managed to get the dancer to safety, but an arrow suddenly struck the dancer, startling Song Yimeng. The merchant Weichi Yan and his group caught up and were about to attack Song Yimeng. Shangguan He and others watched from behind a tree, discussing who should take action against Song Yimeng. As the merchant prepared to strike, Li Shiliu appeared and blocked the blow, urging the merchant away.

However, Li Shiliu's body seemed to move on its own, blocking subsequent attacks from the merchant directed at Song Yimeng. Shangguan He and his companions watched, confused by Li Shiliu's actions. Li Shiliu questioned the auction of people, learning it was done by outside guests. Song Yimeng caught up to Li Shiliu, while the others hid. She thanked him for saving her life and pressed him for information about himself.

Shangguan He and the others secretly observed, planning to use hidden weapons to kill Song Yimeng. Seeing Li Shiliu injured, Song Yimeng insisted on examining his wound and taking him to a clinic. Shangguan He threw a dart, but Li Shiliu blocked it with his arm. Shangguan He threw another hidden weapon to test him, suspecting Li Shiliu had a secret and confirming that Li Shiliu was unable to kill Song Yimeng.

Li Shiliu explained he had no intention of harming Song Yimeng. Shangguan He then called out to Li Shiliu, and Song Yimeng learned he was the Chief of Waning River Crescent. Duan Shanhu distracted Song Yimeng. Po Yunlong attempted to attack her but was stopped by Duan Shanhu, who told her to register as a guest. Song Yimeng, thinking Po Yunlong was strange, showed him how to use a modern table format for registration.

Shangguan He pulled Li Shiliu aside, revealing himself as the only one who knew Li Shiliu's true identity and questioning why he was targeting Song Yimeng. Nan Heng, speaking as Li Shiliu, stated that Song Yimeng knew too many secrets and had to be eliminated. Shangguan He proposed that Song Yimeng feared the stern Nan Heng but admired the chivalrous Li Shiliu.

He suggested Li Shiliu approach her in that persona to uncover her secrets and her connections to Chu Guihong and the fight for the throne. Po Yunlong interrupted, declaring the client had ordered Li Shiliu to kill her. Song Yimeng realized this plot was orchestrated by Nan Heng and wanted to leave quickly. Li Shiliu appeared, stating his unwillingness to get involved in court disputes and urging Song Yimeng to depart.

Shangguan He deliberately suggested Li Shiliu escort her personally, creating an opportunity for them to interact further. During the escort, Song Yimeng spoke with Li Shiliu, having learned from his subordinates that he accepted the mission to kill her but believed he was forced. She proposed they ally against Nan Heng, describing him as cruel and heartless.

She brought up historical events like the Jinyang Mutiny, the Battle of Tancheng, and the war against Dongshuo, interpreting Nan Heng's actions in these conflicts not as heroic feats but as manipulative schemes, reckless mistakes, or attempts to steal credit, even suggesting he might have mental issues. Li Shiliu listened to her accusations.

Episode 7 Recap

On the road, Song Yimeng expressed understanding for Li Shiliu, believing he had hidden difficulties, and vehemently criticized Nan Heng as tyrannical and oppressive towards women and children. Li Shiliu grew angry upon hearing this but restrained his emotions, sarcastically praising Song Yimeng for her exceptional insight. Song Yimeng insisted she knew Nan Heng best and suggested they join forces to oppose him. Li Shiliu couldn't bear to listen further and quickly departed, leaping across rooftops.

Upon returning to Waning River Crescent's Hall, Nan Heng (acting as Li Shiliu) pondered Song Yimeng's words, feeling dismayed that he was perceived as ambitious and ruthless. Separately, Nan Rui, hearing that Chu Guihong was injured, went to check on him. Chu Guihong suspected that Waning River Crescent's Hall was more complicated than it appeared and believed Li Shiliu might be working for Nan Heng, possibly seeking knowledge of weapon forging methods.

He asked Nan Rui for help to test Nan Heng. Nan Rui worried that Nan Heng possessed more resources than they had anticipated and that there might be a spy within their ranks, though Chu Guihong dismissed the spy concern. Back at her residence, Song Yimeng told her maid, Yingqiu, about her encounter with Li Shiliu.

Yingqiu excitedly revealed that Li Shiliu was widely regarded as the capital's most desirable bachelor, comparable in fame to Chu Guihong, known for his cold demeanor and infrequent appearances. Song Yimeng was thrilled but frustrated that she had overlooked such a significant character in the original plot, wondering if he was a variable not initially in the script.

Eager for more information, she requested everything known about his past, and Yingqiu provided her with a biography titled "Famous Men in the Martial World—Li Shiliu Edition." At Waning River Crescent's Hall, Shangguan He and Fugui discussed Song Yimeng's criticisms of Nan Heng. Fugui voiced strong disapproval of Nan Heng using the Li Shiliu identity to forge an alliance with Song Yimeng, fearing exposure and severe repercussions if the Eighteenth Prince and his men discovered the secret.

Shangguan He argued that risks were necessary, stating, "No risk, no reward," and insisted they must effectively leverage the Li Shiliu identity. He proposed using Song Yimeng's unique perspective to their advantage. Song Yimeng read the biography, finding Li Shiliu portrayed as kind and brave, although the account lacked detail. She noted that the book mentioned he provided shelter for those left homeless by tragedies caused by Nan Heng's political conflicts. Feeling hopeful, she believed this connection was crucial.

She interpreted Li Shiliu's questions to her as a test of her stance and determination. She decided to approach him with a facade of opposing the Seventh Prince while genuinely seeking to ally with him against Nan Heng. Shangguan He suggested Nan Heng write a personal letter to Song Yimeng, believing it the most effective way to win her over, volunteering to write it himself.

Song Yimeng received the letter and found its poetic and romantic tone overly "greasy," advising him in her reply to stop reading such inappropriate books. Meanwhile, Shanhu and Yunlong, following orders from Shangguan He, directed other Nightwalkers to copy popular storylines and craft new books to create a compelling "handsome, strong, yet miserable" persona for Li Shiliu, much to Yunlong's exasperation. Nan Heng later read the fabricated biography detailing Li Shiliu's dramatic hardships.

Outraged by the ridiculous stories, he angrily confronted Shangguan He. Deciding to bypass Shangguan He, Nan Heng wrote a personal letter to Song Yimeng, acknowledging her previous letter and inviting her to Waning River Crescent's Hall for conversation, hinting that General Chu Guihong's busy schedule might leave her lonely. Song Yimeng responded by sending him a box of pear pastries, which Shangguan He viewed as a clear sign that she was becoming interested.

Nan Rui sent Nan Heng an invitation to meet at Waning River Crescent's Hall the following day. Nan Heng accepted, planning to secretly swap the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade during the meeting. When Nan Rui and Nan Heng met, Nan Rui appeared visibly nervous, which Nan Heng did not miss. This meeting was part of a plan by Chu Guihong to test Nan Heng and Li Shiliu.

Chu Guihong's men had planted military equipment at Waning River Crescent's Hall as a pretext for the Qianyu Army to enter and make arrests. As Nan Rui and Nan Heng talked, Rong Hua arrived outside the hall with Qianyu Army troops, announcing their intent to search the premises and arrest the chief, Li Shiliu, claiming he was injured and hiding after stealing military supplies. Song Yimeng unexpectedly arrived at the compound, insisting on seeing Li Shiliu.

Shanhu and Yunlong attempted to stall her by giving her an extensive tour of the hall's various levels and functions, detailing areas like Guan Crescent, Wang Crescent, Cang Crescent, Wan Crescent, and the private Yin Crescent. Despite their efforts, Song Yimeng grew impatient and demanded to see Li Shiliu immediately. Nan Rui continued to show his nervousness by constantly eating melon seeds as he awaited Chu Guihong's planned staged appearance.

Chu Guihong, disguised as Li Shiliu, executed the plan by falling from the ceiling into the room. Nan Rui dramatically declared he would unmask the intruder, but Nan Heng remained composed, urging Nan Rui to hurry or call the waiting Qianyu Army troops. As Nan Heng moved closer, Chu Guihong quickly got up and made his escape. Just then, Shangguan He entered to inform Nan Heng that Song Yimeng had arrived and was demanding to see Li Shiliu.

Nan Heng immediately left to change into his Li Shiliu disguise. While trying to flee, Chu Guihong accidentally entered the room where Song Yimeng was waiting. Mistaking him for Li Shiliu, Song Yimeng quickly pulled him into the room. Confused, Chu Guihong avoided looking directly at her. Moments later, the real Li Shiliu (Nan Heng in disguise) arrived to meet Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng was startled to see a second Li Shiliu and turned back to find the first one gone. Hidden in a closet, Chu Guihong overheard the conversation between Song Yimeng and the real Li Shiliu (Nan Heng). Song Yimeng commented on his voice returning to normal and his sudden appearance. Li Shiliu stated he needed to leave, leading Song Yimeng to perceive him as cold. She insisted they discuss Nan Heng.

They sat down, and Song Yimeng urged him not to fear Nan Heng and to join her in opposing him. Li Shiliu pressed her for her full plan, acknowledging the difficulty of opposing a prince. Song Yimeng revealed her plan revolved around the upcoming Lantern Festival, asserting that Nan Heng intended to use it to cause chaos and set fires across the capital, resulting in mass casualties.

She appealed to Li Shiliu's known compassion and asked for his help to prevent this catastrophe. Li Shiliu (Nan Heng) was taken aback by her specific claims about his supposed plan for the Lantern Festival, which he had not formulated. He inwardly suspected that Song Yimeng and Chu Guihong were concocting this story to frame him and create an opportunity for Chu Guihong to gain political standing.

Song Yimeng reiterated her assertions, citing Nan Heng's past deeds as proof of his capacity for evil, and implored Li Shiliu, known for his benevolence, not to remain indifferent. She even offered to include Chu Guihong in their alliance if Li Shiliu was hesitant to challenge Nan Heng alone.

Episode 8 Recap

Believing Song Yimeng and Chu Guihong planned to cause chaos to frame him for Chu Guihong to gain political merit, Nan Heng, disguised as Li Shiliu, refused to cooperate with Song Yimeng. Song Yimeng had proposed Chu Guihong join them to take down Nan Heng, but Nan Heng declined, stating he wouldn't risk himself as a wandering martial nobody with her, the daughter of a high-ranking official, and Chu Guihong, a favored general.

Song Yimeng insisted she would take responsibility and expressed absolute trust in Chu Guihong, her fiancé, believing he would protect Li Shiliu if he joined them. She explained her trust came from knowing him well and sharing his deep hatred for Nan Heng, stating they would not allow Nan Heng to harm anyone else.

Song Yimeng referenced the royal autumn hunting nineteen years prior, where the late Empress Chu Yurong, Chu Guihong's beloved aunt, died in an assassination related to Nan Heng. She described Chu Guihong's dedication to martial arts after this tragedy to protect others, contrasting it with Nan Heng, who she claimed became a heartless killer after the Empress's death.

She highlighted Chu Guihong's sacrifices defending the borders and his desire to clear the names of fallen soldiers, asking if this wasn't enough reason to trust him. Nan Heng, still in disguise, interrupted her, summarizing her view that Chu Guihong was good and he was bad, and called her a poor partner, blinded by love. Song Yimeng denied being lovestruck. Chu Guihong, hidden in a closet nearby, overheard this and regretted ever doubting Song Yimeng.

Nan Heng, as Li Shiliu, refused to participate in what he called a life-threatening shenanigan and moved to leave. As Nan Heng was leaving, Chu Guihong, still in the closet, made a noise. This revealed Chu Guihong's presence. Nan Heng quickly reacted, and Chu Guihong broke a window to escape. Song Yimeng was left confused, seeing two individuals who appeared to be Li Shiliu. Shangguan He told others that the one with better martial arts was the real one.

Song Yimeng stepped between the two men, declaring that no matter the reason, they must not come into conflict. Song Yimeng tried to mediate, insisting it was all a "beautiful misunderstanding." She explained that Chu Guihong, perhaps misled by rumors, might have disguised himself as Li Shiliu to investigate the Nightwalkers, whom he mistook for mobsters. One of Li Shiliu's men mentioned that Chu Guihong had accused their chief of stealing Qianyu Army weapons.

Despite seeing Chu Guihong remain silent, Song Yimeng claimed he had explained everything to her via ventriloquism and the weapon theft was also a misunderstanding. She urged them to reconcile, shake hands, and make friends, pressuring both Chu Guihong and the "Li Shiliu" to make a gesture to ease the awkward situation. Frustrated by their silence and lack of cooperation, she called them stubborn and insisted they come with her to a room.

In the room, Song Yimeng told them they needed to unite against Nan Heng instead of arguing. Chu Guihong demanded to see the face of the "Li Shiliu" counterpart. " Li Shiliu" refused, claiming he had a scar on his face from childhood. Chu Guihong pressed him to prove his innocence by meeting Nan Heng, who was also in the Hall, arguing that Chu Guihong's disturbance was meant to prove "Li Shiliu's" connection to Nan Heng. "

Li Shiliu" refused again, citing the danger of offending a prince. Song Yimeng intervened, stopping the argument and reminding them their purpose was to oppose Nan Heng. She criticized them both, telling them to confront Nan Heng directly. When asked if the alliance was agreed upon, Chu Guihong said he would not cooperate with "Li Shiliu." Song Yimeng declared she would go confront Nan Heng alone.

Chu Guihong then stated that he would trust "Li Shiliu" because Song Yimeng trusted him, admitting he felt unworthy of her deep affection. He decided to go stall Nan Heng, who was still in the Hall. After Chu Guihong left, Shangguan He instructed the real Li Shiliu, the Chief Master, to quickly change his clothes as Chu Guihong was heading towards Nan Heng. Meanwhile, Nan Rui questioned his cousin, Nan Heng, asking if he was now partnering with Li Shiliu.

Nan Heng denied changing his plan, stating he still suspected Li Shiliu's collusion with him. He called his strategy "drawing the snake out of its hole," identifying Song Yimeng as the "beautiful snake." Nan Heng then met with Chu Guihong over a meal. Their conversation was tense, with veiled remarks. Chu Guihong stated his disguise as Li Shiliu was indeed to test Nan Heng's connection to Li Shiliu. Nan Heng denied colluding with a "lowly ruffian." Chu Guihong left.

Nan Heng confirmed that his weapon had been successfully swapped. Later, Nan Heng, disguised as Li Shiliu again, met with Song Yimeng while Shangguan He played a flute to set the mood. Song Yimeng gave "Li Shiliu" a rabbit mask she had made herself, thanking him for saving her life previously.

Chu Guihong arrived and insisted Song Yimeng leave with him, telling her that her father, Song Yude, was waiting for her at home for dinner, despite her protests that she hadn't eaten. Back at Nan Heng's mansion, Fugui searched for Nan Heng (referred to as the Seventh Prince), encountering Nan Rui's group but receiving no information.

Nan Heng reviewed a memorial from Yao Qian reporting that the Emperor, along with the Eighteenth Prince, planned to announce the appointment of Chu Guihong to oversee the Lantern Festival the next morning. Yao Qian interpreted this as the Emperor granting Chu Guihong real power over the capital and palace defenses.

Yao Qian proposed organizing censors to submit a joint petition in the morning court to force the Emperor to withdraw the order, warning that Chu Guihong and the Eighteenth Prince's power would become insurmountable if Chu Guihong gained more authority and military success. Nan Heng, however, ordered Yao Qian not to act without his explicit command. In the morning court the next day, the Emperor confirmed Chu Guihong's appointment as Capital Prefect responsible for the Lantern Festival.

Censor Yao Qian suddenly objected, arguing that despite being exonerated, Chu Guihong was unsuitable given the unavenged fallen soldiers and existing refugees, warning it would upset heaven and urging the Emperor to reconsider. Other officials echoed his objection. Angered, the Emperor reaffirmed Chu Guihong's appointment and punished Yao Qian for malicious intent, sentencing him to twenty strokes of the cane and demotion to invocator of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

Song Yimeng learned of Yao Qian's demotion and noted that this event was not in her original expected storyline, wondering if the plot was changing. Later, Chu Guihong spoke with Song Yimeng, apologizing for neglecting her due to his military duties and acknowledging her deep affection. He mentioned wanting to move south with her after everything was settled. Song Yimeng asked if he would be willing to give up his official position and leave the political world.

Chu Guihong responded by asking if she knew him well, referring to his commitment to the Qianyu Army and his desire to protect those around him, but also hinting that being involved inevitably leads to someone getting hurt. Soon after, a girl rushed in reporting trouble. Song Yimeng investigated and found injured Qianyu Army soldiers, including Rong Hua, who explained they were ambushed at an abandoned mine by bandits who used explosives.

Chu Guihong immediately believed this was a demonstration from Nan Heng. Song Yimeng felt they needed a different approach to stop him. Meanwhile, Nan Heng was interrogating a eunuch, demanding to know who instructed him to inflict severe injuries during Yao Qian's caning. Song Yimeng unexpectedly arrived at the Waning River Crescent Hall. Shangguan He quickly ordered his men to clean up and stall her. Song Yimeng was briefly distracted but pressed on to find the Chief Master, Li Shiliu.

After initial attempts by Shangguan He to stall her with talk of poetry and chess, Song Yimeng conveyed that she had urgent, life-or-death business with Li Shiliu. Speaking with him in private, she proposed they kill Nan Heng. Li Shiliu refused, stating he would not agree even to fight Nan Heng, let alone kill him, and told her not to involve him in her desire for death.

Song Yimeng explained the Qianyu Army ambush at the mine, stating Nan Heng was responsible and innocent people could have died. Li Shiliu questioned if she had verified this claim, but she was certain, citing the witness (Rong Hua), the motive, and the circumstances. After more debate, Song Yimeng admitted she was selfishly trying to use him to eliminate Nan Heng.

She then threatened to expose his human trafficking operation at the Hall to her father and Chu Guihong if he refused, ruining his years of effort. Li Shiliu protested that it was an accident, but she insisted she didn't care, as it happened at his Hall, making them liable.

Episode 9 Recap

Chu Guihong felt disheartened, thinking about Rong Hua and the others who were injured. He entrusted Nan Rui with a task, wanting to look through the records of previous Lantern Festivals kept by the Ministry of Rites. Nan Rui smiled and agreed, believing that together they could accomplish anything. Separately, Rong Hua reported that foreign merchants had sent fireworks and suggested using them during the Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, Chancellor Gao had privately planted explosives, injuring the Qianyu Army.

Nan Heng was displeased, stating that if it weren't for his mother, he would have dealt with Chancellor Gao long ago. Fugui reassured Nan Heng not to worry, believing that Song Yimeng did not suspect Li Shiliu's true identity. Shangguan He suggested that Nan Heng, acting as Li Shiliu, write a letter to Song Yimeng asking her to come with a detailed plan.

Nan Heng agreed, saying he wanted to see if Song Yimeng truly had the capability to kill him. Three days later, Song Yimeng was rushing to meet Li Shiliu and didn't have time for breakfast. On her way, she coincidentally met Chu Guihong, who was arriving at her residence. Upon learning her destination, Chu Guihong went ahead to the Waning River Crescent Hall.

Song Yimeng arrived to find the two men arguing and speaking sarcastically to each other, nearly getting into a fight again. She quickly intervened, reminding them that they were there to discuss the plan to assassinate Nan Heng and urged them to be more broad-minded. Getting down to business, they began discussing how to carry out the assassination.

Song Yimeng suggested the first step should be to lure Nan Heng away from the protection of the Xuanjia Army and bring him to a pre-arranged location. Li Shiliu proposed the Jade River, noting it was crowded, which could help them escape if the assassination failed. Song Yimeng assigned tasks: she would be responsible for luring Nan Heng away by claiming to have news about the weapon forging method, a topic she believed he would agree to discuss.

Chu Guihong would have the Qianyu Army hold off the Xuanjia Army to ensure no one came to Nan Heng's rescue. The most crucial part was how to assassinate him. Song Yimeng proposed using a honey trap at the Lantern Festival. She planned to use her dancing skills to distract Nan Heng during the evening, and when he was not paying attention, shoot him with a hairpin dart to kill him.

Chu Guihong interrupted her, dismissing her idea as impractical and potentially dangerous. He was worried that if Nan Heng had impure intentions, he might harm Song Yimeng before she could act, insisting she should not put herself in such danger. Chu Guihong continued to criticize Nan Heng, calling him base and despicable, which Li Shiliu argued against. Chu Guihong then proposed a different approach: doing the opposite of what Nan Heng might expect.

He speculated that Nan Heng, seeing himself as a future ruler, would clear the streets during the Lantern Festival. Chu Guihong suggested he could then appear directly and catch Nan Heng off guard to kill him. Li Shiliu stepped forward, disagreeing with Chu Guihong's assessment of Nan Heng, stating he was not a coward who feared death. Song Yimeng added that Nan Heng was the "male lead" and had "plot armor."

Chu Guihong looked confused, asking what "male lead" meant, but Song Yimeng wasn't sure how to explain it. Li Shiliu then offered his refined plan: the assassination location would remain the Jade River. Chu Guihong's Qianyu Army would focus on city patrol, which would be necessary during the Lantern Festival anyway, and the Xuanjia Army would likely be sent to support the palace.

Song Yimeng would find an excuse to lure Nan Heng onto a leisure boat on the river and get him drunk, then slip away. Li Shiliu would personally carry out the assassination while Nan Heng was intoxicated. Song Yimeng was very satisfied with this plan and left feeling happy. Later, Shangguan He teased Nan Heng for having spent the entire day acting for Song Yimeng. Nan Heng told him to focus on business.

Shangguan He reported that the metallurgy room was ready and they had tried melting down and re-forging half of the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade, but it was still brittle. Nan Heng was worried, admitting they hadn't succeeded in developing the weapon forging method over the years, and only Chu Guihong knew the proper technique. Nan Heng then revealed his intention to have Shangguan He impersonate Li Shiliu to completely dispel Chu Guihong's suspicions about Li Shiliu.

On the way back, Song Yimeng noticed Chu Guihong seemed troubled. He confessed that he still harbored doubts about Li Shiliu, citing his suspicions from their first encounter and Li Shiliu's uncanny knowledge of Nan Heng's situation during the planning session as particularly suspicious. Song Yimeng argued he was overthinking things and defended Li Shiliu, reminding Chu Guihong that Li Shiliu had saved her life and given her hope.

Chu Guihong expressed concern for her safety during the assassination, but Song Yimeng assured him she had a "killer move" and that Nan Heng could not harm her. She told Chu Guihong to simply patrol as usual on the day of the festival, suggesting he could reap benefits if the assassination succeeded or simply "slack off" if it failed. Chu Guihong reiterated that his concern was for her, not himself.

Song Yimeng replied that she understood, saying he was like the "male second lead" who would always stand by her and trust the female lead. She then left to go home. Separately, Song Yiting's mother feigned a serious illness, hoping to compel Song Yiting to attend the Lantern Festival, as she had specifically found out that Nan Rui would be present.

Song Yiting resisted the idea of being matched, stating she only wished to marry a kindred spirit and cared little for powerful officials. As the Lantern Festival began, Nan Rui rang the drum signaling the start of the event. Chu Guihong instructed the Qianyu Army to remain vigilant and increase patrols, especially since Nan Rui was representing the Emperor that night. At a painting boat, Nan Heng waited, complaining about Song Yimeng's delay.

Meanwhile, Song Yimeng was rushing through the crowded streets and tripped. Jia Ruru intercepted her, mocking her appearance and snatching her hairpin, which was the hidden weapon. As they struggled over the hairpin, they accidentally triggered its mechanism, and the dart shot out, hitting Nan Rui's wine cup. Nan Rui cried out about an assassin and demanded to know what Song Yimeng intended.

Nan Heng immediately stepped forward, shielded Song Yimeng, and took her away from the commotion, telling Nan Rui not to make a scene over a small matter. As Nan Heng led Song Yimeng away through the streets, both were silently contemplating their next move. They encountered an old woman selling river lanterns, who suggested they go release one at the Jade River. Song Yimeng recognized this as a familiar plot device.

Nan Heng offered to pay but realized he had no money, prompting the old woman to call him stingy. She eventually gave them a free lantern. As they walked away, Nan Heng commented that the lantern had small eyes and gave it to a child nearby. A butterfly unexpectedly flew out of the lantern, but they did not notice it.

Episode 10 Recap

Eighteenth Prince Nan Rui was offering toasts at the city tower. Song Yude, not wanting to get involved in royal affairs, tried to leave but was stopped by Nan Rui. Nan Rui inquired about Song Yiting, trying to build a connection, but Song Yude quickly departed. Song Yiting was also present, and Nan Rui approached her, boasting about himself, which made Song Yiting show no interest in him.

Chu Guihong reminded Rong Hua that regardless of whether the assassination attempt failed, they must maintain a strict guard near the leisure boat. Shangguan He, disguised as Li Shiliu, spoke in a way that exposed him. Chu Guihong became suspicious, realizing he was not the real Li Shiliu, and directly attacked him. Song Yimeng led Nan Heng to the riverside to make a wish.

Nan Heng claimed he didn't believe in such things, but promised he would make Song Yimeng's wishes come true if she helped him find the method of weapon forging. Song Yimeng described chaotic and fantastical wishes. Nan Heng was confused but agreed, contingent on her help. Song Yimeng thought he was up to something, but Nan Heng sincerely asked if she trusted him. She replied that she did not.

Suddenly, fireworks lit up the sky, and the citizens were immersed in happiness. Song Yimeng pulled Nan Heng to watch the fireworks and drink wine. According to a prior plan, Duan Shanhu, disguised as a waiter, deliberately spilled a wine bottle on her. Song Yimeng used this as an excuse to leave. Nan Heng saw this but did not expose their plan. Shangguan He, injured by Chu Guihong, was chased to the leisure boat.

Song Yimeng saw him and complained that their plan had failed right at the start. Nan Heng asked about the situation and, learning the person was an assassin, wanted to take him back for interrogation. Song Yimeng quickly intervened, hoping Nan Heng would release the person she believed was Li Shiliu. Chu Guihong disagreed and wanted the Qianyu Army to take him for questioning. Shangguan He seized the opportunity to hold Nan Heng hostage.

Duan Shanhu and others created a diversion. Nan Heng counter-attacked and held Shangguan He captive. Song Yimeng, worried, pleaded with Nan Heng not to harm the person she still thought was Li Shiliu. Fugui heard that Nan Heng was attacked and arrived promptly with the Xuanjia Army. Rong Hua, leading the Qianyu Army, also arrived. Nan Heng asked Chu Guihong if he was involved in the assassination. Song Yimeng took the blame upon herself.

Nan Heng considered Chu Guihong the main culprit. Chu Guihong distanced himself from Shangguan He and the others, telling Nan Heng he could proceed as he saw fit, which displeased Song Yimeng. After Fugui and others arrived, Song Yimeng pulled Shangguan He away and ran, still thinking he was Li Shiliu. After things settled, Song Yimeng remembered the fire described in the original story.

She quickly searched for the location of the incident, an archway with a light stand, and tried to prevent any fire source from starting. Chu Guihong found Song Yimeng and explained that the person she thought was Li Shiliu was an imposter. Song Yimeng, however, was preoccupied with the impending fire and insisted on finding the real Li Shiliu to prevent the disaster. Later, Nan Heng changed his clothes, appearing in a different outfit, and told Shangguan He to rest.

Meanwhile, Nan Rui, distressed by his lack of favor and drunk, bumped into a passerby, causing a fire. The predicted fire occurred just as Song Yimeng feared. Song Yimeng was nearly trapped by the burning archway, but the real Li Shiliu rushed out and rescued her, taking her to a rooftop to recover. Song Yimeng asked him if he believed in fate, lamenting that the world's destiny seemed unchangeable. Li Shiliu countered that fate is in one's own hands.

Hearing this, Song Yimeng became excited, declaring that she wanted to change destiny. Li Shiliu was moved by her words. The Qianyu Army was searching for fire hazards. Rong Hua asked Chu Guihong if he still wanted to set off fireworks for Song Yimeng as a surprise, but Chu Guihong was focused on finding Li Shiliu. Song Yimeng saw that Li Shiliu was injured and personally applied medicine to his burn, giving him advice on wound care and diet.

Later, Nan Rui passed a warehouse where the Qianyu Army was moving fireworks. Drunk, he casually tossed a flame towards them, causing another explosion that ignited the city, leading to houses burning and collapsing. Nan Heng and Li Shiliu witnessed this second fire and rushed to the scene. Li Shiliu confronted his childhood fear, remembering being trapped during a fire in the cold palace when he was a child. As the fire worsened, Song Yimeng became worried about Li Shiliu's safety and tried to enter the burning area to save him, but Chu Guihong stopped her.

Episode 11 Recap

As Song Yimeng worried about Li Shiliu's safety, Chu Guihong stopped her, ordering the Qianyu Army to make an arrest. At that moment, Li Shiliu emerged from the fire, carrying two children. Seeing him safe, Song Yimeng was relieved. Chu Guihong commanded Li Shiliu to drop his weapon, accusing him of attempting to assassinate Prince Nan Heng and disrupting the Lantern Festival. Li Shiliu retaliated, calling Chu Guihong treacherous and saying he would not surrender.

Chu Guihong attacked Li Shiliu with the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade, but Li Shiliu's weapon, forged from dark steel, broke the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade in half instantly. Just then, the Nightwalkers arrived under the command of their chief, Li Shiliu. He ordered them to quickly help put out the fire. Looking at the broken blade, Chu Guihong declared it must have been secretly swapped.

Song Yimeng scolded him, pointing out the urgency of the fire and the danger to the citizens while he was preoccupied with arresting someone and worrying about his sword. She noted the man he wanted to arrest was risking his life helping. Enduring his frustration, Chu Guihong dropped the broken blade and led the Qianyu Army into the fire to help save people.

The next day, news spread throughout the capital that Prince Nan Rui had started the fire by accidentally setting off fireworks while drunk near the oil shop. Song Yimeng found this impossible, believing it should have been Nan Heng according to the plot, and wondered if Li Shiliu had changed the story again. Streets were in chaos, with fire victims demanding the Emperor investigate. Prince Nan Rui was summoned by the Emperor and severely reprimanded.

Outside the imperial study, Nan Heng and Fugui waited. Hearing the scolding within, Fugui mocked Jixiang's choice of master compared to his own connection with Nan Heng. Song Yude summoned Song Yimeng, asking if she had heard the news. Song Yimeng observed Song Yude drinking both black tea and green tea, learning this was a method to prevent others from discerning his preferences. Song Yude then fixed his gaze on her, asking if she had heard anything Chu Guihong said.

He revealed the rumor circulating in court was that Prince Nan Rui, in league with Chu Guihong, had attempted to assassinate Prince Nan Heng, and the Emperor believed Nan Heng himself had spread this rumor. Nan Heng was then called before the Emperor. The Emperor questioned him about his relationship with the assassin from the previous night, whom they believed to be a martial-world ruffian, and ordered Chu Guihong to thoroughly investigate the case.

Nan Heng brought up the widespread rumors and offered to personally investigate and uncover the truth. However, the Emperor accused Nan Heng of being the source of the rumors. Nan Heng offered to take his own life as proof of his innocence. The Emperor then handed a sword to Nan Rui, telling him to kill Nan Heng to show he wasn't a killer. Nan Rui was terrified and refused, repeatedly stating he couldn't kill anyone.

The Emperor defended Nan Rui, saying he couldn't even kill a chicken, and contrasted him with Nan Heng, who was known as the God of Death, feared even by the Emperor. Nan Heng maintained his desire to investigate the assassination case to clear Nan Rui's name. He also volunteered to take responsibility for the fire damage in the southern district and lead the reconstruction efforts as a way to take the blame for Nan Rui.

The Emperor refused, stating Nan Heng wouldn't be involved, and the task would be handled by Chu Guihong, the capital prefect, who was meticulous. Song Yimeng, upon hearing the accounts of Nan Rui and Nan Heng's interactions with the Emperor, accused the Emperor of favoritism. Song Yude found her too naive about the complexities of court politics, explaining how the Lantern Festival incident and the fire seemed to benefit Nan Heng, suggesting he might have orchestrated events.

He even speculated that the attempt on Nan Heng's life might have been staged by Nan Heng himself. Song Yimeng dismissed his intricate political analysis, worrying about his health. Later, Nan Heng and Shangguan He discussed the situation, noting how strange it was that Song Yimeng's prediction of chaos had come true. Shangguan He suggested understanding more about Song Yimeng, given her apparent knowledge and control over Li Shiliu.

Song Yimeng arrived to see Nan Heng, practicing different ways to apologize. When she spoke to him, she admitted responsibility for the assassination attempt, saying it was her impulsive act and asking him not to blame others. She acknowledged the grievances he must feel after going to the palace. Nan Heng asked about her sincerity.

Song Yimeng then firmly stated that he was not allowed to harm Li Shiliu, declaring Li Shiliu was "her man" and that harming him meant crossing the Song family. Nan Heng smiled upon hearing this and told her she could leave, agreeing to spare Li Shiliu for now, but warning her that if she caused trouble again, he would raid Waning River Crescent and kill Li Shiliu.

After she left, Nan Heng looked at a rabbit mask, thinking of Song Yimeng calling Li Shiliu hers, and smiled. In the courtyard, Fugui and Shangguan He argued about their respective positions and capabilities. Nan Heng then gave Fugui orders: find three death-row prisoners, dress them up as Li Shiliu, Yunlong, and Shanhu, and declare they were the fake Waning River Crescent members responsible for the assassination attempt.

He explained this was to clear Waning River Crescent's name and protect Song Yimeng and her family, explicitly stating the investigation should not implicate Chu Guihong or further involve Waning River Crescent or Song Yimeng. Nan Heng then asked Fugui what a "script," a "lead role," and a "supporting role" were, which Fugui failed to understand. Li Shiliu expressed his desire to help with the reconstruction of the fire-damaged area, explaining his aspiration to help people.

Song Yimeng supported his idea and offered to join him. Shangguan He commented on Li Shiliu's changed demeanor, saying he now spoke ill of himself. Li Shiliu responded that he was now Li Shiliu, different from who he was before, and that saying things to earn Song Yimeng's trust wasn't wrong. He insisted that the reconstruction was genuine and the entire Waning River Crescent would participate, including Shangguan He and Fugui, who would be supporting roles.

Nan Heng instructed Fugui to keep his distance when he was acting as Li Shiliu to avoid suspicion. The Nightwalkers enthusiastically prepared to assist with the rebuilding, seeing their chief's aspirations and even love as their own mission. As Li Shiliu led the Nightwalkers to the reconstruction site, Chu Guihong stopped them, stating that reconstruction was a matter for the court and outsiders like Li Shiliu, especially one involved in the assassination case, were not allowed to participate.

Song Yimeng spoke up, defending the Nightwalkers. She argued that court business was about the people's livelihood, something Chu Guihong, a general unfamiliar with the common people's daily lives, didn't understand as well as the Nightwalkers who lived among them. She emphasized the Nightwalkers knew the area and people intimately and were offering free labor.

She sharply reminded Chu Guihong that during the fire, some people were more concerned with capturing others and their own belongings (his sword) than saving lives. Upset, Chu Guihong relented slightly, saying he would talk to Li Shiliu about the reconstruction. Separately, Fugui approached Song Yimeng and threatened to reveal her "secret affair" with Nan Heng to Li Shiliu, mentioning seeing them kiss in the royal garden and the prince's garden. Song Yimeng denied the affair but understood Fugui's motives.

She offered him "hush money," referring to him as a "paparazzo" and herself as a "superstar," concepts Fugui didn't understand. She told him to take the money and forget what he saw, promising to include him if similar opportunities arose.

Episode 12 Recap

A wanderer with a mysterious past named Li Shiliu has repeatedly become involved in court affairs. Lieutenant General Chu Guihong confronts him, questioning his motives and warning him to abandon any idea of targeting Song Yimeng. Li Shiliu replies that he has no interest in their affairs and is focused only on quickly repairing the damaged houses for the people.

Chu Guihong accuses him of using the South City renovation, dealing with Nan Heng, and involvement in an assassination plot as tricks to deceive Song Yimeng. Li Shiliu proposes a bet: they compete to see who can repair the South City better and faster, and if Chu Guihong loses, he must cancel his engagement to Song Yimeng. Chu Guihong dismisses the bet as ridiculous, stating he won't wager his marriage.

However, Li Shiliu points out the extensive damage and displaced people, noting that the allocated funds and manpower are insufficient to complete the repairs before the Beginning of Spring, which means Chu Guihong will need help from the Waning River Crescent. Otherwise, Nan Heng could use the delay against him.

Chu Guihong agrees to allow the Waning River Crescent to participate in the renovation, but warns Li Shiliu that this project concerns the lives of the capital's residents and cannot be handled with cheap tricks. He threatens severe consequences if he discovers any ulterior motives. He firmly restates that no matter what happens, he will not use his marriage to Song Yimeng as a bargaining chip.

Fugui, a subordinate of Nan Heng, approaches Song Yimeng holding a prop, attempting to scare her and asks her to explain strange terms like "protagonist" and "supporting character." Song Yimeng dismisses the attempt and compares it to Nan Heng using a knife on her. She tells Fugui to have Nan Heng ask her directly instead of troubling subordinates.

Fugui tries to gain favor by asking who is truly behind events, prompting Song Yimeng to accuse him of attempting to sweet-talk her for information. She reiterates that the assassination was her act alone, but Fugui clarifies he wants to know the real story behind the fire. Song Yimeng maintains it was a coincidence, part of the plot. Understanding he cannot get secrets yet, Fugui asks if badmouthing the Seventh Prince would help him get on her side.

He loudly insults the Seventh Prince, calling him ruthless, heartless, and a complete idiot. Nan Heng overhears this. Li Shiliu moves to intervene, but Song Yimeng stops him, warning that everyone around Nan Heng is scheming. She orders Fugui to leave and keep quiet, threatening to reveal his insults to Nan Heng if he mentions seeing her there. Members of the Waning River Crescent and the Qianyu Army engage in a strength competition with ropes.

The Waning River Crescent members easily win, frustrating Rong Hua, a Qianyu officer. Li Shiliu appears thoughtful. Song Yimeng asks if he is upset, thinking Chu Guihong might have bullied him. Li Shiliu dismisses the idea. Song Yimeng remarks on how he protected her multiple times, despite being a "supporting character" while she has "plot armor," suggesting she should protect him. She gives him something, saying "Now you have it too," implying a transfer of "plot armor."

Later, Li Shiliu tells Song Yimeng he keeps hearing about "protagonists" and "supporting characters" but doesn't understand what it means. He explains he wants to help her change things and stand against Nan Heng, but cannot if he doesn't understand her words. He asks her to explain. Song Yimeng is hesitant, saying she trusts him but fears he would be afraid if she told him everything.

She calls him her most important and only friend in this world who understands and trusts her, believing he might even change her fate. Unable and afraid to lose him, she asks to keep this one secret. Li Shiliu agrees. Children bring flatbread to Li Shiliu, thanking him for building their houses. Song Yimeng asks a child his name and learns he doesn't have one, as his grandmother says people in South City are lower-class and don't need names.

He says his father is called Passerby A. Song Yimeng asks another man his name, who says he is Passerby B. Exasperated, Song Yimeng notes that these people seem to lack individual names and names the child Passerby Pancake. She reflects that this situation confirms her feeling that everything is trapped within a fabricated script world. Nan Heng is awake late at night, reflecting on Song Yimeng's perception of him as ambitious and wicked.

He asks Fugui if he also believes Nan Heng only cares about power and ignores the people. Fugui struggles to answer truthfully, offering hesitant praise. Nan Heng tells Fugui to accompany him to the Song Residence the next day, stating he needs to speak with her. Nan Heng arrives at the Song Residence while Song Yimeng is helping organize renovation materials. He asks if this is how she treats the person who spared her punishment for the assassination.

He orders Song Yimeng and her servants to leave so he can speak with her alone. Song Yimeng protests, saying her servants are innocent and questioning why they cannot speak in front of them. Nan Heng's subordinate suggests it is stuffy and the servants should get fresh air. Song Yimeng also claims it is stuffy and tries to leave, but Nan Heng stops her. He asks his first question: what kind of person is he in her heart?

Song Yimeng replies he is a "truly admirable person," claiming this is the truth because he has tried to kill her many times but always let her go, displaying the "magnanimity" and "remarkable foresight" she attributes to "top celebrities." Nan Heng asks his second question: what are "top celebrity," "protagonist," and "script"? Song Yimeng feigns discomfort and a need for fresh air, stating everyone asks her this.

Nan Heng reveals he has searched all the books in the Wenyuan Library and questioned scholars in the Hanlin Academy, but no one knows about these terms. Song Yimeng dismisses it as something she said casually, asking why he remembers it. Nan Heng points out she has used these terms multiple times, referring to him as a protagonist and top celebrity, and stating their interactions follow a "script rule." He presses her for the meaning of it all.

Song Yimeng denies saying it. Nan Heng begs her to tell him her secret. Song Yimeng pushes him away, criticizing his lack of manners and roughness towards women. She then sarcastically explains "top celebrity" means top traffic and a "script" is the foundation of a show, stating he could not possibly understand as he only uses force and lacks basic knowledge.

She calls him a mass murderer who slaughters the innocent and suggests he doesn't truly want to understand the script but merely wants to control everyone because he believes she knows more and is hiding things, adding that he trusts no one. Nan Heng acknowledges that he used force against her but denies indiscriminately killing innocent people otherwise. He explains he trusts no one because no one has ever trusted him, including her.

He tells her that things are not always as they appear, and what people say is not always the truth. He describes the battlefield and imperial court as dangerous places where one must fight desperately to survive. He urges her not to use her eyes if she truly wants to understand him. Song Yimeng retorts by asking who wants to understand him.

In another development, Shangguan He is told by blacksmiths that they cannot forge the required steel blades because the fine iron ore is controlled by the royalty and the tempering method required is known only to Lord Qianyu. A master who served in the Qianyu Army for decades could not obtain the formula.

Shangguan He dismisses the blacksmiths and orders his subordinate to inform the Chief Master in South City that the mission is incomplete and they must find another approach through Chu Guihong. Meanwhile, at the renovation site, Rong Hua complains about the Waning River Crescent members, noting their speed advantage and questioning if Chu Guihong will truly break his engagement if they lose the bet.

Chu Guihong orders him to focus on their work to complete the project before next month to satisfy the Emperor and Nan Heng. Rong Hua is seen tampering with a rope by removing an inner strand to weaken it secretly, assisted by another Qianyu soldier.

Rong Hua expresses that it is better for the General to beat him than let Song Yimeng be taken by the "ruffian," pointing out that Song Yimeng only comes to see the "ruffian," not the General. He persuades the other soldier to help. Li Shiliu observes that the rope has been tampered with. Chu Guihong is using the rope when it snaps, causing the structure to collapse. Li Shiliu quickly intervenes, saving Chu Guihong.

Afterward, Chu Guihong gives Li Shiliu medicine for his injuries, expressing surprise that he knows the Qianyu Army's method of applying it externally. Li Shiliu casually mentions it is available on the black market, deeply unsettling Chu Guihong about military supplies being leaked and his subordinates disregarding his orders. Li Shiliu offers Chu Guihong wine, noting that Chu Guihong wouldn't dare poison him as it would result in the demise of the entire Waning River Crescent.

Chu Guihong comments on Li Shiliu's sarcastic manner, which Li Shiliu reciprocates. Chu Guihong admits his past misunderstandings and tentatively believes Li Shiliu is a good person, acknowledging he wouldn't have gone to such lengths if he wasn't genuinely concerned for the South City residents. Li Shiliu thanks him for his tentative trust. Chu Guihong offers a favor for the rope incident, which he attributes to the Qianyu Army's actions. Li Shiliu asks for the forging method.

Chu Guihong states that coveting the forging method is a serious crime and intended for Great Jing's defense. Li Shiliu argues that if the method were shared, fewer soldiers would die at the border, potentially saving lives in battles like the Pingrong Battle. Chu Guihong understands but counters that if the method falls into the wrong hands, many innocent people could be killed. He believes the person with ulterior motives Li Shiliu is referring to is Nan Heng.

Li Shiliu affirms that Nan Heng is not a good person and advises Chu Guihong not to pursue the forging method anymore as his father is dead, and the truth about the secret is gone. Chu Guihong then shifts the conversation back to Nan Heng, asking why, during their initial meeting, Li Shiliu was prepared for Chu Guihong's investigation of the Waning River Crescent.

Li Shiliu explains that Waning River Crescent members are people of the martial arts world from various backgrounds and are used to receiving information to survive, stating that Chu Guihong's public investigation made it easy to receive news. Chu Guihong then asks why Li Shiliu was absent on the night the three of them had planned to assassinate Nan Heng.

Li Shiliu admits he was scared, being merely a nobody from the martial arts world compared to Chu Guihong and Song Yimeng who come from high official families. He adds that assassinating a prince could cost him his life and he needed a backup plan, noting he would have been captured by Chu Guihong that night if he hadn't been cautious.

He expresses that Chu Guihong still doesn't trust him and questions why a prince would conspire with someone like him if even Chu Guihong doesn't trust him. Li Shiliu suggests Chu Guihong, being born into a noble family and sheltered from reality, thinks things are too simple. He recalls a friend telling him the same thing, reminding him that haste makes waste, and true strength is forged through trials.

A flashback depicts a young Nan Rui, young Chu Guihong, and the Emperor on a hunting trip. The Emperor praises Nan Rui's compassion but is disgusted by the "excessive killing" and "reeking of blood" of hunting, calling it absurd. Young Nan Rui asks to play elsewhere. The Emperor praises young Chu Guihong's bravery as a son of a military family, and young Chu Guihong carries the Emperor.

Later, on the way back to the palace, Empress Chu Yurong asks young Nan Heng to ride in her carriage. She tells him to display the "right expression" and reminisces about her own carefree youth of riding and hunting, warning that worries age a person. She mentions the Emperor is being childish, competing with High Official Gao. She offers Nan Heng food and says she will hunt a bigger rabbit to make a scarf for his mother.

Nan Heng realizes the path does not lead to the palace. Chu Yurong lies about hunting rabbits, and Nan Heng calls her out. She threatens to starve him if he doesn't eat. The scene shifts to a cold palace. Nan Heng is imprisoned. Someone opens the door, and Nan Heng demands the return of things he gave them. The person says they burned them and asks if Nan Heng believes he didn't kill their aunt (implied Chu Yurong).

Returning to the present, Li Shiliu comments on Chu Guihong and Nan Heng's shared history as fascinating and regrettable. Chu Guihong replies that those who abandon him and disturb his heart are obstacles not to be clung to. Li Shiliu notes they had just reconciled, but Chu Guihong states there was no true reconciliation, only a temporary pause before becoming strangers again. He adds that the Emperor constantly reminds him that when two tigers fight, one must perish, and if he doesn't win, he will die.

Episode 13 Recap

Nan Heng had something on his mind and sought out Shangguan He to talk, which made Fugui jealous. Shangguan He told Fugui that Nan Heng was troubled by love for Song Yimeng and that Fugui, as his closest attendant, should help ease his burden. Fugui then took it upon himself to meet with a bookseller and provided materials to publish a book titled "Exceptional Love - Illusory Dream," detailing Nan Heng's supposed love story with Song Yimeng.

He instructed the bookseller to credit only himself and not Shangguan He for the project. Learning his mother, Noble Consort Gao Changrong, was ill, Nan Heng rushed to Fanghua Hall to see her. He discovered she was faking her illness because the Emperor had not visited her in three years due to issues with the Gao family, and she hoped to regain his attention. Nan Heng spoke to her, mentioning the Emperor had shown him much favor since his return.

His mother was pleased and urged him to serve the Emperor diligently and also to listen to his uncle's advice. Nan Heng reassured her and inquired about his childhood belongings, which she had ordered to be stored and untouched after he left for the battlefield. While looking through his stored belongings, Nan Heng saw calligraphy that reminded him of practicing with Chu Guihong as a child, at which time Chu Guihong had given him the Qianyu Military Manual.

Finding the manual, Nan Heng discovered a note with strange characters inside. He showed it to Shangguan He, suggesting it contained the method of weapon forging and was what agents from the Qianyu realm had searched for when he was sent to the cold palace. Shangguan He found the characters incomprehensible.

Nan Heng decided Song Yimeng should try to decode it, reasoning that she often spoke in peculiar ways and had previously offered to help him find the method of weapon forging. Shangguan He was assigned to monitor Song Yimeng as she worked on decoding the potential method of weapon forging, so her process could be recorded. Meanwhile, Song Yimeng was at a weapon forging room with people from the Nightwalkers.

They told her that Li Shiliu also sought the method of weapon forging to fight against Nan Heng, and that obtaining it for Li Shiliu would be better than letting Nan Heng get it to harm the public. Given the note, Song Yimeng recognized "Fe₂O₃" and realized it was a chemical equation. She expressed frustration at having to deal with chemistry as a liberal arts student in her current predicament.

Shangguan He watched as Song Yimeng mixed materials and poured them into a furnace. Seeing the contents turn green, she added water, which resulted in an explosion and toxic fumes. Song Yimeng emerged injured, complaining that she had warned them she was unsuited for chemistry. Later, Shangguan He reported to Nan Heng about the incident, complaining that he was always the one who got hurt and had almost lost his eyesight in the explosion.

Nan Rui complained to the Emperor, asking when his house arrest would be lifted and bringing up Chu Guihong's completion of the southern city renovation. He then accused Nan Heng of plotting to take his position as crown prince, claiming Nan Heng was colluding with officials after visiting the Song Residence. The Emperor questioned Nan Rui, pointing out his lack of evidence and calling his actions childish and impulsive.

He expressed concern about how Nan Rui would rule if left unsupported. Nan Rui left in frustration. The Emperor reflected that his indulgence of Nan Rui since his mother's death had resulted in his son's current spoiled and unambitious nature. Nan Heng requested an audience with the Emperor. He reported the completion of the southern city renovation, attributing the primary credit to Chu Guihong, supported by officials' memorials. The Emperor, skeptical of Nan Heng's motives, asked what he truly wanted.

Nan Heng requested the Emperor visit his mother, Noble Consort Gao Changrong, who was unwell and missed him. He also offered to propose lifting Nan Rui's confinement at the next morning court so Nan Rui could attend the Qingtan Musical Banquet with him. The Emperor saw this as negotiation and questioned if these actions were merely to get him to visit his mother.

Nan Heng responded that he was following the Emperor's past teachings on harmony, but still requested the visit. The Emperor accused him of lacking filial piety and negotiating, punishing him by ordering him to kneel and copy the "Classic of Filial Piety" ten times. He agreed to visit Noble Consort Gao Changrong only after the punishment.

As Nan Heng knelt, a flashback showed the Emperor yelling at a young Nan Heng near Guangde Gate, accusing him of leading assassins there and calling him a beast, expressing regret at his birth. Li Shiliu visited Song Yimeng while she was recovering from the explosion. Song Yimeng, injured and embarrassed, tried to hide under her covers and told him to leave the medicine and go away. Li Shiliu pulled back the covers, saw her injured state, and laughed playfully.

He insisted on applying the medicine for her himself, despite her protests. Song Yimeng became nervous and flushed, denying she was blushing. Li Shiliu commented it was his fault and he would accompany her next time. Song Yimeng told Li Shiliu she wouldn't give the method of weapon forging to Nan Heng because she believed he wanted it for rebellion and she hoped he could abandon his hatred. She stated her certainty came from a "script."

Li Shiliu questioned her trust, asking what she would do if he revealed what she said, and warned her against trusting others easily, claiming he was not the good person she perceived him to be. Song Yimeng insisted he was different. Li Shiliu said he was not different and abruptly left, leaving Song Yimeng confused. Later, Song Yimeng completed the formula.

Nan Heng examined it with Shangguan He, noting it was different from the Qianyu Military Manual but wondering if it was the correct method of weapon forging. He ordered Shangguan He to secretly find scholars who could recognize the characters. Nan Rui wrote letters expressing his feelings for Song Yiting and inviting her to the Qingtan Musical Banquet, ordering the letters to be burned afterward.

At Song Yiting's residence, someone informed her about Nan Rui's invitation and his planned attendance at the banquet, suggesting it was an opportunity for her to impress him. Song Yiting was upset, feeling she was being treated as a mere performer to be married off, questioning if her entire existence was only for marriage, and rejecting the idea that her only goal should be to marry a noble husband or become Empress.

Nan Heng decided to hold the Qingtan Musical Banquet at Waning River Crescent. He explained that the Nightwalkers' search for the method of weapon forging had required significant funds, and holding the banquet there would provide an opportunity to transfer necessary finances, as his mansion's funds were strictly monitored. Meanwhile, Song Yimeng was receiving treatment for her face injuries from two female attendants. They discussed her potential marriage prospects, mentioning Chu Guihong, Li Shiliu, and the Seventh Prince.

Song Yimeng reacted negatively to the mention of the Seventh Prince. The attendants revealed that servants were circulating a book titled "Exceptional Love," portraying her and the Seventh Prince as a perfect match. Song Yimeng dismissed this as another publicity stunt by Nan Heng, comparing it to "Illusory Dream," and insisted her relationship with him was merely cooperative.

The attendants teased her about her feelings for Li Shiliu, noting how she defended him, and urged her to consider marriage soon, beginning to discuss wedding preparations. Song Yimeng became frustrated by their focus on marriage. An attendant then informed her that her father, Song Yude, wanted to see her to discuss her marriage. Song Yimeng went to see her father, who asked about her face injuries. He then showed her the note with the strange characters.

Song Yimeng recognized it and asked where he obtained it. Song Yude explained he found it and recognized the writing as resembling ancient bronze inscriptions. He noted that rumors claimed it was the formula for the method of weapon forging.

Episode 14 Recap

Song Yimeng saw a note with symbols on the table and asked Song Yude where he got it. Song Yude claimed it was a rumored formula for weapon forging. Song Yimeng felt awkward and explained it was just a cheesy pickup line. Song Yude mentioned the rumors circulating in the capital about her and Nan Heng and expressed his intention to proceed with her marriage to Chu Guihong earlier than planned.

Song Yimeng complained about the situation, saying she had no feelings for Chu Guihong as they had only known each other for a few days and had no emotional connection. Song Yude believed feelings could be cultivated through shared experiences. He worried about future political instability and wanted to ensure someone could protect her. Song Yimeng pressed him on the sudden urgency of the marriage.

Song Yude feared complications if they waited longer and was concerned she might be used by Nan Heng. He described Nan Heng as someone who grew up struggling in the cold palace, developing a heart of stone and a wolf-like nature, prioritizing self-preservation above all else. He believed Nan Heng viewed affection as mere tools to be cherished when useful and discarded when not, approaching her strategically with hidden motives.

Song Yimeng recalled Nan Heng saying no one truly trusted him, which he attributed to never having been trusted himself. Song Yude declared he would personally visit Chu Guihong's residence to discuss the marriage details, but Song Yimeng protested that she had not agreed. Fugui reported this news to Nan Heng. Nan Heng guessed Song Yude was reluctant to align with him and was using the marriage arrangement as a solution.

He decided to use the upcoming Qingtan Musical Banquet as an opportunity to publicly humiliate Chu Guihong before the capital's elites, hoping it would make Song Yimeng unwilling to marry him. The Qingtan Musical Banquet began. Song Yiting and Jia Ruru also attended. Fugui led the Xuanjia Army, and Shangguan He led the Nightwalkers. Both groups shouted slogans pledging their loyalty to Nan Heng and Li Shiliu, promising to make the banquet a success. Nan Rui entered with Jixiang.

When Chu Guihong called out to him, Nan Rui deliberately ignored him, feeling slighted because Chu Guihong hadn't visited him during his confinement, prioritizing a woman over his brother. Chu Guihong tried to explain, but Nan Rui loudly expressed his dissatisfaction, insisting he was no longer a child. Yingqiu accompanied Song Yimeng to the venue. Song Yimeng planned to speak clearly with Chu Guihong about her lack of interest. Shangguan He reassured Nan Heng that everything was prepared.

Song Yimeng greeted someone, and Nan Heng initially thought she was calling him and started to approach, but Song Yimeng quickly shook her head, indicating she was addressing Shangguan He. Song Yimeng inquired about Li Shiliu and learned he was out on a mission, thinking it was for the best to avoid him seeing her there. Shangguan He intentionally arranged for Song Yimeng to sit next to Nan Heng. Upon sitting down, Song Yimeng confronted Nan Heng.

Nan Heng loudly announced that Song Yimeng had visited his residence before. Hearing this, Jia Ruru nearby pressed for details, but Nan Heng told her not to pry to avoid embarrassing Song Yimeng due to her shyness. Chu Guihong overheard their conversation about meeting privately and was visibly displeased. Everyone was reading the novel "Exceptional Love" and discussing the rumors about Song Yimeng and Nan Heng. Unable to contain himself, Chu Guihong accused Nan Heng of harassing Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng intervened, pulling the two men apart and stating clearly that she was not interested in either of them. This scandal reached the palace. High Consort Gao saw the novel and wept. Her servant suggested that Song Yimeng should be severely punished. The performances began. Shangguan He announced that the winner would receive a hairpin. Nan Heng brought up the Battle of Pingrong, seemingly to provoke Chu Guihong. Yao Qian spoke in support of Nan Heng.

The opening performance was titled "Pingrong Battle: Guihong Scouts the Camp." Nan Heng was surprised upon hearing this, as he was unaware of the specific act. Fugui then performed a comical portrayal of Chu Guihong scouting in the battlefield, causing laughter among the audience. Song Yimeng accused Nan Heng of deliberately making Chu Guihong lose face, and Nan Heng seemed unable to explain.

Song Yimeng stepped forward and began drumming, intending to help Chu Guihong salvage the situation, but she ended up breaking the drumhead. Not wanting Song Yimeng to be humiliated, Nan Heng flew over and joined her, striking the drum together with rousing beats that encouraged the audience and earned widespread applause. Shangguan He declared them the winners of the round and instructed Nan Heng to present the hairpin to Song Yimeng.

Chu Guihong angrily smashed a cup, believing the prize was awarded prematurely, and announced he would perform a piece with the Qianyu Army himself. After watching Chu Guihong's performance, Nan Heng learned that during the Battle of Pingrong, the Qianyu Army had sent messages requesting support from the Xuanjia Army, but Nan Heng claimed never to have received them. Afterwards, he ordered Fugui to investigate the matter of the request for aid.

Chu Guihong won the first prize with his performance and took the opportunity to propose marriage to Song Yimeng in front of everyone. As Song Yimeng was about to refuse, High Consort Gao suddenly appeared and objected. News of this turn of events quickly spread outside the palace, and "Exceptional Love" released a new chapter updating the plot. High Consort Gao directly presented betrothal gifts for Song Yimeng, effectively proposing a marriage alliance with the Gao family.

Nan Rui publicly insulted the Gao family, which displeased Nan Heng. Song Yimeng was stunned, not having anticipated this twist in the narrative. At this moment, an imperial decree arrived, summoning Nan Heng and Song Yimeng to the palace. Song Yiting worried about Song Yimeng's safety and decided to inform Song Yude immediately. After arriving at the palace, Nan Heng and Song Yimeng were ordered to kneel. Nan Heng offered his clothing for her to use as a cushion. Song Yimeng spoke sarcastically, complaining that she had done nothing wrong yet was being punished by the Emperor. She was then summoned to the Imperial Study.

Episode 15 Recap

Song Yimeng was summoned to appear before the Emperor, who immediately ordered her to kneel. He sternly accused her of having a pre-arranged engagement yet becoming entangled with a prince, claiming she had instigated conflict between Nan Rui and Nan Heng, and demanded to know the Song family's true intentions.

Song Yimeng defended herself, explaining that her family strictly avoided political factions and that her engagement to Chu Guihong was settled years ago, while the rumors linking her to Nan Heng were baseless. The Emperor, referencing the book "Exceptional Love", remarked that as a woman, she should uphold virtues, stay home, and engage in embroidery and reading, rather than dressing up and attending banquets to attract attention.

When Song Yimeng responded that not all faults lay with women, the Emperor grew angry, calling her sharp-tongued and holding her solely responsible for the princes drawing swords at the banquet. He ordered her taken away to receive twenty strokes. As the guards moved to obey, Nan Heng suddenly entered the Imperial Study without being summoned.

He declared that all the blame was his alone, admitting he had pursued Song Yimeng despite her engagement, had the rumor-spreading books created, and had requested a marriage decree from his mother. He pleaded with the Emperor to punish him instead, insisting Song Yimeng was innocent. The Emperor was surprised that Nan Heng, who had always been faultless, would kneel and admit guilt for a mere woman, asking what made her special besides the Song family backing her.

Nan Heng dared to compare the Emperor's love for the late Empress, which wasn't for the Chu family behind her, to his own situation. The Emperor was angered by his words, reiterating that Song Yimeng's engagement to Chu Guihong could not be changed as it was agreed upon by the late Lord Qianyu and the Emperor himself. He demanded everyone follow rules.

Nan Heng claimed he did, but the Emperor pointed to his confrontation with Nan Rui at the banquet as proof otherwise. Nan Heng explained he acted because Nan Rui had insulted the Gao family and his mother. Citing the law against kin fighting, the Emperor declared he wouldn't kill Nan Heng today but ordered him to cut off the hand he used to dislocate Nan Rui's arm. He challenged Nan Heng's hesitation, calling disobedience treason.

Song Yimeng cried out, saying it was her fault and that Nan Rui had also wounded Nan Heng. The Emperor scoffed, questioning why Nan Heng, a prince, needed a woman to beg for him. Nan Heng agreed to obey and reached for a sword, but Song Yimeng quickly stepped in front of him. The Emperor then laughed, stating he was only joking and asking if Nan Heng wished him to be known as a tyrant who harmed his own officials.

Nan Heng replied that he wouldn't dare. A servant then announced that Noble Consort Gao had fainted in her chambers and was delirious, repeatedly calling for Nan Heng and Song Yimeng. Nan Heng immediately requested permission to visit his mother, promising to accept punishment later. The Emperor dismissed him. Nan Heng and Song Yimeng quickly went to Noble Consort Gao's palace.

A servant directed them into a room, telling them Her Ladyship instructed them to rest early, and then locked the door from the outside. The servant reported back to Noble Consort Gao that Nan Heng and Song Yimeng had walked together without letting go of each other's hands. Noble Consort Gao remarked that she had done all she could for Nan Heng, and the rest was up to him.

Meanwhile, outside the palace gates, Song Yude waited anxiously for news of his daughter. He inquired with palace attendants but was told Song Yimeng had already left. Knowing this was impossible, he grew worried that something had happened to her, but he was told no one could enter the palace at night without a decree.

Inside the locked room, Song Yimeng saw their predicament and recognized it as a common plot device in historical dramas where the male and female leads are forced together to develop feelings, accepting that they were stuck for the night. Nan Heng questioned her casual demeanor in being alone with a man. Song Yimeng dismissed his concern, saying she was just loosening her clothes because they were too tight.

She then pressed him for an explanation for Noble Consort Gao's marriage decree and why he took all the blame for her before the Emperor, asking if he would have truly cut off his hand. Nan Heng said he was gambling, something he'd done his whole life, hoping that obedience would spare him. Song Yimeng suggested he only saved her due to a "script mechanism" where the male lead must rescue the female lead in danger.

Nan Heng called her sharp and brilliant. When Nan Heng prepared to sleep on the bed, Song Yimeng objected, but he reminded her of her own words about going with the flow. He asked if she expected him to sleep on the floor. Song Yimeng ended up on the sofa, complaining about her situation. She felt cold. Nan Heng, on the bed, was kept awake by her restlessness.

He got up and offered her some ointment, saying he had treated his wound from Waning River Crescent already and this was for her. Song Yimeng found the ointment familiar and asked where he got it, speculating if he had any intentions concerning Waning River Crescent. Nan Heng scoffed at the idea but then asked if she had feelings for the martial artist Li Shiliu, given their apparent closeness.

Song Yimeng vehemently denied it, claiming a martial world person would never interest her, though she appeared flustered. She realized he was trying to get her to reveal who she liked and flatly stated that she would never marry him, regardless of Noble Consort Gao's efforts or any schemes. Nan Heng insisted his mother's actions were not part of his plan and questioned if she thought he orchestrated them being locked in the room.

He called her unreasonable, saying he had helped her repeatedly without seeking reward, even defending her at the banquet when she ended up siding with Chu Guihong against him.

Song Yimeng became upset, complaining about being forced to attend the banquet against her will, how he talked nonsense in front of everyone without considering her feelings, and how his father made her kneel all night for his fight with Nan Rui, leaving her knees red and swollen, aching all over, and feeling cold and hungry. Nan Heng apologized for dragging her into the situation and causing her suffering, promising that from then on, he wouldn't let her be wronged.

He told her to take the bed and he would sleep on the sofa, warning her not to wake him up again. The next morning, Fugui, disguised as a palace maid, rushed into the room, expressing extreme worry upon seeing Nan Heng on the sofa, thinking he had suffered some misfortune. Chu Guihong, disguised as a palace guard, also entered, searching for Song Yimeng, and confronted Nan Heng.

Song Yude, disguised as a eunuch, arrived as well, looking for Song Yimeng. Song Yimeng, seeing the chaotic scene, urged the three men to hide as the Emperor's arrival was announced and the courtyard was sealed off. The Emperor entered and approached Song Yimeng, commanding her to kneel. However, Noble Consort Gao arrived and forbade Song Yimeng from kneeling, declaring her to be her future daughter-in-law whom she would protect.

Noble Consort Gao then publicly challenged the Emperor, recounting how he had forced her marriage to him despite her prior engagement to Prince Pingyang, thereby ruining her life, and accused him of now trying to ruin Nan Heng's. She defiantly stated that she and the Gao family were determined to have Song Yimeng as their family. The Emperor, visibly angered by Noble Consort Gao's sudden assertiveness after decades of quietness, departed.

Shortly after, Song Yude appeared with the Emperor, commenting on the Emperor's fatigue and offering him a miraculous remedy for his worries. After returning home, Song Yimeng was met by her maid, Yingqiu, who tearfully expressed her fear that Song Yimeng had died in the palace. Song Yimeng comforted her.

Yingqiu commented that Nan Heng, who previously spread rumors about them without reason, had been silent after they spent the night together, expressing skepticism that a bad person could change so easily. Song Yimeng agreed that Yingqiu had good insight and saving her was worthwhile. Song Yiting arrived with tea, subtly suggesting Song Yimeng should thank her for helping to save her.

Song Yiting proceeded to critique Song Yimeng's lack of tea etiquette, calling her ignorant, and questioned how she could speak boldly at the banquet if she was so flustered by drinking tea properly, referencing Song Yimeng's dismissal of the rumors about "Exceptional Love" and "Illusory Dream". Song Yiting admitted she used to think Song Yimeng was like other women in the capital who just wanted to marry well, but after the banquet, she found her "not bad."

She had come to warn Song Yimeng that their father had returned from the palace and, following an imperial decree, had instructed their mother to prepare a dowry because Song Yimeng was to be married next month. Song Yimeng was shocked by this news. Upon learning about the impending wedding, Song Yimeng sought out Chu Guihong at Qianyu Mansion.

She apologized for not understanding her feelings earlier but now realized she could not marry him, returning the jade pendant that had been left to him by the late Empress. Chu Guihong reminded her of their eighteen-year engagement and how thinking of her waiting in the capital had helped him survive near-death experiences. He offered to wait longer if she was unsure.

Song Yimeng insisted he shouldn't wait, explaining that the Song Yimeng he loved was not the same person as her, and they were not from the same world. She referenced their interaction on the night of the Upper Lantern Festival as proof of their incompatibility. Chu Guihong showed her the numerous letters she had written to him, asking who else he could love if not her.

He mentioned the wedding was next month and cautioned her against defying the imperial decree and her father's wishes, stating it could cost countless lives, and promised he would treat her very well. Song Yimeng was unable to respond further and ran away, leaving Chu Guihong calling her name. Separately, Shangguan He presented Li Shiliu with some new songs, but Li Shiliu was unhappy and ordered him to burn the books, specifically all copies of "Exceptional Love" in the capital.

Members of the Nightwalkers organization voiced concern that Chu Guihong and the Noble Consort were attempting to marry their "sister-in-law," Song Yimeng, and asked Li Shiliu for instructions, but he simply told them to leave. Meanwhile, Nan Heng, looking agitated, was hammering something. Shangguan He arrived and brought up Song Yimeng's wedding next month, asking Nan Heng about his plans. Nan Heng initially claimed it had nothing to do with him but appeared flustered.

Shangguan He noted his reaction and suggested that the Emperor was arranging the marriage to favor Nan Rui in the matter of succession and that Nan Heng should give up on the Song family connection. Nan Heng refused, asserting that as long as the wedding had not happened, he still had a chance to bring the Song family back to his side.

Shangguan He teased that he was simply reluctant to let go of Song Yimeng, a claim Nan Heng denied, stating it was about their long-standing plans. Nan Heng then instructed Shangguan He to make arrangements for a secret meeting with Chancellor Gao at Waning River Crescent, citing the heavy surveillance around the prince's manor.

Elsewhere, some Nightwalkers complained about Song Yimeng choosing to marry Chu Guihong, calling her unreliable and suggesting she picked the general because he was wealthy, doubting they would see her at their base again despite their Chief's kindness to her.

Episode 16 Recap

Nan Heng felt restless regarding Song Yimeng's impending marriage to the Chu family. Gao Zhangyin suggested that marrying Song Yiting could also draw the Song family closer. Nan Heng dismissed the idea, believing they should stop the union between the Song and Chu families instead. Gao Zhangyin then proposed marrying both sisters, which Nan Heng opposed.

Gao Zhangyin reminded him that he would need to contend for the position of Crown Prince in the future and should not be swayed by personal feelings. Song Yimeng arrived at Waning River Crescent carrying the notice regarding the method of weapon forging. Seeing her, Nan Heng quickly changed into his guise as Li Shiliu and confronted Shangguan He, questioning why he had made such important information public.

Shangguan He explained that he had only instructed his subordinates, but the information had somehow spread widely. Just then, Song Yimeng rushed over and, seeing Li Shiliu and Shangguan He close together, mistakenly believed they had a romantic relationship. Distraught, Song Yimeng ran off. Li Shiliu chased after her to explain. Suddenly, Yunlong appeared nearby to report information intimately. Shanhu also reported that the new group of Northwestern boys had arrived, saying they were muscular and had good skills.

Song Yimeng overheard this and, misunderstanding completely, thought Li Shiliu was talking about his personal preferences or relationship with Shangguan He and the others. She struggled to articulate her thoughts, stammering that she understood, and tearfully declared that she had been foolishly hoping for something that wasn't real. Heartbroken, Song Yimeng fled to the rooftop, recalling how his subordinates had said Li Shiliu was not interested in women and concluding she had no chance.

Concerned for her safety, Li Shiliu followed her to the rooftop. Song Yimeng drank and confided in him, thinking he was only being kind to her as if she were a sister. Li Shiliu tried to clarify that he did not like men, but Song Yimeng remained convinced he liked Shangguan He. As his attempts at explanation became increasingly confusing, Song Yimeng, fueled by alcohol, confessed that she liked him and would support him no matter who he liked.

Li Shiliu then covered Song Yimeng's eyes, removed his mask, and kissed her to prove his affection for women. After the kiss, however, Song Yimeng passed out from intoxication. In a courtyard, Song Yiting played the qin. Her maid, Yinzhu, praised her skill and remarked that she was well-suited for Chu Guihong. Song Yiting was indifferent to the idea of marrying him, frustrated that her mother was forcing her into marriage.

She lamented to the moon, feeling misunderstood and burdened by her fate, wishing she could cultivate immortality rather than marry and be brought down to the mundane world. Suddenly, Li Shiliu flew across the rooftop. Song Yiting was instantly captivated and instructed her maid, Shannai, to find out everything about him. The next morning, Song Yimeng woke up with no memory of the previous night's events.

Seeing her distracted, Zhixia suggested that she should end her old feelings and start a new relationship. Song Yimeng decided she wasn't a "scumbag" who would string people along and resolved to break off her engagement with Chu Guihong clearly. Just then, Chu Guihong arrived at Waning River Crescent with the Qianyu Army, claiming they were there to investigate because of the unauthorized posting of notices and demanding to arrest Li Shiliu for questioning.

When Li Shiliu appeared, Chu Guihong changed his accusation, stating Li Shiliu had trespassed into the Song Residence the previous night and demanding an explanation for entering the women's quarters late at night. Li Shiliu pointed out he had been to the Song Residence multiple times before without incident, suggesting Chu Guihong was there to cause trouble because Song Yimeng had initiated the process of breaking off their engagement.

Li Shiliu learned that Song Yimeng had taken the initiative to break off her engagement and was secretly pleased. Chu Guihong produced a wedding invitation, declaring that no one could interfere with their marriage. Li Shiliu challenged this, making a bet that Chu Guihong would be forced to cancel the marriage within ten days. Later, Nan Heng used Li Shiliu's mechanical arm to threaten Song Yimeng into breaking off the engagement.

Song Yimeng bravely admitted her affection for Li Shiliu and warned Nan Heng not to harm him, declaring she would die with him if he did. Returning home, Song Yimeng sought help from her father, Song Yude, to break off the engagement. However, her father theatrically threatened suicide, making her realize she had to rely on Nan Heng again.

Meanwhile, Song Yiting deliberately arranged to meet Nan Rui, secretly intending to go to Waning River Crescent to see Li Shiliu, while Nan Rui mistakenly believed he was the object of her affection. Nan Heng proposed that he and Song Yimeng go horseback riding at the imperial stables, aiming to create a public scandal. Nan Rui stubbornly tagged along with Song Yiting. Song Yiting questioned Nan Rui about his understanding of marriage, leaving him speechless.

While riding, Song Yimeng felt sympathy for Nan Heng and asked why the Emperor treated him with such hostility, recounting his difficult past. Chu Guihong arrived at the stables for training. Seeing him, Nan Heng intentionally embraced Song Yimeng. Chu Guihong became enraged and shot an arrow towards Nan Heng, which his attendant, Ronghua, could not stop. Song Yimeng protested and told Nan Heng to release her.

Episode 17 Recap

A fight breaks out at the marketplace. A troublemaker known as Thriver is causing a disturbance and harassing Song Yiting. When Song Yiting grabs a wine jar and hits him on the head, Thriver’s group tries to grab her. Shangguan, known as the Moon Immortal and the group's Second Chief, who is disguised as Li Shiliu, intervenes.

His subordinate, Shanhu, demands payment for the damage to their stage from Thriver and for a broken wine jar from Song Yiting, but Shangguan/Li Shiliu declares Thriver will cover Song Yiting's fine and tells Thriver and his group to kneel and apologize. After they comply, Shangguan/Li Shiliu offers Song Yiting a piece of bamboo, calling it a gift for a beauty, and asks for her name.

When Song Yiting reveals her identity, stating she is from the residence of the Duke of Guangping, Left Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and concurrently Minister of War, and is named Song Yiting, Shangguan/Li Shiliu is visibly surprised. Inside the palace, the Emperor sternly questions Chu Guihong about the incident at the stables where he shot Nan Heng, criticizing his inability to handle the aftermath.

Nan Rui, the Eighteenth Prince, interjects, claiming Nan Heng faked his injury and deliberately provoked Chu Guihong to get him banished from the capital. The Emperor silences Nan Rui. Meanwhile, outside the palace gates, officials led by Chancellor Gao and Yao Qian kneel and demand severe punishment for Chu Guihong, accusing Nan Heng of treacherous ambition by gathering support and controlling the Xuanjia Army while also seeking a marriage alliance with the Song family.

Chancellor Gao attempts to appear conciliatory, urging the group not to anger the Emperor. In his chambers, Nan Heng is recovering from the arrow wound. Song Yimeng visits him and roughly pulls him up, causing his wound to bleed again. She mocks his tactic of injuring himself, calling it excessive, but Nan Heng defends it as necessary to make Chu Guihong err and enable her engagement to be broken.

He reminds her that they are in a precarious situation together and she must be careful with her words when others arrive. Song Yimeng asserts that breaking the engagement is not the same as marrying him and tells him not to use underhanded tactics. The Emperor and the Noble Consort arrive. Song Yimeng immediately feigns deep concern for Nan Heng's injury, and the Noble Consort is also distressed by the sight of his bleeding wound.

Song Yimeng apologizes to the Noble Consort for causing her alarm. Nan Heng is helped to his feet to greet the Emperor. Despite his injury, Nan Heng stands to greet the Emperor, who remains cold and dismissive. The Emperor accuses Nan Heng of instigating his uncle, Chancellor Gao, to gather officials and pressure him, questioning if Nan Heng is now openly defying him. Nan Heng denies this and is asked how he plans to handle Chu Guihong.

Nan Heng explains that while Chu Guihong is a valuable official, the law mandates execution for harming royalty, leaving him conflicted, just like the Emperor. The Emperor responds with sarcasm, noting Nan Heng's apparent concern for the Emperor's difficulties despite his injury.

Nan Heng states that if the Emperor were to annul the marriage between Song Yimeng and Chu Guihong, his heart would be eased, and his wound would heal faster, proposing they could declare the stable incident a simple misunderstanding from rough play. The Emperor then asks Song Yimeng if she has feelings for Chu Guihong, to which she replies she has none. The Emperor declares that since there is no affection, he will annul the 18-year-old betrothal decree.

However, citing his concern for Song Yude's age and desire for his daughter to be settled, the Emperor decrees that another marriage must take its place. He orders his eunuch, Liu Mingxi, to bring the jade seal and announces that Song Yimeng will be betrothed to Nan Heng as his principal consort. Song Yimeng protests that their arrangement was only to break the "previous" engagement, but Nan Heng swiftly accepts the betrothal, thanking the Emperor.

The Emperor then adds that according to an old custom, a prince must go to his fief upon marriage and orders Nan Heng to depart for his fief after recovering from his injury. Nan Heng is displeased with this additional condition. Unable to sleep, Song Yimeng finds Song Yiting drinking alone in the yard and joins her. Song Yimeng expresses her disillusionment with the complexity of the world, feeling that her previous black-and-white view of people was wrong.

Song Yiting agrees, stating that everyone is bound by inescapable responsibilities. Song Yimeng praises Song Yiting's seemingly open-minded perspective, and Song Yiting complements Song Yimeng's persistence in refusing marriage. Song Yiting then reveals her own distress, explaining she likes someone who does not like her, she has hurt someone she dislikes, and she is fatefully tied to someone she wishes to escape. Song Yimeng admits she now understands what liking someone feels like.

Song Yiting reveals she likes someone, prompting Song Yimeng to immediately ask if it is Nan Heng. Song Yiting denies this, to Song Yimeng's relief. Song Yimeng vehemently warns Song Yiting never to get involved with Nan Heng, listing scenarios like being rescued by water or being alone in a room, which she herself experienced with him.

Song Yiting notes this fact and suggests Song Yimeng should worry about herself, pointing out that spending time with Nan Heng despite not liking him will likely lead to feelings. Song Yiting states she knows her own feelings but questions if Song Yimeng truly knows who she likes.

Song Yiting observes that Song Yimeng appears to like everyone but seems to lack deep connections, suggesting she needs to truly engage with the people in this world rather than treating it as separate if she wants to live well. Nan Heng is told that Song Yimeng accepted the marriage decree. He finds it difficult to believe she agreed, wondering if she has developed deep feelings or if she is acting for Li Shiliu.

His subordinate expresses concern that Nan Heng must now depart for his fief. Nan Heng, however, suspects Song Yude will resist the marriage. He then learns from his subordinate that Song Yude indeed defied the Emperor and has been confined, possibly resisting the decree further. Shangguan, the Chief, arrives and informs Nan Heng that trouble is brewing at the palace.

Meanwhile, Chu Guihong arrives and addresses Nan Heng as his cousin, stating that their shared purpose is to save Song Yude – Chu Guihong for Song Yimeng, and Nan Heng for Song Yiting. Nan Heng suggests they cooperate to help the Song family, noting Song Yude's historical connection to Chu Guihong's family. At the Imperial Study, Song Yude is being sentenced to 30 lashes for his defiance.

As the punishment is about to be carried out, Nan Heng and Chu Guihong arrive and plead with the Emperor to stop. The Emperor questions their defiance. Nan Heng argues that Song Yude is elderly and the punishment is severe, and that it is close to the Emperor's birthday, making bloodshed inauspicious. Chu Guihong also pleads for leniency, suggesting it would preserve the Emperor's reputation in history.

Seeing both his son and his nephew intervening for an outsider, the Emperor offers a deal: whoever is willing to give up 10,000 soldiers and be garrisoned at the border in Dongshuo may take Song Yude's punishment. After a moment, Nan Heng agrees to the condition. The Emperor confirms that the 10,000 Xuanjia Army troops will not return to Nan Heng's command, but Nan Heng affirms his decision.

He explains that Song Yimeng is now his principal consort, making Song Yude his father-in-law, and it is only right for him to bear the punishment for him. The Emperor accepts his offer and orders the punishment to commence.

Episode 18 Recap

His Majesty ordered Eunuch Liu to carry out the punishment publicly, and Nan Heng was severely whipped thirty times, blood soaking through his clothes. Mr. Song stood by without speaking, while Chu Guihong was utterly defeated. His Majesty showed no concern for Nan Heng, instead pressing hard on his wound and blaming him for the bleeding that would affect his upcoming birthday.

Fugui felt it was unfair to Nan Heng, but Nan Heng understood His Majesty well, knowing his actions today were not merely for seizing military power. Fugui worried Nan Heng's influence would be greatly diminished once he was sent to his fief and had to dispatch ten thousand troops eastward. Despite his injuries, Nan Heng changed into Li Shiliu's clothes and sneaked into the Song Residence, wanting to see what Song Yimeng was up to.

He found Song Yimeng in the woodshed, where she was eating well despite being on a hunger strike to resist the imperial order. She invited him to join her. Nan Heng, posing as Li Shiliu, said Nan Heng hadn't troubled him but merely wanted to cooperate since he knew the Waning River Crescent was searching for the method of weapon forging. Song Yimeng complimented his clothes.

He replied that Shangguan He had them made, which led Song Yimeng to misunderstand, telling him he didn't need to explain his past with Shangguan He. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong sat amidst straw, numbing himself with alcohol. He recalled the Pingrong battle years ago, when he had requested aid from Nan Heng and had come to realize he was wrong to blame Nan Heng for a death during that conflict.

However, help never arrived, leading to the defeat and death of the Qianyu King. Chu Guihong harbored deep hatred for Nan Heng. He remembered the Qianyu King's advice not to be burdened by loyalty and righteousness. His father had told him to destroy the Qianyu Military Manual to prevent Nan Heng from obtaining the method of weapon forging.

Though Nan Heng claimed to have burned the manual, his father had urged him to promise to destroy it completely if he ever found Nan Heng still possessed it, reiterating that it contained the forbidden method. Later, considering the trouble facing the Song family, Chu Guihong suggested resolving their old grievances with someone, presumably Nan Heng, and dealing with the matter together.

Song Yimeng discussed with Li Shiliu her plan to expose Nan Heng for secretly investigating the method of weapon forging, revealing his ambition. Li Shiliu felt heartbroken, asking why her perception of Nan Heng hadn't changed. Song Yimeng explained that she understood his character, realizing his suspicion, cunning, and ruthlessness stemmed from his difficult past, including being abandoned in the cold palace and treated unfairly on the battlefield. Despite this understanding, she believed he would eventually rebel.

She felt exposing him now was necessary for her own survival, but also to prevent greater harm to others. Li Shiliu accused her of trusting vague fate over a living person and questioned why she would harm him if she understood his plight. He argued that Nan Heng was sincere towards her and wouldn't kill her. Song Yimeng insisted she might die because of him anyway, as dictated by the rule and fate.

Li Shiliu urged her to break the rule and destroy fate, but she maintained that fate was unbreakable and the inevitable "iconic scene" would occur. She felt she could only use the rules to strike first. Li Shiliu asked if she had considered that Nan Heng would die if his actions were exposed, or if his fate simply didn't matter to her.

She hesitated, and Li Shiliu called her crueler and more ruthless than Nan Heng before walking away, deeply disappointed. Song Yimeng thought to herself that she didn't want anything bad to happen to him, but the script mechanism seemed to require it. Back at his residence, Nan Heng was distraught and drank heavily to numb his pain.

Shangguan He, also known as Second Master, and his men, including Fugui, were worried as Nan Heng had locked himself in and remained eerily silent after returning from the Song Residence. Shangguan He found Nan Heng sitting alone and noted that visiting someone last night must have hurt him again. Nan Heng lamented that she didn't care if he lived or died, though he shouldn't be surprised.

Shangguan He warned him that this "game of playing two roles" would only harm himself. He asked if Nan Heng would now cut off all ties and get rid of her. Nan Heng replied she could kill him, but he couldn't kill her. Shangguan He agreed that he couldn't bring himself to do it.

He reminded Nan Heng not to be impulsive and consider giving up the engagement he had fought Chu Guihong for, as it would make all his previous efforts meaningless. Song Yimeng, feeling distressed by Li Shiliu's words, decided she needed to recover and figure out how to persuade Li Shiliu to help her, understanding that her father, Mr. Song, was still determined to break off the engagement but would likely fail.

She believed Nan Heng's desire for the Song family's power was a fixed setting and that she needed to prepare. Mr. Song arrived at Nan Heng's residence, stating he had been waiting for some time. He thanked Nan Heng for taking the punishment on his behalf and presented him with medicine for his lash wounds.

Mr. Song then revealed his true purpose was to ask about Nan Heng's actions outside the Imperial Study the previous day, questioning how much was genuine sincerity and how much was self-interest. Nan Heng answered that he wouldn't have insisted on the marriage without selfish motives, nor would he have given up military power without sincere feelings.

Mr. Song expressed his concern about the perilous path Nan Heng was on, fearing he could lose everything, become a prisoner, or even be executed. He worried how Nan Heng could protect Song Yimeng in such a scenario. As a father, he explained that Song Yimeng, though seemingly carefree, was sensitive, and marrying Nan Heng risked her being trapped in the palace if he succeeded, or losing her life if he failed.

He implored Nan Heng to release Song Yimeng from the engagement, offering to repay the favor. Nan Heng helped Mr. Song rise, stating he understood his concerns and had even considered letting go of his obsession with Song Yimeng. However, he found he couldn't. He confessed that while his past actions were for self-preservation, he now wished to clear the misunderstandings between them and build a life together.

He promised to protect her with all his strength and wanted to ask for her opinion, giving himself one last chance. Therefore, he could not grant Mr. Song's request. That night, Chu Guihong and his accomplice Rong Hua led men into Nan Heng's residence. They searched the premises, finding it took three days to locate a secret room. Nan Heng, having detected the intrusion three days prior and knowing they would return to the study, pretended to be absent.

Chu Guihong entered the study again and was confronted by Nan Heng. Nan Heng revealed he knew Chu Guihong was searching for the Qianyu Military Manual. Chu Guihong demanded the manual back, claiming it belonged to the Chu family and that he had given it to Nan Heng nineteen years ago when they were friends.

Nan Heng countered that he gave it to a friend, and Chu Guihong was no longer one, questioning why he wanted the book so badly, implying it held a secret. Chu Guihong declared it was the only thing his father left him and accused Nan Heng of killing his father. Nan Heng asked for proof and reminded Chu Guihong who had abandoned whom when he was trapped in the cold palace.

Chu Guihong vowed to find evidence of past wrongs and become more ruthless than Nan Heng until he begged for mercy. Nan Heng accepted the challenge and then burned the Qianyu Military Manual, further fueling Chu Guihong's hatred. Elsewhere, the Eighteenth Prince (Rui), determined to see Song Yiting, was initially blocked by a maid.

Song Yiting's mother, Mrs. Zhou, intervened and, seeing the Eighteenth Prince's interest, gave him Song Yiting's schedule for the month, telling him she had high hopes for him. The Eighteenth Prince thanked his potential mother-in-law. Song Yiting was shown being fitted for clothes, expressing indifference as it was her mother's arrangement, not her choice. The shop assistant mentioned preparing dresses to find a good husband, to which Song Yiting retorted by asking if a girl would die otherwise.

After her measurements, she left, receiving an umbrella as it was raining. The Eighteenth Prince appeared, claiming their frequent encounters must be fate and inviting her to a banquet. Song Yiting pointed out they had met 21 times in three days and wouldn't believe it. She bluntly told him she disliked men like him who blindly followed their father and lacked ambition. He stopped her, wanting to explain his motivation for marriage.

He revealed it wasn't for his father or to compete with Nan Heng, but to fulfill his late mother's last wish to marry an educated woman he could genuinely connect with and treat with a full heart. Song Yiting had heard enough and told him to stop following her. He protested, even claiming he'd save her over his mother if they both fell into a river.

In another part of the city, Shangguan He, buying cherries, found himself caught in the rain. He helped strangers avoid being hit by a rushing carriage, even giving one his umbrella. Song Yiting's carriage stopped nearby. Shangguan He lamented his expensive, new Jiangnan robe was ruined. Song Yiting called him a pervert. Later, Shangguan He complained bitterly to Nan Heng about Song Yiting's arrogance and her insult.

Nan Heng advised him not to provoke her, mentioning she was Song Yimeng's sister. Shangguan He countered that he had verified Song Yiting was born to Mrs. Zhou and wasn't close to Song Yimeng. Nan Heng insisted she was still a Song family daughter and reminded Shangguan He of the unresolved issue from the last time he rescued her, warning him not to cause trouble. Nan Heng sent him away through the back door, while Shangguan He argued that she was the one causing him trouble.

Episode 19 Recap

Her Ladyship sent an emissary with gifts, inviting Song Yimeng to stay at Fanghua Hall for a few days. Madam Song objected, arguing that the marriage between Song Yimeng and Nan Heng was not yet formalized, but Song Yude overruled her and agreed to the invitation. As Song Yimeng left the residence amidst the grand retinue, she understood the significance of Her Ladyship's gesture.

Upon arrival at Fanghua Hall, Her Ladyship praised Song Yimeng's admirable qualities, expressing her strong approval of her relationship with Nan Heng and stating her wish to entrust Nan Heng's future to her. Song Yimeng politely refused, explaining that her true purpose in coming to the palace was to annul the engagement, as she was determined not to marry Nan Heng. Her Ladyship, however, demurred, suggesting that the marriage was a matter of great importance and required careful consideration.

Song Yimeng, unable to accept such extravagant kindness while intending to break the engagement, resolved to find a way to repay the favor. Later, as Eunuch Yang brought medicine for Her Ladyship, she voiced her concern that the engagement might fall through. Thinking aloud, she proposed a plan to select concubines for Nan Heng, hoping this might make Song Yimeng change her mind.

Eunuch Yang questioned if this would help or hinder, but Her Ladyship explained that with Chu Guihong pursuing Song Yimeng, competition was needed for Song Yimeng to appreciate Nan Heng. Song Yimeng prepared several special tea drinks, which she called "bubble tea," and presented them to Her Ladyship to taste. While they enjoyed the drinks, Her Ladyship took the opportunity to announce she had something to discuss and summoned the wives and daughters of court officials to Fanghua Hall.

Upon hearing that Nan Heng was considering taking concubines, the women became apprehensive, fearing their daughters might be chosen. Her Ladyship initially showed interest in a young lady named Miss Jia. Madam Jia quickly made an excuse, suggesting instead that Song Yiting, Song Yimeng's younger sister, would be a more suitable candidate. Madam Song, Song Yiting's mother, immediately tried to shift the conversation to Madam Liu, claiming her daughter's birth chart was particularly auspicious and compatible with a prince.

Recognizing that none of the ladies were eager to marry their daughters to Nan Heng, the wives redirected their collective efforts to criticize Song Yimeng, portraying her as petty and unwilling to share a husband with others. Suddenly, Nan Heng appeared, pretending to have just come from the celestial prison where he had been interrogating fugitives. He deliberately adopted a menacing demeanor, effectively intimidating the assembly and defending Song Yimeng. The women were terrified and fell silent.

Nan Heng declared that Song Yimeng was the Imperial Consort he had painstakingly sought, stating that her honor was his honor. He warned that those who had disrespected him were already dead, and those who dared disrespect her could test their luck. The wives knelt, begging for mercy and promising never to speak ill of Song Yimeng again, fearing being sent to prison. Her Ladyship suddenly clutched her stomach in pain.

Nan Heng noticed she had drunk some of the bubble tea and realized it contained milk, which was harmful given Her Ladyship's weak constitution. Song Yimeng was distressed, admitting she didn't know Her Ladyship couldn't have milk, and insisted on personally preparing the medicine to help. Nan Heng watched her, concerned, and advised her to let the servants handle such tasks.

He cautioned her to be careful, warning that her actions could be misinterpreted as an attempt to harm Her Ladyship, making it impossible to clear her name. Song Yimeng muttered to herself that this was just a "brainless romance drama" and shouldn't be so complicated. She quietly thanked Nan Heng, who seemed surprised, questioning if she had lost her mind. Song Yimeng knew his earlier actions were deliberate and asked him to explain.

Nan Heng chose not to explain, stating that in the eyes of the world, he was already seen as a villain, implying explanation was pointless. Meanwhile, Song Yiting arrived to deliver a painting for Mr. Li (Li Shiliu). There, she encountered Yunlong and Shangguan He. Seeing Shangguan He, she immediately called him "lewd." Shangguan He retorted that her outburst was unwarranted as she didn't know the situation. As they prepared to leave, Shangguan He noticed the painting was of himself.

Song Yiting insisted on seeing Mr. Li. Shangguan He, seeing an opportunity while Mr. Li (the Chief) was away, decided to impersonate him. While waiting, Song Yiting had a servant clean the table, commenting that things outside were dirty as she was used to cleanliness. When Shangguan He, disguised as Mr. Li, arrived, she quickly explained her cleanliness obsession.

Pouring a cup of tea, Shangguan He remarked on the seventy-three paintings she had sent in three days, suggesting her sentiment was excessive and hoping she would give up. Song Yiting was direct, declaring her affection for him and stating that she didn't care about social status and would find a way to make him like her.

Shangguan He repeated his refusal, citing the disparity in their status – she a high-born lady, he a man living by the sword – calling it a "cloud and mud" difference. However, Song Yiting's persistence and unconventional proposals regarding supporting him financially and allocating specific days for them to meet, even offering payment for his time, seemed to make Shangguan He hesitate. He claimed he needed time to think and quickly left.

Back at Fanghua Hall, Her Ladyship gave Song Yimeng an opportunity to interact with Nan Heng by asking her to deliver snacks he had forgotten. On the way, Nan Heng encountered his uncle, who reminded him about his upcoming provincial assignment. His uncle suggested Nan Heng solidify his position by marrying Song Yiting as well, thereby securing the Song family's influence. He proposed marrying both sisters, one for virtue and the other for looks, to completely control the family's power.

This conversation was overheard by Song Yimeng, who was hiding nearby, reminding her of a scene from the original plot involving Nan Heng and Song Yiting's affair. Song Yiting waited all evening but received no reply from Mr. Li. Disheartened, she left but accidentally touched a mechanism on the wall. This opened a hidden passage leading to a laboratory where she unexpectedly discovered a section of the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade.

Meanwhile, back at Waning River Crescent, Yunlong and Shangguan He were discussing Song Yiting's visit and Shangguan He's impersonation. They were then alarmed to discover that the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade was missing from the hidden lab. Realizing it had been stolen, Shangguan He decided not to pursue immediately but instead sent a message to Song Yiting, requesting a meeting in the Song Residence garden at noon the next day.

Episode 20 Recap

Upon discovering the sword, Song Yiting left a note requesting Li Shiliu meet her at the Song residence the following day. To her surprise, Shangguan arrived instead. Song Yiting demanded to see Li Shiliu, but Shangguan claimed the Chief was too busy and had entrusted him with the matter. Shangguan intended to retrieve the item, but Song Yiting threatened to inform Chu Guihong how they obtained his precious sword.

She warned Shangguan to stay away from her, calling his presence a source of bad luck early in the morning. Inside, Shangguan and his companions worried about failing to retrieve the sword and the Chief finding out. Recognizing the need for a different approach when dealing with an official's family, Shangguan decided he had to step in again by disguising himself as Li Shiliu. When Shangguan returned dressed as Li Shiliu, Song Yiting's demeanor shifted to one of warmth.

She affectionately called him 'Yiting'. He asked how he could get back the item she had in her possession, referring to it as stolen. Song Yiting corrected him, calling it a small return gift for the seventy-three paintings she had given him. She suggested he trade something else for it if he was reluctant to give it back. He stated that offering himself in marriage was out of the question, as Waning River Crescent did not engage in such transactions.

Song Yiting clarified that she wasn't proposing marriage outright but requested they spend three days together to understand each other's lives, given their vastly different backgrounds from the martial arts world and noble families. She proposed that if he didn't develop feelings for her after three days, she would return the sword, but if he did, he must propose to her parents.

He expressed surprise at the high stakes, but she challenged him, asking if such a small request frightened him after all he had experienced. Meanwhile, Song Yimeng spent a sleepless night, disturbed by discussions suggesting Nan Heng might consider marrying both sisters, believing he intended for them to co-serve him. She felt this was a predetermined path she needed to break to protect Song Yiting. The next day, Song Yimeng went to Fanghua Hall to see Gao Zhangrong.

She feigned regret for not cherishing Nan Heng sooner and thanked Gao Zhangrong for giving her a chance to marry him. She then fabricated a story, claiming Nan Heng had become distant after meeting other noble ladies and expressing fear that he might take a concubine, leaving her insecure.

She dramatically faked a coughing fit, implying illness, and pleaded with Gao Zhangrong to allow her to stay at the Prince's residence to care for Nan Heng, claiming she could neither eat nor sleep worrying about him and might die before the wedding. Gao Zhangrong, expressing concern, agreed to her request. Afterwards, Song Yimeng discussed her acting with her maids, acknowledging it wasn't perfect but satisfied that she achieved her goal.

She instructed her maids to keep a close watch on Song Yiting while she focused on Nan Heng. Song Yimeng arrived at the Prince's residence. An advisor commented to Nan Heng that Song Yimeng's desperate actions indicated deep affection. Nan Heng directly questioned Song Yimeng about telling his mother, Gao Zhangrong, that she wanted to come and serve him personally.

Song Yimeng confirmed she did, explaining her need to learn how to care for him as his future wife and contribute to having children. Nan Heng saw through her pretense but played along. He initially told her to leave, but Song Yimeng put on a show of heartbreak, claiming he didn't want her there and she would leave forever.

Nan Heng stopped her, remarking that her acting was poor but since she had already spoken to his mother, she should stay in the residence. He instructed her not to venture outside, saying it was unsafe. Song Yimeng readily agreed, calling him the best fiancé, and went to settle in. Later, Futai interrupted Nan Heng, informing him that Chancellor Gao and his advisors were waiting.

Futai, confused by the situation, questioned Song Yimeng's presence after Chu Guihong's recent intrusion and Song Yiting's stay. Nan Heng dismissed Song Yimeng's stated reason for being there as untrue but instructed Futai to watch over her while also ensuring her needs were met. Futai found these instructions contradictory, but Nan Heng told him to be flexible.

Meanwhile, Song Yimeng, suspecting Nan Heng might be trying to connect with Song Yiting through hidden messages, went to the study looking for something. Futai saw her entering the restricted area. Song Yimeng gave a flimsy excuse, claiming she was just exploring the surroundings as Nan Heng had instructed. Nan Heng met with Chancellor Gao and his advisors.

An advisor argued that becoming Crown Prince was the only legitimate way for Nan Heng to avoid receiving a provincial assignment after his marriage, a custom from the previous dynasty. He pointed out Nan Heng's limited support and expressed concern that seeking the Crown Prince title now would make Minister Song Yude believe Nan Heng's marriage to Song Yimeng was purely for political gain. The advisors insisted that marrying Minister Song's eldest daughter "was" the purpose.

Nan Heng dismissed them, stating he had his own plan. Chancellor Gao remained and reminded Nan Heng that his initial reasons for marrying Song Yimeng were to dismantle the Song-Chu alliance and gain Song Yude's backing. He noted the Song-Chu engagement was broken, weakening their alliance, but expressed concern about Song Yimeng's unpredictable nature. He advised Nan Heng to seek Song Yiting's hand instead. Nan Heng refused, stating political struggles belonged in court and his marriage was an external matter.

Chancellor Gao questioned if Nan Heng harbored feelings for Song Yimeng and then declared that Song Yimeng would become a significant problem if not removed. Song Yimeng continued her inquiries about Nan Heng's activities, asking servants if he frequented the Song family or saw Song Yiting. When Nan Heng appeared, she shifted her focus to him, making playful remarks.

He questioned her presence in places like the stables and study, and she offered weak excuses about wanting to know everything about him or familiarizing herself with the residence. Nan Heng told her to be serious and return to her room. Despite a servant's suggestion to test Song Yimeng's intentions, Nan Heng dismissed him. Undeterred, Song Yimeng continued searching in the study, feeling Nan Heng was hiding something significant. She touched a mechanism on the wall.

Nan Heng appeared and stopped her, asking what she was doing. She provided another excuse, claiming she was checking if his bed was firm, as it's better for his back. Nan Heng told her she should just ask directly for what she wants and that he disliked being suspected, especially by her. He then activated the mechanism, revealing a hidden box containing a mask.

In the gambling house, Shangguan, as Li Shiliu, hoped to deter Song Yiting by showing her the rougher side of his life and using her as a wager. He described his pursuit of pleasure and wealth. When she grew bored, she suggested a larger bet. Another gambler offered his valuable Mountain Cleaver sword, property, and his hands. Shangguan demurred, claiming he had nothing to offer. The gambler then suggested wagering Song Yiting, finding her worth the risk. Shangguan agreed.

Song Yiting was surprised he would use her as a wager but accepted, insisting that if she was the wager, she would control the cards. She gambled and won against the opponent's 'Double axes' with a 'Royal flush'. She instructed the items she won, including the sword, to be delivered to her residence, taking the gambler's hands as payment for his labor. She commented that gambling skill was just mathematics.

She then told Shangguan to remove his hat, revealing his disguise, stating she had recognized the man he used in the setup and suggesting he use new faces next time. She then instructed him to accompany her shopping the next day. Later, Shangguan expressed his frustration to the Second Master and other companions, lamenting how difficult Song Yiting was and that he had lost the sword and his possessions. The next day, Shangguan, still disguised, accompanied Song Yiting shopping.

At a clothing store, Song Yiting showed him a new outfit. Shangguan harshly criticized it as ugly, saying she looked vulgar and was trying to seduce someone. He rushed her, citing responsibilities with Waning River Crescent. Song Yiting declared he had succeeded in making her hate him and told him not to accompany her anymore before leaving angrily. The shopkeeper then showed Shangguan the outfits Song Yiting had ordered, including a matching men's outfit.

The shopkeeper revealed that Song Yiting had ordered these clothes for Li Shiliu specifically half a month ago, describing the care taken in making them suitable for someone who fights often. She noted that Song Yiting, a regular customer, had never shown such attentiveness to anyone before, expressing disdain for Shangguan. Song Yimeng visited a clinic, seeking a medicine that would make a man abstain from women and become clear-minded.

Later, at the Prince's residence, she presented Nan Heng with a large bowl of medicine, calling it a potent tonic for his health. Nan Heng was suspicious, implying she might be trying to poison him. Song Yimeng denied it, urging him to drink it for her future happiness. When she offered to feed him, Nan Heng playfully insisted she sit on his lap. After some initial hesitation and protest, she complied.

As she attempted to feed him, Nan Heng deliberately feigned a slip, spilling the medicine. Song Yimeng accused him of doing it on purpose. Nan Heng made a parting comment suggesting her attempt at physical closeness was ineffective because she wasn't dressed more elegantly. Song Yimeng was clearly frustrated. Shangguan drank alone, consumed by guilt over how he had treated Song Yiting, feeling he had callously discarded her genuine feelings.

The Second Master and other companions attempted to comfort him, saying he was merely following orders and didn't intend to be cruel. They felt Song Yiting's feelings, stemming from a brief encounter, couldn't be very deep and expected her to forget him quickly. Shangguan argued that she was different. One of the companions asked Shangguan, the Second Master, if he would have developed feelings for Song Yiting under different circumstances.

Shangguan replied that she was drawn to a false persona, and as someone like him could never marry, such questions were pointless. His companions lamented their own single status, joking that perhaps they should become monks instead of continuing their search for the sword. Nan Heng, listening from outside the door, overheard their conversation and specifically heard them discussing the lost sword.

Episode 21 Recap

Concerned about the loss of the Qianyu Moon-Cleaving Blade and the potential exposure of his involvement in weapon forging, Nan Heng speaks with Shangguan He, who is still disguised as Li Shiliu. Shangguan He defends Song Yiting, arguing that torturing or killing Song Yimeng's sister would inevitably lead to an investigation that could trace back to "Li Shiliu."

Nan Heng stresses that retrieving the blade is the priority, not assigning blame, but warns Shangguan He that failure to recover it or causing further trouble will result in consequences for him, even if Song Yiting is spared. Shangguan He initially intends to wait until the three-day deadline but agrees to go immediately at Nan Heng's insistence. Noticing Shangguan He's focus on Song Yiting, Nan Heng asks if he has developed feelings for her, a possibility Shangguan He quickly denies.

Nan Heng then cautions him that romantic attachments can be a weakness. Meanwhile, Song Yiting is seen repeatedly painting. Her attendant, Yin Zhu, urges her to stop, believing the paintings won't change "Mr. Li's" mind. Song Yiting explains she paints not for him, but to remind herself of her own foolishness, particularly recalling the moment he saved her.

She tears up the completed works, aiming to forget him, and declares that she will never allow herself to be consumed by love, asserting there are many options in the world. Unseen by them, Shangguan He observes her distress. At the Seventh Prince's mansion, Song Yimeng dines with Nan Heng, noticing his unusually good mood and appetite, wondering if it relates to Song Yiting. She remarks on his pickiness, suggesting he might be upset with Song Yiting.

Nan Heng asks if she misses her family after being away for ten days. Song Yimeng suspects he is only asking because he is eager to see Song Yiting. Nan Heng clarifies that after they marry, her family will be his, but Song Yimeng remains suspicious, believing he has ulterior motives. He then inquires if Song Yiting has a suitor and what kind of man she prefers, further fueling Song Yimeng's distrust, who inwardly calls him a "scumbag."

Feigning a sudden stomachache, she quickly excuses herself. A group of women, including Jia Ruru and Liu Huaiyi, are gathered, discussing recent events. Liu Huaiyi spreads rumors about Song Yimeng, criticizing her for moving into the Seventh Prince's residence before marriage and claiming she purchased special medicine for Nan Heng. The conversation turns to Song Yiting, who is present but quiet. Jia Ruru asks why she seems distracted.

Nan Rui, the Eighteenth Prince, arrives and announces he is there to court Song Yiting. He delivers a passionate speech, declaring he is drawn to her true self beyond her superficial qualities and offers to marry her, promising to handle the "liking" part if she will simply remain herself. The other women remark that this is precisely what Song Yiting has always wanted to hear.

Song Yiting takes Nan Rui aside and confronts him, asking who coached him to say those words. He claims they are his sincere feelings developed from liking her for a long time, but Song Yiting discovers notes he copied, revealing his declaration was not original. After Song Yiting leaves, Liu Huaiyi immediately starts gossiping about her, claiming she pretends to be aloof but actively seeks the attention of men like the Eighteenth Prince.

Jia Ruru defends Song Yiting, calling Liu Huaiyi jealous. Liu Huaiyi retorts, calling Jia Ruru a follower. Suddenly, a stone is thrown from the bushes, shattering Liu Huaiyi's cup. When she demands to know who is interfering and learns they are defending Song Yiting, Liu Huaiyi escalates her accusations, stating Song Yiting is skilled at seducing any man. Shangguan He, hidden nearby, continues to throw stones at Liu Huaiyi as punishment.

As Shangguan He leaves the area, Song Yiting appears and stops him. He is wearing the Li Shiliu disguise. She asks why he came, noting he always seems to "pass by" when she is involved. He admits he couldn't stand by while they spoke ill of her. Song Yiting questions why he understands her so well yet deliberately pushes her away.

He distinguishes knowing her from liking her, stating she is special and deserves kindness, even if he does not have feelings for her. Song Yiting challenges his sincerity, demanding he truthfully answer if he ever felt anything for her, invoking a curse if he lies. Shangguan He definitively states that Li Shiliu has never felt anything for her. Angered and hurt, Song Yiting interprets his actions as an attempt to discard her and push her toward the Eighteenth Prince.

She criticizes his lack of understanding of love and calls him hypocritical, stating she no longer likes him and finds him more contemptible than others. She instructs him to return her belongings, including her paintings, the next day at Zijin Pavilion, saying she doesn't want her things soiled by him.

Nan Rui witnesses Song Yiting and Li Shiliu talking and is visibly upset, believing them to be together and feeling humiliated that his confession, which used Li Shiliu's words, made him a laughingstock. He blames Li Shiliu for deliberately embarrassing him and vows to prove to Song Yiting that Li Shiliu is not a good person. Back at the Song residence, Song Yiting's mother (Madam) discovers Yin Zhu burning paintings.

She questions Yin Zhu, demanding to know who the man in the paintings is and where Song Yiting has been going. When Yin Zhu refuses to speak, the Madam orders her beaten. Song Yiting rushes in to stop the beating. Her mother confronts Song Yiting, accusing her of improper behavior and disrespectful language. Song Yiting defends her actions and challenges her mother's rigid view of propriety, particularly how it is applied differently depending on the man involved.

Enraged and worried about Song Yiting's reputation, the Madam slaps her. Song Yiting dismisses reputation as a "shackle" and leaves with Yin Zhu. Separately, Song Yiting's father (Song Yude) discusses Song Yiting's recent defiance with Song Yimeng, mentioning her attachment to a stranger and refusal of the Eighteenth Prince, causing turmoil at home.

Song Yimeng becomes concerned and seeks out Shangguan He (addressing him as Li Shiliu), believing she needs his help as she suspects Nan Heng intends to harm Song Yiting. While discussing this, Song Yimeng tests Shangguan He, asking if he now believes she likes women after a previous interaction. She then kisses him while he is still wearing the Li Shiliu mask, asking if he believes her now. Surprised, he is speechless.

She questions what their relationship is if not friendship, noting his mask during the kiss. The scene cuts away. Later, Nan Heng finds Shangguan He troubled. Nan Heng teases him about being consumed by love, contrasting it with his own past feelings for Song Yimeng. Shangguan He admits he made a mistake and hurt Song Yiting. Nan Heng advises him to reveal his true identity to Song Yiting to resolve the situation.

Song Yimeng urgently confronts Song Yiting, warning her about the man she is involved with. Song Yimeng describes him as deep, secretive, and potentially having dark motives, questioning if Song Yiting understands the danger. Song Yiting acknowledges she knows he has something he wants from her but trusts her own judgment, seeing him as more authentic than others in the capital. Song Yimeng desperately tries to dissuade her, stating she can like anyone else but "not" him.

Song Yiting questions this restriction, asking if it's simply because he isn't the Eighteenth Prince, and challenges Song Yimeng's right to interfere in her life. Song Yimeng pleads with her to trust her, issuing a dire warning that being with this man will lead to her death. Nan Rui rushes to report to Chu Guihong, agitated about seeing Song Yiting and Li Shiliu together.

After investigating Li Shiliu's associates when he found nothing on Li Shiliu himself, Nan Rui claims he discovered that Shangguan He, an associate of Li Shiliu, is an escaped death-row prisoner from three years ago. Chu Guihong immediately orders the Qianyu Army to search for him. Chu Guihong confronts Shangguan He, identifying him as Shangguan Baihe, the notorious 江南 hero who faked his death after committing serious crimes three years prior. Chu Guihong moves to arrest him.

However, Shangguan He, still disguised as Li Shiliu, resists the arrest, stating that Chu Guihong cannot take him simply on his word. Chu Guihong asserts his authority from the capital prefecture office, but Shangguan He refuses to allow Shangguan He to be taken without his permission, daring Chu Guihong to try and take him by force.

Episode 22 Recap

Chu Guihong, representing the Capital Prefecture's office, arrived at Waning River Crescent intent on taking someone, believing him to be Shangguan Baihe, a criminal from an old case. He was met with resistance from Nan Heng, whom he addressed as Li Shiliu. Nan Heng declared that without his permission, no one would be taken. Chu Guihong pressed the matter, threatening to hold the entire Waning River Crescent accountable for harboring a criminal if the individual proved to be Shangguan Baihe.

Shangguan He himself stepped forward, stating his innocence and agreeing to go with Chu Guihong to clear his name. As he left, Shangguan He asked Nan Heng to speak with Song Yiting. Meanwhile, Song Yimeng reflected on the unavoidable, iconic scenes from her script, including one depicting her betrayal by her sister and husband. Her maid, Yinzhu, urgently informed her that Madam Zhou Xueyi was arranging a forced marriage for Song Yiting using her birthdate.

Song Yiting, refusing to be controlled, had argued with her mother and, determined to fight for herself, declared she would make things irreversible to completely sever her mother's hopes. Her plan was to elope. Seeking help, Song Yimeng went to Waning River Crescent looking for Li Shiliu, shouting that Song Yiting was in danger because she had gone to see Nan Heng.

Her distressed shouting caused a distraction during Shangguan He's apprehension by officials from the Capital Prefecture's office, leading to his return to their custody. At Zijin Pavilion, where her father and Song Yimeng's mother had pledged their love, Song Yiting met with Nan Heng, who was disguised as Li Shiliu. Song Yiting spoke of witnessing true love like her parents' and expressed her desire to find a similar partner, unwilling to settle for a blind marriage based solely on status.

She asked Li Shiliu how he truly saw her, promising to return his blade if he would speak honestly. Nan Heng, unable to give a direct answer, asked her to wait a few days. Song Yiting refused to wait, then used drugged incense. As Nan Heng struggled under its effects, Song Yiting stated her intention to ruin her reputation so that no one, from the Emperor down to commoners, could control her marriage.

Despite Nan Heng's pleas for her not to destroy her reputation, she insisted she had no other choice and, resisting his attempts to stop her, pulled off his mask, revealing him to be the Seventh Prince, Nan Heng. Song Yimeng arrived at Zijin Pavilion with others, including Nan Heng's subordinate, Fugui.

Nan Heng, injured and drugged from the encounter, quickly ordered Fugui to secure the area, take the blade, and seal off news, also commanding his troops to surround the Song Residence. Song Yimeng entered and found Song Yiting unconscious. She confronted Nan Heng, demanding to know what he had done to her sister. Nan Heng claimed Song Yiting had encountered mountain bandits and fainted from fright. He then ordered Song Yimeng and the others to leave.

At the Song Residence, Madam Zhou Xueyi was distraught and furious, accusing the Seventh Prince of ruining Song Yiting's reputation and demanding that Song Yude hold him accountable. Song Yude tried to reason with her, suggesting they wait for Song Yiting to wake and explain, noting the strangeness of the situation. Zhou Xueyi, however, was convinced Nan Heng had used "filthy tactics" and threatened Song Yude if he allowed Song Yiting to marry the prince.

The arrival of Nan Heng's Xuanjia Army, sent under the pretense of protecting the Song family from villains, further escalated the tension. Zhou Xueyi saw this as a threat and demanded to see Nan Heng, but was told he would explain his actions to the Emperor and the Song family the next day. Song Yiting, having regained consciousness and negotiated with Nan Heng, confronted him at the Song Residence.

Accusing him and his Li Shiliu persona of deceiving her, she laid out her terms for keeping his identity a secret: he must rescue Shangguan He, and he must promise to marry no one but Song Yimeng in his lifetime. Nan Heng accepted these conditions. Concurrently, Song Yimeng confronted Nan Heng at the Song Residence, calling him a hypocrite and accusing him of deliberately harming Song Yiting.

She questioned his sincerity, suggesting his current actions were merely an attempt to cover up his scheme to use the Song family alliance for power. Nan Heng maintained he was trying to make amends and asked for her trust. Chu Guihong intervened, exacerbating the situation. He questioned Nan Heng's trustworthiness, recounting Nan Heng's repeated deceptions of Song Yimeng and referencing a past event involving his aunt 19 years prior.

Chu Guihong declared he would no longer stand by, would not allow Song Yimeng to marry Nan Heng, and would reclaim the marriage contract. Nan Heng asserted the marriage contract was between him and Song Yimeng and Chu Guihong had no right to interfere. Song Yimeng stepped in, telling Chu Guihong the Song family's matters were not his concern, and reiterated her accusation that Nan Heng was feigning sincerity while pursuing power.

Madam Zhou Xueyi angrily confronted Song Yimeng, blaming her for the turmoil that had befallen the family, including the soldiers surrounding their home and Song Yude defying an imperial order (presumably regarding an arranged marriage for Yimeng). Calling her a curse, she warned Song Yimeng she would be haunted if the Song family was ruined because of her. Song Yimeng appeared distressed by these accusations.

Elsewhere, the Eighteenth Prince, Nan Rui, encountered Nan Heng on the street, angrily blaming him and Li Shiliu for Song Yiting's plight and vowing to avenge her. At the Capital Prefecture's office, Chu Guihong summoned Nan Heng, claiming important case information. He presented a disheveled person, identified as Shangguan He, and questioned Nan Heng about him, referencing his past as Shangguan Baihe, the ringleader of a three-prefecture theft case Nan Heng had handled three years ago.

Chu Guihong noted that official records stated Shangguan Baihe had been executed and asked how he could now be alive, implying Nan Heng's involvement and citing a recent fire that conveniently destroyed the relevant archives. He suggested this meeting was an opportunity for Nan Heng to prove he hadn't colluded or falsified records. Suddenly, men in black attacked during their discussion. Nan Heng was injured in the melee. The attackers seized the person Chu Guihong had presented and fled.

However, Nan Heng realized they had taken a substitute, not the real Shangguan He. Chu Guihong, initially suspecting Nan Heng of faking injury to cover the escape, quickly realized the attackers took the wrong person and deduced they were likely Waning River Crescent's Nightwalkers attempting a rescue. After the failed rescue attempt where the substitute was taken, the real Shangguan He remained at the Capital Prefecture's office.

A captured attacker was interrogated, claiming he was hired by a small beggar for money, not associated with Waning River Crescent or Nightwalkers. Chu Guihong dismissed this as false, insisting the attack was by Nightwalkers and accusing Nan Heng of hiring them. Nan Heng remarked that Chu Guihong was overly confident. Chu Guihong ordered his men to raid Waning River Crescent, stating they would fabricate evidence if necessary, having learned such methods from dealing with Nan Heng. Nan Heng responded cryptically, suggesting Chu Guihong should also be familiar with the art of escape.

Episode 23 Recap

Knowing that Chu Guihong planned to frame him, Nan Heng had already arranged for others to cause a prison break and instructed the Nightwalkers to withdraw from Waning River Crescent to preserve their strength. After Chu Guihong and his men arrived, they found Waning River Crescent empty. Chu Guihong confronted Nan Heng, declaring he would find proof of his collusion with the Nightwalkers.

Nan Heng countered that he was present only because Chu Guihong had invited him to the prison, and he had even been injured there. He suggested that a mole within the Qianyu Army or the office of the capital prefecture must have informed the criminals he would be at the prison. Nan Heng accused Chu Guihong of fabricating a scheme to implicate him in helping from the inside and using the chaos to bust someone out.

Chu Guihong was enraged, accusing Nan Heng of slander and framing a prince. Nan Heng pointed out Chu Guihong's own extensive wrongdoings. He scoffed at being called a God of Death, questioning why such a person would spare someone like Shangguan He if he were truly his subordinate, and why he wouldn't have just killed him during the chaos.

Shangguan He, who was still awaiting sentencing, was also present and mocked Chu Guihong, saying the one who couldn't sit still was the general himself. At the Song Residence, Song Yimeng inquired about her sister, Song Yiting. Song Yude informed her that Yiting was fine but refused to see anyone except Nan Heng. Song Yude blamed Nan Heng for manipulating Yiting, but Song Yimeng insisted she would never allow Nan Heng to harm her sister again.

Soon after, the Emperor arrived at the Song Residence in disguise. Eunuch Liu explained that the Emperor was there because the Eighteenth Prince, Nan Rui, had reported the Seventh Prince Nan Heng regarding the matter involving Song Yiting. The Emperor summoned Song Yimeng. Meanwhile, Nan Heng returned to his mansion and was informed that the Qianyu Army had found nothing when they searched Waning River Crescent, much to his relief.

His attendant then relayed news of Nan Rui's report to the Emperor concerning Song Yiting. The Emperor was reportedly furious, specifically scolding Song Yimeng. He stated that Song Yimeng was wrong to bring Nan Heng, a difficult-to-understand but seemingly wise prince, into the Song household, leading to the current chaos. He also criticized Song Yimeng for lacking feminine virtues and setting a poor example that caused Song Yiting to become unruly.

Nan Heng realized the Emperor's anger was directed at him, using Song Yimeng as a proxy. Standing before the Emperor, Song Yimeng reflected on the situation. She knew the Emperor despised Nan Heng and considered using the Zijin Pavilion incident to accuse him. She wondered if exposing Nan Heng's secret method of forging blades could alter the course of events, preventing the Song family's future destruction, Yiting's suffering, and her own fate.

She questioned whether she should betray him, contemplating if Nan Heng would ever trust her or if anyone ever had. She thought that perhaps Nan Heng felt the same way, constantly fighting to survive lest he be pushed to a dead end. The Emperor, having heard about the events of the previous night, commanded Song Yimeng to testify that Nan Heng had seduced her sister and exhibited immoral conduct.

Song Yimeng declined to testify against the Seventh Prince and instead requested an imperial edict. The Emperor assumed she simply wanted his support to maintain her position as principal consort. Without waiting for her to speak further, he decreed that she and Nan Heng would marry on the ninth day of the next month, and the following day, Song Yiting would be made Nan Heng's concubine.

Furthermore, he ordered Song Yude to resign his official post and accompany Nan Heng to his fief as a retainer, citing the widespread scandal. Song Yimeng immediately rejected this, stating that the edict she sought was one to annul her engagement to the Seventh Prince, as neither she, her sister, nor the entire Song family wished to have any connection with him.

The Emperor, angered by her audacity, demanded a valid reason for disrupting a prince's marriage, which was a matter of state, not merely a personal whim. Song Yimeng calmly explained that if the engagement were canceled, the Seventh Prince would lose the opportunity to gain control over the Ministry of War through the Song family alliance. This, she argued, would provide the Emperor with sufficient time to plan for the succession of the future crown prince.

She urged him to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of marrying the Song sisters to Nan Heng versus canceling the engagement. The Emperor acknowledged her sharp intellect but warned her that by betraying Nan Heng's efforts to secure the alliance, she would make him an enemy who would not spare her or the entire Song family. Song Yimeng took the imperial edict canceling the engagement to Nan Heng, who had been looking for her.

He reacted with anger, throwing the edict aside, and asked why she refused to trust him regarding the Zijin Pavilion matter, not even once. Song Yimeng countered, asking what she was supposed to believe – that he hadn't approached her initially for the Song family's power, or that he wasn't a manipulative person who constantly schemed? She accused him of viewing everything between him and her sister as merely a calculation to draw the Song family closer.

Nan Heng was hurt, arguing that his genuine actions whenever she was in danger, and everything serious he did for her, were dismissed as worthless. He questioned why she felt she knew him so well. Song Yimeng admitted that she had known him from before she even met him, referring to her knowledge from the script and its mechanisms.

Nan Heng expressed his frustration, standing before her as a real person while she chose to look away and believe in an absurd script. Song Yimeng firmly stated she did not trust him, not just now, but ever. She confessed that from the moment she first approached him, her only goal was to kill him, citing her search for the blade forging method, the Lantern Festival, and even the engagement as attempts to achieve this.

She declared that she would kill him then and there if Yiting did not have feelings for him. Heartbreak clearly showed on Nan Heng's face as Song Yimeng turned and walked away. Song Yiting read the imperial edict with anger, scolding Song Yimeng for not requesting the annulment. She expressed confusion about Song Yimeng's actions and feelings, stating that she herself genuinely liked Shangguan He, and suggested the Zijin Pavilion incident was a complete misunderstanding.

Yiting questioned why Song Yimeng, who spent so much time interacting with both the Seventh Prince and Li Shiliu, failed to understand her own heart. A maid confirmed to Song Yimeng that she had not revealed Yiting's feelings for Li Shiliu to anyone. Hearing Yiting mention interacting with Nan Heng and Li Shiliu and the maid confirming Yiting's feelings for Li Shiliu, Song Yimeng was struck by a realization. She pondered the connection between Li Shiliu and Nan Heng.

She recalled the 'iconic scenes' from the script that had unfolded with Nan Heng, except for the Lantern Festival, where she was saved by Li Shiliu instead of Nan Heng as written. Reflecting on the script's rule that the male lead must save the female lead when she is in danger, she realized Li Shiliu's actions were consistent with the male lead's role. She looked at her notes and concluded that the script had not changed after all.

She loved Li Shiliu, who was also Nan Heng. This realization brought her to tears. Meanwhile, the Nightwalkers were hiding, as wanted notices for Li Shiliu, the head of Waning River Crescent and a suspect in harboring a death row convict, were posted throughout the city. Nan Heng found his followers and informed them that Waning River Crescent was formally disbanded.

His followers were shocked and refused to accept this, insisting they would stay with him and help rescue the Second Master, Shangguan He. Nan Heng offered them money and urged them to leave the capital quickly, as they were in danger. However, they remained steadfast in their loyalty, insisting they would live and die together as brothers of the Nightwalkers. Nan Heng then removed his mask, revealing his true identity as the Seventh Prince.

He stated plainly that Waning River Crescent was merely a strategic maneuver and his followers were just insignificant pieces in his game. Now that Shangguan He was exposed, they were liabilities. Using harsh and dismissive language, he reiterated his command for them to take the money and leave, calling them mere "street ruffians" and "misfits," and threatening them if they ever jeopardized his plans.

Despite his cruel words, his followers refused to abandon him, reaffirming their bond of living and dying as one. In a flashback sequence, Shangguan He was seen complaining to Nan Heng, who was addressed as "Chief," about being made to perform charitable acts like disaster relief and helping the poor instead of being a notorious thief. He called Nan Heng a "viper" pretending to be a "Bodhisattva" and himself a "notorious thief" not a "walking saint."

Nan Heng explained he was making Shangguan He do good deeds to earn merit. The flashback continued to Shangguan He in a prison cell, complaining about the poor food to Chu Guihong. Chu Guihong offered better food if Shangguan He revealed Nan Heng's secrets, suggesting Nan Heng was manipulative and had abandoned him. Shangguan He proposed a deal: he would expose Nan Heng's alleged crimes if Chu Guihong could list the wrongdoings of Waning River Crescent.

When Chu Guihong hesitated, claiming he needed time to investigate, Shangguan He mocked him, offering to cut off a finger if he could find even one crime, implying Waning River Crescent's activities were not as sinister as portrayed. Chu Guihong accused Shangguan He of being foolish for defending Nan Heng, who had supposedly harmed him. Shangguan He pointed out it was Chu Guihong who had put him in prison.

Chu Guihong reiterated his accusations against Nan Heng, claiming he was responsible for the late Empress's death and the failure at the Pingrong Battle, where Nan Heng allegedly led his aunt into an ambush and failed to send reinforcements to Youcheng. Shangguan He asked if he had confirmed these claims with Nan Heng directly, suggesting that the truth is often hidden and appearances can be deceiving.

He questioned Chu Guihong's belief that Nan Heng ran Waning River Crescent and gathered outlaws solely for power. Shangguan He described how Nan Heng used the club's income for charity, helped the displaced find jobs, and even made them patrol the streets to protect the citizens, arguing this behavior contradicted the actions of someone purely seeking power or the throne.

He speculated that perhaps Nan Heng, someone who had never been trusted, was simply seeking friends, a home, and genuine trust. Shangguan He stated that if he knew Nan Heng, he would believe he was not the kind of person capable of plotting murder at a young age or sacrificing troops for personal gain. He declared he would not be interrogated further and would accept death as atonement. Chu Guihong asked what crime he was atoning for.

Shangguan He replied his crime was being the "cold-hearted Second Master" but failing to be sufficiently ruthless in the role. The flashback concluded with Shangguan He's recruitment three years prior. Nan Heng found him on death row and had him rescued, seeing his talent for management. Nan Heng offered him the job of running Waning River Crescent as a front. The true purpose was to gather intelligence, spy on officials, and build the Nightwalkers into a force for Nan Heng.

Shangguan He demanded more money for such dangerous work, but Nan Heng refused, stating it was his only path to survival. When Shangguan He asked what would happen if his identity was exposed, Nan Heng calmly replied he should take his own life. Shangguan He agreed that made sense. Returning to the present, Shangguan He in his prison cell asked Chu Guihong to let both him and Song Yimeng go, lamenting his own bad luck and uselessness.

He repeated the familiar trope that when the female lead is in danger, the male lead must save her. Meanwhile, Song Yimeng arrived at Waning River Crescent and recalled a scene there with Li Shiliu. Seeking to test her realization about Li Shiliu and Nan Heng, she drew a dagger and stabbed herself. Nan Heng rushed forward to block the blade, revealing himself as the one who would save her and confirming his identity as Li Shiliu to Song Yimeng.

Episode 24 Recap

Song Yimeng confronted Nan Heng after discovering his true identity as Li Shiliu. He struggled to explain himself, only managing a hesitant "I'm sorry." She accused him of deliberately approaching and using her, heartbroken that she had been deceived while genuinely caring for him as Li Shiliu and even worrying about his safety from Nan Heng.

As he pleaded with her to believe him and held onto her, Song Yimeng repeatedly demanded he release her, declaring she was tired of being a fool and his act of affection, which now only fueled her hatred. When he refused to let go, she stabbed him in the arm before turning and walking away, leaving him bleeding. Shortly after Song Yimeng's departure, Rong Hua led the Qianyu Army in a search of the Waning River Crescent.

Song Yimeng emerged and was stopped by Rong Hua, who questioned her about Li Shiliu. Song Yimeng insisted she had nothing to do with him. Rong Hua stated the matter concerned a major criminal and insisted Song Yimeng accompany her to explain to General Chu Guihong. Meanwhile, back in his quarters, the injured Nan Heng, believing someone had entered, instructed his subordinate to monitor Chu Guihong's movements and ensure Song Yimeng's safety, as she had been taken by Rong Hua.

He turned to see his uncle, Chancellor Gao Changyin. Chancellor Gao saw evidence of the Li Shiliu persona and questioned Nan Heng's deception. Nan Heng reminded his uncle of his past embezzlement of disaster relief funds, revealing he had only concealed it for his mother's sake. When Gao accused him of being heartless, Nan Heng questioned Gao's own conscience and past misdeeds, stating he could have exposed him long ago were it not for their family tie.

Nan Heng then pointedly asked if Gao had interfered in the Pingrong Battle, which Gao denied. Nan Heng stated he would accept this denial for now but warned he would not tolerate any act of treason, even from his uncle. Gao shifted blame, arguing that Nan Heng was endangering their family by protecting Shangguan Baihe and that failure to act would lead to their ruin. Nan Heng asserted that Gao was the one responsible for potentially destroying the Gao family.

Chu Guihong confronted Song Yimeng after she was brought before him. He questioned why she had sought out Li Shiliu, a key figure in the Shangguan He case, and labeled the Nightwalkers as Nan Heng's guilty allies. Song Yimeng defended the Nightwalkers, arguing that most were innocent, pointing out their past assistance to her and the Qianyu Army, and expressed distress at Chu's changed demeanor, reminding him of his childhood oath to protect the innocent.

Chu insisted his actions were lawful but bitterly claimed Song Yimeng was forcing him to become ruthless like Nan Heng. He questioned why he, as a "good person," should lose to an "evil" one like Nan Heng and watch the person he cared for turn towards him, stating he would rather be more brutal than Nan Heng if being good meant such passive suffering. The matter of the capital prefecture's case reached the imperial court.

Chu Guihong reported the capture of Shangguan Baihe, linking him to a three-year-old theft case and the Nightwalkers, and accused Nan Heng of colluding with the Nightwalkers and tampering with the previous investigation. He requested permission to search Nan Heng's residence. Chancellor Gao opposed the motion, demanding Chu provide evidence and urging the Emperor to hear Nan Heng first.

When asked for his opinion, Minister Song Yude feigned weariness and stated his family's connection to Nan Heng made him unsuitable to comment. Nan Heng then stepped forward to counter Chu Guihong, accusing Chu of fabricating charges and colluding with martial arts figures. He presented a mask as evidence, claiming Chu wore it while causing trouble at the Waning River Crescent before the Lantern Festival assassination attempt on Nan Heng, which he survived despite heavy Qianyu Army guard.

Nan Heng also brought up the recent attempted prison break during Shangguan Baihe's transfer, where he was injured, noting Chu blamed Nightwalkers without catching the mastermind. Nan Heng suggested Chu orchestrated both incidents to frame the Waning River Crescent out of personal revenge. The Emperor stopped their escalating accusations, declaring Shangguan Baihe responsible for causing chaos in the court and ordering his execution the following day. Chancellor Gao supported this, proposing Nan Heng supervise the execution to prove his innocence.

Gao offered a grim deal: if Nan Heng executed Shangguan Baihe, Chu must confess to false accusation and resign; if Nan Heng refused, Gao vowed to commit suicide in court. After the court session, Nan Heng accused Gao of overstepping. Gao dismissed Nan Heng's concerns as soft-heartedness, claiming such mercy hinders great achievements and that hesitation would lead to defeat.

Meanwhile, Chu Guihong expressed contempt for Nan Heng, feeling Nan Heng's actions had justified his suspicions and freed him from restraint. Confined to her room, Song Yimeng refused to eat, causing concern among her servants. Her sister, Song Yiting, arrived and pleaded with Song Yimeng to help save Shangguan He, informing her that the execution was scheduled for the next day.

A subordinate reported to Nan Heng that Chancellor Gao had destroyed all traces of the Li Shiliu disguise and had heavily guarded the prison with Qianyu Army and elite cavalry forces, seemingly aiming to cut Nan Heng off from the Nightwalkers and force him to rely solely on Gao. The subordinate questioned if Nan Heng would proceed with the execution.

Nan Heng acknowledged the immense pressure from the Emperor, Chu Guihong, and his uncle, feeling everyone was trying to manipulate him, but declared his resolve to fight his way out of the desperate situation. Meanwhile, the Nightwalkers, led by Duan Shanhu and Pou Yunlong, debated a prison break rescue for Shangguan He despite the heavy guard. The Song sisters arrived, interrupting their plans.

Song Yimeng intervened against the risky break, proposing instead to delay the execution and clear Shangguan He's name by reinvestigating the old Jiangnan case concerning disaster relief funds embezzlement. Song Yiting warned that reopening the Jiangnan case meant opposing Nan Heng. Song Yimeng stated she didn't care about Nan Heng, only about saving her friend, prompting Song Yiting to call her contradictory.

Despite Song Yimeng's attempts to distance herself from Nan Heng/Li Shiliu, the Nightwalkers insisted on Li Shiliu's sincerity towards her, citing his hidden portraits and files about her as proof of his affection, and affirmed her status as their "Sister-in-law," a term of respect linking her to their leader. The next day, Shangguan Baihe was brought to the execution ground, noting the large crowd. Nan Heng, serving as supervisor, appeared conflicted.

Chancellor Gao pressured him to proceed, emphasizing the consequences for their family if Shangguan Baihe survived. An official read the decree ordering immediate execution. Nan Heng delayed by demanding identity verification, claiming he needed to be sure to avoid potential punishment from the Emperor if he executed the wrong person. Shangguan Baihe, surprisingly calm, urged him to proceed quickly. As the moment neared, Shangguan Baihe requested a final drink.

While appearing to argue with Gao over the delay, Nan Heng covertly instructed his Xuanjia Army to plant explosives underground and prepare to create chaos for a rescue if necessary. As noon arrived and Gao pressed for the execution order, the Nightwalkers dramatically appeared, announcing themselves and daring anyone to harm Shangguan Baihe. Chu Guihong immediately accused Nan Heng of intentionally stalling the execution to allow the Nightwalkers to arrive, claiming it proved his collusion. Duan Shanhu and other Nightwalkers stood ready to confront the Qianyu Army and elite cavalry forces.

Episode 25 Recap

Nightwalkers arrived at the execution ground. Their leader, the Second Chief, addressed Chu Guihong, challenging him to demonstrate his ability to wipe out their organization. Declaring themselves the Waning River Crescent Nightwalkers, they greeted the officials present. The leader then called out to his comrades, asking why they were joining him, ready to face death when he was preparing to accept his fate. The Nightwalkers responded by reminding him of their code: to share everything, including death.

They presented a united front to Chu Guihong, stating they were fearless and that he might find them difficult to handle. Seeing the Nightwalkers openly disrupt the execution, Chu Guihong ordered the Qianyu Army to kill them all on the spot, accusing them of robbing the execution ground. Nan Heng intervened, summoning the Xuanjia Army to stop them. Song Yimeng and Song Yiting arrived, and Nan Heng questioned why they were at such a dangerous place.

Song Yimeng replied with a meta joke, saying they had to come or the story would end prematurely before her "additional chapter gift" was opened. She challenged Chu Guihong, asking if he had thoroughly investigated the three-year-old Jiangnan theft case and knew "why" Shangguan Baihe had stolen the disaster relief funds.

Chu Guihong explained that the relevant files that should have been in the Secretariat were damaged when he took over the case, leaving only the Ministry of Justice's conclusive record, adding that old matters were hard to trace. Song Yiting sarcastically concluded that he hadn't investigated, calling him hypocritical and ill-intentioned, someone who falsely accused a good person of being a thief despite claiming to be upright.

She stated that she and her elder sister, with the help of the Nightwalkers Along and Atiger, had figured out what kind of person Shangguan Baihe was three years ago in just one night. She criticized the Qianyu Army, saying they had countless ways to find the truth but only knew how to convict, search, and arrest, lacking the integrity to find justice.

When guards moved to stop Song Yiting, Song Yimeng intervened, asking if Chu Guihong dared to strike a woman in front of the capital's citizens. Nan Heng told Song Yiting to be quiet, but she retorted, questioning his right to speak after concealing the truth and obstructing official duties for the sake of a bit of brotherly loyalty, suggesting someone like him deserved a hundred planks even if spared death.

Song Yimeng presented a joint petition letter signed by over 800 Jiangnan citizens whom Shangguan Baihe had helped three years prior. They pleaded with the Kyoto Prefecture to distinguish right from wrong and prevent their benefactor from being wrongly executed. Song Yimeng then directed attention to Nan Heng and Chancellor Gao, suggesting they held the answers about the events three years ago.

She recounted that during the Jiangnan flood, when starvation was rampant, the disaster relief funds never reached the citizens. Shangguan Baihe snuck into the Prefectural Governor's residence, discovered the funds were completely embezzled, and stole the silver intending to rob the rich and help the poor. However, outside the Jiangnan Circuit, he encountered the Seventh Prince, Nan Heng, who was investigating the theft case.

Unaware of the full details of this case at the time and with his heart set on the flood disaster, Nan Heng arrested Shangguan Baihe. Seeing their hero become a criminal, the people petitioned for him, but the Prefectural Governor, supported by a powerful official in the court, obstructed their efforts, and Shangguan Baihe was jailed in Jiangnan.

Song Yimeng revealed that the Nightwalkers had found a token with the character "Yin" (隐) in the former Prefectural Governor's residence the previous night, stating that the Prefectural Governor back then was Chancellor Gao's follower. She suggested that if the embezzlement was instructed by Chancellor Gao, then Nan Heng's later secret release of Shangguan Baihe was precisely the Seventh Prince's helpless choice.

Song Yimeng accused Chu Guihong of disregarding the bigger picture and prioritizing his personal fight with the Xuanjia Army over investigating the Gao family and Chancellor Gao's faction, warning that his actions would only destabilize the Great Jing court. Chu Guihong seemed speechless. Nan Heng stated that the Jiangnan old case was personally handled by him, and he also personally supervised today's execution.

He proposed detaining the people present (the Nightwalkers and potentially Shangguan Baihe if execution hadn't happened yet), stating that if the full story wasn't investigated, he couldn't account to the people, and if the disturbance continued, it would be impossible to resolve. He suggested detaining them first, and after reporting to the Emperor and clarifying the truth, a decision could be made. Song Yimeng seemed to accept this proposal.

As she left, Nan Heng tried to explain, but Song Yimeng stopped him. She told him the person he should explain to was not her, but the Nightwalkers who trusted him and defended him even until the night before execution, recalling Atiger said he must have his difficulties and saved their lives, asserting he would always be their Boss.

She accused Nan Heng of liking to turn others' genuine hearts into straw and questioned why he was willing to let the Nightwalkers fall into danger but never considered bringing Gao Changyin to justice or presenting him to the Emperor. Calling him hypocritical, she stated she only wanted to remember the upright and kind hero Mr. Li, not a scheming and treacherous person like him.

As the Nightwalkers were being led away, Rong Hua provoked them and attempted to take them to the Kyoto Prefecture jail. The Nightwalkers resisted, pointing out Nan Heng had just ordered them watched, questioning Rong Hua's authority. Nan Heng stopped the confrontation, ordering his subordinate Fu Gui and others to go back with Rong Hua to the Kyoto Prefecture.

Nan Heng then stated it was time to set everything back on track, acknowledging Song Yimeng was right that he shouldn't treat others' genuine hearts as straw. He addressed the Nightwalkers, saying they acted rightly and stood tall and should have walked under the sun, taking responsibility for getting them involved.

He instructed his subordinate to tell Chu Guihong that from start to finish, the one he wanted to deal with was only Nan Heng himself, challenging him to resolve their conflict in the imperial court with real swords and guns. He added that his brothers were going back with Chu's men today, but if they lost a single hair, he would make Chu Guihong pay back double.

Minister Yan Yi of the Ministry of Justice sought out Song Yude, expressing concern that his office might be implicated now that the Gao family was under investigation, given the Ministry's conclusive judgment on the Jiangnan theft case.

Song Yude dismissed his worries, telling him to handle his cases according to the rules, insisting that if he was clean, he'd be clear, and reminding Yan Yi that while they were from the same cohort of Jinshi, they weren't from the same faction and weren't familiar, effectively telling him not to bother him. In the imperial court, the Emperor was angered by Nan Heng's absence, which caused all the officials to wait.

Nan Rui seized the opportunity, claiming Nan Heng knew the Emperor would hold him accountable and had fled due to fear of punishment. He requested the Emperor immediately order the investigation and confiscation of the Gao family's party officials and their residences, and that the command of the Xuanjia Army should immediately be stripped from Nan Heng's hands. The Emperor asked Song Yude for his opinion.

Song Yude replied that while all military power should be in the Emperor's hands, the Xuanjia Army was built by the Seventh Prince himself, and suddenly removing its command required a proper and justified reason, as any matter needed thorough investigation. Nan Rui dismissed this, saying the news about Chancellor Gao's crimes was already public throughout the capital.

Chu Guihong added fuel to the fire, stating that based on the events at the execution ground, Nan Heng was not only the head of the Gao family's party and held significant military power, but also possessed the Nightwalkers, a martial arts force. He warned that if action wasn't taken soon, troop mutiny/turmoil would happen in the capital sooner or later. Other officials voiced their agreement.

Nan Heng suddenly arrived, commenting that he hadn't realized how much the officials dreaded him. Nan Rui immediately shouted, calling for the Imperial Guards to seize him for forming factions and shielding Chancellor Gao. Nan Heng presented a scroll containing the witnesses and physical evidence for the Jiangnan old case, explaining that he had personally investigated the case three years ago and naturally kept a scroll, which he had just retrieved.

When Chu Guihong questioned the scroll's authenticity, given the original evidence was damaged, and accused Nan Heng of tampering with it as a suspect, Nan Heng challenged him to investigate it together with Minister Yan Yi instead of making baseless accusations. The Emperor asked Nan Heng how Gao Changyin's actions in the case should be judged.

Nan Heng proposed that for embezzling two thousand gold of disaster relief silver, a crime that was real though the money was recovered, Gao Changyin should be stripped of his Prime Minister position and exiled a thousand li according to the laws of Great Jing. Some officials, including Chu Guihong, reacted by suggesting this was a strategy by Nan Heng to silence criticism and distance himself, effectively cutting off his own wings.

Nan Heng knelt, stating that if it weren't for his indulgence, Gao Changyin wouldn't have committed today's offense. He said he came not just to charge Gao Changyin but also to personally admit guilt. He confessed that the Waning River Crescent was built by him, and he was its leader, Li Shiliu.

He admitted to insufficient supervision and poor judgment (deserving 20 lashes), harboring martial arts figures and deceiving reports (adding 20), and indulging the prisoner robbery and causing a disturbance at the execution ground (adding another 20).

He offered to use his position as a Prince as atonement, stating that from then on, he would no longer be a Prince of Great Jing, would not enjoy special privileges, and would only use the Xuanjia Army's full strength to protect the long-term peace of the realm. The officials reacted with surprise, interpreting this as a complete withdrawal from the fight for the Heir Apparent, questioning if he was seeking death.

Song Yude spoke, arguing that the law should be followed according to law, not human emotions, and that the one who made the mistake in the Jiangnan old case was Gao Changyin, not the Seventh Prince. He added that the death row prisoner scheduled for execution was a mistaken judgment, and if not for Nan Heng's benevolence/compassion, he wouldn't have kept his life for three years.

As for the Waning River Crescent, although it exists independently of the court, its actions over the years have all benefited the common people and were not wrong. Minister Yan Yi, prompted by the Emperor to answer truthfully, confirmed that if all written in the scroll was true, the punishment for Gao Changyin should indeed be as Nan Heng proposed according to the Ministry of Justice's precedents.

The Emperor granted Nan Heng's request, stating he would fulfill his devotion to the country, his maternal uncle, and those around him. He ordered 60 lashes and stripped him of his Princely position and half his life. After the flogging was complete, Song Yude observed Nan Heng. Later, Chu Guihong approached Song Yude, asking why he had stood on Nan Heng's side today when he had previously guided him on investigating the Waning River Crescent.

Song Yude denied bias, stating his words were just to prevent Great Jing from falling into chaos. Chu Guihong spoke of his history with Song Yimeng, asking why Song Yude and Song Yimeng had changed and what he had done wrong. Song Yude countered by asking if Chu Guihong, in his eagerness to investigate the execution ground matter to the end, had considered implicating Song Yimeng.

He contrasted this with Nan Heng, who had clarified the Jiangnan old case in one day and taken responsibility for the execution ground disturbance to protect the Nightwalkers and the reputation of Song Yude's two daughters, handling everything airtight.

When Chu Guihong suggested Song Yude was saying he was inferior to Nan Heng, Song Yude corrected him, stating that Nan Heng's actions were merely addressing the matter and quelling the disturbance, whereas Chu Guihong was using the incident as an excuse, aiming at the Xuanjia Army. He concluded their hearts were different, their paths naturally diverged, and Chu Guihong's approach would drag more people into the vortex.

Chu Guihong insisted he had no such intention towards Song Yimeng, that if Nan Heng were brought down, he would ensure no one harmed her, and would marry her with a grand dowry, restoring all her reputation. Song Yude replied that he understood Chu Guihong's helplessness, but all of this ended the day he broke off the engagement with Song Yimeng. He begged Chu Guihong to release Song Yimeng and also release himself.

Song Yimeng returned home, contemplating the upcoming "iconic scenes" described in her script, such as the wedding day stabbing, jumping off the tower, being made into a human pig in the cold palace, and the Song family being annihilated by Nan Heng. She felt that nothing had truly changed. She specially prepared a rich dinner, gathering her family to speak frankly.

She shared her initial negative perceptions of her father as a bureaucratic old sly dog, A Ting as a high-minded white lotus, and her stepmother as an evil stepmother. However, through their interactions, she realized the meaning of family, citing examples like her father secretly preparing ginseng cake, A Ting being straightforward and protective, and her stepmother caring for her like her mother would have. She expressed gratitude and resolved past misunderstandings, particularly with her stepmother Zhou Xueyi.

The family teased her for being dramatic, and they enjoyed a warm, harmonious meal together. Meanwhile, Nan Rui discussed plans to target Nan Heng with the Emperor, who advised patience, stating it wasn't time yet. Nan Rui expressed confidence, feeling that without Chancellor Gao, Nan Heng's strength in civil administration, military skill, and court support could no longer compare to his own.

Chu Guihong argued that the Xuanjia Army on the border and the Nightwalker experts made Nan Heng's faction significant, urging the Emperor to strip him of his military power. He acknowledged Song Yude's point about needing a justified reason and suggested creating one.

He proposed leveraging the deep brother-sister affection between Prime Minister Gao and Noble Consort Niang Niang, suggesting Nan Heng, being usually filial, would have concerns if pressure came from the Noble Consort, potentially forcing him to relinquish his command. Someone arrived at Nan Heng's residence to inform him that Prime Minister Gao wanted to see him in the Imperial Prison. Nan Heng initially refused but then changed his mind, acknowledging Gao Changyin was his maternal uncle.

Despite his injuries, he instructed his subordinate Fu Gui to make thorough arrangements for Gao Changyin's exile journey to ensure he would suffer less, and prepared to leave immediately to see him.

Episode 26 Recap

Having had a bit too much to drink, Song Yude was being helped back to his room. Someone suggested going to get hangover soup while Song Yimeng stayed to look after him. Lying down, Song Yude spoke to his daughter, acknowledging that she intended to leave the capital and knew it was because she wanted to avoid Nan Heng. He felt that misunderstandings should be cleared up, but Song Yimeng explained that the issue was within her own heart.

She couldn't reconcile her feelings for the man who could be both good and bad, making her dislike the part of herself that could no longer trust him. Seeing her struggle, Song Yude agreed to send her to Jiangnan with escorts, assuring her she could return anytime she wished. As Song Yimeng prepared to leave, her maid, Yingqiu, expressed sadness and worry that Song Yimeng wasn't taking her or Zhixia with her, asking who would look after her.

Song Yimeng gently told her that they had their own paths to follow and shouldn't alter them for her. She asked Yingqiu instead to ensure her carriage was comfortable, pack plenty of clothes for all seasons, and prepare lots of delicious food. Suddenly, Nan Heng, injured, entered her room, asking where she was going. Song Yimeng, surprised by his intrusion, responded dismissively that where she went was none of his concern and she would go wherever she pleased.

When he asked if she was abandoning him, she retorted that he had hands and feet and didn't need her care. He insisted he wasn't talking about that and apologized for everything that had happened, pleading for another chance. Song Yimeng pushed him away, accidentally touching his back wound, but refused to give him a chance. She declared she would never again like a liar or be made a fool of.

She bitterly compared meeting him to an unlucky stumble on the road and bad luck she accepted. She sternly ordered the Seventh Prince to leave immediately and never return. When he refused, vowing not to leave no matter what she said, she grew more insistent, telling him to stop bothering her and leave her house immediately. He desperately asked what he needed to do for her to forgive him.

Her chilling reply was for him to disappear completely from her sight and life, and not let her hear his voice or see his face again. He questioned if she wouldn't marry him and wanted to be enemies instead, asking if this was her final answer and if she would never forgive him no matter what he did. Song Yimeng confirmed she would never forgive him, ever.

She challenged him to ask if she liked him (she didn't) or hated him (she did). She stated that if she had known earlier that his different identities belonged to the same person, it wouldn't have changed things for the better; in fact, she would have disliked and hated him even more, perhaps even killed him sooner. She then commanded him to leave. Heartbroken and tearful, Nan Heng turned and left. After Nan Heng left, Song Yimeng was visibly upset.

When Yingqiu entered, offering refreshments, she noticed Song Yimeng crying, who quickly dismissed it as the wind bothering her eyes. Meanwhile, outside the Song residence, Nan Heng, referred to as General, instructed one of his men, Fugui, to keep an eye on the Song Residence and ensure Song Yimeng's safety wherever she went. News reached Nan Heng that the Noble Consort was seeking an audience with the Emperor to plead for Chancellor Gao.

The Noble Consort, Rong Hua, arrived at the late Empress's palace and tearfully begged the Emperor for mercy for her brother, Gao Changyin, stating he was too old for the harsh conditions of exile in Liangzhou. She offered to relinquish her title and guard the imperial tomb if he would spare her brother's life. The Emperor stated he would spare Gao Changyin only if Nan Heng surrendered the Xuanjia Army's command token.

Rong Hua argued that without the token, the 'wolves' in court would harm Nan Heng. The Emperor countered that the true 'wolves' keeping him awake at night were Nan Heng and Gao Changyin. Rong Hua accepted the blame for everything, asking for death, just as Nan Heng suddenly entered, against the eunuch's attempts to stop him. He told his mother not to blame herself, taking all responsibility and urging the Emperor not to punish her.

The Emperor was furious at their audacity in the Empress's palace, blaming Nan Heng for the Empress's death and stating he would have killed him long ago if he weren't his son. Nan Heng accepted the rebuke, thanking the Emperor for his mercy.

The Emperor then explicitly stated that the Crown Prince position was reserved for Nan Rui and offered Nan Heng a deal: surrender the Xuanjia Army token, and he would ensure Rong Hua's safety for life, with no one daring to interfere with them again. Nan Heng refused, explaining that only the Xuanjia Army could protect his mother and they relied on their swords to survive.

The Emperor, angered by his defiance, declared he would keep Nan Heng soft-confined in the capital, where he would spend the rest of his life barely surviving under the Emperor's watch. Nan Heng accepted the confinement. After they left, the eunuch expressed worry to the Emperor about Nan Heng's power and potential for rebellion, but the Emperor dismissed his concern, stating his son was not his concern.

Later, in the imperial prison, Gao Changyin was served what was presumably his last meal before exile. A messenger informed him that the Seventh Prince was too busy with official matters to see him off. Gao Changyin acknowledged this, noting that Nan Heng was decisive when needed, as expected of the prince he had trained.

As the prison cart prepared to depart, Chu Guihong stopped it, stating he had a matter to ask Gao Changyin before they parted ways, possibly forever. He questioned Gao Changyin about a handwritten letter sent by a scout to Youcheng during the critical Pingrong battle years ago, pleading with Nan Heng to send Xuanjia Army reinforcements to save Pingrong City. Chu Guihong stated the letter offered to resolve their past grievances if Nan Heng helped defend the borders and people.

Gao Changyin admitted to seeing the letter, explaining that such evidence had to be thoroughly destroyed to frame Chu Guihong for the battle's loss. He then remarked that he had raised Nan Heng for over twenty years, yet when his own interests were involved, Nan Heng abandoned him, showing his ambitious character. He suggested Chu Guihong was naive to still harbor illusions about him, implying that's why Chu Guihong lost.

Just after the prison cart departed, it exploded violently a short distance away. Meanwhile, under the cover of darkness, Song Yimeng's carriage set out from the Song residence, though the carriage had been secretly swapped. Masked assailants attacked, killing the Xuanjia guards escorting her. A surviving guard managed to report back to Nan Heng, conveying that Miss Song was in danger in Huyang Forest. Nan Heng immediately rushed to her aid. Song Yimeng's carriage stopped abruptly.

Realizing they were in the Huyang Bamboo Forest, she recalled this location from the original plot, where Nan Heng had staged an assassination attempt as a ploy to rescue her and win her back. She wondered what the situation was now. As masked figures closed in, deciding they meant to kill her, she decided to flee. She was chased but Nan Heng arrived, stating he was late. The attackers pursued them, and they were forced towards a cliff.

Nan Heng told her to take a smaller path and escape while he stayed to cover her. Song Yimeng initially ran, thinking to herself that Nan Heng, as the male lead with plot armor, wouldn't die and she would only be a hindrance. However, she became worried and returned, calling out to him to jump down with her.

Despite his hesitation, arguing they would die, she urged him to trust her, believing that in this script world, jumping off a cliff wouldn't kill them. They jumped together. Back at the explosion site, Chu Guihong examined the debris, noting the use of petroleum and concluding that Gao Changyin was surely dead, estimating it had been set up beforehand. The person with him remarked on Nan Heng's ruthlessness in killing his own uncle.

Chu Guihong acknowledged that this ruthless act, eliminating the problem at the root, fit Gao Changyin's earlier assessment of Nan Heng. He ordered his men to recover the body, vowing to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure Nan Heng wouldn't have another opportunity to act. Song Yimeng and Nan Heng landed in the water at the bottom of the cliff. She managed to drag him onto the bank, but he was unresponsive.

Hitting his chest and crying, she desperately pleaded with him to wake up, telling him he couldn't die before she had even forgiven him, accusing him of being a liar and fake hero if he died. Nan Heng finally stirred, coughing up water and waking up. He noted the area was exposed and they needed to find shelter before the assassins caught up again. They found a cave.

Song Yimeng noticed his hand was bleeding and asked about it, accusing him of getting injured because of her. He dismissed her concern, commenting that maybe it would be better if he died, then she wouldn't cry and still refuse to forgive him. Inside the cave, Song Yimeng worried about the cold and his injuries, questioning if they could survive. Nan Heng assured her that Fugui and the Xuanjia Army would find them by dawn at the latest.

She suggested gathering branches and a thick stick to make a fire by drilling wood. When he understood what she meant, she questioned if he was capable. He challenged her to try if she didn't think so, which she declined. After trying for half an hour, he successfully started a fire. He seemed proud, but she teased him about how long it took compared to protagonists in other dramas who start fires instantly.

He retorted by asking if her script mentioned that jumping off a cliff could kill you. She replied she only got injured, which was due to the assassins, and besides, she'd never seen a protagonist in a costume drama die from a cliff jump, mentioning 'plot armor'. He didn't understand what she meant. She then asked if the assassins were sent by him, and he denied it. She simply said she knew he wasn't the culprit.

He then asked why she came back to save him. She replied that she had made a bet with herself, and he asked what the bet was and if she had won.

Episode 27 Recap

After finding shelter, Nan Heng confessed his love for Song Yimeng, seeking her forgiveness and proposing marriage. Song Yimeng retorted that he was dreaming, reminding him he had once considered killing her. Nan Heng admitted this but claimed his feelings changed after the Lantern Festival, and he no longer harbored killing intent. He expressed his distress over deceiving her but explained it stemmed from his fear of losing her.

He couldn't understand why she valued him as Li Shiliu but saw Nan Heng negatively. Song Yimeng, hiding her tears, stated a happy ending for them was impossible. Nan Heng was unsure of her hesitations, believing destiny was in his hands and achievable through effort. Song Yimeng's concern was that when Nan Heng achieved his goals, the Song family would suffer.

She revealed her parents died saving her in a fire when she was a child and she couldn't bear to lose the family she had in this world. Nan Heng didn't understand, thinking she was making excuses to reject him, and questioned why she had saved him if their outcome was predetermined. Fugui and Xuanjia Army soldiers searched through the night and found them beneath the cliff. Upon learning Song Yimeng had been pursued, Song Yude became extremely worried.

Nan Heng exaggerated the events, describing being chased by nearly a hundred skilled assassins, being forced to jump off a cliff to survive, and even showing a minor injury. Hearing this, Song Yude forbade Song Yimeng from traveling to Jiangnan and confined her to the Song Residence for her safety, ordering increased guards around her courtyard, Laiyi House. Song Yiting also urged Nan Heng to quickly find the culprits.

Song Yimeng accused Nan Heng of making a fuss and exaggerating to keep her confined, understanding his motives. Nan Heng insisted on investigating the assassins for her safety, which Song Yimeng dismissed as a necessary plot point from the "script."

Just then, Fugui arrived with urgent news: Gao Changyin's prison cart exploded, and Chu Guihong had taken his body to the capital prefecture's office and subsequently gone to the palace to report to the Emperor before the Ministry of Justice could intervene. Nan Heng immediately returned to his residence. His subordinates, including Yan Yi and Yao Qian, were waiting. Yao Qian explained the sudden appearance of Chu Guihong at the escort.

Nan Heng questioned why Yao Qian hadn't monitored the Qianyu Army more closely. Nan Heng then ordered Yao Qian to instruct the Gao family to retrieve the body from the capital prefecture's office as next of kin. Yan Yi expressed suspicion regarding Chu Guihong's actions and worried they could harm Nan Heng. Others suggested using Gao's death to accuse Chu Guihong and the Qianyu Army of negligence in escorting a high official to force the Emperor to punish Chu.

Yan Yi countered that stabilizing the political situation left by Gao was the immediate priority. Nan Heng ended the discussion, stating he would make his own decisions and dismissing them. After they left, Fugui commented on how quickly officials who had previously served Gao Changyin changed their loyalties. Nan Heng remarked this was typical in power struggles where life and death were secondary.

Fugui then reported that while they hadn't identified the assassins, the weapons and traps found in the cave where Nan Heng and Song Yimeng hid had been placed there two years prior under Nan Heng's orders as Li Shiliu by Alóng and Ahǔ to move weapons from the Residual River Moon when it was almost exposed. Alóng found the cave, and Ahǔ set the traps using Xuanjia Army methods potentially to implicate Nan Heng.

Nan Heng instructed Fugui to halt the assassin investigation for the moment and instead pressure Chu Guihong to release Shangguan He and others from the capital prefecture's prison. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong reported to the Emperor, accusing Nan Heng of assassinating Gao Changyin to silence him regarding Nan Heng's alleged manipulations during the Pingrong Battle. He requested the Emperor reopen the Pingrong Battle investigation to dismantle Nan Heng's power.

The Emperor stated Gao Changyin's dying words were insufficient evidence to reopen the case and ordered Chu Guihong to first focus on finding Gao's killer. Chu Guihong vowed to pursue both investigations to clear his father's and the Qianyu Army's name and remove Nan Heng's influence. Afterward, Chu Guihong instructed Rong Hua to investigate the backgrounds of the Nightwalkers from the Residual River Moon, suspecting fugitives from the Pingrong Battle might be hiding among them.

Chu Guihong then personally went to the capital prefecture's office to oversee the release of Shangguan He and the others. He advised Shangguan He against trusting Nan Heng and invited him to join his side when he was ready to abandon Nan Heng's path. Shangguan He politely refused. As Shangguan He was being processed for release, Song Yiting arrived, prompting Shangguan He to humorously wish he could return to prison.

Rong Hua began a detailed interrogation process for each Nightwalker, using an "electronic spreadsheet" method he credited to "Big Sister-in-law" (Song Yimeng), even selling the method to Poyunlong for ten taels of gold. Song Yiting interrupted, declaring she needed Shangguan He to accompany her to meet her parents regarding the Zijin Pavilion incident, framing it as a discussion about marriage. Shangguan He was visibly startled.

At his residence, Nan Heng discussed his suspicions with Fugui, believing Gao Changyin might have faked his death and was the mastermind behind the assassins. He also suspected Gao had people within the Xuanjia Army assisting his escape. Deciding to use the Nightwalkers to uncover Gao's hidden influence, but concerned about alerting Gao's potential spies within the Xuanjia Army, he chose to send Poyunlong and Duanshanhu for this task.

He assigned Shangguan He, whom he deemed unsuitable for the investigation, another task: staying at the Song Residence. Song Yiting, shrewdly deducing that Nan Heng had sent Shangguan He to monitor Song Yimeng, agreed to let him stay but on the condition that he be available whenever she summoned him, offering him lodging, maids, clothes, food, stipend, and days off in exchange for his "services."

Song Yimeng learned of Gao Changyin's death from Hu Da, her father's attendant, and was shocked, noting how easily the major villain from the original plot had died. Song Yude confirmed the news and warned her not to see Nan Heng due to capital rumors that Nan Heng was responsible. Song Yude mentioned the cause of death involved flammable oil and thunder bombs.

Hearing "flammable oil," Song Yimeng found it familiar and reviewed a border battle report, recalling Nan Heng used flammable oil to burn an enemy granary during a victory at Youcheng. Despite this connection, she insisted Nan Heng would not kill Gao Changyin. Song Yude worried about potential turmoil in Great Jing if the rumors were true. Separately, Nan Rui visited Chu Guihong, bringing a basket of red tangerines.

Inside the basket, Chu Guihong discovered a piece of fabric matching the material of the Qianyu Army's border winter uniforms. He inquired where Nan Rui bought the tangerines, and Nan Rui led him to the market. While there, Chu Guihong spotted a face that seemed familiar. Elsewhere, a character referred to as "Shaojiangjun" sent a message via Lu Yi towards Youcheng.

Meanwhile, Poyunlong identified a specific mark on one of the deceased assassins from the cliff as belonging to the Kou Gang. Posing as businessmen with Duanshanhu, they sought a meeting with the Kou Gang boss to propose a "big business" involving murder. After showing their "sincerity" with currency circulated among the powerful and noble, the Kou Gang agreed to a meeting that night in Jiangsong Forest.

Episode 28 Recap

Chu Guihong spotted a familiar face and recognized him as Lu Yi, a scout from the Qianyu Army Sixth Battalion. Rushing forward, he intended to strike him, but Nan Rui quickly intervened. Upon learning that Lu Yi was the one who had delivered the request for reinforcements, Chu Guihong accused him of being a deserter who had selfishly survived while his comrades died.

Lu Yi, pretending to be pitiful, apologized and claimed he was forced by Nan Heng, who had threatened his wife and children. A flashback revealed the tense moments before the Pingrong Battle, when soldiers learned the Xuanjia Army was not coming and blamed Chu Guihong for trusting Nan Heng, calling him the "God of Death." At the time, Chu Guihong had planned a daring night assassination of the enemy commander, Fang Shiming, to turn the tide.

Now, speaking of the twenty thousand Qianyu soldiers who died unjustly and bore the shame of defeat because Nan Heng had not sent aid during the Pingrong Battle, Chu Guihong demanded to know if Lu Yi had delivered the letter and if Nan Heng was responsible for the deaths of his father and comrades.

Lu Yi claimed he had delivered the letter, that Nan Heng had received it, and had deliberately planned for the two armies to be annihilated to claim sole military honors. He reiterated that Nan Heng had threatened his family, leaving him no choice. Chu Guihong was enraged by this confession and questioned Lu Yi about his current life in the capital. Lu Yi expressed remorse and begged Chu Guihong to kill him.

Nan Rui intervened again, urging Chu Guihong to spare Lu Yi so he could testify against Nan Heng. Lu Yi requested four hours to arrange his family's affairs and agreed to meet Chu Guihong at Jiangsong Forest outside the city at midnight to provide his testimony. Armed with the complete files from the Qianyu Army regarding the Pingrong Battle, Chu Guihong believed he now had a witness and only needed Lu Yi's testimony to bring down Nan Heng.

Nan Rui, however, found Lu Yi's sudden appearance suspicious and suggested investigating his whereabouts since Pingrong and the people he had met, questioning if he might not be telling the truth. Chu Guihong dismissed his concerns, stating the Qianyu Army never lies and that Nan Rui couldn't understand his experience. He declared his intent to clear the Qianyu Army's name and eliminate Nan Heng's faction, promising Nan Rui the path to the throne.

Nan Rui remained hesitant, but Chu Guihong left for the forest as planned, and Nan Rui followed him. At midnight in Jiangsong Forest, Yunlong and Shanhu were waiting, expecting someone from Kou Gang, but no one appeared. They heard a noise, went to investigate, and discovered a body on the ground – it was Lu Yi. Realizing the danger, Yunlong prepared to retreat, but they were immediately confronted by Chu Guihong and his men.

Chu Guihong instantly accused Yunlong and Shanhu of killing Lu Yi, convinced Nan Heng had ordered them to silence the witness. Yunlong and Shanhu vehemently denied knowing Lu Yi, stating they were merely passing by and found him already dead. Despite their denials, Chu Guihong brought Yunlong and Shanhu back to the capital prefecture's office and subjected them to torture.

Chu Guihong stated that the identity of Lu Yi's killer was unimportant; he only needed witnesses to convince the Emperor that Nan Heng killed the messenger, thereby planting the seed of doubt that Nan Heng was responsible for the Pingrong defeat. Nan Rui expressed concern for Yunlong and Shanhu's well-being and questioned their guilt. Chu Guihong, however, became increasingly fixated on his goal, comparing his plan to how the Jiangnan case was reopened due to Shangguan He's involvement.

Nan Rui was horrified by Chu Guihong's use of torture and accused him of changing and becoming like Nan Heng. Chu Guihong retorted that he had not faced the same betrayal and loss of father and comrades before. He criticized Nan Rui as someone who only knew how to talk and hide, claiming everything he had done, both on the battlefield and at the capital prefecture, was solely to pave the way for Nan Rui.

Nan Rui was shocked by this assertion, arguing that he had fought for the stability of the Great Jing and the safety of its people. Chu Guihong dismissed him, calling him a "clean and pure little prince." He then demanded Nan Rui testify about meeting Lu Yi, calling him his only hope for overturning the case, and threatened to sever their relationship if Nan Rui refused. Nan Rui left, visibly distressed.

Jixiang offered his support, and Nan Rui resolved that he could not let Chu Guihong make a mistake and would prevent him from stepping into the fire pit. Meanwhile, Song Yiting relentlessly challenged Shangguan He to chess games daily, pushing him to exhaustion. She brought up the subject of marriage again, making Shangguan He feel desperate.

Shangguan He later complained to Song Yimeng about Yiting's intensity, comparing her dedication to the relentless pursuit of art to Nan Heng's ambition and drive in politics, calling Nan Heng "Great Jing's most competitive person."

Shangguan He revealed that Nan Heng had sent him to stay at the Song residence following the assassination attempt related to the Waning River Crescent events, effectively making him a "household guard," and complained about being caught in the middle of Nan Heng's and Song Yimeng's complicated relationship. He reflected on the desire for a peaceful life versus the necessity of risking for someone, questioning if one could truly control their heart's desires.

Concurrently, High Chancellor Gao was revealed to be alive. He confirmed that Lu Yi was dead and Yunlong and Shanhu had been successfully lured to the scene as planned, drawing Chu Guihong into his scheme. Gao explained that he orchestrated this to make Nan Heng isolated and ruthless, believing that reaching the "pinnacle of power" requires solitude and abandoning personal ties.

He recalled a past conversation with a young Nan Heng who showed compassion towards a melon, which solidified Gao's belief that Nan Heng needed to develop ruthlessness to bear the burden of ruling the empire. Gao stated that everything he had planned and executed was for Nan Heng, the Gao family, and ultimately, for the empire.

Back at the Ministry of War, Chu Guihong attempted to forcefully alter the official war records related to the Pingrong Battle to highlight Nan Heng's alleged failure. Song Yude intervened, stating that the records were meticulously confirmed by multiple officials and could not be changed based on one-sided claims, accusing Chu Guihong of using his position for a personal vendetta.

Chu Guihong argued that the current records only reflected Nan Heng's perspective and accused Song Yude of submitting to Nan Heng's authority. He demanded the files, stating he would bear the consequences himself. Song Yimeng arrived and told Chu Guihong to stop, explaining that the Song family had no desire to be drawn into his dispute with Nan Heng. Chu Guihong accused her of siding with Nan Heng, despite their past support for him.

Song Yimeng challenged his view, suggesting that the death of the twenty thousand soldiers could have been due to fate, war, or even his own shortcomings as a commander, and accused him of pushing all the blame onto Nan Heng to avoid his own responsibility. Song Yude stepped in to end the argument, telling Chu Guihong that the Song family would not get involved and that affairs of the Ministry of War were not for him to meddle with.

He ordered Chu Guihong to leave. Later, Song Yimeng asked Song Yude about the impending Three Bureaus' Joint Interrogation regarding Nan Heng and the Pingrong case. Song Yude explained its significance, requiring the Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, and Censorate to preside due to Nan Heng's status and the gravity of the case involving the deaths of twenty thousand soldiers.

He noted that the Minister of Justice, along with many civil officials in the Censorate and Court of Judicial Review, were previously under High Chancellor Gao's influence, and with Gao's death, these forces were now effectively aligned with Nan Heng. Song Yimeng understood Chu Guihong's focus on the war records in light of this. She asked if Nan Heng would be safe given the circumstances.

Song Yude replied that the situation was complex for Nan Heng, describing it as being under "dark clouds blocking the sun and the moon sinking below the horizon," implying that despite his alignment with key officials, Nan Heng faced significant danger in the upcoming trial. In a final attempt, Nan Rui visited Nan Heng, offering him wine. He questioned Nan Heng about the deaths of High Chancellor Gao and Lu Yi.

Nan Heng denied both, particularly refuting the claim he received the request for reinforcements, calling it Chu Guihong's fabrication for his own failure. Nan Rui mentioned Gao speaking to Chu Guihong before his death, which piqued Nan Heng's interest. Nan Rui, observing the manipulative nature of the events (like using his and Chu Guihong's conflict), inferred that someone was orchestrating the situation.

He then made his desperate plea, asking Nan Heng to admit to the Pingrong crime to stop Chu Guihong, who was becoming obsessed and manipulated by a hidden hand. Nan Rui even offered to abdicate the throne immediately if Nan Heng confessed. Nan Heng was struck by Nan Rui's unwavering loyalty to Chu Guihong but firmly refused to admit to something he did not do, finding the request disrespectful.

He questioned Nan Rui's understanding of familial bonds, pointing out his earlier statement about Chu Guihong being his "only brother" while Nan Heng was his biological brother. Nan Rui acknowledged his own perceived foolishness but stated that losing Chu Guihong was a greater loss than losing the throne. Nan Heng remarked that Chu Guihong was fortunate to have such a brother but reiterated that the matter of succession was not theirs to decide, and he would not confess to falsehoods. He ordered Nan Rui to be escorted out.

Episode 29 Recap

The Emperor summoned Minister Yan and instructed him that at the joint interrogation regarding the Pingrong Battle, the truth presented must be the truth that he desired. Meanwhile, Yao Qian was taken to a small room where he discovered High Chancellor Gao Changyin was alive. High Chancellor Gao gave Yao Qian fabricated evidence and instructed him to attend the joint interrogation the next day to present it and testify against the Seventh Prince, Nan Heng.

Early the next morning, men from the Capital Prefecture, led by Capital Prefect Chu Guihong, arrived at Nan Heng's residence to arrest him as a suspect in a murder case. Nan Heng's steward, Fugui, informed them that Nan Heng was not there, adding that someone seeking to frame another will always find a way. Nan Heng had already gone directly to the Ministry of Justice hall for the joint interrogation.

At the hearing, Nan Heng confronted Chu Guihong, accusing him of fabricating evidence and using torture. He produced blood-stained clothes, claiming they were proof that his men, A'long and A'hu, had been tortured in the Jingzhao Mansion Prison by Chu Guihong. Nan Heng stated he had rescued A'long and A'hu and sent them for medical treatment, acknowledging that entering the prison and freeing prisoners was a capital offense, but insisted he would not flee from crimes he committed.

He refused to be framed by Chu Guihong's fabricated evidence, stating he did not want any Great Jing citizen to die due to schemes. Chu Guihong countered Nan Heng's accusations. He claimed that Nan Heng, fearing exposure of his collusion with the traitorous Qianyu scout Lu Yi during the Pingrong Battle (specifically, concealing a request for help from the Qianyu Army), had ordered A'long and A'hu to assassinate Lu Yi to silence him.

Chu Guihong presented purported confessions from A'long and A'hu as proof. Nan Heng argued that if A'long and A'hu were truly his loyal men, as Chu Guihong claimed they would say whatever he told them to, they wouldn't have testified against him unless they were tortured into confessing or the evidence was fabricated. Song Yimeng, upon hearing that Nan Heng was in trouble, frantically searched for evidence to prove his innocence. She found old letters from Chu Guihong.

In one letter, written just five days before the Pingrong Battle, Chu Guihong's father mentioned placing spies around Nan Heng in Youcheng to monitor his every move. Song Yimeng realized this letter proved Nan Heng was under surveillance at the time and could not have colluded with outsiders without being discovered. Determined to clear Nan Heng's name, she rushed to the Ministry of Justice hearing, seeking justice and the truth for him.

During the hearing, Nan Heng questioned Minister Song Yude about the Pingrong Battle. Minister Song recalled the events of November 2nd, four years prior, when the Heyuan army attacked Pingrong City, holding a hundred civilians hostage. The Qianyu King's army was trapped, and Chu Guihong was captured after a failed night raid. The next day, Heyuan forces advanced to Youcheng.

Nan Heng pointed out the peculiarity, asking why, with 40,000 Qianyu troops supposedly focused on Pingrong due to its open terrain, Xing City and Ji City were attacked first, as if the enemy knew the exact military deployment. He suspected someone had leaked this confidential information. Chu Guihong insisted there were no traitors in the Qianyu Army, but Nan Heng brought up Lu Yi, the Qianyu scout Chu Guihong himself called a traitor.

Nan Heng then speculated that a mere traitor like Lu Yi couldn't have returned to the capital and disappeared so easily alone, suggesting a more powerful mastermind was behind the betrayal and subsequent manipulation. Nan Heng accused Chu Guihong of falling for the schemer's plot and helping cover up the truth by fabricating evidence to frame him. Chu Guihong retorted, calling Nan Heng a cruel and ruthless villain. Song Yimeng arrived, forcefully entering the hall to spectate the trial.

She presented the letter written by Chu Guihong, but he denied writing it and tore it up, accusing Song Yimeng of fabricating evidence. Chu Guihong then twisted the accusation, claiming Nan Heng colluded with the enemy, let them in, and used the Heyuan army to eliminate the Qianyu Army's influence. Song Yimeng loudly denounced Chu Guihong's lies and fabrications. Chu Guihong pressed Minister Yan, the presiding judge, to quickly pass judgment. Nan Rui suddenly intervened, speaking up for Nan Heng.

He argued that his father, the Emperor, always taught them to rely on evidence, and without solid proof, Nan Heng should not be convicted. He became emotional, telling the Emperor that people called him foolish because he relied on his father's favor, but he didn't want this kind of help, stating that gaining military command through such means would mean losing the trust of the people.

Yao Qian then dramatically entered the court, claiming to bring evidence of Nan Heng's collaboration with Heyuan. He presented what he alleged were letters exchanged between Nan Heng and the enemy, stating he had witnessed them and was risking his life for justice. Chu Guihong was pleased and ordered Nan Heng's arrest. Just then, Eunuch Liu arrived with an imperial decree.

The decree stated that Nan Heng, commander of the Xuanjia Army, had colluded with Heyuan and committed treason, and ordered him to be imprisoned pending further orders. Song Yimeng urged Nan Heng not to confess to something he didn't do. Nan Heng told her her trust was enough. After Nan Heng was imprisoned, High Chancellor Gao Changyin appeared to him.

He revealed he had faked his death and orchestrated the events, having planted men in both the Xuanjia and Qianyu armies, as well as having 3,000 private soldiers hidden outside the city. He told Nan Heng he had pushed him into this corner precisely to force him to seize the throne and stage a rebellion. Nan Heng confronted High Chancellor Gao, asking if he was responsible for the death of Nan Heng's mother, the Empress.

High Chancellor Gao admitted he killed her, claiming it was necessary for the Gao family's advancement. He expressed satisfaction that Nan Heng finally possessed the ruthlessness needed to ascend to power and offered Nan Heng his support and forces to launch an attack on the palace. Unbeknownst to them, the Emperor was secretly listening to their conversation. He finally learned the truth: High Chancellor Gao Changyin was the mastermind behind the schemes and treason, and Nan Heng was not involved.

It was then revealed that Nan Heng had met with the Emperor beforehand and suggested they stage a setup together to lure High Chancellor Gao out. As a wager for the plan, Nan Heng offered to relinquish his Xuanjia Army command token and withdraw from politics if the plan failed. After hearing Gao Changyin's confession, the Emperor ordered High Chancellor Gao's arrest and later execution for his crimes.

Meanwhile, Song Yimeng began kneeling outside the palace gates in the snow, petitioning the Emperor for Nan Heng's case to be reviewed. She wrote about Nan Heng's twelve years of service with the Xuanjia Army, his care for the people, and his numerous contributions during conflicts like the Jinyang Mutiny, the Battle of Tancheng, and the war with Dongshuo, which brought years of peace.

The Emperor refused to see her immediately, wanting to test her resolve, but instructed his eunuch to ensure she didn't freeze in the snow. A final imperial decree declared High Chancellor Gao Changyin and his accomplices guilty of treason, responsible for the deaths of 20,000 Qianyu soldiers. Their property was confiscated, they were exiled to the north, and all their titles were stripped as a warning to all officials.

Episode 30 Recap

The defeat at the Pingrong Battle brought sorrow to the entire country. Gao Changyin and his involved followers were accused of grave crimes, their property was confiscated, and they were sentenced to exile in the northern borders, stripped of all official ranks and titles. Nan Heng visited Gao Changyin in prison. Gao Changyin asked about the Noble Consort, expressing regret for bringing his frail sister into the palace for the Gao family's glory, which led to her lifelong hardship.

Nan Heng reassured him that the Noble Consort was fine, guarded by royal physicians, and promised he would use his own methods to protect her and the Gao family. He knelt and asked his uncle to rest assured. As Nan Heng left, he recalled his uncle's past advice not to let emotions become a weakness. Gao Changyin expressed no regrets for his life.

Nan Heng reflected on his uncle's words, thinking that his father's love and Chu Guihong's companionship were fleeting; giving them his heart would give them the power to hurt him. He resolved to become strong on his own and fight for his future, protecting his mother and the Gao family who genuinely cared for him. Following the Emperor's decree, Gao Changyin consumed poisoned wine and died.

The Emperor announced that the 20,000 Qianyu Army soldiers, who died unjustly, were to be honored, granted the highest rank, and buried properly. A lantern ceremony would be held in the capital that day for citizens to mourn and console the spirits of the martyrs, clearing the army's name. Chu Guihong attended the ceremony, thinking of his fallen comrades and father.

Even after the truth of the Pingrong case was revealed, Chu Guihong still confronted Nan Heng, accusing him of being the real culprit and feigning guilt. He demanded that Nan Heng pay the price. Nan Heng stated he would make amends on behalf of the Gao family for what his uncle owed Chu Guihong and the Qianyu Army. Chu Guihong refused to forgive him, declaring they would always be enemies.

Nan Rui released lanterns on the river, wondering if the deceased could receive them. He thought about his past prayers to his mother to surpass Nan Heng and felt grateful that they weren't answered, realizing Nan Heng was better suited for the position of crown prince. Jixiang sighed, and Nan Rui, misunderstanding, promised Jixiang would receive his salary even if he couldn't become chief steward.

Jixiang revealed he wasn't an eunuch and therefore couldn't be chief steward, causing Nan Rui embarrassment. Nan Rui then invited Jixiang to release more lanterns with him. Shangguan He sought out Song Yimeng, complaining about potentially losing his position as Second Master of the Waning River Crescent because the chief might leave. He implied she could help him keep his job by talking to Nan Heng.

Song Yimeng dismissed his worries, stating that the chief (Nan Heng) wouldn't leave because it was part of the story's "plot." She advised him to accept his situation, suggesting being married into the wealthy Song family was a good outcome and that selling his plight wouldn't work with her. Nan Heng returned the command token to the Emperor. The Emperor asked why Nan Heng never explained his role in the late Empress's death years ago.

Nan Heng tried to explain that he had when he was young, but the Emperor hadn't believed him. He instinctively knelt and admitted fault. The Emperor, showing understanding and knowing Nan Heng hated him, told him to hold onto the token for now, revealing that their setup was purely to trap Gao Changyin, which was now accomplished. He promised not to pursue the matter further.

However, Nan Heng stated he had realized that his uncle's great crimes stemmed from greed for power, and his own involvement meant his hands were not clean, making him unqualified to pursue the throne. Angered by Nan Heng's desire to retire, the Emperor threw an imperial edict at him, declaring him the Crown Prince. He mentioned Nan Rui had visited him and admitted his inferiority in governing, advocating for Nan Heng.

The Emperor insisted Nan Heng's path to atonement was not towards him, but towards Great Jing and its people. He ordered Nan Heng to accept the title and leave. Nan Heng bowed and left. The Emperor then asked Nan Heng if he liked Song Yimeng, and Nan Heng affirmed that he did. Returning to his mansion, Nan Rui was waiting.

Nan Rui sincerely apologized for misunderstanding and being hostile towards Nan Heng regarding the Empress's death, even offering his properties as compensation. Nan Heng said he didn't need anything and acknowledged that Nan Rui was justified in blaming him, as his mother had indeed died because of the Gao family.

Nan Rui reiterated that Nan Heng was the most suitable person for Crown Prince, possessing both a pure heart and the intelligence to fight evil and protect the people, which he himself lacked. They reconciled and drank together. Nan Rui asked if he could continue to call him "Seventh Brother" for a while longer before officially switching to a more respectful address, as he felt immediately changing the address was unfair to his cousin (Chu Guihong), and Nan Heng agreed.

Meanwhile, Chu Guihong was seen drinking alone, feeling betrayed by Nan Rui, and ruminating that loyalties easily change. However, he then thought that one must always look forward, and as long as Nan Heng could confess his guilt, the rest didn't matter. Upon hearing that Nan Heng was to become Crown Prince, Shanhu alerted Yan and Huang to prepare a celebratory feast. Shangguan He was excited, believing the Nightwalkers would no longer be mere outsiders from the martial arts world.

Fugui arrived with uniforms, intending to absorb the Nightwalkers into the Xuanjia Army, suggesting they start as cooks. Shangguan He strongly objected, leading to a heated argument with Fugui, with both men insulting each other and asserting their own value to Nan Heng. Song Yiting mentioned Nan Heng's new title and Song Yimeng's impending marriage. Song Yimeng, worried about the "plot" advancing, decided to leave quickly.

Shangguan He reported her plan to Nan Heng and then schemed with Song Yiting to trick Song Yimeng into staying. He staged a scene for Song Yimeng to overhear, telling Song Yiting that the Waning River Crescent was being disbanded and he would no longer be Second Master, making him unable to provide for her. Song Yimeng, overhearing this, believed the Waning River Crescent was in trouble.

Song Yiting, touched by Shangguan He's performance, unexpectedly kissed him, causing him to react with surprise about the "added kiss scene." Song Yiting playfully suggested the act wasn't entirely up to him and that his emotional words required payment. Song Yimeng prepared to go to the Waning River Crescent to investigate.

Yingqiu warned her that the situation seemed suspicious, possibly a trap set by Nan Heng's people to lure her there, having learned from Song Yimeng's frequent mentions of the "script." Song Yimeng acknowledged the possibility but decided to go anyway. At the Waning River Crescent premises, A Long and A Hu, along with other Nightwalkers, put on a performance, crying and begging for help upon Song Yimeng's arrival, claiming Nan Heng was abandoning them. Song Yimeng expressed sympathy for them and declared she would go find Nan Heng to reason with him.

Episode 31 Recap

Song Yimeng arrived at Waning River Crescent looking for Nan Heng and found a land deed for the property, along with unusual animals – a dog that looked like a cat and a cat that looked like a dog. She reflected that everything she had wished for, Nan Heng was bringing to life.

Suddenly, Nan Heng appeared, riding what he described as the closest representation he could find of a "Heavenly Horse that can fly," as mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Wearing a rabbit mask, he confessed his feelings again, presenting her with the deed to Waning River Crescent and his own salary. He vowed to cherish her always, ensuring she would never have to do needlework or be mistreated, and asked for another chance to marry him.

Others witnessing the scene, including Shangguan He, were moved, believing Song Yimeng would accept. With tears in her eyes, Song Yimeng refused, pleading with Nan Heng to stop doing these things for her because she truly could not marry him. She then ran away, and Nan Heng pursued her, desperate to understand her reason.

Song Yimeng showed him a copy of the script, pointing out specific "iconic scenes," and explained that their world was merely a storybook, with events predetermined by the script leading to an unchangeable ending. Nan Heng was bewildered and struggled to believe their reality was fake.

Song Yimeng reminded him that her detailed knowledge of future events, such as his secrets like the method for forging knives, the fire during the Lantern Festival, and the Zijin Pavilion incident, came from having read the script. She also pointed out how he was uncontrollably compelled to save her whenever she was in danger, and how typing sounds appeared in their minds when the plot deviated, always pulling the story back to the main track.

She revealed that she was the female lead inexplicably dragged into this world and that her refusal to marry him and desire to leave was to protect the Song family from potentially being executed, referencing a fate described in the script if they remained together. Nan Heng, finding it hard to fully comprehend her words about the storybook world, asked for time to think and begged her to stay.

Meanwhile, the Emperor played chess with Song Yude, praising his improved skill. Using Song Yude's win as leverage, the Emperor brought up Song Yimeng's marriage. He assumed Song Yude was hesitant about Nan Heng, pointing out Nan Heng's virtues as the newly appointed Crown Prince in scholarship, martial arts, and character, and stating that given Song Yimeng's past betrothal to Chu Guihong, Nan Heng was the most suitable match now.

Song Yude explained that he understood his daughter's difficult temper and felt she was not fit to be the future Empress. The Emperor, however, dismissed his concerns, saying he now saw her openness as a positive trait and believed it was up to parents to give young lovers a push after all they had been through. Song Yude remained conflicted. Nan Rui went to Qianyu Mansion to see his cousin Chu Guihong and stumbled upon Rong Hua handling weapons.

Assuming they were planning to assassinate the Crown Prince Nan Heng, Nan Rui frantically tried to dissuade them. Chu Guihong dismissed Nan Rui's concerns as nonsense and lashed out, accusing him of never truly helping him or standing with him. He called Nan Rui incapable and told him to go back to hiding behind others like he used to. Jixiang, present during the confrontation, couldn't bear to listen any longer and stepped forward, demanding Chu Guihong apologize to Nan Rui.

In response, Chu Guihong struck Jixiang, knocking him down. Nan Rui immediately shielded Jixiang, pleading with Chu Guihong not to continue making mistakes and admitting he regretted not being able to help in the past. However, Chu Guihong remained resolute and dismissive, leading Nan Rui and Jixiang to leave with heavy hearts. Confused and unable to accept Song Yimeng's claims about their world being a storybook, Nan Heng walked outside into a sudden downpour.

He smiled bitterly and desperately tried to cut his hand, needing to feel something real to test the world's authenticity. Fugui found him soaking in the rain. When Nan Heng asked him hypothetically what he would do if they lived in a storybook world, Fugui simply replied that as long as he could eat enough (specifically, eight steamed buns per meal) and stay by Nan Heng's side, doing what he wanted, it didn't matter if it was real or fake.

This simple perspective enlightened Nan Heng, who realized he was needlessly troubling himself. Even in a storybook world, he could still strive to do what he wanted – to be the Crown Prince, build a strong nation, benefit the people, protect those he wanted to protect, and be the male lead who controlled his own destiny. (Although not explicitly shown in dialogue, the plot summary indicates Nan Heng discussed the script world with Song Yude later).

Knowing Song Yimeng's deepest fears and conflicting feelings, Song Yude accepted the imperial decree for the marriage, effectively pressuring Song Yimeng to agree. Upset, Song Yimeng rushed out. Song Yiting, pretending to need company for shopping, deliberately led her sister to Nan Heng's mansion. Song Yimeng quickly realized Nan Heng had gained the support of her family members. Nan Heng told her he understood she couldn't agree "now" but was willing to wait, stating he had plenty of time.

He had prepared a tempting hot pot meal to entice her to stay. Nan Heng suggested she stay for a few days, and Yingqiu and Zhixia arrived with her luggage, explaining that Song Yude had sent them over because the wedding date was set for ten days later and there would be much to discuss, implying she would be staying until then.

The maids also encouraged her, mentioning how marrying the Crown Prince would allow her to live the life of leisure she desired and how well-matched she and Nan Heng were, but Song Yimeng insisted she would go home after eating. Speaking with a confidante from Waning River Crescent (implied to be Shangguan He), Nan Heng expressed his reluctance to force Song Yimeng into marriage. He felt he could not marry her until he had completely resolved her fears.

To address her primary concern about the Song family's safety, Nan Heng went to the Emperor and recommended Song Yude for the vacant Chancellor position, citing his impartiality and merit.

Acknowledging that this might raise concerns about favoritism since Song Yude would become his father-in-law, Nan Heng made an unprecedented request to counterbalance himself: he asked the Emperor to issue a decree stating that if he, the Crown Prince, should ever act improperly, Song Yude could lead the officials in having him removed.

He explained this was a promise to Song Yimeng, ensuring that no matter what happened between them or how the political landscape changed, the Song family would be protected and Song Yude would never have to compromise his principles or Song Yimeng her integrity because of their relationship. The Emperor, though angered by Nan Heng's focus on personal affection over state affairs and calling him foolish, ultimately granted the request, acknowledging Song Yude's worthiness as well.

Upon learning that Song Yude had been appointed Chancellor and, more significantly, that Nan Heng had also persuaded the Emperor to secure an Imperial Pardon Certificate (commonly known as a Death-Exemption Plate) for the Song family – a rare honor unmatched since the dynasty's founding – Song Yimeng was stunned. Song Yude explained the significance of this, emphasizing how far Nan Heng had gone for her sake regarding the "nonexistent future" she feared, demonstrating the depth of his feelings.

He pressed her to articulate what she was truly afraid of regarding the marriage. Song Yimeng admitted her fear of an unknown outcome, the possibility of leaving this world which would devastate Nan Heng, and also feared letting him down. Song Yude then shared a poignant memory of her mother, who passed away shortly after Song Yimeng was born. He reflected that falling in love with her mother, despite her humble background, was the bravest thing he had ever done.

Not being able to spend a lifetime with her was his greatest regret, but the time they shared was the most beautiful of his life. He told Song Yimeng that love isn't always about achieving a perfect outcome, and leaving a relationship with regrets can be more painful than simply not growing old together. He suggested Nan Heng likely felt the same way.

Episode 32 Recap

Nan Heng brought Song Yimeng to the matchmaker tree, explaining his purpose was to make a solemn vow. He promised Song Yimeng that he would resolve all her future worries and fears, take care of her and the Song family, and never fail her in this lifetime. When Song Yimeng noted his previous disbelief in deities, he responded that he would believe since she did. Song Yimeng remained concerned that the fate written in the script was unchangeable.

Nan Heng countered by pointing out how much people, including himself, Song Yimeng, Nan Rui, and the Emperor, had already changed from their roles or potential selves depicted in the script. He argued that if the characters could change, the story's ending might not be fixed either. He told her he was making one final effort to express his feelings and was willing to wait if she still had concerns.

Song Yimeng, understanding his intent, agreed to be brave once more this time, accepting his marriage proposal. Following their conversation, Song Yimeng suggested they skip the traditional wedding ceremony and processions, proposing they instead proceed directly to becoming officially married and entering the bridal chamber. She explained her concern about the script's prediction of Chu Guihong interrupting the wedding procession, which would lead to conflict and the infamous "three-way circling stab" scene.

She described the outcome of this scene as, "The one who injures her dies, the one who injures him dies, everyone dies today." Nan Heng recognized the scene description but was confused by the details of how they would stab each other. Song Yimeng admitted the absurdity but insisted it was written in the script.

Nan Heng mused about the conflict between the script's mechanism where iconic scenes must happen and the other mechanism where he was compelled to save the female lead when she was in danger (and vice-versa), wondering what would happen if both occurred simultaneously. He then reassured her, telling her he would handle everything from that point on and she should focus on preparing for the wedding. Nan Heng then went to the Emperor to request Chu Guihong's transfer.

He asked that Chu Guihong and the Qianyu Army be stationed in Pingrong. He explained that as the Crown Prince, the capital's defense should shift to the Xuanjia Army, and keeping the Qianyu Army in place could cause friction. The Emperor, seeing through his official explanation, noted that Nan Heng's requests always seemed to involve Song Yimeng.

Nan Heng admitted his concern about Chu Guihong's lingering feelings regarding the dissolved engagement and felt it would be best if Chu Guihong was far away as his wedding approached. The Emperor then inquired about Nan Heng's relationship with Nan Rui, noting their limited interaction and expressing worry that transferring Chu Guihong, Nan Rui's close cousin, might upset him, especially after not being named Crown Prince. Nan Heng realized he should have consulted Nan Rui first, admitting his oversight.

Unexpectedly, the Emperor revealed that Nan Rui had also approached him with the same suggestion, hoping to give Chu Guihong a new post away from the capital as he was concerned Chu Guihong was trapped by past obsessions and unable to move forward. The Emperor noted that Nan Rui seemed more stable than before. Seeing that the brothers shared the same view, the Emperor granted the request and decreed that Chu Guihong should depart for Pingrong soon.

Chu Guihong received the imperial decree ordering his transfer. He was enraged, blaming Nan Heng for stealing Meng'er (Song Yimeng), bewitching his cousin (Nan Rui), and holding him responsible for Nan Heng's uncle's actions that led to the death of Chu Guihong's father and brothers. He saw the transfer as Nan Heng trying to completely destroy him and drive him out of the capital after becoming Crown Prince and marrying his fiancée.

Rong Hua advised caution and suggested going to Pingrong to lay low and recover for a few years, then potentially return. However, Chu Guihong was defiant and determined not to let Nan Heng's plan succeed, believing Nan Heng intended to prevent him from appearing at the wedding. Three days before the wedding (or just before), Chu Guihong and the Qianyu Army made a show of departing from Yan Gate.

Nan Rui watched from the city wall, wishing him to take care. Meanwhile, Shangguan He instructed Yunlong and Shanhu to keep a close eye on Chu Guihong to prevent him from returning to the capital and causing trouble for their Big Boss's (Nan Heng's) wedding. The day before the wedding, Song Yimeng visited the spirit tablet of "mother" in the script, specifying she should call her "Song Yimeng's mother."

She apologized for not fulfilling the supposed wish to see Song Yimeng marry a good person for a life of ease and wealth (not specifically Chu Guihong) but asked her to watch over her from heaven. Thinking of her own father and mother who were also in heaven, she asked the script's mother to convey a message to them: their daughter, Song Xiaoyu, was grown up and getting married the next day.

She acknowledged it might not be the decision they would have chosen but affirmed it was the bravest choice "she" had made because here she had caring friends, a father who supported her, a sister and madam who treated her like family, and Nan Heng, who had removed all her worries.

Her own father (Song Yude) assured her that if Nan Heng ever bullied her, he would personally come to the Crown Prince's mansion, which was not more than ten li away, to bring her home. On the wedding day, Song Yimeng emerged dressed in her wedding attire. Nan Heng waited outside to receive his beloved bride. Shangguan He, Yunlong, and Shanhu followed Chu Guihong's army to the inn, keeping watch all night.

At dawn, they realized they had only watched the front and rushed to the back, finding activity there. They realized they had been outmaneuvered, as Rong Hua had likely created a diversion (lure the tiger out of the mountain) while Chu Guihong departed through the front. Meanwhile, as the wedding procession traveled, Nan Heng inwardly resolved that if any unforeseen events occurred, he would never let Song Yimeng be harmed.

Suddenly, Chu Guihong appeared in the crowd, declaring his intention to take "this demon's life," calling Nan Heng a "killing god/evil spirit," to avenge his father and brothers and reclaim his bride. Nan Heng challenged him to try. Song Yimeng, inside the sedan chair, tried to stay calm and not go out to avoid triggering the "three-way circling stab" scene. However, she heard a keyboard sound, compelling her to rush out.

As Chu Guihong attacked Nan Heng, Song Yimeng intervened first, stabbing Chu Guihong. Nan Heng, appearing uncontrollable, drew his sword, but then used his body to shield Song Yimeng from Fugui, resulting in Fugui stabbing Nan Heng instead of Song Yimeng. Nan Heng collapsed, spitting blood and unconscious, and Song Yimeng was overcome with grief.

After the attack, Imperial physicians examined Nan Heng, stating he had two critical stab wounds in vital spots and was "beyond recovery," fearing he wouldn't survive the night. Song Yimeng refused to accept this. She insisted on completing the wedding ceremony with the unconscious Nan Heng, exchanging vows and drinking the wedding cup, declaring they were now truly husband and wife and she would never leave him.

She tearfully demanded he wake up, hoping for fate to allow her more time with him in his world or find a way to bring him to her world. In an attempt to provoke him, she jokingly threatened to only give him this one night; if he didn't wake up by morning, she would "finish him off," inherit his wealth, and marry someone else. Fugui, angry at the physicians' inability and disbelief, was calmed by Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng then asked Fugui why he had stabbed "her". Fugui revealed that Nan Heng had instructed him the previous night that if Chu Guihong appeared and caused an uncontrollable incident during the wedding, Fugui should stab "Song Yimeng". Nan Heng's plan was to use the "female lead in danger, male lead must save" mechanism to override the "iconic scene must happen" mechanism, thus protecting Song Yimeng, even at the cost of his own injury.

Fugui explained that Nan Heng had used his life to prove he was trustworthy. Nan Rui arrived with Zhao Bo, described as a "divine doctor" from the Qianyu Army, claiming he could save Nan Heng, mentioning Zhao Bo's skills, like rejoining broken arms at the border. Fugui was hesitant and suspicious because Zhao Bo was from the Qianyu Army, the same group as the attacker.

Zhao Bo offered to treat Nan Heng, stating he wanted to redeem guilt for his young general (Chu Guihong), and requested a pardon for Chu Guihong's attempted assassination if he succeeded. Fugui was furious, accusing them of taking advantage. Song Yimeng stepped in and accepted Dr. Zhao's terms as the Crown Princess. She promised that if Nan Heng woke up safely, she and he would not pursue Chu Guihong's crime.

However, she added a stern condition: if Zhao Bo failed, she would ensure not only Chu Guihong faced the Emperor's wrath, but every member of the Qianyu Army, including Zhao Bo and Nan Rui, would suffer consequences. Zhao Bo performed a surgical technique overnight, successfully stopping the bleeding and stabilizing Nan Heng's condition. He stated that the Crown Prince's life was temporarily saved as long as he didn't develop a fever overnight.

Nan Rui asked Zhao Bo how he knew about the Crown Prince being stabbed and not saved by Imperial physicians and arrived so quickly with a doctor. Zhao Bo replied vaguely that someone had sent him a message and he was not at liberty to say who. Nan Rui wondered if it was a coincidence.

The Emperor, upon hearing about the attempt on the Crown Prince's life, was enraged and ordered Chu Guihong's immediate arrest for treason, stating it was a crime punishable by exterminating nine generations. Nan Rui pleaded with his father for clemency for Chu Guihong, citing the late Empress's affection for her cousin and concern for her spirit if Chu Guihong was executed. The Emperor agreed to have Chu Guihong apprehended and brought back first before deciding his fate later.

Separately, Song Yiting visited the Noble Consort to relay the news that the Crown Prince was out of danger and her sister was caring for him. The Emperor was present and commented favorably on Song Yiting, believing her to be more sensible and appropriate than Song Yimeng after seeing the way Nan Rui looked at her. He asked her age and if she was married.

Song Yiting replied she was twenty-two and had someone in mind, stating she had decided on him and had no room for anyone else in her heart, even though they hadn't exchanged birthdate information yet. The Emperor was displeased, but the Noble Consort smoothly mediated, explaining Song Yiting's straightforward personality like her sister's.

The Emperor then conveyed a message to Song Yimeng through the Noble Consort, urging her to take care of herself during the Crown Prince's recovery so he wouldn't have to worry about her. Nan Heng woke up and saw Song Yimeng sleeping beside his bed.

Episode 33 Recap

Nan Heng woke to find Song Yimeng asleep by his side. He pretended to still be unconscious. Song Yimeng, believing him asleep, carefully opened his clothes to check his wound, noting it was still seeping blood. Nan Heng suddenly pulled her into an embrace.

Fugui heard the commotion and entered, concerned about Nan Heng's injury, but Shangguan He quickly pulled him away, urging him not to disturb the couple, which Fugui misinterpreted as them being in a private intimate moment, lamenting he had worried for nothing. Earlier, Shangguan He had spoken to Fugui, speculating that in about a year, they would be presenting a full-month gift to His Highness's baby.

He emphasized the need for them to work hard and save money in the coming year. Fugui was surprised by the perceived speed of events, calling Nan Heng a "late bloomer" who had now completely "opened up." Song Yimeng tearfully hit Nan Heng, demanding to know why he didn't tell her he was awake and forbidding him from ever lying to her again, explaining how worried she had been all night without daring to close her eyes.

Nan Heng apologized repeatedly, and Song Yimeng warned him she would bite him if he ever scared her like that again. Later, Nan Heng was finally able to sit up, and Fugui expressed relief at no longer being idle. Nan Heng complained that his injured arm made it difficult to eat. Fugui offered to feed him, but Nan Heng suggested Fugui was too clumsy, implying he would prefer Song Yimeng to do it. Song Yimeng agreed to feed him.

Nan Heng then specifically sent Fugui on an errand to buy "Xu Gong's Pickled Veggies" from the south of the city, insisting Fugui go himself despite the distance and Fugui's protestations that he hadn't seen Nan Heng in a long time. Song Yimeng proceeded to feed Nan Heng porridge, blowing on it first to cool it. Shangguan He presented Nan Heng with the monthly expense report for Waning River Crescent.

Nan Heng instructed him to call for Song Yimeng to review it. Song Yimeng arrived and protested having to work right after getting married, suggesting they should be on a honeymoon. Nan Heng explained that while there would be time for leisure, it was her duty as the Crown Princess to assist him with his affairs. Song Yimeng complained this wasn't in her "job description" and regretted taking on the role.

Nan Heng feigned that his wound was starting to hurt, prompting Song Yimeng to agree to read the ledger. She struggled with the ancient script, mentioning specific entries like "Water tank maintenance," "River dolphins," and names like "Chui Chui and Ben Ben," confessing her poor education in cursive. Nan Heng insisted she read because his dizziness from the injury made his vision blurry, which he blamed on her.

Song Yimeng retorted that it was a "script mechanism" that made him take the hit and that she had saved his life that night by stopping the bleeding. She started to mention something that happened the next morning, but Nan Heng interrupted her. Shangguan He tried to eavesdrop, but Nan Heng dismissed him, instructing him, as the Second Master of Waning River Crescent, to handle the Axe Gang who were causing trouble. Song Yimeng reluctantly continued reading.

Nan Heng then clarified that on the morning she mentioned, he wasn't "feeling her up" but was concerned about her. Fugui joined Shangguan He outside after also being dismissed by Nan Heng. They shared a drink and complained that Nan Heng seemed to care less about them since marrying Song Yimeng, describing him as being completely focused on her.

Fugui acknowledged Shangguan He's loyalty and capabilities, despite his flaws like putting on airs, and suggested they become sworn brothers as they had been through hard times together. Shangguan He agreed. However, when Fugui proposed they vow to "cut off love and desire" to dedicate themselves to Nan Heng, Shangguan He hesitated, finding it extreme. Fugui suspected Shangguan He was already in love, perhaps with Song Yiting, citing others calling her "Second Sister-in-law."

Shangguan He denied it, but Fugui became upset, declaring himself an enemy of the Song family and leaving Shangguan He to drink alone. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong awoke and was astonished to see his Father, Lord Qianyu, alive, as many had witnessed his death at the Pingrong Battle. He questioned why his father hadn't returned to the capital, where he, Rong Hua, and the entire Qianyu army had waited for him.

Lord Qianyu explained that Chu Guihong needed to understand his perspective; as the undefeated "Great Jing battle god," the shame of the Pingrong defeat was unbearable, and he had wished for death upon waking. He revealed that being under his wing prevented Chu Guihong from truly growing, and his absence was necessary for Chu Guihong to stand on his own.

He expressed genuine pride in Chu Guihong's achievements, which deeply moved his son, who noted his father had never been so affirming before. Lord Qianyu then proposed they join forces to reclaim what Nan Heng had "taken." Song Yimeng grew increasingly frustrated with studying the ancient ledger, stating her dislike for archaic texts and mathematics. Nan Heng explained he wanted her to learn about his world, especially since she would eventually be Empress.

Song Yimeng declared she quit and would not be Crown Princess, telling him to find someone else. Nan Heng again feigned pain from his wound, but Song Yimeng saw through his act. Later, she suggested they sleep, and got into bed. She playfully bossed him around, asking him to pull up the blanket and adjust her pillow, teasing that he was getting revenge for past bullying.

She asked him to stop using formal address when they were alone, wishing for their life to feel more "real," noting how the "iconic scene mechanism" had suddenly been broken, making their story feel somewhat unreal.

Nan Heng suggested that perhaps she, as a "paper person" or "fictional figure," didn't have ideas of her own without his input, but she countered that perhaps he was also a fictional character in a scripted world, comparing it to a Russian nesting doll or "Zhuangzi's butterfly dream." Ultimately, she just wanted to avoid "involution" or being forced to work, explaining she didn't want to be bossed around and preferred stillness.

Nan Heng understood she didn't want to learn his world and suggested he learn hers instead, if she taught him patiently. Song Yimeng immediately jumped up, eager to teach him. She introduced him to math and English. She showed him the classic Pheasant-Rabbit math problem, and he quickly arrived at the correct answer for the number of rabbits. She was surprised by his quick understanding.

She then offered to teach him English, referencing the word give up he had used before, and was surprised he remembered its meaning. She teasingly asked if he had intended to give up on their relationship back then, calling him "so vengeful." When asked what he wanted to learn, Nan Heng expressed a desire to learn how to say "白首同心" (White Head Same Heart) and "长相厮守" (Long Enduring Love).

She proceeded to teach him the sounds of "白首同心" using Pinyin sounds interpreted through English, praising his efforts and noting her "American accent." As she instructed him to read the last sound, "心" (xin), focusing on a specific sound element (perhaps an 'R' sound, as noted in subtitles), he simply stared at her, and then he suddenly kissed her.

An imperial decree announced the creation of the Eastern Palace adjacent to the inner palace, ordering Crown Prince Heng to reside there to adhere to protocol and facilitate governance. Fugui was overjoyed, seeing it as proof he had chosen the right master and a sign of his own rise, having come from humble origins to reach the Crown Prince's palace. They prepared to move, carrying a plaque that read "Male Lead's Mansion."

Fugui wondered why only Nan Heng could use it. Song Yimeng saw the plaque and remarked on its peculiar inscription, which Nan Heng admitted he had never noticed before. Fugui, still puzzled, asked Nan Heng to explain what a "male lead" was, as Song Yimeng often used the term for him. They then departed for the Eastern Palace. Meanwhile, the Emperor informed Song Yude that he had bestowed many gifts upon Song Yiting, indicating his satisfaction with her.

He remarked that with Nan Heng married, it was time to consider Nan Rui's marriage, hoping both princes would settle down before he passed away, as his health was declining. The Emperor proposed marrying Song Yiting to the Eighteenth Prince Nan Rui, suggesting it would strengthen their families' bond. Song Yude was hesitant, claiming Yiting was ill-suited compared to Yimeng, citing her bad temper, impatience, and willfulness.

The Emperor saw these traits as strength, believing she could support and improve Nan Rui. Song Yude insisted Yiting had no feelings for Nan Rui and already cared for someone else, arguing that Nan Rui's feelings alone didn't mean he could marry her. He stressed he had only two daughters and couldn't marry both into the imperial family. The Emperor responded with irritation, accusing Song Yude of being argumentative and potentially offending him.

Distracted by the argument, Song Yude lost their chess game. In the village, Lord Qianyu, acting as a "charlatan" or "divine person," was helping villagers find hidden ginseng fields, earning their gratitude and gifts. Villagers called him "Master Chu." Chu Guihong found this behavior baffling and accused his father of being a fraud, swindling people. Lord Qianyu defended himself, stating he was genuinely helping the villagers prosper by revealing where the real ginseng was, calling it "not fake."

Chu Guihong demanded to know how he knew about the ginseng. Lord Qianyu claimed he had awakened a power of premonition when he was near death, allowing him to see the future. Chu Guihong questioned why this power didn't prevent their defeat at Pingrong.

Lord Qianyu urged him to let go of the past, reiterating his claim of premonition and revealing he had come to the village and befriended the residents in advance precisely to save Chu Guihong, as he knew his son would eventually flee there.

Chu Guihong was moved, realizing his father had been watching over him all along and knew about his struggles: being rejected by the Song family, Song Yimeng's feelings for Nan Heng, the Emperor's lost trust, Nan Rui giving up his claim, and his current isolation. Lord Qianyu confirmed he knew everything and that Chu Guihong was no longer alone.

He also mentioned sending the physician, Zhao, to save Nan Heng after the assassination attempt, which helped clear Chu Guihong's name, and that he had written to Rong Hua and Nan Rui. Finally, Lord Qianyu hinted that once the Emperor faced trouble, it would be their opportunity to return and make a comeback. When Chu Guihong pressed him for details about the Emperor's future, Lord Qianyu simply stated, "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed," and told his son to wait for good news.

Episode 34 Recap

Nan Rui eagerly tried to explain to Song Yiting that the geese sent as part of the marriage proposal were not his idea, denying he had instructed his father, the Emperor, to arrange the marriage. He swore he wasn't lying and promised to speak to his father immediately to dissuade him from the idea. Song Yiting thanked him.

Nan Rui then hesitantly asked if, hypothetically, Shangguan He weren't in the picture, or if he treated her poorly, she would consider him. Song Yiting did not reply and turned to leave. Nan Heng accompanied Song Yimeng on her return visit to the Song Residence. Only Song Yude came out to greet them initially.

Inside, Song Yiting's mother, who the subtitles refer to as Madam and Mrs. Song, was angry about Song Yiting's marital choices and was having a spat with her daughter. She instructed someone to tell Song Yiting that if she wanted to drive her to her grave, she should continue associating with the vagabond.

Song Yiting retorted defiantly, telling someone to inform her mother that if she kept forcing her to marry the Eighteenth Prince, she would have a child with Shangguan He just to spite her. This infuriated her mother further, who accused her of lacking shame and threatened that Song Yiting was trying to kill her. Song Yiting sarcastically suggested her mother had plenty of shame and should marry the Eighteenth Prince herself.

During the family dinner, Nan Heng attempted to ease the tension, but Mrs. Song was unyielding. She remarked that Shangguan He was Nan Heng's subordinate and seemed to blame Nan Rui for not managing him properly. Song Yiting accused her mother of making everyone uncomfortable at Song Yimeng and Nan Heng's homecoming banquet. Her mother brought up the incident at Zijin Pavilion, clearly holding a grudge against Nan Heng and demanding an explanation.

She insisted that if Nan Heng felt apologetic, he should banish Shangguan He to Jiangnan so they would never see him again. Nan Rui tried to offer a toast to defuse the situation. Mrs. Song prevented Nan Heng from taking a braised pork trotter, a specialty of the Song Residence, claiming the dishes were too salty, and instead tried to feed him a quail egg, managing to hit him near the eye.

Song Yiting again defended herself, stating that her decision not to marry the Eighteenth Prince was her own and had nothing to do with Nan Heng or Shangguan He. Nan Heng calmly stated he would handle the matter concerning Shangguan He himself and asked his mother-in-law to stop making things difficult for others. Feeling the tension was too much, Song Yiting announced she was finished eating and left.

Nan Heng also excused himself due to official duties, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Song at the table. After the tense family meal, Song Yimeng reflected on Shangguan He's feelings for Song Yiting, sensing he was interested but unwilling to make a move.

Nan Heng expressed understanding towards Shangguan He, explaining that he was afraid he couldn't provide the future and life Song Yiting deserved due to his lack of status as a mere martial arts practitioner, especially with someone like Prince Nan Rui pursuing her. Nan Heng believed Shangguan He felt it was better not to start a relationship at all if he couldn't offer what he desired for her. Song Yimeng dismissed this as male ego.

She then turned the question to Nan Heng, asking why he wasn't afraid of not being able to give her a future, yet insisted on starting their relationship. Nan Heng confidently declared he was the male lead and could give Song Yimeng anything she wanted. Song Yiting went to Xiyue Pavilion to sever ties with Shangguan He.

She stated that bringing him to the Song Residence was merely to complete the mission assigned by Nan Heng and since Song Yimeng was now married, his task was complete and their arrangement should be concluded. She handed him the monthly payment she had promised him, stating it was time for him to leave. Shangguan He, noting the amount, offered to use the money to buy her a zither he knew she liked.

Song Yiting grew agitated, accusing Shangguan He of being indecisive and dragging things out. She expressed her frustration at him leaving their relationship ambiguous while she faced societal pressure. She demanded a clear answer from him about their relationship, stating if he had no other reply, he should just leave. Meanwhile, Lord Qianyu, accompanied by Chu Guihong and the Qianyu Army, returned to the capital.

Nan Rui was surprised to see Lord Qianyu alive, as he was believed to have died in battle. Jixiang, who was with Chu Guihong, prevented Nan Rui from approaching him. Upon hearing the news, the Emperor arranged a banquet to welcome them. Song Yimeng was startled by this development, feeling it significantly deviated from the plot she knew and was worried about future events.

Nan Heng reassured her, suggesting that since they had already broken the script's original mechanisms, they could find ways to deal with subsequent changes. At the banquet, Lord Qianyu asked the Emperor why he had appointed Nan Heng as Crown Prince. Nan Rui stepped in to explain, praising Nan Heng's leadership and suggesting the matter between Chu Guihong and Nan Heng be settled.

Lord Qianyu, seemingly aware of the Emperor's suspicious nature, dismissed the matter and prompted Chu Guihong to apologize to the Emperor for leaving his post and attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince. The Emperor accepted Chu Guihong's apology but warned him that if he ever disrespected Nan Heng again, he would not be so lenient. Chu Guihong then apologized to Nan Heng, acknowledging the disturbance he caused on Nan Heng's wedding day and expressing remorse despite Nan Heng's magnanimity.

Nan Heng, however, seemed suspicious about Lord Qianyu's survival from the Pingrong Battle. The Emperor had a dish of famed Daze venison served. Lord Qianyu ate it with apparent enjoyment, which further deepened suspicions among those present, especially Chu Guihong.

Lord Qianyu then recounted a story of how he was knocked unconscious, disguised in enemy armor, and hidden among the dead to escape the city, explaining his subsequent absence by saying he misunderstood Nan Heng and later felt ashamed of his failure at Pingrong, only surviving for the sake of his son. He then expressed a desire to put past grievances aside and work with Nan Heng. After the banquet, Chu Guihong confronted Lord Qianyu in private, drawing his sword.

He questioned his father, pointing out his former strict rule against eating venison due to the Heyuan people's cruelty and accusing the man before him of not being his real father for disregarding this rule at the banquet. The man claiming to be Lord Qianyu argued that he had to abandon rigid rules like not eating venison to survive and see his son again.

He then ordered Chu Guihong to go to the ancestral hall and receive a punishment for challenging him. Later, as Song Yimeng was looking for Nan Heng near Fanghua Hall, she was suddenly grabbed and had her mouth covered by the man claiming to be Lord Qianyu. He called her "Song Xiaoyu" and used modern code words, including referencing "Imperial Jade Liquor" and "excavator technology," to confirm her identity as someone who also time-traveled from the modern world.

He then introduced himself as Li Bixiong, the screenwriter of the original story, pen name Bixiong. Song Yimeng recognized him as the source of the constant keyboard noise that seemed to precede dangerous events for her and Nan Heng in the past. Bixiong complained that her and Nan Heng's constant changes to the original plot made it impossible for him to finish his drafts and deliver them to the production team for the upcoming drama.

He explained that he had written himself into the story in the character of Lord Qianyu out of desperation to see what was happening after his main characters kept deviating from the script. He then asked for her help, explaining that Chu Guihong was already becoming suspicious of him due to his changed behavior, and if his identity was discovered, the world could collapse.

He suggested staying at her place and avoiding Chu Guihong, but Song Yimeng pointed out that as the Crown Prince's Consort living in the Crown Prince's Residence, having him stay there would cause even more problems. Song Yimeng recounted the encounter to Nan Heng, telling him that the person inside Lord Qianyu was the screenwriter who knew the entire original plot. She suggested preparing valuable gifts to try and appease him, warning that offending the screenwriter might have consequences.

Nan Heng was skeptical, believing the screenwriter must have a purpose for coming to this world and noting that the world's rules seemed to be changing. He believed that since they had already broken the original mechanisms, they had less to fear from the screenwriter now, and perhaps the screenwriter was the one who should be worried about the changes.

Just as they stepped outside, Lord Qianyu arrived at the Crown Prince's Residence with lavish gifts, stating they were specifically for Song Yimeng as he needed her help understanding the rules of this world since he was new here. Nan Heng noted the difference in behavior between this version of Lord Qianyu and the dignified old king.

The screenwriter, as Lord Qianyu, again complained about Song Yimeng and Nan Heng changing the script, explaining how it disrupted his work as a writer. Bixiong revealed to Song Yimeng that he knew how to return to the modern world. He explained there were three key mechanisms in the script world: the hero always saves the heroine, iconic scenes must happen, and completing the script's famous scenes until the finale allows them to return.

He explicitly mentioned needing her cooperation to complete scenes like the "city tower choice" and the future events where Song Yimeng would become a "human pig". Song Yimeng flatly refused, stating she didn't want the Song family to be destroyed, which was the original fate according to the script. Bixiong was dismissive of the characters' fates, calling them mere fictional beings.

He argued that if they didn't follow the original plot, they would be trapped in this world forever, preventing her from becoming a successful actress and him from becoming a top screenwriter. Song Yimeng insisted she was happy in this world, believing that Nan Heng's character had changed and he would no longer harm her or her family.

She argued that this world was real, not just a fictional construct, and demonstrated it by causing Bixiong pain, proving his body was real. She told him that outside the script, he might be the creator, but in this world, he was just a newcomer and she would show him the reality of this place.

Meanwhile, a subordinate reported to Nan Heng that Song Yimeng and Lord Qianyu were talking and that she wanted to take him to Waning River Crescent, which caused Nan Heng concern, especially given the history between Song Yimeng and Chu Guihong involving Lord Qianyu. Just then, Nan Heng suddenly coughed up blood. He instructed his subordinate to be discreet and not reveal what happened.

Episode 35 Recap

A screenwriter, invited to Waning River Crescent, finds this world, with its people and stories he didn't create, remarkably interesting and even more compelling than his own work. Song Yimeng explains she brought him there to teach him to respect characters. She sees the people in this script world as real, living individuals, not mere props, and asks him to be lenient, allowing them to live as they wish.

She warns that forcing the story back to its original path would cause many deaths, and she and Nan Heng would not tolerate it. The screenwriter, feigning consideration of her request, is actually plotting how to destabilize or destroy these characters. Zhou Xueyi arrives at Waning River Crescent, creating a scene. She confronts Shangguan He, accusing him of ruining her daughter Song Yiting's intended marriage to the Eighteenth Prince Nan Rui.

She demands he go to the Song Residence and tell Yiting he doesn't want her, so Yiting will give up on him and marry into the royal family. Shangguan He refuses to abandon Yiting, stating he is willing to marry her if she is willing.

He understands Yiting desires a life of freedom with a kindred spirit, not just a conventional marriage, and promises to tell her this himself, adding he would happily accompany her on an unrestrained life journey or marry her with full ceremony if she desires it, or even be married by her. Mrs. Song, enraged, calls him insane.

Song Yimeng remarks to the screenwriter that his creation of a character like Mrs. Song, who tries to break up couples, suggests he has suffered deeply in love in the real world, and notes this conflict could have been avoided if he had written the story differently, suggesting marrying Yiting to Nan Heng.

An imperial physician examines Nan Heng, noting his condition has worsened unexpectedly and seems to be a severe illness triggered by his past injury, rather than just the injury itself. The physician can only prescribe tonics to regulate his energy and blood flow, recommending observation. Unexpectedly arriving at the Song Residence, Lord Qianyu announces he is officially adopting Shangguan He as his son.

This bestows Shangguan He with the status of the Chu family, making him a suitable match for Song Yiting in societal terms. Mrs. Song is left speechless, unable to object based on status. Song Yimeng is pleased, seeing this as a positive step that resolves a long-standing family issue and prevents Yiting from being forced into a royal marriage.

Lord Qianyu immediately pushes for the marriage contract between the Song and Chu families to be signed, and Song Yimeng believes they have finally settled the family's ongoing conflict. Later, Lord Qianyu (Chu Guihong) reveals to his father that his motive for orchestrating this marriage arrangement is to target Nan Heng, believing Nan Heng is close to death. Fugui teases Shangguan He about becoming a Chu family member.

Shangguan He finds Lord Qianyu's sudden actions suspicious, believing there's more to it. Nan Heng attempts to dismiss Fugui, but Fugui lingers and overhears Nan Heng telling Shangguan He about the existence of a "script world" where they are characters. Shangguan He is initially shocked but then finds the idea explains his existence and unusually handsome appearance. He asks about his fate, hoping for a desirable ending, perhaps more favored than Nan Heng's.

Nan Heng reveals Shangguan He has no predetermined ending in the original script; he was likely born from the script world's own processes and could "come suddenly and go suddenly," perhaps disappearing without a trace. Shangguan He is stunned by the possibility of disappearing, especially in relation to Song Yiting. Nan Heng instructs him to use his new status as Lord Qianyu's adopted son to investigate Lord Qianyu's next moves.

Shangguan He questions why some "paper people" have more power than others, prompting Nan Heng to reveal he is the "male lead." At Song Residence, Song Yude expresses hesitation about the marriage contract despite signing it, questioning why Chu Li (Lord Qianyu) is helping Shangguan He and Yiting.

Song Yimeng reassures him, suggesting Lord Qianyu is trying to prove himself in this world and resolve Song Yude's long-standing problem of marrying off Yiting, acknowledging Song Yude's reluctance for a royal marriage. Song Yude feels relieved that the family conflict is finally settled. However, Mrs. Song finds Song Yude and informs him that Yiting refuses the marriage unless Shangguan He expresses his feelings for her in person.

Song Yimeng later speaks with Yiting, arguing that Shangguan He's previous statements at Waning River Crescent clearly showed his deep care and affection, and a formal confession is just a formality. Yiting feels unheard, having expressed her feelings repeatedly without receiving a direct verbal response from him. Song Yimeng critiques Yiting's passive approach to love, comparing it to her general tendency to "lie there doing nothing" in life, contrasting it sharply with Nan Heng's considerable efforts in their own relationship.

Fugui admits to Nan Heng that he overheard their conversation about the script world. After initial shock, he accepted it, reasoning that since he has never experienced the world outside the storybook, this world is real to him. He reveals he overheard that Nan Heng has been coughing up blood and questions why Nan Heng hid it, realizing it was to protect the plan against Lord Qianyu and also to prevent Song Yimeng (the太子妃) from worrying.

Fugui passionately declares his unwavering loyalty, asserting that he was written into the story specifically to protect Nan Heng and that he understands all of Nan Heng's thoughts and plans. He insists that his own safety must be included in the plan and demands to know the specific details, stating he cannot be at ease otherwise. Nan Heng acknowledges Fugui's loyalty and concedes, promising to include him in future discussions, although calling him "too much."

Fugui reminds Nan Heng that he is the truly dependable one, unlike Shangguan He who might disappear. Upon returning home, Song Yimeng detects the smell of medicine on Nan Heng and expresses concern for his health, insisting on checking his injury despite his claims of being fully healed. She then questions him about his visit to Waning River Crescent with Lord Qianyu and Shangguan He's adoption.

Nan Heng redirects, stating Lord Qianyu is adapting to this world and helped facilitate the engagement by pressuring Mrs. Song. Song Yimeng then becomes openly affectionate, expressing her deep love for him using a quirky analogy (prioritizing him over an ATM) and promising to shift the dynamic by actively pursuing him from now on. Concurrently, Nan Rui prepares to buy Dongting red oranges, recalling a past negative event associated with them.

Rong Hua stops him and asks him to step aside for a conversation. At the Song Residence, Nan Heng observes as Lord Qianyu presents lavish engagement gifts to Song Yude. Song Yude mentions that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau found no suitable wedding date within the next six months. Nan Heng finds Lord Qianyu's detailed knowledge of Song family affairs (like Yiting's reluctance) and his seemingly omnipresent involvement ("How is it you're everywhere?" ) highly suspicious.

Lord Qianyu then excuses himself to use the restroom. Song Yimeng finds Shangguan He and encourages him to confess his feelings to Song Yiting, questioning his hesitation now that the path seems clear. Shangguan He reveals that Nan Heng told him about being a character from a storybook and he fears suddenly disappearing, leaving Yiting alone. Song Yimeng attempts to reassure him that this won't happen, based on her own understanding of the script world.

Suddenly, Duan Shanhu rushes in with urgent news that Waning River Crescent has been compromised or "stolen." Nan Rui arrives at Waning River Crescent with Song Yiting, having arranged to meet her there, and publicly proposes to her. He declares his love and intention to marry her, explicitly stating he is there to "steal the bride" because he cherishes her deeply and cannot bear to see her marry someone who seems indifferent. Nan Rui gives a countdown.

Yiting looks towards Shangguan He, who remains silent at first. Seeing his lack of response, she accepts Nan Rui's proposal during the countdown. Shangguan He then calls out to her. He asks Yiting what kind of love she truly desires, acknowledging the possibility of his own sudden disappearance. Yiting firmly replies that she wants a love unbound by origin or destination, implying freedom from constraint and obligation.

She states that if he were to leave her, she would hold his memory dear but move on to find other loves, as there are plenty of other men in the world, and she would not waste her youth grieving. This blunt and unyielding response seems to free Shangguan He from his hesitation and fear of the future. He walks towards Yiting and kisses her publicly.

Nan Rui, who had pre-arranged for Rong Hua to scatter flowers during his proposal, watches as the scene unexpectedly transforms into a celebration of Shangguan He and Yiting. Song Yimeng arrives and finds the unfolding events very strange. Nan Rui admits to her that Lord Qianyu instructed him to orchestrate this "fake proposal" and "bride snatching" stunt specifically to provoke Shangguan He into action. As the screenwriter emerges from the restroom, Nan Heng intercepts him.

Nan Heng reveals he sees through the screenwriter's attempts to manipulate events, stating he believes the screenwriter is altering things, such as influencing the engagement and Nan Rui's proposal, because he wants to force the script back onto its original path after seeing how much it has changed. The screenwriter implicitly confirms Nan Heng's suspicion by admitting he wants to return to his own world.

He explains there are additional rules in the script world: one way for him to return is by ensuring Nan Heng and Song Yimeng complete the script's "iconic scenes" all the way to the ending; the other rule is that anyone who attempts to change these iconic scenes will suffer a backlash.

Episode 36 Recap

After learning from the scriptwriter that changing iconic scenes causes backfire, Nan Heng's immediate concern was for Song Yimeng. The scriptwriter reassured him that Song Yimeng was unaffected as she had not successfully altered any scenes. He explained that Nan Heng was the only character in this world who had changed an iconic scene – the triple stabbing scene on his wedding day – by using the script's mechanisms against themselves.

The scriptwriter warned that if the plot continued to deviate from the intended direction, particularly if events like Song Yiting marrying Shangguan He occurred, the backfire on Nan Heng, as the initiator of these changes, would intensify, eventually leading to his death. Nan Heng expressed relief for Song Yimeng's safety, but shortly after the scriptwriter departed, he suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed, his condition worsening significantly.

Song Yimeng realized she had been manipulated by the scriptwriter, understanding that external forces deliberately influenced Nan Rui's recent actions. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong took the scriptwriter to a forest, holding a knife to his throat and demanding the truth. Under duress, the scriptwriter revealed the nature of the script world, explaining that Nan Heng was the protagonist and Chu Guihong was merely a secondary male character destined to die by Nan Heng's hand after Nan Heng ascended the throne.

Chu Guihong was devastated by this revelation, feeling betrayed that the script favored Nan Heng, whom he viewed as a villain responsible for his father's death and seizing his intended fiancée. He declared his resolve to control his own destiny. The scriptwriter attempted to bargain, promising to revise the ending and make Chu Guihong the protagonist if he cooperated with the upcoming iconic scene, the "city tower two-choose-one" scenario.

Skeptical, Chu Guihong mounted his horse and rode away, abandoning the scriptwriter in the forest. The scriptwriter cursed him, expressing disbelief at how unpredictable Chu Guihong had become. Elsewhere, Song Yiting thanked Nan Rui for his help, praising his pure heart and inherent kindness. She called him a rare and valuable man who would surely find a suitable partner in the future.

Nan Rui was pleased by her words, finding solace in their conversation and agreeing to become friends with her, recognizing his own worth beyond academic or political achievements. In the palace, the Emperor and the Noble Consort worried deeply about Nan Heng's sudden illness. Learning his condition was critical, the Emperor reflected on the hardships Nan Heng had endured and felt he owed him a great deal.

After the royal physicians examined Nan Heng, Song Yimeng stayed by his bedside, pressing him for the truth behind his sudden collapse, noting that the physician's diagnosis of sudden weakness and deficiency didn't align with his previous state.

Nan Heng, attempting to protect Song Yimeng from the truth about the backfire, lied and claimed the scriptwriter (in his guise as Thousand Feathers King) had poisoned him as a threat for not cooperating with the plot, but insisted he had obtained the antidote and would recover soon.

When Song Yimeng pressed him further, citing the physician's diagnosis which contradicted his story, Nan Heng maintained that he was the male lead and wouldn't die easily, suggesting the poisoning was merely a way to make him suffer for not complying. Song Yimeng then brought up the scriptwriter's apparent effort to push for a marriage between Shangguan He and Song Yiting, wondering about his motive.

Nan Heng, still concealing the truth about the backfire being triggered by plot deviation, speculated that the scriptwriter might be trying to recruit Shangguan He and the Nightwalkers to oppose him. He reassured Song Yimeng not to worry, but she made him promise never to hide anything from her again, threatening playful punishment.

Separately, Shangguan He visited Thousand Feathers King (the scriptwriter's guise), ostensibly to express gratitude for his perceived assistance in his relationship with Song Yiting, while subtly attempting to probe for information about the King's true intentions and nature. Shangguan He pledged his loyalty if the King would allow him to join his future endeavors.

Thousand Feathers King was cryptic and evasive, testing Shangguan He's understanding of the reality of the world they inhabited, stating it was a world of his creation. Shangguan He left but secretly returned to observe. He witnessed Rong Hua overseeing the movement of unregistered Qianyu Army troops towards the capital. Discovering through his subordinates that these were troops Chu Guihong had secretly brought back from the border, Shangguan He informed Nan Heng and Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng immediately recalled the script's original plot point where the "city tower two-choose-one" hostage situation occurred after Nan Heng's enthronement, fueled by Chu Guihong's clandestine return and troop mobilization. Fearing the plot was still on track, she and Nan Heng decided to preempt the threat. Nan Heng planned to seek the Emperor's permission to deploy the Xuanjia Army.

Concerned for Song Yiting's safety given her potential role in the upcoming scene, Nan Heng arranged for Shangguan He to write a letter to Song Yude asking him to bring her to the palace, where she would be safer and her absence from the tower would disrupt the script's plan. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong, seemingly acting on the scriptwriter's plan, had Rong Hua poison tangerines and arrange for them to be sold on the street, knowing Nan Rui would buy them.

Indeed, Nan Rui purchased the tangerines, remembering they were his late mother's favorite, and brought them to the Emperor to offer comfort during Nan Heng's illness. Nan Rui peeled a tangerine and fed it to the Emperor, sharing a tender moment where the Emperor expressed pride in his son's growth. Shortly after eating the tangerine, the Emperor collapsed, spitting blood. The eunuch Liu Mingxi immediately entered and accused Nan Rui of poisoning the Emperor.

Panicked, Nan Rui fled the palace with Jixiang, hoping to find the Crown Prince, Nan Heng. However, they were intercepted by Chu Guihong's forces. Jixiang sacrificed himself, taking a sword intended for Nan Rui. Chu Guihong appeared and confronted Nan Rui, accusing him. However, before further harm could be done, Fugui arrived with the Xuanjia Army, acting on Nan Heng's orders, and took Nan Rui into custody.

As the Emperor lay unconscious and critically ill, court officials clamored for Nan Rui's swift punishment, demanding that Nan Heng take action as evidence appeared solid. Nan Heng fiercely defended Nan Rui, asserting his brother's innocence with such emotional intensity that he again coughed up blood. Witnessing the chaos and believing he was responsible for the Emperor's state and Jixiang's death, Nan Rui fell into deep despair, blaming himself and regretting trusting Chu Guihong.

Song Yimeng, remembering the city tower plot point coinciding with Nan Heng's likely ascension following the Emperor's condition, sought out Nan Rui. Finding him consumed by self-pity and calling himself useless, she urged him to overcome his despair. She told him that his self-recrimination was unproductive and that he needed to pull himself together, work with her to find flaws in the poisoning scheme to clear his name, and find a way to help the Emperor recover. She reminded him he was a legitimate prince and her brother, expressing her belief in his ability to overcome this crisis and face it together with her.

Episode 37 Recap

Song Yimeng went alone to confront the scriptwriter, questioning why he harmed innocent people just to quickly achieve iconic scenes. The scriptwriter, relaxed and roasting a sweet potato, argued that fictional characters he created were merely like crops or sweet potatoes, their lives not precious, easily modified or deleted like characters on a screen. He countered that Song Yimeng was the irrational one, claiming her world was as fake as her old Barbie dolls.

Song Yimeng retorted that in the real world, he was a careless, garbage screenwriter, and here, he was a lunatic who killed innocent people. The scriptwriter calmly revealed the true mechanism behind Nan Heng's illness, explaining that it wasn't from poison. He stated that besides the three mechanisms already mentioned, there were others related to Nan Heng's condition.

He explained the fourth rule: changing the iconic scenes would cause backlash, making Nan Heng grow weaker and eventually die if the plot deviated further from the original course. He pressured Song Yimeng to choose between going against his plot and watching Nan Heng die, or helping him complete the iconic scenes to return to the real world, which would allow Nan Heng to live.

Meanwhile, Shangguan He arrived at the Song Residence with others, learning that Song Yiting had gone out. Song Yiting's mother had insisted on taking her to the Temple of the God of Matchmaking on an auspicious day to pray for a smooth marriage. Though skeptical of such practices, Song Yiting helped hang the Lovers' Knots, remarking that while she didn't truly believe, she wanted to fully experience getting married.

Her mother prayed fervently, vowing three years of her own life for her daughter's safety and marriage happiness, even jokingly asking the deity not to confuse her vows about someone else (implied to be Song Yimeng's father) being clannish and problematic. On the journey back, they discovered Mr. Feng unresponsive, having died in the carriage. Suddenly, Rong Hua appeared with the Qianyu Army and seized Song Yiting and her mother.

The scriptwriter used Song Yiting as leverage, showing Song Yimeng proof of harm, mentioning they had cut off one of her fingers and threatening further harm unless she cooperated. He demanded she go to the city tower for the "Choice Between Two" scene, noting that the strong north wind suggested it was the predetermined time. Distraught, Song Yimeng vowed to kill the scriptwriter if he harmed them further.

He assured her he would return them safely after the scene was completed if she cooperated. Song Yiting, held captive, urged Song Yimeng not to trust their captors and to fight rather than be a hostage. Song Yimeng, however, promised Song Yiting she would save her. Under duress and the scriptwriter's direction, she allowed her hands to be bound, stating everything would be over in a few hours. At the palace, the Emperor lay gravely ill.

His noble consort stayed by his side, regretting their strained relationship over the years and wishing to spend his remaining time with him. The Emperor awoke and was informed that everything was suspected to be Chu Guihong's doing, including framing Nan Rui for poisoning him. The minister suggested bringing the Xuanjia Army back to the capital. The Emperor spoke to Nan Heng, expressing regret for his past harshness and asking Nan Heng to call him "Father."

Nan Heng struggled, haunted by a memory from nineteen years prior where he brought the Emperor a snow tiger he made as a birthday gift, only for it to be initially dismissed before being taken inside. After a long moment, Nan Heng finally uttered "Father." Nan Heng, weakened by his illness and the emotional exchange, coughed up blood.

Fugui arrived with news that the Crown Princess had gone to Lord Qianyu's manor alone, not allowing the Xuanjia Army to follow, and then left with him for the city tower, sending back something related to Song Yiting. Nan Heng was furious, feeling Song Yimeng had lied to him again, vowing to make her kneel on washboards in their next life as punishment. He immediately ordered 200 Xuanjia Army soldiers to follow him to the city tower to rescue her.

Shangguan He arrived, reporting that he had been ambushed while trying to find Song Yiting and that A Long and A Hu had stayed behind at Residual Stream Moon to cover his retreat. He warned Nan Heng that a large Qianyu Army force was converging on the capital, outnumbering the Xuanjia Army currently there (300 vs 5000). Border troops were days away.

Nan Heng instructed Fugui to find someone to go to Residual Stream Moon and have the Night Wanderers there support A Long and A Hu, tasking them with stalling the Qianyu Army for at least two hours. Despite his condition, Nan Heng insisted on going to the city tower himself, stating Chu Li's (Lord Qianyu's) real target was him. Shangguan He joined him. Snow began to fall on the city tower.

The scriptwriter/orchestrator was present, along with Rong Hua and Song Yiting. Rong Hua held Song Yiting captive as Nan Heng arrived with his troops. The orchestrator declared that fate could not be changed and they would all return to this predetermined ending, adding that even if Song Yimeng cooperated, others wouldn't necessarily follow the script as they were no longer just paper characters. Chu Li challenged Nan Heng directly upon his arrival.

Holding a knife to Song Yiting's throat, Chu Li threatened Nan Heng with the Emperor's antidote and Nan Rui's alleged poisoning evidence, demanding Nan Heng shoot arrows and complete the "Choice Between Two" scene, stating that otherwise, everything would remain unresolved. Song Yimeng cried out to Nan Heng, telling him not to shoot and offering to sacrifice herself for everyone's safety, saying she could die in this world to save them.

Nan Heng refused, telling her not to believe in fate and to come down from the tower. Shangguan He suddenly appeared on the tower, causing a distraction among the Qianyu Army. Song Yimeng used the moment to untie Song Yiting. After a brief struggle, Song Yimeng pushed Song Yiting away, telling her to go. Song Yimeng then leaped from the tower, but Nan Heng was below and caught her, shielding her fall.

On the tower, Shangguan He seized Lord Qianyu (Chu Li) as a hostage, demanding Rong Hua release Song Yiting. Unexpectedly, Rong Hua fatally stabbed Lord Qianyu, declaring her loyalty was not to him but to "the Junior General" (implying Chu Guihong) and announced their true target was Nan Heng. The Qianyu Army immediately turned their full force on Nan Heng and his outnumbered Xuanjia Army, intending to eliminate them.

Fugui and the Xuanjia Army fought desperately to protect Nan Heng and Song Yimeng. Shangguan He, fighting to cover Song Yiting's escape, was struck repeatedly by arrows.

In his final moments, protecting Song Yiting, he told Fugui to catch her, pushed her from the tower, and collapsed himself, presumably to his death after instructing Song Yiting to find a man better than him in the future and stating that some things, like taking the lead or making sacrifices, were a man's role. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong stormed into the Emperor's bedchamber. The noble consort tried to block him.

Chu Guihong boasted that he was acting to defend the throne, claiming the Crown Prince, Nan Heng, had colluded with Liu Mingxi to poison the aging Emperor, framing Nan Rui, whom Chu Guihong claimed to have subsequently killed. He presented a forged Emperor's Daily Diary entry as proof, documenting the false narrative.

The noble consort accused him of rebellion, but Chu Guihong was arrogant, declaring the Xuanjia Army was far away and the capital was under the control of his overwhelming Qianyu Army (5000 vs 300 Xuanjia troops). He mocked her, stating her son Nan Heng was trapped on the city tower and would surely die against his forces. Song Yimeng instructed Fugui to take Song Yiting to safety.

She refused to leave Nan Heng's side, insisting they would face the outcome together, whether they lived or died, telling Fugui to protect Song Yiting. As the battle raged, Nan Heng, exhausted and weakened by his illness, was shot by an arrow from Rong Hua. Song Yimeng cried out, begging him not to die and saying she had no one else in this world but him. Nan Heng struggled to speak, confirming he heard her.

He tried to comfort her, saying he was the male lead and wouldn't die. In his dying moments, he said that him dying proved he wasn't a paper character and had truly lived. He thanked Song Yimeng just before collapsing and dying in her arms, bleeding heavily. Song Yimeng held Nan Heng, sobbing in disbelief and begging him to wake up.

In her grief, she remembered moments with him, including a time he promised they would face everything together, he would solve her worries and fears, and he would never lie to her again, playfully agreeing to kneel on a washboard if he did. He had assured her that as the male lead with a protagonist halo, he would protect her. Now, he was gone. She gently laid his body down and touched his face, heartbroken.

Rong Hua called out to her, telling her Nan Heng was dead and offering her life if she denounced him and joined their side. Song Yimeng looked up, tears streaming down her face. She declared that mountains weren't born with peaks, nor roads flat; through trials and tribulations, joy and sorrow, she had her own hands and feet to forge her path, whether trampling thorns or pointing her sword at the sky.

She refused to let her fate be controlled by others. Picking up a sword, she stated that if there was a writer of this world, it should be herself. She thanked Nan Heng one last time, acknowledging that she had always run away before, but today, she would follow his example and take control of her own destiny, even if it meant death. With newfound courage, she walked towards Rong Hua and the remaining Qianyu Army soldiers and was killed by them.

Episode 38 Recap

Snow falls, and time rewinds to the moment Song Yimeng wakes up. Confused, she calls out for Nan Heng. Finding him alive, she clings to him, overjoyed and terrified that she might lose him, expressing her fear of never seeing him again. Nan Heng, bewildered, asks what is wrong and if someone bullied her. Song Yimeng, relieved but upset, accuses him of being a liar and hiding his serious illness, suggesting he tries to bear everything alone.

Nan Heng insists he is fine. Just as Shangguan He arrives to discuss important matters concerning Lord Qianyu, he finds Nan Heng and Song Yimeng in an embrace. Song Yimeng reveals that she knows everything that is going to happen and claims to have died with them once already. Meanwhile, Chu Guihong instructs Rong Hua to take action against Song Yiting and her mother to ensure Song Yimeng's obedience and to make arrangements for the Emperor's poisoning.

He tells Rong Hua that Yimeng alone isn't enough to threaten Nan Heng and that once the incident happens, he will enter the palace to 'protect the Emperor.' He warns Rong Hua to listen to Lord Qianyu's instructions but not follow them completely. Song Yimeng explains to Nan Heng and Shangguan He that Chu Guihong and Lord Qianyu are not truly aligned.

Lord Qianyu's goal is to complete the 'iconic scenes' to return to the modern world, while Chu Guihong is only pretending to cooperate, planning instead to poison the Emperor, frame Nan Heng for the crime, and then use the guise of eliminating rebels to kill Nan Heng on the city tower and seize the throne for himself. Shangguan He is skeptical, but Nan Heng believes Song Yimeng, acknowledging the reality of their world being a script.

Song Yimeng theorizes that the cycle of reincarnation was triggered because she died, suggesting that if things go wrong again, she can simply die to reset everything. Nan Heng strongly disagrees, refusing to let her risk her life, worrying about potential failures or unpredictable variables in the reincarnation. Song Yimeng insists she is the only one who can give them another chance.

Nan Heng tells her that the key to preventing the enemy's plan is for her to stay off the city tower, thus preventing the 'either-or' scene. He instructs Fugui to protect her and keep her within the mansion until the Chu family is under control. Nan Heng realizes that Lord Qianyu, needing the city tower scene, will target Song Yiting. He decides they will likely act outside the city.

Shangguan He agrees to go save Song Yiting and her mother, while Nan Heng will handle matters in the palace. Before they part, Song Yimeng asks Nan Heng to promise to be careful and protect himself. Meanwhile, Nan Rui brings red tangerines to the Emperor, expressing concern about Nan Heng's illness and hoping to comfort his father. The Emperor is pleased. As Nan Rui attempts to peel a tangerine, the Emperor helps him.

Just as the Emperor is about to eat, Nan Heng arrives, stopping him and declaring the tangerines are highly poisonous. Nan Rui is shocked and denies any intent to poison, saying he bought them to cheer up his father. Nan Heng reveals that it is Chu Guihong who poisoned them to frame Nan Rui. He asks Nan Rui where he got the tangerines, and Nan Rui mentions the South City market and having met Rong Hua.

Nan Heng connects this to the Empress's death anniversary, when Dongting red tangerines were her favorite and were eaten annually by the Emperor and Nan Rui to mourn her, noting that Chu Guihong knew this custom and likely bribed the vendor to plant the poison. Nan Rui finds it unbelievable that Chu Guihong would attempt to kill the Emperor, but Nan Heng asserts that Chu Guihong intends to kill all three of them.

When the Emperor asks for proof, Nan Heng suggests having the medical office test the tangerines. Nan Rui offers to taste one himself, but the Emperor trusts Nan Heng and orders a test. Nan Heng then requests the Emperor send his men to the South City market to apprehend the vendor and also requests the deployment of outside troops back to the capital and the swift return of the Xuanjia Army in case of emergencies.

A spy for the Qianyu Army informs Chu Guihong that Nan Heng entered the Emperor's chambers early, preventing the poisoning, and that the Emperor has ordered the Xuanjia Army to return. Chu Guihong confirms the news and learns that the vendor from the South City market has been captured by the Xuanjia Army.

Realizing the vendor will likely confess under torture, Chu Guihong decides not to hesitate and orders Rong Hua to proceed with their plan against the Song family immediately. Shangguan He and his men pursue Song Yiting and her mother outside the city, following footprints that lead towards a cave. They find Yiting's hairpins scattered along the path, suspecting she left them as clues. Entering the cave, they are ambushed by an explosion. Shangguan He is among the injured or killed.

Chu Guihong appears, revealing his motive stems from the death of his father by Nan Heng's hand during the Pingrong Battle, which he uses to justify his own violent actions against Nan Heng's people. Mrs. Song, held captive, pleads with Chu Guihong to release Yiting, even offering to help him fight Nan Heng. Yiting defiantly refuses to cooperate with Chu Guihong, expressing her deep hatred for him and threatening revenge if she survives.

Enraged, Chu Guihong physically harms Yiting (implied as cutting a finger based on later dialogue). He decides against killing her directly but instructs Mrs. Song to deliver a message to Song Yimeng, demanding that Yimeng come alone to the Song Residence. Meanwhile, Nan Heng arrives at the cave where the Nightwalkers were stationed. He finds them injured or dead from the ambush, reacting with distress and immediately ordering medical help for Yunlong and Shanhu, whose conditions are critical.

A message arrives for Nan Heng, sent by Chu Guihong via the Qianyu Army: if he wants to save Song Yimeng, he must come alone to the Song Residence. Meanwhile, at the mansion, Mrs. Song arrives frantically and pleads with Fugui to let her see Song Yimeng.

She informs Yimeng that Chu Guihong has captured Yiting and physically harmed her (implied as cutting her finger based on later dialogue), and delivers Chu Guihong's demand that Yimeng come alone to the Song Residence. Mrs. Song desperately begs Yimeng to go. Despite Fugui's objections, who reminds her of Nan Heng's instructions to stay put, Yimeng resolves that she must save her family.

She instructs Fugui to follow with men and wait a distance from the Song Residence's back door, agreeing to enter if she does not emerge within an hour. Song Yimeng arrives at the Song Residence, now occupied by Chu Guihong and his men, where the Song family, including Mr. Song (Song Yude) and Yiting, are held captive. Yimeng confronts Chu Guihong, asking about her family.

She attempts to reason with him, acknowledging their shared hatred for the script and their efforts to change fate, suggesting he can build a new life and achieve greatness elsewhere if he lets go of his obsession. Chu Guihong rejects her counsel, declaring he will not be subordinate to Nan Heng and feeling unjustly treated by the script that made him secondary despite his accomplishments. He confesses to killing the 'parasite' (the scriptwriter) within his father.

He seizes Yimeng, revealing he knows she is not the Song Yimeng he knew, stating his Yimeng would trust him and never oppose him, calling her Song Xiaoyu. While Yimeng and Chu Guihong speak, Yinzhu, one of the captured Song family members, bravely speaks up to defend the family's loyalty and integrity, asserting they did not change first. Chu Guihong dismisses her as an 'ant' and brutally kills her with his sword, which is already stained with blood.

Yimeng is horrified and calls him a beast. Chu Guihong declares his ultimate goal: Nan Heng must hand over the command token, after which he will kill Nan Heng and take the throne. He threatens the lives of Yimeng and the rest of the Song family if she does not persuade Nan Heng.

Mr. Song (Song Yude) fiercely refuses to yield to Chu Guihong, stating the Song family's pride and loyalty and that they would never betray Nan Heng to save themselves. Mrs. Song urges him to stop provoking Chu Guihong. Yiting echoes her father's sentiment, declaring she would rather fight Chu Guihong than live a life of shame by betraying Nan Heng. Chu Guihong then reveals Song Yimeng's true identity, stating she is not the real Song Yimeng.

Song Yimeng confesses that she is indeed from another world. Despite this revelation, the Song family members express their unwavering love and acceptance, asserting she is their daughter and sister, who is willing to protect them with her life. While Chu Guihong is momentarily distracted, Mr. Song manages to loosen his restraints. He lunges at Chu Guihong in a desperate attempt to attack him but is swiftly struck down and killed by Chu Guihong's sword.

Yimeng cries out in anguish, curses Chu Guihong, and rushes to her father's side, blaming herself for the tragedy and concluding that since everything started because of her, she must be the one to end it. Believing her death will reset the cycle, she grabs a weapon, intending to kill herself. Just as she is about to act, Nan Heng arrives at the Song Residence alone, having fought his way through Chu Guihong's men. He reaches Yimeng and stops her.

Nan Heng confronts Chu Guihong. In the ensuing confrontation, Nan Heng is fatally stabbed by Chu Guihong. Seeing Nan Heng fall, Song Yimeng calls him a fool and immediately takes her own life by his side.

Episode 39 Recap

Song Yimeng awoke, finding herself back in time once again, earlier than her previous loops. She urgently sought out Nan Heng and pleaded with him to dispatch guards to protect the Song family, fearing trouble for her sister Yiting and father if they delayed. Nan Heng was bewildered by her insistence.

To convince him, Song Yimeng predicted details of an imminent arrival, describing how Shangguan He would enter the room, dressed in teal, retract one foot at the threshold, and report on a secret infiltration of off-the-books Qianyu troops. Just as she predicted, Shangguan He arrived and confirmed the intelligence, explaining the soldiers were secretly transferred from the borders by Chu Guihong. Seeing her predictions come true, Song Yimeng revealed she had experienced these events twice before.

She implored Nan Heng to trust her and stop Chu Guihong's scheme, explaining that proceeding according to plan and completing certain "iconic scenes" leading to the "castle tower choice" were necessary for her to return to her world and secure a favorable outcome for Nan Heng. Meanwhile, the scriptwriter urged Chu Guihong to stick to the pre-planned plot and complete the necessary "iconic scenes" so he could return to his own time.

A butterfly flew in, and Chu Guihong felt a strong sense of déjà vu, wondering if events were repeating or if reincarnation existed in this world. The scriptwriter confirmed the existence of 'unlimited flow,' explaining Song Yimeng had experienced it when she first entered the script, repeatedly dying and restarting because the plot prevented her from marrying Chu Guihong while avoiding Nan Heng. This repeated cycle meant she was 'stuck with a bug.'

Chu Guihong realized that if she retained memories from her loops, she would possess foreknowledge, putting all his plans at risk. To counteract this, he decided to act preemptively and strike first. In the Imperial Study, Nan Rui was peeling a tangerine for the Emperor when he felt the scene was eerily familiar, asking if the Emperor had peeled a tangerine for "him" before, despite the Emperor's denial. Chu Guihong abruptly entered, snatched the tangerine, and declared it poisoned.

While Nan Rui was distraught, swearing he would never attempt such a thing, Chu Guihong claimed a report indicated a vendor was paid to poison the fruit specifically sold to Nan Rui, speculating the culprit was someone close to the Emperor and Nan Rui. He then suggested this pointed to Nan Heng's ambition. Nan Rui felt Chu Guihong's words about the culprit echoed something Nan Heng had previously said. The Emperor questioned Chu Guihong's accusation against his son.

Citing the potential for rebellion, Chu Guihong ordered the Emperor to remain in his chamber for safety, surrounding the area with Qianyu Army, effectively placing the Emperor under house arrest. He then ordered Rong Hua to secure an imperial edict from the Emperor authorizing an attack on Nan Heng.

Nan Heng and Song Yimeng arrived at the palace only to find they were too late; the Emperor had already ordered the Imperial Guards replaced, and the Qianyu Army controlled the area. Song Yimeng wondered why Chu Guihong had acted so quickly again, noting he had done so in a previous loop. They needed to rescue the Emperor. Nan Rui, having escaped through a small passage the Emperor had created as a diversion, found them.

He recounted the events, warning Nan Heng not to act impulsively and explaining that the Emperor was stalling while Chu Guihong sought an edict against him. Song Yimeng noted the difference from a previous loop where Nan Rui was widely seen as the poisoner, while this time only a vendor's testimony implicated him, making the accusation less credible. Nan Rui denied poisoning his father, and Song Yimeng confirmed Chu Guihong was the true poisoner who framed him.

She speculated that Chu Guihong's change in tactics meant he either anticipated their actions or had also entered the unlimited flow and gained memories. Nan Rui, confused by the talk of unlimited flow, was told it would be explained later. Nan Heng instructed Fugui to escort Nan Rui and his mother, the Consort, to Waning River Crescent for safety. Meanwhile, the scriptwriter confronted Chu Guihong, questioning his deviation from the plan.

Chu Guihong declared his intention to change his fate, stating he would not let the scriptwriter return to the modern world because that would put his fate back in the scriptwriter's hands. He wanted control over his own destiny and intended to trap the scriptwriter in the script world forever, even offering him a high position or threatening him with a gruesome fate if he resisted.

The scriptwriter cried for help, but Chu Guihong, having control of the Qianyu Army, ordered his men to seize him. The scriptwriter, protesting that he was Lord Qianyu, was dragged away, cursing Chu Guihong and vowing to write his death a thousand times if he ever returned. Chu Guihong, however, asserted that the scriptwriter would never return. Nan Heng believed their previous defeats were due to insufficient military strength. This time, he needed more allies.

He located the scriptwriter, now chained, who warned Nan Heng that Chu Guihong was insane and had 5,000 soldiers outside the city preparing to attack Nan Heng starting at Hai Shi (9 PM). The scriptwriter urged Nan Heng to finish the iconic scenes with Song Yimeng to survive. Nan Heng revealed that the scriptwriter had already died twice in previous loops, confirming the reincarnation was real and urging the scriptwriter to cooperate against Chu Guihong.

The scriptwriter, claiming he was just a writer and no fighter, begged to be freed to hide. Nan Heng refused, insisting that regardless of his identity, today he was Lord Qianyu and must fulfill that role. Feeling physically weak, Nan Heng discussed their dire situation with Song Yimeng. Chu Guihong commanded a large force, and the scriptwriter (Lord Qianyu) hadn't fully committed.

Nan Heng recalled that his uncle, Gao Changyin, had mentioned 3,000 private soldiers hidden outside the city, loyal to him, whom the capital authorities couldn't find. He had already sent Yao Qian and the Nightwalkers to locate them. His plan was to use a Crown Prince's edict, sent via Yao Qian, to offer these soldiers a choice: remain hidden and anonymous forever or make amends by joining Nan Heng to suppress the rebellion. He believed most would choose the latter.

Song Yimeng felt they needed even more people before the private army arrived to help delay Chu Guihong. She suggested rallying officials, martial artists, and even common citizens. However, efforts by Yunlong and Shanhu to recruit people proved difficult as everyone feared opposing Chu Guihong, who commanded significant troops. At Waning River Crescent, where the Song family had been sheltered, Song Yimeng decided to tell her father and sister about the script world.

Nan Heng spoke with Nan Rui separately, explaining the reincarnation and that Chu Guihong was the true villain who had harmed him multiple times. Nan Rui struggled to process the truth, needing time to digest it. Nan Heng outlined the military strategy: He and the Nightwalkers' main force would lure Chu Guihong's rebel army to the narrow Anhe Pier in the South City starting at Hai Shi (9 PM).

Because the South City's roads were narrow, Chu Guihong's army would have to divide into three routes to meet up. Song Yimeng, Shangguan He, Yunlong, Shanhu, and others would ambush Chu Guihong's reinforcements on these three routes. Simultaneously, Fugui would lead 300 Xuanjia soldiers, accompanying Nan Rui, into the palace to rescue the Emperor.

Nan Rui was hesitant, fearing Nan Heng's failure given his previous defeats with limited troops, and proposed a different plan where he would lead the Xuanjia Army to ambush Chu Guihong alone in the South City while Nan Heng lured him there. Nan Heng rejected this, insisting on his plan, assuring Nan Rui that the 300 Xuanjia soldiers and allies like Jixiang inside the palace were sufficient.

He gave Nan Rui a sword, calling him his brother and reminding him he was the 'heaven's chosen one' and the auspicious sign of Great Jing, capable of succeeding. They agreed that Nan Rui would protect the palace while Nan Heng protected the capital, hoping they could both survive this time. Back at Waning River Crescent, Song Yimeng informed Song Yude that Chu Guihong was launching a coup with less than three hours remaining.

Song Yude was shocked, questioning Lord Qianyu's involvement. Song Yimeng couldn't fully explain but stressed that failure to stop Chu Guihong would endanger Nan Heng and the entire Song family. Song Yude declared his duty to protect Great Jing and agreed to fight. Song Yiting immediately pledged to follow Song Yimeng. When asked, Zhou Xueyi hesitated, claiming fear and weakness, although Song Yimeng playfully reminded her of her strength.

The servants ran off, making Song Yimeng think they were abandoning them, but they returned shortly with tools found around Waning River Crescent, ready to join the effort for the Song family. Song Yimeng clarified they wouldn't be on the front lines but would go to the South City with the Nightwalkers to delay Chu Guihong's reinforcements. Before the operation, Song Yiting decided to marry Shangguan He immediately at Waning River Crescent.

She dismissed the need for traditional rituals and witnesses, stating their marriage was solely about them, and insisted on getting married that day. When Shangguan He made a conditional promise to marry her upon his safe return, she warned him that such promises often precede tragic ends for the men who make them, sometimes leaving no trace of their graves.

She gave him a choice: marry her now or she would cut his hair to tie it with hers in a symbolic union. When Shangguan He proposed using traditional vows, Song Yiting preferred a more modern phrasing, asking him to accept her as his partner, in all circumstances, until death. Both exchanged "I do"s. Nan Heng prepared for the mission, changing into attire suitable for operating with the Nightwalkers.

Song Yimeng remained hopeful, knowing that Yao Qian had found the hideout of Gao Changyin's private soldiers, with around 2,000 agreeing to help and expected to arrive in the South City before Zi Shi (11 PM). She realized that by stalling Chu Guihong's forces for just one more hour, they could receive reinforcements and change their fate. Reflecting on the scriptwriter's words, she saw that they were not mere characters but "holders of the pen," writers of their own story.

Nan Heng agreed, recognizing that everyone present would be a protagonist tonight. Song Yimeng embraced this realization, abandoning her past hope for a hero and acknowledging that the true hero was her own unwavering and unyielding self. United in their resolve, they agreed to fight with all their might and leave no regrets.

The plan was set: Nan Heng and the main Nightwalker force would lure Chu Guihong to Anhe Pier in the South City starting at Hai Shi (9 PM). Because the South City's roads were narrow, Chu Guihong's army would have to divide into three groups to converge. Song Yimeng, Shangguan He, Yunlong, Shanhu, and others would ambush these three groups of reinforcements. Simultaneously, Fugui, with 300 Xuanjia soldiers, would accompany Nan Rui to the palace to rescue the Emperor.

Nan Rui, praying to various deities for safety and victory for himself, his father, and Nan Heng, promised grand offerings upon their safe return. In the palace, under pressure from Rong Hua to write an imperial edict against Nan Heng by Hai Shi (9 PM), the Emperor instead remained firm and began writing an edict denouncing Chu Guihong. Meanwhile, Song Yude, the former Minister of War, prepared himself, practicing combat moves, despite claiming not to be nervous.

Episode 40 (Ending) Recap

At the city's northwest, ambushes were set up by Yunlong's group, striking the Qianyu Army. In the chaos, Song Yude panicked and detonated explosives. Yan, a former Minister of War, arrived with others to aid the Emperor and the Crown Prince, declaring his conscience wouldn't allow him to stay away when they were in trouble. He employed a strategy he called "Close the gates, and release the dogs," although he admitted it wasn't from Sun Tzu's Art of War.

Meanwhile, in the South City, Duan Shanhu and the Nightwalkers were intercepted by the Qianyu Army. Members of the Axe Gang arrived to help, explaining they were doing so because someone named Li Shiliu admitted Duan Shanhu was more handsome than him, though Duan Shanhu doubted Li Shiliu would actually admit it. On Nansheng Street, Song Yiting and her husband, Shangguan He, created a diversion by employing the empty fort strategy, luring the Qianyu Army into a trap.

Song Yimeng had arranged for the Song family women to wait there with large nets, trapping the soldiers and beating them. Jia Ruru and others also joined, throwing itching powder at the soldiers. Inside Huanning Hall, Rong Hua confronted the Emperor with a sword, seeing an imperial edict as incorrect. Jixiang quickly intervened, blocking Rong Hua from the Emperor. Nan Rui arrived with Fugui and others to rescue the Emperor.

When Jixiang was wounded protecting Nan Rui, Nan Rui instantly recalled a previous scene and was determined not to see Jixiang die in front of him again. Rong Hua then demanded the Emperor write a new imperial edict, holding a sword to his neck. Encouraged by Jixiang, and seeing the Emperor threatened, Nan Rui bravely killed Rong Hua with a single sword thrust, earning a look of surprise and respect from the Emperor.

Nan Rui then comforted his father, the Emperor. Near Anhe Pier, Chu Guihong arrived with his Qianyu troops, declaring Nan Heng's death was imminent and boasting that Qianyu reinforcements would arrive immediately. Nan Heng's subordinate reported that the Qianyu rebels on the road, whom Chu Guihong expected as reinforcements, had already been dealt with.

Nan Heng believed victory was certain, but then received news that his 3,000 private soldiers, led by Chancellor Gao, had been ambushed outside the city at Yangui Gorge and incapacitated by anesthetic/poison. Song Yimeng, observing the Qianyu troops, noted their numbers were fewer than the 5,000 mobilized by Chu Guihong, suspecting they might have been divided for an ambush outside the city. Chu Guihong confirmed Nan Heng's reinforcements were trapped and poisoned at Yangui Gorge.

He then rallied his remaining Qianyu troops, declaring Nan Heng a traitor who poisoned the Emperor and planned rebellion, calling for them to act on Heaven's behalf to eradicate him. Suddenly, the Screenwriter appeared, claiming to be Lord Qianyu. He addressed the Qianyu warriors, stating that his son, Chu Guihong, had harmed the Emperor and plotted rebellion, ordering them to join him in eliminating the traitor.

The Qianyu Army was thrown into confusion, unsure whom to follow, with some soldiers choosing to obey the supposed Lord Qianyu. Chu Guihong immediately exposed the Screenwriter, pointing out the man's lack of martial skill compared to his father, the true Lord Qianyu who died in battle, and declaring him an impostor sent by Nan Heng. He appealed to the soldiers' loyalty to his real father and urged them to stand with him.

Meanwhile, outside Huanning Hall, a small group was confronting Chu Guihong's forces. More people began arriving, declaring their support for Nan Heng. Song Yimeng appeared with a large crowd of citizens who had come to help. The citizens stated they weren't there to repay favors but because anyone who brought war and suffering to Great Jing and made the people homeless was their enemy, regardless of who they were.

The Screenwriter, witnessing the large turnout of ordinary citizens and even minor characters, was touched and surprised. An elderly man, whose son and own father had served under the real Lord Qianyu against foreign enemies, stepped forward and questioned why the Qianyu soldiers were now pointing their weapons at their own people instead of external foes.

He reminded them of their past as loyal defenders and heroes and urged them not to follow someone scheming for power down a wrong path. Nan Heng then addressed the Qianyu soldiers, promising that he would only target the main culprits and spare the loyal, offering forgiveness to anyone who abandoned the wrong path and joined the righteous cause, treating them as innocent. Hearing this, a portion of the Qianyu soldiers chose to stand with the citizens.

Infuriated, Chu Guihong charged forward to kill Nan Heng. Shangguan He stopped others from interfering, observing that Nan Heng's backlash power had weakened and he was capable of handling Chu Guihong alone. Nan Heng defeated Chu Guihong, piercing him with his sword but deliberately leaving him alive to be judged by the Emperor. Chu Guihong laughed mockingly, calling Heaven unjust and accusing Nan Heng of hypocrisy, then killed himself.

Nan Heng looked on with regret, recalling a childhood memory of the two of them talking about protecting Great Jing together when they grew up. Later, the Screenwriter spoke with Song Yimeng, admitting he had been too shallow and wrong to try and dictate everyone's destiny, acknowledging that all people, regardless of their role, were living beings. When Song Yimeng asked about the script mechanism, the Screenwriter explained that many things had already changed.

The mechanism where 'when the heroine is in danger, the hero must rescue her' and 'iconic scenes must happen' became invalid when Nan Heng used the mechanism to defeat itself. Now that the "paper characters" had awakened, the backlash mechanism for changing iconic scenes had also ceased to function. He mused that he himself was no longer controlled by fate and might return to his own world soon. Song Yimeng gave him a hug.

Nan Heng was visibly annoyed and mentioned wanting to hit the Screenwriter, but Song Yimeng took his hand and led him away. A few days later, Song Yimeng received a letter from the Screenwriter, confirming he had indeed returned to modern times. He conveyed that any further significant changes in their world were now driven by the individuals themselves, as control had been handed over to everyone. Other characters began shaping their own destinies.

Yingqiu expressed her desire to control her own fate and wished to marry Nan Rui, discussing "pairing literature" and rejecting the idea of pre-determined pairings. Nan Rui found a suitable territory, became skilled at growing rice, and became the best rice farmer in the land. As he was describing his success, Yingqiu appeared, and they embraced, signifying the start of their relationship.

Zhixia became the Chief of the Waning River Crescent, efficiently managing the business and often criticizing the men for their lack of capability in handling tasks like finances and invitations. Shangguan He spent his time with Song Yiting and discussed wanting to have a child with her. Song Yiting revealed she had made a wish to the Screenwriter for men to be able to get pregnant, causing Shangguan He to worry as he felt he had gained weight recently.

The Consort and Zhou Xueyi became companions and decided to leave the palace and their loveless marriage to the Emperor and Song Yude, giving them '休书' (breakup/divorce letters) and seeking new adventures in the wider world. Fugui took on the responsibility of guarding the border gate of Great Jing, explaining that because Nan Heng's heart now held the entire nation, Fugui's home was wherever Nan Heng's responsibility lay, which was the border.

Yao Qian arrived with 3,000 private soldiers and joined Fugui's command, seeking a deputy position, which Fugui found annoying. The Emperor abdicated, and Nan Heng ascended to the throne, fulfilling his ideal of protecting all the people. Song Yimeng felt a sense of triumph, likening it to a top female celebrity walking the red carpet as the Empress. Months later, Nan Heng impatiently wondered what Song Yimeng was doing.

She finally returned, and he feigned illness to garner sympathy, but she quickly saw through his act. He expressed how much he missed her, noting she had been gone for three months. She teased him, saying she would have stayed filming with an actor named Nan Feng for three months if she knew he was so clingy. Nan Heng became jealous and disparaged Nan Feng's appearance, comparing him to a compass.

Song Yimeng reassured him, stating she could never like someone like that and promising that from now on, he would be the only one she did scenes with, referencing their promise of "white head, same heart." He commented on her improved English and brought up their other code phrase, "Heng sweeps through domestic entertainment" (珩扫内娱), which she playfully interpreted as a type of "delicious fish," implying she was the delicious fish. In the modern world, Song Xiaoyu woke up abruptly.

Her agent rushed her to get ready for makeup and fitting, warning her not to be late. On set, Song Xiaoyu saw actor Nan Feng, who strongly resembled Nan Heng. She approached him, but he looked at her blankly, asking what she wanted. Disappointed, Song Xiaoyu turned to leave. As she walked away, the actor called out her character's name, "Song Yimeng," followed by the code phrase, "white head, same heart."

Song Xiaoyu's eyes widened, recognizing him and realizing he was Nan Heng. The screenwriter Zhuang Liu later commented that the screenwriter Bixiong was just a minor character whom she had written back to modern times, musing about the possibility that the entire story wasn't just "Dream of Qingning" but perhaps "A Dream Within A Dream," suggesting that if that were the case, they would continue changing their fate until their last breath.