Resumen, trama, sinopsis de Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos

Sinopsis de Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos

In the third year of the Emperor's reign, the emperor of Lai is about to die and there is a change of power.

The two daughters of the Fu family, Fu Yuzhan and Fu Jinzhan, get involved in the conflicts of the court because of the rumors.

Aware of the disaster that the instability of the imperial court would bring to the people, the two sisters help Lord Jin Xue Rong take over the throne of Lai.

But there is a coincidence of a misplaced marriage due to the counter-attack of another faction.

In order to rectify the wrong marriage and to help Xue Rong achieve his ideal of ruling the country smoothly so that the people can live and work in peace and happiness, the two sisters of the Fu family use their wisdom and courage to quell the invasion of neighboring countries, pacify the affected people, find the murderer of the previous emperor and defeat the mastermind behind it.

Resúmenes de Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• 28
• 29
• 30
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34
• 35
• 36
• 37
• 38
• 39
• 40

Children ran through the streets, singing a childish rhyme: "Under the bamboo, bestow the Emperor. Marry a Fu girl, become the emperor." A carriage carrying the Fu family's elder daughter, Fu Yuzhan, and younger daughter, Fu Jinzhan, stopped. General Zhang dismounted, instructing the children not to sing the rhyme anymore and offering them money. Fu Yuzhan told Jinzhan that in the capital, besides Prince Wei, who else would dare to be known by the surname Fu throughout the land?

She explained that such a rhyme could spark suspicion, and its truth depended on the listener's belief, advising caution. As it was the day of the Princess Royal’s banquet for the inner family members of capital officials at the Imperial Garden, Fu Yuzhan reminded Jinzhan not to be late.

She instructed Qingge to accompany Jinzhan into the inner city and warned her not to wander around or challenge the Imperial Guards to a fight in the palace, threatening to confiscate all her weapons if she disobeyed, fearing Jinzhan’s impulsive temper might cause serious trouble. Meanwhile, Prince Jin Xue Rong arrived at the palace to pay his respects to Emperor Xue Wei. The Emperor asked if the envoy from Pengze had been received.

Xue Rong noted that Pengze only sent a minor envoy, indicating a lack of sincerity for talks. He suggested that sending merely an Assistant Minister for Ceremonial to greet him would suffice, rather than a high-ranking Minister for Ceremonial. Xue Rong also brought up the circulating rhyme about "marrying a Fu girl to become the emperor," speculating it could be baseless rumors or a deliberate attempt to stir up trouble.

He urged his father to investigate if it was the latter, to uncover the mastermind and their conspiracy before it could threaten the throne. Emperor Xue Wei dismissed his concerns, confidently asserting that only he could decide the succession of Lingyang's throne. Later, Fu Jinzhan encountered Pengze's envoy, He Zhengwen, bullying a Lingyang soldier, falsely accusing him of stealing his archer's thumb ring.

Even after an attendant informed He Zhengwen that the ring was found at his post-house, the envoy remained aggressive. Unable to tolerate the injustice, Fu Jinzhan cunningly outsmarted and struck him, knocking out a tooth. Infuriated, He Zhengwen swore to have the Lingyang Emperor condemn her entire clan. Fu Jinzhan and Fu Yuzhan attended the Princess Royal's banquet.

He Zhengwen then presented himself before Emperor Xue Wei, his face bruised, accusing someone of assaulting and publicly humiliating him at the post-house, demanding an explanation from the Emperor. Xue Wei dispatched Li Fang to investigate within the inner city and bring the culprit to the Hall. Prince Wei Fu Yanxin was shocked to see his daughter, Fu Jinzhan.

Jinzhan confessed to hitting the envoy, explaining that he had falsely accused an innocent guard and resorted to private corporal punishment, disregarding the law. The Emperor, however, prioritized treating guests with respect and ordered Fu Jinzhan to be given fifty floggings as punishment. At that moment, Fu Yuzhan entered the Hall, bringing the beaten soldier as a witness. After the soldier testified about He Zhengwen's false accusation and violence, Fu Yuzhan eloquently argued that the envoy was at fault.

She stressed that being on Lingyang territory required adherence to Lingyang laws, and that He Zhengwen's behavior disgraced Pengze. Treating it as a misunderstanding, the Emperor then pardoned Fu Jinzhan from her punishment. Emperor Xue Wei learned that He Zhengwen’s official mission was to negotiate the return of Sanjia City, but his true purpose was to propose marriage for Prince Cheng Liu Chengfu.

Noting the envoy’s arrogant and duplicitous conduct, Xue Rong offered to lead troops to reclaim Sanjia City, emphasizing that Lingyang, despite being militarily weaker than Pengze, should not compromise its imperial dignity by marrying off Prince Wei’s daughter. However, Xue Wei saw an opportunity. Since Prince Cheng Liu Chengfu was responsible for guarding the Lingyang-Pengze border and was seemingly influenced by the "Fu girl empress" rhyme, the Emperor decided to betroth a Fu daughter to him.

On the wedding day, if the brave Fu daughter could assassinate Liu Chengfu, Lingyang's army could seize the chaos to control Jincheng, a crucial border fortress. Capturing Jincheng would allow Lingyang to either exchange it for Sanjia City or keep it, giving Lingyang the strategic advantage. Xue Wei then ordered Prince Jin Xue Rong to lead troops to assist the Fu daughter in eliminating Liu Chengfu.

Upon Princess Shou’an’s return to the palace, she, the Princess Royal, and Commander of the Imperial Guards Li Huaijin all came to greet the Emperor. The Princess Royal, believing Xue Rong to be a bastard without Xue family blood, constantly sought to undermine him, wishing for her son, Li Huaijin, to become the crown prince. Prince Wei informed his two daughters about the secret mission: to go to Jincheng under the guise of marriage and assassinate Liu Chengfu.

Fu Yuzhan decided she would undertake the mission, prioritizing the capture of Jincheng and making the assassination a secondary goal. She argued that while Fu Jinzhan possessed martial skills, her impetuous nature made her susceptible to detection, risking the failure of Prince Jin's entire mission. Despite Fu Jinzhan’s insistence, Fu Yuzhan proposed a contest: whoever could discreetly obtain Prince Jin's sachet would go. Fu Yuzhan cleverly orchestrated events, and Jinzhan, falling for her sister's ruse, ultimately lost.

Thus, Fu Yuzhan won the right to accompany Prince Jin on the marriage mission. Unbeknownst to the daughters, Prince Jin was conflicted. The Emperor had secretly commanded him to kill Liu Chengfu, and then also eliminate Fu Yuzhan, citing that her intelligence made her unsuitable for empress given the pervasive "Fu girl empress" rumor. After her death, Prince Jin was to marry Fu Jinzhan, thereby cementing his future as the Emperor of Lingyang.

The Princess Royal, independently plotting against Fu Yuzhan, instructed her maid to find someone unrelated to her household to prevent Fu Yuzhan from reaching Jincheng. Meanwhile, Fu Jinzhan, still dissatisfied, secretly added a sleeping draft to her sister's tea. As Fu Yuzhan prepared for her wedding, Jinzhan offered her the tea to "moisten her throat" and sent away the maid, Lanpei, to check on the sedan chair, allowing her to take her sister's place.

Fu Yuzhan awoke to find that Jinzhan had drugged her and taken her place in the marriage sedan. Realizing this was a crime of deceiving the Emperor, Fu Yuzhan immediately asked her father to order General Zhang to escort her to pursue the marriage procession. She stressed the importance of keeping this secret among the household staff, as the entire Fu family's survival was at stake.

The marriage escorts, led by Prince Jin, halted for a brief rest, as ordered by Huang Jian. Feeling restless and stifled inside the sedan chair, Fu Jinzhan got out to get some fresh air in a bamboo grove. As she lifted her veil, she was suddenly knocked unconscious.

Following Fu Jinzhan's deception of replacing Fu Yuzhan in the marriage carriage by drugging her, an assassin knocked Jinzhan unconscious and carried her away. Prince Jin, Xue Rong, noticing the commotion, mistakenly believed Lady Yuzhan was in the carriage. After hearing a sound, he ordered his guards to search for her. The assassin, realizing he was being pursued, hid Jinzhan and confronted Xue Rong.

Their intense fight was evenly matched until the assassin accidentally dropped a wooden badge before hastily retreating. Fu Yuzhan quickly caught up with the marriage escorts and learned that her younger sister, Jinzhan, had been kidnapped. She deduced that the assailant was not a common thief but someone from the capital who was privy to their plans. Xue Rong, surprised by Yuzhan's sudden appearance, asked what had transpired.

Yuzhan explained that Jinzhan had taken her place in the sedan chair and had been abducted. Xue Rong was displeased, stating that this deception regarding the Emperor's ordered marriage was a crime of cheating the Emperor. Yuzhan acknowledged her fault, but emphasized that the kidnapping was an unforeseen accident. She then offered to return to the marriage carriage herself to fulfill His Majesty's wishes, a course of action Xue Rong reluctantly accepted.

He immediately dispatched Jia Dali with five men to search for Jinzhan and rescue her. Meanwhile, the assassin reported back to the Princess Royal, confirming that he had mistakenly kidnapped Fu Jinzhan, the younger daughter, instead of Fu Yuzhan. The Princess Royal, furious at the blunder, chastised her subordinate for the failure. The subordinate, however, assured her that he had already arranged another ambush in the valley ahead.

He explained that once the marriage escorts entered the valley, archers positioned on the hills would unleash arrows, ensuring the Fu daughter’s death. He expressed concern that Prince Jin, also part of the escorts, might be accidentally harmed.

The Princess Royal dismissed his worries, stating that with the rumors of a Fu empress leading to chaos, it was imperative to eliminate both the Fu daughter and Prince Jin now to prevent Xue Rong, whom she viewed as an outsider named Chai and having no blood ties to the Xue family, from inheriting the Xue family’s land. News of the Fu daughter's kidnapping swiftly reached the Imperial Palace.

Li Fang, His Majesty’s personal attendant, noted that many likely wished to disrupt the marriage alliance. As His Majesty was unwell and not to be disturbed, Li Fang ordered his guards to continue tracking the situation and report any new developments. A guard speculated that the Fu family might have deliberately orchestrated the abduction to resist the imperial order, prompting Li Fang to instruct an undercover investigation into the Fu family’s potential involvement.

When asked if they should secretly assist Prince Jin, Li Fang advised patience and continued observation. The guard then presented the wooden badge found at the scene, hoping it would lead to clues about the mastermind. Li Fang was shocked to discover the significance of the badge's owner. The Princess Royal, still resolute, reiterated her belief that Xue Rong would now be more vigilant.

She concluded that to prevent the Xue family's throne from falling into the hands of an outsider, both the Fu daughter and Prince Jin must be eliminated before His Majesty's official decree. Heeding Fu Yuzhan’s warning about potential ambushes in the perilous valley ahead, Xue Rong decided to take a detour. The assassins, alerted to the change in route, quickly pursued the marriage escorts. They attacked, showering the carriage with arrows.

Xue Rong bravely shielded Fu Yuzhan, but was struck by a poison arrow. Despite his injury, he managed to grab her, pull her onto his horse, and gallop away, escaping the ambush. Meanwhile, Fu Jinzhan regained consciousness in the arms of her kidnapper. She struggled, demanding to be released, then cleverly seized an opportunity to escape. However, she stumbled and fell into a deep pit, inadvertently pulling the assassin, who introduced himself as Jiang Shao, down with her.

Trapped in the dark pit, Jinzhan complained about her sprained ankle, which Jiang Shao kindly helped adjust. Later, as they conversed, Jinzhan spotted a snake above Jiang Shao and warned him. He was bitten, but she intervened to check if it was poisonous. Jiang Shao, appreciative of her actions, untied her hands, commenting that she was rather charming when not trying to act tough.

The two spent the night in the pit, eventually figuring out a way to climb out at dawn. While climbing out, Jiang Shao hit his head and fainted. Xue Rong and Fu Yuzhan arrived at a courier station for rest. Despite his wound, Xue Rong instructed his subordinates to maintain strict vigilance. Fu Yuzhan, concerned for his well-being, began preparing a medicinal broth for him. However, when she tested the water with a silver hairpin, she discovered it was poisoned.

She quickly realized the entire station's water supply was compromised and urgently warned the soldiers not to drink it, declaring the place unsafe. To outwit their enemies, Yuzhan orchestrated a ruse. She deliberately discussed a false plan with Mr. Huang within earshot of an eavesdropper, Old San.

She stated that at midnight, Mr. Huang would lead a "fake Prince Jin" eastward into a trap, where the assassins would be eliminated, while the "real Prince Jin" (Xue Rong) would travel westward to a safe location. After catching Old San, Mr. Huang, playing into the ruse, instructed him to report to his leader that Prince Jin would indeed be heading east.

Old San, believing he was outsmarting them, reported to his leader that Prince Jin would actually be heading west, contrary to Yuzhan's stated plan. Unbeknownst to him, this was precisely Fu Yuzhan's "empty fort strategy." She revealed to Xue Rong that their true path was east, while Mr. Huang and his men had laid an ambush in the west for the enemy, who were now expecting the "real Prince Jin" there.

However, one cautious enemy leader decided to independently investigate the eastern route. He ambushed Xue Rong and Yuzhan, who were genuinely traveling east. Despite his fever and weakness, Xue Rong, with Yuzhan's quick defense, fought back valiantly and defeated the assassin. After the confrontation, Xue Rong, impressed by Yuzhan’s courage, questioned why she risked her life for him when she could have escaped.

Yuzhan asserted their mutual trust and shared mission to assassinate Liu Chengfu, which they couldn’t afford to die before completing. She then pressed Xue Rong, asking if she was still destined to die even after successfully killing Liu Chengfu, as he had repeatedly evaded her questions about returning to the capital.

Xue Rong, after a moment of hesitation, admitted that her conjecture was correct: His Majesty intended for her to die in Jincheng, as a woman too intelligent was deemed unsuitable for the position of Empress given the persistent "Fu Empress" rumors. Yuzhan, though clearly angered, stated that as long as it wasn't Xue Rong's personal intention to kill her, she would find a way to survive, reminding him that he needed to ensure her safety until Liu Chengfu was assassinated.

Jiang Shao regained consciousness, initially believing Fu Jinzhan had abandoned him. To his surprise, she was still there, confirming she would not leave him to die, as she had promised. Jiang Shao expressed gratitude for her not abandoning him, acknowledging that their brief acquaintance had proven worthwhile. Jinzhan clarified she was simply repaying him for saving her life earlier. Jiang Shao admitted his mistake in kidnapping her and pledged to ensure her safe return.

Soon after, soldiers arrived, relieved to find Jinzhan. They informed her that Fu Yuzhan had already caught up with the wedding procession, which Prince Jin was now escorting to Jincheng. Jinzhan, feigning indifference to her own safety, sent the soldiers to assist Prince Jin, emphasizing his importance and asserting her own martial prowess for a solo return. Once alone, Jinzhan proposed a new, lucrative mission to Jiang Shao since his kidnapping attempt failed: assassinate Liu Chengfu.

Jiang Shao accepted but first needed to retrieve a vital wooden badge he had lost in the forest. Jinzhan, impatient with the delay, urged him to prioritize the mission, reminding him that as his employer, her word was final. Jiang Shao reluctantly agreed to proceed without the badge. Meanwhile, the Emperor examined a wooden badge that had come into his possession.

He asked his attendant, Li Fang, to verify if the jade embedded in it matched his own treasured jade pendant. Li Fang confirmed the perfect fit. The Emperor's thoughts drifted back twenty years to his pregnant beloved. She had cherished freedom above all, rejecting the confines of palace life and the titles that would bind their child. She believed an emperor was a prisoner of countless obligations, sacrificing personal happiness for power.

She had even contemplated abandoning their unborn child to spare them a life without liberty. He had pleaded with her not to, giving her the wooden badge he carved as undeniable proof of their child's identity, ensuring the child would always know their father. Despite his efforts, she had left him, disappearing like a free bird, never to return, taking their unborn child with her. This loss had haunted him for two decades.

Seeing the wooden badge, the Emperor was overwhelmed with emotion, convinced it was his own flesh and blood and a divine blessing to finally receive news of his child. He immediately ordered Zhao An to secretly follow the "kidnapper," Jiang Shao, instructing him to ensure the man's safety if he was indeed the owner of the wooden badge. Jinzhan reiterated to Jiang Shao that their priority was to assassinate Liu Chengfu, thereby safeguarding her sister.

She warned of the mission's deadly risks but promised him immense wealth—a thousand taels of silver—and even a minor official position in the capital upon success, leveraging her family's influence. Jiang Shao then devised a plan to infiltrate Prince Cheng's mansion. He used Cheqian Grass to induce severe stomach pain in a servant girl preparing to deliver a food box to Fuan Garden. Jinzhan, disguised as a new servant, took the ailing girl's place.

Upon entering, they noticed the mansion buzzing with wedding preparations. They managed to sneak into a bedchamber and hide under the bed. Jiang Shao explained to Jinzhan that Liu Chengfu's guards rotated every two hours in the front courtyard, creating a brief window of opportunity for them to strike and escape without causing an alarm. He also scoffed at Jinzhan's earlier impulsive notion of a direct assault, emphasizing the importance of planning for an assassination.

Finding their initial hiding spot inconvenient, Jiang Shao then identified a sturdy beam directly above the bed as an ideal alternative, offering both concealment and a vantage point for their attack. They took the chance to relieve their hunger by stealing some refreshments, which Jiang Shao shared with Jinzhan, a small gesture of camaraderie. That evening, Liu Chengfu returned to his room.

As Jiang Shao and Jinzhan prepared to make their move, a servant interrupted, delivering an urgent message from a Lingyang informant. The message, accompanied by a secret token to ensure authenticity, revealed the plot: "Marriage Union for Assassination, Prince Jin hid in the escort team." The assassination plan was exposed. With their attempt thwarted, Jinzhan and Jiang Shao abandoned the mansion and rushed to meet Fu Yuzhan.

To Prince Jin's (Xue Rong's) delight, Jiang Shao's appearance revealed him to be his long-lost "good brother." They had first met years ago on a battlefield where Jiang Shao, hired to assassinate a Pengze official, had inadvertently saved Xue Rong's life during a skirmish between two armies.

Jiang Shao, explaining his preference for a free life over military discipline despite early training, had deeply impressed Xue Rong, who then promised him lifelong friendship and support if he ever reached out in Longyin Alley. Jinzhan playfully revealed that Jiang Shao was the one who had kidnapped her. Jiang Shao confirmed it was a commissioned job, but declined to name his employer, emphasizing that their current predicament was far more pressing.

Jinzhan then confirmed that Liu Chengfu was aware of their entire assassination plot. He had already ordered the wedding party to be confined in a separate residence and placed under surveillance, indicating a spy had betrayed them from within Lingyang. This revelation made any direct attempt on Liu Chengfu's life far more difficult.

Liu Chengfu, now fully aware of the plot and Xue Rong's disguised presence as Li Liang in the escort team, chose to proceed with the marriage as a strategic opportunity. His advisor suggested exploiting the situation: isolating the escort team, slaughtering them after the wedding, and holding Fu Yuzhan captive to gain leverage against Emperor Lingyang. Jinzhan, fearing for her sister's safety, insisted on replacing her as the bride, citing her martial arts skills as a means of escape.

However, both Fu Yuzhan and Jiang Shao deemed it too risky and unsuitable. Taking matters into her own hands, Fu Yuzhan sought out Liu Chengfu and made a shocking "confession." She revealed that she was under direct imperial orders to assassinate him, and that Prince Jin, Xue Rong, was indeed disguised as Li Liang, the chief guard, ostensibly to monitor the Fu family's actions.

She explained that Emperor Lingyang deeply distrusted the powerful Fu family but couldn't openly remove them due to her father, Prince Wei's, blameless service. This marriage proposal, she claimed, was Xue Rong's cunning "two birds with one stone" strategy: use the Fu family to assassinate Liu Chengfu, then eliminate the Fu family regardless of the outcome. Feeling betrayed by the Emperor, Yuzhan declared that the Fu family no longer had reason to protect his throne.

She proposed an alliance: upon her marriage to Liu Chengfu, her father, Prince Wei, would pledge the Tianxiong Army to aid Liu Chengfu in taking power. In return, Liu Chengfu would help Prince Wei ascend to the imperial throne. Liu Chengfu, a proud and arrogant man, believed Yuzhan's elaborate story, convinced by her apparent sincerity.

His advisor, though more skeptical, proposed a test: advancing the wedding to the next day, which would force the Fu family's hand and confirm their loyalty. Liu Chengfu agreed and immediately sent a subordinate to inform "Li Liang" (Xue Rong) to move his men to a separate, guarded residence under the guise of providing them rest. Meanwhile, Prince Jin (Xue Rong), now aware of the accelerated wedding, gave a poisoned hairpin to a servant girl named Ziyuan.

He instructed her to give it to Fu Yuzhan, who was to use it to assassinate Liu Chengfu on their wedding night. Ziyuan, however, overheard Prince Jin's conversation with Huang Jian, revealing that once Liu Chengfu was dead, he would personally ensure Fu Yuzhan's demise. A distressed Ziyuan reported this chilling news to Fu Yuzhan. Yuzhan, however, remained calm, revealing she had anticipated this betrayal.

She reassured Ziyuan and Jinzhan that she had already devised a plan to survive, much to their relief. Jinzhan, still agitated by the accelerated timeline, impulsively suggested immediately killing Liu Chengfu, but Yuzhan calmly stopped her, reiterating that she had everything under control.

Fu Jinzhan expressed her distress to Fu Yuzhan, concerned that Liu Chengfu's decision to advance the wedding date would jeopardize their carefully laid plans, especially with the main army's unknown location. Convinced Liu Chengfu was merely infatuated with her sister, Jinzhan declared her intent to assassinate him immediately, but Yuzhan calmly assured her that this turn of events was anticipated and that she already had a solution.

Earlier, Jinzhan had lightheartedly promised Jiang Shao that after their mission in Jincheng was complete, she would bring the Tianxiong Army to help him dig for his mother's lost wooden badge, which he had lost during the kidnapping. Jiang Shao shared that the badge was his last memory of his mother. Prince Jin, Xue Rong, happened to walk in, subtly indicating he overheard their conversation.

To delay the wedding, Fu Yuzhan took a cold bath, which led her to suffer from a fever, diarrhea, and dizziness, symptoms consistent with being unacclimated to the local environment. A doctor confirmed her poor health, stating that while she could technically marry, she would be unable to perform her marital duties. Upon hearing this, Liu Chengfu, after some contemplation, decided to postpone the wedding by three days.

Meanwhile, Xue Rong, now in possession of a guard token for Prince Cheng's Mansion to aid his movement, informed his attendant that once he located the main army, he would send a signal via an eagle's cry to alert the guards to open the city gates for their entry into Jincheng.

On the new wedding day, Liu Chengfu, ever suspicious, ordered his servants to thoroughly search Yuzhan before she entered the bridal chamber and to keep a close watch on her retinue. He also had drugged pastries prepared, instructing her to eat them to ensure her cooperation. Yuzhan, feigning compliance, consumed the pastries but secretly spat them out when the maid left, noting Liu Chengfu’s excessive caution.

Later, a disoriented Liu Chengfu, having indulged in too much wedding wine, stumbled into the bridal chamber. Yuzhan seized the opportunity and used a hairpin, coated with an anesthetic rather than a fatal poison, to stab him, rendering him unconscious. Outside, Jinzhan saw Yuzhan's signal and promptly launched a firework, signaling the Tianxiong Army. Xue Rong and his forces then stormed Liu Chengfu’s mansion. In the ensuing chaos, Huang Jian valiantly protected Xue Rong but was outnumbered and killed.

Yuzhan had Liu Chengfu taken away, leaving a message for Prince Jin to meet her in the bamboo forest five kilometers outside the city. There, Yuzhan revealed to Prince Jin that she had already sent word back to the capital, claiming he had successfully killed Liu Chengfu and captured Jincheng. She warned him that if Liu Chengfu were to reappear alive in the capital, Prince Jin would face charges of deceiving the Emperor.

To avoid this severe consequence, Yuzhan proposed an alliance: in exchange for her life, the Fu family would pledge their allegiance and military support to Prince Jin. After weighing the risks, Prince Jin agreed. Upon his return to Lingyang, the Emperor, pleased with Prince Jin's presumed success, showered him with praise and appointed him governor of the capital city. Concurrently, Yuzhan and Jinzhan returned to the Fu family estate.

To protect Yuzhan from imperial retribution, they spread a fabricated story: Yuzhan had been ill and confined to her bed, never leaving home. Instead, Jinzhan had substituted for her as the bride, was kidnapped en route, and had only just escaped and returned.

Prince Jin also reported to the Emperor that after the initial bride was unexpectedly kidnapped, he arranged for a substitute, and later learned that Fu Yuzhan had not boarded the wedding carriage due to illness, and the Fu family had used Jinzhan as the substitute. Meanwhile, Zhao An’s investigation confirmed Jiang Shao's identity as the Emperor's long-lost son and the "wanderer" who kidnapped Jinzhan. He also reported that Jiang Shao was now residing in Prince Jin’s Mansion.

Overjoyed by the news of his son, the Emperor was also informed by Zhao An that he had discovered a Lucky Words Coin—a unique coin personally designed and distributed by the Emperor—in Liu Chengfu’s possession, indicating a high-ranking court official's betrayal. The Emperor, who had only ever issued twelve such coins, decreed that all recipients must present theirs for inspection the following day.

Additionally, believing Prince Jin had intentionally misled him about Yuzhan's involvement, the Emperor secretly ordered Zhao An to assassinate Fu Yuzhan. Later, in Bianjing, as Fu Yuzhan and Fu Jinzhan strolled through the streets, Zhao An orchestrated a diversion to separate Jinzhan from Yuzhan. Just as Zhao An prepared to strike Yuzhan, Prince Jin intervened. Zhao An, bound by the Emperor's direct command, refused to yield, forcing Prince Jin to kill him in defense of Yuzhan.

The Emperor, learning of Zhao An's death, surprisingly expressed more relief than anger, musing that while Prince Jin's "softness" for a woman was not ideal, it was preferable to a traitorous ambition. Separately, the Princess Royal discovered her Lucky Words Coin was missing. She immediately suspected Cao Ying, an official she had coerced into collaborating with Liu Chengfu and betraying the Fu family and Xue Rong.

She surmised Cao Ying stole her coin to implicate her and secure his own position, fearing she would dispose of him once he was no longer useful. The next day, during the court’s inspection of the Lucky Words Coins, all officials presented theirs except for Prince Jin. He claimed his coin had been stolen before entering the palace and asserted that his coin bore a distinctive notch, requesting a re-examination.

However, the eunuch in charge declared all presented coins to be unblemished, thereby discrediting Prince Jin’s claim. Enraged, the Emperor accused Prince Jin of colluding with Liu Chengfu (Prince Cheng of Pengze) and ordered his immediate imprisonment in the Ministry of Justice’s dungeon, appointing Zhang Yongyao, a highly regarded young official, to preside over the case. It was later confirmed that the Princess Royal had indeed taken Cao Ying's Lucky Words Coin, using it to ensure his continued loyalty.

Upon learning of Prince Jin’s imprisonment, Fu Yuzhan, convinced of his innocence, went to the Ministry of Justice. She confided in her father, arguing that assisting Prince Jin now, while he was in disgrace, would yield immense benefits for the Fu family in the future. She pointed out that the Emperor’s previous appointment of Prince Jin as governor of the capital city was a clear indication of his status as the chosen Crown Prince, making him a worthwhile ally.

Yuzhan further explained that the Fu family's powerful Tianxiong Army made them a target of imperial suspicion, and inaction would only exacerbate their precarious position. She resolved to prove Prince Jin's innocence by finding the true owner of the stolen coin. Realizing she needed to get the Ministry of Justice to re-examine the coins and that Zhang Yongyao, known for his keen intellect and successful legal career, was presiding over the case, Yuzhan sought a way to meet him.

Jinzhan then remembered that Zhang Yongyao was a childhood friend of Li Huaijin. Through Li Huaijin, a meeting between Yuzhan and Zhang Yongyao was arranged. Yuzhan then successfully persuaded Zhang Yongyao to petition the Emperor for a new, thorough examination of the Lucky Words Coins, confident that inconsistencies would be uncovered.

Fu Yuzhan approached Zhang Yongyao, expressing her conviction that Prince Jin was not a traitor, especially considering the involvement of Pengze. She believed a re-examination of the Big Coins would expose the truth and clear Xue Rong’s name. Zhang Yongyao, agreeing that Prince Jin was unlikely to be a collaborator, consented to petition the Emperor for a re-evaluation of the coins. Meanwhile, Princess Shou An, traveling incognito, chanced upon Zhang Yongyao.

She was immediately captivated by him after he gracefully completed a poetic couplet she had written: "The Gentle Breeze Touches the Fine Willows; The Vague Moon Covers the Plum Blossoms." Zhang Yongyao suggested replacing "covers" with "loses," which Princess Shou An found insightful, further deepening her admiration. When she subsequently twisted her ankle, Zhang Yongyao meticulously adjusted it for her, strengthening her nascent affections.

Jiang Shao visited Xue Rong in prison, bringing him warm snacks and a fur coat to ward off the cold. Xue Rong confided that his imprisonment was not truly about the Big Coin case but rather a punishment from his father for defying imperial orders and failing to eliminate Fu Yuzhan. Jiang Shao then delivered a letter from Fu Yuzhan, outlining a plan for his rescue and urging him to follow her instructions.

Xue Rong was surprised and moved that Lady Yuzhan genuinely intended to save him. The Emperor received simultaneous petitions from Prince Jin and Zhang Yongyao requesting a re-examination of the Big Coins. Li Fang reported that Prince Jin was diligently studying in prison, often late into the night. He also mentioned that Jiang Shao, the youngest prince, visited Xue Rong frequently, bringing him food and clothing, and was actively working on his behalf, having even befriended the prison guards.

Impressed by Jiang Shao's loyalty and heroic spirit, the Emperor issued an edict, commanding Assistant Minister for Justice Zhang Yongyao to re-examine the Big Coins on an appointed day. As part of Fu Yuzhan's intricate plan, Fu Jinzhan publicly feigned losing her Lucky Words Coin in the street, prompting a conspicuous search by guards. This news quickly reached Cao Ying, making him anxious. He realized he could no longer use a counterfeit coin for the impending re-examination.

With secret guards already monitoring his residence, escape with his family was impossible. Princess Royal held both his and Prince Jin’s genuine coins, positioning her safely while leaving him to face the sole accusation of treason. Despite finding the news of the Fu family's "lost" coin suspiciously opportune, he concluded that seeking allegiance with the Fu family was his only viable path to protect his wife and daughter. He secretly penned a letter to them.

Fu Jinzhan approached Li Huaijin, asking to borrow his Lucky Words Coin. She "confessed" to having carelessly lost her father’s coin and needed a genuine one to create a duplicate before the re-examination. Li Huaijin, deeply enamored with Jinzhan and understanding that she was "making trouble," readily lent her his coin. Following this, Fu Yuzhan deliberately created a notch in Huaijin’s coin and returned it.

She then sent a threatening letter to Princess Royal, striking at her most vulnerable point: her son, Li Huaijin. When Princess Royal discovered the damaged coin and received Yuzhan's implicit threat, she feared that Jinzhan might not testify for her son, which would lead to his ruin. With no other option, Princess Royal immediately dispatched Prince Jin’s original Big Coin back to his mansion. The next day, Zhang Yongyao conducted the re-examination of all the Big Coins.

When Li Huaijin’s notched coin was presented, Fu Jinzhan stepped forward to publicly admit that she had accidentally damaged it while playing. Cao Ying, however, failed to present his coin. Under Zhang Yongyao's interrogation, Cao Ying implicitly admitted to conspiring with Liu Chengfu. He was promptly arrested and imprisoned. Outside the Ministry of Justice, Fu Yuzhan boldly confronted Princess Royal.

Princess Royal scornfully questioned Yuzhan's family upbringing, to which Yuzhan retorted, subtly criticizing Princess Royal's own moral character as a mother while commending Li Huaijin for his innate sense of righteousness, contrasting him with his mother. Later that night, Princess Royal, fearing Cao Ying would reveal their secrets, ordered her maid to murder him in jail to silence him. Fu Yuzhan then requested to examine all the collected Big Coins at the Ministry of Justice.

She noticed a crucial difference: the coins distributed to imperial relatives bore a small yellowbird emblem, while those given to court officials did not. Princess Royal’s submitted coin lacked the yellowbird, indicating it was Cao Ying’s coin used as a substitute. Yuzhan deduced that Princess Royal’s "true" royal coin, which should have the yellowbird, was still in the Emperor’s possession.

Yuzhan advised Zhang Yongyao to present all the collected Big Coins to the Emperor for his personal review before returning them. The Emperor, upon seeing the returned coins, expressed profound sadness over the dwindling Xue family, noting that only he and his sister remained, and only four such royal coins existed. He implied that he already understood the full truth of the conspiracy.

He then issued a decree stating that Cao Ying, for his long history of corruption and collusion with Pengze, had "committed suicide out of fear of punishment" in prison. His family was enslaved, and his assets confiscated. The Emperor privately remarked that Zhang Yongyao was an intelligent man who would prove useful to his son in the future.

Prince Jin (Xue Rong) expressed profound gratitude to Fu Yuzhan for her astute assistance, acknowledging that without her strategic mind, proving his innocence would have been an insurmountable task. Meanwhile, the Emperor reprimanded Xue Rong, acknowledging his capability but lamenting that he dared to kill Zhao An and defy imperial orders regarding "the Fu girl" for a woman. The Emperor reminded him of his solemn duty to the nation and the Xue family name.

He emphasized that despite being adopted, Xue Rong was considered his own son, entrusted with the future of Lingyang, and any personal indulgence could plunge the populace into suffering. He urged Xue Rong to reflect deeply on his immense responsibilities. Fu Yuzhan's father voiced concern that her public confrontation with Princess Royal and her recent actions would jeopardize the Fu family, especially with the "Empress Fu" rumors already causing significant unrest.

Yuzhan reassured him, explaining that the rumor was now too widespread to suppress. Instead, she had orchestrated its spread to Xuzhou, Pengze. There, Military Commissioner Fu Yantong, also surnamed Fu, mistakenly believed his daughter was the prophesied empress and had publicly declared it, even marrying her to an influential figure. This, Yuzhan explained, would divert the Emperor's attention to other Fu families, not just theirs. She added that Li Fang would discreetly remind the Emperor of Fu Yantong’s past contributions.

Yuzhan confirmed that her strategic alliance with Prince Jin was a necessary measure for survival after the Emperor's attempt on her life. With Prince Jin now reinstated, the Fu family's full support, backed by the powerful Tianxiong Army, would become their secure anchor. Fu Yuzhan later met privately with Xue Rong to solidify their alliance.

She stated that the Fu family, including the Tianxiong Army, would fully support him, expecting that if he ascended the throne, he would remember their aid. Xue Rong acknowledged this, stating his understanding of her sentiments. He then clarified that his deep gratitude was specifically for Yuzhan, not merely the Fu family as a whole. Yuzhan, in turn, stressed that "without the Fu family, there would be no Yuzhan."

The Emperor subtly warned Princess Royal against excessive interference in imperial affairs, advising her to enjoy her leisure and allow Huaijin to make his own decisions. Princess Royal, however, asserted her determination to secure the best for Huaijin, emphasizing that he was the last male descendant of the Xue imperial bloodline, a point the Emperor seemed unable to entirely counter.

The Emperor, disguised as an old gentleman, visited a treasure shop where he encountered Jiang Shao, who was searching for a suitable gift for a friend. Observing Jiang Shao's indecision, the Emperor initiated a conversation. Jiang Shao confided that he was looking for a special gift for a dear friend, a young general with whom he had forged an unbreakable bond of brotherhood on the battlefield while fighting against Pengze invaders.

He showed the Emperor an arrowhead engraved with his friend's name, a cherished token of their shared hardships. Jiang Shao also, feeling an unexpected closeness to the old man, revealed that his mother had died saving a child when he was five, leaving him an orphan. The Emperor was deeply moved by Jiang Shao's story but maintained his disguise, simply advising him to cherish such a precious token of friendship.

Later, Li Fang suggested that the Emperor formally acknowledge Jiang Shao as his only direct heir and bring him back to the palace to end his wandering life. While admitting a strange mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity with Jiang Shao, the Emperor expressed his profound concern. He worried that Jiang Shao, having grown up outside the imperial court, might lack the capability and temperament to govern a nation that had endured much turmoil.

The Emperor explicitly stated he was unwilling to gamble the country's future on an unknown. He reaffirmed his belief that Prince Jin, whom he had meticulously trained as a crown prince since childhood, was the far more suitable choice to inherit the throne, consistently demonstrating the wisdom and character of a true ruler. The Emperor resolved that upon his death, Prince Jin would manage the state, and the secret of Jiang Shao’s royal bloodline would remain hidden forever.

The Emperor reflected on keeping Jiang Shao's royal lineage a secret. He believed it would be better for Jiang Shao not to know his imperial birth, allowing him to live a happier and more relaxed life, as his mother had wished. The Emperor felt confident that Jiang Shao could shoulder the responsibilities for the land and people of Lai.

Fu Jinzhan presented chicken soup to her father, Prince Wei, hoping to gain his permission to join the army and become a female general, citing her meritorious service in assassinating Liu Chengfu. However, Prince Wei grew angry, refused her request, and declared he would never allow his daughter to enter the military. Jinzhan defiantly took the chicken soup back, resolved to join the army regardless.

Later, her maid informed Fu Yuzhan that Jinzhan had changed into men's clothes and left the mansion, not returning by evening. Yuzhan, accustomed to her sister's rebellious behavior, calmly dismissed it, expecting Prince Wei to retrieve Jinzhan from a garrison the next day. Disguised as a man named Jin Zhan, Jinzhan arrived at an army recruiting station. Just as Prince Wei appeared, she subtly signaled to Jiang Shao.

Having recently been appointed Commandant of the Seventh Rank for his role in the assassination of Liu Chengfu, which Xue Rong had helped him secure, Jiang Shao seamlessly enlisted Jinzhan as his footman. Jinzhan, however, immediately declared her true ambition to become the first female general of Lingyang, aiming to make her father and sister proud. Jiang Shao appeared skeptical of her military claims.

Jinzhan then warned him to keep her enlistment a secret, insisting they act as if they didn't know each other. Upon seeing the communal sleeping quarters with wide beds for all the male soldiers, Jinzhan was relieved when Jiang Shao arranged for her to stay in a storeroom near his own room. Prince Wei and Yuzhan dispatched search parties for Jinzhan, but she was nowhere to be found in any of the garrisons.

Yuzhan deduced that Jinzhan, having always aspired to be a female general and leaving in a fit of anger, must have joined the army elsewhere and requested Commander Li Huaijin to expand the search. Prince Wei reminisced about his wife, who, during a period of war and the fall of a city, had courageously led the people to resist the enemy, earning the esteemed title of female general.

He expressed the profound pain of losing her to the war and how he had sworn off remarriage to raise his daughters alone. He now feared Jinzhan would follow her mother's dangerous path and lamented that she couldn't understand his profound concerns. Commander Li Huaijin eventually located Jinzhan during a training session. Jinzhan quickly spotted him and fled, with Jiang Shao cleverly helping her hide in an empty water jar and diverting Commander Li.

Later, Jinzhan complained to Jiang Shao about the endless training, expressing her desire for opportunities to achieve great things. Jiang Shao revealed an intelligence report about three Pengze scout informers planning to meet at Qinghua Lane at midnight. Jinzhan insisted on undertaking the mission with just the two of them, demanding Jiang Shao dismiss all other soldiers so they could claim sole credit for the capture.

She sealed this agreement as a "deal of life and death" before departing for another task assigned by Officer Feng. Jinzhan arrived at Deyue Restaurant for Officer Feng's task, only to find Yuzhan waiting. She realized it was a trap set by her sister. Yuzhan offered her pastries, which Jinzhan eagerly consumed, complaining about the barracks food but admitting she was happy serving in the army.

Yuzhan then casually revealed her knowledge of Jinzhan serving under Jiang Shao, which nearly made Jinzhan choke. Despite Jinzhan's wariness, Yuzhan's plan succeeded, and Jinzhan soon felt dizzy. She woke up in her own room, realizing it was almost midnight. Desperate to meet Jiang Shao for their mission, she found herself confined by the steward, Mr. Zhou, under Prince Wei's orders.

Yuzhan arrived and, after initially scolding Jinzhan for her recklessness, grasped the gravity of the "deal of life and death" mission at Qinghua Lane. She allowed Jinzhan to leave while she rushed to the garrison for reinforcements. Meanwhile, Jiang Shao, waiting alone at Qinghua Lane, encountered the Pengze informers. Outnumbered, he suffered severe wounds and fell. Just as an informer moved to deliver a fatal blow, Jinzhan arrived, striking down the informer with a thrown sword.

She cradled the unconscious Jiang Shao, blaming herself for his injuries. Commander Li Huaijin soon arrived with reinforcements, appearing uneasy at the sight of Jinzhan holding Jiang Shao, but Jinzhan urgently implored him to help save Jiang Shao. News from the border reported that Zhao Yi of Pengze had declared himself the King of Xijian, and his empress was the daughter of Fu Yantong, the military commissioner of Xuzhou, Pengze.

The ailing Emperor, enraged by this blatant disregard for Lingyang's laws and the escalating "Fu girl empress" rumor, coughed up blood. Sensing his impending death, he resolved to stabilize the empire by decisively ending such rumors. He ordered the execution of Fu Yantong's family in Pengze and summoned Fu Yuzhan to the palace.

He explained to Yuzhan that while the "Fu girl empress" rumor was mere nonsense, the massacre of Fu Yantong's family was a necessary sacrifice to protect her and Jinzhan, ensure peace on Lingyang's border, and serve as a harsh warning to opportunists that the "Fu girl empress" prophesy signified disaster, not a source of power.

To further solidify this, the Emperor announced an imperial decree to betroth Yuzhan to Prince Jin, giving her a betrothal token and uniting the Fu family with Prince Jin, signifying they would "share all glory and hardship." Princess Royal, having been informed by her spy that the Emperor was arranging a marriage between a Fu girl and Xue Rong, immediately decided to make her own arrangements.

Soon after, a matchmaker arrived at the Fu residence to propose a marriage between Li Huaijin and Fu Jinzhan. Jinzhan found the proposal absurd, asserting that she viewed Li Huaijin as a brother and wished for him to find someone he truly loved, not her. Li Huaijin, accompanied by Jiang Shao (who harbored his own feelings for Jinzhan and had come along under the pretense of "boosting courage"), was present.

Prince Wei, though acknowledging Li Huaijin was a good and kind person, ultimately agreed that rejecting the proposal was for the best, primarily due to Li Huaijin's domineering mother, which he believed would lead to endless troubles. He wholeheartedly approved of Yuzhan's marriage to Prince Jin, recognizing the Emperor's clear intention to name Prince Jin as his heir, and urged Yuzhan to assist Prince Jin for the welfare of Lingyang and its people.

Later, at a cloth store selecting wedding fabrics, Prince Jin informed Yuzhan about the massacre of Fu Yantong's family in Pengze, adding that a chivalrous person had saved Fu Yantong's daughter. Yuzhan reiterated that the "Fu girl empress" was merely a rumor and that innocent lives should not be sacrificed due to baseless gossip. She expressed her hope that the Emperor remained unaware of the rescue, to which Prince Jin, understanding her unspoken meaning, agreed not to inform him.

The Emperor, now critically ill, summoned Jiang Shao through Eunuch Li, and also called Prince Jin (who is also referred to as Xue Rong in this context). Jiang Shao, unaware of the Emperor's true identity, believed he was simply visiting an ailing old gentleman. There, he reunited with Xue Rong. Before them, the Emperor instructed Jiang Shao to retrieve an important item and personally present it to Xue Rong. Xue Rong appeared somewhat confused by this gesture.

The Emperor then joined their hands, imploring them to "share weal and woe" and "never fail each other" throughout their lives. He then revealed Jiang Shao's identity, asking Xue Rong, as the elder, to care for Jiang Shao, describing him as a "fatherless and motherless child." Princess Royal, having learned of the Emperor's critical condition, attempted to pressure Li Huaijin to join her in confronting the Emperor to secure his status, but Li Huaijin, being on duty, refused.

Before she could reach the Emperor, he secretly entrusted Eunuch Li with an edict to be revealed should a succession dispute arise. Princess Royal then burst in, confronting the Emperor. She expressed her outrage at his apparent intention to make Xue Rong the Crown Prince and to give away the Xue family's legacy to an outsider, arguing that Xue Rong, despite his adopted surname, was originally of the Chai family and unrelated by blood to the Xue family.

She adamantly asserted that the succession was a matter for all Xue family members to decide, not just the Emperor alone, claiming she couldn't stand by and watch the Xue family's land be given to outsiders. The Emperor, exasperated and in poor health, became visibly upset and coughed up blood, ordering her to leave.

The Princess Royal and the Emperor engaged in a fierce argument regarding the succession, which greatly angered the Emperor, causing him to cough uncontrollably. The physician, Dr. Chen, informed Eunuch Li that the Emperor's condition was not optimistic. Following this, the Emperor issued an order, appointing Li Huaijin to guard Funing Palace, decreeing that no one, except Dr. Chen for pulse diagnosis, was allowed to enter or exit. Fu Yuzhan and Fu Jinzhan visited Prince Jin’s Mansion.

Yuzhan inquired if Prince Jin had seen the Emperor recently, explaining that her father, Prince Wei, had attempted to see the Emperor the previous day but was turned away by Commander Li, who cited the Emperor’s ill health. Yuzhan found this peculiar, as the Emperor, though often unwell, was known for his diligence and had never refused to meet ministers due to illness. She also mentioned her desire to thank the Emperor for the granted marriage.

Prince Jin sensed Yuzhan had another motive and asked if the Emperor had given her any specific instructions. Yuzhan explained that the Emperor had emphasized the importance of their marriage, specifically stating he would personally review Prince Jin’s betrothal gift list. However, after that audience, the Emperor immediately sent an order to Prince Wei's Mansion, expressing his wish to personally embroider characters on the sachet he had given Yuzhan as a token of imperial favor.

Yuzhan entrusted Mr. Zhu with returning the sachet to the palace, but upon its return today, it remained unembroidered. This was the true anomaly. Understanding Yuzhan's implications, Prince Jin agreed to immediately go to Funing Palace to inquire after the Emperor. Prince Jin and Fu Jinzhan, disguised as a guard, went to the palace together. Prince Jin planned to distract the guards while Jinzhan scaled the wall to enter Funing Palace.

Jinzhan successfully entered and could only vaguely see a figure on the bed through the bed curtains. She overheard a eunuch relaying a message that the Emperor wished to eat peach blossom crisp, a specialty pastry from his hometown. As Jinzhan exited Funing Palace, Li Huaijin discovered her but quickly urged her to leave, instructing her to act as if nothing had happened that day.

He let her go, knowing that Yuzhan had deliberately chosen a time when he was on duty, trusting that he wouldn't harm Jinzhan. Back at Prince Jin’s Mansion, Jinzhan recounted her observations. She felt that the Emperor still having an appetite for peach blossom crisp meant he was likely fine. However, Xue Rong countered, explaining that his father never ate peach blossom crisp because it caused his entire body to itch, a detail known only to him.

Furthermore, Jinzhan found it strange that Eunuch Li, the Emperor’s close seneschal, only watched from a distance, allowing other junior eunuchs to attend to the Emperor, without approaching the imperial bed himself. Hearing this, Fu Yuzhan proposed moving up her wedding date with Prince Jin. Her plan was to leverage the custom that a newly wedded prince must visit the Emperor the day after the wedding, thereby forcing the Emperor to appear in public.

The Princess Royal, perceiving Fu Yuzhan's clever tactic to force the Emperor's hand, decided she would not let Yuzhan succeed. She believed that if marrying a Fu daughter could lead to the highest position, then her son, Li Huaijin, should also contend for such a match. She planned to send a special wedding gift on the day of Yuzhan’s marriage to Prince Jin. Yuzhan, Jinzhan, and Jiang Shao went to Ruixiang Cloth store to collect Yuzhan's wedding dress.

Unbeknownst to them, the Princess Royal had already placed assassins there. As Yuzhan prepared to try on her wedding dress, an assassin attacked her from behind with a sword. Fortunately, Jiang Shao reacted swiftly, pulling Yuzhan out of harm’s way. A group of assassins then appeared, their target explicitly being Fu Yuzhan. During the ensuing skirmish, Jinzhan was kicked out a window and fell into the river.

Taking advantage of the assassins' desire to capture her alive, Yuzhan used her own life as a bargaining chip to demand Jiang Shao's release. She instructed Jiang Shao to tell her father to prepare her jewelry and not to miss the auspicious wedding time. After being released, Jiang Shao jumped into the river and rescued the unconscious Jinzhan, performing artificial respiration to revive her. Upon waking, Jinzhan, embarrassed, jokingly accused Jiang Shao of taking advantage of her.

Jinzhan and Jiang Shao returned to the Fu family mansion. Prince Wei calmly analyzed the situation, concluding that the assassins' original intent was to kill Yuzhan and capture Jinzhan, but with Jinzhan now safe, Yuzhan's life should not be in immediate danger as she was captured instead. Prince Wei asked Jiang Shao to suppress any rumors, especially to keep Prince Jin unaware of Yuzhan's capture, to prevent any further disruption to the wedding.

He emphasized that the true purpose of the wedding was to create an opportunity to see the Emperor and confirm his safety. Jiang Shao advised Jinzhan not to act recklessly, as any move could jeopardize Yuzhan's life. It was revealed that the assassins were sent by the Princess Royal. She feared Yuzhan knew about her involvement in her sister's death and might accuse her of sabotaging the imperial marriage. Therefore, she ordered the assassins to kill Yuzhan.

However, Yuzhan had managed to turn Yueying, the Princess Royal’s close maid, who then informed Li Huaijin to rescue Yuzhan. Following Yuzhan's dropped jewelry as a trail, Jiang Shao and Jinzhan located the Princess Royal’s Mansion. Li Huaijin, who had hidden Yuzhan in a separate compound, was overjoyed to see Jinzhan alive. Inside the mansion, Jinzhan secretly entered a heavily guarded room, only to find a jade craftsman, not her sister.

She took a piece of broken jade from him before escaping. Learning that both Fu sisters were still alive, the Princess Royal was furious, especially after her guards reported a missing jade piece from the workshop. She lamented that her brother's actions regarding the "Fu empress prophecy" meant he believed it, just wanting the benefits for Xue Rong. The wedding day arrived as scheduled, and Fu Yuzhan and Fu Jinzhan made their preparations.

As Yuzhan was being sent off in her sedan chair, Yueying, who had placed Duanmengxiang, a type of potent Jianghu knockout drops, inside the sedan, drugged her. This would keep Yuzhan unconscious for at least twelve hours. To ensure the wedding proceeded and force the Emperor's appearance, Jinzhan decided to impersonate Yuzhan, while Jiang Shao would attempt to swap them in the bridal chamber.

During the ceremony, the Princess Royal, feigning goodwill, offered a Phoenix hairpin as a wedding gift and personally lifted the bride's veil, exposing Fu Jinzhan. Caught in the act, Prince Jin, with quick wit, declared that the imperial decree only specified a Fu daughter, not specifically Yuzhan, and that he was truly in love with and intended to marry Fu Jinzhan, the second daughter of the Fu family.

After the wedding, Prince Jin and Fu Jinzhan went to the palace to pay their respects to the Emperor. Unexpectedly, a eunuch rushed in with the shocking news: the Emperor had passed away. In the ensuing court session, ministers intensely debated the succession. The Princess Royal nominated Li Huaijin, arguing that since the late Emperor had no biological son, succession should be determined by bloodline, and Li Huaijin, possessing the Xue family bloodline, was more suitable than Prince Jin.

However, Eunuch Li, who had served the late Emperor for many years and was believed to know his true intentions, publicly declared that the Emperor had always intended to name Prince Jin as his successor, believing he would ensure the Xue dynasty's lasting prosperity. The Princess Royal confronted Eunuch Li at his residence, accusing him of openly defying her in court. Eunuch Li calmly asserted his loyalty to the Xue family's enduring legacy, not to any individual.

The Princess Royal, believing no one but her son Li Huaijin was worthy, scornfully dismissed Prince Jin as merely an adopted 'wild seed'. Eunuch Li then explained that his decision to help the Princess Royal conceal the Emperor's death for three days was purely a self-serving act to ensure his own survival for a few more days, implying he anticipated his fate once the truth was revealed.

Li Fang confessed to Princess Royal that he only desired three more days to live. He explained that when the late emperor passed away, two other eunuchs, who were his close attendants, were also present. To protect himself from Princess Royal's potential harm, he had sent them out of the palace and hidden them securely, preventing their discovery. He admitted that his actions were all part of a plan to divert her attention and secure his own survival.

Before Princess Royal departed, she implied a threat to Li Fang's young nephew, the sole remaining bloodline of the Li family. Li Fang, however, feigned ignorance, claiming he knew and saw nothing. Meanwhile, Prince Jin was alone, drinking his sorrows away. Fu Yuzhan, too, looked contemplatively at the sachet the late emperor had bestowed upon her.

Her father, Prince Wei, approached her, urging her to move past her feelings, as her younger sister, Fu Jinzhan, was now destined to marry Prince Jin. He emphasized that she should not, and could not, dwell on the past. Fu Yuzhan assured him that she would return the sachet to Prince Jin the following day. Xue Rong and Jiang Shao sought solace in alcohol together. Jiang Shao questioned Xue Rong about his and Fu Yuzhan's future.

Xue Rong initially dismissed their situation as a mere marriage of convenience, born out of necessity, and not something to worry about. However, he admitted that while they could deceive others, they could not deceive themselves. Xue Rong then confessed to Jiang Shao that he had, unknowingly, fallen deeply in love with Fu Yuzhan, describing how he often imagined her presence in beautiful settings.

Jiang Shao, in turn, recalled Fu Jinzhan, cherishing the memory of her getting into mischief as his fondest. The two brothers lamented their changed circumstances, wondering why things had turned out this way. When Jiang Shao asked if Xue Rong believed in destiny, Xue Rong declared his belief in the power of human will. They reaffirmed their lifelong brotherhood, a promise made to the late emperor, vowing to always support each other, regardless of fate or human machinations.

During a court session, Prince Wei publicly challenged Princess Royal, questioning why she continually obstructed Prince Jin's enthronement despite Eunuch Li's testimony about the late emperor's wishes. Princess Royal countered, asserting that legitimacy was paramount. She insisted that Prince Jin could not ascend the throne without the formal imperial decree and the imperial jade seal, suggesting that discussions of enthronement should only resume once these items were presented.

Later, Princess Royal, along with her maid Yueying, discussed the need for a fake imperial seal. While Yueying was eager for Li Huaijin to immediately ascend the throne using it, Princess Royal cautioned against such haste. She clarified that the fake seal’s true purpose was not to enthrone Li Huaijin directly, but to pressure Prince Jin into revealing the "real" imperial jade seal.

She reasoned that Prince Jin, unwilling to yield power, must be frantically searching for the genuine seal, which the late emperor intended for him. She believed that rushing Prince Jin would cause him to make mistakes, thereby exposing his vulnerabilities. Fu Yuzhan visited Prince Jin's Mansion to return the sachet the late emperor had given her as an engagement memento.

Xue Rong expressed concern for her health after she was poisoned by Enticing Incense, to which she replied she was fine after merely sleeping for two days. As she handed him the sachet, she stated it now held no meaning. Xue Rong, understanding her implication, argued that human emotions, once developed, cannot be easily retracted. Fu Yuzhan, however, advised him that those with great ambition must learn to make sacrifices and let go of personal feelings.

Xue Rong was taken aback by her cold resolve. As she prepared to leave, he asked if she would have married him if she, and not Enticing Incense, had been in the bridal sedan chair that day, and if it had been for herself rather than her family. Fu Yuzhan offered a poignant reply: "There is always an assumption for things that make people feel sorry."

She then left, silently acknowledging that since Heaven had made their choice, they should not look back. Meanwhile, Fu Jinzhan, disguised as a male soldier, infiltrated the garrison to see Jiang Shao. Jiang Shao, upon finding her, reprimanded her for her reckless behavior and questioned if she had informed Prince Jin of her visit. Jinzhan defiantly blamed Jiang Shao for her current predicament as Princess Jin, attributing it to his "stupid idea" of having her wear the wedding dress.

Jiang Shao reminded her of the public nature of her marriage, witnessed by high-ranking officials, and the critical political climate. He warned her that with the new emperor not yet enthroned, rival forces were "waiting for the right time with greed," placing Prince Jin in a perilous position. He urged her, despite her simple and upright nature, not to cause further trouble for Prince Jin and the Fu family.

Jinzhan insisted she was merely practicing martial arts, but Jiang Shao firmly told her there was no longer a place for her in the garrison. He declared he had a clear conscience and would resign to roam the world and help people if necessary. Jinzhan excitedly agreed to join him on his adventures, but he advised her to behave until that day came.

Xue Rong went to the Imperial Garden and knelt by an ancient tree, which the late emperor had personally planted when he adopted Xue Rong. He spoke to his deceased father, lamenting that the granted marriage had failed and that the sachet, an engagement token, had lost its meaning. He buried the sachet beneath the tree, expressing his sorrow that despite fulfilling his father’s wish for a Fu daughter to be empress, he could not choose his own destiny.

Unbeknownst to him, Princess Royal observed his actions from a distance. She bitterly reflected on her brother's favoritism towards Xue Rong over her own son, Li Huaijin, the true bloodline of the Xue family. After Xue Rong left, Princess Royal ordered her maid, Yueying, to dig up the sachet, curious as to why Xue Rong had hidden it there. They retrieved the sachet and its contents.

Later, Jinzhan suggested to Xue Rong that he simply divorce her, but he explained the gravity of royal marriages. He then recounted how Princess Royal was demanding the imperial decree and jade seal for his enthronement, causing significant delays. Jinzhan suddenly remembered a piece of jade material she had picked up from Princess Royal’s Mansion. She retrieved it and presented it to Xue Rong. He immediately recognized it as royal jade used for crafting imperial seals, bearing dragon-like patterns.

This revelation led him to understand Princess Royal’s true intention: not to destroy a seal, but to forge a fake one to install her son, Li Huaijin, on the throne. Jinzhan, determined to stop her, declared she would inform her sister, Yuzhan. Fearing exposure from Jinzhan's possession of the jade material, Princess Royal orchestrated a manipulative scheme. She first dismissed her loyal, long-serving staff with generous severance, signifying a drastic change.

Then, feigning deep remorse and tearfully confessing to Li Huaijin, she claimed to have privately forged an imperial seal but was discovered by Fu Jinzhan, who had taken the remaining jade material. Dramatically, she expressed fears that Prince Jin's retaliation would doom their entire household.

To "save" him, she proposed a plan: Li Huaijin should take the "fake" imperial seal she had crafted and present it to Prince Jin, publicly exposing "her" (Princess Royal) as the sole culprit, thereby absolving himself. Believing his mother's sacrifice, Li Huaijin immediately asked about the jade material in Jinzhan's possession and rushed to Prince Jin's Mansion, vowing to protect his mother. There, he greeted Jinzhan. Despite her advising him against formal courtesies, he apologized on his mother's behalf.

Jinzhan then warned him to distance himself from his mother, revealing Princess Royal's treasonous act of forging an imperial seal and presenting the jade material as proof. Distracting Jinzhan momentarily, Li Huaijin apologized once more, stating, "She is my mother," before knocking her unconscious and making off with the jade material. Jinzhan awoke to find the jade material missing and confessed her carelessness to Yuzhan and Xue Rong.

Yuzhan, however, comforted her, explaining that even if they had the material, Princess Royal could simply deny the accusations, making conviction difficult. Xue Rong proposed they "strike first" by sending a letter to Princess Royal, falsely claiming he possessed the "real" imperial seal. This, he reasoned, would deter her from presenting her fake one and allow them to publicly expose her. This strategy would also buy them crucial time to locate the genuine imperial seal.

Xue Rong recalled the imperial seal was last seen when the late emperor granted him the Golden Lion. Upon inspection, he discovered a unique keyhole on the back of the Golden Lion. Yuzhan immediately recognized its shape, remembering the late emperor had given her an engagement sachet containing a similar key. Jinzhan urged them to retrieve the sachet from its burial spot.

Xue Rong rushed to the Imperial Garden only to find the sachet gone, and a palace attendant confirmed that Princess Royal had visited the tree after he had buried it. Devastated, Xue Rong asked Yuzhan to leave him, then poured out his heart to his deceased father, expressing his profound loneliness and how Fu Yuzhan brought "light" into his life, yet he "cannot marry her."

Yuzhan, remaining nearby, acknowledged her prior belief in fate but declared that if one is determined, their fate need not be decided by Heaven. She asserted, "If our fate was decided by God, I was gonna be the God." Xue Rong then asked if she would join him in changing their destiny.

Yuzhan responded that she could only do so if she was absolutely certain that she could devote herself to him "regardless of danger," even if it meant abandoning all personal interests. The next day, Xue Rong, engrossed in official documents, tried to avoid Fu Yuzhan's visit. Despite his attempts to redirect her to Jinzhan, Yuzhan insisted on speaking with Prince Jin directly.

She urged him not to avoid her, reminding him that with the imperial seal missing, the Fu family and Prince Jin were inextricably linked, sharing a common fate. She stressed that they could not allow personal emotions to jeopardize state affairs. Yuzhan emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the Golden Lion, as without it, Princess Royal's retrieved key would be useless.

When Xue Rong inquired about a method to open the Golden Lion, Yuzhan suggested Mr. Lu of Yunshen Store, a renowned master of machining. Xue Rong eagerly proposed sending for him immediately, but Yuzhan calmly advised against such haste, prompting Xue Rong to realize that she had already sent Jinzhan to investigate Mr. Lu's capabilities.

Fu Jinzhan and Jiang Shao first visited Mr. Lu at his Yunshen Store, seeking his help. Mr. Lu, who was engrossed in studying a secret mechanism box, released a series of traps to test them. Jinzhan was annoyed by his rudeness and fiery temper, but Jiang Shao explained that martial arts masters often have eccentric behaviors. Unable to force their way in, they had to leave.

Later, Prince Jin, accompanied by Fu Yuzhan and Jinzhan, paid another visit to Mr. Lu’s Yunshen Store. Prince Jin respectfully greeted Mr. Lu, stating he had previously sent a letter and now brought an item, hoping for Mr. Lu's assistance. Mr. Lu, observing Prince Jin, recognized him as an extraordinary individual with the potential to be an emperor and treated them with respect. As Mr. Lu examined the golden lion they presented, he noted its intricate design.

He explained that while forcing the mechanism open was possible, it would likely damage any important contents inside. Prince Jin expressed his disappointment, feeling the plan was hopeless, but Yuzhan comforted him, urging him not to lose hope, as the situation might still turn around. Yuzhan then revealed a new plan, emphasizing that Jinzhan’s help was crucial. She cautioned Jinzhan against acting rashly, reminding her that the lives of both Prince Wei’s and Prince Jin’s households depended on her.

Jinzhan, feeling trusted by her sister, promised to do her utmost to help with her true abilities. Jinzhan went to find Li Huaijin and, still holding a grudge over the jade incident, hit him. Li Huaijin explained that the jade was vital for his family's survival, as he could not allow his mother to face execution.

Jinzhan understood his predicament and confessed that her marriage to Prince Jin was not one of true affection, nor did Prince Jin genuinely love her, as he was in love with someone else. She explained that their marriage, initially intended to be annulled, proceeded due to public expectation. Heartbroken, Prince Jin had buried a sentimental sachet under a tree in the Imperial Garden, only for it to be stolen.

Li Huaijin immediately realized that his mother, suspecting Prince Jin was hiding secrets, had taken the sachet. He returned home to search for it but was discovered by Princess Royal, who, upon finding him with the sachet, became convinced that the key inside was highly coveted, although its true purpose remained a mystery to her. Princess Royal dispatched Yueying to covertly infiltrate Yunshen Store at night to seize the golden lion.

However, Jinzhan arrived just in time to rescue Mr. Lu, who injured Yueying with one of his mechanisms. Yueying fled to a nearby house, killing innocent residents to cover her escape, before returning to Princess Royal’s Mansion. She presented the golden lion to Princess Royal. Princess Royal used the key she possessed to open the golden lion, finding a note that indicated the Imperial Jade Seal was located behind a plaque in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yongyao was investigating the murders of the commoners. He met with Li Huaijin, informing him that the perpetrators were closely associated with Princess Royal’s Mansion. Zhang Yongyao expressed concern that these "reckless thugs" might disturb Princess Royal and advised Li Huaijin to have his patrols be extra careful around the mansion. Li Huaijin informed Zhang Yongyao that Princess Royal had left for Funing Palace that morning to pay tribute to the late emperor.

Following the note's instructions, Princess Royal proceeded to the Imperial Ancestral Temple in search of the Imperial Jade Seal. Simultaneously, Yuzhan, Princess Shou'an, and Zhang Yongyao arrived at the temple. Princess Shou'an subtly engaged Zhang Yongyao, first by dropping her sachet and later by challenging Yuzhan to a chess match and inviting Zhang Yongyao to participate, effectively delaying them all. Yuzhan, who had come under the pretense of delivering an embroidered purse to Princess Shou'an, joined the game.

Inside the temple, Princess Royal discovered that what she found behind the plaque was not the Imperial Jade Seal, but her own Princess Royal’s Seal. Realizing she had been outwitted by a fake golden lion, designed to obtain an impression of her key, Princess Royal was furious and berated Yueying for her incompetence, vowing to make Prince Jin and his allies pay. After the chess game, Zhang Yongyao confronted Yuzhan, noting her unconventional decision to concede despite having further moves.

He recognized that her presence in the palace was not coincidental. Yuzhan, expressing her admiration for Zhang Yongyao's wisdom and integrity, questioned if she could trust him. Zhang Yongyao asserted that his position as Minister of Justice required upholding both law and justice. Yuzhan affirmed she was there for him. She then explained that with the late emperor's sudden death and the Imperial Jade Seal missing, the world would descend into chaos if it fell into the wrong hands.

Zhang Yongyao revealed he had found a blood-stained cloth belonging to a royal family at a murder scene, which made him suspect Princess Royal and led him to test Li Huaijin. Yuzhan confirmed she had learned of his investigation from Li Huaijin and had come to ensure his actions did not disrupt her already laid plans.

Zhang Yongyao declared he would cease his investigation, recalling the late emperor's trust in him and the outcome of a previous case, but offered his aid to prevent conspirators from succeeding. Yuzhan expressed her pleasure in collaborating with him. Mr. Lu then crafted a new key from the impression obtained earlier using the fake golden lion as bait. Yuzhan devised a strategy, a 'lure the tiger out of its den' scheme, to entice Princess Royal away from her mansion.

While Mr. Lu worked on the key, Jiang Shao expressed his worry to Jinzhan that she might forget their promise to roam the martial world together if she became Empress. Jinzhan tried to reassure him amidst Mr. Lu's annoyance, who then used a mechanism to silence them. With the newly crafted key, Prince Jin opened the real golden lion, which contained a map. Following its guidance, he located the Imperial Decree left by his father and the Imperial Jade Seal.

Prince Jin's men retrieved the Imperial Jade Seal, enabling him to successfully ascend to the throne as Emperor Xue Rong. Fu Jinzhan was concurrently crowned Empress. At the enthronement ceremony, the Imperial Decree declared Xue Rong's ascension and named Lady Fu as Empress. Yuzhan, watching from afar and playing a zither with a broken string, reflected on how some matters are dictated by fate and not human will.

Princess Royal, still undeterred, secretly vowed to protect the "true" Xue family kingdom from those she considered illegitimate. That night, Emperor Xue Rong, adhering to imperial custom, visited Empress Jinzhan's palace to sleep, primarily to maintain appearances for his officials and the people. However, the newly crowned Emperor and Empress comically bickered over who would sleep in the bed. Stewardess Song observed their playful interaction, commenting on their youthful and intimate bond.

On their wedding night, Empress Jinzhan refused to let Emperor Xue Rong sleep on the bed with her, insisting he sleep on a chair instead. She asked him if he liked her older sister, Yuzhan, to which he confessed he loved Yuzhan even in his dreams. Later that night, Stewardess Song arrived to listen outside their chamber.

The next morning, Jinzhan, still frustrated, expressed her desire to find Xue Rong, but her maid explained that he had been called away before dawn to handle state affairs. Feeling trapped and bored within the palace, Jinzhan wanted to wear her martial arts costume and go to the garrison for training. However, Stewardess Song informed her that as it was her first day in charge of the harem, she had no leisure to leave.

Stewardess Song then presented Jinzhan with numerous account books, emphasizing that the palace rules, passed down through generations, could not be broken by anyone, not even the Emperor. When Jinzhan's maid, Qingge, failed to act according to protocol, Stewardess Song ordered Qingge to be sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for discipline, prompting Jinzhan to reluctantly return to her duties and manage the palace affairs.

To ensure Jinzhan stayed focused, Stewardess Song even used a special incense, stating it would burn for two hours, but secretly placed the actual timer incense outside, making Jinzhan's attempts to speed up the process futile. Later that evening, Stewardess Song was once again listening outside Jinzhan's chamber. Jinzhan complained to Xue Rong about Stewardess Song's demanding nature, forcing her to review documents.

She recounted how Stewardess Song had even brought a physician when Jinzhan feigned illness, only to be disappointed when Jinzhan wasn't found to be pregnant. Jinzhan found Stewardess Song's constant supervision and insistence on traditional remedies unbearable and requested Xue Rong to transfer her. Xue Rong, however, defended Stewardess Song, explaining that she was a trusted aide of his late mother and was appointed by his late father.

He described her as honest and diligent, a role model for the harem, and believed that without her, Jinzhan would have brought chaos to the palace. He felt Stewardess Song was necessary to help Jinzhan temper her impulsive nature. Feeling unsupported, Jinzhan lamented that her sister, Yuzhan, was much better suited for such administrative tasks. Xue Rong, hearing Yuzhan’s name, quickly changed the topic and urged Jinzhan to sleep.

Meanwhile, Yuzhan was at the Fu family residence, overseeing the sorting of gifts that nobles had sent, hoping to curry favor now that Jinzhan was Empress. She instructed her maid to send some valuable paintings and calligraphy, items Xue Rong was known to appreciate, to the palace. Her maid then suggested they visit the Lantern Festival to buy a lantern for Jinzhan, knowing Jinzhan would be upset about missing it.

Back in the palace, Jinzhan defiantly began training the palace maids in martial arts, aiming to form a formidable female guard. Her glee was short-lived when Stewardess Song intervened, declaring that these maids had violated palace rules and rituals. She had them sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for re-education, informing Jinzhan that any attempts to defy ancestral rules would require an imperial edict and review by the Imperial Court, effectively stifling Jinzhan's efforts to express her free spirit.

Observing Jinzhan's continued clashes with Stewardess Song, Xue Rong found himself troubled. He called Jiang Shao, acknowledging Jiang Shao's affection for Jinzhan and expressing his intent to eventually find a way to replace Jinzhan as Empress. He asked Jiang Shao to counsel Jinzhan to behave more responsibly. To give Jinzhan a temporary reprieve and hopefully calm her down, Xue Rong arranged for Jiang Shao to secretly take her out of Ciming Palace to enjoy the Lantern Festival that very night.

Jiang Shao, delighted, asked if Xue Rong would join them, but Xue Rong, calling them both "nitwitted" for their carefree ways, declined, citing his duty to state affairs. Jinzhan was overjoyed to see Jiang Shao, and they ventured into the bustling Lantern Festival. Amidst the crowd, Yuzhan spotted Jinzhan and Jiang Shao holding hands, disapproving of Jinzhan's reckless behavior and attempting to follow them, but lost them in the throng.

Jiang Shao informed Jinzhan that Xue Rong had indeed discussed dethroning her, but the proposal was rejected due to strict protocols, and Xue Rong felt the timing wasn't right. He advised Jinzhan to remain calm and fulfill her role as Empress until a more opportune moment arose. Jinzhan, initially upset, was touched when Jiang Shao presented her with a handmade comb, explaining he learned to make it hoping it would unite lovers.

Jinzhan, who had just bought a similar comb, discarded it in favor of his heartfelt gift. They mused about when Jinzhan could escape her title. Meanwhile, Xue Rong, disguised in a "Devil" mask, spotted Yuzhan and dramatically pulled her into his sedan chair, holding her close. He spoke of a play where a high-powered man felt helpless and wished for a woman to let go of her regrets and accept him, implicitly inviting Yuzhan to embrace their destined relationship.

Yuzhan recognized him and responded thoughtfully, stating that while plays are for entertainment, she wished to live for herself. She desired a pure love, not one entangled in "interest and calculation," and believed that "time will tell" if their connection truly constituted love. Later that evening, after their separate adventures, Jinzhan and Jiang Shao agreed to meet at Mount Bo for a sunrise viewing in two days.

Jiang Shao explained to Jinzhan that Xue Rong, seeing their carefree spirit, admired them and pledged to protect their happiness, urging Jinzhan to be mindful of the Emperor's position. They sealed their plan to meet with a "life and death appointment." Eagerly anticipating their meeting, Jinzhan, unable to sleep, set out for Mount Bo two hours early. She waited through the night, but Jiang Shao never arrived. Disheartened and angry, she declared she no longer trusted him.

She left a letter for Xue Rong, informing him that she had left the capital an hour ago to find Jiang Shao in Dingzhou. She then went to Jiang Shao's mansion in Dingzhou, only to find workers moving out his belongings. They informed her that Jiang Shao had gambled away his family fortune at a casino and was "in trouble." Jinzhan was dismayed, realizing Jiang Shao had broken their promise for gambling.

Shortly after, Stewardess Song arrived to remind Xue Rong of the traditional palace banquet scheduled in five days, where the Princess Royal and other noblewomen would formally greet the new Empress. A concerned eunuch worried about the banquet given Jinzhan's disappearance. Xue Rong then connected Jinzhan's absence to another royal obligation: attending Madam Jin's birthday in Zhaozhou, a tradition for the late Emperor that he now couldn't uphold.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, he dispatched Qingge to the Fu family to inform Prince Wei and Yuzhan about Jinzhan's flight and seek their counsel. Upon receiving the news from Qingge, Prince Wei was furious, fearing that Jinzhan’s reckless act would bring disaster upon the Fu family, beyond even the Emperor's ability to protect them. He also angrily questioned Jiang Shao’s involvement. Yuzhan stepped forward, promising to find a solution.

She met with Xue Rong and acknowledged his concerns about protecting Prince Wei if the Empress failed to appear for the banquet. Yuzhan then recounted the tale of the late Emperor, who, saved by Madam Jin in Zhaozhou during wartime, had made an annual tradition of discreetly visiting her for her birthday. She suggested Xue Rong continue this tradition, proposing a "substitute" plan: she would impersonate Jinzhan and accompany Xue Rong on the trip to Zhaozhou.

This would serve to distract attention from Jinzhan's absence, provide time to find her, and avert the impending palace banquet. Xue Rong praised her ingenuity, although Yuzhan subtly implied that he had cleverly guided her to this solution, making it seem as though she had independently devised it. She conceded that with the Fu family's fate at stake, she had no other choice. Meanwhile, in Dingzhou, Jiang Shao, having lost everything overnight, was still at the casino. Despite his misfortune, he borrowed 1,000 coins at a hefty monthly interest rate, placing his last bet on "Big," hoping for a desperate turnaround.

Xue Rong and Yuzhan are traveling towards Zhaozhou, with Xue Rong assuring Yuzhan that he has arranged for their trip to be discreet, ensuring no one dares to speak of what they see or hear. Yuzhan reminds him that her accompanying him to Zhaozhou is only a temporary measure. Her father has already dispatched people to find Jinzhan, and once she is located, Yuzhan will swap places with her sister.

Xue Rong shares his view of Jinzhan and Jiang Shao, seeing them as innocent and childlike, finding their youthful antics charming and precious. Yuzhan, however, suggests that once he truly witnesses Jinzhan's "methods," he might find her charming nature to be quite a headache. Xue Rong admits he has already experienced Jinzhan's unruly behavior firsthand and states that upon her return to the palace, she can no longer be indulged as before, lest she cause even greater trouble.

Yuzhan reveals her envy for Jinzhan's carefree spirit, which her doting father always indulged since her mother's passing. She explains that since the Fu family has no sons, despite their noble status, it remains a deep regret for her father. Thus, she and Jinzhan must strive to prove that Prince Wei's daughters are superior to sons. Yuzhan mentions that Jinzhan endured significant hardship learning martial arts, a fact unknown to others.

Yuzhan further elaborates on the precarious position of the Fu family; under her father's stewardship, they grew powerful and gained the late emperor's favor, wielding substantial military might. In a capital filled with ambitious officials, the Fu family constantly walked a tightrope. Yuzhan confesses that before Xue Rong's enthronement, she resolved to use the Fu family's entire strength to support him, hoping to remove them from the volatile center of court power struggles.

However, she acknowledges that even with a Fu daughter as empress, peace is not guaranteed, which forced her to mature quickly and share her father's burdens. Xue Rong expresses deep sympathy, telling her that even a frown from her causes him immense pain. He assures her that though she is currently impersonating his empress and he will not overstep, he will never abandon those he truly wishes to protect.

Yuzhan understands his sentiments but asks for more time to discern if she can fully commit to him, as that is the kind of love she seeks. Xue Rong expresses confidence that her certainty will come soon. Meanwhile, Jinzhan finds Jiang Shao at a gambling den in Dingzhou, where he has lost his house and accumulated a thousand coins in debt.

Jinzhan attempts to settle his debt, but lacking sufficient funds, she boasts that she can win back all his losses in the time it takes an incense stick to burn. However, she consistently loses to the gambling den's cheating tactics. Jiang Shao, aware of the cheating, had deliberately continued gambling to meet Zhu Xiaobei and did not want Jinzhan to get involved. To prevent her entanglement, he causes a commotion and gets himself caught.

Jinzhan, realizing the trickery, flees, leaving Jiang Shao behind. Jiang Shao is taken to the backyard, where he finds Zhu Xiaobei, who admits he gambled away his money and lured Jiang Shao with a letter claiming to have clues about his father. Zhu Xiaobei then presents Jiang Shao with a jade pendant he stole from the gambling den, confirming it came from the Jin family of Zhaozhou.

As Jiang Shao and Zhu Xiaobei prepare to leave, they hear Jinzhan outside, threatening to dismantle the gambling den if Jiang Shao isn't released. Jiang Shao, exasperated, rescues her. Jinzhan expresses concern about how he will explain his unauthorized departure to the Emperor. Jiang Shao, in turn, asks how she will explain her own actions, including leaving the palace.

He clarifies that he rushed to Dingzhou to follow a lead about his father, a quest he wouldn't abandon even if it led to nothing. Jinzhan, touched by his plight, decides to accompany him to Zhaozhou, convinced that her intelligent sister and the Emperor will handle matters in the capital. Xue Rong and Yuzhan arrive at Jin's Mansion in Zhaozhou.

Xue Rong recounts the Jin family's valiant history, noting that all male members died fighting Pengze invaders, leaving only Madam Jin, who once saved the late emperor. He respects Madam Jin greatly and deliberately leaves his guards behind, wanting to visit her like any other guest. The mansion appears unusually quiet. A young servant named Ayi opens the door. Inside, the courtyard is messy with scattered clothes, and Yuzhan notices suspicious red stains on a bamboo pole, suspecting blood.

Ayi's peculiar accent and reluctance to let Yuzhan help tidy up further raise their suspicions. The "Madam Jin" who greets them is overly friendly and insists they stay, but Xue Rong notes the lack of proper tea service and the hurried escort to their room. Yuzhan feigns having secret guards stationed outside, hinting at imperial presence.

In their assigned room, they discuss their observations: Yuzhan first noticed the bloodstains, while Xue Rong recognized Ayi's Jincheng accent (which he knew from his past mission to assassinate Prince Cheng Liu Chengfu), and the overall unusual behavior. They conclude that the "Madam Jin" is an imposter and that the real Madam Jin is likely in danger. They realize they've walked into a trap, but the enemy hasn't attacked, likely fearing Yuzhan's bluff about hidden imperial guards.

Knowing this cover won't last, they realize time is short. Yuzhan assures Xue Rong she is not afraid with him by her side, but they express concern for the real Madam Jin's safety and the enemy's true motives. Yuzhan fakes collapsing, drawing "Madam Jin" (who is actually Madam Chen, Ayi's foster mother and accomplice) closer. Xue Rong discreetly takes a sword. As "Madam Jin" tends to Yuzhan, Yuzhan swiftly grabs her, holding her hostage.

Ayi and his cohorts appear, confronting them. Xue Rong demands their identities and motives. " Madam Jin" defiantly declares they are from Jincheng, associated with the late Prince Cheng Liu Chengfu, and their sole purpose is to kill Xue Rong. She urges Ayi to attack, saying her own life is insignificant compared to avenging his adoptive father. However, Ayi, deeply conflicted, values Madam Chen, who raised him, more than his nominal adoptive father.

Xue Rong shrewdly offers a trade: the real Madam Jin for Madam Chen. The exchange takes place, and immediately, Madam Chen, freed, incites Ayi to resume their attack. As Ayi and his men rush into the storeroom, the real Madam Jin, Xue Rong, and Yuzhan escape through a hidden passage leading to a secret room.

The real Madam Jin explains that a skilled craftsman named Mr. Lu had built this secret passage and room years ago for emergencies, a suggestion she had mocked at the time. She reveals her earlier feigned weakness was a deliberate ploy to make her captors complacent. She shares that she had received a letter from the late emperor stating Xue Rong would visit on his behalf.

However, the Jincheng rebels arrived first, killed some of her servants, kidnapped Huizhu's family, and targeted Xue Rong. She chose to stay to warn him. Ayi and Madam Chen, unable to find Xue Rong's group in the secret passage, face a moment of despair, with Ayi contemplating giving up revenge. However, Madam Chen, driven by her own conviction and the shared cause, reignites his resolve.

Back in the secret room, Madam Jin impulsively wishes to go save Huizhu's family, but Yuzhan prudently advises notifying the magistrate first to coordinate a larger rescue effort. Xue Rong agrees to this plan and decides to draw the enemies' attention by heading directly to the backyard, allowing Madam Jin and Yuzhan to escape from the mansion and alert the Zhao state magistrate. Yuzhan expresses concern for his safety, but Xue Rong is resolute.

Xue Rong confronts Ayi's group again, using the promise of disclosing Liu Chengfu's body's location to buy time and extract information about the mastermind. A flashback reveals Princess Royal and Yueying were behind the plot, instructing Ayi's group to impersonate the Jin family and ambush Xue Rong, assuming he wouldn't recognize the real Madam Jin. Just as the confrontation intensifies, the magistrate's forces, alerted by Yuzhan and Madam Jin, arrive and apprehend the Jincheng remnants.

Ayi takes full responsibility for the assassination attempt and desperately pleads with Xue Rong to spare Madam Chen, his foster mother. Moved by Ayi's devotion, Xue Rong agrees to pardon Madam Chen. Ayi, though not knowing the mastermind's identity, provides a description of her. Later, Xue Rong feigns an injury to gauge Yuzhan's concern. Yuzhan rushes to his side, admitting her worry.

Xue Rong explains his decision to spare Madam Chen, stating that Ayi's loyalty deeply moved him, and reminding Yuzhan that people from both Lingyang and Pengze are human, with emotions and families. He reiterates his ambition to be a wise emperor who prevents wars and ensures his people live good lives. He then suggests that a good emperor also requires a virtuous empress.

Yuzhan, still troubled by his existing empress, dismisses this, calling his previous marriage a "mistake" that must now be accepted. She advocates for "restraint" in their feelings. Xue Rong disagrees, arguing that emotions, whether love or dislike, should be expressed naturally, not complicated by restraint. Yuzhan counters that it is "difficult" to do so for others, but for him, she has no choice. Xue Rong asserts he cannot restrain his feelings, while Yuzhan struggles to openly express her love, hinting at continued complications in their romantic journey.

Yuzhan and Xue Rong were still at Madam Jin's residence, where Xue Rong openly expressed his affection for Yuzhan, stating that emotions should be expressed simply and genuinely. Yuzhan, however, found this difficult, explaining that a transient glimpse of light was more unbearable than eternal darkness, making her hesitant to succumb to what felt like ephemeral love. They then bade farewell to Madam Jin, promising to meet again next year.

Before their departure, Madam Jin encouraged Yuzhan to embrace both love and hatred in life, asserting that only through such openness could one truly live a fulfilling existence. Meanwhile, Jinzhan and Jiang Shao were traveling and arrived in Zhaozhou. Jinzhan noticed many people buying red ribbons and, intrigued, inquired about their purpose.

She learned about a local magic tree in Zhao County: people would write their wishes on paper strips, tie them to a ribbon, and throw them onto the tree. The higher the ribbon landed, the faster the wish would reportedly come true. The tree, however, only accepted wishes once a year, with the next opportunity being in two days. Finding this custom magical, Jinzhan purchased a red ribbon.

Later, as Yuzhan and Xue Rong continued their journey, they stopped at a deserted temple to rest. They were greeted by a master who informed them that the temple housed a statue of the God of Matchmaking, where people prayed for good marriages. Xue Rong decided to draw a lot. The lot read: "Do not recall past events; your wish and mine are not the same."

The master explained it was the worst lot, indicating that past events had left their own unique marks, and their future intentions might not align. He concluded that if they were seeking a marriage blessing, it would likely be unfavorable. After leaving the temple, Yuzhan told Xue Rong that since they had left Zhaozhou, there was no longer a need to pretend to be a married couple, and they should address each other as siblings from then on.

Just as they exited the temple, they encountered Chen Amma, disguised as the "fake" Madam Jin. She appeared distraught and tearfully pleaded with Xue Rong to reveal the location of Liu Chengfu's body, stating she only wished to visit his tomb. Seeing her seemingly helpless, Xue Rong softened and told her that Liu Chengfu's remains were buried in a bamboo forest outside Jincheng.

Upon hearing this, Chen Amma drew a knife and held it to her own throat, declaring that Ayi was dead and Liu Chengfu had been laid to rest, so she could finally join them. Yuzhan stepped forward to comfort her, but Chen Amma suddenly swung the knife towards Yuzhan. Xue Rong quickly intervened, blocking the attack, but Chen Amma threw poisonous powder into his eyes, severely injuring him.

They immediately sought out a doctor, who informed them that the potent residue of the poisonous powder might not be entirely cleared. He applied ointment and instructed that Xue Rong's eyes be bandaged with a black cloth for several days. The doctor grimly stated that if Xue Rong's eyes didn't go blind, it would be a miracle, emphasizing the vulnerability of human eyes to such a strong poison.

Xue Rong himself questioned if he might go blind, but the doctor would not give a definitive answer, only promising to do his best. Meanwhile, Jinzhan and Jiang Shao arrived at the magic tree. It was Jinzhan’s birthday, and Jiang Shao, after initially searching for her at the inn, had found her at the tree. Together, they threw Jinzhan's wish-ribbon, which successfully landed at the very top of the tree. Jinzhan’s wish was for Jiang Shao to find his father.

Soon after, a heavy rain began to fall, forcing them to seek shelter. They found refuge on a mountain, and despite the rain preventing them from seeing a real sunrise as Jiang Shao had planned for Jinzhan's birthday, they shared a romantic conversation, imagining the beautiful sunrise together. Later, Yuzhan and Xue Rong found refuge at an inn in Zhao County.

Xue Rong, injured and feeling vulnerable, urged Yuzhan to leave him and go find Jinzhan, expressing that he didn't want her to see him in such a state. However, Yuzhan insisted on staying, explaining that his illness required care and it was her own wish to look after him, unrelated to his dignity.

After hearing him accidentally break a cup in his room, reinforcing his agitated state, Yuzhan decided to rent the entire second floor of the inn using her silver coins to ensure Xue Rong's undisturbed rest. News of the private booking and the substantial sum of money involved, unfortunately, reached a group of thieves. Coincidentally, Jinzhan and Jiang Shao also arrived at the same inn.

When Jinzhan learned that she had to check out because the entire second floor was booked, she went to confront the guest. Upon seeing her sister, Yuzhan, Jinzhan immediately feared that Yuzhan had come to take her home, which would prevent her from accompanying Jiang Shao to Zhaozhou to find his father. Without a second thought, Jinzhan quickly fled the inn through a window with Jiang Shao.

Xue Rong, aware of Yuzhan's concern for her sister, urged her to go find Jinzhan. However, Yuzhan insisted on staying to care for him. Slowly, Xue Rong's eyesight began to recover, though he continued to feign blindness. He enjoyed Yuzhan’s devoted care, even behaving somewhat childishly with his requests for sweet porridge and specific foods. The doctor later re-examined Xue Rong, confirming signs of recovery as his eyes were actively expelling toxins, causing them to swell.

He prescribed continued application of medicine and herbal soups, assuring them that Xue Rong would regain his vision within a few days. Jinzhan and Jiang Shao continued their journey, passing through Wen County, Jiang Shao's childhood home. He recounted to Jinzhan how he lost his parents at an early age, leading to a life of wandering. His mother had sent him to Uncle Zhu's home at five years old to learn martial arts in the military camp.

Shortly after, his mother died saving a child from drowning. He didn't realize until much later that he had become an orphan. He felt a pang of sadness but decided not to visit the empty house or his mother's tomb, wanting to avoid further pain and continue their journey. Jinzhan, touched by his story, promised to be by his side regardless of what life brought. Jiang Shao, feeling incredibly fortunate to have Jinzhan, vowed to give her his best.

As they journeyed, they smelled fish soup. Jiang Shao recalled his mother's fish soup, which was always very salty due to their poverty, as a way to make a small amount of food last longer. Jinzhan, wanting to recreate that memory, caught fish and made a salty soup for him, which she found inedible due to the saltiness, but Jiang Shao assured her it was just like his mother's. She promised to always treat him well. They later arrived at another inn, but Jiang Shao found he only had enough money to pay for one room.

Jiang Shao sat alone on the rooftop, lost in thought. Jinzhan joined him, having deduced he lacked the funds for a second room. She expressed a desire to experience sleeping under the open sky, where the stars seemed "reachable with hands." They lay down together, admiring the beautiful moon. Jiang Shao noted how quickly Jinzhan had fallen asleep. Meanwhile, Xue Rong took Yuzhan to the forest, urging her to move forward in their relationship.

He spoke metaphorically about life's paths, emphasizing the need to walk hand-in-hand to avoid becoming strangers. Yuzhan countered that some paths were too narrow for two. Xue Rong, frustrated by her hesitation, vowed to clear any obstacles, declaring he would fell trees, destroy walls, excavate hills, and break rocks to widen their path. He insisted that his mistaken marriage to Jinzhan was not an irreversible fate, asking why Yuzhan wouldn't take a step forward.

Yuzhan confessed her "reluctance to accept the situation," recalling her past love for him and the dream of becoming empress. However, upon waking from her coma and learning of the wrong marriage, she felt only sadness and disappointment, not overwhelming grief. She saw this as an "enlightenment from destiny," desiring the freedom to choose a pure love, untainted by interest, kinship, or duty, and unwilling to abandon her chance at true happiness.

Xue Rong promised her a bright future and offered her a jade pendant, a gift from his mother intended for his true love. When Yuzhan refused to accept it, Xue Rong angrily threw it away. Yuzhan frantically searched for the discarded jade pendant. Xue Rong, who had been feigning blindness since a previous incident where he was poisoned and pretended to still be sightless to prolong Yuzhan's devoted care, came up behind her and embraced her.

He questioned why she cared for the pendant if she didn’t love him. Yuzhan, startled, realized his eyesight had recovered and accused him of deception. Xue Rong apologized, admitting he wanted to prolong her loving care for him. Yuzhan confessed her deep worry for him, acknowledging that what he always called "heaven's will" was truly about human intentions. She agreed to wait for him and asked him to wait for her.

Xue Rong reaffirmed his promise to eventually depose Jinzhan, grant her freedom, and formally marry Yuzhan. At the same time, Jiang Shao ventured out late at night, hoping to earn some money by delivering goods. Jinzhan, having followed him, insisted on accompanying him, declaring they must "share weal and woe." They were stopped by curfew patrol soldiers who identified the box Jiang Shao carried as a luminous pearl stolen from Fan’s Mansion in the east.

They were both arrested and taken to the magistrate's office. Jiang Shao explained that he was merely a delivery person, unaware of the pearl's stolen origin, and offered to lead them to the person who entrusted him with it. However, the magistrate dismissed his plea, calling it nonsense, and ordered him to kneel. Suddenly, Cao Han, the Emperor's close guard, appeared. After a private word with the magistrate, he approached Jinzhan.

Jinzhan initially hoped to escape with Jiang Shao and even contemplated kidnapping Cao Han. However, in their private conversation, Cao Han sternly reminded Jinzhan of her duties as Empress and the severe consequences her elopement would bring upon the entire Fu family, including Prince Wei, Lady Yuzhan, and potentially even the Emperor's throne, which he warned was still unstable. He emphasized that her actions could destabilize the realm and lead to the Tianxiong Army falling into the wrong hands.

He then explicitly threatened Jiang Shao’s life. Faced with such dire warnings, Jinzhan agreed to return and to distance herself from Jiang Shao, but asked to see Jiang Shao one last time. Cao Han then ordered Jiang Shao's release. Jiang Shao, believing Jinzhan had persuaded Cao Han, happily tried to leave with her. But Jinzhan stopped, declaring her decision to return for her family and to reclaim her royal position, ending their relationship.

Jiang Shao, convinced Cao Han had intimidated her, insisted on taking her with him. Cao Han’s guards intervened, and as a sword was held to Jiang Shao's neck, Jinzhan desperately cried out for them to stop, reaffirming her commitment to return with Cao Han to spare Jiang Shao. After Cao Han informed Xue Rong of Jinzhan’s location in Zhaozhou, Xue Rong and Yuzhan immediately set out in a carriage.

Meanwhile, Jinzhan had tearfully bid farewell to Jiang Shao, ending their relationship and agreeing to return with Cao Han. She had accepted her duties as Empress, realizing that true freedom was an illusion, and her return was necessary to save her family and Jiang Shao from dire consequences. En route, Xue Rong and Yuzhan were ambushed by bandits and taken to their hideout.

To buy time, they identified themselves as relatives of Madam Jin of Zhaozhou, a prominent figure, and promised a substantial ransom if the bandits would allow them to write a letter. The bandits, after confirming the Jin family’s status, agreed. Xue Rong secretly wrote a message, hoping Madam Jin would alert the Magistrate. While waiting, Yuzhan expressed guilt for Xue Rong's predicament, but he reassured her. Using a broken tile, Xue Rong skillfully cut their bonds.

They attempted an escape, with Xue Rong creating misleading footprints to divert the bandits. However, Yuzhan sprained her ankle. Despite Xue Rong's protests, she insisted he leave to get help while she hid in the woodshed, not wanting to slow him down. Xue Rong reluctantly departed, promising to return swiftly. He soon encountered the Magistrate of Zhaozhou, who had already been alerted by Madam Jin and was rushing to their aid.

When Xue Rong returned with the Magistrate and his troops, the bandits had already discovered their escape and taken Yuzhan hostage. The bandit leader threatened to kill Yuzhan if the soldiers didn't retreat. Xue Rong, prioritizing Yuzhan's safety, ordered his men to fall back and confronted the bandit leader alone, promising safe passage for the bandits if Yuzhan was released. The bandit leader, after sending his men away, demanded Xue Rong jump into a nearby well to prove his sincerity.

Without hesitation, Xue Rong plunged into the well. True to his word, the bandit released Yuzhan, but then cruelly strangled her with a rope and lowered her into the well to drown her. In the well, Xue Rong desperately struggled to stay afloat, instructing Yuzhan to stand on his head. The Magistrate's forces finally arrived, rescuing both of them.

A doctor examined Yuzhan, finding her unharmed except for a strained throat and fright, while Xue Rong was consumed by guilt for having left her behind. He ordered the Magistrate to ensure all captured bandits were imprisoned in Zhaozhou jail. Separately, worried when she didn't hear back from the Magistrate after alerting him about Xue Rong, Madam Jin rushed out on horseback to his rescue but fell and dislocated her foot. Jiang Shao, passing by, caught her.

As he skillfully set her bone, he recited the "Jinshen Magic Code," prompting Madam Jin to recognize him as the son of her dear friend, Shunying. Overjoyed, she recalled how Shunying, then pregnant, left without a word after helping her with a similar injury years ago. Jiang Shao revealed his mother died when he was five, leading to shared grief. He then presented a jade carving, asking if it was from the Jin family.

Madam Jin confirmed it was a 20-year-old piece with their mark. Jiang Shao then showed another unmarked jade, a gift from his unknown father. He speculated his father's jade might also be from the Jin family and asked if she knew its owner or who Shunying was close to back then. Madam Jin, after some thought, claimed the time was too long ago to remember, and unmarked jades weren't recorded. However, privately, she confirmed her suspicion that Jiang Shao was indeed Xue Wei's son. Jiang Shao politely declined her offer to stay and departed.

Xue Rong was plagued by nightmares, seeing Yuzhan being strangled by bandits, which left him terrified. He awoke in a cold sweat. Moments later, Jinzhan rushed in, distraught after hearing from the Magistrate of Zhaozhou that Xue Rong and Yuzhan had encountered robbers. Jinzhan felt deeply remorseful, believing her unauthorized departure from the palace had put them in danger, and promised never to do so again. Yuzhan, seeing her sister's distress and neck injury, tenderly embraced her.

Later, Xue Rong, still plagued by recurring nightmares and suffering from headaches, worried for Yuzhan's safety. He stood guard outside her room, confessing he had dreamed she fell into a well. Yuzhan, seeing he hadn't slept all night, reassured him that she was fine and urged him to return to his room to rest. Xue Rong's anxiety over Yuzhan's recent injury left him with a poor appetite.

He went so far as to order all the wells in Yuzhan's residence to be filled, a decision Jinzhan found irrational, though Yuzhan understood his concern. When an attendant presented Xue Rong with West Lake Dragon Well Tea, the mention of "well" triggered a vivid flashback. He lashed out, demanding that no one ever speak of wells in his presence again.

Yuzhan brought him a bowl of chicken soup, encouraging him to drink it while it was hot and offering to stay by his side as he rested. Later, Xue Rong was startled awake from another nightmare, calling her name. Yuzhan comforted him, holding his hand. She pledged to always be there for him, facing whatever challenges lay ahead together.

She confessed that she had previously been held back by concerns for her father's feelings and the Fu family's reputation, and unsure of her own heart, but now she hoped it wasn't too late for them. Xue Rong, relieved and overjoyed, assured her that it was never too late. Cao Han reported to Xue Rong, confirming that no one had discovered the Empress's identity during her unauthorized absence.

Meanwhile, Yuzhan spoke with Jinzhan, acknowledging her sister's unhappiness within the palace walls. Yuzhan reminded Jinzhan that the fate of the entire Fu family now rested on her, and any misstep could lead to their ruin. While Jinzhan believed Yuzhan was better suited to be Empress and had even suggested to Xue Rong that he depose her and marry Yuzhan, Yuzhan expressed her wish for Jinzhan to be happy and free with the person she loves.

Yuzhan also understood the immense difficulty of such an action, admitting that both of their fates were currently beyond their control. Back in the capital, Stewardess Song expressed her concern to Xue Rong about Jinzhan's low spirits, noting her listlessness and distracted responses. Hoping to lift Jinzhan's mood, Xue Rong instructed Li Huaijin to prepare the Secluded Bamboo Garden in the eastern suburbs, clearing any idle people from the area, for an outing.

Li Huaijin, who genuinely cared for Jinzhan, attempted to entertain her with a puppet show depicting the story of Alan joining the army. Jinzhan, however, found little joy in it, lamenting that both puppets and kites, which Li Huaijin also tried, were controlled by others and lacked freedom. Despite her melancholic disposition, she brightened slightly upon noticing some bamboo shoots, recalling a happy memory with her mother.

Following their return to the capital, Xue Rong and Yuzhan exchanged heartfelt letters, expressing their deepening affection. Xue Rong later arranged a private meeting with Yuzhan in the Secluded Bamboo Garden. He presented her once more with the jade pendant given to him by his mother, meant for his true love.

Yuzhan accepted it, telling him that reflecting on all the recent events—Jinzhan's escape, the attack in Zhaozhou, and his profound affection—she finally understood what she truly desired: to face life's storms with him and remain by his side forever. As they walked hand-in-hand through the bamboo grove, Xue Rong painted a bamboo on a scroll.

When he accidentally dropped ink onto the painting, Yuzhan skillfully transformed the stain into a flying bird, impressing Xue Rong, who vowed to treasure their collaborative artwork. Jiang Shao visited his mother's grave and encountered Mr. Lin, a former neighbor who had looked after the tomb.

Mr. Lin disclosed that Ding Er, another old neighbor who had recently moved to the capital, had witnessed people forcing Jiang Shao's mother to jump into the water many years ago, suggesting his mother's death was suspicious. Jiang Shao, determined to uncover the truth, traveled to the capital. He found Ding Er being harassed by debt collectors, as he had co-signed a loan for a distant relative.

Jiang Shao intervened, paying off Ding Er's debt, which earned him Ding Er's profound gratitude. Ding Er then recounted the tragic events of fifteen years prior. He recalled seeing a group of armored guards, their armor adorned with circular bronze mirrors on the chest and back, escorting a carriage. They cornered Jiang Shao's mother at a riverside cliff.

After a brief exchange with someone inside the carriage, a guard with a sword forced her to leap into the river, carrying a child wounded by an arrow, who remarkably resembled a young Jiang Shao. Ding Er, outnumbered and terrified, had hidden, only later hearing rumors of both his mother's and his own demise. He credited his survival to his mother having sent him to Dingzhou beforehand. Seeking more information about the mysterious guards, Jiang Shao approached Li Huaijin.

He inquired about any Lingyang soldiers who wore armor with bronze mirrors on the front and back. Li Huaijin identified this as the uniform of the Zuowuwei soldiers, but informed him that due to the heavy weight of the bronze mirrors, they had switched to leather armor seven or eight years ago. Jiang Shao feigned childhood curiosity, claiming to have seen such powerful soldiers in Zhaozhou when he was five.

Li Huaijin offered to look up the military archives for precise details on armor styles and changes. Back at the Fu residence, Prince Wei, having discovered Yuzhan's secret correspondence with the Emperor, angrily confronted her. He forced her to kneel, berating her for causing a scandal by attempting to replace the Empress and engaging in a private affair with the Emperor, asserting that she was bringing disgrace upon the Fu family.

Yuzhan tried to explain that Jinzhan’s marriage to the Emperor was an accident, and that neither Jinzhan nor the Emperor desired the union. However, Prince Wei remained firm, declaring that the Empress's position was settled and ordering Yuzhan to accept her fate. Heartbroken, Yuzhan gathered the letters and the painting from Xue Rong, instructing her maid to store them securely in a cabinet, out of sight.

The following day, Yuzhan inquired about her father's whereabouts from Butler Zhou, who informed her that Prince Wei had left early but wished her to dine at Deyue Restaurant at noon. Upon arriving as instructed, Yuzhan found her father in a private room with Assistant Minister Zhang Yongyao.

To her shock, Prince Wei revealed that Yuzhan’s late mother and Zhang Yongyao’s mother, Madam Sun, had been close friends and had arranged a betrothal between Yuzhan and Zhang Yongyao years ago, with a jade pendant serving as a betrothal keepsake. Prince Wei spoke highly of Zhang Yongyao's promising career as the Assistant Minister of Justice and his potential to achieve high office. Yuzhan, though polite, showed no enthusiasm for the arrangement.

Unbeknownst to Yuzhan, Princess Shou An harbored a secret affection for Zhang Yongyao. To subtly express her feelings, she had discreetly obtained a calligraphy work by Mr. Yin Xi, which Zhang Yongyao admired, and arranged for it to appear in a bookstore where Zhang Yongyao would discover it. She also sent him homemade pastries in a plain food box, without revealing her identity, always under the guise of gratitude to avoid public scrutiny.

Zhang Yongyao, mistakenly believing these gestures of kindness were from Yuzhan (due to Prince Wei's earlier suggestion), happily consumed the pastries. Later, Zhang Yongyao invited Yuzhan to visit Chongren Store, a renowned place for fine qins, including ancient ones from the previous dynasty, knowing Yuzhan's love for music. Yuzhan sent a letter to Xue Rong before accompanying Zhang Yongyao. While at Chongren Store, Princess Shou An, also present, spotted Zhang Yongyao and Yuzhan together, her expression revealing her displeasure.

Zhang Yongyao invited Fu Yuzhan to visit Chongren Store, a renowned place for zithers crafted by various masters and antique zithers inherited from the former dynasty. Zhang Yongyao immediately recognized a zither called "Seclusion". He described its distinctive plump, round shape, noting its black and red surface with interwoven plum blossom and snake's belly satin patterns on the front, and an ox hair satin pattern on the back. The name "Seclusion" was carved above the dragon pond.

He further explained that the zither was crafted from paulownia wood for its surface and catalpa wood for its base, with Mount Moon, Ceremonial Cap, and Morning Dew all made of hardwood, resulting in its clear and melodious tone. He recounted that Wenzong had commissioned this zither for his empress, symbolizing his singular and exclusive love for her, a vow he faithfully kept throughout her life. Zhang Yongyao then asked Yuzhan if the zither suited her.

While acknowledging its beauty, Yuzhan expressed that she wasn't its fated owner and suggested it be left for someone who truly cared for it. She then excused herself, stating her lack of interest in the other zithers, and departed. Zhang Yongyao subsequently purchased the "Seclusion" zither. Princess Shou An, who had also arrived at Chongren Store, observed Zhang Yongyao and Fu Yuzhan together, which left her feeling disheartened.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shao, suspecting foul play in his mother's death, requested Li Huaijin to obtain military uniform patterns from the Ministry of War, specifically for armor he had seen fifteen years prior in the Zhaozhou countryside. Li Huaijin found this request peculiar, as the distinctive armor with heart-protecting bronze mirrors was exclusively issued to the capital city's Zuowuwei during that period.

Yueying discovered the military uniform patterns and, after clarifying the details with Li Huaijin, reported to the Princess Royal that Jiang Shao was investigating the list of soldiers from Zuowuwei who had traveled to Zhaozhou fifteen years ago. The Princess Royal, suspecting that Xue Rong might have uncovered a clue related to Jiang Shunying's apparent drowning, speculated that Jiang Shunying might have been seen falling into the water.

She instructed Yueying to covertly investigate, procure a copy of the soldier list from Li Huaijin, ensure that no one could uncover the events of fifteen years ago, and closely monitor Li Huaijin's recent contacts. Xue Rong received a letter from Fu Yuzhan, informing him that Prince Wei was trying to arrange an engagement between her and Assistant Minister Zhang Yongyao to prevent Xue Rong and Yuzhan from being together. She also expressed her intention to resolve this situation.

Xue Rong was displeased, dismissing it as a childish tactic by Prince Wei to keep him and Yuzhan apart, noting the absence of traditional engagement ceremonies. Subsequently, an eunuch informed Xue Rong that Princess Shou An had been seen crying. Xue Rong immediately went to his sister, presenting her with a jade pony.

Shou An, whose maid had suggested she ask the Emperor for a marriage decree with Zhang Yongyao, insisted she would only do so if Zhang Yongyao genuinely loved her. Although Shou An initially denied being in love, she eventually admitted to meeting Zhang Yongyao that day. Upon hearing that Zhang Yongyao had upset his sister, Xue Rong became enraged and vowed to punish him.

Shou An intervened, explaining her sadness stemmed from seeing Zhang Yongyao "hanging out arm in arm" with Fu Yuzhan. Suppressing his own irritation, Xue Rong promised Shou An he would discreetly investigate Zhang Yongyao's feelings and, if mutual, would grant their marriage. Driven by his jealousy of Zhang Yongyao and Fu Yuzhan, Xue Rong immediately issued an imperial order through an eunuch.

He commanded Zhang Yongyao, the Assistant Minister of Justice, to personally oversee the collection of all orphans and beggars from the streets and their relocation to the Care Home. This extensive task included meticulously registering each individual, tracing their origins to help locate their families, providing vocational training to the able-bodied, and ensuring proper care for the disabled.

When an eunuch expressed concerns about this task typically falling under the Ministry of Revenue, Xue Rong explained that the Minister of Revenue had already requested assistance due to being overwhelmed. Xue Rong cynically remarked on Zhang Yongyao's reputation for talent and insight, musing that this demanding assignment would surely keep him too preoccupied to spend time "hanging out arm in arm" with Yuzhan.

Later, an attendant informed Xue Rong that Zhang Yongyao and Fu Yuzhan had planned to meet in a bamboo forest, with Zhang Yongyao even preparing a zither. Furious that his previous attempts to keep Zhang Yongyao busy had failed, Xue Rong ordered a carriage to intercept the meeting himself.

Meanwhile, an official from the Ministry of Revenue urgently summoned Zhang Yongyao to the Care Home, reporting that a beggar's identity mismatched his registration and was suspected of being a spy from Pengze. Zhang Yongyao was told that Physician Huang, on duty that day, had indicated Zhang Yongyao himself had handled the beggar's registration.

Unable to attend his appointment, Zhang Yongyao dispatched an attendant to the Secluded Bamboo Garden to apologize to Fu Yuzhan for his sudden absence and promised to make amends in person at a later date. Fu Yuzhan arrived at the Secluded Bamboo Garden and heard zither music. While recognizing the tune as "Garden Tour," a song meant to evoke joy, she discerned an underlying "trace of anger" in the playing, indicating the musician's agitated state.

She and her maid then realized the player was Xue Rong. Xue Rong asked if she enjoyed his music. Yuzhan gently critiqued his playing, noting a "hint of fickleness" and a failure to convey the song's intended mood. Xue Rong admitted he had come to assess Zhang Yongyao's skill, having heard he was a master who frequently practiced there.

Yuzhan informed him that Zhang Yongyao would not be coming, explaining that she had intended to meet him to discuss "breaking off our absurd engagement arranged by my late mother," but the plan was now thwarted. Despite this, Yuzhan expressed her sincere happiness at seeing Xue Rong, remarking that while opportunities to speak with Zhang Yongyao were common, chances to meet Xue Rong were rare, particularly under her father's strict supervision.

Jiang Shao reviewed the soldier list provided by Li Huaijin. He noted that only Sun Liang, He Cheng, and Wang Gongyang still had viable leads, while all other individuals were either deceased or missing, which he found highly suspicious. He resolved to locate these three individuals first. However, when Jiang Shao arrived at Ding Er's home, he found it ravaged by fire and the entire family brutally murdered by gangsters.

A neighbor confirmed that the family of three had been killed and their house set ablaze. Jiang Shao connected this grim event to the earlier deaths of Sun Liang and He Cheng. He deduced that his investigation into the Zuowuwei's activities in Zhaozhou fifteen years ago had been exposed, leading to a systematic effort to eliminate all witnesses. Disturbed by the targeted killings, he speculated about the perpetrators and their hidden agenda.

With Wang Gongyang being the sole remaining person on his list whose fate was unknown, Jiang Shao recognized the urgent need to find him before it was too late. Unbeknownst to Jiang Shao, Wang Gongyang, his last remaining lead, had been living under the assumed name Feng Chi and was serving the Princess Royal.

Feng Chi recounted how he had once been sentenced to death for avenging his family, whose property was usurped and his mother persecuted after his father's demise. The Princess Royal had intervened, saving his life and allowing him to assume a new identity to care for his mother, a debt of gratitude he pledged to repay with his life. The Princess Royal, having already ensured the elimination of other witnesses, now tasked Feng Chi with a final, chilling act.

She instructed him to take the blame for forcing Jiang Shunying to her death by claiming he was the man in the carriage by the Zhaozhou river fifteen years ago. Despite Feng Chi's protestations of innocence regarding Jiang Shunying, the Princess Royal coldly asserted that with his life on the line, even an absurd confession would be believed.

Yueying reported a shocking discovery to the Princess Royal: after tracking Jiang Shao and speaking with Jiang Shunying's former neighbor, she learned that Jiang Shao was Jiang Shunying's son and had been raised in Zhaozhou. The Princess Royal was incredulous, recalling that she had personally witnessed Jiang Shunying jump into the river with her child, and had seen an arrow strike the boy in the back, believing he couldn't have survived even though his body was never recovered.

Yueying suggested assassinating Jiang Shao to bury the past, but the Princess Royal vehemently refused. She proclaimed that Jiang Shao's survival was a divine sign, as he was the only true blood descendant of the Xue family and the rightful heir to the throne. The Princess Royal then ordered Yueying to kill every person on Li Huaijin’s list, ensuring that Jiang Shao's mother's death would be avenged by her, and that Jiang Shao would recognize his royal lineage.

Concerned that Jiang Shao might still be upset with her, Jinzhan, having been allowed out of the palace by Stewardess Song, sought him out to reconcile. However, Jiang Shao, aware of the escalating dangers surrounding him and unwilling to implicate her further, met her with a cold demeanor. He asserted that their relationship was over, stating that their disparate social statuses meant they should go their separate ways for their own good.

Despite Jinzhan's heartbroken plea and his earlier promise to take her away, Jiang Shao maintained his harsh stance, inwardly apologizing that he couldn't involve her in the perilous path he was on after so many had already died. Back in the palace, a distraught Jinzhan lashed out at her attendants. Xue Rong, noticing Li Huaijin with chestnuts, urged him to visit Jinzhan, who was clearly upset.

Li Huaijin, finding Jinzhan staring blankly at the comb Jiang Shao had given her, tried to comfort her by peeling chestnuts. When Jinzhan tearfully asked what he would do if he lost the person he loved, Li Huaijin replied that his love for her was enough, regardless of whether she reciprocated it. Xue Rong soon learned that Fu Yuzhan was scheduled to meet Zhang Yongyao at Deyue Restaurant, an arrangement orchestrated by Prince Wei to foster a relationship between them.

Determined to thwart their meeting, Xue Rong assigned Zhang Yongyao yet another demanding task: to compile and reinvestigate all unresolved cases within the Ministry of Justice. However, Zhang Yongyao managed to delegate these duties to colleagues and still arrived at the restaurant.

Just as Yuzhan began to tell Zhang Yongyao that she wanted to break off their engagement, Eunuch Guo burst in with an urgent, fabricated report that the Empress had caught a severe cold and passed out, prompting Yuzhan to rush to the palace. There, she confronted Jinzhan, realizing it was another one of Xue Rong's schemes.

Yuzhan explained to Jinzhan that she had instructed Eunuch Guo to wait before interrupting so she could clarify her intentions to Zhang Yongyao, expressing frustration that Eunuch Guo had entered precisely as she was about to speak, thwarting her plan. The Princess Royal then met with Eunuch Li, informing him that she had discovered Jiang Shao was the true son of the late emperor.

She recounted how the late emperor had an affair with Jiang Shunying in Zhaozhou before returning to the capital, and that Jiang Shunying later gave birth to Jiang Shao. She insinuated that the late emperor had passed the throne to Xue Rong, whom she considered an "outsider," only because he was unaware of Jiang Shao's existence.

The Princess Royal asserted that the Xue family's imperial legacy should rightfully be inherited by a true blood descendant, strongly implying that if the late emperor had known, he would have chosen Jiang Shao. When Eunuch Li cautioned against her attempts to destabilize the court, the Princess Royal pressed him, suggesting that his certainty about the late emperor's hypothetical decision implied he might have known about Jiang Shao all along.

Princess Royal convened with Li Fang, questioning his certainty about the late emperor's disapproval of Jiang Shao inheriting the throne. She suspected the late emperor had long known about Jiang Shao's existence and found her brother foolish for passing the throne to Xue Rong, an outsider, despite this knowledge. Li Fang insisted the late emperor must have had his reasons.

Princess Royal, however, was determined to help Jiang Shao reclaim the Xue family's land and planned to reveal his true identity to the world, challenging the current emperor's stability on the throne. Li Fang warned her against going against the late emperor's decree, which had been witnessed by all court officials, as it would be an act of sedition. Princess Royal dismissed his concerns, ordering Li Fang to watch as she proceeded.

She instructed her attendant to keep a close eye on Li Fang, believing he had been keeping Jiang Shao's identity a secret on the late emperor's orders. She reiterated her commitment to Jiang Shao, who she considered the last bloodline of the Xue family, and her resolve to help him regain the throne. Li Fang, under Princess Royal's surveillance, disguised himself as a vegetable seller to leave the palace.

He met with Wei Bin, Assistant Minister of Secretariat, explaining his inability to meet openly due to Princess Royal's constant watch. He had arranged for the Emperor to keep Wei Bin after court to avoid suspicion. Li Fang then entrusted the late emperor's posthumous edict to Wei Bin, emphasizing its danger if kept by himself, especially since Princess Royal now knew the youngest prince's identity.

He urged Wei Bin to fulfill the late emperor's wishes, preventing corrupt officials from ruining Lingyang, and asked if he knew what to do should he die. Wei Bin assured him he did. Shortly after, Wei Bin was pursued by assassins. He encountered Jiang Shao on the street, who recognized him from his time in the palace. Claiming urgency, Wei Bin asked Jiang Shao to deliver a "music score" to a friend at No. 3, Chunhua Lane in the west.

Jiang Shao agreed. On his way, Jiang Shao met General Feng Chi, who was patrolling and expressed happiness at Jiang Shao's return, mentioning his previous concern when Jiang Shao was removed from the guard. Jiang Shao mentioned his errand to Chunhua Lane, and they parted ways. Jiang Shao found the "music score" unusual, noting it was written on silk and appeared to contain a wooden block. He delivered the item to the person who answered the door at Chunhua Lane.

Unbeknownst to him, Yueying had arrived earlier, having killed the intended recipient and taken their place. As Jiang Shao departed, he noticed Feng Chi again, curiously wondering why the general hadn't walked with him earlier. Li Huaijin reported to the Emperor that Assistant Minister Wei Bin had died from falling off a startled horse on his way to the Care Home in the suburb.

The Emperor, surprised by the news, ordered Guo Fu to select suitable items from his private treasury to be sent to Wei Bin's family as a gesture of condolence. Meanwhile, Yueying brought the posthumous edict to Princess Royal. Upon seeing its content, Princess Royal immediately decided to burn it. Yueying quickly snatched it away, arguing it was crucial evidence for Jiang Shao's identity and should not be destroyed.

Princess Royal dismissed this, claiming other proof could be found, but the edict itself was too dangerous to keep. As Princess Royal proceeded to burn a document, Yueying revealed in an internal monologue that she had successfully swapped the real edict for a counterfeit. She observed Princess Royal's foolishness, believing Jiang Shao, a mere wanderer, was no match for Li Huaijin, and that the Xue family's throne rightfully belonged to Li Huaijin.

She intended for the real edict, the wooden block, to serve Li Huaijin's ambitions in the future. The Emperor, reflecting on his recent preoccupation with Jinzhan and Jiang Shao, lamented missing Shou An's illness, though he admitted secretly worrying about her. He expressed a desire to send Jinzhan out of the palace soon. Shou An then came to him, complaining that he hadn't yet sounded out Zhang Yongyao's feelings as promised.

The Emperor apologized for his busy schedule but assured her he had devised a plan to create an opportunity for them to grow closer. He dismissed Zhang Yongyao from his current task, instructing an eunuch to lead him along a specific path that would ensure a meeting with Shou An. The Emperor, hidden, urged Shou An to speak more to Zhang Yongyao, as she was shy.

Shou An managed to ask Zhang Yongyao to stand under the shelter to avoid the rain, for which he thanked her. They exchanged a few words about the weather. The Emperor, frustrated by Shou An's limited conversation, encouraged her to continue her efforts, believing Zhang Yongyao would eventually come to care for her. Shou An affirmed her belief that her kindness would win him over.

She later prepared and sent lunch for Zhang Yongyao, offering a variety of dishes to cater to his unknown preferences. Zhang Yongyao, however, remarked that Yuzhan's desserts were more to his liking. Jiang Shao, still pondering Feng Chi's suspicious behavior, focused on locating Wang Gongyang's residence. He was interrupted by Yueying's cries of "Thief!" and, at Princess Royal's request, apprehended the culprit. Princess Royal thanked him and offered a jade stone as a reward, which Jiang Shao politely declined.

Princess Royal then paused, recognizing the jade pendant Jiang Shao wore. She recounted a story from over twenty years ago, during Pengze's massacre of the Lingyang imperial family. She and her brother fled to Zhaozhou, where they were separated. A woman, surnamed Jiang, wearing a similar jade pendant, saved her from Pengze's soldiers. Jiang Shao asked if this "Sister Jiang" was Jiang Shunying from Taoxi Lane in Zhaozhou, revealing her to be his mother.

Princess Royal feigned shock and sorrow, learning that Jiang Shunying had passed away many years ago. She offered to treat Jiang Shao as her own family. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by shouts of murder at Wang Gongyang's house on Jiancang Lane. Jiang Shao rushed there, confronting a masked assailant. After a struggle, the mask fell, revealing Feng Chi.

Jiang Shao, who had been searching for Wang Gongyang, initially mistook the masked figure for him and questioned Feng Chi about a connection related to fifteen years ago. Princess Royal arrived, stating she had already dispatched Imperial Guards and sealed the city gates, and asked Jiang Shao for the murderer's description. Jiang Shao identified Feng Chi as a general. Jiang Shao confronted Feng Chi, expressing his prior respect and desire for friendship, but now realizing their deeper, darker connection.

He directly asked if Feng Chi killed his mother. Feng Chi admitted guilt, stating he would welcome death by Shunying's son's sword if it meant meeting her in the afterlife. Jiang Shao accused Feng Chi of lying, claiming he killed witnesses to cover his tracks and save his own life. Feng Chi denied intending to kill Jiang Shao's mother, admitting he adored Shunying and only wished to protect her from her solitary struggles.

He claimed he misjudged her stubborn resolve, which led her to drown herself. Jiang Shao angrily called him a liar. Feng Chi then spoke philosophically about unrequited love and destiny, suggesting death might be his only release, and urged Jiang Shao to strike. Jiang Shao hesitated, but Princess Royal took his sword and fatally stabbed Feng Chi. Afterward, Princess Royal reflected that some truths are far from imagination, but one must resolve the past to move forward.

Yueying questioned the necessity of such extreme measures to conceal the truth. Princess Royal asserted that to earn Jiang Shao's trust, she had to directly address his deepest grievance. She was surprised that the plan had fulfilled the wishes of all three involved. Yueying noted that Jiang Shao would surely be grateful to Princess Royal for avenging his mother.

Princess Royal then stressed the immediate importance of finding solid evidence to confirm Jiang Shao's identity, and Yueying promised to thoroughly investigate Zhaozhou and Dingzhou, suggesting the evidence might even be on Jiang Shao himself. Princess Royal later visited Jiang Shao, offering to send maidservants to his home since he lived alone. Jiang Shao politely refused, stating his preference for living alone, arranging for a neighbor to help with cleaning, and eating out.

Princess Royal conceded but insisted he accept new, well-made clothes she brought and offered to send desserts daily if he liked them. Jiang Shao, overwhelmed by the day's events, declined the food, feeling as if a generation had passed in a single day. Princess Royal urged him to accept the desserts as a gesture of comfort for an old friend. She later observed that Jiang Shao had avenged Shunying and she could finally rest in peace.

She asked if only the jade pendant remained as a memento, to which Jiang Shao mentioned losing another personal item he had worn since childhood. Princess Royal advised him not to be too demanding of himself, reminding him that everyone faces their destiny and should not run from it. She expressed her relief at seeing him and asked him to remember her words. Jiang Shao returned to his duties in the Imperial Guards.

The Emperor, Xue Rong, gently admonished him for his unauthorized absence, which had caused Jinzhan to escape the palace and almost led to disaster. Jiang Shao apologized, acknowledging his mistake and declaring he would not see Jinzhan again until Xue Rong made proper arrangements for their relationship. Xue Rong called them both childish and reckless but assured Jiang Shao he would not dwell on past errors, expressing hope that their pure love could endure.

He asked if Jiang Shao had seen Jinzhan since returning to the capital, which Jiang Shao confirmed. Xue Rong mentioned Jinzhan had returned angrily and cried for no reason, concluding it must have been because of Jiang Shao. He inquired about their breakup, stating that if it was about Cao Han, he had already made it clear to Cao Han that only Yuzhan would be his empress.

Xue Rong encouraged Jiang Shao to believe that despite the unfavorable timing, if two people truly loved each other, their destiny was their own to forge. Later, Jinzhan's maid announced the Emperor's arrival. Jinzhan, surprised, asked why he was there. Xue Rong asked about her breakup with Jiang Shao. Jinzhan firmly stated she would not give up on Jiang Shao, regardless of his feelings.

Xue Rong assured her he knew Jiang Shao would not trifle with emotions, suggesting a misunderstanding that they would eventually resolve given their many future opportunities. Meanwhile, Zhang Yongyao was at a bookshop, inquiring about new scripts and Yuzhan's arrival. Shou An, having arrived there, greeted Zhang Yongyao and suggested he call her by her given name, but he insisted on maintaining formality. Zhang Yongyao expressed disappointment at not seeing Yuzhan and tried to leave, citing urgent matters.

Shou An stopped him, presenting him with desserts and books, explaining she had delivered them personally because she wanted to see him. Zhang Yongyao realized that all the previous gifts he thought were from Yuzhan had actually been from Shou An. Shou An, visibly upset by his misunderstanding, told him to simply pretend Yuzhan had sent them, then rushed away crying. An attendant noted Shou An's distress and suggested informing the Emperor.

Yuzhan, who was on her way to the bookshop, decided to return home after witnessing the scene. On her way back, Yuzhan encountered a commotion: two ragged individuals were being beaten for stealing steamed buns. They pleaded for help, explaining that a month prior, the Yellow River had burst its banks, and the Magistrate of Xingzhou, Wu Yang, instead of providing aid, had driven the victims out of the city to fend for themselves.

As the disaster worsened, he had covered it up by reporting a "victim riot." They had journeyed to the capital, begging Yuzhan to save the people of Xingzhou. Yuzhan reassured them that if their story was true, the Emperor would not let the magistrate go unpunished. She ordered her attendants to provide care for them and arrange their return home in a few days. Yuzhan then reported the grave situation to the Emperor.

He was enraged, questioning why none of his officials were aware of the Xingzhou disaster, which involved over ten thousand victims and widespread starvation. An official explained that previous reports stated the disaster was contained with fewer than a thousand victims, indicating a clear cover-up by Wu Yang. The Emperor declared he would personally travel to Xingzhou on the fifteenth of the month to deliver relief supplies, publicizing his edict to the populace.

He intended to see for himself whether Xingzhou could conceal the truth from him. Yuzhan visited Jinzhan, expressing her worry about the Emperor's upcoming trip, fearing that malicious individuals might exploit his absence. Jinzhan dismissed her concerns, praising the Emperor's bravery and luck, believing he would overcome any danger and bring good fortune to Xingzhou. Yuzhan persisted, suggesting that being outside the palace created opportunities for traitors.

Jinzhan then correctly identified Princess Royal as the "person" Yuzhan was referring to, expressing anger at the Emperor's excessive mercy. Stewardess Song arrived shortly after, offering desserts to Yuzhan. Jinzhan commented on Yuzhan's previous complaints about Stewardess Song, but Yuzhan suggested that having such a person to supervise Jinzhan was beneficial. Jinzhan's maid then excitedly informed her that Stewardess Song had granted permission for Jinzhan, as the Empress, to accompany the Emperor to Xingzhou for disaster relief.

This, she explained, would not only showcase the Emperor and Empress's affection but also bolster public morale and the Emperor's popularity. Jinzhan was delighted, agreeing with Yuzhan that Stewardess Song, despite her rigid demeanor, ultimately had a good heart.

Empress Jinzhan and Yuzhan arrived to join the Emperor's convoy, just in time for Xue Rong's meal. Jinzhan explained that Stewardess Song had advised her to accompany the Emperor, who was personally delivering relief supplies to Xingzhou, to inspire the disaster victims and showcase the imperial couple's affection, thereby garnering more popular support. Xue Rong acknowledged her thoughtfulness and invited them to eat.

Yuzhan mentioned that Prince Wei had increased the Tianxiong Army, and that the convoy, traveling day and night since the tenth, had already covered half the distance in just two days. At an inn where the group stopped, a suspicious waiter delivered a letter discreetly hidden under a plate. Xue Rong recognized the waiter but opened the letter despite a servant's concerns about poison.

The letter, from his biological Chai Family in Luocheng, stated that his mother was gravely ill and wished to see him one last time. Xue Rong, deeply conflicted, explained to Yuzhan that he could not go. He recounted how he was adopted by the Xue family, and the late emperor had decreed that the Chai family was forever barred from entering the capital, holding office, engaging in commerce, or joining the military.

Furthermore, a Privy Council was established in Lingyang specifically to prevent him from changing the dynasty's name if he ascended the throne. Xue Rong emphasized that he had sworn off any connection to the Chai family, as any contact could lead to impeachment by officials and potentially cost him his position. He expressed his gratitude to the late emperor but agonized over being unable to see his dying parents.

He also noted that the Chai family was under constant surveillance, and news of his mother's illness would have certainly reached those monitoring them, leading to increased scrutiny in Luocheng. With his public journey to Xingzhou already known and only five days until their arrival, there was no time to divert to Luocheng. Yuzhan proposed a daring plan: Xue Rong could travel in disguise to Luocheng, maintaining a low profile.

They could travel lightly and quickly, saving a day or two compared to the main convoy laden with supplies. If needed, Jinzhan, as the empress, could delay the convoy. The challenge remained who would impersonate the Emperor in the main convoy. Jinzhan, upon learning that Commandant Jiang had gone on an errand for His Majesty, then arranged for a physician to announce that the Emperor had a cold and needed to remain in his carriage for several days, undisturbed.

With the convoy now moving again, Jinzhan instructed Jiang Shao, who was impersonating Xue Rong, to stay hidden and continue feigning illness. Jinzhan also made arrangements to meet Xue Rong at a courier station outside Xingzhou in three days, stating that if he didn't arrive by then, she and Jiang Shao would proceed to Xingzhou to placate the populace. Meanwhile, Jiang Shao, impersonating Xue Rong, and Jinzhan had a strained relationship.

Jinzhan recounted how she had used the Emperor’s supposed illness to justify the convoy’s rest stop and wondered when the real Emperor would return. Jiang Shao, contemplating his role, suggested he switch back to his own identity to meet Li Huaijin and then return to impersonate the Emperor if Xue Rong was still delayed. Jinzhan agreed.

She also commented to Li Huaijin on Jiang Shao’s uninhibited nature, which she found endearing, but teasingly warned Li Huaijin not to praise him further. She then asked Li Huaijin to buy some chestnuts she had noticed earlier. Jiang Shao, in his own clothes, was on his way to buy chestnuts for the Empress when he encountered Li Huaijin, who was drinking.

Li Huaijin offered Jiang Shao the chestnuts he had already bought, claiming he no longer wanted them, and asked Jiang Shao not to tell Jinzhan they were from him, fearing she wouldn’t eat them. Li Huaijin also advised Jiang Shao to keep his distance from the Empress, as she seemed not to favor him. Back at the inn, Jinzhan was surprised by the quick return of the chestnuts.

She peeled them herself and shared them with Li Huaijin, reminiscing about their childhood. Jiang Shao, now standing guard, was pointedly ignored by Jinzhan, who refused to share the chestnuts with him and insisted Li Huaijin eat them all as an imperial command. Xue Rong and Yuzhan arrived in Luocheng, noting the city’s tight security and the numerous spies monitoring the Chai Mansion. They spotted Chai Zhenzhen, the girl who delivered the letter, leaving the mansion and being followed.

Yuzhan discreetly followed Zhenzhen to a pharmacy, where, under the guise of buying medicine, she informed Zhenzhen that Xue Rong had arrived but could not reveal his presence due to the tight security. Yuzhan instructed Zhenzhen to arrange for Mr. Chai to bring Mrs. Chai to that very clinic. To facilitate this, Yuzhan generously paid for other poor patients at the clinic, providing them with lodging and hot soup, earning their profound gratitude.

She expressed her hope for a prosperous Lingyang where everyone could receive care and food. That night, Mr. Chai carried his ailing wife to the clinic, but the Magistrate of Luocheng attempted to block their entry. Mr. Chai passionately argued for his wife's critical condition and threatened to inform the Emperor if they were denied access, which compelled the Magistrate to yield. Still suspicious, the Magistrate ordered all patients' identities to be verified.

Yuzhan ingeniously claimed her husband had a disfiguring facial boil and could not be seen; a subsequent check by a guard confirmed it was not the Emperor. Despite this, the Magistrate stationed guards to closely monitor the room. Inside, Xue Rong, hidden behind a screen, finally reunited with his parents. His mother, in her last moments, did not fully recognize him, her memory clinging to him as a seven-year-old boy.

Xue Rong, heartbroken, tearfully affirmed his identity and his safety, but his mother, in her final act, urged him to leave, fearing for his well-being. She passed away in his arms. Overcome with grief, Xue Rong expressed profound regret for causing his mother distress and feeling as though he had done nothing for her, but his father assured him that her only concern was his safety. Shortly after, the Magistrate of Luocheng returned, having recognized Xue Rong's retreating figure.

He declared that he could not conceal the Emperor's presence in Luocheng, citing the late emperor's decree and the watchful eyes of court officials. To protect his son, Mr. Chai, with a hidden knife, fatally stabbed the Magistrate. He then instructed Zhenzhen to lead Xue Rong and Yuzhan out of the city immediately, asserting that no one in Luocheng should know the Emperor's identity.

As Mr. Chai then set the mansion ablaze, intending to die with his wife and ensure the Emperor's plausible deniability, Zhenzhen, distraught, attempted to rush back inside to save her father. Xue Rong and Yuzhan forcibly pulled her away, emphasizing the danger from the spreading fire and the arriving guards, making immediate escape essential. Outside the city walls, Zhenzhen collapsed in grief, accusing Xue Rong of being a detached emperor who had destroyed her family.

Xue Rong, in a moment of raw emotion, revealed himself as her long-lost older brother, adopted by the late emperor, and explained his perilous journey to Luocheng. He acknowledged his transformation into an emperor who prioritized grand schemes over personal ties, a "monster" as Zhenzhen called him, admitting his coldness and the agonizing truth that he could not intervene to save their father.

Zhenzhen, overwhelmed, fainted, cradled by a heartbroken Xue Rong, who yearned to change the tragic outcome and protect his family but admitted his powerlessness to do so. Back in Xingzhou, the streets were desolate, with most residents having fled. The remaining disaster victims huddled at porridge tents, desperately waiting for food. Jinzhan and Qingge set out privately to inspect the porridge distribution, while Jiang Shao and Li Huaijin proceeded to the government office to handle the relief supplies.

At the porridge tent, Jinzhan witnessed a chaotic scene: meager porridge with barely any rice, and desperate people fighting over it, causing the tent to collapse. Jinzhan, caught in the melee, managed to stand up with only an injured hand. Meanwhile, at the government office, Magistrate Wu claimed to have established four porridge tents and provided housing for victims.

Li Huaijin, however, expressed skepticism and announced that the Imperial Guards would soon take over food distribution, warning Wu about his deception regarding the disaster. Just then, Qingge rushed in, reporting the collapse of the east gate porridge tent and Jinzhan's disappearance. Jiang Shao, quickly reverting to his own identity, frantically searched for and found Jinzhan, expressing immense relief that she was largely unharmed. Jinzhan, however, wryly questioned whether he was worried about her or merely the Empress.

As more victims recognized Jinzhan, they pleaded for help. Jinzhan reassured them that the Emperor was already en route with relief food, promising that they would soon be fed. Just as the crowd expressed doubt about the Emperor's presence, Xue Rong arrived on horseback, declaring his anger at the situation. He was informed that Magistrate Wu had deliberately withheld aid until the Emperor's arrival, leading to the stampede and injuries.

Xue Rong addressed the assembled victims, pledging that every person in Xingzhou would receive food. He publicly ordered the arrest and imprisonment of Magistrate Wu Yang for concealing the disaster, vowing to personally interrogate him and ensure justice for the people of Xingzhou.

Jiang Shao visited Fu Jinzhan, expressing concern for her injured hand and bringing medicine. Jinzhan, recalling her sister's advice to think twice before acting, decided to give Jiang Shao a chance to explain his behavior at the soup kitchen. She asked if his actions were for her or for the Empress. Jiang Shao apologized, clarifying that he had recently experienced a series of misfortunes and deliberately spoke unkind words to distance her, fearing she would be implicated.

Jinzhan, feeling both affection and resentment, embraced him tightly. She made him promise to always be good to her, never ignore her, never deceive her in any matter, and never leave her. Jiang Shao readily agreed to all her demands. Xue Rong vehemently condemned Wu Yang, the Magistrate of Xingzhou, for his unforgivable crimes of concealing the disaster and abandoning the populace.

He ordered Wu Yang's immediate arrest and imprisonment, dispatching a summons for Zhang Yongyao, the Assistant Minister for Justice, to come to Xingzhou to oversee the trial. Xue Rong expressed his profound relief at having personally arrived in Xingzhou, lamenting that he would otherwise have remained ignorant of his people's suffering. He then instructed Li Huaijin to lead the Imperial Guards in distributing porridge throughout the city, ensuring that every citizen received clean food.

Observing the deep dissatisfaction of the Xingzhou people with the government, and with the Mid-Autumn Festival at hand, Xue Rong decided to appear with the Empress to personally console them. He also assigned Jiang Shao the task of delivering gifts to Chai Zhenzhen.

Jiang Shao presented Chai Zhenzhen with gifts from Xue Rong, but Zhenzhen, grieving her parents, showed no interest in the valuables, longing instead for her family and expressing her unhappiness with the lack of freedom in the capital. She confided in Jiang Shao about her shock at only recently discovering her true identity as the Emperor's sister.

Jiang Shao empathized with her, sharing his own story of being an orphan who never knew his father, highlighting that at least she had known her parents and now had a brother. He offered her a candy, suggesting that even a little sweetness could alleviate bitterness, a principle he lived by. To lift her spirits, he proposed they release sky lanterns together, where Zhenzhen wrote a message to her deceased parents promising to live well.

As they watched the lanterns ascend, Zhenzhen's spirits brightened, and she asked if she could call him "Brother Jiang" and if they would meet again. Jiang Shao warmly accepted her as his sister, assuring her he would always be there if she needed him. Li Huaijin reported to Xue Rong a sudden and rapidly spreading epidemic in Xingzhou, with nearly a hundred victims suffering from persistent high fevers, causing widespread panic.

An isolation zone had been established at the East Gate, where Jiang Shao was overseeing the arrangement of victims and all city doctors had been dispatched. Xue Rong ordered the immediate distribution of all herbal medicines brought from the capital to contain the spread and ensure effective treatment for the afflicted. Later, while helping to settle victims, Jiang Shao became weak with a fever, overwhelmed by fatigue.

Chai Zhenzhen, who had insisted on accompanying him despite the dangers of the plague, quickly summoned a doctor. The doctor assured them that Jiang Shao's condition was merely a minor fever and exhaustion, easily curable with a few days of rest and medicine. Zhenzhen then tenderly fed Jiang Shao the medicine and wiped his mouth. Jiang Shao remarked that it was the first time since his mother's death that someone had cared for him in such a way.

He expressed a wish for a sister, to which Zhenzhen humorously retorted she didn't want to be his sister. He then told her that now she had two brothers—Xue Rong and himself—and could always turn to him if Xue Rong was unavailable. Unseen by them, Fu Jinzhan witnessed this intimate moment and silently departed.

Xue Rong delved into the documents concerning the Yellow River dam, discovering that three years prior, Magistrate Wu Yang had informed the previous emperor about damage to the dam and requested 600,000 "qian" in funds for its repair. The previous emperor had approved the project, which Wu Yang, in cooperation with the Ministry of Works and other artisans, completed before the flood season. Annually thereafter, substantial funds were allocated for the dam's upkeep.

Despite this, the dam, which Wu Yang had vowed to maintain, collapsed before the current flood season, leaving tens of thousands of Xingzhou residents homeless and displaced. Enraged, Xue Rong suspected Wu Yang's subsequent concealment of the disaster was an attempt to cover up this dam failure. Refusing to believe a minor magistrate could single-handedly embezzle such a vast sum, he ordered Zhang Yongyao to conduct a thorough investigation, expose all corrupt officials involved, and ensure no one was spared.

It was revealed that Magistrate Wu Yang was under the influence of the Princess Royal, who had dispatched Yan Chong to manage him in Xingzhou. The Princess Royal sought to leverage Wu Yang's downfall, knowing he was Prince Wei's esteemed student, to incriminate Prince Wei. Indeed, in the dungeon, Yan Chong coerced Wu Yang into falsely accusing Prince Wei of embezzlement by threatening the lives of Wu Yang's wife and son.

Meanwhile, Fu Yuzhan, steadfast in her belief of her father's innocence, pleaded with Xue Rong for five days to clear the Fu family's name. Xue Rong granted her the time, cautioning that failure would result in Prince Wei facing legal repercussions. Xue Rong also privately reflected that Yuzhan needed to handle this herself, as he couldn't be seen favoring the Fu family given the capital's scrutiny and Yuzhan's own doubts about their relationship.

Yuzhan visited Wu Yang in jail but quickly recognized he was under duress and would not confess freely. With the assistance of Zhang Yongyao, she meticulously reviewed the case files. She noted that the only direct evidence implicating Prince Wei was Wu Yang's confession and four incriminating letters. Drawing on her personal knowledge of the annual gift exchanges between Wu Yang and her father, which she managed, Yuzhan found crucial discrepancies in the letters.

For instance, one letter mentioned a thank-you for a pair of jade paperweights received at the Dragon Boat Festival, while Yuzhan distinctly remembered sending calligraphy posts that year. Convinced the letters were forgeries and that her family was being framed, Yuzhan pressed Zhang Yongyao for information on master forgers.

He disclosed that only four such masters existed, three of whom were in the capital, and one, Wang Daqian, a notoriously greedy individual, had left the capital half a month ago and was now in Xingzhou. Yuzhan devised a plan to lure Wang Daqian by offering an exorbitant price for calligraphy imitations.

Additionally, she arranged for supplies of grain and medicine to be sent to Xingzhou under the Fu family's name, to be distributed by the Empress to the disaster victims. Zhang Yongyao, while upholding his duty, also reassured Yuzhan that their engagement still held, regardless of the case's outcome. Following Yuzhan’s instructions, Fu Jinzhan, in her capacity as Empress, proceeded to Wu Yang’s mansion accompanied by Jiang Shao.

Yuzhan specifically requested Jiang Shao's presence, believing his meticulous nature might uncover overlooked clues. En route, Jinzhan teased Jiang Shao about the beautiful girl who had visited him while he was ill and fed him medicine. He clarified that the woman tending to him was Xue Rong's sister, Chai Zhenzhen, whose delicate identity needed to be kept confidential. Despite a moment of jealousy, Jinzhan accepted his explanation. Together, they interrogated Mrs. Wu, who initially feigned ignorance regarding her husband's embezzlement.

However, under pressure, Mrs. Wu revealed that Wu Yang maintained close ties with Zhao Yuan, the Executive of Construction, and Military Administrator Wang Ke, both of whom reside in Kangping Store. Jinzhan noted that 100,000 "qian" had been found in Wu Yang's mansion. Her young son, Ming Er, then innocently chanted, "Kangping Store, three three, six six."

Recognizing this as a coded reference to embezzled funds, Jiang Shao used candy to coax Ming Er into reciting more of the rhyme, which detailed specific amounts associated with other locations like Yanqing Store, Rongchang Store, and Kaiping Lane. Yuzhan and Zhang Yongyao located Wang Daqian by following a young boy who delivered a calligraphy imitation, leading them to a secluded house.

Zhang Yongyao skillfully diverted the guards, allowing them to scale a wall and confront Wang Daqian, who attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended. During interrogation, Wang Daqian initially denied forging the letters. Yuzhan, however, used a clever tactic, feigning to let him go while speculating aloud that the true mastermind behind the forged letters would undoubtedly silence the forger with cruel methods to prevent exposure.

Terrified, Wang Daqian confessed to forging the letters, admitting he was captured and tortured, forcing him to comply with the instructions. Zhang Yongyao immediately pressed him to reveal the identity of the person who had coerced him.

Earlier, Xue Rong, having learned that Fu Yuzhan and Zhang Yongyao had gone to the epidemic zone, dispatched Imperial Guards to patrol the area and assist the victims. Wang Daqian confessed to Fu Yuzhan that he was forced to write the false letters that accused the Fu family of instructing the Magistrate of Xingzhou, Wu Yang, to embezzle dam repair funds. He claimed he was captured, tortured, and forced by an unknown martial artist, who then tried to kill him.

Wang Daqian managed to escape and hid in the epidemic zone, feigning illness, begging Fu Yuzhan not to reveal his hiding place. Fu Yuzhan instructed him to make copies of the incriminating letters. News of Fu Yuzhan finding Wang Daqian quickly reached the culprits, who immediately dispatched assassins. As Fu Yuzhan, Zhang Yongyao, and Wang Daqian made their way back to the yamen, they were ambushed by a group of black-clad attackers. Zhang Yongyao sustained injuries while protecting Fu Yuzhan.

Fortunately, Xue Rong arrived in time with the Imperial Guards, forcing the assassins to retreat. However, in the ensuing chaos, Wang Daqian seized the opportunity to escape. Fu Yuzhan emphasized the critical importance of Wang Daqian's testimony for the case, and Xue Rong ordered a city-wide search for him. A doctor informed them that Zhang Yongyao's wound was deep but had not damaged any bones, requiring a period of rest to prevent future complications.

Fu Yuzhan expressed her gratitude to Zhang Yongyao for risking his life to save her. Zhang Yongyao humbly stated that he acted to protect the witness and ensure justice for the people of Xingzhou. Xue Rong later visited Zhang Yongyao and, citing the scarcity of medicine in Xingzhou after the floods, ordered Imperial Guards to escort him back to the capital for recovery and urged him to return to service quickly.

Fu Yuzhan received disturbing news that Wu Yang, the Magistrate of Xingzhou, had committed suicide in custody. With Wang Daqian still missing and the five-day deadline set by Xue Rong expired, Fu Yuzhan grew anxious. Just then, Jinzhan arrived with a breakthrough: Wu Yang’s account books. Jinzhan explained that she and Jiang Shao had visited Wu’s home and discovered Wu Yang had instructed his young son to memorize a sequence of numbers and locations.

When cross-referenced with information from other arrested officials, these turned out to be the complete records of corruption. Jiang Shao was still organizing the remaining books, which Jinzhan believed would clear the Fu family's name. Fu Yuzhan presented the account books to Xue Rong.

The books meticulously detailed Wu Yang's years of corruption, including the amounts embezzled and the names of implicated officials such as Minister of Revenue Liu Qing, Councilor of the Ministry of Works Zhang Zhao, and Minister of War Yan Chong. Xue Rong was furious at the audacity of these "worms" who dared to deceive him.

He acknowledged the crucial role the account books would play in rooting out these corrupt officials and expressed regret for his past harshness, which Fu Yuzhan understood was necessary for a monarch. Meanwhile, Jinzhan, hoping for a private outing with Jiang Shao, sent him a book containing a hidden note inviting him to meet at the eastern gate of the government office at dusk the next day. As Qingge delivered the book, Chai Zhenzhen also arrived with pastries.

Chai Zhenzhen, noticing the empress's maid delivering a book, intentionally spilled water on Jiang Shao to send him away to change clothes. She then secretly retrieved and read Jinzhan's note, expressing her possessiveness over Jiang Shao and her anger at the Empress for daring to arrange a secret rendezvous. The following evening, Jinzhan waited at the appointed location only to see Jiang Shao arrive with Chai Zhenzhen. Chai Zhenzhen, feigning a sudden dizzy spell, leaned into Jiang Shao’s embrace.

Witnessing this intimate moment, Jinzhan was heartbroken. Earlier, Jiang Shao had accompanied Chai Zhenzhen to mourn her parents on the seventh day after their passing, explaining that he did so on Xue Rong's behalf and that she and her brother would need to rely on each other. Princess Royal was informed of Yan Chong’s arrest, caused by Wu Yang's account books found by the Empress and Fu Yuzhan.

She was angered by the turn of events but remained confident that Yan Chong would not implicate her. As Xue Rong prepared to return to the capital, he entrusted Jiang Shao with the care of Chai Zhenzhen, as she could not enter the palace with him. Chai Zhenzhen expressed her deep loneliness and fear in the capital, lamenting the loss of her parents and wishing she could return to her humble home where her family resided.

She tearfully asked if she could stay at Jiang Shao’s mansion, offering to be his servant and clean his house. Jiang Shao, out of compassion, agreed to let her stay in the guestroom but insisted she was a guest and should not do chores. However, Chai Zhenzhen insisted on cooking and doing laundry, finding comfort in contributing and feeling like family with Jiang Shao. He eventually relented, albeit with some hesitation, mentioning a "troublemaker" he worries about.

Upon his return to the capital, Xue Rong publicly condemned Minister of War Yan Chong, Minister of Revenue Liu Qing, Councilor of the Ministry of Works Zhang Zhao, Military Administrator Wang Ke, and Magistrate of Xingzhou Wu Yang for their widespread corruption, embezzlement, and deceit against the throne. He sentenced them all to immediate execution. Conversely, Prince Wei Fu Yanxin was declared innocent and reinstated to his former position.

When a minister raised objections, citing letters between Fu Yanxin and Wu Yang despite the account books, Xue Rong produced a forged letter implicating the protesting minister in corruption. He explained that these letters were written by the same forger who had mimicked the minister's handwriting, thus proving that the letters against Prince Wei were also fabricated. The other officials, convinced, voiced no further objections. Princess Royal visited Zhang Yongyao while he was recovering.

Upon seeing Fu Yuzhan arrive, she promptly departed. Fu Yuzhan inquired about Zhang Yongyao’s health and attempted to discuss their engagement, implying it did not need to be forced. Zhang Yongyao, however, interrupted her and firmly stated that their engagement still held. Seeing his condition, Fu Yuzhan decided not to press the matter further and left. Sometime later, Princess Royal visited Jiang Shao’s mansion and found Chai Zhenzhen alone.

Chai Zhenzhen introduced herself as "Jiang Zhenzhen" from Xingzhou, explaining that Jiang Shao had taken her in out of pity. Princess Royal, who was already aware of a missing Ms. Chai from Luocheng, subtly probed Zhenzhen about her origins and family, growing increasingly suspicious of her true identity. She left some pastries and departed. Upon his return, Jiang Shao recognized the pastries as Princess Royal's, realizing she had discovered Chai Zhenzhen. He immediately went to inform Xue Rong.

Acting proactively, Xue Rong summoned Princess Royal. He informed her that he had long severed all ties with the Chai family, signaling that he would not protect Chai Zhenzhen. Princess Royal confirmed her suspicions about Chai Zhenzhen’s identity and reminded Xue Rong of the late emperor’s decree, which forbade any member of the Chai family from entering the capital.

The following day, Chai Zhenzhen's identity was publicly confirmed, leading to a heated debate among the ministers about the validity of the old decree. Minister Cao Han proposed a solution: if Chai Zhenzhen were to marry and adopt her husband’s surname, she would no longer be considered a Chai, thus circumventing the decree. Chai Zhenzhen seized the opportunity and requested Xue Rong to grant her a marriage.

Xue Rong was surprised when she expressed her desire to marry Jiang Shao, suggesting she consider other noblemen in the capital. However, Chai Zhenzhen was adamant, insisting that marrying Jiang Shao would be his compensation to her. Xue Rong, left with no choice, placed the decision in Jiang Shao's hands. Chai Zhenzhen then asked Jiang Shao if he would marry her. Jiang Shao gently declined, explaining that marriage requires deep love, and he already had someone he deeply cared for.

Chai Zhenzhen, her suspicions aroused, pressed him, asking if the woman was the "Fu" in the palace, referring to Empress Jinzhan. Jiang Shao ambiguously replied, "yes and no." When Jinzhan initially heard that Chai Zhenzhen was getting married, she was happy and began asking her stewardess to compile a list of eligible noblemen. However, her joy turned to dismay when Xue Rong informed her that Chai Zhenzhen wished to marry Jiang Shao.

Xue Rong then suggested that Jinzhan speak with Chai Zhenzhen herself. Jinzhan confronted Chai Zhenzhen, questioning her desire to marry someone who did not love her, arguing that it would condemn Jiang Shao to a lifetime of unhappiness. Chai Zhenzhen retorted, challenging Jinzhan's authority to interfere in her and Jiang Shao's personal matters.

Jinzhan went to Chai Zhenzhen to dissuade her from her intentions but found Zhenzhen resolute. Later, Jinzhan approached Xue Rong, expressing her frustration that Zhenzhen was "stubborn." Xue Rong playfully retorted that "stubborn" was a term more fitting for Jinzhan herself, stating that if he hadn't intervened to stop Zhenzhen, Jinzhan would have already agreed to the marriage. Xue Rong admitted he only had one sister and wished for her happiness.

Jinzhan urged him to prevent Zhenzhen from suffering the same "wrong marriage" fate that both she and Xue Rong had endured, hoping the painful experience wouldn't be repeated. Xue Rong, amused, noted Jinzhan’s unexpected logic. Xue Rong then summoned his ministers, declaring he wished to discuss his "family affairs" rather than state matters: his intention to abolish the empress.

When asked for reasons, Xue Rong cited Jinzhan's "inappropriate behavior" and lack of aptitude for managing harem affairs, emphasizing that an empress must be a role model for all women. Some ministers immediately agreed to the proposal. However, one general questioned if Jinzhan had committed any of the "seven major faults."

Another minister quickly clarified that she had been empress for less than a year, and the "no son" fault, often associated with the seven, only applies after a woman reaches fifty. Mr. Zheng, the Minister of Rites, then argued that as empress, Jinzhan, though from a noble family and well-raised, had not committed any significant offense since entering the palace.

He acknowledged that managing the vast imperial household could lead to minor errors and suggested providing more imperial maids for assistance, believing she would learn over time. He concluded that it would be illogical and improper to abolish an empress without a clear major transgression, respectfully urging Xue Rong to reconsider. Many ministers seconded this plea.

Princess Royal was surprised to hear Xue Rong intended to abolish the empress, questioning what Jinzhan could have done to make him abandon the highly beneficial alliance with the Fu family. Her maid, Yueying, speculated that Xue Rong might have ulterior motives, perhaps still harboring feelings for Yuzhan, recalling his past intention to marry her when he was Prince Jin. Princess Royal, finding this prospect intriguing, decided to test Xue Rong.

A letter, seemingly from Yuzhan, inviting him to a rendezvous in the Secluded Bamboo Garden that night, was placed for Xue Rong to find. Xue Rong, suspecting it was from Yuzhan, arrived as requested and waited for one hour in the high winds. Witnessing his devotion from afar, Princess Royal confirmed his genuine affection for Yuzhan. She then instructed Yueying to widely spread scandalous rumors about Xue Rong and Yuzhan throughout the capital.

While shopping, Yuzhan overheard widespread discussions about Xue Rong's intent to abolish the empress. People were openly insulting the Fu family, accusing them of being cunning and manipulative, spreading rumors that Yuzhan instigated Jinzhan’s downfall to claim the empress title herself, aligning with the "Fu female empress" prophecy. Angered, Yuzhan confronted them, reminding them of royal law and threatening their fathers with dismissal if the rumors persisted.

Later, Mr. Su confronted Fu Yanxin, expressing disbelief at the "absurd" and widely known rumors about his daughters' "love affairs" with the emperor. He criticized Fu Yanxin’s "poor family education" and warned of severe consequences from court officials if the rumors weren't stopped. Fu Yanxin promised to immediately approach Zhang Yongyao to discuss the marriage.

Prime Minister Fan then informed Fu Yanxin that numerous impeachment petitions had been filed against him, accusing him of "wolf-like ambition" and using Yuzhan to "bewitch the monarch" to secure the empress's position. He warned that these accusations would be used to force Fu Yanxin to surrender his military command. Fu Yanxin presented Yuzhan with Zhang Yongyao’s betrothal gifts, instructing her to prepare her wedding gown.

He explained the gravity of the situation: refusing to surrender his military power would brand the Fu family as power-hungry traitors. Moreover, he revealed that Jinzhan's status as empress would become a "shame" rather than an "honor" with her own sister accused of coveting her position. He stated unequivocally that Yuzhan's marriage to Zhang Yongyao was essential to quash the rumors and clear the Fu family's name; otherwise, he would surrender his military power immediately.

Xue Rong was informed by Guo Fu that Yuzhan was set to marry Zhang Yongyao the following day, with betrothal gifts already delivered to the Fu family. Disbelieving, Xue Rong was then presented by Jinzhan with a letter, allegedly from Yuzhan, which included his jade pendant and served as a farewell message, seemingly in response to Xue Rong's broken promise. Xue Rong doubted its authenticity, realizing it wasn't personally given by Yuzhan.

Jinzhan urged him to intervene before it was too late. Xue Rong decided to go to the Fu mansion with Jinzhan. Princess Royal also learned of the impending marriage and went to bid Zhang Yongyao farewell, telling him to take care. At the Fu mansion, Jinzhan asked Yuzhan if she genuinely intended to marry Zhang Yongyao, to which Yuzhan silently confirmed. Xue Rong demanded a private conversation with Yuzhan.

Fu Yanxin initially objected, deeming it improper, but Xue Rong, asserting his imperial authority, dismissed the concern. Jinzhan, stepping in, assured her father of Xue Rong’s sincere feelings and respectful conduct, convincing him to allow the private discussion. Alone, Xue Rong reminded Yuzhan of her promise to wait, affirming his unwavering commitment and urging her not to give up.

He stressed their past hardships and the necessity of enduring together, even if it meant "facing hellfire and becoming enemies of the world." Yuzhan questioned why they had to choose such a difficult path, but Xue Rong insisted it was the only way for them to unite. Yuzhan then asked if he could truly ignore the rampant rumors and the mounting impeachments against the Fu family, who had become a public target.

Xue Rong dismissed these concerns, prompting Yuzhan to retort that as emperor, he couldn't comprehend the Fu family's struggles, citing the perilous Xingzhou corruption case as an example. Xue Rong, however, assured her he would never have punished the Fu family. He implored Yuzhan to release herself from the constant burden of family interests, warning that she was losing her own identity. He asked how much longer she would carry this load and when she would finally live for herself.

Yuzhan tearfully confessed she "cannot," asserting that "there would be no Yuzhan without the Fu family," and she couldn’t be responsible for its destruction. Xue Rong promised the Fu family would be safe under his protection. Yuzhan, however, declared herself "tired," expressing uncertainty about facing "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or any future day." Meanwhile, Fu Yanxin voiced his frustration with both his daughters.

Jinzhan challenged her father, accusing him of forcing them into unwanted marriages despite his claims of wanting their happiness. She passionately declared that "rules are rigid, but people are alive," and that living individuals should not be "trapped by rules," a statement that sparked an idea in her mind. Jinzhan went to Jiang Shao's mansion, but he was not there. Instead, she found Chai Zhenzhen sewing a wedding dress.

Zhenzhen then informed Jinzhan that Xue Rong had promised to issue an imperial decree for her marriage to Jiang Shao, and she would be getting married soon. Zhenzhen asserted that even if Jinzhan and Jiang Shao loved each other, Jinzhan, as the empress, could not be with him and should not burden Jiang Shao with a lifetime of unhappiness. Zhenzhen declared her unwavering resolve to have Xue Rong grant her marriage to Jiang Shao.

Later that evening, in Ciming Palace, Jinzhan, seemingly agitated, dismissed all her palace maids, including Qingge, and locked herself inside. Meanwhile, Xue Rong was lost in thought about Yuzhan when Guo Fu urgently reported that Ciming Palace was on fire. Rushing to the scene, Xue Rong learned from Guo Fu that Jinzhan was believed to still be inside, prompting him to order an immediate rescue.

Jiang Shao, who had accompanied Chai Zhenzhen to the palace to seek Xue Rong’s consent for their marriage, learned of the fire. Concerned for Zhenzhen's safety and presence in the palace, he quickly hid her before frantically attempting to reach Jinzhan. Zhenzhen tried to stop him, but Jiang Shao gently rendered her unconscious to ensure her safety.

He desperately inquired about Jinzhan's whereabouts from other officials, including Commander Li Huaijin, who had just emerged from the flames, but received no hopeful news. Jiang Shao then tried to re-enter the raging inferno himself, only to be knocked unconscious by soldiers for his own protection. Chai Zhenzhen soon regained consciousness and secretly witnessed Xue Rong instructing his eunuchs to covertly transport a corpse out of the palace, warning them to "kill anyone who discovers them."

Shocked, Zhenzhen immediately concluded that Xue Rong had murdered Jinzhan and used the fire to destroy the evidence. Fu Yanxin quickly informed Yuzhan about the fire and Jinzhan's disappearance, prompting Yuzhan to rush to the palace. Princess Royal also arrived at Ciming Palace, but Guo Fu advised her against viewing the "badly burnt and damaged" corpse. Yuzhan, however, found a body covered by a white cloth and broke down, refusing to believe it was Jinzhan.

Qingge confirmed that Jinzhan had driven everyone out of the palace before the fire. Yuzhan confronted Xue Rong, demanding to know if Jinzhan was truly dead. Xue Rong, confirming he "personally saw her corpse," affirmed that Jinzhan was indeed gone. Yuzhan, heartbroken, blamed him for failing to protect her sister. Witnessing Yuzhan’s profound grief, Chai Zhenzhen wrestled with the dilemma of whether to reveal the secret she had uncovered. The truth, however, was that Jinzhan was not dead.

It was all her meticulous plan. She had intentionally set fire to Ciming Palace, using a secret passage to escape and a scarecrow dressed in her clothes to create "human-shaped ashes" on her bed, proudly calling it her "golden cicada shedding its shell" trick to feign her death.

Xue Rong, initially startled and angered by her "absurd" scheme, quickly recognized the immense danger: if Jinzhan were discovered alive, the "crime of deceiving the emperor" would lead to the execution of her entire family. He swiftly ordered Cao Han to "secretly take the empress away from the capital city," emphasizing that "no one must know the empress is still alive" to protect the Fu family.

Jinzhan initially resisted, wanting to bid farewell to her father and sister and to meet Jiang Shao, asking Cao Han to bring him to a rendezvous point. Cao Han agreed to take her to a safe spot, promising to fetch Jiang Shao there. Xue Rong then separately instructed Guo Fu to "find a female corpse" to replace Jinzhan in the palace.

However, outside the capital, Jinzhan grew suspicious of Cao Han, realizing he wouldn’t willingly facilitate her reunion with Jiang Shao given his past concerns about their relationship. When Cao Han indeed tried to kill her, Jinzhan threw sand in his eyes and managed to escape. Unbeknownst to Xue Rong, Cao Han then instructed his men to closely monitor for any suspicious activity or persons.

Xue Rong, meanwhile, hoped that Cao Han would successfully lead Jinzhan far away, preventing any further complications. Chai Zhenzhen brought pastries to Yuzhan, who had not eaten all day, trying to comfort her. Zhenzhen believed Jinzhan, being inherently optimistic and candid, wouldn't have committed suicide. Yuzhan, however, speculated that Xue Rong's words might have "hurt her." Zhenzhen acknowledged Xue Rong’s deep affection for Yuzhan, recalling his gaze in Luocheng, but she cautioned Yuzhan against marrying him.

She warned that the imperial throne transforms a person, making them "very terrible and strange," a fate she wished Yuzhan to avoid. Sensing Zhenzhen knew more, Yuzhan pressed her for details, and Zhenzhen began to recount what she witnessed "that night." Far outside the capital, Jinzhan, having not eaten for several days, was offered a pancake by a kind woman. As she ate, she found herself deeply missing her father and sister, yearning to return home.

Emperor Xue Rong arrives at the Fu Mansion, expressing his concern for Yuzhan and noting her somewhat languished appearance. Yuzhan, however, remains distant, directly questioning why he has not yet declared the true cause of the Empress's death to the world. She implies that he is afraid to do so and suggests he might be responsible for Jinzhan’s demise.

Hurt by her words, Xue Rong asks if she truly believes he forced Jinzhan's death and laments the apparent lack of trust between them. Yuzhan states her intention to go to Hanqiu Temple to pray for Jinzhan and promptly leaves. As Yuzhan's carriage departs, she hears the mournful yet hopeful melody of a guqin and asks her attendant to stop.

She discovers Assistant Minister Zhang Yongyao playing "Autumn Steps Rain", a piece composed by the former dynasty's zither master Zhong Zhizhang in memory of his deceased sister. Zhang Yongyao explains that despite its melancholy, the music signifies the promise of sunshine after rain, hoping it will comfort Yuzhan in her grief and make his presence worthwhile.

Yuzhan thanks him for his concern but informs him that due to her sister’s sudden death, their marriage will likely be delayed, asking for his understanding. Zhang Yongyao expresses his understanding. Meanwhile, Fu Yanxin and Li Huaijin are consumed by sorrow over Jinzhan’s death. Li Huaijin, overcome with guilt for failing to protect Jinzhan or rescue her from the fire, is seen in deep distress with a burning candle, which his attendant, Yueying, pulls away from him.

Yueying reassures him that the fire was an accident, not his fault, and that Jinzhan would not want to see him tormenting himself. Elsewhere, a disguised Jinzhan approaches the Fu Mansion. She observes numerous imperial guards, including those usually assigned to Cao Han, stationed around the residence. Concluding that Emperor Xue Rong has set a trap to kill her, she decides to prioritize her safety and immediately leaves the area before attempting to reunite with her father and sister.

The Princess Royal remarks on Lady Yuzhan’s ongoing entanglement with the Emperor and the unfortunate timing of the Empress’s death just before Yuzhan’s scheduled marriage to Assistant Minister Zhang. She muses that if a woman lacks the true destiny to be Empress, she cannot securely hold such a high position. She then sets off with Yueying for the Jiang Mansion.

Jinzhan secretly enters the Jiang Mansion and, disguised as a ghost, frightens Chai Zhenzhen, accusing her of causing her miserable death and demanding retribution. A terrified Zhenzhen cries out to Jiang Shao that Jinzhan’s ghost has visited her, claiming to have died a tragic death and wanting her to join her. Jiang Shao rushes to Zhenzhen's side, initially dismissing her fears as baseless, but then notices a valuable hairpin at the entrance.

Zhenzhen denies it belongs to her, explaining she keeps all the Emperor's gifts unused. Jiang Shao then realizes that the "ghost" must have been Jinzhan herself, and with a surge of joy, he concludes that Jinzhan is indeed still alive. After seeking advice from an elder, Jiang Shao buys Jinzhan's favorite chestnuts. Eunuch Li Fang escorts Jinzhan, disguised as a male attendant, to the Fu Mansion to meet Prince Wei.

After ensuring privacy by closing the doors, Jinzhan tearfully reunites with her father and sister. Yuzhan is overjoyed to see her alive. Prince Wei, however, is furious, demanding Jinzhan leave immediately. He fears that if the Emperor discovers her fake death, the entire Fu clan will be accused of deceiving the emperor and face extermination. He harshly scolds Jinzhan for bringing such trouble upon them.

Yuzhan attempts to pacify her father, promising to deal with Jinzhan, while Eunuch Li advises Prince Wei to find a swift resolution to the precarious situation. Alone with Yuzhan, Jinzhan confesses that she deliberately set the fire to stage her own death. She then claims that although Xue Rong had Cao Han escort her out of the city, Cao Han attempted to murder her just outside the capital.

Jinzhan insists that only Xue Rong could have given Cao Han such an order, concluding that the Emperor intended to kill her. She suggests that the imperial throne can transform a person, making them terrifying and unfamiliar. Yuzhan, however, expresses profound skepticism that Xue Rong would truly want to harm her. Meanwhile, Jiang Shao leaves a note at his residence, sincerely apologizing and vowing to always be at Jinzhan's service.

Jinzhan, who has been secretly following him, finds the note and the chestnuts. She confronts Jiang Shao, who earnestly apologizes, stating that anything that caused her unhappiness was his mistake and reaffirming the promises in his note. Just as Jinzhan begins to soften, Chai Zhenzhen unexpectedly returns, having bought fish for dinner. Jiang Shao takes the opportunity to tell Zhenzhen that he must find her new accommodations due to considerations of gender and reputation.

Heartbroken, Zhenzhen tearfully explains that as a member of the Chai family, she has no place in the capital unless she marries him, and she pleads for his help and pity, not wanting to return to Luocheng where she has no family left. Angered by Zhenzhen's declaration, Jinzhan storms off.

Jiang Shao chases after her, embracing her and clarifying that he views Zhenzhen only as the Emperor's sister, with no romantic intentions; Jinzhan is the only woman he desires to marry. He proposes they leave the capital together, as Jinzhan is no longer the Empress and her continued presence poses a risk of exposure. With his mother's death avenged, they are now free from all constraints.

He suggests they first return to Dingzhou, then embark on a journey to explore the vast world wherever they please. Jinzhan happily agrees to his proposal. Returning to the Fu Mansion, Xue Rong learns that Yuzhan, claiming illness, is unwilling to see him. Despite this, he insists on visiting her personally, concerned she might catch a cold.

He covertly enters her room, finds her asleep, and gently covers her before departing, instructing an attendant not to reveal his visit to Yuzhan. Later, Xue Rong again confronts Yuzhan about her lingering suspicions regarding Jinzhan's fate. Yuzhan confesses her internal conflict, acknowledging Cao Han's unquestionable loyalty to the Emperor but struggling to find a motive for Xue Rong to order Jinzhan’s death.

Xue Rong explains he had originally planned to reveal Jinzhan's survival as a pleasant surprise during his previous visit, but her accusations of him murdering Jinzhan had angered him, causing him to withhold the truth. Seizing the moment, Xue Rong urges Yuzhan to put aside her hesitation. He proposes that if they continue to conceal Jinzhan's survival, he can then designate Yuzhan as his new Empress, solemnly promising to marry her.

Xue Rong then discusses Chai Zhenzhen's future with Prince Wei. He explains that Zhenzhen is his only remaining blood relative, but current laws prohibit her from residing in the capital. To keep her close, a change of surname would be necessary, and while marriage could resolve the issue, he refuses to force her as her heart already belongs to someone else.

Prince Wei suggests Zhenzhen could change her surname and become his adopted daughter, presenting it as the only viable solution. Xue Rong confirms that Zhenzhen admires Prince Wei and wishes to stay with him, making the arrangement mutually beneficial. Xue Rong states he will select an auspicious day for Prince Wei to formally adopt Zhenzhen. Prince Wei agrees but then asks Xue Rong to meet another person. Prince Wei presents Jinzhan and Yuzhan to Xue Rong.

Prince Wei immediately takes responsibility for Jinzhan's rebellious act of burning down the palace, offering her up for any punishment, even death. Xue Rong, however, dismisses the idea of killing Jinzhan, explaining that he merely sent her out of the palace that night due to the emergency, intending to reveal her survival once she was safely settled. Jinzhan interjects, accusing Xue Rong of hypocrisy and of ordering Cao Han to assassinate her.

Xue Rong vehemently denies this, asserting he only commanded Cao Han to escort her out of the capital. Prince Wei, believing Cao Han acted independently, promises to conduct an investigation and states he will send Jinzhan away from the capital. Xue Rong then confronts Cao Han, who kneels before him. Xue Rong furiously accuses Cao Han of defying his imperial decree, secretly attempting to murder the Empress, and deceiving him.

Cao Han, undeterred by the threat of death, defends his actions by stating his sole motivation was to protect the Emperor's reputation. He argues that Jinzhan's absurd fake death could lead to widespread trouble, exposing Xue Rong to public shame and controversy if discovered. Eunuch Guo intercedes on Cao Han's behalf. Though enraged, Xue Rong spares Cao Han's life.

He tasks Cao Han with secretly protecting Jinzhan's identity while she is away and, if she ever returns and faces the risk of exposure, to proactively eliminate that threat. Xue Rong warns that any future disobedience or arbitrary actions will result in severe penalties. As punishment for his insubordination, Xue Rong orders Cao Han, the Minister of Personnel, to receive 50 lashes.

Yuzhan carefully packed Jinzhan’s belongings, advising her to take good care of herself while traveling, to buy whatever she liked, and to write home if she ever needed more money. Zhenzhen arrived, bearing a farewell package for Jinzhan. Jinzhan thanked Zhenzhen and expressed her hope that Zhenzhen would stay by their father’s side after her departure. Yuzhan and Jinzhan embraced, tearfully wondering when they would reunite.

Jinzhan then went to bid farewell to her father, Prince Wei, but he refused to see her. Outside his door, Jinzhan knelt and kowtowed, announcing her departure for Dingzhou with Jiang Shao and wishing her father well. Outside the city gates, Jinzhan met Jiang Shao. He questioned why she hadn't told him about Cao Han’s attempt to kill her.

Jinzhan simply expressed her joy at seeing him and her desire not to dwell on Cao Han, trusting that Xue Rong would handle him. Jiang Shao vowed to punish Cao Han if he ever saw him again. Jinzhan asked if he regretted wandering with her, to which he playfully retorted, "Nonsense!" and they set off on their adventure together.

Meanwhile, Xue Rong had arranged a meeting with Yuzhan in a bamboo grove, where he had hung numerous notes detailing their shared past. These notes quoted their previous conversations, from Yuzhan's pledge that the Fu family would stand with Prince Jin to Xue Rong’s declaration that he owed his life to her alone, not her family.

Other notes recalled Xue Rong asking if she would marry him for herself, not for her family, and his despair when he couldn’t marry her, vowing to "be heaven" if fate was determined by it. Finally, there was a reminder of his promise to protect her when she had impersonated his empress.

Dressed in red, holding a phoenix coronet and robes of rank, Xue Rong appeared before Yuzhan and asked if she would be his empress, to live with him forever and share the land of Lingyang. Yuzhan refused, citing her existing engagement to Zhang Yongyao. Angrily, Xue Rong forbade her from marrying Zhang Yongyao, stating that their engagement was already broken. Yuzhan explained that their bond had grown from childhood acquaintances into a deep friendship forged through life-and-death struggles in Jincheng.

However, she believed true love should be sweet, easy, and joyous, free from obstacles and concerns, unlike their own "hard" love. She needed to be certain of her true feelings before she could abandon everything and commit. Xue Rong, hurt, concluded that she simply didn't love him and walked away, leaving Yuzhan alone in her pain. Back at the Fu family mansion, Yuzhan confided in her maid, Lanpei, that she felt unworthy of Xue Rong’s love.

She lamented that despite his sincere devotion and their many shared trials, she still doubted him due to the influence of others, causing him sorrow. She questioned whether her feelings for him were genuine love or merely a strategic necessity for the Fu family, given his status as emperor. She concluded that she was not fit for his love and certainly not worthy of being his empress.

Jinzhan and Jiang Shao arrived at Jixian Restaurant, hoping to try its famous White Pear Blossom Liquor. To their dismay, only one jar remained, and another customer also sought it. The shopkeeper explained that the liquor was brewed only once a year when pear blossoms bloomed. A bidding war ensued, with prices quickly escalating. To resolve the dispute, the shopkeeper proposed a contest: whoever could retrieve the required spring water and auxiliary materials within two hours would win the liquor.

The other customer quickly set off for spring water. Jinzhan initially worried about finding pear blossoms out of season, but Jiang Shao, having discreetly inquired with the shopkeeper, revealed that osmanthus flowers, which were currently in bloom, could be used instead. He directed her to a house at the end of a nearby lane known for its osmanthus tree. While picking the flowers, they were confronted by a steward who accused them of stealing.

They explained their predicament and mentioned leaving money for the flowers, but the steward remained unconvinced until a servant arrived with a message from his master, stating nothing was missing and to let them go. Jinzhan and Jiang Shao rushed back to the restaurant, arriving just as the other customer returned. They were declared the winners.

However, when Jinzhan overheard the other customer explaining to his wife that he wanted the liquor for their twentieth wedding anniversary, as it was how they had first met, she was deeply moved. Despite her own desire for the liquor, Jinzhan generously gave it to them, explaining to Jiang Shao that while they could drink White Pear Blossom Liquor next year, a twentieth anniversary was a unique occasion.

Touched by her compassion, Jiang Shao promised she wouldn't have come all this way for nothing. Together, they decided to brew their own White Pear Blossom Liquor, a process that took them half a month. They buried the jar, vowing to unearth it together twenty years later. They then continued their travels, enjoying different delicacies and each other's company. Meanwhile, Xue Rong summoned Zhang Yongyao, declaring his mutual love with Yuzhan and urging Zhang Yongyao to annul their engagement.

Zhang Yongyao, however, refused, insisting he would not end the betrothal, which was arranged by their parents, unless Yuzhan herself explicitly stated her desire to marry Xue Rong. Xue Rong challenged Zhang Yongyao, arguing that Yuzhan would only marry him out of obligation, not love. He provoked Zhang Yongyao to prove his confidence by canceling the engagement and competing fairly for Yuzhan’s hand. If Yuzhan truly loved Zhang, Xue Rong asserted, she would marry him even without the formal engagement.

Zhang Yongyao accepted the challenge but made Xue Rong promise not to use his imperial authority to interfere with his pursuit of Yuzhan, to which Xue Rong agreed. Later, Zhang Yongyao went to the Fu family mansion to speak with Yuzhan. He questioned whether her agreement to their marriage was born of genuine affection for him and asked about her feelings for Xue Rong. Yuzhan admitted that her "heart was undecided."

Accepting this, Zhang Yongyao promptly announced his decision to withdraw from the engagement, promising to seek Prince Wei’s pardon. Yuzhan, in turn, reaffirmed the Fu family's acknowledgment of the original betrothal and offered her apologies if Xue Rong was the cause of this change. Zhang Yongyao, however, dismissed her apology, stating his desire to propose only when they both shared mutual affection. He then openly confessed his love for Yuzhan and asked for a chance to prove his devotion.

Yuzhan agreed to his proposal, cautioning him that the outcome might not be as he envisioned, but Zhang Yongyao calmly affirmed his readiness to accept any result. Upon hearing the news of the annulled engagement, Princess Shou'an, who had been dejected, became jubilant. Her attendant pointed out that Zhang Yongyao's act of canceling the engagement suggested Yuzhan wasn't his sole focus, giving Shou'an a new opportunity. Shou'an, eager to win Zhang Yongyao's affection, decided to imitate Yuzhan’s style.

She asked her attendant, Yan Cao, to style her hair like Yuzhan’s, though Yan Cao deemed Yuzhan’s simple hairstyle "low-grade" for a princess. Shou’an chose a pearl ornament over a plainer one, which her attendant found unsuitable. She then prepared to visit Tianxiang Guqin Pavilion, a place Zhang Yongyao frequented, hoping to understand his tastes. Elsewhere, the Princess Royal instructed Yueying to maintain strict surveillance on Li Fang.

She suspected him of having contacts with two eunuchs who were present when the late emperor died, fearing Li Fang might use them to blackmail her. She believed he would eventually communicate with them. Indeed, after some time, Yueying located the two eunuchs in a rumored "haunted" mansion in the east of the city. Li Fang had deliberately left misleading clues to suggest they had been sent out of the capital.

The eunuchs had sustained themselves by growing fruits and vegetables within the mansion and hadn't left until one fell ill, prompting the other to secretly seek a doctor, which led to their discovery. The Princess Royal immediately ordered Yueying to kill both eunuchs and Li Fang, stating that "only dead people won’t let out the secret." She also dispatched a messenger to Dingzhou with a letter for Zhu Xiaobei and instructed them to meticulously track Jiang Shao’s movements.

She then revealed her plan to disclose Jiang Shao's true identity to him upon his return, using a wooden plate left by the late emperor for Jiang Shunying (Jiang Shao's mother) as proof. Later, Xue Rong arrived at the Fu family mansion, looking for Yuzhan. When informed that she was at Tianxiang Guqin Pavilion with Zhang Yongyao, he decided to join them. At the pavilion, Shou'an Princess, in her Yuzhan-like attire, was seeking Zhang Yongyao’s opinion on her appearance.

He politely dismissed her, stating he wasn’t an expert. Yuzhan arrived and noticed Shou'an's similar dress, to which Shou'an claimed she merely desired a plainer style. Yuzhan then suggested trying a new method for making tea by adding orange peel for a fresh aroma. However, Shou'an quickly interrupted, revealing that Zhang Yongyao was allergic to oranges, which caused him to break out in a rash and fever. Yuzhan, feeling embarrassed by her oversight, decided against the new tea.

Just then, Xue Rong arrived, claiming he had heard a great Guqin master was performing and, finding all seats taken, hoped to share Zhang Yongyao’s private room. The atmosphere grew tense as Xue Rong and Zhang Yongyao engaged in a subtle battle for Yuzhan's attention. Zhang Yongyao proudly mentioned that he and Yuzhan had together chosen a Guqin Xuan. Xue Rong, however, subtly countered by asking if the concert would feature Yuzhan's favorite piece, "Youyuan," implying a deeper familiarity with her preferences than Zhang Yongyao possessed.

Xue Rong, Fu Yuzhan, Zhang Yongyao, and Princess Shou An gathered for a music session. Xue Rong subtly challenged Zhang Yongyao by asking if he knew Yuzhan’s favorite song. When Zhang Yongyao couldn’t answer, Xue Rong revealed it was "Youyuan." Zhang Yongyao then offered to play it, but Xue Rong quickly dismissed the idea, stating that Yuzhan only appreciated that particular song when it was played by a specific person, implying himself.

Sir Qingfeng then arrived and captivated everyone with his performance of "Changqing," a renowned piece by Xikang. The song, inspired by snow, evoked feelings of purity and a transcendent detachment from worldly affairs. Xue Rong, however, lamented that such immense talent was "a waste" when dedicated to a reclusive life. Yuzhan disagreed, asserting that the song, and its creator, should not be tainted or judged by mundane perspectives.

Zhang Yongyao then presented the "Duyou" zither, which he had bought from Chongren Store for Yuzhan, despite her previous disinterest, feeling it was too precious to be neglected. Princess Shou An, enthusiastic, decided to show her appreciation by throwing flowers and tried to make Xue Rong pay for the most expensive ones. Xue Rong, unwilling to support Zhang Yongyao, initially hesitated.

When Yuzhan offered to pay, Xue Rong quickly pulled out all his money, preventing Yuzhan from paying, and bought all the available expensive flowers. Zhang Yongyao began playing, dedicating the piece to a specific person present, hoping she would understand his heartfelt intentions. Xue Rong then asked for the song's title, which Yuzhan identified as "Feng Qiu Huang" (Phoenix Seeking Its Mate).

Xue Rong, clearly jealous, then cynically reinterpreted the romantic overtures of the song as a display of loyalty from a minister to his emperor, citing historical precedents like Qu Yuan. He then threw the flowers, disrupting Zhang Yongyao's performance and stating his "delight" in Zhang Yongyao's "noble character" and "loyal heart." Princess Shou An, oblivious or playing along, echoed Xue Rong's interpretation, further embarrassing the situation. Feeling uncomfortable, Yuzhan quickly excused herself and departed.

Xue Rong, also leaving abruptly, instructed Guo Fu to prepare his carriage. Princess Shou An then asked Zhang Yongyao if they could attend another music gathering the following day, but he politely declined, citing his official duties. Her spirits crushed, Princess Shou An sadly mused that her efforts to win his affection were futile if his heart belonged so completely to Yuzhan.

Jinzhan and Jiang Shao were on their way to watch the tide when they encountered a frail old man. After Jinzhan accidentally bumped into him, they quickly offered their help and took him to a doctor. The grateful old man explained that he was selling a unique crystal ball because his family’s harvest had been poor and his health was failing.

He shared that he had obtained it during his youth as a merchant sailor, a time before a leg injury forced him to become a farmer. The crystal ball, he explained, was used for divination overseas. Fascinated, Jinzhan eagerly purchased it and asked him to share more tales of his travels. The old man recounted a particularly wondrous journey where their fleet was caught in a storm, lost its way, and was blown to an unknown land.

Despite it being summer, they found themselves on an endless ice field, and even more remarkably, the sun never set, always hanging in the sky. A scholar on their ship christened this place "The Land of the Eternal Day." Captivated by this tale, Jinzhan immediately suggested that she and Jiang Shao abandon their plan to watch the tide and instead search for this mythical "Land of the Eternal Day," to which Jiang Shao lovingly agreed.

Jinzhan then asked the old man, identified as Mr. Qiao, if he remembered the route, and he said he would need some time to recall it. Princess Royal, in her ruthless pursuit of power, intended to expose a prince’s identity and eliminate two eunuchs who held dangerous knowledge about it. She dispatched Yueying and a team of assassins to track them down. However, Yueying, secretly loyal to Li Huaijin and desiring the throne for him, had her own agenda.

She deliberately undermined Princess Royal's plan, allowing one eunuch to escape and dispatching Princess Royal's own assassins. Yueying firmly believed that this was not the opportune moment for Jiang Shao's identity to be revealed, as it would interfere with her plans for Li Huaijin. Jiang Shao unexpectedly met Zhu Xiaobei, who handed him a letter from Princess Royal.

The letter revealed a critical piece of information: General Feng was not the true killer of Jiang Shao's mother; another person was responsible. Zhu Xiaobei, having traveled from Dingzhou to deliver the news after missing Jiang Shao in the capital, urged him not to get entangled in the past. He advised Jiang Shao to cherish his carefree life with Jinzhan and not to sacrifice their happiness for such "vague clues" as the letter provided almost no clear leads.

Jiang Shao, conflicted, admitted he couldn't take Jinzhan back to the capital due to her unique status, nor could he leave her behind. Zhu Xiaobei reiterated that Jinzhan must not be told about the clue and suggested Jiang Shao leave the next day before she saw him. After Zhu Xiaobei departed, a suspicious noise outside indicated someone had been eavesdropping.

The following morning, Jinzhan, rather than leading Jiang Shao toward "The Land of the Eternal Day" as planned, directed their journey toward the capital. When a surprised Jiang Shao questioned her change of heart, Jinzhan confessed that she had overheard his conversation with Zhu Xiaobei the previous night. She insisted they should first uncover the truth about his mother’s killer before continuing their adventurous travels, promising to still go to "The Land of the Eternal Day" with him afterward.

Jiang Shao, touched by her understanding, expressed his gratitude. Upon their return to Jiang Shao’s mansion, they observed Chai Zhenzhen leaving, having meticulously cleaned the house. Jinzhan, noticing Zhenzhen had a key, questioned it, and Jiang Shao explained he had forgotten his own key and hadn't expected her to continue returning. Jinzhan also probed if Jiang Shao felt any lingering emotions for Zhenzhen, which he denied.

Concerned about Jinzhan's safety so close to the palace and Zhenzhen's persistent presence, Jiang Shao suggested they find a new, more secluded and private residence. He also decided against taking his clothes, believing that leaving them would prevent Zhenzhen from realizing they had moved and potentially growing suspicious. A broker led Jinzhan and Jiang Shao to a courtyard house, highlighting its spaciousness and profound quietness, assuring them they would be undisturbed.

Jinzhan found the peace appealing and readily agreed to rent it, despite Jiang Shao's concerns about its "shabby" appearance. After Jinzhan signed the documents and they received the keys, they entered the house, only to discover its true state: it was covered in thick dust, the doors were rickety and fell easily, and a bed collapsed under Jiang Shao's weight. Despite Jiang Shao's light reprimand for her hasty decision, Jinzhan remained unfazed.

She insisted she could manage the cleaning herself and urged Jiang Shao to go immediately to search for clues regarding his mother’s killer. Jiang Shao, seeking answers about his mother’s killer, went to Princess Royal’s Mansion only to find it draped in white, signifying mourning. A servant confirmed that Princess Royal had passed away. Disturbed, Jiang Shao sought an audience with Xue Rong, who, after questioning Jiang Shao's unexpected return, recounted the events of the past five days.

Xue Rong explained that Eunuch Li Fang had come to him with another eunuch, accusing Princess Fuqing (Princess Royal) of murdering the late emperor. Li Fang described how he and two junior eunuchs witnessed Princess Royal verifying the late emperor's death, prompting him to hide the two eunuchs in a rumored haunted house for their safety. Princess Royal later confronted and threatened Li Fang, but he managed to save his life by using the hidden eunuchs as leverage.

He confessed that his silence until now was due to Princess Royal holding his only living relative hostage. Li Fang swore his testimony was true, even willing to die if he lied. Xue Rong, though initially disbelieving that his aunt would harm his father, appointed Zhang Yongyao to investigate the grave allegations. Zhang Yongyao’s findings revealed disturbing facts: all palace staff who had been in contact with the late emperor after his illness had mysteriously died.

This raised Xue Rong's suspicions, leading him to summon Princess Royal to the Ministry of Justice to "assist" with the investigation. There, Zhang Yongyao confronted her with evidence of her past assistance to a Dr. Chen, who had sworn his life to her. Princess Royal admitted helping Dr. Chen but dismissed it as irrelevant, challenging Zhang Yongyao to find concrete proof of her guilt.

Xue Rong also shared that Li Huaijin, Princess Royal’s son, seemed genuinely ignorant of any foul play, believing his father died of natural causes. Xue Rong vouched for Huaijin's loyalty. With no direct confession, Xue Rong imposed a strict three-day deadline on Zhang Yongyao to solve the case, threatening dismissal.

Princess Shou An, concerned for Zhang Yongyao, implored Yuzhan to ask Xue Rong for an extension, but Yuzhan firmly refused, arguing it would undermine the emperor’s authority and Zhang Yongyao's competence. Later, Yuzhan, having obtained all the crucial information from Princess Shou An, met with a troubled Zhang Yongyao. She proposed a strategy: instead of seeking direct evidence, they should create a situation that would force Princess Royal to expose the truth herself. This plan was swiftly put into action.

Shortly after, Princess Royal was seen frantically rushing out, desperately calling for Li Huaijin, who was being apprehended by officials from the Ministry of Justice under the emperor's direct order. Enraged and confused, Princess Royal berated her servants as "idiots" for not understanding the situation and demanded they find out what had happened to her son.

Separately, Xue Rong, still irked by his rivalry with Zhang Yongyao, decided to take zither lessons from Sir Qingfeng, hoping to surpass Zhang Yongyao through diligence. He initially planned to dedicate three hours daily, but Guo Fu wisely advised him that as emperor, his strengths lay in governance and martial arts, not necessarily outcompeting Zhang Yongyao in zither. This realization enlightened Xue Rong, and he joyfully abandoned his zither lessons, acknowledging his own strengths.

Meanwhile, Fu Yanxin formally adopted Chai Zhenzhen as his daughter, officially placing her in the Fu family’s genealogy. Xue Rong, present at the ceremony, entrusted Yuzhan with Zhenzhen's care, highlighting her recent misfortunes and need for affection, which Yuzhan readily promised. Later, Xue Rong again confronted Yuzhan, asking if she was upset about his interruption of Zhang Yongyao's "Feng Qiu Huang" (Phoenix Seeking Its Mate). Yuzhan, however, offered no direct response, instead asserting that whether she would have accepted Zhang Yongyao was a matter solely between them, and had nothing to do with Xue Rong.

Yueying sought information regarding Li Huaijin's arrest. She overheard soldiers discussing how Commander Li, despite his seemingly innocent demeanor, murdered the late emperor for not being chosen as Crown Prince. Agitated by this revelation, Yueying insisted on meeting Zhang Yongyao. Upon returning to Princess Royal’s residence, Yueying informed her that Li Huaijin had confessed to killing the late emperor, signed a guilty plea, and the confession had already been sent to Funing Palace.

Princess Royal knew Li Huaijin was innocent and realized he must be taking the blame for her, having learned the truth from Li Fang. Princess Royal then recounted the events to Yueying: during an an argument with the late emperor over the succession, he became agitated and suffered a medical collapse. She admitted that she deliberately did not administer his medicine and watched him die. At that moment, Xue Rong and Zhang Yongyao emerged, having overheard her confession.

Xue Rong accused her of being heartless and witnessing his father’s slow death without intervention. Princess Royal then understood that Yueying had conspired with the Emperor to set a trap for her. Yueying explained that she had panicked after seeing Li Huaijin’s signed confession and had acted to save him. Princess Royal was furious and attempted to harm Yueying, but Xue Rong intervened, ordering both of them to be taken to prison to settle their differences there.

Later, Li Huaijin pleaded with Xue Rong, acknowledging his mother’s grave sin but offering his own life in exchange for hers. Xue Rong, however, announced his judgment: Princess Royal was to be imprisoned for life for conspiring to murder the late emperor, though her Xue family bloodline was considered. Li Huaijin, despite his alleged unawareness of her actions, was fined three years' salary and suspended for three months for failing to guard Funing Palace.

Princess Royal committed suicide shortly after being imprisoned. Li Huaijin then requested that Xue Rong allow his mother to be buried in the Princess Mausoleum, explaining that the Li family no longer had an ancestral grave. Xue Rong reiterated his past two acts of mercy toward them and refused, stating that a guilty woman could not be enshrined by the royal family. He threatened to bury her without honor in the outer suburbs if Li Huaijin persisted.

In prison, Princess Royal, understanding her predicament, instructed Yueying to inform Li Huaijin, once Yueying was cleared and returned to his side, that Xue Rong was responsible for her death. Her dying wish, she claimed, was for Li Huaijin to support Jiang Shao, the son of the late emperor, in ascending the throne.

Yueying later tried to convince Li Huaijin to fulfill this "last wish," emphasizing Princess Royal's desire to see the Xue family's rule restored and highlighting Li Huaijin’s gentle nature as a contrast to Xue Rong's ruthlessness. Li Huaijin questioned the importance of the throne, asserting that his mother could not be brought back. Yueying then attempted to incite him to avenge his mother's death, accusing Xue Rong of forcing her to die.

Li Huaijin firmly refused, stating he would not become a sinner for the world due to personal hatred. Jiang Shao informed Shou An that Princess Royal had initially helped him identify his mother's killer, General Feng, his former supervisor. However, Princess Royal later sent word that Feng was a mere scapegoat and the true murderer was still at large. Jiang Shao returned to the capital for further clues after losing contact with Princess Royal, only to discover she had died.

Shou An promised to help him investigate his mother’s murder. Meanwhile, Guo Fu reported to Xue Rong that Commander Li had buried Princess Royal in the suburbs. Xue Rong, acknowledging her Xue Family lineage, ordered Guo Fu to burn paper money for her. Desiring to see Yuzhan but knowing she would avoid him, Xue Rong instructed Guo Fu to ask Shou An to arrange an outing for Yuzhan and Zhang Yongyao, allowing him to join and demonstrate his superior skills.

Shou An brought Yuzhan to the gathering, where Xue Rong and Zhang Yongyao were already present. Yuzhan was displeased, telling Shou An not to arrange such meetings if she considered Yuzhan a friend. Xue Rong challenged Zhang Yongyao to an archery contest, despite Zhang Yongyao's modest claims about his skills. Zhang Yongyao's arrow missed its mark and landed in Xue Rong's target. Xue Rong then effortlessly hit the bull's-eye, winning the contest. Yuzhan quickly consoled Zhang Yongyao, ignoring Xue Rong.

Annoyed, Xue Rong pulled Yuzhan away. Zhang Yongyao thanked Yuzhan for her previous assistance, praising her keen intellect and jokingly remarking that if she were male, she would surely be the Assistant Minister. Yuzhan appreciated his compliments. Later, Yuzhan invited Zhang Yongyao to a zither gathering, stating her willingness to try and develop a mutual affection with him, noting his lack of political ties to her Fu family. Zhang Yongyao was delighted.

Xue Rong confronted Yuzhan about her closeness with Zhang Yongyao, questioning why she still cared for him now that her engagement was broken. Yuzhan asserted that it was none of his concern and reiterated her decision to attempt a mutual affection with Zhang Yongyao, emphasizing that she desired a relationship free of political entanglements, which Zhang Yongyao offered. Xue Rong asked if she was completely abandoning their relationship. Yuzhan wept and walked away.

Jinzhan welcomed Jiang Shao to their new, humble home. She had cleaned the shabby house thoroughly but forgotten to buy bedding. Jiang Shao offered to sleep at the table to guard her. That night, it rained, and the roof leaked; then, when they opened the door to watch the rain, it fell off its hinges. They shared a tender moment, deciding to fix the house together the next day and purchase the necessary items.

Jinzhan noticed Jiang Shao spending a lot of time alone in the warehouse. He admitted he was creating a surprise for her and warned her not to peek. Jinzhan later "discovered" a fine sword in the warehouse but pretended not to know its purpose, making a lavish meal to "reward" Jiang Shao, which pleased him. Shou An asked Zhang Yongyao to teach her archery. He initially declined, citing his own limited skill compared to Xue Rong.

However, when she stubbornly practiced alone and nearly injured herself, Zhang Yongyao gently guided her, advising her to use a smaller, suitable bow in the future. Shou An later confided in her maid that she wanted to keep the scar from the incident, hoping it would serve as a constant reminder for Zhang Yongyao to think of her.

Fu Yuzhan looked at a note she had once written for Xue Rong, vowing to "share weal and woe." She reflected on Xue Rong's desire for them to grow old together and rule Lingyang, but recognized that their love, despite his insistence that she break her engagement to Zhang Yongyao, was marred by too many obstacles, making it anything but sweet or easy.

Feeling that Xue Rong believed she didn't truly love him, she sadly decided to burn the note, along with other mementos, reasoning that once the decision to end their relationship was made, there was no point in lingering on the past. While burning the note and other mementos, she came across a letter. Reading it, she was surprised and happy to realize that her sister, Jinzhan, was back. Jiang Shao had a surprise for Jinzhan.

She had expected a sword and weapon rack, playfully accusing him of sneaking a peek at his preparations. Instead, he presented her with a unique sand table. He explained it wasn't just any sand table, but a map meticulously detailing all the places they had traveled together, like Fengxiang. He then outlined their future adventures, starting with a sea voyage to the overseas countries mentioned by Mr. Qiao, promising to explore every place on the map and beyond.

Their journey would culminate in a visit to "The Land of the Eternal Day" to witness its famed sunset spectacle. However, Jiang Shao clarified that even "The Land of the Eternal Day" wasn't their ultimate destination. He then revealed a miniature wooden house on the sand table, proudly declaring it "The Mansion of Jiang Shao and Jinzhan," their true, final home. Deeply moved, Jinzhan tearfully accepted his marriage proposal, expressing her joy at finally having a home with him.

Later that night, she admired the wooden house, finding comfort in their shared dream. Chai Zhenzhen secretly followed Fu Yuzhan to Jiang Shao and Jinzhan's residence. Seeing Jiang Shao, she silently wished him well, hoping that with time she could return to her own life. Inside, Jinzhan asked Jiang Shao about the progress of his investigation into his mother's death.

Jiang Shao reported that of General Feng's superiors listed by Xue Rong, eight had died, two resigned, and three remained in office. He had learned that none of the deceased had traveled to Zhaozhou from the capital. Xue Rong promised to investigate the resigned officials, leaving three active officials. One of these was Prince Wei, whom Jinzhan immediately dismissed as a suspect, asserting her father would never harm innocent women.

Jiang Shao agreed to exclude Prince Wei and continued investigating the other two. When Jinzhan offered to help, Jiang Shao playfully told her to simply eat her vegetables. The next day, Zhenzhen secretly delivered a food hamper to their doorstep before quickly leaving. Zhenzhen hid and watched, worried that Jinzhan, unable to cook, would cause Jiang Shao hardship. Jinzhan, unaware, happily assumed the delicious food was from her sister, Yuzhan.

Later, while eating, Jinzhan remarked on how surprisingly tasty the vegetables were, joking that their former cook must have been inept. Jiang Shao, however, found the taste strangely familiar. Zhenzhen continued to discreetly follow Jiang Shao as he went out to pursue leads, prompting Cao Han, who was secretly guarding Jinzhan, to express concern about Zhenzhen's persistent presence and urge her not to go out frequently. Eventually, Jiang Shao confronted Zhenzhen about following him.

Zhenzhen explained she only wanted to see him and Jinzhan leading happy lives so she could finally find peace. Later, when Jinzhan found an odd note in the food hamper, she realized the ugly handwriting wasn’t her sister's. Jiang Shao suggested it might be Chai Zhenzhen, making Jinzhan gag at the thought of having eaten Zhenzhen's cooking all those days. Jinzhan felt silently annoyed, believing Zhenzhen had broken her promise to stop interfering and was still harboring ulterior motives.

The following day, Jinzhan caught Zhenzhen in the act of delivering food. Jinzhan angrily accused Zhenzhen of breaking her promise to stop interfering and still harboring feelings for Jiang Shao. Zhenzhen defiantly admitted her feelings, retorting that Jinzhan was lazy, gluttonous, and undeserving of Jiang Shao. Jinzhan then triumphantly declared that she and Jiang Shao were getting married. Zhenzhen burst into tears, catching Jinzhan off guard, who tried to console her despite their quarrel.

Jiang Shao arrived shortly after, and Jinzhan told him about her encounter with Zhenzhen, remarking that it takes time for someone to let go of their feelings. Jiang Shao lamented that Princess Royal's death meant the secret behind her letter could no longer be uncovered, making the truth about his mother's death even more elusive. He recalled Xue Rong's promise to secretly search General Feng's mansion for clues, but remained unsure if any had been found.

Princess Shou An invited Zhang Yongyao to see the beautiful osmanthus flowers in the western hills, but he politely declined, stating he had an appointment with Fu Yuzhan, proudly confirming that she had indeed asked him out because she liked him. Shou An was greatly annoyed, feeling that Yuzhan was being deceitful by asking Zhang Yongyao out despite not truly liking him.

She confronted Yuzhan, accusing her of being greedy, playing with Zhang Yongyao’s sincere feelings, being entangled with her brother, Xue Rong, while also seeing Zhang Yongyao, and using him to test her relationship with Xue Rong. Yuzhan calmly clarified that she had already broken up with Xue Rong and intended to make things clear with Zhang Yongyao. Later, during a zither practice session, Zhang Yongyao inadvertently touched Yuzhan’s hand, prompting her to abruptly leave.

That evening, Yuzhan met with Zhang Yongyao to apologize for misleading him and confessed that the zither meeting had made her realize she simply couldn't develop genuine feelings for anyone else. She expressed her regret for hurting him and asked him to call off their engagement, stating that their agreement to marry once they fell in love should end there, as she truly couldn't love him.

Despite Zhang Yongyao's plea to give their relationship more time, Yuzhan firmly apologized and departed. Jinzhan, referring to herself as Zhenzhen’s future sister-in-law, asked Zhenzhen to accompany her to pick out a wedding dress. Zhenzhen reluctantly agreed but cautioned Jinzhan against venturing out, reminding her of the numerous eyes watching Prince Wei’s Mansion and urging her not to cause further trouble. Despite Zhenzhen’s warning, Jinzhan unexpectedly encountered Li Huaijin in the street.

Zhenzhen tried to pull Jinzhan away, but Jinzhan, trusting her childhood friend implicitly, gave Li Huaijin her address in Peach Flower Lane and invited him to visit another day. Zhenzhen worried that revealing her identity as someone presumed dead could endanger Jiang Shao, but Jinzhan remained confident in Li Huaijin's discretion. Upon hearing from Li Huaijin that Jinzhan was alive, his servant Yueying expressed joy, noting that Huaijin had been depressed since Princess Royal's death.

Yueying offered to help Huaijin rekindle his romance with Jinzhan. Jinzhan later invited Li Huaijin to her home for a meal, proudly stating she had even made a fish soup herself, despite most of the other dishes being store-bought. Unbeknownst to them, Chai Zhenzhen had sneaked in earlier and added generous amounts of chili to all the food and tea, also placing a wedding invitation on the table.

Li Huaijin found the food unbearably spicy, concluding that someone clearly didn’t welcome him. He then discovered the wedding invitation, prompting Jinzhan to reveal her impending marriage to Jiang Shao. Li Huaijin was surprised, having not expected Jinzhan, who grew up pampered, to choose such a life with Jiang Shao. Jiang Shao assured him that he would take good care of Jinzhan. A note from Zhenzhen alerted Jiang Shao to Li Huaijin’s presence at their house.

Rushing home, Jiang Shao found Jinzhan teaching Li Huaijin paper-cutting for their wedding decorations, and a hint of jealousy flickered through him. Jinzhan, seeing Li Huaijin as a brother, gave him the best papercut "囍" (double happiness) character she had made, expressing hope that he would find his own happiness.

It was then that Li Huaijin sadly informed her of Princess Royal’s death, confiding that he felt completely alone but was relieved she was alive, though he believed he no longer deserved happiness. When Li Huaijin asked about parental approval for her marriage, Jiang Shao confirmed it, but Jinzhan admitted she hadn’t yet told her father, Prince Wei, fearing he wouldn't forgive or even see her after her faked death.

Li Huaijin, understanding her dilemma, offered to visit Prince Wei himself to sound him out. That night, Jinzhan, comforted by Jiang Shao recounting a story about his mother’s enduring love despite his childish rejections, longed to reconcile with her father. The next day, Fu Yuzhan informed Prince Wei that Jinzhan had returned and was safely hidden in a secluded house in the city. Jinzhan then appeared before her father, expressing concern for his health and acknowledging that he looked thinner.

Prince Wei, still upset, asked why she had returned after leaving. Yuzhan intervened, explaining that Jinzhan understood her mistakes and had come to apologize. Jinzhan tearfully begged for forgiveness, offering to accept any punishment to appease him. Yuzhan added that Jinzhan's reckless actions had nearly brought disgrace upon the Fu family, recommending a severe punishment of fifty floggings according to family rules. Jinzhan agreed to endure the beating.

However, Prince Wei declared that since Jinzhan was no longer officially a member of the Fu Family, the family rules did not apply to her. Yuzhan then offered to administer the punishment herself, as Jinzhan's elder sister, and Jinzhan readily agreed. Outside, Yuzhan picked up a thick, traditional family cane, warning Jinzhan of the pain it would inflict. Jinzhan, attempting to deflect, suggested Yuzhan use a smaller branch instead, as it wouldn't hurt as much. However, she then insisted that she deserved the traditional punishment, urging Yuzhan to proceed, and claimed she was tough enough not to feel the pain.

Prince Wei was initially furious that Jinzhan was still in the city, but after instructing Yuzhan to punish her with the family rattan, he stopped the punishment, unable to bear seeing his daughter suffer. Jinzhan admitted her mistakes, acknowledging she acted recklessly in faking her death by fire without considering the consequences for her family.

Prince Wei, satisfied with her remorse, forgave her, reminding her to be cautious and discreet in the capital due to her concealed identity and instructed Yuzhan to keep a closer watch on her. Jinzhan then excitedly shared her plans to marry Jiang Shao with her father. However, Prince Wei disapproved, stating that he entrusted Jinzhan to Jiang Shao, expecting him to ensure her safety by leaving the capital.

Instead, Jiang Shao had brought her back, showing a disregard for her life, and therefore he forbade the marriage. Shortly after, Cao Han advised Prince Wei to purge unreliable servants from his mansion due to information leaks and revealed he already dealt with the "mouthy servant." Cao Han suggested Jinzhan seek temporary refuge in the Fu family mansion under Prince Wei's protection, which Prince Wei agreed to. Upset, Jinzhan told Jiang Shao about her father's disapproval.

Jiang Shao reassured her that he would seek Prince Wei’s consent. Unexpectedly, Prince Wei arrived at their courtyard, criticizing Jiang Shao for housing Jinzhan in such a humble dwelling. Jiang Shao explained it was temporary, and they planned to leave the capital for his hometown after settling his affairs. However, Prince Wei remained unconvinced and insisted Jinzhan return home with him, which she reluctantly did. Devastated by Yuzhan’s rejection, Zhang Yongyao got drunk at a tavern.

Princess Shou An took him home, lamenting his affection for Yuzhan and her own unrequited feelings for him. Later that night, a drunken Zhang Yongyao mistook Shou An for Yuzhan and forced himself upon her. The following morning, Zhang Yongyao, horrified by his actions, offered his sword to Shou An, begging for death as atonement.

Xue Rong, learning of the incident, rebuked Zhang Yongyao, declaring that death would not absolve him of his sins and insisted he take responsibility for his actions. Zhang Yongyao then proposed marriage to Princess Shou An, and Xue Rong reluctantly granted his permission. Jiang Shao tried to gain Prince Wei’s approval with gifts.

Prince Wei initially rejected the marriage, criticizing Jiang Shao for not sacrificing enough for Jinzhan, who had given up her position as empress and disregarded her family for him. However, Jinzhan sent a message to Jiang Shao through a servant after Prince Wei dismissed him, requesting him to come to the Fu family mansion immediately. She had secretly altered her father's court robes to delay him, declaring "it's now or never."

Jiang Shao arrived with a small, meticulously crafted model house, presenting it as "Jinzhan’s future" or "our future together." He pledged his life to Jinzhan, promising to be with her no matter what, whether she sought a carefree life or courtly recognition. Jinzhan playfully revealed she had forgotten her "little house" and showed Prince Wei that the miniature door opened to reveal two tiny figures inside, explaining, "This is our future home. Jiang Shao made it himself."

Touched by his daughter’s happiness, Prince Wei relented. He said he had understood Jiang Shao was trustworthy or he wouldn't have allowed him to take Jinzhan away before. He approved the marriage, giving Jiang Shao a bag of silver coins to prepare betrothal gifts and warning him of his wrath if he ever made Jinzhan unhappy. Jiang Shao happily thanked his "Father."

That evening, Jinzhan brought her father a bowl of "fish soup" she made, which he found incredibly "salty," calling it "salted fish soup." Jinzhan innocently said Jiang Shao loved it. Observing a kiss between Jinzhan and Jiang Shao, Yuzhan sought her sister’s advice on love, questioning what it meant if she couldn’t bear another person's touch. Jinzhan stated it simply meant disliking them and having no feelings. Yuzhan realized the straightforwardness of her sister's advice on love.

Subsequently, Yuzhan met with Xue Rong, who, believing she had abandoned their relationship, offered to let her pursue a "pure" love without him, stating that he would avoid her, but not forget her. Yuzhan then asked him to turn around and close his eyes before kissing him lightly. She confessed that she could only tolerate intimacy with him, even though she had previously rejected him.

She admitted he was the only one in her heart and that she couldn't help but love him, and even if their relationship was intertwined with interests, she refused to retreat. Overjoyed, Xue Rong embraced and kissed her passionately. Yuzhan agreed to meet Xue Rong the following day, eager to see him. Meanwhile, Li Huaijin, searching through the Princess Royal’s belongings, discovered clues regarding Jiang Shao's mother's killer.

Yueying revealed that their investigation traced the crime back to General Feng, who abducted Jiang Shao's mother due to her beauty, leading to her suicide. However, Yueying admitted that General Feng was merely a pawn, and the true mastermind remained unknown. Seeing an opportunity, Li Huaijin ordered Yueying to steal an item from the Fu family mansion that could prove Fu Yanxin's identity, planning to frame him.

Separately, Jiang Shao received a letter from the Emperor, which had been found in a hidden compartment in General Feng’s residence. The letter contained the instruction to "Get rid of the family of Ding Er, make no mistake," and an unsigned ring with the character "Yu" engraved on it. Jiang Shao then visited Master Yu, the craftsman who made the ring, who revealed it was custom-made for Prince Wei, Fu Yanxin, shocking Jiang Shao.

Xue Rong led Yuzhan to a secluded, dilapidated temple he frequented in his childhood. En route, he was injured when he was accidentally caught in a hunting trap. He found solace in the temple's natural surroundings, describing it as a place where he could experience freedom from courtly conflict and return to his true self. He brought Yuzhan there so she could find clarity regarding her feelings for him. Yuzhan was worried about his bleeding injury, despite his reassurances.

The weather worsened, and heavy rain forced them to seek shelter in the old temple. Xue Rong's condition worsened, and he developed a fever. Yuzhan comforted him, urging him to endure and not succumb to his injuries in such a remote place. Delirious, Xue Rong promised to endure and take care of her forever, vowing that they would be together for a long time.

Xue Rong lay injured and cold in the dilapidated temple, with Fu Yuzhan by his side. She pleaded with him not to give up, and he promised he would hold on, vowing to care for her for the rest of his life and that they would be together forever. Then, he lost consciousness. Overcome with emotion, Fu Yuzhan cried, realizing that nothing in the world was more precious than Xue Rong's heartbeat.

She would sacrifice everything for his safety, understanding that this pure love, untainted by material interests, was all she ever wanted. Xue Rong slowly regained consciousness, telling Fu Yuzhan that her heartfelt declaration had revived him. He vowed to stay by her side forever and protect her, then asked her to marry him. He pointed out the absence of a grand ceremony, no lanterns, no wind chimes, no crowds, or phoenix coronet and robes of rank, only his genuine love.

Fu Yuzhan, her eyes brimming with tears, readily accepted his proposal. In that humble temple, they exchanged solemn vows, becoming husband and wife, promising eternal devotion and to never leave each other's side. Soon after their impromptu wedding, Xue Rong fainted once more, but imperial guards, led by Guo Fu, arrived to rescue them. Back at Fu Mansion, Fu Yuzhan was given ginger soup, yet her thoughts were solely on Xue Rong’s recovery.

Her father, Prince Wei, relieved she was safe, gently chided her for her reckless escapade into the mountains during a storm. He reassured her that Xue Rong would recover within a few days. Fu Yuzhan then knelt before her father, expressing her genuine love for Xue Rong and asking for his blessing for their marriage. Prince Wei readily granted his approval, noting that Zhang Yongyao had married Princess Shou An, freeing Fu Yuzhan from her previous engagement.

With the rumors gone and the Fu family safe, he affirmed that he would support her decision to marry whomever she truly loved. Prince Wei personally accompanied Fu Yuzhan and Jinzhan to a shop he had reserved, where they lovingly picked out a beautiful wedding dress for Fu Yuzhan, a dress he wished her late mother could have seen her wear.

He cautioned Fu Yuzhan to be careful in the palace and to rely on him if she ever faced difficulties. Princess Shou An was to marry Zhang Yongyao, but she was deeply unhappy. She confided in her maid, Yancao, that she felt like a mere substitute for Fu Yuzhan. She ordered the removal of all hair accessories that Fu Yuzhan preferred, determined to reclaim her own identity.

Shou An realized that Zhang Yongyao, in his drunken state, had mistaken her for Fu Yuzhan because of her imitation, leading to their marital intimacy. She understood that even if he showed her affection, he was only loving the "shadow of Yuzhan" within her, and he would never truly love her for who she was. She lamented her fate, acknowledging that her predicament was entirely her own doing.

On their wedding night, Princess Shou An confronted Zhang Yongyao about his distant behavior. He asked for more time, promising to care for her for life but admitting he couldn't lie about his feelings or what the future held. Shou An argued that as husband and wife, they were destined to spend their lives together, yet he couldn't even offer a comforting lie.

She declared that his heart was completely occupied by Fu Yuzhan, leaving no room for anyone else, and that these unresolved feelings would forever stand between them. She then dismissed him from the room. Later, alone, Shou An regretted her impulsiveness, wishing Zhang Yongyao had understood her anger.

She decided to manipulate his conscience by instructing her maid, Yancao, to spread rumors within the mansion that Zhang Yongyao had not returned to their marital chamber since their wedding night and that she was constantly weeping. Shou An believed this would compel him to return, but explicitly forbade Yancao from letting these rumors leave the mansion. Jiang Shao held the ring, contemplating his next steps.

He couldn't definitively conclude that Prince Wei was responsible for his mother’s murder based solely on this one ring. He reasoned that as General Feng's former superior, it was plausible for Prince Wei to have gifted such an item. Furthermore, the letter ordering the extermination of Ding Er’s family was not in Prince Wei’s handwriting, although Jiang Shao considered that the handwriting might have been altered or penned by another.

He deemed the matter too significant to act rashly and resolved to gather more conclusive evidence. Jiang Shao proceeded to the official archives to examine fifteen years' worth of inter-regional pass records. After some difficulty locating the relevant files, he made a shocking discovery: a record indicated that Fu Yanxin had traveled to Zhaozhou fifteen years prior. The revelation stunned him.

Later, he visited Jinzhan, who was happily eating chestnuts, expressing her excitement for her sister Fu Yuzhan’s wedding and their own upcoming simple ceremony, emphasizing her contentment as long as they were together. Jiang Shao, visibly troubled, tried to broach the possibility of their wedding being delayed or even their eventual separation due to unforeseen circumstances. Jinzhan, however, misinterpreted his words as pre-wedding anxiety.

When she invited him to stay for lunch to try a new dish she had learned, he quickly excused himself, claiming he had an urgent errand to buy something, promising to try her cooking another time. Jinzhan was puzzled by his abrupt departure. The day of Fu Yuzhan and Xue Rong's grand wedding finally arrived, a day they both had long awaited to be openly together.

While the imperial palace celebrated with great fanfare, Fu Yuzhan wearing her phoenix coronet and robes of rank, a more private family feast was held in the Fu Mansion's back hall. Prince Wei hosted Jinzhan and Jiang Shao, as Jinzhan's true identity as the former Empress could not yet be revealed. Prince Wei reassured Jinzhan about their security, having stationed guards and cleared the area.

He celebrated Fu Yuzhan's happiness and then turned to Jinzhan and Jiang Shao, acknowledging that their wedding in two days would be simple due to Jinzhan's circumstances, but he promised they wouldn't be neglected, wishing them a lifetime of love and harmony. Jiang Shao, however, was visibly distraught, his inner turmoil causing him to crush his wine glass. Jinzhan, noticing his distress, immediately tended to his injured hand, wrapping it carefully with a bandage tied into a butterfly knot.

Prince Wei lightheartedly teased Jinzhan for her devotion to Jiang Shao. It was clear that for Jinzhan's sake, Jiang Shao was temporarily suppressing his deepening desire for revenge. Zhang Yongyao returned to Princess Shou An's chambers, expressing his deep apologies for causing her sorrow and distress. Shou An, in turn, comforted him, promising to patiently wait for him to eventually make a place for her in his heart. Zhang Yongyao thanked her for her understanding.

Later, Zhang Yongyao was invited to a zither recital. He politely declined, stating that the melody he played was meant for one person only, expressing his wish that she understood his heart. With a sorrowful look, he acknowledged that Fu Yuzhan would never hear his "Feng Qiu Huang" (Phoenix Seeking Phoenix) song. Meanwhile, Li Huaijin learned that Jiang Shao had not only questioned the ring craftsman but also thoroughly investigated the official archives.

He confidently remarked that Jiang Shao had taken the bait, declaring their plan to be halfway successful. The ultimate impact, he noted, would depend on how profoundly the revelation of Fu Yanxin being his mother's killer affected Jiang Shao. As the new Empress, Fu Yuzhan quickly distinguished herself. Xue Rong affectionately drew her eyebrows, happily informing her that he had renamed Cining Palace to Baoci Palace, had it renovated, and was eager for her, its true owner, to move in.

Yuzhan expressed her gratitude. Stewardess Song observed that Empress Fu Yuzhan was remarkably different from the former Empress Jinzhan. She noted Yuzhan's diligence, rising early to diligently sort through account books. Stewardess Song found her dignified, composed, and exceptionally intelligent, considering her a great blessing to Lingyang. Empress Fu Yuzhan, utilizing a new algorithm from arithmetic master Wang Jianxin's "book of algorithm," had efficiently and flawlessly managed the palace accounts in just one morning.

She encouraged Stewardess Song to learn this innovative method. Yuzhan also meticulously reviewed upcoming personnel changes, suggesting that new palace staff's skills should be assessed before assigning them roles. Stewardess Song later confided to another maid her astonishment at Empress Fu Yuzhan’s profound wisdom and novel ideas, admitting she could barely keep up. She concluded that with such a capable Empress, her own role in managing the harem had become almost redundant, leaving her free from worry.

While in the garden, Princess Shou An was suddenly overcome by severe abdominal pain. A physician was summoned and, after an examination, joyfully announced that she was pregnant. Shou An was ecstatic, recognizing it as her child with Zhang Yongyao. However, the physician cautioned that due to her generally delicate health, the fetus was unstable and required careful nurturing.

He advised her to maintain a peaceful mind, avoid any stress or emotional distress, and provided her with specific medicated diet recipes. Shou An happily shared the news with Yancao and ordered a month's wages as a reward for the entire household. She decided to keep the pregnancy a secret from Zhang Yongyao until the fetus was more stable, instructing the physician not to disclose it to anyone in the palace.

She felt the child had arrived at a most opportune moment, assuring her that she would no longer be lonely. Under the cover of a dark night, Jiang Shao, disguised as an assassin in black, ambushed Prince Wei's carriage. Jiang Shao brandished the mysterious ring, demanding to know if it belonged to him. Prince Wei confirmed it was his, questioning how the assassin came to possess it. With a cry of "You'll die!" , Jiang Shao attacked.

Prince Wei, though surprised, managed to defend himself, escaping the carriage, but not before an arrow grazed his hand. Imperial guards quickly arrived at the scene and began a frantic search for the assailant. One of Prince Wei's aides, noticing a distinctive butterfly knot bandage on the assassin's wrist, suggested a resemblance to the one Jinzhan had tied for Jiang Shao.

Prince Wei, however, immediately silenced him, angrily dismissing the suggestion and asserting that he had no enmity with Jiang Shao, questioning how anyone could see such a detail in the dark. Jiang Shao, from his hiding spot, hesitated, ultimately unable to fire another arrow at Prince Wei. Later, Jinzhan rushed to her father, deeply worried about his reported encounter with an assassin. Prince Wei reassured her that his hand injury was minor.

He then subtly inquired if Jiang Shao had visited earlier that day. Jinzhan replied that he hadn't, as Prince Wei had instructed him to concentrate on preparing for their upcoming wedding. Prince Wei's brow furrowed in deep thought.

Jinzhan, when asked by her father Prince Wei if Jiang Shao had visited that day, informed him that Jiang Shao was busy preparing for their wedding. She reminded him that he had instructed Jiang Shao not to visit the Fu family recently. Prince Wei, however, suspected Jiang Shao might be the recent assassin. Later, Jiang Shao came to see Jinzhan.

She expressed her worry that her father had been seriously wounded in an assassination attempt, despite his claims of only minor bruises, as she observed his arm was stiff. Jinzhan wondered who would dare attack Prince Wei, acknowledging that her father, having led the Tianxiong Army for decades, surely had many enemies. She stated that whoever the assassin was, they were a bad person.

Jiang Shao then questioned her, suggesting that the Tianxiong Army's numerous campaigns might have led to innocent deaths, and if a relative of such a victim sought revenge and successfully assassinated Prince Wei, would Jinzhan still seek retribution? Jinzhan firmly declared she would avenge her father, finding Jiang Shao's recent words peculiar. Prince Wei then arrived, announcing that in seven days, on an auspicious day, Jiang Shao and Jinzhan would be married.

He instructed them to immediately leave the capital for Dingzhou after the wedding, explaining that a simple ceremony with only one wedding room was necessary to protect Jinzhan’s identity from exposure. He forbade them from seeing each other until the wedding day. Prince Wei then spoke with Jiang Shao privately, entrusting Jinzhan to him.

He handed over a collection of Jinzhan's childhood keepsakes, including a bamboo sword she chose during her "catch-the-baby" ceremony, a beloved rattle from when she was three or four, and a brush made from her fetal hair. Prince Wei shared fond memories associated with each item. He revealed that he had no sons, only two daughters, and considered Jiang Shao his half-son upon marrying Jinzhan.

He charged Jiang Shao with inheriting the Fu family's legacy with Jinzhan, protecting her from harm, ensuring her identity remained secret, and remembering important dates like her mother's death anniversary and Jinzhan's birthday. That night, Jiang Shao prepared to make another attempt on Prince Wei's life. However, he accidentally knocked over the box containing Jinzhan's keepsakes. Looking at them, he felt a wave of sadness and hesitated, putting his arrow back into its quiver.

Meanwhile, Xue Rong expressed his desire to invite his younger sister, Zhenzhen, to the palace for the Double Ninth Festival. He had been worshipping his late father and thought of their parents, hoping to light lotus lamps and pray for them together with Zhenzhen. He knew Zhenzhen still resented him, blaming him for their parents' demise, but as she was his only blood relative, he was determined to reconcile.

Yuzhan offered to keep Zhenzhen in the palace for a few days to talk with her. Zhenzhen arrived but was distant, refusing to acknowledge Xue Rong as her brother and still holding him responsible for their parents' death and her loss of home. She expressed a desire to leave immediately. The next day, Yuzhan took Zhenzhen on a walk, where they found Xue Rong kneeling before a blank memorial tablet.

Yuzhan explained that Xue Rong did this for an hour every morning, mourning their parents. She told Zhenzhen that their parents had died protecting Xue Rong, and he was consumed by grief and guilt. Yuzhan urged Zhenzhen to understand that Xue Rong, too, was heartbroken and had even risked impeachment to visit them. Moved by this revelation, Zhenzhen brought Xue Rong a special ointment for his knee bruises, signifying her acceptance.

Xue Rong was overjoyed and thanked Yuzhan for her efforts. On the Double Ninth Festival, Xue Rong and Zhenzhen shared a moment of reconciliation as they lighted lotus lamps and prayed for their parents together. Separately, Shou An, experiencing morning sickness, expressed a craving for persimmon cakes from Mount Li. Zhang Yongyao, overhearing, went to great lengths to acquire them, touching Shou An deeply with his gesture. Later, Shou An tried to tell Zhang Yongyao important news.

However, before she could, a servant interrupted, stating that Empress Yuzhan urgently requested Zhang Yongyao's presence at the mansion. Zhang Yongyao immediately left to heed the Empress's summons. Frustrated by his eagerness to see Yuzhan and his unwillingness to wait for her to finish speaking, Shou An chased after him, but she tripped and fell, crying out for him to save their baby. Zhang Yongyao, already distant, did not hear her.

Elsewhere, Li Huaijin, observing Jiang Shao's investigations into the token's craftsman and the military archives, anticipated a strong reaction from Jiang Shao upon confirming Prince Wei as his mother's killer. Li Huaijin believed Jiang Shao was now fully ensnared in their plans, marking a partial success. He noted that Jiang Shao and Jinzhan's upcoming wedding was the most suitable day for an assassination and revenge, and he eagerly awaited its arrival.

Meanwhile, a border report arrived, indicating Nankuang's increasingly frequent incursions into Lingyang's border regions. Xue Rong expressed his desire to personally lead an expedition, but his ministers were divided. Prince Wei opposed military action, advocating for peace talks, and no conclusion was reached. That night, Xue Rong ordered Cao Han and Jia Dali to draft a strategy to persuade the dissenting ministers by the next day.

Empress Yuzhan advised against military intervention, citing Xue Rong's unstable rule, Nankuang's challenging mountainous terrain which would make decisive victory difficult, and the lurking threat of Peng Ze. She warned that a two-front war would be unmanageable and also supported peace talks. Later, while drinking with Xue Rong, Jiang Shao learned that military officer Xu Yan had defected to Nankuang and was intimately familiar with Lucheng's military defenses and skilled in leading troops.

Jiang Shao volunteered to infiltrate Nankuang and assassinate Xu Yan, stating that Xu Yan's betrayal was detrimental to Lingyang and he wished to return to his former 'jianghu' life. He acknowledged that this mission would necessitate rescheduling his wedding with Jinzhan. Xue Rong agreed, promising Jiang Shao a token to ensure the full cooperation of Lucheng's prefect. A letter from Jinzhan to Empress Yuzhan arrived, informing her of the upcoming wedding and asking Yuzhan to care for Prince Wei.

The letter also mentioned the recent assassination attempt on her father, deeply concerning Yuzhan, who immediately dispatched someone to check on Prince Wei's injuries. On Jinzhan's wedding day, Jiang Shao was nowhere to be found. Instead of arriving for the ceremony, he had secretly left the capital. He visited a special spot, unearthed a jar of "Pear Blossom White" wine, placed a sachet inside, and reburied it, saying a silent farewell to Jinzhan and their past promises.

He then infiltrated a military camp to assassinate Xu Yan, the officer who had defected to Nankuang. However, his actions alerted the soldiers, who pursued him. Jinzhan waited in her wedding attire, covered by a red veil, from day to night. Prince Wei grew increasingly agitated by Jiang Shao's absence. Zhenzhen and the steward went to Jiang Shao's residence, only to find it deserted and covered in dust, confirming he had left days ago. Prince Wei was furious. Jinzhan refused to believe Jiang Shao had abandoned her, insisting he would come for her. She forbade anyone from dismantling the wedding decorations, determined to wait for her groom.

The wedding day of Jinzhan and Jiang Shao dawned, but Jiang Shao failed to arrive for the ceremony. Jinzhan, heartbroken, waited through the entire night in her room, surrounded by red wedding decorations that only deepened her sorrow. In the morning, Li Huaijin arrived to console her. He had expected Jiang Shao to surrender on their wedding day, not to be a coward and escape. Jinzhan questioned why Jiang Shao still hadn't appeared.

Li Huaijin speculated that Jiang Shao might have been detained by urgent matters and couldn't make it, but Jinzhan was devastated, believing Jiang Shao had abandoned her. Unbeknownst to Jinzhan, Li Huaijin was secretly orchestrating events. He had previously sent Yueying to retrieve Prince Wei's ring, which had a craftsman's name engraved, to trace information back to Prince Wei. He also hid a letter in General Feng's house and replaced records from fifteen years ago, aiming to frame Prince Wei.

Li Huaijin believed Jiang Shao's mere elopement was insufficient; only if Jiang Shao truly killed Fu Yanxin would Jinzhan's bond with him be irrevocably broken. He instructed Yueying to monitor the Fu family, keeping track of Fu Yanxin's every move. Meanwhile, Zhang Yongyao returned home after handling his duties, only to discover that Shou An had suffered a miscarriage after a fall. He was shocked to learn she had been pregnant.

Shou An tearfully accused him of neglecting her since their marriage, providing no opportunity to share the news of her pregnancy. The Emperor then arrived, furious at Zhang Yongyao's coldness towards Shou An. He commanded Zhang Yongyao to remain in the mansion for a month to care for Shou An, warning that he would personally strip him of his official title otherwise.

Later, Xue Rong comforted Shou An, taking responsibility for his own late return that necessitated Yuzhan summoning Zhang Yongyao, which indirectly led to the accident. Shou An, inconsolable, refused to eat for days, consumed by grief for her lost child. Zhang Yongyao, though initially unable to comfort her, later broke down in tears as he buried the baby's clothes in the courtyard, regretting his negligence and promising to be a better father if given another chance.

Later, Yueying informed Li Huaijin that Fu Yanxin had left his mansion and gone to a temple in the Jingjiao to pray for blessings. Li Huaijin saw this as the perfect opportunity to implicate Jiang Shao further. He ordered Yueying to hire external assassins to kill Fu Yanxin and also to eliminate the coachman who brought the news, believing that "the show was about to begin." However, Fu Yanxin was not killed.

He had anticipated the attempt on his life and used the visit to the temple, on the pretext of praying for his daughters, as a trap. Knowing that the assassins would monitor his movements closely and exploit the dense forest on the way, he planned to lure them out. After capturing an assassin, Fu Yanxin learned that Jiang Shao was named as the mastermind.

Not fully convinced by a single testimony, Fu Yanxin offered the assassin double the original sum to return and report that Fu Yanxin had been killed and his body disposed of. He then secretly met Xue Rong. Fu Yanxin informed Xue Rong that Jiang Shao had abandoned his wedding vows to Jinzhan and had disappeared. He also recounted the assassination attempt, stating that the assassin claimed Jiang Shao hired him.

Xue Rong found this hard to believe, noting Jiang Shao's unusual state at their last meeting. He then revealed that Jiang Shao was currently in Lucheng border, tasked with assassinating the traitor Xu Yan. Fu Yanxin requested Xue Rong to keep his survival a secret for the time being, believing that if Jiang Shao was not the true culprit, the actual mastermind would surely make a move while he was presumed dead.

Xue Rong decided to inform Yuzhan of the truth, explaining that Fu Yanxin was alive and had staged his death to uncover the real conspirator. He emphasized that this information must not be divulged to Jinzhan, lest she inadvertently expose the plan. Meanwhile, Jinzhan overheard palace rumors about her father's assassination by Jiang Shao.

Convinced by a detailed account that mentioned an assassin's knot identical to one she had made for Jiang Shao, she rushed out, frantic to confront Jiang Shao. Upon hearing the devastating news, Zhenzhen fainted from grief. Jinzhan searched for Jiang Shao, even going to the spot where they had buried their handmade wine. She discovered that their wine jar was empty and found a farewell note from Jiang Shao, which read, "No fate with you, eternal farewell."

The date for the Emperor's expedition was set for the following month. Yuzhan sought out Xue Rong, trying to dissuade him from going to war. She emotionally recounted her childhood trauma of her mother's death on the battlefield when Chenzhou was besieged. Her greatest fear was losing Xue Rong, much like she lost her mother. Deeply moved by her vulnerability and heartfelt plea, Xue Rong promised to reconsider, vowing to act cautiously and explore peaceful alternatives to warfare.

He also asked Yuzhan to promise to share all her feelings with him, both joyful and sorrowful, emphasizing their shared journey as husband and wife. In line with the new peaceful approach, Lingyang and Nankuang engaged in peace talks. Nankuang's monarch sent a noblewoman, Zhao Wan'er, chosen from an official's family, as a gift to Xue Rong, hoping to solidify their alliance. Yuzhan, despite her reservations, advised Xue Rong to accept the gift for diplomatic reasons.

Xue Rong accepted and conferred upon Zhao Wan'er the title of Imperial Concubine. However, Zhao Wan'er, while being introduced to her new personal maid Qiuyun in Jingming Palace, secretly harbored thoughts of revenge, vowing to make the Lingyang royal family pay their blood debts. Later that evening, Xue Rong visited Yuzhan in Baoci Palace, reassuring her that he would not visit Jingming Palace that night, nor any other night. He also sought to alleviate her worries about Jinzhan's predicament, suggesting that there must be a misunderstanding with Jiang Shao that would soon be resolved.

Fu Yuzhan expressed her deep worry to Xue Rong regarding Jinzhan’s situation, including her upcoming marriage. Xue Rong reassured her, explaining that once Jiang Shao was found, all misunderstandings would be cleared. He urged her not to worry, noting that Prince Wei was also involved in seeking the truth. Meanwhile, Zhao Wan'er, a noblewoman from Nankuang, had arrived in the palace.

She learned that despite imperial etiquette dictating Xue Rong should spend the night with her, he remained in Empress Fu Yuzhan’s palace. She discovered that Xue Rong and Fu Yuzhan shared a profound affection, and he regularly stayed in her chambers. Believing Fu Yuzhan’s favored status stemmed from the "Fu daughter empress" legend, Zhao Wan'er decided to approach her, thinking it would be easier to gather clues for her true mission: avenging her parents.

The next day, Zhao Wan'er visited Fu Yuzhan. She expressed how much better she felt in Lingyang compared to Nankuang’s humid climate and miasma. She also remarked that Fu Yuzhan was far more approachable than she had imagined. Fu Yuzhan's maid, Lanpei, noted Zhao Wan'er's composure, as she made no mention of Xue Rong's absence, showing neither grievance nor anger.

However, Fu Yuzhan remained cautious, speculating that Zhao Wan'er was either truly detached from worldly desires or adept at concealing her true intentions, warranting further observation. One day, a maid cleaning Zhao Wan'er’s room discovered a hidden memorial tablet. Upon learning this, Stewardess Song immediately confronted Zhao Wan'er, explaining that in Lingyang’s imperial palace, a place of concentrated royal aura, it was a grave offense to enshrine memorial tablets of outsiders.

She warned that such an act could bring misfortune upon the royal family and demanded the tablet be surrendered to Xue Rong for judgment. Faced with this threat, Zhao Wan'er quickly fled to Fu Yuzhan’s palace, clutching the tablet and begging for protection. Fu Yuzhan noticed the inscription "Memorial Tablet of Husband Zhao."

Zhao Wan'er then tearfully confessed that she had been married before entering the palace, sharing a deep and eternal love with her husband until he tragically died of an acute illness. She recounted her subsequent plight on the streets of Nankuang, her rescue by the Nankuang Prince, and eventually being sent to Lingyang to marry Xue Rong by the King of Nankuang.

Fu Yuzhan, touched by this tale of devotion and relating it to her own deep feelings for Xue Rong, agreed to help. She advised Zhao Wan'er that only by burning the tablet could she protect her own life, promising that the punishment would be minimal, merely copying palace rules indoors for three days.

However, Zhao Wan'er’s true motive was to use her late husband's tablet to earn Fu Yuzhan's trust, ensuring Yuzhan believed she harbored no designs on Xue Rong, thus dropping her guard. Zhao Wan'er's ultimate goal was to leverage Fu Yuzhan to uncover the murderers of her parents and avenge her entire Fu family. Meanwhile, a sorrowful Jinzhan confided in Li Huaijin, crying that General Sheng had told her Jiang Shao was responsible for her father's death.

She struggled to comprehend why Jiang Shao would betray their joyous past and turn against her father. Li Huaijin, inwardly pleased that the "obstacle" of Jiang Shao was gone, gently urged her to look forward and be strong. He reasoned that Jiang Shao's whereabouts were unknown, and weeping wouldn't provide answers; it would be better to try and forget him for now and seek clarity if he ever reappeared.

Elsewhere, Fu Yanxin, who had faked his death, rescued an injured Jiang Shao. Jiang Shao confronted Fu Yanxin, accusing him of killing his mother, Jiang Shunying, fifteen years ago in Zhaozhou and using his signet ring as proof. Fu Yanxin vehemently denied the accusation, stating he had never killed a woman, nor had he visited Zhaozhou at that time, and claimed his signet ring had been recently stolen, suggesting a frame-up.

To further his case, Fu Yanxin presented Jiang Shao with authentic travel records, showing no trips to Zhaozhou fifteen years prior, which started to sow doubt in Jiang Shao’s mind. Fu Yanxin offered to help Jiang Shao uncover the real culprit. Jiang Shao, motivated by Jinzhan, agreed to return with Fu Yanxin.

Concerned by Jinzhan's persistent grief, and unable to reveal her father was alive, Fu Yuzhan suggested Jinzhan go to Lucheng to find Jiang Shao, hoping the journey would distract her. Jinzhan immediately prepared to leave, asking her maid to inform Li Huaijin that she would miss their planned horse-riding excursion. Li Huaijin, who had eagerly prepared a new horsewhip for Jinzhan, was crestfallen.

His maid attempted to sway him towards avenging his mother by overthrowing Xue Rong, but Li Huaijin dismissed the idea, prioritizing his love for Jinzhan and his reluctance to become a traitor. Fu Yuzhan and Zhao Wan'er continued to exchange courtesies. Zhao Wan'er gifted Fu Yuzhan her specially blended calming incense, which Fu Yuzhan found elegantly fragrant and soothing. Fu Yuzhan reciprocated with a bottle of hand balm, personally applying it to Zhao Wan'er's hands and commending her delicate features.

Fu Yuzhan openly admired Zhao Wan'er's "loyalty" to her deceased husband, seeing her as a valuable friend in the lonely palace. She even asked Zhao Wan'er to teach her how to make incense, wishing to create a special blend for Xue Rong. Upon returning to the capital, Fu Yanxin and Jiang Shao learned that Jinzhan had already departed for Lucheng, with Li Huaijin following her.

In Lucheng, Jinzhan and Li Huaijin questioned local officials, who confirmed Jiang Shao had successfully assassinated a traitor but was severely wounded and subsequently disappeared into enemy territory. They were informed that his body hadn't been recovered, but a bloody comb, recognized by Jinzhan as a cherished keepsake, was found at the scene, strongly implying his demise. Overwhelmed by despair, Jinzhan rushed to the site, frantically digging into the blood-soaked earth, sobbing and pleading for Jiang Shao to return.

Li Huaijin joined her in her futile search. Later that night, as Jinzhan remained inconsolable, Li Huaijin tried to comfort her, suggesting Jiang Shao's death served as retribution for her father. He then passionately confessed his long-held love and vowed to protect and care for her for the rest of her life.

Li Huaijin confessed his long-held feelings for Jinzhan. He explained that he had held back when he believed Jinzhan and Jiang Shao were in love. However, with Jiang Shao now dead and believed to be her father's killer, unable to provide her happiness, Li Huaijin wished to spend the rest of his life by her side, caring for her.

Jinzhan, however, gently refused, telling him that she had always seen him as an elder brother, having grown up together, and never harbored romantic feelings for him. While she cherished the memories of him making kites to cheer her up, she couldn't accept his proposal and hoped he would find a woman he truly loved. Heartbroken, Li Huaijin asked if she still couldn't love him even after Jiang Shao's death.

Jinzhan clarified that her feelings were unrelated to Jiang Shao and that marriage could not be forced, just like her bond with Jiang Shao. Accepting her decision, Li Huaijin acknowledged his presumptuousness and departed. Back at the Fu family mansion, Fu Yantong returned, much to the immense relief of Zhenzhen, who tearfully embraced her father, fearing she had lost another family member.

Fu Yantong reassured her, mentioning he would soon go to the palace with Jiang Shao to meet the Emperor. Zhenzhen was delighted that her loved ones were safe and sound. Zhenzhen then went to find Jiang Shao, expressing concern for his injuries. She tentatively asked if he had fled his wedding because he had given up on Jinzhan, and if so, if he could give her a chance, promising to wait for him.

Jiang Shao, however, reaffirmed that Jinzhan was the only woman in his heart. He explained that he had fled the wedding because he had mistakenly believed Prince Wei was his mother's killer. Understanding that Jinzhan still held Jiang Shao’s heart, Zhenzhen’s hopes were crushed. She later prepared a final meal for Jiang Shao, telling him it was her last time cooking for him.

She said she used to see him as her only family, but now she had many relatives, implying she would no longer pursue him. Jiang Shao, remorseful, could only offer an apology. Meanwhile, preparations for Empress Yuzhan's birthday were underway. Ministers presented elaborate plans for a grand celebration involving the Baoci Palace and Qingchun Park, featuring religious altars, ornate halls, and archways.

Xue Rong, however, dismissed the ornate arrangements as too flashy and unsuitable for Yuzhan, suggesting they were more appropriate for an Empress Dowager. He ordered the plans changed to a Guqin pavilion, with famous Guqin masters invited to the capital. He also explicitly stated that the funds for the celebration should come from his private treasury, not the national coffers.

Yuzhan, upon seeing the budget of one million taels allocated from Xue Rong's private treasury for her birthday, expressed concern that it was too much. She suggested the money would be better used to support the border soldiers, especially with winter approaching and their need for warm clothing. Xue Rong assured her that funds for the soldiers were already allocated and that this money was specifically for her birthday.

Yuzhan reiterated that she didn't want a lavish feast; she only wished to spend time with her beloved and share a bowl of longevity noodles made by him. Xue Rong agreed, promising to make her the "best longevity noodles in the world." He set about preparing the noodles himself, but when Yuzhan ate them, they kept breaking. Xue Rong considered this inauspicious, fearing it implied a shortened life.

Yuzhan, unfazed, dismissed it as superstition, stating she valued the tranquility and joy of the moment more than omens, believing a good mood led to a long life. Zhao Wan'er, having learned of the Emperor's lavish birthday plans for the Empress, including inviting famous Guqin masters, pondered the influence of the "Fu daughter empress" rumor, which she believed had helped Xue Rong ascend the throne. She speculated that Yuzhan might be unwillingly holding the position.

Wan'er recalled her own mother telling her that she, Fu Wan'er, was the destined "heaven-sent Fu daughter" because her father was a high-ranking official, unlike ordinary Fu girls. Deciding to visit Yuzhan, Wan'er accidentally bumped into Lanpei, scattering a pile of scriptures. She quickly noticed that Yuzhan had copied prayers for "the security and health of the family of Fu Yantong in the next incarnation."

Lanpei confirmed that Yuzhan had personally copied them to be sent to a temple for blessings. Wan'er later made a pretext to return to Yuzhan's palace, subtly inquiring about the scriptures. Yuzhan clarified that the Fu Yantong family was not her relative or friend, but someone she felt "sorry for." This admission profoundly affected Wan'er, who, upon returning to her own quarters, was overcome with rage.

She realized that Yuzhan was the very person responsible for the destruction of her own Fu family. Wan'er bitterly regretted ever feeling guilty for using Yuzhan or wanting to consider her a sister. She recognized that her family's demise, brought about by the "Fu daughter empress" prophecy, had directly benefited Yuzhan's family, allowing Yuzhan to usurp her rightful place as empress. Addressing her deceased parents, Wan'er vowed to seek "blood for blood" revenge on Fu Yuzhan.

Jiang Shao and Fu Yantong reported to Xue Rong. Xue Rong praised Jiang Shao for his brave infiltration of the enemy camp and the killing of the traitor Xu Yan before he could be fully utilized by Nankuang, thus greatly undermining Nankuang's influence. Fu Yantong then reminded Xue Rong about their earlier secret discussion regarding an assassin who claimed to be sent by Jiang Shao.

Fu Yantong confirmed that Jiang Shao was not the one who sent the assassin and stated that he was actively investigating the true mastermind behind the attempt on his life. Xue Rong offered his full support in the investigation. Later, a maid informed Yuzhan that her father, Fu Yantong, had returned to the capital and was at Funing Palace with His Majesty. Yuzhan joyfully rushed to meet her father, who apologized for causing her worry.

Xue Rong then announced a family feast at Funing Palace to welcome both Fu Yantong and Jiang Shao. Jiang Shao then suggested that Yuzhan could catch up with her father while he and His Majesty discussed matters. Meanwhile, Princess Shou'an received an invitation to the Empress's birthday feast. She was consumed with anger, lamenting that Yuzhan was still showered with Xue Rong's affection and celebrated lavishly, while her own child had tragically died, a loss she blamed entirely on Yuzhan.

Despite her bitterness, Shou'an decided to attend the feast, darkly musing that she would "fulfill her husband's wish" to see the person he held dear. Back in a small courtyard, Jinzhan was still deeply grieving. Li Huaijin was with her, asking her when she planned to return to the capital, but she insisted on staying until Jiang Shao's body was found, despite his arguments that it might be futile.

Looking at a sand table, Jinzhan remembered Jiang Shao's past promises of taking her to all the places on the map, with their final destination being their home, the "Residence of Jinzhan." Despite these cherished memories, her heart ached with the knowledge that Jiang Shao was her father's killer. In a painful moment of resolve, Jinzhan decided to sever all ties with Jiang Shao, declaring their connection terminated.

At Yuzhan's birthday family feast, which was kept simple according to her wishes, the guests presented their gifts. Zhao Wan'er offered her specially blended incense, while Zhenzhen gave a personally embroidered pouch, thanking Yuzhan for resolving her misunderstanding with Xue Rong. Shou'an presented a magnificent pearl. Xue Rong, in a lighthearted moment, jokingly demanded an equally impressive gift for his own upcoming birthday. Zhang Yongyao, too, offered a Guqin score.

The atmosphere was pleasant, and Yuzhan confirmed to Xue Rong that she was very happy. During the feast, Zhao Wan'er offered Yuzhan a specially prepared fruit wine, describing its mild taste. Just as Yuzhan was about to drink, Shou'an intervened, insisting on pouring the wine for Yuzhan herself. A struggle ensued, resulting in the wine spilling on both their clothes. Shou'an quickly suggested they go to a private room to change.

Once alone, Shou'an confronted Wan'er, revealing she had seen her add something to the wine and knew of Wan'er's intention to poison Yuzhan. Wan'er denied it. Shou'an explained that such an impetuous attempt was futile, as all drinks at imperial feasts, even private ones with the Emperor present, underwent strict poison checks. Shou'an then proposed they join forces to kill Yuzhan, confessing her own burning desire for revenge, as she blamed Yuzhan for the tragic loss of her child.

She convinced Wan'er that an alliance would ensure Yuzhan's demise. Meanwhile, in a courtyard, Xue Rong and Yuzhan spoke with Zhang Yongyao about Shou'an. Yuzhan noted Shou'an looked better and urged Zhang Yongyao to continue caring for her to ease Xue Rong’s worries. Xue Rong sternly warned Zhang that if Shou'an suffered any further harm, the consequences would be far more severe than a mere suspension.

Zhang Yongyao expressed deep regret for his past neglect and ignorance of Shou'an’s pregnancy, promising to care for her diligently henceforth. After Xue Rong departed, Yuzhan instructed Zhang to take some high-quality ginseng from her palace for Shou'an. Unbeknownst to them, Shou'an was secretly observing their conversation from a distance, adding to her suspicions and resentment.

At a special spot Jiang Shao had prepared for her, Jinzhan looked at a sand table that mapped out their future. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she struggled to understand why Jiang Shao would kill her father, Fu Yanxin. Believing their fate was severed, she declared their relationship over. Just then, Jiang Shao appeared, alive. Jinzhan, overcome with emotion, furiously confronted him, gripping his neck, demanding to know why he had abandoned their wedding and why he had murdered her father.

Jiang Shao vehemently denied the accusations, explaining that Fu Yanxin was alive and that he had personally brought him back to the capital. He urged Jinzhan to return home and see for herself. Jinzhan rushed back to the Fu family mansion and was overjoyed to find her father well and alive. News of Fu Yanxin’s survival also reached Li Huaijin, who was furious.

He confronted Yueying, demanding to know why the assassin had falsely reported Fu Yanxin’s death and why this erroneous news had spread throughout the capital. Li Huaijin feared that Fu Yanxin might trace the assassination back to him. Despite Yueying’s assurances that she had been cautious and had eliminated the assassin, Li Huaijin decided to visit the Fu family mansion to gather information.

During his visit, Fu Yanxin informed Li Huaijin that the mastermind behind the assassination was deeply hidden, with no current leads for investigation. Later, in a private conversation, Fu Yanxin reflected on the assassin’s mention of him having "escaped last time" and the false accusation that Jiang Shao was the employer, suggesting to him that the culprit was aware of the past conflict between him and Jiang Shao and used this to frame him.

Meanwhile, back in a private room, Jiang Shao apologized to Jinzhan for the misunderstanding. Jinzhan applied a soothing ointment to the marks on his neck, and Jiang Shao promised he would never leave her again. Jinzhan agreed to marry him, but cautioned that he would first need to appease her father, who was even more upset about Jiang Shao's apparent abandonment of the wedding. In the palace, Zhao Wan'er visited Yuzhan, presenting her with a meticulously crafted incense pill.

She claimed it took two days to make, was specially tailored to Yuzhan's constitution for clarity of mind and fatigue relief, and promised to deliver a fresh one in two days. Unknown to Yuzhan, Shou An had supplied Zhao Wan'er with Stellaria Leaf, an herb that is harmless on its own but becomes a potent poison when combined with green plums. The plan was for Yuzhan to wear the scented pill daily, allowing the fragrance to penetrate her body.

Two days later, Shou An arrived at Yuzhan's Bao Ci Palace, bringing green plums for everyone, notably offering them to Yuzhan to deflect suspicion. Zhao Wan'er also appeared, publicly replacing Yuzhan's old incense pill with a new, poisoned one, further obscuring the true source of the poison. Later, Shou An confirmed to Zhao Wan'er that the poison would take a few days to manifest, but once active, it would be incurable.

Even if temporarily suppressed, any re-exposure to the scent of Stellaria Leaf would reactivate the poison, ensuring Yuzhan's demise. Feeling utterly defeated by the continued survival of both Fu Yanxin and Jiang Shao, Li Huaijin expressed despair, lamenting that all his efforts to win Jinzhan's affection had been in vain. Yueying urged him to discard the pursuit of ephemeral love and instead seize political power, which she argued was the only true and lasting aspiration.

She then revealed a genuine posthumous edict from the late emperor, which declared Jiang Shao to be the late emperor's illegitimate son. Yueying reminded Li Huaijin of Princess Royal's original strategy: to exploit this revelation to destabilize Xue Rong’s reign and facilitate Li Huaijin’s ascension to the throne. Inspired by his mother’s ambitions, Li Huaijin resolved to pursue the imperial seat.

He instructed Yueying to orchestrate the rapid dissemination of the news regarding the late emperor's illegitimate son among the populace through storytellers, ensuring that it would swiftly reach the court officials. He eagerly anticipated Xue Rong's reaction to this explosive revelation. Yuzhan's health began to decline, marked by increasing fatigue and weakness. Xue Rong, mistaking her symptoms for pregnancy, was overjoyed. However, a physician's examination disproved pregnancy, instead revealing signs of poisoning.

Deeply troubled, Xue Rong privately summoned all imperial doctors. They confirmed Yuzhan was poisoned but were unable to identify the specific toxin. They proposed a perilous treatment: using rattan, a toxic substance itself, as a counter-agent to temporarily suppress the poison. They cautioned that its efficacy and safety were not guaranteed, warning that failure could be fatal.

Enraged, Xue Rong demanded they find a definitive cure and strictly forbade anyone from informing Yuzhan of her true condition, fearing it would cause her undue distress. He then secretly tasked Zhang Yongyao with investigating the poisoning and bringing the culprit to justice. As Yuzhan's condition worsened, she struggled to tolerate the medicine's peculiar taste.

To encourage her, Xue Rong pretended to be tired and suggested a dice game where they would both drink a portion of the medicine if they lost. He consistently drank the medicine alongside her, despite not being ill, hoping to alleviate her discomfort and persuade her to continue the treatment. This strategy gradually worked, and Yuzhan became more compliant with the medication.

However, the imperial doctors soon discovered that Xue Rong had inadvertently poisoned himself with rattan due to his consistent consumption. Despite their urgent warnings, Xue Rong insisted on continuing to partake in the medicine with Yuzhan. He explained that he feared revealing the truth would distress her, and he wanted her to recover without the burden of knowing she was poisoned.

He instructed the doctors to prepare an antidote for himself while simultaneously intensifying their efforts to find a complete cure for Yuzhan. Meanwhile, Li Huaijin learned of the Empress's poisoning from Wang Hai, a senior officer who maintained loyalty to the late Princess Royal.

Princess Shou An observed that Zhang Yongyao seemed deeply preoccupied and asked if a difficult case from the Ministry of Justice was troubling him. Zhang Yongyao, having been secretly tasked by Xue Rong to investigate the empress's poisoning and apprehend the culprit, vaguely replied that he was pondering a difficult matter. He then excused himself from joining her for breakfast, stating he had official duties to attend to.

Princess Shou An noticed his evasiveness and wondered why he had avoided her gaze and offered such a vague explanation. At Baoci Palace, Yuzhan's condition had temporarily stabilized after the tripterygium treatment. Zhao Wan'er paid a visit, expressing her relief to finally see Yuzhan after being barred from the palace and playfully threatening to force her way in. Yuzhan assured her that she was recovering. During her visit, a maid delivered green plums from Princess Shou An to Yuzhan.

Zhao Wan'er, witnessing this, privately acknowledged that Princess Shou An was aware of Yuzhan's improving health. She then helped Yuzhan take her medicine, emphasizing her desire to serve, given Yuzhan's past kindness. She reflected on their plan: while the current poison's effects were still developing, another exposure to the scent of chickweed (which Zhao Wan'er was carrying close to Yuzhan, as per a previous plot point) would reactivate and intensify the toxins, rendering the illness incurable.

The following morning, as Lanpei assisted Yuzhan with her preparations, Yuzhan suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed into unconsciousness. Xue Rong rushed to her side, demanding an explanation from the imperial physician. The physician revealed that the suppressed toxins in Yuzhan’s body had inexplicably re-emerged, causing her critical condition. He regretfully informed Xue Rong that the tripterygium was no longer effective.

The palace had only a single nymphoides plant, an alternative that could suppress the poison for a mere seven days. He warned that if the developing bruises on Yuzhan's body spread, her life would be in grave danger. Xue Rong, refusing to accept this grim prognosis, swore to find a complete cure within the seven-day window, repeatedly vowing that Yuzhan would recover. In his urgency, Xue Rong summoned Jiang Shao.

He confided in Jiang Shao about Yuzhan's critical state, the seven-day deadline, and the need for nymphoides from Qinzhou in Pengze. Due to recent hostilities between Lingyang and Pengze, Xue Rong stressed the importance of Jiang Shao traveling disguised as a commoner to avoid any obstruction, entrusting Yuzhan's life to him as he trusted no one else for such a crucial mission. He admitted he hadn't told Yuzhan the full truth to spare her worry.

Yuzhan, who had inadvertently overheard their entire conversation, entered the room, feigning ignorance. She light-heartedly inquired about their secret discussion and expressed her happiness at Jiang Shao's safe return. Yuzhan then asked Jiang Shao to promise to look after her sister, Jinzhan, hinting that Jinzhan might soon leave the capital. Turning to Xue Rong, Yuzhan playfully suggested they plan a future outing to Jingxin Lake to enjoy the snow, music, and wine once she was fully recovered.

Meanwhile, Jiang Shao hastily packed for his journey. Jinzhan unexpectedly arrived, intending to discuss their marriage arrangements. Seeing his preparations, she became upset, fearing he was leaving her again. Jiang Shao quickly explained he had an urgent task to Pengze and would return in seven days, mentioning a letter he had written to her. Jinzhan, after reading the letter and confirming his destination and the seven-day duration, insisted on accompanying him.

Despite Jiang Shao’s concerns about her enduring hardship on the road, Jinzhan was resolute, stating she had traveled before and possessed sufficient funds. When Jiang Shao worried about her father’s reaction, Jinzhan snatched his letter and, with a mischievous grin, claimed to have left a message for her father, assuring him of their safe return in seven days, before urging Jiang Shao to depart immediately.

Mid-journey, Jinzhan, unaware of the true urgency of Jiang Shao's mission, playfully pushed him into a trap, intending to recreate the scene of their first meeting. Trapped and anxious, Jiang Shao was forced to reveal that Yuzhan was waiting for the herbs to save her life. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jinzhan immediately urged them to speed up their journey. Li Huaijin received word that Jiang Shao and Jinzhan had left the capital.

Recalling a previous report about Yuzhan needing a specific herb from Pengze, he correctly deduced that Jiang Shao was on a mission to procure it. He then instructed Yueying to follow them and, upon their return, to destroy the precious herbs. When Yueying questioned this approach, Li Huaijin explained his cunning: directly intercepting Jiang Shao would only prompt Xue Rong to send another person.

By allowing Jiang Shao to retrieve the herb and then destroying it, Yuzhan's limited seven-day window would expire, leaving no time for a second attempt and thus guaranteeing her demise. Li Huaijin coldly stated his intention for Xue Rong to experience the profound pain of losing a loved one. Back at Baoci Palace, Xue Rong, still suffering from stomach pains after secretly consuming the poison to trick Yuzhan into taking her medicine, quickly drank some of his own antidote.

He then excused himself, citing urgent state affairs, promising to return later and urging Yuzhan to rest. Later, Yuzhan and Xue Rong engaged in a playful game to determine who would drink her unpleasant medicine, with Yuzhan subtly manipulating the outcome to ensure she drank it all herself. Xue Rong, aware of her deception and her desire to spare him, tried to intervene.

Yuzhan, deeply saddened, then confessed her regret for not realizing the severity of her illness sooner, which had led Xue Rong to selflessly endure the poison's effects to protect her. She implored him not to harm himself further, expressing her profound worry. Xue Rong, in turn, forbade her from blaming herself and insisted she should not "rest assured," as he would not allow it.

Yuzhan then gently reminded him that a cure had been found, urging him not to panic, and he reassured her that everything would ultimately be fine. Feeling a familiar midday drowsiness, Yuzhan drifted off to sleep, with Xue Rong tenderly watching over her. Jiang Shao and Jinzhan eventually arrived at a busy herb shop in Qinzhou, a full half-day earlier than scheduled. While Jinzhan went to purchase other supplies, Jiang Shao waited in line for the nymphoides.

He requested a month’s supply, amounting to two catties, which required the shop assistant to retrieve it from the warehouse. After obtaining the precious herb and completing the payment, Jiang Shao and Jinzhan departed, completely unaware that Yueying had secretly trailed them and was observing their movements. Overwhelmed by his imperial duties, Xue Rong summoned his sister, Chai Zhenzhen, to the palace, entrusting Yuzhan's care to her.

Zhenzhen was shocked to learn of Yuzhan's critical poisoning but was reassured by Xue Rong that a path to a cure had been identified. Taking her task seriously, Chai Zhenzhen became exceedingly protective, meticulously wrapping Yuzhan in robes and suggesting additional quilts and a hat to shield her from the slightest draft. Yuzhan, however, found this stifling, protesting that she merely wanted to relax, not be cocooned.

She gently urged Zhenzhen not to be overly anxious, reminding her that Jiang Shao was on his way with the antidote and that with loved ones nearby, she felt no fear. Chai Zhenzhen admired Yuzhan’s brave and open-minded spirit, admitting she herself would be terrified in such a situation. Princess Shou An sent another delivery of green plums to Zhao Wan'er. Zhao Wan'er immediately suspected this was a coded message regarding Yuzhan.

Her maid, Qiuyun, recalled a peculiar story from the delivery eunuch, Zhou, about a colleague who had developed severe, corpse-like bruises after ingesting something poisonous. Zhao Wan'er pieced together the clue, realizing Shou An was signaling that Yuzhan's worsening condition would soon manifest as widespread bruising. Armed with this information, Zhao Wan'er prepared to visit Yuzhan, bringing a hand balm as a pretext. Upon arriving, she found Chai Zhenzhen attending to Yuzhan.

Zhao Wan'er feigned concern about Yuzhan still taking medicine and playfully praised the hand balm Yuzhan had previously given her, claiming it had greatly improved her skin. Under the guise of returning the balm and offering to apply it, Zhao Wan'er gently took Yuzhan’s arm. Her eyes immediately landed on a cluster of prominent bruises.

Yuzhan attempted to brush them off as a mere accident from bumping into a table, but Zhao Wan'er, a sinister smile flickering across her face, offered to massage them away. This fleeting, unsettling expression was noticed by Chai Zhenzhen.

After leaving Baoci Palace, Zhao Wan'er was in high spirits, convinced that Fu Yuzhan was nearing her end. Moments later, Chai Zhenzhen expressed her concern to Fu Yuzhan, recounting Zhao Wan'er's unsettling smile upon seeing the bruises on Fu Yuzhan's arm. Chai Zhenzhen also noted Zhao Wan'er's unusually cheerful demeanor, even rewarding a maid for accidentally spilling a cup, rather than punishing her.

Chai Zhenzhen found this behavior suspicious and urged Fu Yuzhan to have Jingming Palace, Zhao Wan'er's residence, monitored. Fu Yuzhan initially dismissed her concerns as overthinking, but eventually agreed to consider placing the palace under surveillance. Zhang Yongyao learned from the imperial physicians that the poison Fu Yuzhan had been administered had a pungent odor. He theorized that the perpetrator must have masked the poison with another strong scent to avoid detection.

Despite investigating all the incense burned in the palace, he found no traces of poison. Zhang Yongyao then sought Emperor Xue Rong's permission to question Fu Yuzhan directly about any unusual scents she might have encountered. Later, during a meal with Fu Yuzhan and Chai Zhenzhen, Xue Rong vaguely mentioned that Zhang Yongyao merely had "some ideas" without disclosing the specifics of his findings.

Princess Shou An received a message from Zhao Wan'er, confirming that Fu Yuzhan was indeed on the verge of death. She instructed Yancao to eliminate any palace contacts who had been communicating with Zhao Wan'er, fearing they might jeopardize her plans. Yancao expressed her sorrow at seeing the princess consumed by revenge, but Shou An felt isolated, believing only Yancao truly cared for her.

Unbeknownst to Shou An, Zhang Yongyao also harbored deep concern for her well-being, going so far as to obtain a rare talisman from the White Tower Temple, of which only three were available each month. Touched by his gesture, Shou An invited Zhang Yongyao to sleep in her chambers. However, she found him in his study, poring over the case files of the Empress's poisoning.

Shou An saw this as a fortuitous development, believing she could now subtly extract information from him about the investigation's progress and thus pre-emptively destroy any incriminating evidence. Meanwhile, at an inn, Jiang Shao and Jinzhan were having a meal when a spy, under Yueying's command, deliberately knocked their herbal medicine into water, rendering it useless. Both Jiang Shao and Jinzhan were distraught by the loss.

Jiang Shao suggested they immediately return to the capital, hoping to spend more time with Fu Yuzhan before her impending death. From a hidden vantage point, Yueying observed their distress, confident that her plan had succeeded. Back in the palace, a gravely ill Fu Yuzhan struggled to continue her administrative duties, her hands too weak to even hold a brush while reviewing account books. Despite her deteriorating condition, she tried to bring a smile to Xue Rong's face.

As she spoke, she collapsed into his arms, expressing a wish to visit Qinghui Pavilion. Unseen in a corner, Zhao Wan'er watched, delighting in Fu Yuzhan's suffering and wishing for her swift demise. That night, Qinghui Pavilion was illuminated by countless shining sky lanterns. Lying in Xue Rong's embrace, Fu Yuzhan urged him to look up at the stars, telling him that one day, she would be the brightest star in the sky, watching over him.

Overcome with grief, Xue Rong wept, pleading with her not to become a star and leave him, imploring her to hold on until the antidote arrived. The entire imperial hospital anxiously awaited Jiang Shao's return. Fu Yuzhan, fading in and out of consciousness, struggled to speak, her strength almost completely gone. Fortunately, Jiang Shao and Jinzhan arrived just in time, bringing the precious antidote.

It was revealed that Jiang Shao had, as a precaution against sabotage, secretly purchased an additional batch of medicine from a different pharmacy. His decision to express despair over the ruined herbs and feign a desperate return to the capital to see Fu Yuzhan one last time had successfully fooled their adversaries. The antidote began to work, and Fu Yuzhan slowly regained consciousness. Jinzhan, disguised as a young imperial physician, secretly visited her sister.

Upon her return to the capital, Yueying confidently reported to Li Huaijin that Jiang Shao's herbal medicine had been completely ruined, assuring him of Fu Yuzhan's inevitable death. Li Huaijin believed his plan had succeeded and was taken aback by Fu Yuzhan's unexpected survival. To compensate for this failure, he instructed Yueying to intensify the rumors circulating about the late emperor's son living among commoners, making sure the whispers reached Xue Rong's ears.

As Fu Yuzhan continued her medication, her health steadily improved. She decided to investigate Zhao Wan'er, whose behavior Chai Zhenzhen had found suspicious. Fu Yuzhan specifically asked Chai Zhenzhen not to inform Emperor Xue Rong about her suspicions regarding Zhao Wan'er, intending to handle the investigation herself. Feigning friendship, Fu Yuzhan requested more of the scented sachets Zhao Wan'er had previously given her, claiming she adored its fragrance.

Zhao Wan'er readily agreed, promising to formulate a new batch of the scented sachets for Fu Yuzhan in a few days. Princess Shou An received a new secret message from Zhao Wan’er, confirming that the Empress's poison had been cured. Enraged, she ordered Yancao to send more Stellaria Leaf to Zhao Wan'er, instructing her to create an even stronger poison to ensure Fu Yuzhan's immediate death.

Just as Yancao was about to leave, Zhang Yongyao arrived with some persimmon cakes for Shou An. Upon entering her room, he detected a subtle fragrance, reminiscent of Longjing tea. Startled, Yancao accidentally dropped a small box she was holding, revealing its contents. Zhang Yongyao immediately recognized the herb as Stellaria Leaf, the very component responsible for poisoning the Empress. He was stunned to discover the incriminating evidence in Princess Shou An's chambers.

Cornered, Princess Shou An confessed her actions, stating her desire for Fu Yuzhan to pay with her life for the death of her child. She angrily accused Zhang Yongyao of never truly caring for her, recounting how he had chosen Fu Yuzhan over her even before their marriage and how he still kept the Seclusion zither, which was originally intended for Fu Yuzhan.

Later that night, Zhang Yongyao, having completed his report on the poisoning, bitterly reproached himself for his lack of care towards Shou An and for harboring lingering affections for Fu Yuzhan. In a fit of despair, he smashed the Seclusion zither, resolving to let go of his unrequited desires.

Zhang Yongyao was seen burning items in the courtyard, expressing deep remorse. He blamed himself for failing to protect his deceased child, who passed before experiencing the world, and for being a poor husband to Shou An, whose suffering he felt was entirely his fault. He lovingly burned the small trinkets Shou An had made for their child, asking the child to frequently visit Shou An, as he might not be able to do so himself anymore.

Shou An, observing from a distance, remained consumed by hatred for Yuzhan, believing Yuzhan was responsible for all her misfortunes. She later confided in her maid, Yancao, that she felt her fate was uncertain and wished to take a final look at her mansion. She prepared to enter the palace, armed with a dagger, intending to take Yuzhan down with her. Meanwhile, Zhao Wan'er delivered the incense pills Yuzhan had requested.

Yuzhan immediately summoned an imperial physician, who discovered that while the Stellaria Leaf in the pills was non-toxic by itself, it would become a deadly poison when combined with green plums. Yuzhan questioned Zhao Wan'er about her intentions. At that moment, Zhang Yongyao sought an audience, claiming to have leads on Yuzhan's poisoning. Shou An, having learned of Zhang Yongyao's entry into the palace, was unsurprised, believing his integrity and deep affection for Yuzhan would lead him to expose her.

Alone with Yuzhan, Zhang Yongyao suddenly lunged at her with a dagger but intentionally stumbled, failing the attack. He then confessed to poisoning Yuzhan and harboring a desire for her death, driven by his hatred. Shou An, who had just arrived and overheard his confession, dropped her dagger in shock. Zhang Yongyao continued to falsely claim responsibility for the assassination attempt, hoping to shield Shou An.

However, Yuzhan revealed she had already learned from the imperial physician that the poison was a combination of Zhao Wan'er's Stellaria Leaf and Shou An's green plums. Shou An then admitted to the poisoning, accusing Yuzhan of ruining her happiness, her home with Zhang Yongyao, and causing her child's death.

Yuzhan retorted angrily, stating that while the child's death might be related to her, Shou An's unhappiness stemmed from her own lack of trust in Zhang Yongyao and her unwarranted suspicions, not from Yuzhan. Yuzhan declared that she would not report the poisoning to the Emperor and would regard Zhang Yongyao's assassination attempt as merely a presentation of a dagger. Zhang Yongyao expressed his gratitude for her pardon.

Back at her mansion, Shou An proposed a peaceful divorce to Zhang Yongyao. He refused, asserting that all the problems began with him due to his lingering feelings for the Empress after their marriage. He vowed to remain her husband for life. Yuzhan revisited Zhao Wan'er, pressing her for the true reason behind the poisoning.

With a look of resentment, Zhao Wan'er revealed her real name was Fu Wan'er, daughter of Fu Yantong from Xuzhou, the "Fu woman" from the empress legend. She accused Yuzhan of selfishly causing the demise of her entire family. Yuzhan apologized, but Lanpei, Yuzhan's maid, interjected to clarify that it was the late emperor who ordered the family's extermination, not Yuzhan.

Lanpei explained that Yuzhan had dispatched General Zhang Sheng to rescue the Fu family, but he arrived too late and only managed to save Fu Wan'er. General Zhang Sheng, identifiable by his capital city accent and military bearing, was the true rescuer. Overwhelmed by this revelation, realizing that Yuzhan, whom she sought to kill, was her savior, Fu Wan'er collapsed. Later, Yuzhan informed Xue Rong about Fu Wan'er's identity and requested leniency, asking for her release from the palace.

Yuzhan explained her past actions had inadvertently led to the tragedy of Fu Wan'er's family, and she considered the poisoning a repayment for her family's debt. Xue Rong, though hesitant, agreed to release Fu Wan'er but intended to monitor her movements. Yuzhan then went to visit Fu Wan'er, returning a hairpin that General Zhang Sheng had recovered. Fu Wan'er recognized it as a keepsake from her mother.

Unable to bear the weight of guilt and Yuzhan's forgiveness, Fu Wan'er used the hairpin to stab herself in the neck, committing suicide. Shocked, Yuzhan instructed her attendants to return Fu Wan'er's body to her ancestral tomb in Pengze. Meanwhile, rumors of the late emperor having an illegitimate son were circulating throughout the capital. Li Huaijin instructed Yueying to proceed with their next scheme. Yueying secretly infiltrated the mansion of Wang Zhu, the Minister of Education.

The following day, Xue Rong received a secret report accusing Wang Zhu of using a wooden badge to contact Jiang Shao. A subsequent search of Wang Zhu's residence indeed uncovered a jade pendant and a wooden badge. Enraged, Xue Rong confronted Wang Zhu, who vehemently denied the accusations, claiming he was being framed. Xue Rong ordered Wang Zhu's imprisonment in jail, with no visitors allowed.

Before his summons to the palace, Jiang Shao was contemplating how to re-propose marriage to Jinzhan to Prince Wei, having even acquired an expensive "gold goose" as a betrothal gift since live geese were out of season. Xue Rong invited Jiang Shao for a meal, subtly probing his ambitions for the throne. Jiang Shao dismissed the idea, stating he valued freedom and found palace life stifling, deeming himself unsuited for it.

Xue Rong then presented the jade pendant and wooden badge, revealing to Jiang Shao that he was the late emperor's illegitimate son. Jiang Shao's immediate thought was how this would prevent Prince Wei from deeming him unworthy of Jinzhan. Xue Rong, however, warned that Jiang Shao's exposed identity could lead to demands for his own removal from the throne, as he was not of the "real bloodline."

He proposed destroying the wooden badge, the sole proof of Jiang Shao's identity, to remove all evidence. Jiang Shao hesitated, as the wooden badge was a cherished memento from his mother. Xue Rong left him to consider how to proceed. Later, Yuzhan had mostly recovered from the poison. Xue Rong visited her, expressing relief and praising the imperial physicians.

He then shared his worries, confiding that his father, who had adopted him from the Chai family due to a lack of heirs, had an illegitimate son in the common folk who could claim the throne. This child, he revealed, was Jiang Shao.

Xue Rong confessed to Yuzhan that the late emperor had an illegitimate son who could inherit the throne, and he had found this person to be Jiang Shao. Xue Rong showed her a wooden plate with an embedded jade, explaining it was cut from his father's jade pendant, irrefutably proving Jiang Shao's royal lineage. While Xue Rong believed Jiang Shao would not have treasonous intentions, he worried about the potential instability Jiang Shao's identity could bring to the current state.

He admitted that when he asked Jiang Shao about destroying the wooden plate, Jiang Shao wanted it back. Yuzhan, seeing Xue Rong's internal struggle, suggested letting destiny decide since the wooden plate was already in his hands and he could destroy it anytime. She proposed drawing lots: a red one to destroy the plate, a colorless one to return it to Jiang Shao.

Xue Rong drew red twice, dismissing them as "not ready," but on the third try, he drew colorless. Accepting fate, he declared he would return the wooden plate to Jiang Shao. Yuzhan, in a private moment, mused that Xue Rong, despite his words, feared severing their brotherhood, and she had subtly helped him draw the outcome he truly desired.

Meanwhile, at his residence, Jiang Shao gazed at a jade pendant, struggling to process the revelation that his father was the emperor. He wondered why his mother hadn't told him and if the late emperor had known of their relation when they met. A flashback showed the late emperor speaking to him, asking about an old wound, and remarking on how close he felt to Jiang Shao, like family.

The late emperor had then instructed Jiang Shao to personally deliver the imperial jade seal to Xue Rong, wishing for them to be like brothers, sharing good times and bad, never betraying each other. Jiang Shao had vowed to treat Xue Rong as a lifelong brother. Now, understanding the deeper implication of that moment, Jiang Shao realized the late emperor's intention was for him to support Xue Rong as emperor.

To avoid causing any trouble, Jiang Shao resolved to leave the capital city immediately. Li Huaijin, observing that Xue Rong had forbidden anyone from visiting the jailed Wang Zhu, instructed Yueying to discreetly assist Minister Cao Han, recognizing Cao Han's loyalty and his right as Minister of Personnel to address official matters.

With Li Huaijin's subtle help, Cao Han managed to gain a brief, clandestine visit to Wang Zhu in jail, where a guard warned him of the risks and time limit. Wang Zhu, still believing he was wrongfully accused, revealed that he was imprisoned on suspicion of conspiring with Jiang Shao, the late emperor's son, for treason.

Cao Han was startled to learn Jiang Shao was indeed the late emperor's son, realizing that rumors about Jiang Shao being alive had been suppressed by Xue Rong, who had previously overlooked Jiang Shao's scandalous relationship with the former empress. Concluding that Jiang Shao's existence posed a severe threat to the current regime, Cao Han resolved to act.

He feigned a theft at his residence and requested his friend, General Jia Dali, to lend him thirty elite guards, ostensibly to help catch the "thieves." Jia Dali readily agreed to send the men the next day. Jiang Shao urgently sought out Jinzhan, asking her to leave the capital with him. He revealed the shocking news he learned in the palace: his father was Xue Wei, the late emperor.

Jinzhan was stunned, but quickly understood the gravity of his new identity. She expressed concern that while Jiang Shao might not care about being a royal, others, especially discontented officials, would use it to stir up trouble against Xue Rong, making immediate departure essential. As they prepared to flee, a servant from Minister Cao Han's mansion arrived, conveying an invitation for Jiang Shao to meet at Minister Cao's residence the following morning, claiming it was at the Emperor's discreet request.

Jinzhan was wary, questioning why the Emperor would choose Cao Han's home. Jiang Shao speculated it was to secretly discuss the sensitive issue of destroying the wooden plate. They decided to attend the meeting first, then leave the capital immediately. Li Huaijin's secret guard reported that Cao Han had indeed summoned Jiang Shao and brought in Jia Dali's guards, confirming Cao Han's malicious intentions.

Li Huaijin immediately sent invitations to influential ministers, including the retired Grand Tutor Lyu, for a tea party at a tea house conveniently located near Cao Han's mansion. The following morning, Jiang Shao entered Cao's mansion as instructed. Shortly after, Jinzhan, growing anxious about Jiang Shao's prolonged absence, encountered Li Huaijin outside. She questioned why he was there, given his duty to protect the Emperor.

Li Huaijin explained he was meeting officials for tea and that the Emperor was currently in the palace, not at Cao Han's mansion. Realizing Jiang Shao had been deceived, Jinzhan panicked. Despite Li Huaijin's warning about her own precarious status as the former empress, Jinzhan, in her desperation, revealed Jiang Shao's secret identity as the late emperor's son, emphasizing that Cao Han, being loyal to Xue Rong, would surely try to eliminate him.

Li Huaijin, feigning calm, proposed a two-pronged plan: he would gather the influential ministers from the tea house, believing Cao Han wouldn't dare harm Jiang Shao in front of them, while Jinzhan would take his Imperial Guard token to summon patrolling guards to forcibly open the mansion gates. Inside, Jiang Shao, realizing he had been poisoned by the tea offered to him, attempted to escape as archers began to fire.

Cao Han, intent on ensuring Jiang Shao's demise and preventing Xue Rong from learning the truth, ordered his men to shoot, declaring he would bear all the blame. Jinzhan's frantic knocking on the door, however, disrupted the archers, causing Cao Han to change tactics and order Jiang Shao's arrest. Cao Han then planted official documents on the semi-conscious Jiang Shao, intending to frame him for theft.

Following Li Huaijin's instructions, Jinzhan, wielding the Imperial Guard token, brought patrolling guards to smash open the doors of Cao's mansion. Simultaneously, Li Huaijin arrived with a group of influential ministers, just as Cao Han was about to deliver a fatal blow to Jiang Shao. Li Huaijin intervened, saving Jiang Shao, who then accused Cao Han of planting official documents on him to frame him for theft.

Cao Han insisted Jiang Shao was a thief and attempted to justify his actions, even accusing Li Huaijin of complicity due to their past connection. However, Li Huaijin boldly exposed Cao Han's true motive: to secretly assassinate Jiang Shao because he was the late emperor's illegitimate son. At this critical moment, Jinzhan stepped forward, publicly confirming Jiang Shao's royal lineage by declaring herself the former empress.

Cao Han initially dismissed her, claiming the empress was in the palace, and accused them of fabricating lies and disrespecting the royal family. But as the confrontation escalated, Xue Rong himself arrived at the mansion. Visibly disappointed by Cao Han's behavior, he questioned him. When Cao Han's own men failed to corroborate his claim that Jiang Shao stole documents, the assembled ministers began to murmur, suspecting Cao Han's actions stemmed from Jiang Shao's true identity.

Jiang Shao, seizing the moment, firmly declared before everyone that he was indeed the late emperor's son, offering a wooden plate as proof. He described the plate, noting its unique jade piece cut from the late emperor's own jade pendant, a detail corroborated by an elder minister who recalled the late emperor's notched jade. Jiang Shao stated the wooden plate was hidden and would take three days to retrieve.

Despite Cao Han's protests, the ministers, witnessing the dramatic revelations, urged Xue Rong to grant Jiang Shao three days to produce the evidence. Xue Rong, visibly shaken by Jiang Shao's public confession, agreed. Jiang Shao, with conviction, promised to return with the wooden plate, or willingly face the charge of impersonating royalty and accept death.

After the dramatic confrontation, Xue Rong, with a stony face, ordered the former empress, Jinzhan, to be taken back to the palace and initially wanted Jiang Shao brought there as well. However, Grand Tutor Lyu intervened, suggesting that keeping Jiang Shao at Li Huaijin's residence for the three-day period would be more practical for retrieving the wooden plate and safer, given Li Huaijin's integrity and royal connections.

Suppressing his anger, Xue Rong agreed, and ordered Cao Han to be imprisoned for investigation. He declared that if Jiang Shao's identity was verified, Cao Han would be stripped of all his official positions and exiled a thousand miles away. Li Huaijin brought Jiang Shao to his mansion, offering a room and feigned concern, asking about the wooden plate's location. Jiang Shao courteously declined any immediate assistance, saying he would reveal details in a few days.

Alone in the room, Jiang Shao reflected on his deep bond with Xue Rong, clutching an arrowhead, a symbol of their "life-and-death" friendship, recalling Xue Rong's promise of unwavering support for whenever Jiang Shao needed him. Meanwhile, in the palace, Xue Rong confided in Yuzhan, expressing his confusion and betrayal. He recalled Jiang Shao's previous vows to shun the throne and keep his identity secret, yet he had publicly revealed it.

Despite his doubts, Xue Rong admitted he still wanted to see Jiang Shao as his most trusted brother, asking Yuzhan for guidance. Yuzhan, in turn, reassured him, saying he already knew his true feelings about Jiang Shao and promising her unwavering support for whatever decision he made, believing it would lead to happiness for all.

Jinzhan, now imprisoned in the cold palace, chafed against the guards who reminded her she was no longer empress and defied the Emperor's orders at her peril, but she remained defiant, demanding to know how long Xue Rong intended to keep her confined. In the imperial court, Prince Wei faced severe impeachment from numerous officials for Jinzhan's fabricated death and subsequent public exposure. He humbly offered his commander’s tally to Xue Rong as a sign of penance.

However, Xue Rong, instead of accepting the tally, chose to punish Prince Wei by confiscating three years of his remuneration, urging him to reflect and lead by example. Later, at his own mansion, Prince Wei lamented Jinzhan's recklessness to his daughter, Chai Zhenzhen, explaining that Jinzhan had caused a great disaster by exposing her identity before prominent ministers and was now imprisoned in the cold palace.

Zhenzhen, concerned, went to visit Jinzhan, who, defiant in her confinement, reiterated that Jiang Shao's life was at risk if he failed to produce the wooden plate within three days. Zhenzhen then went to see her brother, Xue Rong, pleading with him to return the wooden plate to Jiang Shao. She conveyed Jinzhan's warning that Jiang Shao would face a death sentence for impersonating royalty if he failed to present the evidence.

Xue Rong, however, steadfastly refused, explaining that confirming Jiang Shao's identity would inevitably lead to widespread discussion about the succession and his own throne, a risk he was unwilling to take. He dismissed Zhenzhen's emotional appeals, telling her that the matter was more complicated than she understood. The following day, Chai Zhenzhen returned to the cold palace, distraught after her unsuccessful plea to Xue Rong.

She found Jinzhan seemingly asleep and urged her to wake up, reminding her of Jiang Shao's impending fate. Jinzhan revealed she was "resting to gather strength for action tonight": she intended to steal the wooden plate from Xue Rong, as it was the only way to save Jiang Shao, and she asked Zhenzhen for help. Zhenzhen, accepting the task, visited Jiang Shao at Li Huaijin's mansion.

She informed him that she and Jinzhan knew his true identity and that Xue Rong refused to return the wooden plate. Jiang Shao, understanding her unspoken intention, immediately sensed their plan. He asked Zhenzhen if they intended to steal the wooden plate from the Emperor, and she confirmed Jinzhan's resolve. Jiang Shao, however, urged Zhenzhen to strongly dissuade Jinzhan from such a reckless act, reiterating that she must not steal the wooden plate for him. Unbeknownst to them, Li Huaijin was eavesdropping outside the room, having learned that the crucial wooden plate was in the Emperor's possession and that Jinzhan planned to steal it.

Jiang Shao requested Chai Zhenzhen to deliver a message to Fu Jinzhan, urging her not to act impulsively and attempt to steal the wooden badge from Xue Rong. Li Huaijin observed this exchange. Xue Rong reflected on his deep friendship with Jiang Shao, reminiscing about a time when they were so close they could entrust their lives to each other.

He confessed to Yuzhan that he sometimes overthought things and decided to return the wooden badge to Jiang Shao the following day. He also reminded Yuzhan to rest well, as the toxins in her body had not yet been fully eliminated. Chai Zhenzhen went to the Cold Palace to relay Jiang Shao’s message to Fu Jinzhan, advising her against stealing the wooden badge and to defer to Xue Rong’s decision. However, Fu Jinzhan was resolute in her plan.

She believed that Xue Rong had too many political considerations beyond their brotherhood, and that his bond with Jiang Shao would not be his sole priority. Fu Jinzhan then quietly shared her plan with Chai Zhenzhen. Meanwhile, Li Huaijin summoned Commander Wang Hai and instructed him to report to Xue Rong.

Wang Hai was to claim he had overheard Jiang Shao secretly planning to steal a wooden badge with Chai Zhenzhen, and that Chai Zhenzhen then went to the Cold Palace. Wang Hai delivered this fabricated report to Xue Rong, who found the situation highly ironic, believing Jiang Shao was instigating the theft. Shortly after, Chai Zhenzhen arrived to visit Xue Rong, bringing cloud-shaped cakes and lotus pies. Xue Rong, suspicious, deliberately displayed Jiang Shao’s wooden badge on his table.

Chai Zhenzhen noticed it and, after making an excuse to leave, reported its location back to Fu Jinzhan. The two then planned to seize the opportunity when Funing Palace was empty. With the covert assistance of Li Huaijin and Chai Zhenzhen, Fu Jinzhan successfully retrieved the wooden badge. As Xue Rong, Yuzhan, and Chai Zhenzhen were playing chess, Guo Fu reported that the badge had been stolen from Funing Palace.

Xue Rong immediately ordered the palace guards to capture the former Empress Fu Jinzhan. He then confronted Chai Zhenzhen, accusing her of conspiring with Jiang Shao. Chai Zhenzhen denied Jiang Shao’s involvement, insisting that she and Fu Jinzhan had acted on their own initiative and that Jiang Shao had actually advised them against the theft. Skeptical, Xue Rong pressed her for the agreed meeting location with Fu Jinzhan, offering leniency in return.

After a moment of hesitation, Chai Zhenzhen revealed it was the northeast palace gate. Xue Rong rode to the designated spot, dismissing his soldiers once he was near. He found Fu Jinzhan hiding by a wall and angrily confronted her, speaking as if Jiang Shao could hear him. He accused Jiang Shao of betraying their brotherhood, resorting to despicable, underhanded tactics by using Chai Zhenzhen and Fu Jinzhan to steal the wooden badge.

Xue Rong declared that everything Jiang Shao possessed in the palace was "given by me." Hearing this, Fu Jinzhan felt they had made a grave mistake. Chai Zhenzhen then found Fu Jinzhan, who, having not been arrested by Xue Rong, handed her the wooden badge and asked her to deliver it along with Xue Rong’s message to Jiang Shao.

Chai Zhenzhen later presented the wooden badge to Jiang Shao, explaining that Xue Rong had originally intended to return it, but their actions had led him to believe Jiang Shao instigated the theft. She apologized, to which Jiang Shao expressed his gratitude for the badge and the efforts of both Chai Zhenzhen and Fu Jinzhan, hoping he would see Jinzhan again.

During a court assembly, ministers confirmed that the jade in Jiang Shao’s wooden badge was of royal quality and that the inscription was in the late emperor’s handwriting, definitively proving Jiang Shao’s identity as the late emperor’s son. They requested that he be granted a royal title. Xue Rong initially proposed enfeoffing Jiang Shao as "Prince Ping of the Commandery," then "Duke Ping," arguing Jiang Shao had no significant achievements.

However, the ministers countered by citing Jiang Shao’s role in Liu Chengfu's assassination and his aid during the Yellow River flood. They pressed for a more distinguished title, ultimately suggesting "Duke Qin," a rank second only to Prince Jin, which Xue Rong reluctantly accepted. After the court session, Xue Rong, feeling profoundly dejected, secluded himself in his palace. Yuzhan came to comfort him.

Xue Rong lamented the ministers' insatiable demands, feeling they were trying to replace him, despite his prior readiness to abdicate due to his adopted status. Yuzhan reassured him that he was the rightful ruler and that his true concern lay with the empire and its people, not merely the throne, a sentiment Xue Rong appreciated. An imperial decree was delivered to Jiang Shao at Li Huaijin’s mansion, officially conferring upon him the title of Duke Qin.

Jiang Shao was overjoyed, and Li Huaijin encouraged him to personally thank the Emperor at the upcoming enfeoffment ceremony. During the grand ceremony, Xue Rong, suppressing his anger, formally bestowed the title. Jiang Shao accepted the decree and expressed his gratitude, but Xue Rong gave him a cold, indifferent look before departing. Jiang Shao followed Xue Rong, reiterating his thanks for the wooden badge and the title, pledging unwavering loyalty.

He also tried to explain the misunderstanding, but Xue Rong coldly cut him off, telling him to "feel at ease" and implying that no further explanation was needed. Prince Wei later met with Jiang Shao, advising him not to let personal sentiments supersede court protocol now that he held a royal title.

Prince Wei then revealed the results of his half-year investigation into who framed him for the murder of Jiang Shao’s mother: Li Huaijin was the prime suspect, having been found entering the archive where records were falsified. Prince Wei speculated that Li Huaijin’s motive stemmed from his long-standing affection for Fu Jinzhan, his childhood friend, which was exacerbated by her marriage to Jiang Shao, leading Li Huaijin to sow discord. Jiang Shao found it hard to believe.

Back at his mansion, Jiang Shao decided to subtly test Li Huaijin. He recounted a story about a man who murdered a girl’s father because the girl, his childhood sweetheart, was betrothed to another. Jiang Shao expressed his incomprehension at such an "irrational" act.

Li Huaijin responded philosophically, stating that separation from one's true love could be more agonizing than death itself, and that in the spectrum of human experiences, nothing was inherently reasonable or irrational, often depending on one's ability to empathize. Li Huaijin subsequently hosted a private dinner for several high-ranking ministers. While feigning modesty, he thanked them for their support of Jiang Shao in court.

He then subtly expressed "sympathy" for Jiang Shao, remarking that despite his title as Duke Qin, he possessed no real power and lacked his own princely mansion, forced to temporarily reside in Li Huaijin’s estate. This insinuation stirred discontent among the ministers regarding Xue Rong's treatment of Jiang Shao. Minister Zheng, particularly incensed, accused Xue Rong of fearing Jiang Shao's claim to the throne.

Li Huaijin then drew Minister Zheng aside and, playing on his indignation, implied that his own mother, Princess Fuqing, had been killed because she attempted to reveal Jiang Shao's identity and bring him back to the palace, suggesting Xue Rong orchestrated her death to prevent this. Convinced, Minister Zheng pledged his unwavering loyalty to Li Huaijin. Following this, Li Huaijin introduced Wang An, the Vice Minister of Rites, to Jiang Shao.

Wang An was tasked with instructing Jiang Shao on the intricate etiquette for the upcoming Winter Solstice ancestor worship ceremony. Wang An explained that "Xianzuo," or offering the oblation, was a tradition where the emperor personally presented offerings to show filial piety and respect to the ancestors. During the court assembly for the ceremony, Minister Zheng controversially proposed that Duke Qin, rather than Xue Rong, should perform the "Xianzuo."

Despite objections from other ministers, Zheng vehemently argued that "Xianzuo" should only be performed by a blood relative, not an adopted son. He openly challenged Xue Rong's legitimacy, suggesting that since Jiang Shao, the late emperor's biological son, had returned, the throne of Lingyang rightfully belonged to him as the true imperial bloodline.

In the imperial court, ministers, influenced by Li Huaijin, openly challenged Xue Rong's rule. Zheng Sui stepped forward, reminding everyone that Xue Rong was an adopted son whose ascension to the throne occurred before the late emperor knew of his biological heir. With Jiang Shao's return, he declared, the true imperial bloodline had emerged, and Xue Rong ought to abdicate.

Xue Rong, enraged, slammed the table, proclaiming his throne was bestowed by the late emperor and anyone who defied this was a traitor. Undeterred, Zheng Sui dramatically committed suicide with a dagger before the entire court, proclaiming his death was an admonishment to Xue Rong to relinquish the throne to the rightful heir for the sake of Lingyang's future.

Furious, Xue Rong believed Zheng Sui’s suicide was a calculated move to manipulate public opinion and elevate Jiang Shao’s claim to the throne. Jiang Shao, arriving shortly after, tried to explain that he had no desire for the throne and urged Xue Rong not to misinterpret the incident. However, Xue Rong was convinced that Jiang Shao or his supporters had orchestrated Zheng Sui’s actions to legitimize his claim.

He coldly questioned if Jiang Shao still expected his trust, asserting that regardless of Jiang Shao’s status as Duke Qin or Zheng Sui’s sacrifice, he remained the Emperor of Lingyang and Jiang Shao’s sovereign. Meanwhile, Li Fang, concerned by Zheng Sui's dramatic death and Xue Rong's anger, decided he needed to speak with Duke Qin. Li Huaijin, observing these developments, expressed satisfaction with Zheng Sui's unwavering commitment.

He identified Li Fang as the last unpredictable element in his plans and instructed Yueying to ensure he was "quieted." Later, Xue Rong confided in Yuzhan, expressing his frustration and disillusionment. He felt betrayed by Jiang Shao, believing his own attempts at reconciliation had only encouraged Jiang Shao to aggressively pursue power, completely disregarding their fraternal bond. Yuzhan, in turn, urged him to maintain his composure.

Jiang Shao sought refuge in his former residence, reminiscing about the simple, joyful times he shared with Xue Rong and lamenting the drastic changes in their relationship. Li Fang, looking distraught and fearing for his life from Yueying’s pursuit, arrived to relay critical information. He revealed that the late emperor, upon learning of Jiang Shao’s true parentage, had always wished to recognize him and even intended for him to inherit the throne.

However, advanced illness and concern for Xue Rong’s position prevented him from doing so. Li Fang hinted that Jiang Shao’s destiny extended far beyond merely being Duke Qin. Shortly after leaving Jiang Shao, Li Fang was intercepted by Yueying, who, to prevent him from divulging information about a posthumous edict, fatally stabbed him. His dying words were a desperate plea to inform Duke Qin about the edict. Yuzhan's health rapidly deteriorated, culminating in her coughing up blood.

Her attendant, Lanpei, worried about the court's growing support for Jiang Shao, but Yuzhan reflected that an individual’s will is often too weak to resist the corrupting lure of power when pressured by many. A physician delivered the devastating news that Yuzhan's poison had recurred and, having deeply penetrated her bone marrow, was now incurable. He estimated she had only ten days to two months left, with the exact timing uncertain due to the complex nature of the toxins.

Yuzhan, with quiet resolve, instructed the physician not to inform Xue Rong, intending to share the news herself. Yueying reported to Li Huaijin that Li Fang had likely not had the chance to speak with Jiang Shao before his death. Li Huaijin was pleased, believing that Jiang Shao's increasing support, especially with the upcoming ancestor worship ceremony, would make Xue Rong even warier of his half-brother, thus setting the stage for the conflict he desired.

Meanwhile, Yuzhan, summoning her strength, visited Xue Rong and, over a bowl of carefully prepared soup, gently pleaded for Jinzhan's release from the cold palace, emphasizing the emotional suffering of isolation. Xue Rong agreed, and an imperial decree was promptly issued, stripping Jinzhan of her former empress title and banishing her from the palace. Overjoyed, Jinzhan met Yuzhan, thanking her for her intervention.

Yuzhan, appearing fragile, advised Jinzhan to be more thoughtful, avoid recklessness, and always consult Jiang Shao, subtly hinting at her own limited time. Unaware of the gravity of Yuzhan's condition, Jinzhan found her sister's advice a bit overbearing but cheerfully bid her farewell, assuming they would reunite soon. Jinzhan eagerly reunited with Jiang Shao outside the palace, embracing him before they returned to the Fu family residence.

There, Prince Wei instructed Jinzhan to travel to Dingzhou for her safety while he and Jiang Shao dealt with pressing matters in the capital. Jinzhan, however, stubbornly refused to leave without Jiang Shao. Prince Wei then disclosed Li Huaijin's sinister actions: he had framed Jinzhan's father for the murder of Jiang Shao’s mother and arranged an assassination attempt, cleverly using Jiang Shao’s name.

Prince Wei suggested these actions were driven by Li Huaijin’s long-standing affection for Jinzhan, which twisted into resentment after her marriage to Jiang Shao. Enraged and heartbroken, Jinzhan ordered her maid to discard all gifts from Li Huaijin, expressing her disgust at his betrayal. Jiang Shao, attempting to lighten the mood, teased her, suggesting her anger indicated she still cared for Li Huaijin. Jinzhan vehemently denied this, asserting her fury stemmed from her profound disappointment in having misjudged him.

Shortly thereafter, Guo Fu rushed to Xue Rong, reporting that Yuzhan had collapsed in Ciming Palace after vomiting blood. The Imperial Physician grimly confirmed that the poison had recurred, deeply affecting her bone marrow, and was now incurable. Xue Rong, furious at their impotence, ordered the physicians to be dragged out. Yuzhan, regaining consciousness, dismissed everyone, asking to speak with Xue Rong in private.

She calmly assured him that she had been prepared for death since her initial poisoning and found contentment in the time they had shared, even mentioning the physician's estimate of a couple more months. Xue Rong, weeping uncontrollably, refused to accept her fate, clinging to their promise of a lifetime together and vowing to find a cure.

Yuzhan, acknowledging her life would be shorter than his, gently asked him to find another companion to care for him after she was gone. Xue Rong fiercely rejected the idea, embracing her tightly and reaffirming his singular devotion, promising to find an antidote no matter the cost. That night, Li Huaijin's residence was reportedly burglarized. Jiang Shao, invited to observe the scene, noticed a peculiar book on a shelf.

Li Huaijin "discovered" a hidden box behind it containing a posthumous edict from the late emperor. The edict explicitly named Jiang Shao, the late emperor's biological son, as the rightful successor to the throne. A stunned Jiang Shao questioned its authenticity, but Li Huaijin confirmed the imperial seal. He then summoned Yueying, who elaborated that the Princess Royal had found the edict before Xue Rong's ascension but chose to conceal it, as Xue Rong's enthronement was already a certainty.

The Princess Royal later confirmed Jiang Shao’s identity through Eunuch Li Fang and had intended to support his claim, but died before she could act. Yueying claimed she did not know the edict’s whereabouts after the Princess Royal's death, which prevented her from revealing it earlier. Li Huaijin passionately argued that Jiang Shao, as the true bloodline of the Xue family, was more deserving of the throne. Overwhelmed by the revelation, Jiang Shao asked for time to process the information.

Li Huaijin graciously agreed, entrusting the important edict to Jiang Shao. Lanpei, distraught by Yuzhan's condition, angrily informed Xue Rong that Princess Shou An was involved in the poisoning. Enraged, Xue Rong summoned Shou An and forced her to kneel before Yuzhan. He confronted Shou An with bitter words, reminding her of his love and protection, and expressing his profound hurt that she had poisoned his beloved wife, an act he equated to harming himself.

Yuzhan, frail but compassionate, intervened, asking Xue Rong to let go of his anger as Shou An now understood her mistake. Xue Rong, still distraught, revealed Yuzhan’s incurable condition. Shou An, in tears, offered to atone with her life, but Yuzhan gently dismissed her, asking her to leave. Shou An then vowed to live in seclusion, observing abstinence and praying for Yuzhan's well-being.

Afterward, Xue Rong confronted Zhang Yongyao, accusing him of protecting his wife and seeking Yuzhan's forgiveness behind his back. While acknowledging Zhang Yongyao had fulfilled his marital promise to protect Shou An, Xue Rong declared him unfit to serve, demanding his official token and dismissing him from office. Li Huaijin then convened a meeting with his loyal ministers to strategize against the Tianxiong Army, which posed a significant threat.

He brought up the long-standing banditry in Chenzhou, which happened to be Prince Wei Fu Yanxin’s hometown. Li Huaijin proposed a scheme to frame Prince Wei for colluding with the bandits, suggesting he had secretly leaked information that caused repeated failures in anti-bandit campaigns. He planned to use an ambitious but incompetent Commandant Wang within the Tianxiong Army, tempting him with the promise of advancement, to formally accuse Prince Wei of maintaining his own private army. The ministers present lauded Li Huaijin’s cunning plan to undermine Prince Wei's authority.

During a court session, a minister impeached Prince Wei, Fu Yanxin, for secretly collaborating with bandits in Chenzhou and relaying messages that led to repeated failures in suppressing the bandit problem. The minister presented evidence of the Tianxiong Army's collusion with the bandits, including a written testimony from Commandant Wang of the Tianxiong Army, urging His Majesty to severely punish Prince Wei.

When Xue Rong asked for his defense, Prince Wei admitted his guilt, not for colluding with bandits, but for failing to control his subordinates, allowing "evil guys" within the Tianxiong Army to collude with the bandits and cause the repeated failures in Chenzhou. He then declared himself unfit to command the Tianxiong Army and offered to surrender the commander's tally and retire to his hometown. Xue Rong accepted Prince Wei’s request.

Following this, some ministers recommended Li Huaijin to command the Tianxiong Army. Despite an initial objection regarding his suitability, other ministers quickly supported his appointment, citing his clean record commanding the Imperial Guards. Xue Rong then asked Li Huaijin if he was willing to take on this important task, and Li Huaijin accepted the order. After the court session, Jiang Shao went to Funing Palace to see Xue Rong but was blocked by Guo Fu.

Angered, Jiang Shao shouted from outside, demanding to know when he, as Duke Qin, would be allowed to attend court. From behind the closed door, Xue Rong angrily told him to "get out." Jiang Shao then went to Jinzhan, who had heard about his outburst at Funing Palace. Jiang Shao vehemently denied making a scene, claiming Xue Rong was merely too guilty to face him.

Jinzhan tried to persuade him that attending court was not desirable, listing the arduous duties, and asked when they could leave the capital, calling it a complicated place that would only drag them deeper. Jiang Shao refused to leave, declaring he would no longer back down and that the throne rightfully belonged to him, claiming he had only allowed Xue Rong to ascend the throne. Jinzhan was stunned, unable to believe he would say such a thing.

Jiang Shao then produced a posthumous edict, claiming it named him as the successor. He further revealed that the late emperor's chief eunuch, Li Fang, had specifically told him that the late emperor intended for him to ascend the throne, but some unforeseen circumstances must have prevented its public announcement. Enraged, Jiang Shao vowed to reclaim everything that belonged to him, wanting Xue Rong to experience being cornered.

Jinzhan, recognizing Jiang Shao's drastic change, urged him to calm down, insisting there must be a misunderstanding, and offered to arrange a meeting between him and Xue Rong, but Jiang Shao refused, saying he no longer wished to see him. Meanwhile, Yuzhan, aware of her deteriorating health, began writing down all the things she wished to do with Xue Rong, including enjoying the first snow.

Xue Rong found her list and playfully added more activities for spring, summer, and autumn, making her promise to complete them. Soon after, Lanpei informed Yuzhan that Prince Wei, her father, was preparing to return to his hometown and wished to see her before leaving. Yuzhan learned of her father's resignation from Jinzhan. Jinzhan, distraught by the growing rift between the brothers, implored Yuzhan to arrange a meeting to clear up their misunderstandings.

Yuzhan, experiencing a severe cough with blood which she concealed, knew her time was limited. Fearing that Xue Rong would be left "all alone" if he and Jiang Shao remained unreconciled, she agreed to help Jinzhan lure Xue Rong out of the palace. Yuzhan later asked Xue Rong to accompany her to the bamboo forest, citing their many fond memories there, and he agreed.

Jiang Shao met with Li Huaijin and unequivocally stated his desire to become emperor, believing it was his rightful destiny. Li Huaijin, affirming that Xue Rong would never grant Jiang Shao real power due to his identity, pledged his full support to help Jiang Shao ascend the throne. Li Huaijin expressed his delight over Prince Wei's departure, confident that with the commander's tally in hand, he now controlled most of the capital.

Jiang Shao, however, voiced concerns about the loyalty of the Tianxiong Army. Li Huaijin reassured him, stating that as soldiers, they were bound to obey the commander's tally, and any defiance would be treated as treason, with consequences for their families. They planned to recruit more ministers before making their move for Jiang Shao to take the throne. Xue Rong and Yuzhan shared a tender moment making clay figures in the palace.

Despite their "ugly" creations, Xue Rong insisted on having them fired and preserved, suggesting they exchange them to keep each other's. Yuzhan then expressed her desire to visit the bamboo forest, a place filled with their shared memories. In the bamboo forest, Yuzhan led Xue Rong ahead, promising a surprise, then stepped back. Xue Rong was startled to find Jiang Shao waiting on the hillside. Both realized they had been tricked into this meeting by Jinzhan and Yuzhan.

Xue Rong turned to leave, but Jiang Shao called him back, insisting they needed to clarify things. Xue Rong dismissively stated that Jiang Shao only wanted real power and a place in court, which he would never grant. Jiang Shao then presented the arrowhead Xue Rong had given him, reminding Xue Rong of his promise to grant any request.

Xue Rong questioned if Jiang Shao truly intended to use the arrowhead to demand real power, thereby severing their last thread of brotherhood. Without resolution, Xue Rong and Jiang Shao eventually emerged from the bamboo forest, each pulling Jinzhan and Yuzhan in opposite directions, leaving in silence. Back in the imperial court, Xue Rong and his ministers discussed the frequent incursions by Pengze soldiers near Yonglu and the presence of Pengze scouts in the capital.

They acknowledged Pengze's forcible occupation of Sanjia, which was historically part of Lingyang's territory. When Xue Rong asked for opinions, a general volunteered to lead an expedition to reclaim Sanjia. However, Li Huaijin opposed this, suggesting that Duke Qin, Jiang Shao, should lead the army. Li Huaijin argued that Jiang Shao, as the legitimate bloodline of the Xue family, would inspire the frontier soldiers and boost morale. Several other ministers echoed this sentiment.

Angered by the implied challenge to his authority, Xue Rong declared that he possessed greater imperial prestige and would personally lead the army to reclaim Sanjia. Following the court's decision, Li Huaijin and Jiang Shao discussed Xue Rong's choice to personally lead the campaign. Li Huaijin noted that Xue Rong's decision to go personally was a clever move by Jiang Shao, intended to assert his claim as the "destined emperor" by reclaiming Sanjia, a long-held regret of the late emperor.

Li Huaijin then revealed his plan to ambush Xue Rong on the road with killers to ensure he would "not come back" to the capital. Jiang Shao agreed to the plan. As Xue Rong rode to war, he instructed his general, Jia Dali, to lead the soldiers to search for a thief who had stolen a military deployment map from the army camp, while he remained alone, anticipating an ambush. As expected, a group of black-clad killers soon surrounded him.

Xue Rong fought back and managed to escape, but he fell into a hidden trap. Believing Xue Rong to be dead, the killers withdrew. Upon hearing the news, Li Huaijin gathered ministers, showing them "the posthumous edict" (presumably the one he found in his house) which stated that the late emperor intended for Jiang Shao to inherit the throne.

He emphasized that with Xue Rong missing, the nation could not be without a ruler, and proposed enthroning Jiang Shao in the morning court. Meanwhile, Lanpei delivered the devastating news to Yuzhan that Xue Rong had been ambushed in Sanjia City and was presumed to be in grave danger. Yuzhan immediately coughed blood and fainted into Lanpei’s arms. Jinzhan, hearing of Xue Rong's disappearance, rushed to Jiang Shao, desperately pleading with him to find his brother.

However, Jiang Shao coldly refused, stating that Xue Rong's death was "better for me" as he was poised to be crowned emperor the following day. Jinzhan was appalled, declaring that he was no longer the Jiang Shao she knew and vowing that she would not allow him to kill innocent people. That night, Jiang Shao secretly searched Li Huaijin's hidden room but failed to find the true posthumous edict, suspecting Li Huaijin might be carrying it himself.

Despite this setback, he resolved not to let it hinder his plans. The next morning, Jiang Shao entered the court with Li Huaijin's help, positioning himself before the throne. A minister, supporting Jiang Shao, initiated the discussion about establishing a new emperor, citing Xue Rong's disappearance, public panic, and external threats as reasons to consider Lingyang's future. The Imperial Astronomer reported that the Supreme Purple Star was dimming, indicating the emperor's mandate had passed.

When Mr. Jing passionately defended Xue Rong, stating he was not dead, he was dragged away by Imperial Guards on Jiang Shao's command. Mr. Fan also voiced his disapproval, calling their actions rash. Mr. Su firmly stated that as long as there was no confirmation of Xue Rong's death, a new emperor should not be enthroned.

Li Huaijin drew his sword, threatening Mr. Su, but Jiang Shao intervened, ordering Mr. Su to be publicly flogged with heavy boards instead of killed, ensuring his suffering would be prolonged. Lanpei, having witnessed the chaos, relayed the news to Yuzhan and Jinzhan. Yuzhan, knowing her end was near, handed Jinzhan a token Xue Rong had given her, assuring Jinzhan that it would grant her free access within Daqing Hall.

Jinzhan immediately rushed to the hall, interrupting the flogging of Mr. Su. She fiercely confronted Jiang Shao, calling his current demeanor "sick." Jinzhan then bravely shielded Mr. Su, declaring that as long as she lived, she would not allow anyone to harm the ministers. Li Huaijin ordered the guards to stop. Jiang Shao, unfazed, then declared that if no one had any further objections, the coronation would take place in three days. Jinzhan, disgusted, stormed out of the hall.

Later, Jinzhan received a note purportedly from Chai Zhenzhen, inviting her to meet at Peach Flower Lane. When Jinzhan arrived at the designated courtyard, she was ambushed and knocked unconscious. She awoke to find herself bound by Yueying, who proceeded to cut her wrist. Yueying explained that she was eliminating Jinzhan to prevent her from continuing to distract Li Huaijin and to compel him to "repent," as he had once again yielded to Jinzhan in court.

Meanwhile, Chai Zhenzhen learned that Jinzhan had gone to Peach Flower Lane and rushed to the location. Hearing Jinzhan's desperate cries for help from inside the locked courtyard, Chai Zhenzhen scaled the wall. She bravely rescued Jinzhan, stemmed the bleeding, and carried her back to Fu's Mansion. There, Chai Zhenzhen applied medicine to Jinzhan's wounds. In gratitude, Jinzhan offered Chai Zhenzhen some muscle-relaxing powder for her injuries. Acknowledging her heroic act, Chai Zhenzhen stated that it was her duty as a sister to care for Jinzhan.

Chai Zhenzhen was injured while saving Jinzhan, and Jinzhan, deeply grateful, gave her healing powder. With this gesture, their past misunderstandings were forgotten. Meanwhile, Li Huaijin issued strict orders for all palace gates to be heavily guarded. He commanded that once the officials attending the coronation entered, the gates were to be sealed, allowing no one else in. At this crucial moment, Jinzhan arrived at the Princess Mansion, carrying wine to see Li Huaijin.

Yueying was startled to see Jinzhan alive and rushed to check her wrist, only to be rebuked by Li Huaijin. Jinzhan inquired if the coronation ceremony was truly necessary. Li Huaijin explained that Jiang Shao, as the late emperor's son, was entitled to the throne and more suitable for the position. Jinzhan expressed her sorrow at how the people around her had changed and become so unfamiliar, lamenting if power was so captivating.

She declared that their paths diverged, and after finishing the wine, they would be strangers. As she departed, Jinzhan warned Li Huaijin to consider the consequences of his actions, stating that fate would take its toll on any evil spirit. Li Huaijin softly called her name as she left. The day of the coronation arrived. Jiang Shao, adorned in imperial robes and a crown, entered the grand hall amidst a crowd of courtiers.

Su, a prominent official, vocally denounced Jiang Shao as a "thief of the throne" but was swiftly dragged away by guards. A eunuch then read the imperial edict, proclaiming Jiang Shao as the new emperor, and the assembled officials knelt in homage. Jiang Shao graciously bade them to rise. Li Huaijin then stepped forward, announcing he possessed the true imperial edict and wished to present it to His Majesty. However, when he unfurled the scroll, it was blank.

In a flashback, it was revealed that the previous night, Jiang Shao had confided in Jinzhan that the coronation was imminent, but the true imperial edict remained unfound. Their plan would be ruined if it wasn't recovered by the next day. Jinzhan had then offered to steal it from Li Huaijin during the ceremony, certain he would carry it with him.

Back in the present, a stunned Li Huaijin, realizing Jinzhan must have swapped the edicts when she was at his mansion, quickly altered his stance. He first referenced the late emperor's original wish for the Xue family to inherit the empire but then swiftly pledged his unwavering loyalty to Jiang Shao for a unified and peaceful nation.

Another flashback showed Li Fang previously trying to test Jiang Shao by falsely claiming the late emperor wished for him to usurp the throne. Jiang Shao had vehemently rejected this, accusing Li Fang of treason and vowing to sever ties. Li Fang then apologized, admitting his deception was merely a test of Jiang Shao's character, which he greatly admired. He then disclosed the existence of a secret imperial edict.

This edict, initially held by Princess Royal, had eventually fallen into Li Huaijin's hands. Li Fang knew of it because Yueying had mentioned it while attempting to silence him. The true edict explicitly named Xue Rong as the successor to the throne to ensure stability and unequivocally forbade Jiang Shao, as prince, from inheriting the imperial title.

Back in the present, Jiang Shao praised Li Huaijin as a good brother and aide, expressing his wish for them to work hand-in-hand to usher in a new era of prosperity. Suddenly, a voice outside the hall announced the arrival of "His Majesty!" To everyone's astonishment, Xue Rong appeared, accompanied by Prince Wei, Yuzhan, and Jinzhan, escorted by Tianxiong soldiers.

A flashback revealed that Xue Rong's earlier "assassination" in the bamboo forest had been a meticulously planned deception, orchestrated with the help of Master Lu to create the illusion of his death. Returning to the present, Xue Rong directly confronted Jiang Shao and Li Huaijin, accusing them of plotting his assassination during his military campaign.

Jiang Shao, in a fit of rage, demanded to know why Xue Rong was still alive and ordered Li Huaijin to summon all Imperial Guards, asserting that Xue Rong's army was outside and unable to resist them. He even suggested killing everyone present to conceal their treason. However, Xue Rong calmly countered that Wang Hai, Li Huaijin’s trusted confidant, had already been brought to justice, implying that Li Huaijin no longer commanded the loyalty of the palace guards.

Jiang Shao defiantly proclaimed himself the late emperor's rightful son and orthodox heir, insisting the throne was his by right, and threatened to issue a decree for his loyalists to rally. Xue Rong then produced the true imperial edict. He read it aloud, revealing the late emperor's profound admiration for Xue Rong, who was praised for his wisdom and designated as the rightful successor.

The edict explicitly stated that the emperor's own son (Jiang Shao) lacked the necessary virtue and merit to rule, urging him to live a quiet life, and warned that any who defied this decree would face the opposition of all. After reading the edict, Xue Rong declared Jiang Shao and Li Huaijin traitors, deserving of death. A flashback showed Xue Rong and Jiang Shao in a secret meeting, devising this elaborate plan.

Jiang Shao had proposed feigning his own betrayal and ascension to the throne, only for Xue Rong to reveal the true edict and "execute" him as a traitor. Jiang Shao emphasized that this sacrifice was for the greater good of Lingyang, to bring peace and order to the realm. He urged Xue Rong to be decisive, as an emperor must. Back in the present, Xue Rong, with a heavy heart, stabbed Jiang Shao.

Jinzhan, distraught, rushed to Jiang Shao, questioning Xue Rong why he had killed him when their plan was supposedly complete. She expressed her confusion, stating that Jiang Shao was not the man she knew, a man of integrity with no ambition for the throne, and she had a feeling he was hiding something. Jiang Shao, struggling, confessed that the entire event had been a carefully orchestrated plan between him and Xue Rong.

Seeing his plan crumble and himself cornered, Li Huaijin desperately seized Jinzhan, holding a sword to her throat, demanding passage to escape. Xue Rong, fearing for Jinzhan's life, ordered his soldiers to retreat and immediately instructed Mr. Fu to seal all palace gates and initiate a thorough search for Li Huaijin. Yuzhan, witnessing the unfolding drama, expressed her deep concern for Jinzhan's safety. In a secluded room, Li Huaijin confronted Jinzhan, his voice filled with despair.

He couldn't comprehend why she loved Jiang Shao after knowing him for just a glimpse, while his own decades of devoted love had meant nothing. He confessed that his life was ending today and implored her to die with him so he wouldn't be alone. Jinzhan bravely told him that even if she died, her soul would follow Jiang Shao.

She pleaded with him to surrender, reminding him of their long friendship and assuring him that she still cared for him as a friend. She urged him to let go of the past and his obsession with her, as she would never wait for him. Distraught, Li Huaijin told her to leave. Jinzhan, in a final attempt to save him, offered to return with him and beg Yuzhan and Xue Rong for leniency.

Li Huaijin, moved by her offer, stated that to hear her advocate for him made his death without regret. He confessed that despite his initial desire, he couldn't bring himself to kill her. He wished never to see her again in the next life, then tragically committed suicide in front of her. Moments later, Yueying rushed into the room, horrified to find Li Huaijin's lifeless body.

Overwhelmed with grief, she blamed Princess Royal for not steadfastly supporting Li Huaijin's bid for the throne. She then revealed a long-held secret: fifteen years prior, Princess Royal had discovered that the late emperor had an illegitimate child living among the common people. She sought to bring the child to the capital, but Jiang Shunying, the child's mother, had chosen to jump into a river with the baby rather than relinquish him.

Believing that nothing mattered anymore, Yueying took her own life with a dagger, collapsing onto Li Huaijin's body. Later, Xue Rong, addressing the court, pardoned the officials who had been coerced by Jiang Shao and Li Huaijin, but sternly warned them against discussing the day's events ever again. Three days later, Jiang Shao finally awakened from his coma.

It was revealed that his "death" had been a crucial part of the plan, made possible because his heart was naturally located on the right side of his chest, a secret only Xue Rong knew. Jiang Shao apologized to Jinzhan for keeping her in the dark, explaining the immense danger of the scheme. Jinzhan, though relieved, made him promise never to hide anything from her again, a vow he readily made.

Prince Wei Fu Yanxin prepared to return to his hometown of Chenzhou. Jinzhan affectionately saw him off, asking him to send a letter every three days. He thanked her for her quick thinking at Daqing Hall, which had bought enough time for Jinzhan to save Su. Chai Zhenzhen, feeling a void after Prince Wei's departure, decided to embark on her own journey to explore the world and discover her true calling, much like Jiang Shao once did.

She departed without informing her brother, Xue Rong, because she preferred to avoid a tearful farewell. Jinzhan and Jiang Shao saw her off, sharing a heartfelt embrace before Chai Zhenzhen set out. Jinzhan even offered her a dagger for protection, but Chai Zhenzhen urged her to keep it for her own future adventures. Princess Shou An continued her secluded life of prayer and meditation, unwilling to see anyone.

Yet, Zhang Yongyao remained steadfast, waiting patiently outside her door every day, bringing her favorite persimmons. Shou An, in her solitude, mused that if two people were fated to be together, they would eventually reunite; if not, even constant companionship would only lead to mutual suffering. Finally, Xue Rong and Yuzhan came to bid farewell to Jiang Shao and Jinzhan. Xue Rong expressed his remorse that Jiang Shao's name would be forever marked in history with an unflattering stain.

Jiang Shao, however, dismissed this, stating that he cared not for external opinions and was content to roam the world with his beloved Jinzhan. Yuzhan told Jinzhan to cherish her simple love for Jiang Shao, to which Jinzhan promised to write letters from every new place they visited and send back interesting findings.

Xue Rong then gave Jiang Shao an arrowhead, telling him that if he ever faced trouble, he could send a message to Longyin Lane in the capital, and Xue Rong would appear. Later, Yuzhan noticed the sky hinting at snow and suggested to Xue Rong that they go boating on the lake to admire the coming snowfall.

Xue Rong, recalling their past promise to watch the snow together once her illness was cured, gently reminded her that the Imperial Hospital was still searching for ancient remedies. He vowed to accompany her for a lifetime of snow-watching, regardless of her health. Yuzhan, her eyes filled with tears, offered Xue Rong a cup of wine to warm himself, wishing for them to enjoy countless snowfalls together.

She urged him to care for himself and to be a wise and respected emperor for all the people, not just for her. She revealed that she was leaving and that she would become the brightest star in the sky, watching over him. She regretted that they wouldn't get to see the first snow together. Xue Rong, realizing she had drugged his wine, soon fell unconscious. When he awoke, Yuzhan was gone. He knelt on the boat, distraught, calling her name as snow began to fall, searching for his beloved in the vast, cold expanse.