Jade's Fateful Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Jade's Fateful Love Synopsis
Princess Yue Ling of Dongyu, in order to protect her sister's happiness, "marries in her place" to Beishuo. By a twist of fate, she ends up marrying the envoy, Prince Zhou Shiyu. Unexpectedly, their journey is fraught with danger.
A jade pendant accidentally opens a portal through time, and Yue Ling and Zhou Shiyu find themselves in a game where the experience resets each time it ends. Together, they battle and grow stronger, supporting each other through numerous challenges. As they strive to change their destinies, they also come to shoulder the weight of their nation's fate, falling in love with each other along the way.
Jade's Fateful Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Dongyu was preparing for a significant event: the marriage of its Eldest Princess, Ashina Zhu, to the state of Beishuo, intended to solidify an alliance and bring peace. The Young Princess, Ashina Yueling, who preferred martial arts and cooking to conventional princess duties and was often chided by her father for it, was busy making her sister's favorite pastries – milk tea rolls, cheese packets, and glutinous rice cake with raisins – wishing her a safe journey.
Her younger brother, Ashina Xingyi, arrived, praised her exceptional cooking skills, and hinted that he needed money, which Yueling promptly gave him, securing his promise to do whatever she asked later. Qian Qian, Yueling's maid, reminded her to change for the farewell dinner that evening, noting that the Khan would again complain about her lack of princess-like behavior.
Meanwhile, in the Beishuo camp, the North Prince, Zhou Shiyu, ordered the escort to make camp for the night, preparing to receive the Dongyu Princess the following day. His soldiers expressed relief that the marriage would end their conflicts and that Beishuo had already sent food supplies for the winter. That evening, festive singing and dancing could be heard outside the yurts. Inside her sister's room, Ashina Yueling found Ashina Zhu sad and drinking heavily.
Noticing Du Er's piccolo, Yueling realized her sister was still in love with the diplomat. Yueling urged Ashina Zhu to refuse the marriage and offered to inform their father. Ashina Zhu, however, explained that princesses bore the responsibility for state alliances and insisted she was willing to marry. Yueling persisted, suggesting she take her sister's place if she was unwilling, or confront the Beishuo escort on her behalf.
Ashina Zhu declined, asking Yueling to simply drink with her on her last night, which Yueling agreed to do. The next morning, Ashina Yueling awoke groggy to find Ashina Zhu gone. Ashina Xingyi informed her that their sister had departed at dawn and was likely already outside Dongyu territory with the Beishuo escort. Regretting her heavy drinking, Yueling immediately took Xingyi with her and set off on horseback to intercept them.
Halfway there, they encountered Du Er, who was watching the procession. After a discussion, they formed a new plan. The Beishuo escort was already underway, with Lin Mu, Zhou Shiyu's guard, commenting on the seemingly smooth journey, though Zhou Shiyu sensed impending danger. They heard Dongyu music and identified it as Du Er's, prompting speculation among some soldiers that he might attempt to retrieve the princess.
Yueling and Xingyi also heard the music and resolved to find Du Er (this part seems out of sequence based on the plot saying they "met" him halfway, so let's adjust flow). Let's rephrase the morning sequence to integrate the meeting with Du Er before arriving at the posthouse. " Corrected Morning Sequence:" The next morning, Ashina Yueling awoke groggy to find Ashina Zhu gone.
Ashina Xingyi informed her that their sister had departed at dawn and was likely already outside Dongyu territory with the Beishuo escort. Regretting her heavy drinking, Yueling immediately took Xingyi with her and set off on horseback to intercept them. On the way, they encountered Du Er, who was watching the procession. After a discussion, Yueling, Xingyi, Qian Qian, and Du Er formed a new plan.
The Beishuo escort, meanwhile, was underway, with Lin Mu commenting on the seemingly smooth journey, though Zhou Shiyu sensed impending danger. They heard Dongyu music and identified it as Du Er's. " Continuing the recap:" At the posthouse later, Beishuo guards were put on high alert. According to the plan made with Du Er and Qian Qian, Ashina Yueling, disguised as a maid, entered Ashina Zhu's room under the guise of delivering pastries.
She knocked her sister unconscious to allow Xingyi to transport her out of the camp, where Qian Qian and Du Er would meet them. Yueling intended to stay behind with Xingyi to stall and execute the next part of the plan: stealing the marriage letter and burning the posthouse. She believed framing Beishuo for failing to secure the princess and documents would hinder them if they contemplated war. Meanwhile, Ashina Xingyi distracted some Beishuo soldiers with food and drink.
Ashina Yueling entered the North Prince's room to search for the marriage letter, but was discovered by Zhou Shiyu, who had secretly been there all along. She attempted to bluff her way out, pretending to be a common thief looking for money, claiming she believed he was the North Prince and therefore wealthy. When Zhou Shiyu questioned her about the marriage letter, she feigned ignorance, claiming she was in the wrong room after he identified himself as a minor guard.
She offered a bribe, but he refused, stating his duty as the North Prince's guard was to capture thieves, not make deals. As Ashina Yueling and Zhou Shiyu faced each other, the Roufeng Sect launched a brutal attack on the posthouse, causing widespread death. Poisoned arrows pierced the room, striking both Yueling and Zhou Shiyu, killing them. Moments later, they found themselves back in the room, alive, with a shared, distinct memory of having just died.
Yueling was stunned, wondering if it was a nightmare, but the shared experience confirmed it was real. They realized assassins were coming again. As chaos erupted outside, Dongyu people cried out about the attack. Ashina Xingyi was found injured but alive. Beishuo guards reported that Princess Ashina Zhu was missing from her room, taken by the attackers.
Ashina Yueling loudly accused the Beishuo side of negligence for allowing the princess to disappear, insisting she saw her being taken and believed she must be dead given the attackers' cruelty, demanding an explanation from the North Prince. Zhou Shiyu, having not revealed his true identity, received a report from Lin Mu confirming the Roufeng Sect attack and that the dowry was safe.
He found it peculiar that the Dongyu escort immediately declared the princess dead rather than searching for her, suspecting they might be involved in her disappearance. He instructed Lin Mu to keep a close watch on Yueling and Xingyi without revealing his identity as the North Prince. The next day, Ashina Yueling and the injured Ashina Xingyi attempted to escape but were intercepted by Zhou Shiyu.
He revealed that Xingyi was poisoned by the Roufeng Sect's unique toxin and would perish within two weeks without their specific antidote. Xingyi was terrified. Zhou Shiyu offered them a deal: if Yueling impersonated the marriage princess and helped conceal the real princess's disappearance, he would help them obtain the antidote in Beishuo. Yueling was hesitant, blaming Beishuo for the princess's loss and fearing travel to Beishuo.
Zhou Shiyu pointed out their suspicious presence and actions, hinting they knew more than they claimed about the real princess's whereabouts. Yueling maintained her story of being a maid and Xingyi her brother, who came to say farewell, and insisted Beishuo was responsible for the princess's disappearance. Zhou Shiyu stressed that only with his help could Xingyi be saved. After a brief private discussion, Yueling and Xingyi agreed to the deal, planning to escape once Xingyi received the antidote.
Yueling accepted the proposal to impersonate the princess. Agreeing to the deal, Ashina Yueling stated their assumed identities going forward: she would be the maid Yueling, and Ashina Xingyi her bodyguard. Before setting off, she asked for Zhou Shiyu's name, and he gave the assumed name "Wen Yu." Yueling agreed to maintain the pretense until they reached the capital and obtained the antidote for Xingyi, and Zhou Shiyu promised to keep his word if they played their parts convincingly.
Yueling asked for her silver back, but Zhou Shiyu dismissed it, saying that as the 'princess', she now commanded the dowry and should not care about such a small sum, much to her annoyance. Ashina Xingyi privately instructed his loyal guards to ensure the Beishuo escort remained unaware of their true identities, reiterating his fear he might be forced to take his sister's place if she wasn't found.
He declared that from now on, they were officially the maid Yueling and the bodyguard Xingyi. Zhou Shiyu instructed his guards that the assassination had failed, the princess's maid had died protecting her, and Princess Ashina Zhu had miraculously survived, requiring increased vigilance. He specifically ordered Lin Mu to assign additional guards to protect 'Xingyi'.
Ashina Yueling, addressing Zhou Shiyu as "Wen Yu," then ordered him to serve as her personal guard beside her carriage, acknowledging his skill, a command Zhou Shiyu inwardly found audacious for a fake princess. The Roufeng Sect, still determined, learned the escort had continued and prepared ambushes along the route. As the wedding procession passed through a forest, they were suddenly surrounded. Ashina Yueling sensed the ambush and ordered the carriage to halt and change direction.
Zhou Shiyu questioned how she knew, and Yueling explained she had experienced the same event again, realizing it wasn't a dream but a repeat of what had just happened. They realized they had just died together and were somehow resurrected. They attempted a different route, but it was also ambushed. Yueling again detected the danger and ordered another change of route.
Zhou Shiyu then decided they should take a different mountain path, which puzzled Lin Mu as he couldn't understand how Zhou Shiyu knew it would be better than the ambushed forest paths. Facing another inescapable ambush, Yueling made a bizarre offer to the assassins: instead of being killed by them, they would take their own lives, suggesting poison. The assassins provided them with "Seven-step Poison."
Yueling thanked them and drank it, urging Zhou Shiyu to follow, suggesting they could try again. They died after seven steps but were reborn once more. After this rebirth, Ashina Yueling speculated that the jade pendant might be the reason for their repeated resurrections, but emphasized that simply dying and reviving wouldn't help them escape the assassins surrounding every path. Zhou Shiyu suggested creating a diversion to break free.
He ordered a carriage stopped and instructed Yueling to hold onto him. As assassins pursued them, they found themselves trapped near a high cliff. Zhou Shiyu told Yueling they had to jump. Despite her fear of heights and inability to swim well, she held onto him as they leaped off the cliff, with Zhou Shiyu telling her to simply hold her breath. They managed to reach the shore. Zhou Shiyu found fish in the shallow water, caught them, and cooked them. Ashina Yueling watched him and cautiously asked for permission before eating the roasted fish.
Episode 2 Recap
While eating roast fish, Yueling noticed that Zhou Shiyu was wearing a jade pendant similar to her own. They discussed the pendants' origins. Yueling's pendant was given to her by her mother, while Zhou Shiyu received his from a traveling necromancer who told him it would bring him fortuitous encounters. When the two pendants are combined, the necromancer claimed they would bring peace to the two states.
Yueling wondered if their survival during past assassination attempts was thanks to the pendant. Zhou Shiyu replied it was possible, but cautioned that their current safety didn't guarantee future safety. Meanwhile, the Roufeng Sect Chief was informed by Nan Xun that the Princess of Dongyu had escaped and the escort was largely dead or injured, with some guards having fled.
The Chief angrily ordered Nan Xun to find the princess within one day, alive or dead, threatening severe punishment for failure. Later, while resting by a lake, Yueling offered Zhou Shiyu water scooped in a lotus leaf, claiming it was sweet. After taking a sip, Zhou Shiyu agreed it tasted sweet. However, upon seeing Yueling's feet in the water, he angrily threw the leaf away, declaring he would rather not drink the water, despite just having praised its taste.
Continuing their journey the next day, Yueling struggled to keep up with Zhou Shiyu's pace, worrying they wouldn't reach the Capital City by the agreed time. She admitted she wasn't good at walking, only riding horses, and asked Zhou Shiyu to carry her. Although he initially hesitated due to propriety, he eventually agreed, remarking on how quickly she adapted to her new role.
He warned her that if they didn't find the real princess, she would have to take on the role and become the true Eldest Princess in Beishuo. Elsewhere, Nan Xun reported to the Roufeng Sect Chief that the princess was not found in the forest. During the report, someone (Xingyi) was apprehended. When questioned about the princess's whereabouts, Xingyi offered to lead them to her if they first cured him of his poison, claiming he was dying.
The Chief, eager for information, agreed and gave him an antidote, ordering Nan Xun to make him lead the way, threatening him with a miserable life if he tried any tricks. Xingyi complained about having to run behind their horses while still weak, leading the Chief to pull him onto his horse. However, Xingyi gave conflicting directions, and the Chief, realizing he was being fooled, threw him off the horse, deciding to abandon Xingyi and find another way.
Near the Capital City, Zhou Shiyu and Yueling rendezvoused with men sent by his side. Yueling immediately asked about Xingyi. Zhou Shiyu's men informed her that Xingyi was still on his way and would be escorted to the Capital. Zhou Shiyu reassured Yueling that Xingyi would be safe as long as she maintained her disguise. They soon arrived at the bustling Capital City, which captivated Yueling.
Earlier, following Roufeng Sect rules after Su Nian's mission failed, Nan Xun proceeded to punish Su Nian with a whipping, acting on the Chief's orders. Upon arriving at a residence prepared for her in the Capital, Yueling was greeted by Eunuch Li, who explained that due to pre-marriage customs, the Emperor could not meet her yet but had sent many items and arranged a banquet as a gesture of goodwill and care. Yueling accepted graciously.
Following the Emperor's gifts, representatives from various powerful factions, including the Old Imperial Consort, the North Prince, and the South Prince, arrived with opulent imperial dishes to celebrate her arrival. Zhou Shiyu immediately went to see Emperor Zhou Chenyu to report the substitution and the loss of the real princess. The Emperor was not concerned about the substitute's identity, stating that securing the alliance with Dongyu to gain their support against his uncle's influence was the primary objective.
To prevent complications before his uncle returned from suppressing rebels, the Emperor planned to announce the formal recognition of the marriage (conferral of consort title) soon and ordered Zhou Shiyu to ensure the princess's safety at the residence by adding more guards. Zhou Shiyu confirmed he would protect the princess and agreed on the urgency of the formal announcement before the uncle's return, stating that the alliance would bring peace between the two states.
Back at the residence, Yueling eagerly enjoyed the array of exquisite dishes. Zhou Shiyu arrived to check on her, and Yueling, in good spirits, invited him to join her meal. They both ate some pastry. Moments later, they felt drowsy and collapsed, appearing dead. A maid named Taozi, hidden nearby, emerged and seemed pleased with the outcome. However, to her shock, Yueling and Zhou Shiyu suddenly rose, unharmed. Yueling confronted the maid, realizing she was involved in a poisoning attempt.
To extract a confession, Yueling threatened to disfigure her face with a corrosive substance. The maid initially claimed ignorance but, under pressure, falsely implicated the North Prince. Zhou Shiyu immediately recognized this as a lie, noting the clumsy method of poisoning the food suggested the involvement of someone less cunning, identifying her as a servant of the simple-minded South Prince Zhou Zhixuan.
With further pressure from Yueling, the maid finally admitted her true allegiance, although she initially denied being directly ordered to poison by the South Prince himself. Taozi was subsequently sent back to the South Prince's mansion. The butler, Yang Xu, scolded her for her failure, lamenting that she had embarrassed the South Prince.
South Prince Zhou Zhixuan, holding a pet piglet, reacted with exaggerated confusion and anger when told Taozi had tried to poison the princess, claiming he never ordered it, despite Yang Xu and other maids confirming he had.
The conversation highlighted Zhou Zhixuan's erratic behavior, poor memory, simple thought process, naming his maids after fruits and poetic concepts, his focus on his pet Piggy, and his bitter rivalry with the North Prince, whom he blamed for taking credit he felt he deserved. He was furious that Zhou Shiyu and the princess had survived.
Taozi tried to explain she nearly succeeded, only for Zhou Zhixuan to express contradictory anger – first that she failed, then that if she had succeeded, he would have been in trouble too. He dismissed her as an idiot. Yang Xu then mentioned that North Prince's men had delivered Taozi back to the mansion, and also brought a letter from Zhou Shiyu. The letter simply stated, "I'll let you go this time.
Hope you'll behave yourself," which further enraged Zhou Zhixuan. Later, Yueling and Zhou Shiyu discussed the recent events. Yueling expressed her frustration at facing another attempt on her life after surviving the assassins on the road, wondering why people in Beishuo were so eager for the princess to die. Zhou Shiyu explained that the political landscape was complex, with those who desired peace supporting the marriage and those who sought chaos opposing it.
He noted that the identities of the initial assassins were still unknown, and now the unpredictable South Prince was causing trouble. Yueling dismissed the South Prince as useless and lacking brains, which Zhou Shiyu agreed with. Yueling then sarcastically commented on the "talents" within Beishuo's royal family, calling both the North Prince and South Prince useless. Zhou Shiyu humorously called this flattery.
Yueling reminded him that they were "in this together," bound by their shared fate (implied by their circumstances and the pendants), and that she considered him a friend—righteous, kind, and brave. Getting to the point, she admitted she wasn't scared, but as she had to maintain her disguise as the princess, she couldn't afford to get hurt. She asked Zhou Shiyu to stay and protect her in the room. When he questioned how they could sleep given their restraints, she suggested loosening them slightly so he could sleep on the floor.
Episode 3 Recap
Yueling, feeling the danger in the Beishuo court after experiencing poisoning, tells Zhou Shiyu that as she is currently pretending to be the princess, she cannot afford to die and needs protection. She asks him to stay in her room for the night for protection, suggesting it would benefit them both, especially if the person who poisoned her attempts something again that evening.
When Zhou Shiyu questions the sleeping arrangement, she proposes he sleep on the floor and offers to provide a quilt. She tells him they are friends now and promises to treat him well in Beishuo. As Yueling drifts off to sleep, Zhou Shiyu reflects on their encounters and feels a sense of guilt for getting her involved in the conflict.
After days of difficult travel following his recovery, Xingyi arrives at the princess's mansion in the capital, looking like a beggar. Lin Mu tries to offer him clean clothes before he sees Yueling, but Xingyi refuses, wanting his sister to see how he was treated by the Beishuo people.
Lin Mu attempts to explain that they didn't abandon him and even left soldiers to search for him, but Xingyi insists he survived on his own after being discarded and nearly died. He dismisses Lin Mu's explanations, stating that Beishuo people cannot be trusted. Xingyi rushes to Yueling, and they share an emotional reunion.
Yueling asks about his injuries, and he recounts his suffering, describing being poisoned in the forest, crawling, becoming crippled and needing a cane, and enduring cold and hunger. He apologizes, but Yueling says it's her fault for not protecting him. He claims the Beishuo people didn't give him the antidote and says he used his clever wit to trick the female assassin for it after being abandoned. Lin Mu makes one more attempt to explain their actions to Yueling.
Meanwhile, Lin Mu reports to Zhou Shiyu about the search for Xingyi, mentioning they encountered Roufeng Sect assassins who were scared off by reinforcements. The captured assassins killed themselves with poison. Lin Mu notes that the Roufeng Sect seemed fully prepared and even possessed the escort route map, suggesting they targeted Zhou Shiyu, likely at the behest of someone in court.
Zhou Shiyu asks if the scout sent to investigate Yueling's identity in Dongyu has reported back; Lin Mu says not yet. Zhou Shiyu then asks if Lin Mu doesn't trust Yueling, and instructs him to keep a close watch on the siblings but also provide assistance if needed, emphasizing that they must not be allowed to escape. Later, while enjoying Beishuo food, Xingyi asks Yueling if she truly intends to stay and marry.
Yueling explains that she cannot leave yet, as it would provoke Beishuo, potentially leading to war and exposing their true identities and the matter of her eldest sister. Xingyi acknowledges her foresight, and she concludes they must wait and observe, expecting the Emperor won't summon her to the palace soon due to Beishuo's strict rules. Hearing the news from the capital, Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan rushes back overnight, entering the court with his sword.
After some discussion, prompted by his loyal ministers, the Emperor is compelled to grant Zhou Jingyuan the privilege of carrying his sword in court henceforth. During the discussion about the recent escort and the upcoming marriage, the South Prince, Zhou Zhixuan, highlights the attack and casualties, implying Zhou Shiyu was negligent and deserved punishment. Zhou Shiyu defends himself and points out the South Prince's own lack of concern for his own near-death experience, subtly referencing the poisoning attempt.
The Emperor, however, declares that since the Princess of Dongyu survived and the marriage is a joyous occasion, Zhou Shiyu's alleged fault is excused. This decision prompts protest from other ministers. Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan, now established in court, voices his opinion on the proposed marriage. He asserts that Dongyu is merely a small state and their princess is not worthy of becoming the Emperor's consort.
He clarifies that he doesn't advocate breaking the alliance but suggests the princess be married to an imperial relative instead. Zhou Zhixuan eagerly volunteers himself, claiming to be the best match. However, Zhou Jingyuan proposes that, given Zhou Shiyu's efforts in the escort and his unmarried status, the princess be betrothed to the North Prince. The Emperor ultimately agrees with Zhou Jingyuan's suggestion. Zhou Zhixuan protests loudly, reminding Zhou Shiyu of seniority and threatening him.
Following the court session, other ministers express concern over the constant rivalry between the two princes and their suitability to rule, finding solace in the Prime Minister's presence in handling court affairs. After court, Zhou Zhixuan congratulates Zhou Shiyu sarcastically on his new betrothal. Zhou Shiyu returns the pleasantries before Zhou Zhixuan departs with a threat.
Lin Mu questions Zhou Shiyu on the sudden change, wondering why the Prime Minister arranged for him to marry the princess instead of the Emperor, and whether it means Zhou Shiyu will gain Dongyu's support. Zhou Shiyu states the Prime Minister orchestrated it but is not acting out of kindness, anticipating the Prime Minister will make his move soon. Elsewhere, Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan meets with his counselor Lin Su and other followers.
Zhou Jingyuan expresses anger that the Emperor formed an alliance with Dongyu in his absence, forcing his hasty return to prevent the Emperor from marrying the princess himself, which he sees as the Emperor developing his own power to challenge them. Lin Su questions why Zhou Jingyuan would betroth the princess to Zhou Shiyu, his rival, seemingly giving him Dongyu's influence.
Zhou Jingyuan reveals his cunning plan: while a successful marriage "would" benefit Zhou Shiyu, he predicts the princess might not make it to the wedding. If she were to die in his mansion before the marriage, Zhou Shiyu would be severely implicated, thus eliminating him as a threat. His followers admire the strategy.
At the North Prince's Mansion, Zhou Shiyu orders his staff to quickly renovate and decorate the eastern courtyard and chambers in the style of Dongyu, preparing for the wedding. His men question if he is serious about marrying the "fake princess," to which he replies that regardless of whether she is real or fake, once she is married, she will be his true Princess Consort, and they should adapt to this fact.
Meanwhile, a royal decree arrives at the princess's mansion, addressed to Ashina Zhu. Yueling receives it and reads that the Emperor has decreed her marriage to the North Prince, Zhou Shiyu, with the wedding set for three months later on Beishuo's national day. Xingyi is indignant at the change, feeling insulted that his sister is being married to a prince rather than the emperor, viewing it as disrespect to Dongyu and a lesser status. Yueling acknowledges her own surprise.
She observes that the increased gifts listed in the marriage contract, including gold, silver, treasure, livestock, are likely intended to pacify Dongyu's people. Xingyi remains insistent that the marriage should not happen and that Zhou Shiyu is not a good person. They discuss escaping. Yueling weighs the idea but expresses concern that they still haven't received word from the real Eldest Sister, Ashina Zhu. She comments on the difference between the exquisite Beishuo mansion and their homeland prairie.
Several days later, Qian Qian arrives in the capital and finds Yueling. Qian Qian explains the difficulties of her journey after ensuring the real Princess Ashina Zhu was safely settled, including facing refugees and being robbed. Yueling thanks her, expressing understanding for her hardship. Qian Qian confirms that Princess Ashina Zhu and Diplomat Du Er are safely settled in Dongyu's northwest tribe, allowing the real princess to marry the man she loves.
Yueling is greatly relieved, noting they are reunited now and Yueling can finally relax. Yueling then decisively states they should escape. Later, Lin Mu brings a variety of snacks to Xingyi. He finds Xingyi packing his clothes. When asked, Xingyi claims he's merely tidying up because he prefers cleanliness. Yueling enters the room, and Lin Mu takes his leave, but lingers outside the door. He overhears Yueling and Xingyi discussing their departure.
Xingyi asks if they are leaving that day since he has finished packing, but Yueling insists they must finalize their plan first to avoid raising suspicion and alerting anyone. Determined to marry the Princess of Dongyu, Zhou Zhixuan seeks advice from his follower, Yang Xu. Yang Xu acknowledges Zhou Zhixuan's handsomeness but points out the Emperor's deference to the Prime Minister, suggesting they must remain on good terms with Zhou Jingyuan. Zhou Zhixuan expresses reluctance to provoke the Prime Minister.
Yang Xu then proposes an alternative strategy: Zhou Zhixuan should get close to the princess and earn her affection "before" her marriage to the North Prince. If she were to petition the Emperor herself to marry Zhou Zhixuan instead, there might be a chance. Zhou Zhixuan finds this plan promising. Meanwhile, Xingyi, having been in the capital for a while, expresses his desire to visit the famous House of Romance and asks Yueling to take him. Yueling eventually agrees.
Learning that the princess has left her mansion, Zhou Zhixuan confirms his plan is approved and prepares to go out to execute it. On the way, as Yueling and Xingyi walk through the streets, a group of thugs confronts them, making lewd remarks towards Yueling. Xingyi tries to intervene, but Yueling, noting his recent injury, asserts she can handle them herself. As she engages the thugs, Zhou Zhixuan appears and dramatically calls for the fighting to stop.
When the thugs turn on him, he positions himself to protect Yueling and defeats them. Impressed by his seemingly effortless skill in dispatching the attackers, Yueling praises his martial arts abilities. Zhou Zhixuan boasts about his lifelong training and supposed invincibility in the capital. Yueling, intrigued, then proposes they spar a few rounds. Yueling, calling Zhou Zhixuan "Young Master" and praising his martial arts, asks him to spar with her. Despite his reluctance to fight a woman, Yueling attacks.
Xingyi tries to stop her, but Yueling quickly lands two blows that give Zhou Zhixuan black eyes. He complains about being hit. His follower, Yang Xu, rushes to his aid. Seeing how easily Zhou Zhixuan was defeated, Yueling expresses surprise, noting she expected a martial arts expert. She apologizes, offers to take him to a clinic and escort him home, and assures him she will cover all costs. Yang Xu quickly refuses, stating Zhou Zhixuan has other important matters.
Yueling finds the men of Beishuo peculiar, changing from enthusiastic to distant so quickly, and thinks they are weak for attempting to be heroes without the skill. She and Xingyi decide to proceed to the House of Romance. Back with his followers, Zhou Zhixuan is visibly upset by his bruised face and blames Yang Xu, who tries to apologize. Yang Xu suggests they focus on targeting the North Prince since their plan involving the princess failed. Zhou Zhixuan considers this.
The South Prince, Zhou Zhixuan, sends a messenger to the North Prince Zhou Shiyu's mansion, inviting him to the House of Romance for a gathering. Initially, Zhou Shiyu intends to refuse, dismissing it as Zhou Zhixuan's antics and not wanting to play along. However, Lin Mu informs him that Yueling might be planning to escape and mentioned going to the House of Romance before she leaves.
Hearing this, Zhou Shiyu decides to accept the invitation, telling Lin Mu they will play along with Zhou Zhixuan's plans, noting their rivalry always entertains the palace. The House of Romance is bustling for the performance of the esteemed flower queen, Su Nian. As Su Nian takes the stage, Xingyi finds her face strikingly familiar.
He then realizes with certainty that she is the female assassin from Dongyu who had given him the antidote on the escort journey and, in his view, humiliated him. He tells Yueling about his discovery, but Yueling dismisses his claim as nonsense and tells him to stop causing trouble, even threatening to send him back. Xingyi is insistent, resolving to find proof of her identity and exact revenge for the humiliation.
Meanwhile, Zhou Shiyu notices Zhou Zhixuan's bruised face and lightheartedly mocks him, suggesting he must have been chased by a dog. Zhou Zhixuan is visibly annoyed. As Yueling moves through the crowded room, she overhears two officials speaking in low voices. One official mentions completing a task for the Prime Minister, creating a fake account book for the North Prince's Mansion to switch with the real one, and confirms it looks convincing.
The other asks if Zhou Shiyu's men discovered the switch, which they apparently did not. The second official states he must acquire the book, recognizing its value as leverage or a weakness against the North Prince. Yueling listens attentively to their conversation.
Episode 4 Recap
Yueling, disguised as an unsurpassed lady, performed a notably poor dance. Noticed by two officials, she deliberately stumbled near one, and as he helped her up, she subtly took a ledger from his sleeve. She apologized nervously, explaining it was her first time performing and seeing important people. As she left, a lady stopped her, accusing her of being a seductive fox who lured her husband to the House of Romance.
Yueling denied it was her, stating it was her first performance. The lady insisted her husband had a lover there, grabbed Yueling, and demanded a confession. Just as the lady was becoming more aggressive, Zhou Shiyu stepped in. To escape the situation, Yueling introduced Zhou Shiyu as her lover, asking why he had come without telling her. Playing along, Zhou Shiyu referred to Yueling as "Madam" and stated they were deeply in love, implying she would never seduce another man.
The lady, realizing her mistake, called their behavior indecent and left angrily. Following the encounter, Yueling questioned Zhou Shiyu about his presence and commented on his attire, noting he looked like a prince. She complained about being forced to marry the "useless North Prince" by Beishuo and explained she was out to relax. Zhou Shiyu defended the North Prince, but Yueling was adamant that becoming his consort was uncertain, hinting at escape.
Yueling then remarked on the severe repercussions for Dongyu if the princess were to abscond, including potential military action and a thorough search. Changing the subject, she noted they needed to purchase supplies for their princess mansion as they would be residing there long-term and asked him to guide them as he was familiar with the area. Returning to the main hall, Xingyi intently stared at Su Nian, the unsurpassed lady.
Yueling asked him why he was glaring at her like an enemy. Xingyi declared that Su Nian was indeed the vicious assassin who had abandoned him twice. Yueling found this hard to believe, noting Su Nian's gentle and elegant demeanor. Madam Sang, the owner of the House of Romance, defended Su Nian, stating she had never left the premises. Su Nian also denied the accusation. Yueling apologized to Su Nian for Xingyi's behavior, blaming it on face blindness.
Xingyi, however, remained convinced she was the assassin. Later, Su Nian approached the table where the South Prince and North Prince were seated to offer a toast. As Su Nian toasted them, the South Prince, admiring her beauty, accidentally dropped his cup. This was a prearranged signal for assassins he had hired to stage a fake attack on himself, intending to injure Zhou Shiyu. The assassins immediately commenced their operation.
The South Prince was frustrated by his error in dropping the cup prematurely, triggering the events before he was fully prepared. Chaos erupted in the House of Romance as assassins attacked. Someone urged Su Nian to flee. Xingyi saw this as proof that Su Nian was the assassin, believing she would easily handle the situation with martial arts. Su Nian, however, approached Yueling and Xingyi, feigning distress and asking for their help. Yueling reassured her, stating they could protect her.
Xingyi was skeptical, questioning why an assassin would need help. Yueling told Xingyi not to be harsh and instructed him to protect Su Nian while she went to assist elsewhere. An assassin targeted the South Prince. Zhou Shiyu, the North Prince, intervened and shielded the South Prince, taking an arrow himself.
Seeing Zhou Shiyu wounded, Yueling cried out "Wen Yu" and seemed prepared to harm herself, intending to use the power of the jade pendant to revive him if he died. Xingyi quickly grabbed her arm, demanding to know what she was doing and pulling her away from the chaotic scene in the House of Romance. Later, Zhou Shiyu, attended to by a subordinate, confirmed he was alive and not severely injured.
His subordinate reported intelligence from Dongyu: there was a Young Princess named Ashina Yueling, known for her liberal nature and currently away from the capital, and she had a younger brother, Prince Xingyi. Zhou Shiyu realized the person posing as the Eldest Princess was Ashina Yueling and understood her and Xingyi's scheme to avoid the marriage.
He ordered his men to monitor Dongyu discreetly and keep this information secret, deciding to proceed with the marriage using the Young Princess for the sake of the alliance. Meanwhile, the South Prince raged at his subordinate. He was furious that his plan to fake an injury and frame Zhou Shiyu for treason had backfired, instead resulting in Zhou Shiyu saving him and gaining favor with the Emperor.
He blamed his subordinate's ineffective plan and ordered him to be punished with tickling. Separately, the Prime Minister received a report confirming the successful aggravation of the conflict between the South and North Princes. Satisfied, he noted that the discord between the royal brothers would serve as an effective means to control the young Emperor. Back at their residence, Yueling was distraught, believing the military officer Wen Yu was dead.
She blamed herself, convinced she could have revived him if she had "died with him," alluding to the power of the jade pendant. Despite her companion, Qianqian, trying to assure her that the dead cannot return, Yueling remained certain it was possible for them together. Determined to mourn him, she asked Qianqian to prepare a brazier for burning paper offerings. Yueling proceeded to burn paper money, images of beautiful women, and an image of a jade pendant.
As she burned the offerings, she spoke to Wen Yu's spirit, providing for him in the afterlife and urging him to seek vengeance against his killers. She vowed to burn anything he desired. Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her ask if she didn't want the pendant or him, followed by a dismissal of the paper women and a declaration that he wanted her. Terrified, Yueling turned and was shocked to see Wen Yu standing there. She recoiled in fear.
Episode 5 Recap
Yueling confronted "Wen Yu," initially believing him to be a spirit due to her fear. She offered to provide him with anything he desired, including burning paper money or offering him beautiful women. " Wen Yu" stated he was not interested in other women and only wanted her. As he approached, Yueling observed he cast a shadow, felt warmth from his touch, and heard his heartbeat and breathing, confirming he was alive and not a ghost.
Overjoyed by his survival, she expressed immense relief. " Wen Yu" playfully questioned why she was scared if she had previously claimed she could not bear to lose him. Yueling explained her joy stemmed from seeing him safe and sound and checked if his jade pendant was also intact. "
Wen Yu," who was actually Zhou Shiyu, revealed that he had been near death after being stabbed but the North Prince had paid a large sum for a famous doctor to save him. Yueling was immediately skeptical of the North Prince's kindness, reminding Zhou Shiyu that her previous claims of him being righteous and handsome were merely a pretense to gather information about him.
She now called him lecherous and accused him of having treasonous intentions, stating she had proof in the form of an account book. She explained she had obtained it by taking it from Mr. Zhang, a scribe under the North Prince, when he was trading it at the House of Romance. She intended to use it as a safeguard if the North Prince attempted to harm her after their marriage.
Zhou Shiyu warned her that possession of the account book could lead to her death and that her current location at the Princess's Mansion was likely unsafe, suggesting someone had intentionally allowed her to obtain the book. Zhou Shiyu suggested she and Xingyi move to the North Prince's Mansion for safety. He assured her the North Prince would protect her there, especially since she held the account book, and added that if anything happened, they could face it together.
Zhou Shiyu confided to his attendant, Lin Mu, who expressed concern about his injury worsened by going out, that losing the account book (which they had intentionally revealed to Mr. Zhang) was due to their subordinates' oversight. When Lin Mu asked if this would affect their plans, Zhou Shiyu stated that plans could be re-evaluated, prioritizing keeping Yueling and Xingyi close by.
He added that he felt more at ease with the siblings near him, implicitly confirming he knew their true identities. Meanwhile, Yueling and Xingyi debated the necessity of moving despite their uncertainty about the North Prince's true nature. Yueling felt protected by the account book. Xingyi vowed to confront the North Prince if he disrespected his sister.
Yueling explained that she had to become the North Princess Consort to prevent Beishuo from breaking the alliance, devastating Dongyu, and leading to their elder sister's capture, which would make Yueling a sinner to her people. They agreed the account book was their leverage and that they could report the North Prince to the Emperor if necessary. Convinced, they decided to move to the North Prince's Mansion. Upon their arrival at the mansion, Xingyi commented on its immense size.
Zhou Shiyu had assigned the entire eastern yard to Yueling, keeping the western yard for himself. The rooms were decorated in a Dongyu style, which evoked homesickness in Yueling. Xingyi speculated that this arrangement meant the North Prince preferred not to see her, and Yueling agreed, deciding they should simply make the most of the comfortable accommodations provided. Later, Zhou Shiyu spoke with Lin Mu, who commented on the extensive care Zhou Shiyu showed towards Yueling.
Zhou Shiyu reiterated that the loss of the account book concerning his illegal mining operation was due to his subordinates' carelessness in letting Yueling take it after it was revealed. Lin Mu wondered if Zhou Shiyu intended to use his "Wen Yu" identity to trick Yueling into giving up the account book, but Zhou Shiyu clarified he merely intended to "get it" from her.
He recalled Yueling's story about her maid, "A Yue," supposedly developing feelings for "Wen Yu" during their journey due to his care. However, he had observed Yueling's own anxious reaction and emotional embrace when she saw him alive, deducing that it was Yueling herself who harbored feelings, not the maid.
Butler Wen arrived at Yueling's courtyard with four servants selected by the North Prince: Rubing, skilled in makeup and hairstyles; Rushuang, good at cleaning; Dali, a cook proficient in both Beishuo and Dongyu dishes; and Daqi, skilled in Beishuo and Dongyu pastry. Butler Wen explained that the North Prince had specifically chosen them to ensure Yueling received the best care and had even given her half of their indentures, allowing her to use them without reservation.
Yueling thanked Butler Wen and expressed her satisfaction with the thoughtful arrangement after he left, suggesting they hold a Dongyu-style welcome dinner in the courtyard that evening to celebrate their arrival and new companions. That night, Nie Chen reported to Zhou Shiyu that Yueling was hosting a large banquet in her yard, and the enticing smell of roasted meat was drawing people from the House of Pretties, causing disruption.
Zhou Shiyu went to the eastern yard, where he found Yueling heavily intoxicated. She repeatedly called him "Wen Yu," treated him like a close friend, and insisted they drink together, even attempting to get Xingyi to join. Despite claiming she was not drunk, she stated she saw three copies of him. Zhou Shiyu picked her up and carried her back to her room. As he did, Yueling mumbled, "Wen Yu, you're so nice."
Yueling later awoke from a dream where she believed she was married to "Wen Yu," who told her they had been married for three days and asked why she had forgotten her affection for him. Waking up, Yueling, with Qianqian, wondered how she had returned to her room given how drunk she was. Qianqian stated she had found her asleep in the room and remarked that Yueling's alcohol tolerance was higher than her own.
Yueling mused if she had returned herself but then remembered calling out for "Wen Yu" and concluded she must have acted flirtatiously towards him, leading to the dream, though she dismissed it by saying dreams are the opposite of reality. Elsewhere, Commandery Princess Gao Luoyi arrived at the North Prince's Mansion, announcing she was moving back in.
Identifying herself as the sister of the Lord of the South and the North Prince's favored cousin, she insisted on seeing her cousin, Zhou Shiyu, immediately, stating she had an imperial decree and guessing he was in the House of Pretties. At the House of Pretties, Zhou Shiyu was watching dancers when Gao Luoyi burst in, dismissed the women, and scolded one for sitting too close to her cousin. Zhou Shiyu sent the women away.
Gao Luoyi explained she was sent by the Great Consort to greet her future cousin-in-law and was moving back under imperial command. She brought up the rumor of Yueling getting drunk, which had reached the palace, and mentioned she had brought Yueling a gift. Meanwhile, Yueling asked where Xingyi was. Qianqian said he had gone to the House of Romance looking for "the assassin." Xingyi arrived at the House of Romance, asking for Su Nian.
Although she was on a day off, he was allowed to see her. He met Su Nian, who appeared demure and performed a dance for him. Xingyi attempted to provoke her, referencing being thrown off a horse and calling her "assassin," but Su Nian denied understanding and claimed she only knew how to dance. After watching her, Xingyi deemed her dance "not that good" and began to doubt if she was the assassin he sought.
Yueling was stopped by Madam Dong when attempting to enter the western yard. Madam Dong introduced herself as being sent by the Great Consort to instruct Yueling in Beishuo etiquette. Yueling, hailing from the less formal Dongyu, immediately expressed her dislike for rigid rules and strict posture correction. Commandery Princess Gao Luoyi arrived and observed Yueling's struggle with Madam Dong's instructions, remarking that Dongyu people lacked manners.
Yueling retorted that etiquette was not essential and countered that Gao Luoyi's own upbringing seemed lacking given her sarcastic behavior. Madam Dong was offended, stating she had only taught imperial consorts and none had dared refuse her lessons, demanding Yueling stand properly. Yueling declared she was not a submissive Beishuo woman.
After a brief interjection by Gao Luoyi's attendant, whom Yueling dismissed while instructing her own attendant Qianqian to remain composed, Yueling directly confronted Gao Luoyi, calling her sarcastic and criticizing her manners, specifically mentioning the recent scandal reaching the palace and how much she had disgraced her cousin, Zhou Shiyu. Yueling stood her ground, emphasizing her position as an elder (as the future consort) and threatening to show her current demeanor to Gao Luoyi's "caring cousin" to see his reaction.
Gao Luoyi challenged her audacity, and Yueling accepted, ordering Qianqian to escort them out. Afterward, Yueling lamented the many rules in Beishuo and expressed her longing for home. Separately, Zhou Shiyu was seen tearing up a piece of calligraphy while Lin Mu reported that the women from the House of Pretties had been expelled from the mansion. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister was informed that increased security made it difficult for their people to enter the North Prince's Mansion.
Though frustrated, he was told plans were in motion and noted that "Zhou Shiyu" seemed to be dropping his pretenses. At the House of Romance, a woman named Lingxi, an assassin from the Roufeng Sect, arrived to meet Su Nian. Lingxi explained she was sent by their Master to assist Su Nian, who had failed a previous mission.
Lingxi revealed their new task was to retrieve the important account book that Yueling had taken, which their Master desired, and they were to cooperate to retrieve it from Yueling. Days passed, and Yueling noticed that Madam Dong, who usually arrived early for lessons, hadn't shown up. She hoped the lessons were over as the rules were exhausting her. Lin Mu arrived unexpectedly.
He conveyed a message from Zhou Shiyu stating that Yueling's etiquette studies were complete, and Madam Dong had returned to the palace. This meant Yueling no longer needed to learn Beishuo etiquette. Lin Mu explained it was Zhou Shiyu's direct order, implying it was out of concern for her. Yueling was delighted by the news.
Episode 6 Recap
Having spared Xingyi's life during her journey for the marriage alliance, Su Nian saw an opportunity to get closer to Yueling. Soon after, Xingyi received a letter from Su Nian delivered by her maid. The letter expressed admiration for Xingyi after their brief encounters and invited him to meet again at the House of Romance. Xingyi felt the matter was strange and he was a little scared, but his curiosity prompted him to see what schemes she might be planning.
Concerned for her younger brother, Yueling decided to accompany him. In the marketplace, they encountered a wealthy merchant auctioning off an enslaved woman named Qiyun. Qiyun explained that she had saved enough money to buy her freedom, but the merchant refused to release her, emphasizing that she was from Dongyu and thus considered part of the humble status in Beishuo. Yueling and Xingyi were outraged by this injustice and intervened, demanding fair treatment.
When the merchant refused to let Qiyun go, they fought him. Patrol officers discovered the scene and arrested Yueling and Xingyi, taking them to the Capital Government prison. Nie Chen, who had been following them, observed the situation and decided not to intervene as they were not in significant danger. Meanwhile, Gao Luoyi, who harbored deep affection for Zhou Shiyu, learned that Yueling and Xingyi had been imprisoned while Zhou Shiyu was away at the palace.
Seeing an opportunity, Gao Luoyi plotted with her maid Ping'er to give Yueling a show of force and intimidate her. Inside the prison, Qiyun shared with Yueling the strict hierarchy of statuses in Beishuo: those who have committed crimes or are their close relatives are sinners, entertainers are musicians, and those working in the city without private property are slaves.
These three groups were all classified under the humble status, with Dongyu people often facing particular discrimination and unable to buy their freedom. Yueling was deeply saddened and distressed to learn that her own people suffered such hardship and low status in Beishuo. Later, people impersonating North Prince's Mansion guards arrived, sent by Gao Luoyi as part of her plot, and arranged their release from prison, claiming their arrest was a misunderstanding.
Yueling insisted on taking Qiyun with them, but the impersonator refused, explaining that Qiyun was still enslaved and releasing her would violate the law. Yueling and Xingyi were then escorted into a carriage disguised as being from the North Prince's Mansion. As the carriage traveled, Yueling realized they were not heading back to the mansion. Suddenly, she knew they were ambushed.
In the prior timeline, attackers had surrounded the carriage, Yueling was stabbed, Zhou Shiyu killed himself, and they both experienced rebirth. Knowing the danger from this past event, Yueling yelled for Xingyi to act. They quickly kicked the driver out of the carriage just as attackers emerged. Zhou Shiyu arrived swiftly with reinforcements. Afterward, Zhou Shiyu's subordinate Lin Mu reported that the captured groom confessed to being sent by Princess Luoyi and using Gao family guards.
Zhou Shiyu ordered the Gao family guards eliminated. Back at the North Prince's Mansion, Yueling immediately looked for Wen Yu. Zhou Shiyu, likewise, was asking about Yueling's safe return. They found each other, both visibly relieved. Yueling recounted the events of the day, expressing her sorrow and anger over the plight of Dongyu people living under the humble status in Beishuo.
As the Princess of Dongyu, she felt a responsibility to bring freedom to her people and asked Wen Yu (Zhou Shiyu) for his help in finding a way to abolish this discriminatory status. Zhou Shiyu acknowledged her ambition and concern for the people, explaining that changing such deeply entrenched laws would be incredibly difficult and not something she could accomplish alone.
However, he promised to do his best to help her and cautioned her not to venture out alone again given the danger she faced earlier that day. Shortly after settling Yueling, Zhou Shiyu confronted Gao Luoyi about the ambush. Gao Luoyi initially denied involvement, but when Zhou Shiyu produced a unique hidden dart recognized as belonging to the Gao family guards, she could not refute it.
She admitted she only intended to scare Yueling and begged Zhou Shiyu for another chance, claiming she had just been momentarily misguided. Zhou Shiyu was unmoved, stating that her actions showed capability and that staying at the North Prince's Mansion was no longer appropriate for her. He ordered her sent back to the palace immediately, with all her belongings removed.
Meanwhile, Lingxi reported to Su Nian that the Dongyu man (Xingyi) and the woman (Yueling) had been rescued and were being protected by the North Prince's dark guards. Su Nian grew more curious about Yueling's true identity and her connection to the North Prince but decided a direct investigation was too risky as it might alarm the mansion. Instead, she resolved to gather more information through Xingyi. Zhou Jingyuan was furious upon learning that Lin Su's assassination attempt had failed.
He expressed his frustration, feeling his leverage diminishing. Lin Su pleaded for one last opportunity, noting that both Yueling and Zhou Shiyu seemed to miraculously avoid previous attempts, as if they could foresee danger. He was determined to uncover the reason behind this. Lin Su also informed Zhou Jingyuan that Zhou Shiyu had secretly dispatched someone to Liuzhou to meet with private soldiers trained by Mr. Liu, and that Nan Xun was following him.
Back at the mansion, Yueling and Xingyi ate fresh milk cakes made by Qiyun, which Yueling found tasted wonderfully like home. Yueling was pleased to hear from Xingyi that Qiyun was being treated better after they had intervened and warned Mr. Huang. Yueling set aside a piece of the cake specifically for Wen Yu. Seeing this, Xingyi teased Yueling about having feelings for him. Yueling quickly denied it, stating it was merely gratitude for saving their lives.
Xingyi then recounted a dream where he saw Yueling being killed and Wen Yu dying for her. Qian Qian quickly cautioned Xingyi against such talk, reminding him that Yueling was the North Prince's consort and that any rumors of a private relationship with a military officer/guard would ruin her reputation. Despite the warning, Xingyi maintained that Yueling and Wen Yu seemed well-suited.
Later, Zhou Shiyu discussed Nie Chen's secret mission to Liuzhou to take command of the private soldiers trained by Mr. Liu. His subordinate then mentioned that Yueling had been asking around the mansion for a military officer/guard named Wen Yu. Zhou Shiyu remarked that it seemed the time had come to reveal his true identity to her. Separately, Xingyi was approached by Su Nian's maid in the marketplace. The maid invited him to meet Su Nian.
Initially hesitant and suspicious of their strange invitation method, Xingyi was eventually persuaded by the maid's insistence that Su Nian had waited for him all day and that she would face punishment if he didn't go. At the House of Romance, Xingyi apologized to Su Nian for previously mistaking her for an assassin, suggesting they were now "even." Su Nian offered him wine, expressing her gratitude for his past protection.
When Xingyi tried to leave, suggesting they keep their distance due to her status as a musician from a humble background, Su Nian questioned if he truly disliked her because of her status and lamented who would protect someone like her. Xingyi denied disliking her, stating that Dongyu people did not adhere to such hierarchies. Reassured, Su Nian invited him to drink, and he accepted. Elsewhere, Lin Mu visited the East Yard, where Yueling and Qian Qian resided.
Qian Qian questioned his presence, noting the separation between the East and West Yards mandated by the Prince. Lin Mu clarified that he was there to deliver a message: Wen Yu requested to meet the princess outside the mansion, alone. Qian Qian was concerned about the princess's safety if she went alone and suggested she decline the invitation. Yueling, however, overheard and confidently stated she would go, expressing trust that she would be safe with Wen Yu. She then asked Qian Qian to help her choose a dress for the meeting.
Episode 7 Recap
Yueling stepped out into the city streets with Zhou Shiyu, whom she knew only as Wen Yu. As they strolled, they heard children chanting a popular rhyme: "The Beishuo court has undergone many changes, the emperor is weak, ministers are powerful, and lords are numerous. Stability relies entirely on the Prime Minister. The South King and North King are incompetent. One is foolish and the other is useless."
Hearing the less-than-flattering description of the princes, Zhou Shiyu bought some sugarcoated haws and persuaded the children to change the rhyme to praise one of them. The children agreed, chanting, "The South King and North King are not equal. One is foolish and one is strong." Zhou Shiyu was pleased by this revised version. He then bought many sugar figures and asked the vendor to deliver them to the North Prince's Mansion.
The vendor, recognizing the address, insisted on giving them for free, recounting how the North Prince had saved his village from a plague, calling him a great man and his benefactor. This presented a different image of the North Prince than the popular rhyme suggested. Zhou Shiyu cryptically told her to remember the South Prince is a good-for-nothing, but the North Prince is not. Meanwhile, the South Prince, Zhou Zhixuan, attempted to solicit praise for his paintings from his servants.
The servants struggled to find genuine compliments for the unimpressive artwork, offering awkward and generic flattery. During this forced appreciation session, a steward reported that the North Prince, Zhou Shiyu, was out on the streets with the Princess of Dongyu, having fun. Hearing this, Zhou Zhixuan became determined to dress elaborately, go out, and outshine the North Prince to impress the princess, believing himself to be the most handsome man in Beishuo.
Separately, Xingyi, while drinking with Su Nian, described the free and happy life he and his sister enjoyed traveling throughout Dongyu, including riding horses on the grassland and trying local foods. Su Nian expressed her yearning for such a life. Xingyi, considering her a friend, promised to take her to Dongyu someday for horse riding. He revealed he was a prince of Dongyu and his sister, Yueling, was a princess.
Su Nian noted that with Yueling marrying the North Prince, returning to Dongyu might be impossible. Xingyi, however, confided that they had no intention of staying long in Beishuo and planned to secretly escape eventually. He added that he heard the North Prince was useless and that they possessed leverage against him, described as an account, which would make their departure simple. Su Nian voiced doubt about the North Prince truly being useless, suggesting normal leverage might not work.
Xingyi insisted their information about the leverage was significant. Regretting that she couldn't leave Beishuo, Su Nian wished she could see Dongyu's grasslands and taste its food. Xingyi offered to bring her to their residence to try Dongyu dishes made by their chefs. Later, Zhou Zhixuan, having dressed up, ventured onto the street to gauge public admiration.
His attempt was thwarted when an old woman complained about him blocking the way, dismissing his posing as "playing cool," calling him not handsome, and urging him to do something serious instead of standing around for an hour. Feeling hurt, Zhou Zhixuan proceeded to the House of Romance where he found Zhou Shiyu and Yueling. Seeing them, he criticized Zhou Shiyu for feeding the princess such simple food. Yueling responded by comparing Zhou Zhixuan to a "Peacock."
Zhou Shiyu, not wanting to argue with Zhou Zhixuan, decided to leave with Yueling to buy flower lanterns at the night market, avoiding further confrontation. Annoyed, Zhou Zhixuan ordered the best food and drinks in the establishment. Zhou Shiyu tried several times to find an opportunity to explain his true identity to Yueling on their way back, but various distractions, including Yueling wanting to look around and buy pastries, prevented him.
As they were about to return to the mansion, they were ambushed by black-clad assassins. Arrows were fired, striking Zhou Shiyu and Yueling, but they seemed to be reborn or heal moments later. Guards led by Lin Mu arrived quickly, shouting "Protect His Highness!" and greeting the North Prince. Zhou Zhixuan also arrived at the scene. Yueling, confused by the guards' cries and seeing only Zhou Shiyu present, asked if he was the North Prince.
When he confirmed it, also admitting that "Wen Yu" was another name he used, Yueling accused him of lying to her and stormed off, stating she couldn't be with a noble prince like him and didn't need his explanations. Zhou Zhixuan, witnessing their argument and sensing an opportunity, approached Yueling. Despite this, Zhou Shiyu warned Zhou Zhixuan to quickly return to his mansion, stating someone wanted to kill him on South Street and he should find garrison soldiers for protection.
Zhou Zhixuan was surprised by this apparent foresight and initially dismissed it as a lie, questioning who would dare kill him, but then felt as though he himself had been assassinated and frantically ordered his servant Yang Xu to quickly find guards. Back at the North Prince's Mansion, Yueling was deeply upset, feeling betrayed and disrespected by Zhou Shiyu's deception.
Zhou Shiyu attempted to explain that he hadn't intended to hide his identity and had planned to reveal it today, but his explanations were unsuccessful. Yueling accused him of fabricating a persona and manipulating even the children's rhyme for his own glorification, calling him shameless and a perfect liar who had deceived her from Dongyu to Beishuo.
She felt she was not worthy of his high status, but he insisted she was worthy as the Princess of Dongyu, adding that he had only just learned her identity himself. Yueling continued to call him a liar. To appease Yueling and improve her impression of the North Prince, Lin Mu suggested demonstrating Zhou Shiyu's virtues through practical actions.
As a first step, the House of Pretties was emptied and renamed the House of Breeze, filled with precious art and instruments from various countries, with the key given to Yueling. Yueling noticed the change, though a servant denied it had ever been the House of Pretties. Next, Lin Mu orchestrated the drying of numerous books throughout the eastern yard, loudly proclaiming Zhou Shiyu's extensive knowledge, talent, intelligence, and courage for everyone, including Yueling and Xingyi, to hear.
Following this, people whom the North Prince had previously helped, such as villagers saved from a plague, a man given land, and a merchant freed from gangsters, came to the mansion, presenting gifts and asking Yueling to convey their gratitude to the North Prince. Dozens of people expressed their thanks through her. Xingyi observed that the North Prince seemed to be a very kind-hearted person, making Yueling thoughtful.
Lin Mu reported the positive developments to Zhou Shiyu, believing his plan was working and Yueling's anger had subsided, claiming he heard Yueling even started praising him. However, when a servant presented a large spread of food, confirming it was arranged by the North Prince, Yueling reacted negatively. She expressed annoyance at their persistent efforts, stating she would not forgive him just because of these actions.
She specifically mentioned changing the House of Pretties and the noisy display of books, but was most frustrated by the numerous people who came to thank him, forcing her to expend energy in reciprocating their gifts, which she called adding unnecessary trouble. She accused him of being scheming. Just as the situation escalated and Yueling confronted Lin Mu about his actions, shouts of "Assassins!" erupted, interrupting the confrontation.
Episode 8 Recap
Following the assassination attempt in the marketplace, Chenyu is plagued by nightmares of being killed, waking up startled and anxious. His attendant, Yang Xu, brings in a master to perform a ritual using the robe Chenyu wore that night. After the master performs incantations, Chenyu feels a sense of relief and his mood improves significantly. He richly rewards the master, who privately considers it merely psychological comfort.
Believing himself fortunate and blessed, Chenyu instructs Yang Xu to draft a report to the Emperor, claiming credit for resolving the South Street incident to prevent Zhou Shiyu from taking the praise. Yang Xu notes the strangeness of the North Prince knowing about the assassins. Chenyu dismisses the idea that Zhou Shiyu arranged it but speculates there might be friction between Zhou Shiyu and the Dongyu Princess.
Seeing this as an opportunity, Chenyu enlists his maids, Chunhua, Qiuyue, and Xiachan, whom he believes are adept at understanding women, to help him pursue the princess. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and his subordinate are baffled by Zhou Shiyu's ability to predict their plans, especially since they used their most trusted guards, ruling out an internal leak. They ponder the secret behind Zhou Shiyu's foresight.
Zhou Shiyu meets with his brother, the Emperor, who asks about the recent assassination attempt involving Zhou Shiyu, Chenyu, and the Dongyu Princess. Zhou Shiyu confirms he is unharmed and is secretly investigating, though lacking solid evidence. The Emperor expresses relief, noting Chenyu's illness after the event, and advises Zhou Shiyu not to take their feigned arguments too seriously, as Chenyu might not distinguish the act from reality due to his simple nature.
Zhou Shiyu agrees but requests a decree related to the Dongyu people's status. The Emperor consents, surprised by Zhou Shiyu's request concerning the princess and remarking on the North Prince's apparent regard for her. Zhou Shiyu takes Yueling hunting in the forest, where the Emperor has provided her with a Dongyu horse. Still upset, Yueling addresses him formally as "Your Highness."
Zhou Shiyu asks her to use his given name, Wen Yu or Shiyu, but she declines, saying she is a "fake Eldest Princess" from Dongyu, dependent on him in Beishuo. He encourages her to enjoy riding the specially gifted horse and gives her a handmade crossbow for self-protection, offering to teach her its use. Early in the hunt, Yueling suggests they hunt separately and moves to a different area.
Zhou Shiyu later finds Yueling practicing with the crossbow, shooting at trees, and remarks that she has scared away all the rabbits. She reiterates her preference to hunt separately. Sometime later, Zhou Shiyu searches for Yueling and finds she has injured her ankle. She explains her horse was startled when a dead tree fell, causing her to dismount and twist her ankle. Zhou Shiyu tends to her injury. As snow begins, they find shelter in a ruined temple.
Inside, warming by a fire, Yueling expresses her wish for the marriage arrangement to be quickly resolved so she can return to Dongyu, admitting she just wants to go home without a clear plan. Zhou Shiyu asks for three months, promising to arrange her return to Dongyu by then. She questions if he is being truthful. As the night grows colder, Yueling falls asleep, and Zhou Shiyu holds her. The following morning, they return to the North Prince's Mansion.
Despite her injured ankle, Yueling tries to disembark the carriage alone but stumbles. Zhou Shiyu immediately carries her into the East Courtyard. Xingyi, playing in the snow with maids, observes Zhou Shiyu carrying Yueling and appears displeased. Yueling quickly informs Xingyi that Zhou Shiyu promised their return to Dongyu in three months. Xingyi expresses doubt, reminding her of Zhou Shiyu's past deceptions.
Feeling a verbal promise is insufficient, Yueling, despite her injury, goes to Zhou Shiyu's study to seek a guarantee. She enters the study where Zhou Shiyu is working late, looking tired. Without looking up, he asks his attendant Linmu to grind ink. Noticing he isn't looking, Yueling takes over the task. When Zhou Shiyu finally looks up and sees her, she explains her visit, stating her fear that he will break his three-month promise due to his history of deceit.
She requests a guarantee, suggesting he seek a decree from the Emperor to postpone the marriage. Zhou Shiyu agrees instantly, promising to seek the decree for her, which appears to surprise Yueling by the swiftness of his consent.
Episode 9 Recap
Recent unrest on the border saw Dongyu's Taxila Tribe frequently harassing Beishuo's frontier citizens, likely intending to provoke conflict. The Emperor discussed this with Zhou Shiyu, noting that the marriage alliance is already set. Using the Dongyu Princess as a hostage would likely trigger immediate war, a situation the Prime Minister desires to consolidate his power and military control. The Emperor sought Zhou Shiyu's opinion, and Zhou Shiyu suggested conserving strength and striking decisively when the time is ripe.
He offered to personally go to Liuzhou to gather private soldiers and consolidate forces, mentioning successful progress in Yingzhou and Taizhou. The Emperor expressed concern about the suffering of the people and court turmoil should war break out, urging a more gradual approach. Zhou Shiyu insisted he did not want to wait any longer. Yueling had been feeling bored and restless, finding the days long as she longed to return to Dongyu.
Xingyi tried various ways to cheer her up, showing her a painting of a Dongyu landscape. Yueling was intrigued. Xingyi explained that the artist was a remarkably famous scholar in Beishuo, known as "Mr. Perfect" for excelling at all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He mentioned that the artist lived in Nanfeng Pavilion, and many scholars visited daily, wearing down his doorstep. Yueling became interested in visiting, and they decided to go that very day.
Nanfeng Pavilion was bustling with people who had come to admire the artwork. Mr. Perfect was rumored to paint divinely, and visitors continuously praised the paintings, calling them impressive and profound. Yueling attempted to join in the praise, commenting on the mountains and trees in one painting, and the length and depth of a river in another, mimicking what she heard, but drew amused or mocking glances. A man sitting nearby also laughed. He then invited Yueling to the tearoom.
Xingyi, slightly protective, questioned who he was and mentioned they were looking for the famous Childe Qin. The man revealed himself to be Qin Siyuan, Mr. Perfect. During their conversation in the tearoom, Yueling learned about Qin Siyuan's unique sources of inspiration. He explained that he had never been to Dongyu but used references.
When asked about the grassland painting, he took them to his backyard, pointing to a chicken coop and calling it his reference for 'tents' and explaining he copied the scenery casually. He then revealed that his 'Painting of Mountains' and 'Painting of River' were based on a stinking ditch in his backyard. Yueling found his perspective special and unconventional. Zhou Shiyu heard that Yueling had gone to Qin Siyuan's residence.
Despite having just returned, he immediately set out to pick her up. He arrived while Qin Siyuan was still discussing art with Yueling. Zhou Shiyu interrupted, stating that while different people have different tastes, one should not take away what another loves. He took Yueling's arm, insisting it was getting late and they should return to the mansion. Yueling questioned why he pulled her away when she hadn't finished looking at the paintings.
Zhou Shiyu asked about her sudden interest in painting, questioning if it was the art or the artist that interested her. When he asked if she planned to learn painting from Qin Siyuan, Yueling confirmed that she did. Qin Siyuan greeted Zhou Shiyu respectfully. Zhou Shiyu commented on Qin Siyuan's handsomeness, comparing it to his own.
Meanwhile, Zhou Zhixuan, who had been visibly struggling and trying to figure out how to get closer to Yueling and break up Zhou Shiyu and the Princess, heard about Yueling's visit to Nanfeng Pavilion and Zhou Shiyu following her there. He saw this as an opportunity, no longer needing to rack his brain for a plan to sow discord between them, stating that Zhou Shiyu had given him the chance.
Earlier, he had been shown eating excessively but was now invigorated to act. Zhou Zhixuan met with Qin Siyuan, who had previously received his favor. Zhou Zhixuan presented a problem, and Qin Siyuan readily offered his help. Separately, Xingyi brought a collection of weapons (including blades, spears, swords, hammers, whips, and sticks) for Su Nian and Lingxi to practice martial arts.
He mentioned he couldn't teach them personally right away because his sister was hosting Mr. Perfect (Qin Siyuan) at the mansion for a painting session, and he had to be there. Su Nian recognized Qin Siyuan's name and expressed great admiration for his paintings, wishing she had a chance to meet him. Xingyi assured her it was easy and he could arrange it.
(Unknown to Xingyi, Su Nian primarily wished to meet Qin Siyuan to seize an opportunity to steal back the account book). On the day Yueling invited Qin Siyuan to teach painting, the eastern yard was lively. Qin Siyuan critiqued the various paintings being created. Zhou Shiyu heard that Qin Siyuan was in the mansion and observed the scene from a distance. Zhou Zhixuan, the South Prince, also arrived, stating he heard Yueling was enjoying painting and had to come.
He boasted he was the second-best painter in Beishuo after Qin Siyuan. He presented his painting, titled "Peregrine Falcon Picture," for Qin Siyuan's critique. Qin Siyuan offered a simple "Wonderful" in praise. Yueling and Xingyi, however, mocked Zhou Zhixuan's painting, noting that the 'eagle' looked like a 'chick' and renaming it "Chick Pecking at the Rice." This caused a commotion. During the disruption, Lingxi seized an opportunity and entered Yueling's room, taking the account book.
Zhou Zhixuan became enraged, shouting for Zhou Shiyu. The Prime Minister instigated Zhou Zhixuan to accuse Zhou Shiyu of illegally operating iron mines in Taizhou and Yingzhou and plotting rebellion, presenting the account book as evidence. In court, Zhou Zhixuan presented a memorial and the account book. Zhou Shiyu confessed to having the iron mines but claimed it was only to accumulate wealth for the mansion's expenses, not for weapons or rebellion. Zhou Zhixuan dismissed this.
Zhou Shiyu then counter-accused Zhou Zhixuan of illegally trading salt, asking why one could engage in forbidden business for profit while the other could not. Zhou Zhixuan admitted to the salt trade but differentiated it from rebellion, claiming Zhou Shiyu had set a trap for him. Zhou Shiyu admitted his own fault but requested he and the South Prince be punished together. Zhou Zhixuan refused to be implicated. The Emperor reprimanded both for their illegal activities driven by selfish desires.
Declaring it a first offense, he sentenced each to twenty floggings in the Ministry of Punishments and a six-month deduction in salary. Zhou Shiyu accepted the punishment, while Zhou Zhixuan initially protested before also accepting. The Prime Minister was seen looking pleased. News of the floggings quickly reached Yueling. She immediately thought of the account book she had obtained earlier and hurried to find it, searching through her belongings. To her dismay, she discovered the account book was missing.
She became distraught, blaming herself and fearing the book had caused Zhou Shiyu's predicament. She wondered who had stolen it. The punishment was severe, with the officers in the Ministry of Punishments showing no mercy, leaving both men badly injured and bleeding again even after initial treatment. Gao Luoyi heard that Zhou Shiyu was injured and promptly visited him, bringing a special medicinal ointment from the south of the Five Ridges.
She expressed concern and asked if he was still upset with her. She requested to stay the night to care for him. Zhou Zhixuan's mansion was also in a state of frantic activity as his servants tended to his injuries, feeling helpless. Yueling arrived at Zhou Shiyu's door with ointment, but hesitated upon hearing Gao Luoyi's voice inside.
Lin Mu exited the room at that moment, saw Yueling pausing, and encouraged her to go in, mentioning the prince was waiting for her and was injured. Yueling entered the room where Luoyi was present. Luoyi commented on how long she had taken to arrive and noted Zhou Shiyu's pain. Zhou Shiyu told Luoyi it was late and she should return to the palace. Luoyi again offered to stay the night to care for him.
Zhou Shiyu stated she need not worry as Yueling was there to care for him. Lin Mu then escorted Luoyi out. Yueling approached Zhou Shiyu and gently applied the ointment. She was upset and blamed herself, admitting she hadn't kept the account book safe, leading to him being accused and flogged. She confessed that she had indeed planned to accuse him earlier, but only because she didn't know he was the North Prince. If she had known his identity, she would never have attempted to steal the account book. Zhou Shiyu told her it was alright and did not blame her.
Episode 10 Recap
Yueling carefully considered the people who were present at the East Courtyard on the day the painting was done, including Mr. Siyuan, Miss Su Nian, Miss Lingxi, and the South Prince. Thinking about the stolen account book, she concluded that the South Prince must be the one responsible and decided he should no longer be allowed into the mansion.
Despite his injuries, Zhou Zhixuan had himself carried to the palace gate, dramatically demanding to see the Emperor and threatening to end his life if he was not granted an audience. Once admitted, Zhou Zhixuan questioned the Emperor's judgment, arguing that Zhou Shiyu's punishment for his offense was far too light compared to his own, attributing this disparity to Zhou Shiyu being the lineal son while he was merely a concubine's son.
He vowed to petition the Emperor daily if he perceived a lack of impartial justice. The Emperor denied any favoritism, stating that both Zhou Zhixuan and Zhou Shiyu were vital to him, like his arms, and he would not willingly harm either. He reaffirmed his equal regard for both princes, noting that the South Prince had never lacked what the North Prince had. Unsatisfied with the Emperor's response, Zhou Zhixuan persisted.
The Emperor then proposed sending Zhou Shiyu to Liuzhou to manage disaster relief as a means to atone for his mistakes. Zhou Zhixuan found this arrangement acceptable and later expressed his satisfaction to Yang Xu, announcing plans to celebrate Zhou Shiyu's departure. When Qin Siyuan visited again to teach Yueling painting, she, having heard from Xingyi that Qin Siyuan was well-informed, asked him where she could acquire Qishang San.
She explained it was a special and effective wound medicine from Dongyu, needed for a friend. Qin Siyuan suggested that such a unique medicine might only be available at the West Market. They traveled there, finding the market somewhat quiet. A vendor confirmed they had the powder, stating the price was five taels of silver per bottle and the rule was payment first, then delivery. Yueling proceeded to purchase the medicine.
As Zhou Shiyu prepared to depart for Liuzhou, he inquired if Yueling had returned, noting that Lin Mu had visited her residence three times. Realizing she was not back yet and needing to leave before dark, he finalized his preparations. He instructed Lin Mu to pack the ointment Yueling had given him. Lin Mu suggested taking the potentially more effective Lingnan miracle ointment from Princess Luoyi instead, but Zhou Shiyu insisted on bringing Yueling's ointment.
He had even delayed his departure by half a day to wait for Yueling, but the long trip to the West Market meant she would not return in time. Shortly after, Yueling returned to the North Prince's Mansion with the Qishang San she had acquired, hoping to give it to Zhou Shiyu. Lin Mu informed her that Zhou Shiyu had already set off for Liuzhou.
Lin Mu also relayed that Zhou Shiyu had left strict instructions for him to follow all of Yueling's commands in his absence. Later, Yueling received a notice from the palace: the Great Consort was hosting a small gathering for her relatives to celebrate a nephew's birthday and had invited the North Princess Consort. Yueling began preparations to attend. Separately, at the House of Romance, Xingyi sought to visit Su Nian.
Lingxi informed him that Su Nian was unwell and unable to see visitors. Inside her room, Su Nian reflected that since they had obtained the account book, there was no longer a need to maintain the pretense of learning martial arts with Xingyi. Upon arriving at the palace banquet, Yueling was immediately subjected to taunts from Gao Luoyi and other princesses, who ridiculed Dongyu as a backward and barbaric state.
Yueling defended her homeland, listing its strengths and advising them to educate themselves before speaking to avoid making fools of themselves. Their mockery continued, focusing on her status as a princess sent for marriage and leaving her home. A maid then approached Yueling, informing her that the Great Consort wished to speak with her privately, explaining it was because the Great Consort cared for the North Prince and wanted to talk with his future consort.
Yueling followed the maid to a secluded, dimly lit area. Unexpectedly, the maid shoved Yueling into a dark room filled with unsettling sounds and quickly locked the door from the outside, leaving Yueling trapped and calling for help. Inside the room were several individuals exhibiting signs of mental instability. Zhou Zhixuan was also present at the palace banquet, where he exchanged sharp words with Gao Luoyi.
Their argument included insults about his character and her praise for Zhou Shiyu, while Zhou Zhixuan countered by mentioning Zhou Shiyu's recent banishment and the uncertainty of his return. When the Great Consort arrived and inquired about the Princess of Dongyu's absence, Gao Luoyi falsely claimed Yueling had felt unwell and returned home early.
Zhou Zhixuan, recalling Gao Luoyi's earlier statement that the Great Consort had summoned Yueling and now hearing Gao Luoyi tell the Great Consort she had left, realized Gao Luoyi was lying. Meanwhile, Yueling remained trapped and frightened in the dark room, wishing for Zhou Shiyu's presence. At this point, Zhou Zhixuan arrived outside the locked door and opened it, discovering Yueling inside the abandoned palace and freeing her, achieving his wish of saving the beauty.
After leading Yueling out of the dark room, Zhou Zhixuan boastfully recounted his heroic actions and cleverness in figuring out her location from Gao Luoyi's lie, suggesting Yueling was fortunate he found her. Yueling thanked him briefly. Seeking more effusive praise, Zhou Zhixuan highlighted the difficulty of the rescue. Yueling then proposed they consider the matter settled, stating she would not pursue the issue of the stolen account book, effectively calling them even.
Zhou Zhixuan was utterly confused by her accusation, adamantly denying that he had stolen anything and calling her strange for accusing him immediately after he had saved her life instead of praising him. Yueling simply reiterated her thanks and promised to visit him another day.
Zhou Zhixuan then boldly suggested that Yueling should break off her engagement with Zhou Shiyu and marry him instead, claiming his rescue entitled him to her hand in marriage as repayment and that he would reluctantly allow her to pledge herself to him. He regretted that Zhou Shiyu did not witness his heroic feat and decided to write a letter to inform him. Later, Zhou Shiyu received a letter from the Capital City, delivered with urgency.
The letter, purportedly from Zhou Zhixuan, boasted of saving Yueling from being locked in the abandoned palace overnight, declared that they had fallen deeply in love, and claimed Yueling was now devoted to him. It concluded by urging Zhou Shiyu to abandon his engagement quickly to avoid the shame of being the first man in his family to have his engagement broken.
Upon reading that Yueling had been confined to the abandoned palace, Zhou Shiyu immediately ordered Nie Chen to return to the Capital City and gather full details of everything that had happened to Yueling. Yang Xu conferred with Zhou Zhixuan, pointing out that if Zhou Shiyu successfully managed the disaster relief in Liuzhou and returned triumphantly, he would earn significant merit that could overshadow Zhou Zhixuan, especially given Zhou Zhixuan's recent attempts to get closer to Yueling.
Zhou Zhixuan expressed concern about this possibility and the risk of Zhou Shiyu returning without any fault. Yang Xu then suggested that if Zhou Shiyu were to handle the relief efforts improperly and be unable to return successfully, the potential threat he posed would be eliminated, implying a scheme to undermine Zhou Shiyu's mission. Zhou Shiyu arrived in Liuzhou, a region suffering greatly with widespread discontent.
He proceeded to the relief center where disgruntled refugees were protesting, complaining they were receiving only watery soup without any grain, while corrupt officials were hoarding the provisions. Officials attempted to quell the unrest, but Zhou Shiyu intervened, ordering the officials who managed the grain supply to be apprehended. He addressed the crowd, promising to resolve the situation swiftly. An investigation uncovered substantial stores of official grain hidden in a grain keeper's residence, confirming the corruption.
Zhou Shiyu ordered all grain supplies inventoried and allocated fairly to ensure every refugee received proper porridge, noting that the number of refugees was increasing and current supplies were limited, highlighting the critical need for Shi Xuan's expected grain delivery, which he called a life-saving straw. As more refugees converged on the relief center, a rush for food erupted, leading to chaos. Amidst the commotion, assassins who had blended into the crowd seized their opportunity and launched an attack on Zhou Shiyu.
Episode 11 Recap
After being injured, Zhou Shiyu returned to the camp. There, Nie Chen interrogated the captured assassin about who sent them. The assassin confessed that the instigator was from the prefect's office, specifically naming the prefect's guard, Xu Wei. Meanwhile, Xingyi was strolling through the West Market. While considering purchasing a compass, he heard a commotion and saw a masked female assassin attacking someone.
Her movements strongly reminded him of the masked assassin he encountered on the journey during the marriage treaty arrangements. Before he could get closer, the female assassin was injured and quickly disappeared from view. Still suspicious, Xingyi followed what he believed to be the assassin's trail, which seemed to lead towards the House of Romance. When he arrived, he insisted on seeing Su Nian immediately, despite being told she was about to rest.
He explained that he had followed an injured female assassin to the vicinity. Su Nian grew defensive, asking if he still suspected her of being the assassin. She then explained that she had injured her hand while practicing a sword dance she was trying to master, and offered to let him report her to the authorities if he didn't believe her. Xingyi, seeing her injured hand and the nearby medical supplies, seemed convinced.
He expressed concern, helped her sit down, and offered to apply ointment and bandage her hand, stating he had come because he was worried about her. Yueling wrote a letter to Zhou Shiyu to assure him of her safety in the capital, choosing not to mention the events that had occurred in the palace.
Back in Liuzhou, Nie Chen reported that Shi Xuan, the Vice Minister of Revenue responsible for the grain transport, had been tracked to the vicinity of West Hill. However, the twenty thousand "dan" of grain he was transporting was still missing. With the number of displaced people growing rapidly and the remaining grain reserves only sufficient for one more day, Zhou Shiyu made the controversial decision to open his private barn and distribute his personal grain to the people.
Nie Chen expressed concern that this action could lead to suspicion, but Zhou Shiyu insisted that helping the people was the priority. Despite his injuries, he decided to go to West Hill himself to search for Shi Xuan, believing that finding him was the only way to uncover the truth about the missing grain. Yueling finally received a letter from Zhou Shiyu. The letter mentioned the attack he had suffered, which intensified Yueling's worry.
She became determined to travel to Liuzhou to find him. However, just as she was preparing to leave, Imperial Guards surrounded the North Prince's Mansion. In the capital, the Prime Minister seized upon the missing imperial grain and Zhou Shiyu's use of his private reserves to accuse him of treason.
During a court session, the Prime Minister argued that Zhou Shiyu's previous illegal iron mines and current hoarding of grain showed a clear intent to rebel, urging the Emperor to punish him severely despite their brotherhood. The Emperor, though reluctant to condemn his brother and stating the matter was still under investigation, yielded to the pressure to the extent of sealing the mansion and placing its residents under house arrest.
The Emperor stated he would make a decision after Zhou Shiyu was found and returned to the capital. Seeing the Emperor's hesitation, the Prime Minister decided to take further action. Unable to leave the besieged mansion, Yueling and her attendants discussed their predicament. Just then, the South Prince arrived at the mansion, seemingly able to bypass the guards. He proposed that since Zhou Shiyu was in trouble and unlikely to return, Yueling should consider marrying him instead.
Xingyi and the guards present rejected his offer vehemently. The South Prince dismissed them as ignorant and boasted of the comfortable life he could offer Yueling. Yueling, seeing an opportunity to escape the mansion's confinement, asked if going with him meant she could leave. When he confirmed he could take her, she stated that as the North Prince Consort, she would first need to go to the palace to request the Emperor's permission to break off her engagement.
The South Prince agreed, eager for the match, despite objections from Xingyi and Yueling's guards. Yueling went to the palace and appeared before the Emperor. She strongly defended Zhou Shiyu, recounting his many quiet acts of charity and his diligent efforts in Liuzhou despite being injured. She argued that he would never rebel and that the accusations were a clear attempt to frame him by those with ulterior motives.
The Emperor stated that he had grown up with Zhou Shiyu and trusted his character, promising a thorough investigation to clear his name. Yueling then requested permission to travel to Liuzhou herself to find Zhou Shiyu. The Emperor showed her a memorial submitted by Zhou Shiyu, requesting that their engagement be broken off. Realizing Zhou Shiyu had done this to protect her from being implicated, Yueling became even more resolved to go to Liuzhou.
Meanwhile, the South Prince waited outside the palace, expecting Yueling to emerge and agree to join him after ending her engagement. He waited all night. The next morning, his attendant reported that Yueling had left the palace a long time ago. Enraged at being tricked, the South Prince went directly to the North Prince's Mansion.
There, he was met by Xingyi and the mansion's guards, who accused him of hiding Yueling, claiming she hadn't returned since leaving with him for the palace. They exchanged heated words, with Xingyi refusing to back down. Finally, an Imperial Guard stepped in and reminded the South Prince that the Emperor had forbidden outsiders from approaching those in the North Prince's Mansion, ordering him to leave. The South Prince protested but was forced to depart.
Unknown to them, Yueling had secretly left the capital on horseback and traveled to Liuzhou. Upon arriving, she heard that Zhou Shiyu was in the vicinity of West Hill searching for Shi Xuan. Without resting, she immediately headed there. She found Zhou Shiyu surrounded and under attack. Just as an attacker's sword was about to strike him, Yueling intervened by using a slingshot to deflect the blade.
Together, they fought off the attackers and escaped, seeking refuge in a nearby mountain cave. Inside the dark cave, they heard faint coughing. Zhou Shiyu followed the sound and discovered Shi Xuan tied up. After freeing him, Shi Xuan, who was badly injured, recounted how he had been intercepted by Xu Wei, the guard from the Liuzhou prefect's office, who claimed he was there to receive him.
Xu Wei and his men then tricked them, revealed themselves as bandits, massacred the soldiers transporting the grain, and imprisoned Shi Xuan in the cave. Shi Xuan explained they kept him alive to force him to write a letter in his blood accusing Zhou Shiyu of treason, but he refused. As the three prepared to leave the dangerous location, they suddenly detected a strange odor. It was toxic smoke, forcing them to hurry and escape.
Episode 12 Recap
Anticipating toxic smoke placed at the cave entrance, Zhou Shiyu decided they must leave by water. When Yueling helped Shi Xuan to the entrance, they found guards indeed stationed there. Zhou Shiyu moved forward and subdued the men in black. Nan Xun, who had observed the scene, was puzzled, having seen the three poisoned unconscious, yet now they walked out safely.
To keep his secret, Nan Xun attempted to take poison to kill himself, but Zhou Shiyu quickly intervened, using his sword to knock away the poison Nan Xun had secretly taken out, and ordered him taken away for interrogation. In the capital, word reached Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan that Nan Xun had been captured by Zhou Shiyu in Liuzhou. Enraged, the Prime Minister ordered someone dispatched to Liuzhou to find Nan Xun at all costs.
His subordinate expressed confusion, feeling Zhou Shiyu seemed to possess some kind of evil art, always escaping danger and rendering many plans ineffective. The Prime Minister decided to consult Taoist Master Chen about Zhou Shiyu's supposed evil arts and also suggested assigning the assassination mission to Su Nian. Meanwhile, Xingyi planned to escape the North Prince's Mansion. As he studied a route map, Su Nian quietly entered the mansion under the guise of a maid, having bribed the guards.
She brought snacks and, seeing the route map, immediately understood Xingyi's intention. She offered to help him evade the guards and escape the mansion. With Su Nian's help, Xingyi first found refuge at the House of Romance. Soon after, a wanted poster for Xingyi was issued, making it extremely difficult for him to leave the city.
Su Nian suggested that Madam Sang, the owner of the House of Romance, was originally from Liuzhou and was planning to take some money and the girls from the house to her hometown to do their part for the disaster relief. Xingyi could disguise himself as a woman and travel with them out of the city. Xingyi agreed to the plan and dressed as a woman to join the group departing for Liuzhou.
Back in Liuzhou, investigations into the stolen disaster relief grain continued. Nie Chen reported to Zhou Shiyu that Xu Wei, an ordinary guard official at the prefecture office, had an alibi; he had been with official Liu Yi the entire day the grain was stolen, and Liu Yi could testify to this. Furthermore, the portrait described by Shi Xuan did not match Xu Wei's appearance, indicating someone was impersonating and framing him.
Zhou Shiyu suspected the culprit was still within the prefecture office, likely a high-ranking official who could obtain a token and was using Xu Wei's name to divert suspicion. He instructed Liu Yi to gather all officials at the prefecture office for identification. After carefully observing the officials, Shi Xuan pointed out Assistant Prefect Wei Da as the person who had impersonated Xu Wei and stolen the grain.
Knowing he was cornered, Wei Da grabbed Yueling and held her hostage, demanding a carriage to escape the city. Zhou Shiyu agreed to his terms and had a carriage prepared. He then followed the carriage alone. On the outskirts of the city, Zhou Shiyu intercepted Wei Da, forced him out of the carriage, and rescued Yueling. He ordered Nie Chen to track the fleeing Wei Da.
Back at the North Prince's Mansion in the capital, Qian Qian and Lin Mu also attempted to escape, worried about Yueling and Xingyi. However, they were caught by guards before they could leave the premises and were confined. In Liuzhou, Yueling tended to Zhou Shiyu's injury. During their conversation, she revealed she had not accepted the annulment decree the Emperor had offered her before leaving the capital.
She expressed that she had many things left undone and did not wish to leave. Zhou Shiyu was pleased and vowed to investigate whoever in the palace had harmed her. Meanwhile, Nie Chen, tracking Wei Da, successfully located where the stolen grain had been hidden, in Wan County, and quickly retrieved the twenty thousand dan of grain to be transported back to Liuzhou. In the streets of Liuzhou, disaster victims were growing increasingly agitated and demanding the promised grain.
Just as the situation threatened to turn violent, Zhou Shiyu and Yueling arrived with the recovered grain. Zhou Shiyu ordered the immediate distribution of the grain to the people, confirming that it was the imperial grain that had been stolen and now recovered thanks to his efforts.
In the capital, the Emperor, having received a report from Prefect Liu Yi explaining the grain theft and Zhou Shiyu's role in recovering it, decided to immediately unseal the North Prince's Mansion and clear Zhou Shiyu's name. However, the Prime Minister and other officials objected, arguing that Prefect Liu's report might not be trustworthy and that the matter of the grain needed further investigation before fully exonerating Zhou Shiyu.
Despite their objections, the Emperor stood firm, stating his decision was made and that he did not wish to disappoint his third brother, who was working hard on disaster relief. Back at the North Prince's Mansion, Qian Qian and Lin Mu were overjoyed to learn that the guards were leaving and Zhou Shiyu was innocent and had even gained merit. Wei Da confessed that he had conspired with Magistrate Li Zhong of Wan County to hide the grain.
Although Li Zhong had escaped before Zhou Shiyu's men arrived, Zhou Shiyu ordered him pursued and Wei Da escorted to the capital to face trial. With the grain recovered, Zhou Shiyu focused on the urgent task of rebuilding Liuzhou and ordered heightened security throughout the city to prevent further incidents. He also received a report that the previously sold iron ore had been bought back and delivered to Liuzhou, with everything proceeding smoothly.
Meanwhile, in the capital, as South Prince Zhou Zhixuan slept, an assassin entered his room and attempted to stab him. Yang Xu intervened just in time and apprehended the assassin. Under questioning, the assassin claimed loyalty to the North Prince and stated that Yang Xu had planned the assassination, intending to use the South Prince to get rid of Zhou Shiyu. The South Prince was startled.
Yang Xu then suggested they travel to Liuzhou to eliminate Zhou Shiyu before he returned to the capital. The South Prince seemed comforted by Yang Xu's presence and agreed to consider the plan. In Liuzhou, the group from the House of Romance, including Xingyi disguised as a woman, reached a city checkpoint. Officials were meticulously checking everyone entering the city, demanding identification, origin, destination, purpose, and lodging information.
Xingyi panicked, realizing the search was likely related to the wanted poster for him. Madam Sang reassured him, and the officials ordered everyone in the carriage to disembark. An official questioned the person hiding in the carriage.
Episode 13 Recap
As Xingyi, Su Nian, and Lingxi approached the gate of Liuzhou city, the guards found Xingyi suspicious due to his sturdy build, which seemed unusual for a woman. They allowed Su Nian and Lingxi to enter but detained Xingyi. The guard reported the suspicious person to Zhou Shiyu, and Xingyi was subsequently brought before Yueling, who recognized that he was indeed disguised as a woman.
Back at their residence, Xingyi explained the events of their journey and why he was in disguise. Su Nian and Lingxi had settled temporarily at Madam Sang's old house and planned to hold several charity shows to help the disaster victims regain their spirits. Yueling, finding Madam Sang's accommodations likely uncomfortable, instructed Xingyi to invite Su Nian and Lingxi to move in with them the following day. Yueling then told Xingyi to change out of his disguise.
Later, Zhou Shiyu asked Yueling about her plans. Yueling revealed her intention to raise funds for Liuzhou's reconstruction through charity performances, with Su Nian being a key figure in this effort. That night, Su Nian and Lingxi, masked, searched extensively for Nan Xun's whereabouts. They concluded that he might be held within the North Prince's private residence. The next day, after accepting Xingyi's invitation, they moved into Zhou Shiyu's mansion.
Yueling then began sending invitations to the wealthiest merchants in Liuzhou, inviting them to a fundraising charity performance to be held in a few days. Meanwhile, Lingxi scouted ahead and located Nan Xun's place of captivity within the mansion. The two discussed their plan, agreeing that on the day of the charity show, Lingxi would create a diversion to cause chaos and attract attention, leaving Su Nian free to handle the rest, which involved killing Nan Xun.
Despite their meticulous arrangements, Su Nian expressed hesitation, questioning if Nan Xun absolutely had to die and showing a moment of compassion. Lingxi immediately dismissed her doubts, sternly telling Su Nian that she would pretend not to have heard it and emphasizing that this course of action was their destiny, warning her not to voice such thoughts again. On the day of the charity show, Su Nian performed beautifully, earning high praise from the wealthy guests.
After one act concluded, Su Nian went to prepare for her next program. Meanwhile, Xingyi went to search for her but couldn't find her in the room. Yueling then addressed the assembly, delivering a heartfelt speech urging everyone to donate generously to the disaster relief. After one merchant pledged a significant amount, others followed, quickly raising several thousand taels. Suddenly, the South Prince, Zhou Zhixuan, arrived.
He dramatically declared a donation of one thousand taels and demanded Yueling return to the capital with him, claiming she had promised to marry him. Zhou Shiyu intervened, refusing his demand, leading to a heated confrontation where Zhou Shiyu reminded Zhou Zhixuan that Yueling's previous agreement was a temporary measure for the sake of Liuzhou. Amidst their argument, Roufengmen assassins infiltrated the residence. Aided by Lingxi, they created a disturbance, killing several maids and throwing the gathering into chaos.
Zhou Zhixuan, observing the attack, initially believed his own men were acting on a signal from Yang Xu, but Yang Xu denied giving any command, stating these were not their people. During the confusion, Su Nian, disguised in black, entered the room where Nan Xun was held. Her pity resurfaced, and she asked Nan Xun if he had any last wishes before proceeding.
Simultaneously, Xingyi, still searching for Su Nian, encountered the female assassin in the secret chamber where Nan Xun was kept and began fighting her. Overwhelmed by the attackers, Zhou Shiyu and Yueling were injured and fell to the ground, bleeding. As Zhou Shiyu and Yueling lay wounded, blood dripped onto their jade pendants. The pendants reacted, glowing and merging, transporting them to a desolate, void-like space. In this ethereal place, a poem materialized before them: "The chosen ones meet.
Fate refreshes everything. It won't be over until the couple know and love." Yueling read the lines, and they contemplated its meaning, believing it explained the nature of their bond and the power of the pendants, which had apparently been activated by their blood. Moments later, they were back at the scene of the attack. The chaotic scene was initially frozen in time upon their return. As the combined jade pendants fell back down, time resumed.
Zhou Zhixuan, seeing his forces in disarray, quickly retreated and escaped with Yang Xu. The fight between Xingyi and the female assassin continued in the secret chamber. Xingyi was clearly outmatched by the assassin, who was Su Nian in disguise. As her blade neared his neck, she paused, seeming to remember something. Recalling Xingyi's past promise to protect her, Su Nian was unable to strike the final blow.
She spared him and vanished from the chamber, leaving Xingyi surprised by her sudden departure. Su Nian then returned to her room. Concerned for Su Nian's safety after the attack, Xingyi rushed into her room, calling out her name. He found her changing clothes and anxiously asked if she was safe and if the assassin had followed her there. His eyes fell upon a package on her dressing table, and he looked towards it with curiosity.
To prevent him from discovering her identity or the package, Su Nian suddenly kissed Xingyi, momentarily stopping him in his tracks. Elsewhere, the Prime Minister, Zhou Jingyuan, consulted with the Taoist Master, Zhang Tianshi, about a peculiar sensation of disorientation he had experienced. The Taoist Master revealed he also felt an unusual fluctuation during his meditation.
He described it as a "time folding" where everything becomes still, followed by an "unfolding" that causes time to return to its starting point, comparing it to a paper folding and unfolding. The Prime Minister inquired if this phenomenon was indeed the cause of the abnormal fluctuation they both experienced. Later, Zhou Shiyu's subordinate reported that cleanup from the attack was mostly finished and mentioned that Nan Xun was being secretly transported back to the capital.
The subordinate also reported that Prince Xingyi had encountered a female assassin in the secret room and, according to Xingyi, had fought her and saved Nan Xun. Zhou Shiyu commented on Xingyi's progress and decided that they should return to the capital soon after concluding matters in Liuzhou to avoid further incidents. Some time passed, and Yueling asked Xingyi about Zhou Shiyu's whereabouts, noting he had missed dinner and had been frequently absent lately.
Xingyi wondered if Zhou Shiyu might be seeing another woman, a suggestion Yueling dismissed. Zhou Shiyu's subordinate suggested he visit someone named Xiao Li who was unwell, and Zhou Shiyu agreed. Unseen by them, Yueling, having overheard the conversation and wondering if Zhou Shiyu was visiting a prostitute, decided to follow.
Yueling secretly followed Zhou Shiyu and his subordinate as they left the residence, surprised when they led her out into the wilderness, wondering why they would go there if he was merely visiting someone unwell.
Episode 14 Recap
Following a recent assassination attempt, Zhou Shiyu is heavily occupied with his duties and keeps his plans largely secret from Yueling. One day, after hearing Xingyi mention that Zhou Shiyu planned to visit someone named Li, Yueling discreetly follows him. Her pursuit leads her to a military camp where she is mistaken for a spy and brought before Zhou Shiyu. Inside the camp, Zhou Shiyu is checking on Wang Xiaoli, a soldier who was injured while testing new weapons.
Zhou Shiyu expresses his concern for Wang Xiaoli's injury and commends his bravery by awarding him a merit for his role in discovering a problem with a previous batch of weapons. Zhou Shiyu reveals to Yueling that he knew she was following him. Seeing that she is present, he decides not to hide his activities any longer. Zhou Shiyu explains the true purpose of his presence in Liuzhou.
While publicly engaged in disaster relief, his secret mission is to oversee the progress of the military base's weapon manufacturing. He describes the dire political situation in Beishuo, where the powerful Prime Minister holds significant sway over the physically weak Emperor. Zhou Shiyu and the Emperor have been secretly plotting to build their strength to eventually remove the Prime Minister. The marriage alliance with Dongyu is part of this plan.
However, the Prime Minister is determined to prevent the alliance, constantly sending assassins to target Yueling in hopes of sparking a war between the two nations for his own gain. Yueling finally understands that Zhou Shiyu's earlier pretense of being unassuming was a strategic move to deceive the Prime Minister and conceal his true capabilities.
Zhou Shiyu apologizes for involving her in such danger, but Yueling reassures him, stating that she will always support him and help him achieve his goal of preventing war and ensuring peace between Dongyu and Beishuo. She emphasizes that their connection brings about extraordinary events and that they need each other. Meanwhile, Xingyi finds himself restless after being kissed by Su Nian. Unsettled, he decides to confront Su Nian directly about her feelings.
When he enters her room, he openly asks if she likes him. Su Nian, finding it difficult to give a direct refusal, admits that she likes him. Filled with excitement, Xingyi hugs and kisses her, leaving Su Nian flustered and unsure how to react. Determined to help with the disaster relief efforts, Yueling bakes numerous tea cakes and personally visits the wealthy merchants who had promised donations. Using Zhou Shiyu's influence, she successfully pressures them to fulfill their pledges.
With substantial funds secured, the reconstruction efforts in Liuzhou are largely settled. Zhou Shiyu informs Yueling that preparations have been made for their return to the Capital City in three days. However, their plans are interrupted when a mysterious illness suddenly spreads rapidly throughout Liuzhou. Even Zhou Zhixuan, the South Prince, falls ill. Zhou Shiyu immediately opens his private residence to serve as a temporary clinic for the infected. Physicians are summoned to diagnose the illness.
After initial examinations, they conclude it is not a typical epidemic but need more time to determine the cause. As the number of infected people grows, panic grips the city, and many uninfected residents attempt to flee. Nie Chen advises Zhou Shiyu to take Yueling and leave before the city is completely sealed off. Zhou Shiyu refuses to abandon the people, stating his responsibility to them and regretting that Yueling must face this danger with him.
He orders Nie Chen to escort Yueling back to the Capital City. Yueling, however, pleads with Zhou Shiyu not to send her away, asserting that she only feels secure by his side and that her life would be meaningless if something were to happen to him. Moved by her words, Zhou Shiyu agrees that they will stay and confront the situation together.
While everyone is focused on treatment, Su Nian develops a red rash on her arm, showing signs of infection. She confronts Lingxi, directly asking if she poisoned the city's water wells. Lingxi confirms that it was a mission assigned to them. Xingyi also becomes very weak but remains concerned about Su Nian. When he visits her room, Su Nian acts distant and asks him to leave, hoping her coldness will keep him away and safe from harm.
Nie Chen's investigation confirms that the city's water wells were indeed poisoned, causing the widespread illness. Physicians later confirm the illness is caused by a poison. Zhou Shiyu immediately orders the physicians to work tirelessly to find an antidote. Su Nian takes out the last bottle of antidote she possesses, determined to give it to Xingyi, despite Lingxi's attempts to stop her.
Lingxi questions Su Nian's decision, reminding her of their obligations to their Master and the potential consequences of failing their mission. Su Nian, however, prioritizes saving Xingyi's life and declares that she cannot bring herself to harm innocent people for the sake of their mission, even if it means defying her Master. Zhou Zhixuan's condition deteriorates severely. He implores Zhou Shiyu to ensure he receives a dignified funeral should he not survive and relies on him to find the antidote.
Facing the dire situation and the lack of a cure, Zhou Shiyu suggests to Yueling that they attempt a "rebirth" by drinking poisoned wine, hoping their unique connection through the jade pendants will allow them to find a treatment method. They activate the jade pendants and are transported into the future. They find themselves in the palace during a banquet being held in Zhou Shiyu's honor, celebrating the successful resolution of the Liuzhou crisis.
The Emperor mentions that Zhou Shiyu and Yueling found the Red Rhizoma and used it to create the antidote. During the banquet, Yueling is confronted by Zhou Shiyu's cousin, Gao Luoyi, who insults her character and demands she break off her engagement with Zhou Shiyu. They are then transported back to the present in Liuzhou.
Realizing the jade pendants took them to the future, possibly influenced by the blood on them, Yueling recognizes "Red Rhizoma" as a medicinal herb from the snowy mountains in Dongyu. Considering the cold, mountainous environment in Liuzhou, they deduce that Red Rhizoma might also grow there. Despite her exhaustion, Yueling insists on accompanying Zhou Shiyu to the mountains to search for the Red Rhizoma, refusing to rest.
Xingyi, though still weak, tells Su Nian that he doesn't mind if she doesn't love him, as he will always care for her because she was his first friend in the Capital City. He feels somewhat better after eating the porridge she gave him. Yueling arrives and shares the news that they have learned the key to finding an antidote.
She tells Xingyi that she and Zhou Shiyu will go into the mountains the next day to search for the Red Rhizoma. Xingyi encourages them to go, assuring them that this minor poison won't kill him and that he is already feeling better.
Episode 15 Recap
After finding the medicinal herb Red Rhizoma in the mountains, Yueling and Zhou Shiyu returned to Liuzhou to test it. The antidote proved effective for the poisoned patients, bringing an end to the crisis in Liuzhou. Due to exhaustion, Yueling fainted while caring for a patient. Zhou Shiyu stayed by Yueling's bedside, taking care of her. When she found the medicine bitter, he got her candy to make it easier to swallow.
He mentioned buying the candy because he had seen her not taking her medicine properly the other day. He told her to rest and that they would go home when she fully recovered. Xingyi watched them from the doorway, full of admiration. After Zhou Shiyu left, Xingyi confided in Yueling about his worries. He spoke hypothetically about a friend who liked a girl who was playing hard to get.
Yueling understood he was talking about himself and encouraged him, saying that if his friend was from Dongyu, he should be brave and show his sincerity, and not be afraid of rejection as long as his love was open and honest. Xingyi said he understood and would go see the girl. Yueling mused that the friend wasn't just a friend and that a grown man cannot be kept at home, realizing he was serious.
Inspired by Yueling's advice, Xingyi went to the courtyard where Su Nian was. He began demonstrating martial arts, hoping to attract her attention. Lingxi, noticing him, intentionally spoke loudly about Su Nian wanting pears. Xingyi immediately left and bought pears from the market, placed them on a table for Su Nian, and awkwardly left, feeling ashamed of how he had acted while sick before. Su Nian told Lingxi not to tease him and dismissed her.
Nie Chen reported to Zhou Shiyu that Magistrate Li Zhong of Wan County had been apprehended for poisoning the well. This Li Zhong had fled to the Prefect of Pingzhou after his plan was revealed, bribing a servant to poison the well out of fear that Zhou Shiyu would accuse him to the Emperor upon returning to the capital.
Zhou Shiyu, however, felt the situation was too easy and suspected Li Zhong was a scapegoat, but decided there was no time to find the real culprit and ordered Li Zhong be escorted back to the capital for further investigation. He also confirmed that grain for relief had been procured from Chen's Rice Shop in Liuzhou as he had commanded. During the journey back to the capital, Zhou Shiyu offered Yueling sweet pastries he had bought for her.
They shared a carriage, but Yueling seemed preoccupied, unsure how to face Zhou Zhixuan in the capital. Just then, Zhou Zhixuan's carriage caught up to theirs. Zhou Zhixuan demanded to join their carriage, claiming it was improper for them to share one before marriage. He insisted they stop their carriage so he could board. Once inside, he learned the relief grain was purchased from Chen's Rice Shop.
Zhou Zhixuan then demanded half the credit for the relief efforts upon their return, stating that Chen's Rice Shop belonged to his mother's family. He argued that without his family's granary, Zhou Shiyu wouldn't have gotten the five hundred dan of grain. Upon arriving at the North Prince's Mansion, Qian Qian greeted Yueling warmly, expressing how much she missed her and how worried she was. Lin Mu announced a welcoming feast they had prepared, including various dishes they cooked themselves.
During the meal, Zhou Shiyu referred to Yueling as "My consort," causing the surrounding maids to exchange knowing glances. Their affectionate gazes towards each other at the table were evident. Amidst the lively atmosphere of the feast, Xingyi felt isolated. He recalled a conversation with Su Nian on the carriage back to the capital. Su Nian had told him not to see her again after arriving in the capital.
Believing she was worried about her status as a musician and courtesan, Xingyi quickly explained that Dongyu had no class distinctions and that he didn't care about her background. Su Nian, however, insisted they should not have connections and would not have any outcome, telling him to stop looking for her. Xingyi was left confused and distressed. Troubled and full of worries, Xingyi drank excessively during the banquet.
Drunk, he went to Su Nian's room and demanded to know why she was being inconsistent with him. Su Nian, unable to voice her true reasons, inwardly wondered how she could make him give up on her. He reminded her of the time he was near death and she was so kind to him, recalling their promise to return to Dongyu together and ride horses.
Su Nian claimed those were just jokes to comfort him and he shouldn't take them seriously. Xingyi refused to believe her, insisting she was lying and pleading with her not to deceive him. Later, Yueling and Zhou Shiyu commented on the stars. Zhou Shiyu affectionately called her name and asked her to stay and become his consort. He promised to resolve everything quickly so she could marry him without worries. Yueling, though already decided in her heart, playfully feigned resistance.
Zhou Shiyu then kissed her, and she responded warmly. Later that night, Zhou Shiyu carried the tipsy Yueling back to the room, reaffirming his promise to handle all matters swiftly for their marriage. In the imperial court, the Emperor commended Zhou Shiyu for his contributions. Zhou Zhixuan also received credit for the relief work.
The Emperor was prepared to interrogate Wei Da, who was behind the grain robbery, and Nan Xun, the assassin who captured Shi Xuan and ambushed Zhou Shiyu, as Zhou Shiyu presented them as key figures with ministerial support. However, the imperial guards reported that both prisoners had committed suicide.
Zhou Shiyu then presented the interrogation transcript from Liuzhou, identifying Liu Hong as the mastermind who instructed Wei Da to steal the relief grain and Li Zhong to poison the well, resulting in numerous deaths. Liu Hong pleaded innocence and sought help from the Prime Minister (Zhou Jingyuan). The Prime Minister kicked him away and ordered him imprisoned. The Emperor praised both Zhou Shiyu and Zhou Zhixuan for their contributions and announced a celebratory banquet in three days.
After the court session, Zhou Zhixuan remarked on the dangerous trip but acknowledged its success in resolving the disaster and heavily wounding their Imperial Uncle, making Liuzhou a strategic location. He lamented that the assassin who could directly implicate their uncle was killed. Zhou Shiyu agreed their uncle's methods were cruel and they needed to proceed carefully.
Zhou Zhixuan confirmed that the five hundred dan of grain taken from their private stores for the relief effort had been replenished, and the secret weapons being forged by Magistrate Liu were still in production. He noted their uncle's focus was solely on the grain theft and Shi Xuan, unaware of their other activities. Zhou Shiyu acknowledged Zhou Zhixuan's efforts. Zhou Zhixuan then proposed that the Princess of Dongyu attend the upcoming banquet as the North Prince's consort.
Zhou Shiyu deferred to his brother's arrangement. Zhou Zhixuan added that the Princess's deep affection for Zhou Shiyu was clear, especially since she rushed to him despite the Emperor's decree canceling their engagement, and suggested he would soon select a wedding date. Zhou Shiyu, however, stated he wished to marry Ashina Yueling, not Ashina Zhu.
Episode 16 Recap
With Liu Hong apprehended, Zhou Jingyuan grew wary. He arranged for Lin Su to quickly deal with Liu Hong and also demanded to meet with Su Nian and Lingxi to learn everything that had transpired in Liuzhou. Ashina Yueling was recognized for her meritorious efforts in disaster relief in Liuzhou. The Emperor rewarded her with a pair of jade Ruyi, nineteen bolts of fancy yarn, and nineteen bolts of silk fabrics.
He also invited her and the North Prince, Zhou Shiyu, to attend a family banquet in the palace the following day. Zhou Jingyuan was furious about Su Nian and Lingxi's failure. Lingxi, seeking to mitigate the repercussions, revealed that they had nonetheless gained important information: they discovered that the Princess and the North Prince seemed to possess a mysterious power, apparently able to foresee their actions and even find antidotes to poison.
Zhou Jingyuan, viewing this as possibly related to 'witchcraft' or the phenomenon of 'folding time' a Taoist Master had mentioned, invited the Taoist Master to attend the banquet the following day to observe the couple and uncover their secret. Yueling, recalling a previous unfavorable encounter with the Great Consort during her first visit to the palace, decided to prepare a thoughtful gift to improve the impression she left.
She specifically asked Qin Siyuan to accompany her to the West Market, hoping to find some meaningful Dongyu items. While browsing, Yueling was drawn by the aroma of shish kebabs at a small stall and paid the vendor for some. As she waited for the meat to cook, officials suddenly arrived to seize the vendors.
Due to laws prohibiting Dongyu people from doing business in the city, the vendor quickly fled with his stove, and Yueling and Qin Siyuan followed, running a considerable distance before they could finally enjoy the fragrant kebabs. Yueling questioned why the vendors had to run, and Qin Siyuan explained the Beishuo law stating Dongyu people were not allowed to trade in town, leading to jail time if caught. Yueling became annoyed, labeling the regulations as ridiculous.
The next day, Yueling attended the family banquet in the palace with her carefully chosen gift. Shortly after they were seated, Zhou Shiyu was separately summoned by the Great Consort for a private conversation. During their talk, the Great Consort proposed making the Dongyu Princess a concubine and suggested Zhou Shiyu choose another woman as his principal wife.
Zhou Shiyu immediately declined, firmly stating that he had long decided Yueling was his only wife and that he would marry no one but her. Meanwhile, Su Nian was filled with worry, having narrowly escaped death but unsure what troubles lay ahead, and feeling she had betrayed Xingyi. Xingyi went to the Fengyue Pavilion, pretending to seek the company of dancing girls.
Su Nian, dancing for the guests, displayed a look of displeasure towards him, which made Xingyi happy, confirming that Su Nian cared about him. He tried to speak to her later, knocking on her door. She opened it, but he confusingly stated she wasn't there before leaving, satisfied she still cared.
Back at the banquet, after Zhou Shiyu returned, Gao Luoyi confronted Yueling, calling her shameless for seeking Shiyu out in Liuzhou before they were married and saying she did not deserve to be at the palace banquet. Yueling tried to tolerate her insults, reminding herself of her mission.
When Gao Luoyi persisted, calling Dongyu people coarse and advising Yueling not to embarrass herself further, Yueling retorted that they should refrain from speaking to someone as coarse as her if it bothered them. Gao Luoyi called her brash. Zhou Shiyu stepped in, declaring his adoration for Yueling alone.
He then publicly punished Gao Luoyi for having previously confined Yueling in the abandoned palace and slandering her in the Great Consort's presence, grounding her for three months and ordering her to copy ten Buddhist scriptures. He warned her that further defiance and the Emperor finding out would lead to more severe consequences. Addressing other princesses present, Zhou Shiyu noted their idleness and ordered them also to copy ten scriptures for the Great Consort before they could leave the palace.
Yueling then presented her gift to the Great Consort: a hunting hat. She explained it was a unique Dongyu design with ear muffs, very practical for winter. Others present found the hat strange and cheap, mocking it as a foolish gift from someone with no taste. Zhou Zhixuan, however, came to Yueling's defense, remarking that while the Great Consort might have many fine hats, she likely lacked a truly practical, warm one, suggesting Yueling was more thoughtful than even Shiyu.
The Great Consort accepted the hat but cautioned Zhou Zhixuan not to interrupt when she spoke to Shiyu, citing the difference between lineal and collateral relations. Zhou Zhixuan muttered about her being old-fashioned. Zhou Jingyuan then suggested Yueling perform the Bowl Lamp Dance, noting the reputation of Dongyu's eldest princess. Zhou Shiyu objected, stating that as a guest, it was inappropriate for his wife to perform for entertainment.
Zhou Jingyuan persisted, implying Yueling was perhaps unable to perform the dance or looked down upon them. To save face for the Emperor and Zhou Shiyu, Yueling readily agreed, performing barefoot despite the impropriety. Her dance was widely praised as astonishing and beautiful. Pleased by the performance, the Emperor granted Yueling one wish, promising to fulfill it if it was within his current ability.
Yueling requested the abolition of the humble status imposed on Dongyu citizens in Beishuo and an end to their mistreatment, explaining that this status ruined their lives by affecting their freedom, marriage, and livelihoods. She argued that if her marriage, intended to bring peace, resulted in such injustice for her people, the marriage's purpose would be lost. The Emperor acknowledged her wise and brave plea, calling it a heartfelt concern for her people, which Shiyu seconded as his own wish.
However, the Emperor explained that abolishing such a deep-rooted system was a complex national matter, not as easily resolved as palace affairs. He promised to keep her request in mind and hoped it could be realized in the future. Yueling thanked him on behalf of her people, expressing hope for that day. As a gesture of goodwill, the Emperor offered Yueling a special palace pastry, Longxusu, since her wish could not be immediately granted.
Yueling ate a piece, found it delicious, and suddenly collapsed, dead from poison. Seeing this, Zhou Shiyu quickly ate a piece of the same pastry and also died. Moments later, both revived, having seemingly traveled back in time or undergone a form of temporal folding, finding themselves back at the banquet. Remembering her death, Yueling immediately demanded that the pastry be publicly tested for poison.
The Emperor dismissed her claim as a misunderstanding and ordered a small palace maid taken away as a suspect. Yueling insisted the pastry was poisoned and a public test was necessary to find the culprit. However, Lady Chen was ordered to take Yueling away, suggesting she was speaking wildly from drink. Yueling protested, asking why no one believed her or would test the poison publicly.
Lady Chen quietly advised her against making a scene, hinting that the assassination attempt was likely part of a complex scheme and that a public investigation would be problematic. She assured Yueling the Emperor would investigate secretly later. Yueling felt wronged and stepped out for air. After the banquet concluded, the Emperor told Zhou Shiyu he would secretly investigate the poisoning attempt and instructed him to console Yueling upon returning to the mansion. Zhou Shiyu then departed.
Gao Luoyi, who had been grounded, was visited by Zhou Zhixuan. She persuaded him to release her by suggesting Yueling's marriage to Zhou Shiyu would be Zhou Zhixuan's ultimate defeat and appealing to his rivalry with the North Prince. Zhou Zhixuan was swayed and released her. Gao Luoyi found Yueling outside and immediately began mocking her again, bringing up her pre-marital visit to Liuzhou and calling her shameless.
When Yueling ignored her, Gao Luoyi grabbed her, and they both tumbled down a set of stairs. Zhou Shiyu rushed to Yueling, lifting her into his arms and carrying her towards their carriage. Yueling asked him to let go, saying she was fine, but he insisted she needed care before she could walk herself. Gao Luoyi, also having fallen, complained that Zhou Shiyu did not check on her.
Seeing this, Zhou Shiyu requested the Emperor's permission to send Gao Luoyi and several other princesses to the Cold Palace to copy scriptures for the Great Consort, stating they could not leave until their task was complete.
Episode 17 Recap
Observing Zhou Shiyu and the Princess of Dongyu, Yueling, uncover the poison plot beneath his nose, the Prime Minister grew suspicious, wondering if they possessed a preternatural ability. A Taoist Master confirmed they did, explaining their superpower originated from the jade pendants they wore. These were One-love Pendants, crafted from the legendary Galaxy Divine Jade, signifying their destiny to be together and granting them unique encounters. The Prime Minister inquired if he could wield this power by taking the jade.
The Master clarified the pendants had already bonded with their masters, making their power unusable by others. However, he added, separating the destined pair would render the jade pieces powerless. Later, Yueling expressed her distress to Zhou Shiyu, recounting the humiliation she suffered at the banquet, mocked by noblewomen and misunderstood by the Great Consort, all due to her identity as the Princess of Dongyu.
She voiced concern for the plight of ordinary Dongyu people in Beishuo if even she, a princess, faced such treatment. Zhou Shiyu apologized, but Yueling insisted he was not at fault. The issue, she explained, lay in Beishuo's inherent disdain for Dongyu, which extended to her, a reality neither of them could change. Given this, she concluded their marriage was unnecessary.
During a court session, the Emperor addressed the depleted state treasury following years of conflict and famine, seeking proposals to replenish it. Zhou Shiyu presented a plan to establish the West Market as a special trade zone for foreign merchants, arguing it would generate significant tax revenue while showcasing the state's magnanimity. He highlighted that many foreign merchants were already operating secretly, outside the tax system, and regulating their commerce would streamline management and increase income.
While some ministers supported this as a means to boost revenue, the Prime Minister vehemently opposed it, accusing Zhou Shiyu of using national policy to curry favor with the Princess of Dongyu and dismissing the idea of prioritizing commerce over military strength. Zhou Shiyu defended his proposal as essential for national stability and fiscal health, but the Emperor decided to delay a decision to consider the matter further.
The Prime Minister was infuriated by Zhou Shiyu's public defiance in court, noting his growing arrogance. Since the One-love Pendants protected Zhou Shiyu and Yueling from assassination, and their engagement prevented separation, he deemed any direct action too risky. He sought a solution, and Lin Su suggested utilizing Su Nian, who was already acquainted with the pair, to go undercover, find opportunities, and act when possible. The Prime Minister approved the plan, demanding swift execution.
However, Su Nian later expressed her reluctance about the mission to Lin Su, who insisted she comply. Lingxi advised Su Nian to focus on achieving justice for her deceased parents, which required the Prime Minister's support.
Alone, Su Nian lamented her predicament, torn between her affection for Xingyi and the need to rely on the Prime Minister for revenge, recognizing the painful sacrifices required to gain his trust, especially since she had developed feelings for Xingyi at such a difficult time. Meanwhile, Xingyi spent his days near Yueling, appearing downcast.
Yueling noticed his mood and asked about Su Nian, and Xingyi confessed that Su Nian was refusing to see him, leaving him bewildered by Beishuo girls' behavior. Yueling suggested that Su Nian might have feelings for him but was avoiding him due to unresolved personal burdens, possibly related to her family or people's plight, implying that assisting her with these issues might change her stance. She encouraged him to reflect on the situation.
Yueling, Qianqian, and Xingyi visited a popular lipstick store. Xingyi, looking for a gift for Su Nian, asked the shopkeeper for a recommendation for a girl who was sometimes enthusiastic and sometimes distant. As they were shopping, Gao Luoyi entered the store and insulted them. Yueling countered by mentioning Gao Luoyi's recent grounding, which only served to further enrage her. Gao Luoyi then harshly berated a slave named Ashina Zhu.
Yueling was shocked to recognize the slave as Qiyun, her past helper. Qiyun confirmed she had been sold to Gao Luoyi and renamed. Outraged, Yueling offered to buy Qiyun. Gao Luoyi demanded an exorbitant one thousand taels, confident Yueling could not afford it. Despite the steep price, Yueling accepted the terms, agreeing to provide the money within two days to secure Qiyun's freedom.
Later, Yueling and her maids gathered their money and jewelry but found they were still short of the one thousand taels. Xingyi offered his belongings, but Yueling noted they were not particularly valuable and insisted he keep them, prioritizing Qiyun's rescue. Her maid suggested seeking help from Zhou Shiyu, but Yueling declined, citing his busy schedule, and resolved they must find a solution themselves.
The manager of the Diexuan Store, which was part of the South Prince Zhou Zhixuan's ventures, reported the incident involving Yueling and Gao Luoyi, including the agreed-upon price for the slave. Surprised by the amount, Zhou Zhixuan considered intervening. Initially hesitant to engage with Yueling, whom he found cunning, he changed his mind when his subordinate mentioned Zhou Shiyu and Yueling's increasingly close relationship, driven by a desire to provoke his cousin.
He traveled to Zhou Shiyu's residence and waited outside. Upon meeting Zhou Shiyu, Zhou Zhixuan immediately taunted him, implying he was financially struggling and could not provide for Yueling, even showing him the IOU signed by Ashina Zhu (likely Yueling signing under the slave's name for the transaction). He suggested Zhou Shiyu send Yueling to his manor for better care.
Zhou Shiyu calmly rebuffed the offer, stating he could manage his own affairs and suggesting Zhou Zhixuan donate his wealth to the state treasury instead. Zhou Shiyu then instructed his subordinate, Linmu, to immediately repay the one thousand taels to Zhou Zhixuan. Annoyed that his attempt to provoke Zhou Shiyu was so quickly thwarted, Zhou Zhixuan departed, celebrating his minor victory of having briefly irritated him.
Shortly thereafter, Gao Luoyi contacted Yueling again, informing her she had acquired "more" Dongyu slaves and demanding Yueling purchase them as well within ten days. Facing the new, substantial financial demand, Yueling pondered how to raise the necessary funds quickly. She suggested they might be able to make a fortune with the South Prince's involvement. She later met with Qin Siyuan and proposed a business partnership, where Qin Siyuan would paint designs on their lipstick boxes.
They would sell a limited number of five different painted boxes daily and split the profits fifty-fifty with Zhou Zhixuan. Qin Siyuan found the limited edition concept ingenious and agreed to provide the artwork. Yueling planned to promote the unique product to generate excitement and establish its reputation. News of the high-quality, exclusive lipsticks adorned with Qin Siyuan's paintings quickly spread among women, demonstrating the initial success of her plan.
Yueling discussed her goal with Qin Siyuan, explaining that while this business would help rescue Dongyu girls, she needed to earn much more to save more people, acknowledging it wasn't a long-term solution. She recognized the challenges of the West Market but expressed confidence in the product's appeal thanks to Qin Siyuan's artwork. Zhou Shiyu learned that Yueling had been spending extensive time at Qin Siyuan's. He went to Qin Siyuan's residence and overheard Yueling discussing her business plans.
He was pleased to hear her determined to earn money to help her people, although he privately considered the plan insufficient for long-term aid and mused on the difficulties of doing business in the West Market. He then made his presence known by calling out to her. The court reconvened to discuss the West Market. Zhou Shiyu presented his detailed Management Policy.
The Prime Minister reiterated his opposition, arguing it was too risky and could harm domestic commerce, advocating for national stability first. Other ministers supported the policy as a way to replenish the treasury but expressed concerns about managing foreign merchants and the volatile security situation in the West Market. Zhou Shiyu volunteered to oversee the management of the West Market's security alongside the Ministry of Revenue and the Capital Government. The Emperor accepted this compromise, tasking Zhou Shiyu with first establishing order in the West Market before the full new policy would be considered for implementation.
Episode 18 Recap
The North Prince, Zhou Shiyu, informed Yueling that he had been given authority to assist the Ministry of Revenue and oversee the Capital Government, including the West Market. He explained that his goal was to soon improve life for the Dongyu people in Beishuo. Yueling realized his recent busyness was for her people and regretted her earlier suspicions. He apologized for not having time to see her due to the complexity of the work.
He also acknowledged he knew about her situation with the noble ladies in the abandoned palace and felt satisfaction in punishing them. He then presented her with banknotes for her expenses, admitting his oversight. Yueling declined, stating she had found a way to earn money. Zhou Shiyu questioned if she was taking money from the South Prince instead, which she confirmed she had borrowed from him. Zhou Shiyu insisted she take his money, refusing to let go until she accepted.
Yueling's business selling lipsticks featuring paintings by Mr. Perfect, Qin Siyuan, proved immensely successful. These limited-edition items were highly popular and commanded high prices, allowing Yueling to earn considerable wealth, which she used to rescue many Dongyu female slaves. Word of her thriving business and her frequent association with Qin Siyuan reached the North Prince, prompting him to visit the West Market.
At Yueling's stall, several noble ladies and Princess Luoyi were intensely competing and arguing over the day's limited supply of lipsticks. To prevent further escalation, Yueling offered a high price of two hundred taels. The ladies refused to yield, leading to a scuffle. Yueling was pushed, fell, hit her head on the corner of a table, and lost consciousness.
The North Prince arrived at that moment, rushed to cradle her, and ordered his soldiers to arrest everyone involved in the disturbance. The arrested ladies were taken to the Capital Government prison, where they complained about their situation and speculated about Yueling's injury, suggesting she might have caused it herself. Ministers whose daughters were imprisoned gathered outside the palace, appealing to the Emperor for their release and protesting their daughters' innocence.
The Emperor initially directed them to the North Prince, but his attendant noted their persistence and status. The Emperor then summoned the North Prince, indicating it was time to conclude the matter. The North Prince reported that Yueling had woken up but her mind was unclear, suggesting potential lasting effects, and demanded the ladies be punished for causing her injury. The ministers protested vehemently.
The North Prince aggressively argued that their daughters bore responsibility and implied serious consequences if Yueling did not recover fully. The Emperor's physician confirmed Yueling was awake but confused. The North Prince leveraged this to demand punishment. Faced with the North Prince's pressure, Prince Gao Shan appealed for a compromise. The North Prince proposed that the ladies must personally apologize to Yueling and obtain her forgiveness. Prince Gao Shan readily agreed.
The North Prince then stated this meant Prince Gao Shan owed him a favor and requested their help, along with Marquis Qixuan, in overcoming resistance to the new West Market policies. The ministers agreed to work together to achieve the North Prince's goal. Later, a royal decree was issued, formally granting Dongyu people the right to trade legally in the West Market with equal status to Beishuo merchants, including the same taxes and protection from arbitrary detention.
Back at the North Prince's Mansion, Yueling was recovering from her injury. Her attendant, Qianqian, expressed concern, but Yueling said the injury was minor compared to helping her people. Xingyi arrived and shared the news of the royal decree, confirming Dongyu people could now trade legally in the West Market. Yueling was delighted, feeling her suffering was worthwhile. Xingyi noted the North Prince had caused quite a stir in court to achieve this.
Yueling agreed she hadn't expected him to go to such lengths. Xingyi informed her that the West Market vendors were worried about her and had sent an invitation for a celebratory banquet, which he accepted. Despite her injury, Yueling felt it was important to attend to reassure her people and honor their appreciation. She decided to invite Su Nian, Mr. Perfect (Qin Siyuan), and the South Prince, and planned to ask the North Prince herself.
Yueling went to see the North Prince, bringing tea cakes she had made for him as a special thank-you gift for his efforts. He initially teased her about the cost but she insisted they were free, made specially for him. He feigned surprise, saying he did nothing special, but she thanked him on behalf of all the Dongyu people for his great contribution.
He countered that she had made a greater sacrifice by using herself as bait and even involving him in her plan. She apologized for trapping him, explaining she felt she had no other choice. He clarified that his anger was because she risked her life, emphasizing the potential disastrous outcomes if he hadn't intervened or if the plan had failed. He urged her to think of him first when facing trouble and to let them solve problems together.
He asked if her injury still hurt, and she assured him it did not. He then agreed to accompany her to the banquet. That evening, the West Market buzzed with celebratory activity. The South Prince, Zhou Zhixuan, arrived early but felt overlooked as the Dongyu people focused on the anticipated arrival of the North Prince and Yueling. When the North Prince and Yueling arrived, the vendors greeted them with profound respect and gratitude for helping them gain legal trading rights.
Zhou Zhixuan, annoyed by the attention given to the North Prince, complained he deserved more credit for his help. Yueling quickly thanked him, which somewhat placated him. During the feast, an elderly vendor toasted Yueling, recalling her from her childhood visits with her father and calling her "Princess Yueling." The North Prince quickly interrupted, identifying her as his consort, Ashina Zhu. Yueling also confirmed she was the Eldest Princess, Ashina Zhu, and the old man apologized for his mistaken memory.
Later, as Zhou Zhixuan enjoyed the food, Yang Xu informed him that the North Prince and Yueling were having a private romantic moment. Losing his appetite, Zhou Zhixuan confronted them, questioning their private meeting. The North Prince stated they had a right to privacy as a couple. Zhou Zhixuan argued that she was not yet officially titled as consort, meaning others still had a chance, and reminded Yueling she had promised to marry him.
Yueling tried to discourage him, asking what he liked about her and suggesting he look at other noble ladies. Zhou Zhixuan declared he did not like anything specific about "her" but was determined to compete for her because she was "Zhou Shiyu's woman." Meanwhile, Zhou Jingyuan questioned Lingxi about Su Nian's investigation into the North Prince and Yueling's weaknesses. Lingxi reported that Su Nian had found no weaknesses.
Zhou Jingyuan, concluding Su Nian was likely disloyal and covering for them, ordered that Su Nian's antidote be stopped, stating she was no longer useful. Later, at the North Prince's Mansion, Qianqian and Xingyi teased Yueling about the North Prince's clear affection for her, noting how he constantly sent her gifts, including the Emperor's recent rewards for the West Market success, crediting Yueling's vital role.
The North Prince walked with Yueling, discussing the flourishing West Market and the Dongyu people's future security and happiness there. Yueling reflected that their location was less important than their well-being. The North Prince told her he initially thought she was merely a "fake princess" but now saw her as a "true princess," not just innocent but caring and righteous for her people. He asked for some of her time the following evening.
That night, he took her to the highest point in the capital to view the city lights and watch fireworks, which he offered as Beishuo's equivalent of Dongyu's lively bonfires. He suggested they make wishes, and Yueling asked if wishes come true. He affirmed that they do if one is sincere. Yueling agreed to make a wish.
The North Prince then publicly declared his wish for Ashina Yueling to become his consort and for them to spend the rest of their lives together, asking if she was willing. She accepted without hesitation. The next morning in court, ministers lauded the North Prince for the swift and significant increase in tax revenue from the West Market since the new policies were enacted. The Emperor praised the North Prince, who humbly accepted the commendation.
However, a minister interrupted with a serious report based on reliable sources, accusing the Dongyu Princess of being an impostor. The court reacted with shock and indignation at the alleged deception. At the North Prince's Mansion, Yueling and Qianqian were happily looking at wedding dress designs for her upcoming marriage, with Qianqian teasing her about her excitement. Their preparations were abruptly halted when imperial guards stormed into the courtyard, pushing past the servants trying to stop them.
The guards declared they were acting on the Emperor's decree to arrest Yueling for impersonating the Eldest Princess and bring her before the Emperor for questioning. Qianqian attempted to shield Yueling as the guards advanced to apprehend her.
Episode 19 Recap
In the Golden Hall, Zhou Jingyuan declared that Yueling was not the Eldest Princess of Dongyu, Ashina Zhu, but the baseborn princess, Ashina Yueling. He presented "The Imperial Banquet," a painting he claimed to have acquired from a Dongyu court painter, depicting the Emperor of Dongyu and two princesses. Many old ministers who had been envoys in Dongyu confirmed recognizing the Emperor and affirmed the painting's authenticity.
Ministers voiced outrage that Dongyu had used deception, demanding punishment for being misled by a "small state." Some felt Yueling being a baseborn princess showed a lack of sincerity from Dongyu. Zhou Zhixuan countered that the core purpose was peace between the states, arguing that any princess demonstrated sincerity and questioning if focusing on lineage differences was worth the risk of war.
Zhou Jingyuan became more assertive, proposing they sweep away the small state of Dongyu and offering to lead the troops. He then accused Zhou Shiyu of deceiving the Emperor, claiming Zhou Shiyu must have known the truth about the replacement on the journey to fetch her and concealed it, which constituted deceiving the Emperor. Yueling quickly stepped forward, taking all the blame herself.
She explained that she had always longed for Beishuo and, defying her father's wishes, begged her elder sister to help her swap places to come for the Marriage, asserting that Zhou Shiyu was completely unaware. Zhou Jingyuan remained unyielding, insisting Yueling be imprisoned in the imperial jail. Zhou Shiyu then proposed he be given one month to renegotiate the Marriage with Dongyu, during which Yueling should be confined for reflection at the North Prince's Mansion.
Zhou Jingyuan disagreed with confining her to the North Prince's Mansion. The Emperor mediated between their demands, ultimately deciding that Yueling would be confined at the Princess's Mansion. The Emperor declared the room sealed, forbidding Yueling from leaving without a summons. Upon hearing that Yueling was confined, Prince Xingyi wanted to force his way into the Princess's Mansion to be with her. Qian Qian and others urged him to calm down, noting the heavy guard and lack of servants inside.
They worried about Yueling's well-being and wanted to send her food and warm quilts. Prince Xingyi decided to seek Zhou Shiyu's help, demanding the guards let him pass when he arrived at the North Prince's Mansion. Zhou Shiyu assured him that he had arranged for people to care for Yueling at the Princess's Mansion and she would be safe.
He stated the most pressing matter was to travel to Dongyu immediately to obtain the Khan's letter of marriage, asking Xingyi to accompany him. Xingyi agreed without hesitation for Yueling's sake. That night, Zhou Shiyu climbed over the wall into the Princess's Mansion to visit Yueling. He brought supplies from Xingyi and Qian Qian, including food and a warm fur pelt.
He explained that he was working on placing his own men among the guards outside, which would allow her more freedom soon. As they talked, they accidentally knocked something over, startling the guards outside. Yueling quickly told Zhou Shiyu to hide in her bedding. The guards checked but found nothing amiss and left.
Zhou Shiyu held Yueling tenderly and emphasized the importance of testing her food for poison every time she ate, stressing that this was a temporary measure until he could arrange her release. He promised to return quickly after the trip to Dongyu and make arrangements for her care within the mansion. After making arrangements for Yueling's safety, Zhou Shiyu and Prince Xingyi left the capital city for Dongyu. Zhou Jingyuan was informed of Zhou Shiyu's departure.
His subordinate, Lin Su, suggested acting against Zhou Shiyu during his journey. However, Zhou Jingyuan decided it would be better to wait until Zhou Shiyu entered Dongyu territory before making their move, specifically planning for Zhou Shiyu to die there. He also began mobilizing support for war by requesting various generals and seigniors to petition the Emperor to attack Dongyu. Zhou Jingyuan specifically stated he would write the letter to the Lord of the South himself.
Meanwhile, Zhou Zhixuan expressed his admiration for Yueling's willingness to take the blame for Zhou Shiyu in court, wishing someone would be so devoted to him. Yang Xu seized the opportunity, suggesting they take advantage of Zhou Shiyu's current predicament to eliminate him as a rival. Zhou Zhixuan rebuked Yang Xu, calling him opportunistic for suggesting they attack Zhou Shiyu when he was vulnerable.
He stated he would not engage in such dishonorable behavior and warned Yang Xu against pursuing such ideas. Separately, two assassins discussed their orders. Su Nian was instructed by her master to kill Prince Xingyi but seemed hesitant, explaining it was her business. The other assassin questioned her inaction, saying she wouldn't be spared if Xingyi lived.
She revealed that Xingyi was with the North Prince on their journey to Dongyu and that their master had already sent assassins after them, suggesting this time they might not be so lucky. This news shocked Su Nian. Prince Xingyi led Zhou Shiyu to where the Khan was camping, explaining that at this time of year, his father would be patrolling the grasslands rather than at the capital city. Xingyi went ahead to speak with his father first.
The Khan was initially upset about Xingyi and Yueling having run off earlier, but he was relieved that they were both safe and that he had found Ashina Zhu, who was now pregnant and doing well with Du Er. Xingyi admitted that his father already knew about Yueling imitating Zhu's handwriting, but the Khan stated he could recognize Zhu's writing regardless. Xingyi explained that Yueling and Zhou Shiyu were genuinely in love and that Zhou Shiyu was waiting outside.
The Khan was in no hurry to see Zhou Shiyu, making him wait overnight, acknowledging that while Yueling's decision to switch places was inappropriate, Zhou Shiyu seemed like a brave young man. Xingyi tried to persuade his father to invite Zhou Shiyu in, pointing out the harsh conditions he had endured on the journey, having arrived in less than half a month by changing horses frequently at post houses without even stopping for water.
The Khan remained firm, expressing his own anger at the sisters' actions but admitting he loved Yueling and would defend her against Beishuo if they harmed her. He decided to meet Zhou Shiyu the next day to resolve the engagement matter, but vowed not to make it easy for someone who wanted to be his son-in-law. The next day, the Khan finally agreed to meet Zhou Shiyu.
Zhou Shiyu had stood all day and night outside the camp without food or water before the meeting. Xingyi brought him hot soup first. When meeting the Khan, Zhou Shiyu stated he was there to formally propose marriage to the princess. When asked for a proposal gift, Zhou Shiyu offered "peace between the two states." The Khan questioned how one person could guarantee peace, as relations between states constantly change.
Zhou Shiyu responded by asking for a written decree from the Khan – the letter of marriage. He explained this letter would acknowledge the love between him and Yueling and also help resolve the current tension between Dongyu and Beishuo. Seeing Zhou Shiyu's sincerity and determination, the Khan agreed and wrote the letter. Zhou Shiyu and Prince Xingyi immediately departed from Dongyu with the letter, not daring to waste a moment.
Back in Beishuo, Yueling had a dream one night that Zhou Shiyu was assassinated. On his return journey from Dongyu, Zhou Shiyu was indeed ambushed. The following day, news reached the Beishuo imperial palace that the North Prince had been killed while in Dongyu territory. A confidante Zhou Shiyu had placed in the Princess's Mansion brought the tragic news to Yueling.
Overwhelmed with grief, Yueling remembered past moments with Zhou Shiyu, including a time he wished for her to be his wife and vowed to be with her always, and her own silent wish offering her life for his safe return.
Episode 20 Recap
With the Lord of the South, Gao Yuan, having returned to the Capital City with his troops, rumors of imminent war between Beishuo and Dongyu spread. In the imperial court, the South Prince and Prime Minister, Zhou Jingyuan, along with several ministers, urged the Emperor to declare war. They cited perceived insults from Dongyu and the reported death of the North Prince Zhou Shiyu there as justification.
While some voices, such as an official concerned about Beishuo's recent famine and need for recovery, advocated for caution, the Prime Minister dismissed these concerns, arguing that inaction would leave Beishuo open to ridicule from other nations. As calls for war intensified, the Emperor prepared to issue a decree. However, just as the decree was about to be announced, Zhou Shiyu strode into the court, alive. His appearance visibly astonished and disappointed the South Prince and Prime Minister, Zhou Jingyuan.
Zhou Shiyu presented a marriage letter from the Dongyu Khan, which promised significant annual tributes, including rare Dongyu horses. He explained that this reflected the Khan's deep affection for his daughter, Princess Yueling, noting that Dongyu society did not distinguish between children based on their birth status and that the Khan treated all his children equally, showing particular favor to the Princess. Witnessing this sincere offer, the Emperor suggested suspending the war plan.
South Prince and Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan vehemently objected, arguing that sending the assembled generals home without action would be humiliating and undermine the Emperor's authority. Zhou Shiyu directly challenged him, questioning if Jingyuan's premature summoning of the generals before a decision was made was intended to incite conflict and ensure Zhou Shiyu's demise in Dongyu. Jingyuan denied this accusation, but Zhou Shiyu emphasized the immense devastation a war would cause.
Asked for his opinion, the Lord of the South, Gao Yuan, stated that as a general, his duty was to defend the border, but war was costly and detrimental to the populace, an outcome he wished to avoid. He added that while he would fight if necessary, he believed other frontier generals shared his reluctance for war. Zhou Shiyu reiterated Dongyu's evident sincerity, dismissing Jingyuan's continued objections as unnecessary.
Ultimately, the Emperor decided to approve the marriage alliance and postpone the war preparations. To appease the generals who had gathered, the Emperor instructed the Prime Minister, Zhou Jingyuan, to personally escort them out of the Capital and offer them reassurance. Anxious for news, Yueling was overjoyed to see her brother, Xingyi, return safely. She was further relieved upon hearing that Zhou Shiyu had also returned unharmed, having sustained only minor injuries that had since healed.
Xingyi brought happy news from Dongyu: their father, the Khan, had found their sister Ashina Zhu and Du Er after discerning the true meaning of the letter Yueling had sent. Ashina Zhu was now pregnant, and the Khan was so delighted that he bore no resentment towards them and had resolved matters favorably back home. Xingyi gave Yueling letters from their father and sister before departing quickly, mentioning other urgent matters.
Reading the letters, Yueling found her father's message expressed both anger and underlying concern. He reprimanded her for secretly going to Beishuo and allowing herself to be "mistreated," stating she had brought disgrace upon him. He demanded that she must return to the grassland after marrying, warning that he would personally lead troops to retrieve her otherwise.
Ashina Zhu's letter conveyed her relief that Yueling was safe, apologized for the hardships she endured in Beishuo, and expressed that despite their father's stern words, both she and the Khan genuinely wished for Yueling's happiness and hoped for her swift return. Meanwhile, Countess Luoyi waited outside the palace gates for Zhou Shiyu. Upon seeing him exit, she eagerly approached him, expressing her deep worry and joy at seeing him alive.
She invited him to the Lord of the South's mansion to join her brother, Gao Yuan, for drinks. Zhou Shiyu politely declined, citing important matters he needed to attend to. Elsewhere, South Prince and Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan expressed frustration that Zhou Shiyu was still alive and ordered his subordinate, Lin Su, to investigate the failed assassination attempt and discover what went wrong. Zhou Shiyu immediately went to the princess's mansion to reassure Yueling of his safety.
Despite his assurances, she remained concerned about his past injuries. He recounted the attack, explaining that he and Xingyi had been surrounded by assassins. At a critical moment, a female assassin intervened, using darts to incapacitate their attackers and save them. He identified her as Su Nian, noting her connection to the Roufeng Sect and that she deliberately created the false news of their deaths to deceive the Prime Minister.
Yueling voiced concern for Su Nian's safety upon her return to the Capital, but Shiyu promised to have his people search for her whereabouts. Zhou Shiyu stayed with Yueling at the princess's mansion. Their attendants exchanged knowing remarks about the couple finally having time together after their separation. Yueling presented Zhou Shiyu with an embroidered sachet she had made, hoping it would protect him when she could not be with him.
Zhou Shiyu gratefully accepted the gift, telling her that she herself was his true talisman and that her presence ensured his safety. The Emperor summoned Zhou Shiyu to the palace. He acknowledged that although they had frustrated the Prime Minister (referred to as "Imperial Uncle"), he would undoubtedly continue to scheme.
The Emperor expressed regret for having had to rely on Zhou Jingyuan and appoint him as Prime Minister early in his reign due to his own circumstances, acknowledging it led to the current difficult situation. Zhou Shiyu reassured the Emperor, stating that several important ministers had secretly pledged allegiance, and others were wavering, limiting the Prime Minister's ability to act rashly now. He advised preparing Liuzhou for potential conflict if it became unavoidable.
Zhou Shiyu suggested that securing the support of the Lord of the South, Gao Yuan, would significantly increase their chances, as he commanded substantial frontier forces and held influence among generals, despite the late emperor's decree preventing the Gao family from holding office in the Capital. Zhou Shiyu proposed approaching Gao Yuan cautiously to gauge his willingness to form an alliance. South Prince and Prime Minister Zhou Jingyuan discussed his plans with his subordinate, Lin Su.
He instructed Lin Su to manage affairs in the Capital while he was away escorting the generals out of the city. Jingyuan believed that planning from a distance, away from the Emperor's immediate presence, offered an advantage. He noted the Lord of the South's presence in the Capital with his army and suspected Gao Yuan might align himself with the Emperor. He cautioned Lin Su against underestimating the Gao family and ordered close monitoring of their activities.
He stated his intention to return eventually. Meanwhile, Xingyi went to the House of Romance searching for Su Nian. A new courtesan named Mujin, claiming to be in Su Nian's former room and not knowing her, spoke to him briefly before he left. Xingyi then found Madam Sang, the madam of the house. He inquired about Su Nian, and Madam Sang informed him that Su Nian had returned to her hometown.
He also asked about another person named Lingxi, whom Madam Sang said had also left. Zhou Shiyu reported to the Emperor the results of his outreach to the Lord of the South, Gao Yuan. Gao Yuan had agreed to support the Emperor as a vanguard against the "treacherous minister," but only on the condition that the Emperor grant a marriage between his sister, Countess Luoyi, and Zhou Shiyu.
Gao Yuan asserted that this marriage would solidify their alliance and guarantee his family's full backing. The Emperor found himself in a difficult position, troubled by Gao Yuan's insistence on the marriage. He worried that refusing the request would push the powerful Lord of the South into the Prime Minister's camp, yet Zhou Shiyu was clearly unwilling to marry Countess Luoyi. Days passed without Zhou Shiyu visiting the princess's mansion, causing Yueling considerable anxiety and affecting her appetite.
She considered going to him but hesitated, fearing it would appear inappropriate. Instead, she sent her attendant, Qianqian, to inquire at the North Prince's mansion. Qianqian returned and reported, based on information from Zhou Shiyu's attendant, Limu, that Zhou Shiyu was merely overwhelmed with official duties but was indeed concerned for Yueling and had arranged for guards to protect her outside the mansion. Elsewhere, Countess Luoyi was despondent and refusing to eat.
Her brother, Gao Yuan, encouraged her, hinting that she would soon be married. When she asked to whom, Gao Yuan confirmed it was Zhou Shiyu, revealing he had formally requested the Emperor's approval for the marriage and expected it soon. Countess Luoyi was overcome with joy and profusely thanked her brother. Later, Zhou Shiyu was seen leaving his mansion, telling his attendant, Limu, that he was going to the palace.
Episode 21 Recap
A woman named Chen Susu met with Yueling at the West Market, explaining that she felt compelled to speak with her due to their previous encounters, particularly mentioning her role in helping Yueling leave the abandoned palace at the North Prince's request. Although her low status limited the extent of her assistance, she acted in the North Prince's interest. Yueling expressed gratitude for her help.
Chen Susu noted that Yueling had not seen the North Prince recently and revealed he was facing unspoken difficulties. She explained that the North Prince's arduous efforts to secure the letter of marriage from Dongyu were motivated by his desire to free Yueling from her predicament, his resolve to marry her, and the pursuit of peace for the realm. Yueling confirmed her understanding and vowed to protect him.
However, Chen Susu insisted this was insufficient and suggested Yueling should leave him, apologizing for the potentially offensive advice but urging Yueling to understand her reasons. Chen Susu elaborated that the North Prince's risky journeys to Dongyu were entangled in a deeper political struggle. While the Prime Minister's faction had suffered setbacks, their ambitions remained, and they posed a threat of retaliation.
With the Emperor's and Prime Minister's forces currently balanced, the allegiance of frontier commanders, especially the powerful Lord of the South (Princess Luoyi's brother), was crucial. The Emperor needed the Lord of the South's support, and the condition set was the marriage of Princess Luoyi to the North Prince. Following this, a subordinate reported on a failed mission in Dongyu, revealing that Su Nian was the traitor.
When questioned about Su Nian's whereabouts, the subordinate admitted ignorance, having ceased monitoring her after she accepted the mission, assuming she would soon die from poison without an antidote. The order was given to find Su Nian, whether alive or dead. Separately, Xingyi left a letter for Yueling, stating that Su Nian had saved him and he intended to find her. Later, Zhou Shiyu visited Yueling at her mansion. He found her engrossed in a book and commented on it.
Yueling seemed less welcoming than usual, prompting Zhou Shiyu to ask if something was troubling her, noting her infrequent visits. Yueling attributed her preoccupation to managing the successful revenue of the West Market and planning its future. Zhou Shiyu inquired about their engagement and the progress of wedding arrangements, stating he should expedite matters with the Emperor. Yueling deflected, asking if he was eager to marry her, which he denied.
When asked if anything interesting had happened, she only mentioned visiting the West Market. Changing the subject, Yueling questioned Zhou Shiyu about the political landscape, particularly the influence and importance of the Lord of the South. Zhou Shiyu acknowledged the Lord of the South's significant power and role in countering the Prime Minister's faction, adding that he had not yet taken a definitive side.
Yueling then asked if the political challenge could be resolved if the Lord of the South's sister, Princess Luoyi, were to marry someone aligned with the Emperor. Zhou Shiyu asked if someone had discussed this with her. Yueling expressed her desire to share any difficulties he faced, trusting his reasons if he could not fully confide in her.
She emphasized her wish for him to be free from any constraints, including herself, and assured him of her support and understanding for any choices he made. Zhou Shiyu agreed. That night, Yueling gazed at the incomplete moon, expressing a wish for Zhou Shiyu's safety if they were destined not to be together. The following day, Zhou Shiyu was informed that Yueling had met with Lady Chen in her carriage at the West Market and they had conversed at length.
Zhou Shiyu then met with the South Prince, Gao Yuan, expressing his understanding that Gao Yuan and Luoyi were close and that Gao Yuan would be relieved if Luoyi could marry Zhou Shiyu. Zhou Shiyu clarified that he and Luoyi were and would remain cousins, requesting that Gao Yuan cease conveying messages about this potential marriage to Princess Yueling.
Zhou Shiyu then offered to help Gao Yuan secure a position in the Capital City in exchange for his support for the Emperor. Gao Yuan agreed to provide his full support if Zhou Shiyu could facilitate his remaining in the capital. Yueling discussed her situation with Qin Siyuan, complimenting his artistic talent.
She presented a hypothetical scenario about a friend engaged to someone who could not marry her due to family obligations, and how this friend could make the beloved give up. Siyuan, recognizing the situation was Yueling's own, suggested a decisive action: for her to find another suitable person and marry quickly, perhaps within a couple of days, to resolve the matter decisively. Yueling expressed surprise at the suggested speed.
Siyuan advised announcing a public recruitment of a husband throughout the city to quickly find a suitable candidate for her to choose from. Although initially hesitant about announcing it city-wide, Yueling decided it was necessary. She declared that as the imperial marriage decree had not been issued, she was not yet the North Princess Consort and would proceed with a public recruitment.
Yueling confided in Qianqian that she was taking this drastic step to alleviate the pressure on Zhou Shiyu, asserting that despite the recruitment, only Zhou Shiyu could truly be her husband. News of the public recruitment quickly spread from the Princess's Mansion. Yang Xu excitedly informed Zhou Zhixuan, referring to him as "Wangye."
Hearing that the Princess was no longer claiming the title of North Princess Consort and was seeking talented young men, Zhou Zhixuan saw it as a clear opportunity and a hint directed at him. Confident in his success, especially knowing Siyuan was setting the test questions, Zhou Zhixuan eagerly prepared to participate, aiming to marry the Princess and spite Zhou Shiyu. Meanwhile, Gao Luoyi was trying on dresses and comparing herself favorably to the Princess of Dongyu.
Hearing discussions about the Princess, she sent her maid, Ping'er, to investigate. Ping'er reported the public recruitment. Gao Luoyi concluded the Princess was withdrawing from the expected marriage upon learning of Gao Luoyi's own impending marriage to the North Prince. Gao Luoyi decided to attend the recruitment, suggesting it would be fitting for her, as the presumed future North Princess Consort, to offer congratulations if the Princess found a suitable husband. The recruitment contest commenced at the Princess's Mansion.
Yueling and Qianqian waited, puzzled when no other contestants arrived despite the widespread announcement. Only Zhou Zhixuan appeared, claiming others lacked foresight while he was present. Qianqian quickly dispersed the small crowd gathered outside, offering them money and falsely claiming the Princess had already selected a husband. Inside, Siyuan explained the contest consisted of three rounds: a literary test, a martial test, and a final test personally administered by the Princess. Zhou Zhixuan confidently accepted.
For the literary test, Siyuan presented a couplet ("远山原不老，为雪白首" - The distant mountain is never old, snow whitens its head), and Zhou Zhixuan provided a corresponding couplet ("近水本无忧，因风皱面" - The nearby water is naturally carefree, wind wrinkles its face), which Siyuan and Yueling praised for its artistry and precise match. Gao Luoyi arrived to observe, stating that the recruitment was not a shameful event. Yueling remarked that Gao Luoyi showed good taste by attending.
The martial test began with a physically strong opponent. Despite Yang Xu's encouragement, Zhou Zhixuan struggled against the larger man, who advised him to yield to avoid injury. Yang Xu urged Zhou Zhixuan to act. After being repeatedly struck, Zhou Zhixuan resorted to throwing chili powder into his opponent's eyes, incapacitating him and securing victory in that round. Siyuan declared Zhou Zhixuan the winner of the round, acknowledging the unconventional method.
Just as the final stage was about to commence, Zhou Shiyu arrived abruptly, having rushed from the palace after hearing the news of the recruitment. Zhou Zhixuan questioned his presence. Zhou Shiyu stated he could not delay, or his intended wife would be taken by another. Zhou Zhixuan countered that Yueling was holding a recruitment, not waiting to be his wife. Zhou Shiyu implied Zhou Zhixuan's martial victory was questionable and challenged him to a proper contest.
Yueling objected, asserting that the public recruitment was meant to be fair to all participants, questioning if she should only prevent Zhou Shiyu from intervening. Siyuan then proceeded with the final test, explaining it was devised by the Princess and designed to gauge how well the contestants knew her. Siyuan asked the first question: the world's most beautiful place. Zhou Shiyu provided the correct answer (a pool beneath a cliff), and Siyuan declared him correct.
Siyuan then asked the second question: the world's most expensive pastry. Zhou Zhixuan suggested snowflake pastry, and Yueling suggested tea-flavored cake. Zhou Shiyu also provided the correct answer for this question, and Siyuan declared him correct. Zhou Zhixuan remarked he had only one question left. Siyuan asked the third question: something the Princess treasured most that would stay with her in life and death. Zhou Zhixuan suggested money. Yueling stated it was the jade she wore.
Zhou Shiyu also gave the jade as his answer, and Siyuan confirmed this answer was correct. Siyuan then declared that the North Prince had answered all three questions correctly, indicating his deep understanding of the Princess. Despite Zhou Shiyu winning the final round of questioning, Siyuan noted that Zhou Zhixuan had won the preceding two rounds, leaving the ultimate decision on the recruitment outcome to Yueling. As Yueling was contemplating her choice, a royal eunuch arrived with an imperial decree.
He announced the Emperor's order, proclaiming Princess Ashina Yueling virtuous, gracious, kind, and beautiful, deeming her a perfect match for the North Prince. To solidify friendly ties with Dongyu and honor their mutual affection, the Emperor granted their marriage, directing the Ministry of Rites and the Bureau of Astronomy to oversee the arrangements for the wedding to take place on the fifteenth of the following month. Zhou Shiyu and Yueling received the decree.
The eunuch congratulated them both as the North Prince and North Princess Consort before departing. Zhou Shiyu told Yueling to remain and become his North Princess Consort. Gao Luoyi reacted with visible fury, exclaiming her rightful claim to be the North Princess Consort and questioning the turn of events before leaving angrily, followed by her maid. Zhou Zhixuan was left appearing stunned by the unexpected imperial decree.
Episode 22 Recap
A Prince with noticeable black eyes, later identified as Zhou Zhixuan, was mocked in the market. Yang Xu attempted to defend him, but it was ineffective. They encountered Princess Luoyi, who was upset and tearful. Princess Luoyi ridiculed the Prince, saying he could never compare to Zhou Shiyu. After Princess Luoyi left, her maid, Ping'er, secretly spoke with Yang Xu.
Yang Xu then provoked a fight with a scholar who had withdrawn from a competition, leaving Prince Zhou Zhixuan feeling even more mocked. The Lord of the South, Gao Yuan, received an imperial decree. It stated that due to his loyal service and recognizing he had spent little time with Princess Luoyi, who was now of marriageable age, he was permitted to remain in the Capital City until she was married.
Gao Yuan immediately understood the Emperor's true intention was to use his daughter's marriage as leverage against him. Yueling questioned Zhou Shiyu again about their impending marriage, seeking reassurance that he would not be forced to marry Princess Luoyi. Zhou Shiyu confirmed that he had given the Lord of the South something he desired more, thus resolving the issue.
Yueling expressed relief that their wedding was confirmed, admitting she had previously planned to publicly recruit a husband because she didn't know Zhou Shiyu had already handled the situation. Her intention was to prevent pressure on him and the Emperor, as she also didn't want him to marry Princess Luoyi. Zhou Shiyu pledged he would only marry her and asked her to trust and listen only to him from now on.
He revealed that Chen Susu, who had helped Yueling, was a spy shared by both him and the Lord of the South, and in a conflict, she would side with Gao Yuan. Yueling acknowledged her mistake and promised her loyalty, asking only that he keep nothing from her. Zhou Shiyu agreed, taking some blame for not informing her sooner.
Xingyi spent his nights drinking at the House of Romance, imagining Su Nian by his side and reflecting on how little he truly knew about her. While there, he received a note from Lingxi revealing Su Nian's hidden location in an abandoned house. Princess Luoyi confronted Gao Yuan, accusing him of lying to her about marrying Zhou Shiyu, who was now set to marry Yueling, the Princess of Dongyu.
She was upset that she couldn't have what she wanted, despite her brother usually helping her get things. Gao Yuan explained he was staying in the Capital City for her, but she remained unhappy, asking if he was just staying to arrange a marriage before leaving again, and wished she would never marry. Meanwhile, Xingyi found Su Nian living in a secluded, abandoned house. Su Nian appeared frail and cold, afflicted by a poison.
She questioned why he would seek her out, given her past attempts on his life. Xingyi responded that she had never harmed him and had in fact saved him. As her condition worsened and the poison intensified, she suffered from the effects. Seeing her suffering, Xingyi was determined to find an antidote and save her. Xingyi sought out Zhou Shiyu for help locating the Roufeng Sect's antidote.
Zhou Shiyu surmised the antidote was likely kept within the Prime Minister's heavily guarded mansion, as the Prime Minister controls the Roufeng Sect. He noted that the Prime Minister was currently away, but acquiring the antidote would still be difficult and require some time.
Concurrently, preparations for Zhou Shiyu and Yueling's wedding were underway, with Zhou Shiyu overseeing the preparation of substantial betrothal gifts and Yueling being measured for her wedding attire and expressing interest in the designs she'd seen in picture books. In despair over the confirmed wedding, Princess Luoyi refused to eat. Her maid, Ping'er, suggested a desperate measure to gain Zhou Shiyu's sympathy.
Ping'er then raised an alarm, announcing that Princess Luoyi had attempted to take her own life by taking poison. A physician attending to Princess Luoyi informed Gao Yuan that she was poisoned and her condition was critical, with only a slim chance of survival through a detoxifying decoction. Gao Yuan threatened the physician to ensure his daughter was saved.
Ping'er seized the opportunity to incite Gao Yuan further, claiming Luoyi poisoned herself because of Zhou Shiyu's cruelty and mistreatment by Yueling, urging Gao Yuan to seek justice. News of Princess Luoyi's attempted suicide reached Yueling. Her maid, Qianqian, explained it followed the Emperor's recent decrees concerning Yueling's marriage and the arrangements for Luoyi's own future. Yueling understood Luoyi's actions stemmed from her disappointment at not being matched with Zhou Shiyu.
Yueling rushed to Zhou Shiyu, confirming he knew about the decrees and Luoyi's actions. She questioned why he hadn't intervened, expressing concern that this would alienate the Lord of the South and push him towards the Prime Minister's faction. Zhou Shiyu assured her that Gao Yuan's allegiance was less critical than his true loyalty, stating the Emperor had a larger plan and their wedding would proceed. Yueling then voiced her concern about Xingyi's absence.
Zhou Shiyu revealed Xingyi was being discreetly monitored while caring for Su Nian, who was poisoned by the Roufeng Sect. He explained the sect's method of control through poison and expressed concern for Xingyi's deep feelings for Su Nian. Yueling asked if there was anything he could do to help Su Nian, and he confirmed he was investigating. Xingyi infiltrated the Prime Minister's mansion in search of the antidote.
When he inadvertently alerted the guards, Lingxi emerged and intervened, claiming Mr. Lin had sent her to fetch an item. After the guards left, Lingxi explained she had followed Xingyi and gave him the antidote. She revealed she was helping him because Su Nian had once saved her life by giving her the only antidote in Liuzhou, asking Xingyi to treat Su Nian well.
Xingyi urged Lingxi to abandon the Roufeng Sect and come live with him and Su Nian, offering them as her new home. Lingxi agreed. However, Mr. Lin appeared, realizing Lingxi had been detected. He instructed Xingyi to take the antidote to Su Nian while they split up to evade capture, promising to meet later. Subsequently, Mr. Lin killed Lingxi for her betrayal. Xingyi brought the antidote to Su Nian, who quickly recovered.
Upon waking, she learned how Xingyi obtained the antidote, discovering that Lingxi had been at the Prime Minister's mansion and had sacrificed herself by diverting their pursuers. Su Nian was heartbroken by Lingxi's actions. Later, Xingyi brought Su Nian to reside at the Princess's Mansion. When he introduced Su Nian to Yueling, Yueling's demeanor was formal and perceived as somewhat distant by Xingyi and Su Nian.
She politely instructed her maid to prepare a room for Su Nian and suggested they rest after their journey. That night, Xingyi spoke with Yueling, expressing his concern about her cold reception of Su Nian. Yueling explained that while she could accept Su Nian as a friend, welcoming her as family was difficult because of her history with the Roufeng Sect and their past attempts to harm them.
Xingyi argued that Su Nian had never actually hurt them and had even saved both her and Zhou Shiyu, but Yueling stated she needed more time to reconcile the past. Later, Xingyi went to Zhou Shiyu and apologized for entering the Prime Minister's mansion without permission, explaining Su Nian's urgent need for the antidote. Zhou Shiyu, whom Xingyi called "brother-in-law", dismissed the apology, glad the antidote was found and offering further assistance.
Xingyi then requested two favors: first, to help persuade Yueling to accept Su Nian as family, as Yueling was hesitant due to her past and the fact that Xingyi is Yueling's only close family member in Beishuo, which led to her having more considerations. Zhou Shiyu agreed to speak with Yueling but advised patience.
Second, Xingyi inquired about the Liu Qingshan case and asked if Zhou Shiyu could obtain the file to potentially overturn the verdict, explaining this was a significant concern for Su Nian, who is Liu Qingshan's descendant, and he wished to help her. Zhou Shiyu confirmed he was aware of the case and agreed to assist.
Episode 23 Recap
Xingyi returned with Su Nian a few days ago, but Yueling seemed reluctant to talk to her. One day, while playing chess with Yueling, Zhou Shiyu brought up a case from over a decade ago, revealing it was an unjust verdict. He explained that the entire Liu family was executed, except for a six-year-old girl who was taken away and forced into the life of a musician.
This girl, driven by a desire for revenge, joined the Roufeng Sect and became an assassin. Yueling immediately realized he was talking about Su Nian, whose original name was Liu Nian. Learning of Su Nian's tragic past, Yueling's attitude softened considerably. She instructed Xingyi to bring Su Nian to eat with them and even prepared a special Rib Soup, saying it was good for replenishing qi and blood.
When Yueling said they were now family, Su Nian felt a warmth she hadn't known, realizing this was the feeling of family. She vowed to cherish everything she had. Yueling began secretly writing marriage vows, looking up poems in old books. Zhou Shiyu found her and saw a line she had copied, noting it was a poem written before parting and teasing her about wanting to leave him. She agreed it wasn't suitable.
She found another line, "On high, we'd be two love birds flying wing to wing. On earth, two trees with branches twined from spring to spring," which Zhou Shiyu found good but suggested they write their own. Together, they crafted a vow incorporating syllables from their names: "The flashy jade has brought us together, getting us through adventures. On the day we get married, even the stars will congratulate us." Yueling was pleased.
Soon after, Zhou Shiyu's betrothal presents arrived at the Princess's Mansion. A long list of items was unloaded, filling the mansion with a festive atmosphere. The extensive gifts, including gold, silver, silk, jade, and various goods, impressed everyone, including Xingyi, who remarked on how rich Zhou Shiyu was. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhixuan heard from Qin Siyuan about Zhou Shiyu's extravagant display of wealth for the betrothal and felt disheartened and dejected.
Despite Qin Siyuan's comfort that Zhou Zhixuan's own wedding would be even more spectacular, he remained unhappy. Zhou Zhixuan cared most about fairness; because of his status as a baseborn prince, he felt he always lagged behind Zhou Shiyu, whose mother was the Empress. He longed for fairness and wanted to prove himself.
Qin Siyuan pointed out that perhaps he wasn't just after the position of heir but wanted to outdo Zhou Shiyu, but Zhou Zhixuan insisted his only goal was the heir position, which was why he constantly troubled Zhou Shiyu. Qin Siyuan still felt that Zhou Zhixuan was truly striving for fairness regarding the status of baseborn princes.
In the Princess's Mansion, following Beishuo etiquette for the betrothal day, all the yellow candles were replaced with red ones, making the mansion look as bright as if the wedding were that day. Zhou Shiyu then sent the wedding dress he had commissioned from the best embroiderers. As everyone admired the beautiful gown, they suddenly collapsed, poisoned.
Two jade pendants belonging to Yueling and Zhou Shiyu glowed, and the couple found themselves transported to a future scene in the court, amidst conflict, where they were both killed. The jade pendants glowed again, bringing them back to the Princess's Mansion. Realizing what had happened, Zhou Shiyu immediately ordered all the red candles blown out.
Su Nian (Liu Nian) examined the candles and identified them as containing the Roufeng Sect's Cold-stone Poison, which, when burned, released a smoke that killed quickly upon inhalation. They were shocked at how close they had come to death. Elsewhere, the Taoist Master observed the stars and informed the Prime Minister, Zhou Jingyuan, that the two jade pendants he feared had lost their power. Zhou Jingyuan was delighted, exclaiming "Heaven helps me!"
He boasted of successfully creating discord between Gao Yuan, the North Prince, and the Emperor, believing the Lord of the South (Gao Yuan) would now serve him. He declared his plan was on track. A report then arrived stating that the North Prince and Princess Yueling had suddenly extinguished all the red candles, and Zhou Jingyuan wondered how they knew the candles were poisoned.
Meanwhile, Lin Su privately met with Gao Yuan, analyzing the current situation and promising him everything he wanted on behalf of Zhou Jingyuan, causing Gao Yuan to gradually waver. Later, Lin Su from the Prime Minister's mansion came to see Zhou Zhixuan and delivered a message from Zhou Jingyuan, promising that the Prime Minister could give Zhou Zhixuan what the Emperor could not.
Yueling and Zhou Shiyu discussed the jade pendants, realizing they no longer had their power but had helped them enough. They knew the future they had witnessed must be changed. Yueling suggested cancelling the marriage, but Zhou Shiyu refused. She asked if he was scared, and he replied he wasn't. They agreed to face the future together, and Zhou Shiyu promised he wouldn't let anything happen to her.
They talked about going to Dongyu after the wedding, as Yueling was used to freedom and Beishuo had too many rules. Zhou Shiyu agreed to go and eagerly listed activities they could do there, like riding horses, watching the moon on the grassland, and visiting tribes. Yueling readily agreed to his plans. The wedding day arrived. Yueling was adorned beautifully, looking stunning.
As she prepared to leave, people praised her beauty and the skill of Qianqian, who had done her makeup. Zhou Shiyu arrived to retrieve her. When people inside blocked the door according to custom, Zhou Shiyu playfully insisted on entering, brushing aside concerns about decorum. He made his way in amidst congratulations, everyone commenting on Yueling's beauty and how they were a perfect match.
The ceremony proceeded with the traditional steps: removing the fan covering the bride's face, binding their hair together, drinking cross-cupped wine, and the three bows to Heaven and Earth, seniors, and each other. With the completion of the ceremony, they were married. Following tradition, Zhou Shiyu and Yueling were to go to the palace to greet the Emperor and Great Consort.
Zhou Zhixuan, still feeling resentful but accepting that Zhou Shiyu was now married, was surprised he hadn't received a reply to his request to enter the palace for the family banquet the Emperor usually held on such occasions. Deciding to go anyway, he was stopped by Yang Xu, who warned him that a major event was about to happen in court and advised him not to move around freely, offering him something to eat.
At the Princess's Mansion, Zhou Shiyu, worried about Yueling's safety during the trip to the palace and likely sensing danger, decided she shouldn't accompany him. He knocked Yueling unconscious, stating he would ensure her safety, and arranged for Lin Mu to take her to the Great Consort's residence as part of their plan. Zhou Shiyu proceeded to the palace alone. Upon arriving at the palace, Zhou Shiyu found Zhou Jingyuan sitting on the throne.
He sarcastically congratulated Jingyuan on successfully usurping the throne. Zhou Jingyuan claimed the throne was rightfully his due to his military achievements and his unwillingness to serve a young Emperor. He stated that the Emperor had suffered a sudden stroke that day and, before dying, had personally written an abdication decree in his favor. Zhou Shiyu dismissed this as a lie.
Zhou Jingyuan presented the decree, pointing to the Emperor's seal and advising Zhou Shiyu to be wise and not rebel. Zhou Shiyu called Jingyuan the true usurper. Zhou Jingyuan ordered his men to arrest Zhou Shiyu. Suddenly, Gao Yuan appeared with his troops. Zhou Shiyu addressed Gao Yuan, seemingly questioning his allegiance. Zhou Jingyuan told Zhou Shiyu to accept the situation, boasting that he now controlled the palace guards and held the families of ministers captive.
He ordered Gao Yuan to capture Zhou Shiyu. However, Gao Yuan turned his troops on Zhou Jingyuan instead, declaring Jingyuan was the one rebelling and ordering his arrest. Zhou Jingyuan brandished the abdication decree, but Gao Yuan dismissed it as fake and revealed that Jingyuan's soldiers were now under his command, thanking Jingyuan for his trust. An enraged Zhou Jingyuan called Gao Yuan a traitor.
Gao Yuan retaliated by mentioning Jingyuan's spy, Ping'er, whom he had hanged, and his sister, who was in a coma. Gao Yuan declared he would use Zhou Jingyuan's life to pray for his sister and then fatally stabbed him.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
When Yang Xu attempted to control Zhou Zhixuan, he was thwarted when Zhou Zhixuan used his customary signal, crushing a cup, alerting a servant who quickly removed Yang Xu. Meanwhile, Su Nian and Xingyi released prisoners based on orders they claimed came from the Prime Minister. Lin Su confronted Su Nian at the gates of the Prime Minister's residence, accusing her of betraying her master. Su Nian, seeking vengeance for Lingxi, swiftly killed Lin Su after a brief exchange.
In court, Zhou Shiyu confronted Gao Yuan. Zhou Shiyu accused Gao Yuan of sacrificing the safety of his sister, Gao Luoyi, to gain the Prime Minister's trust. Gao Yuan acknowledged Luoyi was his sister and vowed to save her, but blamed Zhou Shiyu for her predicament. When asked about his next steps, Gao Yuan stated that with the Emperor supposedly deceased, Lady Chen's pregnancy would secure an heir, allowing Gao Yuan to become a powerful regent.
He declared his intention to announce that the North Prince Zhou Shiyu had died fighting the rebellion. Zhou Shiyu countered that the outcome was far from decided and Gao Yuan was making pronouncements too soon.
Gao Yuan was still under the illusion of being in control, but Zhou Shiyu dismantled his assumptions by revealing that the fifty thousand soldiers Gao Yuan relied upon from Lingnan could not enter the capital because Zhou Shiyu's forces had secured the city gates, making the imperial city impregnable. Gao Yuan was stunned, questioning how Zhou Shiyu knew his plans.
Zhou Shiyu revealed that his brother, the Emperor, had known of Gao Yuan's ambition for a long time and had feigned weakness precisely to draw out the conspirators. Gao Yuan realized his perceived control over the imperial guards was an illusion, as they now obeyed Zhou Shiyu. Zhou Shiyu exposed Gao Yuan's collusion with the Prime Minister and the forging of a royal decree, ordering his arrest.
The Emperor then appeared, alive, expressing his disappointment in Gao Yuan and offering leniency if he surrendered, noting that the other traitors outside the palace had already yielded. Zhou Shiyu explained to the Emperor that they had anticipated the plotters would make their move on his wedding day and had prepared thoroughly, embedding soldiers from Liuzhou in the capital to intercept them.
The plan involved the Emperor swapping medicine with Lady Chen to feign illness, allowing Lady Chen to fake an imperial decree to lure the Prime Minister, and Gao Yuan intending to eliminate Zhou Jingyuan under the guise of quelling rebellion. When his plan collapsed around him, Gao Yuan, cornered, lunged toward the Emperor with a blade. Ashina Yueling bravely stepped forward to shield the Emperor and was critically wounded.
Lin Mu quickly intervened, ending Gao Yuan's life by throwing a knife. Zhou Shiyu rushed to Yueling's side, urging her to hold on. Yueling, referencing the predictions of the jade pendants, suggested her fate was sealed but asked Zhou Shiyu to promise he would continue to live. Zhou Shiyu was overcome with grief.
In the aftermath, the Emperor issued a decree honoring Princess Consort Ashina Yueling for saving his life and declared that, to ensure lasting peace between Beishuo and Dongyu, people from Dongyu would be treated equally within Beishuo. Zhou Shiyu remained by Yueling's side, unable to bury her or accept her passing, constantly dreaming of her.
Xingyi received a letter from his father, the Dongyu Khan, requesting that Yueling's body be returned home, but he found it impossible to approach Zhou Shiyu, who guarded her vigilantly day and night. It was noted that Yueling, though lifeless, remarkably retained a rosy, lifelike appearance, becoming a subject of strange tales. Meanwhile, Zhou Zhixuan, hearing of Zhou Shiyu's deep sorrow and Yueling's condition, reflected on their past rivalry.
He acknowledged that Zhou Shiyu, his third brother, had previously warned him about Yang Xu having secret dealings with people from the Prime Minister's residence, a warning Zhou Zhixuan had initially dismissed. He recognized the futility of their past competition, realizing it had stemmed from his own inner conflict rather than the distinction between them. Zhou Zhixuan expressed hope that Yueling would recover so Zhou Shiyu could resume assisting the Emperor, as he found the task challenging alone.
Zhou Shiyu continued his vigil over Yueling. He placed the jade pendant she wore back on her. Due to being frequently moistened by Zhou Shiyu's tears, the jade pendant somehow regained its efficacy. Miraculously, as Zhou Shiyu was boiling medicine outside the door, Yueling awakened and softly called out his name. Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhou Shiyu rushed to her and embraced her tightly, promising they would never be separated again. Later, they formally celebrated their union with a wedding ceremony.
Zhou Shiyu bade farewell to the Emperor, confirming his plans to travel to Dongyu with Yueling. He explained his purpose was twofold: to honor Yueling's free spirit and desire for freedom, and to eliminate the influence and conflicts caused by the late Zhou Jingyuan, thus thoroughly resolving the border disputes and stabilizing the frontier. The Emperor expressed reluctance to see him go, particularly as he currently lacked an heir and greatly valued Zhou Shiyu's counsel.
Zhou Shiyu reassured him, mentioning Lady Chen's impending childbirth and the imperial physician's expectation of a son, and emphasized that stabilizing the border was a vital way to protect the empire. Recognizing Zhou Shiyu's noble intentions and high aspirations, the Emperor granted his departure, calling it a mission to secure the frontier, and looked forward to his victorious return and their future endeavors together, watching over the vast lands.
Gao Luoyi had completely lost her memory after her ordeal but, upon recovering, only remembered Zhou Zhixuan, having forgotten Zhou Shiyu. She came to live with him, and they developed a harmonious relationship. Zhou Zhixuan cared for her and playfully teased her about her memory loss, noting that her amnesia had prevented the Emperor from blaming her for her family's actions. He even playfully attempted to teach her martial arts and joked about her teaching their future children.
Five years later, Zhou Shiyu and Yueling resided in Dongyu with their two children. Xingyi and Su Nian had also joined them, living together in a free and relaxed manner, enjoying the local customs and food. During meals, Zhou Shiyu consistently served Yueling first, a gesture reflecting his deep affection and respect. The family and friends shared a happy life, enjoying their peaceful existence in Dongyu and the joy of family life.
