Gone with the Rain Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Gone with the Rain Synopsis
In the early years of the Jing Kingdom's Anping era, when the young emperor was on the throne, the Marquis of Mingde, Zhong Yuqi, and the Prime Minister, Wu Lang, provoked the governors of various states to rebellion, causing warfare and unrest among the people.
In the capital city of Jingzhou, Mo Xi, the niece of official Bai Wentai, and Feng Yao, her daughter are accidentally caught in the conflict...
Gone with the Rain Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the first year of the Anping reign, the young Emperor Zhenzong of Jing State ascended the throne. The land was still reeling from a recent rebellion, with the government in disarray and feudal vassals eyeing the throne, leaving the common people to suffer. In this harsh environment, Mo Xi, the illegitimate daughter of Bai Wentai’s elder brother and a courtesan, held a low status within the Bai family.
With her parents deceased, the Second Madame of the Bai household intended to marry Mo Xi off to Wang Daguang, the stableman. Mo Xi pleaded against this arrangement, but the Second Madame, refusing her request, became enraged and threatened to beat her. Unexpectedly, a high official, the newly appointed county governor, arrived to propose marriage to Mo Xi.
This turn of events shocked Mo Xi but also gave her an opportunity to confront the Second Madame, who had always oppressed her. Seeing the situation, Bai Wentai, Mo Xi's uncle, quickly apologized to Mo Xi and offered to slap himself as punishment. In a dream, Mo Xi witnessed the family's internal dynamics. Bai Pengkun, the Second Madame's son, frequently demanded money for new clothes, social engagements, books, and even a maid, all of which his doting mother readily provided.
Meanwhile, when Bai Fengyao, Bai Wentai’s daughter, requested funds for her tutor, her father dismissed it, stating that ignorance was a virtue for women and that further education was a waste of money. Fengyao highlighted the unfairness, noting her brother’s lavish spending on gambling and prostitutes while she was denied education. Her father responded that a son carries on the family name, a role a daughter could not fulfill. Later, Mo Xi arrived with gold, reassuring Fengyao about her tuition.
She then confronted the Second Madame, reminding her of her past harsh treatment and stating that only Fengyao had shown her kindness. Mo Xi revealed she had settled all of Bai Pengkun's debts, declaring herself the family's largest creditor, and told Fengyao that now her parents and brother would also experience their share of suffering. Mo Xi awoke from her dream, acknowledging it as her life's ideal, uncertain if it would ever materialize, but determined not to give up.
Later, she encountered a beggar and, rather than giving money, advised the person to work for a living, recounting how she earned three pennies by sweeping streets, selling steamed cakes, and boiling water to buy mutton. She emphasized that relying on others was not a long-term solution. Secretly returning to the Bai mansion with her mutton, Mo Xi entered the kitchen in search of rice. To avoid being discovered by servants, she hid in a large box.
Unbeknownst to her, the servants then carried the box out, transporting her directly to the Prime Minister’s mansion. Bai Wentai, accompanied by his wife (Second Madame), son Bai Pengkun, and daughter Bai Fengyao, arrived at the Prime Minister’s (Wu) mansion to celebrate Madame Wu's birthday. Prime Minister Wu greeted Bai Wentai, acknowledging their long-standing friendship. Madame Wu was immediately taken with Bai Fengyao, commenting on how beautiful she had grown since they last met.
During the banquet, a guest named Jinxi, seemingly jealous of Fengyao, suggested she compose a poem for Madame Wu. Despite the Second Madame's attempts to demur, Madame Wu encouraged Fengyao. Fengyao gracefully composed a poem, which greatly pleased Madame Wu, who then presented her with a set of new jewelry. Meanwhile, Mo Xi, hidden in the mansion, managed to sneak into the kitchen and enjoy some of the fine food. Upset by Fengyao’s recognition, Jinxi left the banquet.
Her mother found her and clarified that despite Madame Wu's admiration for talented girls, she would never allow Bai Fengyao, the daughter of a mere sixth-rank official, to marry her son. The mother explained that General Chen Wende was rapidly gaining power by conquering cities in the name of pacifying rebels. Prime Minister Wu, wary of Chen Wende's growing influence, sought to form an alliance through marriage.
As Madame Wu had only one daughter, she intended to adopt a goddaughter to marry Chen Wende. Mo Xi, overhearing this conversation, accidentally made a noise and, to avoid capture, fled deeper into the mansion. While evading the Prime Minister’s household staff, Mo Xi encountered a masked man in black. She offered to conceal his presence if he would deliver a message for her.
With paper and a brush, Mo Xi quickly penned a note revealing the Wu family’s intention to marry Fengyao to Chen Wende. She then tasked the masked man with delivering the letter to Fengyao in the banquet hall. Back at the banquet, Madame Wu formally proposed taking Bai Fengyao as her goddaughter. While Bai Wentai and his wife were eager to accept, Bai Fengyao hesitated. Just then, an arrow suddenly shot into the hall, causing a commotion.
Amidst the chaos, Bai Fengyao received Mo Xi’s letter, which informed her of the Prime Minister's true intentions. Using the disturbance as an excuse, Fengyao feigned sudden illness, complaining of chest pain and dizziness, and promptly left the mansion with her parents, thus avoiding an immediate commitment to the adoption.
On the journey home, Bai Fengyao attempted to convince her mother to decline Madame Wu's offer, expressing concern that accepting it would tarnish her father’s reputation as a shameless social climber. Her mother, however, dismissed her concerns, arguing that the Bai family needed the Prime Minister’s influence for Bai Wentai's career advancement and for their son, Bai Pengkun, to gain admission to the Imperial College. She accused Fengyao of prioritizing reputation over their family's "good luck."
Later, Fengyao secretly met with Mo Xi to thank her for the warning letter and expressed her anxiety about her mother's plan to take her back to the Prime Minister’s mansion the following day. Mo Xi reassured her and suggested she continue to feign illness, revealing a trick she learned from her mother and other women in the brothel: pressing certain objects under the arms could make one's pulse unstable and appear weak.
Mo Xi then secured a doctor’s help, bribing him to confirm Fengyao’s condition. The doctor exaggerated Fengyao’s symptoms, attributing them to shock and advising against frightening her or returning to the place where she was scared, essentially prohibiting her return to the Prime Minister's mansion. Concerned for her daughter, the Second Madame reluctantly decided to postpone the visit. Bai Wentai later visited the Prime Minister’s mansion to apologize for Fengyao's absence.
The Prime Minister and Madame Wu expressed their concern for Fengyao's health and promised to visit her themselves in a few days. Bai Wentai also learned from a colleague that the Prime Minister intended for Fengyao to marry General Chen Wende, who was a former bandit. Bai Wentai worried that if Chen Wende, a violent man, were to betray the emperor, Fengyao's life would become tragic.
The Second Madame was torn; while she didn't want to sacrifice her daughter, she also wished to avoid offending the powerful Prime Minister and hoped to leverage his influence to secure Bai Pengkun’s entry into the Imperial College. Ultimately, the Second Madame decided to sacrifice her daughter’s happiness. She visited Fengyao, telling her to recover quickly so they could return to the Prime Minister’s mansion together, as Madame Wu still wanted her as a goddaughter.
Fengyao questioned if her mother was "selling her to the Wu family." Her mother dismissed her concerns, instructing her to study texts like "Commandments for Women" and "Lessons for Women" to become gentle and agreeable, implying that her marriage was being arranged. As her mother hurried away, Fengyao looked at her retreating back, realizing with despair that her mother truly intended to marry her into the Wu family.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wu frantically informed the Marquis that Chen Wende had stolen secret letters intended for various provincial governors. Wu expressed his fear that Chen Wende would use these letters as evidence to impeach him before the Emperor, especially since Chen Wende had also sent a spy into his mansion and was now approaching the capital with an army. The Marquis declared that since Chen Wende refused to ally with them, he was an enemy.
He ordered Prime Minister Wu to spread the word among the city's guards that Chen Wende was plotting treason, thereby providing a pretext to apprehend him. The Marquis asserted that "This world belongs to those who deserve it," and "Those the people love win." Fengyao remained deeply distressed by the impending arranged marriage. Mo Xi passionately urged her to escape together.
However, Fengyao, despite her family's betrayal, was unwilling to abandon them, believing they were merely intimidated by Prime Minister Wu. Mo Xi argued that her family's influential background meant they couldn't be easily harmed by the Prime Minister, and that their actions were driven by a desire for wealth and power. That night, Mo Xi heard a clamor and, climbing onto the roof, saw the city engulfed in flames and heard the sounds of battle.
It was later revealed that Marquis Mingde and Prime Minister Wu had attempted to frame Chen Wende for rebellion but were defeated by his army. To prevent Chen Wende from exposing their crimes to the emperor, they fled the capital, taking the emperor and all senior officials with them. In a cruel twist, Chen Wende, who was loyal and patriotic, was now branded a traitor.
Episode 2 Recap
As Chen Wende consolidated his control over Jingzhou City, he initiated a brutal crackdown, dispatching officials to the Six Ministries to compile lists of anyone connected to the now-fled Prime Minister Wu. Those with minor associations faced arrest, while entire families of serious offenders were to be executed. Bai Wentai, who had recently interacted with Prime Minister Wu, found himself implicated as an accomplice.
His desperate pleas for mercy, even mentioning his daughter Fengyao, were met with scorn by Chen Wende, who dismissed Fengyao as a "little daughter" and demanded a crippling fine of a thousand bolts of silk instead, cancelling any previous marriage arrangements. Bai Wentai's wife expressed dismay, fearing the demand would bankrupt them and lead to Bai Wentai and Pengkun's imprisonment. Both lamented the Bai family's declining fortunes and the misfortune that had befallen them.
True to Chen Wende's word, his men soon arrived at the Bai Mansion, confiscating all valuables. Bai Wentai desperately tried to save a particular family heirloom, but his pleas were ignored. Observing the scene, Mo Xi recalled a poignant memory of her gravely ill mother, on her deathbed, begging Bai Wentai and his wife (the Second Aunt in the flashback) to formally acknowledge Mo Xi.
Despite the Second Aunt's disdain for Mo Xi's humble origins, her mother offered to return a mansion and a precious family heirloom, which had been intended as Mo Xi's dowry. Now, seeing the heirloom being seized, Mo Xi bitterly reflected that Bai Wentai, who had taken her mother's possessions but always treated Mo Xi poorly, was ultimately unable to keep what was never truly his.
The family's financial ruin led to severe rationing, with Mo Xi receiving only moldy steamed cakes for her meals. When a servant brought food from Fengyao, who was offering her own meal, Mo Xi firmly but kindly refused, insisting Fengyao eat it herself and not worry, as Mo Xi would find her own solution. Determined, Mo Xi secretly ventured out to the market. Amidst the chaos, she overheard people discussing the Beishuo Army's ongoing hunt for escaped spies.
With all her meager savings, Mo Xi purchased some gamy sheep's head meat, as many other food stalls were closed due to the unrest. Returning to her courtyard, she was startled to discover an unconscious, injured man lying within the walls. Mo Xi brought the bleeding man into her room. Spotting a "Courageous Commandant of Longxiang Army" tag, she suspected he might be the spy the Beishuo Army was hunting. As she tended to his slash wounds, the man awoke.
He thanked her for saving his life, and Mo Xi introduced herself as Bai Moxi. When he inquired about her family, she stated her parents had passed away long ago and she lived alone, warning him against any improper intentions. The man then asked her to purchase wound remedies. The next day, at the apothecary, Mo Xi discovered a wanted poster, confirming her suspicion that the man was a highly sought-after criminal.
Despite her fear of harboring a fugitive, she resolved to help him. Confronted by a suspicious soldier, Mo Xi shrewdly claimed General Chen Wende was a close friend of her uncle, threatening the soldier with severe repercussions. She then confronted Physician Huang, demanding medicine. When he hesitated, Mo Xi reminded him of a past incident where he helped her cousin fake an illness to avoid marrying Chen Wende.
She used this secret to blackmail him, declaring they were "in the same boat" and if she revealed his past, both would face Chen Wende's ruthless wrath. Cornered, Physician Huang reluctantly agreed to dispense the necessary medicine. Meanwhile, Fengyao and her maid came to Mo Xi's courtyard, worried by her absence given the city's dangers.
Fengyao also confided in her maid about a missing pearl ornament, worth three taels of gold, from her shoe, instructing the maid to hide the shoes from her mother due to their family's financial distress. Unbeknownst to them, Wan Jiagui, who had hidden under Mo Xi's bed, overheard their conversation and then found a hidden box containing the missing pearl. This led him to mistakenly believe Mo Xi was a thief.
When Mo Xi returned, she triumphantly declared she had acquired the medicine without spending a penny. Wan Jiagui, however, urged her to pay the physician, remarking that doctors deserve compensation, and then lectured her about the moral and legal consequences of "theft and robbery." Insulted and enraged by the accusation, Mo Xi stormed out of the room. Soon after, Bai Pengkun arrived at Mo Xi's courtyard.
He offered to help her gain official recognition within the Bai clan by manipulating his mother with a fabricated prophecy about Mo Xi's birth date. In return, he asked Mo Xi to wait for him in the courtyard that night for a favor he would later reveal. Aware of Bai Pengkun's sinister intentions, Mo Xi remained vigilant.
Wan Jiagui, still recovering, offered Mo Xi money as compensation, but she scornfully refused, stating she despised hypocrites who offered money while looking down on her as a thief. That evening, Bai Pengkun, having received payment from Mr. Zheng, brought him to Mo Xi's courtyard, touting him as a wealthy, elegant scholar and an "ideal husband" for her, suggesting they "get to know each other."
Furious at being sold off, Mo Xi grabbed a broom and violently beat Bai Pengkun, accusing him of scheming against her, and confiscated his money bag. Wan Jiagui, who had been observing the incident, realized the escalating danger and decided he must quickly escape the city to report to General Chu. He once again apologized to Mo Xi and requested to stay for a few more days, offering further financial compensation.
Mo Xi, discerning that he had likely encountered the rebel army when attempting to leave, again rejected his money, claiming she had enough from her "stealing and robbing." She pointed out that his injuries and the city's turmoil made it too dangerous for him to leave, and no one else would dare shelter him.
She then boldly proposed that instead of money, he sign a marriage contract with her in exchange for her continued help, a suggestion Wan Jiagui deemed "absurd," insisting marriage was not child's play. Meanwhile, Bai Wentai, despite the family's dire financial straits, continued to indulge in his hobby of collecting antiques.
The Bai family faced further financial woes when they discovered they couldn't collect rent from their fields outside the city, as the farmers, emboldened by the family's weakened position after Chen Wende's heavy fine, refused to pay. Second Madam, exasperated, urged Bai Wentai to reconcile with Chen Wende. She suggested he apologize, claim his association with Prime Minister Wu was purely superficial, and offer their daughter as a concubine to secure the family's future.
Episode 3 Recap
Mo Xi, knowing that a person of Wan Jiagui's noble background likely disdained her humble origins, declared her intent to exchange a marriage certificate for his safe passage out of the city. Wan Jiagui expressed gratitude for her saving his life and apologized for any prior impudent remarks. He offered to sign an IOU for a thousand taels of gold as compensation, but Mo Xi remained steadfast, insisting on the marriage certificate.
She clarified that she would not use the document to force him into marriage or coerce him in any way. Meanwhile, Bai Wentai firmly rejected the idea of offering his daughter, Fengyao, as a concubine to Chen Wende. He considered Chen Wende a rebel and believed the Emperor would eventually return to power. Bai Second Madam, however, proposed sending Mo Xi to Chen Wende instead.
She reasoned that Mo Xi, being an illegitimate daughter not officially on the family tree and taking her mother's surname, Tang, would not implicate the Bai family if Chen Wende were to be defeated in the future. Bai Wentai, after considering the logic, agreed with his wife's ruthless yet pragmatic suggestion. Confronted with Mo Xi's unwavering resolve, Wan Jiagui reluctantly agreed to sign the marriage certificate then and there.
Mo Xi, pleased to have achieved her goal, happily accepted the document. Shortly after, Fengyao arrived at Mo Xi's courtyard. Wan Jiagui quickly hid himself under the bed. Mo Xi quickly invented an excuse, claiming there was a "huge mouse" to distract Fengyao and send her away, promising to join her to sleep at Fengyao's room later.
Once both Fengyao and Mo Xi had left, Wan Jiagui emerged from his hiding place and rested on the bed, still perplexed by Mo Xi's persistent demand for a marriage certificate instead of money. Bai Pengkun stealthily entered Mo Xi's courtyard with a sleeping drug, intending to drug Mo Xi and deliver her to Mr. Zheng. However, he was unexpectedly intercepted and severely beaten by Wan Jiagui, who was still staying there.
Mo Xi, unaware of the attack, dreamt that Wan Jiagui tore up their marriage certificate, declaring her unworthy to marry him. She woke up in tears, startled by Fengyao, who had come to check on her, informing her of an incident in her courtyard that had drawn their mother and Madam Li. Shortly after, Mo Xi was summoned by Bai Second Madam for questioning about Bai Pengkun's injuries, as the incident had occurred in her courtyard.
Bai Second Madam suspected Mo Xi was responsible. However, Fengyao vouched for Mo Xi, confirming that she had spent the entire night in Fengyao's room. Unable to pin the blame on Mo Xi, Bai Second Madam declared her intention to thoroughly investigate the matter and uncover the true culprit behind the attack. Bai Pengkun then accused Mo Xi of hiding a "wild man" in her room. Mo Xi vehemently denied the accusation.
When a search failed to uncover anyone, Mo Xi cleverly claimed that her small courtyard was haunted by a ghost – the spirit of a wronged concubine from a previous generation of the Bai family, who sought revenge on those bearing the Bai surname. She asserted that the ghost had never harmed her because her true surname was Tang.
Bai Second Madam, seemingly unsettled by this tale and perhaps harboring a guilty conscience related to the old concubine's fate, allowed Mo Xi to leave. Meanwhile, Chen Wende issued an order for a city-wide search to apprehend spies disguised as the Beishuo Army and those spreading rumors against him. He also specifically sought the escaped spy, who was injured and believed to still be in the city.
Bai Wentai sought an audience with Chen Wende, claiming to be an enemy of Wu Lang, who he said had forced him into the original marriage agreement. He then offered his niece, Mo Xi, to Chen Wende as a concubine, explaining that his own daughter had developed a heart condition after the last banquet and was unsuitable. Chen Wende, recalling Mo Xi's interesting personality from a previous encounter, accepted the new marriage proposal.
Returning to her room, Mo Xi was relieved to find Wan Jiagui secretly hidden on the roof. Soon after, Fengyao rushed in, warning Mo Xi to be cautious of Bai Pengkun's ill intentions after his nighttime visit. Fengyao also inquired about the Eastern Pearl she had previously given to Mo Xi, expressing concern that Madam Li might have taken it, and even offered another pearl if Mo Xi was short of money.
Wan Jiagui, overhearing this conversation from his hiding spot, finally realized his mistake and the unfair accusation of theft he had leveled against Mo Xi. He immediately climbed down and sincerely apologized, returning the pearl he had retrieved earlier. Mo Xi, though accepting his apology, couldn't help but suggest that his initial judgment stemmed from his aristocratic background looking down on her humble status.
Mo Xi further explained to Wan Jiagui that the "haunting" of her courtyard was a strategic fabrication. She recounted the true story of a concubine from a previous generation of the Bai family who was unjustly imprisoned in that very courtyard for over a decade until her death. Mo Xi deduced that Bai Second Madam's fear stemmed from her own involvement in the concubine's demise, as she was closely associated with Mo Xi's grandmother, who disliked the concubine.
This fear, Mo Xi reasoned, would keep everyone, including Bai Second Madam, away from her courtyard. Mo Xi then provided Wan Jiagui with her late father's old clothes and took him out to explore potential escape routes, relying on her intimate knowledge of the city. They eventually found a shopkeeper named Mr. Wang, who agreed to help Wan Jiagui leave the city for a hefty fee of fifty taels of gold. However, Wan Jiagui sensed something amiss.
Just then, Chen Wende's soldiers appeared on the street. Mo Xi and Wan Jiagui quickly separated to avoid capture. Mo Xi, by chance, encountered Chen Wende himself, realizing he was the black-clad figure from the prime minister's mansion. Chen Wende interrogated her about her presence on the street and threatened the lives of the Bai family. Mo Xi, defiant, declared that as her surname was Tang, their lives were none of her concern.
Chen Wende then drew a knife, threatening to disfigure her. Fearing for her life, Mo Xi quickly explained that she was merely out to buy croton and laxatives for Bai Pengkun. Chen Wende, amused by her response, let her go, even promising to have his men deliver the medicine to the Bai Mansion for her. Mo Xi later reunited with Wan Jiagui.
He reassured her that as a soldier of the Longxiang Army, he would never intentionally bring harm to innocent people. He also expressed that if she were ever in danger because of him, he would feel compelled to save her. Mo Xi, envisioning a romantic "hero saving the beauty" scenario, found herself increasingly drawn to him.
Episode 4 Recap
Mo Xi used her twisted ankle as an excuse to hold Wan Jiagui's hand on their way back to the mansion, suggesting they help each other since both were injured. Wan Jiagui, initially hesitant, began to appreciate Mo Xi's optimistic nature and didn't resist her touch. Back at the mansion, Mo Xi prepared a meal with lamb and steamed buns she bought.
Wan Jiagui, who hadn't had meat since fleeing the rebels, gratefully ate, impressing Mo Xi with his refined manners despite his hunger. She speculated he came from a prominent official family and asked about his purpose in Jingzhou, but he stated it's classified. Mo Xi revealed her concern that leaving Jingzhou City will be difficult. She explained that Wang'er, her usual contact for smuggling, was now demanding an exorbitant 50 taels, far more than his usual fee.
She suspected Wang'er was in league with the rebels and was exploiting those desperate to escape, especially since other local contacts she knew were also under rebel control. Wan Jiagui pointed out that Chen Wende's army had been in power for months, and many locals no longer viewed them as rebels but as the official soldiers governing Jingzhou City.
Meanwhile, Bai Pengkun complained to his mother, Bai Er Furen, about Mo Xi hiding a "thief" or "lover" in her room, displaying the injuries he sustained from Wan Jiagui. Bai Er Furen, however, was wary of intervening, reminding him of the supposed "ghost" that haunts Mo Xi's courtyard and mentioning that his grandfather's concubine died there, playing into Mo Xi's earlier ruse.
She dismissed Bai Pengkun's concerns, revealing that her husband, Bai Wentai, had already arranged for Mo Xi to become a concubine for Chen Wende, an arrangement she saw as a fortunate elevation of Mo Xi's status. Fengyao accidentally overheard this conversation while visiting her brother and immediately rushed to Mo Xi's courtyard to inform her. Wan Jiagui quickly hid as Fengyao entered, anxiously telling Mo Xi that their parents intended to send her to Chen Wende.
Fengyao took Mo Xi to a private room, urging her to take some packed belongings and flee. Mo Xi refused, explaining that with the city under rebel control and Chen Wende's fearsome reputation, escape was impossible, and no one would dare help her fake an illness. She defiantly stated that if Chen Wende insisted on taking her, she would make him "never forget it."
Mo Xi returned the items to Fengyao, advising her to be frugal with her remaining jewelry and promising to repay her kindness in the future, even jokingly suggesting she'd be Fengyao's elder sister in the next life. This emotional exchange left Fengyao in tears. Wan Jiagui, who had been hiding, emerged and told Mo Xi that Chen Wende was too powerful to be directly confronted.
He suggested Mo Xi leave with him, and he would scout the city gates for an escape route. Mo Xi, after some spirited banter, agreed to leave with him but insisted they must first figure out a viable escape plan. Before they departed, Mo Xi decided she would demand all that her Second Uncle's family owed her and use the opportunity to gather more information.
Mo Xi confronted Bai Wentai and Bai Er Furen, acknowledging that she knew their plan to send her to Chen Wende as a concubine. Bai Er Furen attempted to justify their actions by citing Mo Xi's mother's humble origins as a courtesan, born in a red-light district alley, which she claimed made it impossible to include Mo Xi in the Bai family registry.
She argued that providing for Mo Xi until now and arranging this marriage was a benevolent act, offering her a chance to marry a powerful figure like Chen Wende. Mo Xi vehemently rejected this, accusing them of "selling her off" and disrespecting her late father. She pointed out her illegitimate status and her mother's background, which Bai Er Furen used against her. Mo Xi sarcastically suggested they offer this "fortune" to Fengyao or other relatives if it's so desirable.
Growing frustrated, Bai Er Furen offered to formally record Mo Xi in the Bai family registry, acknowledging her as First Master Bai's illegitimate daughter. Mo Xi scoffed at this, comparing herself to a "pig dressed with flowers" for sale, implying she's not fooled. Finally, Bai Er Furen, exasperated, asked what it would take for Mo Xi to agree. Mo Xi, seizing the upper hand, calmly presented her "three conditions."
Bai Wentai complied with Mo Xi's demands, and servants delivered numerous chests filled with gold, silver, jewelry, and luxurious silk fabrics to Mo Xi's courtyard as her dowry. Fengyao arrived, heartbroken and distraught, believing Mo Xi was truly sacrificing herself. Mo Xi, however, reassured Fengyao that she was merely being cunning, securing her own interests and wealth before agreeing to anything.
She explained her three conditions were: her mother's memorial tablet to be placed in the Bai family ancestral hall, her name to be recorded in the family genealogy, and a substantial dowry. She explicitly stated that these actions were not out of genuine desire for status but to fulfill her late mother's wishes and to gain leverage.
Mo Xi revealed her real intention for seeking a meeting with Chen Wende: it was part of her escape plan, though Wan Jiagui immediately warned her that this was "too dangerous." Bai Wentai escorted Mo Xi to meet Chen Wende, warning her against provoking him. Upon arrival, Mo Xi deliberately prolonged the journey, engaging Chen Wende's aide, Wu, in conversation. Inside, Chen Wende admonished Mo Xi for her "unruly" behavior and lack of manners, even after their third encounter.
Mo Xi, unfazed, openly questioned why he would choose her as a concubine when there were many noble ladies available, and boldly suggested she'd only be interested if he were an emperor. Chen Wende, angered, asserted his loyalty and patriotism, claiming he was falsely accused as a rebel. Mo Xi, however, bluntly stated that he was a "traitor" who drove the emperor away, and marrying him would make her a "traitor's wife."
Chen Wende then clarified that he summoned her not to be a concubine, but to serve as a maid, finding the women in his mansion dull. Mo Xi, ever opportunistic, agreed to serve him, but presented a request: she wished to move her mother's grave to be buried alongside her father's. She shrewdly pointed out that both graves were outside the city, and asked for a permit to leave.
Despite Chen Wende's suspicion that she planned to escape, Mo Xi feigned filial piety, assuring him she wouldn't abandon her mother's grave. Impressed by her audacity, Chen Wende granted her the permit. In return, he took her to his interrogation chamber, revealing a bound prisoner—a former informant who betrayed him to Wu Lang. Chen Wende declared this was "the fate of those who betray me," intending to intimidate Mo Xi.
Though visibly affected, Mo Xi maintained her composure, stating she disliked his "cruel demeanor" rather than being scared. Chen Wende, acknowledging her as a "cunning little fox," warned her to remember the sight and avoid a similar end. After Mo Xi left, Chen Wende instructed Wu to assign maids to follow her and report any suspicious activity, eager to uncover her true intentions.
Later, Fengyao visited Mo Xi's courtyard and prayed to the Bodhisattva for Mo Xi's safety, hoping she would not marry Chen Wende. She also offered her personal Bai family jade plaque, a token since birth, to Mo Xi, hoping the Bai ancestors would bless her. Wan Jiagui, hidden nearby, overheard Fengyao's heartfelt prayer and offered his own silent plea for Mo Xi's escape.
Meanwhile, Bai Wentai and Bai Er Furen were furious upon learning that Chen Wende had ordered the combined burial of Mo Xi's mother, a former courtesan, with Mo Xi's father (Bai Wentai's elder brother). Bai Er Furen viewed it as an "inappropriate" and "disgraceful" humiliation for the Bai family, fearing public ridicule. Bai Wentai expressed surprise at Mo Xi's "wicked intentions," having initially believed she went to Chen Wende to gain his affection.
Mo Xi then directly confronted them, holding Chen Wende's order and demanding money and manpower for the burial arrangements. She warned that if she didn't comply with Chen Wende's will, their "entire family's lives will be in jeopardy," forcing their reluctant cooperation. Mo Xi avoided Fengyao, who came to her courtyard with chicken soup, because she felt "uneasy" and guilty for angering Fengyao's parents and causing such a stir in the mansion.
Wan Jiagui, still hidden, noted that Fengyao's genuine compassion was evident, as the jade plaque she gave Mo Xi earlier must have been her own, newly made ones couldn't have been completed so quickly. He asked Mo Xi if her actions regarding the burial were merely to "vent her anger." Mo Xi clarified that the exhumation "requires leaving the city," and her entire plan for safe escape "depends on this one attempt."
To prepare, she took Wan Jiagui to a clothing store, instructing the tailor to make a woman's dress for him, complete with two veiled hats. Wan Jiagui, though surprised, accepted her plan to disguise him as a woman to leave the city. After their preparations, Mo Xi took Wan Jiagui for a stroll through the bustling night market. Watching her joyful and uninhibited smile, Wan Jiagui found himself increasingly drawn to her.
Episode 5 Recap
Wan Jiagui confessed to Mo Xi that he was somewhat drawn to her, but he considered their current happiness a fleeting dream from which they would eventually wake. He believed that true contentment was rare in this world, and holding on too tightly would only cause pain. Mo Xi, however, boldly declared that she would defy fate and held him close, admitting her feelings.
She recounted how her second aunt once said her foxy face, narrow shoulders, and slim waist would prevent her from marrying, and she playfully stated that if she remained unmarried, she would simply rely on him. Wan Jiagui acknowledged her immense help in getting him out of the city, promising to remember it, but he insisted on treating her like a beloved sister.
Mo Xi, deeply hurt by his words, stormed away, silently calling him a jerk and a bad guy for his insensitivity after all her efforts. Later, Mo Xi was under the watch of two maids sent by the Bai Second Madam. Mo Xi quickly realized these were actually spies from Chen Wende, sent to monitor her movements and prevent her escape. Wan Jiagui, who had been hiding, emerged.
He explained that the small amount of gunpowder in fireworks was useless unless modified for a controlled explosion in a sealed container, requiring high temperature. He recounted how he learned about gunpowder from a close military friend who was killed by rebels during the fall of Jingzhou City. Very few of their comrades from the army were still alive.
He spoke of the perilous lives of soldiers in these chaotic times, where life and death could change in an instant, which was why they dared not marry or even harbor affections for anyone. Mo Xi reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to him, stating she would stay by his side no matter what. But Wan Jiagui, unmoved, reiterated his intention to treat her as a sister.
He outlined a plan to send her to Chibei, where the court was stationed and some of his old servants resided, once they escaped Jingzhou. Seeing his firm resolve, Mo Xi resigned herself, deciding that she would patiently wait for him to change his mind, accepting the role of his "sister" for now. Mo Xi and Wan Jiagui then finalized their escape plan. With the exit permit already secured, their main obstacle was evading Chen Wende's two vigilant maids.
Mo Xi decided that on the designated grave relocation day, she would go to her father's grave early. There, she planned to use prepared drugs to make the maids drowsy and seize the opportunity to escape. She confided that her mother's ashes had long been secretly interred with her father's, defying the Bai family's wishes.
She worried that if they escaped, Chen Wende might retaliate by desecrating her parents' tomb, but Wan Jiagui reassured her that Chen Wende wouldn't stoop to such childish acts. Mo Xi then meticulously detailed their escape route: Wan Jiagui would disguise himself in a woman's dress and hide in a customized carriage. At a busy lamb shop near the official road, she would feign a stomach ache, and the maids, affected by drugged handkerchiefs, would rest inside.
Wan Jiagui would then sneak out, switch places with her behind the toilet, and ignite a fuse to create an explosion with the gunpowder, startling the horses. He would then drive the damaged carriage into a deep valley with a subterranean river connecting Panghe, simulating their deaths, while he secretly jumped out before the plunge. Mo Xi would then meet him back at the lamb shop, and they would proceed to Chibei.
Wan Jiagui was impressed by her detailed knowledge of Jingzhou City. Meanwhile, Bai Fengyao saw Mo Xi return to the mansion, excitedly carrying new clothes. Mo Xi’s cheerful demeanor, despite being forced to marry Chen Wende, made Fengyao suspect that she was secretly planning an escape. The following day, Mo Xi and Wan Jiagui, with Wan Jiagui cleverly disguised as a woman, boarded a carriage and successfully passed through the city gates using Chen Wende's permit.
At her parents’ gravesite, Mo Xi dismissed the maids, telling them to eat snacks from the carriage and freshen up. Once alone, she produced the marriage certificate Wan Jiagui had written. She explained to him that she didn't intend to hold him to it; rather, it was a promise she had made to her mother, who, due to her courtesan background, had never been properly married to Mo Xi's father and wished for an official marriage certificate before she died.
Mo Xi then burned the certificate over the grave, fulfilling her mother’s long-held wish. As they prepared to leave, Mo Xi mused about Wan Jiagui’s seemingly privileged background and wondered why his parents allowed him to join the army. He admitted that his parents were furious when he enlisted; his mother cried, and his father grounded him, threatening disinheritance if he ran away—which he did.
He reflected on how parental expectations often diverge from their children's desires, drawing a parallel to Mo Xi's mother's wish for a proper marriage, which Mo Xi, by burning the certificate, had symbolically fulfilled for her. Just before they left, Wan Jiagui secretly pledged at Mo Xi's parents' graves that he would protect her for as long as he lived. Mo Xi, curious, asked what he had said, but he playfully refused to tell her, mirroring her earlier secrecy.
Back on the road, Fengyao, increasingly anxious, worried if Mo Xi had been caught. She urged her coachman to follow the North Shu soldiers she saw rushing towards Mo Xi's location, praying for Mo Xi's safety. At the pre-arranged lamb shop, Mo Xi feigned a sudden stomach ache. The maids, having inhaled the sedatives in the handkerchiefs Mo Xi offered, went to rest, feeling drowsy. Mo Xi met Wan Jiagui behind the toilet. He put on a veiled hat.
Mo Xi gave him Chen Wende’s exit permit and a jade plaque from the Bai family, instructing him to pose as Bai Pengkun if questioned, as Pengkun was conveniently indisposed due to a laxative Mo Xi had given him. Wan Jiagui then entered the carriage, while Mo Xi stealthily set off a firecracker. The horses, startled by the noise, bolted, and the carriage careened away.
North Shu soldiers, led by Wu, and the maids chased after it, watching in horror as it plunged down a cliff into the valley below. As Mo Xi tried to slip away to meet Wan Jiagui, she was intercepted by Wu and his soldiers. Just then, Fengyao arrived, distraught. Seizing the opportunity, Mo Xi quickly embraced Fengyao, loudly lamenting their failed escape.
She spun a tale for Wu, initially claiming that Fengyao had hidden in her carriage and then, disguised as the driver, rode the horse off the cliff. When Wu expressed skepticism about the escapee's height, Mo Xi quickly explained it was a hired coachman wearing a dress to confuse people.
She further elaborated that the coachman had thrown Fengyao out of the carriage before dying in the fall, and Fengyao tearfully played along, accusing the soldiers of murder for their pursuit and lamenting their ruined "plan." On their way back, Mo Xi pleaded with Fengyao to maintain the fabricated story. Fengyao, understanding that the escaped person (Wan Jiagui) was extremely important to Mo Xi, reluctantly agreed, saying she must have owed Mo Xi in a previous life.
Mo Xi was then taken to Chen Wende. She remarked on the dustiness of his mansion, which he explained was a deliberate reminder against greed and a constant call to his ambition to serve the country. Mo Xi subtly accused him of being a rebel, which he denied. Chen Wende, seeing through her pretense, calmly revealed he knew she had lied about her true intentions.
He stated he was aware that her grave relocation plan was merely a ruse to escape Jingzhou City with Bai Fengyao. Mo Xi, admitting the truth, stated that she and Fengyao simply didn't want to be married off like mere objects. She bravely accepted full responsibility for the escape attempt, insisting that Fengyao was innocent. Chen Wende, to test her resolve, threatened to punish Fengyao as a warning.
He brandished a dagger, proposing to scoop out Mo Xi's "pretty eyes" or behead Fengyao. Terrified, Mo Xi screamed but quickly offered her own eyes for Fengyao's safety, reasoning that since she would soon be his wife, her eyes would belong to him anyway. Chen Wende, finding her amusing, declared he was merely joking. Mo Xi cursed him under her breath. Chen Wende then ordered his subordinate, Wu, to send Mo Xi back to the Bai mansion.
Upon her return, Mo Xi witnessed Bai Second Madam furiously beating Fengyao with a cane for running away from home. Mo Xi felt a profound sense of guilt for involving Fengyao and causing her suffering.
Episode 6 Recap
After being brought back to the Bai household, Mo Xi was filled with worry about Wan Jiagui. Fengyao, who had covered for Mo Xi's escape attempt, asked her about the person she had hidden in the carriage, surmising that Mo Xi had feelings for him. Mo Xi admitted she had met him by chance and that he was a court official.
Fengyao reassured her, stating that no news was often the best news, and someone from the court would surely possess extraordinary courage to escape Jingzhou City safely. Mo Xi, however, was still anxious, realizing her use of Chen Wende's permit might implicate Wan Jiagui if it was discovered.
Meanwhile, Bai Second Madam, believing Mo Xi was a bad influence and had instigated her daughter Fengyao, ordered maids to keep a close watch on Mo Xi and raised the courtyard walls, effectively confining her to the Bai residence. She even threatened the maids with 40 beatings if anything happened to Mo Xi, who was seen as Chen Wende's fiancée.
Mo Xi, overhearing the maids' discussion about her cousin Bai Pengkun's supposed illness, realized that her earlier actions of poisoning him had forced Bai Second Madam to claim he was visiting relatives, which ironically protected Wan Jiagui from suspicion regarding the escape permit. Military intelligence reached Chen Wende, reporting that General Chu Wei of the Longxiang Army was leading his troops from Chibei towards Jingzhou City, expected to arrive the next day.
Chen Wende furiously concluded that his memorials to the emperor had been intercepted by Wu Lang, preventing the truth from reaching the court. After careful consideration, he decided to retreat from Jingzhou City. He recognized the Longxiang Army as the legitimate state army and understood that engaging them in battle would only solidify his reputation as a traitor. He ordered his troops to retreat immediately, vowing to return to deal with Wu Lang.
Unable to leave her courtyard, Mo Xi visited Fengyao. Fengyao informed her of the war and General Chu Wei's advance to retake Jingzhou, deepening Mo Xi's concern for Wan Jiagui. That night, Chen Wende unexpectedly appeared in Mo Xi's room, asking if she would accompany him should he leave Jingzhou.
Mo Xi, imagining a future where she would be hunted as a rebel alongside him and where she couldn't express herself freely – couldn't throw tantrums, trick him, yell, or pull pranks – flatly refused. She explained she was "scared" of him because such a life would be "boring." Chen Wende, who had been called a "savage wolf" and a "butcher" but never "boring," noted her innocence in matters of love and departed, saying, "May we meet again."
Chen Wende and the majority of the Northshuo Army evacuated Jingzhou City under the cover of night. The Longxiang Army, led by General Chu Wei, successfully entered and liberated the city. Mo Xi, upon hearing the news, secretly slipped out of the Bai mansion to see what was happening, with a worried Fengyao following close behind.
As "the first year of Anping's reign, autumn" began, and the emperor returned to the capital with his officials, Mo Xi joyfully spotted Wan Jiagui, dressed in the Longxiang Army uniform, riding through the crowds. In her mind, she envisioned a future where an imperial edict would bestow their marriage upon them, making her his esteemed wife.
Meanwhile, Bai Wen Tai visited Wu Lang, hoping to mend his standing, only to be accused of colluding with the rebels and stripped of his official position, confined to his home to await punishment. Wu Lang cited Mo Xi's perceived betrothal to General Chen as proof of his alleged close ties to the rebels.
Bai Second Madam, concerned about their family's financial woes after Bai Wen Tai's dismissal, quickly reminded her husband that he had removed Mo Xi's name from their family registry as soon as Chen Wende had left. She urged him to present the updated registry to Prime Minister Wu as proof of their innocence. With Chen Wende gone, Mo Xi's already poor treatment in the Bai mansion worsened; she was even denied coal for heating.
Fengyao then rushed in, agitated, revealing that she had a childhood engagement and that the man's family was coming to visit. She explained that the engagement had been made during a banquet in Chibei, and her fiancé was now a military official who had contributed to Jingzhou's recovery. However, Fengyao was distraught, as her father vaguely described the man as looking like a "winter melon," and her mother claimed his mother was even uglier.
Mo Xi, attempting to comfort her, offered to go undercover as a maid during their visit to assess his appearance. If he was truly undesirable, she vowed to "disgust him" or even "butcher him" if he refused to break off the engagement. The next day, Wan Jiagui, accompanied by his parents, arrived at the Bai Mansion. He had indeed been promoted to a fifth-rank Left General, much to the satisfaction of Bai Wen Tai and Bai Second Madam.
Mo Xi, disguised as a maid serving tea, was shocked to discover that Fengyao's fiancé was none other than Wan Jiagui. Heartbroken and furious, she ran back to her courtyard, calling him a "jerk." Wan Jiagui followed her, explaining that he had only recently learned of the childhood engagement himself and had come specifically to cancel it. Relieved by his explanation, Mo Xi forgave him.
Bai Wen Tai and Bai Second Madam were enraged by the Wans' intention to cancel the engagement, especially given Wan Jiagui's impressive new rank. They quickly shifted their focus from their daughter's happiness to financial gain, deciding to demand double the bride price, or even more, to compensate for the family's financial troubles and Fengyao's tarnished reputation. Later, Wan Jiagui took Mo Xi out of the Bai mansion, buying her favorite lamb skewers.
He explained that his new position as a Left General meant he oversaw thousands of soldiers and was constantly busy. Although his parents were pressuring him to marry, he felt he couldn't. He highlighted that previous Left Generals in the Longxiang Army had all died in battle or assassination.
He declared that as long as he lived a life of constant danger in the military, he would not consider romance, as he didn't want to leave a wife widowed or delay anyone's happiness, including Fengyao's. Mo Xi was deeply hurt and angered by his words, calling him a "heartless jerk" for his apparent disregard for her feelings.
Episode 7 Recap
Upon returning to her residence, Mo Xi found Fengyao waiting in her courtyard. The Wan family had initiated the cancellation of the betrothal. Fengyao admitted to having briefly met Wan Jiagui that day and, impressed by his talents and heroic feat of recapturing Jingzhou City, expressed a touch of reluctance over the broken engagement. Mo Xi, who had initially believed Fengyao disliked the match, was surprised by her change of heart and probed further.
Fengyao, however, denied developing any feelings for Wan Jiagui, stating that a single meeting was insufficient for such emotions. Mo Xi was inwardly relieved by Fengyao's assurances, secretly acknowledging that Wan Jiagui was the one person she could not relinquish. Meanwhile, Bai Wentai, his wife, and their son Kun'er were overjoyed with the generous gold and silver sent by the Wan family as compensation for breaking the engagement.
Fengyao questioned the appropriateness of accepting such gifts, but her mother and brother dismissed her concerns, emphasizing the wealth of the Wan family and the benefits to their own household. Later that evening, Wan Jiagui, who had been busy with official duties during the day, arrived to escort Mo Xi out for some fun. Despite the impropriety of their nighttime meeting, Mo Xi was unconcerned.
They explored the bustling market, where Mo Xi's attention was drawn to an exquisite jade lantern, renowned as the street's most cherished treasure. The shopkeeper explained its history and the challenging condition for acquiring it: one must hang a copper bell, symbolizing blessings, on the distant eaves of Wanbaode without physical contact. Wan Jiagui promptly sent for his iron bow, then skillfully shot the bell with an arrow, successfully affixing it to the high eaves.
The impressed shopkeeper awarded him the jade lantern as a prize, which Wan Jiagui immediately presented to a delighted Mo Xi, who cherished it as a precious symbol of their love. While Mo Xi was out, Fengyao's mother sought to quickly arrange a new match for her daughter before word of the broken engagement with the Wan family spread, believing it an opportune moment amidst the changing political landscape. Fengyao, however, expressed no desire to rush into another marriage.
That same night, Bai Wentai returned home heavily intoxicated, announcing that he had secured a promising new betrothal for Fengyao. Later, Wan Jiagui took Mo Xi to a secluded spot and revealed his imminent departure for Yizhou, Mobei, on a military assignment, from which he would not return for at least two years. He explained that Yizhou was a strategically vital military zone, and bringing a woman along was strictly forbidden and punishable by execution.
Reminding her of his life as a soldier, he advised Mo Xi to forget him and find a suitable husband. Heartbroken and already deeply in love with Wan Jiagui, Mo Xi was unwilling to give up their relationship and secretly cried, but outwardly put on a brave front, asserting that she was accustomed to solitude and had no need for a husband.
The following day, Mo Xi stood amongst the crowd at the city gate, watching Wan Jiagui ride off with his troops. Despite her desperation, she couldn't reach him to convey her feelings as he departed, only watching him ride away. Later, Fengyao confided in Mo Xi about her father's new arrangement: she was to marry Prime Minister Wu's son, who had suffered a severe head injury and become a "fool" during the emperor's retreat from Chibei.
Fengyao explained that Prime Minister Wu was using Bai Wentai's past association with Chen Wende as leverage, blackmailing him into agreeing to the marriage and threatening the entire Bai family with accusations of rebellion. Horrified, Mo Xi resolved to seek help and dispatched a letter to Wan Jiagui, the Left General of the Longxiang Army, hoping his connections could resolve Fengyao's predicament.
Shortly after, Bai Wentai was arrested by officials from the Court of Judicial Review, intensifying Prime Minister Wu's pressure on the Bai family. Fengyao's mother, knowing the injustice of the marriage, tearfully pleaded with Fengyao to accept it for the sake of her father's life and the family's survival, acknowledging the immense sacrifice she was being asked to make. Distraught and feeling wronged, Fengyao could only silently walk away.
Mo Xi's hopes were shattered when the messenger returned her letter, informing her that the Longxiang Army had been ambushed and utterly annihilated by bandits before even reaching Guanzhong. Refusing to believe the tragic news, Mo Xi was overcome with grief, clinging to the jade lantern Wan Jiagui had given her and weeping inconsolably for his presumed death. She secluded herself, refusing all food and drink for two days and two nights, causing great alarm for Fengyao.
Eventually, Mo Xi wandered out into the streets alone, where every sight triggered poignant memories of Wan Jiagui. Overwhelmed by sorrow and physical exhaustion, she collapsed. Mo Xi regained consciousness in an inn, discovering that she had been rescued by Chen Wende, who observed her disheveled state. Ignoring his questions about her distress, Mo Xi immediately sought his help in canceling Fengyao's coerced marriage.
However, Chen Wende, with a knowing gaze, instructed his subordinate, Xiao Wu, to recount Wan Jiagui's recent history: his rapid promotion in the Longxiang Army after discovering a valuable weapon design, his family's subsequent betrothal proposal to Fengyao, and Wan Jiagui's personal decision to break off the engagement. Chen Wende then turned to Mo Xi, directly implying that she was the one "behind this mischief" of the betrothal and its abrupt cancellation.
Episode 8 Recap
Bai Wentai, emaciated and suffering in prison, was visited by his wife, his son Bai Pengkun, and his daughter, Bai Fengyao. He pleaded with Fengyao to accept the arranged marriage to the Wu family's foolish son, hoping it would secure his release. Witnessing her family's desperation and their readiness to sacrifice her, Fengyao felt a profound disappointment in her relatives, ultimately agreeing to the marriage.
Meanwhile, Mo Xi confessed to Chen Wende that her initial goal was to exact revenge on the Bai family, which led her to interfere with Fengyao's previous engagement to Wan Jiagui. Now, seeing Fengyao forced into a miserable marriage, Mo Xi felt immense guilt and wanted to atone for her actions. She knew Chen Wende and Prime Minister Wu were sworn enemies and cunningly persuaded him to help Fengyao escape the marriage.
Chen Wende agreed, even suggesting he had found a suitable match for Fengyao. Upon returning home, Mo Xi found Fengyao waiting in the courtyard, having brought her food. Fengyao confirmed she had agreed to the Wu family marriage. Mo Xi urged her to delay the wedding for a few more days, assuring her that a turning point would come. Indeed, following Fengyao's agreement, Prime Minister Wu released Bai Wentai from prison and sent five boxes of betrothal gifts.
Capitalizing on her parents' joy, Fengyao proposed consulting the Imperial Divination Office's erudite to select an auspicious wedding date, a clever tactic to postpone the marriage and ensure the Bai family was not looked down upon by the arrogant Wu family. As Mo Xi and Fengyao waited for the situation to change, officers from the Longxiang Army arrived, requesting to see Fengyao.
They announced that Left General Wan Jiagui and his troops had been ambushed and killed by bandits while passing through Guanzhong. The Provincial Governor of Guanzhong, while handling the aftermath, discovered Wan Jiagui's last letter, which explicitly stated his deep admiration for Fengyao. He had reluctantly canceled their betrothal to avoid delaying her happiness due to his dangerous military duties, and he requested the Longxiang Army to look after her as his widow.
Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Fengyao declared her willingness to mourn Wan Jiagui for three years and asked General Chu Wei, the commander of the Longxiang Army, to intercede with Prime Minister Wu to cancel her current engagement. Her mother was astonished by Fengyao's bold move but Fengyao reasoned that General Chu's upright character and influence with the Emperor would make Prime Minister Wu cautious.
However, Prime Minister Wu privately summoned Bai Wentai, revealing that General Chu had already mentioned Fengyao's previous betrothal. Prime Minister Wu, feigning surprise, brought Wan Jiagui’s parents to verify the authenticity of the last letter. Wan’s father immediately stated that the letter was not written by his son, citing their family's disbelief in superstitious talk about "fate in the next life." With the letter discredited as fake, Prime Minister Wu refused to abandon the marriage with the Bai family.
Determined to help Fengyao, Mo Xi visited Wan Jiagui's parents. She asserted that Wan Jiagui truly held deep feelings for Bai Fengyao, explaining that Fengyao had given him a unique jade plaque from the Bai family, which Wan Jiagui cherished and carried at all times. The Wan parents remembered seeing such a plaque on their son and were convinced that he indeed favored Fengyao. They agreed to attest to the court that Fengyao was Wan Jiagui's intended widow.
Mo Xi, however, cautioned them against revealing the details of the jade plaque, as private exchanges between unmarried individuals could harm Fengyao's reputation, especially in her current state of grief. Based on the Wan parents' testimony, the Emperor issued a decree, bestowing upon Fengyao the title of a Madam of the Court. The decree allowed her to mourn Wan Jiagui for three years, after which she would be free to marry again.
To prevent any future interference from Prime Minister Wu, Fengyao publicly declared herself a permanent member of the Wan family and vowed to remain a faithful widow for Wan Jiagui for the rest of her life. Her mother was furious at this decision, unable to accept her daughter sacrificing her future, but Fengyao stood firm, asserting her ability to live independently. While Mo Xi maintained a composed facade, her heart was filled with a bitter sadness.
The Emperor, deeply impressed by Fengyao's strong moral character, rewarded the Bai family. Bai Wentai was granted a vacant position in the Ministry of Revenue, and Bai Pengkun received a coveted spot in the Directorate of Education. Before departing from Jingzhou, Chen Wende paid a final visit to Mo Xi. Even his attendant, Xiao Wu, noticed the depth of Chen Wende's feelings for her.
Chen Wende reflected on how his plan to use the fake letter to cause friction between Prime Minister Wu and Commander Chu had nearly failed when Prime Minister Wu discovered the forgery. However, Mo Xi's clever use of the jade plaque not only cemented Fengyao's status but also revealed an unexpected layer to Wan Jiagui's character. He knew his pursuit against Prime Minister Wu would continue, but for now, Jingzhou was not where he could achieve his goals.
Episode 9 Recap
Bai Second Madam expressed deep concern over her daughter Fengyao's recent vow to remain unmarried for life, lamenting that Fengyao would live as a widow forever. Fengyao, however, calmly explained that she had considered this path thoroughly, having seen many teachers at the School for Women who chose lifelong celibacy, supporting themselves and their families. She believed she could do the same. Bai Second Madam dismissed her reasoning, declaring that things would not be so simple.
Suddenly, a servant rushed in with dire news: Master Bai Wentai was in danger. It was reported that he had collapsed while out with friends. Earlier that day, Bai Wentai had been admiring a hundred-year-old golden silk inkstone he acquired from an antique shop. Overjoyed, he invited his friends to a restaurant for drinks and a meal, eager to show off his new treasure.
During the gathering, he demonstrated the inkstone's quality, even licking it and grinding it to enhance its fragrance. While attempting to write, his hand began to tremble, he dropped the inkstone, and then suddenly collapsed. His friends frantically called for a physician. When the physician arrived at the Bai mansion, he delivered the grim prognosis that Master Bai was dying and advised the family to prepare for his funeral.
Bai Second Madam was distraught, pleading with her unresponsive husband to wake up, promising never to interfere with his collecting again. The Bai family soon commenced funeral preparations for Bai Wentai. However, the solemn atmosphere was shattered when numerous merchants forced their way into the mansion, demanding payment from Bai Second Madam. Fengyao stepped forward, chastising them for their disrespectful behavior at her father’s funeral and urging them to be quiet.
A merchant revealed that Bai Wentai owed 160 strings of cash coins for the valuable golden silk inkstone he had purchased. When Fengyao inquired about the inkstone, the servants regretfully informed her that it had fallen and shattered during the chaos when Bai Wentai collapsed. The merchant was furious about the destruction of such a priceless treasure.
Soon, more creditors emerged, demanding payment for various debts, including 200 strings of cash coins from a restaurant, over 100 from a jewelry store, and 80 from another. Fengyao reiterated that the Bai family would honor their debts but requested that the merchants leave and return after the funeral, reminding them that it was improper to create a scene before her father's tablet and coffin. The creditors reluctantly agreed, threatening to return for their money.
Fengyao met with the family's accountant to determine the full extent of their financial crisis. She was shocked to learn that Bai Wentai had accumulated a staggering debt of 3,900 strings of cash coins. The accountant explained that Bai Wentai had a long history of purchasing collectibles on credit, only making partial payments when he had spare funds. Merchants had tolerated this because of his official position and stable income.
However, his sudden death led them to demand immediate payment, fearing the Bai family would be unable to repay. The accountant grimly stated that even if they emptied all the family's accounts, they would still fall short of the total amount. He further elaborated on the family's recent financial misfortunes: significant sums spent bribing Prime Minister Wu, a 1,000-bolt silk fine imposed by Chen Wende, and another hefty payment to clear the family's name after the recapture of Jingzhou City.
Despite these setbacks, Bai Wentai continued his extravagant spending on collectibles and entertainment, while Bai Pengkun frequently visited brothels, boasting of wealth. Feeling unable to resolve the dire situation, the accountant offered his resignation. He also revealed that Bai Pengkun had recently borrowed 50 strings of cash coins from the family's accounts. Fengyao then approached her brother, Bai Pengkun, asking if he had any spare money to help repay the family's debts.
He claimed to be broke, complaining about his old carriage and lack of assets or a stable job. Instead, he suggested that Fengyao ask their wealthy in-laws, the Wan family, for a loan. Shortly after, the Wan family's butler arrived. He presented ten taels of gold as an immediate emergency fund.
Bai Pengkun scoffed at the small amount, but the butler clarified that the Wans were temporarily residing elsewhere and would gather the remaining funds from Chibei, assuring them the Wan family could afford to cover the full debt. Fengyao expressed her gratitude for their assistance. Later, she confided in Bai Second Madam, feeling guilty about relying on the Wan family when she had intended to care for them.
Bai Second Madam, however, reassured her, stating that family should help each other and that the Wans' intervention had prevented further disturbances at the funeral. At Bai Wentai's funeral, the Wan family butler returned, this time delivering a letter. After reading it, Bai Second Madam appeared troubled and quickly dismissed her daughter's inquiries about its contents. It was later revealed that the Wan family had regrettably been unable to raise the promised funds.
With this development, Bai Second Madam despaired, realizing that even after selling off all the movable assets, they still couldn't cover half their debts and contemplated selling their home. Bai Pengkun, ever self-serving, approached his mother with a "solution": marrying Mo Xi to his friend, Zheng Kaitai. He claimed Zheng Kaitai had fallen in love with Mo Xi at first sight and promised to clear all the Bai family's debts in exchange for Mo Xi's hand in marriage.
Bai Second Madam was overjoyed by the prospect, praising her son for finding a way out of their predicament. Bai Second Madam then informed Mo Xi of the arranged marriage, presenting it as a beneficial match and emphasizing Mo Xi's duty to the family. She revealed that she had already accepted the bridal gifts, using emotional blackmail by stating the family would "die" without Mo Xi's sacrifice.
She asserted that Mo Xi had no choice in the matter, threatening to send her corpse to the Zhengs if she refused. Fengyao, upon learning of the impending marriage, rushed to Mo Xi, warning her about Zheng Kaitai's notorious reputation for having several deceased wives. Mo Xi, however, had already been informed of the marriage.
To Fengyao's surprise, Mo Xi seemed resigned, believing that marrying Zheng Kaitai would solve the Bai family's crisis and secure her own survival, even confidently stating she was "more thuggish" than Zheng Kaitai and could manage him. Unconvinced, Fengyao secretly investigated Zheng Kaitai and discovered the horrific truth: he was a "devil's incarnate" who kept young slaves at home, and all his previous wives had been beaten to death by these slaves, with one even thrown alive into a well.
Mo Xi, horrified, exclaimed that she could not die that way, and attempted to escape. However, Bai Pengkun, aware of the plan, had already instructed servants to guard all the mansion's walls and gates, effectively trapping Mo Xi inside. Trapped, Mo Xi approached Bai Second Madam with a new, audacious plan. She suggested that the bridal gifts they received were insufficient and that they should demand 4,000 strings of cash coins.
Her scheme involved swapping the betrothal cards: Mo Xi would write her details on rice starch paper and paste it over Bai Second Madam’s betrothal card. When the card was sent to the Zhengs, it would appear to be Mo Xi’s. However, when warmed, the starch paper would melt, revealing Bai Second Madam’s true details, making her Zheng Kaitai's legal wife.
Mo Xi reasoned that Zheng Kaitai, a playboy who valued his reputation, would never marry an old lady and would be too embarrassed to expose the scam, thus leaving the Bai family free to extort a large sum of money from him. Bai Second Madam was delighted by Mo Xi's cunning. As a reward, she finally agreed to Mo Xi's long-held wish of placing her biological mother's memorial tablet in the ancestral temple.
She even told Fengyao later that she was only being kind to Mo Xi for her money-making schemes, and advised Fengyao to burn mugwort leaves to cleanse herself after visiting the temple, implying Mo Xi or her mother's spirit was "dirty." Enraged by the deception, Zheng Kaitai confronted Bai Pengkun, accusing the entire Bai family of conning him.
He ordered his men to beat Bai Pengkun and instructed the bouncers at the brothels to deny Bai Pengkun entry unless he paid. Stripped of his social status and unable to indulge in his usual entertainments, Bai Pengkun secretly stole the money from the bridal gifts from his mother's room.
He then went to a gambling den, justifying his actions to himself by claiming a fortune teller had predicted he would get rich, hoping to turn a profit and "improve their living standards." Bai Second Madam soon discovered the bridal gift money was missing. At the same time, a group of ruffians from the gambling den arrived at the Bai mansion, beating Bai Pengkun.
They declared that he had gambled away all the money he brought and now owed them an additional 100 strings of cash coins. Bai Second Madam watched helplessly as her son was beaten, realizing with despair that all the money from Zheng Kaitai had been squandered, leaving them in even deeper debt. With no other options, she frantically called out to Mo Xi for help.
Episode 10 Recap
As Bai Pengkun was brutally beaten by creditors for a 100-string gambling debt, his mother, Bai Second Madam, desperately tried to intervene. Mo Xi, however, refused to help, stating that Bai Pengkun brought the consequences upon himself and she couldn't save him. The creditors, accusing the family of feigning distress, insisted on immediate payment. Overwhelmed by the situation, Bai Second Madam collapsed and died. The creditors quickly fled, absolving themselves of blame and reminding the family to pay their debts.
Witnessing the tragic event, Mo Xi reflected on the unfortunate turn of events. She acknowledged that Bai Second Madam's insistence on her marrying Zheng Kaitai was wrong, but also realized that her own deception regarding the fake marriage was equally misguided. She vowed never to engage in such schemes again, believing that harming others ultimately harms oneself.
With Bai Wentai and Bai Second Madam both gone, the Bai family found itself without a head, its servants in disarray, and creditors once again clamoring at the gates. The housekeeper revealed that the family's accounts were empty, and even the supplies for Bai Second Madam's funeral had been purchased on credit.
Bai Pengkun suggested seeking help from the Wan family again, but Fengyao firmly refused, explaining that a previous letter made it clear the Wan family was also in a difficult situation. Their clan believed their son had died in battle and was scrutinizing their finances, making it impossible for them to spare any money for the Bai family's debts. Bai Pengkun, frustrated, lashed out at Fengyao, accusing her of being useless despite her vow to uphold the Wan family's honor.
Mo Xi quickly intervened, reminding Bai Pengkun that these were his and his father's debts, and as the eldest son and current head of the household, it was his responsibility to face the creditors, not blame the women. Bai Pengkun, however, declared he would do nothing, provoking Mo Xi to try and hit him.
He swiftly dodged her, sarcastically listing reasons why she shouldn't harm him, including the cost of his treatment and the fact that two women couldn't possibly handle the aggressive debt collectors. He then left, washing his hands of the family's problems. Fengyao, distraught by the recent tragedies, fell ill with a fever. Mo Xi, urging her to take her bitter medicine and recover quickly, explained that her presence was crucial to prevent Bai Pengkun from further exploitation.
Mo Xi then took charge of the daunting funeral arrangements, an act that deeply touched Fengyao, who reflected on how poorly Mo Xi had been treated by the Bai family in the past, yet now she was selflessly helping them. When the coffin shop delivered a cheap, flimsy coffin for Bai Second Madam, Mo Xi confronted the owner.
She boldly exposed his previous scam, where he had taken advantage of Bai Pengkun's naivety to overcharge double for Bai Wentai's coffin by falsely claiming it required a single, whole log for both the coffin and lid, when it was constructed using the standard two pieces of wood. Mo Xi reasoned that this overpayment should cover Bai Second Madam's coffin.
The owner initially denied the accusations, but Mo Xi’s unwavering threat to split open Bai Wentai's memorial tablet to prove her claim forced him to confess. He agreed to send a proper coffin, acknowledging Mo Xi's sharp wit. Mo Xi, however, remained realistic, telling the housekeeper that while she could prevent further cheating, she couldn't magically generate money to repay the family's extensive debts.
As Fengyao struggled with her grief, confessing that she felt life was meaningless after losing both parents, Mo Xi offered a different perspective. While Bai Second Madam's death was likely due to her existing heart condition exacerbated by shock, Mo Xi revealed that Bai Wentai's death was not so straightforward. Despite his usual good health, the physician, under Mo Xi's intimidation, admitted to suspecting poisoning.
Mo Xi theorized that poison might have been added to the precious golden silk inkstone Bai Wentai had recently acquired, specifically targeting his habit of licking the ink stick before grinding ink. The subsequent disappearance of the broken ink stick after his collapse added to her suspicion.
When Fengyao questioned who would harm a minor official like her father, Mo Xi pointed to Prime Minister Wu, suggesting he was the only family enemy powerful enough to instigate such a crime and the subsequent aggressive debt collection, driven by a desire for revenge after Fengyao rejected his marriage proposal. Mo Xi emphasized that this was merely speculation, but urged Fengyao to recover her health so they could properly investigate the truth, as their future depended on it.
Their fragile hope for stability was shattered when a maid rushed in with alarming news: Bai Pengkun was missing. Mo Xi quickly realized he had absconded, taking Bai Second Madam's jewelry and Master Bai Wentai's collections. Madam Li, another servant, confessed that Bai Pengkun had interrogated her about the locations of the family's valuables, claiming he intended to sell them for debt repayment. Trusting him, she had given him the key to the locked study.
Instead, he simply left a note that read, "I'm gone. Don't miss me." Mo Xi was furious, realizing the "scum" had fled with the Bai family's remaining wealth, leaving her and Fengyao to face the mounting debts alone. She understood that Madam Li, like many others, had likely seen Bai Pengkun as the family's only hope, overlooking the capable women left behind. Faced with insurmountable debt, Mo Xi proposed the drastic measure of selling the ancestral mansion.
Fengyao was hesitant to part with their family home, but recognized it as their only option. After calculating the value of the mansion (3,200 strings), furniture, and other remaining items (total 3,400 strings), along with the ten taels of gold from the Wan family (worth 200 strings of cash), and Fengyao's personal jewelry and clothes (worth 200 strings), the total amounted to 3,800 strings of cash.
This still left them short by 100 strings of cash (the total debt being 3,900 strings), a daunting sum they had no idea how to acquire. The precarious situation escalated when creditors, having already injured the housekeeper, stormed the mansion, demanding immediate payment and threatening to sell Fengyao into servitude. Mo Xi, seizing a large kitchen knife, confronted them directly.
She fiercely warned them that harming Fengyao, who held an imperial decree, would lead to dire consequences, and declared that she, having nothing left to lose, would not hesitate to fight to the death. She also revealed their decision to sell the mansion, stressing that they needed time to gather the funds. Intimidated by her ferocity and willingness to die, the creditors retreated, though they vowed to keep a close watch on the sisters.
Mo Xi, suffering a cut on her hand, was chided by Fengyao for injuring herself, but Mo Xi explained her resolve to repay the debts, rather than flee without honor. Subsequently, facing unpaid wages and an uncertain future, the remaining servants, including Madam Li and Chunxue, announced their departure. Fengyao, heartbroken and apologetic, gave them her last remaining pieces of jewelry for their travel expenses, feeling deep remorse for the family's failure.
With only 100 strings of cash short of clearing the debt, Mo Xi proposed writing to the Wan family for a small loan, but Fengyao adamantly refused, unwilling to subject them to further ridicule from their clan, especially as she was not officially part of their family, had no heirs, and their clan members were waiting to divide the family property. Frustrated by Fengyao's stubborn principles, Mo Xi decided to find a solution herself.
Knowing the buyer of the mansion was a wealthy Persian merchant named Luo De, she devised a plan to persuade him to pay an extra 100 strings. During their negotiation, Mo Xi explained that while the Bai family valued honor, the crushing pressure from creditors now threatened to sell the sisters into slavery, a fate they would rather die than accept.
Luo De, who also came from a noble Persian background and had faced political enemies, expressed sympathy but stated he couldn't unilaterally change the agreed-upon price of 3,400 strings as he was buying on behalf of a merchant group. Mo Xi then pointed out Luo De's appreciation for the mansion's furnishings, which his merchant group needed for their new trading post in Jingzhou.
She then revealed that if the debt wasn't fully cleared, the furious creditors would likely ransack and destroy the mansion's contents, making it unusable for him. When Luo De suggested simply not buying the property, Mo Xi delivered her final, impactful move: she calmly informed him that his deposit had already been seized by the creditors for debt repayment, and if he pulled out, they wouldn't be able to return it.
Cornered, Luo De realized they were "in the same boat." He agreed to consult his merchant group about the additional 100 strings, acknowledging Mo Xi's exceptional eloquence. As a token of gratitude, Mo Xi gifted him a small, exquisitely crafted carving she found among Bai Wentai's belongings while clearing out the mansion.
To ensure transparency and prevent future harassment, Mo Xi arranged for Luo De, the Persian merchant and an honored guest of the emperor, to serve as a witness as she settled all the Bai family's debts. One by one, creditors presented their promissory notes and received their payments, expressing relief that the long-standing debts were finally cleared.
Luo De, impressed by Mo Xi's cunning, acknowledged that the mansion's furniture and decorations were intact, implying Mo Xi's earlier warnings about their potential destruction were an exaggeration to secure the deal. With the mansion sold and the debts repaid, Fengyao and Mo Xi considered their future. Fengyao revealed that a friend from her academy, Ms. Zhao, had helped her secure a teaching position at a women's school in Qingzhou, a city thousands of miles from Jingzhou.
Despite the distance, Fengyao saw this as a valuable opportunity for a woman to be self-reliant. Mo Xi, acknowledging their dwindling funds and their need for a stable future, readily agreed to accompany Fengyao, recognizing her as her only remaining family. They prepared to embark on a new chapter in Qingzhou.
Episode 11 Recap
Fengyao informed Mo Xi that while seeking refuge with the Wan family was an option, doing so with Mo Xi would invite gossip and judgment. She preferred that they make a living independently rather than depend on others.
Fengyao explained that with their parents gone, Mo Xi was her only family, and she couldn't bear to see Mo Xi struggle for her sake, emphasizing that she too must stand on her own feet and work together with Mo Xi for a better future. Mo Xi, who had always thought Fengyao was a privileged woman, was surprised by her resolve, especially after Fengyao teasingly remarked she had to keep a "glutton" like Mo Xi alive.
As Mo Xi packed her belongings, she felt a pang of reluctance leaving the place where she had grown up, acknowledging that it was no longer her home. Fengyao comforted her, reminding her that they could always return. The sisters then headed to the horse and chariot market to join a caravan bound for Qingzhou. Since the journey required customs clearance documents, they stopped at the customs department.
Mo Xi went inside to process the papers, instructing Fengyao to guard their only remaining box of belongings. While Mo Xi was inside, an old man approached Fengyao, asking for directions. Distracted, Fengyao inadvertently allowed a thief to snatch their box. When Mo Xi emerged with the documents, she was furious to learn their belongings were stolen. She ran after the thief but could not find him.
Despite calling for officials, they were told that without an identifiable suspect, it would be difficult to recover their items. Fengyao was deeply regretful, but Mo Xi reassured her that their safety was paramount, and they would earn money by teaching at the School for Women. During their journey, without warm clothes, they had to huddle together for warmth. Fengyao continued to blame herself, but Mo Xi pointed out that Fengyao had refused the Wan family's help for her sake.
Fengyao then admitted she once harbored feelings for Wan Jiagui, but since he was dead, it all felt like a dream that would disappear upon waking. Mo Xi privately thought that Fengyao, despite her sentiments, was naive and would be easily tricked without her. Upon reaching Qingzhou, with little money left, Mo Xi devised a plan.
Noticing a caravan driver who longed for news from home, she offered for Fengyao to read his letter in exchange for a ride to the Qingzhou School for Women. Fengyao took the letter and privately read its tragic contents: the driver's parents were dead and their family land had been divided.
Realizing the dire news, Fengyao decided to lie to the driver, reading a fabricated cheerful letter about his parents' good health and a plentiful harvest, encouraging him not to rush home due to the ongoing war. Fengyao questioned the morality of her lie, but Mo Xi defended it, arguing it was better to give him happiness than to cause him despair. They arrived at the Qingzhou School for Women, impressed by its size and beauty.
They were greeted by Miss Shen Shumo, who noted that the school had only hired one teacher. Fengyao explained their family’s misfortune and that Mo Xi, being alone, had accompanied her. She assured Shen Shumo that they would share a bed and handle their own meals, promising not to cause any trouble. Shen Shumo, understanding their predicament, agreed and led them inside.
Mo Xi immediately found the school grounds peculiar, observing moss that the principal insisted on keeping for "a special vibe," and seeing students practicing dance late into the night. Shen Shumo explained that these were noble students with "eccentric" ways and that dancing improved posture. Mo Xi, however, suspected the school harbored secrets. Shen Shumo showed them to a spacious room that had been previously occupied by two teachers.
Fengyao mentioned they had no bedding due to the theft, but Shen Shumo pointed out that the previous teacher, Miss Sun, had left hers behind. Miss Sun had taught poetry and Confucian classics argumentation before leaving two months ago to marry a general, departing so suddenly that she didn't collect her belongings. Shen Shumo also mentioned that the principal had long awaited Fengyao, impressed by her reputation as a student of Miss Bi Tao.
After Shen Shumo left, Mo Xi took charge of cleaning up the room and fetched hot water. While fetching water, Mo Xi noticed a suspicious figure sneaking around, who quickly fled upon being discovered. Mo Xi returned with hot water, telling Fengyao she had charmed Madam Zhou into providing it. As they settled in, Fengyao remarked on the softness of the blanket, noting its goose down and lingering fragrance, speculating that Miss Sun must have been a beauty.
Mo Xi found Miss Sun's sudden departure strange, leaving her teaching post and belongings behind. Later that night, while Fengyao slept peacefully, Mo Xi lay awake, feeling the strangeness of the school and reflecting on Miss Sun's romantic escape versus her own unresolved feelings for Wan Jiagui. The next morning, Mo Xi saw an old woman sun-drying books. She offered to help but was brusquely dismissed.
Later, when Shen Shumo brought them to meet the Principal, Mo Xi was shocked to realize it was the same "old hag" who had rebuffed her earlier. Quickly adapting, Mo Xi lavished the Principal with compliments, praising her beauty and kindness, and attributing her previous harshness to not recognizing her. The Principal, amused, explained that she always handled her special books herself.
Shen Shumo vouched for Mo Xi's accompanying Fengyao, and the Principal agreed to let Mo Xi stay under the condition that Fengyao’s first lesson impressed her. Fengyao, nervous during her first lesson, struggled initially. However, Mo Xi's encouraging presence in the class helped Fengyao regain her confidence, and she proceeded to deliver an excellent lecture, securing her teaching position. Following this, Fengyao was also made the warden of Ding 2 Class, with additional responsibilities overseeing students' other studies.
During an archery class, they met the new teacher, Mr. Feng Ming, who immediately expressed his admiration for Fengyao's talent and beauty, much to Mo Xi's distaste. Shen Shumo explained that Miss Sun had previously taught archery, but after her departure, no other woman in Qingzhou skilled in archery could be found. Thus, the Principal made an exception and hired her own brother, Mr. Feng Ming, to teach the subject.
Mo Xi questioned why the school, which primarily focused on poetry and etiquette, would break its rules to hire a male teacher for archery, a subject she believed was not highly prioritized when Miss Sun also served as the archery teacher. Shen Shumo responded that given the troubled times, perhaps noble ladies wished to learn self-defense, and the Principal likely had her own reasons, which she did not fully understand.
Episode 12 Recap
Mo Xi continued to feel that the academy was peculiar and warned Fengyao to be cautious, but Fengyao found nothing unusual, reassuring Mo Xi that she would keep an eye on things. Later, Mo Xi went shopping for clothes. As she didn't have much money, she sought out inexpensive fabric. She bought enough material for one outfit, intending to make it for Fengyao first, and then make her own after Fengyao received her salary.
Fengyao, however, insisted that Mo Xi should make clothes for herself first, arguing that her current attire was thick enough to endure the cold. She rebuffed Mo Xi's suggestion to ask for a salary advance, stating she was too shy after losing their storage box and preferred to endure the cold rather than steal. Soon after, Shen Shumo arrived with food, guessing that the sisters hadn't eaten.
Noticing Fengyao's reluctance to wear the new clothes Mo Xi had planned for her, Shen Shumo offered Fengyao some of her spare money. Despite Fengyao's initial refusal, Shen Shumo insisted, explaining it was merely a loan with no interest, which Fengyao could repay whenever convenient. Mo Xi gratefully accepted the money on Fengyao's behalf.
After Shen Shumo departed, Fengyao expressed her apprehension to Mo Xi about accepting others' kindness too readily, worrying they might suffer losses as newcomers unfamiliar with the place. She cautioned Mo Xi never to take advantage of others for small gains. Mo Xi, in turn, reassured her that she knew how to handle herself and wouldn't be taken advantage of, joking that "rabbits don't eat grass near their burrows." Fengyao was relieved by Mo Xi's assurance.
When Mo Xi went out to buy ingredients, she remembered Fengyao's advice. At the market, after carefully selecting a piece of meat, she noticed another piece had fallen to the ground and kindly reminded the vendor to hang it properly. Impressed by Mo Xi's good nature, the vendor gave her some extra sheep intestines for free.
Meanwhile, due to Miss Li taking a long leave for personal matters, Fengyao was tasked with temporarily teaching poetry and literature to both Ding 1 and Ding 2 classes. She observed that the students from the two classes wore different uniforms and seemed openly hostile towards each other, making her wonder if they had a history of conflicts. During class, two students from different sections began to argue and fight.
The Principal, upon learning of the incident, reprimanded the students for their lack of manners. She then turned to Fengyao, acknowledging her youth and inexperience but emphasizing the need for strictness with students. The Principal stated that allowing such a fight in the classroom was uncivilized and would tarnish the academy's reputation. She urged Fengyao to lead by example, be more cautious, and prevent future incidents, so her colleagues wouldn't doubt her abilities.
Fengyao respectfully accepted the criticism, vowing to guide her students more diligently. Upon returning to her room, Mo Xi was happily cooking the free sheep intestines, confident Fengyao would enjoy her efforts despite the strong smell during cleaning. However, Fengyao, upon entering and smelling the dish, immediately grew suspicious when Mo Xi mentioned they "didn't spend any money on these." Fengyao accused Mo Xi of accepting small favors and taking advantage of others, disregarding her advice.
Feeling deeply misunderstood and insulted, Mo Xi retorted that Fengyao was too noble for such things and that she had tarnished Fengyao's dignity as a young lady of the Bai family, then stormed out. Sitting alone in the yard, feeling wronged, Mo Xi overheard a female student chasing Wu Yin, accusing her of not helping explain things in class, which led to a bigger problem.
The student expressed frustration that Wu Yin, despite her knowledge, wouldn't help their Ding 1 class against the "hypocritical maids from Ding 2 Class," and accused her of being ungrateful despite past protection. Wu Yin simply replied, "What does it have to do with me?" After the student left, Wu Yin noticed Mo Xi and called her out. Mo Xi recognized Wu Yin as the person who had been spying on her when they first arrived at the academy.
To her surprise, Mo Xi realized that Wu Yin, whom she had presumed to be a female student, was "actually a man." Later, as Fengyao searched for Mo Xi, she ran into Feng Ming. Feng Ming, observing Fengyao's upset demeanor, offered sympathy for her struggles with unruly students and suggested she join him if she was unhappy. Fengyao quickly dismissed him, reminding him to mind his manners. Undeterred, Feng Ming silently vowed that he "must have her."
Fengyao eventually found Mo Xi and apologized sincerely, admitting she was wrong to accuse her and acknowledging that Mo Xi always kept her promises. She realized the sheep intestines were a gift and she had truly misunderstood. Mo Xi accepted her apology, and as a "punishment," playfully made Fengyao eat the braised intestines she had prepared. Fengyao readily agreed.
That evening, Shen Shumo visited Fengyao to offer comfort regarding the Principal's earlier scolding, advising her not to take the Principal's "unpleasantly" proud words to heart. Shen Shumo also mentioned she had important information about the students to share and invited Fengyao to her room for a detailed discussion.
There, Shen Shumo recounted the century-long history of the Qingzhou School for Women, explaining it was founded by the Zhao family's descendants from an abandoned temple to promote female virtues and education. She also highlighted the stone monument dedicated to Dowager Empress Zhong, a virtuous and intelligent former student. Shen Shumo elaborated on the academy's two sections, Meng Academy and Female Academy, detailing the strict selection process for female students, which involved rigorous assessments of knowledge, character, and background.
She then revealed a secret: despite the strict rules, the Principal was "tempted by the lavish bribes from those high-ranking officials" and had secretly admitted "mediocre" students. This information, Shen Shumo explained, was secretly shared by Miss Sun Jingyun, the former teacher who had unexpectedly left. Jingyun had discovered forged examination papers by the Principal while copying calligraphy in the library at night.
Fengyao wondered why Jingyun hadn't reported this evidence, to which Shen Shumo replied that Jingyun "probably had her reasons" and had left too suddenly, perhaps not wanting to associate with her after marrying into a prominent family. As Mo Xi returned to her room, she saw someone sneaking around and gave chase, but the person vanished. She then unexpectedly encountered Feng Ming.
Feng Ming claimed Mo Xi had sent him a letter asking to meet "in the woods near the school at midnight." He declared his true affections for Fengyao but offered to make Mo Xi his "second wife" if she helped him win Fengyao over. Realizing she hadn't sent any letter, Mo Xi suspected "this be some kind of a trap to frame me for having a tryst with Feng Ming?"
Suddenly, the Principal and her guards arrived, searching for her brother, Feng Ming, after a guard reported his presence. The Principal suspected "some seductress" was behind his midnight visit and vowed to uncover the culprit. Feng Ming quickly hid, urging Mo Xi to keep quiet, fearing that if they were caught, he and Fengyao "wouldn't be able to explain ourselves." Mo Xi returned to her room to find it ransacked.
She deduced that the person who lured her away was the same person who then searched their room. Though the thief's figure seemed familiar, she couldn't identify them. In the following days, Feng Ming continued to pursue Fengyao. Fengyao observed him acting inappropriately towards female students during archery class.
She confronted him about his alleged meeting with Mo Xi, firmly stating that she knew Mo Xi would never arrange such a secret rendezvous and warned him against defaming a woman's reputation. Feng Ming denied any involvement with Mo Xi, reaffirming his sole affection for Fengyao and attempting to give her gifts. Fengyao rebuffed him, telling him to stop his "nonsense and having any improper thoughts" before quickly departing.
Feng Ming's harassment persisted, and he even followed Fengyao to the female teachers' dormitory. Witnessing his relentless pursuit, Mo Xi dramatically splashed porridge on him. She then grabbed a pot for self-defense and, in the ensuing commotion, accidentally hit Feng Ming with it. A crowd gathered at the disturbance, and Feng Ming only retreated upon seeing Shen Shumo arrive.
Episode 13 Recap
Mo Xi found Fengyao looking pale and distraught. Fengyao confided that the Principal had scolded her, accusing her of behaving frivolously and seducing her younger brother, Feng Ming. Fengyao clarified that Feng Ming's persistent harassment had caused gossip among teachers and embarrassed the Principal, leading to the reprimand. Fengyao also mentioned that Feng Ming had repeatedly crossed boundaries, even coming to the teachers' residence and acting indecently.
The Principal had warned that if such incidents recurred, both sisters would be expelled from the academy. Furthermore, the Principal intended to deduct half of Fengyao's wages. Mo Xi was incensed, arguing that Feng Ming was the one harassing Fengyao, and it was outrageous to blame Fengyao and deduct her pay. Mo Xi urged Fengyao to leave the academy, pointing out other job opportunities.
However, Fengyao insisted on staying, hoping that the Principal's admonishment would make Feng Ming more restrained, and citing their debt to Shen Shumo as a reason to remain until she received her first month's salary. Frustrated by Fengyao's stubbornness, Mo Xi angrily called her a "hopeless fool" and walked away. While still fuming, Mo Xi encountered Feng Ming in the academy courtyard. Feng Ming, seeing her anger, tried to placate her, claiming he felt sorry for Fengyao.
He boasted about an upcoming opportunity that would bring glory to his family, promising to formally marry Fengyao, which would leave his sister with no grounds for objection. Mo Xi was about to confront him further when Wu Yin discreetly threw a stone, hitting Mo Xi and distracting her. Feng Ming seized the chance to escape, stating he had other matters to attend to and that men and women should not be too close.
Mo Xi spent the day reflecting on her behavior, regretting that she had scolded Fengyao when her sister was already distressed. Feeling remorseful, Mo Xi bought a steamed bun to reconcile with Fengyao. Upon returning, she found Fengyao diligently copying Buddhist scriptures. Fengyao explained that Miss Lu had found a wealthy man who was willing to pay handsomely for hand-copied scriptures, which would allow Fengyao to earn back her deducted half-month's wages.
Despite Fengyao's optimism, Mo Xi worried about the immense task. Overwhelmed with guilt, Mo Xi tearfully apologized for her harsh words, asking if Fengyao was angry with her. Fengyao reassured her, stating she could never be angry with Mo Xi, as Mo Xi was her only remaining family. The sisters reconciled, and Mo Xi stayed up late, accompanying Fengyao as she continued her copying.
Upon learning about Fengyao's mistreatment and the wage deduction, Shen Shumo became furious and intended to confront the Principal herself. Mo Xi, however, insisted on speaking to the Principal first, assuring Shen Shumo that she would handle it calmly. Mo Xi then stormed into the Principal's private room, angrily accusing her of injustice. She clarified that Fengyao was not her blood sister, but Mo Xi would not tolerate bullying.
She pointed out that Feng Ming was the one harassing Fengyao, and the Principal's accusations were baseless. To emphasize her point, Mo Xi pulled out a pair of scissors, threatening to use them on anyone who dared to shamelessly harass her sister again. She warned that if the Principal continued to deduct their wages, pushing them into a corner, Mo Xi would retaliate violently. Intimidated by Mo Xi’s ferocity, the Principal backed down.
As Mo Xi left the Principal's room, she noticed Wu Yin lurking. Mo Xi confronted Wu Yin, revealing that she knew Wu Yin was a man disguised as a girl, having noticed her Adam's apple previously. Mo Xi warned Wu Yin not to attempt to silence her, stating she had already written down the secret and that if anything happened to her, the note would be found.
Mo Xi then offered Wu Yin a deal: she would keep Wu Yin's secret safe if Wu Yin agreed to beat Feng Ming if he ever dared to bully Fengyao again. Wu Yin agreed to the terms, sealing their pact with a palm strike. Returning to her room, Mo Xi was informed by Fengyao that the Principal had rescinded the wage deduction, claiming it was merely a scare.
Despite this, Fengyao still intended to continue copying scriptures, albeit at a slower pace, to earn extra money and repay their debt to Shen Shumo as soon as possible. Mo Xi expressed hope that Feng Ming would cease his harassment, vowing to severely punish him if he dared to bother Fengyao again. Shortly after, Shen Shumo arrived with shocking news: Feng Ming was dead. The Principal was overcome with grief upon seeing her brother's body.
Authorities quickly arrived to investigate, and the coroner determined that Feng Ming had died approximately four hours prior, around a quarter past the hour of the horse. The Principal, realizing the murderer must still be within the academy, immediately suspected Fengyao and Mo Xi, recalling their recent animosity with Feng Ming.
Fengyao vehemently denied the accusation, arguing that two "weak women" could not kill Feng Ming and that the Principal was slandering them out of spite for Feng Ming's past harassment. However, the Principal retaliated by revealing that Mo Xi had threatened her with scissors and stabbed her desk, which Mo Xi admitted was true. Fengyao tried to defend Mo Xi, explaining her sister's actions were merely a rash attempt to stand up for her, not an act of murder.
Nevertheless, with the sisters as the prime suspects, the officer ordered their arrest for interrogation. Just as they were about to be taken away, Shen Shumo, at Mo Xi's earlier request, arrived with Wu Yin. Wu Yin stepped forward, identifying herself as a student and offering to testify.
She confirmed that Feng Ming had died four hours prior and stated that she was with Fengyao and Mo Xi at that exact time, seeking academic advice on a poem from Fengyao, with Mo Xi also present. Though the officer initially suspected collusion, Wu Yin’s subsequent actions convinced him. The officer then declared Fengyao and Mo Xi innocent, much to the Principal's furious outcry about the lack of justice.
Back in their residence, Mo Xi thanked Shen Shumo for her help. Mo Xi clarified that her reason for asking Wu Yin to testify was because she had indeed chatted with Wu Yin that afternoon, making Wu Yin a legitimate witness for their alibi. As for why the officers seemed to obey Wu Yin, Mo Xi speculated that Wu Yin's identity was far from ordinary, a suspicion confirmed by the day's events. Shen Shumo acknowledged Mo Xi's astute observation.
After Shen Shumo departed, Fengyao confronted Mo Xi about threatening the Principal with scissors. Mo Xi apologized, but Fengyao sternly lectured her, emphasizing that resorting to violence, even when provoked, was wrong and could endanger them, especially after their recent close call with a murder accusation. Mo Xi admitted her mistake, and Fengyao, seeing her remorse, let the matter drop. Later that night, Chen Wende secretly infiltrated the academy's Pavilion of Books, searching for the Empress Dowager's treasured scroll.
He unexpectedly encountered Wu Yin, also clad in black and searching for something. The two engaged in a brief skirmish, but Wu Yin, outmatched by Chen Wende's superior skills, managed to escape. Chen Wende surmised that Wu Yin, too, was after the scroll, highlighting the suspicious nature of its contents. Later that night, Mo Xi encountered Wu Yin, who appeared injured and was coughing.
Misunderstanding Wu Yin's identity as a high-ranking official due to the earlier court incident, Mo Xi offered him medicinal herbs for his cough and thanked him for his testimony. Wu Yin, however, remained cryptic about his activities and identity, eventually leaving without fully answering Mo Xi's questions, which Mo Xi found strange.
The next day, Shen Shumo informed the sisters that the Principal had suddenly taken leave to recuperate in the countryside, leaving Shen Shumo as the temporary head of the academy. Shen Shumo added that the influential Zhao family, not fully trusting her, had sent a new archery teacher to assist her.
She warned Fengyao and Mo Xi that this new teacher likely had a significant connection to the Zhao family and advised them to avoid offending or getting too close to him. During the first archery class, Mo Xi was startled to discover that the new teacher, who introduced himself as Wen Dong, was actually Chen Wende. Chen Wende, in turn, expressed surprise at seeing Mo Xi there. He demonstrated his skill by shooting an arrow dangerously close to Mo Xi.
Later, Chen Wende privately approached Mo Xi, asking why she and Fengyao had come to Qingzhou. Mo Xi recounted the recent misfortunes that had befallen the Bai family, which led to Fengyao taking a teaching position at the academy, with Mo Xi accompanying her. Chen Wende speculated that someone, perhaps Wu Lang, was retaliating against them.
He then revealed that he had his own important mission in Qingzhou, emphasizing that Mo Xi was the only one there who knew his true identity. Mo Xi vehemently swore not to reveal his secret. However, Chen Wende warned her that if even the slightest hint of his identity was leaked, he would ensure both Mo Xi and Fengyao vanished from the Qingzhou School for Women.
Mo Xi, troubled by Chen Wende's presence and threats, internally questioned why a general like him was infiltrating the academy under disguise and what secrets the school might hold. She tried to convince Fengyao to leave Qingzhou, but Fengyao was reluctant, citing the difficulty of securing a new job and their outstanding debt to Shen Shumo. Fengyao believed their troubles were over with the Principal gone and Wu Yin's testimony.
Mo Xi, still wary, warned Fengyao to keep her distance from Teacher Wen, despite Fengyao's more favorable impression of him. Mo Xi insisted that Chen Wende didn't seem like a good person and urged Fengyao to remember Feng Ming's fate as a cautionary tale. Fengyao promised to be more careful.
Episode 14 Recap
The students of Ding 1 Class at Qingzhou School for Women were known for their interest in clothes and jewelry rather than academics. This sparked whispers among the Ding 2 Class students, who speculated that the Ding 1 students hadn't been admitted through proper examinations, and many had mysterious backgrounds. Mo Xi, overhearing these discussions, grew suspicious, especially wondering about Chen Wende's true purpose at the academy, sensing something significant was about to unfold.
Under the pretense of relaying a poetry assignment from Bai Fengyao, Mo Xi approached the Ding 1 students. She confronted Wu Yin directly, asking if he was involved in Feng Ming's death. Wu Yin offered no explanation. Mo Xi then remarked on his handsome appearance, suggesting he could easily pass as a girl. This angered Wu Yin, who grabbed Mo Xi and demanded she keep his secret, warning her this would be the last time.
He quickly fled upon hearing someone approach. Shortly after, Chen Wende appeared, teasing Mo Xi about her knack for getting into trouble. Mo Xi, dismissing his flirtatious suggestion that he was there for her, pressed him about what secret at the Qingzhou School for Women truly attracted him. Chen Wende advised her to leave the academy as soon as possible, stating that everyone there was extraordinary.
Convinced that too many people with unknown backgrounds posed a danger, Mo Xi decided to pack her belongings, urging Bai Fengyao to leave. She informed Fengyao that many students in Ding 1 Class, including Wu Yin and the archery teacher, were admitted without proper examinations. Shen Shumo then joined them, confirming that the entire Qingzhou School for Women had irregularities with its entrance process.
She showed Fengyao exam papers from Ding 3 Class where students failed to recite basic classics, which was highly unusual for such a prestigious institution. Shen Shumo explained that Sun Jingyun had discovered the principal, Feng Yan, was taking bribes to secretly admit wealthy, but mediocre students. After confronting Feng Yan, Jingyun disappeared.
Shen Shumo also revealed that a letter allegedly left by Jingyun had her handwriting but a distinctly different writing style, leading her to believe Jingyun was missing and possibly harmed by the principal, Feng Yan, whose quiet room contained Jingyun's belongings. Mo Xi, now certain Feng Yan was responsible for Sun Jingyun's disappearance, insisted they leave immediately. However, Fengyao, ever the dedicated teacher, wished to complete her final lesson on the "Book of Songs" the next day before departing.
Later, Wu Yin intercepted Mo Xi, demanding she hand over the items left by Sun Jingyun, which Mo Xi claimed to know nothing about. Chen Wende intervened, causing Wu Yin to retreat. Realizing that Wu Yin and others mistakenly believed the sisters possessed Sun Jingyun's important item, Chen Wende concluded that Bai Fengyao was now in grave danger.
Due to a twisted ankle, Mo Xi asked Chen Wende to carry her to find Fengyao, which he did, albeit with some awkwardness. Upon arriving at the classroom, Mo Xi discovered Fengyao had been summoned by the principal. A student named Xiangnan recounted that Fengyao had left, and everyone in the classroom had inexplicably fallen asleep due to a "hypnotic fragrance." It became clear Fengyao had been abducted.
Mo Xi turned to Chen Wende for help, but he insisted on obtaining Sun Jingyun's item first. Mo Xi then questioned Shen Shumo about the item. Shen Shumo vaguely recalled Jingyun mentioning she had discovered the genuine artwork of the Empress Dowager's treasured scroll. Chen Wende, however, believed the item was far more significant than just a scroll. At that moment, a messenger delivered a letter from Feng Yan, demanding the exchange of Sun Jingyun's treasure for Fengyao's safe return.
Chen Wende led Mo Xi and Shen Shumo to Mo Xi's room to search for the item. Mo Xi mentioned that a black-clad individual had previously infiltrated and ransacked her room, implying that person, likely someone familiar with the academy, had not found what they were looking for. Mo Xi then devised a plan and led them to Feng Mansion.
Mo Xi was struck by the mansion's immense size, prompting Shen Shumo to explain that Feng Yan had used the Qingzhou School for Women as her personal property, accepting bribes for admissions and even falsifying student achievements, all to acquire wealth and establish her family's prominence in Qingzhou. Shen Shumo revealed she had found ghostwritten poems in Feng Yan's quiet room, excellent works that were actually produced by talented, yet rejected, poor students.
She expressed her belief that Feng Yan was behind Jingyun's disappearance. Inside Feng Mansion, they discovered Bai Fengyao chained and under Feng Yan's control. Mo Xi initially attempted to use a counterfeit item to deceive Feng Yan into releasing Fengyao, but then threatened Feng Yan, warning her not to harm Fengyao. Feng Yan demanded the genuine item, then revealed to a shocked Shen Shumo that Sun Jingyun had "brought it upon herself."
She confessed to having killed Jingyun because Jingyun had sought justice for the poor girls who were unfairly rejected from the academy due to Feng Yan's corrupt practices. Feng Yan further admitted to using talented but rejected students to ghostwrite assignments for the wealthy, mediocre ones, thereby maintaining the academy's facade of excellence. Meanwhile, Wu Yin, now in male attire, was seen commanding soldiers to thoroughly search and interrogate teachers and students at the academy as Marquis Mingde's visit loomed.
Back at Feng Mansion, Chen Wende revealed his true identity as an assassin to Feng Yan, explaining he came to assassinate Marquis Mingde. He offered Feng Yan a deal: he would abandon his mission to assassinate Marquis Mingde if she released Bai Fengyao and allowed him to take both sisters away from the academy. Feng Yan, however, refused to release Fengyao so easily.
Chen Wende then exposed Feng Yan's larger scheme, connecting the admission of many "seductive women" in Ding 1 Class to the impending arrival of Marquis Mingde, Zhong Yuqi, in Qingzhou. Feng Yan confirmed that Zhong Yuqi was coming to the Qingzhou School for Women to search for Empress Dowager's artifact, and she intended to use this opportunity to her advantage.
She elaborated that the attractive young women were being groomed for the emperor's harem, a strategy for the families involved to secure influential positions and benefits, and thereby strengthen Zhong Yuqi's faction within the palace. Feng Yan then recounted how Sun Jingyun, after discovering her bribery scheme, had boasted of possessing an item that, if presented to Marquis Mingde and then the emperor, could bring immense glory and change her own and her family's destiny.
Shen Shumo passionately countered Feng Yan's portrayal of Jingyun as a petty opportunist. She explained that Jingyun came from a noble family, whose father was framed and exiled. Jingyun sought the Empress Dowager's item not for personal gain but to secure a pardon and reunite her family. Feng Yan, however, remained unmoved, stating her own family also needed to revive its reputation.
She admitted she had tried to collaborate with Jingyun to present the treasure, but Jingyun refused, not even allowing her to see it. This refusal, Feng Yan claimed, forced her to take "drastic measures." Chen Wende interjected, revealing he knew Feng Yan had used her skills in commissioning ghostwriters to forge a letter in Sun Jingyun's hand to cover her disappearance. Feng Yan finally admitted to killing Sun Jingyun.
When Mo Xi finally handed over the item in exchange for Fengyao, Feng Yan, true to her treacherous nature, immediately activated a hidden mechanism, plunging Mo Xi, Chen Wende, and Shen Shumo into a watery trap.
Episode 15 Recap
Wu Yin's subordinates reported that their search of the School for Women yielded no clues. Wu Yin, reading a letter from the prime minister, decided they would await Marquis Zhong Yuqi's arrival to plan their next move, confident that attractive bait would draw out their target. He then ordered the detained teachers to be untied, apologizing for the inconvenience and offering them gold as compensation.
When the teachers recognized the emblem of Prime Minister Wu's mansion, they understood they couldn't interfere and agreed to let the matter drop, warned by Wu Yin to keep silent about imperial court secrets. Afterward, Wu Yin commanded his men to infiltrate the marquis' guards, assuring them that despite the difficulty, they would be rewarded with great achievements. Meanwhile, in an underground water dungeon, Shen Shumo discovered Sun Jingyun, who was barely alive and burning with fever.
Mo Xi shivered intensely from the cold, prompting Chen Wende to embrace her for warmth. Mo Xi worried about their escape, wondering how Feng Yan could possess such a large dungeon. Outside, Feng Yan realized the items Mo Xi had brought her were a deception.
Upon learning from her servant that Marquis Mingde had arrived in the city, Feng Yan, despite her servant's pleas to stop, remained determined to restore the Feng family's glory, recalling her promise to her deceased father. She had already kidnapped Bai Fengyao, whom she coerced into imitating calligraphy by threatening Mo Xi’s life, vowing to increase the water flow in the dungeon if Bai Fengyao refused. With Bai Fengyao in tow, Feng Yan then departed for the School for Women.
Inside the water dungeon, the water level continued to rise dangerously. Chen Wende found a potential escape route above them but struggled to break Sun Jingyun's chains. He shared his meager food with Mo Xi, Shen Shumo, and Sun Jingyun, then repeatedly dove into the frigid water, attempting to sever the chains with his tools. Meanwhile, Sun Jingyun, weakening, confided in Shen Shumo that Feng Yan had imprisoned her to obtain an item belonging to the Empress Dowager.
Sun Jingyun stressed that this item was of national importance and could not fall into the wrong hands, which is why she endured torture rather than reveal its location. Though she was at the end of her life, she didn't want Shen Shumo to be put in danger and so couldn't reveal the secret.
Sun Jingyun considered Shen Shumo her dearest friend and implored her to uphold her legacy as a teacher of high character and clear conscience, even reciting a "Best Friend Poem" they shared and asking for it to be hung in her residence as a memorial. Despite Chen Wende's persistent efforts, the chains remained unbroken.
Realizing her fate, Sun Jingyun, in a final act of self-sacrifice, pushed Shen Shumo away and willingly sank into the rising water, drowning to allow her friends to escape. Chen Wende then led a distraught Shen Shumo and Mo Xi to safety. Once out, Mo Xi, anxious about Bai Fengyao’s well-being, quickly followed Chen Wende to find her.
In Feng Yan’s room, Mo Xi couldn't find Bai Fengyao, and Chen Wende concluded that Feng Yan and Bai Fengyao must have just left. Shen Shumo discovered fragments of what she identified as Empress Dowager Zhong’s authentic calligraphy. She theorized that Sun Jingyun had likely discovered the original in the Pavilion of Books, leading to a confrontation with Feng Yan that resulted in its destruction.
To conceal the damage, Feng Yan had forced Bai Fengyao, renowned for her semi-cursive script, to create a forgery, intending to present it to Marquis Zhong Yuqi, who would then offer it to the Emperor as a tribute. Feng Yan had taken Bai Fengyao with her, likely as insurance. At the Qingzhou School for Women, Marquis Mingde Zhong Yuqi was greeted by Zhao Zhanyuan, head of the Zhao family.
The marquis inquired about the principal, learning that Feng Yan was away and acting principal Shen Shumo was missing, which greatly angered the accompanying Qingzhou officials. The marquis, disappointed, ordered a search of the Pavilion of Books for the Empress Dowager's calligraphy, but nothing was found. He expressed deep regret at not finding any mementos of his elder sister, the Empress Dowager, which he had hoped to present to His Majesty.
Just then, Feng Yan arrived with Bai Fengyao, claiming to possess a rare treasure. After praising the Empress Dowager's calligraphy, Feng Yan presented the scroll to the marquis, openly soliciting favors and official appointments for her two younger cousins to restore the Feng family's standing. The marquis initially agreed to her request but, upon examining the calligraphy, his expression hardened with fury as he realized it was a forgery. He declared his intense dislike for those who engage in fraud.
Mo Xi, Chen Wende, and Shen Shumo rushed back to the school to rescue Bai Fengyao. Mo Xi attempted to comfort a grieving Shen Shumo, reminding her that Sun Jingyun could not be brought back to life. However, Shen Shumo was resolute, vowing to expose Feng Yan and avenge her friend. Chen Wende urged caution, advising that they first needed to investigate the powerful forces behind Feng Yan, lest they risk their own lives before achieving justice.
Mo Xi also expressed deep worry for Bai Fengyao, but Chen Wende reassured her that Feng Yan would not harm Bai Fengyao yet, as she still had use for her. Enraged by the forgery, the marquis declared that Feng Yan’s attempt to deceive the Emperor with a fake Empress Dowager's calligraphy was a capital offense, punishable by death.
Facing execution, Feng Yan quickly shifted the blame to Bai Fengyao, asserting that Bai Fengyao was the one who had forged the script and coerced her into presenting it. When Bai Fengyao tried to protest, Feng Yan subtly threatened her, reminding her of Mo Xi's captivity. Under this duress, Bai Fengyao confessed that she had indeed imitated the Empress Dowager's calligraphy, explaining that the original had been torn and she had meticulously copied it word for word.
Despite her confession, the marquis ordered Bai Fengyao to be beaten to death for her audacious crime. However, the Qingzhou Provincial Governor intervened, praising Feng Yan's loyalty and her efforts in training dancers for the marquis, requesting that she be granted a chance to atone for her mistakes, which the marquis ultimately granted.
As Mo Xi and Shen Shumo attempted to enter the school, they were stopped by guards who stated no admittance was allowed except on business, and that another principal had already entered. Chen Wende then revealed a pendant, identifying himself as a Captain of the Longxiang Army, which granted them immediate entry. Once inside, Chen Wende instructed Shen Shumo to investigate any unusual occurrences within the school while he and Mo Xi proceeded to find Bai Fengyao.
Episode 16 Recap
Chen Wende harbored strong suspicions about the Marquis's true intentions at Qingzhou School for Women, believing his visit was for an ulterior motive rather than simply seeking the Empress Dowager's calligraphy. He explained that Empress Dowager Zhong, renowned for her knowledge of poetry, was also skilled in geography, and her writings indicated the presence of a vast underground iron ore mine in Qingzhou. However, its exact location was only detailed on her personal map.
Meanwhile, Feng Yan instructed Xue Jia'er to prepare the students of Ding 1 Class for a dance performance for the Marquis, emphasizing this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Separately, Wu Yin, a secret agent under Prime Minister Wu, reported to the Marquis. The Marquis expressed his disappointment at Wu Yin for not yet finding the Empress Dowager's calligraphy. Wu Yin then detailed an encounter with a mysterious, skilled martial artist in the school’s Pavilion of Books, who had injured him.
He deduced that the true objective of this individual, and the Marquis’s visit, was a hidden agenda beyond the calligraphy. The Marquis acknowledged Wu Yin’s insight and revealed that his sister, Empress Dowager Zhong, had spoken of an iron ore mine in Qingzhou capable of supplying weapons for a large army, but its precise location remained a mystery due to Qingzhou's vast, mountainous terrain.
He confirmed his purpose was to find this iron ore mine map, and Wu Yin pledged his full support to acquire it, while also being instructed to remain vigilant for the mysterious man he encountered. Chen Wende intervened to rescue Fengyao from her impending punishment. Mo Xi rushed to Fengyao, and the two sisters embraced, profoundly relieved to find each other safe.
Chen Wende then reiterated his urgent need to locate the iron ore mine map, which he considered crucial as ironware was fundamental to all weaponry, and he intended to prevent the Marquis, Zhong Yuqi, from obtaining it. He confirmed that the search for the Empress Dowager's calligraphy was merely a diversion. Chen Wende further revealed his dual objective in Qingzhou: to acquire the map and assassinate the Marquis.
He strongly advised Mo Xi and Fengyao to leave the School for Women without delay. While the Marquis observed the dance performance by Ding 1 Class, Fengyao, who was initially leaving the school with Mo Xi, decided they must return.
She had learned of Chen Wende's plan to assassinate the Marquis and argued vehemently against it, warning that the Marquis's death, as an imperial envoy, would plunge the nation into chaos and lead to the execution of over a hundred people at the school. Mo Xi, though initially dismissive of the political implications, was convinced by the dire consequences for their schoolmates and teachers.
Fengyao also expressed her obligation as a "widow of the Longxiang Army" to prevent such a calamity. Shortly after, Mo Xi and Fengyao encountered Shen Shumo, who was preparing to leave the school. Shen Shumo lamented the chaos brought by the Marquis's visit, the involvement of Prime Minister Wu's agents who had kidnapped and bribed teachers, and especially Feng Yan's pardon for her numerous crimes simply because she recommended dancers. Disgusted by the school's corruption, Shen Shumo declared her resignation.
Realizing Fengyao's determination to intervene, Mo Xi, seeing an opportunity while Shen Shumo and Fengyao were distracted, locked them both in a room and ventured alone to find the Marquis. During the performance, Xiangnan, a student from Ding 2 Class, challenged Xue Jia'er of Ding 1 Class, asserting that the Marquis should evaluate all students. Mo Xi, meanwhile, located Chen Wende and tried to dissuade him from his assassination attempt, conveying Fengyao's concerns about the catastrophic impact on the school.
Chen Wende, however, remained resolute. As Xiangnan and Xue Jia'er began their competitive performance, Xiangnan suddenly launched an attack on the Marquis amidst the music. The Marquis's guards quickly intervened, and Chen Wende, despite Mo Xi's pleas, joined the assault. Wu Yin then appeared, protecting the Marquis and engaging Chen Wende in a fierce struggle. As the Marquis sought to withdraw, Chen Wende was caught off guard and injured. Wu Yin subsequently killed Xiangnan.
Injured, Chen Wende seized the Marquis as a hostage, demanding the Empress Dowager's iron ore mine map from his guards. Wu Yin intervened, claiming that he had uncovered a clue to the map's location during his investigation into Feng Yan's brother's death. However, Chen Wende deemed this clue insufficient for releasing the Marquis.
Chen Wende then launched into an accusation against the Marquis, alleging collusion, framing good officials, forcing the Emperor's departure from the capital, and an ambitious pursuit of the iron ore map, proclaiming his intent to kill the Marquis for the good of the nation. Mo Xi appeared, attempting to prevent Chen Wende from taking the Marquis's life, reasoning about the severe consequences for the School for Women.
However, seeing Chen Wende surrounded by officers, she decided to aid his escape, throwing blinding powder to create a diversion and allow them both to flee. After their escape, Chen Wende collapsed from his wound. Realizing they would both be captured, Mo Xi intentionally twisted her ankle to create a diversion.
She was subsequently brought before Wu Yin, to whom she fabricated a story: Chen Wende, after questioning her about the iron ore map and finding her ignorant, had simply bandaged his injury and left. Wu Yin, though suspicious, ordered his subordinates to take Mo Xi back to her room and keep her captive within the school.
Upon returning to her room, Fengyao, seeing Mo Xi's injured foot and neck, was distraught and blamed herself, believing Mo Xi was hurt because she had insisted on warning the Marquis. Mo Xi downplayed her injuries, claiming they were accidental and that she had secured her release by claiming Shen Shumo had reported Fengyao's loyalty to the Marquis.
When Fengyao tried to question Mo Xi about her connection to Chen Wende, Mo Xi feigned a headache, attributing it to shock from the recent violence and Xiangnan's death, to avoid discussing the matter. Mo Xi discreetly sent Fengyao to Shen Shumo's room for the night, feigning a need for solitude to recover from shock. Returning to her own room, Mo Xi was startled to find Chen Wende already inside.
He casually stated his intention to recuperate from his injuries there, commenting on her room's suitability. Observing Mo Xi's lack of fear despite being alone with a wanted criminal, Chen Wende began to tease her. He jokingly questioned why she closed the door, then suggested they become a "thief couple" on the run, claiming he had already sent betrothal gifts and secured her parents' consent. Mo Xi, calling him a "traitor," vehemently rejected the idea, to which Chen Wende playfully threatened to announce their "marriage" to any approaching constables.
Episode 17 Recap
Chen Wende casually ate the noodles Bai Fengyao had prepared for Mo Xi, declaring that he treats everyone like family and there were enough noodles for two. Mo Xi, annoyed, internally thought she hadn't planned to share and tried to quickly finish her meal. Chen Wende found her ravenous eating amusing, to which Mo Xi retorted with a sarcastic remark.
He then teased her, suggesting he'd claim her as his wife if constables came, implying she'd become a fugitive with him, which alarmed Mo Xi. Wu Yin reported to Principal Feng about the day's two assassins; one was dead without evidence, and the other had escaped. She mentioned that the Zhao family patriarch had recommended a Mr. Wen, and her men were investigating the capital. Wu Yin then pressed Principal Feng about Zhang Xiangnan, a student Principal Feng had admitted.
Principal Feng defended Zhang Xiangnan, stating she enrolled less than six months ago and her father, Zhang He, was a retired third-rank imperial general, so there should be no suspicion. However, Wu Yin pointed out that the Qingzhou School for Women did not accept mid-term students, prompting Principal Feng to admit she had taken 100 gold bars for Zhang Xiangnan's admission, but claimed to know nothing else.
Wu Yin then revealed that Zhang Xiangnan's father had confessed her true identity: her real surname was Sun, and she was the sister of Sun Jingyun, who had previously left the school. Their father, a former Deputy Imperial Secretary, had been framed and convicted by the Marquis for impeaching him, leading to the family's exile. Flashbacks showed the sisters' suffering before they were secretly rescued and adopted by Zhang He.
Sun Jingyun later became a tutor at the Qingzhou School for Women, where she learned the Marquis would visit in search of the Empress Dowager's letter, inspiring her plot for revenge. Zhang He then bribed Principal Feng to get Zhang Xiangnan into the school, and together, the three of them planned the Marquis's assassination. Wu Yin confronted Principal Feng, accusing her of being an unwitting accomplice and deserving the death penalty, but offered leniency for a full confession.
Principal Feng confessed that Sun Jingyun had discovered her taking bribes and initially threatened to expose her. However, after Principal Feng mentioned the Marquis's impending visit, Sun Jingyun offered to cooperate, claiming to have found Empress Dowager's calligraphy and asking Principal Feng to leak this information to the Marquis. Principal Feng admitted she hadn't realized Sun Jingyun's true intentions at the time. She had tried multiple times to get the calligraphy from Sun Jingyun, who always refused.
Sun Jingyun's behavior grew strange, and Principal Feng heard engraving sounds from her room at night. One day, while Sun Jingyun was lecturing, Principal Feng snuck into her room and found the calligraphy and engraving tools. Sun Jingyun unexpectedly returned, leading to an argument during which they accidentally tore the calligraphy. Enraged and panicked, Principal Feng knocked Sun Jingyun unconscious and imprisoned her, hoping to extract information about other hidden treasures.
She then forged a letter, claiming Sun Jingyun had left to marry. Principal Feng further explained that due to recent mysterious events at the school, she believed Bai Fengyao might possess the Empress Dowager's treasured scroll. She had kidnapped Bai Fengyao, hoping to leverage her against her sister for the treasure. Her sister came with Mr. Wen and Miss Shen, and Principal Feng questioned them about the treasure to no avail.
Later, fearing the Marquis might discover her actions, she had trapped Mo Xi, Shen Shumo, Bai Fengyao, and Sun Jingyun in a water cell, but only Mo Xi, Shen Shumo, and Bai Fengyao survived. Principal Feng claimed she didn't know Sun Jingyun's current fate. Wu Yin, recalling previous information from threatening Feng Ming, suspected Mo Xi and her sister unknowingly possessed the mine map.
Observing Chen Wende's close relationship with Bai Fengyao, Wu Yin decided not to inform the Secretary General yet, instead ordering her men to discreetly monitor Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao and intervene if anyone attempted to take anything from them. Chen Wende informed Mo Xi he would stay in her room for a few days until the search outside eased.
Mo Xi challenged his claim of being a "traitor," to which Chen Wende clarified he was not a "great hero" either and couldn't simply walk out. He warned her that if she reported him, she would become his accomplice. Mo Xi grumbled about him taking her bed, reminding him not to touch Bai Fengyao's belongings. She then questioned why he, a general, was alone on such a dangerous mission.
Chen Wende explained that the mine map was a confidential matter that only he could handle. He revealed it led to an iron mine that could be used to manufacture large quantities of elite soldiers and sharp weapons. He wanted to prevent the mine map from falling into unscrupulous hands, intending to wait for the right moment to inform the Emperor of the truth.
Mo Xi called him a jinx, recounting how his presence had led to trouble, including his framing as a traitor in Jingzhou. Chen Wende confirmed he was framed while trying to protect the emperor and shared that Wan Jiagui, the leader of the Longxiang Army, had obtained a firearms blueprint and used it to invade Jingzhou.
He stressed his resolve to prevent the mine map from falling into unscrupulous hands, intending to wait for the right moment to inform the Emperor of the truth. Meanwhile, consumed by resentment, Principal Feng, believing Bai Fengyao and her friends had thwarted her plans to revitalize her family, attempted to sneak into the teachers' dormitories to kill them. She was discovered by Madam Zhou, who, seizing the opportunity, killed Principal Feng.
Chen Wende heard the commotion and left Mo Xi's room to investigate. Madam Zhou then blew a sleeping incense into Shen Shumo's room, where Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi were. Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi began to feel dizzy. Chen Wende discovered Principal Feng's body, realizing she had just been killed, and instructed his men to inform his master, deducing that another party was also after the mine map. Madam Zhou then appeared, holding Bai Fengyao hostage.
She demanded the small round pot Mo Xi received upon her arrival, revealing that it was the mine map. Mo Xi retrieved the pot, realizing the engraved map and text on its bottom were what Feng Ming had seen when she accidentally hit him with it, confirming it was Empress Dowager Zhong's mine map. Chen Wende attempted to rescue Bai Fengyao but was intercepted by Wu Yin.
Madam Zhou explained her motive: Sun Jingyun had engraved the map on the pot to ensure no one could find it, but Madam Zhou believed the Empress Dowager's son had the right to it. She recounted how Empress Dowager Zhong had saved her from a plague that had killed her entire family, and she wished to repay this kindness. She had been unaware of the map until she overheard Feng Ming, Principal Feng's younger brother, discussing it.
Feng Ming, after being accidentally hit by Mo Xi, discovered the map on the pot and planned to offer it to the Marquis for a reward. He had spoken disrespectfully of Empress Dowager Zhong, calling her "not powerful" and abandoned during the War of Yanyun. Enraged by his insults, Madam Zhou killed Feng Ming, believing he deserved his fate. Chen Wende engaged Wu Yin in a fight.
The Marquis's Secretary General arrived at the school, having received a letter from Madam Zhou claiming she had found the mine map and requesting a meeting. As the fight continued, Madam Zhou held Bai Fengyao hostage, threatening to kill her. Mo Xi quickly informed everyone that the mine map was on the pot Madam Zhou was holding. Madam Zhou intended to hand the pot to the Marquis's Secretary General, believing it would then reach the Marquis or the Emperor.
Seizing the moment of the Secretary General's arrival as a distraction, Chen Wende fatally stabbed Madam Zhou, rescued Bai Fengyao, handed her to Mo Xi, grabbed the round pot, and swiftly escaped the Qingzhou School for Women. Wu Yin immediately ordered his men to pursue Chen Wende. Worried that Wu Yin had heard Chen Wende's name and would report him to the Marquis, Mo Xi tried to flee the school with Bai Fengyao.
However, they discovered the Marquis had already departed. Realizing that Wu Yin likely hadn't reported Chen Wende, they decided to remain at the school. Later, Shen Shumo inscribed a poem left by Sun Jingyun for her sister, Xiangnan, on a wall in Bai Fengyao's room, explaining it was meant as a clue for the mine map. Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi reaffirmed their strong friendship, vowing to always keep their promises to each other.
Wu Yin, witnessing their bond, expressed envy for their friendship. Shen Shumo then asked if Wu Yin had any friends, to which Mo Xi warmly stated that she was Wu Yin's friend, deeply touching Wu Yin.
Episode 18 Recap
Wu Yin prepared to return to Jingzhou and came to bid farewell to Mo Xi. Mo Xi thanked Wu Yin for not revealing her acquaintance with Chen Wende to Marquis Mingde, and was relieved to learn that the body displayed on the city wall was not Sun Xiangnan. Mo Xi remarked on how different Wu Yin was from Wu Lang, prompting Wu Yin to reveal that he was Wu Lang's illegitimate child.
He then advised Mo Xi to stay away from Chen Wende, describing him as a murderous demon. Wu Yin also informed Mo Xi that Bai Pengkun had starved to death in Xiuzhou after leaving Jingzhou. Despite her past resentment towards him, Fengyao was deeply saddened by the news of her brother’s death and asked for some time alone to grieve.
Later, while out for a stroll, Mo Xi was startled to see Wan Jiagui alive at the entrance of the Qingzhou School for Women. Overwhelmed with joy, she tearfully confirmed his presence, expressing how devastated she had been believing he was dead. Wan Jiagui, however, had urgent military matters to attend to and promised to meet her again the following day before departing. Fengyao noticed Mo Xi's sprained ankle and gently tended to it.
Mo Xi secretly decided not to reveal Wan Jiagui's return to Fengyao just yet. Fengyao lamented the extensive damage to the academy, which had been ransacked by assassins and left dormitories burned. She explained that with the iron ore map gone, Marquis Mingde was unlikely to offer further assistance, and Feng Yan’s scandal had severely tarnished the school’s reputation, making repairs and fundraising incredibly difficult for Shen Shumo and herself.
While she had initially considered leaving Qingzhou as Mo Xi suggested, Fengyao felt she couldn't abandon Shen Shumo during such trying times. Despite the meager pay, she saw her teaching position as a proper job and resolved to stay, assuring Mo Xi that the academy, though impoverished, was no longer chaotic. The next day, a carriage arrived to take Mo Xi to meet Wan Jiagui.
Eager to look her best, Mo Xi chose a beautiful dress that Fengyao had secretly made for her as a birthday surprise. Fengyao playfully encouraged Mo Xi to meet her "acquaintance," hinting at a romantic interest, which Mo Xi dismissed before leaving. Upon arriving at Wan Jiagui’s residence, he immediately noticed her swollen ankle. Carrying her inside, he personally treated her sprain, explaining that he had learned the technique from a wandering physician during his recovery.
Mo Xi felt much better after the treatment. Meanwhile, at the Qingzhou School for Women, Shen Shumo and Fengyao discussed the academy's future. They were grateful for a donation from the Zhao family for repairs, acknowledging it would help them through the current hardship. However, Fengyao expressed concern that Qingzhou would become a battleground, as the iron ore map’s disappearance had made the city a target for various covetous factions.
Shen Shumo reassured her, revealing that the imperial court had sent a highly capable and valiant new garrison general to Qingzhou, who was none other than Wan Jiagui. Over a meal, Mo Xi pressed Wan Jiagui to explain his miraculous survival. He recounted leading troops to Yizhou of Mobei when they were ambushed by bandits in Guanzhongzhou. The Dragon Xiang Army suffered heavy casualties, and sensing imminent defeat, he deliberately lured the enemies away alone.
Severely injured, he fell off a cliff and was found by an eccentric wandering physician who healed him and traveled with him for six months until his full recovery. He believed the ambush was orchestrated but could not investigate who was behind it. Wan Jiagui explained that although his military rank had been reinstated, he was assigned to Qingzhou as garrison general to atone for the loss of his army.
He revealed that several governors of Jing State, including Xiao Buyu, Hu Jian of Xiuzhou, and Chen Wende, were colluding and coveted Qingzhou's iron ore, making conflict inevitable. Mo Xi worried for his safety, but he insisted it was his duty.
He then brought up what he had heard about Mo Xi and Fengyao's presence in Qingzhou, prompting Mo Xi to share their story of losing everything and fleeing Jingzhou after Wu Lang forced Fengyao to marry his mentally challenged son. Wan Jiagui then informed Mo Xi that he would be stationed in Qingzhou for one to two years and that his parents had already secured a residence for him.
He invited her to dine with him regularly, to which Mo Xi expressed concern about potential gossip. Reminding her of their past promise, he candidly shared that surviving the war had made him appreciate the fragility of life and strengthened his desire to cherish those he cared for, asking if their promise for a future together still stood. Mo Xi, in turn, revealed that a marriage arrangement had been made after his presumed death.
Shocked, Wan Jiagui found the idea ridiculous, stating he couldn't have written a last letter during the ambush, let alone designated Bai Fengyao as his widow. Mo Xi confessed that she had forged his "last letter" and used Fengyao's jade pendant as a token of engagement. She explained that she orchestrated everything to save Fengyao from being forced to marry Wu Lang's son.
Believing Wan Jiagui was dead at the time, she made Fengyao his "widow" to protect her from Wu Lang's coercion. She emphatically stated that she had never intended to give him to Fengyao and would certainly not do so now that he was alive. Wan Jiagui, realizing the marriage was a complete misunderstanding, urged Mo Xi to clarify the situation with Fengyao, but Mo Xi was at a loss for how to explain such a convoluted deception to her friend.
Episode 19 Recap
Wu Yin, consumed by jealousy, orders his subordinates to closely monitor Mo Xi and Wan Jiagui. His subordinate, concerned by Wu Yin's increasing disregard for his official duties in Qingzhou and his lingering in the city, resolves to report his behavior to Prime Minister Wu Lang. Upon learning that Wu Yin is staying in Qingzhou for a woman connected to Wan Jiagui, Wu Lang is furious.
However, Mingde Hou, observing the situation, suggests that Wu Yin’s romantic attachment might be exploited. He reminds Wu Lang that the Longxiang Army stationed in Qingzhou is not entirely under their control and proposes that by indulging Wu Yin's pursuit, they could indirectly gain influence over the army and, consequently, the iron mine. Mo Xi, aiming to cheer up Fengyao, treats her to a meal at the most esteemed restaurant in Qingzhou.
Fengyao, aware of their strained finances, questions how Mo Xi can afford such extravagance. Mo Xi vaguely attributes it to a friend's generosity. To Fengyao’s surprise, Wu Yin then appears, and Fengyao mistakenly assumes he is the friend Mo Xi alluded to.
Wu Yin pulls Mo Xi aside, revealing that he returned to Qingzhou not just because of Wan Jiagui's presence but also under Prime Minister Wu Lang’s direct orders to assess the progress of Fengyao and Wan Jiagui’s arranged marriage. He chillingly informs Mo Xi that if Wan Jiagui reneges on the marriage, the Wu family, setting aside past grievances, is prepared to marry Fengyao to one of their own.
Despite Mo Xi’s furious accusations, Wu Yin claims he is merely executing Wu Lang's unwavering demands and states he is powerless in these matters. Fengyao, after learning Wu Yin is Prime Minister Wu Lang’s nephew, becomes enraged. She mistakenly believes Mo Xi harbors feelings for a member of the despised Wu family and storms off, refusing to hear Mo Xi's explanations. Later, Wan Jiagui finds a distraught Mo Xi and learns of Fengyao's misunderstanding.
Mo Xi reveals Wu Yin's threats: by law, due to the initial betrothal gifts, the Wu family can legally compel Fengyao to marry their "mentally challenged" son if Wan Jiagui does not proceed with the marriage. Wan Jiagui, indignant at the Wu family's audacity and believing them to be too overbearing, vows to seek General Chu's intervention. Wan Jiagui's parents arrive in Qingzhou, overjoyed to be reunited with their son.
His mother, still shaken by Wan Jiagui’s previous presumed death, passionately urges him to formalize his marriage to Fengyao and start a family immediately, eager for grandchildren. She is happy that their "daughter-in-law" Fengyao is also teaching in the city. Wan Jiagui attempts to clarify the past family difficulties that led to the initial delay, acknowledging they had wronged Fengyao by not marrying her due to fears of creditors. However, his mother remains insistent on the marriage.
Mo Xi, witnessing the parental pressure, struggles with her own desire for Wan Jiagui to declare his true feelings for her, but an inner voice warns her against impulsive actions that could upset his parents and further complicate the situation, urging her to give Wan Jiagui time to resolve it. Wan Jiagui dispatches a servant to the Qingzhou School for Women, extending an invitation for Fengyao to visit his residence.
Fengyao, feeling a mixture of anxiety and excitement about meeting her nominal husband, seeks Mo Xi's help in choosing an appropriate outfit. She confides in Mo Xi that Wan Jiagui is indeed alive but expresses unease about his formal, rather than intimate, demeanor during their brief encounter. Unexpectedly, Wan Jiagui's servant announces that his parents, having heard Mo Xi is also at the school, wish for her to accompany Fengyao.
The two sisters then depart for the Wan Mansion, drawing admiring glances from other teachers who note their enhanced beauty when dressed up. At the Wan Mansion, Wan Jiagui finally reveals to Fengyao that it was Mo Xi who secretly contacted his parents, thereby mobilizing the Longxiang Army and ultimately securing Fengyao's safety. Fengyao is deeply moved, expressing profound gratitude and affirming Mo Xi as her dearest sister. Despite this heartwarming moment, Mo Xi feels a pang of jealousy.
Later, Wan Jiagui, intending to reveal the truth about their fabricated engagement, discusses it with Mo Xi. Mo Xi vehemently objects, fearing the emotional toll such a revelation would take on Fengyao, who has long harbored feelings for Wan Jiagui. However, Wan Jiagui argues that continued deception would cause more pain, and he reiterates the pressing threat of the Wu family forcing Fengyao to marry their mentally challenged son if his engagement is dissolved.
To counter this, he proposes an unconventional, temporary solution: Fengyao could join Taoism as an honorable priestess, a status that would protect her from forced marriage without requiring severe renunciations. Mo Xi, however, dismisses this idea as absurd. As Wan Jiagui prepares to reveal the truth during dinner, an unexpected imperial edict arrives, commanding his marriage to Fengyao.
The messenger explains that Prime Minister Wu Lang himself proposed this marriage to the Emperor, praising Wan Jiagui's military service and strategically cementing the union to prevent any retraction. The Emperor, believing Wu Lang was fostering unity with the Longxiang Army, was pleased and saw Wu Lang as looking at the bigger picture since he did not mention Fengyao marrying his mentally challenged son.
Enraged by this turn of events, Mo Xi confronts Wu Yin, accusing him of orchestrating the decree. Wu Yin coolly confirms the Wu family's calculated involvement, noting that Wan Jiagui is clearly Mo Xi's emotional Achilles' heel. He warns her that defying Prime Minister Wu Lang is a perilous path, as the Wu family tolerates no opposition.
During another visit to the Wan family, Wan Jiagui's parents joyously celebrate the imperial marriage, showering Fengyao with praises for bringing good fortune to their family and being a lucky charm. Mo Xi, feeling increasingly isolated and wronged, struggles to maintain composure. Concerned about the recent incidents at the School for Women, Wan's mother suggests both sisters move into their temporary residence.
She then privately urges Mo Xi to convince Fengyao to accept the offer, hoping for a more lively household. Later, Wan Jiagui finds a dejected Mo Xi at the school and reiterates the invitation for both sisters to move in, citing safety concerns and his desire to care for them.
He reassures Mo Xi of his genuine affection, reminding her that he only remembers "the little mean girl and little liar" he first encountered after his coma, an endearing reference to her. Acknowledging the difficulty of immediately annulling an imperial decree and his military duties, Wan Jiagui promises to find a comprehensive solution to satisfy all, imploring Mo Xi to trust him once more.
However, Mo Xi, tormented by a vivid dream of Wan Jiagui and his family facing execution for defying the Emperor on her behalf, makes a painful sacrifice. Convinced she brings misfortune, she agrees to persuade Fengyao to move in and resolve the situation without further jeopardizing Wan Jiagui, asking him not to follow her.
Episode 20 Recap
Mo Xi conveyed Mrs. Wan's concern about their safety at the academy and her suggestion for them to move into the Wan's Mansion. Fengyao was initially hesitant, stating it was improper to move in before the marriage ceremony and that the mansion was too far from the academy for her daily commute.
Mo Xi countered that Mrs. Wan considered it a guest house, making it acceptable by social norms, and that the Wan family had offered a horse carriage for transportation. Mo Xi then revealed her own strong dissatisfaction with their current living conditions, describing the academy as dilapidated. She complained about her chilblains returning, the bland, insufficient food, and the inconvenience of bathing, all of which had made her miserable.
Fengyao, realizing Mo Xi had been suffering in silence, felt deeply apologetic and blamed herself for being oblivious. Later, Mo Xi found Fengyao distressed and crying. Fengyao admitted her reluctance to move was driven by a desire to uphold the Bai family's honor and avoid being looked down upon by the Wan family, believing that their family spirit persevered as long as they maintained their dignity.
Mo Xi, understanding Fengyao's gentle but unyielding nature, offered to decline the Wan family's invitation. However, Fengyao, having reflected on her priorities, declared she had changed her mind. She realized that people's well-being was paramount, and her family's pride was ridiculous if it meant letting Mo Xi suffer. She ultimately agreed that they would move into the Wan's Mansion the following day, emphasizing their need to rely on each other.
During this conversation, Mo Xi cryptically asked Fengyao if she would forgive her if she ever betrayed her, before dismissing the thought due to the cold. Meanwhile, Shen Shumo learned that Fengyao was engaged to Wan Jiagui, who had returned from war safely and was now in Qingzhou, planning a grand ceremony to marry her. Shen Shumo considered Fengyao very lucky. As Mo Xi packed her belongings, she carefully wrapped a cherished jade lantern.
Shen Shumo, observing this, explained to Wan Jiagui, who had arrived to pick them up, that Mo Xi had taken great care of the lantern on her journey and wouldn't even pawn it when she was starving. After sending the sisters off, Shen Shumo entered the headmistress's quiet room, put on the principal's attire, and resolved to carry on Sun Jingyun's legacy.
She instructed a subordinate to erase the words on the wall, stating that "the best gift to the deceased is moving on," and declared her intention to be the best principal ever. Upon their arrival at Wan's Mansion, Mrs. Wan encouraged Wan Jiagui to take Fengyao and Mo Xi shopping for new clothes and show them around the flourishing city of Qingzhou, making sure to buy things for both Fengyao and Mo Xi.
As servants settled them into their new rooms, Mo Xi expressed her hesitation about joining Fengyao and Wan Jiagui on their outing, stating she didn't want to feel like a "third wheel" while they spent time together. Fengyao mistakenly interpreted Mo Xi's moodiness as jealousy that she would soon marry Wan Jiagui and neglect her.
Fengyao reassured Mo Xi that they would never abandon each other and that she had already arranged for Mo Xi to live with them in the Wan's Mansion after her marriage. Despite Mo Xi's continued concerns about awkwardness with Wan Jiagui, Fengyao persuaded her to go out. On the street, Fengyao decided to visit a crowded bookstore and suggested that Wan Jiagui take Mo Xi to the boutique instead, also asking Mo Xi to buy fabric for her.
Fengyao explicitly asked Wan Jiagui to take good care of Mo Xi. At the boutique, Mo Xi, still feeling like "extra weight," asked Wan Jiagui if the robes they were buying were for her or for his wife. Wan Jiagui quickly reassured her, saying the robes were for her and Fengyao was not his priority.
Mo Xi confessed her frustration and acknowledged that the current situation was partly due to her own lie, admitting she was being unreasonable but needed to vent. Wan Jiagui affectionately called her "cute as a little steamed bun." Mo Xi then asserted that she could give anything to Fengyao, but not him, and Wan Jiagui affirmed that he knew who she loved.
As Mo Xi and Wan Jiagui were out, Wu Yin saw them together and proceeded with his plan to assassinate Wan Jiagui. During the attack, Fengyao bravely shielded Wan Jiagui, taking an arrow herself. Wan Jiagui and Mo Xi rushed her back to the mansion for treatment. A physician assured them Fengyao was fine but needed rest and herbs. Mrs. Wan was immensely grateful to Fengyao, calling her their family's savior, and insisted Fengyao call her "Mother-in-law."
She then presented Fengyao with a family heirloom bracelet traditionally given to the eldest daughter-in-law, declaring Fengyao the Wan family's only recognized daughter-in-law. This public display of acceptance and favor left Mo Xi deeply disappointed. Wan Jiagui tried to intervene, suggesting Fengyao needed rest, but his mother insisted. Later, Mo Xi confessed to Wan Jiagui that she would have also shielded him, before he warned her to be careful as she was also being targeted.
Wan Jiagui, realizing the arranged marriage was becoming increasingly complicated, began drafting a letter to General Chu to revoke his engagement with Fengyao. However, an urgent military report arrived, indicating that Weizhou, Yaozhou, and Xiuzhou were poised to invade Qingzhou, with Chen Wende rallying his forces. Wan Jiagui believed the recent assassination attempt might be connected to these external threats.
He decided to visit the Qingzhou Provincial Governor to request imperial backup and ordered his men to maintain high alert, man all stations, and dispatch scouts to monitor Chen Wende's movements. Meanwhile, Wu Yin met with one of his subordinates, who questioned Wu Yin's previous attempt on Wan Jiagui's life, fearing it jeopardized the marquis's position. Wu Yin dismissed the concerns, confident that the marquis in Jingzhou was too far to intervene.
When the Provincial Governor arrived to discuss Wan Jiagui's request for backup, Wu Yin laid out his strategy: he instructed the Governor to notify the imperial court but to ensure the reinforcements remained outside Qingzhou City, awaiting his orders. Wu Yin explained his plan to allow Chen Wende to enter Qingzhou to secure the iron mine, as only Chen Wende knew its location.
Once Chen Wende lowered his guard, the imperial army would strike, reclaiming Qingzhou, obtaining the mine map, and eliminating the traitor. Wu Yin acknowledged that Wan Jiagui's life might be sacrificed, stating that "sacrifices are necessary" and that Wan Jiagui was insignificant compared to the fate of the nation. Despite this ruthless plan, Wu Yin secretly ordered two subordinates to protect Mo Xi during the war, ensuring her safety.
Mo Xi, feeling restless, went out alone to the boutique for tailoring. There, she unexpectedly encountered Chen Wende. She confronted him, asking why he was in Qingzhou. Chen Wende explained that treacherous provincial governors were eyeing the iron ore mine, and he couldn't allow it to fall into rebel hands. When Mo Xi accused his men of trying to assassinate Wan Jiagui, Chen Wende appeared genuinely surprised, denying involvement.
Mo Xi fiercely warned him that she would make him "hell" if he harmed Wan Jiagui. Chen Wende teased her protectiveness but then gravely warned her not to wander around and to stay away from Wan Jiagui, as Qingzhou's defender was a target and she would be in danger near him. Later, Wan Jiagui found Mo Xi out alone and reiterated the impending war, a confidential matter he warned her not to disclose to avoid panic.
He, along with his parents and Fengyao, discussed the escalating tensions. Wan Jiagui proposed sending his parents back to Jingzhou for their safety. However, Mrs. Wan vehemently refused, still traumatized by Wan Jiagui's previous near-death experience. She feared for his life in another war and desperately wanted him to secure the family lineage. She demanded that Wan Jiagui marry Fengyao that very day.
Wan Jiagui protested the hurried marriage, but Mrs. Wan, driven by fear and desperation, threatened to drink poison if he refused, forcing him to a difficult decision. Concurrently, Chen Wende's elite soldiers successfully infiltrated Qingzhou City. He observed a workshop, envisioning it as a place to forge weapons after conquering the city and mining its ore. He believed Qingzhou's defenses were a facade and that taking the city from its "rookie" defender would be easy.
His primary concern was to protect innocent civilians and minimize casualties among his own soldiers. He also reiterated to his men that Mo Xi, despite being with the Wans, was innocent and should not be harmed during the invasion.
Episode 21 Recap
Wan Mother, distraught, confronted Wan Jiagui, threatening to drink poison she held if he refused to marry Bai Fengyao that very day. Wan Jiagui tried to intervene, questioning why she was forcing him, hesitant to agree due to his feelings for Mo Xi. His mother remained resolute. Turning to Fengyao, Wan Mother tearfully explained the inherent dangers of Wan Jiagui's military assignments.
She worried that the Wan family lineage could end if he died without an heir, stressing the importance of having their own descendants and even permitting Fengyao to remarry in the future. Wan Jiagui tried to object, feeling it was unfair to Fengyao, but his mother quickly silenced him. Fengyao, however, stopped Mrs. Wan from kneeling, reaffirming her commitment by stating that she was arranged to marry General Wan and felt a duty to see it through.
She recalled deciding to remain a widow when he was presumed dead and declared she could not abandon him now with war impending. Wan Jiagui, recognizing the scent of apricot kernels from a past medicine, exposed his mother's "poison" as fake. His mother feigned dizziness in response, but then genuinely collapsed. A physician was immediately summoned, who delivered the devastating news: Mrs. Wan had an untreatable brain disease, detected by blood in her facial orifices.
He advised them to grant her every wish and prepare for her impending death. Both Mo Xi and Fengyao were deeply saddened by Mrs. Wan's sudden illness. Mo Xi then asked Fengyao if she was truly going to marry Wan Jiagui, especially since she had already agreed to the ceremony. Fengyao confirmed her intention, stating she would have refused otherwise. When Mo Xi then directly asked if Fengyao liked Wan Jiagui, Fengyao admitted that she did.
Upset, Mo Xi quickly retired to her room, secretly grieving. While Wan Jiagui tried to comfort his mother, suggesting her fainting was due to exhaustion, she, having experience running an apothecary, immediately discerned the true nature of her medicine. She pressed him for the truth about her illness and how much time she had left. Later, she made a heartfelt plea, asking him to marry Fengyao the following day as her final wish.
When Wan Jiagui suggested Mo Xi could stay in the household, perhaps as a sister-in-law, his mother, while admitting to liking Mo Xi's charm, revealed that Mrs. Bai had informed her of Mo Xi's birth mother being a courtesan. She instructed Wan Jiagui to arrange a marriage for Mo Xi with a man of humble background from a distant place to avoid scandal.
Wan Jiagui proposed Mo Xi as his wife, but his mother adamantly refused, threatening to kill herself before their ancestors' memorial tablets rather than accept a daughter-in-law of such lineage. Faced with his mother's extreme reaction, Wan Jiagui reluctantly agreed to marry Fengyao. Mo Xi observed the melancholic atmosphere in the Wan Mansion and discerned that Wan Jiagui's parents were intent on marrying him to Fengyao solely to secure an heir, entirely disregarding his true feelings.
She reflected on the irony of such a calculated arrangement and realized that ultimately her background was not worthy of entering the Wan family, and Wan Jiagui had failed to clarify the situation. Later, Wan Jiagui sought out Mo Xi but found himself unable to tell her about his impending marriage, recalling their shared memories.
The next morning, Fengyao found a distraught Mo Xi and asked her to accompany her to see Mr. and Mrs. Wan, as a servant had informed her of the summons and she felt anxious. Mo Xi, sensing an unusual atmosphere, rushed outside and discovered the mansion abuzz with wedding preparations. Fengyao then led Mo Xi to the main hall, where Mrs. Wan, in celebratory attire, announced that the wedding between Fengyao and Wan Jiagui would take place that very day.
She excitedly explained that Wan Jiagui had already agreed, and Mr. Wan confirmed. When Mrs. Wan urged Wan Jiagui to confirm it himself, he reluctantly stated, "Yes, Mother." Hearing his confirmation, Mo Xi was devastated and quietly left. Mo Xi found Wan Jiagui in his room and confronted him, asking if he was marrying Fengyao merely due to his mother's illness.
She reminded him of their past and questioned why he didn't clearly express his true feelings to his parents, leaving them ignorant of his heart. Asserting she was not a fool, she demanded to know what truly held him back, asking if she was "not good enough" and criticizing him for not fighting for their love or revealing the truth.
Wan Jiagui then admitted that his mother discovered Mo Xi's birth mother was a courtesan during a discussion with Mrs. Bai. Hearing this, Mo Xi exclaimed, "I knew it. Sure enough!" before turning away, deeply hurt. The wedding ceremony proceeded, with Wan Jiagui and Fengyao bowing before his parents and receiving blessings for a harmonious and fruitful marriage. Mo Xi watched the proceedings, heartbroken.
Later, in their bridal chamber, Wan Jiagui apologized to Fengyao for the hasty ceremony and lack of guests, citing the troubled times. He acknowledged her sensible nature, which is why his parents admired her, and expressed regret that his military duties would inevitably lead to her suffering grievances and neglect at home. He then stated that this marriage was a forced decision due to his mother's critical condition.
He informed Fengyao that he must move to the military encampment immediately to avoid being accused of dereliction of duty. Fengyao expressed understanding and offered to pack his belongings, but he declined, saying it had already been taken care of, and promptly departed. As Wan Jiagui prepared to leave in his armor, Mo Xi intercepted him, accusing him of constantly prioritizing duty and noting that her patience only culminated in his marriage to Fengyao.
She bitterly declared he was not truly leaving for duty but to avoid Fengyao, whom she believed he didn't love. Wan Jiagui conceded he might not love Fengyao yet, but emphasized that he was now her husband, bound by marital status and responsibility. He suggested they forget each other, but Mo Xi defiantly refused, stating he cannot dictate her feelings. She then proposed becoming his second wife, acknowledging his parents' disapproval of her background and their preference for Fengyao.
Wan Jiagui immediately rejected the idea, reminding her of her late mother's earnest wish for her to never be a concubine or a second wife, fearing she would be unjustly treated. Mo Xi, recalling her mother's words, firmly declared she would never be a second wife, even for him. She then apologized, admitting she "lost her mind." Wan Jiagui, in turn, humbly stated that as a soldier whose life is constantly at risk, he doesn't deserve her affection.
He offered that if he returned alive, he would formally adopt her as his godsister and find her a suitable gentleman. Mo Xi, with newfound resolve, told him pointedly that she chose to love him, and now she chooses to leave him, asserting that she doesn't need him to find her a husband. She then turned and walked away, tears streaming down her face.
After Wan Jiagui's departure, a messenger from the provincial governor arrived, summoning him to discuss urgent military matters. Wan Jiagui, recognizing the governor's pacifist nature, understood the gravity of the summons. Later, a confidential letter from Yaozhou's emissary was intercepted, revealing that three provincial governors had been invited to attack Chen Wende, with their responses expected soon after gifts were offered.
Episode 22 Recap
Chen Wende's subordinates intercepted a secret message from Yaozhou, revealing that the Yaozhou governor planned to align with other provincial governors to surround Chen Wende and take over Qingzhou. Chen Wende dismissed these governors as naive, asserting that he had already anticipated their moves. He explained his strategy was not merely to exploit existing chaos but to instigate it, and then use the act of thwarting others' ambitions as a bargaining chip.
He ordered his battle formation maps to be distributed. At the Wan mansion, Wan's mother invited a painter to create a portrait for the newlyweds, a custom in Qingzhou. However, with Wan Jiagui absent on military duties for several days, only Fengyao was available. Fengyao felt awkward posing alone and requested Mo Xi, whom she considered her closest family member, to join her in the portrait. As they posed, Mo Xi appeared visibly distraught, her brow furrowed.
Soon after, Wan Jiagui witnessed a mass exodus of citizens from Qingzhou, spurred by rumors that Chen Wende intended to demand half their fortunes after capturing the city. Recognizing this as psychological warfare designed to demoralize the city's defenders, Wan Jiagui decided to go to the local administration to address the crisis.
He dispatched Xiao Jiang back to the Wan mansion with urgent instructions for his parents: they were to lock down the house, stay inside for several days, and hide their valuables. Wan Jiagui also entrusted Xiao Jiang with his dagger for Mo Xi's self-defense, cautioning her not to act tough and to learn to show weakness when necessary. Xiao Jiang suggested Wan Jiagui deliver the message to Mo Xi himself, but Wan Jiagui only acknowledged his words.
After the portrait was finished, Fengyao noticed Mo Xi's somber expression and tried to lighten the mood with a tease, but Mo Xi, deeply saddened by Wan Jiagui's marriage, confided her feelings of helplessness, believing her destiny was predetermined and unchangeable. Upon Xiao Jiang's return, he relayed Wan Jiagui's warnings about the city's instability to Wan's parents.
Learning of the growing danger and Wan Jiagui's continued absence, Fengyao sought comfort from Mo Xi, asking to share a bed with her, which Mo Xi accepted. Under the cover of night, Chen Wende launched a surprise attack on Qingzhou City. The next morning, chaos erupted. Fengyao awoke to the sounds of battle and was informed by a servant that enemy troops had breached the city walls.
Xiao Jiang delivered an urgent message from Wan Jiagui: Qingzhou was on the verge of falling, and the family must evacuate immediately. To ensure their safety, Wan's parents, along with Fengyao and Mo Xi, were to depart in two separate groups, heading north and west, with plans to rendezvous 50 miles outside the city before proceeding to Luozhou. Wan Jiagui, asserting his duty to defend the city, would remain behind.
Despite Wan's mother's anguish, Mo Xi urged everyone to comply with Wan Jiagui's orders, stressing that their escape would allow him to focus on the fight. As they made their hurried departure, Fengyao clutched a portrait of herself and Mo Xi, making Mo Xi promise they would never be separated. Outside the city, the Northern Shuo Army intercepted Fengyao and Mo Xi's carriage. Despite attempts to resist, Xiao Jiang was shot.
Identifying the two women as members of the Wan family, the soldiers captured them. Meanwhile, Wu Yin discovered the two subordinates he had assigned to protect Mo Xi were instead protecting him under Prime Minister Wu's orders. Enraged, Wu Yin intended to search for Mo Xi himself but was secretly knocked unconscious and taken away by his subordinates.
Chen Wende, having successfully taken Qingzhou using the powerful Divine Crow Fire Arrow, explained that he deliberately targeted only garrisons and unguarded areas, leaving an escape route for civilians. His aim was not to harm the populace but to destroy their morale and seize the strategically important city for its underground iron ore mines.
Wan Jiagui, trapped within Qingzhou, was surprised by Chen Wende's unconventional strategy of infiltration rather than direct confrontation, realizing Chen Wende had exploited the disunity within his own forces. With the remaining Longxiang Army, Wan Jiagui prepared for a breakout. Fengyao and Mo Xi were brought back to the Wan family compound and imprisoned in a cold woodshed. Chen Wende arrived to see Mo Xi.
Mo Xi immediately confronted him, denouncing his warmongering and challenging him to seek peace with the court and voice his grievances. Chen Wende retorted that figures like Zhong Yuqi, Wu Lang, and even Wan Jiagui wished him dead, making any attempt to seek justice futile. At this point, Fengyao recognized Chen Wende as the former Mr. Wen, her archery tutor, confirming his identity as the rebel leader.
Undaunted, she bravely condemned him for his treachery and for making an enemy of her husband. Chen Wende, amused by her defiance, threatened to kill Wan Jiagui and offered Mo Xi a more comfortable room. Mo Xi, however, insisted on staying with Fengyao. Fengyao, steadfast in her resolve not to accept any kindness from a "traitor," refused to move from the woodshed, compelling Mo Xi to remain with her.
Mo Xi chided Fengyao for her stubborn pride, bitterly contrasting Fengyao's noble birth, integrity, and marital status with her own "lowly illegitimate" background, claiming she lacked the right to uphold such principles. Before Fengyao could respond, she collapsed, feverish. Alarmed, Mo Xi frantically demanded the guards summon Chen Wende, threatening them with severe consequences if Fengyao died. Meanwhile, Xiao Jiang, the coachman who escorted Fengyao and Mo Xi, managed to escape while the guards were unprepared.
Enraged by this, Chen Wende ordered his subordinates to capture Xiao Jiang and Wan Jiagui alive. To force Wan Jiagui, who was still hiding in the city, to come out, Chen Wende then implemented a strategy to cut off the Longxiang Army's water and food supplies. Soon, Wan Jiagui discovered Chen Wende's scheme. With his Longxiang Army suffering heavy casualties, Wan Jiagui decided to find an opportunity to break out of the city as soon as possible.
At the same time, an envoy from Yaozhou arrived to congratulate Chen Wende and propose an alliance. Chen Wende, having intercepted a previous message detailing Yaozhou's plan to betray him, expressed skepticism about their sincerity. He demanded a tangible sign of good faith: the secret scroll on iron weapon forging, crucial for his plans to exploit Qingzhou's iron mines. Just then, news arrived of poisoned wells on Tianshui Street, a crisis Chen Wende had explicitly warned against.
He rushed off, dismissing Mo Xi's pleas for a warmer room. Back in the woodshed, Fengyao, knowing Wan Jiagui's forces were too depleted to rescue them, made a dying request to Mo Xi: if she did not survive, Mo Xi was to cremate her and take her ashes back to Jingzhou, imploring Mo Xi to stay alive. Distraught, Mo Xi cursed Chen Wende for his cruelty.
Episode 23 Recap
Chen Wende discovered that 800 to 900 of his soldiers were showing signs of poisoning, which a physician attributed to "wrong medicine." Simultaneously, his location was attacked by Divine Crow Fire Arrows. He correctly concluded that Wan Jiagui intended to break out of the city with the remaining Longxiang Army and immediately ordered his men to pursue them. Wan Jiagui and the Longxiang Army fought their way past the city gate guards and reunited with a fleeing Xiao Jiang.
Xiao Jiang reported that Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi had been captured by Chen Wende and were held in Wan Jiagui's former residence. Wan Jiagui was determined to return and rescue them, but Xiao Jiang strongly advised against it, warning that it was a trap and that if Wan Jiagui were captured, no one could save them. With Chen Wende's Northern Shu Army in hot pursuit, Wan Jiagui reluctantly led his troops out of the city.
Chen Wende soon uncovered the reason for the mass poisoning: he had previously ordered a river blockade to cut off Wan Jiagui's water supply and force him out. Unexpectedly, Wan Jiagui outsmarted him by exploiting the interconnectedness of groundwater to poison their wells. Chen Wende was forced to concede Wan Jiagui's intelligence.
He then reprimanded his subordinate, Han Lin, for allowing Wan Jiagui to escape while his men were distracted by the poisoned soldiers, dismissing him from his post until after the war. While in his residence, Chen Wende heard Mo Xi’s distressed cries from the woodshed. Upon seeing his grim expression, Mo Xi immediately surmised that he had failed to capture Wan Jiagui.
She furiously accosted him, accusing him of being a despicable scoundrel who was now venting his frustrations on them because of Wan Jiagui. Mo Xi challenged him to kill Wan Jiagui if he dared, asserting that his gloomy demeanor and empty hands proved he had lost the battle.
Mo Xi denied any notion of Chen Wende being her savior, vehemently claiming that his lust, which led him to insist on marrying a daughter of the Bai family as a concubine, was the root cause of their current predicament. Chen Wende countered that her accusations twisted the truth, explaining that Wu Lang had initially offered Bai Fengyao to him, and then her own uncle had offered Mo Xi, concluding that both women were essentially his.
Mo Xi erupted in fury and warned him not to lay a finger on Bai Fengyao, though she couldn't articulate her threat when pressed. Mo Xi swallowed her pride, proclaiming her own life to be insignificant, and earnestly pleaded with Chen Wende to summon a physician for Bai Fengyao, who was gravely ill from the cold in the woodshed and might not survive.
Chen Wende, still seething from Wan Jiagui’s escape and the poisoning of his army, pondered sacrificing Bai Fengyao, as Wan Jiagui's wife, to appease his troops. However, he ultimately ordered his subordinate, Wu, to send two sets of blankets, thick clothes, and a physician to the woodshed for the two women. Chen Wende reasoned that keeping Bai Fengyao alive served as a crucial leverage against Wan Jiagui, giving him an advantage despite Wan Jiagui’s escape.
Later, he discreetly instructed Wu to also bring some dried fruits for Mo Xi, anticipating it would prevent her from causing further trouble. Wu was amused, and Chen Wende mused to himself that Mo Xi's scoldings were more melodious than songs. Wan Jiagui established a defensive position in Yihua County, awaiting imperial reinforcements. He reassured a still-injured Xiao Jiang, who apologized for not saving Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi, telling him he was lucky to have escaped.
Upon confirming that Chen Wende's men knew Bai Fengyao's identity as his wife, Wan Jiagui surmised that Chen Wende, despite his brutality, would use her as leverage against him, thus ensuring their lives, even if they endured suffering. Addressing a discontented soldier, Wan Jiagui explained the delay in reinforcements, noting that the provincial governor was awaiting decisions from the marquis, the emperor, and Prime Minister Wu. He acknowledged the war-torn state of Jing State and the imperial court's predicament.
Wan Jiagui further elaborated that Qingzhou was a strategically vital and highly contested area, serving not only as his battleground with Chen Wende but also as a covert arena for the imperial court's power struggles with various factions. Bai Fengyao's health significantly improved after receiving the prescribed medicine, and her fever subsided. Mo Xi, relieved, urged her not to act recklessly again.
Bai Fengyao then delicately inquired about Mo Xi’s relationship with Chen Wende, recalling their past interactions when he was an archery teacher. She speculated that Chen Wende might have had designs on Mo Xi since her father had offered her as a concubine. Bai Fengyao firmly stated that, legally, Mo Xi had no formal connection to Chen Wende and vehemently cautioned her against accepting any of his conditions or small favors.
She denounced him as a "traitor" and a "thorn in the imperial court's flesh," predicting his eventual downfall. To emphasize her point, Bai Fengyao even threatened to refuse her medicine and blankets if Mo Xi became entangled with Chen Wende, leading Mo Xi to promise she would listen. Mo Xi confessed that her own weakness had led to their current predicament, leaving them helpless against Chen Wende.
When Bai Fengyao asked if Mo Xi had made any promises to him, Mo Xi pointed out that if Chen Wende desired anything from her, he would have acted already, not waited until now. Relieved, Bai Fengyao then wondered about Wan Jiagui, and Mo Xi optimistically speculated that he had likely escaped, judging by Chen Wende's grim mood. They both hoped he was safe and would soon find a way to rescue them.
Chen Wende received a secret scroll from Xiao Buyu, the Governor of Yaozhou, which contained detailed instructions for forging iron weapons. He regarded this as a sign of Xiao Buyu's sincere yet apprehensive collaboration and promptly instructed his subordinate, Chen Li, to commence weapon production. Soon after, envoys from various provinces, including Xiuzhou (Hu Jian) and Xiazhou (Li Chong), arrived in Qingzhou for peace talks. Chen Wende's subordinate, Wu, revealed that these envoys were secretly aligned with Xiao Buyu.
Recognizing that these governors were long-time acquaintances and likely shared similar demands, Chen Wende decided to meet them all at once. During the meeting, the envoys openly declared their ambition to jointly mine Qingzhou's iron ore. Chen Wende, comparing the iron mine to his favorite camel hoof soup, suggested he would rather not partake if he had to share it.
An envoy warned him against taking things too lightly, implying that if he refused to share the "pie," it might be lost entirely. To assert his dominance and deter their demands, Chen Wende covertly ordered Divine Crow Fire Arrows to be launched towards Yihua city walls. As the ground shook from the impact, Chen Wende declared that his "divine arrow" only targeted enemies and that he would not tolerate anyone who "pushed their luck."
He then mockingly offered the outspoken envoy ten pieces of "hubing" (a type of flat cake) as a parting gift. Faced with Chen Wende's unwavering stance and display of power, the envoys conceded and requested time to discuss among themselves. An envoy from the marquis delivered an imperial decree to Wan Jiagui, informing him that due to the depleted national treasury, the imperial court could not afford a large-scale war.
He was instructed to entrench in Yihua County and await further news, though the marquis promised to acknowledge his contributions. Wan Jiagui expressed his frustration over the lack of food and wages, which made it impossible for his soldiers to fight Chen Wende effectively. The envoy assured him that the marquis would try to raise funds and even offered to pay a ransom for his newly-wedded wife, Bai Fengyao.
Wan Jiagui also inquired about Divine Crow Fire Arrows, having used his last few to escape Qingzhou, and was told production was being expedited. Later, Wan Jiagui successfully bribed a Qingzhou physician to visit Bai Fengyao. The physician confirmed her recovery from a cold and, while checking her pulse, subtly asked if she was related to Wan Jiagui. He then secretly delivered a note to Bai Fengyao, simply stating "Safe. Wait."
Bai Fengyao, recognizing the message, was overjoyed that Wan Jiagui was alive and would soon come to rescue them. The three provincial envoys returned to Chen Wende, reaffirming their collective need for iron ore and their desire to engage in joint mining. Chen Wende, however, reiterated his stance that the "hubing" (iron mine) was his to enjoy alone. The envoys then pivoted, acknowledging his ownership but highlighting his inability to exchange iron for vital resources like food and horses.
They proposed a trade: their provinces would provide horses and provisions in exchange for Qingzhou's resources. Chen Wende agreed to the trade, but not before issuing a veiled threat against anyone who dared to "snatch his hubing." The envoys then set a condition: for their support, Chen Wende must "strike the Longxiang Army hard," ensuring their aid was not squandered.
Chen Wende shrewdly exposed their ulterior motive, stating they wished for him to engage in a mutually destructive conflict with the imperial court, using Qingzhou as "cannon fodder" to weaken the Longxiang Army, thereby enabling their provinces to break away and pursue their own self-interests. Recognizing the inevitability of conflict with the court, Chen Wende agreed to the deal but demanded a substantial amount of army provisions, which he expected them to raise.
The envoys, feigning limited resources, promised to do their utmost. Pressured by Chen Wende's demands, the envoys promised to exert their utmost effort in procuring the required supplies. However, they, in turn, demanded "assurance" from Chen Wende: an undeniable act that would demonstrate his irreversible break from the imperial court and eliminate any possibility of peace with the Longxiang Army. Their suggestion was that Chen Wende marry Bai Fengyao, Wan Jiagui's wife.
They argued that killing her would only provoke further hatred, whereas marrying her would profoundly humiliate the Longxiang Army and unequivocally prove his complete severance from the imperial court. This, they explained, was crucial for them to confidently form an alliance, as they feared that without such a public declaration, Chen Wende might eventually reconcile with the court and turn against them, resulting in a significant loss.
Chen Wende reacted with sarcasm, asking if they were putting on a comedy skit and trying to dictate his family affairs. Despite his displeasure, the envoys reiterated that their demand was simply for "assurance" and offered him time to consider before they departed. Bai Fengyao expressed her heartfelt wish for Wan Jiagui to rescue them quickly, yet simultaneously hoped he would not put himself in undue danger.
She firmly believed that a true man should prioritize his duty to the realm, and declared that she would bear no resentment if he ultimately could not save her, feeling unworthy of him sacrificing his life and future. Mo Xi, however, found this viewpoint utterly foolish. She argued that if one truly loved someone, the desire was to be with them and stay by their side.
She asserted that she could not reconcile herself with such an outcome, nor could she bring herself to wish him well if they were separated. Later, Mo Xi complained about being sleepy, prompting Bai Fengyao to remark on Mo Xi's inherent stinginess, bossiness, and selfishness. Mo Xi readily agreed to these traits, saying she wouldn't change.
Bai Fengyao playfully suggested that Mo Xi might change her mind when she found true love, but Mo Xi vehemently dismissed the idea, claiming she would never fall in love with men. Chen Wende meticulously reviewed Qingzhou's financial accounts, discovering that their army provisions would last merely one month, their weapons and armor had suffered severe damage, and the raw iron ore could not be immediately processed into usable weapons.
His subordinate explained that the previous governor and Wan Jiagui had depleted most of the treasury, leaving them with high expenses for both their army and the city's poor, along with the costs of mining. Contemplating their dire situation, Chen Wende realized that to successfully guard the iron mine for the imperial court, he absolutely had to ensure his army's survival, or they would be annihilated by Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang, plunging the world into further chaos.
Faced with this grim reality, he ultimately decided to accept the condition proposed by the three provincial envoys. Chen Wende then ordered for Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi to be released from the woodshed. He confronted Bai Fengyao directly, asking if she was willing to marry him. Mo Xi interjected, calling him insane.
Bai Fengyao vehemently refused, declaring she would rather die than marry a traitor like him, emphasizing her unwavering loyalty to Wan Jiagui and her determination not to let Chen Wende tarnish her reputation. Chen Wende, undeterred, stated that he was not seeking her consent but merely informing her of his decision, asserting that the wedding ceremony would proceed as planned.
Episode 24 Recap
Mo Xi vehemently denounced Chen Wende as shameless for intending to force Bai Fengyao into marriage. Chen Wende led Mo Xi out of the room, explaining his reasons for marrying Bai Fengyao were complex and instructing her not to be upset. Mo Xi insisted that given Bai Fengyao's stubborn nature, she would choose death over a forced marriage and urged Chen Wende to consider someone else.
However, Chen Wende was resolute, stating that his marriage to Bai Fengyao was predetermined, regardless of the underlying reasons. Mo Xi then discovered Chen Wende's true motive: he was forcing Bai Fengyao into marriage because she was Wan Jiagui's wife, believing this would humiliate Wan Jiagui for having ousted him from Jingzhou City. Chen Wende, misinterpreting Mo Xi's anger as jealousy, clarified that he had no interest in Bai Fengyao, preferring feisty women like Mo Xi instead.
Later, Mo Xi observed servants preparing for the wedding throughout the estate. She rushed to Bai Fengyao's room and found her bound hand and foot. Mo Xi quickly untied Bai Fengyao, who was deeply despondent, feeling that the two sisters were like birds in a cage with no means to resist Chen Wende. The two sisters could only embrace and weep in despair.
That evening, Mo Xi recalled Bai Fengyao's pained expression while holding her mother's hairpin, fearing she might attempt suicide. Mo Xi immediately went to check on her. Bai Fengyao, determined not to endure the humiliation of a forced marriage, intended to perish with Chen Wende using the hairpin. Mo Xi arrived just in time, snatching the hairpin away.
She pleaded with Bai Fengyao to stay alive and revealed that Chen Wende's motive for marriage was not beauty, but a strategic scheme. Bai Fengyao, however, had already surmised that Chen Wende planned to use her to threaten Wan Jiagui and confessed that the hairpin was meant for both Chen Wende and herself, signifying her preference for a glorious death over a shameful life.
As Mo Xi struggled to prevent Bai Fengyao from reclaiming the hairpin, Mo Xi accidentally injured her own hand. Mo Xi then implored Bai Fengyao to trust her, promising to find a solution. The following morning, Mo Xi approached Chen Wende and knelt, begging him to release two helpless women. She explained that Bai Fengyao had protected her since childhood, and she feared Bai Fengyao would take her own life rather than be forced into this marriage.
Chen Wende, also wary of Bai Fengyao's suicidal tendencies, ordered his subordinate Wu to keep a close watch on her. He then told Mo Xi to cease her attempts to persuade him, acknowledging that Bai Fengyao was Mo Xi's vulnerability and threatening to be harsher on Bai Fengyao if Mo Xi caused further trouble. Mo Xi, furious, called Chen Wende a jerk and vowed to find a way to prevent the marriage.
Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui received news from his subordinate that Chen Wende intended to marry Bai Fengyao to publicly humiliate him. Shocked by Chen Wende's despicable nature, Wan Jiagui resolved to stop the wedding and rescue both Bai Fengyao and Mo Xi, who he learned were imprisoned in Chen Wende's mansion. His subordinate then presented a plan. Back at Chen Wende's mansion, Bai Fengyao was being dressed as a bride.
She requested to wear her mother's silver hairpin, intending to use it as a means to commit suicide during the ceremony. Mo Xi, seeing Bai Fengyao with the hairpin, solidified her resolve to save her sister. Mo Xi managed to locate a jade plaque of the Bai family, planning to use it in her rescue efforts. Wan Jiagui, disguised as a fruit hawker, successfully entered Qingzhou City after a brief inspection at the city gate.
He skillfully convinced the guards that his late arrival with fresh fruit was for the general's wedding guests and the traditional third-day visit of the new madam. Mo Xi arrived at the wedding hall just as the ceremony was about to begin, preventing Bai Fengyao from acting on her suicidal plan. She publicly declared that Chen Wende was marrying the wrong woman, proclaiming herself to be Wan Jiagui's true wife.
Mo Xi presented the jade plaque, stating it was given by her to Wan Jiagui and that she had assisted him in escaping Jingzhou. She then recounted how she and Wan Jiagui had secretly married and, during the Bai family's period of misfortune, when Bai Fengyao was nearly forced to marry an idiot, Mo Xi orchestrated a deception.
She had made it appear that the jade plaque was a token of love between Bai Fengyao and Wan Jiagui, thereby allowing Bai Fengyao to be recognized as Wan Jiagui's widow and save her from the forced marriage. Mo Xi then confronted Bai Fengyao, claiming Wan Jiagui never loved her and had only married her under parental pressure. She accused Bai Fengyao of stealing her husband and marriage, and now seeking to marry Chen Wende for wealth and status.
Bai Fengyao attempted to explain that she was unaware of Mo Xi's relationship with Wan Jiagui, but Mo Xi refused to listen, cutting off their sisterly ties. Chen Wende demanded proof of Mo Xi's claims. Mo Xi cited Wan Jiagui's handwritten marriage agreement and the jade plaque as evidence, daring Chen Wende to verify with Wan Jiagui himself. Realizing Mo Xi's deep feelings for Wan Jiagui, Chen Wende excused the guests, asking them to wait.
He then pulled Mo Xi out of the hall, expressing anger over her past role in Wan Jiagui's escape from Jingzhou. He acknowledged that Mo Xi's public display was a desperate attempt to save Bai Fengyao, but warned that if the wedding failed, he would spare neither sister. Chen Wende confirmed Bai Fengyao was indeed Mo Xi's weakness and declared his intention to marry both of them. Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui initiated his rescue plan.
He ordered a diversionary attack at the main gate using Divine Crow Fire Arrows, while he and his subordinate, Li, led a smaller force through the side entrances to infiltrate the mansion and rescue Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao, hoping to kill Chen Wende in the process. Chen Wende summoned Bai Fengyao, telling her he would marry both sisters, regardless of who Wan Jiagui's true wife was.
Enraged by his shameless proposal, Bai Fengyao lunged at Chen Wende with her hairpin. Mo Xi quickly intervened, seizing the hairpin from Bai Fengyao and holding it to her own throat, threatening Chen Wende with her life if he did not negotiate. Just then, the sounds of battle erupted from outside the mansion as Wan Jiagui's forces began their attack. Chen Wende revealed he had anticipated Wan Jiagui's arrival, having deliberately spread news of the wedding to lure him into a trap.
Episode 25 Recap
The sound of fighting from the mansion courtyard caught Mo Xi’s attention. Chen Wende revealed that Wan Jiagui had brought men to rescue Fengyao, but Chen Wende had been alerted the moment Wan Jiagui entered the city, setting a trap to ensnare him. Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui quickly realized he had fallen into a snare and found himself and his subordinates surrounded by Northern Shu soldiers.
To allow Wan Jiagui to escape, his loyal men fought fiercely, some dying and others sustaining injuries, with one soldier warning Wan Jiagui about poisoned arrows, urging him to leave. Though Wan Jiagui managed to flee, Chen Wende was furious that he had escaped again and ordered his men to capture the remaining living soldiers for interrogation. Mo Xi and Fengyao, unaware of Wan Jiagui's escape, believed he had been captured.
With a hairpin pressed to her own throat, Mo Xi confronted Chen Wende. She offered a deal: either she would marry him in place of Fengyao, or both sisters would die that day. She challenged Chen Wende, stating that he was interested in her, and dared him to choose between a living woman or two dead bodies. Despite Fengyao’s pleas for her to reconsider, Mo Xi remained resolute.
Chen Wende, seeing her determination, asked if she truly wished to marry him. Mo Xi affirmed her willingness, provided he released Fengyao and the captured men. Chen Wende agreed to her terms and instructed her to change into a wedding gown, ordering his subordinates to begin preparations. Later, Chen Wende confided in a subordinate, reflecting on Fengyao's accusation that he was shameless for stealing another man's wife.
He explained that provincial governors, coveting Qingzhou, pressured him to marry Wan Jiagui's wife to prevent peace talks with the court and to lure Wan Jiagui. The subordinate questioned if his true motive was to marry Wan Jiagui's wife or if he simply fancied Mo Xi. Despite the change of bride, Chen Wende’s wedding proceeded as planned, with emissaries from various states present, none openly questioning or obstructing the ceremony.
After the official rites, Chen Wende joined his guests for drinks but soon noticed a despondent Mo Xi. He excused himself, taking her back to the bridal chamber. Inside, after the servants performed the traditional washing and scattering ceremonies and then left, Chen Wende attempted to kiss Mo Xi. She rebuffed him, citing his strong alcohol smell. He conceded, agreeing to take a bath. While Chen Wende was bathing, Mo Xi covertly hid a pair of scissors under her pillow.
Upon his return, Chen Wende found Mo Xi eating. He playfully teased her for her appetite. After they shared the nuptial wine, he pressed her, saying she should have expected this outcome when she chose to replace her sister. He then forcibly carried her towards the bed. Meanwhile, Fengyao, upon learning that Mo Xi had married Chen Wende, was overcome with guilt.
She attempted to take her own life with a chain around her neck, but a guard outside her door discovered her and intervened just in time. Back in the bridal chamber, as Chen Wende tried to draw closer, he discovered the scissors hidden under Mo Xi's pillow. Realizing her reluctance, he angrily ordered her out of the room, questioning if she thought he had never seen a woman before and asserting he wasn't desperate.
Mo Xi, feeling she couldn't face Fengyao after her harsh words and with nowhere else to go, sat alone in the courtyard. Chen Wende found her there, softened by her predicament, and told her to return to the room while he found another place to sleep for the night. Fengyao awoke to find Xiaowu guarding her. She lashed out, accusing Chen Wende of ruining Mo Xi's marriage.
Xiaowu retorted that it was Fengyao who had stolen Mo Xi's husband, Wan Jiagui. Fengyao didn't deny it and, once again consumed by self-reproach, attempted to end her life. Xiaowu stopped her, explaining that Mo Xi had willingly sacrificed her marriage to save Fengyao. He emphasized that if Fengyao were to die, Mo Xi’s efforts would be in vain, urging her to live well for Mo Xi’s sake.
The next morning, Chen Wende woke the sleeping Mo Xi, instructing her to get ready and fulfill her duties as the general's wife. He assigned her the management of the mansion's servants and required her to attend a thank-you banquet in two days. He promised her that if she performed well, she would be allowed to leave the mansion within Qingzhou City. Mo Xi jokingly remembered her mother's lessons on noble lady etiquette.
Wan Jiagui's released subordinates returned, informing him that Mo Xi had publicly confessed her mutual affection for him and had married Chen Wende in Fengyao's stead, thus preserving Fengyao's innocence. Enraged by this news, Wan Jiagui attempted to re-enter the city to rescue Mo Xi but was restrained by his subordinate, Jiang.
Wan Jiagui then deliberately wounded himself and, using his own blood, penned a letter to the imperial court, bypassing the normal chain of command, to request immediate reinforcements to eliminate Chen Wende and his army. Back in the mansion, Chen Wende arranged for four maidservants to attend to Mo Xi. Mo Xi playfully suspected they were spies he had planted. Despite her suspicions, she named them Lichun, Xiazhi, Qiufen, and Xiaoxue, after the 24 Solar Terms. Chen Wende reminded her that as his wife, she could no longer act recklessly and must follow his lead.
Episode 26 Recap
Mo Xi accompanied Chen Wende to meet his guards and the mansion’s servants. Mo Xi, feeling uneasy, hesitated and asked Chen Wende if he had truly wanted to marry her from the bottom of his heart. Chen Wende frankly admitted that the three crafty provincial governors had initially forced him to marry Bai Fengyao, fearing he might make peace with the court. However, he insisted that his decision to marry Mo Xi instead was his genuine desire.
He then questioned her confidence in her appearance, recalling their first annoying encounter at Wu Lang’s mansion where she was unruly. Mo Xi countered by asking if he had ever considered if she had a lover. Chen Wende dismissed the question, but Mo Xi brought up the saying "forced love does not last." Chen Wende then pointed out her distraction, suspecting she was thinking of her former lover.
He sternly warned her that while he did not care who was in her heart before, now that she was his wife, no one else should occupy her thoughts. Chen Wende introduced Mo Xi as his new wife to his soldiers, playfully warning them that he would not be able to stop her if she chose to punish them for any offense. The soldiers, in turn, teased their general for being "afraid of Madam" on his wedding day.
Chen Wende retaliated with mock threats of punishment, while the soldiers joked that begging Mo Xi would soften his heart. He then motivated his troops, promising them that once they conquered Yihua County and established their foundation in Qingzhou, he would ensure each of them could get married. The household staff, including Mo Xi’s personal maidservant Lichun, then formally introduced themselves to their new madam.
Xiao Wu reported to Chen Wende that Bai Fengyao had been in a critical condition and almost died, only to be saved by a guard. Chen Wende instructed him to place her under close watch to prevent any further incidents. Mo Xi, overhearing the conversation after feeling dizzy and stepping away from the formal introductions, became frantic. She confronted Chen Wende and Xiao Wu, demanding to know what happened to Fengyao, disbelieving Xiao Wu’s reassurances that Fengyao was safe.
Mo Xi warned Chen Wende that she would not let him get away with it if anything happened to Fengyao. Later, Mo Xi approached Fengyao’s room but turned back without entering. Chen Wende confronted Mo Xi, who was still agitated, asking why she was throwing a fit. She retorted that as a powerful man, he couldn't possibly understand women’s feelings.
Chen Wende explained that Fengyao had attempted suicide the previous night but was saved, and he had already arranged for a physician. He felt he had extended his benevolence, asking what more she wanted. Mo Xi agreed he was not wrong, but asserted that she and Fengyao were not wrong either. She explained her inability to enter Fengyao’s room, saying they would only hug and cry together.
Mo Xi expressed that Fengyao’s song earlier mirrored her own inner thoughts: in a chaotic world, men fight each other while women are treated as mere playthings, their lives at the mercy of others. She defiantly declared that this was her nature and if he disliked it, he could divorce her.
Chen Wende quoted a scholar, saying it was better to be a dog in a peaceful world than a man in a chaotic one, questioning if only she and Fengyao were truly miserable. Mo Xi pleaded for Fengyao’s release, which Chen Wende readily agreed to, expressing surprise at her doubt. However, Mo Xi then demanded that he send Fengyao to Wan Jiagui.
Chen Wende angrily refused, calling it nonsense and claiming Wan Jiagui was a homeless dog whose whereabouts were unknown. Mo Xi countered that since Wan Jiagui’s defeated troops had managed to enter the city the previous night, he must be nearby. She threatened to find him herself if Chen Wende refused. Chen Wende accused her of wanting to find her lover, but Mo Xi shot back that his refusal was forcing her hand.
Finally, Mo Xi made an ultimatum: if Chen Wende safely sent Fengyao to Wan Jiagui, she would give up and be with him for the rest of her life. Chen Wende was deeply disappointed, feeling she was using herself to threaten him again. He lamented that in her heart, Wan Jiagui was her ideal match, and Bai Fengyao her dearest sister, while he was merely rude and cruel, constantly guarded against as she protected them.
Consumed by disappointment and anger, Chen Wende decided to sleep in his study that night, instructing his subordinate to inform Mo Xi of his decision. Mo Xi’s maid confirmed Chen Wende was still angry, suggesting she visit him, but Mo Xi thought it would only worsen the situation. On the day of the thank-you banquet, Mo Xi, dressed elegantly, was summoned to Chen Wende's study. She found him engrossed in official matters and waited patiently, eventually falling asleep.
Chen Wende gently woke her, worried she might catch a cold. Mo Xi, still groggy, accused him of being petty and always thinking negatively of her. She challenged him, asserting that if he hadn't been captivated by her beauty, he wouldn't have married her. Their playful banter continued, with Mo Xi mocking his lack of expression and calling him a "bandit leader." Chen Wende, in turn, warned her not to embarrass him in front of the arriving emissaries.
At the banquet, Mo Xi gracefully played the role of a new general's wife, much to Chen Wende’s satisfaction. Meanwhile, Wu Yin, after learning that Mo Xi had become Chen Wende’s wife, angrily punished the subordinate who had previously knocked him out, describing his pain as immeasurable. His subordinate then reported the discovery of an iron ore mine.
Wu Yin, eager to see Chen Wende "torn into pieces" and annoyed by Wan Jiagui's requests for help, immediately ordered his troops to assemble within ten days to launch an attack and seize Qingzhou as quickly as possible. Back at the banquet, Chen Wende, noticing Mo Xi’s disinterest in the political discussions, took the time to explain the complex relationships among the major provinces, their histories, and the secrets of their governors.
He elaborated on figures like Hu Han, the former governor of Xiuzhou, and his brother Hu Jian, who was at odds with him but appointed by the court. He described Xiao Buyu of Yaozhou as bold, aggressive, and two-faced, flattering various powerful figures. He particularly highlighted Cao Ze, the treacherous governor of Weizhou, from a renowned military family, as the hardest to deal with. Mo Xi cleverly summarized their relationships as "friend-and-foe," where cooperation could quickly turn into betrayal.
While Chen Wende had put on a show for the emissaries, implying that Mo Xi was Wan Jiagui's true love and his marriage was forced, the Weizhou emissary still commented that it was not a "well-matched marriage." Later, Chen Wende received a secret message revealing that Marquis Mingde, Zhong Yuqi, had dispatched 50,000 troops to besiege Qingzhou. He abruptly ended the banquet to prepare for battle. Simultaneously, Wan Jiagui’s subordinates reported increased food transports, indicating that relief troops were imminent.
They also discovered that these 50,000 troops were under Marquis Mingde’s command, who Wan Jiagui deduced was seeking revenge for past humiliations in Qingzhou. Wan Jiagui's subordinate wondered if he was requesting aid for Mo Xi’s sake, but Wan Jiagui asserted he was not reckless. Separately, Wu Yin, the newly appointed imperial supervisor, met with Wan Jiagui.
Wu Yin, identifying himself as a scholar who passed this year's military examination, revealed he was a distant uncle of Prime Minister Wu Lang. Wan Jiagui grew suspicious of Wu Lang’s relative, fearing what plots he might be hatching within his army. The Weizhou emissary then sought a private audience with Chen Wende, proposing that he either divorce Mo Xi or demote her to a concubine and marry Governor Cao’s legitimate daughter instead.
He explained that Governor Cao admired Chen Wende and wished to form a marriage alliance, as his daughter would not be a second wife. The emissary stressed that Chen Wende, having seized Qingzhou and its iron mine, was now in a precarious position, becoming a "thorn in the eye of the court" and a target for all factions.
He argued that while Chen Wende's Beishuo Army was well-trained, his forces were insufficient to achieve his ambitions, and an alliance with Weizhou's powerful army would provide crucial support. Despite Chen Wende's initial annoyance, he acknowledged the merits of the proposal and stated he would consider it. Meanwhile, a bribed maid delivered a note to Mo Xi with Wan Jiagui's handwriting: "I'll get you out of here."
Mo Xi, recognizing the script, wondered how Wan Jiagui would manage to rescue her with all of Qingzhou under Chen Wende's control. Chen Wende approached her, noticing her nervousness and asking if she had done something amiss. Mo Xi denied it, and Chen Wende, in a rare moment of gentleness, invited her for a walk, asking her to dress beautifully to represent his family.
Episode 27 Recap
Mo Xi felt restless alone, so Chen Wende took her for a stroll through the city. Along the way, a citizen praised Chen Wende, noting that since his arrival, he had provided famine relief and repaired homes, leading many displaced Qingzhou residents to return. The citizen expressed gratitude on behalf of everyone, commending Chen Wende as an official who cared for his people.
Mo Xi, however, suspected Chen Wende might have orchestrated the praise, recalling a similar manipulative tactic he used previously. Chen Wende playfully challenged her, asking if she still saw him as a "Big Devil" or "local tyrant," given how beloved he appeared. He pressed her about whether she admired him, to which she retorted that he was annoying and should mind his own business.
Mo Xi decided to visit a renowned clothing shop in Qingzhou, but Chen Wende, uninterested, opted to wait at a nearby teahouse, leaving Xiao Wu to accompany Mo Xi inside. As Mo Xi explored the latest fashions in a back room, she was stunned to discover Wan Jiagui there. Wan Jiagui, relieved to see her safe, revealed he had learned of Chen Wende's forced marriage to Fengyao and Mo Xi's substitution. He condemned Chen Wende as a "beast."
Mo Xi urged him to lower his voice, reminding him that Chen Wende was just outside. Wan Jiagui explained that he had infiltrated Qingzhou using forged tokens crafted by a skilled artisan in his army, his primary mission being to rescue both her and Fengyao, in addition to spying on military intelligence, as he couldn't bear to see them trapped. Mo Xi questioned whether he came for Fengyao or her.
Wan Jiagui admitted feeling frustrated about Fengyao but stated his world had "turned upside down" upon hearing Mo Xi had taken her place, only then truly understanding heartbreak. He reaffirmed his intent to save both of them. Mo Xi accused him of abandoning them and the city. Wan Jiagui attributed his failure to escort them out to the chaos of the time and his deployment of troops to the front lines.
Mo Xi insisted she was fine, and Fengyao was also doing well, albeit a bit sad. Wan Jiagui urged an immediate departure from the city. When Mo Xi asked about Fengyao, Wan Jiagui suggested that since Chen Wende now valued Mo Xi more, Fengyao would likely be safe if Mo Xi escaped. Mo Xi disagreed, warning that Chen Wende, despite his outwardly frank demeanor, was merciless when provoked. Wan Jiagui inquired if Mo Xi resented her marriage to Chen Wende.
He expressed regret for failing to protect her from the forced union, declaring the marriage invalid. He promised a grand wedding in Jingzhou City upon their return. He then asked if she had missed him, and she replied, "Day and night." He swore he would never scold her again. Their conversation was cut short by Xiao Wu's inquiry about Mo Xi's shopping.
Before leaving, Wan Jiagui instructed Mo Xi not to take any action in the coming days, revealing that Lichun, her maid, was his spy and would contact her with further instructions. He advised her to be careful. Back with Chen Wende, Mo Xi's somber mood was evident. He noted her long face, contrasting it with her earlier insistence on going out. Mo Xi explained she was thinking of Jingzhou City, her hometown.
Chen Wende then surprised her by revealing he, too, had grown up in Jingzhou. He recounted his tragic childhood: his uncle, a Minister of Revenue, was entangled in party strife, slandered, and severely punished. As direct relatives, his family was implicated, their property confiscated, and his parents died of illness. Relatives who had initially shunned them later vied to adopt him, but only for his parents' valuable residence. Eventually, he was adopted by a distant clan uncle.
On their journey home, robbers attacked them, and Chen Wende witnessed his uncle being fatally stabbed after the robbers took four gold bars – the meager proceeds from the sale of his parents' home. Mo Xi empathized, drawing parallels to the misfortunes of the Bai family. She shared her own childhood story: her father died when she was seven, and her gravely ill mother, an illegitimate mistress, desperately sought to return her to the clan before her own death.
Her mother begged Mo Xi's second uncle to take her in. On their way to his residence, her mother, afflicted with impetigo, held Mo Xi's hand with a red handkerchief, instructing her to maintain a distance to avoid infection. The Bai family reluctantly accepted Mo Xi only for her father's valuables, never truly acknowledging her or treating her kindly, save for Fengyao. This experience solidified Mo Xi's determination to always protect Fengyao.
Chen Wende then asked if Mo Xi would stay by his side if he protected and treated her with the same kindness. Mo Xi hesitated, and Chen Wende, understanding her unspoken difficulties, did not press the matter. Instead, Chen Wende took Mo Xi to a magic show, where she quickly became captivated.
He explained his familiarity with such performances, revealing that after his parents' deaths and his uncle's demise at the hands of robbers, he was orphaned before the age of ten. To survive, he had served tea for tips at magic shows, eventually becoming well-versed in the craft. Feeling a pang of sympathy, Mo Xi instinctively reached out to comfort him. The sudden intimacy made both of them slightly awkward, though Mo Xi quickly recovered, complimenting his "agile" hands.
Meanwhile, the Kuizhou envoy observed Chen Wende's affectionate interactions with Mo Xi. Realizing their plan to create a rift between Chen Wende and Wan Jiagui through the marriage had failed, he convened with three other state envoys. He asserted that Chen Wende's public display of affection proved the marriage was not causing him the expected distress, thereby not provoking Wan Jiagui as intended.
He proposed they collaborate with Official Cao to chastise Chen Wende, noting that despite Chen Wende's humble beginnings, he was not easily manipulated, nor was Wan Jiagui a hothead. He worried that Chen Wende might exploit any alliance to seize their iron ore resources and become too powerful. He also highlighted the current imperial court's inability to fight a two-front war, presenting an opportunity for them to benefit.
He stressed that Chen Wende was merely a pawn who needed strict guidance. Xiao Wu then delivered urgent news to Chen Wende: an assassin had infiltrated Qingzhou, targeting Mo Xi. Chen Wende immediately confined Mo Xi to the mansion, assigning four maidservants to attend to her at all times and stationing guards at the entrance. Mo Xi dismissed the threat, arguing that few in Qingzhou knew her, beyond the women's academy staff and Chen Wende.
Chen Wende explained that Qingzhou was a perilous place, teeming with powerful figures from various states. They viewed Mo Xi as a critical weakness for both him and Wan Jiagui, and her assassination was intended to provoke Wan Jiagui into engaging Chen Wende, thus creating an advantageous situation for them. Mo Xi sarcastically asked if she would remain confined until the assassin finally appeared. Chen Wende implied that her continued safety would be proof of his effective protection.
Using the upcoming Qiqiao Festival as an excuse, Mo Xi pulled Lichun aside to "learn needlework." She informed Lichun about the assassin and revealed her plan: she would orchestrate her own "abduction" by the assassin, making it appear as if she had been snatched. This, she believed, would spark a conflict between Chen Wende and the state envoys, creating an opportune moment for her and Wan Jiagui to escape Qingzhou amidst the chaos.
Lichun expressed concern about the high risks involved, but Mo Xi insisted that Wan Jiagui faced greater danger by remaining in Qingzhou. She urged Lichun to contact Wan Jiagui immediately to initiate the plan. Chen Wende unexpectedly walked in on them. Mo Xi quickly claimed to be learning needlework for the festival. Chen Wende made light of her poor embroidery skills, jokingly asking her to embroider a wallet or shoes for him if she improved.
Mo Xi retorted she would make them if he dared to wear them. When Mo Xi tried to dismiss him, he reminded her it was "their bedroom," then teased her, asking if she thought he was captivated by her beauty. She quipped, "Who knows if you have such an intention?" Later, alone with Lichun, Mo Xi reaffirmed her belief that Chen Wende was indeed enamored with her.
Chen Wende also teased Mo Xi after Xiao Wu brought in a scroll, suggesting the scroll might be more attractive to him than her. Under strict confinement, Mo Xi threatened Xiao Wu that she would climb the wall if not allowed to send someone out. Xiao Wu relented, permitting Lichun to leave and invite Principal Shen Shumo from the women's academy. Lichun successfully brought her to the mansion. Observing Shen Shumo's attire, Mo Xi surmised the academy was struggling.
Shen Shumo confirmed their dire situation, citing a shortage of food and clothing due to the war and the departure of staff. Mo Xi offered to ask Chen Wende to provide aid to the women's academy, conditional on Shen Shumo helping her escape. Shen Shumo agreed to try. Mo Xi then dispatched Lichun to escort Shen Shumo back and retrieve some books for her. Xiao Wu, witnessing this, questioned Mo Xi's literacy.
Mo Xi, offended, recited a classical poem to prove her literary knowledge, impressing him. She then lamented Xiao Wu's constant guarding, asking how long he intended to stay by her side. When he indicated he would stay until the assassination crisis was resolved, implying it could be indefinitely, Mo Xi instructed him to guard the main gate instead of her room. She then secretly ordered her maids to monitor Xiao Wu's movements and shift changes and record them.
Subsequently, a maid informed Mo Xi that Fengyao, confined in the west wing, was unwell and barely eating. Concerned, Mo Xi immediately set off to see Fengyao, telling the maid not to follow.
Episode 28 Recap
Mo Xi visited Fengyao in her confinement and was alarmed to hear that Fengyao had a poor appetite, scolding the guards for not reporting it. She insisted on entering to see Fengyao. Mo Xi acknowledged her faults, admitting she was wrong to have secretly fostered a relationship with Wan Jiagui while keeping Fengyao in the dark, and to have caused such public humiliation for Fengyao at the wedding.
Fengyao, initially distant, questioned Mo Xi about when she first met Wan Jiagui. Mo Xi revealed that she rescued Wan Jiagui during the war in Jingzhou City and knew him before Fengyao did, conceding that she was the one who meddled in their arranged marriage. Fengyao, however, pointed out that Wan Jiagui had insisted on canceling their long-standing engagement because of Mo Xi.
Mo Xi then confessed that to protect Fengyao, she faked a farewell letter and included a token of love. Fengyao expressed deep remorse, feeling she could never repay such a sacrifice. She angrily confronted Mo Xi for keeping secrets and treating her like a fool.
Mo Xi explained that upon hearing of Wan Jiagui's death, she believed his existence was over and fabricated lies to save Fengyao, never expecting him to be alive, which made the web of lies impossible to untangle. Fengyao speculated that Chen Wende must harbor feelings for Mo Xi, otherwise he would not have tolerated her disruption of his wedding. Mo Xi countered that Chen Wende was a "traitor" and reiterated that they were not truly married.
Overjoyed, Fengyao learned that Mo Xi was still chaste. She optimistically believed that once Wan Jiagui rescued them, Mo Xi and Wan Jiagui could rekindle their relationship. Fengyao dismissed her own arranged marriage to Wan Jiagui, affirming that Mo Xi was the one Wan Jiagui truly loved, and they were the rightful lovers. She strongly advised Mo Xi not to be swayed by Chen Wende's superficial kindness, emphasizing their need to devise an escape.
Unbeknownst to them, Chen Wende overheard their entire conversation from outside the room, leaving him deeply disappointed. After Mo Xi exited Fengyao's room, Chen Wende approached her. He stated that if she sincerely wished for Fengyao's release, he would agree to it. However, he warned her that if she harbored any ulterior motives, she would experience his "tactics." Shortly after, Shen Shumo arrived at the General's mansion, delivering books in a specially designed bookcase.
Shen Shumo explained that he was helping Mo Xi out of gratitude and to secure support for the School for Women in these troubled times. He subtly indicated that the bookcase, designed to "prevent bandits," was spacious enough to conceal two people. This bookcase was integral to Mo Xi and Fengyao's escape plan.
Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui received intelligence from Lichun that various provincial governors were plotting to assassinate Mo Xi, aiming to provoke a conflict between Wan Jiagui and Chen Wende. Mo Xi wanted to seize this opportunity to escape, but Wan Jiagui deemed the plan too dangerous. Mo Xi insisted that her and Fengyao's continued imprisonment only endangered Wan Jiagui further by keeping him in Qingzhou City.
Convinced by her argument, Wan Jiagui reluctantly agreed to the perilous rescue mission at the designated time. Chen Wende, noticing Mo Xi's sudden interest in reading, grew suspicious that she was plotting something. He interrogated her, pointing out her habit of glancing to the upper left when fabricating a lie. Mo Xi confessed that she had arranged for Shen Shumo to send books to Fengyao to uplift her spirits and prevent her from acting foolishly due to depression.
She admitted her struggle to communicate with Fengyao after their relationship was strained by the marriage. Chen Wende revealed he had overheard Fengyao urging Mo Xi to escape. Despite this, he chose to trust Mo Xi and allowed her continued access to Fengyao, hoping she would live up to his trust. That night, Mo Xi went to Fengyao's room and explained her escape plan.
Soon after, she received a message from Wan Jiagui confirming he would be waiting at the West Gate. Chen Wende visited Mo Xi, bringing her a peace amulet he had obtained. This gesture brought back memories for Mo Xi of her mother praying for a protective amulet for her in childhood. Chen Wende implored Mo Xi to stay with him and cease thinking of other men. Although touched by his kindness, Mo Xi remained resolute in her escape plan.
The following day, Fengyao and Mo Xi orchestrated a loud, theatrical argument. Afterward, Mo Xi instructed the servants to move the bookcase into her room, then ordered Lichun to arrange for its return to the School for Women. Unbeknownst to the servants, both Fengyao and Mo Xi were hidden inside the bookcase. At the mansion gate, Xiao Wu noticed the abnormal weight of the bookcase and prepared to conduct a thorough inspection.
At that critical moment, the city gate came under attack from "Divine Crow Fire Arrows." Xiao Wu and his men were forced to abandon their post and rush to address the sudden assault. Seizing the opportunity, Lichun quickly directed the remaining servants to load the bookcase onto a carriage and swiftly depart the mansion, heading for the West Gate to meet Wan Jiagui.
Inside the enclosed bookcase, Fengyao reflected on Mo Xi's transformation, observing that she had matured significantly, becoming thoughtful and resourceful, no longer needing Fengyao to constantly worry about her. Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui, hearing the explosions from the Divine Crow Fire Arrows, recognized they were being deployed without his command. He decided to prioritize rescuing Mo Xi and Lichun, concerned for their safety amidst the city's chaos.
During the chaotic journey, Mo Xi sustained a bleeding forehead from being jostled inside the bookcase but insisted they continue. Lichun, facing fearful and hesitant servants, dismissed them and prepared to proceed with the escape herself with the few remaining loyal staff. Observing the unfolding events at the city gate, Chen Wende confidently surmised that Mo Xi, being far more cunning than his guards, was likely no longer within the mansion walls.
Episode 29 Recap
Because the coachman had fled, Mo Xi had no choice but to drive the carriage herself, taking Fengyao towards the West Gate. Along the way, the horse was startled by an explosion. Mo Xi urgently told everyone to jump off, but Fengyao didn't manage to. Fortunately, Wan Jiagui arrived just in time to rescue Fengyao, preventing her from getting hurt.
Wan Jiagui then quickly led Fengyao and Mo Xi towards the West Gate, hoping to seize the opportunity to leave Qingzhou City. Chen Wende, realizing that the attackers' true target was the foundry, went to inspect the area with his men, intending to move military supplies out of the city for safekeeping. He knew that the West Gate, being closest to the main road, was a likely escape route for enemies seeking a swift retreat after an attack.
He also suspected their aim was his newly developed weapons and armor. Meanwhile, many citizens, clutching travel passes, were trying to exit the city. Mo Xi, remembering a pass Chen Wende had given a maid for travel within the city, thought they might use it to get past the guards. Presenting the pass and claiming to be the general’s wife's maid on urgent business, Mo Xi attempted to lead Fengyao and the others out of the city.
However, the city guards blocked them, stating the pass was only valid for movement within the city, not for leaving it. As the situation escalated, people began to surge forward, pushing and trying to force their way out. Seizing the chaos, Wan Jiagui decided to lead Fengyao and Mo Xi in a forceful exit. In the commotion, Mo Xi became separated from Wan Jiagui and Fengyao.
Fengyao, realizing Mo Xi was still inside the city, alerted Wan Jiagui, who immediately tried to go back for her. At that moment, Chen Wende arrived and pulled Mo Xi away. Mo Xi shouted at Wan Jiagui to take Fengyao and leave quickly, leaving Wan Jiagui with no choice but to watch helplessly as Mo Xi was detained within Qingzhou City.
Chen Wende was furious about Mo Xi's escape attempt, planning to deal with her upon their return to the mansion. However, Mo Xi unexpectedly fainted, prompting Chen Wende to hastily carry her back. Mo Xi later woke up in the General's Mansion and learned from Lichun that she had been poisoned. The physician stated she had been in critical condition and a slight delay would have been fatal.
Chen Wende had gone to great lengths to discover the poison was on the free pass. Lichun recalled an instance after escorting Principal Shen back to the academy when she was stopped at a checkpoint and someone touched the pass. She speculated that the woman had applied poison to the inside of the pass, which Mo Xi must have touched when she unfolded it at the gate.
Mo Xi, noticing Lichun's evasive gaze, questioned her, discovering that Lichun was now working for Chen Wende. Lichun explained that many years ago, she and her parents were ambushed by robbers, resulting in her parents' deaths. Chen Wende had appeared and saved her life. She had vowed to repay him.
Mo Xi realized Lichun had informed Chen Wende about her escape plan, but Lichun clarified that Chen Wende had always known Mo Xi intended to run away, yet chose not to expose her, hoping she would eventually return to him. Lichun had only left a message for him at the last moment when Mo Xi seemed determined to leave, allowing him to catch up.
Mo Xi, unable to forgive such betrayal, accused Lichun of being a "two-faced spy" and ordered her out of the room, despite Lichun's insistence that she hadn't revealed Wan Jiagui's presence in the city. Meanwhile, distraught that Mo Xi had been recaptured, Fengyao tearfully confronted Wan Jiagui. She accused him of hesitation, which led to Mo Xi's capture, and questioned why he wouldn't make his love for Mo Xi public despite their mutual feelings.
Fengyao asserted that Wan Jiagui was not afraid to refuse marrying her, but rather afraid to tell his parents he wanted to marry Mo Xi, concerned about their reputation and looking down on Mo Xi's humble background. She expressed deep concern that Mo Xi was now at Chen Wende's mercy and might be forced to marry him, pleading with Wan Jiagui to find a way to rescue her. Chen Wende arrived to visit Mo Xi.
Mo Xi angrily called him a "coward" and a "scoundrel" for having a spy by her side. Chen Wende retorted by asking how he should treat a "disloyal wife," reminding her of her broken promise to stay with him, and pointing out that she still only thought of Wan Jiagui. He provocatively suggested that if he hadn't placed a trusted person by her side, she would have eloped with her "paramour."
Mo Xi corrected him, stating Wan Jiagui was not a paramour, and he was not her real husband. She reminded him that she only married him on behalf of Fengyao to save her life. Chen Wende then brought up the attack on his military camp by the Divine Crow Fire Arrow, a weapon only he and Wan Jiagui possessed. He accused Wan Jiagui of using the rescue as a mere facade, with the true objective being to attack his army.
Mo Xi vehemently denied this, asserting that Wan Jiagui was not such a person and she knew him well. Chen Wende, deeply disappointed, concluded that in Mo Xi's eyes, he was a "scheming and devious man," while Wan Jiagui was a "nobleman," a "pillar of the court." He expressed his despair, having initially believed they could get along, only to find Mo Xi's heart belonged solely to Wan Jiagui. He then turned and left.
Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui's investigation revealed that Commander Wu Yin had ordered the attack on Qingzhou City gate. When confronted, Wu Yin did not deny it, which implicated Marquis Mingde in the unauthorized use of the court's exclusive Divine Crow Fire Arrow. Wan Jiagui threatened to report this to the court, but Wu Yin countered by threatening to expose Wan Jiagui's unauthorized entry into Qingzhou City.
Wu Yin also revealed that the chaos was not primarily to help Wan Jiagui, but rather to serve as a pawn to secure an iron ore mine. He had ordered the Divine Crow Fire Arrow attack after hearing rumors that Wan Jiagui's wife and sister were being held by Chen Wende, believing Wan Jiagui's primary motivation was to save them rather than reclaim the city.
Later, a drunken Chen Wende entered Mo Xi's room, remarking that she didn't appreciate his generosity in giving her his room, and decided to sleep there himself. Mo Xi, frustrated, was forced to rest on the soft couch. Elsewhere, Fengyao worried, shedding tears for Mo Xi. Wan Jiagui assured her he would rescue Mo Xi, but Fengyao no longer believed him, pointing out his unfulfilled promises.
Wan Jiagui admitted he had never been able to keep his word to Mo Xi. With the arrival of reinforcements, he declared his intention to storm Qingzhou City. The next morning, Mo Xi woke up startled to find herself in the bed. Her gasp woke Chen Wende, who casually explained that he had carried her to the bed in the middle of the night, fearing she would catch a cold while sleeping on the floor.
To prevent any further escape attempts, Chen Wende declared that Mo Xi was not to leave his side from that day forward, warning her of consequences if she went out of his sight. Mo Xi, to prevent Chen Wende from retaliating against Principal Shen Shumo who had helped them, agreed to stay. Chen Wende, further pushing his demands, ordered her to act like a proper wife and prepare his breakfast.
Episode 30 Recap
Mo Xi went to collect breakfast for Chen Wende and observed Xiao Wu meticulously inspecting the food for poison. Xiao Wu explained that many people tried to assassinate the General, citing seven incidents in the past month involving poison, assassins, and honey traps. Mo Xi reflected that Chen Wende’s life must be very difficult. Chen Wende insisted that Mo Xi personally serve him the camel hoof soup, which he ate every day.
When she delivered it with a rude attitude, he remarked that such behavior was unbefitting. Mo Xi retorted that elegance was for refined gentlemen, not for someone like him, and then accused him of being jealous when he insinuated she was thinking of a former lover. Chen Wende countered that Wan Jiagui should be the jealous one, as he was the one spending day and night with her. After breakfast, Chen Wende announced they would patrol the city together.
Mo Xi expressed her unwillingness, but Chen Wende declared she must accompany him everywhere and instructed Xiao Wu to tie her up if she refused. Mo Xi, begrudgingly, followed him while muttering insults, to which Chen Wende indifferently said she could curse him all she wanted, as she wasn't leaving his side anyway. Later, in his study, Mo Xi picked up a document from Chen Wende’s desk, commenting on the illegible "chicken scratch" drawings which only he seemed to understand.
She mentioned that others used sand tables for military strategy, subtly referring to Wan Jiagui. Chen Wende, with a hint of sarcasm, implied his practical combat experience made him superior to those from well-off families like Wan Jiagui. Mo Xi questioned his constant sarcasm and jealousy regarding Wan Jiagui, but Chen Wende simply stated that Wan Jiagui was the jealous one, not him. An envoy from Weizhou then arrived.
Chen Wende told Mo Xi to stay in the inner room, implying she might hear news about Wan Jiagui. The envoy informed Chen Wende that 50,000 imperial reinforcements had reached Yihua County and Divine Crow Fire Arrows were being transported from Jingzhou. Wan Jiagui was assembling his forces to attack Qingzhou City. The envoy further revealed that Yaozhou, Xiuzhou, and Xiazhou had pledged allegiance to the court, amassing a total of 100,000 troops.
Despite Chen Wende's apparent readiness to fight, the envoy cautioned that his forces were still "immature" and advised against a direct confrontation. He proposed that Weizhou Governor Cao would mediate the conflict if Chen Wende agreed to a marriage alliance. Chen Wende flatly refused, stating that all his achievements were earned through his own abilities and he scorned the idea of gaining power through nepotism, calling it "selling oneself for glory."
The envoy warned him of future regret, but Chen Wende stopped him. He then questioned whether the envoy was responsible for poisoning his wife, Mo Xi. Without waiting for an answer, Chen Wende stabbed the envoy as a stark warning, threatening to send his head back to Weizhou if Mo Xi was ever harmed again. (Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui was internally resolute, vowing to rescue Mo Xi.
) In another location, Feng Yao anxiously sought news from Wan Jiagui about Mo Xi’s safety, asking if Chen Wende had harmed her. Wan Jiagui explained that due to Qingzhou's intense spy hunt, he could neither contact his informants nor sneak into the city. He assured Feng Yao that Chen Wende would not harm Mo Xi but would likely keep a stricter watch, making a rescue more difficult.
Feng Yao expressed deep regret for not holding onto Mo Xi's hand on the day of their separation, blaming herself for Mo Xi's abduction. Wan Jiagui promised he would not abandon Mo Xi and that he was intensively training his soldiers for the final assault on Qingzhou to rescue her soon.
Feng Yao responded that once Mo Xi was back, they should tell Wan Jiagui’s parents the truth, asserting that Mo Xi was his rightful wife and she would not usurp her position. Wan Jiagui affirmed his intention to properly prepare for Mo Xi's return and their marriage. As evening approached, Chen Wende continued his duties, intending to inspect the weapon forges. Mo Xi complained about being tired and hungry.
Chen Wende, acknowledging her hunger, instructed Xiao Wu to get eight buns for her. Mo Xi accompanied him to the forges, where she noticed many disabled soldiers working late into the night. She provocatively asked if he was truly planning a rebellion, given the massive weapon production. Chen Wende vehemently denied being a traitor. He then showed her letters proving the collusion between Marquis Mingde Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang with various state governors.
He explained that the Emperor had been deceived into believing him to be a rebel, and it was his duty to protect Qingzhou’s iron ore from falling into the hands of these true "thieves." Mo Xi, though unable to read, recognized Wu Lang as untrustworthy and expressed surprise that Marquis Mingde was involved.
She suggested Chen Wende should inform Wan Jiagui, but Chen Wende dismissed the idea, stating Wan Jiagui was merely a pawn in Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang's schemes, too naive to realize it. Mo Xi again inquired about the high number of disabled men at the forge. Chen Wende explained they were his former comrades-in-arms who had been injured in battle and could no longer fight. He provided them work at the forge, ensuring they received the same military pay.
The workers expressed their profound gratitude, acknowledging that Chen Wende was the only general who had truly kept his word. Chen Wende encouraged them, saying with such formidable weapons, they could achieve anything. Mo Xi then asked if Chen Wende had fought many battles, given the number of injured soldiers. Later that night, Mo Xi suggested sleeping in a separate room, but Chen Wende reminded her of his rule: she must not be more than five "zhang" away from him.
She found a maid's bed in a side room, exactly five "zhang" from his. During the night, Chen Wende thrashed in his sleep, shouting "No! Don't kill them!" Mo Xi, hearing his cries, came to check on him and was almost struck by his sword. Startled awake, Chen Wende warned her that he killed people in his nightmares and instructed her to stay farther away next time, to which Mo Xi retorted that she almost got slashed for her concern.
The next morning, Mo Xi noticed servants changing the bedding, implying evidence of Chen Wende's nightmare. She pressed Xiao Wu about Chen Wende’s night terrors, and Xiao Wu reluctantly revealed that Chen Wende had suffered a tragic incident that left him with an affliction. Mo Xi confronted Chen Wende that evening, demanding to know the truth behind his nightmares, reminding him that she almost died last night and that he was responsible for her safety.
Chen Wende initially suggested he would sleep in the study, but Mo Xi scorned him, calling him a coward for being afraid to sleep with his newlywed wife. He then agreed to tell her his story. Chen Wende recounted that after his uncle’s death, he became a wanderer. He was captured by bandits and forced to join their raids, enduring severe beatings for his repeated attempts to escape. Eventually, he was rescued by the Beishuo Army, which he joined.
Starting as a lowly soldier, he distinguished himself in various expeditions, steadily rising to the rank of Commander of Palace Guards, surrounded by loyal comrades. One cold Winter Solstice, while on a bandit extermination mission, he impatiently led his troops down an unexplored path, hoping to quickly return so his men could enjoy warm camel hoof soup. This reckless decision led to an ambush by escaped bandits, resulting in heavy casualties.
He revealed that the disabled men working in the forge were survivors from that tragic battle. Although he was fortunate to be saved by a few of his brothers, the incident left him with bitter regret. Since then, he had consumed camel hoof soup daily as a constant reminder to never be reckless or underestimate an enemy. The incident also left him with a recurring illness, causing nightmares more terrifying than hell, where he relived the horrors of that day.
He confessed his enduring guilt for his fallen comrades and those who suffered lifelong disabilities because of his mistake. Mo Xi, visibly moved, apologized for forcing him to recall such painful memories. Chen Wende simply stated that it happened years ago and few remembered it now. He suggested they switch rooms, with her taking the main room and him the side room.
Mo Xi questioned if he was shy or merely guilty, and why he was so eager to leave after finally sharing his innermost fears. Chen Wende then went to the rooftop with a bottle of wine, reflecting on how he had opened up to Mo Xi and fondly remembering his lost comrades. From below, Mo Xi watched him, musing that she had never expected such a tough man like Chen Wende to possess such a soft heart.
Episode 31 Recap
Mo Xi confronted Chen Wende, asking if he had been drinking again. She listed the detrimental effects of alcohol, warning him of potential headaches, facial distortion, or even bleeding from the seven orifices, and urged him to take care of his health if he truly wished to achieve his goals. Chen Wende, touched by her concern, promised to look after himself better. He teasingly remarked on her rare gentle tone, accustomed to her fierceness and threats.
Mo Xi retorted, calling him a "paper tiger." Wan Jiagui, backed by Zhong Yuqi, had amassed a force of 100,000 soldiers and launched an attack on Qingzhou City. From the city walls, Mo Xi observed the approaching army, commenting on their vast numbers. Chen Wende, however, scoffed at the threat, asserting that while Wan Jiagui’s entire force numbered 100,000, the troops currently visible were merely a vanguard of 10,000.
He then accused Mo Xi of secretly hoping for his defeat so she could reunite with her former lover. Mo Xi questioned his jealousy, to which Chen Wende vehemently denied it, claiming he was simply stating that Wan Jiagui's large but disparate army would be no match for his unified forces. Mo Xi reminded him that Wan Jiagui had previously driven him out of Jingzhou City and expressed her concern.
Despite her limited understanding of military strategy, she sensed that this battle was far more perilous than the last, and losing Qingzhou could have dire consequences for him. Internally, she wondered why she felt such concern for Chen Wende. Chen Wende then instructed Mo Xi to fulfill her duties as a general's wife. Mo Xi, assuming he intended something untoward, furiously told him to seek brothels instead of bothering her.
Chen Wende clarified that he merely wanted her to make socks for his soldiers. He asserted that wearing socks sewn by the general's wife would fill the men with warmth and unite them in battle. Mo Xi, shocked, accused him of being crazy, protesting that there were over 40,000 soldiers, and making socks for all of them was an impossible task. Chen Wende dismissed her complaints, insisting it was her duty.
Later, while Mo Xi was toiling over the needlework, Chen Wende mocked her poor sewing skills. She tried to escape to a side room for the night, but Chen Wende stopped her, suggesting she could continue the work another day and enlist the maids to help, thereby dividing the massive task into smaller portions. The next day, Wan Jiagui's forces launched their first attack on Qingzhou City but were repelled.
Later that night, while patrolling his camp, Wan Jiagui was dismayed to find his soldiers openly gambling and drinking, despite the recent defeat. A subordinate also reported that leaders of the reinforcement troops were causing trouble and harassing local women in the city. Seeing Wan Jiagui's exhaustion from the day's events, Fengyao brought him chicken broth, urging him to take care of himself.
She then shared her insights on military strategy, suggesting that to successfully rescue Mo Xi, he must unify his diverse army and enforce strict discipline, even if it meant executing rule-breakers. She warned that such drastic measures could alienate the powerful factions behind the various reinforcement troops and jeopardize his future career.
Wan Jiagui acknowledged her talent and insight but declared that in the face of the enemy, he could not afford hesitation, and would implement the necessary changes, even if it carried risks to his reputation. Fengyao observed that he was gambling with his career, predicting that even a victory might tarnish his future standing. Chen Wende, elated by his army's initial victory, decided to tour the encampment with Mo Xi, bringing the socks she had reluctantly sewn.
He instructed his soldiers to line up, announcing that the "Madam" had personally made these socks as a reward. The soldiers were deeply moved, expressing gratitude and admiration for Mo Xi's "exceptional needlework," which supposedly featured lotus embroideries symbolizing blessings for safe return and victory. They pledged their loyalty and commitment to fight bravely for their general and his wife.
Mo Xi, however, confronted Chen Wende, accusing him of lying to the soldiers by claiming she had made all the socks herself, which was not her intention. Chen Wende justified his actions by explaining that the socks were a crucial morale booster for soldiers facing a fierce battle.
He then ordered her to continue making more socks with the maids, revealing to Xiao Wu that his true intention was to keep Mo Xi busy and prevent her from dwelling on thoughts of escape or her former lover. Xiao Wu warned him that such harsh treatment would only make her angrier, but Chen Wende seemed unfazed. Wan Jiagui moved to consolidate his army, executing over ten soldiers who violated military discipline to establish his authority.
Wu Yin warned him that this drastic measure would offend various powerful factions, potentially hindering his future career in court. However, Wan Jiagui was resolute, prioritizing the eradication of traitors over his personal prospects. Wu Yin further reminded him that the war had been stalemated for some time, and his time was running out. Amidst these mounting concerns about the war's stalemate and dwindling supplies, Wu Yin paid an uninvited visit to Wan Jiagui.
She proposed that he allow her to direct 10,000 men within a few days for a secret operation. Wan Jiagui, however, refused to cooperate unless she revealed her plans, which she claimed were classified to the Wu family. He asserted his authority, threatening to behead her for insubordination if she continued to conceal information.
He made it clear that the troops were assembled to capture a traitor, not to be used for the Wu family's conspiracies, and vowed to punish her severely if he attempted anything harmful to the court or the people. Wu Yin, undeterred, simply told him to anticipate future events and then left. Wan Jiagui, suspicious, ordered his men to monitor Wu Yin.
Wu Yin then discussed with her subordinate, Wang Yi, that since Wan Jiagui refused to cooperate, they would have to find a way to have him removed from his position to secure the iron ore mine for the marquis. Chen Wende personally led his troops onto the battlefield. Wan Jiagui, seeing this, also joined the fray, and the two generals engaged in a fierce duel. After several rounds, neither gained a clear advantage.
However, observing the heavy casualties among his own men, Wan Jiagui decided to order a retreat. As he withdrew, he fired an arrow, striking and injuring Chen Wende. Later that night, Mo Xi awoke to find Chen Wende lying beside her, injured. She noticed his arm had been hit by an arrow and immediately questioned his recklessness, scolding him for personally engaging in battle as the chief general and risking his life.
Chen Wende, however, retorted that the arrow came from her "loved one," suggesting she might be happy about his injury and asking if she would return to Wan Jiagui if he were defeated. Mo Xi dismissed his jealousy, clarifying that she never wished him harm. She pointed out that while Wan Jiagui might only face demotion for losing, Chen Wende would lose his life.
Chen Wende, though, focused on his victory, asserting that despite his injury, his army had thoroughly defeated Wan Jiagui, and Zhong Yuqi would not easily spare him. Mo Xi, unsettled by their exchange, wondered why she felt upset after their arguments. Mo Xi noticed Chen Wende had been giving her the cold shoulder and wondered what she had done to offend him.
Xiao Wu approached her, explaining that Chen Wende's moodiness stemmed from his deep affection for her, which he felt was unreciprocated. Xiao Wu gently suggested that Chen Wende might be bothered by her true feelings, hinting that he cared about whom she genuinely loved. Though Xiao Wu quickly dismissed his own words as nonsense, Mo Xi was left pondering if Chen Wende's jealousy truly indicated deep feelings for her. Later, Chen Wende visited the armory where weapons were forged.
He was informed that many craftsmen, some of whom were his former comrades, had fallen ill over the past three days. Their symptoms included pallor, weakness, intermittent seizures, and fever, but it did not appear to be a common cold. The number of afflicted had grown from five to over thirty, with new cases appearing recently. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Chen Wende immediately dispatched Chen Li to summon all physicians from the city to treat them. Meanwhile, Mo Xi, still thinking of Wan Jiagui, surmised that since Chen Wende hadn't boasted about severely injuring him, Wan Jiagui must be safe.
Episode 32 Recap
As physicians tried to diagnose the soldiers' illness for Chen Wende, they could not immediately confirm it as a plague, even as more and more people collapsed across Qingzhou City. Chen Wende urgently questioned if it was an outbreak. The physician reported that while it didn't appear to be the plague, a growing number of patients were suddenly collapsing, experiencing unconsciousness and convulsions, with their condition worsening daily.
He warned that at this rate, the entire city could fall in a matter of days, and they still couldn't identify the cause, prompting Chen Wende to press for the source. Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui's subordinates reported that thousands in Qingzhou City were ill, with even a guard dying from the mysterious affliction, creating chaos. Wan Jiagui summoned Wu Yin, accusing him of orchestrating the disease. Wu Yin denied it, calling it a natural disaster that favored the Emperor.
He then announced that an imperial edict would soon arrive from Jingzhou City, ordering Wan Jiagui back to the capital to marry Fengyao, with the Emperor personally officiating the wedding and bestowing a manor. Wan Jiagui protested that his marriage to Fengyao was a misunderstanding, but Wu Yin claimed Prime Minister Wu Lang had moved the Emperor with the story of Fengyao's devotion.
Realizing their scheme, Wan Jiagui confronted Wu Yin, accusing them of deceiving the Emperor to strip him of his military command. Wu Yin readily admitted he would take charge of the 100,000 troops during Wan Jiagui's months-long absence for the wedding, implying the war might be over by then. Wan Jiagui doubted Wu Yin's ability to defeat Chen Wende's skilled Beishuo Army, but Wu Yin simply dared him to disobey the decree.
Knowing he couldn't defy an imperial decree, Wan Jiagui informed Fengyao of the Emperor's command. He explained that Wu Lang had deceived the Emperor to remove him from power. Fengyao, having reflected on her time in the army, expressed her regret at being unable to rescue Mo Xi. She felt useless and observed that if it were Mo Xi, Wan Jiagui would not hesitate. She had recently learned medical knowledge and was already assisting the military physicians with the wounded.
Fengyao declared she would not return to Jingzhou or marry until Mo Xi was safe. To avoid the forced marriage, Fengyao proposed caring for the soldiers afflicted with the mysterious disease in their own battalion. If she became infected, she reasoned, she wouldn't be able to meet the Emperor, thus thwarting Wu Lang's plot.
Despite Wan Jiagui's strong objections and concerns for her safety, Fengyao remained resolute, stating it was her duty to care for the struggling soldiers and that she could protect herself. While caring for the sick, Fengyao noticed that some soldiers, including a logistics officer from the arsenal, had contracted the illness despite having no contact with Qingzhou soldiers. Intrigued, she investigated the armory.
She realized the three men who fell ill that day were all overseers of the seized Qingzhou weapons. She hypothesized the weapons might be poisoned, as the men were infected without open wounds, and decided to immediately inform Wan Jiagui. Just then, Wu Yin appeared, suspicious of her presence. He made a veiled threat, implying she was "too smart" for her own good.
Fengyao tried to feign she was looking for Wan Jiagui, but Wu Yin’s true intentions to silence her became clear. Fortunately, Wan Jiagui arrived in time, taking Fengyao away and acknowledging Wu Yin's warning about unauthorized entry into the armory. Back in their room, Fengyao recounted Wu Yin's attempt to kill her, attributing it to her discovery in the armory.
She confirmed her suspicion that the seized Qingzhou weapons were poisoned and that the logistics officer was infected from touching them. Wan Jiagui agreed that poisoning weapons was a cunning war tactic but noted that most of the poisoned victims were Chen Army troops, with only a dozen of their own soldiers affected, suggesting a deeper plot. Fengyao then deduced the poison was likely mixed into the sword oil used on the weapons.
Immediately, she wanted to inform military physicians to find the source and send someone to warn Mo Xi in Qingzhou, fearing she might also be exposed. Wan Jiagui, however, cautioned against haste. He explained that Wu Yin likely anticipated such a discovery and would seize any attempt to contact Mo Xi as treason.
He promised to find a safe way to send a message to Mo Xi, instructing Fengyao to act as if nothing had happened to avoid Wu Yin's suspicion. When the imperial decree arrived, Wan Jiagui formally accepted it. However, he cleverly used Fengyao's selfless act of caring for the infected soldiers as a reason to decline returning to Jingzhou for the wedding. He cited the unknown nature of the disease and Fengyao's exposure as a risk to the Emperor's health.
Wu Yin, still trying to push the marriage, lauded Fengyao's commendable actions and suggested the wedding news would boost army morale. Meanwhile, Wan Jiagui's agents, tasked with secretly monitoring Wu Yin, reported that the commander had been sending and receiving frequent letters bearing the seal of the Cao family of Weizhou. Wan Jiagui, aware that the Cao family was a rebel force secretly aiding Chen Wende, initially wondered if Wu Yin was colluding with Chen Wende.
He then deduced that Cao might have secretly defected to Wu Lang. Wan Jiagui ordered his subordinate to intensify surveillance on Wu Yin, demanding detailed reports on his every action and interaction. Believing Wan Jiagui's marriage to Fengyao was imminent and Qingzhou City was close to falling, Wu Yin secretly dispatched a subordinate to extract Mo Xi from Qingzhou.
An envoy from Governor Cao of Weizhou arrived to deliver provisions, a gesture of goodwill that surprised Chen Wende, who had expected opposition after rejecting their marriage alliance. The envoy expressed Governor Cao's apologies for any past misunderstandings and hoped to mend their relationship. Chen Wende accepted the aid but vehemently denied any outbreak in Qingzhou, downplaying the illnesses as minor.
The envoy then revealed significant news: the Emperor had decreed that Wan Jiagui and his wife would return to the capital for a personally officiated wedding, showered with imperial gifts. The envoy provocatively remarked that Wan Jiagui was merely taking Chen Wende's "leftovers." Overhearing this, Mo Xi was deeply shaken, her mind racing with past memories. She lamented that by sending Fengyao away, she might have inadvertently brought Fengyao and Wan Jiagui closer.
Later, a subordinate sent by Wu Yin approached Mo Xi, claiming Wan Jiagui had dispatched him to rescue her. When Mo Xi pressed about Wan Jiagui's marriage to Fengyao, the subordinate dismissed it as a mere cover story, urging her to leave immediately. However, Chen Wende appeared, having discovered the imposter. He shot the subordinate, who, in his dying breath, revealed he was sent by Wu Yin.
Enraged by Mo Xi's distress over Wan Jiagui's supposed marriage, Chen Wende confronted her. He revealed the true nature of Wu Yin's plot, showing her a drug in the deceased subordinate's palm, proving he intended to abduct her. Chen Wende accused Mo Xi of being easily distracted by Wan Jiagui, allowing herself to be targeted. He passionately questioned why she was always thinking of Wan Jiagui and had seemingly forgotten that he was her husband.
In a fit of jealousy and emotion, Chen Wende forcibly kissed Mo Xi, but she pushed him away, calling him "crazy." Immediately after, Chen Wende collapsed, alarming Mo Xi, who frantically called for help. Upon waking, Chen Wende learned from Mo Xi that he had contracted the same mysterious illness as his soldiers. Mo Xi, despite her usual strong demeanor, expressed her fright at his sudden collapse.
Chen Wende, observing her anxiety, teased her by asking if she would be happier if he died, then pointed out how worried she looked. He highlighted that her intense focus on Wan Jiagui's marriage news had vanished the moment he fell ill, implying her true affections lay with him. Mo Xi, however, outwardly denied her concern.
A subordinate later explained to Mo Xi that while the physicians confirmed the disease was not infectious and therefore not a plague, its debilitating effects on the soldiers' morale necessitated moving them out of the camp and paying citizens to care for them. The physician informed Mo Xi that for Chen Wende, they could only focus on detoxification and fever reduction, as there was no known cure or root cause for the peculiar illness yet.
Chen Wende directly questioned Physician Xu, who reiterated that the disease was not life-threatening, only causing fever and weakness. Realizing the strategic implications of such an illness right before a major war, Chen Wende found its timing highly suspicious. Despite his weakened state, he insisted on personally handling military affairs, ordering his attendant to bring him all relevant documents. Mo Xi continued to monitor his condition and even brought him medicine, still secretly worried about his recovery.
Episode 33 Recap
Mo Xi, concerned for Chen Wende's illness, personally brings him soup, a gesture that secretly pleases him. Soon, more generals and soldiers fall ill, leading to continuous defeats on all three fronts. Recognizing the severity, Chen Wende orders all patrols and security guards in Qingzhou City to work in three-hour shifts to allow his troops to rest and conserve strength for an impending, perilous battle.
He anticipates that the imperial court, particularly Wan Jiagui, will seize this opportunity to launch an assault. Meanwhile, Wu Yin urges Wan Jiagui to press the attack on Qingzhou, asserting that Chen Wende's retreating forces will suffer dwindling morale and the peculiar disease will incapacitate his entire army within five to ten days. Wan Jiagui, however, deems a reckless assault unwise, believing Chen Wende still commands capable soldiers.
Wu Yin dismisses his caution, confident in the disease's timeline but refuses to reveal the source of his information, citing it as classified. Back in Qingzhou, Chen Wende is deeply troubled by the sight of his sick and wounded soldiers. He questions why so many are falling ill despite doctors ruling out contagion and finding nothing unusual in their provisions. He concludes that the enemy will soon launch an attack, and a bloody battle is inevitable.
Fengyao approaches Wan Jiagui, speculating that Wu Yin is behind the widespread illness, especially given his precise knowledge of its spread and his past attempt to silence her when she inquired about its cause. She suggests secretly arresting and interrogating Wu Yin, but Wan Jiagui hesitates, citing Wu Yin's status as a court commander and the lack of concrete evidence.
Concerned for Mo Xi, who is still with Chen Wende, Fengyao accuses Wan Jiagui of prioritizing the "greater good" over Mo Xi's safety. She proposes either interrogating Wu Yin or sending a secret letter to Mo Xi, warning her about poisoned weapons.
Wan Jiagui, unwilling to risk being accused of colluding with a rebel, refuses, but Fengyao warns him that his constant compromises are driving him and Mo Xi apart, and if Mo Xi is harmed, both will share the blame. Later, a secret report confirms Fengyao's suspicions: the disease in Qingzhou is indeed caused by poison mixed with grease on newly forged weapons, a plot orchestrated by the Wu family and Governor Cao, who infiltrated Chen Wende's ironworks.
Despite his earlier reservations, Wan Jiagui sends a secret message to Chen Wende, offering mercy and allowing him to leave with his confidants if he returns Mo Xi. Chen Wende reveals the offer to Mo Xi, teasing her about Wan Jiagui's affection. Mo Xi responds with feigned indifference, stating she knows his stubborn nature. Chen Wende then tells her he rejected the offer, to his surprise, Mo Xi expresses no anger.
Wu Yin is infuriated upon learning of Chen Wende's refusal, believing he is doomed and will drag Mo Xi down with him. The Marquis sends an urgent order for Wan Jiagui to immediately capture Qingzhou. Wan Jiagui is reluctant to rush, but Wu Yin reveals that several Qingzhou city guards have already defected. Wu Yin admits to secretly contacting these rebels and promising them a cure for the poisoning if they switch sides.
He then fully discloses the Wu family's plot with Governor Cao to poison weapons in Qingzhou, causing the strange illness, and assures that he can provide the antidote to those who surrender. In the middle of the night, Li Chun wakes a sleeping Mo Xi, warning her that a traitor has opened the city gates, and Wan Jiagui's army is suddenly attacking.
She rushes Mo Xi out of the city to rendezvous with Chen Wende, who confirms his forces suffered an overwhelming defeat. He tells Mo Xi he ordered his 20,000-strong army to retreat first, while he stayed behind specifically to ensure her safe escape, despite her concerns about his recklessness. Wan Jiagui's forces pursue them, and Chen Wende, weakened by his illness, engages Wan Jiagui in battle.
Wan Jiagui tries to take Mo Xi, urging her to leave with him, but Mo Xi staunchly refuses, declaring her desire to stay with Chen Wende. At that moment, Wu Yin arrives with his men and orders them to fire arrows. Chen Wende is hit, and upon seeing Mo Xi also suffer an arrow graze, he quickly retreats with her. Wan Jiagui is deeply concerned for Mo Xi, knowing she was grazed by an arrow and thus likely poisoned.
Fengyao reinforces this concern, reminding him of Mo Xi's sensitivity to fever and predicting her rapid deterioration. Fengyao desperately urges Wan Jiagui to save her, reminding him that Wu Yin must have the antidote. Wan Jiagui states that as a court official, he cannot directly aid the rebel Chen Wende, despite Mo Xi meaning the world to him, and that Chen Wende is surrounded by elite warriors, making rescue difficult. However, he later relents.
Mo Xi wakes up to find herself and Chen Wende trapped in a relay station outside the city. Chen Wende admits they were betrayed by soldiers promised a cure by Wu Yin, leading to Qingzhou's fall. He reveals he only has about 2,000 scattered soldiers remaining and they are surrounded by Wan Jiagui's forces, who are holding back from attacking for now. Chen Wende then asks Mo Xi why she chose not to leave with Wan Jiagui.
After reflecting on their shared past, Mo Xi affectionately confesses that she has long harbored feelings for him. Chen Wende acknowledges his impending demise and urges her to return to Wan Jiagui, asserting she shouldn't die with him. In response, Mo Xi bites his arm, mingling their blood, and declares it a "blood kiss" akin to cross-cup wine on their wedding night. She vows to follow him wherever he goes, through life and death, embracing their shared fate as rebels.
Chen Wende, deeply moved, finally accepts her devotion, promising they will stay together. Although Wan Jiagui desires Chen Wende's death, he prioritizes Mo Xi's life. He gives Fengyao the antidote recipe, instructing her to make pills. He then has these two antidote pills, along with a letter, shot into Chen Wende's camp via arrow. The letter reveals Wu Yin poisoned the weapons and offers safety for both Chen Wende and Mo Xi if Chen Wende surrenders.
Mo Xi is concerned there are only two pills for so many poisoned soldiers. Chen Wende refuses the surrender offer, reaffirming his unyielding stance. Wu Yin anxiously approaches Wan Jiagui, desperate to know if Mo Xi was rescued. Upon learning she wasn't, he becomes even more distraught. Suddenly, Chen Wende's encampment comes under attack. Wan Jiagui confronts Wu Yin, who denies ordering the assault, revealing that Prime Minister Wu (Wu Lang) also desires Chen Wende's death and sent another troop.
Wu Yin, claiming his life is insignificant to Prime Minister Wu as an illegitimate son, cannot stop the attack. Wan Jiagui insists Chen Wende should face trial as a rebel leader, not be summarily executed, and that Mo Xi is innocent.
Episode 34 Recap
Fengyao was gravely concerned for Mo Xi's safety, though her resentment towards Wu Yin remained strong. Wu Yin, however, also harbored worries for Mo Xi, leading her to inform Wan Jiagui of the Wu family's private army routes and urge him to devise a rescue plan for Mo Xi. Fengyao, distraught, articulated her fear that the private army intended to attack the relay station with "Divine Crow Fire Arrows," a devastating weapon from which no one could escape.
She pleaded with Wan Jiagui to save Mo Xi, and he promised to take care of it. Meanwhile, Xiao Wu and Chen Wende's other soldiers realized their attackers were not court soldiers and intended to kill them all. Chen Wende himself sustained an injury, and Xiao Wu reported that their camp had suffered heavy casualties from an unidentified enemy using explosives, though the attackers had suddenly retreated.
Chen Wende suspected Wu Lang was behind the attack, intent on ensuring his death. A messenger from Wu Lang arrived to deliver Wu Yin her mother's personal belongings. He conveyed Wu Lang's disappointment and issued a severe warning: if Wu Yin compromised the "grand scheme" for Mo Xi's sake, she would never see her mother again. This threat deeply troubled Wu Yin. Wan Jiagui captured the individuals who had attacked Chen Wende's army.
Despite his interrogation, they refused to reveal who commanded them. Wan Jiagui, asserting they were either rebels or violators of military discipline, ordered their immediate decapitation. Wu Yin attempted to intervene, appealing to Wan Jiagui to show respect to the attackers' master and reconsider his decision, cautioning him that such overbearing actions could lead to future troubles. Wan Jiagui, however, was resolute, declaring he would not permit any interference in military matters, as it would only worsen the situation.
He proceeded with the executions, undeterred by Wu Yin's warnings. Chen Wende acknowledged to Mo Xi that he and Zhong Yuqi were sworn enemies and Wu Lang would certainly not spare his life. However, Mo Xi passionately urged him to escape, emphasizing that survival was paramount for any future or chance at revenge.
She confessed her deep desire to live a peaceful life with him, free from conflict, and yearned to build a home – a dream she never believed she could have. She reminded him that his former ambitious life had only led to him being labeled a rebel and constantly waging war with messy hair and a dirty face.
Chen Wende, admitting his life had been solely dedicated to fighting and realizing his cause was lost with his army's annihilation and the fall of Qingzhou City, agreed to plan an escape. Mo Xi assured him she would always stay by his side, unwavering. The next day, Chen Wende finalized his escape plan for midnight, based on Xiao Wu's reconnaissance of the enemy's guard rotations. He instructed Xiao Wu to retrieve hidden valuables from Qingzhou City.
Chen Wende intended to act as a decoy, drawing the enemy's forces away, so Xiao Wu could safely lead Mo Xi and their remaining comrades to escape. Xiao Wu protested, offering to take his place, but Chen Wende insisted, knowing that Wan Jiagui would not be easily fooled without a compelling diversion.
Taking responsibility for their current plight, Chen Wende, as a general, declared he could not flee first, and his sole wish was for Xiao Wu to ensure Mo Xi and everyone else reached safety. That night, Mo Xi searched for Chen Wende, growing anxious about their escape. She then unexpectedly saw Li Chun outside the camp, dressed in Mo Xi's clothes, and realized Li Chun was bravely impersonating her to protect her.
Chen Wende launched his feint attack, but Wan Jiagui was not misled and instead focused his efforts on pursuing Chen Wende. Wan Jiagui had initially ordered his troops to fire arrows "around" Chen Wende's tents, intending to force a surrender. However, Wu Yin secretly countermanded this order, instructing the soldiers to shoot directly "into" the tents.
When confronted by Wan Jiagui, Wu Yin produced a "Three Armies Token," a military order from the Marquis to kill Chen Wende and all his men, stating that any disobedience would result in decapitation. Wan Jiagui, now powerless to alter the command, expressed concern for Mo Xi's safety, but Wu Yin merely stated she could only express regret, emphasizing that a military order could not be defied.
Chen Wende rushed back to his military camp, horrified to witness countless comrades dead. He desperately called out for Mo Xi. Mo Xi, hearing his cries, emerged from the camp to find him. Spotting massive boulders being pushed down from the mountain, Chen Wende immediately shielded Mo Xi, taking the full impact himself and falling unconscious. When Mo Xi regained consciousness, she found Chen Wende's body covering hers amidst the devastation.
Consumed by immense grief, she believed everyone, including Chen Wende, had perished. After the battle, Wan Jiagui oversaw his men clearing the battlefield, cautioning them to be careful while handling the wreckage and bodies. A soldier informed him that Fengyao had gone to search for Mo Xi. Soon after, Wu Yin approached Wan Jiagui, inquiring about Mo Xi.
Wan Jiagui, seeing her as utterly hypocritical, angrily accused her of asking about Mo Xi after giving the direct order to attack the tents. Wu Yin, admitting her culpability, offered to deploy her own men to help search for Mo Xi, speculating that with Chen Wende likely dead, Wu Lang would no longer have any use for Mo Xi.
She promised to return Mo Xi to Wan Jiagui if found, stating her desire for Mo Xi to live a good life. Wan Jiagui implicitly accepted her offer by not refusing. Fengyao, consumed by worry, rushed to the devastated battlefield alone to search for Mo Xi. Wan Jiagui found her and, despite his concern for her safety, could not dissuade her. He joined her in calling out for Mo Xi.
Hidden amongst the ruins, Mo Xi heard Fengyao's desperate calls but chose not to reveal herself. As Wan Jiagui gently led a distraught Fengyao away, Mo Xi silently watched them go. She understood that both Fengyao and Wan Jiagui cared deeply for her, but her thoughts were solely with Chen Wende; he had only her, and she, in turn, felt bound only to him, unwilling to abandon him.
The following morning, Fengyao awoke, still determined to resume her search for Mo Xi despite having contracted a severe cold. Wan Jiagui tried to comfort her, explaining that he had already dispatched a dedicated team, equipped with a painting of Mo Xi, to search for her. He suggested that "no news is good news," implying Mo Xi might have successfully escaped, and urged Fengyao to recover for Mo Xi's sake.
However, soon after, Wan Jiagui received grim news: his subordinate reported finding a female body in the woods near the relay station, but her face was so severely burned that identification was impossible.
Episode 35 Recap
Wan Jiagui anxiously arrived to identify a female corpse, fearful it might be Mo Xi. Fengyao also rushed to the scene. Faced with the severely burned and disfigured body, Fengyao was overcome with grief. Wan Jiagui, equally heartbroken, collapsed. Wu Yin was distraught upon hearing of Mo Xi's presumed death. A subordinate presented a sock found with the body, explaining that Miss Mo Xi had been embroidering it with a lotus design, suggesting it was her unique needlework.
Meanwhile, Mo Xi, who had managed to crawl out from under Chen Wende's body, recalled Chen Wende's past intentions to expose the conspiracy between Marquis Mingde, Zhong Yuqi, and Wu Lang, who colluded with the governor to cause chaos. With Chen Wende's army defeated, she knew she could not die. Shortly after, Xiao Wu returned to find Mo Xi. He was devastated to learn of Chen Wende's death and blamed himself for following orders to leave.
He offered Mo Xi money and jewelry belonging to Chen Wende, urging her to come with him. Mo Xi firmly refused, declaring that from then on, she would not follow any man, but invited Xiao Wu to join her instead in Jingzhou City. Xiao Wu readily agreed. Before leaving, Xiao Wu intended to bury Chen Wende, but a sudden mudslide forced them to flee, leaving Chen Wende's body buried beneath the falling rocks.
One year later, in Jingzhou City, Fengyao waited outside for Wan Jiagui to return from work. Upon his arrival, they, along with his parents, prepared to attend the Lantern Festival. While in her carriage, Fengyao caught a glimpse of a woman in a passing carriage who bore a striking resemblance to Mo Xi. Wan Jiagui, hearing her exclamation, immediately gave chase but was ultimately disappointed when he failed to find anyone.
Concurrently, Mo Xi, now known as Miss Tang of Baoqing Jewelry, arrived late to Jingzhou City's imperial jewelry selection for the Inner Court. She apologized for the delay, attributing it to heavy traffic from the Lantern Festival. When challenged for her lateness and obscure background, she stated her name was Tang and that her husband had passed away early, asking to be addressed as Miss Tang.
Despite her tardiness and the initial skepticism of the officials, Baoqing Jewelry's exquisite pieces, crafted using a long-lost technique by talented, albeit disabled, craftsmen she had taken in, greatly impressed the judges. The officials were delighted, believing the jewelry would please the palace's concubines and princesses. Mo Xi, as Miss Tang, successfully reopened Baoqing Jewelry in Jingzhou City. Meanwhile, Fengyao accidentally pricked her finger while embroidering.
Wan Jiagui noticed and quickly instructed a servant to bring medicinal ointment, which he then personally applied to her wound. His parents observed the growing distance between their son and daughter-in-law. Wan Jiagui’s mother chastised him, believing he was mistreating Fengyao. She insisted he take Fengyao out for some enjoyment instead of letting her stay home all day. Wan Jiagui then suggested they celebrate Fengyao's birthday the following night at Feiyue Pavilion, known for its excellent Jiangnan cuisine.
Later, Wan Jiagui reflected internally that he was not intentionally cold to Fengyao, but he couldn't bring himself to be a true husband to her while Mo Xi remained first in his heart. Baoqing Jewelry's sudden emergence in Jingzhou City immediately drew the ire of the Jewelry Traders Association, whose leader refused to grant them a shop plaque and forbade others from making one.
Undeterred, Mo Xi had Xiao Wu display a piece of calligraphy granted by Earl Changping, Luo Yan, prominently outside the shop. Shortly after, messengers from Earl Jingshou, Jiang Huan, arrived with lavish return gifts. This public display of favor from two influential earls sparked immense curiosity among the townspeople, leading to a surge in Baoqing Jewelry's business.
Xiao Wu recounted that Earl Luo was impressed by the jewelry, but Earl Jiang was only won over after seeing a scroll painting of Mo Xi herself, whose beauty, Mo Xi claimed, captivated him. Mo Xi explained to Xiao Wu that after their perilous escape, they encountered the heir of the original Baoqing Jewelry, who was selling his waist token to fund his mother's medical treatment. Mo Xi bought the token for three gold bars.
They then coincidentally found skilled craftsmen who had escaped from Qingzhou's foundry. By adopting new appearances and identities, they successfully re-established Baoqing Jewelry in Jingzhou City. She emphasized that she was no longer Bai Moxi, but Miss Tang. Xiao Wu, along with his loyal brothers, vowed to follow her, declaring that following her was like following the general. Mo Xi remarked that Chen Wende was a man of deep emotions and loyalty, not easily forgotten.
She observed that the corrupt officials and powerful figures in Jingzhou City had quickly returned to their prosperous ways, having long forgotten Chen Wende. She declared their return to Jingzhou City was to avenge Chen Wende and his fallen soldiers, and to seek justice against Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang. Her ultimate goal was to ensure that all of Jing State would recognize Chen Wende not as a traitor, but as a truly loyal minister.
Mo Xi outlined her plan to host a banquet for the eight directors of the Jewelry Traders Association at Feiyue Pavilion. She intended to meet the two earls beforehand to thank them, thereby leveraging their influence to pressure the directors. More importantly, she aimed to establish her fame throughout Jingzhou City as Tang Moxi, a beautiful and wealthy widow in search of a suitable husband. Her ultimate objective, she revealed to Xiao Wu, was to approach Wu Lang.
She assured Xiao Wu that she would keep him informed of any developments. The following night at the banquet, one of the directors candidly told Miss Tang that establishing her business in Jingzhou City would be difficult due to her outsider status and the limited number of palace-approved jewelers. He metaphorically explained that her success would diminish their own, leading to fierce competition.
Mo Xi feigned an innocent, slightly scared demeanor, claiming she was merely a weak woman who was only joking. She then excused herself to welcome her guests. As Mo Xi descended the stairs to greet Earl Luo and Earl Jiang, Fengyao arrived at Feiyue Pavilion. Catching sight of Mo Xi, she called out her name and attempted to follow her upstairs, but a waiter blocked her path. From the second floor, Mo Xi also saw Fengyao and Wan Jiagui.
Wan Jiagui questioned Fengyao about calling Mo Xi's name. Later, at their table, Fengyao mused that she thought she saw Mo Xi again. Wan Jiagui gently reminded her that Mo Xi was dead, and they had handled her funeral arrangements. Fengyao conceded she must have been mistaken again.
He then reflected internally that he was not intentionally being cold to Fengyao, but he couldn't bring himself to be a true husband to her while Mo Xi remained first in his heart. He confessed that Moxi's death was a result of his own burden, believing her intelligence would have allowed her to escape if not for him, and that he failed to stop Wu Yin and watched Mo Xi perish in the flames.
Episode 36 Recap
Fengyao was consumed by guilt, believing her actions led to Mo Xi's supposed death by fire after she fell into Chen Wende's hands. As she left the Flying Moon Restaurant and saw the snow falling, memories resurfaced of finding Mo Xi's burnt body. Fengyao cried out, lamenting that if Mo Xi could return, she would give Wan Jiagui back to her. Overwhelmed by her grief, Wan Jiagui gently carried Fengyao to their carriage to take her home.
Unbeknownst to them, Mo Xi watched from the shadows. Despite Fengyao's heartfelt remorse, Mo Xi chose not to reveal herself, resolved to remain the widow, Madam Tang, for now. Meanwhile, Mo Xi found herself caught between two undesirable suitors in Jingzhou City: Earl Changping (Luo Yan), who coveted her considerable wealth, and Earl Jingshou (Jiang Huan), a known lecher with many wives and concubines, who was interested in her beauty.
Mo Xi confided her plan to Xiao Wu, who warned her of the inherent dangers. However, Mo Xi was determined, stating that one must enter the tiger's den to catch the tiger's cub, as it was the only way to achieve her goals. Xiao Wu reluctantly agreed, believing that the late General Chen Wende would wish them success.
At a banquet hosted by Marquis Mingde, Zhong Yuqi, Prime Minister Wu Lang overheard the other guests discussing how Earl Changping and Earl Jingshou were fiercely competing for the hand of a wealthy and beautiful widow. Wu Lang learned her name was Madam Tang and that she owned a jewelry store.
Later, on his way home, Wu Lang witnessed hooligans vandalizing a carriage belonging to Madam Tang's Baoqing Jewelry, threatening her that seeking protection from the Prime Minister would be useless if she offended their master. This incident only intensified Wu Lang's interest in Madam Tang. Back at his residence, Wu Lang harshly admonished Wu Yin for the inadequacy of his intelligence reports, calling him the son of a lowly jade and a disgrace.
He threatened to exile Wu Yin and his subordinates, along with their families, to the distant Western Regions and Mobei frontiers if they continued to be useless. Despite his internal struggle and reluctance to obey such a cruel demand, Wu Yin was forced to comply to protect the families of his men. The following day, Mo Xi arrived at the Prime Minister's residence to visit Wu Lang. She unexpectedly encountered Wu Yin and greeted him.
Wu Yin was stunned to see her alive, learning that the body found had belonged to her maidservant, Lichun. Mo Xi told Wu Yin that she did not blame him for launching the Divine Crow Fire Arrow, knowing it was Wu Lang's direct order. She challenged Wu Yin, asking if he truly intended to live his entire life subservient to Wu Lang, who despised him, neglected him, and saw him merely as a lackey despite being his son.
Recalling their past friendship in Qingzhou, Mo Xi asked for his help, and after some hesitation, Wu Yin agreed to collaborate with her, but made it clear it would be a one-time alliance. During her meeting with Prime Minister Wu Lang, Mo Xi boldly declared that neither Earl Changping nor Earl Jingshou was suitable for her. She stated her true intention: to marry Wu Lang's youngest son, even though he was mentally impaired after a riding accident.
Mo Xi explained that as a foreigner, establishing herself in Jingzhou City was difficult, and while the earls sought her wealth and beauty, Wu Lang's son, due to his condition, would not harbor ill intentions against her, making their marriage potentially more lasting and stable. She shrewdly reminded Wu Lang that he had previously failed to secure a reputable wife for his son, even from the now-destroyed Bai family, and now she was offering herself.
Mo Xi asserted that her goal was merely to gain a foothold in Jingzhou City, and his son needed a respectable spouse, making their union a perfect solution for both. As a dowry, she offered the entire properties of Baoqing Jewelry. Wu Lang, tempted by the substantial dowry and the prospect of a suitable marriage for his son, agreed to the proposal, promising to help expand her business on the condition that she take excellent care of his son.
On her return journey, Mo Xi explained to Xiao Wu that Wu Lang agreed so readily because his son had long been without a suitable match, as noble ladies refused him while others merely sought wealth. She pointed out that she sought the Wu family's protection, had her own wealth, and would not betray them, all while her beauty would uphold their family's reputation.
Mo Xi then lamented that if Chen Wende were still alive, she would not have to endure such struggles, as he would have protected her and punished anyone who bullied her. Suddenly, she saw a figure resembling Chen Wende. She quickly ordered the carriage to stop and chased after him, but the figure vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving her to wonder if it was merely an illusion. Later, Fengyao attended Madam Zhong's plum blossom banquet.
She was surprised to see Mo Xi among the attendees, introduced as the bride-to-be of Prime Minister Wu's second son. During the banquet, Mo Xi used the pretense of appreciating the plum blossoms to discreetly search the Book Repository for evidence. Her aim was to find letters proving Zhong Yuqi's collusion with various governors, intending to expose a rebellion.
Finding a large collection of incriminating letters detailing Zhong Yuqi's conspiracy with governors to fight against Chen Wende, forge weapons, and recruit armies after Qingzhou was claimed, Mo Xi realized she couldn't take all of them. She began copying them by hand. It was then that Fengyao found her, expressing her confusion and hurt at Mo Xi's silence after surviving. During their brief exchange, Fengyao clarified that nothing had transpired between her and Wan Jiagui.
Mo Xi, however, revealed that she considered herself married to Chen Wende and confessed that he was the only one she had missed in the past year, acknowledging her past disdain and current deep longing for him. Mo Xi, with limited time before guards patrolled, then urgently requested Fengyao's help. Recalling Fengyao's eidetic memory, Mo Xi asked her to memorize the letters so she could transcribe them later.
Fengyao, understanding Mo Xi's intention to report Zhong Yuqi's rebellion to the emperor and clear Chen Wende's name, agreed, acknowledging that the current political climate was favorable for such an endeavor. Upon returning home, Fengyao reflected on her shared past with Wan Jiagui. When he entered, she embraced him, then revealed that Mo Xi was alive. Wan Jiagui was happy for Mo Xi but questioned why Fengyao had hugged him, sensing a deeper meaning.
He acknowledged that their time together without Mo Xi had created a bond that couldn't be easily dismissed. Wan Jiagui admitted that while he had believed his love for Mo Xi would last a lifetime, human hearts and emotions could change over time. He had struggled with these feelings, hating himself for them, but recognized that people are not characters from storybooks and that time can heal pain.
Fengyao, understanding his complex emotions, urged him to meet Mo Xi, assuring him that she would support his decision, no matter who he chose, and that she was strong enough to stand on her own.
Episode 37 (Ending) Recap
Wan Jiagui sought out Mo Xi at Baoqing Jewelry, and they decided to take a walk together. Mo Xi asked about his well-being with Fengyao, to which Wan Jiagui admitted their year had been difficult because Fengyao constantly wished for Mo Xi's return so she could reunite them. However, he confessed that feelings had developed between him and Fengyao.
Mo Xi directly asked if he was still hung up on her, and then recounted how her own feelings for him had faded over the past year. She explained that she had genuinely liked him but, upon realizing their relationship was impossible, she had pulled away. With Chen Wende, she found a tolerance and love that made her cherish him. Mo Xi clarified that she was the one who had given up on their relationship first.
Hearing this, Wan Jiagui felt a great sense of relief, confident that Fengyao would also feel the same. He offered to speak with Fengyao himself if needed. Mo Xi then shared her plan to clear Chen Wende's name. Wan Jiagui expressed concern about the danger, but Mo Xi reassured him she wouldn't act without certainty.
He offered his full support, even his life, but Mo Xi urged him to stay alive to care for Fengyao, reminding him that she and Fengyao would always be her closest family. Wan Jiagui agreed, affirming their bond. Upon returning home, Wan Jiagui found Fengyao meticulously managing his daily affairs, from his clothes to his official documents. He embraced her, admitting his dependence on her and that he needed her by his side.
He then shared that Mo Xi had "returned" him to Fengyao, humorously remarking that Mo Xi found him "useless" now. Wan Jiagui emphasized that a year had passed, and both he and Mo Xi had changed significantly. Fengyao, still concerned about facing Mo Xi, was told by Wan Jiagui that Mo Xi was now entirely focused on clearing Chen Wende's name. He advised Fengyao not to strain herself and to simply follow her heart.
Meanwhile, Mo Xi met with Wu Yin, who confirmed he had successfully obtained the password to the hidden cabinet in the prime minister's study. He also verified that both the Emperor and Marquis Zhong would attend Mo Xi's upcoming wedding. Wu Yin informed her that he was departing for his duty as commander at Mobei the next morning, and Mo Xi wished him well. That night, Mo Xi secretly entered the prime minister's study.
An accidental noise nearly exposed her, but a masked figure appeared and quickly led her to safety, preventing guards from discovering them. Mo Xi tried to ascertain the masked person's identity, strongly suspecting it was Chen Wende, but he remained silent. Inside the study, Mo Xi retrieved crucial letters and ledgers exposing Prime Minister Wu Lang's corruption, including framing officials, bribery, and selling positions.
She then found additional evidence detailing Marquis Mingde Zhong Yuqi's rebellion plans, including recruiting soldiers, which seemed to have been deliberately left for her. On the day of the grand wedding, with the Emperor and Marquis Zhong among the guests, Mo Xi made a dramatic entrance.
As the bride, she boldly declared herself the widow of the late General Chen Wende and publicly accused Marquis Mingde Zhong Yuqi and Prime Minister Wu Lang of treason, presenting undeniable evidence of their plots against loyalists and plans for rebellion. The Emperor, enraged by the clear evidence, ordered the arrest of Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang. However, Zhong Yuqi, revealing his long-held ambition for the throne, initiated his own plot.
He had previously confided in Wu Lang about assassinating the Emperor at the wedding. Now, amidst the commotion, Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang's assassins launched their attack. An imperial attendant bravely shielded the Emperor, taking a blow meant for him. As chaos erupted, the masked figure once again appeared, protecting the Emperor. Just then, Wan Jiagui arrived with his troops.
Zhong Yuqi attempted to bribe Wan Jiagui with a marquis title to join his rebellion, but Wan Jiagui staunchly refused, declaring his loyalty to the rightful Emperor and ordering the swift apprehension of Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang. After the rebels were subdued, the Emperor asked the masked hero for his name. The man removed his mask, revealing himself as Chen Wende, the former General of the Beishuo Army, who was thought to be dead.
Chen Wende explained that he had faked his death after being falsely accused, spending the past year secretly gathering evidence against Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang to clear his name. Grateful for Chen Wende's loyalty and heroic actions, the Emperor offered him the title of State Protector General. However, Chen Wende respectfully declined, requesting permission to live in seclusion, which the Emperor, though reluctant, granted.
An imperial decree soon declared Zhong Yuqi and Wu Lang treacherous traitors guilty of collusion, forming private armies, harming loyal officials, and attempted rebellion. Zhong Yuqi was stripped of his marquis title and exiled to Yazhou, along with his male kin. Wu Lang's assets were confiscated, he was publicly executed, and his clan exiled to Haizhou.
Wu Yin, due to his cooperation in exposing the traitors, was pardoned but was to be stationed as commander at Mobei, forbidden to return without an imperial decree. In the twelfth month of the third year of the Anping reign, the Emperor officially vindicated Chen Wende and the Beishuo Army. Wu Lang was executed that same month. Later, Zhong Yuqi was assassinated by a warrior from the Sun family during his exile.
With the fall of these powerful traitors, the decade-long civil unrest in Jing State finally ended, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity. Mo Xi, knowing Chen Wende was still avoiding her, orchestrated a mock assassination attempt to draw him out. When he tried to flee, she confronted him, playfully threatening to divorce him if he ran again, confirming she had recognized her husband.
Chen Wende explained that he had survived the mudslide, but the crucial evidence he carried was destroyed. He had spent the past year meticulously gathering new proof, and with Mo Xi's invaluable help, his name was finally cleared. He hesitantly revealed that his face was disfigured, but Mo Xi dismissed his concern, teasing him by comparing his looks to Wan Jiagui, who she claimed was much more handsome.
This lighthearted banter finally eased Chen Wende's insecurities, leading to their loving reconciliation. From a distance, Fengyao and Wan Jiagui watched Mo Xi and Chen Wende reunite. Fengyao expressed her surprise at their eventual reconciliation but was content, saying that with Mo Xi's happiness secured, they could finally be at ease. Wan Jiagui reflected on what he had learned from their journey: the importance of cherishing the person right in front of you.
With a renewed understanding, Fengyao fully accepted Wan Jiagui. One year later, Mo Xi encountered the young beggar girl she had once helped. The girl excitedly told Mo Xi that, inspired by her words, her mother had started a successful mutton shop, bringing them a much happier life. Later, Chen Wende arrived to pick up Mo Xi, gently taking her purchases and asking if she was ready to go home.
As they rode away in a carriage, Mo Xi's voiceover mused that her story had found its conclusion, and while the future remained unknown, she was certain she would never walk alone, now that she had her partner. The couple shared a knowing smile, cherishing their hard-won, simple happiness together.
