Arsenal Military Academy Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Arsenal Military Academy Synopsis

Xie Xiang, a kind-hearted and righteous young woman who disguises herself as a man to enlist in a military academy in place of her brother. There, she crosses paths with Gu Yanzhen, a carefree and wealthy playboy, and Shen Junshan, a calm and composed strategist. Over time, they evolve from classmates to trusted comrades-in-arms.

Under the strict and brutal training regime of the academy, Xie Xiang must not only conceal her true identity but also overcome the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated environment. Most crucially, she pushes herself to endure the grueling physical demands of military training to graduate. Along the way, she and her fellow cadets face a series of major events—some perilous, others hilariously absurd.

Through sheer determination, Xie Xiang not only excels academically but also earns the respect of her instructors. Meanwhile, her courage and sincerity capture the hearts of both Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan.

However, when Japanese forces escalate their military presence in Northeast China, Jin Xianrong—a woman infatuated with Shen Junshan—returns from overseas, disguised as the head of a Japanese trade association. Her arrival sets off a chain of conspiracies and traps. With the help of her friends, Xie Xiang confronts the Japanese threat, maturing amidst bloodshed and turmoil. Ultimately, she foils Jin Xianrong’s schemes and finds love with Gu Yanzhen.

Arsenal Military Academy Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In 1911, the Xinhai Revolution broke out, and the Qing government quickly collapsed. The Beiyang forces, led by Yuan Shikai, took charge of China. The domestic political situation was turbulent, the people were anxious, foreign powers were oppressive, and bandits were rampant. New schools were being established across the country. Driven by this major trend, the Feng'an government, with joint funding from many patriotic individuals, relaunched the Arsenal Military Academy, aiming to cultivate patriotic officers and soldiers.

News of the reopening of the Arsenal Military Academy spread quickly, and many patriotic young people came to sign up, including Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang was determined to cross-dress as a man to enroll in the Arsenal Military Academy in place of her deceased brother, Xie Liangchen. Her good friend, Tan Xiaojun, met her at the train station. Xie Xiang ignored Tan Xiaojun's persuasion and resolutely cut off her long braid.

Xie Xiang held the medical examination form nervously. A nurse came out and called her in for the examination. Worried about being exposed, Xie Xiang pleaded with the doctor for leniency. In the end, she passed successfully. Tan Xiaojun took Xie Xiang to the Palimo Dance Hall to see the big star Qu Manting. They had been good friends since childhood.

Reporters crowded the backstage dressing room, vying to get in and interview Qu Manting, but the dance hall's Manager Huang blocked them at the door. Xie Xiang saw Qu Manting in the women's restroom. Qu Manting insisted that she had followed her there, spoke rudely to her, and demanded she take out her camera. Xie Xiang then remembered that she was disguised as a man. She argued with Qu Manting, and they started fighting as soon as they disagreed.

The dance hall staff kept calling for Qu Manting outside. Xie Xiang didn't want to get more entangled and quickly found an opportunity to run out and find Tan Xiaojun. Qu Manting came out to perform amidst everyone's calls. Her graceful singing deeply captivated everyone present. Only Xie Xiong and Gu Yanzhen were not interested in her. When the song ended, the audience offered flowers to Qu Manting. Gu Yanzhen publicly questioned Qu Manting's performance.

Fueled by alcohol, he went on stage, mocked Qu Manting sarcastically, and wanted to invite her down for drinks. The dance hall's Manager Huang learned that Gu Yanzhen was the son of Gu Zongtang, the newly appointed Feng'an Inspector, so he had to send someone to call the young master. Gu Yanzhen forcibly carried Qu Manting away. Xie Xiang couldn't stand it and quickly stopped Gu Yanzhen. Qu Manting suspected that she and Gu Yanzhen were together.

Captain Hao led the police to arrive, and only then did Gu Yanzhen put Qu Manting down. Shen Tingbai arrived shortly after and asked Captain He to handle the matter properly. Gu Yanzhen repeatedly claimed that he and Xie Xiang were together. With a command from Captain He, the police immediately surrounded Gu Yanzhen, punched and kicked him, and took him back to the police station.

Gu Zongtang heard the news and immediately sent his butler to bring Gu Yanzhen back. Captain He learned Gu Yanzhen's identity and, frightened, quickly offered apologetic smiles. Gu Yanzhen, however, was relentless and asked him to deliver a message to Shen Tingbai. Captain He looked troubled but agreed with a stiff upper lip. Captain He deliberately let the policemen play mahjong and lose money to Gu Yanzhen.

Xie Xiang exposed Gu Yanzhen to his face as a hooligan who harassed innocent women. Gu Yanzhen wanted to use the money for Xie Xiang's medical expenses, but Xie Xiang didn't appreciate it at all and walked away. Gu's butler came to pick up Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen repeatedly reminded Captain He to be sure to deliver the message to Shen Tingbai. Gu Yanzhen went to see his father, Gu Zongtang.

Gu Zongtang gave him a harsh lecture, but Gu Yanzhen didn't care. Gu Zongtang was so angry that he gnashed his teeth and shouted at him. The butler quickly stopped Gu Zongtang. Gu Zongtang didn't want to see Gu Yanzhen continue to be so decadent and wanted him to go to the Arsenal Military Academy for a test. Captain He quickly went to see Shen Tingbai and relayed all of Gu Yanzhen's words.

Gu Yanzhen had heard that Shen Tingbai was a hero and wanted to meet him. He also praised Qu Manting for having a very soft waist. Today was the opening day of the Arsenal Military Academy. Xie Xiang arrived on time to report. She saw Huang Song, dressed in rags, arriving there pushing pots and pans on a wheelbarrow. She couldn't help but laugh.

Huang Song took the initiative to greet Xie Xiang and said he had fled famine from Shandong. He happened to encounter a military battle, and by a twist of fate, he performed a meritorious service and was arranged to study at the military academy. Li Wenzhong came over in a car, driving recklessly, and accidentally hit Huang Song's wheelbarrow. Li Wenzhong was so angry that he cursed him.

Xie Xiang was indignant and wanted to go settle accounts with Li Wenzhong, but Huang Song didn't want to make a fuss. Li Wenzhong boasted to the students about his extensive knowledge and promised to treat everyone to a meal at Deyue Building later. Huang Song saw the armed soldiers standing guard at the entrance and introduced the performance of the guns to Xie Xiang like a connoisseur.

Li Wenzhong came over again to provoke Huang Song, repeatedly claiming that Huang Song's wheelbarrow had scratched his car. Xie Xiang argued with him, but Li Wenzhong was relentless, forcing Huang Song to kneel down and beg for mercy and call him 'Dad'. Seeing the Japanese Chamber of Commerce emblem on his chest, Xie Xiang cursed him as a Japanese stooge. Li Wenzhong was enraged and fought with Xie Xiang.

He casually threw Huang Song's washbasin, which happened to hit Shen Junshan's waist. Shen Junshan and Ji Jin stood aside. They had long been annoyed by Li Wenzhong's arrogant and overbearing behavior. Shen Junshan immediately stepped forward to hold him accountable. Li Wenzhong repeatedly apologized. Shen Junshan forced him to kneel and apologize, but he refused. Shen Junshan subdued him on the spot.

Just then, the instructor suddenly arrived to stop them and asked those who were involved in the fight to step forward. Ji Jin did not step out. The instructor called him out. The instructor made them run 50 laps with their luggage and also made the remaining cadets run 30 laps. Huang Song groaned in complaint. Instructor Guo Shuting saw everything clearly from the side.

Immediately after, Gu Yanzhen arrived drunk to report and also brought a note from Commander Liu. The instructor punished Gu Yanzhen by hanging him in the training ground and publicly announced that they were all reservists and should put away their spoiled young master temper, otherwise he would show no mercy.

Episode 2 Recap

On the first day of the Arsenal Military Academy's opening, Instructor Lv gave every cadet a shock by making them run laps on the training ground carrying their luggage. Li Wenzhong was hung under the scorching sun, and he groaned incessantly. Guo Shuting drank the alcohol Li Wenzhong brought and even made fun of him. Huang Song had the most luggage; he still gritted his teeth and persevered, carrying pots and pans, and kept cheering for Xie Xiang.

Xie Xiang couldn't help but recall Tan Xiaojun's words from last night, reminding her not to be impulsive lest someone discover she is disguised as a man. Shen Junshan didn't bring any luggage, and he was the first to finish thirty laps. Ji Jin was exhausted and wanted to slack off, so Instructor Lv punished him by making him run two more laps.

Xie Xiang originally wanted to give up, but Huang Song wanted to accompany her to receive the punishment. Xie Xiang didn't want to implicate him, so she could only grit her teeth and persevere. Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen were assigned to the same dormitory. Gu Yanzhen accidentally discovered girl's underwear in her luggage and mistakenly thought she was a pervert.

Xie Xiang just wanted to find the instructor to change dorms, but Instructor Lv called for an emergency assembly for a lecture, so Xie Xiang also had to give up. Instructor Lv straightforwardly relayed to them the school's discipline and training schedule. If anyone dared to be late by fifteen minutes, they would be punished by soaking in a large bath for a day.

Latecomers would be punished with thirty military strokes, and those who did not return overnight would be directly expelled. Smoking and drinking were strictly prohibited, and once anyone was found smoking opium, they would be immediately taken out and shot. Leaving campus was prohibited except on holidays. Instructor Lv repeatedly declared that this was the Arsenal Military Academy, and no one should think of slacking off here.

Next, Instructor Lv began inspecting each cadet's luggage, discovering a handgun pressed at the bottom of a box and candy hidden in socks. Xie Xiang felt uneasy, but Instructor Lv still discovered the girl's underwear in her luggage. Gu Yanzhen took the initiative to step forward and help her out, claiming it was a souvenir from his girlfriend.

Instructor Lv punished the cadets who privately hid prohibited items on the spot, each with five military strokes and a run of twenty laps. Gu Yanzhen picked up Xie Xiang's luggage and returned to the dormitory. Xie Xiang thanked Gu Yanzhen for standing up for her. Unexpectedly, Gu Yanzhen actually used this to blackmail her, forcing Xie Xiang to wash his clothes and polish his shoes. Xie Xiang could only swallow her anger and do everything as instructed.

Xie Xiang saw Gu Yanzhen kick off his blanket while sleeping, so she helped him cover up. At night, Xie Xiang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She opened her luggage and took out the music box given by her brother Xie Liangchen. Guo Shuting came to Huo Xiaoyu's Shannan Tavern. The waiter Xiao Liu thought he was there to collect rent. He saw that Huo Xiaoyu was not there, so he sat by himself and drank.

Huo Xiaoyu soon returned to Shannan Tavern and saw that Guo Shuting was already drunk and unconscious, and kept motioning to Xiao Liu to pour him wine. Huo Xiaoyu knew that he had returned this time to go back to the Arsenal Military Academy to be a tactics instructor, so she showed him great care and concern and also asked Xiao Liu to prepare some sobering side dishes and soup for him.

Instructor Lv arrived at the military academy early in the morning, and Guo Shuting also returned later, stumbling drunk. The wake-up bell rang. Xie Xiang got up on time and tidied up her bedding, but Gu Yanzhen was still sleeping soundly. Huang Song and Xie Xiang ate breakfast together. Ji Jin and Shen Junshan sat next to them. Huang Song took the initiative to greet them.

Shen Junshan ignored him, but Ji Jin warmly introduced himself, saying he was a local, and told them to speak up if they needed anything. Before training, Instructor Lv first explained the current international situation to the cadets. The German-Japanese War was raging fiercely. Instructor Lv felt that their seventh batch of cadets were the worst in quality but the bravest, and urged everyone to train hard and be ready at any time to defend the country.

The cadets were greatly excited. Gu Yanzhen was dragged out of the dormitory by the instructor. He claimed he didn't hear the wake-up bell and accused Xie Xiang of not waking him up on time. Instructor Lv punished him by soaking in a large bath for a day. Gu Yanzhen thought it was just a bath and felt happy inside. Instructor Song led the cadets to begin arduous training.

Xie Xiang could not keep up with the speed because she lacked physical strength, and Huang Song was beside her cheering her on. The following training was even more brutal. Cadets in pairs carried a large log and had to brave the pouring rain to deliver it to the destination. Xie Xiang and Huang Song were in a group together, but because she was frail, she fell behind. Instructor Song severely reprimanded them.

Xie Xiang recalled being chased by thugs back then; she was filled with hatred, and her strength immediately doubled, but in the end, she still fell behind. She didn't want to implicate Huang Song from being punished, so she let him go back by himself first. The large bath punishment was being soaked in the sewage of the drainpipe. Gu Yanzhen secretly climbed out, but was soon caught and dragged back.

Episode 3 Recap

A day passed, and the instructor finally pulled out the dizzy Gu Yanzhen who had been soaking. He threw him onto the training ground. Xie Xiang came out overnight to practice carrying logs until she was completely exhausted. She lay down next to Gu Yanzhen, and the two of them empathized with each other. Gu Yanzhen swore to defeat everyone and never wanted to soak in the large bath again.

Only then did the two of them support each other back to the dormitory. Qu Manting came to Huo Xiaoyu's Shannan Tavern in disguise to find Tan Xiaojun. Tan Xiaojun looked for a long time before recognizing her, and deliberately shouted to everyone to come and see Qu Manting, but the customers ignored her. Only then did Qu Manting take off her sunglasses and scarf.

Tan Xiaojun advised her to quickly marry Shen Tingbai so that others wouldn't snatch him away. Qu Manting firmly refused. Tan Xiaojun unintentionally mentioned her kidnapping incident in Parimor. Qu Manting found out that Gu Yanzhen was studying at the Arsenal Military Academy and asked Tan Xiaojun to help her inquire about his whereabouts. Xie Xiang prepared medicine to prevent colds for Gu Yanzhen, but he just sat on the bed meditating.

The next morning, Xie Xiang called Gu Yanzhen to get up, but he kept not responding. Xie Xiang didn't want to be implicated, so in a fit of anger, she poured a basin of cold water on him to wake him up. What followed was arduous training. Because Xie Xiang was small and thin, she couldn't climb the wooden wall, so Gu Yanzhen demonstrated for her. Instructor Song punished the two of them by making them stand on their heads.

Xie Xiang practiced repeatedly and finally broke through the obstacle and overcame herself. She could keep up with the progress of the cadets, but she exhausted herself. Gu Yanzhen got up early. Waiting for the wake-up bell to ring, he poured a basin of cold water on Xie Xiang's head. Xie Xiang screamed in anger. The cadets were used to their quarrels.

Huang Song felt sorry for Xie Xiang and advised her not to fight with Gu Yanzhen to avoid getting hurt herself. Huang Song wanted to visit his sister during the holiday the day after tomorrow, and Xie Xiang wanted to see Tan Xiaojun. Xie Xiang wore a men's suit to find Tan Xiaojun at the school. The two of them couldn't help but hug tightly, attracting criticism from their classmates.

Tan Xiaojun was eager to ask about her life at the military academy. Xie Xiang didn't want to go back to the dormitory and wanted to stay at Tan Xiaojun's home for the two-day holiday. But Tan Xiaojun didn't expose Xie Xiang's disguise as a man. She bought a set of women's clothes for Xie Xiang to take home and also bought her a long wig. Tan's mother showed concern and care for Xie Xiang.

Tan Xiaojun was worried that her secret would be revealed over time and quickly took Xie Xiang out to eat Western food. Qu Manting waited for Tan Xiaojun in the Western restaurant for half an hour and couldn't help but complain a few times. Xie Xiang remembered the argument she had with Qu Manting. She didn't dare to look Qu Manting directly in the eye. Qu Manting also felt she looked familiar but couldn't remember where she had seen her.

Shen Tingbai arrived shortly after with his brother Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang was so scared that she covered her eyes with the menu. Qu Manting was sarcastic towards Shen Junshan. He didn't show weakness either and retorted sarcastically to Qu Manting, even bringing up the Parimor incident to mock her. Shen Tingbai asked Tan Xiaojun to introduce Xie Xiang next to her.

Xie Xiang was worried that her identity would be exposed and used the excuse of going to the bathroom to take Tan Xiaojun with her. Tan Xiaojun asked Xie Xiang to go home first. She stayed behind to sound out Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang wandered alone on the street. Gu Yanzhen passed by her in a car and quickly stopped the car and looked back. Xie Xiang was so scared that she hid behind a flower bed.

As soon as Tan Xiaojun got home, she praised Shen Junshan profusely, looking like a fangirl. She was eager to ask Xie Xiang about Shen Junshan's situation at school. Xie Xiang felt he was a bit arrogant. Tan Xiaojun detailed the Shen family's huge influence in Shun'an, as well as Shen Tingbai's deep affection for Qu Manting. Xie Xiang was not interested.

Tan Xiaojun was worried that she would go to the battlefield in the future and casually mentioned Xie Liangchen. Xie Xiang felt melancholic in her heart. Gu Yanzhen went home drunk. Suddenly, three people with sticks blocked him in an alley. Qu Manting followed closely behind. At her command, the three people rushed up together, wanting to gang up on Gu Yanzhen. Unexpectedly, Gu Yanzhen beat them away with a few punches and kicks.

Gu Yanzhen flirted with Qu Manting in various ways. She fled in panic. Gu Yanzhen secretly put wine in a thermos and also bought a lot of dishes. He hid in the dormitory to drink but was caught red-handed by Guo Shuting on the spot. He was punished by having to clean the toilets for a month, and all his wine and dishes were confiscated. Xie Xiang came back after buying groceries and ran into Guo Shuting face-to-face.

He mistakenly thought Xie Xiang and Gao Yingzhe were accomplices and punished the two of them to clean the toilets together. Xie Xiang complained bitterly but could only bite the bullet and comply. When the cadets used the toilet, Xie Xiang was so scared she quickly hid outside. Gu Yanzhen hid on the training ground sunbathing and not working. Xie Xiang threatened him by saying he'd have to soak in the large bath tomorrow. Gu Yanzhen jumped up in fright.

He borrowed a sprinkler truck to wash the toilets. Unexpectedly, Guo Shuting was using the toilet inside and was completely soaked through. Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang were punished by carrying logs. As a result, they missed mealtime. Xie Xiang could only go hungry. Gu Yanzhen deliberately put his saliva on the leftover food. Xie Xiang's stomach rumbled with hunger. Shen Junshan brought her some biscuits and made the excuse that they were about to expire.

Xie Xiang ate them all in one go. Huang Song was worried that Xie Xiang would be hungry, so he secretly left some food for her in the dormitory, but Xie Xiang was already full. Xie Xiang was good at wooden swords. She easily won against a classmate, but he was not convinced and took the opportunity to sneak attack Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen proactively stepped forward and taught that classmate a lesson. Shen Junshan immediately protected Xie Xiang.

Gu Yanzhen took Xie Xiang to the infirmary to check her wound. Xie Xiang was worried about being exposed and quickly ran back to the dormitory. Gu Yanzhen brought back ointment and wanted to help Xie Xiang apply it to her wound. She firmly refused. Gu Yanzhen suspected that she was a woman.

Episode 4 Recap

Gu Yanzhen thought about it more and more, feeling something was wrong. He suspected Xie Xiang was a woman, and Xie Xiang tried her best to hide it. At night, Xie Xiang once again dreamed of her brother Xie Liangchen. Xie Liangchen was multitalented and thoughtful, often taking Xie Xiang fishing. Xie Xiang was very dependent on him. Not long after, he went to Feng'an to join the army. The siblings said goodbye reluctantly.

Xie Xiang dreamed that her brother was calling her in the dream. She woke up scared and tightly hugged the music box Xie Liangchen had given her. Xie Xiang couldn't sleep, so she went to the courtyard to sit and stare blankly. Suddenly, she heard a melodious sound of music. Xie Xiang followed the sound to the observation deck and saw Shen Junshan playing the harmonica. Shen Junshan inquired about her injuries.

Xie Xiang thanked him for helping her at the dojo today, but Shen Junshan felt she should thank Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang clearly stated that she didn't like Gu Yanzhen, but Shen Junshan envied how carefree Gu Yanzhen lived. Xie Xiang didn't understand why he returned to the country during this time of national crisis. His answer turned out to be exactly the same as Xie Liangchen's, and Xie Xiang couldn't help but see him in a new light.

Guo Shuting supervised the cadets during shooting training. Huang Song hit ten rings every time, and Shen Junshan also hit the target almost every shot. Xie Xiang missed the target twice. She applauded Huang Song to congratulate him, but Guo Shuting was dismissive. He wanted to demonstrate for everyone, but his hands started shaking due to long-term drinking, making him unable to aim accurately, so he had to give up in the end.

Tan Xiaojun came to the military academy to find Xie Xiang. Zhu Yanlin happened to be on guard at the entrance. He immediately felt a connection with Tan Xiaojun and proactively offered to be friends with her. Tan Xiaojun also had a good impression of him. Xie Xiang rushed over. The two of them were very close, and Zhu Yanlin misunderstood that they were in a relationship.

Tan Xiaojun came to inform Xie Xiang that her father, Xie Zhipèi, was coming to Shunyuan on business tomorrow and wanted to visit Xie Xiang along the way. Since Xie Xiang had left the address of Tan Xiaojun's father's newspaper office, Xie Xiang had concealed the fact that she was attending military academy. Worried about being exposed in front of her father, she came overnight to ask Guo Shuting for leave. Unexpectedly, Guo Shuting was practicing shooting at the range.

Just as Xie Xiang wanted to ask for leave, Guo Shuting left without looking back. Xie Xiang found that he not only hit the target every time but also hit the same hole, and she admired him greatly. Early the next morning, Xie Xiang deliberately changed into a girl's school uniform and put on long hair to pick up her father Xie Zhipèi at the station.

Xie Zhipèi found that she was dark and thin, but she looked more robust, and he didn't see any other abnormalities. Xie Zhipèi would return to Beijing tomorrow, and because time was tight, he asked Xie Xiang to deliver the gifts he brought for Tan Xiaojun's parents.

He also asked Xie Xiang to attend the banquet held by the Shunyuan Chamber of Commerce with him tonight and to represent her mother at the inauguration ceremony of the cotton mill because it was Xie Liangchen's death anniversary in two days, and her mother was in a bad mood and unwilling to attend. That night, dignitaries from all walks of life in Shunyuan City came to Shen Manor to attend the banquet.

Qu Manting was also invited and went directly to the side hall to rest. Miss Du, Shen Tingbai's cousin, was instigated by Miss Song and others and felt very resentful towards Qu Manting. They came to the side hall together and made sarcastic remarks about Qu Manting using the painting on the wall. Qu Manting pretended to be asleep and ignored them. Miss Du was relentless and harshly accused Qu Manting.

Qu Manting did not show weakness either and retorted sarcastically to her, even using malicious words. Miss Du was extremely ashamed. Just then, Manager Huang came to call Qu Manting. In a fit of anger, Qu Manting told him to tear down the words on the wall and burn them. When she learned that the painting was an antique, she told her attendant Xiao Tao to take it back in case it was needed.

Xie Xiang specifically wore a formal dress to attend the dinner with her father Xie Zhipèi and only then realized that this magnificent mansion belonged to the Shen family. When Xie Zhipèi saw a colleague, he went over to chat with him, and Xie Xiang walked around by herself to look around. The president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Sato Ichio, also brought people to attend.

Shen Tingbai asked Shen Junshan to go down and interact more with the prominent figures in Shun'an, which would be beneficial for the future development of the Shen family's business. When Shen Tingbai learned that Sato Ichio had arrived, he took Shen Junshan downstairs to receive the guests. Xie Zhipèi thanked Shen Junshan for the supplies he donated to their school and introduced Xie Xiang to him.

Xie Xiang suddenly saw Shen Junshan, and she was worried about being exposed, so she quickly smeared her face with the cake she was holding. Shen Tingbai asked Shen Junshan to take Xie Xiang to wash her face, and Xie Xiang quickly ran away. Shen Tingbai spoke sweet words and flattered Qu Manting in every way. Qu Manting was very unaccustomed to this.

Shen Tingbai had pursued her for many years, but she hadn't relented, so Shen Tingbai had to change his pursuit style. Sato Ichio came to find Shen Tingbai and proactively showed goodwill, wanting to cooperate with him sincerely. However, Shen Tingbai didn't buy it, and instead spoke sarcastically to him and put down harsh words, saying he was ready to compete with him at any time. Sato Ichio was very angry, so he targeted Qu Manting and deliberately brought up her kidnapping in Parimor.

Episode 5 Recap

Sato Ichio reminded Qu Manting to be careful and not let accidents like the one in Parimor happen again. Qu Manting heard the hidden meaning in his words, so she deliberately hooked her arm around Shen Tingbai's, and with a few words, she angered Sato Ichio away. Shen Tingbai wanted to send someone to protect Qu Manting, but she felt it was unnecessary. Instead, she advised Shen Tingbai not to always confront the Japanese.

Shen Tingbai vowed never to bow his head to the Japanese. Shen Junshan accompanied Xie Xiang to the restroom to wash her face. Xie Xiang tried to send him away, but Shen Junshan insisted on waiting for her outside the door. Xie Xiang was anxious, worried that her secret of disguising herself as a man to attend military academy would be exposed. Assistant Minister Gu highly praised Shen Tingbai.

Shen Tingbai casually mentioned Gu Yanzhen, which hit Assistant Minister Gu's sore spot, and he quickly dodged the conversation. The Bai family and the Shen family were old acquaintances. Miss Bai accompanied her father, Mayor Bai Peiyou, to the dinner. She fell in love with Shen Tingbai at first sight and talked endlessly about their childhood memories. She also proactively invited Shen Tingbai to dance the first dance.

Shen Tingbai originally wanted to dance the first song with Qu Manting, but he really couldn't refuse Miss Bai's face, so he danced gracefully with her. Qu Manting was very annoyed, and Miss Song and Miss Du took the opportunity to mock her profusely. Qu Manting was very embarrassed, so Gu Yanzhen asked her to dance, she agreed without hesitation. Xie Xiang finished washing her face and hid in the restroom, not daring to come out.

Shen Junshan continued to wait outside the door. Qu Manting and Gu Yanzhen danced together perfectly, and everyone stopped to admire their performance. Gu Yanzhen helped Qu Manting out of her predicament, but she didn't appreciate it at all. Xie Xiang seized the opportunity and quietly opened the door, rushing downstairs. She accidentally knocked over a waiter's glass and broke it. She was so scared that she quickly ran away. Gu Yanzhen happened to see this scene.

On the way home, Gu Zongtang asked Gu Yanzhen about Shen Junshan's situation at school and advised him to keep a distance from Shen Junshan to avoid being implicated. However, Gu Yanzhen didn't take it seriously and even complained that he was timid and afraid of trouble.

The driver, Old Zhao, couldn't stand Gu Yanzhen being so cold to his father, so he quietly reminded him to be more considerate of his father and told him about Assistant Minister Gu's recent troubles. Japan was increasing its troops in Feng'an, and Assistant Minister Gu had neither manpower nor money. He hadn't slept for several days. Gu Yanzhen asked Old Zhao to help him investigate the female guest surnamed Xie who attended the dinner tonight.

Huo Xiaoyu saw that there was a hole in Guo Shuting's military uniform and quickly took it off to mend it for him. Huo Xiaoyu had a suit custom-made for him and asked him to try it on when he had time. Guo Shuting felt that he wouldn't have an opportunity to wear it. Huo Xiaoyu told him to wear the suit to Pei Nianqing's birthday, and Guo Shuting quickly made an excuse and left.

That night, the more Gu Yanzhen thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. He had clearly seen Xie Xiang wearing women's clothes at the dinner. Huang Song accompanied Xie Xiang to the shooting range to practice shooting. Xie Xiang was worried about not being able to complete the field training in two days. Huang Song promised to help her with all his might.

Just as Xie Xiang was about to leave, Gu Yanzhen suddenly came to the shooting range and deliberately bumped Xie Xiang's chest, teasing that her chest was very large and threatening to touch it himself. Xie Xiang fled in a panic. Shen Junshan sent people to protect Qu Manting 24 hours a day, not allowing her to go out casually. Qu Manting was so bothered by this that she could only obediently stay in her room.

Qu Manting suddenly thought of a safe filming location and immediately asked Xiao Tao to contact Director Lu. They went together to Qu Manting's old residence from her early years to film. Today, the cadets were going to conduct a field combat exercise, and Xie Xiang felt uneasy. Sanada was ordered to follow Qu Manting. Even though the military restricted area was ahead, they continued forward without hesitation, following Qu Manting's car all the way.

As the exercise began, Xie Xiang and Huang Song hurried to the rendezvous point, but unexpectedly encountered enemy cadets. Xie Xiang eliminated them all, and the cadets had no choice but to return to report. Xie Xiang suddenly heard a burst of dense gunfire in the woods. Shen Junshan also realized that the gunfire was not from their blank exercise rounds but from live ammunition, and he quickly took Gu Yanzhen and others over to investigate.

Sanada led his men to pursue Qu Manting, Xiao Tao, and Xiao Yang. The three of them ran desperately. Qu Manting didn't want to implicate the other two; she drew the Japanese's attention away, covering Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang's escape. Huang Song told Xie Xiang to go for reinforcements, while he stayed behind to deal with the enemy. Li Wenzhong and Zhu Yanlin got separated.

He accidentally found Xie Xiang and, in a fit of anger, pushed her into a deep pit. Huang Song followed the sound of gunfire all the way and ended up meeting Shen Junshan, Ji Jin, Zhu Yanlin, and Gu Yanzhen. They also didn't know what was going on with the gunfire just now. Gu Yanzhen learned that Xie Xiang had gone to contact them, but there had been no news of her. He immediately turned back to look for her.

Shen Junshan told Ji Jin to return to headquarters to report the enemy situation, and he put Huang Song and Zhu Yanlin in a group. They split up to go back and search for Xie Xiang. Suddenly, a torrential rain began to fall. Xie Xiang was woken up by the rain. She struggled to get up and discovered that her leg was injured. But the pit was too deep and slippery, and she tried several times but couldn't climb out.

Shen Junshan searched for Xie Xiang in the rain and finally found her in the deep pit. Shen Junshan used all his strength to pull her up and bandaged her injured leg. Xie Xiang clearly remembered someone deliberately pushing her, but she didn't see the person's face. Shen Junshan suspected it was done by an insider and advised Xie Xiang to be careful in the future.

Li Wenzhong had been hiding in the woods, not daring to come out, until he met Ji Jin. Only then did the two of them hurry back together. While Gu Yanzhen was searching everywhere for Xie Xiang, he unexpectedly ran into Qu Manting, who was hiding in the bushes. Qu Manting couldn't distinguish friend from foe and knocked Gu Yanzhen unconscious with a stick. Xie Xiang couldn't walk because of her leg injury, so Shen Junshan carried her back to the camp.

Episode 6 Recap

Xie Xiang lay on Shen Junshan's back, feeling warmth in her heart, and couldn't help but recall how Xie Liangchen had carried her back then. Gu Yanzhen was injured and unconscious, so Qu Manting had to carry him outwards, feeling utterly wronged in her heart. Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang were searching everywhere for Qu Manting, and Huang Song and Zhu Yanlin were searching everywhere for Xie Xiang.

They happened to meet up and went to look for the people together. Shen Junshan saw the stunned cadets in the woods and suddenly heard several gunshots. He immediately helped Xie Xiang and rushed towards the sound of the gunshots. It turned out that Huang Song had encountered Japanese agents and killed them all with lightning speed. He then continued on his way with Zhu Yanlin and the others.

Shen Junshan placed Xie Xiang in a safe area and went to the source of the gunshots to investigate. He unexpectedly encountered Japanese agents who had come as reinforcements. Shen Junshan put down his rifle, which was inconvenient for close combat, drew his dagger, and fought them. He quickly drove them all away. One Japanese ran towards where Xie Xiang was hiding. Xie Xiang immediately drew her gun and pointed it at him.

Shen Junshan returned in time and shot the Japanese dead with one shot. Meanwhile, Shen Tingbai led his men and broke into the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Sato Ichio was so scared that he quickly called for help, but it was too late. Shen Tingbai had already stormed into the office. The phone suddenly rang. Shen Tingbai handed the phone to Sato Ichio. His wife, Yumiko Sachiko, cried and begged him for help.

Sato Ichio gritted his teeth in anger and forced Shen Tingbai to release his family. Shen Tingbai clearly stated that as long as Qu Manting was unharmed, he would release his family. Sato Ichio threatened to kill him. Shen Tingbai showed no weakness and challenged him face to face. Gu Yanzhen finally woke up. He found himself lying in a large mansion.

Qu Manting was cooking in the kitchen, but she didn't know how at all and made the kitchen smoky. Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to cook two bowls of noodles himself. Learning that this was the house Qu Manting's aunt had lived in, Qu Manting suddenly remembered it was her mother's birthday today. She couldn't rush back to congratulate her, and she had to be in the same room with the person she disliked the most, Gu Yanzhen.

Gu Yanzhen coaxed and threatened her. Yumiko Sachiko originally had severe asthma, and being frightened made her condition worse. The doctor suggested that Sato Ichio take his wife back to Japan for further treatment. Xie Xiang's leg injury gradually improved, so she insisted on getting her own meals. Huang Song took meticulous care of her. Xie Xiang saw Shen Junshan and Ji Jin coming to get food together and quickly stood up to thank Shen Junshan for saving her life.

Xie Xiang learned that Shen Junshan was deducted points and came in second place because he didn't complete the mission on time due to saving her. She was very indignant. Gu Yanzhen was given zero points by Instructor Lv Zhongxin because he left the exercise area without permission and was even captured by a fellow student. Xie Xiang ranked second to last. Huang Song deservedly took first place, and Xie Xiang was happy for him too.

As soon as Qu Manting returned home, her father, Qu Huaishu, scolded her fiercely and insisted that she marry Shen Tingbai. Her sister, Qu Manshu, also advised Qu Manting to accept the marriage. Shen Tingbai was deeply devoted to her and had even offended the Japanese Chamber of Commerce for her sake.

However, Qu Manting could never forget the time when the Shen family was in trouble and came to Qu Huaishu for help, but he actually threw away all the gifts that Shen Tingbai's father had given him. Since that incident, Mr. and Mrs. Shen had not said a single word to Qu Manting. Qu Manting felt that Shen Tingbai was not the man she wanted, and she resolutely refused to marry.

Qu Manting went out late at night to clear her head. Qu Huaishu forbade her from leaving and even mocked her for stooping to become a singer. Qu Manting argued with him reasonably. The two of them had a big argument when they disagreed. Qu Manting angrily slammed the door and left. As soon as she went out, she ran into Shen Tingbai. Qu Manting ignored him and went straight to the Shannan Tavern to drown her sorrows in alcohol.

Tan Xiaojun also advised her to marry Shen Tingbai. Qu Manting felt that Shen Tingbai didn't truly love her. Tan Xiaojun had something to do and asked Xiao Liu to keep an eye on Qu Manting and not let her drink any more alcohol. Gu Yanzhen also came to the Shannan Tavern to drink his sorrows away. He and Qu Manting met again. Qu Manting asked him for a bottle of red wine and started pouring and drinking for herself.

Seeing her like this, Gu Yanzhen took the bottle away. Suddenly, a drunk man came to harass Qu Manting. Qu Manting struggled desperately, but the man was persistent. Gu Yanzhen immediately stepped forward to protect Qu Manting and even claimed she was his woman. Qu Manting thanked him and invited him to sit with her. Gu Yanzhen spoke to her kindly. Xie Xiang brought Huang Song to the Shannan Tavern to find Tan Xiaojun.

Tan Xiaojun blurted out Xie Xiang's real name. Huang Song thought it sounded nice and didn't suspect much. Xie Xiang reminded Tan Xiaojun to call her Xie Liangchen when she was wearing male clothes. Huang Song saw Qu Manting and loudly called Xie Xiang over to sit together. Xie Xiang could only steel herself and go over. Qu Manting recognized Xie Xiang at a glance.

Tan Xiaojun quickly explained that the person who attended the dinner was Xie Xiang's twin sister. Gu Yanzhen immediately understood everything and forced Xie Xiang to call her sister out to meet him. Xie Xiang tried her best to hide it, and Tan Xiaojun also tried to help her out. Because of this, Gu Yanzhen became even more certain that Xie Xiang was a woman disguised as a man attending military academy. Qu Manting was drunk and unconscious.

Tan Xiaojun wanted to send her back. Xie Xiang was worried, so she asked Gu Yanzhen to take Qu Manting back and asked Huang Song to take Tan Xiaojun home. Old Zhao was ordered to protect Gu Yanzhen from behind and Gu Yanzhen quickly discovered it. He then asked Old Zhao to drive Qu Manting back to the hotel. Just as Old Zhao was about to report about Miss Xie to Gu Yanzhen, Gu Yanzhen quickly interrupted him because he already knew that Xie Xiang was a girl.

Episode 7 Recap

After Gu Yanzhen had Old Zhao send Qu Manting away, he couldn't wait to chase after Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang, in order to avoid two drunkards, was almost hit by a speeding bicycle. Fortunately, Gu Yanzhen arrived in time and held her tightly, saving her from danger. Gu Yanzhen took great care of her, taking off his coat and putting it on her.

Xie Xiang left the training ground without permission and was punished by Instructor Song to sort out files. Guo Shuting was sleeping in the archives room. Xie Xiang quietly sorted out the files and inadvertently saw a photo of Qu Manting's aunt on the table. She wiped the photo frame clean and placed it properly. Guo Shuting woke up and saw the photo, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Instructor Lv Zhongxin assigned the cadets a mission to find their own number plates according to the marks on the map, and to beware of the guardians who might appear at any time, as well as the increasing fog. If they were defeated by the guardians, the mission would be considered a failure. Instructor Lv Zhongxin took them to a building with complex terrain.

If they failed the mission or were the last to come out, they would be punished with twenty laps naked around the playground. Xie Xiang secretly resolved not to lose, otherwise she would be exposed. The cadets had thirty seconds to memorize the location of their number plates. At Instructor Lv Zhongxin's command, the cadets began to move. They had to find their number plates while dealing with the guardians.

Gu Yanzhen noticed that Li Wenzhong was glancing at Xie Xiang while looking at the map, so he was wary of him. As expected, Li Wenzhong deliberately took Xie Xiang's number plate. Gu Yanzhen taught Li Wenzhong a lesson and snatched Xie Xiang's number plate back. Xie Xiang defeated a guardian and found the small box where her number plate was hidden, only to find it empty. She coughed incessantly from the thick smoke.

Shen Junshan arrived in time and carried Xie Xiang out. When Gu Yanzhen returned to find Xie Xiang, he saw Shen Junshan taking her away. After the training, Instructor Lv Zhongxin collected the cadets' number plates one by one. When he checked Xie Xiang's, Gu Yanzhen handed in her number plate for her to pass. Xie Xiang suspected that Gu Yanzhen had stolen her number plate and spoke coldly to him.

Gu Yanzhen saw Xie Xiang chatting and laughing with Shen Junshan, and his anger flared up. Sato Ichio sent his wife and children back to Japan, and also sent the ashes of Sanada away. Sato Ichio learned that Shen Tingbai did not admit to killing Sanada, and that their pursuit of Qu Manting's life had caused two cadets of the Military Academy to be injured. The Military Academy protested to the Japanese military headquarters.

Sato Ichio could not swallow his anger. Learning that the Shen family's cotton mill was about to start work, he decided to send people to sabotage it. Shen Junshan came to attend the opening ceremony of the cotton mill. In the workshop, he saw the little girl Xiao Tao playing with a ball. Shen Tingbai took experts from Shanghai to visit the factory. Reporters wanted to take photos of them and the textile workers together.

Shen Junshan also called Xiao Tao to join the photo. That night, Xiao Tao woke up and suddenly found three Japanese warriors sabotaging and setting fire to the dormitory building and warehouse. The Military Academy would be on holiday tomorrow, and Huang Song invited Xie Xiang to go to her sister's house with him. Gu Yanzhen also wanted to go with them.

Early in the morning, Shen Junshan heard that the Huaxi Cotton Mill had been burned, killing seven workers and a child. He guessed that it was Xiao Tao. The matter caused a great uproar, and students and workers took to the streets to petition for the dead. Shen Junshan immediately went home to Shen Tingbai to learn the truth of the matter.

The police arrested several students who led the parade and sent the three Japanese arsonists to the Military Academy for detention. The cadets were filled with righteous indignation. Zhu Yanlin gnashed his teeth in anger and called on the students to kill the three Japanese warriors at night. Gu Yanzhen quietly pulled Xie Xiang aside, forbidding her from participating in the cadets' radical actions.

Zhu Yanlin and the others discussed how to get rid of the Japanese without anyone knowing, and Instructor Song forcibly dispersed them. Gu Qiqi is Gu Yanzhen's sister. She founded a poetry club at school, but other students stole their poems. The two sides were at each other's throats and declared war publicly. Xiao Pang immediately came to the Military Academy to inform Gu Yanzhen.

Gu Yanzhen rushed over to stop his sister's actions, but the other students were unyielding, verbally abused Gu Yanzhen, and started fighting. Xiao Pang also joined the battle. When the fighting subsided, Gu Yanzhen severely reprimanded Gu Qiqi. Xiao Pang's driver soon arrived, and Xiao Pang gave Gu Qiqi a ride home. Instructor Lv Zhongxin punished Zhu Yanlin and others to carry logs.

Seeing this, Gu Yanzhen hurried back to the dormitory to ask Xie Xiang the reason why Zhu Yanlin and others were punished, and learned that they were punished because they wanted to deal with the Japanese in the detention room. Gu Yanzhen was relieved to see that Xie Xiang did not join them in their recklessness. Gu Yanzhen came out shirtless after taking a shower, and Xie Xiang was very embarrassed, and hurried to hide aside.

Xie Xiang went to deliver food to Guo Shuting early in the morning, and Gu Yanzhen sat directly in Xie Xiang's seat. When Xie Xiang returned with the food, she saw eggshells on the table and suspected that Gu Yanzhen had stolen her eggs. Gu Yanzhen repeatedly explained, but she didn't listen at all, so Gu Yanzhen discussed a plan to deal with the Japanese warriors with Huang Song, and Xie Xiang also joined the action.

Huang Song was responsible for standing guard, Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang climbed the ladder and threw ignited itching powder into the detention room where the Japanese warriors were being held. Then they put laxatives in the Japanese people's milk. The three Japanese warriors were unbearably itchy and scratched their skin, and then began to vomit and have diarrhea.

Episode 8 Recap

Zhu Yanlin learned that Gu Yanzhen took Huang Song and Xie Xiang to severely teach the Japanese warriors a lesson, so he questioned him why he didn't just kill the Japanese outright. Gu Yanzhen, instead, criticized him for only knowing how to fight and kill, advising him to prioritize the country and the law. Zhu Yanlin condemned Gu Yanzhen's father for only compromising. The two started fighting when they disagreed.

Zhu Yanlin angrily accused Gu Yanzhen of treating national and family hatred lightly, and then revealed the incident where the student representatives imprisoned in the South City prison were burned to death in a fire. Gu Yanzhen, Xie Xiang, and Huang Song were all stunned. They were filled with righteous indignation. Instructor Song was ordered to release the Japanese warriors. The Japanese gendarmerie sent a car to pick them up.

Zhu Yanlin led the cadets to stand out in protest, demanding that the murderers not be released. Instructor Song quickly stopped them. The cadets were emotionally agitated and unanimously demanded to see Instructor Lv and argue with her. A fierce conflict broke out between the military academy guards and the cadets. Gu Yanzhen fired a warning shot and aimed his gun at Instructor Song. Xie Xiang also questioned Instructor Song's actions. Instructor Song threatened to expel them.

Gu Yanzhen left in anger. Xiao Pang accompanied Gu Qiqi to learn how to ride a bicycle. The car escorting the Japanese warriors by the gendarmerie sped past, almost hitting Gu Qiqi. She immediately rode her bike to chase it. Shen Junshan waited at the intersection in his car, deliberately crashing the gendarmerie's car into a ditch. Immediately after, he threw down a barrel of gasoline.

The military vehicle exploded instantly, and the Japanese were burned to death on the spot. Gu Qiqi witnessed this scene and was deeply impressed by Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan jumped over the wall back into the military academy and happened to see Xie Xiang hanging clothes. He asked Xie Xiang to hide the matter. Xie Xiang, to cover for him, snatched the bag from his hand. When Shen Junshan returned to the dormitory, Ji Jin called him away.

Xie Xiang took out the leather boots from the bag and cleaned them spotlessly for him. Gu Yanzhen went to the restroom and saw Xie Xiang cleaning Shen Junshan's shoes, so he angrily threw the leather boots into the trash can. Xie Xiang immediately came to question him angrily, but Gu Yanzhen instead called her an infatuated fool. Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang started the cold war again. The two were hostile towards each other, competing everywhere.

Huang Song didn't dare to intervene. However, Gu Yanzhen secretly gave the meat from his bowl to Xie Xiang. Just then, Ji Jin brought today's newspaper, which published the good news of the Japanese warriors being burned to death. Xie Xiang guessed that it was Shen Junshan's doing. Sato Ichio learned that the Japanese warriors had been burned to death. He was furious and concluded it was Shen Tingbai's doing.

He immediately went to the church to find Cheng Rui Beile. Cheng Rui Beile refused to see him, citing poor health. Sato Ichio had no choice but to leave dejectedly. Cheng Rui Beile heard that Oda Hiroshi had arrived in Beijing and instructed his butler to monitor her whereabouts. Oda Hiroshi was ordered to come to Shunyuan to take over Sato Ichio's position as president.

As soon as she arrived in Shunyuan, she couldn't wait to come to the military academy to find Shen Junshan. Her Chinese name is Oda Hiroshi. Zhu Yanlin, Ji Jin, and the cadets crowded together at the school gate to watch the excitement. Xie Xiang hid far away. Oda Hiroshi and Shen Junshan were old classmates from studying in England. They met again after a long time, and Shen Junshan wanted to treat her to dinner.

Shen Tingbai and Qu Manting came downstairs after finishing their meal and happened to see Shen Junshan and Oda Hiroshi also eating at the same restaurant. They hurried over to greet them. Shen Tingbai and Oda Hiroshi hit it off immediately. Qu Manting was very displeased and quickly found an excuse to leave. Oda Hiroshi could tell at a glance that Qu Manting didn't like Shen Tingbai, but he cared very much about Qu Manting. Shen Junshan didn't mind this.

Oda Hiroshi hid the purpose of her visit to Shunyuan. After the meal, Oda Hiroshi did not let Shen Junshan take her home. Shen Junshan called a rickshaw for her. Oda Hiroshi got off the rickshaw and got into the car prepared for her by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. She went directly to the Chamber of Commerce to take full charge of all matters there. Sato Ichio arrived shortly after.

Oda Hiroshi told him to take his family back to Japan as soon as possible and showed him her father's letter of appointment. Sato Ichio spoke to her with malicious words, cursing her as a whore who warms the bed. In a fit of anger, Oda Hiroshi killed him on the spot. Oda Hiroshi immediately sent people to investigate the case of the murdered Japanese warriors.

She sent people disguised as reporters to the military academy to investigate and check the car the killer used. Oda Hiroshi also sent people to the military academy to screen for cadets who cause trouble, focusing on those with good family backgrounds, who can drive, and who have anti-Japanese sentiment. She also sent people to pose as Chinese merchants, find a radical newspaper, and publish a notice offering a large reward to find patriotic heroes.

Oda Hiroshi only breathed a sigh of relief after arranging all these things one by one. Gu Qiqi brought Xiao Pang to stake out at the Shannan pub, hoping to wait for the hero who burned the Japanese warriors that day, but instead, they waited for Gu Yanzhen. Gu Qiqi quickly dodged away and bumped right into Shen Junshan. Gu Qiqi saw the hero she had been thinking about right before her eyes. She was so excited she couldn't speak. Ji Jin dismissed her with a few words.

Episode 9 Recap

Instructor Lu decided to conduct a phase assessment for the cadets today, but Xie Xiang was having her period. Although Huang Song helped her with all his might, she failed all subjects except for shooting due to physical discomfort. Instructor Lu was very displeased with this and told Xie Xiang to retake the test. If she failed the retake, she would be transferred to clerical work. Gu Yanzhen stepped forward to help Xie Xiang out.

Instructor Lu saw that Gu Yanzhen was last in the weighted run and told him to take the retake with Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen quietly told Xie Xiang that he deliberately finished last because he didn't want to see Xie Xiang embarrassed and proposed that Xie Xiang wash his clothes as a reward. Shen Junshan saw that Xie Xiang's face was pale and asked if she was sick.

Xie Xiang had no words to argue and quickly found an excuse to leave. Xie Xiang washed the clothes with cold water. Gu Yanzhen specifically brought her hot water, but there were too many clothes, and Xie Xiang couldn't finish washing them immediately. Gu Yanzhen pushed her aside and said he would wash them himself. However, he had never done such work before, so he packed all the clothes and took them home to wash.

That night, Xie Xiang secretly went to the training ground to practice while everyone was resting. She trained over and over again until she was exhausted. Guo Shuting saw it all. At the same time, Gu Qiqi secretly climbed over the wall into the military academy under the cover of darkness and ran into Shen Junshan head-on. Xie Xiang was sitting aside resting and happened to see this scene.

Gu Qiqi admitted that she had personally seen Shen Junshan kill the three Japanese warriors and expressed her admiration for him. Shen Junshan ignored her and turned to leave. Li Wenzhong was hiding aside and heard everything clearly. He quickly stopped Gu Qiqi and persistently questioned her about Shen Junshan killing the Japanese. Gu Qiqi refused to answer and deliberately stalled for time. Li Wenzhong angrily threatened to throw her into the pond to drown her.

Xie Xiang immediately rushed forward and knocked out Li Wenzhong with a stone, saving Gu Qiqi. She told her not to tell anyone about Shen Junshan killing the Japanese and not to come looking for Shen Junshan again. Xie Xiang saw that Li Wenzhong was unconscious and his head was covered in blood. She was frightened and ran back to the dormitory in a panic, desperately banging on the door and shouting for Gu Yanzhen.

Shen Junshan arrived upon hearing the commotion and asked Xie Xiang about the details of the incident. Xie Xiang was worried that Li Wenzhong would be killed by the blow. Shen Junshan took her back to his dormitory and advised her to calm down and get some rest. Shen Junshan went to the scene of the incident and learned that Li Wenzhong had already been sent to the hospital. He picked up the blood-stained stone on the ground.

Xie Xiang came out after taking a bath and saw a note left for her by Shen Junshan, advising her not to be afraid, but Xie Xiang just couldn't let it go. Li Wenzhong finally woke up and saw Shen Junshan standing by his bedside. Shen Junshan admitted to killing the three Japanese warriors and listed one by one the people he had killed as a battlefield doctor, using this to threaten and intimidate Li Wenzhong.

Before leaving, Shen Junshan also reminded Li Wenzhong that this hospital was also funded by the Shen family and warned him not to act rashly. Shen Junshan returned to the dormitory and saw that Xie Xiang was already asleep. Just as he was about to cover Xie Xiang with a blanket, Xie Xiang quickly grabbed his hand.

Ji Jin suddenly returned to the dormitory, and Shen Junshan quickly hid, coming out with Ji Jin's blanket and telling him to rest in Xie Xiang's dormitory tonight. Gu Yanzhen had been waiting for Xie Xiang, but unexpectedly waited for Ji Jin. When he learned that Xie Xiang was sleeping in Shen Junshan's room, he quickly drove Ji Jin away and pulled Xie Xiang out of bed.

Shen Junshan quickly stepped forward to stop him and also told Xie Xiang that Li Wenzhong wasn't dead. Gu Yanzhen forcefully took Xie Xiang back to the dormitory. Ji Jin felt that something was wrong with Shen Junshan, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Xie Xiang tossed and turned, unable to sleep, thinking about Shen Junshan's help and tolerance for her, and felt a warmth in her heart. Xie Xiang participated in the retake test.

She completed all the assessments with tenacious perseverance and finally passed. The cadets celebrated with her. Next was the school anniversary, and the military academy had a three-day holiday. The cadets cheered excitedly and packed their things to go home. Qu Manting spent her days at the Shannan pub. Tan Xiaojun learned that her filming had been canceled, she didn't have any shows to film for the time being, and she had also fallen out with her family.

Only Shen Tingbai came to see her every day. Tan Xiaojun sighed with emotion. Gu Yanzhen came to the Shannan pub during his holiday and snatched Qu Manting's drink, downing it in one gulp. Tan Xiaojun felt that Shen Tingbai killed the three Japanese warriors, but Qu Manting and Gu Yanzhen both dismissed it. They both disliked Shen Tingbai and gathered together to badmouth the Shen brothers. The more they talked, the more they clicked.

Xie Xiang brought Huang Song to the Shannan pub. Xie Xiang also brought Tan Xiaojun some cookies. Tan Xiaojun fed them to her, and the two were affectionate and chatted happily. Qu Manting suspected that they were a couple, and Huang Song felt the same way. Gu Yanzhen watched the show from the side. Qu Manting persistently questioned Tan Xiaojun about her relationship with Xie Xiang.

Tan Xiaojun desperately explained and casually mentioned that Xie Xiang was staying at her house. Qu Manting became even more certain that their relationship was unusual. Gu Yanzhen smiled without speaking. Huang Song felt that men and women should keep a distance and invited Xie Xiang to go stay at his sister's house with him. Xie Xiang agreed to go back with Huang Song, but Gu Yanzhen suddenly stood up to object.

Episode 10 Recap

Tan Xiaojun also wanted to stay at Huang Song's sister's house, and Gu Yanzhen and Qu Manting also wanted to go to the sea together. Huang Song immediately decided to take them to his sister's house early the next morning. Gu Yanzhen offered to drive them there. Early the next morning, Gu Yanzhen drove to the military academy to pick up Xie Xiang and Huang Song, and specially let Xie Xiang sit next to him.

Tan Xiaojun and Qu Manting arrived casually. Qu Manting brought a large car full of luggage. Huang Song thought women were troublesome. Gu Yanzhen felt that not all women were that troublesome and deliberately asked Xie Xiang. The group of five drove to the seaside, laughing and chatting. At the same time, Oda Hiroshi invited Shen Junshan to go out to the suburbs to play. Shen Junshan suggested going to Pan Mountain, and the two hit it off instantly.

The group of five, Huang Song and Gu Yanzhen, quickly arrived at their destination. Huang Song's sister and brother-in-law warmly entertained them. The sister recognized at a glance that Xie Xiang was a girl. Huang Song quickly explained. The five of them packed their luggage and went to choose rooms. Tan Xiaojun and Qu Manting shared a room. Huang Song wanted to sleep with Xie Xiang. Tan Xiaojun firmly disagreed but couldn't give a reason.

She told Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang to share a room, and Huang Song had no choice but to give up. The five of them went to the beach to play. They laughed and played happily. Xie Xiang and Tan Xiaojun grilled meat together. Qu Manting hid aside holding an umbrella and watching the scenery. Tan Xiaojun saw Xie Xiang's happy look and suspected she was in love. Xie Xiang firmly denied it.

Gu Yanzhen was fishing on a large rock by the sea. Qu Manting was messing around beside him. Gu Yanzhen thought she was getting in the way. She left in a huff and almost fell. Gu Yanzhen quickly helped her up. Qu Manting was secretly pleased. Gu Yanzhen suddenly saw one of Qu Manting's shoes floating on the sea.

He thought something had happened to her and frantically searched for her, only to find that Qu Manting was playing a prank. Just as Gu Yanzhen was about to leave, he suddenly slipped and twisted his foot. Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to carry her back. Huang Song picked up a lot of small seafood. Xie Xiang quickly went into the sea to wash them. Gu Yanzhen also followed her and casually asked about Xie Xiang's sister.

Xie Xiang's hand was bitten by a crab. Gu Yanzhen immediately helped her suck the blood out without a second thought. Xie Xiang was very embarrassed and quickly hid aside. Just then, the bullies from Xibazi Village came to extort money. Huang Song reasoned with them. One of them flirted with Qu Manting in every possible way. Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, and Huang Song fought together and knocked the few people to the ground with three punches and two kicks.

Unexpectedly, a large group of people suddenly rushed out, holding sticks and knives and forks. Qu Manting stood out and threatened and intimidated them. The group of people fled in panic. Qu Manting turned back and found that Shen Tingbai's subordinate, Benzi, had brought people to protect them. Qu Manting not only didn't appreciate it but also forced them away. Huang Song was worried that those people would come to his sister's house to make trouble.

His sister felt that they were all neighbors. Huang Song showed concern for Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang felt that the scenery here was really beautiful. Huang Song regretted that his sister's house was too old and wanted to build a new house for his sister when he earned money. Gu Yanzhen readily agreed to help him.

Qu Manting tossed and turned, unable to sleep, thinking of the scene where Gu Yanzhen couldn't keep up but saved her, and felt happy in her heart. Gu Yanzhen woke up from a nap and saw that Xie Xiang hadn't returned yet, so he came out to accompany her and draped a large coat over her to ward off the cold.

When the holiday ended, the five of them were about to get in the car to go back but found that the car had been damaged. Shen Junshan drove by and offered to take them back to school together. Gu Yanzhen refused to get in the car out of spite, and Xie Xiang and Huang Song had no choice but to accompany him. Shen Junshan then gave Tan Xiaojun and Qu Manting a ride home.

Gu Yanzhen found a carriage, and the three of them took the carriage back to school. Huo Xiaoyu couldn't sleep and couldn't help but think of the past. Guo Shuting often came to watch her perform opera, and Huo Xiaoyu gradually developed feelings for him. However, Guo Shuting liked his cousin, Pei Nianqing. Pei Nianqing married someone else, but that person got drunk on their wedding night. Guo Shuting taught him a severe lesson, and that person revealed the truth.

Pei Nianqing was drugged and became pregnant. He was afraid that Pei Nianqing couldn't accept this fact, so he lied that the child was his. Pei Nianqing accidentally heard this and fainted in anger.

Episode 11 Recap

Huo Xiaoyu killed the people who drugged Pei Nianqing one by one, but she couldn't find out any news about Jiang Hao. She sent people to search for more than ten years, and finally found Jiang Hao, who was using the alias Jiang Hannian. Zhama (Grasshopper) locked him in a warehouse in the west of the city. Huo Xiaoyu immediately took Xiao Liu and rushed over. Jiang Hao assumed that Huo Xiaoyu was extorting money.

When Huo Xiaoyu said Pei Nianqing's name, he refused to admit it. Huo Xiaoyu killed him in anger. Huo Xiaoyu immediately told Guo Shuting this news, advising him to completely let go of the past, but Guo Shuting was still unable to let go. Today is Pei Nianqing's birthday. Huo Xiaoyu came to pay her respects early in the morning.

She has already eliminated all the people who harmed Pei Nianqing back then, hoping that Pei Nianqing can rest in peace. In order to improve her assessment scores, Xie Xiang secretly got up to train every night. Guo Shuting watched her for a long time, then called her over to drink together and shared this happiest thing with her. Xie Xiang mistakenly thought that he was old and still wanted to take a concubine.

Guo Shuting explained that he had avenged a great revenge of more than ten years, but it was a pity that he didn't kill the enemy with his own hands. Xie Xiang once again laughed at him for being old. Guo Shuting refused to accept this, so he competed with Xie Xiang in martial arts. He defeated Xie Xiang with a few punches and kicks and promised to take care of Xie Xiang in the future.

Xie Xiang teased him for being old and still not having a wife. Guo Shuting boasted that many girls liked him when he was young. Gu Yanzhen saw that Xie Xiang had not returned very late, so he came out to find her, but he didn't expect Guo Shuting to be drinking with Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen complained that he shouldn't be drinking with the students and took Xie Xiang back to the dormitory.

Xie Xiang was drunk and asked Gu Yanzhen to help her wipe her face and hands. Xie Xiang, emboldened by the alcohol, wanted to take off her clothes to sleep for the first time, but she couldn't unbutton them, so she asked Gu Yanzhen to help her. Gu Yanzhen discovered that Xie Xiang was wearing women's underwear, so he told her to sleep with her clothes on and helped her take off her shoes and socks.

Xie Xiang secretly told Gu Yanzhen a secret, admitting that she was a woman. She also talked about her brother, Xie Liangchen, who died in an accident when he came to the Arsenal Military Academy to register two years ago, so Xie Xiang came to the school to register in her brother's place. Gu Yanzhen had known she was a woman for a long time. Xie Xiang complained that Gu Yanzhen was snoring and forced him to apologize.

Gu Yanzhen didn't want to see her acting drunk, so he persuaded her to sleep. Xie Xiang, in a daze, pushed Gu Yanzhen onto the bed and fell asleep on top of him. Tan Xiaojun saw that Miss Bai had publicly announced in the newspaper that she and Shen Tingbai were engaged and scolded Qu Manting for being a vixen.

She couldn't bear it, so she called Qu Manting, but she didn't care and hurried to the station to see her sister off. Xie Xiang woke up and found herself sleeping in Gu Yanzhen's bed. She broke out in a cold sweat, thankfully Gu Yanzhen was not in the room. Gu Yanzhen took Gu Qiqi to the station early in the morning to pick up his father, Gu Zongtang.

Gu Qiqi asked him about the students in the military academy and described Shen Junshan's appearance. Gu Yanzhen saw Qu Manting rushing to the station, so he quickly followed her. Qu Manshu had been waiting for Qu Manting to see her off, but Qu Huaishu kept urging her and repeatedly said that Qu Manting would not come and that Qu Manting was no longer a member of the Qu family. Qu Manting stood there stunned when she heard this.

Reporters discovered Qu Manting and surrounded her to interview her, asking her to comment on the article in today's newspaper. Qu Manting was overwhelmed and had to squat on the ground without saying a word. Gu Yanzhen rushed over in time to help her out. Qu Manting suddenly saw Shen Junshan's car parked in front of the police station. She deliberately took Gu Yanzhen's arm and asked him to cooperate with her in acting.

Shen Tingbai got out of the car and called out to Qu Manting. Qu Manting ignored him and left affectionately with Gu Yanzhen. Shen Tingbai knew she was being angry and didn't argue with her. Gu Qiqi took Gu Zongtang home and couldn't help but complain to him, saying that Gu Yanzhen was hooking up with the female star Qu Manting.

Gu Zongtang knew that Shen Tingbai had a soft spot for Qu Manting and was worried that Gu Yanzhen would get himself into trouble, so he quickly sent someone to investigate the matter. As soon as Gu Zongtang entered the house, he heard about the Japanese samurai imprisoned in the Arsenal Military Academy being killed and the assassination of Sato Kazuo by the new president.

However, no one had seen the true face of the new president, only that she was a woman. Gu Zongtang also brought back the order to go to Beijing. He sent Lao Zhou to investigate the case of the missing new special commissioner Jiang Hannian. Gu Yanzhen returned to the dormitory, and Xie Xiang couldn't wait to ask him if she had behaved inappropriately last night.

Gu Yanzhen deliberately concealed her drunken words after drinking, repeatedly urging Xie Xiang not to drink alcohol again, especially not to drink with this pervert. Xie Xiang claimed that she was a man, so it didn't matter, and Xie Xiang didn't expose him. Bo Xun received an order from the provincial government, telling him to find Jiang Hannian's whereabouts within a month. He ran into Instructor Lv when he went out and told him about this matter.

When Instructor Lv learned that Jiang Hannian was Jiang Hao, he was stunned and immediately went back to tell Guo Shuting this news. Guo Shuting claimed that he did it and fed Jiang Hao's body to the dogs. Instructor Lv firmly believed that Huo Xiaoyu did it and told Guo Shuting to remind Huo Xiaoyu to be careful.

Episode 12 Recap

Instructor Lv led the students in practicing swordsmanship. He called out Huang Song to spar with him. As soon as Huang Song made a move, he was knocked to the ground. Instructor Lv taught him the points to note and response techniques. Immediately after, Instructor Lv had Xie Xiang spar with him. Xie Xiang was hesitant and dared not make a move. She was quickly defeated, and Instructor Lv severely lectured her.

Xie Xiang was unwilling to admit defeat just like that. She could only practice extra hours every day. Guo Shuting proactively offered to teach her, promising to make her the best in the entire school. Xie Xiang diligently completed the training tasks Guo Shuting assigned her. She was not afraid of hardship and trained hard. Her physical strength and skills improved by leaps and bounds, and Guo Shuting praised her highly. Today was the swordsmanship training class.

Instructor Lv called out Zhu Yanlin and Xie Xiang to spar. Xie Xiang defeated him in two rounds. Instructor Lv praised Xie Xiang highly, and Gu Yanzhen also looked at her in a new light. Late at night, an emergency assembly whistle suddenly sounded. Guo Shuting and Instructor Lv led the students to an abandoned warehouse. This was a stronghold for illegal detention and trafficking of laborers. The students' mission was to assist the police in arresting these criminals.

Guo Shuting introduced to the students that this was a group of reactionary forces from abroad. They had excellent weapons and sufficient ammunition, were guarded 24 hours a day, and there were also hounds patrolling. Instructor Lv reminded everyone to be careful everywhere. Guo Shuting sent Shen Junshan to take people in from Gate 1 and take out Lookout Post 1. He had Gu Yanzhen take people in from the west and take out Lookout Post 2.

Ten minutes later, upon seeing the red flare, everyone would launch an attack simultaneously. After completing the mission, they were to return the same way they came. The students split up to act. Guo Shuting and Instructor Lv were in charge of command. Xie Xiang climbed up a large tree and, with lightning speed, knocked out two patrolling sentries. Shen Junshan used a dart to hit the guard on the lookout post and quickly opened the warehouse door.

Gu Yanzhen brought Huang Song over the wall. They found a large piece of wood to use as a shield. The searchlight on the lookout tower discovered their whereabouts and immediately notified the patrolling sentries. The sentries brought hounds over to investigate. Huang Song first scared away the hounds, and Gu Yanzhen subdued the two people. Shen Junshan shot the sentry on the lookout post, relieving Gu Yanzhen and the others.

However, the police were slow to arrive, and a large number of guards rushed out. Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan led two groups of students to engage in a fierce battle with them. Xie Xiang discovered the hiding place of the hostages. Shen Junshan covered her and Gu Yanzhen as they rescued the hostages. Xie Xiang discovered a timed explosive device on the back of a hostage.

Fortunately, she had seen some knowledge in this area beforehand, but she didn't remember it very accurately. Gu Yanzhen didn't know which wire to cut. Xie Xiang guessed it was the yellow wire. Shen Junshan arrived soon after and decisively cut the yellow wire, successfully disarming the explosive device and rescuing the hostage. Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan escorted the hostages out. The guards pursued them relentlessly. They could only fight and retreat.

Gu Yanzhen and Huang Song jumped onto the rooftop and relentlessly attacked the guards from above. Zhu Yanlin and Ji Jin were unfortunately captured. The criminals also used the hostages to threaten Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan into surrendering their weapons. The two of them had no choice but to throw down their guns. The leader of the criminals, Wu Bin, looked down on these students, feeling that they were blocking his source of wealth.

Xie Xiang loudly denounced Wu Bin's crime of colluding with foreigners to traffic fellow countrymen. He severely slapped Xie Xiang. Shen Junshan immediately stepped forward and fought with Wu Bin. The guards knocked Shen Junshan to the ground. Shen Junshan offered to buy the lives of these hostages with money. Wu Bin resolutely refused and ordered that all the hostages and students be killed.

At this critical moment, Gu Yanzhen and Huang Song used a cannon to blast open the large wall and blew up their hideout. The police arrived soon after, and Wu Bin and the guards could only surrender their weapons. Oda Hiroshi received a report informing her that the students from Arsenal Military Academy had blown up the factory where the hostages were held. The students came to the dining hall to eat.

Gu Yanzhen was an hour late and was caught red-handed by Instructor Lv. Gu Yanzhen was scared and panicked, worried about being punished with a long soak. Unexpectedly, Instructor Lv, in light of his excellent performance last night, let him off the hook. Instructor Lv highly praised the students' performance and had already applied to the military department for merit awards for them. Gu Yanzhen couldn't wait to show off to Xie Xiang.

When she heard that Shen Junshan was injured and hospitalized, she rushed to the hospital to visit him without even finishing her meal. Gu Yanzhen felt a pang of jealousy. Xie Xiang ran to the hospital in one breath and quickly found out Shen Junshan's ward. As she entered, she saw Oda Hiroshi taking care of Shen Junshan and even personally feeding him medicine. Xie Xiang asked about him with concern.

Oda Hiroshi complained that Shen Junshan didn't know how to protect himself and casually asked about Xie Xiang's situation, curious why she gave up Beijing to study in the small place of Shunyuan. Xie Xiang claimed she liked Shunyuan. Shen Junshan explained for Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang questioned him why he cut the yellow wire.

Shen Junshan clearly stated that it was because he trusted Xie Xiang, and he advised her not to underestimate herself and to believe in her own abilities. Oda Hiroshi saw that Shen Junshan greatly admired Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang quickly found an excuse to leave. Li Wenzhong accidentally discovered Xie Xiang coming out of the women's restroom, and he began to feel suspicious.

Qu Manting came to Arsenal Military Academy to find Gu Yanzhen and even claimed to be his family member. Qu Manting invited Gu Yanzhen to a banquet. He flatly refused. Qu Manting praised him for being handsome and said that taking him out would give her face. But Gu Yanzhen still didn't appreciate it. Just then, Xie Xiang returned angrily. Gu Yanzhen quickly caught up to her and made sarcastic remarks to her.

Episode 13 Recap

Gu Yanzhen refused Qu Manting's invitation. Qu Manting simply lay down on the steps and acted like a child. Gu Yanzhen couldn't argue with her, so he had no choice but to agree to accompany her to the banquet the day after tomorrow. Only then did Qu Manting leave with satisfaction. Xie Xiang bought a lot of fruit and porridge and asked Ji Jin to take them to Shen Junshan. Gu Yanzhen saw this and felt a pang of jealousy.

He desperately tried to get Xie Xiang's attention in front of her, but Xie Xiang ignored him, making him very annoyed. Whenever Xie Xiang had free time, she would run to the hospital to see Shen Junshan. Gu Yanzhen couldn't even eat. Huang Song quickly brought him two eggs. Gu Yanzhen heard that Zhu Yanlin was punished with a long soak for playing cards, and suddenly had an idea: he wanted to make himself sick to get Xie Xiang's concern.

So Gu Yanzhen used an egg to hit Instructor Lv on the back of the head and finally got his wish of being punished with a long soak. Gu Yanzhen got a high fever from the cold. He lay in bed acting spoiled with Xie Xiang, complaining that he wanted porridge. Xie Xiang ignored him. At night, Xie Xiang poured him some water, but Gu Yanzhen didn't appreciate it.

Xie Xiang got angry and stopped bothering with him, going to the hospital to see Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang returned from the hospital and found that Gu Yanzhen still had a fever, so she bought him some antipyretics. Gu Yanzhen didn't want to take medicine on an empty stomach, but Xie Xiang hadn't bought him porridge. Gu Yanzhen braced himself and drank the cold porridge. Xie Xiang wanted to heat it up for him, but he politely refused.

Xie Xiang also bought him apples, and only then did he feel a little relieved. Shen Junshan quickly recovered from his injury and returned to school. Gu Yanzhen deliberately found fault with him. Xie Xiang stepped forward to help Shen Junshan out of the situation, which infuriated Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang heard that there would be a physical examination in the afternoon, and she felt anxious, worried that her cross-dressing would be discovered.

The physical examination was about to begin, and Xie Xiang quickly found an excuse to leave the school. The guard insisted on a leave slip before letting her out. Guo Shuting happened to return and asked Xie Xiang to help organize documents, promising to give her a leave slip. Xie Xiang organized all the cadets' information and handed it to the doctors from Heping Hospital. Just as she was about to leave, she was stopped by Li Wenzhong.

Instructor Lv had everyone line up for the physical examination, so Xie Xiang had to brace herself and stay. When the doctor called out Gu Yanzhen's name, they realized he was still sleeping soundly in the dormitory. Huang Song quickly went to call Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen learned that Xie Xiang was in line waiting for the physical examination and worried about her identity being exposed, so he quickly got out of bed and rushed over.

All the cadets who had finished their physical examination left, leaving only Li Wenzhong, Xie Xiang, and Shen Junshan. However, the doctor only had the physical examination forms for Li Wenzhong and Shen Junshan. The doctor asked Xie Xiang to go in first and promised to make up a form for her. It turned out that Xie Xiang had secretly hidden her own physical examination form beforehand, but she didn't expect the doctor to do this.

She had no choice but to brace herself and walk in. Just then, Gu Yanzhen arrived in time. He deliberately knocked Li Wenzhong to the ground and beat him up. The two of them started fighting fiercely, and the physical examination had to be temporarily stopped. Instructor Lv severely lectured Gu Yanzhen and Li Wenzhong. Guo Shuting rushed over after hearing the news and asked Gu Yanzhen for a detailed account of the incident.

Gu Yanzhen insisted that Li Wenzhong and Shen Junshan had insulted him, and claimed that Xie Xiang had told him so. Xie Xiang repeatedly denied it, but Instructor Lv didn't believe her at all and put Gu Yanzhen, Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, and Li Wenzhong in solitary confinement. Gu Yanzhen used this method to help Xie Xiang out of trouble, but she was completely unaware. Oda Hiroshi rescued Wu Bin and gave him another task.

Wu Bin readily agreed and immediately wrote a statement exposing Shen Tingbai for trafficking laborers. Just as he was about to discuss terms, he was brutally murdered by Oda Hiroshi. Gu Yanzhen and the others were locked in the solitary confinement room when they suddenly heard a loud explosion outside. They couldn't guess what had happened. It turned out that the laborers rescued by Arsenal Military Academy were being treated in a temporary hospital.

The hospital suddenly exploded, and they were all killed. The body of the deceased Wu Bin appeared outside the newspaper office, holding the letter exposing Shen Tingbai. The editor, Yu Zhi, reported the incident in the newspaper, which immediately caused a huge uproar. Reporters surrounded the hotel where Qu Manting was staying. Qu Manting concluded that someone was deliberately framing Shen Tingbai.

She wanted to find Shen Tingbai, but seeing the reporters at the entrance, she had to hide back in her room. Qu Manting had an idea and asked Xiao Tao to tie the curtains together. She used the window to leave the hotel, and Xiao Tao drove the car to rescue her. As soon as the solitary confinement period was over, Shen Junshan was eager to inquire about the explosion last night.

Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen also noticed that the atmosphere in the military academy was not right. The cadets were filled with righteous indignation and all pointed their fingers at Shen Junshan. Ji Jin explained the whole story to Shen Junshan. Qu Manting took Shen Tingbai to find the newspaper editor, Yu Zhi. Yu Zhi had received a favor from Qu Manting when he was in Shanghai years ago and was always willing to help her.

Oda Hiroshi had been monitoring Qu Manting's every move. Shen Tingbai presented a list of the Shen family's properties and the autopsy results to prove that he would not engage in such trivial profit-making businesses as trafficking laborers. Furthermore, Wu Bin had been dead for twelve hours, indicating that this was clearly a carefully designed conspiracy intended to frame him.

Only then did Yu Zhi realize he had been deceived and decided to publish a clarification in the newspaper the next day. He worked through the night to write the article. Early the next morning, Yu Zhi went to work at the newspaper office but was murdered halfway there by having his throat cut. Qu Manting gritted her teeth in anger. Xiao Tao advised her to leave Shunyuan and return to Shanghai, but Qu Manting was unwilling to admit defeat just like that.

Episode 14 Recap

The families of the deceased laborers, wearing mourning attire, demonstrated in front of the Shunyuan Chamber of Commerce, demanding an explanation from Shen Tingbai. A reporter, Xiao Mei, suddenly noticed a woman in black kneeling by the roadside. She and her colleagues quickly went over to ask her why. The woman repeatedly claimed that the murderer was Japanese, not someone from the Shunyuan Chamber of Commerce. After saying this, she left without looking back.

After the woman left, a photo was left on the ground, a picture of Wu Bin and the woman together. Xiao Mei and her colleagues immediately went to Wu Bin's house for an interview. The old man guarding the house said that Wu Bin usually associated with some shady people, including many Japanese. Shen Junshan went home on the weekend to find out about the changes that had happened from Shen Tingbai.

Shen Tingbai felt that the new president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce was mysterious, but his methods were extremely vicious. Shen Tingbai opened today's newspaper and saw the reporter's report on Wu Bin's collusion with the Japanese. He guessed that Qu Manting was secretly helping him. As Shen Tingbai expected, Qu Manting asked Xiao Tao to find three extras: a woman in black, an old man guarding Wu Bin's house, and someone who looked like Wu Bin.

Qu Manting explained the scene to them separately, took photos of the woman in black and the person who looked like Wu Bin, and promised to recommend the woman for a job in Shanghai. The woman then deliberately led the reporters to investigate Wu Bin's background and bring out the Japanese, completely clearing Shen Tingbai's name. Xie Xiang practiced the training program every day.

She was covered in sweat, and when she returned to the dormitory, she started washing her hair. Li Wenzhong deliberately turned off the dormitory's water valve. Xie Xiang hadn't finished washing her hair, so she had to quietly go to the public bathhouse to take a shower. She closed the door. Li Wenzhong wanted to sneak in and see if Xie Xiang was a woman. He used a wire to pick the lock.

Shen Junshan came back and went straight to the bathroom to take a shower. Li Wenzhong was so scared that he quickly hid in the warehouse, but the door lock was broken, and he couldn't open the door after fiddling with it for a long time. Gu Yanzhen came back and learned that the dormitory's water was cut off, and Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang were both going to the public bathhouse to take a shower.

He was so scared that he quickly went over to see what was going on. Xie Xiang suddenly saw that Shen Junshan was taking a shower next to her. She was so frightened and panicked, worried that Shen Junshan would discover she was a girl. She deliberately delayed, wanting to wait for Shen Junshan to leave before she went out. Gu Yanzhen arrived in time and stood between Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan.

Without taking off his clothes, he started showering. Shen Junshan thought he was crazy and left in a huff. Gu Yanzhen urged Xie Xiang to hurry up, but he slipped and fell to the ground. Xie Xiang thought he was peeking, so she screamed. Xie Xiang came out of the bathroom. Gu Yanzhen was about to walk with her when he suddenly heard Li Wenzhong's shouts from the warehouse. He deliberately added another padlock to the door.

Gu Yanzhen returned to the dormitory and saw the distraught Xie Xiang. He admitted that he had known about Xie Xiang's cross-dressing for a long time, but he hadn't exposed her. Gu Yanzhen tried to make her happy, promising to keep her secret. He suspected that Xie Xiang had fallen in love with him. Xie Xiang was so angry that she gritted her teeth and taught him a lesson with a mop.

Qu Manting came to the military academy to find Gu Yanzhen and shouted his name loudly downstairs in the dormitory. Ji Jin took the initiative to chat with Qu Manting. Qu Manting ignored him and left, going straight to the dormitory to find Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen were fighting behind closed doors. Qu Manting asked the cadets to help break down the door, and they saw Xie Xiang riding on Gu Yanzhen and beating him violently.

Qu Manting invited Gu Yanzhen to Palermo to participate in her charity performance to raise money for the deceased laborers. Gu Yanzhen knew she wanted to clear Shen Tingbai's name, but he still agreed. It turned out that the families of the deceased laborers were impersonated by Oda Hiroshi's men, but when negative comments about the Japanese Chamber of Commerce appeared in the newspaper, Oda Hiroshi had to give up.

She sent people to investigate the real identity of the woman who claimed to be Wu Bin's woman. Oda Hiroshi didn't want Shen Tingbai to use the charity performance as an opportunity to clear his name, so she sent people to get rid of Qu Manting and leave no trouble behind. Oda Hiroshi saw Shen Junshan's name on the list of those suspected of killing Japanese samurai that her subordinates handed over, so she decided to investigate the matter herself.

A group of drunks suddenly broke into Palermo, smashing everything indiscriminately. Manager Huang had to notify Qu Manting that tonight's charity performance could not be held as scheduled. Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang also came to report to Qu Manting that the truck carrying wine and ingredients had collided with a car and overturned, everything was broken, and the ingredients were all destroyed.

The performance costumes and props that Xiao Yang brought back suddenly caught fire, and the clothes were all burned. Qu Manting concluded that it was the Japanese who did it. There were still four hours before the performance, so Manager Huang immediately contacted other performance venues, but they were all damaged to varying degrees. Also, the dancers that Manager Huang contacted could not come.

Qu Manting saw that the Japanese wanted to wipe them out, so she had to give up the performance. Gu Yanzhen came to Palermo and saw the mess. He was about to leave when Qu Manting begged him to help, insisting on holding the charity performance on time. Qu Manting sent Xiao Tao, Xiao Yang, and Manager Huang to prepare costumes, ingredients, and chefs separately.

Qu Manting asked Gu Yanzhen to go to Arsenal Military Academy to find cadets to help clean up, and also asked Tan Xiaojun to bring the girls from the girls' school to dance. With everyone's concerted efforts, Qu Manting's charity performance was soon ready. Xie Xiang quietly told Tan Xiaojun that Gu Yanzhen knew her identity. Tan Xiaojun was worried that Gu Yanzhen had ulterior motives, so she deliberately concealed it.

She repeatedly reminded Xie Xiang to be wary of Gu Yanzhen, this playboy, but Xie Xiang didn't think so. Shen Junshan arrived at Palermo on time and saw Xie Xiang wearing a waiter's uniform.

Episode 15 Recap

Gu Yanzhen saw Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan talking, and quickly called her over to greet guests, also warning her to keep her distance from men. The charity performance was about to begin, but the car sent to pick up Editor Yu Zhi's son hadn't returned yet. Shen Junshan asked Qu Manting for the Zhang family's address and went to check it out. Qu Manting reminded him to be careful.

Qu Huaiyi rushed over to stop Qu Manting, forbidding her from being used by Shen Tingbai, and telling her to pack up and go home immediately. Qu Manting firmly believed that Shen Tingbai had not killed anyone, and she insisted on performing on stage. Qu Manting walked onto the stage and first expressed her apologies to everyone. Everything she had meticulously prepared was completely destroyed by unidentified people.

Thanks to the students of Arsenal Military Academy, the students of Xinhua Girls' School, and the strong support from all walks of society, the evening party was able to be held as scheduled. Qu Manting publicly announced that all the funds raised tonight would be donated to the families of the deceased laborers. Xie Xiang came out to take out the trash and personally witnessed Zhang Haoran driving an out-of-control car that crashed into Shen Junshan's car.

Shen Junshan's car swerved towards the trash can, about to hit Xie Xiang. Shen Junshan desperately steered to avoid Xie Xiang and crashed into the roadside. Xie Xiang quickly went over to check on the situation, found that Shen Junshan's head was hit, and Zhang Yu Zhi also suffered minor injuries, so she took them inside to attend the dinner.

A reporter questioned on the spot, believing that Shen Tingbai was suspected of buying people's hearts and taking the opportunity to clear his name. Qu Manting firmly believed that Shen Tingbai was innocent. Captain He of the police station stepped forward to confirm that Wu Bin was already dead before coming to the newspaper office, indicating that someone had deliberately framed him. The reporter suspected that Captain He was bribed to give false testimony.

Captain He condemned him as naive, saying he would rather believe a human trafficker Wu Bin than trust the patriotic businessman Shen Tingbai. Qu Manting introduced Zhang Haoran, the son of Editor Zhang Yu Zhi, to everyone. Zhang Haoran's head was wrapped in a bandage, and he recounted his experience. On the way to Palermo with the driver, they were attacked by bandits. The driver was shot and killed.

Zhang Haoran swore on the spirit of his father Zhang Yu Zhi in heaven that everything he was about to say was true. A few days ago, Zhang Yu Zhi came home with a solemn face and felt uneasy with guilt, indicating that he had seen the evidence shown by Shen Tingbai, which fully proved that Shen Tingbai was not the mastermind of the bombing.

Zhang Yu Zhi stayed up all night writing an article to clear Shen Tingbai's name, but was subsequently assassinated. Qu Manting publicly announced that Shen Junshan, Shen Tingbai's younger brother, and the students of Arsenal Military Academy rescued the trapped laborers. He bravely pushed forward and narrowly escaped death at the hands of Wu Bin's gun. She used this to fully prove that Shen Tingbai was innocent. The reporter raised his hand to object again.

Qu Manting concluded that he was instigated by the real killer to come here and stir up trouble. Qu Manting firmly believed that the truth would eventually come out. Her wonderful speech won warm applause from everyone, and then the artistic performance began. Xie Xiang meticulously cared for Shen Junshan, and Gu Yanzhen was very jealous, sulking outside the door. The reporter thought Qu Manting publicly cleared Shen Tingbai's name because she loved him.

Qu Manting clearly stated that she already had someone she loved. The reporter pressed hard, asking her to name the person she loved. Qu Manting quickly called Gu Yanzhen over. Reporters swarmed in to take photos as evidence, not wanting to miss this explosive news. Shen Tingbai saw everything clearly from the second floor. Gu Yanzhen complained that Qu Manting shouldn't use him as a shield. Qu Manting repeatedly declared that her love for him was true.

Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Huang Song, and others came out and saw the two of them bickering, so they went back to the military academy first. Gu Yanzhen said he didn't like Qu Manting, but she thought Gu Yanzhen was playing hard to get. Gu Yanzhen returned to the dormitory to complain to Xie Xiang, saying his lifelong innocence was completely ruined by Qu Manting. Xie Xiang scoffed at him and repeatedly reminded him to hide her identity.

The cadets' physical training came to an end. Instructor Lv Zhongxin notified everyone that they would have three days off, and cultural assessments would begin after returning to school. Huang Song knew he wasn't smart and couldn't remember anything, worrying about failing the cultural exam. Xie Xiang promised to help him review. Gu Yanzhen pestered Xie Xiang to help him review too, and even hugged Xie Xiang in front of Huang Song.

Huang Song felt Gao Yingzhe was very strange, so Xie Xiang quickly took Huang Song and left. When Zhu Yanlin and the cadets found Li Wenzhong, he had been locked in the small warehouse for three or four days and had already fainted from hunger. The cadets quickly carried him into the infirmary. Qu Manting suddenly came to Arsenal Military Academy and called Xie Xiang away, eager to know if Xie Xiang liked her.

Xie Xiang clearly stated that she was not interested in her. Qu Manting immediately called out a row of beautiful women and asked her to pick one. Xie Xiang didn't want to go along with her nonsense and wanted to leave quickly. Qu Manting didn't believe any man wouldn't like her and suspected Xie Xiang was gay. Xie Xiang immediately went to Shannan Tavern to confide in Tan Xiaojun.

Tan Xiaojun believed that Gu Yanzhen liked her, which was why he troubled her everywhere. Xie Xiang firmly disagreed. Xie Xiang saw Qu Manting coming to the tavern from a distance and was so scared that she ran away quickly. Qu Manting announced to Tan Xiaojun that she was in love. Xie Xiang returned to school and saw Huang Song reading in the hallway. She casually asked him the reason for attending military school.

Huang Song wanted to become an officer so he could take care of his family. During the cultural exam, Gu Yanzhen wanted to copy Xie Xiang's paper. Xie Xiang adamantly refused. Gu Yanzhen looked around but found no one to help him, so he had to come back to copy Xie Xiang's paper. Li Wenzhong threw a note, which landed directly on the newly arrived Police Officer Li. He was called out and lectured. The military academy had winter break.

Huang Song said goodbye to Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen drove Xie Xiang to the station. Before leaving, Xie Xiang went to say goodbye to Shen Junshan, but his dormitory was empty, so Xie Xiang had to leave first. As she was leaving, she met Shen Junshan who was driving back. Shen Junshan offered to drive her to the station, but she had already arranged with Gu Yanzhen. Shen Junshan could only watch Xie Xiang get in the car and leave.

Gu Yanzhen drove Xie Xiang to the station. Xie Xiang wished him a happy new year in advance, and then Gu Yanzhen said goodbye and left. Xie Xiang sat down in her seat. Lin Xianwei, who was in the seat opposite, accidentally dropped his handkerchief on the floor. Xie Xiang helped him pick it up, and the two began chatting.

Episode 16 Recap

Xie Xiang saw at a glance that Lin Xianwei had just returned from studying in Japan. Lin Xianwei heard that Xie Xiang was attending Arsenal Military Academy and also wanted to give up writing for the army to serve the country. He greatly admired Japan's advanced culture, claiming that China and Japan shared the same language and culture and should advance together. However, Xie Xiang felt that although Japan had a small territory, it was an ambitious country.

Lin Xianwei and Xie Xiang hit it off immediately and invited Xie Xiang to participate in their gathering activities. Gu Zongtang saw the newspaper report about Gu Yanzhen and Qu Manting's gossip news and severely reprimanded him. Gu Yanzhen was indifferent. Gu Zongtang was preparing to go to Beijing and told him to stay home and not go out causing trouble again. Gu Qiqi and her mother had already gone to Beijing in advance.

Gu Yanzhen thought that Xie Xiang's home was in Beijing and he wanted to go with Gu Zongtang. Xie Xiang changed into a dress and returned home. Her mother thought she had gotten darker and thinner, and lovingly fussed over her, urging her to return to Beijing to study. Xie Xiang insisted on staying in Feng'an because that's where Xie Liangchen had died, and she wanted to be closer to her brother. Her mother no longer forced her.

Gu Yanzhen suddenly came to visit and brought many gifts. Xie Xiang refused to let him in. Xie Zhipèi came out upon hearing the news and invited Gu Yanzhen in. Xie Xiang casually said that they were classmates, which greatly confused Xie Zhipèi because Xie Xiang was studying at a girls' school and couldn't have male classmates. Gu Yanzhen quickly explained that he was good friends with Xie Xiang's classmate Tan Xiaojun.

Xie Zhipèi believed him, but Xie's mother felt something was off and suspected that Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang were dating. Xie Xiang strongly denied it, but her mother didn't believe her at all. Gu Yanzhen first expressed his father Gu Zongtang's admiration for Xie Zhipèi, then immediately stated his own respect, even listing Xie Zhipèi's articles one by one as if they were treasures, praising his views and writing style. Xie Zhipèi also greatly praised Gu Zongtang's patriotism.

Xie Zhipèi and Gu Yanzhen hit it off immediately and chatted more and more happily. Xie's mother was more concerned about how Gu Yanzhen knew Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen lied that they met during an outing and also praised Xie's mother for her elegant demeanor and gentle virtuousness. Xie's mother was deeply impressed and invited him to stay for dinner. Xie Xiang was disgusted by Gu Yanzhen's flattery and severely scolded him.

Gu Yanzhen was not angry and tried hard to please her. Xie's mother quickly prepared a large table of dishes. Gu Yanzhen highly praised her cooking skills and voluntarily accompanied Xie Zhipèi in drinking. Xie Zhipèi and his wife were overjoyed by Gu Yanzhen's charming words and liked him more and more. Xie Xiang openly accused Gu Yanzhen of flattering them, but Xie Zhipèi and his wife even scolded Xie Xiang and told her to learn from Gu Yanzhen.

Xie Xiang was even more upset. After dinner, Gu Yanzhen came to visit Xie Xiang's boudoir. Xie Xiang forcibly drove him out. Gu Yanzhen said goodbye and left. Xie Zhipèi and his wife warmly invited him to visit again and also asked Xie Xiang to see him off. Xie Xiang could only do it reluctantly. Gu Yanzhen tried hard to make her happy, but Xie Xiang remained cold towards him.

Before leaving, Gu Yanzhen arranged to treat her to dinner the next day, meeting at 8 o'clock at the place where they parted. If Xie Xiang didn't come, he would go to her house. Oda Hiroshi came to Beijing to disrupt the students' gathering. The next morning, it snowed heavily. Gu Yanzhen arrived at the appointed place early. Xie Xiang arrived late and saw Gu Yanzhen having a snowball fight with the neighborhood children.

Xie Xiang wanted to go home for dinner. Gu Yanzhen wanted to go home with her. Xie Xiang had to take Gu Yanzhen to eat douzhi and jiaoquan. Gu Yanzhen couldn't get used to these, so Xie Xiang sulked and told him to go hungry. Lin Xianwei brought the core members of the students studying in Japan to meet with Beijing students Chen Rong and Lu Yong, among others. They went to Lu Yong's house to discuss the gathering arrangements.

Oda Hiroshi sent Japanese spies to track them and left a mark outside Lu Yong's house. Gu Yanzhen took Xie Xiang to visit his large house in Beijing. Xie Xiang saw a photo of their family of three. Gu Yanzhen became sad when talking about his deceased mother. He even found the memories of her beating him when he was a child warm. Xie Xiang thought his mother was very beautiful.

Gu Yanzhen took out the family photo and asked Xie Xiang to keep it for him and return it when they returned to the military academy. Afterwards, Gu Yanzhen took Xie Xiang to visit his music room, played an old record on the spot, and invited Xie Xiang to dance with him. Lin Xianwei, Lu Yong, and Chen Rong discussed the route for the gathering parade.

Lin Xianwei took out a protest letter written in blood by all the students studying in Japan. Suddenly, Japanese samurai rushed into the Lu family house and massacred the students. Lu Yong, Lin Xianwei, and Chen Rong jumped over the wall to escape. The Japanese samurai pursued them relentlessly. To cover Lin Xianwei, Lu Yong was brutally killed. Lin Xianwei fought desperately with the Japanese samurai. He fought and retreated, finally crashing through a door.

Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen were dancing in the room. She recognized Lin Xianwei at a glance. The police arrived shortly after and arrested Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, and Lin Xianwei without question. Upon seeing this, Oda Hiroshi immediately drove to find Song Maogong. Gu Yanzhen promised to get Xie Xiang out first and also reminded her not to get involved with progressive students like Lin Xianwei. Lin Xianwei protested to the police, repeatedly stating that the Japanese had killed their classmates, but the police insisted they were the murderers.

Episode 17 Recap

Gu Yanzhen repeatedly stated that he did not kill anyone, and Lin Xianwei and others also insisted they did not know Gu Yanzhen. However, the prison guards determined that Gu Yanzhen was the leader of the anti-Japanese students. Chief Song Maogong ordered Gu Yanzhen to be held and interrogated separately. Xie Xiang desperately tried to stop them, but Gu Yanzhen was still taken away.

Oda Hiroshi came to find Song Maogong overnight and told him to kill all the detained students. Song Maogong hesitated, so Oda Hiroshi threatened the lives of his family, forcing Song Maogong to get rid of the students within 24 hours. Gu Yanzhen bribed the prison guard with his watch, falsely claiming he needed to go to the restroom, and tricked the guard into opening the cell door.

Gu Yanzhen seized the opportunity to hold the guard hostage, knocked him unconscious, and changed into his clothes. Xie Xiang asked Lin Xianwei about the process of their arrest and only then learned that they returned to China to protest the humiliating treaty, the "Twenty-One Demands," signed between the government and Japan. However, the news was leaked unexpectedly, and many students were assassinated and framed. Only a few of them were left and also arrested.

Just then, Gu Yanzhen, disguised as a prison guard, tried to help Xie Xiang and Lin Xianwei open the cell door. Before he could open the door, a prison guard patrolled to that spot. Xie Xiang told Gu Yanzhen to escape first, and Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to leave the police station overnight. Gu Zongtang learned that Gu Yanzhen had been arrested and came overnight to find Song Maogong to release him.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yanzhen had already knocked out a prison guard and escaped. Gu Zongtang learned that Gu Yanzhen had returned home, so he rushed back to question him. Gu Yanzhen insisted on going to rescue Xie Xiang and Lin Xianwei and others, and was severely reprimanded by Gu Zongtang. Gu Yanzhen was very disappointed with the corrupt government and defiantly wanted to rescue them himself.

In a fit of anger, Gu Zongtang knocked him unconscious and told the butler to buy the nearest train ticket back to Nanjing. Gu Yanzhen woke up groggily and found himself on a train heading to Nanjing. The butler guarded him closely, but Gu Yanzhen insisted on going back to rescue them. The butler explained the stakes to him, reminding him not to implicate Gu Zongtang, lest he be used by people with ulterior motives.

The butler sent people to keep a close watch on Gu Yanzhen and forbid him from acting rashly. Gu Yanzhen was worried about Xie Xiang, so he could only jump off the train and escape to go back and rescue them. Under pressure, Song Maogong took Xie Xiang, Lin Xianwei, Lu Yong, and all the others onto a prison van early in the morning and drove them away. Gu Yanzhen hid to the side and saw everything clearly.

He rode a motorcycle to take a shortcut and chase after them. The prison van reached halfway and found the road ahead blocked by many stones. The police quickly got out to see what was happening. Song Maogong sent the police to clear the stones. Xie Xiang seized the opportunity to untie the ropes on her hands and also helped Lin Xianwei and Lu Yong untie themselves. Gu Yanzhen hid in the woods on the mountain and closely watched everything.

Song Maogong quickly got out of the car and threatened and intimidated Xie Xiang and Lin Xianwei. The road was quickly cleared. Song Maogong suddenly discovered that Xie Xiang and the others had untied their ropes and immediately fired a warning shot. Xie Xiang grabbed a gun and fought back desperately.

Chen Rong, Lu Yong, and Lin Xianwei also grabbed guns and joined the fight, but they were all students with no combat experience and were all killed by the police. Before he died, Lin Xianwei handed the blood-written protest letter hidden in his arms to Xie Xiang. Song Maogong led the police to surround Xie Xiang. At this critical moment, Gu Yanzhen arrived in time on his motorcycle, killed Song Maogong and all the police officers, and rescued Xie Xiang.

Xie Xiang was unconscious due to excessive grief. Gu Yanzhen carried Xie Xiang home on his back. Gu Zongtang was furious and condemned him for implicating the whole family just to save Xie Xiang. Gu Zongtang promised to properly settle Xie Xiang and told Gu Yanzhen and the butler to return to Nanjing. He had no choice but to comply. Gu Zongtang sent someone to send Xie Xiang home. Xie Xiang finally woke up.

She thought of the tragic deaths of Lin Xianwei and her classmates and couldn't get over it for a long time. She unhesitatingly joined the student protest march against the government and Japan signing the unequal treaty. The police rushed to maintain order and drew their guns on the students. Xie Xiang was fearless and stood at the very front of the march. The police swarmed them, beating and kicking them.

Xie Xiang and the protesting students were thrown into prison. Xie Zhipèi used his connections to rescue Xie Xiang overnight, forbidding her from leaving the house. Coupled with her mother's persistent pleading, Xie Xiang remembered her brother Xie Liangchen's ideals and beliefs before he died, and left home overnight to return to Arsenal Military Academy. Gu Yanzhen was dejected after returning to his grandfather's home in Nanjing.

Old Master Gu was also disappointed with the government's cowardly and compromising behavior, but he was worried that the students might act impulsively, so he told the butler to keep a close watch on their every move. Old Master Gu negotiated with the Japanese and managed to rescue the remaining students studying in Japan, but they had to return to Japan.

Episode 18 Recap

Xie Xiang went to her older brother Xie Liangchen's grave to pay respects, and then returned to Arsenal Military Academy without hesitation. As she returned to the familiar campus, she felt an added sense of determination and persistence in her heart. Gu Yanzhen was distracted every day and was in no mood to celebrate the New Year with his family. Shen Junshan was bored, and unconsciously walked to the gate of the military academy.

He accidentally saw a light on in Xie Xiang's dormitory. He came excitedly to find Xie Xiang, and seeing her eating cold steamed buns during the New Year holidays, he invited her to stay at his house for a while. Xie Xiang politely declined. In the blink of an eye, it was Lunar New Year's Eve. The hotel was deserted, with only Qu Manting left as a guest.

The chef had also gone home for the New Year, and Qu Manting felt particularly lonely. She went out and called a rickshaw to go to the Hongmei Western Restaurant for dinner. There were no other customers in the restaurant. The waiter inadvertently said he was serving her exclusively, and Qu Manting casually ordered steak and pasta. To her surprise, the waiter brought her a huge table full of dishes and claimed they were complimentary. Qu Manting felt uneasy.

In fact, all of this was arranged by Shen Tingbai. He watched Qu Manting eat with great relish from outside the door, feeling deeply comforted. When the New Year's bell rang, Gu Yanzhen poured two glasses of red wine, imagining spending the New Year with Xie Xiang. He couldn't help but recall every little moment they spent together. Gu Yanzhen's heart was filled with mixed emotions.

At this time, Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan were spending Lunar New Year's Eve together. Xie Xiang poured and drank by herself, and quickly got drunk. The holiday soon ended, and Huang Song returned to school with many bags. Xie Xiang personally came out to meet him. Huang Song insisted on going to Xinhua Girls' School to give seafood to Xie Xiang's sister and Tan Xiaojun. Xie Xiang could only brace herself and follow him.

The teacher repeatedly stated that there was no student named Xie Xiang at the school, but Huang Song didn't believe it at all, and stood at the main entrance shouting Xie Xiang's name loudly. Tan Xiaojun quickly came out to dissuade him, lying that Xie Xiang had not yet returned. But Huang Song insisted that Xie Liangchen and Xie Xiang had returned together. Xie Xiang hid to the side, extremely anxious and at a loss for what to do.

Huang Song was worried about Xie Xiang's safety and insisted on going into the girls' school to find out clearly. Tan Xiaojun had no choice but to agree to help him ask. Xie Xiang ran into the school through the back door to find Tan Xiaojun. She changed into a girls' school uniform to impersonate her sister and came out to see Huang Song.

When Huang Song saw Xie Xiang walking from afar, he was stunned and so excited he was incoherent. He quickly gave the two buckets of seafood to Xie Xiang and told her to eat well. Only then did Huang Song reluctantly leave. Xie Xiang quickly handed the seafood to Tan Xiaojun, asking her to take it home for her parents, and then changed out of the female attire to chase after Huang Song.

Xie Xiang lied that she had diarrhea, and Huang Song wasn't suspicious. He kept praising her sister's beauty. Xie Xiang thought Huang Song would leave some seafood for her, but she didn't expect him to give it all to the sister she was impersonating. The students all returned to school, but only Gu Yanzhen didn't come back, because his father Gu Zongtang was forced to participate in the Beijing government's signing of the Twenty-One Demands with Japan.

Zhu Yanlin was very dissatisfied with the government's weakness and compromise, but he was powerless, and could only place his hope in the intervention of the British and American imperialists against Japan. Oda Hiroshi brought Xin Lan back to Shunyuan from Beijing. She learned that Cheng Rui Beile was also on this train, so she sent her subordinate to find out that Cheng Rui Beile was holding a reception. Oda Hiroshi went to see him uninvited.

It had been fourteen years since they had seen each other as siblings. Oda Hiroshi wanted to ask him for help. Cheng Rui Beile agreed to help him personally, but absolutely refused to serve the Oda family. Oda Hiroshi was very annoyed, but Cheng Rui Beile remained neither humble nor arrogant, and didn't want to become her enemy. The siblings couldn't find common ground, and Oda Hiroshi left in a huff. Before leaving, she promised to attend his mother's birthday.

Cheng Rui Beile refused, using the excuse that his mother was a devout Buddhist and disliked extravagance and waste. Oda Hiroshi, however, was persistent and threatened and intimidated him. Oda Hiroshi suspected that Cheng Rui Beile's purpose for this trip was not pure and worried that he would disrupt her plans. Her assistant suggested trading with James elsewhere, but Oda Hiroshi firmly disagreed and told the assistant to contact Takeda Shun.

She also sent people to keep a close watch on Prince Rong's Mansion. Qu Manting came to see Gu Yanzhen. The driver Old Zhao said that Gu Yanzhen had returned to Beijing and then turned around and left, ignoring Qu Manting's desperate knocking on the door. Qu Manting immediately came to Shannan Tavern to ask Xie Xiang about Gu Yanzhen's situation. Xie Xiang hadn't seen Gu Yanzhen for a month and was also very unhappy.

Being pestered by Qu Manting, Xie Xiang was very impatient and left the tavern. As soon as Cheng Rui Beile arrived in Shunyuan, he arranged to meet Huo Xiaoyu at a church. He personally handed her a stack of deposit money and asked her to intercept the goods sent from Yizhou Commandery. Those were national treasures lost from Yuanmingyuan. The sender was Takeda Shun, and the recipient was Oda Hiroshi.

Episode 19 Recap

Huo Xiaoyu readily agreed to help Cheng Rui Beile rob the batch of national treasures lost from Yuanmingyuan, she just didn't understand why he was so particularly concerned about these treasures. Cheng Rui Beile dodged the question, and Huo Xiaoyu no longer pursued it. She clearly stated to his face that if this business was delayed because of his secret, the deposit he paid would not be refunded one bit. The two immediately hit it off.

In fact, what Cheng Rui Beile cared about most was that the batch of goods contained the Emperor's golden seal. His master would retrieve it at all costs. At night, Xie Xiang hid in the bathroom, just about to wash her face and brush her teeth, when Li Wenzhong suddenly opened the door with a key and came in. Xie Xiang mistakenly thought it was Gu Yanzhen returning to school, and quickly opened the bathroom door.

Unexpectedly, it was Li Wenzhong who came in. Li Wenzhong claimed that Gu Yanzhen would not be returning, and Instructor Lv Zhongxin had agreed for him to move into Gu Yanzhen's bed. Xie Xiang didn't want to live with him and slammed the door shut in a fit of pique. Xie Xiang came to find Instructor Lv Zhongxin that night, but his room was locked. Xie Xiang had no choice but to sit outside and wait all night.

Early the next morning, the cadets were fully armed for a drill. Xie Xiang, due to a sleepless night and catching a cold, had a high fever and was weak all over. Huang Song showed concern for her well-being. Although Xie Xiang was at the back of the line, she still persevered. As soon as she reached the destination, she collapsed from exhaustion. Guo Shuting sent someone to take Xie Xiang to the infirmary, but the doctor was not there.

Guo Shuting wanted to lower Xie Xiang's temperature and accidentally discovered her female identity. Guo Shuting was stunned and speechless, but still helped her conceal the matter. Xie Xiang finally woke up. Guo Shuting inquired about her family situation and her original intention for applying to Arsenal Military Academy. Xie Xiang tried her best to conceal it.

Guo Shuting thought her physical fitness was too poor and she was completely unsuitable for being a soldier, but Xie Xiang was not convinced and wanted to strive for qualification through her own efforts. Guo Shuting specifically approved her to not participate in training today. Xie Xiang returned to the dormitory and saw Li Wenzhong rummaging through her locker. Xie Xiang quickly stopped him, but he was indifferent, lying that he had lost something and was looking for it.

Xie Xiang was made to lose her appetite by Li Wenzhong. Huang Song advised her to find an instructor to change dormitories. Ji Jin unintentionally said that there was a girl mixed into the military academy. Xie Xiang had just taken a sip of water and immediately spit it out nervously. Ji Jin, Shen Junshan, and Huang Song were all greatly perplexed. Ji Jin repeatedly stated that someone was a girl disguised as a man.

Huang Song and Ji Jin both felt that they had never bathed with Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang quickly asked Shen Junshan to testify for her. Shen Junshan admitted that he had bathed with Xie Xiang, and Gu Yanzhen was also there. Late at night, Gu Yanzhen wanted to escape by jumping out of the window, but unexpectedly, he was caught red-handed by the butler. He had no choice but to return to his room the way he came.

Huang Song excitedly brought the day's newspaper early in the morning. It published the news of Gu Yanzhen's engagement to Miss Dong, the daughter of General Dong. Xie Xiang was very impatient. Qu Manting was confined at home. She had no choice but to hide in her room listening to records and singing opera, and they were all tragic operas. Qu Huaishu only then relaxed his guard and ordered those responsible for watching her to withdraw.

Seeing this, Qu Manting quickly used the sheet she had prepared beforehand to climb down from the window. Qu Manting quickly went to the train station to buy a ticket to Nanjing, but the tickets for the next three days were all sold out. Qu Manting had no choice but to leave glumly. Shen Tingbai had been following Qu Manting all along.

He sent someone to buy a ticket to Nanjing and give it to Qu Manting, and also instructed people in Nanjing to protect Qu Manting at all times. Li Wenzhong deliberately used the news of Gu Yanzhen's engagement to provoke Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang was so angry she gritted her teeth and proactively suggested sparring with Li Wenzhong. Instructor Lv Zhongxin readily agreed to their fight.

Xie Xiang turned all her anger into martial arts, beating Li Wenzhong until he repeatedly begged for mercy. Qu Manting successfully boarded the train to Nanjing. She was quickly recognized by the students in the same carriage. Qu Manting learned that the students were going to Nanjing to petition against the government signing the Twenty-One Demands with Japan.

The students believed that Qu Manting was going to Nanjing to "snatch the groom" and fully supported her efforts to get Gu Yanzhen back, even shouting slogans to cheer her on. Qu Manting was very touched. Gu Yanzhen refused to accept the engagement. The butler kindly tried to persuade him, advising him to meet Miss Dong tomorrow and explaining the advantages and disadvantages to him. Gu Yanzhen was very impatient.

Just then, the servant at home called Gu Yanzhen and told him the news of Qu Manting's arrival in Nanjing. Gu Yanzhen immediately had a flash of inspiration and came up with a good idea. Huo Xiaoyu laid out the plan to rob the national treasures to her subordinates. Everyone split up to prepare. Gu Yanzhen found out Qu Manting's arrival time and came to the station early to wait for her. The students escorted her off the train.

Gu Yanzhen came to meet her, holding a large bouquet of roses. The two embraced affectionately, and the students all applauded to congratulate them. Gu Yanzhen immediately brought Qu Manting to meet Miss Dong, and deliberately showed concern for Qu Manting in front of Miss Dong. Miss Dong was very jealous. She boasted about her strict family upbringing and spoke coldly to Qu Manting, also mocking her for being tainted by the air of dance halls.

Qu Manting didn't show weakness either, wanting to take Gu Yanzhen to a bar to catch up properly. Neither person backed down, and they argued until their faces were red. Just then, fans came to ask Qu Manting for her autograph. Qu Manting readily agreed. Miss Dong was not convinced and continued to insinuate and mock Qu Manting. Qu Manting and she engaged in a battle of wits.

Episode 20 Recap

Gu Yanzhen took the opportunity to put on a big show of affection with Qu Manting, which made Dong Xiaowan very angry. She repeatedly stated that Gu Yanzhen was very considerate, but only she could stay by Gu Yanzhen's side in the end. Gu Yanzhen cut the steak for Qu Manting and even fed it to her personally. Dong Xiaowan couldn't bear it any longer and left in a fit of pique without looking back.

Qu Manting learned that Dong Xiaowan had a fiancé, but when Gu Yanzhen's grandfather let it be known that he wanted to introduce Gu Yanzhen to someone, Dong Xiaowan changed her mind and started dating Gu Yanzhen. Qu Manting agreed to help Gu Yanzhen get out of this marriage. Gu Yanzhen took her to a clothing store to choose a cheongsam and bought all the cheongsams and jewelry in the store that suited her.

The owner hurriedly told the shop assistants to pack everything up. Gu Yanzhen used the excuse that Qu Manting hadn't found a place to live yet and asked the owner to send a dozen shop assistants to follow them while they continued shopping, just to make a big show of it and force Dong Xiaowan to take the initiative to break off the engagement.

Gu Yanzhen walked in front with Qu Manting in his arms, followed by a dozen waiters and shop assistants from the clothing store, attracting onlookers. Guo Shuting sent Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Huang Song, and Ji Jin to escort the drug-carrying vehicle to Dandong, but the vehicle's engine suddenly broke down. They had no choice but to get out and push the vehicle to their destination. Xie Xiang suggested that they take the train back to Shun Yuan.

Oda Hiroshi sent Japanese warriors to escort the national treasures to Shun Yuan. Huo Xiaoyu's brothers took the opportunity to deliver water and found out the number of people and their distribution. Everyone discussed a plan to attack from both the front and the rear to rob the national treasures. When the train arrived in Dandong, Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Huang Song, and Ji Jin boarded the train. The Japanese warriors also took their positions.

They noticed suspicious people walking around in the carriage and immediately became alert. Shen Junshan also realized that something was wrong and reminded Xie Xiang and the others to wait and see and not to act rashly. Huo Xiaoyu's brothers split into two groups.

One person disguised himself as a train policeman, and the other jumped onto the roof of the train, opened the cargo hold from the side, pushed the Japanese warriors guarding it off the train, and unloaded all the goods containing the national treasures. The Japanese warriors rushed over upon hearing the news. The person disguised as a train policeman arrived in time and pushed all the Japanese warriors down.

Xie Xiang wanted to go to the bathroom and ran into the fake train policeman head-on. The Japanese warriors in the carriage realized that something was wrong and rushed up to attack the train policeman together. Xie Xiang covered him as he jumped off the train to escape. The train was forced to stop. The passengers smashed the windows and fled. The carriage was in chaos. Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Ji Jin, and Huang Song also jumped off the train.

The Japanese warriors quickly chased after them. The four of them could only flee in different directions. Ji Jin and Huang Song got rid of the pursuit and immediately returned to the school to report the news. Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan ambushed in the forest and knocked out all the Japanese warriors who chased after them. Just as they were about to leave, Shen Junshan suddenly slipped and fell into a trap set by hunters.

Xie Xiang held his hand tightly, but she was also pulled down into the trap due to exhaustion. However, the pit was too deep, and they couldn't climb out at all. They could only wait for the hunter to come and save them. Xie Xiang's stomach was growling with hunger, and she could only hold her bag and endure it. Gu Yanzhen and Qu Manting strolled on the street.

They deliberately posed intimately and deliberately had reporters take pictures of them, just to have them published in the newspaper to anger Dong Xiaowan. Gu Yanzhen sent Qu Manting back to the hotel. Qu Manting decided to continue acting with him tomorrow, but Gu Yanzhen felt that this was enough. He thanked Qu Manting for her strong support and said goodbye to her before leaving. Qu Manting was very disappointed. Xie Xiang fell asleep groggily.

Shen Junshan was worried that she was cold, so he took off his coat and put it on her. The two of them leaned closely together to keep each other warm. Xie Xiang felt warm inside. Shen Junshan asked about Xie Xiang's twin sister. Xie Xiang had no choice but to continue lying and quickly changed the subject. Xie Xiang was worried that if the hunter didn't come, they would die here. Shen Junshan told her to rest assured.

The next morning, the hunter Lao Wei found Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan trapped in the pit. He mistakenly thought that they were a young couple. Xie Xiang quickly explained. Lao Wei rescued them and took them to his house to warm up. Xie Xiang only saw the grave of Lao Wei's wife and their daughter, Ling Dang, when she entered the house. Ling Dang was sitting in the corner holding a puppy and didn't say a word.

Lao Wei explained that she had a problem with not speaking. Xie Xiang took the initiative to greet Ling Dang and helped her redo her braids. Just as Xie Xiang was about to take a small mirror out of her bag, she suddenly found an emperor's golden seal inside. She then remembered that it was hidden in her bag by the fake train policeman, which was why she was chased by the Japanese warriors.

Lao Wei found it strange that Ling Dang had no hostility towards Xie Xiang because Ling Dang never let men touch her. Xie Xiang quickly explained. There was an empty room in Lao Wei's house, so he let Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan live together. Xie Xiang was very uncomfortable and told Shen Junshan to sleep first. Shen Junshan told her to sleep early. She had no choice but to lie down with her clothes on.

Shen Junshan put the quilt on her. Xie Xiang was very shy. Shen Junshan thought she was like a little girl. Xie Xiang repeatedly denied it. She couldn't help but think of the life-and-death ordeal she had experienced with Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan gradually fell asleep. Xie Xiang quietly shared half of the quilt with him.

Episode 21 Recap

Xie Xiang looked at the sleeping Shen Junshan, and Gu Yanzhen's image flashed in her mind. Xie Xiang forced herself to sober up. Early the next morning, Gu Zongtang saw the photo of Qu Manting kissing Gu Yanzhen forcefully published in the newspaper, and it also heavily publicized their scandalous affair. Gu Yanzhen originally wanted to use this opportunity to force the Dong family to break off the engagement, but things turned out contrary to his wishes.

Dong Xiaowan's father just called Gu Zongtang to remind Gu Yanzhen. Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang left Lao Wei's house early in the morning. Lao Wei also took his daughter Ling Dang to the small town, so they traveled together. Ling Dang's puppy suddenly jumped down and ran into the forest, so Lao Wei chased after the dog and asked Xie Xiang to help look after Ling Dang. A long time passed, and Lao Wei still hadn't returned.

Suddenly, dense gunshots were heard in the distance. Shen Junshan immediately followed the gunshots and saw that Lao Wei had been shot and killed by Japanese warriors. The puppy stayed by his side. Xie Xiang arrived shortly after. Ling Dang rushed over and picked up her puppy, showing no feeling about her father Lao Wei's death. Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan traveled together with Ling Dang. The Japanese warriors finally discovered their whereabouts and surrounded and intercepted them.

Shen Junshan desperately resisted, covering Xie Xiang and Ling Dang as they escaped, but he was unexpectedly shot and injured. Xie Xiang hid Ling Dang in the grass and went back to rescue Shen Junshan. The Japanese pursued her relentlessly. Xie Xiang accidentally got shot in the leg, leaving her unable to move and only able to surrender. Shen Junshan finally got rid of the Japanese pursuit.

When he went to find Xie Xiang again, he could no longer see her. Today was the day of Gu Yanzhen and Dong Xiaowan's engagement. Celebrities from all walks of life were present to offer congratulations. Gu Zongtang warmly welcomed everyone, but Gu Yanzhen was unhappy. Gu Zongtang had him wait back in his room. Dong Xiaowan's ex-fiancé Yu Shaotian also came to the engagement banquet. He was depressed and quickly got drunk.

Yu Shaotian tightly grabbed Gu Yanzhen by the collar. Gu Yanzhen stood still and encouraged him to hit him, but Yu Shaotian just cried sadly and couldn't bring himself to do it. Gu Yanzhen originally wanted to use his troublemaking to mess up the engagement banquet, but Yu Shaotian didn't live up to expectations. Gu Yanzhen gritted his teeth and continued to attend the engagement banquet. The host suggested that Dong Xiaowan and Gu Yanzhen dance the opening dance.

Dong Xiaowan proactively extended her hand, but Gu Yanzhen ignored her. Just then, Qu Manting crashed onto the engagement scene on a motorcycle and asked Gu Yanzhen to take her back to Shun Yuan. Gu Yanzhen was more than willing and immediately jumped onto the motorcycle and sped away. Dong Xiaowan was so angry that she gritted her teeth. Shen Junshan returned to Lao Wei's thatched hut but did not see Xie Xiang either.

When he went out, he saw Ling Dang coming back holding the puppy and asked her about Xie Xiang's whereabouts, but Ling Dang said nothing. Shen Junshan suddenly heard the sound of a vehicle in the distance, guessing that Xie Xiang had been captured. He quickly took a shortcut to chase after it, jumped onto the roof of the car disregardful of his own safety, knocked the driver off the car, and rescued Xie Xiang.

Shen Junshan drove Xie Xiang and Ling Dang back to Dandong. After getting away, Gu Yanzhen came to a restaurant. He called back to the military academy to find Zhu Yanlin, but no one answered. Qu Manting arrived shortly after. Just as Gu Yanzhen went to the restroom, Zhu Yanlin called the restaurant. Qu Manting quickly answered and learned that Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Huang Song, and Ji Jin were chased while escorting the medicine back.

Huang Song and Ji Jin had already returned safely, but Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan were still missing. Gu Yanzhen quickly returned, and Qu Manting deliberately concealed the news of Xie Xiang's incident. Qu Manting saw many people gathered by the roadside buying duck blood and vermicelli soup and was attracted by the aroma. She asked Gu Yanzhen to buy her a bowl. Gu Yanzhen discovered his wallet was missing and quickly returned to the restaurant to get it.

By chance, he learned from a waiter that Zhu Yanlin had called back. Gu Yanzhen quickly called back again and learned the news that Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan were being pursued. Gu Yanzhen bought a bowl of duck blood and vermicelli soup and complained that Qu Manting shouldn't have concealed the phone call just now. Qu Manting admitted it without denial. She confessed she liked Gu Yanzhen.

Gu Yanzhen repeatedly stated that he already had someone he liked, then left without looking back. Qu Manting sat alone by the roadside, sulking. She remained still, letting the snowflakes fall freely on her. Shen Tingbai watched clearly from a distance. He quickly rushed over to put his coat on Qu Manting and sat with her by the roadside. Qu Manting complained to Shen Tingbai. Shen Tingbai joined her in cursing Gu Yanzhen as a fool.

Shen Tingbai escorted Qu Manting to her doorstep. Qu Manting hugged Shen Tingbai tightly and expressed her gratitude to him. Shen Tingbai asked the driver to book train tickets to Dandong for early tomorrow morning. He wanted to go find Shen Junshan himself. Gu Yanzhen took the train to Dandong overnight. He was going to find Xie Xiang. At this time, Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan were receiving treatment at a hospital in Dandong.

Guo Shuting learned the news that they were in the Dandong hospital and drove there overnight. Oda Hiroshi punished her ineffective subordinates. She unintentionally heard that Shen Tingbai's younger brother, Shen Junshan, was also on the train, and Oda Hiroshi immediately became alert. Guo Shuting took Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan back to Shun Yuan for treatment. Tan Xiaojun took three days off to care for Xie Xiang at the hospital and strongly urged her to be with Shen Junshan.

Xie Xiang did not allow her to meddle. Tan Xiaojun settled Ling Dang in her own home. Xie Xiang secretly took out the golden seal from her backpack and examined it closely. Unexpectedly, Huo Xiaoyu suddenly came to the hospital to see her.

Episode 22 Recap

Oda Hiroshi saw Xie Xiang playing with the golden seal through the crack in the door. She hurried in, showing concern for Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang quickly hid the golden seal. Huo Xiaoyu found an excuse to leave. She brushed past Oda Hiroshi at the hospital entrance. Oda Hiroshi came to visit Shen Junshan in his ward, subtly inquiring about the reasons and circumstances of them being pursued by the Japanese.

Oda Hiroshi couldn't wait to ask about the golden seal being in Xie Xiang's hand and quickly found an excuse to leave. She went directly to Xie Xiang's ward, offered to pour her water, and pretended to accidentally spill the remaining water on her quilt. Oda Hiroshi immediately called a nurse to change the bedding, and she took the opportunity to steal the golden seal. Tan Xiaojun returned after buying food and saw Oda Hiroshi leaving stealthily.

She didn't think much of it. Oda Hiroshi immediately ordered her subordinate to contact Mr. James to meet and trade at the Jinhua Hotel in the afternoon. Just after Xie Xiang finished eating, Shen Junshan came to see her. Learning that Tan Xiaojun had taken leave to care for Xie Xiang, he couldn't help but be curious why she didn't let her sister take care of her. Xie Xiang lied and said her sister was timid to get by.

Shen Junshan tucked the quilt around Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen rushed to the hospital to see Xie Xiang as soon as he got off the train and happened to see this scene, his face changing drastically. Seeing this, Shen Junshan wanted to leave, but Gu Yanzhen deliberately blocked the door and wouldn't let him go, staring at him angrily. Tan Xiaojun came in and saw the situation, pretended to have a stomach ache, and ran away.

Only then did Gu Yanzhen let Shen Junshan leave. Gu Yanzhen admitted that he had run away from his engagement. Xie Xiang couldn't help but worry about him. Gu Yanzhen was concerned about her injuries. Suddenly, a gunshot was heard outside the window. Gu Yanzhen was about to go out to see what was happening when Shen Junshan rushed in to comfort Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen slammed the door angrily and walked out. He ran into Tan Xiaojun.

Despite Tan Xiaojun loudly trying to stop him, Gu Yanzhen left without hesitation. Tan Xiaojun reported to Xie Xiang that the gendarmerie had arrested the workers who caused trouble at the Great Eastern Trading Company. Shen Junshan then felt relieved and returned to his own ward. Xie Xiang looked for a fruit knife in her bag and suddenly discovered that the golden seal was missing. She and Tan Xiaojun searched the room thoroughly but couldn't find it.

Xie Xiang went through everyone who had visited her ward today and suspected that Oda Hiroshi had stolen the golden seal. Shen Junshan took Qu Manting home and unintentionally saw a few people pushing and shoving Gu Yanzhen. Huo Xiaoyu came to the church to find Cheng Rui Beile. The two of them exchanged money for the golden seal. Huo Xiaoyu no longer wanted to continue cooperating with him, worried that he was Tian Dan attempting to restore his state.

Oda Hiroshi met with James on time. James checked and found that the golden seal was actually a fake. Oda Hiroshi was unwilling to admit defeat just like that and vowed to find the golden seal. She guessed that the golden seal was now in Cheng Rui Beile's hands and ordered her subordinates to prepare a generous gift to celebrate the Grand Princess Consort's birthday.

Qu Manting accompanied Gu Yanzhen for a drink to relieve his mood, guessing that he was jealous after seeing Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang together. Both were in the same boat and drowned their sorrows in alcohol together. A reporter secretly took photos of Qu Manting and Gu Yanzhen drinking together. In a fit of anger, Qu Manting hit the reporter on the spot with a wine bottle, knocking him unconscious.

Gu Yanzhen accompanied Qu Manting to the hospital to save the reporter. The reporter's wife came to Qu Manting to demand an explanation. Gu Yanzhen promised to pay all the medical expenses, but she was still relentless. Gu Yanzhen rushed upstairs to Xie Xiang's ward in one breath, proactively admitting his mistake and telling her to stay away from Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang asked about the missing golden seal.

Gu Yanzhen thought she suspected him and slammed the door angrily as he left. Gu Yanzhen went downstairs furiously and saw Qu Manting still waiting for him. She mocked him, saying he was lovesick. Gu Yanzhen was very impatient. Qu Manting suggested that he find a girlfriend to show affection in front of Xie Xiang to provoke her. Qu Manting also volunteered to be his girlfriend, but Gu Yanzhen flatly refused.

Xie Xiang suspected that Oda Hiroshi had stolen the golden seal and asked Tan Xiaojun to keep a close eye on her. As soon as Oda Hiroshi came to see Shen Junshan, she was to inform her immediately. Qu Manting returned home very late and saw that Gu Zongtang had sent his butler to complain to Qu Huaishu. Qu Huaishu severely reprimanded Qu Manting, condemning her for not causing trouble at Gu Yanzhen's engagement banquet.

Qu Manting, however, didn't care and turned around and left home. Xie Xiang came to see Shen Junshan in a wheelchair and saw Oda Hiroshi taking meticulous care of him. Shen Junshan was very embarrassed and insisted on doing things himself. Oda Hiroshi gave Xie Xiang a banana. Xie Xiang immediately noticed that her hands were full of calluses. Oda Hiroshi explained that they were from hard work.

Xie Xiang inquired in detail about her family situation and background, suggesting she would visit another day. Oda Hiroshi answered fluently, jokingly saying that Xie Xiang liked her, and admitted in front of her that she already had someone she liked, then looked affectionately at Shen Junshan. Seeing this, Xie Xiang quickly found an excuse to return to her own ward.

Shen Junshan noticed that Xie Xiang was clearly hostile towards Oda Hiroshi, and Oda Hiroshi tried every means to explain herself. Xie Xiang was getting some fresh air in the courtyard and saw Oda Hiroshi about to leave, so she asked her to help fetch a pot of water. Xie Xiang deliberately let go of the kettle. Just as the kettle was about to fall to the ground, Oda Hiroshi quickly caught it.

Xie Xiang confirmed again that Oda Hiroshi had stolen the golden seal. Qu Manting learned that Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang had gone to help Pingting. She called Xiao Tao to question him and learned that Boss Duan had terminated his contract. Xiao Tao's family was having financial difficulties, so he had no choice but to leave Qu Manting. Qu Manting was heartbroken.

Episode 23 Recap

Shen Tingbai publicly stands up for Qu Manting; Gu Yanzhen learns from Shen Junshan to please Xie Xiang Qu Manting came to Yuan Pingting to demand an explanation. Yuan Pingting was not to be outdone and even mocked her, condemning her for stealing the fiancé of Dong Huiseng's daughter, which angered Dong Huiseng. Boss Duan was forced to terminate his contract with Qu Manting under pressure. The two of them argued fiercely, immediately attracting many onlookers.

Reporters quickly gathered to take photos. Yuan Pingting became impatient and vented her anger on Xiao Tao. Qu Manting couldn't stand it and severely reprimanded Yuan Pingting. Yuan Pingting kept claiming that she was just having fun at their expense. Shen Tingbai arrived in time to rescue Qu Manting, sternly reprimanding Yuan Pingting. Manager Huang quickly came to mediate.

Shen Tingbai learned that Yuan Pingting was the actress replacing Qu Manting for the performance at Parimo, and he publicly announced that he did not want to see Yuan Pingting at Parimo. Shen Tingbai took Qu Manting away. Qu Manting did not want to see Xiao Tao suffer grievances, so she wanted to take him with her. Shen Tingbai asked Manager Huang to arrange a job for Xiao Tao. Along the way, Qu Manting kept criticizing Xiao Tao.

Xiao Tao, however, felt that she caused more trouble. Yuan Pingting was easy to deal with. Shen Tingbai couldn't help but laugh at Xiao Tao's words. He showed concern for Qu Manting, and her heart felt warm. Huo Xiaoyu drank alone, feeling depressed, and couldn't help but recall the happy days she spent with Pei Nianqing back then. Huo Xiaoyu drove out and quickly found Guo Shuting drunk by the roadside.

Guo Shuting claimed that in a daze, he had seen Pei Nianqing. Huo Xiaoyu could only speak kindly to him and advise him to sit properly in the seat. In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. Xie Xiang recovered from her injuries and was discharged from the hospital. Huang Song and Tan Xiaojun came to pick her up.

Just as they arrived at the hospital entrance, Oda Hiroshi drove up to pick up Xie Xiang, claiming that Shen Junshan had injured his hand and it was inconvenient for him. Xie Xiang, Huang Song, and Tan Xiaojun had no choice but to get in the car. Oda Hiroshi inquired in detail about Xie Xiang's sister's situation. Xie Xiang teased Oda Hiroshi, asking if she liked her. Oda Hiroshi was speechless.

When Gu Yanzhen drove to pick up Xie Xiang, he learned that she had already been discharged and left. Oda Hiroshi dropped the three of them off at the military academy. The more Xie Xiang thought about it, the more something felt off. She snatched the bicycle from Ji Jin's hand and went to chase Oda Hiroshi. After discovering that she had entered the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Xie Xiang returned to the military academy.

Shen Tingbai and Shen Junshan played tennis together. Shen Junshan was soundly defeated, but he was not convinced. Shen Tingbai asked Shen Junshan to attend Cheng Rui Beile's mother's birthday banquet on his behalf, as he did not want to get too close to the Prince Rong's Mansion. Gu Yanzhen returned to the military academy and found that his bed had been taken by Li Wenzhong. He couldn't help but complain to Xie Xiang.

Xie Xiang didn't say anything, only focusing on tidying up the scattered items on the ground. Gu Yanzhen relentlessly pressed Xie Xiang, asking if she was seeing Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang ignored him and hid in the bathroom. Gu Yanzhen kept listing Shen Junshan's shortcomings, complaining that Xie Xiang was blind, and forbidding Xie Xiang from flirting with Shen Junshan. Just then, Shen Junshan came to find Xie Xiang to talk.

Gu Yanzhen desperately tried to stop them, but Xie Xiang still went to see Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang discussed sending Ling Dang to the orphanage. They agreed to go to Tan Xiaojun's house in the afternoon to pick her up. Shen Junshan casually asked about the meaning of what Gu Yanzhen had said. Xie Xiang used the excuse that Gu Yanzhen was talking nonsense to brush him off.

Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan took Ling Dang to the orphanage. Looking at the silent Ling Dang, Xie Xiang was filled with emotion, hoping that there would be no suffering in her world. Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang returned to the military academy. Oda Hiroshi was waiting for Shen Junshan at the entrance. Seeing this, Xie Xiang quickly returned to the dormitory.

Oda Hiroshi falsely claimed to be doing business with the Prince Rong's Mansion and asked Shen Junshan about the situation there. Shen Junshan unintentionally mentioned that he would be attending the Grand Princess Consort's birthday banquet, and only then did Oda Hiroshi leave with satisfaction. Xie Xiang waited for Shen Junshan to return and casually asked him about Oda Hiroshi's situation, thinking they were a couple.

Shen Junshan vehemently denied it, and only then did Xie Xiang feel a little relieved. Gu Yanzhen constantly watched every move of Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan from the second-floor balcony. When he saw Xie Xiang go into the room, he quickly sat on the bed and pretended to read a book, but Xie Xiang exposed him directly. Gu Yanzhen accused Xie Xiang of being too frivolous and that she shouldn't go out alone with a grown man.

Xie Xiang warned him not to speak nonsense and hid in the bathroom to wash clothes. Gu Yanzhen was very annoyed, claiming that he had many girlfriends, all ten or a hundred times better than Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen petulantly said he was leaving, but Xie Xiang forcefully chased him out. Gu Yanzhen sat on the bed, sulking in anger. Gu Yanzhen went to the Shannan Tavern to drown his sorrows in alcohol.

He asked Xiao Liu to play some sad songs about heartbreak for him. Xiao Liu was very awkward, so Gu Yanzhen went on stage himself to sing. His singing was terrible. Xiao Liu quickly asked him to come down and spoke kindly to him. Gu Yanzhen then poured out his pain of heartbreak to him. Xiao Liu accompanied him for drinks to cheer him up and advised him to cater to her preferences, which opened Gu Yanzhen's mind.

Xie Xiang and Huang Song returned to the dormitory and found that Gu Yanzhen was acting unusually, becoming cold, indifferent, and humorless. Both Xie Xiang and Huang Song were very confused. In the following days, Gu Yanzhen followed Shen Junshan everywhere, learning from him. Whether it was training or eating, he stayed close to Shen Junshan, which led to many jokes. But Gu Yanzhen was still enjoying it.

Gu Yanzhen ate tomatoes with Shen Junshan, completely forgetting that he was allergic to tomatoes. Many red rashes quickly appeared on his face, and Xie Xiang cursed him, saying he deserved it. Xie Xiang returned to the dormitory and couldn't help but burst into laughter when she saw Gu Yanzhen's miserable appearance. She advised him to be more well-behaved in the future and stop messing around.

Gu Yanzhen pushed all the blame onto her, forbidding her from flirting with Shen Junshan anymore. Xie Xiang tried her best to explain that there was nothing going on between her and Shen Junshan, but Gu Yanzhen didn't believe her at all. He also pouted and asked Xie Xiang to find him something to eat. Xie Xiang had no choice but to comply. Oda Hiroshi arranged everything, planning to steal the golden seal during the birthday banquet.

She sent her subordinate Fujiwara to find a way to prevent Shen Junshan from attending the birthday banquet at the Prince Rong's Mansion, as she did not want to reveal her identity in front of him.

Episode 24 Recap

Qu Manting was invited to attend the birthday banquet of the Grand Princess Consort at the Prince Rong's Mansion. After much consideration, she accepted. Xie Xiang went to buy food for Gu Yanzhen, and on the way, she ran into Tan Xiaojun, who couldn't help but tease them about their relationship. The next morning, Xie Xiang got dressed neatly and went out. Gu Yanzhen told her to come back early and bring him back some food.

Xie Xiang borrowed a bicycle from Ji Jin and quietly followed Oda Hiroshi to the Shen residence. Shen Junshan came out shortly after and got into his family's car, heading to the Prince Rong's Mansion with Oda Hiroshi. Qu Manting arrived at the Prince Rong's Mansion early by rickshaw and was furious to see the Prince Rong's butler personally come out to greet Yuan Pingting. The guard asked Qu Manting for her invitation.

She had to admit that she was there to perform opera. The servants of the mansion really treated Qu Manting as an actress and wanted to take her to get ready for makeup. Qu Manting vented all her anger on Xiao Tao, who couldn't stop complaining. Xie Xiang rode her bicycle, following Shen Junshan and Oda Hiroshi's car. As they passed a secluded forest, Shen Junshan suddenly saw a roadblock ahead.

He quickly got out to see what was going on, but unexpectedly, he fell into an ambush. Shen Junshan immediately drew his gun to resist. Seeing this, Xie Xiang jumped off her bike and rushed over to support Shen Junshan. The two of them worked together to fight against the invaders. The birthday banquet officially began. The old Prince and the Grand Princess Consort sat on the high platform.

Pei Shun brought his wife, children, and the elderly to pay respects to the Grand Princess Consort, thanking the old Prince for his support. Pei Shun was formerly a guard at the Prince Rong's Mansion and is now a military commander. The Grand Princess Consort heavily rewarded his family. Yuan Pingting inquired about Qu Manting from Xiao Yang, slandering Qu Manting as Shen Tingbai's mistress. Xiao Yang tried her best to defend Qu Manting but was scolded by Yuan Pingting.

Yuan Pingting forced her to say who was more beautiful. Xiao Yang had no choice but to admit that Yuan Pingting was more beautiful, but Yuan Pingting was relentless, severely pinching Xiao Yang's arm. Qu Manting suddenly burst in and glared at Yuan Pingting. Suddenly, fireworks were set off outside. Xiao Yang quickly went out to check the situation and learned that Cheng Rui Beile had carefully prepared them. The Grand Princess Consort and the old Prince were very pleased.

Just then, Oda Hiroshi suddenly led her people into the Prince Rong's Mansion. Pei Shun quickly stepped forward to stop them. The Japanese samurai immediately fired warning shots, frightening Pei Shun who took a few steps back. Oda Hiroshi had prepared a coffin as a birthday gift for the Grand Princess Consort. The Grand Princess Consort cursed at her and told her to get out.

Oda Hiroshi did not yield at all and boasted about the coffin she had ordered for the Grand Princess Consort. Cheng Rui Beile was furious, grinding his teeth and cursing at Oda Hiroshi. The Grand Princess Consort ordered the mansion's servants to drive her out. Oda Hiroshi threatened Cheng Rui Beile. Qu Manting and Yuan Pingting engaged in a war of words.

Just as she was about to leave, she saw through the crack in the door that the Japanese samurai were killing the servants of the Prince Rong's Mansion one by one. She was terrified and quickly hid back in the room. Yuan Pingting also saw this bloody scene. The two of them were trembling with fear. Oda Hiroshi's subordinates quietly sneaked into the room and finally found the emperor's golden seal in the safe.

The Japanese samurai tiptoed into the room. Qu Manting and Yuan Pingting were so scared they didn't dare to breathe. The samurai heard movement outside and quickly and quietly withdrew. Only then did Qu Manting and Yuan Pingting dare to leave the room. They unintentionally heard the Japanese samurai saying that Oda Hiroshi had completed the mission and that they should quickly withdraw.

Oda Hiroshi publicly listed the Grand Princess Consort's numerous wicked deeds and finally raised a wine glass and poured it on the ground. Knowing that the samurai had succeeded, Oda Hiroshi took her leave. Shen Junshan took Xie Xiang home and helped her bandage her wound. Shen Tingbai thanked Xie Xiang for saving Shen Junshan and was curious why she had followed Oda Hiroshi.

Xie Xiang admitted that she had been following Oda Hiroshi and discovered that she had close ties with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Shen Junshan reminded Xie Xiang to be more careful. Oda Hiroshi severely slapped Fujiwara, accusing him of not being supposed to attack Shen Junshan on his own initiative. Fujiwara tried his best to explain but was beaten severely by Oda Hiroshi. Fujiwara advised her not to be blinded by emotions, lest she delay important matters.

Oda Hiroshi forbade him from interfering. The old Prince could not sleep at night. Cheng Rui Beile promised to retrieve the golden seal. The old Prince was heartbroken by Oda Hiroshi. Back then, he had adopted Oda Hiroshi and her mother, but the Grand Princess Consort could not tolerate them and drove them out of the mansion. Qu Manting came to the Shannan Tavern and eagerly told Tan Xiaojun about her experience at the Prince Rong's Mansion.

Qu Manting fantasized about Gu Yanzhen proposing to her and them walking down the aisle together. Tan Xiaojun couldn't help but laugh at her infatuation. Cheng Rui Beile came to find Huo Xiaoyu overnight. Huo Xiaoyu had already guessed the purpose of his visit and refused to help him steal back the golden seal. Cheng Rui Beile had no choice but to leave disappointed.

Huo Xiaoyu told Old Six to have Zha Meng and the others keep a close watch on the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Guo Shuting came to the Shannan Tavern and brushed past Qu Manting. Guo Shuting was momentarily stunned, feeling that she resembled someone. Qu Manting came to find Guo Shuting with an approval document from Director Wang of the Police Department, wanting to borrow a cadet to be her bodyguard. Guo Shuting flatly refused.

Qu Manting directly barged into the office. Guo Shuting warmly welcomed her and agreed to send a few people to provide her with close protection. Qu Manting chose Xie Xiang, and Guo Shuting readily agreed, casually asking about Qu Manting's family background. Qu Manting invited him to see her performance at Parimo. Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan sat at the same table for dinner. Gu Yanzhen sat beside them, gesturing aggressively at Xie Xiang.

Seeing this, Ji Jin and Zhu Yanlin quickly made excuses to leave. Xie Xiang told Shen Junshan about the stolen golden seal, suspecting that Oda Hiroshi was responsible and that the Japanese who attacked Shen Junshan were also related to Oda Hiroshi. Xie Xiang lamented having no concrete evidence and recounted the details of the incident to Shen Junshan. She had also seen Oda Hiroshi entering and leaving the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Shen Junshan still did not believe it.

He did not believe that Oda Hiroshi would attack him. Gu Yanzhen watched Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan talking enthusiastically and was so angry that he was itching to fight. Guo Shuting sent someone to call Xie Xiang away. Gu Yanzhen immediately went to argue with Shen Junshan, relentlessly pressing him about whether he liked Xie Xiang, and warning him to stay away from her. Shen Junshan felt that Gu Yanzhen was being unreasonable and ignored him out of spite.

Episode 25 Recap

Guo Shuting called Xie Xiang over and asked her to be Qu Manting's personal bodyguard, protecting her safety 24 hours a day. Xie Xiang adamantly disagreed, using the excuse that her physical fitness assessment was unqualified and she was worried about not graduating. Guo Shuting promised that if she completed this mission, she would be considered qualified. Xie Xiang was stunned, not expecting that the always strict Guo Shuting would abandon his principles for Qu Manting.

Instructor Lü Zhongxin burst in and objected. Guo Shuting quickly introduced that Qu Manting was Qu Huaishu's eldest daughter. Instructor Lü Zhongxin's attitude immediately changed drastically. He insisted on finding people from the Police Department to cooperate in investigating the villain tracking Qu Manting. Guo Shuting even wanted to treat capturing the real culprit as a military exercise. Qu Manting was flattered, feeling it was too much of a fuss, saying that having Xie Xiang protect her was enough.

Instructor Lü Zhongxin no longer insisted either, and before leaving, he gave Xie Xiang many instructions. Qu Manting mistakenly thought this was due to her own charm and agreed to pick up Xie Xiang tomorrow. It turned out that Qu Manting was the posthumous child of Pei Nianqing, which is why Instructor Lü Zhongxin and the others cherished her so much. Shen Junshan repeatedly pondered Gu Yanzhen's words, suspecting that Xie Xiang was disguised as a man.

He went out to fetch water and ran into Xie Xiang head-on. He felt very awkward and quickly found an excuse to leave. Xie Xiang was puzzled. Gu Yanzhen, hiding to the side, saw everything clearly and was secretly delighted. Xie Xiang asked Gu Yanzhen to be Qu Manting's bodyguard, but Gu Yanzhen flatly refused. Qu Manting came to Shannan Tavern to find Xiao Tao and inadvertently heard about Oda Hiroshi sending a coffin to the Grand Princess Consort.

Oda Hiroshi came to see Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan straightforwardly asked her if she had any business dealings with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and reminded her to be careful in the future. Qu Manting came to pick up Xie Xiang and happened to see Oda Hiroshi coming to find Shen Junshan. She couldn't help but recall the thrilling scene at Prince Rong's Mansion. Those Japanese samurai repeatedly said their leader was Oda Hiroshi.

Qu Manting recounted everything about Oda Hiroshi sending the coffin to the Grand Princess Consort to Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang wanted to tell Shen Junshan about this, but Qu Manting didn't want to stir up trouble, much less offend the Japanese. She forcibly dragged Xie Xiang away. Oda Hiroshi, hiding to the side, heard everything clearly. She sent Fujiwara to secretly follow Qu Manting and Xie Xiang. Qu Manting took Xie Xiang to the stables.

The socialites of Shunyuan all liked to ride horses here. Qu Manting told Xie Xiang to casually pick one to be her girlfriend. Xie Xiang found it utterly absurd but didn't dare say openly that she was also a woman. Qu Manting warned Xie Xiang not to compete with her for Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang could only brace herself and go to the stables. Qu Manting enthusiastically introduced Zhao Qianqian to Xie Xiang.

Gu Qiqi's horse suddenly lost control and galloped wildly, about to throw her off. Xie Xiang intervened in time to stop the horse and saved Gu Qiqi. Gu Qiqi fell in love with Xie Xiang at first sight and laughingly called Qu Manting her rumored sister-in-law. Zhao Qianqian quickly came over and introduced Gu Qiqi as Gu Yanzhen's sister and also her cousin.

When Qu Manting heard that Gu Qiqi was Gu Yanzhen's sister, she enthusiastically pulled her to her side. Gu Qiqi suddenly remembered that she had met Xie Xiang once when she trespassed into the Arsenal Military Academy. Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan had injured Li Wenzhong to save her. Because they had agreed to keep this matter a secret, Gu Qiqi did not mention it publicly.

Instead, she privately inquired if Li Wenzhong had not been beaten to death and felt it was a pity. When Gu Qiqi heard that Xie Xiang was here for a blind date, she actively expressed her feelings to her, repeatedly calling Xie Xiang her fated destiny. Xie Xiang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Fujiwara secretly hid to the side and aimed at Qu Manting, but instead shot a maid at the stables.

Xie Xiang immediately drew her gun and returned fire. The stable guards arrived in time and rescued Qu Manting, Gu Qiqi, and others. Seeing this, Fujiwara had no choice but to lead his team away. Xie Xiang recognized Fujiwara as one of Oda Hiroshi's subordinates who had previously attempted to assassinate Shen Junshan. Qu Manting drove Xie Xiang back to the military academy. Shen Junshan, Ji Jin, and Gu Yanzhen went out for drinks together.

The adventurous influencer Oda Hiroshi rushed over and picked up Shen Junshan. Just as Gu Yanzhen was about to return to school, Qu Manting arrived by car. As soon as she got out, she hugged Gu Yanzhen tightly and wouldn't let go. Xie Xiang was eager to inquire about Shen Junshan's situation. Learning that he had been picked up by Oda Hiroshi, Xie Xiang immediately drove Qu Manting's car to chase after him.

Oda Hiroshi took Shen Junshan to the entrance of Prince Rong's Mansion, actively admitted her mistakes to him, and revealed her life story. She admitted that she was a Japanese who grew up in China. The Prince brought her and her mother into the mansion. The Grand Princess Consort suspected that the Prince was having an affair with Oda Hiroshi's mother and made things difficult for them in every way. Her mother died of illness.

Oda Hiroshi hated the Grand Princess Consort deeply. Shen Junshan guessed that the incident at Prince Rong's Mansion's birthday banquet was her doing. Oda Hiroshi admitted that she had deceived Shen Junshan because of her inferiority complex. Shen Junshan felt she wasn't wrong. Oda Hiroshi took the opportunity to fall into his arms and cried bitterly. Xie Xiang chased after them to the entrance of Prince Rong's Mansion and witnessed Oda Hiroshi and Shen Junshan talking in the car.

Oda Hiroshi sent Shen Junshan back to the military academy. Xie Xiang quickly caught up with Shen Junshan and explained the matter at Prince Rong's Mansion to him. Shen Junshan was convinced that Oda Hiroshi was eager for revenge. Xie Xiang repeatedly stated that Oda Hiroshi was inseparable from the Japanese, but Shen Junshan firmly believed in her character.

Oda Hiroshi saw Shen Junshan leave and immediately caught up with Xie Xiang, warning her not to waste her efforts, certain that Shen Junshan believed her. Xie Xiang vowed to catch Oda Hiroshi red-handed, but she was completely indifferent. Xie Xiang came to Shannan Tavern to find Tan Xiaojun. Someone secretly dropped a pill into the wine glass in front of Xie Xiang.

Xie Xiang accidentally saw Guo Shuting drinking with Qu Manting and, in a fit of pique, threatened to report Guo Shuting for abusing his power. Just as Xie Xiang was about to drink the glass in front of her, Tan Xiaojun quickly stopped her. A drunk customer snatched the glass and drank it all in one gulp, immediately collapsing on the counter.

Guo Shuting showed great concern for Qu Manting, and the two raised their glasses and drank heartily, becoming happier the more they talked. Xie Xiang couldn't help but complain to Tan Xiaojun, grumbling about Shen Junshan blindly believing Oda Hiroshi. Xie Xiang suddenly discovered someone aiming at Qu Manting. She immediately shouted a warning. Guo Shuting risked his life to shield Qu Manting and was unfortunately injured by the assailant. Huo Xiaoyu quickly called the police.

The police arrived and carried away the guest's body. Qu Manting drove Guo Shuting back to the military academy. Huo Xiaoyu sent Old Six to chase the assailant, but unexpectedly, the assailant had already committed suicide. She sent someone to take off the assailant's clothes and discovered the assailant was wearing Japanese-style underwear. Huo Xiaoyu ordered the assailant's body to be dumped at the entrance of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. Fujiwara failed again and begged Oda Hiroshi to give him one last chance.

Episode 26 Recap

Prince Chengrui personally came to find Oda Hiroshi to reason with her, forcing her to hand over the Golden Seal and absolutely not let the Japanese get it. Oda Hiroshi told Prince Chengrui to bring his whole family to redeem it. Huang Song and Gu Yanzhen voluntarily found Guo Shuting and offered to be Qu Manting's bodyguards. Although they both vowed to guarantee her safety, Guo Shuting felt they were unqualified and wanted Shen Junshan to protect Qu Manting.

Qu Manting walked out of the hotel room and was suddenly surprised to see Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Huang Song, and Gu Yanzhen had all come to protect her. Qu Manting, with four bodyguards, strutted down the street, attracting the attention of passersby. Qu Manting received an invitation to an auction when she got home. The Golden Seal was one of the items up for bid.

Xie Xiang believed this matter was definitely related to the Japanese, so Qu Manting had to agree to attend. Xie Xiang and the other three went with her as bodyguards. Yuan Pingting also came to the auction. Reporters surrounded her for photos and interviews. As soon as Qu Manting appeared, reporters immediately swarmed around her, leaving Yuan Pingting aside. The Prince, the Grand Princess Consort, and Prince Chengrui arrived shortly after. Oda Hiroshi had meticulously arranged everything.

She stood on the second floor, observing their every move and ordering Fujiwara and his team to act according to the plan. Meanwhile, Huo Xiaoyu also brought Old Six and two others to the auction. Her goal was the Golden Seal. Qu Manting took Xie Xiang and the other three to the auction venue and briefly introduced them to the identities of the guests. Shen Junshan noticed the guests were a mixed bag and reminded everyone to be careful.

The four split up to survey the situation. Qu Manting had no choice but to go to the VIP lounge alone. Yuan Pingting also went in shortly after. The auction began, and all the socialites received their bidding paddles. Oda Hiroshi was talking to James, the auction organizer, when she inadvertently saw Qu Manting in the VIP lounge. She ordered Fujiwara to kill both Qu Manting and Xie Xiang, warning him not to fail this time.

Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, Huang Song, and Shen Junshan acted separately and quickly figured out the defense situation manned by heavily armed Japanese. They concluded that this was a trap. Shen Junshan immediately decided to split into two groups. First, they would deal with the guards at the entrance, then they would find a way to get a floor plan of the auction house.

Old Six and his companions hid in a room and quickly took out two patrolling guards, successfully obtaining the auction floor plan. Huang Song and Gu Yanzhen suddenly saw the guards tied up in a corner. They rushed to the second floor to investigate. Qu Manting didn't want to be with Yuan Pingting, so she quietly went to the second floor and ran into Gu Yanzhen head-on.

Fujiwara sent someone to secretly follow Qu Manting, intending to find an opportunity to attack her, but the person was killed on the spot. Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan searched everywhere for the floor plan without success. With the auction about to begin, Shen Junshan decided to stop it from proceeding. The auction officially began. The auctioneer presented the first item.

Old Six was just about to take action with his men when he suddenly noticed two other groups lurking upstairs. These two groups were on the verge of conflict. Huang Song inadvertently opened a warehouse and discovered it contained boxes of gold and silver treasures. He was dazzled by the sight. A guard pushed the door open and found Huang Song. Huang Song was holding an antique in his hand.

The guard mistook him for a thief and immediately drew his gun. Huang Song then picked up the antique to threaten him, forcing the guard to put down his gun. At the same time, Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang found the main power switch. Shen Junshan decisively pulled it down, causing a sudden power outage in the building, and the auction scene immediately fell into chaos. Qu Manting took the opportunity to hug Gu Yanzhen, who struggled to break free.

Huang Song quickly found the Golden Seal, then went to meet up with Xie Xiang and the others. Oda Hiroshi quietly came to the second-floor warehouse with a handgun and ran into Shen Junshan. Oda Hiroshi took the opportunity to pass the gun to her companion. She claimed she came up to hide because the auction was too chaotic. Shen Junshan believed her implicitly. Xie Xiang and Huang Song quickly fled.

Xie Xiang told Huang Song to leave first with the gold and silver treasures. She was worried about Shen Junshan and went back to look for him. Huang Song ran into Gu Yanzhen and Qu Manting hugging each other and quickly showed off the treasures he had stolen. Just then, the power was restored. The Prince discovered that the Grand Princess Consort was missing. Prince Chengrui was certain it was Oda Hiroshi's doing.

James checked and found the Golden Seal was gone. He immediately ordered the scene sealed, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving. Old Six brought his men to the warehouse and discovered the Golden Seal had been stolen. They quickly retreated. Gu Yanzhen searched everywhere for Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang was walking out with the small bag containing the Golden Seal when she ran into the injured Fujiwara head-on. The two engaged in a fierce fight.

Xie Xiang did not dare to linger; she fought while retreating. Gu Yanzhen appeared in time and rescued her into a room. Fujiwara searched everywhere for Xie Xiang with his gun. Gu Yanzhen heard that Fujiwara had gone far away, but he still held Xie Xiang tightly. Gu Yanzhen discovered that Xie Xiang had the Golden Seal and wanted to escape from there as quickly as possible.

Just as Oda Hiroshi was about to leave with Shen Junshan, she ran into James. James decided to end today's auction. Oda Hiroshi pretended to comfort him. She then turned around and discovered Huo Xiaoyu, finding her very familiar.

Episode 27 Recap

Gu Yanzhen found a rope in the room. He tied one end to the shelf and the other to himself, picked up Xie Xiang, escaped through the window, and met up with Qu Manting. The three of them left in a hurry. Old Six and his two brothers reported to Huo Xiaoyu about the failure of tonight's operation.

They also mentioned that they suddenly saw Xie Xiang, Qu Manting, and Gu Yanzhen leaving with panicked expressions, which she found very suspicious. Fujiwara failed to catch up to Xie Xiang and could only return injured to report to Oda Hiroshi. He claimed they had wiped out the Prince Rong's braid army, but the Golden Seal was still stolen by Xie Xiang.

Fujiwara suggested that by tracking Shen Junshan, they could find the Golden Seal, but Oda Hiroshi forbade him from participating in tonight's action. Gu Yanzhen, Qu Manting, and Xie Xiang successfully returned to the hotel. Huang Song later brought back a large bag of gold and silver treasures, but Shen Junshan was late in returning. Xie Xiang was burning with anxiety. Gu Yanzhen became jealous seeing her worried look.

Shen Junshan shook off his pursuers and made his way back to the hotel. He quickly gathered Xie Xiang and the others to move, worried about being chased there. Just as Gu Yanzhen and his group of five reached the hotel entrance, assassins from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce rushed in and opened fire on them. Gu Yanzhen covered everyone's retreat, and he engaged in a fierce battle with the Japanese.

Shen Junshan led Xie Xiang and others intending to leave through the back door, but they were also surrounded and intercepted by Japanese assassins. They fought as they retreated. Oda Hiroshi arrived just in time by car, rescued Shen Junshan and the others, and took them to a small hotel to temporarily hide. Oda Hiroshi drove Shen Junshan home. Shen Junshan grew suspicious of her arrival and asked to meet her family.

Oda Hiroshi made various excuses, claiming it was too late. Shen Junshan pressed her, asking if she was working for the Japanese again and how she knew they were in trouble. Oda Hiroshi lied, saying someone informed her. Shen Junshan suddenly felt something was wrong, worried that Xie Xiang and the others were in danger, and forced Oda Hiroshi to stop the car immediately.

Shen Junshan jogged all the way back to the hotel and found out that Xie Xiang was staying in Room 206. He hurried upstairs to look for her, but no one responded. Shen Junshan quickly ran out to search and met Xie Xiang head-on, only to learn that Huo Xiaoyu had picked up Xie Xiang, Qu Manting, and Huang Song. Xie Xiang took him to meet up with everyone.

Just as Fujiwara was about to go and complain to Lieutenant General Fukushima, Oda Hiroshi returned to the Chamber of Commerce with her people. Fujiwara accused her of forgetting her mission to return to China and, even worse, forgetting her beliefs. In a fit of rage, Oda Hiroshi shot and killed Fujiwara. The Prince, knowing that Oda Hiroshi had kidnapped the Grand Princess Consort, personally came to her door to demand her release.

However, Oda Hiroshi was unrelenting and spoke harshly to him. The Prince pleaded bitterly. Oda Hiroshi proposed that if he shot the bullseye, she would let him take the Grand Princess Consort away. The Prince bent his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot. It hit the bullseye squarely, but unexpectedly, the Grand Princess Consort was behind it. The Grand Princess Consort was shot through the heart and died on the spot.

Prince Chengrui arrived shortly after, and the Prince was heartbroken and grief-stricken. Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, Huang Song, and Shen Junshan returned to the military academy to report back to Guo Shuting and handed over the Golden Seal and the gold and silver treasures together. Huang Song took a liking to one of the butterfly brooches. Guo Shuting promised to give it to him as a memento. Shen Junshan was the last to leave.

He hoped that Guo Shuting would hand over these national treasures to the country. Guo Shuting readily agreed. Huang Song couldn't wait to give that brooch to Xie Xiang's sister. Gu Yanzhen wanted to go back to the dormitory to sleep and even provocatively suggested sleeping with Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang was so angry she chased after him to hit him. Huang Song came to Xinhua Girls' Middle School to find Xie Xiang's sister.

Tan Xiaojun lied, saying she wasn't there. Huang Song decided to come back another time. Shen Junshan realized he had fallen in love with Xie Xiang. He asked Ji Jin if there was something wrong with him. Qu Manting came to the military academy, greeted Xie Xiang, Huang Song, Gu Yanzhen, and Shen Junshan, and invited them to the Shannan Tavern for a celebratory dinner.

Gu Yanzhen was curious if Huo Xiaoyu was finding lodging for Xie Xiang and the others for Zhao Min. Huo Xiaoyu handled it skillfully. Gu Yanzhen reminded Xie Xiang and Huang Song to be careful to avoid being pursued and killed. Gu Yanzhen and Qu Manting were exchanging drinks. Shen Junshan sat by himself drinking plain water. Huang Song and Xie Xiang didn't drink alcohol, only ate fruit. Huang Song inadvertently mentioned that Gu Yanzhen had borrowed money from him.

Qu Manting promised to help him with all her strength. Xie Xiang saw that Shen Junshan's water cup was empty and offered to pour him a refill. Shen Junshan politely declined. Gu Yanzhen was very jealous and seized the opportunity to challenge Shen Junshan to a drinking contest. Shen Junshan showed no weakness, telling him to bring all the alcohol over already. Qu Manting suggested Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan drink bottle for bottle. The two were at loggerheads.

Xie Xiang desperately tried to persuade Shen Junshan. But he insisted on knocking down Gu Yanzhen first. Shen Junshan drank one cup and immediately passed out drunk. Xie Xiang gently patted Shen Junshan's back. Qu Manting acted spoiled, asking Gu Yanzhen to take her home. Gu Yanzhen firmly refused. Qu Manting then pretended to fall. Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to take her. Before leaving, he also warned Xie Xiang to stay away from Shen Junshan.

Huang Song escorted him home much earlier. Xie Xiang helped the drunk Shen Junshan back to the dormitory. Ji Jin inadvertently mentioned that Shen Junshan was allergic to alcohol. Just as Xie Xiang was about to leave, Ji Jin had something to do at home and had to leave, asking Xie Xiang to stay and take care of Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan woke up groggily and saw Xie Xiang asleep by his side.

Episode 28 Recap

Shen Junshan didn't want to disturb Xie Xiang. He quietly opened the door and left. Xie Xiang suddenly woke up and, seeing that Shen Junshan was not in the room, quickly searched everywhere. Ji Jin then returned, and neither of them could find Shen Junshan. The next morning at breakfast, Gu Yanzhen relentlessly pressed Xie Xiang about the reason for her late return.

Ji Jin unintentionally revealed that Xie Xiang had taken care of Shen Junshan, which angered Gu Yanzhen, who glared at Xie Xiang. Shen Junshan came to get food and quickly avoided Xie Xiang when he saw her. Instructor Lv taught the students a free-fighting course. Gu Yanzhen fell asleep from exhaustion. Instructor Lv called him out to practice sparring, and he was beaten to the point of being unable to resist. Gu Yanzhen complained incessantly.

Shen Junshan was absent-minded and spaced out to the side. Instructor Lv had Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan practice together. Shen Junshan had no choice but to step onto the field. He stood still, and Xie Xiang had to make the first move. Shen Junshan didn't fight back, only desperately dodged, and was punched in the nose by Xie Xiang, causing blood to gush out. Xie Xiang quickly accompanied Shen Junshan to the infirmary.

Instructor Lv had Li Wenzhong and Ji Jin spar. The doctor quickly stopped the bleeding for Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang wanted to bandage him personally, but he desperately dodged. Xie Xiang realized that Shen Junshan had been avoiding her recently. Shen Junshan had no choice but to tell her the fact that Gu Yanzhen liked her. Xie Xiang quickly explained that there was nothing between them and that Gu Yanzhen was just talking nonsense.

Shen Junshan was slightly relieved and quickly ran away. That night, Shen Junshan wanted to go home for a few days. Xie Xiang passed by and called out to him, but Shen Junshan left without looking back. Xie Xiang unintentionally said that Shen Junshan was always avoiding her, and Li Wenzhong suspected that Xie Xiang was a woman. Shen Junshan returned home and saw an invitation from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

Oda Hideyuki, Oda Hiroshi's father, had come to Shun Yuan and was hosting a banquet for Shen Tingbai and Shen Junshan. Shen Tingbai had only heard that the president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce was Oda Hideyuki's daughter, but he didn't know anything else. Shen Junshan suddenly felt a pang in his heart. As soon as Oda Hideyuki arrived in Shun Yuan, he severely punished Oda Hiroshi. Tan Xiaojun came to the military academy to find Xie Xiang.

Huang Song was going to the girls' middle school to deliver a gift to Xie Xiang's sister. The two walked out of the school gate together. Tan Xiaojun saw Huang Song and quickly hid because he had been going to the girls' middle school every day recently. After Huang Song walked away, Tan Xiaojun came out to see Xie Xiang, wanting to take her to the girls' middle school. Gu Yanzhen suddenly appeared, using the excuse of checking his car.

Tan Xiaojun suggested that Gu Yanzhen take them both back to the girls' middle school. Xie Xiang flatly refused and complained that Gu Yanzhen shouldn't have talked nonsense to Shen Junshan. No sooner had Xie Xiang and Tan Xiaojun left than Gu Qiqi came to find Xie Xiang with cookies she had baked herself. Learning that Xie Xiang had already gone out, she asked Gu Yanzhen to pass them on.

Gu Yanzhen mocked her, and Gu Qiqi left in a fit of pique with the cookies. Xie Xiang pretended to be her sister to meet Huang Song. Huang Song gave her the butterfly brooch and said goodbye to her reluctantly. Xie Xiang looked at his departing figure, her heart filled with mixed feelings. Oda Hiroshi was forced by her father to kneel on broken glass, causing her knees to be cut and fester.

Xinlan helped her bandage them, but she still endured the pain and put on a kimono to meet her guests. Oda Hideyuki hosted a banquet for Shen Tingbai and introduced Oda Hiroshi to him. Shen Junshan arrived later and, seeing Oda Hiroshi kneeling across from him, immediately understood everything. Then Oda Hideyuki and his daughter and the Shen Tingbai brothers toasted and drank happily, but Shen Junshan remained silent, glaring at Oda Hiroshi. He excused himself and left.

Oda Hideyuki asked Oda Hiroshi to see Shen Junshan off, but Shen Junshan flatly refused. Oda Hiroshi hurriedly chased after Shen Junshan and tried to explain, but Shen Junshan listed all of Oda Hiroshi's crimes of killing Yu Zhi and the father of Ling Dang, declaring that he wanted to break off all relations with her. Oda Hiroshi explained that she couldn't help herself. Shen Junshan left in a huff.

Guo Shuting came to the Palais de Musique to watch Qu Manting perform, as if he saw Pei Nianqing from back then. He was lost in Qu Manting's sweet singing. After the performance, Manager Huang, on Shen Tingbai's orders, wanted to take Qu Manting home, but Qu Manting politely declined. Unexpectedly, Guo Shuting was waiting in a car at the door, wanting to take Qu Manting home.

Guo Shuting promised to be responsible for picking up and dropping off Qu Manting for every performance, to be her driver and bodyguard, as long as Qu Manting bought him wine. Gu Yanzhen racked his brains to make Xie Xiang happy. Xie Xiang was amused by his childish and cute behavior and forgave him on the spot.

Guo Shuting handed over the national treasures Huang Song had stolen to Old Qi to turn them over to the state, asking Huo Xiaoyu to send a clerk to deliver them. Huo Xiaoyu had wanted to buy those national treasures and exchange them for money, but Guo Shuting unexpectedly handed them all over. Guo Shuting drove past a jewelry store, got out of the car, bought a small gift, and wanted to give it to Qu Manting.

Huang Song excitedly went to invite Xie Xiang's sister to see "Romeo and Juliet." Upon hearing this, Xie Xiang was so frightened that she hurriedly changed into women's clothing and went to the girls' middle school. Huang Song invited her to go to the theater together. Xie Xiang suggested eating first, which Huang Song naturally welcomed.

Xie Xiang passed by the theater and suddenly saw senior Meng, whom she knew from when she studied in Beijing, and learned that they had come to perform. But one of the actors suddenly fell and was injured. Senior Meng suddenly had an idea and asked Xie Xiang to fill in. But Xie Xiang hadn't performed in a year, and she wasn't confident. Senior Meng couldn't find a suitable candidate for the time being.

He could only let her go on stage. The performance began, and Xie Xiang made a stunning appearance. She and the male actor coordinated perfectly, and Huang Song's eyes lit up with joy. Shen Junshan came to see the performance, and Manager Huang had reserved a seat for him. Huang Song was stunned to see Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan discovered Xie Xiang performing on stage. He was shocked and deeply attracted by her wonderful singing and performance. After the performance, Shen Junshan rushed backstage to find Xie Xiang without saying a word.

Episode 29 Recap

Shen Junshan ignored the theater staff's obstruction and rushed directly into the dressing room. Xie Xiang heard Shen Junshan's voice, worried that he would discover her true identity, and quickly hid in the closet. Shen Junshan did not find Xie Xiang. He asked Manager Huang and found out that the person singing just now was Xie Liangchen's twin sister. He was still very confused. He bumped into Huang Song, who was coming to find Xie Xiang for dinner.

Huang Song also confirmed that the person on stage was Xie Liangchen's sister. Shen Junshan had no choice but to give up. Huang Song invited Xie Xiang to dinner and praised her performance just now incessantly. Huang Song suddenly saw the police chasing and beating his younger brother Xiao He. He quickly ran over, drove away the police, and rescued Xiao He. Xie Xiang knocked that police officer to the ground.

Huang Song learned that Xiao He was being chased and beaten for posting slogans against the Twenty-One Demands. He warned him not to get involved in this matter, to study hard, and not to worry his sister. Xiao He was unconvinced. Xie Xiang first affirmed Xiao He's patriotic enthusiasm. She suggested he come out at night to post slogans to avoid being harassed by the police. Xiao He had no living expenses, but Huang Song didn't bring money.

Xie Xiang gave all the money she had to Xiao He. Huang Song was extremely grateful to Xie Xiang. Huang Song escorted Xie Xiang back to the girls' middle school. Gu Yanzhen drove and ran into them and couldn't help but tease Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang was unable to defend herself and could only let him mock and ridicule her. Xie Xiang walked around the girls' middle school and came out dressed in male clothes.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yanzhen was waiting for her at the main entrance and forcibly carried her onto the car. Today is Gu Yanzhen's birthday. Gu Qiqi came to the military academy to give her brother a cake and happened to run into Qu Manting. Qu Manting claimed that today was also her birthday, but she never celebrates it because this day is her aunt's death anniversary.

Qu Manting kept saying she was fated to be with Gu Yanzhen and suggested waiting for him at a Western restaurant to celebrate together. Shen Tingbai prepared a birthday gift as usual every year and sent someone to deliver it to Qu Manting. Gu Yanzhen invited Xie Xiang to go out after class. Xie Xiang politely declined. Gu Yanzhen then threatened her with her twin sister. Xie Xiang had no choice but to comply.

Qu Manting reserved the Western restaurant, personally directed the staff to prepare flowers and fine wine, wanting to celebrate with Gu Yanzhen. But Gu Yanzhen brought people to carefully decorate the roller-skating rink on the rooftop and brought Xie Xiang up to roller skate. As soon as Gu Yanzhen took a step, he fell heavily. Xie Xiang had no choice but to skate with him. Gu Yanzhen only slowly found the knack after falling countless times.

The two of them held hands and were extremely happy. Xie Xiang suddenly remembered she had something to tell Shen Junshan and left Gu Yanzhen aside, running off. Gu Yanzhen could only wish himself a happy birthday with a bitter smile. Xie Xiang gave the newspaper about Oda Hiroshi attending the Hongtai Chamber of Commerce anniversary celebration with the Japanese to Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan coldly stated that he already knew about it.

As night fell, the lights on the rooftop flickered. Gu Yanzhen was roller skating alone, feeling extremely lonely. Qu Manting had been waiting anxiously for Gu Yanzhen, but he was very late. Qu Manting had no choice but to ask the waiter to serve the dishes. With tears in her eyes, she wished herself a happy birthday. She imagined the empty seat across from her was Gu Yanzhen. The more Qu Manting thought, the sadder she became.

She ate while crying uncontrollably. Qu Manting left the Western restaurant dispiritedly and saw that Guo Shuting had been waiting for her. Guo Shuting brought Qu Manting to the theater and told her the story from back then. Guo Shuting only mentioned Huo Xiaoyu, one of the four people, and Qu Manting guessed there were his good brothers and beloved woman.

Guo Shuting turned on the theater's colorful lights, brought out a birthday cake, and also gave her a pearl necklace. The two raised their glasses and drank together. Qu Manting was deeply moved, thanking him for the surprise he had prepared for her. Instructor Lv stayed by Pei Nianqing's grave until dark before leaving. While Xie Xiang was fetching water, she unintentionally overheard Ji Jin talking about today being Gu Yanzhen's birthday.

Xie Xiang finally understood the reason why Gu Yanzhen was sulking on the bed. She prepared an apple and lit a candle on it, celebrating Gu Yanzhen's birthday in this manner. Gu Yanzhen was very annoyed, but he still ate it heartily and also acted coquettishly, asking Xie Xiang for a birthday gift. Huang Song, Gu Yanzhen, and Xie Xiang were practicing shooting. Gu Yanzhen sulked and ignored the two of them.

On the way back, Li Wenzhong deliberately bumped into her. Gu Yanzhen couldn't stand it and bumped hard into Li Wenzhong. Li Wenzhong was enraged and humiliated, repeatedly claiming that Gu Yanzhen's father, Gu Zongtang, was about to fall from power. Gu Yanzhen was so angry that he gnashed his teeth and severely punished Li Wenzhong. Huang He's classmate came to inform Huang Song.

Huang Song learned that his younger brother Huang He had gotten into trouble and left without even asking for leave. Xie Xiang waited until very late. Huang Song returned dejected. Xie Xiang showed concern for him. Huang Song mustered up the courage to borrow money from Xie Xiang to save Huang He. Xie Xiang promised to help him solve the problem. Xie Xiang came to find Tan Xiaojun overnight to borrow money.

Tan Xiaojun promised to advance two months' salary and told her to come get it tomorrow. Oda Hideyuki learned that Shen Tingbai and Shen Junshan had engaged in anti-Japanese activities, considering them both thorns in his side.

Episode 30 Recap

Oda Hideyuki dispatched people to assassinate Shen Junshan. Oda Hiroshi tried her best to plead for him, repeatedly stating that Shen Junshan was the man she loved and she would never stand idly by. But Oda Hideyuki's mind was made up, and Oda Hiroshi immediately hacked him to death. That night, Shen Junshan was cornered by Japanese people in a small alley. He fought back fiercely and engaged in a fierce battle with them.

Relying on his excellent martial arts, Shen Junshan quickly killed all the assassins, but he was also seriously injured. Xie Xiang passed by and saw the seriously injured Shen Junshan. She quickly took him to the hospital for emergency treatment. Xie Xiang alone barged into the Japanese Chamber of Commerce to question Oda Hiroshi. Oda Hiroshi swore she did not send anyone to assassinate Shen Junshan.

When she learned that Shen Junshan had internal injuries and needed immediate surgery, but the attending doctor had gone to Beijing for a meeting and only Nagakawa Koji could save Shen Junshan, Oda Hiroshi immediately sent someone to find Nagakawa Koji. Oda Hiroshi quickly brought Nagakawa Koji to the hospital. Nagakawa Koji immediately performed surgery on Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang and Oda Hiroshi waited anxiously outside.

After the full efforts of Nagakawa Koji and Dr. Liu, Shen Junshan was out of danger. Oda Hiroshi entered the operating room alone and felt a mix of emotions when she saw the still unconscious Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang thanked Oda Hiroshi for her great help. She also confronted her face-to-face and revealed her identity, stating that Shen Junshan also knew that she had killed the students who petitioned in Beijing, as well as other crimes such as human trafficking.

Oda Hiroshi admitted these without denial. Xie Xiang warned her that she would pay the price sooner or later, but Oda Hiroshi did not take it seriously. Gu Yanzhen returned to the classroom and saw his classmates looking solemn. He learned that Shen Junshan was seriously injured last night and that Xie Xiang had been accompanying him at the hospital. Just then, Gu Zongtang sent a driver to pick up Gu Yanzhen to go home.

He wanted to take him and Gu Qiqi back to Beijing first for reporting duty, and then send the siblings back to Nanjing. Gu Yanzhen guessed that his father's negotiation with the Japanese was not smooth, so he had to agree to his request. Xie Xiang stayed by Shen Junshan's bedside. Shen Junshan finally woke up but was still very weak. Xie Xiang quickly called the medical staff. Shen Junshan vaguely remembered being assassinated last night.

Xie Xiang admitted that Oda Hiroshi found Nagakawa Koji to save Shen Junshan, otherwise he would have died long ago. Xie Xiang also confirmed that it was not Oda Hiroshi who sent people to assassinate Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan complained that she should not have risked going to Oda Hiroshi for help, but Xie Xiang had nowhere else to turn. Gu Yanzhen stood outside the ward and heard their conversation, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Xie Xiang came out to fetch hot water. Gu Yanzhen said goodbye to Xie Xiang. Neither of them wanted to part with the other. Gu Yanzhen reminded Xie Xiang to be wary of Li Wenzhong. He advised Xie Xiang to ask the instructor to let Shen Junshan move in with her so she wouldn't be bullied. Gu Yanzhen only left reluctantly after repeatedly reminding and instructing Xie Xiang.

Xie Xiang watched his lonely figure disappearing and couldn't help but shed tears. Ji Jin and the cadets came to visit Shen Junshan and swore to avenge him. By the time Xie Xiang returned with the water, they had already left. Huang Song bribed a prison guard to visit Huang He in prison. Seeing him beaten black and blue, Huang Song was heartbroken. He promised to raise the money to get him out.

Immediately after, Huang Song came to visit Shen Junshan. Xie Xiang saw that he looked very bad and asked about his well-being with concern. Huang Song wanted to borrow money from Xie Xiang but couldn't bring himself to ask, so he lied and said he was fine, then left dejectedly. The more Xie Xiang thought about it, the more something felt wrong, but she was called in to take care of Shen Junshan and didn't press him further.

Huang Song passed a boxing gym and unexpectedly learned that he could earn money by winning boxing matches. He went in and signed up without hesitation. Gu Yanzhen couldn't sleep that night. Before he left, he cut off a button from Xie Xiang's jacket as a keepsake. Qu Manting accepted the lead role in Director Sheng's new play, but unexpectedly Yuan Pingting got the role first and replaced her.

She also mocked Qu Manting, telling her to play her little maid. Qu Manting spoke harshly to her, then left with Xiao Tao without looking back. Qu Manting was unwilling to admit defeat just like that. She proactively called to fund Chen Qianqian's poetry collection, publishing and selling it under her name. Immediately after, Qu Manting called Editor Li. She called and agreed to all the activities she had previously declined, hoping to make a comeback quickly. Oda Hiroshi sent someone to send Oda Hideyuki's ashes back to Japan.

Episode 31 Recap

Qu Manting gathered the students from Chen Qianqian's Poetry Society together. They worked day and night to sort through the poems, while Xiao Tao served tea and water on the side. Qu Manting wanted to publish the poetry collection as soon as possible, hoping to use this opportunity to make a comeback. Xiao Tao brought the day's newspaper, which reported the signing of the Twenty-One Demands between China and Japan. Qu Manting was so angry that she stormed out.

Xie Xiang went to the hospital to visit Shen Junshan, but he had already been discharged. Xie Xiang walked down the street and saw students marching and demonstrating against the Twenty-One Demands, shouting "Down with Gu Zongtang." Xie Xiang couldn't help but worry about Gu Yanzhen. At the same time, Qu Manting also came to the military academy to find Gu Yanzhen, but he wasn't there.

Xie Xiang returned to the Arsenal Military Academy, and the cadets rushed into the dormitory, turning Gu Yanzhen's bed upside down. They also cursed him as a traitor. Xie Xiang tried desperately to stop them, but they wouldn't listen. They threw all of Gu Yanzhen's bedding and luggage onto the playground, threatening to burn it all. The cadets were in a frenzy, shouting slogans together: "Down with the traitor! Down with Gu Zongtang!"

Just as the cadets poured gasoline on the luggage, Xie Xiang rushed to stop them, but they refused to back down. In a fit of pique, Xie Xiang lay down on Gu Yanzhen's luggage, and she was doused in gasoline. Li Wenzhong, holding a lighter, threatened to burn Xie Xiang to death. At this critical moment, Gu Yanzhen arrived in time, knocking the troublemaking cadets to the ground.

The cadets left one after another, and Li Wenzhong had no choice but to return to the dormitory. Gu Yanzhen returned to the dormitory, complaining that Xie Xiang was too impulsive. Xie Xiang said that she was trying to retrieve the only photo of Gu Yanzhen and his mother. Gu Yanzhen hugged Xie Xiang tightly and confessed his feelings to her, saying that no one could stop their love.

Shen Tingbai brought his mother back and advised Shen Junshan not to be too impulsive, otherwise everything would be destroyed. Shen Tingbai learned that Oda Hiroshi had found a doctor to save Shen Junshan, and that Oda Hiroshi Hideyuki had been killed that very night. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce hastily cremated him without even holding a funeral. The Japanese garrison headquarters had not received any news.

It was not until Oda Hiroshi Hideyuki's ashes were sent back to Japan that they received the news. Shen Tingbai concluded that Oda Hiroshi had killed Oda Hiroshi Hideyuki, and he advised Shen Junshan not to get too close to Oda Hiroshi. Shen Tingbai learned that Xie Xiang had risked her life to save Shen Junshan and wanted to invite her to his home for dinner to express his gratitude. Shen Junshan readily agreed.

Huang Song returned to the military academy and learned about the farce that had taken place today. He couldn't help but sigh at Gu Yanzhen's situation, who had instantly gone from being a golden boy to the target of everyone's criticism. Xie Xiang desperately protected Gu Yanzhen, and Huang Song noticed that they were very close, teasing them about their relationship. Xie Xiang quickly changed the subject.

He found that Huang Song was in a great mood today, and casually asked about the matter from a few days ago. Huang Song claimed that it had been resolved satisfactorily. Xie Xiang originally wanted to borrow money to help Huang Song, but she didn't expect him to raise a large sum of money in such a short period of time. Xie Xiang suddenly noticed that Huang Song had a wound on his face and couldn't help but show concern.

Huang Song made an excuse to get by, and Xie Xiang didn't press him further. In fact, Huang Song was fighting in underground boxing matches to save his younger brother from prison. The next morning, Xie Xiang woke up and found a note on her bedside table, which was Gu Yanzhen reminding her to drink more hot water, and a message that said "Your loving Yanzhen." Xie Xiang was so startled that she quickly threw away the note.

She went to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face and saw that the toothpaste had already been squeezed out, and there was a loving note under the teacup. Xie Xiang went to put on her leather boots and found that Gu Yanzhen had already polished them. This time, the note was even more outrageous, directly signing as Xie Xiang's husband. Xie Xiang angrily tore the note to shreds.

She came to the cafeteria to eat and found that Gu Yanzhen had already gotten her food and was enthusiastically inviting Xie Xiang to sit next to him. Huang Song earnestly advised her from the side, and Xie Xiang finally sat down to eat. Gu Yanzhen tried every means to please her, peeling an egg for her and personally feeding it to her mouth. Xie Xiang was very embarrassed. The classmates all stopped eating and looked at them.

Xie Xiang swallowed the egg in one gulp and choked, coughing uncontrollably. Gu Yanzhen quickly brought her a glass of water and fed it to her. Ji Jin and Zhu Yanlin, who were sitting there, were stunned. During class, Gu Yanzhen continued to pester Xie Xiang, and Guo Shuting kicked him out. Gu Yanzhen made faces at Xie Xiang through the crack in the door and flirted with her. Xie Xiang felt very uncomfortable, but Gu Yanzhen enjoyed it.

Xie Xiang angrily threw a book at him, and Guo Shuting kicked her out as well. Gu Yanzhen took the opportunity to approach Xie Xiang and was severely reprimanded by her. Qu Manting saw the abuse and ridicule of Gu Yanzhen in the newspaper, and she was so angry that she gnashed her teeth. She rushed to the newspaper office to make a scene.

Xiao Tao tried desperately to stop her and advised her kindly, but she insisted on going her own way. Shen Tingbai arrived in time and laughed at Qu Manting for being a hooligan. Shen Tingbai remembered that when his family was down on their luck when he was a child, he was ridiculed by his classmates, and Qu Manting was the one who stood up for him. From that time on, Shen Tingbai had a soft spot for Qu Manting.

Qu Manting pretended not to remember, and Shen Tingbai repeatedly confirmed whether Qu Manting really loved Gu Yanzhen. He promised that he could cancel the engagement with both sets of parents to help Qu Manting and Gu Yanzhen. Qu Manting told him to keep his word, and that she was determined to get Gu Yanzhen. Shen Tingbai's heart was filled with mixed feelings.

Gu Yanzhen followed Xie Xiang every step of the way, trying every means to please her, but Xie Xiang ignored him. Xie Xiang accidentally found Huang Song limping back to the military academy and quickly went over to press him for the reason. Huang Song made the excuse that he had fallen, but Xie Xiang didn't believe it at all.

Director Sheng was explaining the scene to Yuan Pingting, but Qu Manting appeared, and Director Sheng immediately greeted her with a smile, leaving Yuan Pingting aside. Qu Manting started filming. In the scene, the character played by Qu Manting threw money at Yuan Pingting, who took the opportunity to throw a glass of water on her. The director immediately called to stop the scene, demanding that she act according to the script.

After Qu Manting's makeup was touched up, they did it again. This time, Yuan Pingting threw water again. On the third take, Qu Manting directly slapped Yuan in the face, telling her to be careful of what she said and did. The director chimed in, saying that she acted too well. Director Sheng sent Qu Manting out and agreed that Qu Manting would play the leading role in his next film.

On the other side, Yuan Pingting vented her anger on the servants. Qu Manting took a car to find Gu Yanzhen. The people at the military academy were playing cards in Xie Xiang's room and discussing Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan. At this moment, Gu Yanzhen's piano music rang out outside the school. Gu Yanzhen was in the middle of the square, elegantly playing the piano with heart-shaped roses arranged around him. Everyone started to tease Gu Yanzhen, and Gu Yanzhen said that this song was dedicated to Xie Xiang.

Episode 32 Recap

Gu Yanzhen gave Xie Xiang a birthday wish in front of all the cadets and set off fireworks to express his feelings. Qu Manting, who was nearby, turned and left in anger. Xie Xiang ignored the attempts to stop her and moved a chair to go and deal with Gu Yanzhen. Qu Manting walked down the street alone, her high-heeled shoe got stuck in a drain, and she was chased and harassed by a group of paparazzi taking photos.

Shen Tingbai saw Qu Manting sitting by the roadside and picked up her leather shoe. Shen Tingbai then picked up Qu Manting, who had ruined her shoe. Xie Xiang encountered cadets on her way to get water. She had become famous, called "yesterday's birthday girl," and was pointed at by others. Xie Xiang was advised by those around her to change rooms.

Gu Yanzhen found Xie Xiang and explained his feelings, saying he was afraid someone else would snatch Xie Xiang away. The two ended up arguing. Oda Hiroshi's assistant submitted Xie Xiang's identification information to Oda, and found that there were two Xie Liangchens. Director Sheng was drinking with two girls in a bar, but his thoughts were on Huo Xiaoyu. Xie Xiang was constantly talked about on her way to class.

Her classmates suggested that Xie Xiang ask Instructor Guo to change dorms. Li Wenzhong's arm was injured by someone. Gu Yanzhen teased Li Wenzhong, and Li Wenzhong was so scared that he ran to the side. Gu Yanzhen walked over to Xie Xiang and fed her breakfast. His classmates nearby advised him to keep a low profile, but it was unsuccessful. Xie Xiang threw the breakfast onto Huang Song's face, who happened to be walking by the door.

Huang Song again made up the excuse of falling to explain his injured face. Shen Junshan said his injury was almost healed and he could return to school in a few days. A cadet revealed to Shen Junshan that Gu Yanzhen also liked Xie Xiang, advising Shen Junshan to think carefully and not let Gu Yanzhen get ahead. Huo Xiaoyu walked out of the bar and saw Guo Shuting's car.

She got into his car and rode back to her residence. Guo Shuting advised Huo Xiaoyu to be careful about whether her man was reliable. Huo Xiaoyu sternly refused his request. Xie Xiang went to see Lingdang. The dean said Lingdang's routine was regular and the caregivers all liked her, but Lingdang never spoke. The dean had found a doctor but there was no treatment method. Lingdang hugged the dog in her arms and ignored Xie Xiang.

Walking out, Xie Xiang saw Shen Junshan. They both turned around at the same time and called out to each other. Xie Xiang was concerned about Shen Junshan's injury. Shen Junshan wanted to drive Xie Xiang back to school. Shen Junshan personally drove Xie Xiang back to school. They asked about each other's recent situation. Shen Junshan said he would return to school to attend classes next week. Xie Xiang offered to provide her notes for Shen Junshan to study.

Huang Song found Instructor Lv and went into the office to wait for Instructor Lv, who had gone to a meeting. He saw a letter that someone had sent and opened it to read the letter from Oda Hiroshi to Instructor Lv, discovering Xie Xiang's secret identity. Instructor Guo entered the office and chased Huang Song away. Huang Song, upon leaving, asked Instructor Lv for sick leave, and Instructor Lv approved it.

Shen Junshan hosted the drama club students at a meeting hall. The drama club members discussed that Xie Xiang's brother, Xie Liangchen, had already passed away. Shen Junshan's driver heard all of this. Instructor Guo, who had seen the anonymous letter, told Xie Xiang that he would keep her secret and not tell Instructor Lv. Instructor Guo advised Xie Xiang to leave the Arsenal Military Academy.

Xie Xiang realized that Instructor Guo had actually known all along that she was a woman disguised as a man. At the martial arts field, Xie Xiang had something on her mind and was noticed by the cadets. Huang Song also came to ask Xie Xiang why she was distracted. Xie Xiang asked Huang Song in return why he was injured again, and Huang Song brushed it off with an excuse.

Xiao Jun came to find Xie Xiang to teach her horse riding. Xiao Jun coaxed Xie Xiang, who had come out to play with her, to be happy. Just then, students from St. Mary's Girls' School walked over and complained about their strange tempers. Xie Xiang and Xiao Jun talked about Xie Xiang's life at the military academy after her identity was exposed. Xiao Jun had a gossipy look on her face.

As they walked, they saw the students from St. Mary's Girls' School playing a hoop game. When they arrived, the two groups started arguing and decided to have a hoop-tossing competition. Xie Xiang, throwing a hoop and hitting the target every time for Xiao Jun, stunned everyone from St. Mary's Girls' School.

Episode 33 Recap

Xie Xiang hit the target every time with the hoop toss, winning many gifts for Tan Xiaojun. Tan Xiaojun generously distributed them to the female students present. Afterward, Tan Xiaojun brought Xie Xiang to the stable, but the stable had been bought privately, and Manager Song wouldn't let them in. Miss Du arrived later, taunted Xie Xiang and Tan Xiaojun, and told Manager Song to kick them out.

Just as Xie Xiang was about to leave, Shen Junshan happened to ride by on a horse. He publicly admitted that the stable belonged to his family, warmly invited Xie Xiang and Tan Xiaojun to come in and play, and even let them ride the two best horses. When Shen Junshan saw Xie Xiang in women's clothing, he pressed her hard about her identity. Tan Xiaojun quickly explained that Xie Xiang was Xie Liangchen's sister.

Shen Junshan had already sent people to investigate thoroughly and knew that Xie Xiang had taken her brother Xie Liangchen's place at the military academy, but he didn't expose her true identity to her face. Xie Xiang got tired from riding and went to rest on the side. Shen Junshan proactively came over to greet her and directly questioned her about her true identity. Xie Xiang claimed she had difficulties.

Unexpectedly, Shen Junshan actually acknowledged that she was Xie Liangchen's sister. Xie Xiang felt extremely awkward. Shen Junshan invited Xie Xiang and Xie Liangchen to his home for dinner. Xie Xiang was so scared she didn't know what to do and could only agree. Xie Xiang and Tan Xiaojun left the stable arm in arm. Shen Junshan stood in place, gazing intently at their retreating figures, and a heavy weight was lifted from his heart.

Xie Xiang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She was so anxious about having to go to Shen Junshan's house for the appointment tomorrow that she was at a loss. Li Wenzhong had been waiting for Guo Shuting to finish reading the letter and question Xie Xiang, but Guo Shuting acted as if nothing had happened. Li Wenzhong had no choice but to go and report the news that Xie Xiang was a woman to Guo Shuting.

Guo Shuting, however, was indifferent and told Li Wenzhong to go back and rest well. Li Wenzhong was unwilling to admit defeat like this. He decided to use other methods to test her. The cadets were privately discussing the money that was lost in the dormitory, but Huang Song was too nervous to speak. When Xie Xiang was taking her afternoon nap, she heard her classmates demanding to find the thief. Li Wenzhong suggested searching one person at a time.

The cadets immediately started a thorough search of each other. Just as Xie Xiang was about to leave, Li Wenzhong quickly caught up to her and insisted on searching her room himself. Xie Xiang firmly refused, using the excuse that Gu Yanzhen was sleeping in the dormitory, so they had to give up. The cadets found a large amount of cash in Huang Song's suitcase.

Huang Song repeatedly explained that he earned it himself, but they didn't believe him at all. Only Xie Xiang stood up for Huang Song. However, the cadets were relentless, and the two got into a heated argument. Zhu Yanlin couldn't stand it and advised Huang Song to explain where the money came from. Huang Song was unable to argue against them. Xie Xiang stepped forward and started fighting with the cadets.

Fortunately, Gu Yanzhen arrived in time to resolve the situation. He claimed that all the money was his, and that he had given it to Huang Song to persuade Xie Xiang not to move out of the dormitory. Gu Yanzhen vouched for Huang Song, and only then did the cadets relent. Xie Xiang saw through Gu Yanzhen immediately, realizing he was covering for Huang Song.

She pressed him hard about the origin of the money, concluding that it was related to his recent injuries. Huang Song could only lower his head and remain silent. Immediately after, Huang Song came to thank Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen knew he had his difficulties and didn't pursue the matter further. Gu Yanzhen promised to help Huang Song fully, but he didn't want to trouble others and wanted to resolve his current predicament himself.

Shen Tingbai and his father personally visited the Qu family to cancel the engagement. Shen Tingbai claimed that it was all his responsibility and promised that apart from the marriage, all other business dealings would continue as usual. Qu Huaishu said he didn't need his charity and immediately sent people to drive them away. Just as Qu Manting was about to see Shen Tingbai off, she was severely scolded by Qu Huaishu. Shen Tingbai quickly found an excuse to leave.

Afterward, Qu Huaishu severely lectured Qu Manting. The more he spoke, the more agitated he became, cursing at Qu Manting. Qu Manting exposed in front of him that when Qu Huaishu was down and out back then, he had no money and tried to sell his daughter. Qu Huaishu was so angry he gnashed his teeth. Qu mother quickly persuaded Qu Manting to go back to her room.

That night, Shen Tingbai called Qu Manting to ask how she was doing. Qu Manting told him about Qu Huaishu severely scolding her. Shen Tingbai kept saying she brought bad luck to men, which made Qu Manting so angry she gnashed her teeth. After hanging up the phone, Shen Tingbai sadly drowned his sorrows in alcohol. During morning practice, Xie Xiang saw Shen Junshan returning to the team from a distance and enthusiastically greeted him.

Seeing this, Gu Yanzhen quickly pulled Xie Xiang away. The diagnostic test was approaching, and Huang Song was completely lost. He had fallen behind in his studies because of making money and wanted to borrow Xie Xiang's notes. Xie Xiang complained that he had been hiding things from her recently and claimed she was saving the notes for Shen Junshan, telling Huang Song to borrow from Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen calmly refused.

When Li Wenzhong came back after getting food, Xie Xiang deliberately tripped him, causing him to fall face first onto the ground. He was wary of Gu Yanzhen, so he could only leave for now. In order to coax Xie Xiang into happiness, Gu Yanzhen actually made paper airplanes out of her notes. Xie Xiang was furious and rushed downstairs to confront Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang brought her incomplete notes to Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan suggested she apply medicine for him and in return, he would forgive her. Shen Junshan casually mentioned her sister and even proposed dating her sister.

Episode 34 Recap

Xie Xiang was startled to hear that Shen Junshan wanted to pursue her sister. She was at a loss, making excuses that they hadn't met many times to deter him, but Shen Junshan felt they were fated, as if they had known each other for a long time. Ji Jin pushed the door open and saw Xie Xiang helping Shen Junshan apply medicine. He suspected they were together. Ji Jin ran into Gu Yanzhen and said some inexplicable things casually.

Gu Yanzhen was utterly confused. That night, Huang Song quietly left the military academy. Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, and Zhu Yanlin followed him to a boxing gym. The scene in the boxing ring was bloody, two people fighting to the death. Gu Yanzhen learned that Huang Song was fighting underground boxing. Xie Xiang couldn't help but gasp. Huang Song soon entered the ring to participate. His nickname was "Cricket Huang," and he was to fight "Iron Tower." The match began.

Huang Song quickly gained the upper hand with his agile movements. He heavily threw his opponent to the ground, but Xie Xiang couldn't feel happy at all. Her heart was in her throat. Huang Song fought with increasing bravery, but his opponent, Iron Tower, also showed no weakness. The two fought intensely, difficult to separate, grappling with each other unable to move. Huang Song desperately broke free and won the match. The audience cheered for him.

Xie Xiang waited until Huang Song came out and pressed him hard for the reason he was fighting underground boxing. Huang Song had to admit that his brother Huang He had been released and he needed to help pay the rent, so he had no choice but to resort to this. Xie Xiang complained that he shouldn't have hidden his difficulties.

Zhu Yanlin explained the military academy's discipline to him, stating that students were strictly forbidden from gambling, otherwise they would be expelled. Huang Song was helpless. He had borrowed a lot of money from Boss Mu at the boxing gym. Gu Yanzhen asked and found out he still needed one hundred yuan and had to fight for a full two years. Gu Yanzhen was also helpless.

Zhu Yanlin was worried that Instructor Lv would discover them and quickly led Xie Xiang and the others to leave. Captain He of the police led people to storm into the boxing gym. He immediately had it sealed off for illegal operation. The boss pleaded desperately for mercy, but Captain He insisted on going his own way, even claiming he was following orders from a superior. The boss guessed he had offended someone.

Captain He claimed it was a big shot from above. Gu Yanzhen personally found Boss Mu to question him, and called Huang Song over as well. He threatened and intimidated Boss Mu. Gu Yanzhen promised to help Huang Song repay his debt. Boss Mu said to his face that Huang Song had come voluntarily to box, and that he would let him go if he fought one death match.

A "death match" meant signing a waiver before the fight, stating that even if death occurred, no one would be held responsible. Xie Xiang desperately pleaded with Huang Song not to fight. Shen Junshan promised to help him resolve his predicament, but Huang Song insisted on fighting this match to repay Boss Mu's kindness. Gu Yanzhen and the others no longer forced him. Huang Song solemnly promised he wouldn't lose.

Shen Junshan agreed to help him find a boxer to practice with. Zhu Yanlin proposed creating a training plan for Huang Song. Xie Xiang encouraged him and cheered him on. Huang Song hesitated. Gu Yanzhen, however, encouraged him to fight well. Early the next morning, Gu Yanzhen, Xie Xiang, Zhu Yanlin, and Shen Junshan subjected Huang Song to devilish training. He was serious and hardworking, not afraid of hardship, until he was completely exhausted.

Huang Song's martial arts improved by leaps and bounds. Shen Junshan wanted to meet Xie Xiang's sister. Xie Xiang quickly disguised herself as a girl and went to the entrance of the girls' school. Shen Junshan quickly arrived and found Xie Xiang waiting at the entrance for a carriage. He proactively offered to take Xie Xiang to the bookstore to buy books and pleaded with Xie Xiang to watch ballet together.

Shen Junshan took Xie Xiang to the theater and found that only the two of them were there. Xie Xiang concentrated fully and was quickly captivated by the actors' wonderful performance. Meanwhile, Huang Song also came to the girls' school to find Xie Xiang, but he never saw any sign of her. Huang Song had to wait at the school gate. After the performance, Shen Junshan took Xie Xiang back to the girls' school.

She quietly took a rickshaw back to the military academy after Shen Junshan left. Gu Yanzhen had been waiting outside the dormitory for Xie Xiang, and deliberately reminded her loudly to hide her things well so that others would not know her identity. Li Wenzhong, passing by, heard clearly. He quietly came to Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang's room to search. Unexpectedly, Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen returned and caught him red-handed on the spot.

They also found everyone's lost money from under Li Wenzhong's quilt. Li Wenzhong was speechless and had no choice but to take out money as hush money. Early the next morning, Zhu Yanlin casually mentioned Li Wenzhong banging on the door last night and being confined for three days by Guo Shuting. Xie Xiang sighed deeply, promising to watch Huang Song's match tomorrow. Huang Song didn't want to implicate them and insisted on facing it alone.

Huo Xiaoyu sent people to seize a large batch of military supplies, instructing her subordinates to guard them strictly. Before dawn, Huang Song quietly left the military academy to fight underground boxing. Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, Gu Yanzhen, and Zhu Yanlin followed him to cheer him on. Xie Xiang accompanied Huang Song backstage to find Boss Mu, and learned that Boss Mu had arranged for Huang Song to fight Peng Jiu, who was lame and blind, tonight. Huang Song couldn't bear to hurt a disabled person. The attendant explicitly stated that Gu Yanzhen had asked Boss Mu to go easy on Huang Song.

Episode 35 Recap

Li Wenzhong came to the boxing gym, offering a huge sum to bet on Huang Song winning. Gu Yanzhen had already bribed Boss Mu beforehand, arranging for Huang Song to fight a disabled opponent. But when the match began, the Russian strongman Andrey stepped onto the stage to accept the challenge. The gamblers enthusiastically placed their bets. Shen Junshan felt something was wrong, guessing someone was manipulating things behind the scenes.

The match had already begun; for now, they could only wait and see. With just a few punches and kicks, Andrey knocked Huang Song to the ground. Huang Song was unwilling to admit defeat just like that; he struggled to get up and fight Andrey. Xie Xiang couldn't help but worry for Huang Song. Huang Song was lifted high by Andrey, but he didn't show any weakness, giving Andrey a brutal beating. The two fought inextricably.

Huang Song put in all his strength and finally knocked Andrey to the ground, where he died on the spot. The Russians rushed into the ring and began punching and kicking Huang Song. Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, Shen Junshan, Zhu Yanlin, Ji Jin, and others rushed forward together to protect Huang Song and took him to the Shannan Tavern to celebrate with drinks. Huo Xiaoyu handed over that batch of military supplies to the organization.

Only after she saw the comrade who came to pick up the goods leave safely did she return to the Shannan Tavern. Learning that Huang Song had won a death match against the Russian strongman Andrey, she hadn't even had time to react when Captain He brought several Russians to the tavern to demand an explanation, forcing Huo Xiaoyu to hand over Huang Song and the others. Huo Xiaoyu argued with Captain He and even threatened and intimidated him.

The two sides were at a stalemate. Guo Shuting arrived with a team in time to break the deadlock. Captain He immediately cowered. He left disgruntled with the Russians. The Commander's Residence called Instructor Lv, ordering him to severely punish the military academy students who caused trouble. Guo Shuting brought Huang Song and the others back to the military academy. He confined Huang Song and subjected the others to physical punishment by carrying logs. Xie Xiang's strength gradually gave out.

Gu Yanzhen helped her take off the log, but Instructor Lv was relentless, repeatedly claiming they had killed a foreigner. He severely reprimanded Gu Yanzhen and threatened to expel him from the military academy. Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to continue carrying the log with Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, Shen Junshan, and others were exhausted. Only then did Instructor Lv allow them back to the dormitory.

Gu Yanzhen specifically found high school girls to sing an awakening song and even asked Instructor Lv for his comments. Instructor Lv ignored him. Gu Yanzhen publicly declared that the military academy was a place to train soldiers to kill enemies on the battlefield, and killing a few foreigners was nothing. He publicly swore to drive out all foreigners and forced Instructor Lv to release Huang Song.

With a command from Instructor Lv, the military academy guards swarmed forward and escorted Gu Yanzhen, Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, and Ji Jin to the confinement room. The Commander's Residence called Instructor Lv again, urging him to deal with Huang Song and the other students.

The adjutant had a sudden inspiration and came up with a good idea: let Huang Song and Gu Yanzhen atone for their crimes by rendering meritorious service, so they could remain in the military academy and also report to the command center. Instructor Lv gave Gu Yanzhen and the others a list of merchants who violated the anti-opium ban and were opium traffickers. The suppliers were the people who ran underground boxing.

Some of these opium traffickers were also high officials and noble families, and the police department dared not intervene. Instructor Lv told Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen to eliminate all those people and stated that he would not provide them with any help. If they failed, they would also be charged with retaliation, and they could not refuse; otherwise, they would be expelled according to school rules. Shen Junshan was the first to step forward and accept this difficult task.

The others also followed, except for Li Wenzhong, who hesitated. Instructor Lv explained the pros and cons to him and let him make his own choice. Instructor Lv expelled Shen Junshan, Xie Xiang, and Gu Yanzhen from the military academy overnight, without giving them any firearms or ammunition. Shen Junshan assigned everyone tasks to gather information. Li Wenzhong followed shortly after. The seven of them disguised themselves and went their separate ways to investigate.

Ji Jin went to a gambling den to gather information and quickly found the target, Shi Hu, and collected all his information. Ji Jin found out that Shi Hu had converted more than twenty opium dens under his name into hotels and was secretly selling opium inside. Huang Song followed his target for three days and found that he had no fixed residence, making it difficult to act immediately.

Zhu Yanlin was responsible for investigating the fur merchant Chu Yunsheng, who was also the biggest intelligence dealer in the Far East. He acted cautiously and had many bodyguards. Chu Yunsheng's goddaughter was Shi Hu's sister-in-law and currently lived in Chu Yunsheng's mansion. Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen tracked and investigated Wen Jingze.

He was one of the first young children sent to study in the US during the late Qing Dynasty, graduated from Yale University, and currently served as a consultant at the Commander's Residence. Because he became addicted to opium, he was forced to help Shi Hu sell opium. Shen Junshan also reported his target, Petrovich, to everyone.

He was staying at the Jinhua Hotel, guarded by over thirty people sent by Shi Hu, and he would leave Shunyuan the day after tomorrow. Shen Junshan suggested starting with this Russian. Zhu Yanlin worried that they couldn't proceed without weapons. Shen Junshan had prepared a batch of firearms beforehand and reminded Li Wenzhong not to talk about it casually. Gu Yanzhen felt that these firearms were not powerful enough and suggested killing the Russian without using weapons.

He took out the floor plan of the Jinhua Hotel and formulated a battle plan on the spot. Gu Yanzhen introduced in detail how Petrovich and Chu Yunsheng met, and even found out that he had a phobia of dirt and didn't eat mustard. Gu Yanzhen bought information and learned that Petrovich had assassinated the Tsar before. He had many bodyguards around him.

He came up with a good idea: he disguised himself as a merchant, Mr. Song, and checked into the Jinhua Hotel. A waiter took him to the room. Gu Yanzhen opened his suitcase and set up the prepared explosives. The students were ready. Huang Song went to the police station to turn himself in to Captain He. Captain He immediately called Petrovich to notify him. Petrovich brought people to the police station. Xie Xiang disguised herself as a waitress and deliberately spilled a dish on him. Petrovich had no choice but to return to his room to change clothes.

Episode 36 Recap

The manager of Jinhua Hotel accused Xie Xiang of colliding with a guest. Xie Xiang angrily resigned, but this was actually a crucial part of the plan to assassinate Petrovich. Gu Yanzhen had planted explosives in the room below him. Petrovich returned to his room to take a bath and change clothes. Xie Xiang monitored Petrovich's every move from the building opposite and then waved a small flag to signal Ji Jin, who was waiting downstairs.

Ji Jin called Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen lit the fuse and calmly walked out of the hotel. The explosives instantly detonated, blowing a hole in Petrovich's bathroom. He died on the spot. Xie Xiang and Ji Jin waited for Gu Yanzhen, and they left together. Huang Song was still at the police station recounting the case when Captain He received a report from Jinhua Hotel. He immediately took his men to the scene to investigate.

The police officer left behind complained that Huang Song shouldn't have walked into the trap. Huang Song felt hungry and asked the police officer to buy him some steamed buns to fill his stomach, promising not to escape. The police officer had no choice but to go out and buy them.

Huang Song seized the opportunity to call Dafu Gambling Den, falsely claiming that Shi Hu's subordinate had killed the Russian, asking them to notify Shi Hu to identify the body at Jinhua Hotel. Shi Hu immediately rushed over upon hearing the news. Zhu Yanlin and Li Wenzhong were waiting on the road Shi Hu had to take. They pretended to fix a car, blocking the way. Shi Hu sent men to check the situation.

Li Wenzhong's gun slipped from his hand when he drew it. Zhu Yanlin and Shen Junshan acted in time and shot Shi Hu dead on the spot. Xie Xiang, Ji Jin, and Gu Yanzhen went to find Wen Jingze and informed him of Petrovich's death. Wen Jingze immediately called Jinhua Hotel to confirm. He was about to escape with his whole family. Gu Yanzhen lied that he would take only him and promised to protect his wife and children.

Only then did Wen Jingze agree to get in the car. Wen Jingze was taken to an abandoned warehouse. Huang Song forced Wen Jingze to reveal his accomplices and the mastermind, but he refused to answer. Li Wenzhong couldn't stand it and gave Wen Jingze a good beating, but he still said nothing. Gu Yanzhen concluded that he would talk once he had an opium craving. Just then, military police suddenly stormed into the warehouse.

Wen Jingze was killed by stray bullets. Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, Huang Song, Ji Jin, Shen Junshan, and Li Wenzhong fought back fiercely and engaged in a fierce battle with them. However, there was a significant disparity in strength, and the military police had strong firepower. Guo Shuting arrived in a military vehicle in time to provide reinforcement. They fought while retreating and successfully escaped.

Guo Shuting complained that Xie Xiang and the others shouldn't have acted rashly, worrying that Chu Yunsheng wouldn't let them off. Guo Shuting immediately decided to kill Chu Yunsheng to eliminate future trouble. He took Xie Xiang and the seven of them directly to the police station, launching a furious attack on the police. Then they drove to the gendarmerie. The police relentlessly pursued them. Guo Shuting drove into the gendarmerie, followed by the police.

Chu Yunsheng was packing his things, ready to escape. The police and gendarmerie engaged in a fierce battle, and both sides started a shootout. Chu Yunsheng fled in panic but was eventually shot and injured. Guo Shuting brought Xie Xiang and the cadets to watch the excitement from the side, and then took everyone back to the military academy. Instructor Lv severely reprimanded them.

Guo Shuting argued with him reasonably, condemning him for not using the cadets to deal with Chu Yunsheng and causing them to almost lose their lives. Instructor Lv was left speechless. Guo Shuting willingly took on all responsibility and told Xie Xiang and the others to go back to sleep. Shen Junshan wanted to go home for a while and told Xie Xiang to call him if anything happened. Gu Yanzhen quickly called Xie Xiang back to the dormitory.

Prince Chengrui sent someone disguised as a doctor to rescue Chu Yunsheng. Shen Junshan ran into Zhou Lixin leaving his home. He was the Revolutionary Party's liaison in Feng'an, ordered to persuade Old Master Shen to join the anti-Yuan petition group. Old Master Shen refused to participate. Shen Junshan learned the whole story from Shen Tingbai and suddenly received a call from the military academy, only then learning that Chu Yunsheng had been rescued.

Xie Xiang and the others were also unwilling to accept this. Prince Chengrui asked Oda Hiroshi to send someone to rescue Chu Yunsheng. Chu Yunsheng was extremely grateful to her. Oda Hiroshi promised to send someone to escort him out of Shunyuan as soon as possible and deliberately had Xinlan release information about Chu Yunsheng's travel time and train number. She wanted to lure out those who wanted to kill Chu Yunsheng.

Huo Xiaoyu didn't want to get into trouble, much less provoke Chu Yunsheng. Xiao Liu secretly sneaked into the train carriage and killed Chu Yunsheng. As he left, he was caught by people sent by Oda Hiroshi. Oda Hiroshi ordered severe torture for Xiao Liu, but he remained silent. Xinlan sent people to investigate Xiao Liu's identity. Prince Chengrui knelt before the spirits of his parents.

Oda Hiroshi came to pay respects hypocritically, but Prince Chengrui did not appreciate it at all and forcibly drove her away. In a fit of anger, Oda Hiroshi had Xinlan notify the police department to go to Prince Rong's mansion to look for Chu Yunsheng's body. Guo Shuting was giving a lecture to the cadets, asking Shen Junshan to lead the review. He sat on the podium to rest for a while.

Xie Xiang told Tan Xiaojun about the events of the past few days. Tan Xiaojun felt that Shen Junshan had already seen through Xie Xiang's identity as a girl. Xie Xiang thought it was impossible. Just then, Oda Hiroshi brought warriors from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce to Shannan Tavern overnight. Huo Xiaoyu calmly came to see her. The two engaged in a verbal battle, neither giving way.

Episode 37 Recap

Oda Hiroshi brought Xiao Liu and handed him over to Huo Xiaoyu, warning her to keep an eye on her people, lest they be beaten to death. Zhama saw Xiao Liu beaten raw and dying; he was furious and wanted to confront Oda Hiroshi. Huo Xiaoyu quickly stopped him. She suppressed her anger and let Oda Hiroshi leave. Huo Xiaoyu immediately gave Xiao Liu emergency first aid, but it was too late.

Huo Xiaoyu fiercely slapped the Revolutionary Party's Mr. Zhou, saying that if he hadn't proposed assassinating Chu Yunsheng, Xiao Liu wouldn't have been beaten to death. Xie Xiang witnessed all of this. She explained to Huo Xiaoyu the fact that Oda Hiroshi was the president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, reminding her to be more careful in the future. Just as Xie Xiang wanted to leave, Guo Shuting came to see Huo Xiaoyu and silently stayed by her side.

Qu Manting came to the military academy to block Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen was so scared he fled in a panic, wanting to take Huang Song out for drinks. Huang Song insisted on returning to class, so Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to go to the restaurant alone. Qu Manting followed him.

Seeing that she ordered a large table of dishes but only ate a plate of peanuts, and also called for a singer to accompany her, Qu Manting was furious and forcibly took Gu Yanzhen back to the film crew. The director talked about the scene to Qu Manting, but she kept staring at Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen deliberately chatted up the costume designer, flattering her profusely.

Qu Manting couldn't bear it and lost her temper on the spot, threatening to expose Gu Yanzhen's scandals. But he was completely indifferent. Qu Manting, in a fit of pique, threatened to tell Xie Xiang about him flirting around. This was exactly what Gu Yanzhen wanted; he wanted Xie Xiang to be jealous because of this.

Qu Manting was so angry her teeth were itching and publicly announced that no one was allowed to talk to Gu Yanzhen, not even men. Gu Yanzhen was bored out of his mind and had no choice but to squat aside and stare blankly. Xiao Tao was ordered to pick up the male lead Lin Yufei, but he returned to Shanghai because his dog died. The director was furious. Qu Manting suggested letting Gu Yanzhen fill in temporarily.

Luckily, the male lead had no lines, and today was the last scene. But the director worried Gu Yanzhen wouldn't do it. Qu Manting had a flash of inspiration and came up with a good idea. She sent Xiao Tao to provoke Gu Yanzhen, falsely claiming that Qu Manting laughed that the male lead wasn't handsome enough, not even as good as one of Gu Yanzhen's fingers.

As a result, the male lead refused to act out of spite, and Qu Manting was severely scolded by the director. Xiao Tao, with his eloquent tongue, praised Gu Yanzhen as a superstar. Gu Yanzhen's vanity was satisfied, and he agreed on the spot to help play the male lead. The film finally wrapped up, and the director hosted a banquet to entertain the cast and crew. Qu Manting greatly praised Gu Yanzhen's acting skills. Everyone drank heartily.

Qu Manting didn't allow anyone to get close to Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen kept fiddling with the button he took from Xie Xiang's clothes. Qu Manting and the director both drank too much. Xiao Tao sent the director home. Qu Manting, fueled by alcohol, asked Gu Yanzhen to carry her home on his back. Gu Yanzhen reluctantly agreed. The film crew driver came to pick up Qu Manting.

Gu Yanzhen quickly put Qu Manting down, and packed a portion of dim sum and a bouquet of flowers before leaving, leaving Qu Manting aside. Qu Manting shouted loudly that she would wait for him to come back. The dormitory water pipe was broken, and Xie Xiang was busy repairing it. Gu Yanzhen returned in time, forcibly pulled Xie Xiang to taste the dim sum, and told her to put the flowers in the vase.

Xie Xiang ate heartily, forcing Gu Yanzhen to repair the water pipe. But he fiddled for a long time without getting the hang of it, making a mess as a result. Xie Xiang had no choice but to do it herself and yelled at Gu Yanzhen. Qu Manting was left in the hotel lobby. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became. Unconsciously, she sat on a chair and waited all night.

Xiao Tao called Gu Yanzhen early in the morning. Gu Yanzhen saw Qu Manting's pitiful appearance and had no choice but to take her home. But Qu Manting used the excuse that her leg was numb and refused to get out of the car. Gu Yanzhen carried her back into the house. Qu Manting was instantly overjoyed and desperately tried to persuade him to stay for dinner and meet her parents along the way.

Gu Yanzhen repeatedly stated that he already had someone in his heart, did not like her at all, only considered her a friend, and had no mood to play along with her anymore. Qu Manting became furious and ashamed, fiercely slapped him, cursed at him, and forcibly drove him away. Gu Yanzhen promised he would do his best to help her in the future, and then left without looking back. Qu Manting felt sad and disheartened.

Li Wenzhong and his classmates went shopping, desperately showing off a new pair of leather shoes his father bought him. Unexpectedly, the female owner of a roadside flower shop, An Wen, splashed a basin of dirty water on him. Li Wenzhong was furious. An Wen hurriedly apologized profusely, but Li Wenzhong ignored her. Tan Xiaojun invited Xie Xiang to attend a social gathering organized by the school.

Xie Xiang was not interested and wanted to go back and continue repairing the water pipe, but couldn't resist her earlier earnest pleading. Li Wenzhong happened to come back with his classmates, and he vented all his anger on Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen drove back, and Li Wenzhong quickly left when he saw him. Xie Xiang and Tan Xiaojun attended the masquerade ball in formal attire. They both received masks. Soon, someone came to invite Tan Xiaojun to dance.

Xie Xiang stood aside watching. A waiter accidentally spilled a glass of wine on her. A man wearing a mask quickly offered her a handkerchief. Xie Xiang wiped the wine off her dress, and the man invited her to dance. The two danced gracefully. As the music ended and people dispersed, just as Xie Xiang wanted to leave, the man wearing the mask grabbed her arm and continued dancing. The two matched perfectly, attracting everyone's attention.

The man repeatedly reminded Xie Xiang, but she couldn't recognize that the man in front of her wearing the mask was Shen Junshan. At this time, Gu Yanzhen had repaired the water pipe. He stood by the window fiddling with that button, all he was thinking about was Xie Xiang.

Episode 38 Recap

Shen Junshan removed his mask, admitting he had recognized Xie Xiang long ago. He helped Xie Xiang remove her mask. Xie Xiang was stunned speechless. She left in a huff without looking back, guessing that this was a pre-arranged plan between Tan Xiaojun and Shen Junshan. Tan Xiaojun repeatedly explained, but she didn't listen at all. Xie Xiang returned to the military academy disheartened. Seeing that Gu Yanzhen had been waiting for her, she happily ran upstairs.

Shen Junshan witnessed this scene, his heart filled with sadness. Xie Xiang remembered Shen Junshan's recent hints, only then realizing he had known her identity as a girl all along. During lunch, Shen Junshan reminded Xie Xiang to button up the top button of her shirt. Gu Yanzhen immediately objected on the spot. The two were at swords' points. Ji Jin felt that something was off between Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang. Shen Junshan tried his best to conceal it.

After class, Xie Xiang ran into Shen Junshan head-on. He insisted he was going to find Xie Xiang's sister and wanted to take her with him. Xie Xiang flatly refused, quickly found a place to change into women's clothes, and rushed to the girls' school, where she saw Shen Junshan waiting at the entrance. Shen Junshan called out to Xie Xiang, eager to express his feelings for her.

Xie Xiang used the excuse that she was still young and wanted to focus on her studies. Shen Junshan said he would go seek her brother's opinion. Xie Xiang, having no choice, changed back into her military uniform and rushed back to school. On the way, she accidentally saw the landlord coming to urge An Wen to pay the rent. Xie Xiang couldn't bother with that. She jogged all the way back to the military academy to find Shen Junshan.

Shen Junshan claimed he had nothing in particular to see her about. Xie Xiang was instantly confused. Huang Song came to An Wen's flower shop to buy flowers. An Wen enthusiastically introduced him to the different varieties. Huang Song bought a large bouquet of roses and lilies, wanting to take Xie Xiang to give them to her sister. Xie Xiang was feeling vexed and, in a fit of pique, stomped hard on both bouquets. Huang Song was completely puzzled.

Oda Hiroshi dreamed of the scene where she personally witnessed Shen Junshan being shot years ago. She woke up covered in cold sweat. Xie Xiang was certain that Shen Junshan had discovered her identity as a woman, so she went to Tan Xiaojun for help. She recounted Shen Junshan's unusual actions one by one. Tan Xiaojun concluded that Shen Junshan had fallen in love with her and told her to choose between Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan.

Xie Xiang was distressed. Tan Xiaojun advised her to follow her heart. On her way back to the military academy disheartened, Xie Xiang saw the landlord coming again to collect rent from An Wen. Xie Xiang stepped forward to stand up for her, but An Wen looked astonished, as if she didn't remember paying the rent yesterday. Seeing this, the landlord quickly found an excuse and left.

An Wen invited Xie Xiang in to sit down and admitted that she had suffered a head injury as a child, which caused her to always forget things, especially bad people or events. Xie Xiang couldn't help but worry for her. An Wen recorded important people and events in a notebook every day to aid her memory. She wrote down Xie Xiang's name, took a photo of her, and pasted it in the notebook.

Xie Xiang worried that she might be deceived by bad people, but An Wen seemed too preoccupied to care about that. As soon as Xie Xiang returned to the military academy, Teacher Li asked her to move into Room 103 to live alone, separating her from Gu Yanzhen to avoid more gossip. Xie Xiang reluctantly complied. Shen Junshan was the first to visit her, admitting that he had asked Teacher Li to help Xie Xiang change dorms.

Gu Yanzhen packed some dim sum and returned to the military academy. As soon as he entered the dorm, he found Xie Xiang's luggage was gone. Gu Yanzhen searched everywhere on campus for Xie Xiang. The cadets didn't know her whereabouts. Gu Yanzhen was burning with anxiety, mistakenly believing that Li Wenzhong had exposed Xie Xiang's identity. He severely reprimanded Li Wenzhong. Huang Song quickly came over to mediate and told him that Xie Xiang had moved to Dorm 103.

Gu Yanzhen immediately rushed to Dorm 103, insisting it was Shen Junshan who made her move. Xie Xiang had no choice but to admit that she wanted to move because people everywhere were gossiping about them. Gu Yanzhen felt a sense of loss and threw the button down from the second floor. That night, Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang were each preoccupied with their thoughts, and neither of them slept all night.

Early the next morning, Gu Yanzhen saw workers clearing the flowerbed. He remembered the button he had thrown into it. Xie Xiang came to complain to Tan Xiaojun. Tan Xiaojun was certain that she had fallen in love with Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang couldn't quite explain it.

Tan Xiaojun said that the Shannan Tavern was closing down and she wouldn't be coming to work there from tomorrow because Huo Xiaoyu had been very busy lately and it seemed she was going to avenge Xiao Liu. Xie Xiang returned to the military academy very late. She saw Gu Yanzhen using a flashlight to search for something in the flowerbed.

She accidentally discovered the button on the ground, remembering the birthday gift Gu Yanzhen had asked for at that time. Xie Xiang picked up the button, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She couldn't help but think of all the moments she had shared with Gu Yanzhen. Shen Junshan invited Xie Xiang and her sister to have dinner together on Sunday. Xie Xiang refused, using the excuse that she had something to do. Shen Junshan didn't force her.

Li Wenzhong passed by An Wen's flower shop and recognized her as the girl who had splashed a basin of dirty water on him. An Wen greeted him enthusiastically. Li Wenzhong immediately bought a bouquet of flowers on the spot, confirming that An Wen didn't remember him. As soon as Li Wenzhong left, he ran into Xie Xiang and casually mentioned An Wen's memory loss.

Xie Xiang had no choice but to reveal the truth that An Wen suffered from illness-induced amnesia and warned Li Wenzhong not to bully An Wen. Xie Xiang discussed with Tan Xiaojun about wanting to confess her identity to Shen Junshan, not wanting him to be hurt anymore. Xie Xiang finally saw her true feelings clearly. She admitted that she had fallen in love with Gu Yanzhen, and his place in her heart was irreplaceable. In her heart, Shen Junshan was like an elder brother.

Episode 39 Recap

Shen Tingbai learned that Oda Hiroshi had publicly appeared as a Japanese person, indicating that she no longer had any scruples. Shen Tingbai reminded Shen Junshan not to meet with Oda Hiroshi again to avoid any accidents. Huo Xiaoyu had been leaving early and returning late these past few days, acting suspiciously. Guo Shuting was worried and pressed her about her whereabouts, but Huo Xiaoyu refused to answer.

Guo Shuting forbade her from acting rashly and explained the grim situation, mentioning that several anti-Japanese generals had been dismissed and the Japanese army was already very close to Shunyuan. However, Huo Xiaoyu had made up her mind. She had picked up the orphaned Xiao Liu many years ago, and they had long since become family. Huo Xiaoyu swore to avenge Xiao Liu, and she parted ways with Guo Shuting then and there, never to see each other again.

Guo Shuting promised to marry her, a sentence Huo Xiaoyu had waited for many years. But remembering the tragically killed Xiao Liu, she still left without looking back. Xie Xiang changed into women's clothes and waited for Shen Junshan at the entrance of the girls' school. The two of them went to Lide Hotel near Jinhua Hotel. At the same time, Oda Hiroshi brought people from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce to Jinhua Hotel for a meeting.

Soon after she sat down, someone from Prince Rong's Mansion came to take Oda Hiroshi to Lide Hotel to meet Beile Chengrui. At this moment, Huo Xiaoyu had made careful arrangements and brought her men to stake out the hotel, ready to attack Oda Hiroshi at any time. As soon as Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang sat down, before they could even speak, a violent explosion came from the direction of Jinhua Hotel.

Xie Xiang and Shen Junshan quickly rushed downstairs to check the situation. Just as Shen Junshan was about to go into Jinhua Hotel to find out what was happening, Shen Tingbai's subordinate quickly pulled him back, explaining that Oda Hiroshi was not in Jinhua Hotel at all. Shen Junshan then drove Xie Xiang back to the military academy. As Oda Hiroshi came out, she happened to see the backs of Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang.

It turned out that the Prince had sent people to rescue Oda Hiroshi at the critical moment. Beile Chengrui did not understand his father's intention, but the Prince did not want to see Oda Hiroshi die in vain. Huo Xiaoyu mistakenly thought she had killed Oda Hiroshi in the explosion, so she brought her brothers to pay respects to Xiao Liu. Guo Shuting came to Shannan Tavern to find Huo Xiaoyu and found that the place was deserted.

Tan Xiaojun handed him the key to the tavern. Guo Shuting regretted arriving too late. Oda Hiroshi sent people to Shannan Tavern to arrest Huo Xiaoyu, but they also found nothing. She sent people to arrest the employees and regular customers of the tavern for interrogation. Li Wenzhong passed by An Wen's flower shop again, remembering that Xie Xiang had mentioned An Wen had amnesia. Li Wenzhong walked straight in and struck up a conversation with An Wen.

While An Wen went inside to tidy up, he took the opportunity to write a note in An Wen's notebook, asking her to wait for someone at the entrance after closing, and then left without saying goodbye. An Wen waited for Xie Xiang at the flower shop entrance until a torrential rain started. An Wen stood in the rain waiting. Li Wenzhong passed by and saw the anxiously waiting An Wen, feeling very uncomfortable.

He had intended to play a trick using An Wen's amnesia but didn't expect her to take it so seriously. Li Wenzhong's conscience was troubled. He rushed back to the flower shop in the rain and forcibly pushed An Wen inside. The movie Gu Yanzhen helped film was about to be released. The director gave Qu Manting some tickets, asking her to bring her relatives and friends to watch.

Qu Manting immediately came to the military academy to find Gu Yanzhen and gave him a few movie tickets, telling him to take the cadets to watch together. Huang Song announced the news to the cadets during lunch, inviting everyone to watch the movie together, and publicly stated that Gu Yanzhen also had a part in it. Xie Xiang was not interested, so Gu Yanzhen gestured for Huang Song to persuade her.

Huang Song tried hard to persuade her, and Xie Xiang reluctantly agreed. Before the movie premiere, Qu Manting arrived at the cinema surrounded by stars. Xie Xiang and Zhu Yanlin sat together. Gu Yanzhen wasn't focused on the movie, constantly paying attention to Xie Xiang's every move. Until the end of the movie, Gu Yanzhen did not appear on the screen.

Zhu Yanlin, Ji Jin, Huang Song, and other cadets couldn't help but make fun of Gu Yanzhen, but only Xie Xiang recognized that the silhouette in the last few shots was Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen felt delighted. After the movie ended, Xie Xiang conveniently went to An Wen's flower shop. An Wen gave her a bouquet of lilies. At the same time, Tan Xiaojun came to the military academy to find Xie Xiang.

Huang Song agreed to help her pass on the message. An Wen was carrying a basin of water and accidentally splashed it on Li Wenzhong. Li Wenzhong forced her to record these two times she was splashed in her notebook and also made An Wen take a photo of him as proof. Before leaving, An Wen gave Li Wenzhong a stalk of lucky bamboo to express her apology. Only then did Li Wenzhong leave satisfied.

Xie Xiang saw Tan Xiaojun walking over from a distance and called out to her loudly to greet her. Suddenly, a car stopped in front of Tan Xiaojun, and several burly men kidnapped Tan Xiaojun. Xie Xiang borrowed a passerby's bicycle and chased after them desperately, pulling out a dagger and injuring a Japanese samurai. Li Wenzhong witnessed this scene and was instantly stunned. Xie Xiang followed the tire tracks to a secret Japanese army hospital.

She carefully observed the surrounding terrain. Suddenly, a Japanese military vehicle sped by. The sentry performed a routine check on the vehicle. Xie Xiang took the opportunity to crawl under the car and enter the stronghold. Xie Xiang saw the staff and regular customers of Shannan Tavern being arrested one after another.

She took advantage of their inattention to enter the hospital, disguised herself as a Japanese army doctor, and accidentally saw the Japanese samurai she had injured, who was being questioned relentlessly about Tan Xiaojun's whereabouts. The man was forced to reveal that she was in the basement. Just as Xie Xiang was about to leave, a Japanese army doctor suddenly entered. She quickly tied up the Japanese samurai and then casually went to the basement.

Episode 40 Recap

Xie Xiang put on the white coat of Japanese army doctor Yumi. Just as she was about to stab a Japanese army guard, several army doctors suddenly walked over. The documents in her hand accidentally fell and scattered on the ground. The army doctors mistook Xie Xiang for Yumi and called her to attend a lecture with them. As soon as Xie Xiang finished the lecture, she couldn't wait to leave. Her hurried decision aroused the suspicion of the Colonel.

Fortunately, the army doctor instructor arrived in time to help her out. Yumi suddenly appeared and discovered Xie Xiang. Just as she was about to shout loudly for help, Xie Xiang immediately knocked her unconscious, then successfully passed the Japanese army guards and turned off the building's power switch. Xie Xiang rampaged through the building under the cover of night, killing the Japanese guards and army doctors, and rescued one of the captured boys, Chen Zhuo.

The Japanese army rushed over upon hearing the news to capture Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang picked up the Japanese army's guns and fought back desperately, but quickly ran out of bullets. Tan Xiaojun untied her ropes in the chaos and secretly escaped from the room. Xie Xiang and the Japanese army Colonel met in a narrow passage. She simply took off her white coat and engaged in a fierce battle with the Colonel.

After several rounds of fighting, the Colonel gradually ran out of strength and was killed by Xie Xiang on the spot. Xie Xiang had Chen Zhuo change into a military doctor's white coat. The two of them ran into Tan Xiaojun as they left. Xie Xiang grabbed her and pretended to be kidnapping Tan Xiaojun as they left the hospital. The three of them ran all the way to a safe zone without stopping.

Tan Xiaojun suddenly discovered that Xie Xiang was injured and quickly took her to the hospital. Meanwhile, Gu Yanzhen rode a bicycle to provide backup. He learned from Li Wenzhong that Xie Xiang had gone to rescue the kidnapped Tan Xiaojun, and without a word, he rode a motorcycle to save her. Halfway there, Gu Yanzhen's motorcycle suddenly broke down. No matter how much he fiddled with it, it wouldn't start. Gu Yanzhen was so anxious he shouted loudly.

Xinlan reported to Oda Hiroshi that the hostage had been rescued and provided a sketch of the rescuer to Oda Hiroshi. She recognized Xie Xiang at a glance. After the doctors' full efforts, Xie Xiang finally turned the corner and was out of danger. Huang Song and Shen Junshan came to the hospital to visit, but there was no news from Gu Yanzhen.

Shen Junshan asked Huang Song to escort Tan Xiaojun to hide for a while, and he took Xie Xiang home to recuperate. Gu Yanzhen suddenly appeared at the door of the hospital room. Seeing this, Shen Junshan, Huang Song, and Tan Xiaojun quickly left. Gu Yanzhen was anxious and angry, unable to say a word.

Xie Xiang asked about him kindly and urged him to go back to school and rest well, also pretending to be relaxed to comfort Gu Yanzhen. Gu Yanzhen regretted not noticing earlier that she wasn't at school. He went to a bar alone to drown his sorrows. Huang Song went to the station to send Tan Xiaojun back to her hometown.

Shen Junshan came to the hospital to see Xie Xiang and brought a letter from the boy she saved, Chen Zhuo. In the letter, Chen Zhuo thanked Xie Xiang for saving his life and also told her his home address. Seeing that Xie Xiang's injuries were gradually healing, Shen Junshan promised to buy her a ticket back to Beijing as soon as possible. Xiaotao escorted Qu Manting to Beijing for filming.

On the way to the station, Qu Manting accidentally saw Gu Yanzhen's car in front of Jinhua Hotel. She quickly got out to look for him and saw Gu Yanzhen drunk and unconscious. Qu Manting asked Xiaotao to help take Gu Yanzhen to the station. They traveled to Beijing together. Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang also took the same train, but none of them were aware of it. Shen Junshan escorted Xie Xiang to her doorstep.

Xie Xiang didn't want her parents to know about her injury, so she didn't invite Shen Junshan in. Gu Yanzhen woke up after sleeping for a day and a night. Upon learning that Qu Manting had brought him to Beijing, he left without saying anything. Xie Xiang felt unwell, so she went out alone to buy medicine. After buying the medicine, Xie Xiang suddenly found herself surrounded by unidentified people in a small alley.

Xie Xiang fought back desperately but was kidnapped due to being outnumbered. Gu Yanzhen was wandering the streets aimlessly and unknowingly came near Xie Xiang's home. He accidentally saw someone resembling Xie Xiang being kidnapped, but on second thought, he thought it was impossible and didn't pay attention. Shortly after, Gu Yanzhen ran into Xie Xiang's mother and only then learned that Xie Xiang had also returned to Beijing.

He then realized that the person who had just been kidnapped was Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen ran home in one breath, took the money from the safe, and went directly to the police station to ask for help finding her, handing them a photo of Xie Xiang. The police and Gu Yanzhen searched for Xie Xiang's whereabouts in Beijing separately. Gu Yanzhen was so exhausted he collapsed in a corner.

The police found a group of detained women and asked Gu Yanzhen to identify them. Unfortunately, Xie Xiang was not among them. Xie Xiang woke up feeling groggy. Taking advantage of the guards' inattention, she untied her ropes and accidentally overheard that the kidnappers were commissioned by the Japanese. Xie Xiang promised to double their reward, but the kidnappers resolutely refused. Xie Xiang fought fiercely with them, quickly subdued those few people, and desperately interrogated them about the mastermind.

Episode 41 Recap

Xie Xiang knocked all the kidnappers to the ground and took the opportunity to escape. She ran home in one breath and learned from her mother that Gu Yanzhen had returned home and taken her photo. Xie Xiang ran out without a word. She wanted to stop a rickshaw to go to the police station, but the rickshaw pullers were too busy looking for her throughout the city to pick up fares.

A rickshaw puller recognized Xie Xiang and quickly pulled her to find Gu Yanzhen to claim the reward. When Gu Yanzhen saw Xie Xiang return safe and sound, he was so excited he couldn't speak. His tears welled up. Their eyes met, and countless words couldn't express their mutual worry. Gu Yanzhen suddenly fainted from exhaustion. Xie Xiang was extremely anxious. Gu Yanzhen kept calling Xie Xiang's name in a daze.

Seeing the button he was tightly holding in his hand, Xie Xiang felt a mix of emotions. Li Wenzhong happened to pass by the flower shop and saw a lecherous man plotting against An Wen. Li Wenzhong calmly took the man away and taught him a harsh lesson. When Li Wenzhong returned to the flower shop, An Wen suddenly noticed his injured hand and helped him bandage it, even tying a butterfly knot.

Li Wenzhong looked at An Wen's pure and kind face and felt an indescribable warmth in his heart. An Wen asked him to help move some vases, and Li Wenzhong readily agreed. The two worked while chatting and laughing. Li Wenzhong was exhausted. An Wen put a flower on his head and took a photo as a souvenir. An Wen thanked him for helping her finish a month's worth of work and promised to treat him to a meal.

Li Wenzhong suggested Western food, but An Wen thought it was too expensive, so she invited him to eat noodles instead. When Li Wenzhong returned to the military academy, he couldn't help but think of An Wen and felt very happy. Miyazawa criticized Oda Hiroshi for her ineffective work and pressured her to quickly capture the escaped translator Chen Zhuo and find the real blueprints. Miyazawa also sent two geological experts to assist Oda Hiroshi in her work.

Xie Xiang carefully took care of Gu Yanzhen. Xie Xiang's mother also made him a tonic soup. Gu Yanzhen took the opportunity to act spoiled with Xie Xiang and kept saying that Xie Xiang's mother liked him very much. Gu Yanzhen wanted Xie Xiang to go to the temple to pray and ward off bad luck. Xie Xiang suspected that Chen Zhuo had leaked the information.

Gu Yanzhen wanted to take Xie Xiang back to the military academy and have her parents temporarily stay with relatives to avoid retaliation. Gu Yanzhen's injuries gradually healed. Xie Xiang's mother took great care of him and prepared his favorite dishes. Xie Xiang was jealous of her mother's favoritism towards Gu Yanzhen. Just then, Shen Junshan rushed over to visit Xie Xiang. He knocked on the door and saw that Gu Yanzhen was also there. He immediately composed himself.

The two glared at each other without speaking. Xie Xiang's mother immediately saw that Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan were love rivals and severely lectured Xie Xiang. Shen Junshan explained that he saw in the newspaper that Xie Xiang had been kidnapped and rushed over to see what had happened, without even remembering to buy a gift. To help Xie Xiang hide the fact that she was attending the military academy, Shen Junshan said they met at that banquet.

Xie Xiang's parents didn't suspect anything. Shen Junshan admitted that he and Gu Yanzhen were classmates at the military academy. Gu Yanzhen added sarcastically that they had a good relationship. Seeing this, Xie Xiang's mother quickly changed the subject and invited both of them to stay for dinner. She pulled Xie Xiang into the kitchen to prepare sliced lamb hot pot and again complained that she shouldn't be involved with two men.

Xie Xiang's mother preferred Gu Yanzhen and told Xie Xiang to send Shen Junshan away after dinner. The steaming copper pot was brought to the table, but Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan were still cold and silent, glaring at each other. Xie Xiang's mother quickly urged everyone to eat. Xie Xiang sat aside and ate quietly, not knowing how to ease the atmosphere. The meal finally ended in an awkward atmosphere.

Shen Junshan said goodbye and left, specifically asking Xie Xiang to see him out. Gu Yanzhen gritted his teeth in anger but didn't dare to show it in front of the elders. Xie Xiang couldn't wait to know when Shen Junshan had discovered she was a girl. Shen Junshan admitted that he had known for a long time but just hadn't said anything.

Before leaving, Shen Junshan reminded Xie Xiang to return to Shunyuan as soon as possible and said in an unquestionable tone that he would buy her a train ticket tomorrow. Xie Xiang was speechless for a moment. She walked home dejectedly, not expecting Gu Yanzhen to be waiting at the gate. He scoffed at Xie Xiang sarcastically. Xie Xiang didn't want to get entangled with him any further, so she went home first.

The next morning, Shen Junshan arrived early to pick up Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen refused to get in the car out of stubbornness, but Xie Xiang forcefully pulled him in. As soon as the three arrived in Shunyuan, they went to find Chen Zhuo according to the address. Chen Zhuo had already expected Xie Xiang to come looking for him. He recounted in detail how he was captured.

Chen Zhuo had followed his father in the fur business since he was a child and gradually learned Russian. A friend introduced him to Ivan as a translator. Ivan claimed to be a painter and traveled around Shunyuan for inspiration. Chen Zhuo finished the translation work and settled with Ivan before returning home. However, shortly after, he was captured by the Japanese and subjected to torture, forcing him to reveal his whereabouts with Ivan and the drawings he made.

Chen Zhuo had never seen Ivan paint, and Ivan always went to remote and sparsely populated areas. Chen Zhuo suspected that Ivan was a geologist. Unable to withstand the Japanese torture, he told them everything, but he concealed Ivan's other residence. He had stayed there all along because he wanted to wait for Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen gave him a large sum of money and told him to go to Shanghai.

Xinlan quickly found out that Ivan had also rented an apartment in Shunyuan. She immediately reported to Oda Hiroshi, who immediately gathered her men to investigate. Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan, and Gu Yanzhen found the apartment according to the address Chen Zhuo gave. They searched carefully but didn't find any valuable clues. Unexpectedly, the Japanese arrived soon after. The three of them fought bravely against the Japanese together.

Due to the vast disparity in strength, they didn't dare to waste a single bullet. Shen Junshan observed the Japanese positions with a mirror and shot them one by one. Xie Xiang accidentally saw a notebook hidden in the mirror frame. Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan covered her escape through the window. Oda Hiroshi waited downstairs and saw everything clearly. Shen Junshan covered Gu Yanzhen's escape through the window as well.

He stayed to fight the Japanese in a desperate battle. Oda Hiroshi blocked Xie Xiang in a small alley, and the two engaged in a fierce fight. Xie Xiang angrily threw the notebook into the stove. Oda Hiroshi tried to snatch it out, but it was too late; the notebook instantly burned to ashes. Xie Xiang and Oda Hiroshi fought neck and neck. Gu Yanzhen arrived in his car in time and rescued Xie Xiang.

Episode 42 Recap

Gu Yanzhen, Shen Junshan, and Xie Xiang returned to the military academy smoothly. Xie Xiang took out Ivan's notebook. Gu Yanzhen thought she had burned it. Xie Xiang saw there was another notebook on the table in the apartment, so she took it with her casually. Unexpectedly, Oda Hiroshi appeared halfway. She had no choice but to throw the useless notebook into the stove to burn it. Oda Hiroshi was indeed fooled.

Seeing that the evidence was destroyed, she took her men and left. Huang Song, Ji Jin, Li Wenzhong, and the others couldn't understand the diagrams Ivan had drawn. Shen Junshan wanted to try translating them. Gu Yanzhen, unwilling to be outdone, snatched the notebook and kept complaining. Xie Xiang, annoyed, covered his mouth. Gu Yanzhen struggled desperately. Shen Junshan and Ji Jin couldn't stand it and left one after another.

Huang Song went to the girls' school many times but couldn't find Xie Xiang's sister. He had to ask Xie Xiang about it. Xie Xiang lied that her sister had returned to Beijing, but Huang Song kept pressing. Xie Xiang said angrily that her sister had gone abroad to study. Huang Song felt very disappointed. He walked down the street dejectedly, accidentally passing a photo studio.

Huang Song had a sudden idea and wanted Xie Xiang to take a photo with him as a souvenir in place of her sister. Xie Xiang had to accompany him to take the photo. Huang Song also wanted to take a family photo with her sister's family and his younger brother Huang He. Xie Xiang promised to borrow a camera and take a photo of Tie Mu at home. Huang Song was naturally overjoyed.

At night, Huang Song hid in the courtyard drinking alone. Gu Yanzhen returned and saw him. Huang Song claimed to be heartbroken in love. Gu Yanzhen couldn't help but laugh. Huang Song fantasized about building a big house for his sister and then getting married. Guo Shuting, feeling bored, went to a bar to drown his sorrows. He got completely drunk and sat alone by the roadside, letting the pouring rain beat down on him, but Guo Shuting was oblivious.

Huo Xiaoyu arrived in time to hold an umbrella for him and pressed him about whether his promise to marry her back then still counted. Guo Shuting admitted it counted. Huo Xiaoyu wanted to take him home. Guo Shuting felt like he was dreaming. He held Huo Xiaoyu and went home in the rain. Xinlan reported Ivan's month-long itinerary in Shunyuan to Oda Hiroshi. She drew them on a map one by one, marking a large key area.

But that land was still in the government's hands. Oda Hiroshi immediately asked Xinlan to arrange a meeting with Mayor Bai. Shen Junshan translated the notebook Ivan left behind and found that it detailed the distribution of mineral resources in Shunyuan, the most important of which was graphite ore distribution. Graphite can be used to refine steel, and the Japanese wanted to use graphite to build weapons.

Gu Yanzhen suggested acquiring the land first to completely cut off the Japanese's idea. Gu Yanzhen asked his father, Gu Zongtang, to help acquire the land. He also used the Shen family's name to engage in mineral development. Gu Zongtang immediately called Mayor Bai. Mayor Bai was very troubled because Oda Hiroshi had called beforehand also wanting this land. He had no choice but to issue a statement announcing that these plots of land would be publicly auctioned.

Oda Hiroshi suspected someone was interfering, so she had Xinlan prepare enough funds to participate in the auction. On the day of the auction, all the celebrities from Shunyuan's business community attended. Shen Tingbai, Cheng Rui Beile, and Oda Hiroshi arrived at the auction site on time. Cheng Rui Beile deliberately challenged Oda Hiroshi, raising the price to the highest and successfully acquiring three plots of land. Oda Hiroshi's deposit was insufficient, so she had to give up the auction.

Shen Tingbai congratulated Cheng Rui Beile on winning these three plots. Cheng Rui Beile didn't know the purpose of these three plots of land; he only came to cause trouble because he heard Oda Hiroshi was determined to get them. Cheng Rui Beile asked Shen Tingbai to dispose of these three plots as he wished, as long as it made the Japanese unhappy. Shen Tingbai invited him aside for a detailed discussion.

Cheng Rui Beile also promised Shen Tingbai thirty million yuan for the mining expenses. Shen Tingbai returned home and told Shen Junshan about Cheng Rui Beile's idea. Shen Junshan felt he was very sincere. Shen Tingbai wanted to visit experts with him to invite geological experts. After finishing these matters, Shen Junshan returned to the military academy and happened to see Xie Xiang going to meet Gu Yanzhen, so he wanted to give Xie Xiang a ride.

She politely refused, and she spoke while Shen Junshan felt a sour feeling in his heart. Shen Tingbai personally went to the station to pick up geological experts Professor Chen Yue and Professor Wu Jinzhi. Miyazawa sent Oda Hiroshi to kill both professors. Shen Tingbai sent people to protect the two professors 24 hours a day, but Oda Hiroshi sent people to ambush them separately. Professor Wu Jinzhi successfully escaped the danger. Professor Chen Yue and his wife were surrounded.

Fortunately, Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang passed by this way. They eliminated the Japanese and rescued Professor Chen Yue and his wife safely. In the following time, Oda Hiroshi sent people to disrupt the mining site. She brought people to negotiate with Cheng Rui Beile, forcing him to hand over the three plots of land, promising to acquire them at double the price. Cheng Rui Beile flatly refused.

Oda Hiroshi swore she would get the three plots of land at all costs and even threatened him with the Japanese military, but Cheng Rui Beile didn't back down at all. Oda Hiroshi immediately became furious. She gave Cheng Rui Beile three days to consider and asked the Prince to advise Cheng Rui Beile well. Just as Cheng Rui Beile and the Prince were about to leave, they were killed on the spot. Oda Hiroshi was very sad.

She didn't expect this was all orchestrated by Fujiwara, who was now working under Miyazawa. Oda Hiroshi knelt and bid farewell to the Prince and Cheng Rui Beile, then left in tears. Shen Tingbai was discussing with Shen Junshan how to ensure the safety of the two professors when he suddenly heard that the Prince and Cheng Rui Beile had been killed. Both of them immediately went to offer condolences.

Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang arrived at Prince Rong's mansion shortly after. Pei Shun stepped forward to seek justice for the Prince and Cheng Rui Beile, vowing to avenge them. Pei Shun pressed hard about the cause of death of the Prince and Cheng Rui Beile. Before Shen Tingbai could answer, Oda Hiroshi brought people from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce to offer condolences. She knelt before the Prince's altar to pay respects.

Pei Shun insisted that Oda Hiroshi killed the Prince's family of three. Oda Hiroshi admitted to this. Just as Pei Shun was about to fight her desperately, Oda Hiroshi gave an order, and the Japanese pointed their guns at Pei Shun.

Episode 43 Recap

Oda Hiroshi ordered Pei Shun to be killed. Shen Tingbai and Shen Junshan immediately stepped forward to protect him. Shen Tingbai's subordinates arrived after hearing the news and surrounded Oda Hiroshi and the Japanese. Shen Tingbai condemned Oda Hiroshi for indiscriminately killing innocent people. She put on an innocent expression and even sought support from Shen Junshan. Shen Junshan righteously stated his position, insisting on finding out the truth. Oda Hiroshi immediately turned hostile.

Just then, Commander Zhang led his team and broke into Prince Rong's mansion, strictly forbidding anyone from causing trouble there. He had received the Prince's favor in the past, so he ordered Song Xicheng to spare no effort in finding the murderer of the Prince and Cheng Rui Beile. Commander Zhang then learned about the obstacles Shen Tingbai encountered in cooperating with Prince Rong's mansion to open mines.

He asked Xie Xiang to pass a message to Instructor Lv, telling the Arsenal Military Academy to take over the security work for the technicians under the Shunyuan Chamber of Commerce. If anyone dared to obstruct the mining of graphite ore, the Arsenal Military Academy could take any means to fight back.

Commander Zhang also gave Xie Xiang the pistol he carried with him, asking her to tell the students to protect their homes well, otherwise, they would not be worthy of being soldiers of the Arsenal Military Academy. Commander Zhang's passionate speech greatly inspired all the Chinese people present. Oda Hiroshi gritted her teeth in anger. Instructor Lv told the students about the mission to protect the two professors, Chen Yue and Wu Jinzhi. Guo Shuting made detailed arrangements for everyone.

One team would protect the perimeter, and the other team would provide close protection for the professors. After class, Li Wenzhong couldn't help but complain. He was very unhappy about having to work during the holidays. Shen Junshan stopped him in front of everyone. Xie Xiang quickly smoothed things over for Li Wenzhong, urging everyone to go and prepare things separately. Huang Song found that Xie Xiang's attitude towards Li Wenzhong had changed greatly.

Xie Xiang thanked Li Wen zhong for coming back to report last time, which allowed her to be rescued safely. Huang Song had also seen Li Wenzhong helping An Wen with work. Xie Xiang was worried that Li Wenzhong might have bad intentions towards An Wen, so she quickly went to remind An Wen.

Xie Xiang inadvertently saw Li Wenzhong pay six months' rent for An Wen, send the landlord away, and repeatedly told An Wen to take her medicine on time. Xie Xiang saw at a glance that Li Wenzhong liked An Wen. Li Wenzhong adamantly denied it and threatened to expose her cross-dressing. Xie Xiang was not to be outdone. The two of them played around and laughed as they returned to the military academy.

Gu Yanzhen, Li Wenzhong, Ji Jin, Huang Song, and Zhu Yanlin were responsible for protecting Chen Yue. They had been waiting in the hotel room for a month and found nothing unusual. Gu Yanzhen sat aside sulking. Ji Jin and the other two were bored and played poker to pass the time, but they argued because they didn't cooperate well. Gu Yanzhen impatiently stopped them. Huang Song bought everyone clear noodle soup.

Li Wenzhong complained that there was no meat and couldn't help but grumble. Gu Yanzhen ate without appetite and was very dissatisfied with Shen Junshan's grouping, which forcibly separated him from Xie Xiang. Just then, the sound of a cup breaking came from Chen Yue's room. Gu Yanzhen immediately took Huang Song upstairs to see what was happening, leaving Ji Jin and the other two to wait in place.

Gu Yanzhen learned that Mrs. Chen had accidentally dropped and broken a cup. He also learned that Chen Yue's old illness had recurred due to staying up late drawing blueprints. Mrs. Chen took out the prescription from Nanjing and asked Huang Song to help fill it. Gu Yanzhen pretended to cough and offered to go fill the prescription for Chen Yue and see a doctor at the same time.

After buying the medicine, Gu Yanzhen ran downstairs to Professor Wu Jinzhi's building and danced. Xie Xiang watched him intently from upstairs and couldn't help but recall dancing with him when they were in Beijing for Chinese New Year. Her heart felt warm. Shen Junshan suddenly came over. Xie Xiang quickly closed the door and left, making an excuse to eat. Shen Junshan opened the door and only saw Gu Yanzhen's back. Li Wenzhong was worried about An Wen.

He took advantage of a moment when no one was looking and opened a crack in the bathroom window, looking for a chance to sneak out. Huang Song practiced calligraphy when he was bored. Li Wenzhong saw that his grip was incorrect and taught him hand-by-hand. While eating, Xie Xiang occasionally showed a knowing smile. Shen Junshan saw it all and felt sour in his heart. Fujiwara led the Japanese and secretly snuck downstairs to Professor Chen Yue's building.

When the sniper was about to shoot Chen Yue, Huang Song arrived in time to protect him. Mrs. Chen rushed over after hearing the news and was shot dead on the spot. Li Wenzhong rushed upstairs upon hearing the gunshots. Huang Song desperately stopped him but was shot by the sniper on the spot. Japanese military police arrived shortly after. Ji Jin and Zhu Yanlin resisted fiercely.

Gu Yanzhen quickly returned and engaged in a desperate battle with the military police. Huang Song was completely exposed in the sniper's line of sight. Li Wenzhong watched Huang Song struggling on the ground but was helpless. Huang Song was hit by multiple shots, and his life was in danger. Gu Yanzhen quickly found the sniper hiding on the opposite building. But Huang Song sacrificed his young life due to his severe injuries.

Li Wenzhong was heartbroken and in unbearable pain. Instructor Lv and Guo Shuting led the students of the Arsenal Military Academy to bury Huang Song. Everyone saw Huang Song off together and then left one after another, leaving only Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen was heartbroken. Xie Xiang gently held his hand. Both remained silent and mourned their former good friend together.

Because Gu Yanzhen deviated from the safe route when buying medicine, one protected target died and another was injured. Huang Song was shot and killed while performing his mission. The school recorded a major demerit for Gu Yanzhen and punished him with fifteen days of confinement. Xie Xiang came to Huang Song's dormitory. His simple and kind smile was still vivid in her memory, but now things were different.

Xie Xiang saw the photo of her and Huang Song together on the table and cried sadly. Gu Yanzhen did not eat, drink, or sleep for three days and nights, sitting motionless in a chair reflecting on his mistakes. Guo Shuting rushed over after hearing the news to comfort him, stating clearly that soldiers would face separation and death, and only by living could they have a chance to avenge Huang Song. Only then did Gu Yanzhen start eating.

Fifteen days passed in a blink of an eye. Gu Yanzhen came out of confinement. Xie Xiang, Ji Jin, Zhu Yanlin, and Shen Junshan came to pick him up. He looked serious, as if he had become a different person. Shen Junshan admitted that he had reported Gu Yanzhen and explained that soldiers must strictly obey discipline and not leave their posts without authorization, otherwise they would harm their comrades. Gu Yanzhen did not answer and silently went back to take a bath.

Episode 44 Recap

Gu Yanzhen returned to the dormitory and immediately fell into a deep sleep. Xie Xiang brought him food and water. Li Wenzhong came to Huang Song's grave. Gu Yanzhen arrived shortly after. The two stood in silence, but secretly swore in their hearts to avenge Huang Song. That night, Gu Yanzhen lay in wait in the alley, attacking passing Japanese. From the injured driver's mouth, he learned Fujiwara's whereabouts.

He found out that Fujiwara had stolen Oda Hiroshi's goods and hidden them in a warehouse outside the city, protected by heavy guards. Gu Yanzhen quietly infiltrated the warehouse, having prepared a car filled with explosives beforehand. He opened the throttle, and the car rushed into the warehouse. The Japanese soldiers opened fire, igniting the explosives in the car. Explosions rang out one after another, and the warehouse instantly became a sea of fire.

Seeing this, Fujiwara quickly got in a car and fled. Gu Yanzhen waited halfway. He first shot and killed the driver, causing the car to stop suddenly by the roadside. Gu Yanzhen captured Fujiwara on the spot. He dragged Fujiwara to the church and handed him over to Oda Hiroshi. It turned out that Gu Yanzhen had come to negotiate with Oda Hiroshi beforehand. He promised to help her find the goods and capture Fujiwara back.

In return, Oda Hiroshi had to give up the graphite mine, as he did not want to see anyone else sacrifice their lives for it. Oda Hiroshi agreed to his terms. She first shot and killed Fujiwara, then swaggered away, quietly ordering her subordinates to kill Gu Yanzhen. Just as Oda Hiroshi was about to get in the car and leave, Xie Xiang, Ji Jin, Zhu Yanlin, and Li Wenzhong arrived immediately. Gu Yanzhen came out of the church.

Oda Hiroshi was not convinced and threatened that she would not let them leave alive. A bodyguard beside her suddenly fell to the ground after being shot. Shen Junshan was ambushed in the building opposite, aiming his gun at Oda Hiroshi. She had no choice but to let Gu Yanzhen and the others leave. Gu Yanzhen and his group came to Huang Song's grave. They had finally avenged Huang Song.

The students were about to graduate, and everyone was reluctant to leave the military academy. They tidied up the military academy inside and out until it was spotless. Ji Jin told Xie Xiang and Zhu Yanlin the news that Huang Song's sister had given birth to a girl. Because of the army's pension, they were living well. Xie Xiang and Zhu Yanlin felt deeply comforted. Gu Yanzhen remained silent, just working continuously.

Just then, Commander Zhang arrived at the Arsenal Military Academy aggressively with his men. He brought the former Qing imperial jade seal that his subordinates had intercepted, condemning Instructor Lv and Guo Shuting for not submitting it to the military headquarters but secretly giving it to the revolutionary army in the south. Instructor Lv was completely unaware of this. Commander Zhang ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, and to investigate it to the end.

Immediately after, Commander Zhang attended the students' graduation ceremony. Instructor Lv delivered a brief speech. Just as Commander Zhang was about to address the students, he suddenly felt unwell all over. The officers and soldiers quickly rushed him to the hospital. A soldier came to report to Song Xicheng that the jade seal had been stolen and the guards had been killed. Song Xicheng immediately had Guo Shuting seal off the military academy.

He suspected that someone inside the military academy was responsible, but Guo Shuting thought it was impossible because no one knew about the jade seal before they brought it. Song Xicheng had already had the guard team take full control of the Arsenal Military Academy, conducting a strict search of everyone. Song Xicheng also ordered the guards to search him and Guo Shuting. The students were summoned to the courtyard.

The guard team's soldiers conducted a thorough search of their dormitories but found nothing unusual. Song Xicheng ordered the soldiers to search every student. Guo Shuting suggested letting Shen Junshan and Gu Yanzhen check them one by one, but Song Xicheng disagreed and had the soldiers conduct the search instead. Xie Xiang stood still nervously. Gu Yanzhen deliberately picked a fight and clashed with a soldier. The students rushed forward together, and the two sides were in a stalemate.

Song Xicheng immediately fired a warning shot. Gu Yanzhen was defiant, tightly gripping the soldier's rifle muzzle. Seeing that the situation was out of control, Xie Xiang voluntarily stepped forward and admitted she was a woman, requesting a female doctor to search her. The students were in an uproar. Song Xicheng forced Guo Shuting to explain why there was a woman in the military academy and ordered Xie Xiang to be arrested.

Gu Yanzhen was so angry his teeth were gritted. Shen Junshan immediately went home to ask Shen Tingbai for help. Shen Tingbai suddenly received reliable news that Commander Zhang had been poisoned and died despite treatment. Immediately after, Ji Jin called to inform Shen Junshan that Xie Xiang had been imprisoned in the second prison on suspicion of poisoning Commander Zhang, and that Ji Jin's second uncle was personally supervising the case. Xie Xiang arrived at the women's cell.

The prison warden did not allow her to get on the bed and forced her to take off her new shoes. The other female inmates spoke harshly to Xie Xiang. Xie Xiang suppressed her anger and repeatedly tolerated them, but the prison warden was relentless, tormenting Xie Xiang. Qu Manting saw the newspaper report and learned that Xie Xiang was a woman disguised as a man, and that she had also caused Commander Zhang's death. She was dumbfounded.

Gu Yanzhen came to the prison to see Xie Xiang. The prison guard firmly refused. Gu Yanzhen offered a large sum of money to bribe him, and the guard only reluctantly agreed to help arrange it.

Episode 45 Recap

Gu Yanzhen waited until dark before the prison guard came out to inform him he could not see Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen was furious. The prison guard warned him not to act rashly, or he would retaliate against Xie Xiang. Gu Yanzhen had no choice but to swallow his anger and apologize to him.

The prison guard repeatedly claimed that no one could see Xie Xiang, but on the strength of the money Gu Yanzhen gave him, he promised he would not let Xie Xiang suffer. Gu Yanzhen asked the prison guard to deliver a package to Xie Xiang. The prison guard also warned the female inmates in the same cell not to bully Xie Xiang.

Xie Xiang opened the package and saw a note left by Gu Yanzhen, promising to rescue her as soon as possible. Li Wenzhong returned home very late. He couldn't help but overhear his second uncle and father talking about Commander Zhang dying of chronic poisoning. Song Xicheng had taken all the examination results and also taken away the vice dean responsible for investigating the truth.

His second uncle was one of the people involved, and he was worried he couldn't escape responsibility. Li's father told his younger brother to quickly escape with his wife, children, and the elderly. Li Wenzhong tossed and turned, unable to sleep. His father called him over that night to ask about the situation at the military academy, giving him repeated instructions and reminding him to always keep a low profile. Suddenly, there was a gunshot outside.

Li's father immediately decided the whole family should escape together to avoid being implicated. However, someone came to report that the second master and the driver had both been shot dead. Li's father told Li Wenzhong to buy tickets for the last train. Li Wenzhong came overnight to say goodbye to An Wen. An Wen wanted to close early, so Li Wenzhong helped her move flowers. A guest gave An Wen two theater tickets.

She wanted to invite Li Wenzhong to go together tomorrow. Li Wenzhong agreed on the spot. An Wen happily ran into the house to find the tickets and wrote down the event in her notebook. Li Wenzhong took the opportunity when she wasn't looking to tear out the two pages that mentioned him. An Wen found the tickets and discovered that Li Wenzhong had left without saying goodbye. She felt deeply disappointed.

Gu Yanzhen called his father, Gu Zongtang, for help, but Gu Zongtang did not want to get involved. He had the butler deal with Gu Yanzhen with a few words and advised him to return to Nanjing as soon as possible. Just then, someone came looking for Gu Yanzhen. He wasn't in the mood to see anyone, but when he learned that the person was there because of Xie Xiang's matter, he quickly came out to meet him.

To his surprise, it was Li Wenzhong. Li Wenzhong told him about Commander Zhang's chronic poisoning and also told him about his second uncle being killed to silence him, asking Gu Yanzhen to investigate thoroughly himself. Li Wenzhong escorted his parents to the station. He insisted on staying, saying he couldn't be a selfish deserter. Li Wenzhong knelt and kowtowed to his parents, then ran off without looking back.

Li Wenzhong went to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce without hesitation and fought fiercely with the Japanese. Li Wenzhong became more courageous the more he fought, engaging them in a fierce battle alone. Li Wenzhong was surrounded, taking multiple knife wounds but not giving up. Until only the last Japanese remained, he fought with all his might and killed the opponent. He himself collapsed in a pool of blood from excessive bleeding.

He secretly felt fortunate that he had avenged Huang Song. By the time Shen Junshan, Ji Jin, Zhu Yanlin, and other cadets arrived, Li Wenzhong had already sacrificed himself heroically. They saluted him together as a tribute. Shen Junshan used Ji Jin's uncle's connections to visit Xie Xiang in prison. He was eager to know how she was doing there.

Xie Xiang lied, claiming everything was fine, the food was good, and the people in the same cell were very friendly. Shen Junshan saw through her lie immediately and felt very sad. If it were Gu Yanzhen, Xie Xiang would definitely tell the truth. Shen Junshan wanted to do something to help her. Xie Xiang was just worried that her parents wouldn't be able to handle such a blow.

Shen Junshan told her the news of Commander Zhang's death, repeatedly urging Xie Xiang to answer truthfully and absolutely refuse to plead guilty. He would find a way to get Xie Xiang out. When the visiting time was up, Xie Xiang asked Shen Junshan to keep an eye on Gu Yanzhen and make sure he didn't do anything foolish. When Shen Junshan came out of prison, he saw Oda Hiroshi waiting for him.

She immediately proposed wanting the three plots of land. Shen Junshan knew she was ruthless; even if the Shen family disagreed, Oda Hiroshi would find a way to get the three plots. Shen Junshan exposed her face-to-face, revealing that she had planned the murder of Commander Zhang. If anything happened to Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan would never let her go. Oda Hiroshi was immediately enraged and offered to exchange the three plots of land for Xie Xiang's life.

Shen Junshan scoffed at her. Gu Yanzhen quickly found the address Li Wenzhong had given him before he died. He saw that the house had been ransacked and was a mess. Afterward, Gu Yanzhen disguised himself as a doctor, killed the hospital guards, stole Commander Zhang's body from the morgue, and drove it away overnight. Song Xicheng had coveted the position of commander for a long time.

While he was dreaming of succeeding Commander Zhang, he suddenly received the news that Commander Zhang's body had been stolen. He was stunned speechless. The prison guard called Xie Xiang out of the cell. Song Xicheng's adjutant forced her to sign a confession. Xie Xiang firmly refused. Unexpectedly, the adjutant signed it on her behalf, convicting her of poisoning Commander Zhang on the spot and ordering her immediate execution. Xie Xiang was indignant and cursed him for disregarding human life.

The adjutant ordered her to be knocked unconscious. Shortly after, Xie Xiang was blindfolded and taken to the execution ground to be shot. Soon, the news of Xie Xiang's execution was published in the newspaper. Shen Junshan's heart felt like it was being cut by knives. Instructor Lv was imprisoned in the Commander's mansion, and Guo Shuting and other instructors were also detained in the city hall. The cadets were filled with righteous indignation.

Zhu Yanlin was the first to step forward, wanting to go to the Commander's mansion and the city hall to petition for Xie Xiang. The students responded one after another. Ji Jin advised Zhu Yanlin not to be reckless and wait for the instructors to return before making plans, but they were determined to go ahead. Guo Shuting suddenly rushed back to the military academy and advised the cadets not to act rashly and to avoid making more pointless sacrifices.

He told them to just stay put peacefully. Guo Shuting promised that the truth would be revealed sooner or later. Ji Jin argued with Guo Shuting, feeling that he was just protecting himself. Shen Junshan saw that Guo Shuting was very calm and suspected that Xie Xiang was not dead. He repeatedly asked Guo Shuting to confirm whether Xie Xiang was alive or dead and swore to investigate thoroughly.

Guo Shuting tried desperately to stop him, but Shen Junshan didn't listen at all. Shen Junshan quietly followed Guo Shuting by car. He saw him buy a bag of something at a food store and then leave on a motorcycle. Shen Junshan pursued him closely. Unexpectedly, Guo Shuting had already discovered he was being followed and deliberately hid in a small alley to shake off Shen Junshan.

Episode 46 Recap

Guo Shuting shook off Shen Junshan and returned home, where Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen were hiding. Guo Shuting informed them about the city-wide lockdown and planned to send them away once the situation subsided. It turned out that Gu Yanzhen had stolen the Commander's body and had it dissected at the church hospital.

The dissection revealed that Commander Zhang had died of chronic poisoning caused by taking the wrong medication for a long time, which had nothing to do with Xie Xiang. He immediately handed the results to Song Xicheng, who did not believe him. Gu Yanzhen threatened to give Commander Zhang's body to his family for a re-examination. Song Xicheng immediately backed down. Gu Yanzhen took the opportunity to propose releasing Xie Xiang.

Guo Shuting told Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen about the students planning to petition the Commander's mansion and the city hall. Xie Xiang wanted to tell everyone about her rescue, but Guo Shuting thought it was inappropriate, fearing that the news would leak and cause unnecessary trouble. He recalled Shen Junshan following him by car and wanted to tell Shen Junshan the truth first. Gu Yanzhen firmly disagreed, and Guo Shuting no longer insisted.

He also told them both the news of Li Wenzhong's heroic sacrifice, which deeply saddened Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen. Today was her parents' death anniversary, and An Wen came to the cemetery early in the morning to pay respects. She accidentally saw Li Wenzhong's tombstone, and tears welled up uncontrollably. An Wen felt that Li Wenzhong was very familiar. She immediately pulled out her notebook and found that two pages had been torn out.

An Wen could not remember what Li Wenzhong looked like, but she just felt a strong sense of familiarity and closeness. She placed a bouquet of flowers in front of Li Wenzhong's grave. Song Xicheng sent people to investigate Gu Yanzhen's family background and learned that his father, Gu Zongtang, was highly regarded by the National Government.

He suspected that Gu Yanzhen could not have stolen Commander Zhang's body alone and that someone from the Arsenal Military Academy must have helped. Moreover, Instructor Lv and Guo Shuting were both trusted subordinates of Commander Zhang. Song Xicheng put pressure on the Shunyuan government, forcing Mayor Bai to raise military funds. Mayor Bai had no choice but to levy contributions on the major merchants.

Shen Tingbai had already heard that Song Xicheng wanted to bypass the government and demand military funds directly from them, and that he also intended to impose military control on Shunyuan. Song Xicheng would become the local emperor of Shunyuan, and Shunyuan would never have peace. Shen Tingbai swore that he would never hand over those three plots of land to the Japanese.

Shen Junshan sent people to quietly search for the bodies of the death row inmates who had been executed by firing squad. He finally received news that the person killed was a man. Shen Junshan's hanging heart finally settled, and he was relieved that Xie Xiang was still alive. Oda Hiroshi came to negotiate with Song Xicheng, wanting to get the three plots of land immediately and urgently.

Song Xicheng wanted to use Shen Tingbai's influence to raise military funds first, but Oda Hiroshi was persistent, threatening to bring him down. Oda Hiroshi slammed the door and left in a huff, leaving a harsh remark that she expected results when they met next time. Song Xicheng hated Oda Hiroshi deeply and had long wanted to get rid of her, but Oda Hiroshi usually lived secluded and was protected by many people. Song Xicheng could not act immediately.

He was solely focused on taking down Shunyuan, so he could only think of other ways to deal with Oda Hiroshi first. As soon as Qu Manting returned home, she was severely reprimanded by her father, Qu Huaishu. Qu Manting excused herself, saying she was too tired and wanted to rest. Qu Huaishu forbade her from singing at the dance hall again and forced her to marry the son of a scholarly family.

Qu Manting firmly refused, but Qu Huaishu had already accepted the dowry and sent out invitations. The father and daughter argued fiercely at odds. Madam Qu quickly mediated. In a fit of rage, Qu Huaishu revealed that Qu Manting was born to Madam Qu's sister, Pei Nianqing. Qu Manting was stunned and left in a huff without looking back. Qu Manting bumped into Shen Tingbai as she left. They were speechless and went to find Guo Shuting together.

Huo Xiaoyu prepared a large table of dishes to celebrate her and Guo Shuting's happy new marriage. Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang were unaware beforehand. Gu Yanzhen suggested booking a large restaurant for a grand celebration, but Huo Xiaoyu did not want to be extravagant. Just then, Qu Manting and Shen Tingbai came knocking. Guo Shuting reluctantly let them in. Qu Manting was furious when she saw Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen holding hands and showing affection.

Shen Tingbai held Qu Manting's hand tightly. As the few of them were about to drink and celebrate, Shen Junshan knocked again. Guo Shuting let him in, and the atmosphere at the dinner table became even more awkward. Shen Tingbai explained that Shen Junshan had been tirelessly looking for connections to save Xie Xiang. Guo Shuting quickly broke the tension and invited everyone to drink and celebrate his happy new marriage together.

After dinner, Shen Junshan and Xie Xiang said their goodbyes and left. Gu Yanzhen kept watching them closely from the side. Qu Manting reminded Guo Shuting not to always drink and that he should cherish his relationship with Huo Xiaoyu. Guo Shuting took the opportunity to persuade her to be with Shen Tingbai. Qu Manting agreed to give Shen Tingbai a chance. She wanted to ask about her background but hesitated, stopping herself. Qu Manting decided to return to Shanghai.

She hugged Guo Shuting goodbye, and tears flowed uncontrollably. Shen Tingbai did not understand why Qu Manting did not ask Guo Shuting about her background. Qu Manting felt that since everyone had hidden that matter, it was destined to be an unhappy story, and she did not want to pursue it further. Qu Manting wanted to leave Shunyuan, this sorrowful place, and had completely given up on Gu Yanzhen. Shen Tingbai was secretly pleased; he finally had a chance.

Guo Shuting resigned from the military academy and planned to leave Shunyuan city with Huo Xiaoyu. He came to the school to pack his things. The cadets found that Guo Shuting was not only beaming but also had abandoned his usual unkempt appearance. Today, he was clean and tidy, and his military uniform was neatly arranged. Instructor Lv was also puzzled by Guo Shuting's change. Guo Shuting had to admit that he was married to Huo Xiaoyu.

Instructor Lv announced bad news to him: the superior had issued a combat order to blockade the Arsenal Military Academy, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving. Guo Shuting could only stay and wait for orders. Xie Xiang vaguely heard the bell of the Arsenal Military Academy. The days she had dreamed of charging into battle were almost here, but she had fallen behind. She was unwilling. Gu Yanzhen gently comforted her.

Instructor Lv issued a combat mission to the cadets: the Arsenal Military Academy was responsible for pinning down and harassing the bandits in Shuanglang Town, and they would act when the main force arrived. Just as Instructor Lv was about to lead the team, he suddenly received an urgent telegram from the headquarters. He immediately left by car, leaving Guo Shuting to lead the team. Instructor Lv arrived at the headquarters on time.

He accidentally saw the combat map through a crack in the door. Immediately afterward, his pistol was confiscated by the guards. Instructor Lv felt something was wrong. He lied that he needed to go to the restroom. He secretly called Guo Shuting. Huo Xiaoyu was not at home, and the phone rang for a long time. Gu Yanzhen did not dare to answer.

Episode 47 Recap

Instructor Lv called Guo Shuting to relay the information, but the phone rang for a long time with no one answering. After much thought, Gu Yanzhen finally picked up the phone at the last moment. When he learned that Guo Shuting and the military academy cadets had fallen into a trap, he immediately rode a bike to report it. Just as Instructor Lv was about to leave his office, two guards rushed in and took him away.

When Xie Xiang came downstairs to find Gu Yanzhen for dinner, she found that he was long gone. Gu Yanzhen rode his bike and sped to Shuanglang Town. Seeing that the bandits there had already set up a dragnet, Gu Yanzhen didn't dare to confront them alone and immediately rode to chase after the military academy cadets. Guo Shuting quickly led the cadets to the woods near Shuanglang Town.

Shen Junshan looked through his binoculars and found something was wrong with the bandits; their shift changes were precise and concise, and their steps were neat and uniform, clearly disguised as soldiers who had undergone military training. Gu Yanzhen arrived shortly after and reported the intelligence Instructor Lv had obtained to Guo Shuting. Suppressing the bandits was just a pretense; the Arsenal Military Academy was Song Xicheng's target.

Before Guo Shuting could come up with a countermeasure, they were attacked by the bandits ambushing in the woods. The Arsenal Military Academy cadets rose up in resistance and engaged in a fierce battle with them. Those fake bandits from Shuanglang Town rushed out. They set up artillery and shelled them. The cadets were attacked from front and back and could only fight and retreat. The enemy's artillery fire was fierce.

Ji Jin was unfortunately shot while trying to save a wounded cadet. Shen Junshan also suffered serious injuries. Guo Shuting led a group of cadets to charge, letting Gu Yanzhen lead a small squad to cover the rear. Guo Shuting quickly broke through the encirclement and saw a military vehicle on the road. With a command, the cadets concentrated fire and wiped out the bandits beside the vehicle. Gu Yanzhen led his men and followed.

Guo Shuting discovered that the bandits were wearing military uniforms underneath, and he immediately understood that this was all Song Xicheng's trap. He quickly called the cadets to get in the car. Gu Yanzhen discovered that Ji Jin had fallen behind. Shen Junshan wanted to go back to look for him, but Zhu Yanlin quickly stopped him. Gu Yanzhen returned to the woods to search for Ji Jin. Guo Shuting brought the cadets back to the military academy.

Seeing their tragically killed brothers, everyone was filled with righteous indignation and unanimously demanded to break into the Commander's mansion to settle accounts with Song Xicheng. Guo Shuting quickly stopped them. Just then, Song Xicheng's adjutant arrived with a team and surrounded the cadets completely. The cadets did not show weakness either, confronting them with machine guns.

Guo Shuting wanted to go to the Commander's mansion to seek justice, but the adjutant actually framed him for mutiny and shot him dead from behind. He repeatedly claimed that Guo Shuting had unauthorizedly led troops to attack a military stronghold. The cadets were completely enraged.

Shen Junshan raised his gun and aimed at the adjutant, but the adjutant firmly insisted that Guo Shuting had colluded with revolutionaries, sent Xie Xiang to assassinate Commander Zhang, and incited military academy cadets to attack the training grounds of the First Infantry Regiment, demanding Guo Shuting's execution on the spot. The adjutant took out Xie Xiang's confession letter, Instructor Lv's report letter, and confession statements signed and sealed by 49 high-ranking military and government officials led by Mayor Bai.

The adjutant immediately issued Song Xicheng's order to completely blockade the Arsenal Military Academy and thoroughly investigate Guo Shuting's treason case. The adjutant gathered the cadets into the conference room, forcing them to report Guo Shuting's crimes and promising to let them leave. A cadet protested on the spot. The adjutant tightly squeezed the wound on his arm, and the cadet fainted from the pain. Zhu Yanlin and the others swarmed forward and beat the adjutant.

The cadets and guards engaged in a physical altercation. The cadets were unarmed and were quickly beaten to the ground. Shen Junshan was severely wounded and unable to move. Most of the cadets came forward to report Guo Shuting and were released on the spot. Only a few people like Zhu Yanlin and Shen Junshan were left. Xie Xiang came to the Arsenal Military Academy alone and saw the corpses of her classmates everywhere.

She was furious and gnashing her teeth. She rushed directly into the conference room. Zhu Yanlin didn't expect Xie Xiang to be alive. The adjutant ordered Xie Xiang to be arrested. Xie Xiang opened her trench coat and lit a lighter; her waist was tied with explosives. Xie Xiang clearly stated that before coming, she had written a report letter to Supervisor Feng of the military department, exposing Song Xicheng's crimes.

Everyone knew that Supervisor Feng and Commander Zhang had always been on bad terms. Xie Xiang wanted to publicly reveal the inside story of why she was alive and expose Song Xicheng's conspiracy. Seeing this, the adjutant had no choice but to let the cadets leave. The cadets helped each other and left. Xie Xiang saw Guo Shuting's body and cried heartbreakingly. She took Guo Shuting back to Huo Xiaoyu.

Huo Xiaoyu suppressed the grief in her heart and promised to send someone to escort Xie Xiang away. She also sent people to search for Gu Yanzhen's whereabouts, but there had been no news so far. Huo Xiaoyu told Xie Xiang to be mentally prepared. Xie Xiang returned to her and Gu Yanzhen's dorm again, and couldn't help but think of the days she spent with him, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

Xie Xiang hoped that Gu Yanzhen could return safely. The adjutant was ordered to lead troops to occupy the Shannan Tavern. As a result, the tavern exploded and was instantly destroyed. Huo Xiaoyu stood on the building across the street and witnessed this scene before silently leaving. She had already made thorough arrangements, preferring to blow up the tavern rather than let it fall into Song Xicheng's hands.

Supervisor Feng personally came to the Commander's mansion to question Song Xicheng, asking him to truthfully explain the cause of Commander Zhang's death and the truth about the Arsenal Military Academy attacking the infantry battalion. Song Xicheng made all sorts of excuses. Supervisor Feng exposed Song Xicheng's premeditated murder of Commander Zhang on the spot and his crime of falsely transmitting orders to attempt to wipe out the Arsenal Military Academy.

Supervisor Feng sent someone to find Xie Xiang, asking her to come out and testify against Song Xicheng. Song Xicheng was worried that the truth would be exposed, so he had to send someone to find Oda Hiroshi, promising to give her those three plots of land and asking her to help resolve the current predicament. Xie Xiang came to the Shannan Tavern again. Scenes of the past flooded her mind, and she sadly squatted on the ground.

Unexpectedly, Gu Yanzhen arrived shortly after. He was covered in mud and dust from shelling. Xie Xiang was both surprised and overjoyed to see him return safely and couldn't help but throw herself into his arms and sob. Gu Yanzhen held her tightly. Xie Xiang inquired about Ji Jin's situation. Xie Xiang reported Guo Shuting's death to him. Gu Yanzhen was heartbroken; he was more worried about the safety of the other cadets.

Oda Hiroshi led Japanese military police into the Shen mansion, forcing Shen Tingbai to hand over the mining rights to the graphite mine. Shen Tingbai firmly refused. Oda Hiroshi then claimed the descendants of Prince Rong's mansion would fully take over the agreement with Shen Tingbai. Shen Tingbai swore to terminate the agreement at all costs and absolutely not become a lackey for the Japanese. Oda Hiroshi then threatened him with his family.

Episode 48 (Ending) Recap

Just as Oda Hiroshi was about to arrest Shen Tingbai, Supervisor Feng arrived at the Shen mansion with troops and pointed out that Oda Hiroshi had no right to arrest people. However, she used the pretense of investigating the perpetrator of the Jinhua Hotel bombing case and claimed that Shen Tingbai went with her voluntarily.

Shen Tingbai, thinking that his family was still being held hostage by Oda Hiroshi, had no choice but to get in the car and leave with her. Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen were hiding in an abandoned woodshed. Zhu Yanlin suddenly came to meet up with them, and then Shen Junshan also came to find them and told them about Shen Tingbai and Instructor Lv being arrested. Gu Yanzhen didn't want to sit and wait for death.

They joined forces with the guards of the Shen mansion and came to the outside of the prison. Oda Hiroshi escorted Shen Tingbai to the prison and saw Song Xicheng interrogating Instructor Lv. Instructor Lv remained unyielding even unto death. Oda Hiroshi used both threats and inducements on Instructor Lv, promising him to take over Song Xicheng's position as Commander and fully take charge of Shunyuan. Song Xicheng was unconvinced.

Oda Hiroshi had to admit that Song Xicheng's means of getting into power were clumsy and difficult to win over people; she was only temporarily using Song Xicheng. Song Xicheng was so enraged that he ground his teeth, immediately drew his gun and aimed it at her. Xinlan immediately shot and killed Song Xicheng with one shot. Xie Xiang constantly monitored the activity in the prison with binoculars.

She drew a map of the prison based on her previous memory and assigned tasks to everyone. Xie Xiang had Zhu Yanlin lead people to guard the entrance, Shen Junshan lead people to attack from the back door, and she and Gu Yanzhen would break through from the front. Everyone was ready. Oda Hiroshi tried hard to persuade Shen Tingbai, but he remained silent the whole time. Oda Hiroshi ordered Instructor Lv to be tortured with electricity.

He cried out in pain. Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen led their team to begin the general attack. Instructor Lv faced death fearlessly and loudly shouted the motto of the Arsenal Military Academy. In a fit of anger, Oda Hiroshi ordered someone to inject Instructor Lv with poison. Zhu Yanlin aimed at the Japanese military doctor and shot him dead on the spot. The military police at the signal tower were killed one after another.

The alarm sounded, and the prison immediately descended into chaos. Oda Hiroshi couldn't help but laugh uproariously, continuously demonstrating to Shen Tingbai and declaring that they had come to die. Miyazawa led a team to provide support. Xie Xiang and Gu Yanzhen encountered fierce shelling from the Japanese army, making it impossible for them to get close. Just then, there was a violent explosion inside the prison. Huo Xiaoyu brought Pei Shun's subordinates to reinforce.

They used cannons to blow the prison to pieces. Oda Hiroshi and Miyazawa were terrified and lost their wits. Huo Xiaoyu brought her people and joined forces with the cadets of the Arsenal Military Academy. Together, they looked towards the prison and quickly wiped out the remaining military police. They met up with Xie Xiang and split up to rescue people. Zhu Yanlin encountered the escaping Japanese soldiers. He threw his last bomb, injuring the Japanese soldiers.

The Japanese soldiers, struggling in their death throes, shot Zhu Yanlin, and he fell to the ground on the spot. Huo Xiaoyu and Shen Junshan attacked the prison from front and back and ran into Miyazawa, who was trying to escape. Gu Yanzhen told Xie Xiang to follow Huo Xiaoyu to the cells to rescue people. He killed Miyazawa with a few punches and kicks. Oda Hiroshi had taken Shen Tingbai hostage. Xinlan held a gun to Instructor Lv's head.

Shen Junshan kept charging forward. In a fit of pique, Oda Hiroshi shot and injured Shen Tingbai. Shen Junshan had no choice but to stop. Oda Hiroshi told Shen Junshan to try and persuade Shen Tingbai. Just then, Huo Xiaoyu shot and killed Xinlan from behind. Gu Yanzhen rescued Instructor Lv. Xie Xiang raised her gun and aimed it at Oda Hiroshi. When Oda Hiroshi saw her, she was so enraged she became furious.

She felt that if it weren't for Xie Xiang, Shen Junshan would not have given up on her. Oda Hiroshi held a remote control, threatening that the area was filled with explosives and that everyone would be buried with her. Shen Junshan voluntarily put down his weapon and told Oda Hiroshi to kill him first. Just as Oda Hiroshi pressed the remote control, she was shot and killed by Zhu Yanlin, who had woken up.

Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, Shen Junshan, Instructor Lv, and others ran out quickly. The prison immediately exploded, and the scene was blown into a sea of fire. Shen Tingbai went to the station to pick up Qu Manting, but all the passengers got off, and he still didn't see Qu Manting. Just as Shen Tingbai was about to leave, Qu Manting slowly got off the car and proactively offered to be Shen Tingbai's madam.

Shen Junshan and Ji Jin stayed behind at the Arsenal Military Academy to be instructors. They led the newly recruited cadets in rigorous training and also taught them the motto of the Arsenal Military Academy. Shen Junshan personally saw Gu Yanzhen and Xie Xiang off, watching them head towards a bigger battlefield.