I Will Never Let You Go Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> I Will Never Let You Go

I Will Never Let You Go Synopsis

The dynasty will fall in the fifth era, the one who gets the treasure of Bi Luo Tian will get the world.

Because of this prophecy, Hua Buqi, who can open the treasure was coveted by many forces, and had been following her ninth uncle to suffer hardships since childhood.

Later, when the ninth uncle was killed, Hua Buqe encountered the swordsman Lian Yi Ke, whom she had always respected, but to her surprise, Lian Yi Ke was the only son of the seventh Lord, Chen Yu.

The Seventh Lord was determined to take over the throne and wanted to sacrifice Hua Buqi to heaven to get the treasure, so Hua Buqi and Chen Yu had a bumpy and tortuous relationship.

When Hua Buqi escaped to Jiangnan, she found out that she was engaged to Dongfang Shi.

The grandfather of Dongfang Shi also wanted to use Hua Buqi to get the treasure, but Dongfang Shi loved Hua Buqi and did not want her to die.

In order to prove that he could get the world without the treasure, Dongfang Shi rebelled and causing the people to suffer a disaster.

Hua Buqi and Chen Yu helped the emperor stop the war, and Dongfang Shi was accidentally killed by Xiao Jiupeng to save Hua Buqi. Xiao Jiupeng was buried in Bi Luo Tian, and the war ended. Hua Buqi and Chen Yu traveled together in Jianghu.

I Will Never Let You Go Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

The Xue Manor was tragically massacred overnight, but the Saintess, Xue Fei, and her elder brother, Zhu Hua, managed to escape. Pursued relentlessly, Xue Fei gave birth to a daughter, Hua Buqi, in a dilapidated temple. Overwhelmed by despair and the grim fate she foresaw for her child, Xue Fei attempted to strangle the infant, believing death was a kinder end than a life of being exploited like her own.

However, Zhu Hua intervened, vowing he would never let the child suffer the same fate. As soldiers of the Seventh Prince closed in, Xue Fei urged Zhu Hua to take the baby and flee, allowing them to evade the relentless pursuit. The Seventh Prince, upon finding Xue Fei in the temple, confronted her, baffled why she refused to be by his side, even after he had willingly married her as his secondary wife despite her affair.

Xue Fei bitterly retorted that his motives were purely for Biluotian, and he had never harbored genuine feelings for her. After her death, the Seventh Prince remained determined to find the infant, convinced that this girl was the next Saintess, the key to the Biluotian treasure. Zhu Hua, now known as Uncle Jiu, lived incognito with Hua Buqi in Xizhou, resorting to begging to avoid detection by powerful forces.

Bright and resourceful, young Hua Buqi expressed a desire to use their meager earnings to start a business. Yet, Uncle Jiu strictly forbade it, insisting she must keep her face dirty and avoid close contact with others, claiming he owed insurmountable debts. Hua Buqi, however, suspected his debts were of the romantic kind and that he was her real father, given their resemblance. Secretly, she decided to pursue business anyway, masking her face to remain unrecognized.

Years passed; Hua Buqi matured into a graceful young woman, still discreetly trading with her face veiled, while Uncle Jiu's health steadily declined, plagued by a worsening cough. One day, Hua Buqi paused to listen to a storyteller recounting the heroic deeds of Lotus Robe Knight, who was said to possess incredible skills like shooting ten arrows simultaneously. Nearby, Chen Yu, the Seventh Prince's son and the Lotus Robe Knight himself, scoffed at the exaggerated tales.

Hua Buqi, mistaking him for an arrogant playboy, swiftly defended the hero's reputation. Unbeknownst to her, Chen Yu was in Xizhou to acquire medicine for his ailing father and to halt his father's relentless search for an illegitimate daughter, a pursuit that had deeply saddened and ultimately led to his mother's death.

His attendant, A Shi, suggested the Prince's illness might be psychological, and finding the daughter could be the cure, but Chen Yu remained unmoved, stating he would not bring her back even if he found her. Meanwhile, in an inn, the First Miss of Mingyue Villa revealed she had received news of a woman who might be Xue Fei's daughter in Xizhou. She ordered her subordinates to track this woman down and kill her on sight.

Simultaneously, she ordered her subordinates to intercept a shipment of medicine from Yaoling Manor, bound for Feiyun Fortress, where warhorses were suffering from a plague. Her ambition was to cripple Feiyun Fortress, one of the four prominent families, by depriving them of vital medicine, thereby enabling Mingyue Villa to absorb them. As the bandits attempted to hijack the medicine cart, Chen Yu, in his guise as Lotus Robe Knight, intervened.

He confronted the robbers, offering them a chance to retreat, as his aim was to protect the innocent rather than harm. In the ensuing chaos, Hua Buqi, unknowingly pushing a cart of wine and rice, stumbled into the skirmish. Captivated by the heroic Lotus Robe Knight, she impulsively threw a wine jar at a bandit, inadvertently drawing their attention. Lotus Robe Knight swiftly protected her while fending off the attackers.

He ultimately defeated the bandits, but his act of sparing their lives further deepened Hua Buqi’s admiration for his compassion. After giving her an ingot of silver for her damaged wine and urging her to avoid danger, Lotus Robe Knight departed. Hua Buqi, still dazed, wondered why he left so quickly, thinking she wasn't pretty enough. Chen Yu, observing her from a hidden spot, was struck by her uncanny resemblance to Xue Fei, particularly her unforgettable eyes, and her age.

He began to suspect she was, in fact, the Seventh Prince's long-lost illegitimate daughter. Back at Yaoling Manor, Mingyue Villa's First Miss angrily questioned the master about the failed medicine robbery. The master admitted to immediately spreading rumors that Lotus Robe Knight was the culprit, with the magistrate already issuing a warrant for his arrest.

The First Miss, pleased with his quick thinking, then ordered him to prepare for any potential investigations from Feiyun Fortress or Lotus Robe Knight, assuring him of Mingyue Villa's full backing. She also handed him a portrait of Xue Fei, commanding him to find the woman resembling it—Hua Buqi—and bring her back, dead or alive.

After she left, the Yaoling Manor master, deeply concerned about Mingyue Villa’s aggressive expansion and their own entanglement, confided in his son that their manor was at risk of being ruined. He realized they were too deeply indebted to Mingyue Villa to act rashly and could only seek a new powerful patron. Later, Chen Yu, still pondering Hua Buqi's identity, tracked her into town. She stopped before a public bounty poster, falsely accusing Lotus Robe Knight of medicine theft.

Outraged by the injustice, Hua Buqi passionately defended Lotus Robe Knight to the crowd and, with a sly move, secretly altered his face on the poster with a dab of ink to make him unrecognizable. Chen Yu, witnessing her cleverness, was amused. Soon after, he overheard Hua Buqi speaking with an old woman, mentioning Uncle Jiu's "lover's debts" and playfully suggesting he was her real father because of their resemblance.

Misinterpreting this, Chen Yu dismissed his suspicions, reasoning that if Hua Buqi already had a father, she couldn't be the Seventh Prince's illegitimate daughter. He then instructed his attendant, A Shi, to shift focus and investigate who had actually reported Lotus Robe Knight for the medicine theft, believing real clues lay there. Hua Buqi returned to her humble home, quickly changing into her ragged beggar attire.

She presented Uncle Jiu with medicine, claiming she had earned twenty coins through begging and even received free food from a generous nobleman. Uncle Jiu, however, sensed her deception and again cautioned her against secretly doing business, fearing her carelessness might expose their hidden whereabouts. As she moved to prepare his medicine, a silver ingot, a gift from Lotus Robe Knight, accidentally slipped from her clothes.

Thinking quickly, Hua Buqi spun a tale about the "God of Wealth" having taken pity on them and blessed them with the money, wondering if Uncle Jiu would ever believe her if she told him the truth about Lotus Robe Knight.

Episode 2 Recap

Hua Buqi adamantly promised Uncle Jiu she would not engage in business, but a silver ingot accidentally fell from her clothes. Uncle Jiu was furious, reprimanding her for interacting too much with people and secretly conducting business. Hua Buqi, feeling wronged, explained she only wanted to earn money for his medical treatment because he coughed so badly. She resented his constant scolding and his refusal to reveal the truth behind their hiding.

Despite their heated argument, Hua Buqi, seeing Uncle Jiu cough, couldn't help but apologize, earning his forgiveness. Suddenly, Uncle Jiu suffered a severe coughing fit and collapsed. Hua Buqi quickly used her earnings to call a doctor, but was told his illness was too advanced, beyond the doctor's capabilities. Only the Spring Revival Pill from Yaoling Manor could save him. Meanwhile, Chen Yu pondered over Hua Buqi. The Yaoling Manor incident also troubled him greatly.

He decided to go to Yaoling Manor to obtain the Spring Revival Pill and meet the manor owner, Lin Mantang. The Spring Revival Pill from Yaoling Manor had life-prolonging effects and was extremely valuable. At Yaoling Manor, Chen Yu, identifying himself as having come to obtain medicine for the Seventh Prince, was respectfully greeted by the owner, Lin Mantang. Lin Mantang, despite the pill's rarity and life-prolonging effects, generously offered Chen Yu two Spring Revival Pills.

As Chen Yu was being given a tour of the manor, Hua Buqi arrived, desperate to buy the pill. She was initially turned away by the apprentices, who scoffed at her inability to afford the expensive medicine, especially since the last two pills had just been given to Young Master Chen. Hua Buqi then scaled a wall to enter, pleading with Lin Mantang for a pill.

Lin Mantang explained that the pills were now with Chen Yu, making him the one to decide. Hua Buqi tearfully begged Chen Yu, explaining her uncle's dire condition and her need to save his life. Chen Yu, however, adamantly refused to give one up. He then had Hua Buqi forcibly removed from the manor. Hua Buqi returned to Uncle Jiu, distraught and blaming herself for her inability to secure the medicine.

Soon after, Chen Yu, in his disguise as the Lotus Robe Knight, appeared. Without a word, he silently left one Spring Revival Pill and departed. Hua Buqi was overwhelmed with gratitude. Thanks to the pill, Uncle Jiu regained consciousness. Realizing his time was short, Uncle Jiu resolved to take Hua Buqi to the capital city to meet Mr. Zhu. He felt that Hua Buqi, now grown, deserved to know her true identity and choose her own path.

Before their departure, Hua Buqi bid farewell to her companions in town. Unbeknownst to her, agents from Mingyue Villa spotted her and began to discreetly follow her. Knowing Uncle Jiu's weak and ailing health could not withstand a long journey, Hua Buqi went to an inn where Chen Yu was staying, having heard he was returning to the capital. She hoped he would give them a ride. Chen Yu explicitly refused her request.

Resourceful, Hua Buqi then staged a dramatic scene in the inn, pretending to be pregnant with Chen Yu's child, accusing him of abandoning her to return to the capital. This charade quickly spread rumors, humiliating Chen Yu. Unable to bear the whispers, Chen Yu reluctantly agreed to take them, on the condition that Hua Buqi wash all his clothes thoroughly.

Hua Buqi readily accepted, but upon seeing the enormous pile of clothing, she publicly washed them in the inn's courtyard, continuing her act and further damaging Chen Yu's reputation. Meanwhile, Lin Dansha, Lin Mantang's daughter, accompanied Chen Yu on a tour of Xizhou Prefecture as instructed by her father. Chen Yu subtly probed Lin Dansha for information about the medicine heist. Upon returning to the inn, Chen Yu was met with cold glares from the other guests.

His attendant, Chen Shi, reported Hua Buqi's continued slander. Chen Yu, exasperated, agreed to take Hua Buqi to the capital, but only after she clarified the situation to the inn guests to clear his name. After Hua Buqi left, Chen Yu was torn. Hua Buqi bore a striking resemblance to Xue Fei, sharing eight-tenths of her features. If Hua Buqi was Xue Fei's daughter, he vowed never to take her to the capital.

However, if she was not, he felt compelled to help the pitiful girl. At the Prince's Manor, the Seventh Prince had learned of Hua Buqi's whereabouts. Deeming the matter of great importance, he decided to immediately write to Chen Yu, using his 'dying wish' to instruct Chen Yu to find Hua Buqi and bring her back. In Mingyue Villa, a red-clad woman named Qingwu reported her failure to her master. He lightly chastised her, urging more caution.

Qingwu then brought up Hua Buqi, revealing her to be Xue Fei's daughter. She understood her master's long-standing affection for Xue Fei, but inwardly seethed with hatred for Hua Buqi. Though she outwardly pledged to retrieve Hua Buqi for her master, she harbored a secret intent to kill her. Uncle Jiu had packed their belongings, ready to travel to the capital with Hua Buqi. However, people from Mingyue Villa suddenly appeared, led by Qingwu, determined to take their lives.

Uncle Jiu, knowing escape was impossible, urged Hua Buqi to survive. He bravely engaged the assailants, but outnumbered, he was no match. He handed Hua Buqi his satchel and his alms bowl, instructing her to find Mr. Zhu at the Xingyuan Pawnshop on the south lane in the capital, emphasizing no one else. Hua Buqi resisted leaving, but seeing Uncle Jiu use his body to block their attackers, sacrificing himself, she tearfully fled into the pouring rain.

Episode 3 Recap

Hua Buqi, clutching her pottery bowl, was relentlessly pursued by agents from Mingyue Villa. Cornered at the edge of a cliff, despair overwhelmed her, and she prepared to leap, hoping to join Uncle Jiu in death. Fortunately, Lotus Robe Knight arrived just in time, saving her and preventing her from becoming a "cliff ghost."

During his fight with Qingwu, Lotus Robe Knight accidentally tore her clothing, revealing an insignia that confirmed these individuals were the same people who had earlier stolen the medicinal ingredients. Overwhelmed by the sheer number of Mingyue Villa's forces, Lotus Robe Knight was forced to quickly escape with Hua Buqi. The two found refuge in a safe mountain cave. Hua Buqi, distraught, wanted to immediately retrieve Uncle Jiu's body, fearing that wild animals would consume him.

Lotus Robe Knight cautioned her about the dangers outside and insisted she remain in the cave while he went alone to find and bury Uncle Jiu, as it was not convenient to take her outside. Meanwhile, the Mingyue Villa forces, now aware of Lotus Robe Knight's escape with Hua Buqi, split into two groups: one to pursue Lotus Robe Knight, and the other to continue searching for Hua Buqi.

Hua Buqi was eventually discovered by Mingyue Villa's search party, but she managed to evade them, guided by her loyal dog, Ah Huang. With the entire Xizhou Prefecture now actively hunting her, Hua Buqi sought refuge at Yaoling Manor, believing the pursuers wouldn't come there.

The kindhearted Old Madam of the manor was moved by Hua Buqi's tragic story, having heard about her recent loss and the hardships she endured with Ah Huang, whom she affectionately called "Mother" because the dog had fed her milk as a child. The Old Madam decided to allow Hua Buqi and Ah Huang to stay, promising they wouldn't go hungry as long as she had food.

Elsewhere, Qingwu arrived at Yaoling Manor and ordered Lin Mantang to immediately dispatch men to the magistrate's office. She demanded a substantial reward be offered to force Lotus Robe Knight out of hiding, determined to make him pay for continually thwarting her plans and snatching away her intended targets. She suspected he hadn't left Xizhou Prefecture. She also asked for an investigation into a beggar, seeking to learn their usual resting places in the city.

Back at the inn, Chen Yu had already confirmed Hua Buqi's identity as the Seventh Prince's illegitimate daughter. He vehemently declared he would prevent her from entering the royal manor. Chen Yu instructed Chen Shi to examine Yaoling Manor's financial records, but no incriminating evidence was found. Chen Yu remained convinced that Yaoling Manor was related to the mobsters, otherwise, they wouldn't be pursuing Lotus Robe Knight now, suggesting they knew he was still within Xizhou.

However, he was puzzled as to why Yaoling would provoke Feiyun Fortress, one of the four great families, by stealing their medicinal supplies. That night, Hua Buqi secretly left Yaoling Manor to visit the mountain cave. Lotus Robe Knight had already found Uncle Jiu's body and respectfully buried him. Kneeling before Uncle Jiu's grave, Hua Buqi wept uncontrollably, her grief touching Lotus Robe Knight.

She apologized to Uncle Jiu for not being able to visit him for a long time and for not being able to go to the capital with him, asking him to reincarnate into a rich person and not a beggar, as it didn't suit him. Lotus Robe Knight noted that the black-clad individuals pursuing them were the same group who had robbed the medicine merchants.

Hua Buqi then recalled Uncle Jiu's past conversations, suggesting they had always been hunting her and Uncle Jiu due to a grudge against him. She informed Lotus Robe Knight of her decision to travel to the capital to find her family, planning to hitch a ride in Chen Yu's carriage to evade the city gate guards, believing they wouldn't dare search his carriage.

Hua Buqi expressed her extremely poor opinion of Chen Yu, describing him as a "dog-ass Young Lord Chen," selfish, arrogant, despicable, and unintelligent, the complete opposite of Lotus Robe Knight. She added that he wouldn't even give her one of his two medicine pellets. Lotus Robe Knight's mouth twitched slightly upon hearing her blunt assessment, but he appeared relieved that she had found a way to reach the capital safely.

Hua Buqi then bid farewell to Uncle Jiu and Lotus Robe Knight, promising to stay at Yaoling for a few days before attempting to join Chen Yu's journey to the capital. The next morning, Hua Buqi, now dressed in maid's attire, began working at Yaoling Manor. Lin Dansha recognized Hua Buqi as the girl who had previously slandered Chen Yu at the inn and mocked her, questioning who would want a woman who had "drunk dog's milk."

Lin Mantang, passing by, reprimanded Lin Dansha and then closely observed Hua Buqi. He noticed her striking resemblance to a portrait of Xue Fei. Lin Mantang initially considered reporting Hua Buqi's whereabouts to Mingyue Villa, but his son intervened. The son revealed rumors circulating that a woman resembling the portrait was the Seventh Prince's lost daughter.

He saw this as a golden opportunity for the Lin family to escape Mingyue Villa's control and gain the powerful patronage of the Seventh Prince. After careful consideration, Lin Mantang decided to move Hua Buqi into the inner courtyard, assigning two servants to watch over her discreetly, understanding that the future survival of Yaoling Manor now hinged on Hua Buqi.

Hua Buqi was ushered into the inner courtyard, where the Lin family treated her with excessive politeness and provided her with luxurious accommodations and servants, referring to her as "My Lady." This unexpected lavish treatment made Hua Buqi uneasy, leading her to mistakenly believe that Master Lin intended to take her as a concubine. Determined to avoid this fate, she resolved to find an opportunity to escape.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu was still waiting at the inn for Hua Buqi, when Lin Dansha arrived. Unintentionally, Lin Dansha revealed that Hua Buqi was now residing at Yaoling Manor, referring to her as the beggar who drank dog's milk. Concerned for Hua Buqi's safety, Chen Yu decided to investigate Yaoling Manor again that night, this time in his guise as Lotus Robe Knight.

During his nocturnal visit to Yaoling Manor, Chen Yu (as Lotus Robe Knight) unexpectedly encountered another black-clad intruder. This intruder inadvertently triggered one of Yaoling Manor's security mechanisms, alerting everyone. The manor staff mistakenly identified the black-clad intruder as Lotus Robe Knight and converged to capture him. At the same time, Hua Buqi, with her two assigned maids in tow, also witnessed the commotion as she attempted to retrieve some items she claimed to have left in the back courtyard.

Her maids fled in fright amidst the chaos, allowing Hua Buqi to hide and observe the true Lotus Robe Knight appear and rescue the other black-clad person. The rescued black-clad person then fled to the back courtyard, where they were confronted by Ah Huang. Ah Huang bravely fought the intruder, drawing the attention of the Lin family members. In the ensuing chaotic struggle between the Lin family and the black-clad person, Ah Huang was accidentally killed.

Hua Buqi arrived moments later and, wrongly assuming the black-clad person was responsible for Ah Huang's death, was filled with hatred. However, despite her intense anger, she found herself unable to deliver a fatal blow to the unconscious intruder, acknowledging that she still didn't dare to kill people. She buried Ah Huang next to Uncle Jiu, lamenting that she was now truly alone. She tearfully vowed to live well and fulfill her promise to Uncle Jiu by finding Mr. Zhu in the capital.

Episode 4 Recap

Hua Buqi tearfully buried her loyal companion, Ah Huang, resolving to live on and fulfill Uncle Jiu's last wishes. Returning to the backyard, she confronted the black-clad man she had hidden, pulling off his mask. He awoke suddenly, grabbing her and demanding she bandage his wound, promising not to kill her since she had saved him. Hua Buqi feigned compliance, tearing a bedsheet for bandages, but when he asked for food, she seized the opportunity.

Stepping outside to fetch sweet potatoes, she quickly bolted the door and then loudly cried out for help, alerting the Lin household that a thief was in the backyard. The severely injured black-clad man, now trapped and pursued by Lin family guards, was forced to break out through the door and escape. As he desperately sought an exit, he spotted a dog hole, resolving to swallow his pride and squeeze through.

However, Hua Buqi, determined to ensure his capture, loudly directed the Lin guards to the dog hole, enraging the black-clad man who vowed to return and settle the score with her. Amidst the chaos of the chase, Hua Buqi managed to slip away from the Lin Manor. With nowhere else to go, Hua Buqi decided to return to the dilapidated house, believing her pursuers wouldn't expect her to go back.

To her surprise, she found two men, Mo Ruofei and his servant Jiansheng, inside, one of whom was injured. Just then, Butler Lin and the Lin family guards arrived at the broken house, still tracking the original thief. Seizing the chance to escape, Hua Buqi falsely claimed she had followed the thief to the house and pointed to Mo Ruofei, accusing him and his servant of being the culprits.

She inwardly apologized to the strangers, explaining that she had no choice but to frame them to avoid being caught and forced into an undesirable marriage with Master Lin. Mo Ruofei, a distinguished young master from the Mo family in the capital, explained his presence as a result of his carriage being destroyed by a bear, forcing him to take temporary shelter.

He expressed his intention to seek medical help at Yaoling Manor and offered to go there to clarify the misunderstanding if Hua Buqi would serve as his witness. Hua Buqi fled to a mountain cave, finding a moment of peace to roast sweet potatoes. However, Mo Ruofei soon tracked her down. He confronted her, demanding she return with him to Yaoling Manor to testify on his behalf, as he had been unjustly accused and his servant arrested.

Hua Buqi, initially feigning fear and praising his martial arts skills, tried to avoid returning, claiming she wanted to fulfill Uncle Jiu’s dying wish of reviving the Hua Clan by continuing their family tradition of begging. She even held out her old begging bowl as proof. Mo Ruofei, though initially disgusted by her beggar's bowl, offered her a "golden rice bowl" if she returned with him, promising her a life of respect.

Tempted, Hua Buqi agreed to be his witness but tried to negotiate being taken on as his maidservant instead of returning directly to the manor, fearing more trouble. Mo Ruofei dismissed the idea of her as a maid, stating he had plenty of servants, and when she threatened not to go, he insisted she had no choice and began to pull her along. A sudden downpour forced them back into the cave.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu and his attendant, Ah Shi, anxiously searched the streets for Hua Buqi. Chen Yu expressed his deep concern for the "little beggar" and ordered an extensive search for her. While stuck in the cave, Hua Buqi contemplated seeking out "Young Lord Chen" at the guesthouse, but Mo Ruofei prevented any further escape attempts, warning her to behave.

Hua Buqi, in turn, tried to flatter Mo Ruofei, complimenting his scent and calling him an "immortal" of ambiguous gender to avoid his wrath, which he threatened with cutting out her tongue. Back at Yaoling Manor, Lin Mantang’s son informed him that the First Miss of Mingyue Villa, Qingwu, had arrived, demanding to see the captured "Lotus Robe Knight."

Hua Buqi, having been brought back, clarified to Lin Mantang that Mo Ruofei was not the thief she had identified earlier, reaffirming her certainty about the actual thief who had killed Ah Huang. At this time, Mo Ruofei was with Hua Buqi and recognized her as the person he was searching for, feeling overjoyed. Lin Mantang's son, fearing Qingwu would discover Hua Buqi, attempted to take her away, but Mo Ruofei refused, leading to a fight between them.

Qingwu, having heard that Mo Ruofei was the captured "Lotus Robe Knight," informed Lin Mantang that he was actually the eldest young master of the Mo family from the capital, and no longer investigated further. She deduced he was in Xizhou to search for someone. She then instructed her men to monitor him closely but not to harm him while he was within Yaoling Manor, as it would implicate the Lin family.

Lin Mantang addressed Hua Buqi's concerns that he intended to take her as a concubine by revealing the true reason for his interest: he had a portrait of the Seventh Prince's long-lost daughter, and Hua Buqi resembled her by seventy to eighty percent. He urged her to stay, promising to send her to the Seventh Prince's manor once her identity was confirmed, and assured her she wouldn't be beheaded if she wasn't the daughter.

Hua Buqi, though initially skeptical, decided to stay, hoping this path would lead her to the capital and Mr. Zhu. To protect her, Lin Mantang publicly adopted Hua Buqi as his fifth daughter and instructed his own daughter, Lin Dansha, to teach her proper etiquette. Lin Dansha, initially reluctant to teach a "stinky beggar," quickly changed her tune upon learning Hua Buqi might be the Seventh Prince's daughter, becoming overly attentive in her lessons, despite Hua Buqi's unrefined manners.

Meanwhile, Lin Mantang visited Chen Yu, subtly probing his stance on the Seventh Prince's search for his illegitimate daughter. Chen Yu reacted with fury, vowing to find "that illegitimate child" and kill her in the most horrific way, causing Lin Mantang to hastily withdraw. Mo Ruofei, appearing composed, instructed Jiansheng to invite Lin Mantang to dinner at Riyue Restaurant, ostensibly to thank him for treating Jiansheng's injury.

During the dinner, Mo Ruofei revealed his primary purpose in Xizhou was to find the Seventh Prince's long-lost daughter, presenting a portrait and emphasizing the grave responsibility given the royal bloodline. Lin Mantang promised his assistance. Later, reflecting with his son, Lin Mantang mused over the "hot potato" situation. He initially hoped to use Hua Buqi to curry favor with Chen Yu and the Seventh Prince, but Chen Yu's hatred for the "illegitimate daughter" made that plan unviable.

Realizing Mo Ruofei's interest in Hua Buqi, Lin Mantang decided to give her to Mo Ruofei, hoping to gain benefits from him while also shifting any potential blame from the Seventh Prince or Heir Apparent onto Mo Ruofei. Lin Dansha continued to pamper Hua Buqi, offering her luxurious baths and beautiful new chambers, while Hua Buqi, enjoying her new life, still longed for true freedom.

Episode 5 Recap

After receiving a letter from the Seventh Prince, Chen Yu learned of his father's interest in the little beggar, who might be his daughter. Master Lin of Yaoling Manor had recently tried to gauge Chen Yu's attitude, leading Chen Yu to suspect that the little beggar was now in their custody. He decided to visit Yaoling Manor again to confirm her presence. Meanwhile, Mo Ruofei, a shrewd businessman, understood the pursuit of maximum profit.

He calmly awaited Lin Mantang to willingly hand Hua Buqi over. Hua Buqi, though, found her new life as a lady exhausting. She felt tired and just wanted to rest, contemplating that if things got too difficult, she would simply run away. She was also growing impatient, wondering when they would finally take her to the capital to find Mr. Zhu.

When Lin Mantang brought Hua Buqi to meet Mo Ruofei, he explained that she was there to thank him for searching for her in the mountains. Mo Ruofei observed Hua Buqi and remarked that her eyes did not resemble those of Xue Fei, a woman whose name, like his, contained the character "Fei," a tribute from his father who was deeply in love with her.

Mo Ruofei recounted how his father had known Xue Fei since childhood, marrying his mother for other reasons but always holding a torch for Xue Fei, even naming him "Ruofei" in her memory. He further revealed that Xue Fei had once sought refuge from an arranged marriage in the Mo family's estate, where she met the Seventh Prince and fell in love.

Mo Ruofei’s mother, out of spite, informed Xue Fei’s family, who then took her away, and she was never heard from again. He expressed concern that the Seventh Prince might blame the Mo family if he learned the truth. Lin Mantang, taking Mo Ruofei aside, pointed out that Hua Buqi resembled the painting of Xue Fei by 70 to 80 percent, suggesting she could be the Seventh Prince's daughter.

He then voiced his ambition for Yaoling to establish a branch in the capital, an endeavor he believed would require Mo Ruofei's assistance given the Mo family’s influential position, especially their control of the Imperial Treasury. Mo Ruofei, initially feigning disinterest in pharmacies, agreed to invest in Yaoling's expansion into the capital in exchange for shares, thus solidifying his cooperation.

He then promised Lin Mantang that if he declared Hua Buqi to be Xue Fei's daughter, then she would be, and with meticulous training and preparations, she would pass as such. Lin Mantang readily agreed to the terms, entrusting Hua Buqi to Mo Ruofei. Hua Buqi was then informed she would depart for the capital with Mo Ruofei the following day. Just then, Chen Yu arrived, and both Lin Mantang and Mo Ruofei respectfully greeted him as "Your Highness."

Hua Buqi was astonished to discover that Chen Yu, whom she perceived as a dissolute young master, was in fact the Seventh Prince's eldest son. Chen Yu casually revealed that he already knew Hua Buqi and had investigated her thoroughly, confidently stating that she was not his father’s illegitimate daughter.

He then allowed Mo Ruofei to take Hua Buqi to the capital, but not without a veiled warning to be careful on the journey, subtly alluding to potential dangers if Mo Ruofei were to betray him. Later, Chen Shi questioned Chen Yu's sudden denial of Hua Buqi's identity.

Chen Yu explained his reluctance to take her to the capital himself, reasoning that his true identity was known to a few in Xizhou, making it too dangerous for Hua Buqi to travel with him. Sending her with Mo Ruofei, under a threat, would ensure Mo Ruofei's vigilance and thus, her safety.

He added that the cutthroat environment of the royal manor, with figures like Consort Fei, would make it impossible for a former beggar to survive, and he didn't want to deal with her directly on the journey. This implied it was a better outcome for her not to be officially recognized as the Prince's daughter by him, for now. Chen Yu announced his own return to the capital the next day.

Chen Shi suspected Chen Yu intended to secretly protect Hua Buqi, a notion Chen Yu dismissed, claiming he was simply done playing and wanted to go home. As for Yaoling Manor, Chen Yu decided against openly investigating them himself, as it would compromise his playboy facade. Instead, he planned to send Han Ye to investigate, waiting for the opportune moment to apprehend them all. Before leaving, Hua Buqi visited Uncle Jiu's grave.

Her maid questioned her decision to keep her old beggar clothes. Hua Buqi, now embracing her identity as a lady, instructed the maid to inform her master of her visit, promising to forget her past afterward. At the grave, she spoke of her new status, riding in a carriage with maids, and how the Lin family wanted her to fully embody the role of a rich lady.

She expressed sadness at potentially not being able to visit Uncle Jiu again, but promised to uncover her background in the capital by visiting Xingyuan Pawnshop and asking for Mr. Zhu. When her maid disrespectfully referred to Uncle Jiu as a "beggar," Hua Buqi asserted her authority, reminding the maid of their new roles and demanding proper conduct.

As Mo Ruofei and Hua Buqi departed, and Chen Yu also decided to return to the capital, Lin Mantang reiterated his trust, urging Hua Buqi to listen to Mo Ruofei in the capital. She assured him she was not ungrateful. Unbeknownst to them, agents of Mingyue Villa observed their departure.

Upon learning that Lin Mantang had betrayed them by handing Hua Buqi to Mo Ruofei instead of them, the Mingyue Villa leader, referred to as Teacher, planned to slowly take over Yaoling and execute Lin Mantang. Seeing an an opportunity, the Teacher ordered an ambush to kill Hua Buqi while under Mo Ruofei's protection outside the Tianmen Pass.

Their goal was to frame Mo Ruofei, knowing that the Seventh Prince would hold him accountable, thus ensuring the downfall of the Mo family, which was currently sustained by Mo Ruofei alone. During their journey, at an inn, Hua Buqi indulged in food, eliciting a gentle chiding from Mo Ruofei about her old beggar habits. Bored, she asked him for entertainment.

They played a game where she used her street-smart "hand skills" to trick him, skills she admitted to learning as a beggar to survive. Mo Ruofei, impressed, promised to make her a princess, so she wouldn't have to live such a hard life, and even offered her golden leaves as a reward. He advised her, however, not to display such "trifle tricks" in the capital.

Hua Buqi also asked if she could keep her ceramic bowl, as it was her only memento of Uncle Jiu. Mo Ruofei surprisingly agreed, suggesting it could even garner sympathy from the Seventh Prince. She then expressed her strong dislike for Chen Yu, calling him a "dog-ass Heir Apparent."

Mo Ruofei warned her against speaking ill of the Heir Apparent in public, defending Chen Yu as a decent person despite his playboy facade, and reassured her that the Seventh Prince would protect her in the royal manor. Approaching the Tianmen Pass, the gateway to the capital, Hua Buqi admired the scenery, but Mo Ruofei advised against stopping. Just as Mo Ruofei confirmed that Mo family guards were on their way to meet them, Mingyue Villa's assassins attacked.

Mo Ruofei bravely shielded Hua Buqi, sustaining a serious knife wound, and fired a Mo family signal flare. As the situation grew dire, the Lotus Robe Knight suddenly appeared, engaging the attackers. He urged Hua Buqi to flee, but she stubbornly insisted on retrieving her ceramic bowl, which had fallen during the skirmish. Her insistence put both her and the Lotus Robe Knight in further danger.

Mo Ruofei and his attendant, Jiansheng, fought valiantly to hold off the assassins, allowing the Lotus Robe Knight to take Hua Buqi to safety. Just as Mo Ruofei and Jiansheng were in dire straits, Mo family reinforcements arrived, providing a much-needed reprieve. After escaping, Hua Buqi noticed a wound on the Lotus Robe Knight's face and offered to apply Gold Sore Powder, but he politely declined, claiming it was a minor injury.

She persisted, teasing him about his vanity and questioning why he always seemed to rescue her, suggesting he might be in love with her. The Lotus Robe Knight denied this, stating he was merely tracking criminals and had coincidentally saved her three times. Hua Buqi, now contemplating the dangers she posed to others, especially Mo Ruofei, decided it might be safer for her to distance herself from him.

The Lotus Robe Knight inquired if she was going to the capital to find the Seventh Prince, to which she replied that Uncle Jiu had been unclear about her true family. She then boldly asked him to take her to the capital, but he refused. Moments later, Mo Ruofei, having recovered enough to search for her, called out her name. The Lotus Robe Knight, hearing him approach, quickly bid Hua Buqi farewell and left.

When Mo Ruofei found Hua Buqi, he angrily smashed her ceramic bowl, scolding her for risking her life for such an insignificant item. Hua Buqi retaliated, reminding him that the bowl was Uncle Jiu's precious memento and accused him of not understanding the feelings of a poor person, and of using her to curry favor with the Seventh Prince. Mo Ruofei, regaining his composure, apologized and offered to buy her a golden bowl, but she refused to accept his apology. Overwhelmed by his injuries, Mo Ruofei then fainted. His guards immediately rushed to his side, angrily threatening Hua Buqi before taking their unconscious Young Master back to the manor.

Episode 6 Recap

Mo Ruofei, seriously injured, was rushed back to the Mo Manor, accompanied by Hua Buqi. His mother, Madam Mo, deeply worried, personally tended to his wounds, addressing him as "Yishan." She was visibly shocked by Hua Buqi's striking resemblance to Xue Fei. Despite his weakened state, Mo Ruofei instructed Jiansheng to take good care of Hua Buqi. However, Jiansheng, resentful that Mo Ruofei had been hurt while saving Hua Buqi, instead locked her in the firewood shed.

Hua Buqi protested, asserting her identity as a Princess, but Jiansheng dismissed her, warning her about the Heir Apparent's fierce temper and stating he might kill anyone who dared to enter the Royal Manor. Alone in the shed, Hua Buqi despaired, fearing she had walked into a "deadly disaster," and grumbled about the "dog-ass Heir Apparent." At the Royal Manor, Chen Yu sent the Spring Revival Pill to the Seventh Prince before returning to his room.

Looking at the portrait of his late mother, the Seventh Princess Consort, Chen Yu's heart was filled with complex emotions. He believed that if his father, the Seventh Prince, hadn't forced Xue Fei into marriage, his mother would not have fallen ill and passed away. Reflecting on his mother's suffering, Chen Yu resolved to no longer show pity towards Hua Buqi and to prevent her from entering the Royal Manor.

He also observed the numerous other hopeful "Princesses" being sent to the manor by various families, all seeking to flatter the Prince. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi, suffering from hunger in the shed, dreamt of Uncle Jiu. In her dream, he brought her a bun for her birthday, comforting her and promising never to leave her. She murmured his name repeatedly while asleep. Chen Yu secretly entered the shed to check on Hua Buqi.

As he tried to gently wipe away her tears, she, still dreaming of food, bit his arm, mistaking it for a chicken leg. He quickly withdrew as she stirred. Hua Buqi awakened, spotted a mouse, and prepared to eat it raw, lamenting the lack of mud to make a "Beggar's Mouse." Chen Yu, hidden on a beam, threw down a chicken leg to stop her.

After she eagerly ate, Hua Buqi questioned his motives, guessing he was there because of the Seventh Prince's search for his illegitimate daughter. She stated she wasn't afraid of death but felt sorry for not fulfilling her promise to Uncle Jiu, who genuinely cared for her. She recounted a past famine where Uncle Jiu saved her life and emphasized that unlike the Lin and Mo families, who were "using her," Uncle Jiu selflessly protected and raised her.

She ended by asking for more chicken legs or taro. At Mingyue Villa, Qingwu's junior sister, after successfully securing the rights to run the Imperial Treasury, mocked Qingwu for her repeated failures, including her inability to kill three targets. The junior sister asserted her own superior qualifications for leadership. Humiliated, Qingwu vowed to kill the Lotus Robe Knight, Mo Ruofei, and "that smelly beggar" Hua Buqi to exact her revenge.

Mo Ruofei awakened, his mother relieved that he was out of immediate danger. He learned of the attack, which he believed was related to the Imperial Treasury bidding and the Seventh Prince's discontent with the Mo family's high interest rates. Upon discovering that Jiansheng locked Hua Buqi in the firewood shed due to his injuries, Mo Ruofei became enraged.

He declared that regardless of whether Hua Buqi was truly the Seventh Prince's daughter, he would ensure she became a recognized Princess, as he believed this was the Mo family's only path to securing favor with the Prince. Mo Ruofei personally freed Hua Buqi from the shed and instructed Jiansheng to inform the Seventh Prince of her arrival. However, Chen Yu appeared, stating there was no need.

He bluntly declared that Hua Buqi was not his "Royal Father's bastard" and warned Mo Ruofei against sending just "any kind of person" to the Royal Manor to flatter the Prince, alluding to serious consequences. Mo Ruofei, acknowledging Chen Yu's prominent status as the Heir Apparent, respectfully explained that he brought Hua Buqi due to "a lot of similarities" in her past.

Chen Yu then insisted on speaking with Hua Buqi alone, and Mo Ruofei, with no other choice, conceded and left. Alone with Hua Buqi, Chen Yu directly asked if she wanted to enter the Royal Manor. She stated her preference for freedom over comfort and said she only wanted to fulfill Uncle Jiu's last wish. Chen Yu then instructed her to employ "atrocious tricks" when she met the Seventh Prince to ensure he disliked her.

Hua Buqi initially hesitated, not wanting to bring trouble upon Mo Ruofei. Chen Yu assured her that he would protect Mo Ruofei and then, with a chilling threat, stated he would kill her if she were truly the Seventh Prince's daughter. He warned her not to defy him, reminding her he "can kill her anytime." Frightened, Hua Buqi agreed to act disgracefully to avoid entering the Royal Manor.

After Chen Yu left, Mo Ruofei instructed servants to prepare Hua Buqi for her presentation, offering her food and a bath. He then learned from Jiansheng that the Seventh Prince required a sample of Hua Buqi's blood and all her personal belongings for verification before she could enter the Royal Manor.

Aware of the risks, Mo Ruofei secretly added a special "medicinal water" to Hua Buqi's blood, a technique he found in ancient texts, believing it would ensure the blood blended with the Prince's, thus confirming her false identity and safeguarding the Mo family's ambitions. The Seventh Prince confirmed Hua Buqi's blood as that of the Saintess.

He immediately ordered a search through her belongings for any clues related to Zhu Hua or Biluotian, questioning Zhu Hua's relationship with Xue Fei (who Zhu Hua entrusted to Mo Baixing) and the paternity of Xue Fei's child. His trusted attendant, Ah Fu, offered reassurance, stating they were now "one step closer to victory."

However, the Seventh Prince expressed deep concern over his deteriorating health and the still missing half of the Biluotian map, without which the entrance could not be found. He revealed his plan to lure the mysterious man who stole the map by spreading rumors about holy objects in the capital.

To ensure Hua Buqi's safety and keep her under his watchful eye, he decided to bring her into the Royal Manor, and summoned Concubine Gan and Chen Yu to the main hall. In the main hall, the Seventh Prince, in front of Concubine Gan and Chen Yu, performed a blood recognition ceremony using the provided blood sample and his own. The blood blended, seemingly confirming Hua Buqi as his long-lost daughter.

He expressed his long-held wish to reunite with his daughter before his health deteriorated further and announced his decision to bring her into the Royal Manor. Concubine Gan reluctantly consented but cautioned that Hua Buqi should not trespass into her quarters. Chen Yu, however, vehemently opposed, threatening to kill Hua Buqi if she stepped foot into the Royal Manor. He fiercely rebuked his father for not considering his late mother's feelings.

The Seventh Prince attempted to reason with him, admitting his past wrongs but appealing to Chen Yu's understanding. As the Seventh Prince's health worsened due to the emotional strain, Chen Yu defiantly stated he wished for Hua Buqi to die so the rumors would dissipate. Angered by his son's "rebellious" words, the Seventh Prince requested Ah Fu, Chen Yu's martial arts teacher and trusted confidant, to intervene.

Later, in the backyard, Ah Fu attempted to persuade Chen Yu, reminding him of his deep, unspoken concern for his father and explaining that the Prince's actions, while seemingly causing distress, were ultimately for Chen Yu's benefit. Chen Yu expressed his frustration that his father's actions had dishonored his mother. Ah Fu confessed he was the one who encouraged the Prince, sympathizing with his long-held unhappiness. He implored Chen Yu to be considerate of his father's rapidly declining health.

Despite Ah Fu's pleas, Chen Yu remained resolute, vowing that the "illegitimate daughter" would never enter the Royal Manor. Back at the Mo Manor, Hua Buqi realized her bag was missing. Servants informed her that the Seventh Prince had requested all her personal belongings be sent to the Royal Manor for inspection. Panicked, she recalled Uncle Jiu's instructions about an alms bowl and a Mr. Zhu at Xingyuan Pawnshop.

She then encountered Mo Ruofei, angrily confronting him about taking her possessions. Mo Ruofei, however, produced her earthen bowl, explaining that he deliberately withheld it from the items sent to the Royal Manor because he knew how much it meant to her, especially after she risked her life for it at Tianmen Pass. He then questioned whether the bowl held a secret due to her intense protectiveness.

Hua Buqi denied this, asserting that it was merely the "only remembrance" Uncle Jiu left her, holding a value "more important than my life." She permitted Mo Ruofei to examine it but warned him not to take it from her.

Episode 7 Recap

As the Seventh Prince prepared to arrive at Mo Manor, Mo Ruofei instructed Hua Buqi to adopt the demeanor of a refined young lady. However, Hua Buqi, remembering Chen Yu's earlier words, ultimately decided against the pretense and chose to show her true personality to the Prince. Despite the stark difference in temperament from Xue Fei, the Seventh Prince found that Hua Buqi's expressions still evoked memories of Xue Fei.

Later, while Hua Buqi was by the lake picking berries, Chen Yu suddenly appeared as she was about to fall into the water. He intentionally pushed her into the lake in front of everyone, then jumped in to rescue her. As Hua Buqi shivered from the cold, Chen Yu delivered a stern warning, telling her not to harbor any thoughts of entering the Prince's manor, or her luck would run out.

Mo Ruofei, seeing Hua Buqi's plight, quickly ordered hot wine and a cloak. Chen Yu, with a crude gesture, poured the strong wine into Hua Buqi's mouth to warm her and wrapped the only available cloak around her, prioritizing her warmth over his own or his father's comfort. After Hua Buqi returned to her room to rest, Mo Ruofei hosted a banquet for the Seventh Prince and Chen Yu.

The Seventh Prince discerned that Chen Yu had deliberately caused Hua Buqi to fall into the water. During the meal, Chen Yu argued with his father, mentioning his mother's opinion that Xue Fei was weak, and implying that Hua Buqi, having been a beggar, would not be as fragile.

He then directly threatened his father, asserting that if Hua Buqi were to enter the Prince's manor, he would intentionally harm her, just as he had pushed her into the freezing pond. Chen Yu angrily left the table. Recognizing the significant obstacles to bringing Hua Buqi into his own household, the Seventh Prince proposed that she remain at Mo Manor.

Mo Ruofei readily agreed, understanding that Hua Buqi would serve as a valuable hostage, ensuring the Seventh Prince's support for Mo Manor in the future. He decided to formally recognize Hua Buqi as the Second Lady of the Mo family. Mo Ruofei then went to Hua Buqi's room to inform her of his plan to adopt her as his younger sister. Hua Buqi initially refused, expressing her desire to leave the manor and her fears of Chen Yu.

Mo Ruofei insisted, mentioning the Seventh Prince had entrusted her to him and subtly reminded her of the potential imperial consequences of defying the Prince's wishes. He promised her protection and a life of luxury as the Second Lady of Mo Manor, making her a "real daughter of a rich household." Hua Buqi, though still wishing for freedom to find Mr. Zhu and fulfill Uncle Jiu's dying wish, reluctantly agreed to stay, addressing Mo Ruofei as "Eldest Brother."

She requested unrestricted movement outside the manor. Mo Ruofei, being understanding, agreed to take her along when he attended to his businesses and offered to have Jiansheng accompany her if she wished to explore the capital alone, pending his mother's approval. Hua Buqi was secretly pleased, seeing this as an opportunity to eventually find Mr. Zhu. Upon Mo Madam's return to the manor, Mo Ruofei presented Hua Buqi to her.

Mo Madam gifted Hua Buqi a set of exquisite jewelry and sternly instructed the servants to care for her well, accepting her as the Second Lady. Later that night, Hua Buqi, feeling a yearning for her past life with Uncle Jiu and still determined to find Mr. Zhu, decided to secretly explore Mo Manor's layout, planning for a future escape. She unexpectedly encountered the Lotus Robe Knight.

He asked if she regretted not becoming a princess, to which Hua Buqi frankly replied that she had no desire to enter the Prince's manor, fearing for her life, and simply wished for a peaceful existence. Hearing her contemplation of leaving Mo Manor, the Lotus Robe Knight advised her to stay, emphasizing that within the well-guarded manor, she would be safe from those who sought to harm her.

He assured her that Mo Ruofei, despite being a businessman, was not a malicious person and would treat her kindly, even if she ceased to be politically useful to him. Meanwhile, Mo Madam was seen in prayer, with Uncle Mo by her side, attempting to persuade her to let go of past grievances. However, Mo Madam's hatred for Xue Fei, Hua Buqi's mother, remained fierce.

She recalled how her late husband, Mo Baixing, had been infatuated with Xue Fei, leading to Xue Fei's premarital pregnancy and the irreparable breakdown of Mo Madam's marriage. She bitterly remembered Mo Baixing's broken vows and his regret in marrying her, culminating in her ordering the burning of Xue Manor to inflict "heart-wrenching pain" on Xue Fei. Mo Madam recounted how, after Xue Fei's death, Mo Baixing succumbed to lovesickness, refusing treatment and eventually dying, abandoning her and Mo Ruofei.

To appease her enduring hatred, Mo Madam secretly handed Uncle Mo a slow-acting poison, intending for Hua Buqi to die silently three to five years later, after her marriage, ensuring Xue Fei's daughter would pay the ultimate price. She specifically instructed Uncle Mo to keep this plan from Mo Ruofei, fearing his compassionate nature might jeopardize her meticulously planned revenge.

Episode 8 Recap

Hua Buqi, now residing in Mo Manor, spent time familiarizing herself with the sprawling estate, even noting a potential escape route. While exploring, she felt the festive atmosphere of the approaching New Year, learning from a servant about the bustling Lantern Festival in the capital and the Mo family’s tradition of watching the lanterns with Mo Ruofei.

Later, Mo Bo, acting on Mo Madam's orders, brought Hua Buqi a bowl of stew, urging her to drink it while it was still hot. Hua Buqi, sensing something amiss, feigned that the soup was too hot due to a "street beggar's ailment" and promised to drink it later, which Mo Bo allowed. Unbeknownst to her, Mo Madam and the Mingyue Villa's Master were plotting.

The Mingyue Villa's Master had just finalized a deal with the House of Zhu to secure the Imperial Treasury's operating rights, aiming to eliminate the Mo family as their primary competitor. She instructed Qingyan to infiltrate Mo Manor and assassinate both Mo Ruofei and Hua Buqi, believing their deaths would cripple the Mo family and leave them in disarray for the bidding.

The Master also revealed that Yaoling Manor had betrayed them, ordering Qingwu to eradicate the Lin family, take control of Yaoling, and then proceed to the capital for the Lantern Festival. Xiao Jiufeng then emerged, questioning the Mingyue Villa's Master about an earlier attempt on Hua Buqi's life. The Master, denying any such intention, claimed Qingwu had only been targeting Mo Ruofei, and Hua Buqi's presence was mere coincidence.

She insisted she had sent Qingyan to Mo Manor to protect Hua Buqi. Xiao Jiufeng, however, was dismissive, stating he would personally handle matters concerning Hua Buqi and instructing the Master to focus on securing the Imperial Treasury rights. He then left to attend the Northern Wilderness King's birthday banquet, brushing off the Master's concerns about the dangers of allying with the emperor's enemy, declaring he would use anyone useful to him.

Hua Buqi, still suspicious, later returned to the kitchen to drop off her bowl. She helped herself to some fresh pastries, then watched as Uncle Mo prepared her next bowl of soup, secretly adding a mysterious substance from a small container. Hua Buqi's vigilance heightened; she wondered if it was poison but couldn't understand why the Mo family would harm her, given her importance to the Seventh Prince and Mo Ruofei's past actions.

She suspected external forces, like the "black clad people," might be involved. When Uncle Mo delivered the soup, Hua Buqi, feigning eagerness, quickly drank it, but in reality, she poured the contents into a flowerpot. Realizing Mo Manor was no longer safe, she decided to escape during the Lantern Festival. Soon after, Mo Ruofei visited, showering her with expensive New Year's gifts, including an array of beautiful outfits, jewelry, and many shades of rouge, which he meticulously explained to her.

Hua Buqi could sense his genuine care but was torn, knowing Uncle Mo’s sinister actions. She subtly inquired about a suitable gift for Uncle Mo, then asked Mo Ruofei about her mother, Xue Fei, and her relationship with Mo Madam. Mo Ruofei, appearing uncomfortable, deflected her questions, claiming he knew little of the past and suggesting she ask the Seventh Prince.

He then quickly excused himself to greet his mother, leaving Hua Buqi alone with her growing suspicions that Mo Madam herself might be behind the attempts on her life, especially after realizing she was the daughter of her "godmother's love rival." Meanwhile, Mo Ruofei spoke with his mother, urging her to treat Hua Buqi kindly, emphasizing that Hua Buqi represented a significant opportunity for the Mo family's prosperity.

His mother, however, seemed detached, admitting she hadn't seen Hua Buqi in a while. Hua Buqi then overheard Xiuchun gossiping about the late Master Mo, revealing he had died of anger after Mo Madam, out of jealousy, tore up a portrait of his beloved concubine—a woman whose surname was Xue. The revelation confirmed Hua Buqi's deepest fears: she was the daughter of Mo Madam's rival, and the attempts on her life were very real.

At Yaoling Manor, Qingwu confronted Lin Mantang, accusing him of colluding with Mo Ruofei, and brutally murdered him. Just as Qingwu's subordinates moved to kill Lin Dansha and Lin Yuquan, Xiao Jiufeng intervened, saving them. He offered them a chance to live if they became his spies in Mo Manor, tasked with protecting Hua Buqi and observing her until the right moment, after which he promised to extract them.

Lin Yuquan readily agreed, and Xiao Jiufeng administered a potent poison, promising antidotes every three months and the final cure upon completion of their mission. Xiao Jiufeng exulted in finally locating the Saintess, Hua Buqi, believing her discovery brought him closer to finding the other half of the map and entering Biluotian to claim its treasures.

He dismissed suggestions to bring her to Ghost Valley immediately, preferring to wait until he had the complete map, as she was safe for now in either the Prince Manor or Mo Manor. Lin Dansha, in a private moment, expressed her disdain for Xiao Jiufeng, comparing him unfavorably to "Brother Lotus Robe Knight." In the capital, Chen Yu received an urgent report from Han Ye: Yaoling Manor's owner had died mysteriously, and Lin Yuquan and Lin Dansha were missing.

Chen Yu found this highly suspicious and dispatched Han Ye to investigate, hoping to glean information from the panicked staff. Later, as Royal Concubine Gan prepared the New Year's Eve feast, Chen Yu overheard his father, the Seventh Prince, expressing worry about Hua Buqi in Mo Manor and his desire to bring her back to his royal residence.

Angered by thoughts of his own mother and his father's apparent favoritism, Chen Yu confronted the Seventh Prince with biting sarcasm, leading to a heated argument. Chen Yu then stormed out, refusing to attend the family dinner, preferring solitude. Simultaneously, Qingyan, who had infiltrated Mo Manor as a kitchen staff member, orchestrated her plot within Mo Manor, ordering her accomplices to hide concealed weapons within the God of Wealth fireworks, intending to assassinate Mo Ruofei when he lit them.

As New Year's Eve dinner concluded at Mo Manor, Mo Ruofei and Hua Buqi secretly indulged in meat dishes after Mo Madam retired, revealing their shared pretense of being vegetarian in her presence. Mo Ruofei comforted a tearful Hua Buqi, who was reminiscing about her past New Year's Eves with Uncle Jiu, promising her hundreds of strings of firecrackers to light.

Amidst the festive preparations, Mo Ruofei lit the traditional "Panlong Cannon" fireworks, which brought joy and excitement to the manor. Meanwhile, a melancholic Chen Yu was seen drinking alone, his thoughts drifting to Hua Buqi. Later, Mo Ruofei led Hua Buqi up to the Dragon Tower, entrusting her with the honor of lighting the grand firework as the new Lady of the Mo Manor.

He explained that lighting the fuse would not only set off the fireworks but also release countless copper coins, establishing her authority before the crowd. Unbeknownst to them, Qingyan, observing from below, planned for chaos to erupt. When Hua Buqi lit the fuse, hidden weapons, concealed within the fireworks by Mingyue Villa's agents, shot out, plunging the manor into pandemonium. Mo Ruofei immediately ordered the manor to be searched and the injured guards to be tended to.

Qingyan attempted to seize the opportunity to kill Hua Buqi, but Mo Ruofei, reacting swiftly, rushed to save her. Hua Buqi sustained only superficial wounds, and Mo Ruofei was relieved. His initial suspicion of the kitchen staff member, Qingyan, who he had just tested and identified by her alias "Qing'er", was dismissed after a brief "test," which seemingly confirmed her lack of martial arts.

Uncle Mo reported that the attackers had entered through the back gates, killing the guards stationed there, but left no identifying marks. Concerned that news of Hua Buqi's injury would reach the Seventh Prince by morning, Mo Ruofei decided to report the incident to the officials. Shortly after, Mo Madam, hearing of Hua Buqi's injuries, rushed to her side, despite Mo Ruofei's pleas for her to rest.

Episode 9 Recap

Madam Mo visited Hua Buqi, expressing concern for her injuries and instructing her steward, Yishan, to thoroughly investigate and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Later, Mo Ruofei followed Madam Mo back to her room, immediately confronting her and accusing her of orchestrating the attack. He questioned how she could harm Hua Buqi, who was just a child, and revealed his knowledge of her past order to Uncle Mo to burn the Xue Manor.

Madam Mo was surprised by his awareness but clarified that despite her disdain for Hua Buqi, "that slut's daughter," she would never harm her at such a crucial time. Hua Buqi, she explained, was their family's only hope to appease the Seventh Prince. Realizing his error, Mo Ruofei apologized to his mother. Following this, Mo Ruofei went to the kitchen to treat Qing'er's wound, applying medicine himself.

He showed her great care and concern, regretting that she hadn't mentioned her injury earlier. He rewarded her for saving Hua Buqi and dismissed her from night duty, ensuring she could rest. The next day, Mo Ruofei instructed Jiansheng to investigate Qing'er's background thoroughly, as her arrival in the manor seemed "too coincidental" to be ignored. He also ordered more people to keep an eye on her without her knowledge.

Mo Ruofei mused that the recent attack could have targeted anyone, including himself, Hua Buqi, or even the entire Mo Manor. He expressed regret for bringing Hua Buqi to the capital but affirmed his commitment to keeping her safe within the manor. News of Hua Buqi's injury reached the Seventh Prince, who was furious and suspected Chen Yu. He angrily reprimanded Mo Ruofei for the lax security at the manor.

When his attendant informed him that Chen Yu was still sleeping after a night of drinking, the Prince woke Chen Yu and directly asked if he had sent assassins to injure Hua Buqi. Chen Yu denied any involvement, stating he was content with Hua Buqi remaining as Mo Ruofei's sister and saw no reason to bother her if she didn't bother him.

The Seventh Prince reminded Chen Yu that Hua Buqi was his younger sister and should not be harmed, especially given her difficult childhood. Seeing his father's poor health, Chen Yu volunteered to visit Hua Buqi in his stead, assuring his father he would not harm her as long as she did not reside in the Prince Manor. The Prince agreed, also instructing Chen Yu to ensure Hua Buqi was not mistreated by the Mo family.

At the Mo Manor, Hua Buqi, feeling much better from her injuries, expressed boredom with resting and optimistically speculated that the Prince might move her into his manor. Chen Yu arrived and dismissed the servants. He subtly accused Hua Buqi of faking her injuries to gain the Seventh Prince's attention and warned her against being greedy or trying to move into the Prince Manor.

Hua Buqi vehemently denied his accusations, stating she had no desire to join the Prince's family or live in his manor, having been paid to be the Lady of Mo Manor. She then burst into a theatrical wail, recounting her pitiful past of begging, drinking dog's milk, and enduring frostbite. Chen Yu, feeling remorse, apologized, but Hua Buqi immediately dropped the act, revealing she had tricked him and that she preferred being a Lady over a beggar.

She further provoked Chen Yu by mentioning his mother, which enraged him. He grabbed her throat and, in a fit of pique, snatched her cherished alms bowl. Hua Buqi attempted to chase Chen Yu, but the manor guards blocked her exit, explaining they could not let her leave without Mo Ruofei's order, as he was busy entertaining his cousin. Realizing Mo Ruofei would not risk offending Chen Yu, Hua Buqi decided to retrieve the alms bowl herself.

She tried to climb the manor wall but fell from the ladder and lost consciousness. Meanwhile, in the main hall, Mo Ruofei was greeting his cousin, Yun Lang. A servant rushed in to report Hua Buqi's disappearance following Chen Yu's visit. Mo Ruofei immediately dispatched all available staff, including Yun Lang, to search for her throughout the manor. Elsewhere, Chen Yu, holding Hua Buqi's alms bowl, seemed to show a hint of regret, acknowledging its significance to her.

He decided to keep it for a few days before returning it to Mo Ruofei. He then received a message that Shi, whom he had sent to investigate Mingyue Villa, had been discovered and killed. Chen Yu suspected a secret connection between Yaoling Manor and Mingyue Villa, given their aggressive actions over a mere medicinal shipment to Feiyun Fortress. At that moment, two of Chen Yu's friends arrived.

They discussed the widespread rumors in the capital accusing Chen Yu of being jealous and cruel towards the Seventh Prince's illegitimate daughter, attempting to harm her multiple times, and even orchestrating the ambush at Tianmen Pass. Another rumor claimed the Seventh Prince planned to give control of the Imperial Treasury to Mo Manor as a reward for housing Hua Buqi.

Chen Yu understood these rumors were aimed at his father and that many powerful figures coveted control of the Imperial Treasury. Seeing an opportunity, Chen Yu declared his intention to compete for the position, planning to force Mo Manor to bid a high price and, in doing so, please the Emperor and ultimately serve his own ambitions. Yun Lang, during his search of the Mo Manor, discovered the unconscious Hua Buqi.

He recognized her as the "stinky brat" from the Lin Manor, marveling at the twist of fate that had made her the Second Lady of the Mo Manor. Hua Buqi eventually regained consciousness, explaining how Chen Yu had taken her alms bowl.

Mo Ruofei, both caring and slightly exasperated, advised her against such reckless actions and promised to try and recover the bowl, though he warned her not to be overly optimistic, as to Chen Yu, it was merely "a bowl for begging." To prevent future incidents, Mo Ruofei assigned additional maids to attend to Hua Buqi and cautioned her against wandering the manor.

After Mo Ruofei left, Hua Buqi learned from her maid, Xiuchun, that Mo Ruofei had forbidden her from leaving the manor during the upcoming Lantern Festival, leaving her deeply disappointed. She feigned nausea to avoid taking her medicine, privately lamenting her predicament and worrying about how "Mr. Zhu" would acknowledge her without her cherished alms bowl.

Shortly after, Yun Lang's father arrived at the Mo Manor, furious with Yun Lang for investigating Yaoling Manor without permission and for not returning home for New Year's. Mo Ruofei intervened, offering Yun Lang's father fine wine and speaking on Yun Lang's behalf, explaining his good intentions. Yun Lang's father then confided in Mo Ruofei about a devastating horse epidemic at Feiyun Fortress, which had resulted in significant losses.

He planned to appeal to the Emperor during the Lantern Festival to reduce their horse tribute by two thousand and asked Mo Ruofei to support his plea. He stressed the perilous nature of their merchant profession, likening it to "walking on thin ice," where a single misstep could lead to the execution of their entire clan.

Meanwhile, Ah Fu from the Seventh Prince's manor secretly informed the Emperor that Chen Yu's desire to manage the Imperial Treasury was not the Prince's wish. Having received this intelligence, the Emperor approved Chen Yu's appointment to oversee the Imperial Treasury. The Seventh Prince was enraged upon learning of Chen Yu's new role, viewing it as a distraction from his grander vision.

He had hoped Chen Yu would not be confined to the capital, as he desperately wanted to find Biluotian to help Chen Yu establish his own realm and ultimately achieve control of "the entire world." News of the Seventh Prince's rapidly worsening condition reached Chen Yu, who rushed to his father's side. The Royal Physician explained that the Prince's severe illness, despite taking the Spring Revival Pill, was due to intense anxiety and a cold.

The Seventh Prince, recognizing his limited time, tearfully confessed to Chen Yu that his greatest wish was to bring Hua Buqi back to the Prince's manor. He urged Chen Yu to abandon his pursuit of the Imperial Treasury. However, Chen Yu informed him that the Emperor had already commanded him to oversee the treasury bidding and lead the Lantern Festival Patrol Battalion, though he promised it would be a one-time responsibility.

Episode 10 Recap

In the Mo Manor kitchen, Qing'er faced harassment from the kitchen steward. Just as he became aggressive, Mo Ruofei appeared, kicking the steward away. Mo Ruofei ordered guards to give the steward thirty lashes and expel him from the manor, warning everyone that he would not tolerate bullying. He then thoughtfully gave Qing'er a special cream, reassuring her that no such incident would happen again and that the cream would prevent scars. Qing'er thanked him, touched by his kindness.

Hua Buqi had recovered from her illness. Mo Ruofei introduced her to his cousin, Yun Lang, hoping they would get along. However, their first meeting immediately turned into a heated argument. Hua Buqi brought up the incident at Yaoling and how Yun Lang, whom she had mistaken for a thief, had crawled through a dog hole. She then provocatively accused him of killing her dog, Ah Huang.

Yun Lang vehemently denied killing the dog and became enraged by her persistent mockery about the dog hole. Before leaving them, Mo Ruofei, burdened with other matters, expressed his hope that they would find a way to get along. As soon as Mo Ruofei left, Hua Buqi and Yun Lang's argument escalated. Hua Buqi taunted Yun Lang, threatening to report him to the Seventh Prince and even commission drawings of him crawling through the dog hole, widely disseminating them.

Exasperated, Yun Lang suddenly kissed Hua Buqi. He then declared that he would propose marriage to her as the Young Master of Feiyun Fortress, confident that the Seventh Prince, his aunt, and Mo Ruofei would all agree. Humiliated and furious, Hua Buqi ran off. Seizing the opportunity, Hua Buqi realized that Xiuchun, her maid, believed she was still with Yun Lang, and Yun Lang wasn't following her. She decided to escape.

She found a swill cart in the kitchen and hid inside, successfully leaving the Mo Manor. Once outside, Hua Buqi exchanged clothes with a beggar. Following Uncle Jiu's dying instructions, she made her way to the Xingyuan Pawn Shop in the southern lane of the capital to find a Mr. Zhu. However, the shop assistant tried to turn her away, claiming no one by that name worked there. Hua Buqi insisted, explaining that Uncle Jiu had sent her.

The pawnbroker, an observant man, questioned if she had forgotten or missed anything. Hua Buqi then remembered Uncle Jiu's specific instruction to bring an alms bowl. The pawnbroker reiterated that it was a pawn shop and they would only see her if she had something to pawn.

Disappointed and without the alms bowl, which she knew Chen Yu possessed, Hua Buqi left, realizing she needed to retrieve it because only with the alms bowl would Mr. Zhu appear and she could learn her true identity. After her departure, the pawnbroker, who was Manager Fu of Mingyue Villa, instructed his subordinate, Zhu Shou, to prepare enough silver. They planned to collaborate with Mingyue Villa to compete with Mo Manor for the rights to run the Imperial Treasury.

Meanwhile, Yun Lang informed Mo Ruofei that Hua Buqi was missing. A frantic search began. Overwhelmed by guilt, Yun Lang confessed to Mo Ruofei about his quarrel with Hua Buqi, the dog hole incident, and the kiss. Mo Ruofei sternly rebuked Yun Lang for his frivolous behavior, emphasizing the importance of a lady's reputation. As they continued their search, news reached them that Hua Buqi had been seen near the Prince Manor, prompting Mo Ruofei to rush in that direction.

At the Prince Manor, the Seventh Prince, gravely ill, confided in his attendant, Fu. He worried about not living long enough to find the Biluotian map and about his rebellious son, Chen Yu, fearing Chen Yu wouldn't fulfill his dying wish to continue the search. He desperately wanted Hua Buqi to move into the manor to find peace of mind. Fu reassured him of Chen Yu's filial nature.

To sway Chen Yu, the Seventh Prince staged a dramatic scene, feigning extreme weakness and expressing his final wish for his family to be united and for Hua Buqi to join them. Witnessing his father's apparent distress, Chen Yu relented and agreed to have Hua Buqi move in. Hua Buqi arrived at the tightly guarded Prince Manor, dressed as a beggar. She worried about being recognized and feared Chen Yu's wrath.

Although she considered returning to the pawn shop, she knew retrieving the alms bowl was paramount. As she prepared to enter, Mo Ruofei caught her, chastising her for her recklessness. He forcibly brought her back to the Mo Manor, where his maid, Xiuchun, was instructed to help her clean up. Soon after, Jiansheng arrived with news that Royal Concubine Gan from the Seventh Prince's Manor was coming to officially escort Hua Buqi, as Chen Yu had given his consent.

Hua Buqi, emboldened, declared her intention to reclaim the alms bowl, which was crucial for discovering her true identity, and to assert her rightful place. Mo Ruofei, however, cautioned her to be careful in the Prince Manor, reminding her that with the Seventh Prince ill, Chen Yu held significant power and she should avoid provoking him. Later, Mo Ruofei discussed the situation with his mother, who worried about their standing in the upcoming Imperial Treasury bid.

Mo Ruofei saw Hua Buqi's move to the Prince Manor as a strategic opportunity to approach Chen Yu and secure the crucial Imperial Treasury rights for the Mo Manor, emphasizing the family's reputation and recalling a past family feud that threatened their standing. His mother expressed concern for his safety, mentioning that they could no longer discreetly poison Hua Buqi. Upon her arrival at the Prince Manor, Royal Concubine Gan immediately attempted to assert her authority over Hua Buqi.

She made Hua Buqi enter through a side gate, then had her confined to a deserted West Courtyard's Jing Hall for the night, intending to humble her. However, Hua Buqi was not one to be easily subdued. Later that night, she skillfully removed some roof tiles and climbed out of the room, only to find the high roof and lack of nearby trees made descent difficult.

Just as she contemplated jumping, Chen Yu happened to pass by and caught her as she descended. Hua Buqi seized the moment to apologize for her past disrespect and demanded the alms bowl. Chen Yu, in turn, promised to return it if she dutifully cared for his father. Feigning indifference, he initially dismissed her request for food, reminding her of their past animosity.

Yet, despite his words, Chen Yu secretly ordered snacks from the kitchen and subtly guided a ravenous Hua Buqi to where they were laid out. Hua Buqi, noticing the convenient spread, wondered who could have orchestrated such an act of kindness, dismissing the idea that it could be the "dog-ass Heir Apparent." The next morning, the maids and a mammy sent by Royal Concubine Gan arrived to take Hua Buqi to see the Prince.

However, Hua Buqi defiantly locked them inside the room, playfully suggesting they escape through the roof as she had. She then went directly to see the Seventh Prince. The Prince was overjoyed to see her. Hua Buqi charmingly expressed her concern for his health, offering to stew soup for him.

She then brought up the upcoming Lantern Festival, and the delighted Seventh Prince promised to take her to enjoy the lantern displays, mentioning the fierce competition between Mingyue Villa and Mo Manor. Chen Yu soon arrived, reminding his father to rest and reassuring him that he would handle all matters concerning Hua Buqi.

Episode 11 Recap

Chen Yu returned Hua Buqi’s pottery bowl, instructing her to stay confined to the Prince Manor and not cause trouble, as few people there liked her. Hua Buqi feigned compliance, assuring him she would behave like a proper lady and not venture out. Chen Yu was surprised by her docility, to which Hua Buqi responded that she understood the disapproval in people’s eyes and saw no need to provoke him further, hoping he might eventually allow her some freedom.

Privately, Hua Buqi was delighted to have her bowl back so easily and planned to use the upcoming Lantern Festival, with its large crowds, as an opportunity to slip away and find Mr. Zhu. Meanwhile, the arrival of Mingyue Villa’s members in the capital city, which Chen Yu believed signaled impending unrest. Mo Ruofei also learned this when his attendant, Jiansheng, reported that the people who had assassinated them at Tianmen Pass were from Mingyue Villa.

Jiansheng recognized one of the assassins whose mask had been torn that day and noted that a woman had been in command. Mo Ruofei dismissed the idea that it was Liu Mingyue herself, instead suspecting Mingyue Villa’s First Miss, Liu Qingwu, who was known to be capable in both military and scholarly arts from a young age.

Lacking sufficient evidence beyond their witness accounts, Mo Ruofei decided against immediately reporting it to officials, choosing instead to discreetly find and interrogate the individual to gather more clues before acting. As the Lantern Festival approached, Chen Yu, who had been appointed Commander of the Patrol Battalion for the event, visited the Mingyue Villa’s Flower Pavilion. He told his attendant, Yuan Chong, that he intended to leverage the situation to gain some benefits from the wealthy villa.

Upon meeting Liu Mingyue, Chen Yu acknowledged her remarkable success in establishing Mingyue Villa as an imperial merchant. He then warned her about the recent unrest in the capital, citing the attacks on Mo Ruofei at Tianmen Pass and during New Year’s Eve. Chen Yu explained his role in ensuring safety during the festival, subtly implying that accidental “mishaps” could occur due to the crowds.

Liu Mingyue, understanding his insinuation, offered him a box of silver, which Chen Yu accepted with a promise to keep a close watch over Mingyue Villa, ensuring its security. He then expressed a desire to preview her ingenious Lantern Festival arrangements, and Liu Mingyue granted his request. On the day of the Lantern Festival, the Seventh Prince attended with Hua Buqi.

She expressed a desire to visit Mo Manor’s Flower Pavilion to see her Eldest Brother, Mo Ruofei, and her Godmother. Since the Seventh Prince was obligated to judge the lantern competition alongside the Emperor, he granted Hua Buqi permission to go alone, instructing her to return quickly. Hua Buqi eagerly rushed to Mo Manor, where she found Mo Ruofei and Jiansheng. She asked Mo Ruofei about his confidence in winning the competition, noting the favorable betting odds for Mo Manor.

When Mo Ruofei cautioned her against losing her silver, Hua Buqi, suspecting his lack of confidence, declared she would go scout Mingyue Villa’s arrangements first. As she hurried towards Mingyue Villa’s pavilion, she mentally plotted to use the gambling house’s crowds and multiple exits to evade surveillance and search for Mr. Zhu at Xingyuan Pawnshop. However, upon reaching Mingyue Villa’s pavilion, she was spotted by Chen Yu.

He angrily questioned her presence, demanding to know why she wasn’t with her Royal Father. Fearing for her safety and asserting his authority by threatening to confiscate her pottery bowl, Chen Yu ordered his guards to forcibly escort her back to the main ceremony viewing stand after Hua Buqi retorted that she had the right to be there.

After his visit, Chen Yu informed his attendant, Little Six, that he had spotted Hua Buqi’s Tianmen Pass assassin inside Mingyue Villa’s Flower Pavilion. He instructed Little Six to arrange a street brawl as soon as the assassin exited, allowing Chen Yu to arrest the individual under the pretext of public fighting.

Unbeknownst to Chen Yu, Mo Ruofei was simultaneously executing his own plan to lure the assassin out, having sent a fake letter attributed to the elusive Lotus Robe Knight, suggesting a meeting regarding the Tianmen Pass incident. Mo Ruofei reasoned that anyone who responded would reveal their connection to the assassination. Inside Mingyue Villa, Liu Qingwu received this very letter.

Suspicious of its origins, she dispatched two of her men to the designated alley to investigate if it was indeed the Lotus Robe Knight behind the message. As these two men from Mingyue Villa emerged from the Flower Pavilion, Little Six’s arranged troublemakers immediately accosted them, creating the intended street brawl. Chen Yu then stepped in to make the arrests. The street commotion quickly drew Liu Mingyue’s attention.

She appeared and attempted to intercede with Chen Yu, apologizing for her men’s “boorish” behavior and asking for leniency, claiming they had not committed a grave offense. Chen Yu, however, refused to show favoritism, stating he would uphold the law and that her men would face three days of imprisonment for brawling. He advised Liu Mingyue to retrieve them from the government office.

Realizing she couldn’t publicly protect them, Liu Mingyue, while outwardly reprimanding her men for their “misconduct,” subtly rotated a ring on her finger, administering a fatal poison that would kill them within twelve hours. After they were taken away, Liu Mingyue later chastised Liu Qingwu for falling for the trap, pointing out that responding to the fake letter only confirmed their involvement in the Tianmen Pass assassination.

Liu Qingwu admitted her mistake and offered to salvage the situation, but Liu Mingyue dismissed her, revealing that she had already poisoned the captured men, rendering any further action unnecessary. She then instructed Liu Qingwu to focus on preparing for the Lantern Festival. During a banquet with various merchants, the Emperor expressed his appreciation for their role in the empire’s prosperity and announced a new tradition of holding a Yuanxiao Festival banquet annually.

The Feiyun Fortress master then approached the Emperor, reporting a sudden horse plague that had reduced their warhorse supply. He requested a one-year extension to deliver the full quota of ten thousand warhorses, currently only able to provide eight thousand. The Emperor reacted with anger, stating his trusted aides had never mentioned a plague and accused the master of attempting to make illegal profits. Mo Ruofei corroborated the plague, suggesting an investigation would confirm it, but the Emperor remained unconvinced.

Liu Mingyue seized the opportunity to fan the flames, questioning if the Emperor believed “gossip” and highlighting the critical need for warhorses for the northern border, implying the plague was a flimsy excuse to renege on a signed contract. Enraged, the Emperor declared he would not pursue the truth of the plague but commanded the Feiyun Fortress master to deliver all ten thousand warhorses after the first month, or face execution.

The Feiyun Fortress master and Mo Ruofei were deeply troubled. The master speculated the plague was not natural but man-made, especially since the Emperor’s intelligence network was unaware of it. Mo Ruofei linked Liu Mingyue’s provocative remarks to the incident, suspecting Mingyue Villa was behind it all, likely to weaken Mo Manor and secure the upcoming imperial silver circulation rights.

As Feiyun Fortress now had to use all its resources to acquire horses at high prices, Mo Ruofei acknowledged they could offer no financial assistance to Mo Manor for tomorrow’s bidding, urging the master to focus solely on gathering the warhorses and to ensure Mo Manor defeated Mingyue Villa in the lantern competition.

As the lantern evening began, the Emperor, Seventh Prince, and Chen Yu wagered on Mingyue Villa to win, with Chen Yu confidently stating Mingyue Villa’s superior craftsmanship and creativity. Hua Buqi, however, proudly declared her support for her Eldest Brother, Mo Ruofei, believing his meticulous nature would secure a victory for Mo Manor. The Emperor lightheartedly noted Hua Buqi’s apparent lack of unity with the Seventh Prince.

Mo Manor’s lantern boat made a beautiful debut, drawing admiration from the Emperor and Seventh Prince. But Liu Mingyue, observing this, commented that her competition was not just about lanterns but “people’s hearts.” Soon after, Mingyue Villa’s float appeared, featuring masked women dancing gracefully. The central dancer, Liu Qingwu, captivated the crowd with her mesmerizing performance. The Seventh Prince, deeply moved, recognized the dance as one choreographed by Xue Fei, expressing his surprise that Mingyue Villa’s dancer knew it.

Determined not to see her Eldest Brother lose, Hua Buqi, covering her face with a veil, joined Mingyue Villa’s dancing troupe, intending to disrupt their performance. While on the boat, she closely observed Liu Qingwu and realized she strongly resembled the assassin from Tianmen Pass. As Hua Buqi reached out to unmask Liu Qingwu, Liu Qingwu swiftly pushed her into the lake. Fortunately, Chen Yu, who had been observing, immediately dived in and rescued her.

He sternly rebuked Hua Buqi for her reckless stunt, reminding her of the grave consequences if her actions angered the Emperor, and stated that merely being pushed into the lake was a light punishment for disrupting Mingyue Villa’s show. Hua Buqi, realizing her error, apologized. Just then, Mo Ruofei arrived, and Chen Yu entrusted Hua Buqi to his care, then returned to his duties protecting the Emperor.

After being rescued, Hua Buqi immediately informed Mo Ruofei that the masked dancer, Liu Qingwu, bore a striking resemblance to the person who had commanded the assassination at Tianmen Pass. Although not entirely certain, Hua Buqi was convinced of the similarity. Mo Ruofei consulted Jiansheng, who also noted that Liu Qingwu’s build was similar to Qing’er, a servant in their manor.

To further investigate this potential connection, Mo Ruofei decided to transfer Qing’er from the kitchen to his personal courtyard upon their return. As the festivities resumed, the Emperor remarked to Chen Yu that he didn’t seem to harbor the animosity towards Hua Buqi that others claimed. Chen Yu quickly deflected, explaining he was merely worried she would get wet and embarrassed, and that his Royal Father would blame him if he didn’t intervene, though inwardly, his heart stirred.

With the competition concluded, the Emperor declared Mingyue Villa the winner. The Seventh Prince later visited Mingyue Villa to formally present the winning plaque. Liu Mingyue apologized for Liu Qingwu’s actions, offering to have her executed, but the Seventh Prince dismissed it, acknowledging Hua Buqi’s initial disrespect and expressing relief that no one was seriously harmed.

After accepting her congratulations, Liu Mingyue extended an invitation for the Seventh Prince to stay at her manor and enjoy a private performance by Liu Qingwu. However, the Seventh Prince politely declined, citing his poor health and fatigue, and promptly departed. Later that night, Chen Yu went to Mingyue Villa to see Liu Qingwu. Upon being informed of his presence, Liu Qingwu, still behind a screen, asked the purpose of his late-night visit.

Chen Yu began by complimenting her, stating that her dance and evident talent lived up to her reputation as Mingyue Villa’s capable First Miss. Liu Qingwu humbly dismissed his praise, attributing her skills to mere musical and dance knowledge. Adopting a somewhat playboy-like demeanor, Chen Yu then expressed his desire to see her face, noting she had been masked on stage and was now hidden behind a screen, making him “anxious.”

Liu Qingwu emerged, apologizing for her casual attire, explaining she was preparing for bed. Chen Yu reiterated his admiration for her stunning dance, which had surpassed Mo Manor’s performance, but then inquired if the dance held a deeper meaning. Liu Qingwu, after asking if he had come solely for the dance, explained that she choreographed the “lonesome dance” to cheer her ailing mother and express her longing for her deceased father. Chen Yu mused on the universality of lovesickness and how her words reminded him of his own father, who, despite not admitting it, harbored thoughts of someone special.

Episode 12 Recap

Chen Yu found Liu Qingwu and spoke about his Royal Father's unwavering devotion to a woman for seventeen years, explaining that his father had searched for his illegitimate daughter for over a decade because of this deep affection. Chen Yu stated that this conversation helped him understand his Royal Father better and that his visit was worthwhile before taking his leave. Soon after Chen Yu departed, Liu Mingyue entered Liu Qingwu's room.

Liu Qingwu asked what they should do after Chen Yu's ambiguous words. Liu Mingyue instructed her to wait for the Prince and Heir Apparent to come seeking them again. Meanwhile, Chen Yu was in the prison interrogating two individuals from Mingyue Villa. He pressed one of them about their involvement at Tianmen Pass, but the man denied any knowledge. Chen Yu remarked that the man wouldn't speak unless coerced, but before he could act, the prisoner suddenly died from poison.

A guard reported that the other prisoner had also succumbed to poison. News of their deaths reached Mo Ruofei, who realized that their actions had alerted the enemy. Hua Buqi had previously mentioned that the First Miss of Mingyue Villa resembled an assassin. Following this, Mo Ruofei subtly questioned Liu Qingyan, hoping to use her to gain an advantage against Mingyue Villa.

He asked Liu Qingyan if her brave act of saving the Lady on New Year's Eve had ulterior motives. Liu Qingyan admitted she was seeking a dependable master. Mo Ruofei, understanding her desire to change her fate, promised to treat her well if she served him diligently. His attendant expressed concern about Liu Qingyan's sudden appearance and striking resemblance to Mingyue Villa's First Miss, fearing she might pose a danger.

Mo Ruofei, however, reassured him, stating he had his own plans and that keeping her close might help them defeat Mingyue Villa. Lin Yuquan and Lin Dansha arrived at Mo Manor seeking refuge. Mo Ruofei learned from them that Master Lin had been killed. Lin Yuquan explained that Mingyue Villa had long been threatening Yaoling Manor with medicinal ingredients, forcing them to comply with their demands and act as their pawns.

He revealed that Master Lin was killed by Mingyue Villa after he tried to escape their control and helped Mo Ruofei bring Hua Buqi to the capital. Lin Yuquan also confirmed that Feiyun Fortress's medicinal herbs were indeed stolen by Mingyue Villa, and Yaoling Manor was forced to participate due to coercion. Mo Ruofei acknowledged the existing animosity between Feiyun Fortress and Mingyue Villa.

He decided to house the siblings, both to honor his earlier promise to Master Lin to help them start a new life in the capital, and to gather more information about Mingyue Villa. He then instructed Jian Sheng to go to Yaoling Manor and verify Master Lin's death. Soon after, Yun Lang, still angered by the events at Yaoling Manor, confronted Lin Yuquan and Lin Dansha.

He accused them of almost causing a horse epidemic at Feiyun Fortress and disrupting their warhorse delivery, and also for his injuries during his investigation at Yaoling Manor. Mo Ruofei intervened, scolding Yun Lang for his impulsive nature and explaining that Yaoling Manor had also been manipulated and threatened by Mingyue Villa. He stressed that Mingyue Villa was their common enemy and they should unite against it. Mo Ruofei then ordered Yun Lang to apologize to Lin Dansha.

Yun Lang, though initially hesitant, apologized to Lin Dansha for his actions, commenting on how she quickly stopped crying after hitting him back. At the Prince Manor, the Seventh Prince, deeply disturbed by Liu Qingwu's dance, recalled that the unique dance was personally choreographed by Xue Fei only for him years ago, a secret known only to the two of them.

He began to suspect that Xue Fei might still be alive and that Mingyue Villa had some connection to her. He remembered that Xue Fei's body had gone missing after her death. Overcome with these long-held anxieties, the Seventh Prince suddenly suffered a severe coughing fit and collapsed. Chen Yu rushed to his bedside, and a royal physician was summoned.

The physician reported that the Prince's "Spring Revival Pill" had reached its limits and that his remaining time was short, concluding that a "heart illness requires a heart medicine." Understanding the underlying emotional cause of his father's condition, Chen Yu instructed Hua Buqi to remain at the manor and care for the Seventh Prince while he left. Hua Buqi, watching the ailing Prince, felt a sense of detachment.

She mused that despite him being her biological father, she felt no anxiety for him, unlike when Uncle Jiu was ill. She found the Seventh Prince's gaze unsettling and struggled to feel any true connection. At Mingyue Villa, Liu Mingyue and Liu Qingwu discussed Chen Yu's character.

Liu Qingwu described him as a "pig that can eat a tiger," believing he genuinely detested his illegitimate daughter, Hua Buqi, which would naturally extend to Mo Manor, ensuring their disadvantage in the upcoming government bank bidding. However, Liu Mingyue cautioned against complacency, pointing out that Chen Yu had saved Hua Buqi during the lantern festival, suggesting his hatred might not be as strong as presumed.

She also warned Liu Qingwu that Hua Buqi might be suspicious of her, urging caution, and emphasized that the dance was merely their first step. Soon after, Chen Yu arrived at Mingyue Villa and directly confronted Liu Mingyue, accusing her of murdering the two captured assassins. Liu Mingyue feigned ignorance and denied involvement, claiming she had intended to visit and apologize for the lantern festival dance that had supposedly "frightened the Prince."

Chen Yu, seizing on this, pointed out that he had never mentioned his father was frightened by her dance, questioning how she knew and what Mingyue Villa's true intentions were. Liu Mingyue quickly countered that it was common gossip among the people.

Ignoring her explanation, Chen Yu demanded Liu Qingwu accompany him to the Prince Manor to help his father recover, stating she would remain there until the Prince was well, threatening to influence the Emperor to switch porcelain suppliers away from Mingyue Villa if she refused. Liu Mingyue pleaded on her daughter's behalf, but Chen Yu remained firm. At the Prince Manor, Chen Yu brought Liu Qingwu to the Seventh Prince's bedside.

Liu Qingwu agreed to perform the dance again, but on the condition that Chen Yu would grant her one request, which she would reveal after the Prince recovered. Chen Yu agreed. After Liu Qingwu performed her dance, the Seventh Prince remained unconscious. Chen Yu asked Liu Qingwu to stay in the manor for a few days to see if she could awaken his father.

Later, Chen Yu, noticing Liu Qingwu's resemblance to the assassin who attacked Hua Buqi, instructed his subordinate, Xiao Liu, to prepare bathwater for Liu Qingwu, hoping to check for a distinctive mark on her body. Hua Buqi, also suspicious and recalling the assassin's mark, decided to investigate. She secretly entered Liu Qingwu's room through a window while Liu Qingwu was bathing. However, she accidentally made a noise, alerting Liu Qingwu, who quickly dressed and began searching the room.

Just as Liu Qingwu was about to discover Hua Buqi, Chen Yu knocked on the door, allowing Hua Buqi to escape unseen. Chen Yu entered, ostensibly to check on Liu Qingwu, and noticing the open window, he suggested the wind might have blown it open, subtly diffusing Liu Qingwu's suspicions about an intruder. He then mentioned seeing Liu Qingwu multiple times in Xizhou Prefecture while seeking medicine for his father.

Liu Qingwu denied ever being in Xizhou Prefecture, claiming she had only visited Yaoling Manor, which she stated was a subsidiary of Mingyue Villa, for inspections. She also claimed to be unaware of the cause of Master Lin's death. Later, Hua Buqi attempted to follow Liu Qingwu but was discovered. Hua Buqi asserted her authority, demanding Liu Qingwu kneel, but Liu Qingwu refused to comply.

A physical altercation ensued, with Hua Buqi slapping Liu Qingwu, who in turn kicked Hua Buqi. Princess Consort Gan arrived on the scene and reprimanded both of them. Liu Qingwu distorted the events, accusing Hua Buqi of pushing her and slapping her without provocation, seeking justice from Princess Consort Gan. Princess Consort Gan, however, told Liu Qingwu that any grievances with Mo Manor should be taken up with them, but within the Prince Manor, its rules must be obeyed.

She then chastised Hua Buqi for her unruly behavior and ordered her to apologize. Just then, Chen Yu arrived. Hua Buqi immediately accused Liu Qingwu of being the assassin who had repeatedly tried to kill her, stating she had seen the distinctive mark on her. Liu Qingwu vehemently denied the accusation, claiming no prior acquaintance or dispute with Hua Buqi.

Chen Yu dismissed Hua Buqi's claim, stating that a body mark alone was insufficient evidence and suggested that Hua Buqi was merely jealous of Liu Qingwu's dancing skills and angered by a past incident. Feeling betrayed by Chen Yu's disbelief, Hua Buqi turned to leave. Princess Consort Gan stopped her, insisting on punishment and ordering her to kneel in the Silent Hall for two days. To avoid the punishment, Hua Buqi cleverly feigned unconsciousness, collapsing into Chen Yu's arms.

Princess Consort Gan suspected she was pretending. Chen Yu, in response, deliberately dropped Hua Buqi onto the ground. When Hua Buqi remained "unconscious," Princess Consort Gan, seeing no other option, left. Chen Yu then told Liu Qingwu that since her dance had not improved his father's condition, she was no longer needed and could return to Mingyue Villa. Liu Qingwu feigned agreement, but as she turned to leave, she subtly revealed a jade pendant.

Chen Yu immediately recognized the pendant as identical to one depicted in Xue Fei's portrait. This prompted him to change his mind and ask Liu Qingwu to remain in the manor, which she accepted with a hint of triumph. Chen Yu carried Hua Buqi back to her room, where she was genuinely weak and fainted. Chen Yu realized that Hua Buqi had indeed seen the assassin's mark on Liu Qingwu and that Liu Qingwu was the culprit.

He understood that Mingyue Villa was actively targeting the Seventh Prince, despite knowing Hua Buqi was his daughter, and that Liu Qingwu's dance was likely a calculated move against his father. Acknowledging that Hua Buqi's actions had alerted their adversaries and that they currently lacked sufficient clues, Chen Yu instructed Xiao Liu to assign more guards to protect Hua Buqi, while he would quietly observe the unfolding events.

Episode 13 Recap

Chen Yu reflected that Liu Qingwu was likely waiting for him, but he refused to be manipulated by her. A servant then announced that Liu Mingyue, the master of Mingyue Villa, had arrived, claiming she could awaken the Seventh Prince. Chen Yu led her to his ailing father. Liu Mingyue, while modestly stating she hadn't practiced medicine long, sincerely offered her help, noting that even royal physicians were stumped. Chen Yu, seeing no other option, allowed her to try.

Liu Mingyue performed acupuncture, causing the Seventh Prince to regain some of his senses. He immediately dismissed everyone from the room, leaving only Liu Mingyue. Liu Mingyue began by acknowledging the Seventh Prince's deep love for Xue Fei, remarking that a mere dance could cause him such distress. She then revealed that she could use golden needles to stimulate his pressure points and unclog his veins, allowing him to function normally for a time.

However, she warned that once the needle entered his body, it would slowly travel through his blood vessels. Upon reaching his heart, he would die, giving him only three or four months of life. She asked if he would accept this condition. The Seventh Prince inquired about her terms. Liu Mingyue explained that she sought for Zhu Manor to replace Mo Manor in winning the bidding for the Imperial Treasury circulation rights.

Mingyue Villa had already allied with Zhu Manor, aiming to secure the bids for palace china and incense through this cooperation, as they lacked sufficient silver to bid for all. She clarified that she also harbored private grievances against Mo Manor and did not wish to burden the Prince with them. Seeing that the prospect of a few months of health did not sway him, Liu Mingyue changed tactics.

She asked the Seventh Prince if he wished to see Xue Fei. He questioned if Xue Fei was still alive, to which Liu Mingyue clarified that Xue Fei had died long ago, but her body remained perfectly preserved due to a Beauty Keeping Pill placed in her mouth. The Seventh Prince demanded to know Liu Mingyue's connection to Xue Fei and how she knew of her.

Liu Mingyue admitted she was Xue Fei's half-sister, sharing the same father but born to a servant mother. She explained that she had been taken to a temple by the Madam at birth, where she coincidentally learned martial arts. She was fortunate to miss the fire at Xue Manor and, in doing so, uncovered the truth: Mo Madam of Mo Manor, driven by jealousy and hatred, had orchestrated the massacre of the entire Xue family, including her own mother.

Liu Mingyue declared her intent to personally destroy Mo Manor for revenge, rather than seeking justice through the courts. Moved by her revelation and his lingering affection for Xue Fei, the Seventh Prince promised that if Mo Manor was indeed responsible for Xue Fei's death, he would ensure they did not obtain the rights to run the Imperial Treasury. Liu Mingyue confirmed his promise and then proceeded with the full acupuncture treatment.

With the acupuncture complete, the Seventh Prince fully awoke, bringing immense relief and joy to Chen Yu and everyone in the manor. Liu Mingyue, accompanied by Liu Qingwu, then prepared to depart to begin preparations for the bidding. Chen Yu personally escorted them out of the manor. Once they had left, the Seventh Prince dismissed all other attendants, retaining only Ah Fu. He confided in Ah Fu that he now had only four months left to live.

He expressed his suspicion regarding Mingyue Villa's rapid ascent to become one of the top four families within twenty years, believing that beyond Liu Mingyue's intelligence, a mysterious force was assisting her. Given Liu Mingyue's unusual connection to Xue Fei, the Prince theorized she might also be involved with Biluotian, and ordered Ah Fu to investigate her thoroughly.

As Liu Mingyue and Liu Qingwu traveled back, Chen Yu, who had returned inside, pondered the Mingyue Villa's true intentions, now realizing they were indeed focused on winning the bidding. Meanwhile, Liu Mingyue, frustrated by Liu Qingwu's repeated failures in her missions, angrily ordered her out of the carriage. Back in the Prince's Manor, the Seventh Prince, now recovered, took a walk in the courtyard with Chen Yu. He reflected on the preciousness of health after his recent illness.

Chen Yu acknowledged Liu Mingyue's extraordinary abilities, both in building Mingyue Villa and her medical skills, and expressed his curiosity about how she had cured his father and her relationship with Xue Fei. The Prince was surprised Chen Yu knew of this connection, prompting Chen Yu to explain that during his father's coma, Ah Fu had mentioned Liu Qingwu's dance was choreographed by Xue Fei specifically for the Prince, a fact only known to his father and Xue Fei.

Mingyue Villa's deliberate use of this dance at the Lantern Festival clearly had a purpose beyond just the bidding. The Seventh Prince then confirmed that Liu Mingyue and Xue Fei were half-sisters, which was how Liu Mingyue knew the dance and used it to attract his attention to gain the Imperial Treasury rights. Chen Yu further speculated that they didn't expect his coma, and the dance was meant to lure him for negotiation, implying they knew Xue Fei's whereabouts.

He then asked why the Prince didn't retrieve Xue Fei's body if he saw her die. The Prince, however, internally recalled Liu Mingyue's words about his limited time, and chose not to answer directly. Dismissing the servants, the Seventh Prince then had a private, heartfelt conversation with Chen Yu. He remarked on Chen Yu's growth and shared his own past sufferings, describing the capital as a "huge prison" for him as a prince constantly under imperial scrutiny.

He did not want Chen Yu to endure the same fate. He advised Chen Yu to leave the capital, become a king in his own fiefdom, and not be confined by its political games. Chen Yu, however, stated his desire to travel the world after the bidding. The Prince countered that he didn't want Chen Yu to become an "idle traveling Prince" and urged him to grasp his true meaning.

He then emphatically instructed Chen Yu that Hua Buqi must remain in the manor, refusing to elaborate on the reason, stating Chen Yu would understand in time. He also told Chen Yu to focus on the upcoming Imperial Treasury bidding and the preparations for his mother's death anniversary. Chen Yu sensed there was more his father was not revealing, perhaps fearing he would harbor misgivings toward Hua Buqi, but the Prince, claiming tiredness, dismissed him.

Ah Fu, the Seventh Prince's trusted aide, was regularly reporting his master's actions to the Emperor. Later, the Seventh Prince confided in Ah Fu that he had withheld many details from Chen Yu because the Emperor was closely monitoring them, and he feared Chen Yu's impulsiveness could jeopardize their grand plan.

His true wish was for Chen Yu to leave the capital as soon as possible, establish himself as a king in his own territory, discover the treasures of Biluotian, raise an army, and ultimately overthrow the Emperor—a goal for which the Seventh Prince was prepared to sacrifice his own life. Hua Buqi approached Chen Yu, requesting permission to return to Mo Manor for one night on the day of his mother's death anniversary.

She expressed a desire to visit Mo Ruofei and assured Chen Yu that she wouldn't cause trouble during such a solemn occasion. Chen Yu, finding her request thoughtful, readily agreed, instructing her to return only after the offering ceremony. Privately, Chen Yu spoke to his late mother's spirit, explaining that he wanted Hua Buqi to remain in the manor because, having suffered as a beggar in her youth, he wished for her to find stability and comfort.

Hua Buqi then arranged gifts to take to Mo Ruofei. At Mo Manor, Mo Ruofei eagerly awaited Hua Buqi's arrival. Despite hearing she was doing well with Chen Yu, he worried she might have been bullied given her spirited nature. Upon her arrival, Hua Buqi embraced Mo Ruofei. He had prepared a lavish feast of all her favorites, including many chicken legs.

Hua Buqi exaggeratedly complained about her initial lack of food in the Prince's Manor and her subsequent fear of being poisoned by Royal Concubine Gan, making her too afraid to eat or speak, claiming she felt suffocated. Mo Ruofei, however, playfully teased her about getting chubbier, correctly guessing she had been secretly finding food at night.

Hua Buqi, embracing her "contribution" to the Prince's recovery, boldly asked for a reward of one thousand taels, referencing a previous incident where she gained ten golden leaves. Mo Ruofei, calling her a money-grabber, affectionately agreed to her demand. As they ate, a servant named Qing'er brought soup for Mo Ruofei. Hua Buqi, with a keen eye, immediately noticed Qing'er's striking resemblance to Liu Qingwu, the assassin who had previously attempted to kill them.

She shared her suspicion with Mo Ruofei, who calmly assured her that he was well aware of the situation and had kept Qing'er by his side for his own purposes, urging Hua Buqi not to worry. Relieved by Mo Ruofei's preparedness, Hua Buqi then excused herself to find Xiuchun and deliver a gift. Meanwhile, Mo Ruofei's cousin questioned Yun Lang about his failure to apologize to Hua Buqi. Yun Lang claimed he was still devising a suitable method.

Later, in an attempt to win Hua Buqi's forgiveness, Yun Lang had numerous lanterns meticulously arranged outside her courtyard. When Xiuchun excitedly showed Hua Buqi the beautiful lanterns, Yun Lang stepped forward. He sincerely apologized for his previous insensitivity and discourtesy, explaining he had wanted to apologize at the Prince's Manor but refrained due to the Seventh Prince's illness. Hua Buqi, however, was dismissive, telling him to stop troubling her, as that would be the best apology.

Yun Lang persisted, earnestly stating, "I really did not kill your Huang. Please believe me." Hua Buqi still refused to open her door. That night, Hua Buqi took out Uncle Jiu's pottery bowl, contemplating her escape plan. She intended to seize the opportunity during her return to the Prince's Manor the next day, specifically on the bustling Chaoan Street, to slip away and head to Xingyuan Pawnshop to meet Mr. Zhu, hoping for Uncle Jiu's blessings.

Yun Lang, undeterred, stayed outside Hua Buqi's courtyard for the entire afternoon, enduring the cold wind. Xiuchun tried to sway Hua Buqi by mentioning Yun Lang's persistence, but Hua Buqi remained firm, comparing his afternoon in the cold to her dog Huang keeping her company for countless cold nights. She instructed Xiuchun to close the door. Determined, Yun Lang then initiated a lantern riddle game, offering money leaves and finally a pair of candied figurines as prizes.

Hua Buqi, still inside, correctly guessed the final riddle, which described the lanterns themselves. Yun Lang declared the candied figurines hers. Xiuchun brought them to Hua Buqi, noting Yun Lang's consistent efforts. Hua Buqi, holding the figurines, spoke softly to her deceased dog, Huang, acknowledging Yun Lang's apology and his honest demeanor when denying the killing.

She decided to forgive him, reasoning that it was better to have one more friend than an enemy, especially since she would soon be leaving Mo Manor. Yun Lang then presented her with thirty taels of silver for correctly guessing the riddle. Hua Buqi accepted the money, declaring that she would forgive him for the time being, considering his sincerity, his past act of saving her life, and the silver.

The following day, as Hua Buqi was being driven back to the Prince's Manor, she saw her opportunity on Chaoan Street. She feigned dissatisfaction with a previous purchase and insisted on exchanging it herself, despite her guards' protests about her being seen in public. She argued she wasn't well-known and that the carriage could stop further away to avoid attracting attention. Once the carriage stopped, Hua Buqi swiftly created a diversion by throwing money into the crowd, causing a commotion, and used the ensuing chaos to make her escape.

Episode 14 Recap

Hua Buqi ingeniously orchestrated her escape while being escorted back to the Prince Manor by pretending her wallet was stolen and creating a diversion with scattered coins, allowing her to elude her bodyguards. Her disappearance quickly reached Liu Qingwu, who saw this as a prime opportunity to complete a mission for Liu Mingyue and solidify her own standing as the master of Mingyue Villa.

Meanwhile, Hua Buqi made her way to the Xingyuan Pawnshop, carrying an alms bowl given to her by Uncle Jiu, in hopes of meeting a "Mr. Zhu." However, the pawnshop manager feigned ignorance, claiming no knowledge of any Mr. Zhu or Hua Buqi's Uncle Jiu, and stating he had run the shop for over twenty years. Disappointed and tearful, Hua Buqi left and found solace at a noodle stall, where memories of eating with Uncle Jiu made her emotional.

The kind noodle seller even gave her an extra egg. As she was eating, the pawnshop manager approached her. He recited the first line of a poem that Uncle Jiu had often taught her. Recognizing the verse, Hua Buqi completed the second line, prompting the man to reveal himself and ask her to accompany him.

The man introduced himself as Zhu Fu, a house servant of Mr. Zhu, explaining he could not acknowledge her at the pawnshop due to concerns that she might be followed. He was deeply saddened to confirm that Hua Buqi's Uncle Jiu, whom he referred to as "Young Master Jiu," had indeed passed away. Upon examining the alms bowl, Zhu Fu smashed it, revealing a Black Profound Pearl.

This pearl, he explained, was Young Master Jiu's keepsake, capable of withdrawing up to five million taels of silver from any of the Zhu family's pawnshops. Hua Buqi was heartbroken, realizing that Uncle Jiu could have afforded a doctor and perhaps avoided his severe illness and death if he had used the pearl.

Zhu Fu further revealed that Uncle Jiu was the ninth-generation sole heir of Grand Master Zhu of Jiangnan's House of Zhu, one of the four most prominent merchant families. Zhu Fu further explained that Young Master Jiu, in his youth, had a disagreement with Grand Master Zhu and swore to achieve wealth independently. He then moved to the capital, adopting the name Zhu Hua, ensuring no one knew his true identity as the heir of the prominent Zhu Manor.

This secrecy was maintained even when he later fled with Hua Buqi, specifically to prevent the Seventh Prince from discovering his origins. Uncle Jiu’s true intention in sending Hua Buqi to Mr. Zhu was to entrust her care to Grand Master Zhu.

Hua Buqi questioned why a wealthy young master would live as a beggar, to which Zhu Fu explained it was to hide her from the pursuit of the Seventh Prince and mysterious individuals, though he did not know the full details. Hua Buqi understood this meant the Seventh Prince was not her father, as Uncle Jiu had actively avoided him.

Concerned about escaping the capital while the Seventh Prince was searching for her, Hua Buqi worried that going to Zhu Manor might expose Uncle Jiu’s true identity. Zhu Fu reassured her, revealing they possessed a "Death Faking Pill" that could temporarily halt her heartbeat and pulse, making her appear dead. He instructed Hua Buqi to return to the Prince Manor and wait for him to retrieve the pill from Zhu Manor, after which he would come for her.

Following Zhu Fu's instructions, Hua Buqi began her journey back toward the Prince Manor. However, she was ambushed and pursued by assailants from Mingyue Villa, led by Liu Qingwu. Just as she faced imminent danger, the Lotus Robe Knight appeared, bravely fighting off the attackers. During their escape, both he and Hua Buqi plunged into a nearby lake. After emerging from the water, it was revealed he had been struck in the back by an arrow during the fight.

The commotion attracted the attention of Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang, who were in the vicinity and quickly arrived to assist. Mo Ruofei attempted to capture Liu Qingwu, but she managed to escape amidst the chaos. Mo Ruofei then ordered his men to take the captured Mingyue Villa assailants to the Seventh Prince, demanding an explanation for their attempt to assassinate Hua Buqi.

The Lotus Robe Knight and Hua Buqi emerged from the water and found refuge in an abandoned house. Hua Buqi noticed the arrow wound in his back and diligently tended to it, pondering his true identity and why he consistently appeared to save her. She considered removing his mask but respected his desire for anonymity.

While she went to find some food, the Lotus Robe Knight, weakened by his injury, eventually woke and checked that his mask was still in place. He then noticed Hua Buqi, who had fallen asleep beside him, was burning with fever and still in her wet clothes. To prevent her condition from worsening, he reluctantly closed his eyes, removed her wet outer garment, and held her close to warm her.

In her feverish delirium, Hua Buqi confessed her deep affection for him, recalling how she had dreamed of him many times since he last told her to stay in Mo Manor, and tearfully asked if she could marry him. The Lotus Robe Knight gently released her and laid her down. Soon after, he called out to Yun Lang, who had been searching for Hua Buqi, and directed him to her, emphasizing that her fever required immediate medical attention.

He silently wished for Hua Buqi to live well as the lady of Mo Manor, believing many people cared for her, and she should stop seeking him. After leaving Hua Buqi with Yun Lang, Chen Yu, in his identity as the Lotus Robe Knight, sought out a trusted friend to treat his arrow wound.

His friend was stunned to discover Chen Yu’s secret identity as the mysterious Lotus Robe Knight, playfully teasing him for having once disparaged the hero as a "licentious thief." Chen Yu explained that he used this hidden identity to move freely without the constraints of his position as the Heir Apparent, and he kept it secret to avoid implicating his friends.

While treating the wound, his friend questioned Chen Yu's true feelings for Hua Buqi, noting his public display of anger and refusal to search for her, contrasted with his dangerous rescue as the Lotus Robe Knight. Chen Yu admitted that, as the Heir Apparent, he resented Hua Buqi for manipulating him by invoking his mother's death anniversary to secure her return to Mo Manor, which he found deeply disrespectful.

Despite the risk and injury he sustained in saving her, he adamantly denied any personal care for her safety. He privately reflected on Hua Buqi's feverish confession of love, realizing he could not allow her to return to the Prince Manor, fearing she would uncover his true identity, which would make their supposed sibling relationship impossible to navigate.

Meanwhile, Mo Ruofei and the Seventh Prince arrived at Mingyue Villa with troops, confronting Liu Mingyue about the assassination attempt on Hua Buqi. Liu Mingyue feigned ignorance, claiming Liu Qingwu was out buying snacks and had acted without her knowledge. Mo Ruofei presented the captured Mingyue Villa assailants as proof. Liu Mingyue requested a private audience with the Seventh Prince, where she blamed Liu Qingwu entirely and attempted to leverage information about Xue Fei.

The Seventh Prince rebuffed her, stating that his only concern for Xue Fei was to protect her daughter, Hua Buqi, and threatened Liu Mingyue with imprisonment for the assassination attempt. Liu Mingyue then alluded to the "Bilotian prediction." After their private conversation, the Seventh Prince announced to Mo Ruofei that his investigation found no involvement from Mingyue Villa and ordered him to drop the matter.

He instructed Mo Ruofei to care for Hua Buqi at Mo Manor until she fully recovered, as the royal doctor advised against moving her, and then personally deliver her back to the Prince Manor. At Mo Manor, Hua Buqi awoke to find Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang at her bedside. Her first thought was of the Lotus Robe Knight, asking about his whereabouts. Mo Ruofei acknowledged that the Lotus Robe Knight had saved her and guided them to her.

He then questioned Hua Buqi about her relationship with the mysterious figure, wondering why he had repeatedly come to her rescue. Hua Buqi confessed she knew nothing of his identity beyond his heroic actions. Just then, Lin Dansha arrived with medicine, and Hua Buqi was distressed to learn that Yaoling Manor had suffered greatly, resulting in the deaths of Dansha's father and grandmother, and the manor itself was gone. The Lin siblings were now staying at Mo Manor.

Still worried about the Lotus Robe Knight, Hua Buqi pressed Yun Lang for details about his injuries. Yun Lang vaguely confirmed he seemed injured but deflected further questions. Mo Ruofei tried to reassure her, saying that if the Lotus Robe Knight was able to save her, he must still be capable, and urged her to focus on her recovery. As Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang prepared to leave, a self-conscious Hua Buqi asked her eldest brother if she had said anything "weird" while she was delirious with fever.

Episode 15 Recap

Chen Yu, deeply aware of the obstacles between himself and Hua Buqi, resolved that she could not return to the Prince Manor. He feared that her prolonged presence would inevitably lead her to discover his true identity as the Lotus Robe Knight. Upon returning to the Prince Manor, he spoke with the Seventh Prince, firmly stating that Hua Buqi had merely used her visit to Mo Manor as an excuse to escape, and he would not permit her re-entry.

Chen Yu's attendant, Little Liu, informed him that Hua Buqi had caught a cold and was suffering from a persistent cough. Despite this, the Seventh Prince insisted on Hua Buqi’s return, emphasizing her great importance to him. Chen Yu, maintaining a cold demeanor, argued that Hua Buqi had exploited his Royal Mother’s memorial day as a pretext for her departure, adding that he could end her life at any given moment, subtly conveying his steadfast determination to his father.

Meanwhile, at Mo Manor, Hua Buqi, recovering from a fever, was relieved that she had not inadvertently revealed "Uncle Jiu's" identity during her delirium. She resolved to continue feigning weakness to prevent Mo Manor from suspecting her true intentions regarding the poisoned medicine she had just pretended to consume. Mo Madam, upon learning that the Heir Apparent had sent Hua Buqi back to Mo Manor, saw another opportunity to act against her.

She resolved to ensure Hua Buqi "never recovers" from her current illness. When Uncle Mo delivered a bowl of medicine, Hua Buqi immediately suspected it was poisoned. Silently wishing for Zhu Fu to arrive quickly with the Fake Death Pill, she feigned drinking the medicine in front of Uncle Mo, then discreetly spat it out once he left, deciding to maintain her weak pretense to avoid suspicion.

Elsewhere, Liu Qingwu, also known as Qing'er, presented tea to Mo Ruofei and, finding him deeply absorbed in thought, briefly contemplated attacking him. However, she hesitated, remembering a time when he had kindly tended to her wounds. Mo Ruofei was preoccupied with what Liu Mingyue might have said to the Seventh Prince to cause him to drop the investigation into Mingyue Villa’s assassination attempt on Hua Buqi. Chen Yu, equally curious, paid a visit to Mingyue Villa.

He pressed Liu Mingyue for answers regarding Liu Qingwu’s assassination attempt on Hua Buqi and, more importantly, the private conversation Liu Mingyue had with the Seventh Prince, which had drastically altered his father’s stance. Liu Mingyue remained tight-lipped. Chen Yu then threatened a thorough personal investigation, warning her of the severe consequences if he uncovered anything.

He reiterated that his true interest lay in the contents of her discussion with his father, not merely the assassination, and cautioned her to be careful. Later that night, Chen Yu, disguised as the Lotus Robe Knight, arrived at Mo Manor. He was discreetly observed by Yun Lang, who, seeing his concern for Hua Buqi, encouraged him to visit her, promising to keep watch as Mo Ruofei was still out.

The Lotus Robe Knight hung a rabbit lantern, which Chen Yu had bought earlier, outside Hua Buqi’s courtyard before entering her room after hearing her cough. Hua Buqi was both surprised and overjoyed to see the Lotus Robe Knight. He offered her honey water, but then declared this would be his last visit. Desperate to keep him, Hua Buqi embraced him and reiterated her affections.

However, the Lotus Robe Knight coldly rejected her, stating there was "nothing between them" and he would not see her again, telling her to "treat that in this world, there was never a Lotus Robe Knight." Heartbroken, Hua Buqi reminded him of his past rescues and how he was her only source of safety, making it impossible to pretend he didn't exist.

She observed that he had been avoiding her like the plague since her confession, acknowledging her mistake in revealing her feelings. Grieved, the Lotus Robe Knight removed his mask, inviting her to see his face. But Hua Buqi, tearfully turning away, refused to look, fearing it would only deepen her feelings and further her pain. She urged him to recover from his arrow wound, wishing to alleviate her guilt, and insisted he leave.

After he departed, Hua Buqi broke down crying. She chased after him but found he had vanished. Just then, Yun Lang arrived, catching Hua Buqi as she collapsed with a high fever. In her semiconscious state, she mistook Yun Lang for the Lotus Robe Knight, murmuring her deep affection for him.

Yun Lang, overhearing her words, felt a pang of sadness and jealousy, attributing the "coldness" in his heart to a shared illness rather than recognizing his own budding feelings for Hua Buqi. The Lotus Robe Knight later reflected on Hua Buqi's actions, noting that she had run out after him, subsequently developing a fever and fainting.

Back at the Prince Manor, Chen Yu immediately instructed his attendant, Little Liu, to acquire snakes for their galls, to be used in Hua Buqi's cough medicine, emphasizing the need for secrecy. Little Liu, while complying, teased Chen Yu about his underlying concern despite his earlier tough stance regarding Hua Buqi’s return. Meanwhile, Yun Lang visited Huichun Hall to purchase medicine for Hua Buqi.

The pharmacist informed him that while most ingredients were available, snake galls were out of stock due to post-winter shortages. Undeterred, Yun Lang decided to obtain the other medicines and then personally venture into the mountains to hunt for the most potent snake galls, such as those from cobras.

Hua Buqi, aware of the kindness shown by both Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang, felt a pang of guilt, knowing that once Zhu Fu delivered the Fake Death Pill, she would soon be out of their lives. Mo Ruofei took Hua Buqi for a walk, telling her that Yun Lang had spent the previous night on the mountain hunting for snake galls to aid her recovery. He spoke of future plans, including horse riding once she was well.

During their walk, Hua Buqi spotted the rabbit lantern hanging in the courtyard. She instantly took a liking to it and, with sharp intuition, realized it was a gift from the Lotus Robe Knight. This deepened her confusion about his harsh words, as it clearly showed his concern for her. The following day, Yun Lang returned to Mo Manor empty-handed, having found no snakes during his overnight vigil.

To his surprise, a messenger from Huichun Hall arrived shortly after, delivering two snake galls and stating that more would be available the next day. Yun Lang, recalling the previous day's scarcity, became suspicious, realizing someone was specifically arranging for Mo Manor to receive the galls. He quickly prepared the snake gall medicine and brought it to Hua Buqi. He also presented her with a sugar doll, remembering her delight from a previous one.

As he spoke to her, he felt his heart race, became flustered, and abruptly excused himself to practice swordplay, pondering his uncharacteristically rapid heartbeat and wondering if he too was simply ill. Xiuchun, observing Yun Lang's behavior, confided in Hua Buqi that she believed Yun Lang had developed feelings for her, though Hua Buqi remained solely focused on the Lotus Robe Knight.

Later, Yun Lang returned to Huichun Hall for more snake galls and was told they had been delivered by a beggar. He followed the beggar and saw him speaking to Chen Yu, whose back was turned. Yun Lang confronted Chen Yu, suspecting him to be the Lotus Robe Knight, demanding to know why he would provide medicine indirectly if he truly cared for Hua Buqi.

Chen Yu retorted that the method of delivery was irrelevant and instructed Yun Lang to keep his involvement a secret from Hua Buqi if he genuinely cared for her. Angered, Yun Lang accused Chen Yu of causing Hua Buqi's fever and fainting spell by discreetly hanging the rabbit lantern. He declared he would personally ascend the mountains to retrieve snake galls and cure Hua Buqi, rejecting Chen Yu's "fake concern."

Chen Yu simply replied that it was "good that you can think in this manner" and disappeared. Yun Lang defiantly vowed to heal Hua Buqi himself without Chen Yu's assistance. Chen Yu, still without answers regarding Liu Qingwu's whereabouts or the content of Liu Mingyue's private conversation with his father, reflected on his father's actions. He realized his father was not merely an "idle Prince" as he had long believed, but a man with many hidden secrets.

Simultaneously, the Seventh Prince discussed Liu Mingyue's claims with Ah Fu. He questioned if her description of Biluotian's entrance was accurate, but Ah Fu could only recall it being in the deep mountains. The Seventh Prince recounted Liu Mingyue's assertion that Biluotian was a sacred land, tied to a prophecy that the reigning dynasty would fall after five generations, and that the possessor of its treasure would rule the world. She had offered to guide him there.

The Seventh Prince pondered the mysterious individual who had previously breached Biluotian, questioning why, if this person was the power behind Mingyue Villa, he would allow Zhu Manor, and not Mingyue Villa, to secure the authority for the circulation of government funds. He confirmed his intention to grant Zhu Manor the circulation rights, but added he wouldn't make it an easy acquisition.

To this end, he discreetly instructed Ah Fu to summon Mo Ruofei to the Prince Manor, ensuring complete secrecy. While Hua Buqi recuperated, she eagerly awaited Zhu Fu’s arrival with the Fake Death Pill, feeling the days drag on due to her confinement. Yun Lang arrived with materials and crafted a sky lantern for her, drawing "Uncle Jiu's alms bowl" and a "plump" version of Hua Buqi on it, which delighted her.

He planned to release it that night, promising it would be beautiful. Later, Yun Lang approached Mo Ruofei, suggesting he take Hua Buqi to the suburban horse ranch the following day to purchase horses and allow her to enjoy some fresh air, as her health was significantly improved. Mo Ruofei agreed, reminding Yun Lang to prioritize safety. Mo Ruofei then met with Lin Yuquan to discuss business matters.

He credited Lin Yuquan for swiftly acquiring Baicao House, which now qualified him to participate in the Imperial Treasury bidding. Mo Ruofei specifically tasked Lin Yuquan with securing the bid for the "Beauty Growing Pill," a product favored by the imperial concubines, believing this strategic move would bolster the Emperor's trust in Mo Manor, yielding invaluable long-term advantages. Unbeknownst to them, Liu Qingwu was secretly listening to their conversation.

However, Mo Ruofei expressed concern about the current year's tumultuous bidding climate, particularly Mingyue Villa's aggressive competition for the official money circulation rights, which he saw as an attempt to undermine Mo Manor's standing among the Four Great Family Clans. He was determined to win these rights, even if it meant a significant financial outlay. Late that night, Ah Fu arrived at Mo Manor to summon Mo Ruofei to the Prince Manor for an urgent discussion with the Seventh Prince.

The Seventh Prince confronted Mo Ruofei, questioning Mo Madam’s constant prayers, suggesting they stemmed from a guilty conscience over past bloodshed. He explicitly stated his hatred for Mo Madam for setting the fire that destroyed the Xue family, leading to the death of his beloved Xue Fei. The Seventh Prince expressed his profound anger and regret, having believed in Mo Manor's loyalty and allowed Hua Buqi to remain there.

A visibly panicked Mo Ruofei vehemently denied his mother's involvement, claiming it was a deliberate instigation intended to sabotage Mo Manor’s participation in the Imperial Treasury bidding. He pleaded with the Prince to conduct a thorough investigation and thwart the villain's scheme. The Seventh Prince vowed to investigate but warned Mo Ruofei that if Mo Manor was indeed found guilty, he would not hesitate to destroy them, despite his past friendship with Mo Ruofei's father.

Episode 16 Recap

The Seven Prince informed Mo Ruofei that Liu Mingyue was the one who revealed Madam Mo's involvement in the Xue Manor massacre. He told Mo Ruofei that Liu Mingyue had offered to cure him in exchange for the rights to run the Imperial Treasury, and he had already agreed to her condition. However, the Prince assured Mo Ruofei that he had no intention of being manipulated by Liu Mingyue and would not let her acquire those rights easily.

To prevent this, the Seven Prince instructed Mo Ruofei to stake all of the Mo Manor's assets, significantly raise the bidding price, and thereby exhaust all of Liu Mingyue's available funds. Upon returning to the Mo Manor, Mo Ruofei knelt before his ancestors, vowing to bring the House of Mo to unprecedented success.

He declared that a day would come when he would transcend his merchant status, enter officialdom, and no longer suffer oppression from others, ensuring the Mo Manor's invincible position. Later that night, Hua Buqi awoke from a nightmare, crying out for the Lotus Robe Knight. She called for Xiuchun, but her maid was fast asleep. Seeing the lantern given to her by the Lotus Robe Knight glowing, Hua Buqi knew he had visited.

She rushed outside, expressing her confusion and longing for him. She believed he cared for her, despite his constant hiding, and felt that he too harbored feelings for her. Hua Buqi declared she would wait outside until he showed himself, a tactic she had used to get attention when she was younger. The Lotus Robe Knight, observing from the shadows, was pained to see her vulnerable state. When Hua Buqi nearly collapsed from weakness, he quickly appeared to support her.

Overjoyed, Hua Buqi confessed her affection for him and asked why he wouldn't admit his feelings. The Lotus Robe Knight, however, only stated he was concerned for her. As she held his hand, Hua Buqi noticed a scar on his wrist that was identical to one on Chen Yu's wrist. Though a flicker of suspicion crossed her mind, she quickly dismissed it, believing it a coincidence common among martial artists.

Concerned about the cold, the Lotus Robe Knight carried her back inside. Hua Buqi then reminded him of his past promise to show his true face, insisting she wanted to see it now. He declined, saying he preferred to keep his identity hidden. As he turned to leave, Hua Buqi feigned a fall from her bed. When the Lotus Robe Knight rushed back to help her, she seized the opportunity to pull off his mask, revealing Chen Yu.

Stunned and heartbroken, Hua Buqi was overwhelmed by disbelief and grief, crying out why it had to be him. Chen Yu, equally pained, could only tell her to pretend he wasn't the Lotus Robe Knight if it made her feel better, and softly reminded her that he was only her brother. He then left her room in sorrow. Meanwhile, Chen Yu sought out a friend late that night, demanding alcohol to drown his sorrows.

His friend, witnessing Chen Yu's distress and recalling his recent arrow wound, broke the bottle to prevent him from drinking excessively. Chen Yu, tormented by his feelings, remembered Hua Buqi's past remarks about him and her declaration of love. He bitterly reflected that as siblings, they were destined never to be together. The next day, a new kitchen maid named Xiaoxia, sent by Zhu Fu, brought Hua Buqi fruits and pastries.

During their conversation, Xiaoxia subtly mentioned the House of Zhu, signaling her true allegiance to Hua Buqi. After sending Xiuchun away, Hua Buqi confronted Xiaoxia, who confirmed she was an agent of Zhu Manor and had brought her a fake death pill. Xiaoxia explained the pill would induce a deep, death-like state where she would lose all senses, and after Mo Manor buried her, they would exhume her and revive her with a special Longxian Herb.

However, Hua Buqi, despite knowing Mo Madam's ill intentions, refused to take the pill at Mo Manor, not wanting to implicate Mo Ruofei, who had been kind to her. Instead, she decided to find an opportunity to return to the Prince Manor and fake her death there under some pretense. She asked Xiaoxia to make a sky lantern as a cover for their conversation.

Elsewhere, Lin Dansha learned that Yun Lang was taking Hua Buqi to a horse ranch outside the capital and asked to join them. Yun Lang agreed and, seeking more information about Hua Buqi, asked Lin Dansha about her time in Xizhou. Lin Dansha deliberately shared the story of Hua Buqi being "nursed on dog's milk."

Far from being repulsed, Yun Lang felt a deeper empathy for Hua Buqi, realizing the profound significance of her dog, Ah Huang, in her difficult past. He then visited Hua Buqi and successfully persuaded her to join them for an outing. Unbeknownst to them, Liu Qingwu had already set an ambush on the path to the western suburbs.

Having grown suspicious that Chen Yu might be the Lotus Robe Knight due to their similar physique and martial arts, she sent him a letter, using Hua Buqi as leverage to demand a meeting. Upon receiving the threatening letter, Chen Yu, realizing Liu Qingwu had likely uncovered his secret, immediately dispatched Xiao Liu to Mo Manor, under the pretense of his father's concern, to check on Hua Buqi's safety.

He then proceeded to the designated meeting place to confront Liu Qingwu. Xiao Liu, arriving at Mo Manor as a royal physician, was informed by Mo Madam that Hua Buqi was well and had gone out with Yun Lang. At their meeting, Liu Qingwu wasted no time in testing Chen Yu, intentionally spilling tea to observe his reaction. The movement revealed his still unhealed arrow wound, confirming her suspicions that he was indeed the Lotus Robe Knight.

Despite Chen Yu's denials, Liu Qingwu directly threatened Hua Buqi, hinting at an ambush already in place. Chen Yu reacted by choking her, but Liu Qingwu revealed her "trump card"—that she had deployed assassins to target Hua Buqi on the mountain path. She then proposed a deal: if Chen Yu helped her become the Master of Mingyue Villa, she would help him discover the location of the Biluotian treasure, which legend claimed would allow its owner to rule the world.

In return, she demanded to be his queen once he ascended to the throne. Chen Yu questioned her motives, given that Liu Mingyue was her teacher, not her biological mother, and that she had a twin sister, Liu Qingyan, with whom she competed for the position. Liu Qingwu further disclosed Liu Mingyue's true background as the daughter of the Xue Manor's master and a maid, who had survived the massacre and risen to power.

Recognizing the gravity of Hua Buqi's situation and the potential for acquiring Biluotian, Chen Yu reluctantly agreed to Liu Qingwu's terms, prompting her to call off her assassins and secure Hua Buqi and her companions' safety. Back at Mo Manor, Liu Qingyan grew increasingly anxious as the Imperial Treasury bidding approached.

Having learned that the bidding was in two days and fearing that her sister, Liu Qingwu, might complete her mission first, Liu Qingyan realized she had to kill Mo Ruofei quickly to fulfill her own mission. Despite moments of hesitation, recalling Mo Ruofei's kindness, Liu Qingyan ultimately steeled herself and stabbed him with a dagger coated in upas poison.

She revealed her identity as Liu Qingyan, the Second Miss of Mingyue Villa, and stated her orders to assassinate him before the bidding. Though the wound seemed minor, the poison was deadly and would swiftly spread throughout his organs, rendering him incurable. After delivering the fatal blow, she sent a signal and departed. The Mo Manor erupted into chaos as servants scrambled for a doctor.

Mo Ruofei, gravely ill, summoned his mother and pleaded with her to represent him at the upcoming bidding, declaring it his dying wish and that he would die with everlasting regret if they failed to secure the Imperial Treasury rights. His mother tearfully agreed.

Mo Ruofei then gathered his chief managers and, in a final act of resolve, instructed them to pawn all of the Mo family's immovable assets—including farmlands and housing properties—to acquire enough silver to ensure they won the right to circulate the official silver.

Episode 17 Recap

Madam Mo commanded her managers to pawn all the Mo Manor's farmlands and housing properties to raise funds for the upcoming bidding for the Imperial Treasury. Her manager reported that this would yield 2. 3 million taels, but Madam Mo insisted they aim for 8. 3 million taels. Mo Ruofei, who was not yet genuinely poisoned, then instructed his own managers to do their best during the bidding, acknowledging that his mother had no prior business experience.

Soon after, Mo Bo rushed to Yun Lang, Hua Buqi, and Miss Lin, informing them that Mo Ruofei had been poisoned and urging Lin Yiquan to return to Mo Manor immediately to save him. Hua Buqi, distressed, asked about Mo Ruofei's condition and who poisoned him. Mo Ruofei claimed Mingyue Villa sent Qing'er to poison him.

Recognizing Qing'er's resemblance to Liu Qingwu, Hua Buqi deduced she was from Mingyue Villa and quickly dispatched Yun Lang to find the Seventh Prince, believing only he could compel Mingyue Villa to provide an antidote. At Mo Manor, Lin Yiquan began to "treat" Mo Ruofei. Mo Ruofei dismissed everyone from his room, including Madam Mo and Hua Buqi, insisting he only needed Brother Lin to treat him alone.

Outside, Lin Yiquan reported to Madam Mo that he had done his best but Mo Ruofei's poison had no antidote and he would only last three days. Madam Mo refused to believe this, immediately ordering all doctors in the city to be found. She also asked Hua Buqi to accompany her to the Buddhist hall to pray for Mo Ruofei. The Seventh Prince confronted Liu Mingyue, angrily accusing her of sending people to kill Mo Ruofei.

Liu Mingyue denied any involvement, stating she had been extremely careful and wouldn't dare provoke Mo Manor. The Prince, however, called her a "rash fool" and declared that because of her actions, she would lose the rights to the Imperial Treasury.

He explained that if Mo Ruofei were alive, he could have subtly manipulated the bids in Mingyue Villa's favor, but with Mo Ruofei supposedly dying, Madam Mo had become fearless and had already mortgaged all her estates to raise Mo Manor's bid to eight million taels. Liu Mingyue was surprised by this but quickly promised to raise her own bid to over eight million taels.

The Seventh Prince then agreed to help her if she could achieve this, promising Chen Yu would announce a bid two million taels higher than Mo Manor's. After Liu Mingyue left, the Seventh Prince instructed Ah Fu to closely monitor her and ascertain the source of her funds, hoping to uncover the mysterious person behind Mingyue Villa.

Liu Mingyue subsequently visited Zhu Manor to secure additional funds, but the butler only agreed to an extra 500,000 taels, leaving Mingyue Villa to cover the remaining amount. In the Buddhist hall, Madam Mo instructed Mo Bo to add a full dose of poison to Hua Buqi's white fungus broth, intending for Hua Buqi to be buried with Mo Ruofei.

Mo Bo expressed concern about the Seventh Prince's investigation, but Madam Mo dismissed him, reasoning that the Prince would simply assume Hua Buqi was poisoned alongside Mo Ruofei. Hua Buqi noticed Madam Mo's unnaturally peaceful expression and grew suspicious, fearing her Godmother intended to poison her. She tried to refuse the broth, claiming she had no appetite and wished to find something with a stronger taste in the kitchen.

However, Madam Mo insisted she drink it, revealing her true malicious intent. When Hua Buqi cried for help, Madam Mo revealed she had sent away all the maids. Madam Mo then confessed her deep resentment towards Mo Baixing for his affection for Xue Fei, whom she had allowed to live in the adjacent courtyard only for Mo Baixing to inform her Xue Fei was pregnant with his child and he wished to take her as a second wife.

Enraged, Madam Mo had Xue Manor burned down, killing everyone there. She then revealed that Hua Buqi was not the Seventh Prince's daughter, but Mo Baixing's illegitimate child, making Mo Ruofei her biological brother. Hua Buqi was stunned, realizing she and Chen Yu were not biological siblings, but she and Mo Ruofei were. Before Hua Buqi could fully process this, Madam Mo ordered Mo Bo to hold her down and force-fed her the poisoned white fungus broth.

That night, Mo Ruofei, who was not genuinely poisoned, woke up. He discussed the upcoming bidding for the government funds circulation rights with Lin Yiquan, who was aware of Mo Ruofei's deception. Mo Ruofei confessed he had faked his illness by manipulating his vital channels and spitting blood to deceive all the doctors in the capital.

He explained this ruse was necessary for the bidding, as he needed his mother to represent him, and if she knew he was well, others might detect his plan. He then secretly ordered Jiansheng to keep a close watch on Lin Yiquan and kill him if he showed any signs of disloyalty. As Mo Ruofei left his room, he noticed Mo Bo leaving Hua Buqi's room, which roused his suspicion. He hurried to Hua Buqi's room.

Mo Ruofei found Hua Buqi unconscious and poisoned. He quickly carried her to Lin Yiquan, demanding he save her. Lin Yiquan regretfully informed him that the poison was too strong, and even an antidote would be too late. He could only use silver needles to protect her heart for a few more hours before her last breath would disappear. Mo Ruofei was devastated, realizing Hua Buqi had been poisoned because of the schemes targeting him.

He took Hua Buqi back to her room, instructing Lin Yiquan to pretend he had never treated her. Overcome with guilt, Mo Ruofei apologized to Hua Buqi by her bedside, acknowledging his mother was responsible but feeling unable to expose her to the Seventh Prince due to the upcoming bidding and his familial duty. Hua Buqi, hearing his voice, briefly regained consciousness and was comforted to know Mo Ruofei was fine. The Seventh Prince summoned Chen Yu.

Chen Yu had already deduced that Mo Ruofei's poisoning was part of his father's scheme, intended to use Mo Manor to counter Liu Mingyue. He questioned his father's motives, linking them to the legendary Biluotian treasure, which grants its owner control of the world. Chen Yu surmised his father wanted him to find the treasure and contend for the imperial throne.

The Seventh Prince confirmed that Liu Mingyue had offered Biluotian as a condition for forgiveness and to ensure Zhu Manor received the government funds circulation rights. Despite Chen Yu's disinterest in the throne, his father insisted that he must still hand the circulation rights to Zhu Manor the next day, reminding him that Liu Mingyue had previously saved him.

Meanwhile, Yun Lang tried to visit Hua Buqi at Mo Manor but was turned away, told that Mo Ruofei was being treated and couldn't be disturbed. He had earlier asked the Seventh Prince for help regarding Mo Ruofei's poisoning, but the Prince dismissed his concerns, saying an antidote would be given after the bidding and cautioning him not to reveal anything. Later, Yun Lang found Hua Buqi lying in her room, collapsed. Panicked, he desperately called for help.

Hua Buqi, in her weakened state, confessed to Yun Lang that she was incurable and, though acknowledging his feelings, expressed that her heart belonged to the Lotus Robe Knight, who had saved her numerous times. She wished to marry him in a red wedding dress. Yun Lang, heartbroken, vowed to find the Lotus Robe Knight for her, as long as she lived. Just then, Xiao Xia arrived and offered to save Hua Buqi.

She administered a pill to Hua Buqi, who immediately stopped breathing. Yun Lang, distraught, accused Xiao Xia of killing her. Xiao Xia quickly explained that it was a "Death Faking Pill" designed to halt the poison's spread and make Hua Buqi appear dead, thus allowing her to escape danger in the capital. She further clarified that Hua Buqi's identity was sensitive, and if her survival was known, she would face a more miserable life in the capital. Xiao Xia instructed Yun Lang to bury Hua Buqi as soon as possible, promising to revive her within seven days, emphasizing that any delay would make a cure impossible.

Episode 18 Recap

Yun Lang agreed to Little Shrimp's urgent request to arrange Hua Buqi's burial. As he looked at Hua Buqi, he found her hand tightly clutching a bunny lantern. Yun Lang mistakenly believed that Lotus Robe Knight had poisoned Hua Buqi and that she, in her final moments, chose to protect him. He was deeply saddened by this thought.

Little Shrimp then expressed that she couldn't reveal her identity yet and asked Yun Lang for his continued assistance, to which he promised to do anything if it meant saving Hua Buqi. Soon after, Mo Ruofei arrived, and Yun Lang immediately confronted him, accusing him of feigning poisoning.

He argued that if Mo Ruofei hadn't pretended to be poisoned, he would not have left the manor to seek an antidote, leaving Hua Buqi vulnerable, and Lotus Robe Knight would not have had the opportunity to poison her. Mo Ruofei asked how Yun Lang could be so sure of Lotus Robe Knight's involvement. Yun Lang reiterated that Hua Buqi was found holding the bunny lantern, which Lotus Robe Knight had given her.

Since Hua Buqi knew her poisoner but refused to name them, Yun Lang concluded she was protecting Lotus Robe Knight. Mo Ruofei, seeing Hua Buqi's demise and understanding her silence, tearfully ordered a grand funeral for her, instructing the staff to prepare a coffin and a funeral hall, announcing to outsiders that the Second Lady of Mo Manor had passed away from a sudden illness. He intended to inform the Prince Manor after the day's government money bidding concluded.

Mo Ruofei then tried to explain to Yun Lang that his feigned poisoning was a tactic against Mingyue Villa, but Yun Lang sharply retorted that Hua Buqi had become a sacrificial pawn in the struggle for the Imperial Treasury. Meanwhile, the Imperial Treasury bidding proceeded with Chen Yu presiding. He announced new rules, limiting each bidder to three chances within one incense stick's time, with the highest bid winning. The merchants voiced concerns about the tight timeframe.

In the final bidding round for the right to circulate government funds, Mo Manor and Zhu Manor were locked in competition, with Zhu Manor ultimately securing the rights by bidding 8 million and 300 taels, just slightly more than Mo Manor's final bid. Chen Yu then instructed Steward Zhu to pay 20% of the bid immediately and the remaining 80% within half a month.

At the Prince Manor, Seven Prince spoke with Liu Mingyue, reminding her of her promise regarding Biluotian now that the government funds issue was settled. Liu Mingyue assured him she would personally take him to Biluotian once the bidding was fully finalized. Shortly after, Mo Ruofei arrived at the Prince Manor and confessed to Seven Prince that Mingyue Villa assassins had infiltrated Mo Manor the previous night and tragically poisoned Hua Buqi to death.

He pleaded with Seven Prince to launch a thorough investigation into Mingyue Villa. Seven Prince was stunned and angered, questioning Mo Ruofei's oversight in protecting Hua Buqi. Mo Ruofei admitted to a lapse in security, stating he never imagined they would target Hua Buqi, and revealed that Yun Lang had discovered her already deceased in the early hours of the morning.

Upon hearing the devastating news from Mo Ruofei, Chen Yu was in disbelief and, without hesitation, quickly rode his horse to Mo Manor. There, he was met with the grim reality of Hua Buqi's lifeless body and the somber funeral arrangements. He questioned Yun Lang about the circumstances of her death. Yun Lang firmly reiterated his conviction that Lotus Robe Knight was the culprit, again pointing to the bunny lantern Hua Buqi held as evidence of her protection for him.

Seven Prince, having followed Chen Yu, also arrived at Mo Manor. After confirming Hua Buqi's death, he was visibly distraught. He instructed for Lin Dansha, known for her medical expertise, to examine the body. Lin Dansha's examination concluded that Hua Buqi had died from poisoning by a pit viper venom and a "five hidden flower," poisons commonly found in the north.

During the examination, Little Shrimp became anxious when A-Fu suggested examining Hua Buqi's heart, but Yun Lang intervened to prevent Lin Dansha from fully piercing the heart, while Lin Dansha noticed something unusual but kept quiet. Seven Prince then declared that the matter would be turned over to the Court of Judicial Review for investigation and instructed Chen Yu to return to the manor.

However, Chen Yu insisted on searching Hua Buqi's room for clues, declining to return with his father. In his carriage, Seven Prince questioned A-Fu about the Saintess bloodline, which he believed could only be severed by a sacred offering, wondering why Hua Buqi had died. A-Fu speculated that Xue Fei might have given birth to twins. Seven Prince lamented the persistent obstacles to his son's ambition to rule, feeling that heaven opposed them whenever they neared the Biluotian treasure.

He then observed Chen Yu's intense grief, realizing his son's feelings for Hua Buqi were romantic love, not mere sibling affection. A-Fu recalled Chen Yu's unusual behavior of secretly preparing food for Hua Buqi in the kitchen. Concerned, Seven Prince ordered A-Fu to prevent Chen Yu from attending Hua Buqi's funeral, fearing that his true emotions would be exposed in front of the many dignitaries present, causing unwanted suspicion. Meanwhile, Chen Yu entered Hua Buqi's room, clutching the bunny lantern.

He was overcome with grief, remembering their past encounters and his growing, suppressed feelings for her. He realized he had loved her, lamenting that this realization came only after her death, questioning why fate had made her his sister. Mo Ruofei then approached Chen Yu, suggesting that Yun Lang's suspicions about Lotus Robe Knight, fueled by the bunny lantern, had merit, and theorizing that Lotus Robe Knight might have ties to Mingyue Villa, killing Hua Buqi to frame them.

Chen Yu, however, expressed doubt, recalling how Lotus Robe Knight had saved them at Tianmen Pass. He vowed to personally uncover the true killer of Hua Buqi and ensure their suffering would be worse than death. Chen Yu later sought out Liu Qingwu, directly confronting her and asking if she was responsible for Hua Buqi's death.

Liu Qingwu was surprised by the news and vehemently denied involvement, explaining that she had already withdrawn all her people from Mo Manor and was solely focused on her conflict with Liu Mingyue, reiterating her desire to cooperate with Chen Yu. Chen Yu believed her. He then visited his friend Yuan Chong, drowning his sorrows in alcohol.

He confided in Yuan Chong about Hua Buqi's death and the Mo Manor's accusation against Lotus Robe Knight, asking if Yuan Chong believed it. Yuan Chong found the situation suspicious, suggesting Mo Ruofei might be fabricating a scapegoat. Chen Yu then poured out his heart, admitting that what he once thought was pity for Hua Buqi, due to their similar lonely backgrounds, had blossomed into love.

He confessed his desperate longing to be with her and questioned if he deserved divine punishment for loving his supposed sister, lamenting that he only recognized his feelings after her death. The thought of Hua Buqi being alone pained him deeply, and he expressed his inability to give her what she truly desired: Lotus Robe Knight. Elsewhere, Lin Dansha revealed to her brother, Lin Yuquan, that Hua Buqi was in fact faking her death.

She explained that during her examination, she found no poison in Hua Buqi's heart, and her body remained soft and uncolored, inconsistent with several hours of death. Lin Yuquan considered spreading this news to Xiao Jiufeng, hoping to secure an antidote as they hadn't failed their task. Lin Dansha also realized Yun Lang seemed to be aware of Hua Buqi's fake death, as Yun Lang already knew about it. Lin Yuquan advised her to focus on spreading the news first.

Lin Dansha then approached Yun Lang directly, asking if he would marry Hua Buqi if she were still alive. She confessed her own affection for him, lamenting that his heart was solely for Hua Buqi, evident in his bloodshot eyes from staying awake all night. She expressed envy for Hua Buqi, a "naughty girl born a beggar," who garnered so much affection.

Yun Lang, upset, told her to stop, emphasizing Hua Buqi's difficult life and unmourned death, asking what she could possibly envy. Lin Dansha then revealed her knowledge of Hua Buqi's fake death, explaining that Hua Buqi had taken a special medicine to halt the poison.

Yun Lang, who already knew about Hua Buqi's fake death, pleaded with her to keep it secret, begging her not to expose Hua Buqi, who needed to leave the capital safely, and offering to do anything in return. Lin Dansha seized the opportunity, demanding that Yun Lang marry her. While Yun Lang initially hesitated, citing propriety, Lin Dansha insisted, stating her brother would formally propose.

She then threatened to expose Hua Buqi's fake death if he refused, trying to convince him that it would simplify matters for both the Prince Manor and Mo Manor. Yun Lang, hating being threatened but prioritizing Hua Buqi's safety, reluctantly agreed to marry Lin Dansha, warning her not to provoke him further. Lin Dansha, despite knowing his feelings, was content to stay by his side and even offered to watch over the coffin, which Yun Lang declined. On the day of Hua Buqi's funeral, A-Fu intercepted Chen Yu, preventing him from attending, explaining that Seven Prince understood his feelings and was acting in his best interest.

Episode 19 Recap

On the day of Hua Buqi's funeral, Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang were among those who paid their respects. Yun Lang remained by Hua Buqi's tomb, reluctant to leave, but Mo Ruofei, understanding his grief, urged him to return to Mo Manor before dark. After Mo Ruofei departed, Xiao Xia and her team arrived at the tomb. She instructed them to open the coffin and retrieve Hua Buqi.

Yun Lang, wanting to ensure Hua Buqi's safety, insisted on accompanying them, promising to return to Feiyun Fortress once she had fully recovered. However, Xiao Xia refused, explaining that Yun Lang's presence would expose the fact that Hua Buqi was still alive. She urged him to forget Hua Buqi.

Reluctantly, Yun Lang entrusted Xiao Xia with a gift for Hua Buqi, asking her to deliver it once Hua Buqi awoke and to convey a message: every third day of the third month, he would wait for her for three days at the Xiaochun Pavilion on Xinglong Mountain, hoping for another chance to meet.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu, prevented from attending the funeral by his father, the Seventh Prince, who feigned illness and kept Chen Yu by his side, left the Prince Manor with his friend Yuan Chong to search for Hua Buqi’s grave. Yuan Chong initially struggled to understand Chen Yu's determination given the vastness of Xinglong Mountain, but Chen Yu was resolute, deducing that Mo Manor would choose a warm and airy spot behind the mountain.

At the grave, Chen Yu was overcome with emotion, expressing his deep sorrow and recalling his initial hatred for Hua Buqi due to her mother Xue Fei's past, which had brought his own mother pain. However, he then reflected on Hua Buqi's hard life, how she valued a simple alms bowl and a bunny lantern, realizing she deserved a better fate. He openly expressed his hatred for his father for not allowing him to bid farewell.

Yuan Chong tried to calm him, reminding him that the Seventh Prince’s actions were to protect Chen Yu from public scorn, as people would despise him if they knew he loved his "sister," which would also deny Hua Buqi peace in the afterlife. As Chen Yu prepared to burn a bunny lantern for Hua Buqi so she wouldn't get lost, he noticed a message written on it: "Born during the fourth month."

This immediately struck him as odd, as he believed Hua Buqi was born in the second month. He remembered that Xue Fei had left the Prince Manor in the fourth month, which meant Hua Buqi could not be his father's daughter. He realized Hua Buqi had left this message to tell him she was not his sister and that the person who revealed her true identity must be the murderer.

Convinced Hua Buqi had something vital to tell him, Chen Yu and Yuan Chong dug open the coffin. To their astonishment, it was empty. Overjoyed, Chen Yu concluded that Hua Buqi was not dead, but had merely appeared so due to severe poisoning, and someone had rescued her, possibly her true father, to protect her from further harm. He vowed to find her and the murderer, believing she had many things to say.

Hua Buqi, though rescued by Zhu Fu, was in critical condition from severe poisoning. Zhu Fu decided to take her to a separate residence in Suzhou rather than directly to the Zhu Manor, as his master, Hua Buqi's grandfather, should not see her in such a state. Despite consulting numerous local doctors, none could fully clear the poison, only contain it.

Desperate, Zhu Fu sent his subordinate Zhu Shou to fetch their manor's doctor while he sought out others from prominent clinics. At one clinic, Zhu Fu witnessed a renowned physician, Dongfang Shi, miraculously save a pregnant woman and her baby from a fatal snakebite by performing an unprecedented surgical procedure. Zhu Fu immediately pleaded with Dongfang Shi to save Hua Buqi. However, Dongfang Shi, who claimed to only treat the poor and disdained money, refused.

Left with no other choice, Zhu Fu and Xiao Xia abducted Dongfang Shi and brought him to Hua Buqi's side. Upon waking, Dongfang Shi was furious and vehemently refused to treat Hua Buqi, even under threat. It was only when Zhu Shou earnestly pleaded on his knees, emphasizing Hua Buqi's kindness and their family-like bond, that Dongfang Shi's resolve softened, and he agreed to examine her.

After a thorough examination, Dongfang Shi confirmed that Hua Buqi had been deeply poisoned, but a potent elixir in her body had kept her alive. He assured them she could be cured within a few days by purging the poison, followed by a month of recovery with his prescribed medicine.

He also sarcastically noted that he intentionally allowed himself to be abducted for the "fun" of it and because he found the "granddaughter from House of Zhu" intriguing, revealing that his "old man" had sent him to Suzhou to collect a debt and save someone. He later mused that she was, after all, his fiancée. Meanwhile, Xiao Jiufeng had secured the necessary funds for Liu Mingyue's bid. He questioned her about her plan regarding the Seventh Prince.

Liu Mingyue explained that the Prince was gravely ill, with only a few months to live. She intended to lead his expeditionary forces on a path opposite to Biluotian, giving her time to assess their loyalty. She would then poison and eliminate those who couldn't be controlled, sending the survivors back to the Prince Manor with a fabricated story that Biluotian tribesmen had killed the others.

By then, the Seventh Prince would be too disoriented to discern the truth, allowing her to fulfill her promise. Xiao Jiufeng approved, suggesting Lingqiu as the location for this operation and promising his assistance. He also speculated that Madam Mo, driven by jealousy, might have been responsible for Hua Buqi's death. He instructed Liu Mingyue to subtly spread this rumor to the Seventh Prince, aiming to direct his wrath towards the Mo Manor.

Liu Mingyue, aware of the surveillance from the Mo Manor, Prince Manor, and Court of Judicial Review, reassured Xiao Jiufeng that she had taken precautions. To create confusion for their observers, she arranged a banquet for several wealthy merchants, allowing Xiao Jiufeng to depart unnoticed among them. Indeed, A Fu, loyal to the Seventh Prince, had dispatched agents to covertly monitor Liu Mingyue.

His attention was drawn to Xiao Jiufeng, whom he recognized as the mysterious figure who had raided Biluotian years ago and stolen half of the Biluotian map. Recognizing Xiao Jiufeng's formidable martial arts skills, A Fu wisely chose not to confront him directly to avoid alerting him. Instead, he ordered his men to discreetly follow Xiao Jiufeng and returned to report his findings to the Seventh Prince.

He informed the Prince that Liu Mingyue was undeniably connected to the man who held half the map, confirming that this was the very individual who had stolen it from Biluotian. The Prince commended A Fu's prudence, instructing him to continue monitoring Xiao Jiufeng without arousing suspicion until they could secure the other half of the map.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu, still at the Prince Manor, received an update from Yuan Chong regarding the search for Hua Buqi: a maid who had disappeared alongside Hua Buqi from Mo Manor was found to have used a fake identity. With his father still weak from grief, Chen Yu decided to remain by his side, entrusting the investigation of Hua Buqi's whereabouts to Yuan Chong and Han Ye.

In Suzhou, Hua Buqi, now recovering under the care of Zhu Fu's household and adopting the alias Miss Sun, slowly regained consciousness. Dongfang Shi left the inn after writing a prescription. She awoke feeling disoriented, briefly mistaking Xiao Xia for Xiuchun, a maid from the Mo Manor, and worried about the fate of her "Eldest Brother" Mo Ruofei and the Mo Manor.

Xiao Xia reassured her that Xiuchun was safe and back serving Mo Ruofei, and though the Mo Manor had faced some setbacks and was under scrutiny from the Seventh Prince, they were cautiously navigating the situation by relying on other powerful allies. Hua Buqi expressed a surprising lack of hatred for Madam Mo, despite her attempt to kill her, remembering the kindness shown to her by Mo Ruofei, Yun Lang, and Xiuchun. Xiao Xia then delivered Yun Lang's heartfelt message, confirming his enduring hope to meet her every third day of the third month at the Xiaochun Pavilion on Xinglong Mountain.

Episode 20 Recap

Hua Buqi awakened, and Xiaoxia presented her with a box of candy figures from Yun Lang, conveying his message that he would wait for her at the gazebo on Xinglong Mountain for three days every year on the third day of the third month. Holding one of the candy figures, Hua Buqi inquired about her recent "funeral," feeling a pang of disappointment when Xiaoxia confirmed no one from the Prince Manor had attended.

She mused to herself, acknowledging that Chen Yu, in his public identity, still believed she was his sister and thus despised her. Perhaps Chen Yu, as the Lotus Robe Knight, had been there but remained unseen. Knowing Hua Buqi's deep affection for the Lotus Robe Knight, Xiaoxia urged her to sever ties with the past and embrace a new life, to avoid further pain. Hua Buqi agreed, resolving to let her old self be buried with the past.

She was now the granddaughter of the House of Zhu, identifying as Uncle Jiu's illegitimate daughter, and could start afresh. Hua Buqi was escorted to Zhu Manor by Zhu Fu and his group, including Zhu Shou. She was settled in Uncle Jiu’s former room, a place that had been a restricted area since Uncle Jiu’s conflict with Grand Master Zhu and his subsequent departure for the capital.

Zhu Shou explained that Grand Master Zhu was still angry with Uncle Jiu and had not yet formally approved Hua Buqi's return. Hua Buqi realized Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou had acted on their own initiative. Left alone, Hua Buqi felt a profound sadness, reflecting on how Uncle Jiu could have enjoyed a life of comfort in such a beautiful home, had he not endured years of hardship and begging to protect her.

Meanwhile, Grand Master Zhu was furious with Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou for unilaterally bringing Hua Buqi into the manor and, even worse, for sending out invitations for a recognition feast on the fifteenth of the eighth month. He accused them of acting as if he were dead and disrespecting his authority. Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou, knowing Grand Master Zhu's harsh words masked a soft heart, continued to persuade him.

Zhu Shou subtly reminded the Grand Master of the hardships Hua Buqi and Uncle Jiu had faced while begging. As they expected, Grand Master Zhu eventually relented and agreed to the feast, deciding to accept Hua Buqi, though he warned them to ensure the feast was a success or face severe consequences. Later, Hua Buqi discovered Grand Master Zhu weeping by the river in the backyard, lamenting the fate of his "Xiao Jiu" (Uncle Jiu).

As she approached, he quickly composed himself, resuming his grumpy, eccentric persona. Hua Buqi, observing his earlier sorrow, offered him one of Yun Lang's exquisitely made candy figures. That night, Zhu Shou presented Hua Buqi with the Zhu family tree, informing her that she was now the tenth successor to the wealthiest family in Jiangnan. Hua Buqi noticed Uncle Jiu's name was absent, and Zhu Shou explained that Grand Master Zhu had removed it in a fit of anger.

Zhu Fu further clarified that she would be introduced as "Zhu Zhu," Uncle Jiu's illegitimate daughter, a fabrication to deflect rumors and establish her as the sole heir. Hua Buqi, confused about her mother Xue Fei's surname and her father Mo Baixing's identity, questioned why she, an outsider, should inherit the family's assets.

Zhu Fu insisted on Xue Fei's deep connection to Zhu Manor, confirming Hua Buqi as the legitimate tenth successor, and reiterating that this "illegitimate daughter" story was for public perception. When Hua Buqi expressed doubt about Grand Master Zhu's acceptance, Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou suggested she showcase a talent at the feast to impress him.

Hua Buqi confessed she had no conventional talents suitable for such an event, but reasoned that simply amusing the Grand Master was enough, as ultimately, he held the power over the family's wealth. The next day, Hua Buqi found Grand Master Zhu relaxing by the river and, after a verbal spat, mischievously sampled his expensive tea. Knowing her excellent cooking skills, he demanded she prepare him a meal in return.

After a playful argument over the exorbitant cost of his tea and her request for money to buy ingredients, he reluctantly gave her a gold leaf. Grand Master Zhu then presented her with a seemingly impossible culinary challenge: no birds that fly in the sky, no fish that swim in the water, no animals that run on the ground, no vegetables grown in the garden, and no domesticated animals.

Undaunted, Hua Buqi led him into the forest to gather wild mushrooms and herbs. As they worked, she regaled him with stories of her resourceful adventures with Uncle Jiu – from picking mushrooms to catching field rats for food, and even making shoes from grass. Her stories deeply moved the old man, making him lament that if Uncle Jiu had returned home sooner, he wouldn't have met his end. As she began cooking, Grand Master Zhu asked for water.

Hua Buqi told him to drink from the river, recalling how she and Uncle Jiu had done the same while begging, a memory that brought a pang of sadness to Grand Master Zhu as he drank the cold river water, picturing his son. Hua Buqi then left him to tend the fire and returned with a live snake, playfully scaring him before dispatching it for soup.

She passionately described her and Uncle Jiu's happy, albeit impoverished, life, finding joy in simple things like catching snakes and field rats, a stark contrast to Grand Master Zhu's sheltered existence. Hua Buqi then directly asked Grand Master Zhu why Uncle Jiu had fled with her, and if he was her father, attempting to take her mother from the Seventh Prince.

Grand Master Zhu clarified that Xiao Jiu (Uncle Jiu) was his son, and Xue Fei was his daughter, making Uncle Jiu her maternal uncle. He explained that Uncle Jiu, proud and ambitious, had left Suzhou to make his own fortune in the capital, believing he could achieve success without relying on the Zhu family's wealth. He rarely returned home until Xue Fei's seventeenth birthday.

Grand Master Zhu also revealed that although Xue Fei was a daughter of the Zhu Manor, she had been secretly fostered in Xue Village for many years to hide from a mysterious person. Grand Master Zhu then recounted a dark chapter from his youth. He had made a grave business error, leading to financial ruin and a murder accusation, which almost resulted in his execution. The Zhu family faced immense pressure and public humiliation.

At his most desperate hour, a mysterious person appeared, saving him and clearing the Zhu Manor's name within three days. In return, the mysterious person demanded to marry Grand Master Zhu's legitimate daughter, promising betrothal gifts on her seventeenth birthday and to claim her at eighteen. If Zhu Manor reneged, they would owe double the original debt plus interest. Grand Master Zhu's father, grateful for the rescue, readily agreed.

Coincidentally, his wife gave birth to a daughter, Xue Fei, that very night. However, on her deathbed, Xue Fei's mother vehemently opposed the marriage, likely due to the mysterious person being significantly older than Grand Master Zhu himself. To protect Xue Fei, Grand Master Zhu secretly sent her to Xue Village, run by an old friend and business partner. He and Uncle Jiu would visit her in secret over the years.

However, on Xue Fei’s seventeenth birthday, the mysterious person appeared at Zhu Manor, delivering the betrothal gifts and revealing his knowledge of Xue Fei’s hidden location. He threatened to ruin the Zhu family and break Uncle Jiu's limbs if they refused to honor the agreement.

Uncle Jiu, outraged by the idea of his young sister marrying a man older than his own father, defiantly took Xue Fei and fled Suzhou that very night, seeking refuge with his good friend, Mo Baixing, the eldest young lord of Mo Manor in the capital. The tragic tale continued: Mo Baixing, in a drunken stupor, impregnated Xue Fei. Mo Madam, consumed by jealousy, could not tolerate Xue Fei, forcing her to return to Xue Village.

Shortly after, Mo Madam, consumed by jealousy, set fire to Xue Village in the middle of the night. Fortunately, Uncle Jiu arrived in time and rescued baby Hua Buqi. Zhu Fu later found Uncle Jiu holding baby Hua Buqi; Xue Fei had vanished. Uncle Jiu warned them against searching for him and, most importantly, to beware of the Seventh Prince.

Hua Buqi questioned why she should beware of the Seventh Prince if he wasn't her father, a mystery Grand Master Zhu admitted he was still investigating. Uncle Jiu then took Hua Buqi and embarked on a life of constant flight and begging, sacrificing his comfortable life and handsome appearance to hide their tracks and protect her. Hua Buqi finally understood the immense scale of Uncle Jiu's sacrifice, realizing his hardships were truly for her sake.

Episode 21 Recap

Grand Master Zhu informed Hua Buqi that if she refused to marry a mysterious man, Zhu Manor would be forced to pay back all its debts immediately. However, if she agreed to become the Zhu Manor's granddaughter, she would be obligated to marry the mysterious man in two years.

Hua Buqi, learning the debt now amounted to over ten million taels due to accumulated interest, angrily confronted Grand Master Zhu, asking why he hadn't sold assets earlier to prevent her mother and Uncle Jiu's sacrifices. Grand Master Zhu explained he couldn't liquidate everything and make his employees homeless, and he had been saving money precisely so Hua Buqi and Uncle Jiu could return home honorably.

Hua Buqi felt her new status as granddaughter was merely a means to pay off a debt. Grand Master Zhu offered Hua Buqi the choice to leave, even suggesting he would deny having a granddaughter if she chose to go. Hua Buqi then summoned Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou, accusing them of bringing her back just to marry her off to an old man.

She was puzzled why Zhu Manor, being so short on funds, was still competing for the rights to run the Imperial Treasury. Zhu Shou explained they partnered with Mingyue Villa, led by Liu Mingyue, who claimed she sought revenge for her mother killed by Madam Mo and needed the Imperial Treasury rights for this purpose. The rights would provide a secure reputation and an emergency fund of at least five million taels.

Hua Buqi, however, revealed that Liu Qingwu from Mingyue Villa killed Uncle Jiu. She suspected Mingyue Villa’s true intention was to trick Zhu Manor into using government funds to pay off its private debt, leading to the Emperor confiscating their assets. She also believed the mysterious person, who hated the Zhu family for hiding her mother, was connected to Mingyue Villa, orchestrating both Uncle Jiu’s death and the Imperial Treasury scheme to destroy the Zhu family.

Zhu Shou, enraged, wanted to immediately confront Mingyue Villa, but Hua Buqi advised a more subtle approach: outwardly maintain cooperation while secretly investigating to find leverage against them. Considering Uncle Jiu's death and Grand Master Zhu's years of effort, Hua Buqi decided to stay, resolved to fight Mingyue Villa and, if necessary, marry the mysterious man, even joking about inheriting his wealth upon his eventual demise and ensuring her children carried the Zhu surname.

Grand Master Zhu, while mourning his deceased wife, was greatly comforted by Hua Buqi’s decision to stay and her fierce spirit, further ignited by the news of Uncle Jiu’s murder by Mingyue Villa. Zhu Fu, pleased with her decision, appointed four maids with special skills to assist her, and Hua Buqi began studying business ledgers. Meanwhile, at the Prince's residence, Liu Mingyue met with the Seventh Prince, confirming she was ready to lead his people to Biluotian.

Separately, Chen Yu decided to travel to Suzhou to find a renowned young medical sage for the Seventh Prince. Yuan Chong insisted on accompanying him. Soon after, Chen Yu received a signal from Liu Qingwu, who informed him that Liu Mingyue was preparing to leave the capital. Liu Qingwu suggested following Liu Mingyue discreetly, as she was likely to set traps to prevent the Seventh Prince's people from finding Biluotian.

Their plan was to manipulate events to make Liu Mingyue appear incompetent or even die, ensuring that Liu Qingwu, with Qingyan missing, would become the new master of Mingyue Villa. Chen Yu chastised Liu Qingwu for her ruthlessness towards her teacher but refused to join her, stating his priority was finding a doctor for the Seventh Prince in Suzhou, and that he had no interest in Biluotian or Liu Mingyue's affairs.

He tasked his subordinate with continuing the search for Hua Buqi before departing for Suzhou with Yuan Chong. At Feiyun Fortress, Lin Yuquan arrived to discuss the marriage between his sister, Lin Dansha, and Yun Lang. However, Yun Lang had already left a letter, having ridden off to search for Hua Buqi in Jiangnan, based on a maid's southern accent. Lin Dansha, spotting Yun Lang leaving, quickly pursued him.

She pleaded to join his search, but Yun Lang firmly refused, expressing his irritation with her persistent advances, stating that while he would honor his promise to marry her, her pushy behavior only made him dislike her more. Later that night, Lin Dansha confessed her deep affection for Yun Lang, admitting she loved his honesty and sincerity. She openly envied Hua Buqi, wishing Yun Lang could show her the same kindness.

Yun Lang, in turn, admitted he had not always been kind to Hua Buqi, having threatened and even molested her, believing himself to be an unworthy man. Lin Dansha, however, maintained her admiration and, acknowledging her own shamelessness in pressing the issue, still begged him for a chance. At Zhu Manor, with Hua Buqi's identity set to be revealed in August, a constant stream of curious onlookers tried to glimpse her.

Annoyed, Hua Buqi devised a plan to "lure the snakes out of their holes." She decided to go out, with Xiaoxia disguised as the Zhu granddaughter and herself as a maid. Despite Zhu Fu’s concerns about Xiaoxia’s safety, Hua Buqi assured him she knew how to fight and that Zhu Shou’s men would provide protection. Unbeknownst to them, Dongfang Shi, the renowned medical sage, also heard the rumors of the Zhu granddaughter's outing and decided to observe her.

In Suzhou, Chen Yu and Yuan Chong sought help from a local friend, Changqing, to locate Dongfang Shi, but the medical sage was nowhere to be found, causing Chen Yu considerable anxiety. As Hua Buqi and Xiaoxia strolled through the lively Suzhou market, Hua Buqi deliberately drew attention to Xiaoxia, visiting various Zhu family stores to flush out anyone with ill intentions.

They decided to dine at Zuiyitai, a restaurant owned by Hua Buqi’s Ninth Aunt, whom Hua Buqi knew was conspiring with other relatives to seize the Zhu family assets. She specifically stated she had no qualms about causing trouble there. As they entered, Chen Yu narrowly missed an encounter with them while leaving the restaurant. Inside, a local bully, Lord Wu, tried to force his way into their table.

Hua Buqi, still disguised as a maid, boldly warned him that her mistress was connected to Prince Jing, whose concubine was their Ninth Aunt. Just then, Yuan Chong, who was dining upstairs, heard the commotion. Leaping dramatically from the second floor, he descended into the restaurant. Upon seeing Xiaoxia’s beautiful face, he was instantly captivated, mistaking her for the Zhu granddaughter, and immediately resolved to protect her.

Episode 22 Recap

Yuan Chong, smitten with Xiaoxia at first sight, bravely jumped into the fray, vowing to protect the lady. However, he, a mere scholar, proved no match for Tiger Wu and his men and was quickly beaten down. Hua Buqi, observing from a corner in her maid's attire, instructed Xiaoxia to intervene, assuring her own safety. Xiaoxia confronted the attackers, fiercely battling them while blocking them. Witnessing Xiaoxia's impressive martial arts, Yuan Chong was utterly captivated, exclaiming her beauty.

After Xiaoxia swiftly dispatched Tiger Wu's gang, she prepared to leave with Hua Buqi. Yuan Chong, however, stopped them, expressing his sudden infatuation with Xiaoxia, claiming a tingly feeling in his heart. Xiaoxia, disgusted by his advances, called him a maniac and pushed him away.

Heir Apparent Jing, who owned the restaurant where the incident occurred, saw Yuan Chong's blatant admiration and, mistaking Xiaoxia for the Zhu family's granddaughter, offered to facilitate a marriage proposal to Grand Master Zhu for Yuan Chong, confident that a match with the son of the Capital City Garrison Commander would be well-received. As Hua Buqi and Xiaoxia departed the inn, Xiaoxia playfully called Yuan Chong a womanizer, though Hua Buqi defended him, as he had helped them.

Suddenly, mysterious assassins descended upon them, aiming to kill Hua Buqi. Xiaoxia quickly moved to protect Hua Buqi, who questioned why Chief Steward Shou's guards had not yet appeared. From a hidden vantage point, Oriental Shuo and Black Wind observed the fight. Black Wind asked if they should intervene, but Oriental Shuo, noticing Xiaoxia's combat prowess, decided to wait and see.

When an assassin attempted to ambush Hua Buqi, Lotus Robe Knight appeared, shooting the attacker with an arrow, and Oriental Shuo from the shadows also made a move, saving her. Recognizing him as Chen Yu, Hua Buqi desperately urged Xiaoxia to pursue the retreating Lotus Robe Knight. Xiaoxia explained that Lotus Robe Knight preferred to remain solitary and insisted they return to the manor due to the danger.

Hua Buqi, though yearning to meet him, realized the perilous implications of Chen Yu discovering her connection to the House of Zhu, fearing it would expose the family to the Seventh Prince. She reluctantly abandoned the chase, recognizing the necessity of hiding her identity. Chief Steward Shou arrived shortly after, explaining to Xiaoxia that Grand Master Zhu had intentionally allowed Hua Buqi to experience danger to prepare her for the future.

He then stressed to Xiaoxia the critical importance of Hua Buqi's safety, reminding them of their deep gratitude to the Grand Master. Back at his residence, Chen Yu found Yuan Chong still daydreaming about the "Zhu granddaughter." Yuan Chong excitedly shared Heir Apparent Jing's plan to take him to Zhu Manor and seek a marriage proposal, asking Chen Yu's opinion.

Chen Yu playfully teased Yuan Chong about falling for a "tigress," and Yuan Chong admitted "he" found her captivating when she lifted a 5 kg wine jug and threw it at Tiger Wu. Chen Yu, pondering the restaurant incident, realized it was likely a deliberate act related to the Zhu family's newly revealed granddaughter, and worried for her safety after she left.

He revealed that he had shot an arrow to save the servant by her side, who was almost attacked by a man in black. Chen Yu then shared his disappointment in his unsuccessful search for Oriental Shuo in Suzhou. Concerned for his father, the Seventh Prince, Chen Yu decided to return to the capital the next morning, leaving Yuan Chong to continue the search for Oriental Shuo and pursue his newfound love.

Meanwhile, Chief Steward Shou reported to Grand Master Zhu about the day's events. He confirmed that the assassins they had captured overnight implicated First Aunt. While Tiger Wu remained tight-lipped due to bribes, Chief Steward Shou found evidence of his dealings with Fourth Aunt. Grand Master Zhu expressed his dismay at the corruption within the family, likening the House of Zhu to a "rotten pear."

Chief Steward Shou further revealed that three maids in Hua Buqi's courtyard had suspiciously left the manor on the day of her outing, implying their involvement with the assassins. Grand Master Zhu, having long tolerated the various aunts' exploitation of the family's assets, declared it was time to "clean up our house." Hua Buqi, taking charge, summoned the maids who had leaked information about her outing. The maids, terrified, immediately begged for forgiveness.

Hua Buqi, though inherently kind and not liking to harm others, understood the need to establish authority. She sentenced the three offending maids to plant sunflowers on her rooftop as a symbolic punishment, warning them that any future unauthorized departures would result in broken legs. Chief Steward Shou reinforced her decree with a stern lecture, emphasizing that while they were being given a second chance, future transgressions would not be tolerated.

Later, Heir Apparent Jing and Yuan Chong arrived at Zhu Manor to visit Hua Buqi. Hua Buqi, following her plan, feigned illness, sending Chief Steward Shou to convey her apologies and excuse herself from meeting them due to trauma from the previous night. Heir Apparent Jing, seeing through the excuse, insisted on seeing Grand Master Zhu, who also conveniently "fell ill" from anger over the attack on his granddaughter.

Heir Apparent Jing, realizing the Zhu family intended to keep Hua Buqi hidden until the official acknowledgment ceremony, dismissed Yuan Chong’s suggestion of climbing the manor walls. Instead, he devised a plan to have his mother, Ninth Aunt, visit Hua Buqi, as a female relative's visit would be more difficult to refuse. They would then arrange a private meal at Zuiyitai to finally meet Hua Buqi.

Chief Steward Shou relayed the challenge of the aunts' visits to Hua Buqi, particularly Ninth Aunt's influence. Hua Buqi, deciding against having Xiaoxia impersonate her again, opted to present herself as genuinely ill. Soon after, Ninth Aunt arrived with First Aunt and Seventh Aunt. The aunts, suspecting Hua Buqi's true identity, expressed their curiosity about her resemblance to Jiuhua, Hua Buqi's mother.

Hua Buqi, playing her role, had braziers lit and the doors closed, creating a stifling hot environment, while also pressing ice to her hands to appear feverish. She greeted them, claiming to have been slashed on the face during the attack, and lamented her trauma, convincing the aunts of her distress.

Ninth Aunt, attempting to show goodwill, offered to invite Hua Buqi to a meal at Zuiyitai, but Hua Buqi maintained her illness, claiming she couldn't risk exposure to the wind. After a while, Hua Buqi, citing the contagious nature of her illness, politely urged the aunts to leave. Just as Hua Buqi relaxed, Ninth Aunt made a sudden return, claiming to have forgotten a gift.

Hua Buqi immediately suspected a maid had tipped her off, realizing the risk of her ruse being exposed. She quickly ordered Chief Steward Shou to welcome Ninth Aunt and instructed Xiaoxia to gather all the inner courtyard maids. Hua Buqi then confronted the maids, demanding to know who the informant was.

When no one confessed, she set a chilling deadline: confess before Ninth Aunt reached the front door for a lighter punishment, but if Ninth Aunt entered the courtyard before a confession, the culprit would be beaten to death. Ninth Aunt entered the courtyard, questioning the maids kneeling there. Hua Buqi, seizing the opportunity, dramatically ordered Xiaoxia to beat one of the maids. The maid cried out her innocence.

Hua Buqi tearfully complained to Ninth Aunt about the maids' disrespect and gossiping, pleading for justice. Ninth Aunt, initially scolding Hua Buqi for her deception, listened as Hua Buqi explained that Grandfather insisted she conceal her identity until the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet to surprise everyone and protect her while she prepared to take over the family. Hua Buqi cleverly mentioned her unauthorized outing to Zuiyitai, where she encountered Tiger Wu, which further enraged her grandfather and led to her confinement.

She then feigned confusion as to why Grandfather would also hide her from her own aunts. Ninth Aunt, placated, assured Hua Buqi of her affection and swore she would never harm her. As Xiaoxia continued the beating, Ninth Aunt grew concerned, fearing the maid might die. Hua Buqi, with a show of alarm, asked Xiaoxia to check if the maid was still breathing.

Xiaoxia, following Hua Buqi’s lead, declared the maid "not breathing anymore," claiming she had a pre-existing heart condition. Hua Buqi feigned surprise and indignation, then dismissed the death as the maid's own fault for her wicked actions. Ninth Aunt, accepting the explanation, offered to send two clever maids to Hua Buqi the next day. Hua Buqi then offered Ninth Aunt a carnelian bangle as a gift to ward off bad luck, apologizing for the unpleasant scene.

Ninth Aunt accepted the gift and promised to visit again after the banquet. After Ninth Aunt finally left the manor, Hua Buqi immediately turned to Xiaoxia, questioning why she had "really beaten her to death" when the intent was only to frighten.

Episode 23 Recap

Xiaoxia reassured Hua Buqi that the maid was merely knocked unconscious, not killed, and that the blood was a clever trick to deceive Ninth Aunt. A relieved Hua Buqi immediately instructed Zhu Shou to find a doctor for the maid, stressing that the matter should be kept secret from Ninth Aunt.

Xiaoxia observed that Hua Buqi remained too kind-hearted for her new role, a sentiment echoed by Zhu Shou, who, despite believing in Hua Buqi's underlying resilience, worried that her soft nature might hinder her ability to effectively lead the Zhu Manor. Internally, Hua Buqi acknowledged her new responsibilities, which left her little time to think of Uncle Jiu or Ah Huang, but she resolved to earn enough money to repay their debts.

Since Ninth Aunt had failed to persuade Hua Buqi to leave the manor, Yuan Chong decided to climb the wall into Zhu Manor under the cover of night, declaring his intention to meet the woman he loved. He found Xiaoxia in the courtyard and, after introducing himself as the son of the Capital City Garrison Commander, immediately professed his love, stating his intention to send his family to propose upon his return home.

Xiaoxia, initially angry and calling him a "jerk," attempted to dismiss him, inadvertently revealing that she was not the true Lady of Zhu Manor. Yuan Chong, however, asserted that he liked "her" for who she was, not for any identity, recalling her bravery at Zuiyitai. Xiaoxia warned him to keep her true identity a secret, which he readily agreed to do. He then carelessly let slip that he knew the Lotus Robe Knight.

Seizing this, Xiaoxia asked him to deliver a message to the Lotus Robe Knight, inviting him to Suzhou because "someone" wished to see him. Yuan Chong, appearing jealous, initially claimed the Lotus Robe Knight already had someone he liked and was reluctant to deliver the message, but after Xiaoxia insisted, he agreed, vowing to make her like him instead. Hua Buqi, having overheard part of their conversation, later discussed it with Xiaoxia.

She expressed approval of Yuan Chong, noting his good family and forthright declaration of love, and subtly tried to encourage a match between him and Xiaoxia. Xiaoxia, however, dismissed the idea, stating her commitment to protecting Hua Buqi as a lifelong duty, believing women were too weak for marriage. Hua Buqi gently reminded her that being loved is a blissful thing for a woman. Xiaoxia then probed Hua Buqi, asking if she liked the Lotus Robe Knight.

Hua Buqi found herself deeply conflicted; she desired to see Chen Yu, but feared that revealing her survival and new identity as Lady of Zhu Manor could bring disaster to the house, especially since Chen Yu was the Seventh Prince's son, and Uncle Jiu had warned her to be wary of the Seventh Prince. She ultimately decided it was better not to meet him, claiming she was too preoccupied with Zhu Manor's financial matters to pursue romance.

Hua Buqi soon began to apply her business acumen, proposing an innovative plan to lend money to the poor for starting businesses. Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou initially expressed reservations, concerned that such a venture would not generate profit, might incur losses, and carried the risk of unpaid loans. Hua Buqi deftly countered their concerns by drawing on her own experience as a former beggar and entrepreneur.

She explained that the greatest hurdle for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially the impoverished, is often the initial capital for stock or expansion, for which they would gladly pay high interest. She highlighted that the wealthy do not need small loans, nor are commoners truly destitute; it is the heavily taxed poor who desperately need assistance.

Hua Buqi elaborated on the strategic benefits: this philanthropic initiative would dramatically elevate Zhu Manor's reputation across Jiangnan and potentially the entire nation, possibly earning imperial commendation. This enhanced prestige, she argued, would attract more business partners and significantly boost all of Zhu Manor's existing enterprises. Convinced by her insightful analysis, Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou commended Hua Buqi's wisdom and agreed to implement the plan, marveling at its unprecedented nature and potential for historical impact.

Hua Buqi instructed them to proceed with caution and thorough checks. News of Zhu Manor's "three taels of silver" loans, with flexible installment payments and no interest for early repayment, quickly spread, causing a rush of commoners to the Zhu Manor's bank. Individuals like Chen Da applied for loans to start small businesses, and were informed that a three-day background and credibility check was required before approval.

While Zhu Shou was instructing her on using an abacus, Hua Buqi was interrupted by the arrival of the aunts, who had come to confront her regarding the new financial arrangements. Annoyed that Zhu Old Master had delegated all responsibilities to her while he enjoyed leisure, Hua Buqi retreated to his courtyard to voice her frustrations. Zhu Old Master, however, asserted that as the current head of the household, she must embody the demeanor of a true leader.

Taking his words to heart, Hua Buqi began a meticulous inspection of his lavish room, inquiring about the value of prized possessions such as his white jade sculpture, jiao silk window coverings, yellow rosewood furniture, and sandalwood pieces. She even calculated the daily cost of his tea, including the rare snow water used to brew it. Zhu Old Master, initially alarmed that she might sell his cherished items, attempted to justify their value as lifelong investments.

Hua Buqi clarified that her intent was merely to illustrate the high expenditures. Zhu Shou then presented a detailed report of the manor’s annual costs, including the Grand Master’s significant spending on antiques, the substantial expense for jiao silk, the aunts’ considerable budgets for jewelry, clothing, and cosmetics, and even the kitchen’s outlay for luxurious ingredients like bird’s nest and ginseng.

Hua Buqi then proposed a new system: each courtyard would receive a fixed additional monthly allowance of one thousand taels, allowing the aunts freedom to spend without seeking reimbursements. Zhu Old Master initially worried this would make the family appear impoverished, but Zhu Fu supported Hua Buqi, pointing out that the aunts secretly preferred direct cash and resented the previous, restrictive reimbursement process.

Hua Buqi further suggested that the aunts invest their surplus funds into Zhu Manor’s businesses, promising year-end dividends. Zhu Old Master was thoroughly impressed by this shrewd strategy, realizing it effectively re-channeled the money back into the family’s enterprises. The aunts, swayed by the prospect of direct income and investment returns, collectively invested a staggering one million taels, much to Hua Buqi's secret delight.

That night, Yuan Chong, attempting to impersonate the Lotus Robe Knight, appeared at Zhu Manor to see Xiaoxia. Xiaoxia, however, quickly discerned his true identity, making light of his inferior martial arts compared to the real Lotus Robe Knight. Yuan Chong tried to maintain the charade, claiming he was the one who shot the arrow to save them, but Xiaoxia corrected him, stating the Lotus Robe Knight had actually saved Hua Buqi.

Xiaoxia bluntly told Yuan Chong to either return with the "real" Lotus Robe Knight or not bother coming back. After learning Xiaoxia's name, Yuan Chong promised to convey her message to the Lotus Robe Knight but, fueled by jealousy and misinterpreting her interest, also declared his intention to win her affection, arguing that his good personality and sincerity were superior to the Lotus Robe Knight's perpetually cold expression. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi, hidden nearby, overheard their exchange.

She found herself deeply conflicted, wrestling with the decision of whether she truly wanted Chen Yu, the Lotus Robe Knight, to come. Meanwhile, at a tavern, Dongfang Shi overheard the widespread discussion about Zhu Manor's charitable loan initiative. Acknowledging Hua Buqi's surprising business acumen, he realized that if Zhu Manor successfully repaid its debts, he would incur his father's wrath.

Deciding to intervene, he arrived at a Zhu Manor fireworks store, bringing with him a commoner whose eyes were allegedly injured by fireworks purchased from that very shop. At the Zhu Manor firework store, Dongfang Shi demanded to see the Zhu granddaughter, reminding the shopkeeper of his past abduction by Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou to treat Hua Buqi.

The shopkeeper relayed this to Zhu Old Master, who, upon hearing of Dongfang Shi's presence and their past offense, angrily reprimanded Zhu Fu and Zhu Shou for their reckless actions. Zhu Shou proposed that Hua Buqi, masked, should meet Dongfang Shi, while Xiaoxia investigated the firework factory. Hua Buqi, donning a mask, met Dongfang Shi in an inner room.

Dongfang Shi introduced Xiao Huzi, the injured commoner, who recounted how fireworks from Zhu Manor's store exploded, severely damaging his eyes and setting his neighbors' homes ablaze. Dongfang Shi also presented a list of five other individuals who suffered similar but less severe injuries from the same batch of fireworks. A public test of the fireworks in the courtyard confirmed their dangerous instability, injuring the store manager.

Hua Buqi promptly took full responsibility for the incident, assuring comprehensive compensation for all medical expenses and losses for Xiao Huzi and the others. She pressed Dongfang Shi for a definitive prognosis on Xiao Huzi's eyesight and the recovery of the other five, to which he promised his best efforts. Meanwhile, Xiaoxia apprehended a man attempting to flee the firework factory. The man confessed to tampering with the ingredients and revealed he was acting under the orders of Fourth Aunt.

Hua Buqi, deeming such a malicious act—endangering innocent lives—unacceptable, ordered the culprit to be handed over to the authorities, emphasizing the need to protect Zhu Manor's business reputation. She then instructed Zhu Shou to publicly destroy all problematic fireworks by dousing them with water and announced a ten-tael reward for anyone who uncovers future quality issues in any Zhu Manor product, effectively winning the trust and approval of the gathered townsfolk.

Dongfang Shi, thoroughly impressed by Hua Buqi's sharp and decisive handling of the crisis, acknowledged her remarkable business acumen, predicting that her actions would not only restore Zhu Manor's reputation but also significantly boost customer loyalty and worker diligence. He then extended an invitation for her to dine with him at a restaurant. Hua Buqi politely declined, explaining her immediate need to inspect the workshops to reassure employees following the recent management changes and to minimize any potential losses.

Unfazed, Dongfang Shi insisted on accompanying her to the workshop. He reminded her that he was the one who cured her illness, and playfully assured her that with him, she would be safe, stating that while he is skilled at clearing poison, he is even better at poisoning people. Hua Buqi, after a brief hesitation, acknowledging her guards' increased caution due to a recent assassination attempt, eventually agreed to join him at Zuiyitai.

Episode 24 Recap

Hua Buqi and Dongfang Divine Doctor shared a meal at Zuiyitai, a renowned restaurant in Suzhou. Hua Buqi expressed her delight with the cuisine, particularly the fish and sticky rice with lotus root, a sentiment echoed by Dongfang Divine Doctor. They found a surprising camaraderie, bonding over their shared appreciation for food and even discovering a mutual skill in cooking "Beggar's Chicken," leading Dongfang Divine Doctor to propose a cooking competition.

Originally, Dongfang Divine Doctor had instructed his attendant to spread news of Hua Buqi's presence to attract the Zhu family aunties and cause trouble for her. However, during their delightful meal, he had a change of heart and ordered his attendant to stop the aunties, declaring that Hua Buqi was "exactly my type" and no one should disturb their enjoyable time.

Hua Buqi, however, remained uncertain of his true intentions, wondering if he was interested in her appearance or her identity as the granddaughter of the House of Zhu. Xiao Xia suggested he liked her. More than anything, Hua Buqi wished Chen Yu would simply tell her that he liked her. Meanwhile, Chen Yu brought Medical Sage Yi from Jingzhou to his manor to treat the Seventh Prince.

After examining the Prince, Medical Sage Yi diagnosed him with the "Golden Needle Life-Extending Method," a technique that had severely depleted the Prince's vital channels. He explained that a dangerous procedure involving cutting open the flesh to remove the golden needles, followed by the use of thousand-year ginseng and snow lotus, could prolong the Prince's life by two years, but he would remain bedridden.

Despite the high risk, Chen Yu was prepared to proceed, but the Seventh Prince refused, stating he would not endure such pain nor live without dignity. The Seventh Prince then revealed to Chen Yu that he had not arranged a marriage for him to avoid tying him to the capital. Chen Yu confessed his affection for Hua Buqi, revealing that he knew she was not the Prince's daughter and was, in fact, still alive.

He explained that he had opened her grave to find it empty, surmising that she faked her death after discovering her true parentage and fearing the Prince's reaction. The Seventh Prince was visibly thrilled by the news of Hua Buqi's survival. He proceeded to divulge the full Biluotian prophecy, stating, "This dynasty will end on the Fifth Emperor. The one who obtains the treasure of Biluotian will run the world, then activate the holy item and sacrifice the Saintess.

The treasure will then forever disappear from this world. From then on, the world will have its peace." He explained that the original Saintess of Biluotian fled upon hearing this prophecy. The entrance to Biluotian was guarded by an enchantment, requiring a map to enter.

People from Biluotian, including Ah Fu and his sister, were searching for the Saintess with a map but were attacked by a mysterious person who took half of this map and attempted to eradicate everyone within Biluotian. Ah Fu and his sister managed to escape, using Ah Fu's knowledge of the terrain. However, Ah Fu's sister's Biluotian identity was eventually exposed, leading to her capture by the Emperor.

Ah Fu himself was severely injured but was rescued by the Seventh Prince, who had since used Ah Fu to search for the Saintess and the remaining half of the map. The Saintess' bloodline is continuous; therefore, as Xue Fei was a Saintess, so too is Hua Buqi, which was why the Seventh Prince had kept her in his manor.

He revealed that the Emperor guarded against him due to his long-held ambition to usurp the throne, not because of Ah Fu's identity. He justified his desire for power by criticizing the current Emperor's rule as chaotic. He further explained that only with the Saintess holding the holy object and both halves of the map could the Biluotian treasure be unlocked.

Chen Yu was deeply shaken by these revelations, especially learning that his father's love for Xue Fei was secondary to his ambition. The Seventh Prince admitted that while he loved Xue Fei, romantic feelings were inconsequential compared to his imperial aspirations, and Xue Fei's death—after overhearing his conversation with Ah Fu, giving birth, and losing too much blood—was her fate and a necessary sacrifice.

Chen Yu questioned the true importance of the throne, but the Prince passionately defended his ambition for power, admiration, and security. The Prince then urged Chen Yu to retrieve the holy object hidden in his study's secret room, stating that with Hua Buqi, the object, and the complete map, the world would be his.

However, Chen Yu vehemently refused, vowing never to use Hua Buqi as a tool or allow her to suffer further, especially after her early life as a beggar, which he attributed to his father's schemes. He declared his desire for a peaceful life, leaving the Seventh Prince to lament that sacrifice was essential for true power.

Following this confrontation, Chen Yu immediately ordered the recall of all personnel investigating Hua Buqi, leaving only Han Ye in place with strict instructions to feign ignorance should the Seventh Prince inquire. Chen Yu then made his way to his father's secret study, located the hidden room, and retrieved the holy object. There, he read a letter from the Seventh Prince confirming his plan to sacrifice Hua Buqi, and also read the Biluotian prophecy again.

Reaffirming his vow to protect Hua Buqi from becoming a pawn, he attempted to destroy the holy object with his sword, but the blade shattered against it. Unable to destroy it, Chen Yu resolved to sink the holy object into the deepest part of the ocean, ensuring no one could ever find it. Meanwhile, Liu Mingyue, leading the Seventh Prince's men, faced challenges as they questioned her chosen route, suspecting she was leading them towards Lingqiu instead of Biluotian.

Under pressure and threats of execution for disloyalty, Liu Mingyue admitted she needed to attend to "business" in Lingqiu, negotiating for time before she would guide them to Biluotian. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Jiufeng, impatiently waiting in Lingqiu, sent his own men to investigate Liu Mingyue's delay. Ah Fu, observing both groups, instructed his own men to shadow Xiao Jiufeng's people and to test Liu Mingyue, improvising if discovered.

Liu Mingyue encountered Ah Fu's disguised men, who were acting as tea traders, and attempted to subtly test them with a name, but they maintained their cover, further fueling the Prince's guards' suspicion. Later that night, Liu Mingyue met with Xiao Jiufeng at Jiufu Inn. She explained her predicament: the Prince's men were extremely cautious, only consuming their own provisions and obtaining water on their own, making it impossible to poison them.

She also voiced her suspicion about the "tea traders," fearing the Seventh Prince might be following Xiao Jiufeng. Xiao Jiufeng, acknowledging the possibility, devised a plan. He described a remote path where water would be scarce for three days. He would establish a food stand there, and Liu Mingyue would lure the Prince's men to drink water, which would be poisoned. If the "businessmen" reappeared, it would confirm the Prince's hidden backup.

Xiao Jiufeng stressed the importance of poisoning all of them for safety, rather than risking any escaping to report back. The next day, Liu Mingyue led the Prince's guards to Xiao Jiufeng's makeshift roadside shop. The shop owner, a subordinate of Xiao Jiufeng, demanded upfront payment.

Initially, the guards adhered to their strict policy of eating their own food, but as thirst grew, they eventually gave in and demanded food and water from the shop, having observed Liu Mingyue consuming it without ill effect. Xiao Jiufeng revealed his cunning method: he had laced the wine and food with two different poisons that canceled each other out when consumed together, rendering the victims unaware until it was too late.

He and Liu Mingyue then confronted the incapacitated guards. To ensure their cooperation, they revealed that the guards' families were being held captive at Mingyue Villa and threatened to harm them unless the guards agreed to cooperate and perpetuate a lie to the Seventh Prince. The desperate guards, fearing for their loved ones, reluctantly agreed. Ah Fu, hidden in the shadows, witnessed these events, finally recognizing the mysterious man as Xiao Jiufeng.

He followed Xiao Jiufeng to a secluded cave, which he instantly recognized as the entrance to Biluotian and the very place where half of his map had been stolen years ago. Ah Fu's men reported back that the "businessmen" had not shown up, believing Ah Fu had been overly cautious, but Ah Fu knew better. With the Prince's guards now compromised, Liu Mingyue returned to her quarters, guarded only by her loyal confidant, Hei Yan.

Liu Qingwu, who had been secretly tracking Liu Mingyue, saw this as her opportunity. Under the cover of night, Liu Qingwu poisoned Liu Mingyue. As Hei Yan rushed in to aid her master, Liu Qingwu's subordinates engaged him, allowing a severely poisoned Liu Mingyue to make a desperate escape. Simultaneously, Ah Fu and his subordinate, Mu Tou, stealthily infiltrated Xiao Jiufeng's cave.

Ah Fu discovered the other half of the Biluotian map near a bed, but in doing so, he accidentally triggered a hidden trap, unleashing a volley of arrows. Mu Tou was gravely wounded in the attack. Mu Tou, unwilling to burden Ah Fu, urged him to flee with the map and even gave Ah Fu his sword to fight Xiao Jiufeng while he remained behind to hold him off. Ah Fu, with a heavy heart, entrusted his sword to Mu Tou and made his escape with the precious map.

Episode 25 Recap

Liu Mingyue, weakened by poison, sought out Xiao Jiufeng at his hidden location. She expressed concern for his safety, explaining that she had been poisoned at an inn and narrowly escaped with Hei Yan's help, coming to assist him. However, Xiao Jiufeng harshly reprimanded her for her intrusion, reminding her of his strict prohibition against entering the area and threatening her if her pursuers tracked her there.

Despite his anger, he provided her with an antidote and ordered her to closely monitor the activities at the Prince Manor. He suspected that the Seventh Prince had deceived them all and was the true mastermind behind the stolen map, further believing that the two individuals who had escaped Biluotian years ago were now hiding within the manor.

Meanwhile, Ah Fu reported to the Emperor, presenting a half-map he claimed to have stolen from a mysterious figure responsible for a massacre in Biluotian. He also mentioned that Liu Mingyue had poisoned the Seventh Prince's guards. Ah Fu then requested permission for his sister to accompany him in the search for Biluotian, asserting that her memory of secret paths would be invaluable. The Emperor, weary of waiting, granted his request and promised imperial assistance.

He also informed Ah Fu that once the Seventh Prince passed away, Ah Fu would be relieved of his duties as a spy and could dedicate himself entirely to the quest for Biluotian. Before leaving, Ah Fu successfully petitioned to see his sister. Their reunion was emotional, and Ah Fu confided in her his plan to enter Biluotian with her and forsake the corrupt mortal world forever, a plan his sister enthusiastically embraced.

Ah Fu then revealed his deep guilt over Chen Yu's fate, believing his own presence had inadvertently fueled the Seventh Prince's ambition to seize power, which in turn led to Ah Fu becoming an imperial informant. He worried that even with his father's impending death, Chen Yu's life would be anything but peaceful. Ah Fu returned to the Prince Manor to give his report to the Seventh Prince.

He fabricated a story, claiming he hadn't found the map but had successfully located Biluotian's entrance. The Seventh Prince, on his deathbed, expressed satisfaction and entrusted Chen Yu's future to Ah Fu, urging him to provide support. He also revealed that he was aware of Liu Mingyue killing his guards but instructed Ah Fu to leave her unharmed, intending to use her to benefit Chen Yu.

As royal physicians confirmed the Seventh Prince would not survive the day, the Emperor arrived. Chen Yu, distraught, urged his father to rest. The Seventh Prince requested a private audience with the Emperor, during which he confessed to past ambitions of usurping the throne and searching for Biluotian. However, he claimed that the Emperor's kindness and his mother's counsel had long since led him to abandon such thoughts, dedicating himself instead to managing the state treasury.

His final plea was for the Emperor to grant Chen Yu freedom from the capital. The Emperor agreed. Shortly after, an imperial decree was announced: Chen Yu was granted the barren Dongping Commandery and bestowed the title of Commandery Prince of Dongping. The decree stipulated that he must depart immediately after his father's funeral and was forbidden from returning to the capital without an imperial summons. Chen Yu was left to mourn his father's passing in profound grief.

News reached Hua Buqi of the Seventh Prince's death and the state treasury being reassigned to the Elder Princess's husband. She learned that Chen Yu had been demoted to the desolate Dongping Commandery, a move she interpreted as the Emperor's deep distrust.

Hearing of Dongping's harsh conditions, rife with bandits and miasma, Hua Buqi swiftly instructed Zhu Shou to prepare anti-mosquito and anti-fever medicines for Chen Yu, ostensibly as a business venture to gain a foothold in Dongping's unique local products, such as its prized big-leaf tea. She secretly worried for Chen Yu. That night, Chen Yu clandestinely met the Emperor, having instructed his attendant, Xiao Liu, to turn away all visitors under the pretense of grief.

The Emperor revealed that his summons was for a secret mission in Dongping. He tested Chen Yu, claiming the Seventh Prince had, before his death, spoken of a connection between Mingyue Villa and Biluotian, and had supposedly given Chen Yu items from Biluotian. Chen Yu feigned ignorance, denying any knowledge of Biluotian or Mingyue Villa from his father, or receiving any such items.

Though the Emperor conceded he might have misheard about the items, he insisted the link between Mingyue Villa and Biluotian was clear. He questioned Chen Yu's belief in the prophecy, "The one who obtains the treasures of Buluotian treasure will run the world," which Chen Yu dismissed as absurd. The Emperor, however, argued that wealth combined with military power and ambition could indeed bring about significant change.

He tasked Chen Yu with investigating Mingyue Villa, cautioning him about its complex influence and Dongping's proximity to it. The Emperor offered Chen Yu an imperial badge to mobilize troops in an emergency, but Chen Yu respectfully declined, citing his own limited martial skills and the risk of the badge falling into the wrong hands, promising instead to send intelligence via correspondence. The Emperor promised lavish rewards and a better assignment upon successful completion.

After Chen Yu departed, the Emperor secretly ordered spies to monitor him, with instructions to execute him if any treachery was observed. While Chen Yu was away meeting the Emperor, Yuan Chong struggled to cover for him as Jianfei arrived, insisting on seeing Chen Yu. Yuan Chong tried to deter him with tales of Chen Yu's profound sorrow from his father's death and demotion.

When Jianfei worried Chen Yu might do something drastic and insisted on comforting him, Yuan Chong fabricated a story about Chen Yu's romantic entanglement in Suzhou. He claimed Chen Yu had saved and fallen for "Hua Hua," the granddaughter of the House of Zhu, but their burgeoning love was cut short by the Prince's critical condition. Now, with Chen Yu in mourning and unable to marry for three years, Yuan Chong lamented that the misunderstanding would likely never be resolved.

Jianfei, surprised by Chen Yu's supposed sentimental side, pondered solutions. Just then, Chen Yu returned and called them in. Jianfei immediately brought up the "lady in Suzhou," but Chen Yu denied any such relationship. Yuan Chong quickly reminded him of "Hua Hua" from the House of Zhu, emphasizing her "bright, super bright, unforgettable" eyes.

Chen Yu, piecing together Yuan Chong's vague descriptions with Hua Buqi's past attempts to meet him as the Lotus Robe Knight, realized that "Hua Hua" was, in fact, Hua Buqi, and she was the one truly trying to seek him out. The three then prepared to share drinks for Chen Yu's last night in the capital. The following day, Ah Fu again met Chen Yu, inquiring about his intentions regarding the Seventh Prince's past ambition for the throne.

Chen Yu firmly stated he would not use Hua Buqi as a tool for power, nor did he desire the imperial seat. His only aim was to help the Emperor investigate Mingyue Villa, then live peacefully with Hua Buqi. Ah Fu, touched by Chen Yu's character, confessed his true identity as the Emperor's spy, explaining that he only undertook the role to save his sister.

He clarified that the Emperor was only aware of Biluotian's treasure, not the Saintess or the sacred object. Ah Fu requested Chen Yu to give him the sacred object and the map, so he and his sister could retreat to Biluotian, never to return to the mortal world. Chen Yu, wanting to aid them and protect Hua Buqi from becoming a target, agreed to his request.

Ah Fu noted that the Emperor's order to find Biluotian would likely come within days, marking their final farewell. Chen Yu then revealed that the Emperor had secretly tasked him with investigating Mingyue Villa and Biluotian. Ah Fu speculated that the Emperor, still suspicious of the Seventh Prince, had sent Chen Yu to uncover any remaining secrets, hoping to bide his time.

Chen Yu reiterated his disinterest in the treasure, stating his intention to investigate Mingyue Villa only to eliminate a potential threat for the Emperor and prevent future conflict, after which he would reunite with Hua Buqi. Ah Fu then showed Chen Yu a portrait of Xiao Jiufeng, identifying him as the mysterious killer from Biluotian and the likely mastermind behind Mingyue Villa, warning Chen Yu to be extremely cautious of this dangerous and skillful opponent.

Ah Fu concluded by stating that this was all he could reveal, and their imminent departure for Biluotian meant they would likely never see each other again. Despite Chen Yu's demotion to a difficult and isolated region, which led many noble families to distance themselves from the Prince Manor, the Zhu Manor made a surprising gesture. They sent a generous package containing medicines and 100,000 taels of silver.

Chen Yu's servant, Xiao Liu, was perplexed by this act of kindness, but Chen Yu, with a subtle smile, understood the implied message and decided to pay a visit to the Zhu Manor.

Episode 26 Recap

Chen Yu instructed his attendant, Xiao Liu, to impersonate him on the journey to Dongping Commandery, explaining that a slight delay would not concern His Majesty. He confirmed his intention to first visit Zhu Manor in Suzhou to confirm a matter, and then hurry to Dongping. Xiao Liu noted that the fifteenth of the eighth month was approaching, when Zhu Manor would hold a banquet to celebrate the return of their granddaughter.

On the auspicious day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhu Manor buzzed with activity for the grand banquet welcoming the granddaughter, Zhu Zhu, back into the family. Yuan Chong, also present, eagerly asked about Xiao Xia, who was expected to appear with the Lady. Hua Buqi, in her elegant attire, was accompanied by Xiao Xia, also dressed as a lady.

Hua Buqi admired her transformed appearance, noting how different she looked from her days as a beggar, and wondered if Uncle Jiu would still recognize her. Xiao Xia reminded her that after the banquet, Grand Master Zhu would officially announce Hua Buqi's (as Zhu Zhu's) takeover of Zhu Manor. The ceremony began, with Zhu Old Master formally declaring Zhu Zhu's return to the family and her entry into the ancestral registry.

Guests admired Lady Zhu's beauty, with some openly expressing their desire to marry her, even if it meant joining her family. Chen Yu, discreetly disguised as a merchant, observed the proceedings. Seeing Hua Buqi, he thought to himself that it was truly her, and he resolved to protect her, vowing never to let her fall into danger again. After the ceremony, Zhu Old Master publicly announced that all affairs of Zhu Manor would henceforth be managed by Zhu Zhu.

Chen Yu then secretly dispatched four guards previously assigned by Commander Han to protect Lady Zhu of Zhu Manor. He provided them with a secret account stamp for the Sihai Bank, authorizing them to withdraw up to one hundred thousand taels for their mission, emphasizing strict secrecy. Later that night, Chen Yu, masked, stealthily entered Zhu Manor and engaged Xiao Xia in a test of her martial arts.

Impressed by her skill, he presented her with a manual for a contraption. Xiao Xia, suspicious, demanded his identity, but he insisted she only needed to know he meant no harm and would never hurt her Lady. He explained that the contraption, when set up in the courtyard, could protect her Lady. After Chen Yu departed, Yuan Chong unexpectedly scaled the wall and appeared, showering Xiao Xia with compliments and reaffirming his affection.

Xiao Xia, wielding a tree branch, initially tried to ward him off. Yuan Chong claimed to have spoken to the Lotus Robe Knight about Xiao Xia, but added that the Lotus Robe Knight did not remember or wish to see her. He then continued to declare his love and tried to convince Xiao Xia to give him a chance. Xiao Xia, however, persisted in striking him with the branch, causing him to stumble backward, hit a pillar, and faint.

Hua Buqi, hearing the commotion, came out and was handed the contraption manual by Xiao Xia. Upon hearing Xiao Xia's description of the masked man's height, Hua Buqi immediately realized it was Chen Yu, acknowledging that he knew she was in Zhu Manor but chose not to reveal himself. She wondered if he knew she was not the Seventh Prince's daughter. Discovering the unconscious Yuan Chong, Hua Buqi had him bound.

She jokingly threatened to castrate him if he dared to take Xiao Xia away. Yuan Chong defiantly retorted that he would sell Hua Buqi to a brothel if she castrated him. Hua Buqi reminded him he was in her courtyard, under her control, and playfully removed his belt. Both Hua Buqi and Xiao Xia teased Yuan Chong, calling him silly, though Yuan Chong insisted he was merely honest.

Hua Buqi then inquired if Yuan Chong knew the Lotus Robe Knight's birthday. Feigning a request for a "friend" who was obsessed with the Lotus Robe Knight, Hua Buqi provided her own birth details—the year of Yihai, the third day of the fourth month, around midnight—asking Yuan Chong to relay them to the Lotus Robe Knight to see if they were a match.

Yuan Chong, remembering Chen Yu's earlier comments at Hua Buqi's grave about her not being his father's daughter, immediately understood Hua Buqi's true intention: she was subtly informing Chen Yu that she was not his sister. Xiao Xia then unbound Yuan Chong, warning him that future trespassing would result in a broken leg and him being reported to the authorities. Yuan Chong promised to return through the front door next time.

Returning to his lodging, Yuan Chong was surprised to find Chen Yu, who was supposed to be in Dongping. Yuan Chong complained about Xiao Xia being a "tigress." Chen Yu confirmed that the Zhu Manor's granddaughter was indeed Hua Buqi. He then instructed Yuan Chong to find a way to keep Jianfei in the capital, as Jianfei was too clever and might have deduced something, and Chen Yu did not want too many people to know Hua Buqi's true identity.

Yuan Chong agreed to keep the secret but demanded Chen Yu's help in marrying Xiao Xia. Chen Yu revealed that Xiao Xia had watched over Yuan Chong the entire night after he fainted, indicating her hidden affection. Overjoyed, Yuan Chong wanted to rush back to Zhu Manor to see Xiao Xia, but Chen Yu advised him that "less is more," suggesting he wait a few days to let Xiao Xia miss him, hoping she would then be less harsh.

With his plans set, Chen Yu bid Yuan Chong farewell, stating it was not yet the right time to openly meet Hua Buqi as he needed to return to Dongping Commandery swiftly. Back at Zhu Manor, Hua Buqi was overwhelmed by the endless account books, while Zhu Old Master peacefully fished. Feeling it was unfair, she approached him, humorously telling him a story about a fisherman and a wealthy businessman, subtly implying that he was enjoying his retirement too much.

She then cajoled him into accompanying her on a shopping trip, asserting it would help her understand the family businesses and establish her reputation as the head of the household. During their outing, Hua Buqi cleverly purchased an expensive jade stone for Zhu Old Master, boosting his spirits and making him happily affirm her authority.

After this, she dismissed him back to the manor with guards, despite his protests, assuring him that she and Xiao Xia would continue shopping and everything would be charged to his account. As Hua Buqi and Xiao Xia continued their stroll, they spotted Yun Lang walking with Lin Dansha. Hua Buqi quickly pulled Xiao Xia aside to avoid being seen, expressing surprise but wishing Yun Lang well, acknowledging Lin Dansha's good family background.

Shortly after, Yuan Chong, from a restaurant called Zuiyitai, called out to Xiao Xia. Hua Buqi, Xiao Xia, Yuan Chong, and Jianfei then sat down for tea and pastries. Jianfei openly praised Hua Buqi's captivating beauty. From an adjacent private room, Dongfang Shi deliberately scoffed at Jianfei's poetic praises, criticizing him as a useless scholar concerned only with vanity while barbarians threatened the northern borders.

Xiao Xia explained to Hua Buqi the sarcastic meaning of Dongfang Shi's words, which deeply angered Yuan Chong and Jianfei, prompting them to confront him. Before they could reach him, Dongfang Shi ambushed them. Xiao Xia, though skilled, was no match for Dongfang Shi. Before she could clearly identify him, Dongfang Shi swiftly abducted Hua Buqi. News of Hua Buqi's abduction quickly reached Chen Yu, compelling him to rush back to Suzhou.

Meanwhile, in Suzhou, Dongfang Shi explained to Hei Feng his rationale for kidnapping Lady Zhu. He clarified that the Zhu family had been reluctant to honor their marriage agreement, and with many merchants now coveting Hua Buqi, he had to act preemptively. His plan was to spread rumors that she had "lost her virginity" to him, thereby forcing the Zhu family to consent to their marriage. Hua Buqi soon awoke in the unfamiliar room.

Dongfang Shi, at first, playfully teased her, even implying they had spent the night together. However, Hua Buqi’s tears and fierce defiance made him drop his act. He then revealed his true identity as Medical Sage Dongfang and explained their pre-existing marriage arrangement. He clarified that the "mysterious person" who signed the contract with Zhu Manor was his maternal grandfather.

After the Zhu family failed to uphold their promise, his grandfather was heartbroken and no longer wished to marry a daughter from their house, thus transferring the engagement to Dongfang Shi. Hua Buqi, realizing Dongfang Shi’s formidable martial arts, understood that Xiao Xia could not have genuinely kidnapped him; he had deliberately allowed it.

She further deduced that his appearance as the "Medical Sage Dongfang" only after she was poisoned indicated he had known her identity all along and meticulously orchestrated everything to get close to her. Dongfang Shi readily admitted to her deductions, openly stating his admiration for her "wild" personality and his intention to marry her in two years, urging her to abandon any thoughts of repaying the family debt.

Hua Buqi vehemently rejected the idea of marrying Dongfang Shi, accusing his family of being responsible for the deaths of Uncle Jiu and her mother, Xue Fei. She vowed to repay the Zhu Manor's silver debt to his family, but declared she would die before marrying him, even threatening to "smash him with silver ingots" if he dared to come for her in two years.

Dongfang Shi scoffed, challenging her to a bet that she would fail to raise the required amount of silver in two years, confident she would still become his bride. He reiterated his appreciation for her personality. Hua Buqi then demanded to be sent back to Zhu Manor. Dongfang Shi agreed, but only on the condition that she "accompany" him for three days. When Hua Buqi questioned this demand, he simply replied, "Because I want you to."

He warned her to "adapt to the circumstances," or he would never return her to Zhu Manor, and they would still be forced to pay the debt, potentially leaving everyone in Zhu Manor destitute. Realizing her precarious situation, Hua Buqi reluctantly agreed to accompany him for three days, hoping he would keep his word. That night, Dongfang Shi instructed his attendants to prepare food for Hua Buqi and ensure she rested undisturbed, stating he would see her the next morning. An attendant later informed Hua Buqi that a four-hour boat ride could take her to the Dongting West Mountains, known for its beautiful scenery, hinting at their next destination.

Episode 27 Recap

Chen Yu's hidden guards, dispatched to protect Hua Buqi, split into two groups. One group tracked Hua Buqi while the other, with Xiao Xia, followed markings to find her. A guard located Hua Buqi and, revealing the Lotus Robe Knight's emblem, attempted to escort her away. However, before they could leave, Dongfang Shi and Hei Feng detected their presence. Hei Feng quickly subdued the guard. To prevent his identity from being exposed, the guard tragically took his own life.

Hua Buqi vehemently accused Dongfang Shi of being a murderer, enraged that another person around her had died. Dongfang Shi, however, noticed the Lotus Robe Knight's emblem in the guard's hand and realized Hua Buqi knew the enigmatic knight. Believing Hua Buqi was in love with the Lotus Robe Knight, Dongfang Shi mockingly asked when she got to know him. When she remained silent, he inferred her feelings.

He then instructed Hei Feng to spread the word that the granddaughter of the House of Zhu was in the Dongting West Mountains, challenging the Lotus Robe Knight to come and rescue her. Dongfang Shi planned to set ten traps, along with 180 archers and 100 fighters, to capture him.

Hua Buqi fiercely defended the Lotus Robe Knight, asserting that Dongfang Shi was inferior to him in every aspect—fighting skill, looks, and talent—and that she would never marry him, even for his immense wealth. Dongfang Shi, thoroughly provoked by Hua Buqi's words, changed his tactics. He declared he would send her back to Zhu Manor and openly compete with the Zhu family's businesses, aiming to bankrupt them until Hua Buqi willingly agreed to marry him.

He warned her not to be surprised when Zhu Manor's businesses started to lose money. Hua Buqi woke up back at Zhu Manor, much to the overjoyed Grand Master Zhu's relief. When asked who abducted her, Hua Buqi falsely claimed it was the Lotus Robe Knight, causing surprise among Grand Master Zhu and the servants. After everyone else was dismissed, Hua Buqi found Xiao Xia kneeling outside, punishing herself for failing to protect her.

Hua Buqi helped Xiao Xia up, assuring her it wasn't her fault, and Xiao Xia confessed her regret for not staying by Hua Buqi’s side, blaming herself for having saved Yuan Chong earlier. Hua Buqi then gave Xiao Xia two critical tasks. First, she was to set up contraptions around the manor according to a highly sophisticated manual she had received, ensuring that any trespasser, no matter how skilled, would face certain death.

Second, Xiao Xia was to publicly offer a reward of ten thousand taels for the death of the Lotus Robe Knight. Xiao Xia was taken aback by this. Hua Buqi explained that Dongfang Shi, who was the descendant of the mysterious person, had abducted her specifically to target the Lotus Robe Knight, knowing of her affections.

This elaborate plan was her only way to ensure the Lotus Robe Knight would not appear for the time being and thus stay out of danger. News of the Zhu family’s granddaughter offering a substantial reward for the Lotus Robe Knight’s capture quickly spread. Yuan Chong, enraged by what he perceived as a slander against the knight, expressed his disbelief.

Jianfei, noticing Yuan Chong’s strong reaction, pressed him about his connection to the Lotus Robe Knight, even speculating if Yuan Chong himself was the knight. Fearing Jianfei might discover that Chen Yu was the Lotus Robe Knight, Yuan Chong claimed to be him. When Jianfei expressed disbelief, pointing out Yuan Chong's martial arts were not as good as Chen Yu's (whom he called Zhangqing), Yuan Chong retorted that a true knight relied more on strategy than mere fighting skill.

To convince Jianfei and the public, Yuan Chong donned the Lotus Robe Knight's attire and boldly went to Zuiyitai, daring anyone to claim the bounty. Jianfei, concerned for his safety, tried to persuade him to stop, but Yuan Chong was determined. Meanwhile, Yun Lang, who had been tirelessly searching for Hua Buqi with Lin Dansha, overheard the rumors about the Lotus Robe Knight being at Zuiyitai.

Recalling his previous quest for revenge against the knight for allegedly poisoning Hua Buqi, he decided to confront him. Chen Yu, having been informed by his subordinate about Hua Buqi's abduction and safe return, and Yuan Chong's reckless impersonation, realized the gravity of the situation. At Zuiyitai, Yuan Chong, still in his Lotus Robe Knight disguise, publicly taunted those who would seek the bounty.

Dongfang Shi, observing from afar, engaged Yuan Chong in conversation, quickly discerning that he was a fake through subtle cues in his speech. Just then, Yun Lang arrived, brandishing his weapons and demanding answers from the Lotus Robe Knight regarding Hua Buqi’s supposed poisoning. Dongfang Shi stepped in, seemingly to protect Yuan Chong, curious if killing the imposter would draw out the true Lotus Robe Knight.

However, Yuan Chong, fueled by pride, refused Dongfang Shi's interference and challenged Yun Lang to a one-on-one fight. A scholar by nature, Yuan Chong was no match for Yun Lang’s real martial arts. As Yuan Chong struggled, Chen Yu, hidden in the shadows, subtly intervened, helping Yuan Chong to land a decisive blow against Yun Lang. Dongfang Shi, witnessing the sudden surge in Yuan Chong's skill, immediately sensed the presence of the real Lotus Robe Knight.

He ordered Hei Feng to give chase, but the true knight's light martial arts were too swift, leaving Dongfang Shi with only a glimpse of a shadow. Despite his victory, Yuan Chong displayed arrogance towards the injured Yun Lang. However, Yun Lang, who had previously fought the real Lotus Robe Knight, was not convinced and stated that Yuan Chong was clearly not him. Yun Lang and Lin Dansha then departed.

Later, in a private room, Yuan Chong confronted Chen Yu (whom he referred to as Zhangqing), expressing his anger and indignation that Hua Buqi, for whom Chen Yu had suffered so much, was now framing him and placing a bounty on his head. Chen Yu calmly explained that Hua Buqi's actions were meant to protect him, to keep him out of danger, and to implicitly tell him not to appear as the Lotus Robe Knight again.

He cautioned Yuan Chong against reckless behavior. Yuan Chong urged Chen Yu to visit Hua Buqi, but Chen Yu believed it was not the right time. Meanwhile, Lin Dansha, showing unwavering dedication, personally borrowed a stove and painstakingly prepared medicine for Yun Lang’s wounds. Yun Lang, touched by her efforts, thanked her, causing Lin Dansha to tear up with happiness, feeling that her persistent care was finally being acknowledged.

Yun Lang, reflecting on his own impatience while searching for Hua Buqi, apologized for his harshness. Dongfang Shi instructed Hei Feng to keep a close watch on Yuan Chong, hoping to uncover clues about the real Lotus Robe Knight. Concurrently, he initiated his business war against Zhu Manor, opening "Dong Ji" shops right next to all of Zhu Manor's establishments—from china to silk, tea, and grain stores—offering slightly lower prices and even interest-free loans for the poor.

The aggressive tactics of "Dong Ji" caused great distress at Zhu Manor. Hua Buqi, seeing the immediate impact on their businesses, finally confessed to Grand Master Zhu that Dongfang Shi was indeed the descendant of the mysterious person and had been the one who abducted her. Grand Master Zhu was shocked by this revelation. Shortly after, Dongfang Shi arrived at Zhu Manor, seeking an audience. Grand Master Zhu decided to meet him.

During their meeting, Dongfang Shi proposed marriage to Hua Buqi. He then revealed a shocking truth: Xue Fei, Grand Master Zhu’s daughter and Zhu Hua’s wife, had not died from difficult labor, as believed, but from chronic poisoning, the same poison that afflicted Zhu Zhu.

Dongfang Shi argued that his maternal grandfather's rage and subsequent order to kill Zhu Hua were due to his deep love for Xue Fei and his anger that Zhu Hua's elopement had inadvertently led to her death by poison. Grand Master Zhu, deeply affected, reiterated that the Zhu family would repay every last tael of their debt, but that his granddaughter would never marry Dongfang Shi.

Dongfang Shi smiled, seemingly understanding Grand Master Zhu's emotional ties to Zhu Hua and Xue Fei. He also subtly announced that he was returning a person to Grand Master Zhu. He then suggested he could, if necessary, become a live-in son-in-law, urging Grand Master Zhu to consider the offer further.

As he left, he taunted Hua Buqi, who had been listening nearby, reiterating his intention to marry her and to either kill the Lotus Robe Knight or force him into servitude. He further gloated about how the "Dong Ji" stores would bankrupt Zhu Manor, making it impossible for them to pay the exorbitant government taxes, thus forcing Hua Buqi into marriage.

Hua Buqi, listening nearby, retorted that she would only marry him if her mother and Uncle Jiu told her to. Later, Xiao Xia secretly followed Dongfang Shi out of the manor, intent on killing him by Wu Lake. Dongfang Shi, aware of her presence, suggested they fight there to avoid attracting attention. Despite her skill, Xiao Xia was no match for Dongfang Shi.

He declared he wouldn't kill her, not wanting to incur Hua Buqi's lifelong hatred, but stated his intention to cripple her martial arts to prevent her from opposing him in the future. At that critical moment, Chen Yu and his hidden guards, who had been monitoring Dongfang Shi, intervened by shooting short arrows from the shadows, stopping Dongfang Shi's attack. Dongfang Shi, lightly grazed by an arrow, was surprised by the Lotus Robe Knight's formidable archery skills, acknowledging his prowess but vowing that he wouldn't be as lucky next time.

Episode 28 Recap

Yuan Chong and Chen Yu rescued Xiao Xia, who had been severely wounded by Dongfang Shi during a confrontation with Chen Yu, disguised as the Lotus Robe Knight. Chen Yu entrusted the unconscious Xiao Xia to Yuan Chong, who was secretly delighted to be her hero. Chen Yu warned Yuan Chong about Dongfang Shi’s ruthlessness and advised him to seek protection from Prince Jing Manor.

Although he was urgently needed in Dongping Commandery, Chen Yu decided to first pay a visit to Hua Buqi, prompting Yuan Chong to remark on their fated connection. Meanwhile, at the Zhu Manor, Zhu Old Master was considering Dongfang Shi's offer to marry into the family. He explained to a furious Hua Buqi that a man marrying into the family, taking their surname, was a profound humiliation for him and meant any children would belong solely to the Zhu family.

Hua Buqi vehemently refused, reminding him of Uncle Jiu's death and her enduring hatred for those responsible. Zhu Old Master, seeing her resolve and reaffirming her status as his granddaughter and Xue Fei’s daughter, not a mere commodity, decided to support her. He then vowed to overturn Mingyue Villa to avenge Zhu Hua and Xue Fei, a sentiment Hua Buqi echoed, pledging to repay the family's immense debt.

Later, Hua Buqi frantically searched for Xiao Xia, who had disappeared without a trace. Outside the manor, she encountered Chen Yu, disguised, but immediately recognized him. After confirming Xiao Xia was safe and being cared for by Yuan Chong, Hua Buqi playfully pressed Chen Yu about her romantic fortunes.

With a smile, Chen Yu predicted that good things were on the horizon for her, prompting Hua Buqi to reward him with a silver ingot, playfully acting as the young lady of the Zhu Manor. Her attendant, Zhu Shou, grew suspicious of the 'fortune teller' and covertly followed Chen Yu for a while, only to lose him. Zhu Shou then speculated that this mysterious man might be the secret protector Xiao Xia had once mentioned.

That night, Chen Yu secretly visited Hua Buqi, who was still worried about Xiao Xia. He reassured her, confirming Xiao Xia was recovering under Yuan Chong’s care after being injured during an assassination attempt on Dongfang Shi. Chen Yu then revealed a profound secret: Hua Buqi was not the Seventh Prince's daughter, and her mother's death was likely linked to him, as he had only sought Hua Buqi out for his own manipulative purposes.

Chen Yu solemnly promised to protect her from any further exploitation or suffering. Tears streaming down her face, Hua Buqi angrily confronted him for being in Suzhou, providing protection, and even giving Xiao Xia a contraption blueprint, yet delaying their reunion. Chen Yu embraced her tightly, deeply remorseful, and sealed their reunion with a passionate kiss. Elsewhere, Hei Feng treated Dongfang Shi’s wounds.

Dongfang Shi, infuriated by the Lotus Robe Knight’s interference and the perceived slight of him attempting to "steal his wife," commanded Hei Feng to relentlessly search for Xiao Xia, inquiring with all physicians in Suzhou, and to gather any information about the Lotus Robe Knight from Liu Mingyue. He vowed to find the Lotus Robe Knight, even if it meant digging three miles into the ground.

Back with Chen Yu, Hua Buqi revealed that Madam Mo had tried to poison her and was also responsible for her mother’s death. Chen Yu immediately offered to use his powerful grandfather, a duke, to dismantle the Mo Manor, but Hua Buqi hesitated. She acknowledged Madam Mo’s malice but confessed her loyalty to Mo Ruofei, who had treated her kindly, and asked Chen Yu not to act impulsively while she considered how to handle the situation.

Chen Yu readily agreed to her wishes, then shared his future plans: once his mission in Dongping Commandery was complete, he would petition the Emperor to relinquish his princely title and his fief, returning to Suzhou to live out his life freely with Hua Buqi. Hua Buqi then realized his posting to Dongping was not a demotion, but a secret imperial mission to investigate Mingyue Villa.

She urged him to conduct a thorough investigation and confessed the extent of the Zhu family’s debt to the Dongfangs and her forced marriage agreement with Dongfang Shi. She explained her previous public attempt to capture the Lotus Robe Knight was a ruse to warn Chen Yu of Dongfang Shi’s intentions.

Chen Yu vowed he would not allow her to marry Dongfang Shi and decided to retain his princely status for a while longer, using it to buy time for them to jointly repay the immense debt. As their reunion drew to a close, Chen Yu prepared to depart. Hua Buqi, reluctant to see him leave, worried he would be gone too long and forget her.

Chen Yu explained the urgency of his departure to avoid exposing his absence in Xichu Province. Hua Buqi warned him to be cautious in Dongping, which was Mingyue Villa's territory. She suggested a plan for their communication: the Zhu Manor had business in Dongping, and she would have her shopkeeper arrange a "High Mountain Great Leaf Tea" deal with his Commandery Prince Manor, allowing them to stay in contact and for her to monitor his activities.

Chen Yu praised her ingenuity and promised he wouldn't let her forget him, reminding her of his identity as the Lotus Robe Knight who could shoot ten arrows at once. Chen Yu and his retinue journeyed towards Xichu Province. His attendants, Commander Han and Xiao Liu, were anxious about his timely arrival as they had been making excuses for his absence. Chen Yu arrived just in time.

Xiao Liu informed him that Liu Qingwu had been persistently following their convoy, repeatedly requesting a meeting. Chen Yu granted her an audience. Liu Qingwu confirmed that the Seventh Prince had indeed located Biluotian and implicitly acknowledged Chen Yu's role in the ensuing punishment for Liu Mingyue.

She reminded him of his promise and presented a plan to regain entry into Mingyue Villa: Chen Yu was to publicly feign romantic interest in her, which would compel Liu Mingyue to send Liu Qingwu to monitor him. Once she had regained trust, she would seize the opportunity to assassinate Liu Mingyue. Chen Yu readily agreed, engaging in a convincing display of affection, including a fabricated kiss, and agreeing to address each other by their given names, "Qingwu" and "Zhangqing."

Chen Yu then pressed her for information about her "master" (Xiao Jiufeng). Liu Qingwu knew little, only his appearance and that he had a maternal grandson, as her contact was always through Liu Mingyue. Chen Yu offered a grand bargain: if Liu Qingwu helped him locate her master to resolve a major concern for the Emperor, he would ensure she became the rightful Master of Mingyue Villa, free from her master’s control.

Upon her return to Mingyue Villa, Liu Mingyue, intending to execute Liu Qingwu, was stopped by Liu Qingwu's confident claim that Chen Yu harbored feelings for her and that she could now serve as his monitor. Liu Qingwu dramatically recounted past instances of Chen Yu’s "affection," such as preparing her bathwater and personally combing her hair.

Skeptical, Liu Mingyue still refused to trust her, instead subjecting Liu Qingwu to poisoned gold needles, warning her that if she failed to deliver satisfactory intelligence within a month, she would suffer the same fate as the Seventh Prince. Meanwhile, Mo Ruofei visited Liu Qingyan in the Mo Manor's dungeon, bringing her favorite dishes and announcing it would be her last day there.

He revealed that he was releasing her, not as an enemy, but as a potential ally against Mingyue Villa. He exposed a shocking truth: during the burning of Xue Manor, his uncle discovered that Xue Old Master’s son and daughter-in-law had already been murdered, and a pair of twin baby girls with distinctive green birthmarks on their legs were abducted.

Mo Ruofei implied Liu Qingyan was one of these twins, thereby making Liu Mingyue her true parents’ killer, driven by resentment from her own past as an illegitimate child of Xue Old Master. Though Liu Qingyan vehemently denied Liu Mingyue could be so cruel, Mo Ruofei challenged her to directly confront Liu Mingyue with his claims. He assured her that if she ever wished to return, the Mo Manor would welcome her.

Chen Yu's arrival in Xichu Province was met with a conspicuously cold reception; only Secretary Wang Wei was dispatched to greet him on behalf of General Guan and Magistrate Du. Xiao Liu expressed outrage at this disrespect, but Chen Yu, understanding the political landscape, calmly explained that General Guan, with his 200,000-strong army, and Magistrate Du, a well-established scholar official, viewed his sudden arrival as an intrusion.

Rather than cause trouble, Chen Yu instructed Xiao Liu to return generous gifts to both officials and to depart for Dongping Commandery the following morning, asserting that there were more interesting matters awaiting them there than being subjected to such an intentional snub. The Xichu officials, misinterpreting Chen Yu's swift departure, speculated that he was merely on a temporary banishment and would soon return to the capital, feeling relieved that they had successfully avoided any direct confrontation.

Episode 29 Recap

Chen Yu arrived in Dongping Commandery, where Liu Qingwu was already waiting. To the outside world, they played the role of a loving couple, exchanging flirtatious remarks, especially since the local Commandery Commander showed clear obedience to Liu Qingwu, revealing Mingyue Villa's extensive control. Inside, Chen Yu explained to Liu Qingwu that Liu Mingyue's suspicion about his true motives for being appointed Prince of Dongping was growing.

He decided to leverage this by acting aggressively, making her anxious, and thus luring her master, Xiao Jiufeng, out into the open. As part of this plan, Chen Yu instructed Liu Qingwu to inform Liu Mingyue that he was investigating a young woman potentially held captive by Mingyue Villa for over ten years. After Liu Qingwu departed, Chen Yu publicly revealed his strength. He had Han Ye test Butler Zhou, a spy planted by Liu Mingyue.

After witnessing Butler Zhou's impressive martial arts skills, Chen Yu directly killed him. He then sent a stark warning to Liu Mingyue via her remaining spies: if she dared to plant any more eyes or ears in his manor, he would eliminate every single one. At Mingyue Villa, Hei Feng arrived, sent by Dongfang Shi, to inquire about Lotus Robe Knight.

Liu Mingyue, after learning that Dongfang Shi's fiancée liked Lotus Robe Knight, cleverly deduced that the fiancée was Hua Buqi and that Hua Buqi was not dead, likely hiding in Zhu Manor. She realized Xiao Jiufeng had known all along but had kept it from her, probably out of concern for Hua Buqi, Xue Fei's daughter.

Consumed by jealousy over Xiao Jiufeng's lingering affection for Xue Fei despite all her efforts, Liu Mingyue ordered Hei Yan to go to Jiangnan to kill Hua Buqi at Zhu Manor, aiming to cut off Xiao Jiufeng's emotional ties. Hei Yan, demonstrating fierce loyalty, insisted on undertaking the dangerous mission herself, even offering to disfigure her face to protect Liu Mingyue from Xiao Jiufeng's wrath.

Shortly after, Liu Qingwu returned to Mingyue Villa, reporting Chen Yu's actions, including the killing of Butler Zhou and his refusal to be controlled. She also relayed Chen Yu's inquiry about a woman potentially imprisoned in Mingyue Villa for over ten years, which led Liu Mingyue to suspect Chen Yu believed the Saintess was held there. Liu Mingyue, believing Chen Yu might genuinely be attracted to Liu Qingwu, gave Liu Qingwu a bottle of medicine.

She ordered Liu Qingwu to use it to drug Chen Yu, sleep with him, and get pregnant. Liu Mingyue's rationale was that Chen Yu, being a man of principle, would not abandon Liu Qingwu if she carried his child, thus making him her son-in-law and ensuring Mingyue Villa's influence over him. Liu Qingwu, though visibly hesitant and denying any feelings for Chen Yu, was ultimately dispatched by Liu Mingyue to carry out the plan.

Liu Mingyue then embarked on a conspicuous journey westward, which Chen Yu, despite suspecting a trap, decided to follow with his men. Inside a cave, Chen Yu fell into Liu Mingyue's ambush. She revealed he had inhaled "Bone Devouring Fragrance," designed to progressively weaken and eventually cripple his martial arts.

Liu Mingyue further revealed that Chen Yu's inquiry about the imprisoned woman was a deliberate bait to lure her into reporting to her master, and she intended to bring him there. She also demanded the return of an item from her master that she believed was in Chen Yu's possession.

Weakened by the inhaled fragrance, Chen Yu was unexpectedly saved by Liu Qingwu, who appeared and, calling him by his informal name, Zhangqing, led him through a secret tunnel, a former training ground. Liu Mingyue, realizing Liu Qingwu's betrayal and collusion with Chen Yu, attacked her. Chen Yu and Liu Qingwu managed to escape, but Liu Qingwu sustained serious injuries. Chen Yu, disregarding social norms, removed her clothing to treat her wounds, apologizing for the necessity.

Liu Qingwu felt remorse, recalling how she once wounded him and now he was saving her. She confessed her feelings for him, admitting that when his life was threatened, her desire for Mingyue Villa vanished, and all she could think of was him. Chen Yu, while complimenting her beauty, gently rebuffed her advances, stating he was not worthy of her sacrifice and had nothing more to offer beyond gratitude.

He promised to help her secure Mingyue Villa by dismantling Liu Mingyue's power, as Liu Mingyue's failed ambush meant she would not dare to return. Given her severe injuries and inability to return to Mingyue Villa, Chen Yu agreed to let Liu Qingwu recuperate safely at the Commandery Prince Manor. Chen Yu's men soon arrived and rescued them from the cave.

Back at the manor, Chen Yu, having subtly noticed Liu Qingwu's difficulty using her right hand while drinking tea, suspected she was controlled by Liu Mingyue's golden needles, just like his own father. He had brought Doctor Yi to remove them. Liu Qingwu was deeply moved, as she had believed only Liu Mingyue could treat them and was prepared to sever her arm to survive. Doctor Yi assured her he could remove the needles without leaving scars.

Soon after, Ping'er from Mingyue Villa arrived, reporting that Liu Mingyue had not yet returned. Liu Qingwu surmised that Liu Mingyue, having recently been punished by Xiao Jiufeng over the Biluotian affair and now failing to capture Chen Yu, was afraid to face him and would likely stay away. Seizing this opportunity, Liu Qingwu instructed Ping'er to forge an order from Liu Mingyue, stating that Liu Qingwu was to take over Mingyue Villa.

Chen Yu cautioned her that this was a dangerous move, as she lacked reliable allies within the villa, and neither Liu Mingyue's people nor Xiao Jiufeng would be easily fooled. However, Liu Qingwu was determined, stating that she must take over the villa's businesses quickly to gain financial control and thus loyalty. She reasoned that if Xiao Jiufeng couldn't find Liu Mingyue, he would have to rely on her, and with Chen Yu's support, she feared nothing.

Chen Yu decided that while waiting for Xiao Jiufeng to appear, they would focus on generating income. To do so, Chen Yu decided to boost Dongping Commandery's economy by trading its unique High Mountain Great Leaf Tea with Zhu Manor. This business venture was also a covert way to send a message to Hua Buqi about his well-being. He dispatched orders to coordinate with the Commandery Commander and send an urgent letter to Zhu Manor announcing the tea's arrival.

Meanwhile, at Zhu Manor, Xiao Xia had returned. Yuan Chong, son of the Capital City Garrison Commander, repeatedly visited her, bringing numerous gifts and claiming to be her rescuer from a previous incident. Despite Chief Steward Shou's encouragement for Xiao Xia to cultivate this connection for Zhu Manor's benefit, Xiao Xia remained skeptical of Yuan Chong's martial arts skills.

Yuan Chong, to impress her, exaggerated his archery prowess, claiming to have learned from Lotus Robe Knight, and offered to teach her. They went to a secluded forest for a lesson, where Yuan Chong reluctantly attempted to demonstrate continuous archery, revealing his lack of mastery. Unbeknownst to them, Hei Feng had informed Dongfang Shi that Yuan Chong was Xiao Xia's rescuer and had connections to Lotus Robe Knight.

Learning that Yuan Chong also associated with Bai Jianfei, a censor's son, Dongfang Shi ordered Hei Feng to capture both men, believing their capture would force Lotus Robe Knight to reveal himself. While Yuan Chong was showing off his flawed archery to Xiao Xia, they were ambushed by black-clad figures.

Episode 30 Recap

While Yuan Chong was teaching Xiao Xia archery outdoors, a group of black-clad men suddenly ambushed and captured them. They were taken to a dungeon where Yuan Chong was surprised to find his friend, Jian Fei, already imprisoned. Dongfang Shi appeared, revealing he was behind their capture and aiming to force them to disclose the Lotus Robe Knight's whereabouts.

Yuan Chong identified himself as the son of the Capital City Garrison Commander and Jian Fei as the son of an imperial censor, warning Dongfang Shi of the severe repercussions if he did not release them. Dongfang Shi, however, dismissed their threats, emphasizing the power and influence of the House of Dongfang. He stated that he was not targeting Xiao Xia personally, but she was an unfortunate casualty of his search for the Lotus Robe Knight.

Jian Fei attempted to impersonate the Lotus Robe Knight, but Dongfang Shi easily saw through the deception, concluding that two individuals had saved Xiao Xia previously: Jian Fei and the true Lotus Robe Knight. When Yuan Chong refused to cooperate, Dongfang Shi shifted his threats towards Xiao Xia, knowing Yuan Chong's interest in her.

Under duress, Yuan Chong, subtly prompted by Xiao Xia, fabricated a meeting time and place, claiming he and the Lotus Robe Knight would meet the following day at noon at the reed field where Xiao Xia had been rescued. Dongfang Shi warned that if the Lotus Robe Knight failed to appear, Jian Fei and Xiao Xia would suffer.

Xiao Xia defiantly called Dongfang Shi despicable, asking if Hua Buqi would ever like him, to which Dongfang Shi retorted that he didn't care about Hua Buqi's feelings, only that his "unwedded wife" not cheat on him. Dongfang Shi then left the dungeon, but not without leaving his guard, Hei Feng, to covertly monitor the prisoners.

Xiao Xia, keenly aware of Hei Feng's presence, intentionally spoke loudly to Yuan Chong, falsely claiming that the Lotus Robe Knight was already at Zhu Manor visiting Hua Buqi. Her aim was to mislead Dongfang Shi. The three prisoners then used a broken plate to cut their restraints and escaped. Hei Feng reported Xiao Xia's fabricated information to Dongfang Shi, who, despite his suspicions about Hua Buqi's whereabouts, decided to investigate Zhu Manor.

Upon entering Hua Buqi's courtyard, Dongfang Shi confidently navigated the numerous traps, only to succumb to them and collapse. Hua Buqi appeared and revealed her clever ploy: she had deliberately lured him there with the false information, exploiting his suspicious nature. Hearing the commotion, Zhu Old Master rushed over, fearing Hua Buqi might kill Dongfang Shi.

Hua Buqi assured him she had a plan to punish Dongfang Shi and resolve the issue of Dong Ji's negative impact on Zhu Manor's business, all without physically harming him. She instructed Xiao Xia to bind the unconscious Dongfang Shi with heavy chains, intending to slowly "attend to his wounds." Trusting Hua Buqi's ingenuity, Zhu Old Master, wanting to avoid Dongfang Shi, decided to go fishing for a few days.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu's steward, Xiao Liu, reported the success of their tea business, which brought prosperity and good reputation, leading many people to seek to visit Chen Yu. Chen Yu, however, instructed Xiao Liu to politely decline these visits as he had other priorities. Soon after, Liu Qingwu came to bid farewell to Chen Yu, explaining she needed to return to Mingyue Villa as managing its affairs from the Prince Manor was inconvenient.

Chen Yu wished her well and asked her to report any news regarding Liu Mingyue. Liu Qingwu then probed, asking if he was worried about her safety, or if she might be assassinated by Liu Mingyue's people and he might never see her again. Chen Yu pragmatically replied that he expected her to have her own means of protection, though he did warn her to be cautious as Liu Mingyue would surely take notice of her return.

Disappointed by his response, Liu Qingwu promised good news and departed. After her departure, Xiao Liu gossiped to Chen Yu, revealing that Liu Qingwu had recovered long ago and had simply lingered at the Prince Manor. He also mentioned the widespread rumor among the staff that Chen Yu and Liu Qingwu were romantically involved. Chen Yu vehemently denied this, stating it was "impossible" and scolding Xiao Liu for being gossipy.

At Mingyue Villa, Liu Qingwu was formally welcomed as the new Master, announcing that her teacher, Liu Mingyue, was traveling and had appointed her. She outlined her plans for the villa's prosperity through collaboration with the government, warning of harsh consequences for anyone who dared to betray her or secretly serve Liu Mingyue. Despite these outward displays of loyalty, Liu Qingwu confided in Ping'er that she lacked true power, as most people still answered to Liu Mingyue.

She instructed Ping'er to investigate and eliminate Liu Mingyue's loyalists, and concocted a plan to make Liu Mingyue believe the golden needle was still inside her, thus maintaining the illusion of control. Back at Zhu Manor, Dongfang Shi awoke to find himself bound to the bed with chains. Hua Buqi visited him, forcing him to drink a tea laced with a potent drug, the "Joint Softening Ten Fragrances Powder," intended to cause confusion.

Dongfang Shi, though seemingly affected, had already retrieved a hidden key for his restraints. Under the drug's influence, Xiao Xia, at Hua Buqi's instruction, wrote a "marriage annulment agreement." This document falsely stated that Dongfang Shi had trespassed into Zhu Manor, harassed chief steward Zhu Shou, and was therefore unworthy of marrying the Lady of Zhu. It formally canceled their marriage contract and allowed Zhu Manor to repay its debt to the Dongfang family in three installments over twenty years.

Dongfang Shi was compelled to sign and fingerprint this document. Hua Buqi then threatened to publicly distribute copies of the agreement if he ever "messed around" again. Dongfang Shi, feigning attraction while drugged, questioned why she didn't just cancel the debt. Hua Buqi replied that debts must be paid, acknowledging his family's past help but emphasizing that his current predicament was repayment for harming Xiao Xia. She warned him against further aggression.

When Dongfang Shi asked to be released, Hua Buqi refused, citing his family's expected search for him. Unknown to Dongfang Shi, Hua Buqi's apparent lack of concern was a ruse; she had anticipated his plan for revenge. She instructed Xiao Xia to wake her up in four hours, showing she was prepared for his move. Zhu Fu and another servant discussed Hua Buqi's unconventional and extreme methods, with Zhu Fu deciding to feign ignorance should the Zhu Old Master inquire.

That night, Dongfang Shi stealthily entered Hua Buqi's room, only to find Xiao Xia sleeping in her bed. He realized Hua Buqi had anticipated his plan for revenge. Xiao Xia explained that Hua Buqi had found his calmness suspicious, correctly guessing that he hadn't been genuinely affected by the drug and had likely obtained a key to his restraints, especially since the "Joint Softening Ten Fragrances Powder" was a Dongfang family product.

Knowing Dongfang Shi's vengeful nature, Hua Buqi had predicted he would return at midnight to seek retribution, and Xiao Xia had bravely taken her place in bed to protect her. Dongfang Shi admitted he had underestimated Hua Buqi but questioned Xiao Xia's ability to stop him. As Dongfang Shi attempted to leave, Hua Buqi, who was nearby, called out to Constable Li, whom she had positioned as a witness.

She publicly accused Dongfang Shi of undercutting businesses in Suzhou and, more importantly, of of breaking into her bedroom with ill intent. Constable Li, in turn, vowed to apprehend the "pervert." Stunned by Hua Buqi's foresight and elaborate setup, Dongfang Shi, realizing he couldn't be stopped by a few constables, quickly masked his face and made his escape from Zhu Manor. Hua Buqi confirmed Xiao Xia was unharmed, and Constable Li pursued Dongfang Shi.

The next day, Zhu Old Master lauded Hua Buqi for her cleverness, acknowledging his own concerns about having Dongfang Shi recuperating at their manor. He believed that with the authorities now involved, Dongfang Shi's family would find it difficult to press for the marriage, and Dong Ji's business would suffer due to the public outrage and unity among other merchants. Hua Buqi, delighted, then presented the annulment agreement signed by Dongfang Shi.

However, Zhu Old Master dampened her excitement by explaining that without a third-party witness or guarantor, the document was legally invalid, despite Dongfang Shi's fingerprint. He clarified that even for minor transactions, a middleman was crucial for a contract's validity, contrasting it with the original Dongfang-Zhu family agreement, which, though lacking a formal document, was upheld by honor. Hua Buqi was enraged to realize her efforts were for naught and understood why Dongfang Shi had signed the document so readily.

Later, Constable Li arrived to arrest Dongfang Shi based on Hua Buqi's accusations. However, Dongfang Shi denied the accusation, claiming he had spent the entire previous night at a brothel, offering numerous witnesses from the flower boats along Suzhou River to corroborate his alibi. He then counter-sued Hua Buqi for slander, accusing her of framing him, and sent a formal complaint to the local court, demanding her presence.

Hua Buqi, realizing her oversight in not having counter-evidence, was forced to accompany Constable Li to the court. News of the impending public confrontation spread quickly, drawing the attention of Yun Lang and Lin Dansha, who were dining nearby and decided to attend. At the court, the Magistrate, having accepted money from both sides, sought to reconcile the matter as a misunderstanding.

Dongfang Shi, however, refused to back down, persistently accusing Hua Buqi of arranging for someone to impersonate him and using Constable Li as a false witness. Zhu Fu, Hua Buqi's chief steward, intervened, explaining that a trespasser had indeed triggered their traps, and Constable Li was present because he had been asked to wait for the culprit's return. The Magistrate, hoping to put an end to the contentious case, declared it a misunderstanding and attempted to adjourn the court, but Dongfang Shi still protested.

Episode 31 Recap

Zhu Fu presented an indictment, suing Dongfang Shi for unfair business competition. Dongfang Shi made light remarks about Hua Buqi in court, which enraged Yun Lang, who was standing at the back of the crowd. Yun Lang immediately stepped forward, demanding Dongfang Shi stop verbally harassing her. Although Yun Lang was nearly caned for disturbing the court, he claimed to be Zhu Manor's lawyer and justified his outburst as defending his Lady.

Hua Buqi, having anticipated Dongfang Shi's cunning, had already arranged for Yuan Chong and Bai Jianfei to provide false testimony, insisting that Dongfang Shi was unfairly suppressing prices. Yuan Chong testified that Dongfang Shi's actions had prevented him from selling his northern goods. Realizing Hua Buqi had found witnesses he couldn't easily sway, Dongfang Shi was forced to back down and decided to close Dong Ji to resolve the matter. The court was then adjourned.

After court, Yun Lang approached Hua Buqi, eager to speak with her. However, recognizing it wasn't a suitable place for a private conversation, Hua Buqi feigned a sudden faint. Xiao Xia quickly interceded, explaining that her Lady had caught a cold and was unwell, and told Yun Lang to visit Zhu Manor later. Witnessing Yun Lang's profound devotion to Hua Buqi, Lin Dansha realized her hopes were lost.

She bid farewell to Yun Lang, tearfully walking out alone into the pouring rain. Yun Lang, concerned, followed her and offered his umbrella. Lin Dansha, heartbroken, told him he didn't need to be so kind to her if he didn't return her feelings, then decided to pack her belongings and return to the capital. Yun Lang pursued her from the inn, but ultimately hesitated, watching her carriage depart.

Back at Zhu Manor, Hua Buqi was troubled, knowing her identity as the true Lady of the manor could not be concealed much longer. Xiao Xia, Zhu Fu, and Zhu Shou warned her about the dangers posed by Dongfang Shi's continued schemes, and more critically, Madam Mo. They also cautioned her about Yun Lang.

They explained that if Madam Mo discovered Hua Buqi was not only alive but also in control of Zhu Manor's power, she would certainly make a move against them, as it was her usual ruthless style. Furthermore, given that Feiyun Fortress and Mo Manor were connected by marriage, and Fortress Master Yun was Madam Mo's brother, Feiyun Fortress would not stand idly by if Zhu Manor moved against Mo Manor.

Despite their warnings, Hua Buqi firmly stated her trust in Yun Lang, asserting that since he had kept her secret of faking her death, he would not harm her, and she would not put her guard up against him. To demonstrate her trust and to share her true identity, she decided to personally cook a meal for Yun Lang. Yun Lang arrived at Zhu Manor, and Hua Buqi cooked two fresh fish dishes for him.

She expressed her gratitude to him for keeping her secret and revealed that she was not the Seventh Prince's daughter, but the true granddaughter of the Zhu Manor, her grandfather's only bloodline. She mentioned that while other family matters were complex and private, she was thankful for his support. Yun Lang was genuinely happy to see her thriving and settled in her own home, telling her that as long as she was living a good life, it was enough.

He then brought up her past 10,000 taels reward for the Lotus Robe Knight, still believing it implied he was her poisoner. Hua Buqi clarified that the Lotus Robe Knight had not poisoned her; she had offered the reward to protect him from someone else who was trying to harm him. When Yun Lang pressed her about the actual poisoner, Hua Buqi was reluctant but eventually revealed it was Madam Mo.

Yun Lang was shocked and disbelieving, refusing to accept that his aunt would commit such an act. Hua Buqi recounted Madam Mo's hatred for her mother, leading to the massacre of Xue Manor, and later, Madam Mo's attempts to kill Hua Buqi herself when she entered Mo Manor. Hua Buqi explained she had kept it a secret to spare Yun Lang from being caught in the middle. Still unconvinced, Yun Lang decided he would confront Madam Mo directly.

Hua Buqi tried to stop him, fearing that if Madam Mo learned she was alive and in control of Zhu Manor, it would invite catastrophe for the Zhu family, but Yun Lang was resolute, vowing not to let his aunt harm her again. After leaving Zhu Manor in a visibly agitated state, Yun Lang was easily captured by Dongfang Shi, who used a golden needle to subdue him.

Lin Dansha, who was preparing to leave for the capital, was also captured and found herself imprisoned with Yun Lang. Dongfang Shi revealed his plan to his subordinate, Hei Feng: he intended to "matchmake" Yun Lang and Lin Dansha for Hua Buqi to witness, thereby retaliating against Hua Buqi and publicly humiliating her. Meanwhile, Dong Ji continued to undercut Zhu Manor's business with massive sales.

Zhu Shou explained that Dongfang Shi's plan to sell all his stock could last for a year, crippling Zhu Manor's finances. Hua Buqi proposed fighting fire with fire, suggesting Zhu Manor also lower prices to attract customers. However, Zhu Shou reminded her that Zhu Manor couldn't sustain such a prolonged price war.

When Hua Buqi asked for other quick money-making ideas, Zhu Shou suggested opening a gambling house, but Zhu Grand Master immediately dismissed it, unwilling to provoke Zhao Laosan, who controlled all gambling in Jiangnan. Just as they deliberated, Dongfang Shi arrived, claiming to have a method to help Zhu Manor earn money.

Hua Buqi suspected his motives, and indeed, Dongfang Shi offered 5,000 taels for a meal and 20,000 taels for a full day of his company, insisting he simply missed her and desired her presence. Zhu Shou, ignoring Hua Buqi's disdain, calculated the immense sums they could earn, remarking on her high "worth." Hua Buqi, though initially disgusted, found herself tempted by the money.

A letter then arrived from Dongping Commandery, announcing that the High Mountain Great Leaf Tea would reach Jiangnan before spring. Simultaneously, Chief Steward Fu received news that Liu Mingyue was dealing with desert bandits. Hua Buqi decided to personally go to Dongping Commandery to investigate Mingyue Villa and research local goods. Zhu Grand Master strongly objected, fearing the dangers of the region and that Dongfang Shi would inevitably follow her, where Zhu Manor's influence was weak.

Hua Buqi acknowledged the risks but came up with a plan: she would accept Dongfang Shi's offer to distract him, leading him to believe she was preoccupied with him and thus throwing him off her true intentions. She planned to make him spend money and feel humiliated in the process. Hua Buqi decided to invite her grandfather and several of her spirited "aunties" – known for their drinking prowess – to accompany them to dinner.

At the dinner, Hua Buqi feigned casualness, remarking that Dongfang Shi had only asked her to eat with him, not alone. Throughout the meal, her aunties repeatedly toasted Dongfang Shi, praising his handsomeness and elegant bearing, until he appeared utterly drunk. In his seemingly inebriated state, Dongfang Shi presented Hua Buqi with a jade pendant, claiming it was worth 50,000 taels, as payment for her immediate company on an outing.

Hua Buqi's grandfather worried, but Hua Buqi, convinced Dongfang Shi was genuinely drunk and no threat with Xiao Xia's protection, accepted. She saw it as an opportunity to perhaps extract information from him about the House of Dongfang's intentions. As they exited Zhu Manor, Dongfang Shi abruptly revealed he had been feigning drunkenness all along to trick her into leaving. He then insisted they share a horse.

Ever the shrewd businesswoman, Hua Buqi demanded an additional 10,000 taels for this arrangement, bringing the total to 60,000 taels, which Dongfang Shi readily agreed to. Hua Buqi made him promise to be respectful, extracting a vow from him: "If I break my word, I am a loathsome dog." She then instructed Xiao Xia to inform her grandfather that if she wasn't back by 'you' time (5:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m.

), he should seek her out at Dongfang Manor and ask "a loathsome dog." Dongfang Shi then conspicuously rode through the streets on one horse with Hua Buqi, drawing significant public attention and gossip. Onlookers speculated that Hua Buqi had been moved by Dongfang Shi's public declaration of love in court. Hua Buqi questioned why they were merely strolling the streets instead of sightseeing.

Dongfang Shi candidly revealed his true intention: to ensure Zhu Manor could never repay its debt, thereby forcing her into marriage, adding that the debt could not be repaid in her lifetime.

Episode 32 Recap

Dongfang Shi brought Hua Buqi to his room and, instead of answering her questions about his family's insistence on marrying a Zhu daughter, he directed her attention to a small hole in the wall. Through it, Hua Buqi saw Yun Lang and Lin Dansha confined in a secret room. Distraught, Hua Buqi cried out to Yun Lang and demanded their immediate release. Dongfang Shi, however, remained unconcerned, telling her she'd have to figure out how to open the door herself.

Hua Buqi, realizing her efforts were futile, fell to her knees, pleading with Dongfang Shi. She apologized for her past actions, vowing to comply with his wishes, and tearfully begged for the freedom of Yun Lang, her most cherished friend, expressing her unwillingness for him to suffer because of her. Dongfang Shi, observing her distress, asked if she feared the Lotus Robe Knight would be jealous.

He then, softened by her tears, stated that he had merely wanted her to watch a "show" and ordered Hei Feng to release Yun Lang and Lin Dansha. Hua Buqi confirmed she would keep the reason for their capture a secret, to which Dongfang Shi assured her he had achieved his purpose and would not harm them again. Soon after, Yun Lang awoke in a forest, finding a dazed Lin Dansha beside him, and quickly helped her up.

Hua Buqi watched them leave from a distance, relieved they were safe. When Dongfang Shi asked if she was at ease, Hua Buqi reminded him of his promise not to bother her friends again. Dongfang Shi reaffirmed his word, including his intention to marry her, which Hua Buqi immediately rejected, vowing never to marry him.

Dongfang Shi, amused by her defiance, called her a "girl hooligan" and insisted she belonged to him, as Dongfang family men are destined to marry a Zhu woman. Sending Hei Feng away, Dongfang Shi continued to spend time with Hua Buqi. During their playful arguments, Hua Buqi subtly retrieved a token from Dongfang Shi, surprised to find it was a badge from Prince of Cheng Manor, an institution long ago confiscated by the former emperor.

Finding Xiao Xia, Hua Buqi, enjoying her rare outing, asked her to accompany her for a walk. Later, on a busy street, danger loomed. Hei Yan, an assassin sent by Liu Mingyue, who had disfigured herself to hide her identity, shot an arrow at Hua Buqi. Xiao Xia quickly shielded Hua Buqi, holding her close and vehemently preventing Dongfang Shi from approaching, accusing him of orchestrating the attack.

Dongfang Shi, genuinely concerned for Hua Buqi, caught Hei Yan and demanded to know who sent her, but Hei Yan committed suicide without revealing anything. Dongfang Shi immediately ordered Hei Feng to withdraw all secret agents in Suzhou and intensify the search for the mastermind behind the assassination. Back at Zhu Manor, Old Master Zhu rushed to Hua Buqi's room upon hearing the news, only to find it empty.

Xiao Xia explained that Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou had already departed for Dongping Commandery. She revealed that Hua Buqi had deliberately agreed to the outing with Dongfang Shi and then staged the assassination attempt on their way back to create an illusion of injury. This allowed her to escape Dongfang Shi's constant surveillance and travel to Dongping Commandery, where she expected to earn at least three million taels of silver for the Zhu family.

Old Master Zhu was to maintain the pretense of Hua Buqi recuperating in the manor, forbidding visitors, to quell any suspicions Dongfang Shi might have. News of Hua Buqi's "injury" reached Yuan Chong, who hurried to Zhu Manor, relieved to find Xiao Xia unharmed. He informed her of his imminent return to the capital, where he intended to ask his father, the Capital City Garrison Commander, to propose marriage to Xiao Xia.

However, Xiao Xia firmly rejected him, stating she would never marry anyone. A disheartened Yuan Chong asked if she would at least see him off, but Xiao Xia, believing they had no future and needing to focus on her duties, gently refused, watching him leave with a heavy heart, reminiscing about their past interactions. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou, on their journey, decided to take a detour through Suizhou instead of heading directly to Dongping Commandery.

Hua Buqi, now calling herself Ah Zhu, explained to Zhu Shou that Dongfang Shi was too cunning, and she feared he would discover their true destination. By visiting various gambling houses in Suizhou and making some money, they would mislead him into thinking their purpose was merely to pay off debts. Hua Buqi also shared her concerns about the mysterious Dongfang family and their unusual insistence on marrying a Zhu daughter.

She revealed she had stolen the Prince of Cheng's imperial badge from Dongfang Shi and intended to question the Prince of Dongping about it, as a royal member might know its secrets. That night, despite the increased security and traps, Dongfang Shi covertly entered Zhu Manor, easily bypassing the defenses. He eventually found Xiao Xia, who confronted him, denying him access and accusing him again.

Dongfang Shi maintained his innocence regarding the assassination attempt, asserting that if he truly wished to harm Hua Buqi, he would have done so without resistance. He expressed distrust in the Zhu family's doctor and his desire to personally examine her. Xiao Xia fiercely refused, informing him that Hua Buqi had been moved to a safer location by Old Master Zhu and wished never to see him again.

Unable to find Hua Buqi or get details on her condition, Dongfang Shi left the manor in a rage, vowing not to grant Hua Buqi's wish. Hei Feng then reported that the assassin's belongings offered no clues and that the arrow's trajectory pointed to the second floor of Jubaozhai.

Dongfang Shi, recalling seeing Zhu Manor's secret guards jumping from that very spot, deduced that Hua Buqi had likely not been injured at all and that the entire incident was a cleverly orchestrated ruse. The following day, Dongfang Shi observed Xiao Xia secretly bidding farewell to Yuan Chong. He confronted Xiao Xia, threatening Yuan Chong's safety if she did not reveal Hua Buqi's true location.

Under duress, Xiao Xia falsely claimed Hua Buqi had gone to the capital to earn money. Dongfang Shi dismissed this, recognizing it as a lie. He deduced that Hua Buqi had gone to the capital, possibly to seek out the Lotus Robe Knight and investigate the matter of the Prince of Cheng's imperial badge.

He ordered portraits of Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou to be distributed to all his establishments across different counties and provinces, instructing his men to search for them. Dongfang Shi then decided to personally travel to the capital with Hei Feng, acknowledging that it might be a trap but embracing the challenge, finding Hua Buqi's schemes intriguing.

Meanwhile, Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou arrived at the One Tael Gambling House in Suizhou, which Hua Buqi admired as the city's premier gambling establishment. After winning some quick money, they were invited to a private room. Hua Buqi, introducing herself as Sima Shou from the "House of Sima," explained her purpose was to sell a unique gambling device.

She unveiled a design draft of a "Great Wheel of Fortune," detailing its mechanics and various betting options, emphasizing its fairness and novelty compared to traditional dice games. She offered to sell the blueprint for 500,000 taels, convincing the manager that such an innovative item deserved a prominent place in his famous gambling house.

Episode 33 Recap

Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou, operating under the alias "Sima," successfully sold a newly designed gambling device known as the "Great Wheel of Fortune" to Manager Qi of Yiliang Gambling House, securing a payment of 500,000 taels. Manager Qi, initially hesitant about the price, was convinced by Hua Buqi's explanation of the game's profit potential and its exclusivity to his establishment. Delighted with their earnings, Hua Buqi encouraged Zhu Shou to invent more such devices.

Zhu Shou, however, explained the rarity of creating truly popular new gambling methods, noting that his "Great Wheel of Fortune" took him a decade to perfect, though he praised Hua Buqi's own inventive potential. Shortly after their departure, a servant of Dongfang Shi arrived at the gambling house with portraits of Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou, instructing Manager Qi to locate them.

Manager Qi recognized the pair as "Sima Shou and his sidekick" and immediately dispatched men to pursue them, but Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou had already vanished. Yun Lang escorted Lin Dansha back to Mo Manor. He initially intended to proceed to Suzhou to confront Dongfang Shi, but Lin Dansha persuaded him to visit the Mo Manor first, as he also had matters to discuss with Mo Ruofei.

Mo Ruofei greeted Yun Lang warmly, expressing his relief and concern over Yun Lang's six-month disappearance, which had caused much worry for him and his uncle. Yun Lang offered a vague explanation, stating he had merely been "wandering around in the south." Madam Mo then raised the issue of Yun Lang and Lin Dansha's private engagement, disapproving of such arrangements without parental consent.

As Madam Mo spoke, Yun Lang was visibly disturbed, recalling Hua Buqi's past accusation that Madam Mo had poisoned her out of hatred, stemming from the Old Master Mo's affection for Hua Buqi's mother and the subsequent massacre of the Xue family. Yun Lang confirmed he would marry Lin Dansha despite Madam Mo's objections. Mo Ruofei then led Yun Lang to his room. There, Yun Lang confronted Mo Ruofei directly, questioning him about Hua Buqi's poisoning.

He revealed his knowledge that the Lotus Robe Knight was not the culprit and accused Mo Ruofei of being aware that Madam Mo was the true poisoner, condemning his ruthlessness. Shocked, Mo Ruofei asked how Yun Lang had discovered this and, more urgently, if Hua Buqi was still alive. Yun Lang, determined to keep Hua Buqi's survival a secret from him, vehemently insisted that she was dead, holding Mo Ruofei and his mother responsible for her demise.

He sternly warned that if they were not family, he would report them to the authorities. Mo Ruofei, filled with guilt over his negligence, pleaded for Hua Buqi's whereabouts, swearing he would protect her if she were truly alive. Yun Lang, however, refused to relent, advising Mo Ruofei and Madam Mo to read sutras and pray for Hua Buqi if they felt any shame.

After Yun Lang left, Mo Ruofei, deeply unsettled by the possibility of Hua Buqi's survival, secretly instructed Jiansheng to covertly investigate Hua Buqi's whereabouts in the Jiangnan region, emphasizing that his mother must remain unaware of this search. Later, Lin Yuquan gave Lin Dansha a poison-delaying medicine, remarking on the unusual nature of their poisoner's methods.

They discussed how Xiao Jiufeng had previously ordered them to remain at Mo Manor to monitor its activities, promising an antidote once he gained control. Lin Yuquan found it odd that Xiao Jiufeng had not given them any new missions since Hua Buqi's supposed death. Lin Dansha, however, was resolute, declaring her intention to kill Xiao Jiufeng and avenge their father, Lin Mantang, when the day of their cure arrived.

When Lin Yuquan inquired about her relationship with Yun Lang, she sadly confessed that she had given up on him. Just then, Yun Lang arrived at their door and, in Lin Yuquan's presence, announced his intention to marry Lin Dansha after the new year, promising to send betrothal gifts and treat her well. Lin Yuquan readily agreed to the union.

Overjoyed, Lin Dansha asked Yun Lang if he was marrying her purely out of a sense of responsibility, given an implied intimacy between them. Yun Lang affirmed his commitment to responsibility and good treatment. Lin Dansha then confessed that she knew his heart still harbored thoughts of Hua Buqi, but she only needed one chance to be by his side.

She then presented Yun Lang with her personal safety amulet from Yaoling Manor, wishing him perpetual safety and freedom from worry. Yun Lang accepted the amulet, expressing his gratitude. He then told Lin Dansha he would return to Feiyun to inform his father, advising her to rest at Mo Manor. He also mentioned that he would no longer pursue Dongfang Shi without evidence, as he had other pressing matters.

At Mingyue Villa, Liu Qingwu orchestrated an elaborate charade with her servant Ping'er, feigning intense suffering from a golden needle relapse. This performance was specifically for Manager Qing, who was spying. Manager Qing, convinced by her agony, expressed concern and suggested he report her condition to Liu Mingyue, implying a potential cure. Liu Qingwu allowed him to leave, satisfied that her "performance" was convincing.

Manager Qing reported Liu Qingwu's severe pain to Liu Mingyue, also mentioning that other subordinates were maintaining a neutral stance between the two. Liu Mingyue, filled with murderous intent towards Liu Qingwu, then instructed Manager Qing to offer Liu Qingwu a cure but stipulate a solitary meeting at a location of Liu Mingyue's choosing, specifically a cave, where she planned to have her killed.

Afterward, Liu Mingyue visited Liu Qingyan, who was recovering from her injuries, and began treating her with golden needles, explaining it would accelerate her healing and prevent further harm. Liu Qingyan, feigning gratitude for the treatment, subtly probed Liu Mingyue about her past, recalling details Mo Ruofei had shared about the Xue Manor. Liu Mingyue recounted meeting Xiao Jiufeng as a teenager, learning martial arts at a Buddhist nunnery, and how his guidance accelerated her progress.

Liu Qingyan then asked if Liu Mingyue had avenged the humiliation she suffered at the hands of the Xue family. Liu Mingyue fiercely declared her resolve to make those who wronged her pay a hundredfold, graphically detailing how she had killed the Xue family's son to make the elder Xue experience the agony of watching his child die.

Liu Qingyan, connecting this to Mo Ruofei's account of the Xue family massacre and the abduction of twin sisters with distinct green birthmarks, grimly realized the truth about her own parentage. To avoid suspicion, Liu Qingyan feigned intense agreement with Liu Mingyue's actions, even encouraging more ruthlessness.

Unaware of Liu Qingyan's true feelings, Liu Mingyue revealed Liu Qingwu's betrayal and her plan to eliminate her, then ordered Liu Qingyan to impersonate Liu Qingwu to get close to Chen Yu after the assassination. Liu Qingyan feigned agreement, but inwardly, her lingering gratitude towards Liu Mingyue, which had prompted her feigned injury to return, completely dissipated, replaced by resentment.

When Liu Qingwu arrived at the designated cave, she was met not by Liu Mingyue, but by guards who delayed her, stating they needed to observe her first. Realizing Liu Mingyue's complete distrust, she immediately fired a signal flare. Chen Yu and his men, who had been following her, promptly arrived as Manager Qing and Liu Mingyue's forces attacked Liu Qingwu, explicitly confirming Liu Mingyue's order to kill her for her perceived betrayal.

Chen Yu bravely fought off the attackers and rescued Liu Qingwu, who, wounded, claimed the weapons were poisoned and that she was dying. She then boldly asked Chen Yu if he had ever harbored feelings for anyone other than Hua Buqi, to which he firmly replied, "None." She pressed him further, asking if he still considered her a "ruthless and sinister person blinded by greed" after she had seemingly betrayed Liu Mingyue for his sake.

Chen Yu admitted that he initially harbored such thoughts but, having come to know her, now saw her as "just a pitiful person," much like Hua Buqi, regretting that she had not grown up in a normal family. It was then that Chen Yu also admitted to Liu Qingwu that he was the Lotus Robe Knight, a fact she had long suspected.

Liu Qingwu, expressing her desire to remain by his side, lamented her alleged impending death and the missed opportunity for him to love her. When Chen Yu moved to find Medical Sage Yi, Liu Qingwu tried to stop him, confessing that he couldn't "see me just as a friend forever." Chen Yu urged her to maintain her dignity and to not act "like this in the future."

Medical Sage Yi, upon examining Liu Qingwu, found no signs of poisoning, only general weakness and a loss of blood and qi. Liu Qingwu feigned surprise, claiming she had felt needle-like pains in her chest. Chen Yu did not expose her deception. Liu Qingwu then speculated that Liu Mingyue was likely hiding with the elusive sand bandits, whose constantly moving camps and widespread network of spies made them incredibly difficult to locate.

Determined to find their stronghold, Chen Yu decided to venture alone into the desert, reasoning that even in such a desolate environment, traces of human activity would be left. He refused Liu Qingwu's offer to accompany him, citing the increased risk of exposure, and urged her to focus on her recovery. Liu Qingwu confessed her lifelong loneliness and appreciation for his current care, but Chen Yu gently reiterated his stance, stating he only saw her as a friend.

Undeterred, Liu Qingwu declared her conviction that he would eventually fall in love with her. Chen Yu then instructed his subordinates to prepare for his solo journey into the desert and to rendezvous with him later in Shicheng, explaining his plan to uncover the bandits' defenses for General Guan to then eliminate them, thus resolving a long-standing problem for Xizhou.

Dongfang Shi, informed by Manager Qi about Hua Buqi's ingenuity, was surprised to learn she had sold a new gambling device for 500,000 taels at his Yiliang Gambling House. Manager Qi further reported that Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou had traveled north across the river towards Dengzhou, and that his contacts there had been alerted.

Impressed by Hua Buqi's skill in turning his family's businesses into a means for her own profit, Dongfang Shi decided to travel to Dengzhou to find "that Zhu brat." Meanwhile, Hua Buqi shared a new gambling idea with Zhu Shou, a variation of "Drawing Lots to Shoot Fortune" that involved participants choosing seven numbers from a set, with prizes for matching six or seven.

She envisioned it as a widespread, affordable lottery that could appeal to everyone from commoners to wealthy merchants, potentially expanding nationwide and generating immense profits. Zhu Shou, however, pointed out a critical flaw: unlike the "Great Wheel of Fortune," her method lacked any proprietary secret. He cautioned that if government entities, such as the Prince of Jing or even the Emperor, adopted the idea, the House of Zhu, as mere businessmen, would be unable to compete.

He concluded that her brilliant idea would likely only be viable for about a month before being taken over by the authorities, stating that "since time immemorial, the people should never fight against the government." Hua Buqi, disheartened, dismissed her idea as a "waste of time," but Zhu Shou quickly encouraged her, praising her talent as a businesswoman and urging her to continue developing new concepts. Though still reluctant, Hua Buqi agreed, and they decided to continue their journey, heading towards the Longhu Hotel.

Episode 34 Recap

Dongfang Shi and Hei Feng divided their paths to search for Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi, confident in his martial arts skills, brushed off Hei Feng's concerns about his safety, while Hei Feng cautiously mentioned the possibility of Hua Buqi seeking out the Lotus Robe Knight. Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou arrived at the Longhu Hotel, an establishment uniquely situated in the desert, operating both a gambling den and a brothel.

Hua Buqi was impressed by the hotel's resilient owner, Jin Xianyu, who also ran an intelligence network, selling information to officials, bandits, and local outlaws, allowing her to thrive by pleasing all sides. Hua Buqi playfully suggested Jin Xianyu would be a suitable wife for Zhu Shou, a notion that visibly terrified him. Jin Xianyu, an old acquaintance of Zhu Shou, soon greeted them, complimenting Hua Buqi's beauty and mistaking her for a pretty young man or a "little wife."

Zhu Shou quickly clarified that Hua Buqi was his sister. They planned to stay for one night before continuing their journey to Xichu Province, and Jin Xianyu graciously offered them free wine and high-quality rooms. Later that night, Dongfang Shi arrived at the Longhu Hotel and showed Jin Xianyu portraits of Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou. Jin Xianyu lied, claiming she had not seen them, and arranged a room for Dongfang Shi.

Shortly after, Jin Xianyu secretly went to Zhu Shou's room to warn him about Dongfang Shi's presence and his search for them. Zhu Shou, recognizing Dongfang Shi's persistence, gave Jin Xianyu a generous sum of gold leaves and asked for her help to escape. Jin Xianyu then led Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou through a secret tunnel, guiding them out of the inn and into the desert.

However, once they were out of sight, Jin Xianyu instructed her henchman to inform "Third Master" about "two profitable targets" heading his way, citing past losses to Zhu Shou as her motivation, but also advising them to be gentle, as they were "friends." Meanwhile, Dongfang Shi, having discovered the secret tunnel, confronted Jin Xianyu. He ruthlessly broke her finger and forced her to reveal the truth about Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou's escape and their intended destination.

Elsewhere, Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou arrived at another inn. Exhausted, Hua Buqi immediately fell asleep. Zhu Shou soon realized that this inn was a trap set by "Third Master" and his men. He quickly woke Hua Buqi, urging her to take some money and flee while he stayed behind to distract their captors. Zhu Shou, using silver coins as weapons, bravely negotiated with Third Master.

He offered a hefty ransom of 500,000 taels for their release, threatening to kill himself if his terms were not met, which would leave Third Master with no money at all. As Zhu Shou began to write the ransom letter, Dongfang Shi burst into the room, holding the injured Jin Xianyu captive. The unexpected intrusion startled Third Master. Seizing the opportunity, Zhu Shou made a quick escape. Dongfang Shi learned that Hua Buqi had already fled and was safe.

He then immediately demanded the fastest horse available to pursue Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi swiftly caught up with Hua Buqi. Initially, Hua Buqi wanted to hide from him, surprised that he had found her again. During their conversation, Hua Buqi discovered that not only was the Yiliang Gambling House his family's property, but also the largest brothel in Suzhou, and even the Zhu family owed money to the Dongfang family, leaving her in awe of their immense wealth.

Hua Buqi returned the Prince of Cheng's badge to Dongfang Shi, who explained it was a family heirloom, a gift from the Prince of Cheng in appreciation for the Dongfang family's help during a difficult time. Hua Buqi confessed her plan to go to Xiaojin Ku, the largest gambling house in Xichu Province, to earn money. She requested Dongfang Shi's help to rescue Zhu Shou from the gangster inn, offering 10,000 taels.

Dongfang Shi, after some playful teasing about her stinginess, informed her that Zhu Shou had already managed to escape and was safe. Dongfang Shi then warned Hua Buqi about the treacherous nature of the vast and boundless Xichu Desert, recounting his previous two journeys through it with his grandfather and offering to be her guide, emphasizing the danger of bandits if she strayed from him. Despite his warnings, they soon found themselves lost, having circled back to their starting point.

Dongfang Shi suggested they wait for nightfall to navigate by the Big Dipper. Hua Buqi realized that her water and dried provisions were all with Zhu Shou. Dongfang Shi, taking a deliberate drink from his own water pouch, observed her thirst. He then offered his water to her for 100,000 taels or if she would "flirt" with him. Hua Buqi was astonished by his cunning business sense even in their desperate situation.

Refusing to succumb to his terms, she began to dig for water from plant roots, recalling Uncle Jiu's lessons on finding water in arid regions. Seeing her stubborn determination, Dongfang Shi eventually relented and gave her his water, though not without one last playful jab about her unwillingness to flirt. Later, as they rested, Hua Buqi, overcome with exhaustion, fell asleep. When Dongfang Shi reached out to touch her, she instinctively reacted by aiming her crossbow at him.

She apologized, explaining that her heightened vigilance was a reflex from being constantly pursued by assassins. Dongfang Shi, understanding her plight, told her to rest, assuring her he would protect her. Hua Buqi found herself seeing a more considerate side to Dongfang Shi, but quickly reminded herself of his past misdeeds, such as poisoning Yun Lang. Suddenly, Hua Buqi was stung by a poisonous insect.

Without hesitation, Dongfang Shi personally sucked the venom from her leg, causing his lips to swell noticeably. He then lightened the mood by joking about his swollen lips, calling them "sausage lips," which made Hua Buqi burst into laughter. Still lost in the desert, Hua Buqi questioned if they could find food, while Dongfang Shi playfully suggested catching and roasting a snake, admitting he hadn't had one in a long time.

Hua Buqi, however, was more concerned about their dwindling water supply, which also contained sand, and the looming threat of becoming dried corpses in the vast desert. Dongfang Shi then mused, "Even though we were not born on the same day, maybe we can die on the same day together." Meanwhile, Afu and his sister approached the entrance of Biluotian, closely monitored by the Emperor's guards.

Afu, who had stolen half of Xiao Jiufeng's map, planned to exploit the inevitable conflict between the Emperor's forces and Xiao Jiufeng's anticipated ambush to create an opportunity to access Biluotian. Concurrently, Xiao Jiufeng received news that the Emperor's people were nearing Gui Valley. He immediately ordered his subordinate, "Big Bearded Ma," to prepare an ambush in the surrounding woods to intercept them.

Episode 35 Recap

Hua Buqi and Dongfang Shi found themselves with dwindling water supplies in the desert and began following a snake, hoping it would lead them to more resources. Dongfang Shi suggested that although they couldn't be born on the same day, they might die together, a notion Hua Buqi found utterly unappealing, especially the idea of being found as "lovers who faced the same fate."

Following the snake's path, they discovered an oasis with water and an abundance of fruits, enough to sustain them out of the desert. After gathering the fruits, Dongfang Shi went to scout their route, while Hua Buqi rested. Unbeknownst to them, a sand bandit had been observing their movements and secretly drugged their water.

Dongfang Shi later returned, and Hua Buqi teased him about his habit of snoring, grinding teeth, and farting while asleep, to which he retorted that she was the one who would suffer from it. Dongfang Shi then observed Hua Buqi as she slept, privately musing on his desire to be eternally trapped with her in the desert, confident she would eventually return his affection given his many admirable qualities.

Hua Buqi later awoke to find Dongfang Shi had been awake, and, upon his explanation that he was protecting her from the desert's dangers like sandstorms, she felt a flicker of gratitude. She then offered him water, which he initially refused, finding its muddy taste unappetizing compared to Suzhou's spring water. Their playful argument over the water ensued, and he grudgingly took a small sip.

Hua Buqi blamed him for her earlier misfortunes, including being separated from Zhu Shou, to which Dongfang Shi explained that Jin Xianyu of the Longhu Hotel was in league with the treacherous inn where she got lost. He asserted that if he hadn't followed her, she would have been stranded in the desert alone, making her plight even worse.

He then prompted her to feed him fruit, which she mischievously stuffed into his mouth, making him choke and reach for the water. While Hua Buqi and Dongfang Shi were bickering, Chen Yu suddenly appeared on horseback, surprising Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi immediately grew suspicious, pulling Hua Buqi back and warning her that a lone person in the desert was likely a bandit. Chen Yu, however, explained his presence was to exterminate the numerous bandits plaguing the area.

Hua Buqi, delighted to see him, quickly defended him, noting his refined appearance and suggesting he was a knight, much like her favorite, the Lotus Robe Knight. Dongfang Shi, consumed by jealousy, lamented not having posed as a chivalrous knight himself. Hua Buqi then, pretending not to know Chen Yu, asked him to take her to Xichu Province, claiming she had been separated from her family by bandits and subsequently got lost with "this hooligan," referring to Dongfang Shi.

Dongfang Shi retorted angrily, both at being called a hooligan and at Hua Buqi's apparent gullibility, dismissing Chen Yu's story as a lie given the vast number of bandits. Hua Buqi further inflamed Dongfang Shi's jealousy by declaring Chen Yu more elegant and handsome. Noticing their disheveled state, Chen Yu deduced they had been lost for days and offered them his own provisions of water and dry food, volunteering to guide them out of the desert.

Dongfang Shi, ever suspicious, doubted Chen Yu's altruism and insisted he sample the provisions first. Hua Buqi, however, quickly took a drink, praising its clear and sweet taste, and further irked Dongfang Shi by accepting Chen Yu's generosity without hesitation. Dongfang Shi, reluctantly accepting Chen Yu's offer, reciprocated by offering him fruits, provocatively stating they were picked by him and his "wife," Hua Buqi.

Hua Buqi immediately denied being his wife, reiterating their agreement was merely a debt to be repaid. Chen Yu, witnessing their bickering, suggested they begin their journey out of the desert that night. Hua Buqi readily agreed, eager to leave with Chen Yu. Dongfang Shi, after a brief confrontation with Chen Yu that tested their martial skills, realized Hua Buqi's determination to go with Chen Yu and begrudgingly agreed to join them.

Dongfang Shi introduced himself, Chen Yu used his alias "Ru Qing," and Hua Buqi introduced herself as "Zhu Zhu." As they rested for the night, Hua Buqi sought conversation with Chen Yu. Dongfang Shi, however, was overcome with jealousy and aggressively sat between them, declaring Hua Buqi his fiancée to prevent her from "flirting." He even threatened Chen Yu with snake-attracting powder if provoked.

Chen Yu calmly countered that true commitment required mutual affection, a sentiment Hua Buqi openly agreed with, confirming Dongfang Shi's love was one-sided. Dongfang Shi dismissed this, claiming Hua Buqi was only being nice to Chen Yu to anger him. Hua Buqi then moved closer to Chen Yu, lamenting her lack of meat for days.

Chen Yu, in response, subtly hinted at their shared past by recounting a story about his "wife" eating mice when hungry and how he once stole chicken legs for her, a clear emotional appeal to Hua Buqi. Misunderstanding the context, Dongfang Shi angrily pulled Hua Buqi away, accusing Chen Yu of being a married "pervert" trying to trick innocent girls. He then passionately vowed to treat Hua Buqi right and protect her if she chose him.

Hua Buqi, however, responded with a cold laugh, reminding him of the suffering his family had inflicted, specifically mentioning his past threats involving Yun Lang. While acknowledging his recent care and the risk he took to detoxify her, she firmly stated her heart belonged to another and that the Dongfang family's debt of a life made their union impossible, urging him to return home.

Dongfang Shi, refusing to leave her side, insisted he would only depart once she was safely in Xichu Province. As they rested for the night, Chen Yu subtly informed Hua Buqi that he had acquired strong sedatives from bandits and suggested they find a chance to drug Dongfang Shi.

After Dongfang Shi had seemingly gone to sleep, Chen Yu then subtly instructed Hua Buqi to swap his blanket with Dongfang Shi's, as he had detected snake-attracting powder on Dongfang Shi's blanket. Later, Dongfang Shi woke up amidst a swarm of snakes and was forced to kill them. Realizing Chen Yu's ruse, Dongfang Shi confronted him.

Chen Yu, however, feigned innocence, claiming he had kindly provided Dongfang Shi with a thicker blanket and accused Dongfang Shi of sinister intentions for putting powder on his own blanket. Hua Buqi sided with Chen Yu, further irritating Dongfang Shi. When Dongfang Shi refused to lend Chen Yu his blanket, Hua Buqi offered to share hers, leading to an even more jealous Dongfang Shi. Recalling Hua Buqi's earlier desire for meat, Dongfang Shi roasted a snake to tempt her.

Hua Buqi, however, deliberately critiqued his cooking as burnt and unappetizing, then, in complicity with Chen Yu, feigned disgust and refused to eat it, claiming she was saving her appetite for a restaurant Chen Yu had mentioned in Dongping Commandery. The following day, they discovered a refreshing oasis. Hua Buqi, tired of the desert grime, requested that Chen Yu and Dongfang Shi turn their backs while she bathed, promising she would not be long.

Both men initially objected, citing safety concerns and propriety, but Hua Buqi insisted, arguing her body itched. After much debate and a near physical confrontation between the two men over who would guard her, Hua Buqi, exasperated, ordered them both to cover their eyes and stand guard, threatening severe consequences if they peeked. While they complied, Hua Buqi seized the opportunity to add the sedative Chen Yu had acquired to Dongfang Shi's water supply.

Soon after, Liu Qingwu arrived, intentionally falling from her horse and feigning injury to gain Chen Yu's attention. Chen Yu, revealing his true name "Zhangqing" to Liu Qingwu, rushed to her side, expressing deep concern for her unhealed wound and questioning why she had ventured into the desert. Liu Qingwu, ignoring his discomfort, spoke of her desire to help him and how she couldn't stop thinking about him.

Witnessing Chen Yu's attentiveness to Liu Qingwu, and realizing his true identity, Hua Buqi, consumed by jealousy, impulsively embraced Dongfang Shi and declared him her "future husband" to Liu Qingwu's face. Liu Qingwu seemed to recognize Hua Buqi, calling her by her real name, but Chen Yu quickly interjected, presenting Hua Buqi as "Miss Zhu," a lost girl he was helping. Chen Yu then requested Hua Buqi to assist Liu Qingwu to the river to clean her wound, which Hua Buqi promptly did, abandoning Dongfang Shi to help her rival.

Episode 36 Recap

Hua Buqi escorted Liu Qingwu to the river to cleanse her wounds. While there, Liu Qingwu attempted to provoke Hua Buqi, who cleverly evaded her questions. Instead, Hua Buqi inquired about Liu Qingwu’s relationship with Chen Yu. Liu Qingwu then embellished her account, claiming that after being shot in the chest for "Zhangqing," they ended up in a cave where he treated her wound and "gently tore up my dress," implying an intimate encounter.

She also boasted about living in his manor for an extended period, where he was “very caring” towards her daily, and everyone regarded them as a couple. Liu Qingwu further asserted that Chen Yu would marry her once his current official duties were complete. Moreover, she claimed to be the new master of Mingyue Villa, a position Chen Yu helped her achieve, strongly suggesting his devotion.

Hua Buqi sarcastically acknowledged Chen Yu's capabilities in helping her ascend to the villa master position. Meanwhile, Dongfang Shi conversed with Chen Yu, noting that Chen Yu’s heart seemed to belong to someone else. He suspected Chen Yu had known "Zhu brat" (Hua Buqi) for a while, as her jealousy towards Liu Qingwu indicated a deeper connection than a day.

Dongfang Shi also deduced that Chen Yu might be the famed Lotus Robe Knight, given "Zhu brat's" admiration for the knight and Chen Yu's martial prowess. Chen Yu denied this, claiming his skills weren't up to par. Dongfang Shi, however, stated that since Chen Yu harbored feelings for "Zhu brat," he couldn't allow him to live.

Chen Yu retorted that killing all rivals wouldn't win a woman's heart, but Dongfang Shi firmly believed that by being the sole person good to Hua Buqi, he could eventually win her affection. To further annoy Chen Yu and Hua Buqi, Dongfang Shi falsely claimed that Chen Yu had "another ten beautiful women like her in Xichu Province," much to Hua Buqi’s irritation and Chen Yu’s anger.

As their journey continued, Liu Qingwu feigned a leg injury, claiming she couldn't ride a horse and wished to ride with Chen Yu. Fearing Hua Buqi's potential misunderstanding, Chen Yu asked Hua Buqi to share a horse with Liu Qingwu, which Hua Buqi readily accepted. However, Dongfang Shi slyly caused Liu Qingwu to fall from the horse. Chen Yu, concerned, helped Liu Qingwu onto his own horse.

Seeing their proximity, a jealous Hua Buqi pretended to suffer from heatstroke, hoping to ride with Chen Yu. But Dongfang Shi insisted on sharing his horse with Hua Buqi. On horseback with Chen Yu, Liu Qingwu noted "Miss Zhu's" resemblance to "Hua Buqi" and asked Chen Yu if he liked her. Chen Yu admitted, "Yes, I like her," but Liu Qingwu declared she would not give up pursuing him.

Witnessing Hua Buqi's deep concern for Chen Yu, Dongfang Shi became even more convinced that Chen Yu was indeed the Lotus Robe Knight. Upon reaching an inn, Hua Buqi, annoyed by Liu Qingwu's persistent pestering of Chen Yu, arranged for the best available medicines for Liu Qingwu’s treatment by Dongfang Shi. Later, Hua Buqi confronted Chen Yu privately, demanding to know the true nature of his relationship with Liu Qingwu, puzzled by his attentive care for her.

Chen Yu explained that he received secret imperial orders to investigate Biluotian, which was intricately linked to Mingyue Villa. He stated that Liu Qingwu served as a crucial lead, necessitating their "collaboration." He denied any romantic feelings, emphasizing it was a "one-sided" infatuation from Liu Qingwu’s part. He further clarified that Liu Qingwu's severe injury was a direct consequence of protecting him, thus he couldn't abandon her.

Hua Buqi, however, accused him of being intimate with Liu Qingwu after her injury, echoing Liu Qingwu's earlier claims about rolling into a cave and Chen Yu treating her wound by touching her body. Chen Yu admitted to treating her wound in an emergency, but Hua Buqi was furious, reminding him that Liu Qingwu was Uncle Jiu’s killer. She insisted that Chen Yu take her away, expressing her hatred when she heard Liu Qingwu affectionately call him "Zhangqing."

Chen Yu refused to leave Liu Qingwu in her critical condition, explaining that Liu Qingwu had acted under orders, and Liu Mingyue was the true enemy. Overwhelmed with anger, Hua Buqi attempted to attack Liu Qingwu, but Chen Yu intervened, getting accidentally wounded in the process. Looking into her eyes, Chen Yu confessed that he could not evade her.

He then promised Hua Buqi that once the matters of Biluotian were resolved, he would retire with her to the wilderness, leading a "leisure and carefree life" and even having "sons and daughters." Hua Buqi, deeply moved and trusting his words, embraced and kissed him. After treating Liu Qingwu, Dongfang Shi informed Chen Yu that her condition remained unstable and required someone to watch over her throughout the night for her to fully recover.

Chen Yu reluctantly agreed to stay by Liu Qingwu's side. Hua Buqi, alone in her room, spent the night consumed by anxiety, wondering what Chen Yu and Liu Qingwu were doing and whether Chen Yu would resist temptation, ultimately deciding against checking on them to avoid appearing petty. Unbeknownst to Hua Buqi, Liu Qingwu had already made a pact with Dongfang Shi, where he sought Hua Buqi and she desired Chen Yu.

That night, Liu Qingwu used a sedative on Chen Yu. The next morning, Dongfang Shi deliberately led Hua Buqi to Chen Yu’s room. There, Hua Buqi witnessed Chen Yu seemingly sharing a bed with Liu Qingwu, causing her to break down in tears and flee. Dongfang Shi pursued her, comforting her as she cried. Observing Hua Buqi’s heartbreak, he further solidified his belief that Chen Yu was the Lotus Robe Knight.

Hua Buqi, distraught, lashed out at Chen Yu, calling him disloyal and sneaky. Feeling thirsty, she drank from Dongfang Shi’s water bottle, unaware it contained a sedative she had placed there earlier to drug him. Dongfang Shi, equally unaware, also drank from it, and both soon fell unconscious. A sand bandit named Sha Shu, who had been trailing them for days, seized the opportunity, stealing their valuables and abducting Hua Buqi, finding her to be "adorable."

Chen Yu awoke to find himself in bed with Liu Qingwu. After Liu Qingwu feigned concern, he questioned her about the previous night, recalling hazy memories. Liu Qingwu feigned innocence, suggesting Dongfang Shi might have tampered with the bed during his treatment. Chen Yu, upon checking for Hua Buqi and Dongfang Shi, learned from the innkeeper that Hua Buqi had left upset that morning, followed by Dongfang Shi, approximately half a day ago.

Realizing Liu Qingwu’s deception, Chen Yu confronted her, and she admitted to spreading the sedative powder, claiming it was out of love. Chen Yu immediately terminated their collaboration, ordering her to return to Xichu and promising to overlook her actions. Liu Qingwu confessed her love for him and, in desperation, revealed that "Zhu Zhu is Hua Buqi" and accused them of being siblings, reminding him of the scandal at the Mo Manor.

Chen Yu, however, firmly declared that Hua Buqi was not his father's daughter, thus they were "not related," and reaffirmed his love for her, stunning Liu Qingwu. Chen Yu quickly rode off to find Hua Buqi. He eventually found only an unconscious Dongfang Shi. Realizing the danger Hua Buqi was in, they both mounted a single horse, determined to rescue her. Meanwhile, Liu Mingyue was discussing the Mingyue Villa with her subordinate.

She planned to have a recovered Liu Qingyan impersonate Liu Qingwu to infiltrate the villa and eliminate her. At the same time, the sand bandits brought Hua Buqi to their mountain cave. The bandit leader, Ma Dahuzi, expressed his desire to take advantage of Hua Buqi. Thinking quickly, Hua Buqi claimed to be the Lady of the House of Sima from Jiangnan, offering a ransom of one million taels of silver for her release.

Impressed by the substantial sum, Ma Dahuzi, despite some initial skepticism about her identity, decided to believe her, ordering his men to hold her captive until the ransom was delivered. Alone in her cell, Hua Buqi worried whether anyone knew she was there or if help would ever arrive. She also inquired about Dongfang Shi, learning from Sha Shu that he was left behind due to his martial arts skills.

Episode 37 Recap

Chen Yu and Dongfang Shi set up a trap in the desert to capture a bandit scout, forcing him to lead them to the bandit base. Dongfang Shi expressed frustration that the bandits took two days to make their move. Chen Yu questioned the scout about a girl who had recently entered their base. The scout claimed he was only responsible for desert surveillance and knew nothing about the camp itself.

When Chen Yu threatened to kill him, the scout relented and agreed to guide them, warning that their base had thousands of people who could easily overwhelm them. Chen Yu dismissed his warning. Meanwhile, inside the bandit cave, Hua Buqi, who had introduced herself as Miss Sima from the Sima family specializing in gambling, presented Big Beard Ma with a diagram of a "Wheel of Fortune."

She explained that her family had spent over a decade developing such equipment, guaranteeing a 90% win rate, which would ensure all his subordinates' money would flow into his pockets. Big Beard Ma initially suspected she was offering it as collateral because she couldn't afford her one million taels bail. Hua Buqi clarified that she indeed possessed the money, but she desired permission to walk freely around the camp, tired of being confined.

She even suggested that Sha Shu could accompany her as a guard. She then taught Big Beard Ma an even simpler gambling game, involving picking 7 numbers out of 20, promising a thousandfold payout if three numbers matched the winning combination. The bandits were captivated by the prospect of such high winnings. After implementing Hua Buqi's new gambling method, Big Beard Ma indeed won a substantial amount of money.

As promised, he instructed Sha Shu to allow Hua Buqi to explore the camp, with Sha Shu accompanying her. Hua Buqi, initially advising a bandit against excessive gambling, soon joined in herself, even winning ten taels from Sha Shu. During their walk, Hua Buqi skillfully questioned Sha Shu about the bandit operations. He explained that their men worked in shifts, with many training deeper inside the camp and others guarding the vast desert.

He also revealed that each desert scout only knew their own assigned location, and only their leader knew the overall deployment, a measure to prevent betrayal if anyone was captured. Realizing this implied a map must exist, Hua Buqi resolved to find it and use it to escape. Elsewhere, Liu Mingyue was treating Liu Qingyan, expressing confusion as Liu Qingyan's poison, which had shown signs of weakening the previous day, had inexplicably worsened.

Liu Qingyan apologized, blaming the Mo Manor for her condition. Liu Mingyue confirmed the poison was indeed complex and difficult to treat, but she offered a new medicine to cleanse it. Liu Qingyan then asked about a golden needle that seemed to have reached her chest. Liu Mingyue reassured her that the needle was intended to clear her veins, would not cause harm, and would eventually disappear on its own.

After Liu Mingyue departed, Liu Qingyan secretly revealed that she was poisoning herself, vowing to continue doing so daily until the golden needle embedded within her was finally removed. While discussing guard arrangements with a bandit, Liu Mingyue revealed her concern about Liu Qingyan's complex poison, which she couldn't fully eradicate. She rejected the idea of consulting other doctors, trusting her own expertise. She then spotted Hua Buqi gambling with the bandits.

Big Beard Ma explained that Hua Buqi had repeatedly attempted to harm herself due to boredom, prompting him to allow Sha Shu to escort her around daily, though he hadn't anticipated her engaging in gambling. Liu Mingyue, however, was intrigued. She dismissed Big Beard Ma's apology, ordered him to focus on guard duties, and instructed Sha Shu to bring Hua Buqi to her, recognizing the girl's youth, bravery, and apparent wealth as potential assets for her Lord.

Meanwhile, Chen Yu and Dongfang Shi had successfully infiltrated the bandit cave. Chen Yu proposed they split up to search for Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi readily agreed, remarking that he had wanted to separate from Chen Yu for a while and vowing to find Hua Buqi first. Sha Shu informed Hua Buqi that the Villa Master wished to see her, clarifying that this Master was Big Beard Ma's formidable superior, a woman more feared than Big Beard Ma himself.

As Sha Shu led Hua Buqi towards the Master's location, Hua Buqi caught sight of the Master—Liu Mingyue. Recognizing her, Hua Buqi quickly pulled Sha Shu back and deliberately smeared dirt across her face. When Sha Shu questioned her actions, Hua Buqi explained that she feared Liu Mingyue, as a middle-aged woman, might become jealous of her youth and beauty and attempt to kill her, claiming this was her only defense.

Despite Sha Shu's assurances that Liu Mingyue was not so petty, Hua Buqi insisted that women's hearts were inscrutable and her disguise was necessary. Confronting Liu Mingyue, Hua Buqi, with her dirty face, fabricated a story about tripping while rushing to meet her. Liu Mingyue questioned her about the Sima family's gambling expertise.

Hua Buqi confirmed that the "seven out of twenty" game was their latest invention and mentioned providing Big Beard Ma with a draft of the "Wheel of Fortune." Liu Mingyue then proposed a partnership, offering to connect the Sima family with gambling houses in Xichu. Hua Buqi politely declined, stating she lacked the authority to make such decisions and that negotiations should occur when her family sent a representative.

As Hua Buqi turned to leave, Liu Mingyue called her back, remarking on her familiar appearance. Hua Buqi, in turn, recognized Liu Mingyue as the Master of Mingyue Villa from a past government bidding in the capital. Liu Mingyue denied it, but Hua Buqi smartly pointed out that Liu Mingyue wouldn't want her secret identity as a bandit leader to be exposed.

Liu Mingyue then ordered Sha Shu to escort Hua Buqi back and keep a close watch until the Sima family representatives arrived. As she was led away, Hua Buqi mentally commended her own quick thinking but reaffirmed her resolve to escape the increasingly dangerous camp. While being escorted back by Sha Shu, Hua Buqi feigned a stomach ache, prompting Sha Shu to return her to her quarters.

On the way, a lotus symbol, distinctive to Chen Yu's alter ego, fell from above. Hua Buqi immediately knew Chen Yu had arrived. When Chen Yu found her, he expressed profound relief that she was safe, admitting his deep regret for his past carelessness and stating he wouldn't know how to live if anything had happened to her. Hua Buqi, still playfully feigning jealousy over Liu Qingwu, asked if he didn't still have her.

Chen Yu quickly explained that it was a deceptive plot orchestrated by Dongfang Shi and Liu Qingwu, swearing he had severed all ties with Liu Qingwu and had never been unfaithful. Hua Buqi, having already reflected on the suspicious coincidences, acknowledged his explanation, implicitly believing him. Chen Yu then urged her that they needed to leave quickly, though Hua Buqi worried about his injured condition.

As Chen Yu and Hua Buqi attempted their escape, they were quickly discovered by the bandits. A bandit recognized Chen Yu as the Commandery Prince of Dongping, and Liu Mingyue, who was present, immediately ordered his death. Chen Yu hastily fled with Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi, observing from a hidden vantage point, saw Liu Mingyue. After the initial chaos, Dongfang Shi called Liu Mingyue to his side.

Liu Mingyue, addressing him as "Young Master," confirmed that the bandits were indeed Xiao Jiufeng's men, explaining that this was a secret training camp in Xichu, disguised as a bandit stronghold to hone their combat skills. Dongfang Shi immediately commanded her to order the bandits to kill only Chen Yu, strictly forbidding harm to Hua Buqi, under threat of death to both the perpetrator and Liu Mingyue herself.

He also stressed the importance of keeping his association with the bandits secret from Hua Buqi. Liu Mingyue confirmed she had relayed the order and assured him that Hua Buqi remained unharmed, explaining that the girl had claimed to be the Lady of the Sima House, offering a large sum for bail. She also mentioned Hua Buqi had cleverly dirtied her face, preventing Liu Mingyue from recognizing her earlier.

Relieved, Dongfang Shi then expressed his suspicion about the seemingly intimate relationship between Chen Yu and Hua Buqi, given that Chen Yu was rumored to be Hua Buqi's half-brother through the Seventh Prince. Liu Mingyue clarified that after the incident at Gui Valley, Xiao Jiufeng suspected that someone who had escaped Biluotian was hiding in the Seventh Prince's manor.

Investigations had since revealed that the Seventh Prince was not in the capital during Xue Fei’s pregnancy, conclusively proving Hua Buqi was not his daughter. Dongfang Shi, now certain that Chen Yu was the Lotus Robe Knight, surmised that Hua Buqi’s presence in Xichu was not merely for financial gain, but rather to enlist Chen Yu’s help in investigating his badge, signaling their shared interest in Biluotian.

Dongfang Shi then demanded Liu Mingyue arrange his visit to Mingyue Villa, stating he would not allow such "stupidity" as Hua Buqi being nearly captured by his own men to happen again. Liu Mingyue hesitantly confessed that her daughter, Liu Qingwu, had betrayed her and seized control of Mingyue Villa. Dongfang Shi was shocked by this unexpected turn.

He declared Liu Qingwu's betrayal a death wish, vowing to kill her himself to reclaim and reorganize Mingyue Villa, asserting that it would never fall into the hands of a traitor. He then ordered Liu Mingyue, who was implicitly seeking refuge within the bandit camp, to immediately report to Xiao Jiufeng to receive her punishment. Hidden in a crevice within the cave, Hua Buqi asked Chen Yu how they would escape.

Chen Yu explained that with so many bandits who knew the terrain, they had to wait until nightfall. He added that before they could leave, he needed to ascertain the exact location of the bandit scouts so that General Guan could wipe them out and resolve the major threat to Xichu. Hua Buqi confidently declared that she knew where the scout lived.

Chen Yu praised her for her composure in the bandit camp and her ability to gather such vital information, calling her his amazing wife and promising her half the merit for the successful extermination. Hua Buqi, however, jested that she preferred a monetary reward over merit. Chen Yu playfully called her greedy, assuring her that everything in the Prince's Manor, including himself, belonged to her, a "deal" she readily accepted.

As night fell, Big Beard Ma ordered all exits guarded to prevent escape. Unbeknownst to him, Chen Yu and Hua Buqi located his room. Despite Chen Yu’s initial insistence on finding the map alone, Hua Buqi convinced him to let her accompany him, citing her familiarity with the camp and her desire not to be separated from him again. They killed Big Beard Ma and, with Hua Buqi’s skill at lock-picking, successfully retrieved the deployment map.

Moments later, Liu Mingyue arrived at Big Beard Ma’s room. Seeing the blood, she realized Chen Yu was inside and immediately ordered her men to kill the Commandery Prince of Dongping. Chen Yu quickly gave Hua Buqi a knife for protection, instructing her to hide, as he moved to lure the bandits away. While Chen Yu led the bandits away, a fire suddenly erupted in the camp, drawing the attention of many of the bandits to extinguish it.

Dongfang Shi, who had been anxiously observing, disguised himself in bandit clothing. He found Hua Buqi, who was still hidden and worried for Chen Yu’s safety. Dongfang Shi revealed himself, telling her he was there to rescue her and instructed her to put on bandit clothes and dirty her face so they could escape in the ensuing chaos.

When Hua Buqi expressed hesitation, wanting to wait for Chen Yu, Dongfang Shi lied, claiming that Chen Yu himself had started the fire and had sent him to lead her to safety, urging her to hurry before the fire was contained.

Episode 38 Recap

Dongfang Shi, intent on taking Hua Buqi, planned to leave with her, but their escape was discovered by Liu Mingyue's forces. Chen Yu intervened, blocking the attackers and urging Dongfang Shi to take Hua Buqi and leave, offering to cover their escape. However, Hua Buqi was unwilling to abandon Chen Yu. Dongfang Shi, realizing her affections, forcefully carried her away from the bandit camp, watching as Chen Yu became increasingly endangered.

He bitterly thought that since Hua Buqi favored Chen Yu, he would let Chen Yu perish there. After escaping the bandit camp, Dongfang Shi intended to take Hua Buqi into the city. Along the way, Hua Buqi spotted Xiao Liu and immediately called out to him. She quickly informed Han Ye of Chen Yu's peril in the bandit's stronghold and handed him a stolen defense map, urging him to use it to rescue Chen Yu.

Concerned that Hua Buqi might reveal more information, Dongfang Shi promptly knocked her unconscious, instructing Xiao Liu and Han Ye to protect her before riding off alone. Meanwhile, within the bandit camp, a severely injured Chen Yu hid and overheard a bandit leader informing Liu Mingyue that their lord commanded Big Beard Ma to gather five hundred men at Xiaoqiu Woods to confront the Emperor's forces, indicating a war was about to begin.

Just then, Dongfang Shi returned and sounded the horn for retreat. He informed Liu Mingyue that Xichu's troops were approaching and ordered her to evacuate immediately, abandoning the camp. Liu Mingyue questioned the lack of prior messages from their scouts. Dongfang Shi retorted that Hua Buqi had stolen Big Beard Ma's watchmen's map and given it to Chen Yu's people, allowing them to bypass their scouts. He then urged Liu Mingyue to report this to her superior.

Simultaneously, Han Ye's forces arrived at the bandit camp, finding it deserted but successfully rescuing the heavily wounded Chen Yu. Relieved to hear Hua Buqi was safe with Xiao Liu at a nearby inn, Chen Yu instructed Han Ye to keep her safe from Dongfang Shi and to conceal his injuries from her to prevent worry.

Remembering the conversation he overheard, Chen Yu told Han Ye that the enemy planned to engage the Emperor's forces at Xiaoqiu Woods, suspecting his teacher was the target. He ordered Han Ye to dispatch all guards to Xiaoqiu Woods to assist his teacher. Back at an inn, Doctor Yi assured Han Ye that Chen Yu's wounds were not deep and he would awaken within two hours.

Dongfang Shi arrived, inquiring about Hua Buqi, whom he referred to as the Princess he had just spoken about. Han Ye, following Chen Yu's prior instructions, evaded his questions. Realizing Chen Yu would not wake soon, Dongfang Shi decided to visit Xiaojin Ku. Elsewhere, a worried Zhu Shou had been seeking Hua Buqi's whereabouts, offering large sums to the Xichu Prefect, who proved unhelpful.

Zhu Shou then decided to go to the Xiaojin Ku gambling house to inquire about the bandit extermination and Hua Buqi's whereabouts. At Xiaojin Ku, he overheard officers discussing the successful bandit extermination. Madam Yu, the owner, following Dongfang Shi's orders, attempted to engage Zhu Shou in a gamble, but he postponed it. Zhu Shou then went to the Prefect's office to inquire if his lady had been rescued, but was told she had not been found, leaving him crestfallen.

Having spent a significant amount of money without finding Hua Buqi, Zhu Shou decided it was time to inform Grand Master Zhu, requesting five hundred thousand taels. He took five hundred taels from his silk store and returned to Xiaojin Ku. At Xiaojin Ku, Dongfang Shi gave Madam Yu another task, after she confirmed that all skilled fighters in Xichu would gather at Mingyue Villa in two days as instructed, and that Liu Mingyue's remaining forces were awaiting his orders.

As Zhu Shou pondered his next move, Dongfang Shi appeared, feigning surprise at their meeting. Zhu Shou explained his distress over Hua Buqi's disappearance, expressing anger at Dongfang Shi, believing his avoidance of him led them to Xichu and her going missing. Dongfang Shi feigned a joke, saying Hua Buqi was not abducted by bandits but by a "pervert," and offered to help, claiming it was a business deal.

Zhu Shou was skeptical, questioning how Dongfang Shi could suddenly help if he previously knew nothing. Dongfang Shi insisted on a payment of one million taels and a letter of authorization, implying that even if he rescued Hua Buqi, she might not return with him. Desperate, Zhu Shou agreed and signed an agreement stating that if Hua Buqi returned unharmed, the Zhu Manor would pay Dongfang Shi one million taels, or Zhu Shou would cut off an arm.

Conversely, if Dongfang Shi failed to save her, he would cut off his own arm. Dongfang Shi then demanded half the payment immediately, and Zhu Shou reluctantly led him to retrieve the deposit. Back at the inn, Hua Buqi, now awake, was told by Xiao Liu that Chen Yu was fine and on his way back. However, she then spotted Liu Qingwu and inquired about her presence. Following Liu Qingwu, Hua Buqi discovered a seriously injured and unconscious Chen Yu.

Han Ye reassured her that Chen Yu had been treated and would soon awaken. Hua Buqi, believing Liu Mingyue was the bandit leader and Mingyue Villa was implicated, demanded Xiao Liu take Liu Qingwu to the authorities for investigation. Liu Qingwu countered, claiming to have abandoned her evil ways, aligning herself with Chen Yu, and stating that Mingyue Villa was under his control.

She then questioned Hua Buqi's identity as a princess, saying she was merely the granddaughter of the Zhu family. Hua Buqi asserted she was both. As their argument escalated, Chen Yu awoke. He took Hua Buqi's hand, sternly telling Liu Qingwu to stop causing trouble, declaring their cooperation over, and instructing her to return to Mingyue Villa, severing all future ties. Enraged and heartbroken, Liu Qingwu departed, secretly vowing that Hua Buqi would die again.

Shortly after Liu Qingwu's departure, Chen Yu, now conscious, told Han Ye to refer to Hua Buqi only as "Miss Zhu," not "Princess." Hua Buqi, worried about Zhu Shou, asked Xiao Liu to go to the Zhu family's silk store and inform him of her safety. However, an attendant from Zhu Shou's silk store arrived and reported that Zhu Shou was gambling heavily at Xiaojin Ku, trying to win one million taels.

Realizing Zhu Shou had been tricked, Hua Buqi decided to go to Xiaojin Ku, with Chen Yu insisting on accompanying her despite his injuries. At Xiaojin Ku, Hua Buqi immediately noticed its resemblance to the Dongfang family's Yiliang Gambling House, suspecting Dongfang Shi's involvement. Their entry was facilitated when Chen Yu was recognized as the Commandery Prince. Inside, they found Zhu Shou losing heavily to Madam Yu. Hua Buqi confirmed to Zhu Shou that he had indeed been tricked.

Dongfang Shi arrived, feigning surprise at Chen Yu's quick recovery. He then revealed his knowledge of Chen Yu and Hua Buqi's relationship, claiming they had deceived him by pretending to meet for the first time. Chen Yu playfully responded that he had indeed just met "Miss Zhu" but had fallen in love at first sight, a sentiment Hua Buqi echoed.

Zhu Shou then confronted Dongfang Shi, accusing him of lying about Hua Buqi's abduction and manipulating him into signing the one million tael agreement. Hua Buqi further exposed Dongfang Shi, confirming Xiaojin Ku was a Dongfang family enterprise and accusing him of orchestrating the gambling match with Madam Yu to recoup the five hundred thousand taels Zhu Shou had previously won from Yiliang Gambling House.

When Zhu Shou tried to back out of the game, Madam Yu insisted he still owed the gambling house five hundred thousand taels. Dongfang Shi then demanded Zhu Shou pay the one million taels from their agreement or cut off an arm. Zhu Shou, in despair, chose to cut off his arm, but Hua Buqi quickly intervened. Chen Yu stepped forward, offering to pay the one million taels on behalf of the Zhu family.

Dongfang Shi accepted but reminded Zhu Shou of the additional five hundred thousand taels he still owed Madam Yu. Hua Buqi then urged Zhu Shou to continue gambling with Madam Yu.

After learning the rules of the dice game – where the highest score wins, and the dice had been "cracked" for added difficulty, putting Zhu Shou six points behind – Hua Buqi whispered a strategy to Zhu Shou to turn the tables, suggesting they raise the stakes to one million taels.

Episode 39 Recap

Hua Buqi made the gambling stake an astounding one million taels for a single high-stakes bet. Following Hua Buqi's instructions, Zhu Shou expertly utilized a dice with existing cracks, successfully winning against Madam Yu. This victory effectively nullified the one-million-tael contract he owed. As Hua Buqi and Chen Yu prepared to leave the gambling house, Dongfang Shi appeared. He playfully questioned their haste, implying that Hua Buqi was rushing to Chen Yu's manor.

Chen Yu confirmed that Hua Buqi was indeed visiting his Commandery Prince Manor. Dongfang Shi acknowledged their departure but stated his intention to visit Chen Yu's manor himself in a few days. Meanwhile, Liu Qingwu, having learned of Chen Yu and Hua Buqi's return, plotted to eliminate Hua Buqi while Chen Yu was still recovering from his injuries. However, her plans were interrupted when Hei Feng, leading a group of assailants, attacked Mingyue Villa.

Liu Qingwu and her maid Ping'er narrowly escaped the massacre, fleeing to seek refuge in Chen Yu's Commandery Prince Manor. Upon arriving at the Commandery Prince Manor, Hua Buqi was surprised by its grandeur. Liu Qingwu soon appeared, distraught, explaining that Xiao Jiufeng had destroyed Mingyue Villa, leaving her with nowhere else to go, and pleaded for Chen Yu's protection.

Chen Yu, soft-hearted and feeling obligated because she had assisted him against Liu Mingyue in the past, agreed to let her and Ping'er stay temporarily. Hua Buqi, visibly annoyed and jealous, accused Liu Qingwu of feigning weakness, pointing out that Mingyue Villa, an established organization, should have other safe havens. Ping'er defended Liu Qingwu, stating that their superior knew all their hiding places and Liu Qingwu was gravely injured.

Chen Yu later promised Hua Buqi that he would make Liu Qingwu leave once Xiao Jiufeng was found and eliminated. Hua Buqi reluctantly agreed to her staying, but on strict conditions: Chen Yu was not to see, speak to, or have any physical contact with Liu Qingwu. Later, Xiao Liu reported that Ping'er had purchased ten jugs of strong wine.

Concerned, Chen Yu decided to check on Liu Qingwu, instructing Xiao Liu to watch Hua Buqi in the kitchen and alert him if she left within fifteen minutes. Chen Yu found Liu Qingwu drinking heavily. He offered her a sobering pill and tried to comfort her, explaining that he only saw her as a friend, not romantically. Liu Qingwu, however, insisted he had feelings for her due to his past concern.

While carrying hot soup she had prepared for Chen Yu, Hua Buqi noticed Xiao Liu's nervous demeanor and realized Chen Yu was in Liu Qingwu's room. Angered, she gave the soup to Xiao Liu, removed her apron, and stormed out with Zhu Shou to "beg on the street." On the street, Hua Buqi and Zhu Shou pretended to be beggars, much to Zhu Shou's embarrassment.

Dongfang Shi soon found Hua Buqi, teasing her about their debt and saying he would claim her regardless of whether she paid. Hua Buqi expressed her complete disinterest in him, stating she wouldn't like him even if he had met her before the Lotus Robe Knight. Dongfang Shi, frustrated by her rejection, threatened to kill the Lotus Robe Knight. Chen Yu then arrived, apologizing and asking Hua Buqi to return to the manor. Hua Buqi remained obstinate.

Observing their argument, Dongfang Shi was delighted, concluding they had fallen out. Chen Yu then cleverly feigned a worsening injury, clutching his stomach as if his wounds had reopened. Hua Buqi, immediately concerned, rushed to help him into his carriage. Dongfang Shi, witnessing this scene, realized that Liu Qingwu must be hiding in the Commandery Prince Manor, causing Hua Buqi's jealousy and subsequent departure.

Inside the carriage, Chen Yu pleaded with Hua Buqi not to run away again, expressing fear that Dongfang Shi might abduct her. Hua Buqi retorted by reminding him of his broken promise to avoid Liu Qingwu, recounting her disappointment upon discovering him in Liu Qingwu's room. Chen Yu swore he had clarified his feelings to Liu Qingwu and would not see her again.

Back at the manor, Ping'er frantically announced that Liu Qingwu had attempted suicide by hanging and begged Chen Yu to visit her. Hua Buqi, suspecting Liu Qingwu's manipulation, declared she would go herself. Chen Yu, worried Hua Buqi might be too harsh, had Han Ye accompany her. He also instructed Han Ye to tell Liu Qingwu that he would help rebuild Mingyue Villa after current matters were resolved, but would offer no further aid if she attempted suicide again.

Chen Yu then retired to his room, while Xiao Liu was sent to bring him some rest. Hua Buqi confronted Liu Qingwu, mocking her failed suicide attempt and suggesting she find a more discreet location next time. Han Ye cautioned Hua Buqi to temper her words, but Hua Buqi was unyielding, throwing a dagger at Liu Qingwu and challenging her to successfully end her life. Enraged, Liu Qingwu hurled the dagger back, but Han Ye intercepted it, protecting Hua Buqi.

Later, Hua Buqi brought the meal she had prepared to Chen Yu's room. Chen Yu praised her cooking, calling her a "god-sent chef." After their meal, Chen Yu announced he needed to leave the manor for a few days, expressing concern for his teacher, Ah Fu. He instructed Hua Buqi, Han Ye, and Xiao Liu to guard his door and inform any visitors that he was ill with a "flu" and unable to receive guests.

Hua Buqi worried about his unhealed wounds and his safety, urging him to consider her before making dangerous decisions, declaring she would follow him in death if anything were to happen to him. Chen Yu reassured her that he would be safe. News of Chen Yu's "illness" reached Liu Qingwu, who tried to see him but was blocked by Hua Buqi. Soon after, Dongfang Shi infiltrated the Commandery Prince Manor, also seeking to see Chen Yu.

Xiao Liu informed Dongfang Shi that Chen Yu's wounds had flared up and he was resting, unable to receive guests, on Hua Buqi's direct orders. Dongfang Shi then spotted Liu Qingwu and feigned surprise. Hua Buqi, to maintain their facade, quickly dismissed both Dongfang Shi and Liu Qingwu. Back at his inn, Dongfang Shi confirmed Liu Qingwu's presence in the manor. He ordered Hei Feng to keep watch and kill Liu Qingwu when the opportunity arose. Dongfang Shi also grew suspicious that Chen Yu was not actually in the manor, noting the lack of response after he had made a significant commotion outside Chen Yu's room.

Episode 40 Recap

Dongfang Shi, suspicious of Chen Yu's secret trip to Xiaoqiu Woods, instructs Black Phoenix to warn Xiao Jiufeng to guard against Chen Yu's potential interference. Dongfang Shi deduces that Chen Yu likely knows Hua Buqi is the Saintess of Biluotian and believes she must be removed from his side. Meanwhile, Xiao Jiufeng dismisses Chen Yu as an insignificant threat, confident in his preparations.

He assures Liu Mingyue that she will not be punished for the Mingyue Villa incident and promises her the Ministry of Revenue once they conquer the world. Learning that Hua Buqi is also at the Commandery Prince Manor, Xiao Jiufeng orders his subordinate to tell Dongfang Shi to retrieve Hua Buqi. Ah Fu and his sister, seeking to escape the Emperor's forces, arrive at Xiaoqiu Woods, where Xiao Jiufeng's men ambush them with poisonous smoke.

Ah Fu successfully escapes with his sister through the smoke. Chen Yu and his guards pursue them, finding Ah Fu's group gone. Ah Fu and his sister eventually locate the entrance to Biluotian. Their moment of relief is shattered by the sudden appearance of Xiao Jiufeng and his forces. In the ensuing chaos, Liu Qingyan kills Ah Fu's sister, and Xiao Jiufeng gravely wounds Ah Fu.

Chen Yu arrives with his dark guards, ordering them to attack Xiao Jiufeng and retrieve Ah Fu and his sister. Liu Mingyue bravely steps in front of Xiao Jiufeng, taking numerous arrows, but Xiao Jiufeng abandons her to flee. Once the battle subsides, Liu Qingyan emerges and fatally stabs the already wounded Liu Mingyue, revealing her long-held hatred. She condemns Liu Mingyue for killing her parents, abducting her and Liu Qingwu, and forcing the sisters into cruel training and rivalry.

Chen Yu finds a dying Ah Fu, who, realizing his injuries are fatal and unwilling to live without his sister, takes his own life. Ah Fu entrusts Chen Yu with the holy object and the map to Biluotian, warning him to keep them secret as they are coveted by many. He also reveals the entrance to Biluotian is through a small hole in a specific rock, marked with his blood.

Ah Fu asks Chen Yu to cremate him and his sister and bring their ashes to Biluotian. Chen Yu, heartbroken, fulfills Ah Fu's last wish, cremating the siblings and vowing to bring them home to Biluotian. In the imperial palace, Jianfei informs the Emperor that Chen Yu is the elusive Lotus Robe Knight and that Hua Buqi, the granddaughter of the Zhu Manor, is the Seventh Prince's lost daughter, with whom Chen Yu has a special relationship.

Jianfei suggests Chen Yu might harbor disloyal thoughts. The Emperor, having recently uncovered the Zhu Manor's immense debt and links to rebels, decides to send Jianfei to investigate the Zhu Manor affairs in Jiangnan and vows severe punishment for the Lotus Robe Knight. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi, concerned by Chen Yu's silence, receives a letter stating that Grand Master Zhu is gravely ill and immediately decides to return to the Zhu Manor.

The letter, however, was a ploy by Dongfang Shi, who ambushes Hua Buqi's convoy, including Zhu Shou, with assassins. Dongfang Shi then intervenes, pretending to "save" Hua Buqi and attempts to take her with him. Chen Yu, arriving just in time, battles Dongfang Shi and reclaims Hua Buqi. Hua Buqi suspects Liu Qingwu's maid, Ping'er, was involved in the assassination attempt.

Chen Yu confirms he has already initiated an investigation, promising to expel Liu Qingwu from the Commandery Prince Manor if the accusation proves true. Chen Yu then reveals Ah Fu's death to Hua Buqi. Hua Buqi comforts him by recalling her Uncle Jiu's wishes for her happiness. Chen Yu shares that Ah Fu entrusted him with a map and a holy object, both coveted by many, including the Emperor, and that he cannot surrender them.

He confesses that his actions at Xiaoqiu Woods exposed too many weaknesses, and with the enemy's strength far exceeding his expectations, he must abandon the Dongping Commandery Prince Manor and decentralize his power. Chen Yu informs Hua Buqi that he will be away from Suzhou for a long time, leaving her to face a difficult period alone.

Hua Buqi pledges to wait for his return, but Chen Yu, fearing for her future, advises her to find another if he should die. Hua Buqi playfully responds, feigning readiness to marry another, which provokes Chen Yu's jealousy, prompting him to promise a swift return once his mission is complete. Later, Xiao Liu reports the investigation's findings: Ping'er was seen meeting with one of the assassins after Hua Buqi left the manor, confirming her connection to the attack.

Xiao Liu also reports that Dongfang Shi managed to escape. Chen Yu, now certain of Liu Qingwu's involvement, orders Han Ye to apprehend Liu Qingwu and Ping'er and deliver them to the authorities. Han Ye attempts to arrest Liu Qingwu due to evidence linking Ping'er to assassins who attacked Hua Buqi. Liu Qingwu vehemently denies any involvement, claiming Hua Buqi is framing her, and demands to confront Hua Buqi and Chen Yu.

Han Ye informs her that Chen Yu ordered her arrest and is currently with an injured Hua Buqi. Chen Yu gives Liu Qingwu one last chance to confess, but she insists on her innocence and accuses Hua Buqi of framing her. Disappointed, Chen Yu orders her to be taken to the commandery commander's manor for punishment.

Later, in jail, Ping'er tearfully confesses to Liu Qingwu that she, out of loyalty and a sense of injustice towards her master, hired the assassins to kill Hua Buqi. Liu Qingwu, realizing the gravity of Ping'er's foolish act, is filled with despair. Meanwhile, Xiao Jiufeng visits Dongfang Shi, acknowledging Chen Yu's return.

Xiao Jiufeng reports that a mysterious individual with exceptional archery skills rescued Ah Fu from Biluotian's entrance, and he suspects this person now possesses the map and holy object. Dongfang Shi immediately deduces that the archer is Chen Yu.

Realizing that Chen Yu, now in possession of Hua Buqi, the map, and the holy object, could fully unlock Biluotian's treasure, Dongfang Shi proposes that they surround the Dongping Commandery Prince Manor that very night, burn it down, capture Chen Yu and Hua Buqi, and retrieve the holy object. In the jail, Liu Qingwu overhears guards discussing Chen Yu's sudden downfall, now branded a traitor facing execution.

Determined to see Chen Yu, Liu Qingwu devises a plan with Ping'er: she pretends to faint to draw the guards' attention, allowing them to overpower the jailers and escape. As Dongfang Shi and Xiao Jiufeng prepare to launch their assault on the Commandery Prince Manor, intent on razing it to the ground and seizing Hua Buqi and the holy object, General Guan's imperial forces unexpectedly arrive and swiftly surround the manor. Caught off guard, Xiao Jiufeng immediately orders a retreat.

Inside the manor, Chen Yu is arrested as a rebel. Xiao Liu quickly wakes a confused Hua Buqi, who questions why Chen Yu, the Commandery Prince, is being arrested. Xiao Liu explains that armed men suddenly appeared to kill Chen Yu, who ordered Xiao Liu to protect Hua Buqi before engaging in a fight.

Despite Hua Buqi's desperate attempts to reach Chen Yu, Xiao Liu restrains her, as imperial guards announce that anyone disobeying orders during the capture of rebels will face execution, forcing them to flee the manor.

Episode 41 Recap

Chen Yu was apprehended as a rebel, causing widespread shock and confusion among the public, with many wondering what he could have possibly done to incur the Emperor's wrath. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi and Xiao Liu made their way to Xichu Province, cautiously avoiding the main entrances where Hua Buqi's wanted portrait was displayed. Dongfang Shi and his group also arrived in Xichu, observing the situation from a distance. Inside the jail, Chen Yu emerged unharmed from an iron prisoner cart.

This entire arrest, it turned out, was a meticulously planned ruse orchestrated by Chen Yu himself, in collaboration with General Guan and Magistrate Du of Xichu. Their goal was to go undercover and thoroughly investigate the forces behind Mingyue Villa. Chen Yu, having previously sought the Emperor's permission for a secret investigation with the cooperation of General Guan and Magistrate Du, decided to expand his plan after acquiring items related to Biluotian.

He aimed to make the rebels who killed his Master believe that the Emperor wanted these items, leading to his arrest. This, he hoped, would provoke the rebels to attempt a rescue, allowing him to capture them all and then fake his own death to fully resolve the rebel issue. He chose to keep the true nature of his plan secret from Hua Buqi, believing it was for their future.

Soon after, a special envoy from the capital arrived to meet Chen Yu in his cell, who turned out to be Bai Jianfei, an old acquaintance. Bai Jianfei conveyed the Emperor's verbal decree, giving Chen Yu six months to investigate the Zhu House's alleged involvement with rebels, specifically Dongfang Shi, and to prevent any of their money from falling into Dongfang Shi's hands.

The Emperor also threatened that if Chen Yu failed or contacted Hua Buqi during this time, Hua Buqi would suffer severe consequences, with a piece of her flesh being cut for every tael of money that reached the rebels. To control Chen Yu, Bai Jianfei presented a red "poison" pill and brown "antidotes," explaining that Chen Yu would need to take the red pill and report to him every three months to receive an antidote.

Bai Jianfei smugly revealed that this method was his own idea, proposed to the Emperor who saw Chen Yu as too unruly. In response, Chen Yu coldly laughed, knocked the pills from Bai Jianfei's hand, and forcefully made him swallow the red pill. He then threatened Bai Jianfei, stating that if he dared to speak ill of Chen Yu to the Emperor, he would not receive the antidote.

Chen Yu revealed that he knew Bai Jianfei had learned of his identity as the Lotus Robe Knight from Yuan Chong and had used this information, along with Hua Buqi's identity as Miss Zhu, to threaten him to the Emperor. Realizing Dongfang Shi was the rebel, Chen Yu admitted he had been careless. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi and Xiao Liu managed to enter Xichu.

Hua Buqi visited a Zhu's silk shop, where the manager informed her that Chief Steward Zhu Shou had been arrested, though the Zhu House had not yet been formally implicated in the rebellion. Hua Buqi instructed the manager to spare no expense in bribing officials to secure Zhu Shou's release. Outside the shop, Hua Buqi unexpectedly encountered Dongfang Shi.

Knowing that Xiaojin Ku, a gambling house, was an asset of the Dongfang family and a hub for information, she asked Dongfang Shi to investigate Zhu Shou's situation for her, expressing concern that Chen Yu's rebellion might implicate the Zhu House. Dongfang Shi agreed, secretly intending to use this opportunity to ascertain if Chen Yu's arrest was genuinely an imperial decree or merely a self-orchestrated act.

Later, Xiao Xia arrived in Xichu, followed by Chief Steward Fu, who brought a substantial sum of one million taels in silver. Feeling relieved that they had the funds, Hua Buqi decided to proceed to the local government office to inquire about Zhu Shou. Back at the jail, Chen Yu decided to leave, prompting Bai Jianfei to question his intentions.

Chen Yu, showing no respect, warned Bai Jianfei not to send his men to follow him, or he would face dire consequences. As Chen Yu departed, Bai Jianfei smirked, revealing that the "poison" he had given Chen Yu earlier was fake. He vowed to report Chen Yu's insolence to the Emperor and exact revenge on Hua Buqi for Chen Yu's arrogance.

Hua Buqi and Xiao Xia were then brought to the jail where Bai Jianfei met Hua Buqi, dismissing Xiao Xia to speak with her alone. Bai Jianfei questioned Hua Buqi about her relationship with Chen Yu. Aware of his malicious intentions, Hua Buqi deliberately denied any deep connection with Chen Yu, hoping to secure Zhu Shou's release.

Bai Jianfei pointed out Zhu Shou's presence at the Dongping Commandery Prince's manor and insinuated that the Zhu House was inevitably linked to Chen Yu.

He then proposed a deal: if Hua Buqi would shift all blame to Zhu Shou and pay a bail of one million taels, the Zhu House would be cleared and become a trusted royal associate, with the imperial family also acquiring 10% of the Zhu House's shares for free and sending in accountants to oversee the business. Desperate to save Zhu Shou, Hua Buqi reluctantly agreed.

Bai Jianfei inwardly gloated, having effortlessly gained control of the Zhu House by exploiting Chen Yu's elaborate scheme, believing the Emperor would be pleased with his success. After leaving the government office, Hua Buqi instructed Xiao Xia to, upon seeing Yuan Chong, inquire about Bai Jianfei's character and his relationship with Chen Yu, urging Yuan Chong to be wary of Bai Jianfei. Xiao Xia recalled Bai Jianfei's cowardly and disloyal behavior when they were captured by Dongfang Shi.

Hua Buqi, noting Bai Jianfei's true aim was the million taels and control over Zhu House's business, also expressed her displeasure that he seemed overly interested in her relationship with Chen Yu. Zhu Shou was subsequently released. He apologized to Hua Buqi for his predicament, but she assured him it was not his fault.

Zhu Shou shared what he had learned in prison: Chen Yu had been taken to the "Baisha Cell," the most dangerous bottom level of the Xichu prison, far from where Zhu Shou had been held. An impulsive Xiao Liu, indebted to Chen Yu, immediately wished to storm the prison, but Hua Buqi and Zhu Fu restrained him.

Zhu Fu then pointed out several inconsistencies in the rebellion case, such as why Hua Buqi, as the Zhu House heir, and Zhu Shou were released so easily, and why Liu Qingwu, the potentially more suspicious Master of Mingyue Villa, remained in Dongping's prison rather than being transferred to Xichu.

Hua Buqi then recalled Chen Yu's previous words about having to abandon the Commandery Prince's manor because his adversaries' power was far greater than his own, necessitating him to minimize all his forces. A wave of understanding washed over her, realizing that Chen Yu had orchestrated this entire scenario as a grand strategy.

Though annoyed that Chen Yu had kept her in the dark, her heart finally eased, and she instructed everyone to rest, no longer mentioning the rescue of Chen Yu. Later, a figure disguised as the Lotus Robe Knight appeared to Hua Buqi. Joyfully, she rushed to embrace him but unexpectedly noticed the absence of a distinct scar on his hand, realizing it was Dongfang Shi impersonating the Lotus Robe Knight.

Playing along with the charade, Hua Buqi asked about his supposed imprisonment. Dongfang Shi, still in character, evaded the question and instead urged Hua Buqi to forget about Chen Yu and be with Dongfang Shi, claiming Chen Yu might be confined in the Baisha Cell for life. Hua Buqi refused, reiterating her loyalty to Chen Yu. Dongfang Shi then removed his mask, revealing his true identity. He admitted that he had merely been testing Hua Buqi, wanting to confirm if Chen Yu's arrest was indeed a self-directed play.

Episode 42 Recap

Hua Buqi, deeply concerned for Chen Yu, was advised by Dongfang Shi to give up on him. Dongfang Shi warned that Chen Yu held items the Emperor desired, ensuring he would not be easily released. He described the grim torture Chen Yu might endure in prison, suggesting that if Chen Yu’s actions were true, he would never see the outside world again. Dongfang Shi then urged Hua Buqi to abandon her hopes for Chen Yu and instead remain with him.

After Dongfang Shi departed, Hua Buqi, recognizing that he knew more than she had initially realized, decided to visit the prison with Xiao Xia the following day to gather information on Chen Yu, fearing for his safety. Dongfang Shi later reported to Xiao Jiufeng. He acknowledged Hua Buqi's convincing portrayal of distress over Chen Yu's capture, but admitted he couldn't be entirely certain of its authenticity.

He noted that despite their efforts, his men had gleaned no information from the heavily guarded Baisha Cell. Xiao Jiufeng, believing Chen Yu would eventually try to retrieve the holy object and the Saintess, instructed Dongfang Shi to keep a close watch on Hua Buqi to draw Chen Yu out. Hua Buqi and Xiao Xia proceeded to the prison, where they overheard confirmation that Chen Yu was indeed incarcerated and would soon be transferred to the capital.

Hua Buqi reflected on Dongfang Shi’s words about Chen Yu possessing items the Emperor coveted. She then reasoned that if Dongfang Shi was a descendant of the Prince of Cheng, he would also desire those same items. She concluded that she could potentially leverage Dongfang Shi to rescue Chen Yu and decided to confront him at Xiaojin Ku.

As Jianfei emerged from the prison, Hua Buqi instructed Xiao Xia to follow him to gather more intelligence, while she headed to Xiaojin Ku. Unbeknownst to them, Liu Qingwu overheard their conversation and dispatched Ping'er to tail Jianfei, while she herself followed Hua Buqi, having conceived a new plan to deal with her rival. Meanwhile, Dongfang Shi stood alone by a cliff, visibly troubled. Madam Yu approached him, inquiring about his mood.

Dongfang Shi confessed that the previous night, disguised as the Lotus Robe Knight, he had visited Hua Buqi only to find her thoughts consumed by Chen Yu. He admitted to leaving a hint for her, feeling conflicted: he would be upset if she came for Chen Yu, yet he would miss her dearly if she didn’t. Madam Yu observed that he was finally experiencing love but advised him not to torment himself over Hua Buqi.

Shortly after, Xiao Xia arrived, frantically searching for Hua Buqi, asking if Dongfang Shi had seen her. He denied it. Once Xiao Xia left, Dongfang Shi immediately ordered Hei Feng to investigate Hua Buqi’s whereabouts, noting the lack of intelligence from his own surveillance. On her way to Xiaojin Ku, Hua Buqi was intercepted, knocked unconscious, and abducted by Liu Qingwu. Liu Qingwu brought Hua Buqi to Qunfang Brothel, a secluded and disreputable establishment.

Her intention was to force Hua Buqi into prostitution, a cruel revenge for her past imprisonment. She taunted Hua Buqi, describing how being defiled by "filthy and smelly soldiers" would surely make Chen Yu lose interest in her. Hua Buqi, terrified, pleaded for her release. In a critical moment, Hua Buqi used a hidden dart to wound Liu Qingwu in the waist. As Liu Qingwu reeled in pain, Hua Buqi seized the opportunity to escape on horseback.

Disoriented and mentally shaken, Hua Buqi nearly fell from her horse on the street but was rescued by a beggar named Bai Ma. Just then, Dongfang Shi arrived, having tracked Hua Buqi down. Hua Buqi, still in a state of shock and confusion, tearfully confessed to him that she believed she had killed Liu Qingwu, before collapsing into his arms. Dongfang Shi took Hua Buqi away, instructing Hei Feng to investigate the scene.

However, Hei Feng found no trace of Liu Qingwu’s body in the carriage, only blood, and the trail vanished, indicating someone else had removed her. Bai Ma, carrying Hua Buqi’s hairpin, subsequently led Xiao Xia and Zhu Shou to Xiaojin Ku to find Hua Buqi. Elsewhere, Jianfei visited Liu Qingwu in prison, informing her that Chen Yu's capture was merely a charade staged for the Emperor.

He maliciously suggested that Chen Yu had confided his true plan only to Hua Buqi and that the two had since happily absconded from Xichu Province. To reinforce his deception, Jianfei escorted Liu Qingwu to Chen Yu's iron prisoner cart, which was conspicuously empty. Convinced by the absence of Chen Yu and Jianfei's cunning words, Liu Qingwu, consumed by rage and heartbreak, declared her intention to meet the Emperor.

She offered to reveal the identity of the Biluotian Saintess in exchange for power and influence. Hua Buqi eventually regained consciousness while with Dongfang Shi. She pressed him to reveal what exact items Chen Yu possessed that compelled the Emperor to accuse him of treason. Dongfang Shi disclosed that Chen Yu held the sacred artifact of Biluotian, rumored to unlock the Biluotian treasure, which in turn promised ultimate power over the world.

He attempted to persuade Hua Buqi to give up her pursuit of Chen Yu, offering to rescue him if she agreed to marry him. However, Hua Buqi vehemently refused, asserting her unwavering resolve to save Chen Yu, even if it meant sacrificing the entire Zhu family fortune. She then returned to the Zhu family store. Upon returning, Hua Buqi encountered the beggar Bai Ma.

Her keen eye noticed a distinctive scar on his hand, confirming her suspicion that Bai Ma was none other than Chen Yu in disguise. That night, after Hua Buqi deliberately sent Xiao Xia away, Chen Yu removed his disguise. Hua Buqi, furious at being kept in the dark, chastised him for his deception. Chen Yu explained that he had shaken off Jianfei and his men because he desperately wanted to see her.

He had witnessed her horse panicking in the street and intended to rescue her, but Bai Ma had intervened first. Chen Yu's suspicions were aroused by Bai Ma's concealed martial arts skills and a subtle nod exchanged between Bai Ma and Dongfang Shi, which confirmed Bai Ma's allegiance to Dongfang Shi. He then captured Bai Ma and took his place.

Hua Buqi then told Chen Yu about the Prince of Cheng's badge she had found on Dongfang Shi and Dongfang Shi’s surprising knowledge of Chen Yu possessing Biluotian items. Chen Yu realized that Dongfang Shi must be connected to those who murdered his master. He theorized that Dongfang Shi was either a descendant of the Prince of Cheng or someone using the Prince's name to incite rebellion.

Chen Yu warned Hua Buqi that her greatest threat was not Liu Qingwu, but Dongfang Shi and the powerful forces behind him, as Dongfang Shi's desire to marry her stemmed from a more sinister motive. He then revealed that Hua Buqi's mother, Xue Fei, was the Biluotian Saintess, making Hua Buqi, by bloodline, a Saintess herself.

He explained that Dongfang Shi and his faction intended to exploit Hua Buqi to unearth the Biluotian treasure and, ultimately, seize control of the world. Chen Yu also confessed that his own father, the Seventh Prince, had also sought the Biluotian treasure but clarified that he himself held no ambition for rebellion, understanding that warfare only brought suffering and desolation. Hua Buqi then suggested they unearth the treasure and present it to the Emperor.

However, Chen Yu revealed the complete prophecy: "Then, activate the holy item and sacrifice the Saintess, the treasure will then be gained." This chilling revelation meant that anyone who desired the treasure would require Hua Buqi's sacrifice. Chen Yu, determined to protect her, insisted on taking her away before her identity as the Saintess became widely known.

Hua Buqi, however, refused to leave, fearing that her sudden disappearance would compromise the authenticity of Chen Yu's intricate plan to expose his master's true murderers. She decided to remain and see the scheme through, believing that her visible presence, seemingly under Bai Ma’s care, would keep Dongfang Shi from suspecting her true intentions. She then locked Chen Yu outside, hoping he would understand her difficult decision.

The next day, Hua Buqi learned that Jianfei was scheduled to escort Chen Yu back to the capital in three days. She then ordered all the Zhu family guards to be dispatched to Qiyun Mountain. This maneuver was a calculated pretense of attempting to rescue Chen Yu, designed to manipulate Dongfang Shi, who she knew also coveted the Biluotian treasure.

Episode 43 Recap

After receiving word, Xiao Jiufeng learned from Bai Ma that Hua Buqi planned to intercept the prisoner convoy. Both he and Dongfang Shi believed Chen Yu had truly been arrested by the King, prompting them to prepare an ambush. Xiao Jiufeng instructed his men to bring more fire arrows, stating he would rather Chen Yu die than allow the Emperor to acquire the treasure and the holy object.

Meanwhile, Hua Buqi's group rushed to Qiyun Mountain, with Chen Yu secretly disguised as Bai Ma among them. During their journey, Hua Buqi, Xiao Xia, and Xiao Liu rode ahead with the disguised Chen Yu, leaving the main caravan to follow. Upon reaching Qiyun Mountain, Chen Yu, still disguised as Bai Ma, revealed his true identity to Xiao Liu, who was shocked to recognize his Young Master's voice.

Chen Yu explained that General Guan, who had promised 3,000 soldiers for the operation, only sent 500, likely due to his suspicions. Chen Yu realized he could not disclose the secrets of the holy object and the map to General Guan, so he decided to consolidate their limited forces for a decisive battle to avenge his Master. As Bai Jianfei escorted an empty prisoner convoy back to the capital, his carriage was ambushed by Xiao Jiufeng's group, including Dongfang Shi.

After the conflict subsided, Dongfang Shi appeared before Hua Buqi. He then ordered a charred body, which he claimed was Chen Yu's, to be brought forward. Hua Buqi was deeply shaken, recalling Chen Yu’s plan to eliminate those who knew her identity as the Saintess when intercepting the prisoner convoy. Seeing Dongfang Shi unharmed, she feared Chen Yu's plan had failed and he had been killed.

She confronted Dongfang Shi, telling him she couldn't love him because his affection was always purposeful, and he cruelly brought the burned corpse to her, wanting her to confirm it and face the harsh reality. Despite the body being badly burned, Hua Buqi identified it by a distinct scar on its hand, confirming it was indeed Chen Yu and nearly collapsing in sorrow.

Dongfang Shi then ordered the body buried in Qiyun Mountain, before threatening the lives of Xiao Xia and her guards to force Hua Buqi to accompany him. Hua Buqi, realizing Dongfang Shi had likely obtained the holy object and map, sneered that he only pretended to love her to use her for those items and then kill her for the treasure. Dongfang Shi, confused, asserted he would not kill her.

Hua Buqi dismissed everyone else, then revealed the complete Biluotian prophecy: to acquire the treasure, the Saintess must be sacrificed. Dongfang Shi initially refused to believe her, accusing her of lying to escape. Hua Buqi, having deduced he was a descendant of Prince Cheng and believing Chen Yu was truly dead, declared she had no wish to live alone.

She agreed to return with Dongfang Shi, accepting her fate of being sacrificed, only asking him not to harm Xiao Xia and the others. Dongfang Shi, despite his love for Hua Buqi, remained partially unconvinced. He decided to consult Xiao Jiufeng for confirmation of the prophecy, promising to return for her if she was lying.

As Hua Buqi and her entourage made their way back to Zhu Manor, a seemingly dazed Hua Buqi unexpectedly encountered Bai Ma, who swiftly killed some of the Zhu Manor guards. Hua Buqi, recognizing him, eagerly followed. Once they were alone, Chen Yu removed his Bai Ma mask and embraced her tightly.

He explained that his forces were insufficient to capture all the rebels, so he faked his death by pretending to fall off a cliff after being struck by arrows. He admitted to tampering with the corpse Dongfang Shi found to ensure his deception, fearing that if Hua Buqi knew of his plan, her reactions might expose them.

Chen Yu reassured her that Old Master Zhu had been moved to a safe location and any spies within Zhu Manor had been eliminated. He then told Hua Buqi his plan was to now go into hiding with her, buy time, and seek revenge for his Master. He revealed he had already sent the Emperor portraits of his Master’s killers, warning him of a rebellion in the name of Prince Cheng.

Chen Yu suspected the Emperor would soon realize he possessed the holy items, so they needed to disappear. Meanwhile, Dongfang Shi confronted Xiao Jiufeng, demanding to know if there was more to the Biluotian prophecy. Xiao Jiufeng confirmed the prophecy about sacrificing the Saintess and ordered Dongfang Shi to bring Hua Buqi back. Dongfang Shi defiantly refused, stating he would rather give up the throne and the Biluotian treasure than let Hua Buqi die.

Xiao Jiufeng was furious, reminding him of all the sacrifices made to put him on the throne. Dongfang Shi retaliated, threatening to burn Gui Valley if Xiao Jiufeng harmed Hua Buqi. Xiao Jiufeng saw his mother’s obstinance in Dongfang Shi, recalling how she also threatened to burn Gui Valley for Prince Cheng.

He reminded Dongfang Shi of his promise to his mother to help him ascend the throne and reclaim what was rightfully his family’s, but insisted that Dongfang Shi could not marry Hua Buqi. For their rebellion in Jingzhou to succeed, Dongfang Shi was required to marry the Northern Wilderness King’s daughter. At that moment, Xiao Jiufeng received news that the people tracking Hua Buqi had been killed, and she was missing.

He surmised that Chen Yu, now believed dead, had passed the holy object and map to Hua Buqi, who had hidden them. Given these developments, Xiao Jiufeng declared they must launch their rebellion within the month. Dongfang Shi, however, reaffirmed his commitment to taking the throne without the Biluotian treasure, vowing to protect Hua Buqi. Back in the capital, Bai Jianfei reported to the Emperor, stating he believed Chen Yu had faked his death.

He reasoned that Chen Yu’s elaborate plan to be "arrested" and borrow soldiers indicated he anticipated an ambush, making a casual death unlikely for such a meticulous strategist. Bai Jianfei also revealed that his bribed spies in Zhu Manor were killed by a man named Bai Ma, whom he suspected was Chen Yu in disguise, who then abducted Hua Buqi to protect her from the Emperor's wrath. Bai Jianfei then brought Liu Qingwu before the Emperor.

Liu Qingwu dramatically declared Hua Buqi to be the Biluotian Saintess, claiming Chen Yu had revealed this to her when drunk. She also disclosed that Hua Buqi was not the Seventh Prince’s daughter, and the Seventh Prince’s prolonged search for her was suspicious. Liu Qingwu implicated her former master, Liu Mingyue, as working for a mysterious "Lord" who intended to rebel using the Biluotian treasure, a treasure only the Saintess could open.

The Emperor, convinced by Liu Qingwu's story, ordered Old Master Zhu arrested and issued warrants for Chen Yu, Xiao Jiufeng, and Dongfang Shi. He then commanded the return of warhorses from Feiyun Fortress. However, Xiao Jiufeng had already poisoned the water sources near Feiyun Fortress, causing a severe horse plague that killed thousands of horses. In the palace, the Emperor, captivated by Liu Qingwu's beauty, visited her in Xiangyuan Hall. Liu Qingwu, in turn, began to use her charms to gain influence and secure her own power.

Episode 44 Recap

Feiyun Fortress was afflicted by a horse plague, leading Yun Lang to the Mo Manor in urgent search of bitter grass and iron horse lotus herbs. He was informed that Mo Ruofei was away in the south for business and Mo Madam was at a temple, due back in a few days. Yun Lang spoke with Lin Yuquan, who falsely claimed the manor had run out of the two crucial herbs.

Lin Dansha, overhearing this, immediately offered to retrieve the medicine from their storage, but Lin Yuquan quickly stopped her, insisting the herbs were unavailable. After Yun Lang left to search elsewhere, Lin Yuquan explained to Lin Dansha that Xiao Jiufeng was currently negotiating with Feiyun Fortress, and they were forbidden to provide any aid to Yun Lang. Lin Dansha was horrified, knowing that if the plague was not controlled, Feiyun Fortress faced severe imperial punishment.

She accused her brother of assisting an evil plot, but Lin Yuquan, consumed by fear for their lives and the family's standing as the city's largest medicine dealer under Mo Madam's trust, reminded her that Yun Lang's impending marriage to her was not born of love and that the Yun and Mo families looked down on their background. He also mentioned his own failed attempts to produce a cure for the poison they had been forced to take.

Seeing that Lin Dansha was determined to help Yun Lang even at the cost of her own life, Lin Yuquan regrettably knocked her unconscious to prevent her from leaving. Yun Lang’s search for the herbs throughout the capital proved fruitless, as Xiao Jiufeng had already orchestrated a medicine shortage. Realizing the danger Feiyun Fortress was in, Yun Lang decided to cancel his engagement with Lin Dansha to protect her from involvement.

He conveyed his decision to Lin Yuquan, who agreed to pass on the message. However, upon returning to Lin Dansha's room, Lin Yuquan discovered she had escaped through a window, taking the herbs she had secretly acquired. Meanwhile, Xiao Jiufeng arrived at Feiyun Fortress and presented a genuine badge of the Prince of Cheng to Fortress Master Yun.

He reminded the Fortress Master that the current horse plague meant they could not meet the Emperor’s demands, an offense the Emperor would not believe was accidental.

Xiao Jiufeng admitted to orchestrating the plague to weaken the Emperor and urged the Fortress Master to cooperate with him in restoring the Prince of Cheng’s grandson to the throne, promising him a position as a founding general of top rank, contrasting it with the Emperor who had only made him a royal merchant. He cited the Biluotian prophecy, "This dynasty will end on the Fifth Emperor," as divine will for the Prince of Cheng's grandson to reclaim the throne.

Acknowledging the grave implications, Fortress Master Yun requested a day to consider. Just then, news reached Feiyun Fortress about Lin Dansha and Yun Lang having successfully procured the medicine, and this information also reached Xiao Jiufeng. Impressed by Lin Dansha's devotion, Xiao Jiufeng ordered his men to summon her to a meeting. Shortly after, Yun Lang confronted Lin Dansha, reiterating his intention to cancel their engagement to protect her.

Lin Dansha vehemently refused, declaring that being a couple meant living and dying together, and she would stand by him regardless of the dangers. Later, Yun Lang met his father, Fortress Master Yun, alone. His father, swayed by Xiao Jiufeng's power, his connections to the Prince of Cheng, and the promise of a higher position, was considering the alliance, even though he knew Xiao Jiufeng was responsible for the plague.

Yun Lang, however, was adamant that treason was a heinous crime that would result in the execution of their entire clan. He urged his father to capture Xiao Jiufeng, a wanted criminal, and deliver him to the Emperor as a gesture of loyalty, hoping to gain favor and a position in the government. His father, having sent a man to follow Xiao Jiufeng, acknowledged his brazenness. Yun Lang, unwilling to wait, rushed off to inform the magistrate.

In a pavilion, Lin Dansha met Xiao Jiufeng as instructed. He threatened that the Emperor would confiscate Feiyun Fortress, citing a past example where another fortress was beheaded for failing to deliver horses. He urged her to persuade Yun Lang to cooperate. As they spoke, Yun Lang arrived with officers, intending to arrest Xiao Jiufeng. However, to Yun Lang's shock, the officers turned their weapons on him, revealing they had been bribed by Xiao Jiufeng.

Lin Dansha stepped in front of Yun Lang, shielding him and demanding his release. Xiao Jiufeng gave them half a day to persuade Feiyun Fortress to surrender. As they left, Lin Dansha tearfully confessed to Yun Lang that Xiao Jiufeng had killed her father and forced her and her brother to take a slow-acting poison, coercing them into becoming his informants to ensure their survival and to seek revenge.

She had secretly obtained the herbs from her brother, who had bought them all up in the capital, because she didn't want Xiao Jiufeng to use her. She revealed her intention to fight Xiao Jiufeng to the death that day, but his sudden arrival had changed her plans. Yun Lang, understanding her plight and knowing her character, chose to believe her.

Back at Feiyun Fortress, Yun Lang, having discussed it with his father all night, agreed to cooperate with Xiao Jiufeng. However, he laid down conditions: Feiyun Fortress would provide ten thousand steeds, but a "Feiyun Cavalry" must be established under his direct command, with soldiers joining from Xiao Jiufeng's army. Xiao Jiufeng agreed, appointing Yun Lang as a colonel, stating that his ascent to general would depend on his capabilities.

Yun Lang then made another demand: an antidote for Lin Dansha and her brother. Xiao Jiufeng, noting their deep affection, consented, promising the antidote once the horses were safely delivered to their destination. Following this reluctant alliance, Fortress Master Yun dispatched a letter to Mo Madam, his sister, detailing the grave situation and urging her to sell all properties in the capital and seek refuge at Feiyun Fortress to ensure their safety.

Mo Madam, understanding the shared fate of their families, immediately instructed Mo Bo to recall Mo Ruofei from the south. Meanwhile, Chen Yu had taken Hua Buqi to a secluded, beautiful cottage in Xuzhou, where they enjoyed a peaceful and stable life while awaiting the arrival of Zhu Old Master. Hua Buqi expressed her amazement at discovering she was the Saintess of Biluotian, a figure from legendary stories.

Chen Yu reassured her that the current location was safe and no one could find them for now. They planned to eventually return his Master's and his sister's ashes to Biluotian and leave the Biluotian treasure there forever. They spent their days in sweet domesticity; Chen Yu suggested teaching her poems, but Hua Buqi, ever lively, preferred hunting, fishing, and picking wild vegetables, boasting of her superior skills.

They even playfully argued about the origins of dew and made a bet about Chen Yu distinguishing dew-made tea from other waters. Chen Yu, using his keen senses, easily discerned that Hua Buqi had, in fact, used well water with flower petals, winning the bet. Despite winning, he playfully sent Xiao Liu to hunt pheasant, fulfilling Hua Buqi's wish. They celebrated their simple happiness, drinking wine until they were "only-stopping-once-totally-drunk."

Their tranquil life was abruptly interrupted when Chen Yu received news from his secret guards: Commander Han, tasked with escorting Zhu Old Master, reported that Zhu Old Master had been captured by Bai Jianfei in an inn in Suizhou and taken back to the capital. Unbeknownst to Chen Yu, Liu Qingwu had leveraged her new position as an imperial concubine to praise Bai Jianfei to the Emperor.

The Emperor, seeing an opportunity, planned to use Zhu Old Master as bait to ensnare Chen Yu and his entire group in the Celestial Prison. Concerned for Hua Buqi's safety and well-being, Chen Yu decided to keep the news from her. He made an excuse about needing to be away for a few days and set off for the capital, intent on rescuing Zhu Old Master himself.

He gathered his secret guards, acknowledging the extreme danger of raiding the heavily guarded Celestial Prison. He justified the risk by affirming that Zhu Old Master was Hua Buqi's closest family, and he had promised her to ensure his safety. Despite the perilous situation, Chen Yu was eventually caught in Bai Jianfei's trap and imprisoned.

Episode 45 Recap

In the imperial prison, Chen Yu was attempting to rescue Grand Master Zhu when he was ensnared in a trap set by Bai Jianfei. Bai Jianfei then brought Chen Yu before the Emperor, who accused Chen Yu of various crimes, including escaping with Hua Buqi and trying to free a prisoner. The Emperor demanded that Chen Yu hand over a map, a holy object, and Hua Buqi.

Chen Yu admitted his actions of attempting to free the prisoner but feigned ignorance regarding the items and Hua Buqi's status as the Biluotian Saintess. He explained he had protected Hua Buqi because she was innocent and he didn't want her involved in the Zhu family's alleged rebellion. The Emperor, who revealed that his concubine had informed him of Hua Buqi's true identity, pressed Chen Yu further, suspecting he was withholding the items for his own rebellious ambitions.

Chen Yu, maintaining his innocence, offered his life as proof of his loyalty. The Emperor then stabbed Chen Yu, who, even as he collapsed from the wound, expressed gratitude that his loyalty and his father's name would be cleared by his death. Seeing Chen Yu lose consciousness, the Emperor hastily summoned imperial doctors, ordering them to spare no expense and threatening them with severe punishment if Chen Yu did not survive.

While Chen Yu was still in critical condition, Bai Jianfei approached the Emperor, expressing concern that Chen Yu was too cunning and difficult to control. He suggested that if the Emperor was unwilling to kill Chen Yu, he should at least cripple his martial arts to ensure his complete loyalty. The Emperor, acknowledging the deep animosity between Bai Jianfei and Chen Yu, ultimately agreed to Bai Jianfei's proposal.

Meanwhile, Hua Buqi grew increasingly anxious over Chen Yu's prolonged absence and the lack of news, especially since Grand Master Zhu had not yet arrived as promised. She confronted Xiao Liu, who initially tried to mislead her with a fabricated story about Grand Master Zhu's delayed journey due to a cold.

However, under Hua Buqi's persistent questioning, Xiao Liu confessed the truth: Grand Master Zhu had been arrested by the Emperor, and Chen Yu had gone to the capital to rescue him. Deeply worried about both men, Hua Buqi declared her intention to go to the capital. When Xiao Liu tried to stop her, reminding her of the dangers, Hua Buqi, asserting she could not remain idle, cleverly feigned hunger.

As Xiao Liu went to fetch food, she locked him in the room, then slipped away to embark on her journey. Chen Yu eventually regained consciousness and requested that Yuan Chong, the son of the Capital City Garrison Commander, be allowed to deliver medicinal wine, claiming it was beneficial for knife wounds. The Emperor granted the request but instructed his eunuchs to secretly monitor their conversation.

Chen Yu, aware of the Emperor's lingering distrust, privately understood that he wouldn't be killed until the Emperor obtained the desired items. Yuan Chong, after an initial encounter with Bai Jianfei where he was evasive about Chen Yu's situation, arrived at Chen Yu's chambers. There, Chen Yu revealed that his identity as the Lotus Robe Knight had been exposed to the Emperor by Bai Jianfei, who betrayed him for personal ambition.

Chen Yu warned Yuan Chong about Bai Jianfei's true nature and asked him to look after Hua Buqi, anticipating her arrival in the capital to find him. He also confided that his years as the Lotus Robe Knight had taught him how to counteract the poison used to cripple his martial arts. After leaving Chen Yu, Yuan Chong angrily confronted Bai Jianfei, accusing him of betraying their shared brotherhood for power.

Bai Jianfei, in turn, bitterly expressed his long-held resentment over their social differences and Chen Yu's concealment of his Lotus Robe Knight identity. He declared their friendship irrevocably severed, stating that he would not regret eliminating Chen Yu if it served the government. Liu Qingwu, upon learning of Chen Yu's severe injuries and confinement in Zhaohui Palace from her maid Ping'er, immediately blamed Hua Buqi. Despite Ping'er's warnings about the risks, Liu Qingwu was determined to see Chen Yu.

Later that night, she discreetly made her way to Chen Yu's residence, disguised as a maid and faking an injury to bypass the palace guards. Upon meeting Chen Yu, Liu Qingwu fabricated a story about being saved by Bai Jianfei after an attack by Hua Buqi, which led to her becoming an imperial concubine. She then offered to abandon her new status and help Chen Yu escape if he would give up Hua Buqi and become her lover.

Chen Yu, however, firmly rejected her offer, declaring his unwavering love for Hua Buqi and stating he would never regret dying for her. Fueled by jealousy, Liu Qingwu revealed that she was the one who informed the Emperor of Hua Buqi's identity as the Biluotian Saintess, warning that Hua Buqi would face certain death if she came to the capital.

When Liu Qingwu provocatively suggested they die together as lovers if the Emperor were to discover their secret meeting, Chen Yu, thinking quickly, called for the imperial doctor, claiming his wounds were flaring up, thereby forcing Liu Qingwu to leave. After her unsuccessful visit, Liu Qingwu surmised that Chen Yu must have hidden Hua Buqi, as the Emperor had not yet captured her. She then decided to use Chen Yu as bait.

She sought out the Emperor, feigning concern for his worries. The Emperor shared his frustration over the elusive "master" and Dongfang Shi, suspecting their widespread influence. Liu Qingwu then presented her "brilliant idea": the Emperor should issue a public notice announcing the execution of Chen Yu and Grand Master Zhu in one month, along with a nationwide arrest warrant for Hua Buqi on charges of rebellion. She confidently predicted that Hua Buqi would willingly surrender to save their lives.

Impressed by her cunning, the Emperor praised Liu Qingwu and promptly agreed to implement her plan. News of the Emperor's decrees quickly reached Xiao Jiufeng, who correctly deduced that the Emperor now knew Hua Buqi's identity as the Saintess. He immediately ordered all his scouts to meticulously monitor city gates and official roads, ensuring Hua Buqi's capture. Dongfang Shi, distraught by Hua Buqi's perilous situation, resolved to personally search for her.

However, Xiao Jiufeng vehemently stopped him, reprimanding him for his reckless disregard for their imminent uprising. Dongfang Shi passionately expressed his love for Hua Buqi, stating he would be unable to focus on battle if she were captured. Xiao Jiufeng then laid out a strategic plan: if Hua Buqi were indeed caught by the Emperor, Dongfang Shi's priority should be to swiftly occupy Qiuzhou County, the location of Biluotian.

This move, he explained, would prevent the Emperor from entering Biluotian to claim its treasure, thereby ensuring Hua Buqi's safety even if she was in imperial hands. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi, while in the streets, saw the official notices announcing the impending execution of Chen Yu and Grand Master Zhu, as well as her own arrest warrant for rebellion. To save them, she bravely revealed her identity to the imperial soldiers, offering to surrender.

However, Xiao Jiufeng's forces, also aware of her presence, suddenly intervened, leading to a chaotic skirmish between the two factions. In the ensuing confusion, Hua Buqi was wounded but managed to escape into a nearby forest. It was at this moment that Mo Ruofei, who had been searching for her and learned of the arrest warrant, spotted Hua Buqi. He and his attendant Jiansheng immediately gave chase.

Mo Ruofei arrived just in time to rescue an injured Hua Buqi from Xiao Jiufeng's subordinates who had discovered her. Though surprised and happy to see him, Hua Buqi was conflicted due to the past actions of Mo Ruofei's mother against her.

Despite his heartfelt plea to be given a chance to atone for his mother's sins by escorting her to the capital, Hua Buqi gently refused his help, explaining her difficulty in facing him and her unwillingness to bring trouble to the Mo Manor while she was a wanted criminal.

Episode 46 Recap

Mo Ruofei genuinely wished the best for Hua Buqi, expressing his desire for her to accept his assistance. He noted that the one-month deadline was fast approaching, and if she agreed to travel with him, they could reach the capital sooner to find a way to save those in need. Hua Buqi considered this carefully before finally accepting Mo Ruofei's help.

She boarded the Mo family's carriage and asked him to arrange for Xiao Xia to be found in the capital, mentioning that Xiao Xia had been her personal bodyguard in Zhu Manor and her presence would bring her comfort. Mo Ruofei readily agreed, instructing Jiansheng to make a stop at the courier station.

On the journey, Mo Ruofei mused about how much Hua Buqi had changed since he first saw her arrive in the capital, having endured so much in just a few years. Hua Buqi replied that her fate was inescapable, and even if he hadn't brought her, Chen Yu or Master Lin from Yaolin Manor would have. Their journey was interrupted by a group of refugees begging for water.

They explained that their homes had been taken by the eldest grandson of Prince of Cheng, who was intent on reclaiming the throne. Upon hearing this, Hua Buqi realized it was Dongfang Shi. She urged Mo Ruofei to take a detour, explaining that Dongfang Shi was among those pursuing her because the House of Zhu owed him money. His Majesty had used this as an excuse to accuse the Zhu family of collusion, ordering their capture.

Mo Ruofei acknowledged the unexpected complexities of her life and agreed to the detour. Meanwhile, the Emperor was furious, railing at his officials over the loss of more than ten cities to the rebels, lamenting that such a powerful force had been lurking unnoticed within his territory. His officials reported that Dongfang Shi had allied with the Northern Wilderness King, and their combined forces were too strong for local troops. They also discovered that some local officials had been bribed.

The Emperor was further enraged by rumors spreading that his deceased father had usurped the throne by poisoning Prince of Cheng, and that Dongfang Shi, as the Prince of Cheng's offspring, sought to right past wrongs. The Emperor saw Dongfang Shi's alliance with the Northern Wilderness King as a deep dishonor.

He then demanded to know why the warhorses from Feiyun Fortress had not reached the battlefield and why their young master was now serving Dongfang Shi, having even founded the Feiyun Cavalry. Declaring that the head madam of the Mo family was Yun Qingyang's sister, he ordered the immediate confiscation of the Mo family's property, vowing that everyone in Feiyun Fortress would be beheaded once his cities were recovered.

Back at the Mo Manor, Mo Ruofei and Hua Buqi had just returned when soldiers descended upon the residence. Hua Buqi wondered if the Emperor had discovered their return so quickly. Mo Ruofei, though unsure, didn't think the news could have spread that fast. He immediately instructed Jiansheng to take Hua Buqi to a secret chamber while he went to investigate. Chaos erupted in the manor. Mo Bo, a loyal servant, tragically died while trying to save Mo Ruofei's mother.

Mo Ruofei, fighting his way through the melee, managed to rescue his mother and lead her to the secret room. In the secret room, Mo Ruofei’s mother was astonished to see Hua Buqi, mistaking her for a ghost. Mo Ruofei quickly reassured her that Hua Buqi was alive and he had found her. His mother then tearfully explained that a horse plague had struck Feiyun Fortress, preventing the delivery of warhorses, which forced her uncle to rebel.

She had sent an urgent message to Mo Ruofei, but the messenger couldn't find him. She then furiously blamed Hua Buqi for Mo Ruofei’s absence and for the Mo family's impending doom, reiterating that His Majesty had ordered the capture of the Zhu family daughter and drawing parallels to Xue Fei, Hua Buqi's mother, whom she believed caused her husband's death. Hua Buqi defended her mother, asserting that Mo Baixing was to blame, and her mother was also a victim.

Mo Ruofei’s mother continued to berate Hua Buqi, gloating that Hua Buqi must be happy to see the Mo family suffer. Hua Buqi retorted that she was indeed happy, as His Majesty was avenging her mother. As soldiers closed in, Mo Ruofei’s mother urged him to flee alone, not wanting him to be burdened.

She then attempted to take her own life, but Hua Buqi quickly intervened, explaining that while she resented Mo Ruofei's mother, she didn't want Mo Ruofei to suffer further heartbreak. Mo Ruofei's mother scornfully dismissed Hua Buqi's help, stating she would never forgive Hua Buqi or her mother. Just then, a volley of arrows pierced the secret chamber. Mo Ruofei’s mother bravely shielded him, taking an arrow herself.

As she lay dying, she told Mo Ruofei she could finally be with his father and implored him to escape so she could rest in peace. Hua Buqi and Jiansheng desperately tried to pull the grief-stricken Mo Ruofei away. Jiansheng, struck by an arrow, used his last breath to hold off the attacking soldiers, urging Hua Buqi to take Mo Ruofei and flee. Hua Buqi and Mo Ruofei managed to escape the Mo Manor, now both wanted fugitives.

Hua Buqi suggested a disguise: Mo Ruofei should wear women's clothes, and Hua Buqi would don men's attire, believing this would confuse their pursuers. Mo Ruofei hesitated, unaccustomed to women's clothing. Hua Buqi then revealed that she had known he was a woman since her first arrival in the capital, having observed details like his mother being the only one allowed near him when wounded and his surprising familiarity with cosmetics.

She reassured him that she had kept his secret and sympathized with the hardship he endured pretending to be a man since childhood, urging him to hurry as time was short. After changing, Mo Ruofei reflected on his life, explaining that his father had always wanted a boy, so his mother raised him as one.

After his father's death and his mother's mistreatment by relatives, he felt compelled to maintain his male identity to protect his family and navigate a society that discriminated against women. Hua Buqi praised him for single-handedly supporting the Mo family, noting that few men could achieve such a feat. Mo Ruofei expressed his gratitude for Hua Buqi's understanding, acknowledging that despite his mother's actions, Hua Buqi never sought to harm them.

Hua Buqi, in turn, affirmed her respect and love for him as her "Eldest Brother." Their disguise proved effective, allowing them to evade the searching soldiers. Mo Ruofei then proposed that he join his uncle's forces within Feiyun Fortress and asked Hua Buqi to accompany him to support Dongfang Shi, arguing that the Emperor also accused the Zhu family and that Old Master Zhu would soon be beheaded.

Hua Buqi reminded him of his mother's dying wish for him to live for himself. Mo Ruofei countered that with his entire family's fate on his shoulders, he could not live freely. He vowed to avenge his family, who had died tragically, emphasizing that he could not face his parents if he did not seek retribution. Hua Buqi, however, insisted on remaining in the capital.

She explained that Xiao Xia would soon arrive and, with her martial arts skills, could discreetly contact Yuan Chong at the Capital City Garrison Office to gather information about Chen Yu and her grandfather. They ultimately decided to part ways, wishing each other well. Mo Ruofei traveled to Feiyun Fortress. Upon arrival, he learned that the Fortress Master, Yun Qingyang, was raising horses on the northeastern plains, and Yun Lang was leading the Feiyun Cavalry in an attack on Hanzhou.

Just as he pondered going to Hanzhou, he spotted Dongfang Shi returning. Mo Ruofei approached Dongfang Shi and pledged his sincere loyalty, offering to kill the Emperor to avenge his family. Dongfang Shi was initially skeptical, bringing up Hua Buqi's poisoning at Mo Manor and questioning Mo Ruofei's ability to protect even a "little girl." Mo Ruofei pleaded, explaining that he had been unaware of the generational feud and that his mother was a pitiful woman.

He emphasized his deep affection for Hua Buqi, describing her as the little sister he doted on most. Dongfang Shi retorted that calling Hua Buqi "lucky" wouldn't sway him, given her suffering. Mo Ruofei reiterated his willingness to prove his loyalty on the battlefield. Convinced, Dongfang Shi accepted him and assigned him to General Liu.

In the military camp, Mo Ruofei's request for privacy to change clothes was met with dismissal by General Liu, who asserted that everyone there was a man and military orders waited for no one. Mo Ruofei, attempting to bribe General Liu for an exception, ended up clashing with the soldiers, accidentally revealing that he was a woman. Dongfang Shi was summoned, finding the situation "interesting."

Mo Ruofei explained her lifelong disguise for convenience and apologized for her outburst, citing the recent destruction of her home and the deaths of her family members. Dongfang Shi initially dismissed her, saying he didn't "make a fuss with a woman" and told her to leave.

But Mo Ruofei insisted on staying to avenge her mother, emphasizing her excellent martial arts and leadership skills, arguing that she could command without complaint despite being a woman, unlike options like being a bodyguard or doctor. Dongfang Shi, while acknowledging her capacity, expressed doubts about her character, especially as a woman leading men.

Dongfang Shi then offered Mo Ruofei a proposition: if she brought Hua Buqi to him, he would make her a Qianfuzhang (general leading a thousand soldiers) with her own private tent and ensure her secret was kept. Mo Ruofei asked why he wanted Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi explained that the Emperor intended to capture and kill Hua Buqi, and his aim was to protect her, even revealing his intention to make her his consort.

Mo Ruofei, trusting his word, agreed to retrieve Hua Buqi, despite being a wanted fugitive herself. Meanwhile, Xiao Xia and Yuan Chong found Hua Buqi in the capital. Yuan Chong reported that while he had no news of Old Master Zhu, Chen Yu was imprisoned in the imperial palace, his martial arts crippled by the Emperor, and was now drowning his sorrows in medicinal wine.

Hua Buqi, believing the Emperor was using Chen Yu and her grandfather as bait, decided to surrender herself to save them. Xiao Xia and Yuan Chong vehemently objected, warning her it was a trap that would lead to her death. Hua Buqi explained that the Emperor’s one-month deadline for their execution was a ploy to force her appearance, and that if she showed up, they would not be killed.

Despite their concerns, Hua Buqi insisted, believing her appearance was the only way to save them, and she would find a way to escape with Chen Yu later, instructing Xiao Xia to remain outside for assistance. Just as Hua Buqi prepared to go to the palace, Mo Ruofei appeared. Hua Buqi asked why he was still in the capital. Mo Ruofei asked if she was certain she wouldn't be killed by the Emperor.

When Hua Buqi denied it, Mo Ruofei revealed that Dongfang Shi had told him otherwise. Apologizing, Mo Ruofei then brought Dongfang Shi's soldiers to capture Hua Buqi, explaining that he was doing it for her own good. Hua Buqi was brought to Dongfang Shi’s military camp. She immediately demanded to know the whereabouts of Xiao Xia and Yuan Chong, to which Dongfang Shi assured her they were safely imprisoned and would not be harmed without his order.

Hua Buqi accused him of wanting to sacrifice her for Biluotian's treasure, but Dongfang Shi denied it, claiming he could have taken her earlier if that was his intention. He assured her she was safe with him, as his grandfather, the Prince of Cheng, was the only one above him in the camp, and he was unaware of her presence. Hua Buqi pleaded for her release, stressing the urgency of saving Old Master Zhu, who faced execution within days.

Dongfang Shi dismissed her plan to beg the Emperor, stating that Old Master Zhu was in a heavily guarded prison and the Emperor would not believe her. He argued that the Emperor knew her true identity and sought to capture her to interrogate her about the map and holy item, ultimately to sacrifice her for the treasure.

He insisted that she would be much safer with him, away from the Emperor's grasp, and refused to let her risk her life, emphasizing the larger war between them. He then ordered guards to watch over her. Meanwhile, Yun Lang visited Mo Ruofei, who was now a Qianfuzhang, congratulating her on her swift promotion. Mo Ruofei inquired about Hanzhou's capture and then asked about Jiansheng and her mother.

She then revealed the full extent of the tragedy: the Mo Manor's property had been confiscated, and her mother, Mo Ruofei's father, Jiansheng, and most of the hundreds of Mo family members were dead. She blamed herself, believing her mother would have escaped if not for waiting for her. Yun Lang attributed the downfall to Feiyun Fortress being forced into rebellion.

Mo Ruofei, however, declared her immediate goal was to gain power from Dongfang Shi, doing whatever it took to become the commanding general of the entire army, so she could personally kill the Emperor and avenge her family.

Episode 47 Recap

Xiao Xia and Yuan Chong continued their search for Hua Buqi. Yuan Chong expressed regret for his inability to protect Lady Buqi, acknowledging his martial arts skill was insufficient despite his efforts. Xiao Xia consoled him, urging him not to dwell on it and to eat. Meanwhile, Hua Buqi, held captive in the military camp, was determined to escape. Unable to devise a plan, she decided to use force, claiming she needed to use the facilities.

In her struggle with the guards, she injured her hand. Upon learning of her injury, Dongfang Shi berated his guards for their incompetence. He then dispatched a subordinate to summon Lin Dansha, a military doctor, to attend to the "patient," implying it was a female patient he couldn't personally treat due to gender. Lin Dansha arrived to examine Hua Buqi's wound. Dongfang Shi explained he couldn't touch "Zhu brat" himself.

Hua Buqi, in front of Dongfang Shi, defended the guards, admitting she injured herself in an escape attempt and vowed to keep trying, no matter who guarded her. Dongfang Shi, swayed by her words, spared the guards but warned them of severe punishment if Hua Buqi was harmed again. Lin Dansha then requested Dongfang Shi to leave the tent to properly examine Hua Buqi. Inside, Hua Buqi inquired about Yun Lang and Mo Ruofei.

Lin Dansha revealed that Yun Lang was now a general, and Mo Ruofei had been appointed a general leading a thousand soldiers by Dongfang Shi. Lin Dansha also remarked on Mo Ruofei's "predicaments" and, with a hint of jealousy, commented on Hua Buqi's charm, saying every man she met seemed to fall for her, but Hua Buqi lamented the suffering she endured behind the facade.

Lin Dansha then shared that her marriage to Yun Lang was postponed due to the ongoing conflicts. Hua Buqi asked Lin Dansha for sedatives to aid in an escape, explaining she had someone to save. Lin Dansha refused, citing the danger outside and the wanted poster for Hua Buqi, and also mentioning that she and Yun Lang were now serving Dongfang Shi, making it perilous to help her. Hua Buqi apologized for not considering their predicament.

Lin Dansha treated Hua Buqi's superficial wound, advising her to rest and avoid infection, then reiterated her inability to help due to the hardships she and Yun Lang faced. Hua Buqi understood. After Lin Dansha left, Dongfang Shi visited Hua Buqi, noting her rapid recovery from the calming incense he had given her.

The two quarreled, with Hua Buqi confronting him and questioning his ability to protect her from his grandfather, Xiao Jiufeng, who might sacrifice her for the Biluotian treasure. She declared that if Chen Yu and Grandfather Zhu died, she would not live on. She also accused Dongfang Shi of launching war for his own self-interest, having no regard for the common people, and being unworthy of the throne.

Dongfang Shi solemnly promised to do his utmost to protect her, insisting she focus on healing, and vowed to personally watch over her to prevent her escape. Soon after, Dongfang Shi was informed of General Xu's dire situation in Luzhou, an urgent message from his grandfather, Xiao Jiufeng. He immediately prepared to depart.

Before leaving, Lin Dansha secretly gave Hua Buqi silver needles coated with a sedative, explaining how to use them to incapacitate someone and how the small wounds would heal before Dongfang Shi's return, hopefully deceiving him. She stressed the extreme danger to herself if discovered. Hua Buqi thanked her gratefully. Dongfang Shi quickly realized the Luzhou report was a ruse to lure him away, orchestrated by Xiao Jiufeng. He severely punished the messenger.

Back at the camp, Hua Buqi attempted to use the sedative needles on a guard but was quickly discovered and restrained, calling for help. Xiao Jiufeng appeared, revealing himself as Dongfang Shi's grandfather, the man who had sought a marriage alliance with the House of Zhu years ago. He demanded Hua Buqi reveal the location of the holy object and map, which he believed Chen Yu possessed.

Hua Buqi feigned ignorance, claiming Chen Yu had only spoken of her as the Saintess, not of any map or object. Xiao Jiufeng, not as patient as Dongfang Shi, forced a potent poison down her throat, designed to cause agonizing, knife-like pain without killing her. He intended to torture her until she divulged the information. As Hua Buqi writhed in pain, Dongfang Shi suddenly returned, furiously demanding the antidote from Xiao Jiufeng.

Xiao Jiufeng questioned Dongfang Shi's loyalty, reminding him of his military plans and how a woman was distracting him. Dongfang Shi asserted his conviction that the Luzhou report was false and insisted on the antidote. Xiao Jiufeng refused to yield until Hua Buqi revealed the treasure's location. Dongfang Shi, proclaiming his love and refusal to sacrifice her, declared he would rather suffer her pain himself. To force his grandfather's hand, he stabbed his own right arm with a dagger.

Shocked by his grandson's act, Xiao Jiufeng reluctantly provided the antidote. Hua Buqi, recovering, bandaged Dongfang Shi's wound. She then attempted to leave to save Chen Yu and her grandfather, but Dongfang Shi, despite his injury, blocked her path, refusing to let her endanger herself outside his protection. Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Chen Yu and Grandfather Zhu faced imminent execution. Liu Qingwu, deeply worried, urged Chen Yu, whom she called Zhangqing, to escape with her.

Chen Yu refused, claiming he had his own method of leaving. Liu Qingwu, knowing that everyone believed his martial arts were crippled, confronted him. She realized he had feigned his disability to lower the Emperor's guard and planned to save Grandfather Zhu. Unwilling to see Chen Yu reunited with Hua Buqi, Liu Qingwu threatened to expose his deception if he tried to escape alone. Just then, the Emperor arrived, and Liu Qingwu quickly hid.

The Emperor informed Chen Yu that half the country's territory had fallen to rebels and foreign invaders. He urged Chen Yu, as the Lotus Robe Knight, to hand over Hua Buqi, the Biluotian Saintess, to secure the Biluotian treasure, which he believed would save the empire. Chen Yu refused, stating he could not decide Hua Buqi's fate, as she was the love of his life.

The Emperor, infuriated, questioned if Hua Buqi's life was more important than thousands of citizens and declared Chen Yu unworthy of his titles and his nephew, threatening to decide Chen Yu's life himself. He then stormed out. Liu Qingwu reappeared, again pleading with Chen Yu to leave with her. Chen Yu, however, incapacitated her, leaving a letter.

In it, he thanked her for her affection, saying he could only repay it in the next life, and wished her a good life as an imperial consort, free from other concerns. Chen Yu then attempted to escape the palace disguised as an eunuch, but was discovered by Bai Jianfei and recaptured.

The Emperor, furious that Chen Yu had feigned his crippled martial arts, threatened Grandfather Zhu's life and ordered Chen Yu to lead a mere dozen secret guards from the celestial prison against Dongfang Shi's army of hundreds of thousands. Liu Qingwu was distraught, realizing this was a death sentence for Chen Yu. Separately, the Emperor announced his decision to personally lead the army to the front lines, and Bai Jianfei eagerly volunteered to accompany him, earning the Emperor's praise for his loyalty.

Episode 48 Recap

Liu Qingwu approached the Emperor, offering to join him on the battlefield and presenting a strategic plan to disrupt the enemy's morale. The Emperor praised her intelligence, agreeing to her clever scheme. Meanwhile, Dongfang Shi received a letter from Bai Jianfei, who expressed a desire to switch allegiance and serve as a spy within the Emperor's court.

Bai Jianfei reported that the Emperor was personally leading an army to Liuzhou, with Master Zhu Ba held as a hostage, and that Chen Yu was ordered to lead a small contingent of dozens of men against Dongfang Shi's tens of thousands of soldiers. Initially, Hua Buqi was excited to hear Chen Yu was going to battle, enthusiastically urging Dongfang Shi to surrender, calling him a traitor and a rat.

However, upon learning that Chen Yu was severely outnumbered, she immediately pleaded with Dongfang Shi to spare Chen Yu's life. Dongfang Shi refused her plea, explaining that warfare was not a game. To ensure her safety and prevent Xiao Jiufeng from capturing her again, Dongfang Shi decided to bring Hua Buqi along with him to the battlefield.

Later, the Emperor received news that Chen Yu, the Commandery Prince of Dongping, had absconded from the south gate with his secret guards during an unobserved moment. Enraged by Chen Yu's perceived cowardice in abandoning Master Zhu Ba, the Emperor immediately issued an order for Chen Yu's execution without pardon. He then commanded Bai Jianfei to kill Master Zhu Ba and hang his head on the city gates as a warning to all traitors.

Following this, Liu Qingwu suggested a further tactic: to have a woman impersonate Hua Buqi, tie her to the city wall, and spread word among the rebels that, due to Chen Yu's desertion, Hua Buqi would be executed that afternoon. She believed this would surely provoke Dongfang Shi to rush to save Hua Buqi, allowing their fatigued army to be crushed. The Emperor, unaware that Hua Buqi was actually with Dongfang Shi, approved the plan.

Bai Jianfei proceeded to the prison, informing Master Zhu Ba of Chen Yu's escape and the Emperor's death sentence for him. Despite the executioner's concern about blood, Bai Jianfei oversaw the beheading of Master Zhu Ba and ordered his head to be hung on the city walls. In Dongfang Shi's camp, Yun Lang instigated a fire to create chaos and rescue Hua Buqi. He had successfully knocked out the guards and provided her with soldier's attire, planning their escape.

Soon after, Dongfang Shi discovered Hua Buqi was missing. He immediately ordered the camp sealed and initiated a search for her, simultaneously instructing his men to investigate Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang's whereabouts, suspecting their involvement.

Dongfang Shi then received an urgent report: Chen Yu had escaped from Liuzhou, Master Zhu Ba was executed and his head hung on the city walls, and a woman said to be Hua Buqi was tied to the city wall, scheduled for execution that afternoon. Recognizing it might be a trap, especially as the woman's figure was only 70% similar to Hua Buqi, Dongfang Shi dispatched General Li to pursue Chen Yu.

He then proceeded with some soldiers to the Liuzhou city wall to personally verify the woman's identity, also ordering Xiao Xia to meet him there. Upon hearing from other soldiers that her lady had been captured and was facing execution, Xiao Xia, in distress, frantically demanded to be let out. At the Liuzhou city wall, the Emperor ordered the execution of the woman impersonating Hua Buqi in front of Dongfang Shi.

Xiao Xia, believing it was Hua Buqi, cried out and rushed onto the wall to save her. She was immediately struck by a volley of arrows and fell from the ramparts. Dongfang Shi caught the gravely wounded Xiao Xia and brought her back to his camp. Hua Buqi, who had been attempting to escape with Yun Lang, saw the injured Xiao Xia and abandoned her escape, much to Yun Lang's dismay. She hurried into the tent, confronting Dongfang Shi.

He explained that the Emperor had used a decoy to lure him, and Xiao Xia was injured while attempting to save the fake Hua Buqi. Overcome with guilt, Hua Buqi tearfully apologized to Xiao Xia. Recognizing her loyalty, Dongfang Shi allowed Xiao Xia to see Yuan Chong one last time. Hua Buqi, hearing "last time," begged Dongfang Shi, a miracle doctor, to save Xiao Xia. However, he regretfully stated he was no god and Xiao Xia's injuries were too severe.

Yuan Chong rushed to Xiao Xia's side. With her last breaths, Xiao Xia confessed her affection for Yuan Chong, explaining her past inability to reciprocate due to her duty to protect Hua Buqi. She then implored Yuan Chong to continue protecting Hua Buqi, a promise he tearfully accepted. Xiao Xia died in Yuan Chong's arms, leaving both him and Hua Buqi in profound grief. Meanwhile, Chen Yu and his secret guards encountered Dongfang Shi's soldiers.

Dongfang Shi intercepted Chen Yu, and the two decided to formally duel. Dongfang Shi openly mocked Chen Yu for letting Master Zhu Ba die for his own safety, questioning his integrity as the Lotus Robe Knight. He lamented not having confronted Chen Yu at the city wall, which might have saved Master Zhu Ba. Despite Chen Yu's superior skills, Dongfang Shi resorted to a contemptible trick, throwing sand to blind him.

Han Ye, Chen Yu's loyal subordinate, bravely stepped in to block a sword attack meant for Chen Yu. Han Ye, along with other soldiers, then urged Chen Yu to pledge allegiance to Dongfang Shi, highlighting the Emperor's cruelty and disloyalty towards him. Chen Yu, however, staunchly refused, declaring he would never serve two masters and was unwilling to endure the world's condemnation for being disloyal and unfilial.

Dongfang Shi pressed him, pointing out that the Emperor had intentionally sent him with a small force to die. Dongfang Shi then sweetened his offer, promising Chen Yu a feudal kingship and a fief if he surrendered, arguing that as a legitimate royal offspring, Chen Yu's defection would sway other royal relatives.

When Chen Yu still hesitated, Dongfang Shi revealed that Hua Buqi and Yuan Chong were "guests" in his camp, implying their safety could be guaranteed if Chen Yu joined him, and he could even persuade Xiao Jiufeng not to sacrifice Hua Buqi for the Biluotian treasure. Realizing that Yuan Chong's absence from the palace confirmed Dongfang Shi's claims, Chen Yu reluctantly agreed to surrender, on the condition that his soldiers be released.

Dongfang Shi agreed, and Chen Yu, with a heavy heart, ordered his loyal men to leave and start new lives, declaring himself no longer their master, sacrificing his identity as the Commandery Prince of Dongping. Having secured Chen Yu's surrender, Dongfang Shi sought to extinguish Hua Buqi's feelings for him. He informed Hua Buqi that Chen Yu was alive, but Master Zhu Ba had died.

Hua Buqi vehemently disbelieved him, arguing the Emperor would not kill Master Zhu Ba before Dongfang Shi arrived to be lured. Dongfang Shi then recounted how Chen Yu had fled the battlefield, valuing his own life more than Master Zhu Ba's, which incensed the Emperor to execute him and hang his head on the city wall. Hua Buqi adamantly refused to believe Chen Yu would abandon his grandfather or flee.

Dongfang Shi, to solidify his story, called Chen Yu into the tent. Chen Yu, now aligned with Dongfang Shi, stood before Hua Buqi. When asked if Dongfang Shi had threatened him, Chen Yu denied it, claiming Dongfang Shi treated Hua Buqi well. He then expressed apology for Master Zhu Ba's death and urged Hua Buqi to forget him, effectively pushing her towards Dongfang Shi.

Hua Buqi, devastated and in disbelief, screamed in denial, refusing to accept that Chen Yu would yield her to Dongfang Shi. Chen Yu reaffirmed his loyalty to Dongfang Shi, stating he would no longer compete for her affection, and that her future marriage was now independent of him. Overwhelmed by the crushing reality, Hua Buqi collapsed in Dongfang Shi's arms.

Dongfang Shi, ensuring her safety, ordered her to be tied up, all sharp objects removed from her tent, and her mood closely monitored. Later, Chen Yu inquired about Hua Buqi's well-being. Dongfang Shi, acknowledging Chen Yu's value as the first royal relative to surrender, briefly considered killing him, but ultimately agreed to provide him assistance and a new task in the south. Chen Yu then reminded Dongfang Shi to uphold his promise and treat Hua Buqi well.

Episode 49 Recap

Chen Yu found solace in wine, reflecting on his secret agreement with the Emperor. His apparent defection and allegiance to Dongfang Shi were part of an elaborate plan: he was to act as a wanted suspect, infiltrate Dongfang Shi's forces, gather intelligence, and help the Emperor defeat the rebels, bringing an end to the war. The Emperor had initially questioned how Chen Yu, a fierce rival to Dongfang Shi for Hua Buqi’s affection, could possibly gain his trust.

Chen Yu proposed a perilous strategy: he would lead a small expedition against the rebels, then feign desertion on the eve of battle. The Emperor would then publicly issue an order for his execution, ensuring everyone believed Chen Yu was a traitor with no way back. This, Chen Yu argued, would make Dongfang Shi eager to enlist him, hoping to attract other officials to his cause.

Chen Yu assured the Emperor that with Grand Master Zhu Ba's safety as leverage, he would not betray him, his sole desire being to bring peace to the common people. Despite his firm resolve, Chen Yu inwardly expressed his sorrow to Hua Buqi, acknowledging the pain he caused and that she was an unexpected complication in his plan, but insisting it was the only way to avoid jeopardizing their entire strategy.

Hua Buqi had refused to eat for three days, deeply concerning Dongfang Shi. He first tried to reason with her himself, telling her that self-harm was futile and urging her to eat so she could witness his victory and avenge Grand Master Zhu. He promised to protect her as emperor, but Hua Buqi remained defiant, challenging his methods and demanding the release of Yuan Chong, whom Mo Ruofei had captured.

Dongfang Shi refused, revealing his intent to use Yuan Chong as leverage in the capital, justifying his reliance on schemes as necessary for victory. Finding no success, Dongfang Shi then sent Chen Yu to persuade her. Hua Buqi angrily told Chen Yu to leave, reminding him he had pushed her away and that he, Grand Master Zhu, and Xiao Xia were all dead to her.

Chen Yu then revealed Grand Master Zhu’s last words, spoken in the capital while awaiting their fate: the Grand Master feared he wouldn't survive and that the Zhu family had to go into hiding. He expressed hope that Hua Buqi, with her intelligence, would rebuild the House of Zhu and restore its honor. Hearing this, Hua Buqi was moved and agreed to eat, but only if Chen Yu left immediately.

Dongfang Shi, after seeing Chen Yu leave, tried to feed her himself, but she also ordered him away. Undeterred, Dongfang Shi vowed to remain by her side daily, promising that once he captured the capital, the House of Zhu would be restored in Suzhou as the wealthiest merchant family in the entire country. He then presented her with special fruits from West Chuzhou, reminiscing about their time lost in the desert when she had depended on him.

Later that night, to cheer her up, he orchestrated a fireworks display, recalling how her first New Year at Mo Manor had gone awry. However, the spectacle only intensified Hua Buqi’s sorrow, making her think of Grand Master Zhu, Xiao Xia, and Chen Yu. From the shadows, Chen Yu watched, his own expression filled with sadness.

Xiao Jiufeng soon returned to the camp, expressing his concern that Hua Buqi might have clouded Dongfang Shi’s judgment, making him vulnerable to the Emperor's schemes. Dongfang Shi reassured him of his own cunning, revealing he had already discovered that Liu Qingwu had become the Emperor's Consort during a recent dangerous reconnaissance. He then proposed a plan: Bai Jianfei would track Liu Qingwu's movements, and at the opportune moment, Liu Qingyan would assassinate her and take her place.

This would allow Liu Qingyan to get close to the Emperor, potentially leading to his assassination without needing a single soldier. Xiao Jiufeng approved of the strategy and instructed Dongfang Shi to keep Liu Qingyan by his side for this task. However, Xiao Jiufeng also expressed deep distrust for Chen Yu, urging Dongfang Shi to eliminate him since he was the Emperor's nephew. Dongfang Shi, however, had another plan.

Liuzhou, where the Emperor was, was difficult to conquer, but Xuzhou, though well-defended, was commanded by Chang Kuan, Chen Yu’s uncle. Dongfang Shi intended to send Chen Yu, along with Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang, to conquer Xuzhou, using it as a test of Chen Yu's loyalty.

Dongfang Shi also decided to take Hua Buqi with him to Xuzhou, both to keep her safe from Xiao Jiufeng's interrogations and to prove that he could conquer the world without relying on the Biluotian treasure. Chen Yu, acting as a general, escorted Dongfang Shi and Hua Buqi on their journey south. Hua Buqi challenged Dongfang Shi, asking if he feared she would escape with Chen Yu.

Dongfang Shi dismissed her words, insisting Chen Yu was now his general and had no connection to her. Hua Buqi scoffed at his manipulative nature, to which Dongfang Shi replied that he had deliberately sent Xiao Jiufeng to Liuzhou to ensure Hua Buqi's safety. Upon arriving in Xuzhou, Chen Yu was blindfolded before entering the camp, a clear sign of Dongfang Shi's continued distrust, which Dongfang Shi openly confirmed.

Inside the Xuzhou camp, Dongfang Shi assigned Chen Yu a perilous mission: with Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang, he was to infiltrate the Xuzhou General Manor and persuade his uncle, Chang Kuan, to surrender. Dongfang Shi believed Chang Kuan would lower his guard in the presence of his nephew, allowing Chen Yu to act. Chen Yu, however, questioned whether killing Chang Kuan would guarantee the city gates would open and humbly stated he was no "god of war."

He suggested attempting persuasion first, noting his uncle’s past grievances with the Emperor. Dongfang Shi agreed, stipulating that if persuasion failed, Chang Kuan must be killed. News of Chen Yu's defection and Dongfang Shi's intent to use him to conquer Xuzhou soon reached the Emperor, causing him great concern. Liu Qingwu, learning this, offered to travel to Xuzhou to boost the soldiers' morale and ease the Emperor's burden.

The Emperor was hesitant due to the danger but, having no other reliable personnel, reluctantly agreed. He strictly ordered Bai Jianfei to select elite imperial guards to ensure Liu Qingwu's safety throughout her journey. Meanwhile, Dongfang Shi confronted Yun Lang and Mo Ruofei, accusing Yun Lang of setting fire to the military camp and attempting to abduct Hua Buqi while Dongfang Shi was engaged in battle in Liuzhou.

Yun Lang denied the accusation, claiming he was in Wujia Town searching for spies and explaining his late return with a story of a captured spy who died during secret interrogation. Though Dongfang Shi was not entirely convinced, he dropped the matter but sternly warned Yun Lang to behave, threatening severe consequences for Feiyun Fortress if Yun Lang’s interest in Hua Buqi caused trouble.

Following this, Yun Lang went to bid farewell to Lin Dansha, who was furious with him for risking their revenge plan against Xiao Jiufeng by attempting to rescue Hua Buqi and replacing a spy with a death convict. Yun Lang explained Dongfang Shi's dangerous mission in Xuzhou as a likely death trap. He promised Lin Dansha he would do his utmost to return alive, so they could eventually exact their revenge on Xiao Jiufeng together.

After their emotional farewell, Yun Lang secretly received a paper from Chen Yu. They later met in secret, and Chen Yu revealed his plan for rescuing Hua Buqi. As Liu Qingwu embarked on her journey to Xuzhou, her maid, Ping'er, urged her not to risk her life for Chen Yu, whose heart was not hers. Liu Qingwu refuted this, revealing her true motivations and her secret understanding with the Emperor.

She explained that Chen Yu's "defection" was a carefully orchestrated ruse to gain Dongfang Shi's trust. Chen Yu had informed the Emperor of Dongfang Shi's plan to replace Liu Qingwu with her twin sister, Liu Qingyan, to get close to the Emperor. The Emperor, who already suspected Bai Jianfei of betrayal due to his recent unusual behavior, planned to use this information to "lure the snake out of its hole."

Liu Qingwu was no longer pursuing Chen Yu's affection; instead, she sought power, aiming to become a favored Imperial Noble Consort with significant influence in the imperial harem. During her journey, Liu Qingyan appeared and poisoned Liu Qingwu's food, though she assured her sister it was not fatal. Liu Qingyan explained she intended to reveal a long-held secret: Liu Mingyue, out of jealousy, had murdered their parents and manipulated the two sisters into a lifelong rivalry.

Liu Qingyan expressed deep hatred for Liu Mingyue, recounting their difficult childhood of forced martial arts training, poison testing, and assassinations, contrasting it with the normal lives of other children. Liu Qingwu, her long-held suspicions confirmed, vowed to kill Liu Mingyue if she ever saw her again. Liu Qingyan then claimed she had already avenged their parents by killing Liu Mingyue and offered an antidote.

However, Liu Qingwu, having anticipated treachery, revealed that she had placed her own poison in an incense burner, incapacitating Liu Qingyan. Liu Qingwu explained that Chen Yu (referred to as Zhangqing by her) had sent a secret message to the Emperor upon seeing Liu Qingyan with Dongfang Shi, and her trip to Xuzhou was part of the Emperor and Chen Yu's counter-strategy.

Seeing her sister's weakened state and hearing her desperate question about being killed, Liu Qingwu decided not to harm her. She realized that continued animosity between them would fulfill Liu Mingyue's malicious desires. Apologizing for her past mistreatment, Liu Qingwu gave Liu Qingyan the antidote. With their history revealed and a new understanding forged, Liu Qingwu promised to protect Liu Qingyan, now that she held more power as an imperial concubine.

Liu Qingyan then confessed Dongfang Shi's full mission for her: assassinate Liu Qingwu, take her place, then find an opportunity to kill Chang Kuan. After Xuzhou was conquered, she was to enter the palace and collaborate with Bai Jianfei to assassinate the Emperor. This confirmed the Emperor's suspicions about Bai Jianfei's betrayal. Liu Qingwu proposed they turn Dongfang Shi's plan against him: they would fake Liu Qingyan's successful assassination and replacement of Liu Qingwu.

This meant Liu Qingyan would have to go into hiding for a while, but once the war was over, Liu Qingwu promised to share half of the meritorious rewards with her. Liu Qingyan readily agreed, stating she had no objections.

Episode 50 Recap

Liu Qingyan chose to cooperate with her older sister Liu Qingwu. She provided Liu Qingwu with the means to contact Dongfang Shi and decided to go into hiding for a while as per Liu Qingwu's instructions. Liu Qingwu, however, stated that she would send someone to keep an eye on Liu Qingyan to ensure the successful completion of the task. Liu Qingyan understood, explaining that it was natural for Liu Qingwu not to trust her immediately after their long-standing animosity.

She then revealed that she possessed a signal arrow, which, once the mission was accomplished, she would light in the southern part of Xuzhou to inform Dongfang Shi of her success. Meanwhile, in Xuzhou City, Chen Yu arrived at the General's mansion with Mo Ruofei and Yun Lang. General Chang Kuan was furious, accusing Chen Yu of being a traitor who deserted on the eve of battle, and ordered his arrest.

He even threatened to kill Chen Yu, but then offered to beg the Emperor for mercy to save Chen Yu, ensuring his sister's bloodline would be preserved. Chen Yu, however, revealed an imperial seal, calming Chang Kuan, and then started to speak ill of the current Emperor. Chen Yu argued that the Emperor had framed him and his father for rebellion, which also hindered Chang Kuan's own career.

He suggested that Chang Kuan surrender the city to Dongfang Shi, emphasizing that Dongfang Shi, as a descendant of Prince Cheng, was not an enemy. He further promised Chang Kuan the position of Minister of War if Dongfang Shi ascended to the throne, and assured him that Xuzhou's people would not be harmed.

Chang Kuan acknowledged that surrendering a city was a major decision and required time to consider, but Chen Yu pressed him for a quick decision, giving him one day at most. Chen Yu returned to his camp to report to Dongfang Shi, who noted that they had returned intact, indicating success. Chen Yu informed him that Chang Kuan needed a day to reconsider the surrender and that he had promised Chang Kuan the position of Minister of War.

Dongfang Shi expressed gratitude but also questioned Chen Yu's somber demeanor despite his achievement. Chen Yu dismissed it as merely doing his job. After Yun Lang left, Dongfang Shi kept Mo Ruofei behind, specifically wanting to know how Chen Yu had managed to persuade Chang Kuan. Privately, Xiao Liu had already dug a tunnel to connect to Chen Yu's camp, having worked day and night due to the urgency of Chen Yu's message.

Chen Yu left Xiao Liu to guard the tunnel and ensure a retreat if necessary, then used it to secretly meet Chang Kuan in the General's mansion. Chang Kuan expressed relief, realizing that Chen Yu's earlier accusations against the Emperor were part of a larger plan. He explained that he had gone along with Chen Yu due to his belief in Chen Yu's integrity, but voiced concerns about the hastiness of the plan and Dongfang Shi's power.

Chen Yu reassured him, citing that Yun Lang of Feiyun Fortress and Lin Dansha were trustworthy allies due to their shared vendetta against Xiao Jiufeng. Chang Kuan, having reaffirmed his trust in Chen Yu and his plan, committed to cooperating with Chen Yu to win the battle of Xuzhou for the Emperor. Elsewhere, Liu Qingwu met with Chen Yu. She thanked him for helping her gain the Emperor's trust and rewards.

She wondered if he would have allowed Hua Buqi to risk her life as she did. Liu Qingwu had now completely moved on from Chen Yu, envisioning herself as Noble Consort Qing, wielding power over the imperial harem, the next time they met after the war. Meanwhile, a signal from the south of Xuzhou informed Dongfang Shi that Liu Qingyan had successfully replaced Liu Qingwu.

Dongfang Shi, believing Liu Qingyan to be Liu Qingwu, saw this as a perfect opportunity to test Chang Kuan's sincerity in surrendering. After a day and night of deliberation, Chang Kuan decided to surrender the city. He sent an envoy to Dongfang Shi, expressing his desire to surrender and offering Liu Qingwu, whom he had arrested, as a gift. Dongfang Shi, convinced of Chang Kuan's sincerity, marched his troops into Xuzhou City with Chen Yu.

Upon entering, Chang Kuan requested Dongfang Shi to uphold his promise to not harm the people of Xuzhou. Dongfang Shi assured him of this and promised Chang Kuan and Chen Yu high positions as military advisors. When asked by Dongfang Shi how to punish Liu Qingwu, Chen Yu advised against killing her, suggesting it would tarnish Dongfang Shi's reputation. Dongfang Shi agreed and ordered her release, then proceeded to garrison his army within Xuzhou.

Moments after Dongfang Shi's army settled in Xuzhou, a devastating plague broke out, spreading rapidly and infecting nearly half of his forces. Dongfang Shi, furious at the lack of a cause or remedy, ordered his men to find paper and a pen to write prescriptions. He then instructed Mo Ruofei to purchase medicine in bulk, even resorting to force if merchants refused, and sent others to check on the newly arrived soldiers.

Unbeknownst to Dongfang Shi, this plague was no accident; it was a carefully executed plan by Chen Yu and Yun Lang. Lin Dansha, using her medical knowledge, had ensured that all the crucial "willow grass" in the surrounding areas was unobtainable, leaving Dongfang Shi, despite his medical skills, powerless to stop the epidemic. Lin Yuquan, searching for medicine, found Lin Dansha and, suspecting foul play, directly asked if she had initiated the poison.

Lin Dansha denied it, claiming Xiao Jiufeng wasn't present. Lin Yuquan, disheartened by his sister's continued pursuit of revenge, expressed his desire for a peaceful life, arguing that their father would want them to live well, and that they were already benefiting from Yun Lang's generalship and his own position as military doctor. He stated his intention to pledge loyalty to Xiao Jiufeng and abandon the pursuit of revenge, hoping for a peaceful life.

Lin Dansha, deeply disappointed, called him a coward afraid of death. She revealed that she had given a remedy to General Chang Kuan. She firmly declared that she would avenge their father herself if he would not, and he could continue living his comfortable life without involvement. Lin Yuquan tried to dissuade her, warning her of Xiao Jiufeng's immense power and the severe consequences should she fail, but Lin Dansha refused to listen.

Lin Yuquan left to assist Mo Ruofei, urging his sister to calm down and discuss it again after the plague. Meanwhile, Chen Yu was planning Hua Buqi's rescue. Xiao Liu reported Hua Buqi's location, noting she was heavily guarded by a servant inside and dozens of soldiers outside. Chen Yu acknowledged the lack of manpower but refused to ask for soldiers from Chang Kuan.

He reasoned that Chang Kuan's loyalty to the Emperor would inevitably lead to Hua Buqi's discovery and cause animosity between Chen Yu and the Emperor at such a critical juncture. He instructed Xiao Liu to prepare adequately and rescue Hua Buqi during Chang Kuan's planned surprise attack the following day. The plague continued to decimate Dongfang Shi's army, with Mo Ruofei and Lin Yuquan reporting the complete unavailability of willow grass and over 10,000 deaths.

Dongfang Shi deduced that the plague was man-made. Just then, Chang Kuan's forces launched a sudden attack on Dongfang Shi's camps. Dongfang Shi, his forces severely weakened, ordered a full retreat and instructed his men to find "Zhu brat" (Hua Buqi). During the chaos, Chen Yu confronted Dongfang Shi, who realized Chen Yu's involvement in the scheme. Chen Yu instructed Xiao Liu to protect Hua Buqi and escape, but Mo Ruofei intercepted them.

Mo Ruofei called out "Eldest Brother" to Hua Buqi before brutally killing Xiao Liu in front of her and knocking her unconscious. Chen Yu and Dongfang Shi engaged in a fierce duel, both sustaining serious injuries. Fortunately, Chang Kuan arrived with his troops, ordering his men to pursue Dongfang Shi with a reward of 10,000 taels for his capture, while saving the unconscious Chen Yu.

Mo Ruofei and Lin Yuquan skillfully distracted the pursuing soldiers, allowing Dongfang Shi to escape with Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi explained to Hua Buqi that despite their current unsafe situation due to his battle loss, he had to keep her with him. He feared that Xiao Jiufeng would capture and sacrifice her to open the Biluotian treasure. He vowed to protect her at all times and sought food for them.

Back in Xuzhou, Chang Kuan informed the recovering Chen Yu that Dongfang Shi and Mo Ruofei had escaped to Xichu Province. He recounted their decisive victory, having killed 80,000 of Dongfang Shi's 200,000 soldiers, captured 100,000, and taken three cities. Chen Yu expressed regret at not being able to rescue Hua Buqi.

He then inquired about Yun Lang and Lin Dansha, asking Chang Kuan to bring them to him and confirming that their alliance with him remained a secret from Dongfang Shi. Chen Yu thanked them for their crucial contributions to the victory. Yun Lang stated that he sought no reward, only the safety of his people in Feiyun Fortress and his cousin, and the death of Xiao Jiufeng.

Lin Dansha added that she and Yun Lang would return to Dongfang Shi's camp even without being asked, as her father was still raising warhorses for Xiao Jiufeng, and her brother Lin Yuquan was with Dongfang Shi. That night, Dongfang Shi rested with Hua Buqi in a forest. He tried to engage her, offering her a roasted chicken leg and reminiscing about their past agreement to have a Beggar's Chicken cooking competition.

Hua Buqi remained silent and unresponsive, clearly missing Chen Yu. Dongfang Shi grew sad, confessing that he usually called her "Zhu brat" because Chen Yu called her "Buqi," and he didn't want to be like him. He admitted he loved the name Buqi, viewing it as a "once in a lifetime promise," and lamented how their relationship had deteriorated because of his pursuit of the throne. He longed for the days in the desert when they would bicker and joke.

He wished he had met her earlier, believing he could have treated her better than Chen Yu, with more tricks to make her happy. Hua Buqi finally spoke, telling him that if he found it not worth it, he should abandon his quest for the throne to save countless lives. Dongfang Shi replied that there was "no turning back," and even if he wished to give up, Xiao Jiufeng would never allow it.

The next morning, Hua Buqi awoke to find Dongfang Shi suffering from a high fever. Concerned, she used a sword to cut the ropes binding her wrists and found herbs to treat him, recalling the herbal knowledge her Ninth Uncle had taught her. Dongfang Shi felt better and thanked her, expressing his happiness that she had not escaped, perceiving it as a sign of her affection for him.

Hua Buqi clarified that she merely didn't want him to die an "ugly death" to wild animals. She then asked him to release her. Dongfang Shi countered, explaining that she would be hunted by both the Emperor and Xiao Jiufeng, and therefore, it was safest for her to remain by his side. Hearing this, Hua Buqi remarked that she "should've run away."

Meanwhile, Xiao Jiufeng received news that, though Dongfang Shi's status remained unknown after Xuzhou, he was likely alive as no public announcement of his capture or death had been made. More importantly, his subordinates reported finding the Biluotian sacred item and map in a house in the woods. Xiao Jiufeng exclaimed that "God is helping" him, declaring that with the Biluotian treasure, they could "turn this around," and he was now determined to capture Hua Buqi.

Dongfang Shi took Hua Buqi to a secluded house in Mei Village, which had been abandoned due to the war. His subordinate questioned why they were settling there instead of finding Xiao Jiufeng to plan a counterattack. Dongfang Shi stated he had his own plan and strictly forbade anyone from informing Xiao Jiufeng of their location, threatening severe consequences for any disobedience. He then personally took Hua Buqi to her room to rest. Later, Mo Ruofei attempted to see Dongfang Shi but was turned away by a guard, indicating Dongfang Shi's desire for privacy and his secretive plans.

Episode 51 (Ending) Recap

Dongfang Shi brought Hua Buqi to Mei Village in Xichu Province for her safety, instructing Mo Ruofei and Lin Yuquan not to reveal their location. Mo Ruofei, however, harbored deep resentment, believing Dongfang Shi should be leading them against the Emperor instead of indulging in romantic endeavors. He voiced his frustration, asking what their next move was and criticizing the focus on a wedding during wartime.

Inside, Hua Buqi demanded to know how long Dongfang Shi intended to keep her confined. Dongfang Shi proposed they marry immediately, explaining that the Northern Wilderness King had withdrawn his support, leaving him vulnerable. He warned that Xiao Jiufeng would undoubtedly capture Hua Buqi to sacrifice her for the Biluotian treasure, and marriage was the only way to protect her, as Xiao Jiufeng would not harm his own grandson's wife.

Hua Buqi vehemently refused, reminding him that despite her past care for him, she still harbored a deep dislike. Dongfang Shi, however, was resolute, stating that she had to marry him regardless of her feelings, as it was the only way. Meanwhile, Mo Ruofei secretly sent word to Xiao Jiufeng, revealing Dongfang Shi's location and his intent to marry Hua Buqi in Mei Village.

Enraged that Dongfang Shi was pursuing marriage instead of returning to him, Xiao Jiufeng immediately ordered his forces to Xichu to retrieve him. News of Xiao Jiufeng's movements reached Yun Lang, who quickly informed Lin Dansha, and they resolved to warn Chen Yu without delay. Chen Yu, accompanied by Yuan Chong, arrived secretly at Mei Village and found Hua Buqi.

He clarified his previous actions, explaining that Grand Master Zhu was alive, and his apparent abandonment at Liuzhou was a ruse to deceive Dongfang Shi. He revealed that Dongfang Shi's defeat at Xuzhou was also part of a larger scheme he orchestrated with Commander Chang Kuan, and that the Emperor now held Grand Master Zhu, promising to release him once Dongfang Shi and Xiao Jiufeng were captured.

Hua Buqi expressed anger at being lied to, but Chen Yu urged her to leave with him immediately, as Xiao Jiufeng would arrive within hours. Before they could act, Dongfang Shi returned. Chen Yu and Yuan Chong quickly hid. Dongfang Shi pressed Hua Buqi for an immediate marriage, declaring he couldn't stay by her side during wartime and needed to return to his "old man" (Xiao Jiufeng) soon. He threatened to force her if she refused.

Hua Buqi confirmed that marriage was indeed the only way to deter Xiao Jiufeng. After Dongfang Shi left, Chen Yu reappeared. Hua Buqi then declared her intention to stay. She reasoned that her escape would alert both Dongfang Shi and Xiao Jiufeng, making their capture much harder and jeopardizing Chen Yu's efforts.

Chen Yu was reluctant to let her take such a risk, but Hua Buqi insisted it was a necessary sacrifice to end the war swiftly and secure Grand Master Zhu's release. She pleaded for a chance to risk danger for him, just as he had for her in the past. Chen Yu, having lost his father and master, expressed his fear of losing her too.

Hua Buqi assured him she would be fine and made him promise to spare Dongfang Shi's life if captured, citing Dongfang Shi's past kindness to her in the desert. Chen Yu agreed to try to persuade the Emperor, acknowledging the difficulty given Dongfang Shi's role in starting the war and his lineage as Prince of Cheng's descendant. Hua Buqi then went to Dongfang Shi and agreed to marry him. Overjoyed, Dongfang Shi embraced her, promising to protect her for life.

Hua Buqi confessed her motivation: with her Grand Master alive but held captive by the Emperor, and her family gone, she needed to ensure her own survival to revive the House of Zhu. Dongfang Shi promised that Xiao Jiufeng would not sacrifice her if they married and reassured her of his continued efforts to defeat the Emperor.

Dongfang Shi apologized for not being able to give her a grand wedding, having only managed to find a village matchmaker, but Hua Buqi dismissed his concerns, recalling her humble beginnings with Uncle Jiu. As the auspicious moment arrived, Hua Buqi, in her red bridal attire, felt a pang of sadness as she thought of Uncle Jiu. Dongfang Shi, with Mo Ruofei and Lin Yuquan as witnesses, prepared for the ceremony.

Just as they raised their crossed-arm wine cups, Xiao Jiufeng dramatically arrived, accusing Dongfang Shi of foolish romance and neglecting his imperial ambitions. Dongfang Shi argued that without the map and holy object, Xiao Jiufeng couldn't acquire the treasure anyway, and pleaded for his blessing, reminding him that Hua Buqi would soon be his granddaughter-in-law. From now on, he would unite with Xiao Jiufeng in defeating the Emperor.

Xiao Jiufeng, however, revealed he already possessed both the map and the holy object, declaring his only remaining need was the Saintess. He insisted on taking Hua Buqi. Dongfang Shi tried to stop him, but Xiao Jiufeng denounced his romantic entanglements as an obstacle to success, ordering his men to seize Hua Buqi. Xiao Jiufeng then took Hua Buqi by force. Mo Ruofei intervened, blocking Dongfang Shi's path.

He declared his personal mission to avenge the destruction of the House of Mo by killing the Emperor, stating he would sacrifice Hua Buqi if necessary to achieve his goal. Realizing Mo Ruofei’s ruthlessness, Dongfang Shi killed him to clear his path and pursue Xiao Jiufeng. Meanwhile, Yun Lang and Lin Dansha reached Mei Village, where they were ambushed by Black Phoenix, who had discovered their betrayal.

Lin Dansha, unskilled in combat, was vulnerable, and Lin Yuquan sacrificed himself to shield her from Black Phoenix's sword, dying instantly. Lin Dansha wept uncontrollably as Yun Lang also fell victim to Black Phoenix's blade. Overcome with grief and rage, Lin Dansha seized a wooden stick and fought Black Phoenix to aid Yun Lang, sustaining a severe wound herself. She watched in despair as Yun Lang died before her eyes, then crawled to his side, taking her last breath.

Simultaneously, Chen Yu and Yuan Chong confronted Xiao Jiufeng. Despite their efforts, they were no match for his formidable skills. Xiao Jiufeng brutally killed Yuan Chong in front of Chen Yu before taking Hua Buqi away. With his dying breath, Yuan Chong implored Chen Yu to rescue Hua Buqi. Heartbroken, Chen Yu reluctantly left Yuan Chong's body and followed Dongfang Shi’s trail to pursue Xiao Jiufeng and Hua Buqi.

Xiao Jiufeng brought Hua Buqi to the Biluotian shrine, obsessed with the belief that the treasure would grant him dominion over the world. Hua Buqi scoffed at his delusions, asserting her faith that Chen Yu would come to save her. At the entrance to Biluotian, Chen Yu and Dongfang Shi desperately searched for the hidden mechanism. Knowing that every moment delayed increased Hua Buqi's peril, they relentlessly searched until Dongfang Shi finally located the secret entrance.

Inside, Xiao Jiufeng had begun the ritual to sacrifice Hua Buqi. Chen Yu and Dongfang Shi burst in just as Hua Buqi and Chen Yu were plummeting from the shrine. Dongfang Shi caught both of them, clinging precariously. Xiao Jiufeng demanded Dongfang Shi release them. Dongfang Shi defiantly refused, stating he wished to claim the throne himself and accepting their current defeat as destiny. Xiao Jiufeng then fatally stabbed Dongfang Shi.

With his last reserves of strength, Dongfang Shi pulled Chen Yu and Hua Buqi back to safety on the platform, then pleaded with Xiao Jiufeng to spare Hua Buqi. Devastated by his accidental killing of Dongfang Shi, Xiao Jiufeng raged, vowing to make Hua Buqi pay for his grandson's death. Chen Yu bravely confronted Xiao Jiufeng to protect Hua Buqi, but he was outmatched.

As Xiao Jiufeng prepared to strike Hua Buqi, Chen Yu made a final, desperate move, pushing Xiao Jiufeng off the shrine platform, and falling with him. Hua Buqi lunged to catch Chen Yu, but he knew her strength was insufficient to save him. Bidding her farewell, Chen Yu released her hand and plunged to his demise. With the destruction of the Biluotian shrine, the ancient prophecy vanished, ushering in a new era for the imperial court.

Bai Jianfei was convicted of treason, while Liu Qingwu became Imperial Concubine Qing, wielding significant influence in the palace. The Emperor, now more open to counsel, lowered taxes, prioritized agriculture, and gained the deep respect of his people. During a casual outing, the Emperor and Liu Qingwu overheard rumors of the Lotus Robe Knight's reappearance.

In truth, after Chen Yu's fall, Hua Buqi had taken up the mantle, traveling the land as the Lotus Robe Knight to keep his legend alive. She mused that Chen Yu was her Lotus Robe Knight in this life and hoped he would be in the next. As she reflected, the true Lotus Robe Knight appeared before her. Chen Yu removed his mask, just as he had when they first met, and Hua Buqi, overwhelmed with joy, embraced him tightly. Their promise of eternal love, to hold hands and grow old together, had finally been fulfilled.